[Analysis on influencing factors for acute gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by norovirus in Beijing, 2014-2018]

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by norovirus in Beijing from 2014 to 2018. Methods: Data of acute gastroenteritis events caused by norovirus in Beijing from April 2014 to March 2018 were collected. Unconditional logistic regression model was conducted to identify the risk factors of the outbreaks. Results: A total of 765 acute gastroenteritis epidemics caused by norovirus were reported in Beijing, in which 85.88% (657/765) were cluster events and 14.12% (108/765) were outbreaks. Among the outbreaks, 70.37% (76/108) were reported in 2017; 84.26% (91/108) were reported in winter and spring; 88.89% (96/108) were reported in kindergartens, primary or secondary schools; 81.48% (88/108) were through person-to-person transmission; 93.52% (101/108) were caused by norovirus GⅡ infection. The risk of outbreaks in suburban and out suburb area were 1.84 times (95%CI: 1.13-3.02) and 3.78 times (95%CI: 1.62-8.82) as high as that in urban area, respectively. The risks of outbreaks in primary, secondary schools and other institutions were 6.26 times (95%CI: 3.53-11.10), 14.98 times (95%CI: 6.23-36.01) and 8.71 times (95%CI: 3.07-24.71) as high as that in kindergartens, respectively. The risk of outbreak in which patients having lower hospital visiting rate than the median rate of all events was 2.29 times than that in the context of having higher hospital visiting rate (95%CI:1.42-3.68). The risk of foodborne outbreak was 14.55 times as high as that transmitted through person-to-person (95%CI: 3.15-67.07). Conclusion: Measures such as strengthening the prevention and control of norovirus outbreaks in suburbs, primary schools, secondary schools and other institutions, promoting patients to visit the hospital actively, improving the management of foodborne events and kitchen workers should be taken to reduce the incidence of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by norovirus.

Caspase cleavage of Mcl-1 impairs its anti-apoptotic activity and proteasomal degradation in non-small lung cancer cells

Global cleavage of cellular proteins by activated caspases is a hallmark of apoptosis, which causes biochemical collapse of the cell. Recent studies suggest that, rather than completely destroying a protein, caspase cleavage can confer novel characteristics or functions. In this respect, the post-caspase role of Bcl-2 family proteins remains uncharacterized. Here, we showed that Mcl-1, a pro-survival member of the Bcl-2 family, was cleaved by caspase-3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells undergoing chemotherapeutic agent-triggered apoptosis. Caspase cleavage partially impaired the anti-apoptotic activity of Mcl-1 by reducing its mitochondrial localization and impeding its association with the permeability transition pore-forming protein Bak. However, the stability of cleaved Mcl-1 was markedly enhanced because it was more refractory to ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation, thereby improving cell viability to a greater extent than full-length Mcl-1 when transiently expressed in NSCLC cells. These findings shed new light on the role of Mcl-1 in apoptosis and suggest potential novel targets for optimizing the tumoricidal capacity of chemotherapy.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model

Objectives

Previously, we reported the improved transfection efficiency of a plasmid DNA-chitosan (pDNA-CS) complex using a phosphorylatable nuclear localization signal-linked nucleic kinase substrate short peptide (pNNS) conjugated to chitosan (pNNS-CS). This study investigated the effects of pNNS-CS-mediated miR-140 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) gene transfection both in rabbit chondrocytes and a cartilage defect model.

Methods

The pBudCE4.1-miR-140, pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra, and negative control pBudCE4.1 plasmids were constructed and combined with pNNS-CS to form pDNA/pNNS-CS complexes. These complexes were transfected into chondrocytes or injected into the knee joint cavity.

Results

High IL-1Ra and miR-140 expression levels were detected both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, compared with the pBudCE4.1 group, the transgenic group presented with significantly increased chondrocyte proliferation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, as well as increased collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) levels. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was reduced, as were a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 (ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 levels. In vivo, the exogenous genes reduced the synovial fluid GAG and NO concentrations and the ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 levels in cartilage. In contrast, COL2A1, ACAN, and TIMP-1 levels were increased, and the cartilage Mankin score was decreased in the transgenic group compared with the pBudCE4.1 group. Double gene combination produced greater efficacies than each single gene, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

This study suggests that pNNS-CS is a good candidate for treating cartilage defects via gene therapy, and that IL-1Ra in combination with miR-140 produces promising biological effects on cartilage defects.

Cite this article: R. Zhao, S. Wang, L. Jia, Q. Li, J. Qiao, X. Peng. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:165–178. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.83.BJR-2018-0222.R1.

Outcome of within-host competition demonstrates that parasite virulence doesn't equal success in a myxozoan model system

Within-host competition can affect outcomes of infections when parasites occupy the same niche. We investigated within-host competition and infection outcomes in Chinook salmon exposed to two genotypes of Ceratonova shasta (myxozoan parasite). We assessed i) virulence (host mortality, median days to death), ii) within-host competition (abundance in host), and iii) success (spore production, proportion of myxospore-producing hosts) following concurrent and sequential exposures to single or mixed-genotype treatments. In single treatments, genotype-I replicated faster, and caused higher and earlier host mortality (higher virulence) but genotype-II produced more myxospores (higher success). In mixed treatments, costs of competition were observed for both genotypes evidenced by reduced replication or myxospore production following concurrent exposures, but only the less-virulent genotype suffered costs of competition when hosts were exposed to genotypes sequentially. To understand potential host effects on competition outcomes, we characterized systemic (spleen) and local (intestine) cytokine and immunoglobulin expression in single and mixed infections. We observed delayed systemic and immunosuppressive responses to the virulent genotype (I), rapid, localized and non-suppressive responses to the less-virulent genotype (II), and a combination of responses to mixed-genotypes. Thus, competition outcomes favoring the virulent genotype may be partially explained by the localized response to genotype-II that facilitates myxospore production (success) offsetting the systemic response to genotype-I that results in early inflammation and immunosuppression (that increases onset of mortality). This evidence for different but simultaneous responses to each genotype suggests selection should favor the exclusion of the weaker competitor and the evolution of increased virulence in the stronger competitor because the outcome was generally more costly for the less-virulent genotype. With caveats, our results are relevant for understanding infection outcomes in commercially and ecologically important salmonids in C. shasta endemic regions where mixed infections are commonplace.

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Competition between two genotypes of Ceratonova shasta was asymmetric in Chinook salmon hosts.

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Genotype I was more virulent but genotype-II was more successful (produced more myxospores).

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Costs of competition differed between genotypes, may be mediated by host immune response.

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Host immune response to genotype-I was delayed systemic and immunosuppressive.

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Host immune response to genotype-II was rapid, localized and non-suppressive.

[Transmission cluster and network of HIV-1 CRF01_AE strain in China, 1996-2014]

Objective: To understand the transmission patterns and risk factors of HIV-1 strain CRF01_AE subtypes in China, and to provide guidance for the implementation of precise intervention. Methods: A total of 2 094 CRF01_AE pol sequences were collected in 19 provinces in China between 1996 and 2014. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by PhyML 3.0 software to select the transmission clusters. Transmission network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.0, which was further used for exploring of the major risk factors. Results: Of the 2 094 sequences, 12.18% (255/2 094) were in clusters. A total of 82 transmission clusters were identified. The numbers of clusters and contained sequences in intra-provincial transmission (61, 173) were significantly more than those in inter-provincial transmission (21, 82). The ratio of transmission clustering in MSM increased over time from 2.41% (2/83) during 1996-2008 to 23.61% (72/305) during 2013-2014, showing a significant upward trend (χ(2)=27.800, df=1, P=0.000). The proportion of MSM with inter-provincial transmission clusters were higher than those with intra-provincial transmission clusters, which increased from 0.67% (2/297) during 1996-2008 to 6.36%(30/472) during 2013-2014, showing a significant upward trend (χ(2)=20.276, df=1, P=0.000). The transmission rate in homosexuals of the inter-transmission clusters (86.59%, 71/82) was higher than that of intra-provincial transmission clusters (56.65%, 98/173), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=22.792, P=0.000). The proportion of inter-provincial transmission clusters with more than 2 transmission routes (33.33%, 7/21) was higher than that of intra-provincial clusters (13.11%, 8/61), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.273, P=0.039). Results from the transmission network analysis indicated that the proportion of high risk population (degree≥4) with inter-provincial transmission clusters (51.22%, 42/82) was significantly higher than that with intra-provincial transmission clusters (26.59%, 46/173), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=14.932, P=0.000). Inter-provincial clusters were mainly detected in and and MSM. Conclusions: Complex transmission networks were found for HIV-1 CRF01_AE strains in the mainland of China. Inter-provincial transmission clusters increased rapidly, MSM played an important role in the wide spread of the strain. More researches in transmission networks are needed to guide the precision intervention.

Abstract OT3-04-03: KEYNOTE-756: A randomized, double-blind, phase III study of pembrolizumab versus placebo in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant endocrine therapy for high-risk early-stage ER+/HER2– breast cancer

Background:Although ER+/HER2– breast cancer has a better overall prognosis than other breast cancer subtypes, there is a high-risk subpopulation characterized by high-grade tumors and decreased sensitivity to endocrine therapy, higher responsiveness to chemotherapy and worse prognosis. A large meta-analysis of prospective studies focusing on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for treatment of stage I-III breast cancer demonstrated that increased pathologic complete response (pCR) rates at surgery were associated with improved survival. This correlation was observed across triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), HER2+ breast cancer, and high-grade HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Specifically, patients with a pCR after NAC had a 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate of 90%, whereas patients who did not achieve a pCR had a 5-year EFS rate of 60%.Therefore, increasing pCR rates after NAC may have a substantial impact for patients with high-risk early-stage HR+/HER2– breast cancer. KEYNOTE-756 is a global, randomized, double-blind, phase III study of pembrolizumab (vs placebo) + chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by pembrolizumab (vs placebo) plus endocrine therapy as adjuvant treatment for patients with high-risk, early-stage ER+/HER2– breast cancer.

Methods: Patients with T1c-2 cN1-2 or T3-4 cN0-2 grade 3 or grade 2 with Ki-67 ≥30%, invasive, ductal ER+/HER2– breast cancerwill be stratified by lymph node involvement (positive vs negative), tumor PD-L1 status (positive vs negative), ER positivity (≥10% vs <10%), and anthracycline dosing schedule (Q3W vs Q2W), and then randomized 1:1 to receive neoadjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W or placebo in combination with paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 QW) for 4 cycles followed by (doxorubicin [60 mg/m2] or epirubicin [100 mg/m2]) plus cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) Q2/3W for another 4 cycles. After definitive surgery (± radiation therapy, as indicated), patients will receive adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab (200 mg Q3W) or placebo for 9 additional administrations, in combination with endocrine therapy, which can be given for up to 10 years. Co-primary end points are pCR rate and EFS. Secondary end points are safety and overall survival. The global study will open in North America and Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific in the second half of 2018.

Citation Format: Cardoso F, Bardia A, Andre F, Cescon DW, McArthur H, Telli M, Loi S, Cortés J, Schmid P, Harbeck N, Denkert C, Jackisch C, Jia L, Tryfonidis K, Karantza V. KEYNOTE-756: A randomized, double-blind, phase III study of pembrolizumab versus placebo in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant endocrine therapy for high-risk early-stage ER+/HER2– breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-04-03.

[Study on characteristics and prognosis of organ failure in patients with hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure]

Objective: To evaluate the incidence, and the characteristics of organ failure in relationship to prognosis in hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients using chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA) score for judgments of clinical treatment and prognosis. Methods: Clinical data of 316 patients who were diagnosed as HBV-ACLF during hospitalization from February 2015 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic organ failures were assessed according to CLIF-SOFA score, and the relationship between clinical characteristics and prognosis was analyzed. Continuity variables were analyzed by analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Comparison of the categorical data were done using χ (2) or Fisher's exact test, and the predictive efficacy of various prognostic scores was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Z-test. Results: Of 316 cases (87.3% men) of HBV-ACLF, the mean age was (45 ± 11) years old. 78.8% of patients with underlying liver disease had hepatitis B virus induced cirrhosis. Mortality rates in patients without liver transplantation at 28 days, 90 days and 180 days were 20.5% (63/307), 36.7% (110/300) and 39.2% (116/296), respectively. According to the CLIF-SOFA score, 89.9% (284 patients) had organ failure at baseline, of which 97.5% had liver failure (Total bilirubin ≥ 12 mg/dl) and only 2.5% had coagulation, kidney, circulation or respiratory failure without liver failure. Besides liver failure, the incidence of extrahepatic organ failure was coagulation (23.1%), kidney (5.7%), brain (3.8%), circulation (1.3%) and respiratory failure (0.3%). With increasing number of organ failure, the mortality rate of two and three or more organ failures were 69.6% and 69.2%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of single organ failure and non-organ failure patients (27% and 6.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Liver failure with coagulation failure (International normalized ratio≥2.5 or platelet count≤20×10(9)/L) had worst prognosis with a mortality rate of up to 75% at 90 days. Conclusion: According to the CLIF-SOFA score, the main organ failure in patients with HBV-ACLF in China is liver failure. The mortality rate in patients with two or more organ failures is as high as 70% within 3 months. Therefore, timely manner liver transplantation should be considered.

[Pathogenic surveillance and related factors on bacillary dysentery in Beijing, 2008-2017]

Objective: To analyze the pathogenic surveillance programs and related factors on bacillary dysentery in Beijing, 2008-2017, to provide evidence for the practices of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease. Methods: Analysis was conducted on surveillance data of bacillary dysentery, collected from the surveillance areas of national bacillary dysentery in Beijing. Shigella positive rate of stool samples were used as the gold standard while detection rate of Shigella, diagnostic accordance rate and resistance were computed on data from the surveillance programs. Chi-square test was used to compare the rates and unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of Shigella infection. Results: Both the reported incidence rate on bacillary dysentery and detection rate of Shigella in diarrhea patients showed significantly decreasing trend, from 2008 to 2017. The accordance rate of bacillary dysentery was only 7.80% (111/1 423). Shigella sonnei was the most frequently isolated strain (73.95%, 159/215) followed by Shigella flexnery. Results from the multivariate logistic regression of Shigella positive rate revealed that among those patients who were routine test of stool positive vs. routine test of stool positive (OR=1.863, 95%CI: 1.402-2.475), onset from July to October vs. other months'time (OR=7.271, 95%CI: 4.514-11.709) temperature ≥38 ℃vs. temperature <38 ℃(OR=4.516, 95%CI: 3.369-6.053) and age from 6 to 59 years old vs. other ages (OR=1.617, 95%CI: 1.085-2.410), presenting higher positive detection rates of Shigella from the stool tests. The resistant rates on ampicillin and nalidixic acid were 97.57% (201/206) and 94.90% (186/196), both higher than on other antibiotics. The resistant rates on ciprofloxacin (16.33%, 32/196), ofloxacin (9.57%, 11/115) and on amoxilin (15.05%, 31/206) were relatively low. The resistant rate appeared higher on Shigella flexnery than on Shigella sonnei. The proportion of strains with resistance on 3 more drugs, was 30.00%(21/70). Conclusions: The diagnostic accordance rate of bacillary dysentery in Beijing was low, with severe resistance of Shigella. Our findings suggested that clinicians should take multiple factors into account in their practices about epidemiological history, clinical symptom and testing results for diarrhea patients.

Serum Stem Cell Factor Level Predicts Decline in Kidney Function in Healthy Aging Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Stem cell factor (SCF), the ligand of the c-kit receptor, actively participates in the organ reconstruction and fibrosis associated with various diseases, including kidney disease. However, it remains unclear whether SCF plays a role in kidney aging.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS

In the present study, we measured the serum SCF level, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and other biological parameters in a Chinese Han group of 892 subjects, and explored the relationship between SCF level and renal function during aging; we sought to define novel biomarkers of kidney aging.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression was used to select potential indicators of decline in renal function. Only age, SCF level, and 25% maximum expiratory flow (25% MEF) were significant predictors after redundancy analysis (|r| > 0.70 and P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that the relationship among eGFR, SCF level, and age could be described as follows: eGFR = 154.486 - (0.846 × age) - (0.011 × SCF level).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no between-gender difference in the effect of SCF on kidney aging. In conclusion, the SCF level is an ideal biomarker of renal aging and may help to predict changes in eGFR during aging.

Lactate dehydrogenase A: A key player in carcinogenesis and potential target in cancer therapy

Elevated glycolysis remains a universal and primary character of cancer metabolism, which deeply depends on dysregulated metabolic enzymes. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) facilitates glycolytic process by converting pyruvate to lactate. Numerous researches demonstrate LDHA has an aberrantly high expression in multiple cancers, which is associated with malignant progression. In this review, we summarized LDHA function in cancer research. First, we gave an introduction of structure, location, and basic function of LDHA. Following, we discussed the transcription and activation mode of LDHA. Further, we focused on the function of LDHA in cancer bio‐characteristics. Later, we discussed the clinical practice of LDHA in cancer prevention and treatment. What we discussed gives a precise insight into LDHA especially in cancer research, which will contribute to exploring cancer pathogenesis and its handling measures.

Berberine Ameliorates Periodontal Bone Loss by Regulating Gut Microbiota

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a risk factor for periodontitis, and current therapeutics against PMO prevent the aggravated alveolar bone loss of periodontitis in estrogen-deficient women. Gut microbiota is recognized as a promising therapeutic target for PMO. Berberine extracted from Chinese medicinal plants has shown its effectiveness in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes via regulating gut microbiota. Here, we hypothesize that berberine ameliorates periodontal bone loss by improving the intestinal barriers by regulating gut microbiota under an estrogen-deficient condition. Experimental periodontitis was established in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and the OVX-periodontitis rats were treated with berberine for 7 wk before sacrifice for analyses. Micro–computed tomography and histologic analyses showed that berberine treatment significantly reduced alveolar bone loss and improved bone metabolism of OVX-periodontitis rats as compared with the vehicle-treated OVX-periodontitis rats. In parallel, berberine-treated OVX-periodontitis rats harbored a higher abundance of butyrate-producing gut microbiota with elevated butyrate generation, as demonstrated by 16S rRNA sequencing and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Berberine-treated OVX-periodontitis rats consistently showed improved intestinal barrier integrity and decreased intestinal paracellular permeability with a lower level of serum endotoxin. In parallel, IL-17A-related immune responses were attenuated in berberine-treated OVX-periodontitis rats with a lower serum level of proinflammatory cytokines and reduced IL-17A+ cells in alveolar bone as compared with vehicle-treated OVX-periodontitis rats. Our data indicate that gut microbiota is a potential target for the treatment of estrogen deficiency–aggravated periodontal bone loss, and berberine represents a promising adjuvant therapeutic by modulating gut microbiota.

MicroRNA-26a is a key regulon that inhibits progression and metastasis of c-Myc/EZH2 double high advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

The transcription factor c-Myc is a key driver for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), while the polycombrepressive complex 2 (PRC2) subunit EZH2 is an essential biomarker of HCC. c-Myc epigenetically silences tumor suppressors by recruiting PRC2 and inducing methylation of histone H3 lysine 27. However, it remains elusive how they are regulated in HCC. We found here that microRNA-26a (miR-26a) suppresses c-Myc, a classical Wnt pathway target gene, by targeting the Wnt pathway coactivator, cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8); miR-26a also directly targets and inhibits EZH2. The expression of MIR26A2, a predominant origin of miR-26a transcripts in hepatic cells, is repressed by c-Myc/PRC2, thereby forming a c-Myc/miR-26a/CDK8 regulatory circuit in HCC. Meanwhile, miR-26a suppresses migration of HCC by targeting p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2), a critical kinase linking Rho GTPases to cytoskeleton reorganization. Consequently, in vivo delivery of miR-26a remarkably suppressed the development of xenograft HCC and metastasis of orthotopic HCC by downregulating c-Myc, CDK8 and PAK2. These findings unraveled a novel mechanism of c-Myc and Wnt/β-catenin interplay that dictates HCC pathogenesis, and have implications for the potential applicability of miRNA delivery in targeting the newly identified signaling axis and treating metastatic HCCs.

Uncoupling protein 2 downregulation by hypoxia through repression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ promotes chemoresistance of non-small cell lung cancer

Hypoxic microenvironment is critically involved in the response of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to chemotherapy, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Here, we found that NSCLC patients exhibited increased chemotherapeutic resistance when complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a critical cause of chronic hypoxemia. The downregulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), which is attributed to hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)-mediated suppression of the transcriptional factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), was involved in NSCLC chemoresistance, and predicted a poor survival rate of patients receiving routine chemotherapy. UCP2 suppression induced reactive oxygen species production and upregulation of the ABC transporter protein ABCG2, which leads to chemoresistance by promoting drug efflux. UCP2 downregulation also altered metabolic rates as shown by elevated glucose uptake and reduced oxygen consumption. These data suggest that UCP2 is a key mediator of hypoxia-triggered chemoresistance of NSCLCs, which can be potentially targeted in clinical treatment of chemo-refractory NSCLCs.

Long non-coding RNAs function as novel predictors and targets of non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, leading the understanding the pathogenesis paramount. Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in NSCLC. We conducted a systematic review to examine the relationship between lncRNAs and NSCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate overall survival (OS), and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs to assess clinicopathological parameters. Also, pooled sensitivity and specificity values were used to measure the diagnostic value of lncRNAs for NSCLC. Finally, we summarized the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of lncRNAs in NSCLC.

RESULTS

We found that high expression of oncogenic lncRNAs was associated with a poor prognosis (OS: HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.14-1.22) and poor clinicopathological characteristics (tumor size: OR, 2.74 or 2.04; 95% CI, 1.66-4.52 or 1.09-3.79 based on the two classification criterias; lymph node metastasis: OR, 3.30; 95% Cl, 2.42-4.49), Also, high expression of tumor-suppressor lncRNAs was correlated with longer survival times (OS: HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.44-0.66) and improved clinical characteristics (tumor size: OR, 0.33 or 0.28; 95% CI, 0.14-0.75 or 0.18-0.45; lymph node metastasis: OR, 0.37; 95% Cl, 0.26-0.52). Furthermore, we found that lncRNAs could be used as serum biomarkers of NSCLC (sensitivity: 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72-0.87; specificity: 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73-0.90). Finally, lncRNAs regulated expression of key proteins, thereby mediating development of a malignant phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNAs have significant clinical value in NSCLC and could function as novel predictors of disease and/or as therapeutic targets.

Efficient Fusion at Neutral pH by Human Immunodeficiency Virus gp41 Trimers Containing the Fusion Peptide and Transmembrane Domains

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is membrane-enveloped, and an initial infection step is joining/fusion of viral and cell membranes. This step is catalyzed by gp41, which is a single-pass integral viral membrane protein. The protein contains an ∼170-residue ectodomain located outside the virus that is important for fusion and includes the fusion peptide (FP), N-helix, loop, C-helix, and viral membrane-proximal external region (MPER). The virion initially has noncovalent complexes between three gp41 ectodomains and three gp120 proteins. A gp120 contains ∼500 residues and functions to identify target T-cells and macrophages via binding to specific protein receptors of the target cell membrane. gp120 moves away from the gp41 ectodomain, and the ectodomain is thought to bind to the target cell membrane and mediate membrane fusion. The secondary and tertiary structures of the ectodomain are different in the initial complex with gp120 and the final state without gp120. There is not yet imaging of gp41 during fusion, so the temporal relationship between the gp41 and membrane structures is not known. This study describes biophysical and functional characterization of large gp41 constructs that include the ectodomain and transmembrane domain (TM). Significant fusion is observed of both neutral and anionic vesicles at neutral pH, which reflects the expected conditions of HIV/cell fusion. Fusion is enhanced by the FP, which in HIV/cell fusion likely contacts the host membrane, and the MPER and TM, which respectively interfacially contact and traverse the HIV membrane. Initial contact with vesicles is made by protein trimers that are in a native oligomeric state that reflects the initial complex with gp120 and also is commonly observed for the ectodomain without gp120. Circular dichroism data support helical structure for the N-helix, C-helix, and MPER and nonhelical structure for the FP and loop. Distributions of monomer, trimer, and hexamer states are observed by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), with dependences on solubilizing detergent and construct. These SEC and other data are integrated into a refined working model of HIV/cell fusion that includes dissociation of the ectodomain into gp41 monomers followed by folding into hairpins that appose the two membranes, and subsequent fusion catalysis by trimers and hexamers of hairpins. The monomer and oligomer gp41 states may therefore satisfy dual requirements for HIV entry of membrane apposition and fusion.

miR-26a desensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitors by targeting PTPN13

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as first-line drugs for non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). However, the resistance to TKIs represents the key limitation for their therapeutic efficacy. We found that miR-26a was upregulated in gefitinib-refractory NSCLCs; miR-26a is downstream of EGFR signaling and directly targets and silences protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 13 (PTPN13) to maintain the activation of Src, a dephosphorylation substrate of PTPN13, thus reinforcing EGFR pathway in a regulatory circuit. miR-26a inhibition significantly improved NSCLC responses to gefitinib. These data revealed a novel mechanism of NSCLC resistance to TKI treatment.

Nkx2-2as Suppression Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma

Aberrant Hedgehog signaling and excessive activation of the Gli family of transcriptional activators are key drivers of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common human pediatric brain malignancy. MB originates mainly from cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNP), but the mechanisms underlying CGNP transformation remain largely obscure. In this study, we found that suppression of the noncoding RNA Nkx2-2as promoted Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)-potentiated MB development. Nkx2-2as functioned as a competing endogenous RNA against miR-103 and miR-107, sequestering them and thereby derepressing their tumor suppressive targets BTG2 and LATS1 and impeding cell division and migration. We also found that Nkx2-2as tethered miR-548m and abrogated its LATS2 targeting activity. Shh signaling impaired Nkx2-2as expression by upregulating the transcriptional repressor FoxD1. In clinical specimens of Shh-subgroup MB, we validated coordinated expression of the aforementioned proteins. Notably, exogenous expression of Nkx2-2as suppressed tumorigenesis and prolonged animal survival in MB mouse models. Our findings illuminate the role of noncoding RNAs in Hedgehog signaling and MB occurrence, with implications for identifying candidate therapeutic targets for MB treatment.Significance: These findings illuminate the role of noncoding RNAs in Hedgehog signaling and an interplay between the Hedgehog and Hippo pathways in medulloblastoma pathogenesis. Cancer Res; 78(4); 962-73. ©2017 AACR.

Multi‑target inhibition by four tandem shRNAs embedded in homo‑ or hetero‑miRNA backbones

The functional influence of microRNA (miRNA)backbone selection remains unclear with respect to multiplexing miRNA‑based short hairpin RNAs (shRNAmiRs), due to a lack of comparative studies. To this end, a pair of shRNAmiR tetramers were designed in the present study that targeted four genes with a shared miR30a backbone (homo‑BB) or four miRNA backbones (hetero‑BB). A PBLT+ 293A cell line overexpressing four targets was established, which permitted simultaneous dissection of individual gene knockdown. Multi‑target inhibition was confirmed by a decrease in positive cell populations of the relative gene and mean fluorescence intensities, with almost comparable activities of homo‑ and hetero‑BB tetramers. Of note, this multi‑inhibition was sustained over a 1‑month period, with no notable difference, particularly in the late‑phased inhibitory effects between homo‑ and hetero‑BB tetra‑shRNA miRs. These preliminary data may indicate little influence of scaffold substitution in the functionalities of multiplexed shRNAmiRs and little recombination‑depleted risk of repetitively adopting the same miRNA backbone in this artificial in vitro system. More comparative studies are further required to explore extended repertoires of scaffold‑paralleled multi‑shRNAmiRs in more physiologically relevant models.

Phylogenetic distribution of a male pheromone that may exploit a nonsexual preference in lampreys

Pheromones are among the most important sexual signals used by organisms throughout the animal kingdom. However, few are identified in vertebrates, leaving the evolutionary mechanisms underlying vertebrate pheromones poorly understood. Pre-existing biases in receivers' perceptual systems shape visual and auditory signalling systems, but studies on how receiver biases influence the evolution of pheromone communication remain sparse. The lamprey Petromyzon marinus uses a relatively well-understood suite of pheromones and offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of vertebrate pheromone communication. Previous studies indicate that male signalling with the mating pheromone 3-keto petromyzonol sulphate (3kPZS) may exploit a nonsexual attraction to juvenile-released 3kPZS that guides migration into productive rearing habitat. Here, we infer the distribution of male signalling with 3kPZS using a phylogenetic comparison comprising six of 10 genera and two of three families. Our results indicate that only P. marinus and Ichthyomyzon castaneus release 3kPZS at high rates. Olfactory and behavioural assays with P. marinus, I. castaneus and a subset of three other species that do not use 3kPZS as a sexual signal indicate that male signalling might have driven the evolution of female adaptations to detect 3kPZS with specific olfactory mechanisms and respond to 3kPZS with targeted attraction relevant during mate search. We postulate that 3kPZS communication evolved independently in I. castaneus and P. marinus, but cannot eliminate the alternative that other species lost 3kPZS communication. Regardless, our results represent a rare macroevolutionary investigation of a vertebrate pheromone and provide insight into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying pheromone communication.

Identification of miRNA-7 by genome-wide analysis as a critical sensitizer for TRAIL-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is still one of the most lethal forms of brain tumor despite of the improvements in treatments. TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is a promising anticancer agent that can be potentially used as an alternative or complementary therapy because of its specific antitumor activity. To define the novel pathways that regulate susceptibility to TRAIL in GBM cells, we performed a genome-wide expression profiling of microRNAs in GBM cell lines with the distinct sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We found that the expression pattern of miR-7 is closely correlated with sensitivity of GBM cells to TRAIL. Furthermore, our gain and loss of function experiments showed that miR-7 is a potential sensitizer for TRAIL-induced apoptosis in GBM cells. In the mechanistic study, we identified XIAP is a direct downstream gene of miR-7. Additionally, this regulatory axis could also exert in other types of tumor cells like hepatocellular carcinoma cells. More importantly, in the xenograft model, enforced expression of miR-7 in TRAIL-overexpressed mesenchymal stem cells increased apoptosis and suppressed tumor growth in an exosome dependent manner. In conclusion, we identify that miR-7 is a critical sensitizer for TRAIL-induced apoptosis, thus making it as a promising therapeutic candidate for TRAIL resistance in GBM cells.

MicroRNA-185 is a novel tumor suppressor by negatively modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in human colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

The deregulation of microRNA-185 (miR-185) has been showed to be associated with many cancers and act as a tumor suppressor in many types of human malignancies. We hence tried to find out its role in human colorectal cancer (CRC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

miR-185 expression was investigated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We carried out transfections to overexpress or knockdown of miR-185 by mimics or inhibitor, respectively. Functional study like cell counting kit-8 assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation. For addressing the impact of miR-185 on Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we further applied luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting for specific proteins in this pathway.

RESULTS

miR-185 was decreased in CRC cell lines when compared with corresponding control cell line. We also proved that its overexpression in LoVo cells could remarkably suppress cell proliferation whereas knocked it down in SW480 cells has the opposite effect in vitro. Mechanically, we demonstrated that miR-185 could suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and modulate the transcription and translation level of downstream molecules of this pathway, including MYC and CCND1.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggested that miR-185 exerts its tumor suppressor activities probably through a negative modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

[Clinical outcomes of single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis by minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with bilateral tubular channels]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis treatment with bilateral Spotlight tubular channels. Methods: A total of 21 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis whom underwent MIS-TLIF via bilateral Spotlight tubular channels were retrospectively analyzed from October 2014 to November 2015. The 21 patients included 11 males and 10 females ranged from 35 to 82 years (average aged 60.7 years). In term of spondylolisthesis category, there were 18 cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis and 3 cases of isthmic spondylolisthesis. With respect to spondylolisthesis degree, 17 cases were grade Ⅰ° and 4 cases were grade Ⅱ°. Besides, 17 cases at L(4-5) and 4 cases at L(5)-S(1)were categorized by spondylolisthesis levels. Operation duration, blood loss, postoperative drainage and intraoperative exposure time were recorded, functional improvement was defined as an improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was also employed at pre and post-operation (3 months and the last follow-up), to evaluate low back and leg pain. Furthermore, to evaluate the recovery of the intervertebral foramen and of lumbar sagittal curvature, average height of intervertebral space, Cobb angles of lumbar vertebrae and operative segments, spondylolisthesis index were measured. At the last follow-up, intervertebral fusion was assessed using Siepe evaluation criteria and the clinical outcome was assessed using the MacNab scale. Radiographic and functional outcomes were compared pre- and post-operation using the paired T test to determine the effectiveness of MIS-TLIF. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. Results: All patients underwent a successful MIS-TLIF surgery. The operation time (235.2±30.2) mins, intraoperative blood loss (238.1±130.3) ml, postoperative drainage (95.7±57.1) ml and intraoperative radiation exposure (47.1±8.8) were recorded. Different significance between 3 months post-operative follow-up and pre-operation was exhibited (P<0.01) in respects of lumbar VAS (t=11.1, P<0.01) and leg VAS (t=17.8, P<0.01). Moreover, final follow-up compared with pre-operation, and final follow-up compared with 3 months post-operative follow-up, VAS scores were also statistical difference (P<0.01). At the final follow-up, there were significant differences compared with pre-operation in ODI scores (t=30.1, P<0.01). Comparison between 3 months post-operative follow-up and pre-operation, statistical distinctions were demonstrated (P<0.05) in terms of mean height of intervertebral space (t=-10.9, P<0.01), the Cobb angles of lumbar vertebrae (t=-2.4, P<0.05), operative segments Cobb angles (t=-5.2, P<0.01) and Lumbar spondylolisthesis incidence (t=17.1, P<0.01). In addition, there was statistical difference between final follow-up and pre-operation (P<0.05) as well. For instance, mean height of intervertebral space (t=-10.5, P<0.01), the Cobb angles of lumbar vertebrae (t=-2.7, P<0.05), operative segments Cobb angles (t=-4.2, P<0.01) and Lumbar spondylolisthesis incidence (t=18.6, P<0.01) were involved. All spondylolisthesis vertebrae were restored completely. Lastly, at the last follow-up, 12 cases of grade 1 and 7 cases of grade 2 fusion were present as determined by the Siepe evaluation criteria. McNab scale assessment classified 17 patients having excellent clinical outcome, 3 patients in good and 1 patient having a better clinical outcome. Conclusion: MIS-TLIF with bilateral Spotlight tubular channels is a safe and effective approach for single segment lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Proximal femoral nail antirotation internal fixation in treating intertrochanteric femoral fractures of elderly subjects

This study compared the effect of dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures of elderly subjects and evaluated the effect of PFNA internal fixation. Two hundred and sixteen elderly patients with intertrochanteric femoral fracture who received treatment in Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Shandong, China were selected. They were divided into a PFNA group which adopted PFNA for internal fixation and a DHS group which adopted DHS for internal fixation, 108 cases in each group. The physical condition of the patients in the two groups were recorded on admittance. The fracture was typed according to Evans-Jensen classification criteria. Patients were followed up after surgery to evaluate the postoperative recovery and Harris score of hip joint function. Except for the length of hospital stay, the length of incision, interoperative blood loss, volume of drainage and duration of operation of the PFNA group were all superior to those of the DHS group (P less than 0.05); the incidence of postoperative complications of the PFNA group was lower than that of the DHS group (P less than 0.05); the early Harris score of the treatment was superior to that of the DHS group, and there was no remarkable difference (P>0.05). PFNA has more advantages than DHS in treating intertrochanteric femoral fracture of the elderly; hence it is worth wide application in clinical use.

Volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying chloride channel blockers protect against high glucose-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via autophagy activation

Hyperglycemia is a well-characterized contributing factor for cardiac dysfunction and heart failure among diabetic patients. Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes plays a major role during the onset and pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Nonetheless, the molecular machinery underlying hyperglycemia-induced cardiac damage and cell death remains elusive. In the present study, we found that chloride channel blockers, 4,4'-diisothiocya-natostilbene-2,2'- disulfonic acid (DIDS) and 4-(2-butyl-6,7-dichlor-2-cyclopentyl-indan-1-on-5-yl) oxybutyric acid (DCPIB), inhibited high glucose-activated volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) Cl^- channel and improved the viability of cardiomyocytes. High glucose induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by suppressing the autophagic stress, which can be reversed via blockade of VSOR Cl^- channel. VSOR activation in high glucose-treated cardiomyocytes was attributed to increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Taken together, our study unraveled a role of VSOR chloride currents in impaired autophagy and increased apoptosis of high glucose-exposed cardiomyocyte, and has implications for a therapeutic potential of VSOR chloride channel blockers in DCM.

SIRT3 is correlated with the malignancy of non-small cell lung cancer

The mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 plays a pivotal role in the initiation and the progression of certain cancers acting as an oncogene. However, in others it acts anti-oncogenically. Its conflicting action is possibly due to the different key proteins it modifies depending on the context of active intracellular signaling pathways in different cancers. SIRT3 is thus a novel target for preventing and treating cancer. In the present study, we explored the function of SIRT3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the aim of elucidating the underlying mechanisms. We first determined the SIRT3 expression levels by real-time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays of paired samples of NSCLC tissue and adjacent normal tissue from 70 patients with associated clinicopathological data. Levels of SIRT3 protein and mRNA were significantly increased in NSCLC tissue, compared with normal tissue (P<0.05). Expression of SIRT3 in NSCLC positively correlated with that of malignant biomarker Ki-67 (P<0.05) and oncogene p-Akt (P<0.05). Patients with higher SIRT3 expression had a shorter overall survival duration (P<0.05). NSCLC tissue of squamous cell carcinoma type had higher SIRT3 expression compared with other types (P<0.05). Furthermore, among the clinicopathological variables examined, SIRT3 expression was correlated only with pathological type (P<0.05). In NSCLC cell lines, we found that downregulation of SIRT3 by siRNA decreased the activation of Akt, and that SIRT3 overexpression caused the activation of Akt. In addition, in a NSCLC cell line, SIRT3 was able to co-immunoprecipitate Akt and co-located with Akt, suggesting that SIRT3 regulates the activation of Akt through post-transcriptional modification. Our findings suggest that SIRT3 promotes the malignancy of NSCLC, showing an oncogenic preference towards squamous cell carcinoma, and that could represent a novel target for treatment.

TOPK promotes lung cancer resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors by phosphorylating and activating c-Jun

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have shown promising clinical efficacy in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, resistance is frequently observed in malignant cells, operating through a mechanism that remains largely unknown. The present study shows that T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) is upregulated in NSCLC and excessively activated in TKI-refractory cells. TOPK dictates the responsiveness of lung cancers to the EGFR-targeted TKI gefitinib through the transcription factor AP-1 component c-Jun. TOPK binds directly to and phosphorylates c-Jun, which consequently activates the transcription of AP-1 target genes, including CCND1 and CDC2. TOPK silencing sensitizes EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer cells to gefitinib and increases gefitinib efficacy in preclinical lung adenocarcinoma xenograft models. These findings represent a novel mechanism of lung cancer resistance to TKIs and suggest that TOPK may have value both as a predictive biomarker and as a therapeutic target: TOPK-targeted therapy may synergize with EGFR-targeted therapy in lung cancers.

Model Construction for Biological Age Based on a Cross-Sectional Study of a Healthy Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVES

Biological age (BA) has been proposed to evaluate the aging status in an objective way instead of chronological age (CA). The purpose of our study is to construct a more precise formula of BA in the cross-sectional study based on a largest-ever sample of our studies. This formula aims at better evaluation of body function and exploring the disciplines of aging in different genders and age stages.

METHODS

A total of 1,373 healthy Chinese Han (age range, 19-93 years) were recruited from five cities in China, including 581 males and 792 females. Physical examination, blood routine, blood chemistry, and other lab tests were performed to obtain a total of 74 clinical variables. Then, the principal component analysis (PCA) was used to select variables and estimate BA. The BA formula was further validated in a population with some diseases (n=266), including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, kidney diseases, pulmonary diseases, cancer and disorders in nervous system.

RESULTS

The BA formula was constructed as follows: BA = 0.358 (pulse pressure) + 0.258 (trail making test) - 11.552 (mitral valve E/A peak) + 26.383 (minimum intima-media thickness) + 31.965 (Cystatin C) + 0.163 (CA) - 3.902. In validation of the formula, BAs of patients were older than those of healthy persons. The BA accelerates faster in the middle-aged population than in the elderly population (>75 years old).

CONCLUSION

This BA formula can reflect health condition changes of aging better than CA in a Chinese Han population.

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Attenuates Angiotensin II Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterised by the infiltration of smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis, inflammatory cells, neovascularisation, and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Previous work has shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and SMC apoptosis were increased both in a mouse model and human thoracic aortic aneurysm. However, whether the ER stress is activated in AAA formation and whether suppressing ER stress attenuates AAA is unknown.

METHODS

Human AAA and control aorta samples were collected. Expression of ER stress chaperones glucose-regulated protein (GRP)-78 and GRP-94 was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The effect of ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on AAA formation in angiotensin (Ang) II induced apolipoprotein E^-/- mice was explored. Elastin staining was used to observe the rupture of elastic fragmentation. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed, to detect the protein expression of ER stress chaperones and apoptosis molecules.

RESULTS

There was significant upregulation of GRP-78 and GRP-94 in aneurysmal areas of human AAA and Ang II induced ApoE^-/- mice (p < .05). TUDCA significantly attenuated the maximum diameters of abdominal aortas in Ang II induced ApoE^-/- mice (p < .05). TUDCA significantly reduced expression of ER stress chaperones and the apoptotic cell numbers (p < .05). Furthermore, TUDCA significantly reduced expression of apoptosis molecules, such as caspase-3, caspase-12, C/EBP homologous protein, c-Jun N-terminal kinase activating transcription factor 4, X-box binding protein, and eukaryotic initiation factor 2α in Ang II induced ApoE^-/- mice (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that ER stress is involved in human and Ang II induced AAA formation in ApoE^-/- mice. TUDCA attenuates Ang II induced AAA formation in ApoE^-/- mice by inhibiting ER stress mediated apoptosis.

Ultrasonic guided percutaneous ethanol injection with or without combined radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinomas

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves treatment outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively included 66 HCC patients who received RFA or RFA plus PEI from February 2011 to January 2014 in Jingmen No. 1 People's Hospital. Moreover, 31 cases received RFA plus PEI as the experiment group and 35 subjects treated with RFA aloe as the control group. The overall survival and treatment related complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

For RFA group, the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rate were 82.0%, 69.3%, and 30.7%, respectively, with the median survival time of 27.1 months. For RFA plus PEI group, the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rate were 97.1%, 73.9%, and 37.5%, respectively, with the median survival time of 33.6 months. The overall survival of the two groups was not statistical different with the hazard ratio of 1.48 (P > 0.05); three cases of treatment associated complications were found in RFA group with 1 abscess, 1 pleural effusion, and 1 portal vein thrombosis. Moreover, 2 cases of complication were recorded in RFA plus PEI group with 1 pleural effusion and 1 portal vein thrombosis. The complicated incidence rate was not statistical different between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination treatment of HCC was safe and had a slightly higher primary effectiveness rate than RFA alone.

[Oxidative damage related to PM2.5 exposure in human embryonic stem cell-derived fibroblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To study the oxidative damage of PM2.5 in human embryonic stem cells (EBf-H9 cells), and to provide a theoretical basis for revealing the adverse health effects of PM2.5 and the potential mechanisms, and also to provide a new alternative cell model for PM2.5 risk assessment.

METHODS

EBf-H9 cells were cultured with 0.00 (the constrast group) 3.91, 7.81, 15.63, 31.25, 62.50, 125.00 μg/cm(2) of PM2.5. CCK-8 kit was used to determine the survival rate of cells exposed to PM2.5 for 6 h. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the total ROS content of cells exposed to PM2.5 for 1 h. The activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the content of lipid peroxides such as malondialdehyde (MDA) in cells exposed to PM2.5 for 6 h were detected by using the commercial kits. ANOVA model analyzed the statistical significance from the different concentration group.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity results showed that the cell survival rate was decreased gradually with the increase of the concentrations of PM2.5, and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 83.01 μg/cm(2). When the exposure concentration was 3.91, 7.81, 15.63, 31.25, 62.5 μg/cm(2), after exposure of PM2.5 1 h, the ROS florescence was 27.12±0.21, 54.03±0.50, 60.93±0.08, 61.36±1.00, 68.21±0.93, 78.27±1.26 (compared to control group 27.12±0.21, all P level<0.01). After exposure of PM2.5 6 h, the activities of T-SOD was (9.78±0.28), (8.59±0.22), (8.90±0.33), (7.46±0.71), (4.21±0.17) U/mg protein (F=98.881, compared to control group (11.77±0.63) U/mg protein, all P level<0.01). The activities of GSH-Px was (181.59±3.65), (153.33±1.69), (168.74±2.22), (81.56±0.56), (48.62±2.13) U/mg protein (compared to control group (273.90±6.50) mU/mg protein, all P level<0.01). And the content of MDA was (0.38±0.03), (0.43±0.09), (0.47±0.09), (0.65±0.10), (0.70±0.12) nmol/mg protein (compared to control group (0.27±0.02) nmol/mg protein, all P level<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PM2.5 exposure can decrease EBf-H9 cells viability, and improve the levels of lipid peroxidation. It may be due to induce EBf-H9 cells to increase the production of ROS and to make the cells appear oxidative stress, which lead to oxidative damage to cells. The present study reveals the mode of action of PM2.5 in terms of oxidative damage to EBf-H9 cells. It is also indicated that the cells may be a new alternative cell model for PM2.5 risk assessment.

Attenuation of the programmed cell death-1 pathway increases the M1 polarization of macrophages induced by zymosan

Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is a member of the CD28 superfamily that delivers negative signals on interaction with its 2 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. We assessed the contribution of the PD-1 pathway to regulating the polarization of macrophages that promote inflammation induced by zymosan. We found that PD-1^−/− mice developed robust peritonitis with more abundant infiltration of M1 macrophages, accompanied by higher levels of pro-inflammation factors, especially monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) compared with wild-type controls ex vivo and in vitro. Our results indicated that PD-1 deficiency promotes M1 rather than M2 polarization of macrophages by enhancing the expression of p-STAT1/p-NF-κB p65 and downregulating p-STAT6. We found that PD-1 engagement followed by zymosan stimulation might primarily attenuate the phosphorylation of tyrosine residue in PD-1 receptor/ligand and the recruitment of SHP-2 to PD-1 receptor/ligand, leading to the reduction of M1 type cytokine production.

[Transmembrane prostate androgen-induced protein 1 (PMEPA1) promotes the migration and maintains mesenchymal-like phenotype of breast cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of transmembrane prostate androgen-induced protein 1 (PMEPA1), an important gene downstream of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, in the process of breast cancer cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

METHODS

We treated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with TGF-β and TGF-β inhibitor SB431542, and then detect the level of PMEPA1 using Western blotting. PMEPA1-specific siRNA was designed and its knockdown efficiency was tested by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). After the expression of PMEPA1 in MDA-MB-231 cells was successfully silenced, the wound-healing assay and Transwell(TM) assay were used to investigate the effect of PMEPA1 silencing on the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, phalloidin was used to label the actin cytoskeleton of breast cancer cells to observe the effect of PMEPA1 silencing on cell morphology.

RESULTS

In breast cancer cells, PMEPA1 was upregulated by classical TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Silencing of PMEPA1 significantly inhibited the migration ability of MDA-MB-231 cells and promoted the process of mesenchymal-epithelial transition.

CONCLUSION

Over-expressed PMEPA1 can promote cell migration and maintain the mesenchymal-like morphology of breast cancer cells.

Dicliptera Chinensis polysaccharides target TGF-β/Smad pathway and inhibit stellate cells activation in rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis

This study aims to study impact of Dicliptera chinensis polysaccharide (DCP) on hepatic fibrosis (HF) and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Liver fibrosis model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of dimethyl nitrosamines (DMN) in rat. Rats in treatment group were administrated with different concentrations of DCP (0, 100, 300 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to assess histo-pathological change. α-SMA, TGF-β1 and pSmad 2/3 were assayed by immuno-histochemistry. HSC-T6 cells were stimulated by recombined rat TGF-β1 (1 ng/mL) to simulate an activating model in vitro and then interfered with DCP (concentration of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 µg/ml). MTT assay was used to determine cell proliferation and western blotting was used to detect α-SMA and pSmad 2/3 expression. Results demonstrated that DCP alleviated DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rat and significantly down-regulated TGF-β1 expression, pSmad2/3 and α-SMA in liver tissue in a dose-dependent way. DCP inhibited proliferation and activation of TGF-β1-stimulated HSC-T6 in vitro and significantly down-regulated α-SMA and pSmad2/3 expression. In conclusion, this study revealed that DCP attenuates progression of liver fibrosis through suppressing TGF-β/Smad pathway. DCP is a potential botanical polysaccharide to management liver fibrosis.