6-Shogaol from ginger shows anti-tumor effect in cervical carcinoma via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

PURPOSE

6-Shogaol, an active phenolic compound from ginger (Zingiber officinale), can inhibit the growth of a variety of human cancer cells. Nevertheless, its underlying molecular mechanisms in cervical cancer remain unclear. In this study, we systematically examine the inhibitory effect of 6-shogaol on cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK8 assay and colony formation assay in HeLa and SiHa cells. We analyzed cell cycle and apoptosis through flow cytometry. GFP-LC3 puncta and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe autophagic bodies. Wound-healing assay and transwell assay were used for evaluating the migration of cells. Western blot was applied to detect protein expression levels.

RESULTS

6-Shogaol could suppress cell proliferation and migration, cause cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in HeLa and SiHa cells. Moreover, 6-shogaol triggered the apoptosis process through the mitochondrial pathway by downregulating the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR. Further research indicated that the induction of apoptosis by 6-shogaol was remarkably decreased after the treatment of ROS scavenger and PI3K agonist. Additionally, 6-shogaol increased the number of LC3-positive puncta and autophagic bodies per cell in both HeLa and SiHa cells. Pretreatment of cells with Bafilomycin A1, an autophagy inhibitor, accelerated 6-shogaol mediated cell apoptosis, suggesting that induction of autophagy by 6-shogaol is suppressive to apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo data revealed that 6-shogaol significantly inhibited tumor growth and cell proliferation in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that 6-shogaol could be developed as a functional food ingredient, which is potentially used as therapeutic agents for patients with cervical cancer.

O52 Plasma circulating cell-free messenger RNA as a potential biomarker of melanoma

Introduction

Blood-borne cell-free nucleic acids are increasingly emerging as significant non-invasive adjuncts to current methods of disease status evaluation in cancer patients. In this study, we sought to examine whether significant differences exist in the plasma transcriptomic profile of advanced melanoma patients with a high disease burden compared to patients with therapeutic response.

Method

Plasma circulating cell-free messenger ribonucleic acid (ccfmRNA) was extracted from twenty patients with stage IV melanoma receiving immunotherapy. Pathway focused gene expression analysis was performed. Patients were assessed with paired blood sample collection and CT scan assessments at baseline and at 3 months follow up. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST 1.1) was used for tumour burden estimation.

Result

In stage IV melanoma patients, CCL5, GZMB and MYD88 genes were significantly over-expressed (P < 0.05 versus healthy controls). In patients with high disease burden or progressive disease, CCL18, CCR1, CCR4, CD274, CSF2, and GBP1 genes were significantly over-expressed (P < 0.05 versus patients with therapeutic response). Finally, in stage IV melanoma patients with brain metastases, CCL18, CCR1, CCR4, CD274, CSF2, EGF, GBP1, and PTGS2 genes were significantly over-expressed (P < 0.05, versus patients without brain metastasis).

Conclusion

Significant differences were observed in the plasma transcriptomic profile between the various melanoma patient groups, and we postulate that these differences may be exploited to identify novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers relevant to melanoma. CCL4 and CCL5 are prognostic in melanoma, both genes had significantly higher expressions in low disease burden patients compared to patients with a high disease burden.

Take-home Message

CCL4 and CCL5 ccfmRNA transcripts are prognostic in melanoma. High expression of both genes is favourable in melanoma patients.

O51 The utility of plasma circulating cell-free messenger RNA as a biomarker of glioma: a pilot study

Introduction

Research into the potential utility of plasma-derived circulating cell-free nucleic acids as non-invasive adjuncts to radiological imaging has been occasioned by the invasive nature of brain tumour biopsy. Circulating-cell-free messenger RNAs are short fragments of RNA present in blood. The objective of this study was to determine whether significant differences exist in the plasma transcriptomic profile of glioma patients relative to differences in their tumour characteristics, and also whether any observed differences were representative of synchronously obtained glioma samples and TCGA glioma derived RNA.

Method

Blood samples were collected from twenty-nine patients prior to tumour resection. Plasma ccfmRNA and glioma derived RNA were extracted and profiled.

Result

BCL2L1, CXCL5, GZMB, HLA-A, HLA-C, IRF1, MYD88, TGFB1, TLR2, and TP53 genes were significantly over-expressed in glioma (high-grade-glioma-HGG and low-grade-glioma-LGG) patients (P < 0.05, versus control). BCL2L1, GZMB and HLA-A genes were significantly over-expressed in HGG patients (P < 0.05, versus LGG patients). There was positive correlation between the magnitude of fold change of differentially expressed genes in plasma and glioma derived RNA (Spearman r = 0.6344, n = 14, P = 0.017), and with the mean FPKM of TCGA glioma derived RNA samples (Spearman r = 0.4614, n = 19, P = 0.047). There was positive correlation between glioma radiographic tumour burden and the magnitude of fold change of CSF3 gene (r = 0.9813, n = 20, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We identified significant differential expression of genes involved in cancer inflammation and immunity among patients with different glioma grades, and we identified positive correlation between the plasma transcriptomic profile and tumour samples, and with TCGA glioma derived RNA.

Take-home Message

The plasma transcriptomic profile of glioma patients appears to be representative of synchronously obtained glioma samples.

[Explore the value of whole exome sequencing in early diagnosis for children with language delay/disorder]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in early diagnosis for children with language delay/disorder. Methods: Children with language delay/disorder who were admitted to the Department of Health Care, Children's Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Pediatric Institute from January 2019 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on informed consent, the peripheral blood of the children and their parents was collected for WES. Combining the clinical phenotypes of the children, the candidate variants, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs), were selected for validation and family segregation analysis using Sanger sequencing, real-time PCR or CNV-Seq. The pathogenicity of variants was evaluated based on ACMG guideline following with finial genetic diagnosis. Based on whether genetic diagnosis was achieved or not, 125 children with comprehensive examination of the Children Neuropsychological and Behavioral Scale(CNBS-R2016) were sub-grouped (positive/negative group), and the total scores and the detailed scores of five developmental sections (gross motor, fine motor, adaptive ability, language and social behavior ability) between two subgroups were compared. Results: A total of 165 children with language delay/disorder were recruited, including 109 males and 56 females. The ratio of boys to girls was 1.95∶1.The age of the children was (3.2±1.2) years old, the median age was 3.0 years. 45 children carry disease-related pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, including 36 SNVs and 9 CNVs. The genetic diagnostic yield of this cohort was 27.3% (45/165). The inheritance analysis for core family members showed de novo variant accounted for 86% of genetic diagnosis (31/36). The positive diagnosis rate in girls was 45% (25/56), which was significantly higher than that in boys (18.3%, 20/109, χ²=12.171, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of positive diagnosis among all age groups (χ²=4.349, P>0.05). Interestingly, the scores of gross motors of positive group were significantly lower than that of negative group (61.5 vs. 69.4, t=-2.610, P<0.05). Otherwise, no significant difference was seen between two groups(t=-0.933, -1.298, -0.114, -0.214, all P>0.05). Conclusions: Language delay/disorder has complex genetic heterogeneity. WES has important application value in early etiological diagnosis for children with language delay/disorder.

Long non-coding NEAT1 weakens the protective role of sevoflurane on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by mediating the microRNA-140/RhoA axis

The function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been revealed in injury caused by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), however, its association with Sevoflurane (Sev), an anesthetic effective for regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, is not yet clear in I/R injury. The aim of this study was to functionally validate and elucidate the mechanism-of-action for Sev-mediated NEAT1 in myocardial I/R injury. Firstly, reduced NEAT1 was revealed in myocardial I/R injured mice treated with Sev. Moreover, restoration of NEAT1 could repress the alleviating role of Sev in cardiac function, infarct size and myocardial apoptosis in mice, while miR-140 was remarkably enhanced in myocardial tissues from mice treated with Sev. Furthermore, miR-140 was suggested and authenticated as a downstream biomolecule of NEAT1 with the help of a bioinformatics tool. Interestingly, miR-140 inhibitor played the same role as NEAT1 overexpression on the cardiac function, infarct size and apoptosis of mice. Finally, it was manifested that RhoA was a putative target of miR-140, which functioned importantly in the Sev/miR-140-mediated myocardial I/R injury. All in all, NEAT1 knockdown contributed to Sev-mediated myocardial I/R injury alleviation via the miR-140/RhoA axis.

Self-made wire-rope button plate: A novel option for the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical effect of the self-made wire-rope button plate and cortical screw in the treatment of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation.

METHODS

Total 26 patients with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation were treated with internal fixation with a self-made wire-rope button plate and cortical screw. They were divided into a self-made wire-rope button plate group and cortical screw group. self-made wire-rope button plate group: 12 cases of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis were reconstructed by self-made wire-rope button plate. Cortical screw group: 14 cases of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis were reconstructed by cortical screw. The follow-up data of 2, 6, 12 weeks and 6 and 12 months after operation were collected.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in operative time, the amount of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Comparison of postoperative complications: There was no loosening and rupturing of internal fixation in the self-made wire-rope button plate group. In the cortical screw group, the rupture of screws was found in 1 case, which occurred in the 10th weeks after the operation, and the broken screws were removed after 1 year with other internal fixations. Within 12 weeks of reoperation to remove the internal fixation rate: There was a significant difference in the rate of reoperation to remove the internal fixation within 12 weeks (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the AOFAS score of the ankle joint were 94 ± 4.79 in the self-made wire-rope button plate group and 92.8 ± 6.73 in the cortical screw group. There was no significant difference (P > 0. 05).

CONCLUSION

The self-made wire-rope button plate and cortical screw can effectively treat the separation of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. It provides a new choice for the treatment of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids from the gum resin of Boswellia sacra flueck and their cytotoxic effects

Two new prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids, and three known analogues, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the gum resin of B. sacra Flueck. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopic analyses, mass spectrometric data, circular dichroism spectra, and comparison with the other compounds in the literature. One diterpenoid represents the first example of an acetoxyl-substituted prenylaromadendranoid in frankincense. All compounds exhibited notable cytotoxicity against human malignant glioma (U87-MG) cell line, with inhibitory rates exceeding that of the positive control 5-fluorouracil. However, nitric oxide inhibition induced by lipopolysaccarides was not observed in primary mouse peritoneal macrophages.

[Immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine for 4-6 years old children]

Objective: To investigate the immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine (MMR) for children 4 to 6 years old. Methods: Children, aged 4 to 6 years old, had vaccinated with 1 dose of measles and rubella combined vaccine(MR) at the age of 8 months and 1 dose of MMR vaccine at 18-months, were recruited in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Beijing, respectively. All children were assigned into 4, 5 and 6-year-old group. The children who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were vaccinated with 1 dose MMR vaccine, and were collected blood samples before vaccination and 35 to 42 d after the vaccination. During the study period, adverse events were collected at 30 min, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4-12 d, and 13 to 42 days after vaccination. Serum was tested for IgG antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella. Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of measles, mumps, and rubella antibodies were compared among groups by analysis of variance or non-parametric test. Seropositive rates and adverse event rates were compared among groups by Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 500 children were included in immunogenicity analysis and 535 children were included in safety analysis. The overall adverse event rate was 20.37%, the most of severity for adverse events was mild. The rates of local and systemic adverse events were 0.37% and 20.00%, respectively. Symptoms of local adverse events were redness. The main systemic adverse events were fever, followed by cough, rash and runny nose. Received a dose of MMR vaccine for booster immunization, the seropositive rates of measles antibody, mumps antibody and rubella antibody were above 99% for all 3 age groups, and there was no significant difference between groups. There were significant differences in mumps antibody GMC among groups (P=0.042), but no significant differences in measles and rubella antibodies GMC. Conclusion: The immunogenicity and safety of a boosted MMR vaccintion in children aged 4, 5 and 6 years were all similar good.

[Characteristics of consonant among children with speech sound disorder]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of consonant among children with speech sound disorder (SSD) and to provide an empirical basis for the subsequent clinical evaluation and evidence-based intervention. Methods: In this retrospective research a total of 1 395 children diagnosed with SSD from the Language-Speech Clinic of the Department of Children Health Care, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2007 to December 2018 were enrolled and underwent the phonological examination on the lexical level with picture naming, according to phoneme development in Chinese mandarin. The Chi-square trend test was applied to analyze the differences and trends of the proportion of consonant error subtypes in children of different age groups. The Chi-square test was conducted to compare the proportion of consonant error subtypes in different gender. Results: The 1 395 children diagnosed with SSD included 1 044 boys and 351 girls, with an age of (5.1±0.8) years. The occurrence of consonant errors in different locations of articulation was the highest for blade-alveolar /l/ (71.8%, 1 002/1 395) and the lowest for labial/b/(9.3%, 130/1 395). The occurrence of consonant errors of labial/p/f/, supra-dental/z/c/s/, blade-alveolar/t/l/, blade-palatal/ch/r/, velar/k/h/, and lingua-palatal/q/decreased with age (all P<0.05). The occurrence of consonant errors of labial/b/m/, supra-dental/z/c/, blade-alveolar/n/l/, blade-palatal/sh/, velar/h/, and lingua-palatal/x/were higher in boys than those in girls (10.3% (108/1 044) vs. 6.3% (22/351), 11.4% (119/1 044) vs. 6.0% (21/351), 64.8% (676/1 044) vs. 51.9% (182/351), 67.8% (708/1 044) vs. 59.8% (210/351), 16.7% (174/1 044) vs. 8.8% (31/351), 73.7% (769/1 044) vs. 66.1% (232/351), 58.0% (606/1 044) vs. 47.6% (167/351), 24.0% (251/1 044) vs. 14.2% (50/351), and 39.9% (417/1 044) vs. 27.6% (97/351); χ²=5.167, 8.533, 16.889, 7.447, 12.863, 7.412, 11.650, 14.900, and 17.099, all P<0.05). The error types of consonant were substitution, omission, and distortion. Omission was the main error type of blade-alveolar/l/(53.3%, 743/1 395), distortion was the main error type of velar/h/(11.8%, 165/1 395), and substitution was the main error type of all other consonants. Substitution with blade-palatal/ch/having the highest occurrence of error (60.2%, 840/1 395). Conclusions: The occurrence of the blade-alveolar/l/error is the highest in children with SSD, with boys demonstrating more serious articulation problems. The main error type of consonant is substitution, with blade-palatal/ch/having the highest occurrence of error. These results suggest the necessity of attending to preschoolers' articulation development. Phonological training targeting blade-alveolar/l/and blade-palatal/ch/should be carried out as early as possible.

O64: GENOMIC PROFILING USING CIRCULATING NUCLEIC ACIDS IN STAGE IV MELANOMA PATIENTS RECEIVING IMMUNOTHERAPY REVEALS A NOVEL GENE AMPLIFICATION LANDSCAPE AND ALLOWS FOR DETECTION OF ACTIONABLE GENE MUTATIONS

Introduction

Serial monitoring for disease progression and therapeutic efficacy at the molecular level in metastatic melanoma is hampered by a lack of reliable blood borne biomarkers. Molecular profiling of melanoma tumours is almost impractical in metastatic disease due to risks of procedure related morbidity and sampling inefficiency in representing tumour heterogeneity. Cell free DNA allows monitoring of molecular changes in melanoma over the course of immunotherapy. We investigated the utility of somatic mutation and gene amplification analyses in melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy.

Method

Cell free DNA was extracted from plasma using a QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit (Qiagen). Pathway focused profiling of somatic mutation status was performed by ARMs PCR using QBiomarker Somatic Mutation PCR Arrays (Qiagen). Gene amplification analysis was performed by Real Time Quantitative PCR (Roche) using RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays (Qiagen).

Result

A total of twenty patients with stage IV melanoma receiving immunotherapy were enrolled in this study. The BRAF p.V600E mutation was detected in the cfDNA of 80% of BRAF positive patients. Cell free DNA was also profiled for a total of 84 genes of the cancer inflammation and immunity pathway. There was a significant difference in the copy numbers of several genes (CTLA-4, CXCL12, CXCL5, IDO1, TGFB, IFNG, IL4, PTGS2, AICDA, HLA-A, CCL4, ACKR3, TP53, MYC) between patients with progressive disease and therapeutic response (n=20, p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion

We postulate that cell free DNA pathway focused somatic mutation and gene amplification analyses may be useful in evaluating disease progression and therapeutic response.

Take-home message

Genomic analysis of circulating nucleic acids may be useful in evaluating disease progression and therapeutic response in metastatic melanoma.

O9: DETECTION OF RELEVANT GENE MUTATIONS IN GLIOMA USING PLASMA CELL FREE DNA

Background

Comprehensive molecular profiling of gliomas provide information essential for accurate biological classification beyond traditional histopathology. Genomic profiling utilizing tumour tissue samples inevitably involves obtaining tissues through potentially hazardous surgical procedures or stereotactic biopsies carrying risks of morbidity and mortality. Tissues from biopsies may also be insufficient or fail to capture a comprehensive picture of the tumours genetic profile due to tumour heterogeneity. In these contexts, complementary minimally invasive strategies are needed for molecular profiling of gliomas. Cell free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as an easily accessible biomarker containing fragments of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) released into plasma through apoptosis. We explored its potential utility in genomic profiling of brain tumours.

Method

Plasma cfDNA from patients with radiographically suspected brain malignancies were extracted and quantified before planned surgical interventions. Cell free DNA was extracted using a QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit (Qiagen), and was quantified (ng cfDNA/mL) using a DS-11 FX Spectrophotometer (DeNovix). Pathway focused profiling of somatic mutation status was performed using QBiomarker Somatic Mutation PCR Arrays for human brain cancers (Qiagen) through real time PCR (Roche).

Result

Somatic mutations in human brain cancer were evaluated in the following genes; BRAF, CTNNB1/beta-catenin, EGFR, IDH1, IDH2, KRAS, NF2, NRAS, PIK3CA, and PTEN. A total of 14 (70%) patients had greater than 1 somatic mutation detected in their plasma cfDNA.

Conclusion

We postulate that glioma derived circulating tumour DNA occur in plasma, and genomic analysis using cell free DNA may complement current methods of glioma genomic characterisation.

Take-home message

Glioma derived circulating tumour DNA occur in plasma.

[Effect of malocclusion on self-esteem of children aging 8 to 10 years in Chongqing]

PURPOSE：This study was aimed to investigate the effect of malocclusion on self-esteem of children aging 8 to 10 years in Chongqing. METHODS：According to the standards of the Fourth National Oral Health Epidemiological sampling survey，a multistage, stratified, cluster, and random sampling method was used to select 1 588 children from 12 schools in 3 districts and 3 counties in Chongqing. The part of tooth health of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to evaluate malocclusion. The aesthetic part of the IOTN was used to evaluate the subjective orthodontic treatment need. The Harter's Self-perception Profile for Children was used to evaluate the self-esteem. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 software package. RESULTS: Subjective orthodontic treatment need IOTN-AC(moderate severe), overjet (severe: 6-9 mm, >9 mm), anterior crossbite, open bite, caries located in the anterior tooth area were negatively correlated with self-esteem(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS： Subjective orthodontic treatment need and malocclusion, especially the types that have great influence on beauty obviously affect children's self-esteem. It is necessary to increase the investment and education of early orthodontic intervention.

Dynamic monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 level as predictors of perceived pain during first and second phacoemulsification eye surgeries in patients with bilateral cataract

Background

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether dynamic monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) level might be as predictors of perceived pain during the first and second phacoemulsification eye surgeries in patients with bilateral cataract.

Methods

Consecutive bilateral cataract patients undergoing bilateral sequential phacoemulsification were retrospectively enrolled. Patients’ preoperative anxiety score and intraoperative pain score were registered. Aqueous humor samples were obtained during surgery. MCP-1 level in the aqueous humor was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). Patients were assigned to seven subgroups based on the interval between first-eye and second-eye cataract surgery. Comparisons were performed for a subjective sensation and MCP-1 levels among different subgroups.

Results

pain score during second-eye surgery was significantly higher than during first-eye surgery. Whereas there was no statistical difference in anxiety score between both surgeries. Result from subgroups comparison showed that the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was statistically greater in 1-group and 6-group during the second eye surgery. Anxiety score did not statistically differ in subgroups. Additionally, the second-eye MCP-1 level was significantly higher at week 1and 6 intervals. Preoperative MCP-1 level was positively correlated with perceiving pain score during both surgeries.

Conclusions

MCP-1 level in aqueous humor significantly correlated with perceived pain during cataract surgery. Dynamic MCP-1 level could function as predictors of perceived pain during the first and second phacoemulsification eye surgeries in patients with bilateral cataract, which might support clinicians in treatment optimization and clinical decision-making.

Use of nimotuzumab combined with cisplatin in treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its effect on expressions of VEGF and MMP-2

PURPOSE

This paper aims to observe the expressions of VEGF and MMP-2 in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by nimotuzumab combined with cisplatin.

METHODS

Altogether, 104 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated in our hospital from April 2014 to August 2016 were selected as research subjects. Among them, 50 patients treated with cisplatin were divided into a control group and 54 patients treated with nimotuzumab combined with cisplatin were divided into an observation group. The two groups of patients were compared in terms of efficacy after treatment and incidence of adverse reactions. Changes of serum VEGF and MMP-2 concentrations before and after treatment were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the 3-year overall survival (OS) of patients was observed.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, patients in the observation group had significantly higher total remission rate (RR) (P < 0.05) and significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the observation and control groups in the concentrations of VEGF and MMP-2 (P > 0.05). After treatment, the concentrations in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the concentrations in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the 3-year OS between the observation and control groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Nimotuzumab combined with cisplatin could improve the conditions of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. After treatment, the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 decreased significantly. We speculated that it improves the survival rate of patients by reducing the expression of VEGF and MMP-2.

Avasimibe exerts anticancer effects on human glioblastoma cells via inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults, but there is no effective drug available for GBM. Avasimibe is a potent inhibitor of acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1), which was used to treat atherosclerosis. Experimental evidence and bioinformatics have shown that avasimibe has anticancer activity. In this study we investigated the anticancer effects of avasimibe on human glioblastoma cells and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that avasimibe dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of U251 and U87 human glioblastoma cells with IC50 values of 20.29 and 28.27 μM, respectively, at 48 h. Avasimibe (7.5, 15, 30 μM) decreased the DNA synthesis, and inhibited the colony formation of the tumor cells. Treatment of avasimibe also dose-dependently increased the apoptotic rate of tumor cells, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, induced the activity of caspase-3/7, and increased the protein expression of cleaved caspase-9, cleaved PARP and Bax in U251 and U87 cells. RNA-sequencing analyses revealed that avasimibe suppressed the expression of CDK2, cyclin E1, CDK4, cyclin D, CDK1, cyclin B1, Aurora A, and PLK1, while induced the expression of p53, p21, p27, and GADD45A, which was validated by Western blot analysis. These results demonstrated that avasimibe induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in glioblastoma cells, which was associated with arresting the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase and G2/M phase by regulating the p53/p21 pathway, p53/GADD45A and Aurora A/PLK1 signaling pathways. In U87 xenograft nude mice model, administration of avasimibe (15, 30 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 18 days) dose-dependently inhibit the tumor growth. Taken together, our results demonstrated that avasimibe might be a promising chemotherapy drug in the treatment of GBM.

[Polarization of human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived macprophages induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis proteins in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the polarization of human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived macrophages induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis proteins in vitro, so as to provide insights into the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying host immune responses to hookworm infections.

METHODS

The in-vitro culture of N. brasiliensis was established and maintained in the laboratory, and the third- (L3) and fifth-stage larvae (L5) were collected under a sterile condition for preparation of L3 and L5 proteins. The in-vitro culture of THP-1 cells was established, stimulated with 500 ng/mL PMA to yield M0 macrophages that were adherent to the plate wall. The LPS + IFN-γ group, IL-4 + IL-13 group, L3 protein group and L5 protein group were given stimulation with 500 ng/mL LPS plus 100 ng/mL IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 (both 100 ng/mL), L3 protein (5 mg/mL) and L5 protein (5 mg/mL), respectively, while the negative control group was given no stimulation. The cell morphology was observed using microscopy, the mRNA expression of M1/M2 macrophages-specific genes was quantified using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the surface markers of M1/M2 macrophages were detected using flow cytometry, while the levels of cytokines secreted by M1/M2 macrophages were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following stimulations, so as to examine the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages induced by N. brasiliensis proteins in vitro.

RESULTS

Following stimulation with PMA, THP-1 cells appeared wall-adherent M0 macrophages, and polarized to typical M1 macrophages following stimulation with LPS + IFN-γ, and typical M2 macrophages following stimulation with IL-4 + IL-13, IL-3 protein or L5 protein. There was a significant difference in the proportion of M1 macrophages among the negative control group, the LPS + IFN-γ group, the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (χ² = 3 721.00, P < 0.001), with the highest proportion detected in the LPS + IFN-γ group, and there was also a significant difference in the proportion of M2 macrophages among groups (χ² = 105.43, P < 0.001). There were significant differences among groups in terms of the mRNA expression of CCL2 (F = 191.95, P < 0.001), TNF-α (F = 129.95, P < 0.001), IL-12b (F = 82.89, P < 0.001), PPARγ (F = 11.30, P < 0.001), IL-10 (F = 9.51, P < 0.001) and Mrc1 genes (F = 12.35, P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in the proportion of positive CD86 and CD206 expression among groups (χ² = 24 004.33 and 832.50, P < 0.001). Higher IL-1β and TNF-α levels were measured in the LPS + IFN-γ group than in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (P < 0.001), and greater TGF-β1 and IL-10 levels were seen in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group than in the negative control group and the LPS + IFN-γ group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both L3 and L5 proteins of N. brasiliensis may induce the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages to M2 type in vitro.

Validation of the Chinese version of the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ)

OBJECTIVE

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ) into Chinese and to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the MIQ (MIQ/C) for use among adolescents with malocclusion in China.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

First, the MIQ/C was developed according to international guidelines. Then, the MIQ/C was filled out by 536 adolescents between 10 and 16 years of age. This study used exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MIQ/C.

RESULTS

Following EFA, three domains were extracted, accounting for 65.950% of the total variance. The CFA results showed that the fit indices of each factor in the three-factor model all reached the standard (chi-square/DF = 2.591, GFI = 0.919, TLI = 0.926, CFI = 0.928, RMSEA = 0.076). The scale evidenced a good relationship with the two global questions, indicating good convergent validity. The Cronbach alpha value and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) value of the MIQ/C were 0.929 and 0.893, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The MIQ/C demonstrated good reliability and validity and can be further studied and applied in Chinese adolescents with malocclusion.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The MIQ/C can be applied to assess the psychosocial impact of malocclusion among Chinese adolescents.

Determining the minimal important difference of the Oral Health Impact Profile for Chronic Periodontitis

AIM

Building on previous psychometric work, we aimed to further assess the minimally important difference (MID) of the Oral Health Impact Profile for Chronic Periodontitis (OHIP-CP).

METHODS

In total, 240 consecutive patients with chronic periodontitis were recruited in the study. The OHIP-CP was completed at baseline and after six weeks. Methodology testing included the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and MID. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the fit of the previously proposed three-factor model. The MID of this questionnaire was determined by applying anchor-based and distribution-based approaches.

RESULTS

The CFA supported a three-factor model for the OHIP-CP with acceptable fit to the data. The fit indices were χ² /df = 2.231, GFI = 0.935, TLI = 0.969 and CFI = 0.976, RMSEA = 0.076. The OHIP-CP scores showed significant improvements after treatment (p < .001). The anchor-based MIDs of OHIP-CP for "oral function restriction," "oral pain" and "psychological and social impact," and total score were 2, 1, 4 and 7 points, respectively. The effect sizes (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) for the OHIP-CP were moderate to large.

CONCLUSIONS

The MID of the OHIP-CP is recommended for interpreting clinically meaningful change in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) over time.

The significance of Siglec-15 expression in resectable non-small cell lung cancer

Siglec-15 (S15) is another important mechanism of tumor immune escape besides the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway and represents a new kind of immune checkpoint inhibitor. However, the associations of tumor Siglec-15 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in a tumor microenvironment (TME) have so far been unclear. A total of 324 NSCLC surgical samples on tumor microarray were used in this study for investigating the association of S15 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival (OS) as well as correlation with TILs using multiplex immunofluorescence staining and PD-L1. Results showed that the expression of S15 in adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that in squamous cell carcinoma. S15 expression was positively correlated with CD8+ T cell density in the stroma. The expression rate of PD-L1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma was higher than that in lung adenocarcinoma. S15 expression was not associated with the prognosis of early NSCLC. The pathological mechanism of the co-expression of S15 and PD-L1 in resectable NSCLC remains to be further studied.

Magnesium oxide and hip fracture in the elderly: a population-based retrospective cohort analysis

Using national insurance claims of Taiwan, we found that magnesium oxide (MgO) use is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in the elderly. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms associated with MgO use that lead to hip fracture.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between MgO use and hip fracture risk in the elderly (age > 65 years).

METHODS

This nationwide population-based retrospective study was conducted from 1996 to 2013. Individuals with (n = 26,069) and without (n = 26,069) MgO use were enrolled after propensity score matching. Primary outcome was a hip fracture. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and medications, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate incidences and risk of hip fracture [hazard ratio (HR)].

RESULTS

During the mean follow-up duration of 4.8 years in the MgO cohort and 5.7 years in the non-MgO cohort, respectively 1547 and 1107 cases developed a hip fracture. MgO use was identified as a risk factor for hip fracture in both univariate [crude HR, 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.55-1.81; p < 0.001] and multivariate [adjusted HR (aHR), 1.66; 95% CI, 1.54-1.80; p < 0.001] Cox proportional hazards regression models. The cumulative incidence of hip fracture was significantly higher in the MgO cohort than in the non-MgO cohort (1.23 per 100 person-years vs. 0.74 per 100 person-years, logrank test, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MgO use is an independent risk factor for hip fracture in the elderly.

[Bone morphogenetic protein-2, -4, -6, -7 and -9 differentially mediated osteogenic differentiation of immortalized odontoblasts]

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to investigate the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) phenotypes of immortalized odontoblasts(iODs) and bone morphogenetic protein -2, -4, -6, -7, and -9 (BMPs) differentially regulate the mineralization of iODs.

METHODS

ODs were immortalized by SV40 T antigen to establish iOD lineages, and the endogenous expression of BMPs was successively examined. Recombinant adenoviruses expressing BMPs and GFP were generated using Ad-Easy technology. The proliferation capability of iODs was examined using an MTT kit. MSC markers of iODs were examined by immunofluorescence. In vitro, semiquantitative RT-PCR, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity assay, matrix mineralization assay and oil red O staining assay were used to examine the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capabilities of iODs. Statistical significance among groups was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe's multiple comparison test was SPSS 21.0 software package. Finally, the volume and density of ectopic mineralized tissues formed in vivo were assessed by micro-CT and histological analysis.

RESULTS

ODs can be efficiently immortalized by SV40 T antigen, and the resulting iODs maintained an excellent proliferative activity, expressed certain MSC markers and possessed multiple differentiation capabilities. BMP-2 and BMP-9 regulated iODs osteogenic differentiation better than BMP-4, -6, and -7.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that ODs and osteogenic growth factors such as BMP-2 and BMP-9 can be used as an efficacious strategy for bone tissue engineering.

Effects of laying breeder hens dietary β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation on the jejunal microbiota and immune response of their offspring chicks

Our long-term goal is to improve chick health and reduce the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry via maternal effects. To link jejunal microbes with chicks' different immune levels and growth performance in our previous research, this study investigated jejunal microbes, jejunal inflammation, and immune responses based on a comparison between different groups. Newly hatched Hy-Line chicks were allotted into 3 groups: a chick control group (cCON), a ciprofloxacin lactate treatment group (Cipro)—the chicks of the cCON and Cipro groups were hatched from laying breeder hens given a basal diet—and a 5-wk β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation group (cCCAB), wherein chicks hatched from laying breeder hens. All groups were fed the same diet for 4 wk; the Cipro group was given ciprofloxacin lactate in drinking water continuously. At the end of the experiment, the results demonstrated that the jejunal microbes of the Cipro group showed significant changes in alpha and beta diversity, and in taxonomy at phylum and genus levels. Statistically, a total of 67 significantly enriched (P < 0.05) taxa were identified between groups by linear discriminant analysis effect size; Firmicutes was significantly enriched (P < 0.05) in the cCCAB group, 65 taxa were significantly enriched (P < 0.05) in the Cipro group, and 32 of the 65 enriched (P < 0.05) taxa were in the Proteobacteria phylum of the Cipro group. Levels of lipopolysaccharide in jejunal content, and nuclear factor kappa-B, and tumor necrosis factor-α in jejunums of the Cipro and cCCAB groups were increased (all P < 0.05) compared to those in the cCON group. There was obvious neutrophil infiltration and upregulated (all P < 0.05) IL-6 mRNA in the Cipro group jejunums compared to the cCON and cCCAB groups. The expression of PSME3 and PSME4 genes was upregulated (all P < 0.05) in the cCCAB group compared to the cCON and Cipro groups. In conclusion, ciprofloxacin lactate administration led to potential hazards in health and growth in chicks via microbial disturbances-induced jejunal inflammation, and laying breeder hens dietary supplementation with β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate could enhance jejunal immunity of their offspring via the interaction between host innate immunity selected microbial colonization and microbiota educated adaptive immunity.

Necrostatin-1 Ameliorates Neutrophilic Inflammation in Asthma by Suppressing MLKL Phosphorylation to Inhibiting NETs Release

Neutrophilic inflammation occurs during asthma exacerbation, and especially, in patients with steroid-refractory asthma, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Recently, a significant accumulation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the airways of neutrophilic asthma has been documented, suggesting that NETs may play an important role in the pathogenesis. In this study, we firstly demonstrated that NETs could induce human airway epithelial cell damage in vitro. In a mouse asthmatic model of neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation, we found that NETs were markedly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and the formation of NETs exacerbated the airway inflammation. Additionally, a small-molecule drug necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) shown to inhibit NETs formation was found to alleviate the neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation. Nec-1 reduced total protein concentration, myeloperoxidase activity, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in BAL. Finally, further experiments proved that the inhibition of Nec-1 on NETs formation might be related to its ability to inhibiting mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) phosphorylation and perforation. Together, these results document that NETs are closely associated with the pathogenesis of neutrophilic asthma and inhibition of the formation of NETs by Nec-1 may be a new therapeutic strategy to ameliorate neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation.

[The role of nitric oxide in the inhibitory effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on rat colonic smooth muscle contraction]

Objective: To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)-induced inhibition upon colonic smooth muscle contraction. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was applied to observe the distribution of H(2)S-producing enzymes CBS and CSE in adult male Wistar rats. Organ bath system was used to observe the spontaneous contraction of colonic smooth muscle. Patch clamp technique was applied to record currents of L-type calcium channel (I(Ca,L)) in smooth muscle cells. Results: Specific immunoreactivity for CSE and CBS was observed in mucosa, smooth muscle and enteric plexus of rat proximal colon. NaHS elicited relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner upon muscle contraction in the presence of tetrodotoxin. The NaHS IC(50) of LM was 917.6 μmol/L (95% CI: 776.3-1 085 μmol/L, n=6) and the NaHS IC(50) of CM was 730.4 μmol/L (95% CI: 592.2-900.8 μmol/L, n=6). The SNP-induced relaxation in muscle strips was partially reversed by NaHS (P<0.05). Instead, the relaxation caused by NaHS was decreased by the sGC inhibitor ODQ but affected neither by NO precursor L-arginine, the NO inhibitor L-NNA nor the competitive cGMP antagonist PET-cGMP. NaHS (100 μmol/L) increased I(Ca,L) while NaHS (300 μmol/L) decreased the peak I(Ca,L) with modifying the ion channel characteristics (P<0.05). Conclusions: Exogenous hydrogen sulfide might have a dual effect on colonic motility and its inhibitory effect might be independent of NO signaling system. L-type calcium channel may play an important role during the process of H(2)S modulating colonic contraction.