Role of long non-coding RNA H19 in therapy resistance of digestive system cancers

Bi-level graph learning unveils prognosis-relevant tumor microenvironment patterns in breast multiplexed digital pathology

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is widely recognized for its central role in driving cancer progression and influencing prognostic outcomes. Increasing efforts have been dedicated to characterizing it, including its analysis with modern deep learning. However, identifying generalizable biomarkers has been limited by the uninterpretable nature of their predictions. We introduce a data-driven yet interpretable approach for identifying cellular patterns in the TME associated with patient prognoses. Our method relies on constructing a bi-level graph model: a cellular graph, which models the TME, and a population graph, capturing inter-patient similarities given their respective cellular graphs. We demonstrate our approach in breast cancer, showing that the identified patterns provide a risk-stratification system with new complementary information to standard clinical subtypes, and these results are validated in two independent cohorts. Our methodology could be applied to other cancer types more generally, providing insights into the spatial cellular patterns associated with patient outcomes.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Friends or Foes?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a range of conditions that start with the accumulation of fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis) and can progress to more severe stages like steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis without drinking alcohol. Environmental and genetic variables both contribute to MAFLD's development, with various biological processes and mediators involved at every phase. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules that are not translated into protein and are over 200 nucleotides long. They can impact genes that encode protein by controlling transcriptional and post-transcriptional procedures. Dysregulation of lncRNA has been connected to several liver diseases, including MAFLD. Recent research has linked lncRNAs to MAFLD pathology in both patients and animal models. However, the roles of most lncRNAs in MAFLD pathology are still not well recognized. This review provides a comprehensive catalog of recently reported lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and summarizes the current knowledge of lncRNAs usage as therapeutic strategies in MAFLD, the most common liver disease. Collectively, lncRNA's targeting could potentially offer a therapeutic approach by modulating MAFLD.

Dysregulated autoantibodies targeting AGTR1 are associated with the accumulation of COVID-19 symptoms

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a wide spectrum of symptoms, the causes of which remain poorly understood. This study explored the associations between autoantibodies (AABs), particularly those targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and renin‒angiotensin system (RAS) molecules, and the clinical manifestations of COVID-19. Using a cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals, we applied multivariate analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and multinomial regression to examine the relationships between AAB levels and key symptoms. Significant correlations were identified between specific AABs and symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, anosmia, and dysgeusia. Notably, anti-AGTR1 antibodies, which contribute to endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) degradation, a process reversed by losartan, have emerged as strong predictors of core symptoms. AAB levels increased with symptom accumulation, peaking in patients exhibiting all four key symptoms. These findings highlight the role of AABs, particularly anti-AGTR1 antibodies, in determining symptom severity and suggest their involvement in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, including vascular complications.

Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Key Nanomicelles for Effective Against Invasion and Metastasis in Ovarian Cancer Using Mice Model

Background

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages, and it has a high potential for invasion and metastasis, along with a high rate of recurrence. These factors contribute to the poor prognosis and reduced survival times for patients with this disease. The effectiveness of conventional chemoradiotherapy remains limited. Nano-particles, as a novel drug delivery system, have significant potential for improving therapeutic efficacy and overcoming these challenges.

Methods

According to the high expression level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the tumor microenvironment, MMP-2 responsive nano-particles (PVGLIG-MTX-D/T-NMs) containing docetaxel and triptolide were prepared by the thin-film dispersion method. The synergistic effect between docetaxel and triptolide was systematically investigated, the ratio of the two drugs was optimized, and the physicochemical properties of the nano-particles and their ability to inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth and metastasis were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

Results

PVGLIG-MTX-D/T-NMs enhanced the targeting, stability, and bioavailability of the drug, while reducing the dose and toxicity. In addition, by regulating the expression levels of E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), it exhibited an inhibitory effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and tumor cell angiogenesis, and effectively inhibited the invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusion

PVGLIG-MTX-D/T-NMs achieved passive targeting of tumor sites by enhancing permeability and retention (EPR) effects. Subsequently, the uptake of the drug by tumor cells was enhanced by MMP-2 responsiveness and the modification of methotrexate targeting ligands. By regulating the expression levels of invasion- and metastasis-related proteins in tumor tissues, the nano-particles affected the EMT process, inhibited tumor angiogenesis, and suppressed the malignant potential of invasion and metastasis in ovarian cancer. These findings provided a new direction for further exploration of tumor-targeted therapy.

Moura A, Filho ODMM, Pessoa C, Miranda Furtado CL. Hypomethylation at H19DMR in penile squamous cell carcinoma is not related to HPV infection

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare and aggressive tumour mainly related to lifestyle behaviour and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Environmentally induced loss of imprinting (LOI) at the H19 differentially methylated region (H19DMR) is associated with many cancers in the early events of tumorigenesis and may be involved in the pathogenesis of penile SCC. We sought to evaluate the DNA methylation pattern at H19DMR and its association with HPV infection in men with penile SCC by bisulfite sequencing (bis-seq). We observed an average methylation of 32.2% ± 11.6% at the H19DMR of penile SCC and did not observe an association between the p16INK4a+ (p = 0.59) and high-risk HPV+ (p = 0.338) markers with methylation level. The average methylation did not change according to HPV positive for p16INK4a+ or hrHPV+ (35.4% ± 10%) and negative for both markers (32.4% ± 10.1%) groups. As the region analysed has a binding site for the CTCF protein, the hypomethylation at the surrounding CpG sites might alter its insulator function. In addition, there was a positive correlation between intense polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and hypomethylation at H19DMR (p = 0.035). Here, we report that hypomethylation at H19DMR in penile SCC might contribute to tumour progression and aggressiveness regardless of HPV infection.

Therapeutic Potential of N-acetylcysteine and Glycine in Reducing Pulmonary Injury in Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is associated with systemic complications, including the development of pulmonary injury, characterized mainly by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue. This process is driven by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, both caused and exacerbated by hyperglycemia. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glycine, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, offer potential therapeutic benefits in mitigating diabetes-induced lung injury.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation by either NAC or glycine or their combination on reducing lung injury in rats with type 1 diabetes Materials and methods: The study used 30 adult Wistar albino rats (10 weeks old, weighing between 180 g and 380 g). Six of them were used as controls, while 24 adult rats (10 weeks old, 180-380 g) with type 1 diabetes, induced through a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 55 mg/kg, were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: control (CTL), diabetic (Db), NAC treatment (diabetic+NAC), glycine treatment (diabetic+glycine), and combined NAC and glycine treatment (diabetic+NAC+glycine). NAC (100 mg/kg) and glycine (250 mg/kg) were administered orally for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, lung tissues were collected for histopathological examination. Qualitative, semi-quantitative, and stereological histological analysis was used to analyze structural changes in the lung tissue. Semi-quantitative scoring was carried out to evaluate the extent of inflammation, while stereological analysis was performed to determine the volume density of alveolar spaces and septal connective tissue. The semi-quantitative scoring included scores ranging from 0 (absent), 1 (minimal), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), to 4 (severe).

RESULTS

Qualitative histological analysis revealed pronounced inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs of untreated diabetic rats, characterized by thickened alveolar septa and immune cell infiltration. Both treatments with NAC and glycine individually reduced inflammation and fibrosis compared to untreated diabetic rats. The greatest improvement was observed in the NAC+glycine group, where the alveolar structure appeared almost normal, with minimal inflammation. Semiquantitative analysis showed statistically significant differences in peribronchial and peribrochiolar infiltrates between the diabetic group (2.16±0.47) and the control group (0.33±0.21, p=0.026). The combination of NAC and glycine significantly reduced peribronchial and peribronchiolar infiltrates (0.33±0.33, p=0.026) compared to the diabetic group. Similarly, septal inflammatory infiltrates were significantly lower in the NAC+glycine group (1±0.36) compared to diabetic rats (3.33±0.33, p=0.004). Total airway inflammatory infiltration was also significantly reduced in the NAC+glycine group (1.33±0.33, p=0.002) compared to the diabetic group (5.5±0.5).

CONCLUSION

As the combination of NAC and glycine demonstrated protective effects against lung inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic rats, a synergistic effect of NAC and glycine in mitigating pulmonary complications associated with type 1 diabetes may be suggested. These findings warrant further exploration of the combination for managing diabetic lung disease and potentially other fibrotic conditions.

Extracellular vesicles in nanomedicine and regenerative medicine: A review over the last decade

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are known to be secreted by a vast majority of cells. These sEVs, specifically exosomes, induce specific cell-to-cell interactions and can activate signaling pathways in recipient cells through fusion or interaction. These nanovesicles possess several desirable properties, making them ideal for regenerative medicine and nanomedicine applications. These properties include exceptional stability, biocompatibility, wide biodistribution, and minimal immunogenicity. However, the practical utilization of sEVs, particularly in clinical settings and at a large scale, is hindered by the expensive procedures required for their isolation, limited circulation lifetime, and suboptimal targeting capacity. Despite these challenges, sEVs have demonstrated a remarkable ability to accommodate various cargoes and have found extensive applications in the biomedical sciences. To overcome the limitations of sEVs and broaden their potential applications, researchers should strive to deepen their understanding of current isolation, loading, and characterization techniques. Additionally, acquiring fundamental knowledge about sEVs origins and employing state-of-the-art methodologies in nanomedicine and regenerative medicine can expand the sEVs research scope. This review provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art exosome-based strategies in diverse nanomedicine domains, encompassing cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and biomarker applications. Furthermore, we emphasize the immense potential of exosomes in regenerative medicine.

Critical role of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in radiotherapy (RT)-resistance of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer: Is there a way to defeat this resistance?

Radiotherapy (RT) is a frequently used treatment for cervical cancer, effectively decreasing the likelihood of the disease returning in the same area and extending the lifespan of individuals with cervical cancer. Nevertheless, the primary reason for treatment failure in cancer patients is the cancer cells' resistance to radiation therapy (RT). Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a subset of RNA molecules that do not code for proteins and are longer than 200 nucleotides. They have a significant impact on the regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers biological processes. Recent research has shown that lncRNAs have a significant impact in controlling the responsiveness of GI cancer to radiation. This review provides a concise overview of the composition and operation of lncRNAs as well as the intricate molecular process behind radiosensitivity in GI cancer. Additionally, it compiles a comprehensive list of lncRNAs that are linked to radiosensitivity in such cancers. Furthermore, it delves into the potential practical implementation of these lncRNAs in modulating radiosensitivity in GI cancer.

The diagnostic value of serum lncRNA CATG00000112921.1 as a marker of multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disease. At present, numerous studies have shown that lncRNA plays a very important role in the occurrence, development and even drug resistance of multiple myeloma. It may become a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker of multiple myeloma and provide new ideas for targeted therapy. Based on the above research background, this study used gene chip technology to screen out the differentially expressed lncRNA in the serum of MM patients and healthy people, and verified more clinical serum samples to screen out the lncRNA with the largest difference as a biomarker for further research.

METHOD

In this research, the data of hospitalized patients diagnosed with MM and healthy people in the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University were retrospectively collected. The lncRNA expression profile of serum samples from patients with multiple myeloma and healthy controls was analyzed by lncRNA chip technology. The serum samples were verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the candidate diagnostic markers were screened out. The ROC working curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the candidate markers and to determine their stability at different temperatures and time.

RESULT

A total of 44 MM patients and 37 healthy people were involved in this research. Among them, 4 patients with MM and 4 patients with HD were sent for microarray analysis. According to Fold Change ≥ 2 and P < 0.05, a total of 17 differentially expressed lncRNA molecules were screened, of which 9 were up-regulated RNA molecules and 8 were down-regulated RNA molecules. Through real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR verification, it was found that lncRNA CATG00000112921.1 was highly expressed in the healthy control group and diminished in patients with multiple myeloma, P < 0.001. The ROC curve demonstrated that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.749, the sensitivity was 0.636, the specificity was 0.789, and the 95 % CI was 0.636-0.862 (P < 0.001). In addition, in order to verify the effects of temperature, time and repeated freezing and thawing on lncRNA, it was placed at 25°C, 4°C, -20°C, -80°C for 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and placed at-80°C repeated freezing and thawing 0 times, 2 times, 4 times, 8 times, and the expression level was not significantly changed.

CONCLUSION

Serum lncRNA CATG00000112921.1 may be a potential candidate diagnostic marker for multiple myeloma. The ROC curve shows that it has good diagnostic value, and its high stability at different temperatures and different times is a required condition for becoming a diagnostic marker. As far as we know, this is the first study in the world to find differential expression of lncRNA CATG00000112921.1 in peripheral serum of healthy people and newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. This study also highlights the application of gene chip technology in screening differentially expressed genes.

Long Non-Coding RNA H19 Leads to Upregulation of γ-Globin Gene Expression during Erythroid Differentiation

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important because they are involved in a variety of life activities and have many downstream targets. Moreover, there is also increasing evidence that some lncRNAs play important roles in the expression and regulation of γ-globin genes. In our previous study, we analyzed genetic material from nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) extracted from premature and full-term umbilical cord blood samples. Through RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis, lncRNA H19 emerged as a differentially expressed transcript between the two blood types. While this discovery provided insight into H19, previous studies had not investigated its effect on the γ-globin gene. Therefore, the focus of our study was to explore the impact of H19 on the γ-globin gene. In this study, we discovered that overexpressing H19 led to a decrease in HBG mRNA levels during erythroid differentiation in K562 cells. Conversely, in CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and human umbilical cord blood-derived erythroid progenitor (HUDEP-2) cells, HBG expression increased. Additionally, we observed that H19 was primarily located in the nucleus of K562 cells, while in HUDEP-2 cells, H19 was present predominantly in the cytoplasm. These findings suggest a significant upregulation of HBG due to H19 overexpression. Notably, cytoplasmic localization in HUDEP-2 cells hints at its potential role as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), regulating γ-globin expression by targeting microRNA/mRNA interactions.

The role of TRIM25 in the occurrence and development of cancers and inflammatory diseases

The tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins are a group of proteins involved in different signaling pathways. The changes in the expression regulation, function, and signaling of this protein family are associated with the occurrence and progression of a wide range of disorders. Given the importance of these proteins in pathogenesis, they can be considered as potential therapeutic targets for many diseases. TRIM25, as an E3-ubiquitin ligase, is involved in the development of various diseases and cellular mechanisms, including antiviral innate immunity and cell proliferation. The clinical studies conducted on restricting the function of this protein have reached promising results that can be further evaluated in the future. Here, we review the regulation of TRIM25 and its function in different diseases and signaling pathways, especially the retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) signaling which prompts many kinds of cancers and inflammatory disorders.

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19: An essential developmental regulator with expanding roles in cancer, stem cell differentiation, and metabolic diseases

Recent advances in deep sequencing technologies have revealed that, while less than 2% of the human genome is transcribed into mRNA for protein synthesis, over 80% of the genome is transcribed, leading to the production of large amounts of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). It has been shown that ncRNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), may play crucial regulatory roles in gene expression. As one of the first isolated and reported lncRNAs, H19 has gained much attention due to its essential roles in regulating many physiological and/or pathological processes including embryogenesis, development, tumorigenesis, osteogenesis, and metabolism. Mechanistically, H19 mediates diverse regulatory functions by serving as competing endogenous RNAs (CeRNAs), Igf2/H19 imprinted tandem gene, modular scaffold, cooperating with H19 antisense, and acting directly with other mRNAs or lncRNAs. Here, we summarized the current understanding of H19 in embryogenesis and development, cancer development and progression, mesenchymal stem cell lineage-specific differentiation, and metabolic diseases. We discussed the potential regulatory mechanisms underlying H19's functions in those processes although more in-depth studies are warranted to delineate the exact molecular, cellular, epigenetic, and genomic regulatory mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological roles of H19. Ultimately, these lines of investigation may lead to the development of novel therapeutics for human diseases by exploiting H19 functions.

The c-Src/LIST Positive Feedback Loop Sustains Tumor Progression and Chemoresistance

Chemotherapy resistance and treatment failure hinder clinical cancer treatment. Src, the first mammalian proto-oncogene to be discovered, is a valuable anti-cancer therapeutic target. Although several c-Src inhibitors have reached the clinical stage, drug resistance remains a challenge during treatment. Herein, a positive feedback loop between a previously uncharacterized long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which the authors renamed lncRNA-inducing c-Src tumor-promoting function (LIST), and c-Src is uncovered. LIST directly binds to and regulates the Y530 phosphorylation activity of c-Src. As a c-Src agonist, LIST promotes tumor chemoresistance and progression in vitro and in vivo in multiple cancer types. c-Src can positively regulate LIST transcription by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway and then recruiting the P65 transcription factor to the LIST promoter. Interestingly, the LIST/c-Src interaction is associated with evolutionary new variations of c-Src. It is proposed that the human-specific LIST/c-Src axis renders an extra layer of control over c-Src activity. Additionally, the LIST/c-Src axis is of high physiological relevance in cancer and may be a valuable prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target.

Long non-coding RNAs and gastric cancer: An update of potential biomarkers and therapeutic applications

The frequent metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) complicates the cure and therefore the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is urgently necessary. In recent years, lncRNA has emerged as a drug target in the treatment of GC, particularly in the areas of cancer immunity, cancer metabolism, and cancer metastasis. This has led to the demonstration of the importance of these RNAs as prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this review, we provide an overview of the biological activities of lncRNAs in GC development and update the latest pathological activities, prognostic and diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic options for GC-related lncRNAs.

Potential roles of lncRNA-XIST/miRNAs/mRNAs in human cancer cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that contain more than 200 nucleotides but do not code for proteins. In tumorigenesis, lncRNAs can have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties. X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) is a known lncRNA that has been implicated in X chromosome silencing in female cells. Dysregulation of XIST is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. Therefore, XIST can be a beneficial prognostic biomarker for human malignancies. In this review, we attempt to summarize the emerging roles of XIST in human cancers.

LINC00511, a future star for the diagnosis and therapy of digestive system malignant tumors

The digestive system malignant tumors (DSMTs), mainly consist of digestive tract and digestive gland tumors, become an inescapable culprit to hazard human health worldwide. Due to the huge hysteresis in the cognitive theories of DSMTs occurrence and progression, advances in medical technology have not improved the prognosis. Therefore, more studies on a variety of tumor-associated molecular biomarkers and more detailed disclosure on potential regulatory networks are urgently needed to facilitate the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of DSMTs. With the development of cancer bioinformatics, a special type of endogenous RNA involved in multi-level cellular function regulation rather than encoding protein, is categorized as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and becomes a hotspot issue in oncology. Among them, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcription length > 200 nt, show obvious superiority in both research quantity and dimension compared to microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). As a recently discovered lncRNA, LINC00511 has been confirmed to be closely associated with DSMTs and might be exploited as a novel biomarker. In the present review, the comprehensive studies of LINC00511 in DSMTs are summarized, as well as the underlying molecular regulatory networks. In addition, deficiencies in researches are point out and discussed. The Cumulative oncology studies provide a fully credible theoretical basis for identifying the regulatory role of LINC00511 in human DSMTs. LINC00511, proved to be an oncogene in DSMTs, might be defined as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation, as well as a rare therapeutic target.

Investigating microRNAs in diabetic cardiomyopathy as tools for early detection and therapeutics

To profile microRNAs population of glucose-induced cardiomyoblast cell line and identify the differentially expressed microRNAs and their role under pre-diabetes and diabetes condition in vitro. Rat fetal ventricular cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2 was treated with D-glucose to mimic pre-diabetic, diabetic, and high-glucose conditions. Alteration in cellular, nuclear morphology, and change in ROS generation was analyzed through fluorescent staining. Small RNA sequencing was performed using Illumina NextSeq 550 sequencer and was validated using stem-loop qRT-PCR. A large number (~ 100) differential miRNAs were detected in each treated samples as compared to control; however, a similar expression pattern was observed between pre-diabetes and diabetes conditions with the exception for miR-429, miR-101b-5p, miR-503-3p, miR-384-5p, miR-412-5p, miR-672-5p, and miR-532-3p. Functional annotation of differential expressed target genes revealed their involvement in significantly enriched key pathways associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy. For the first time, we report the differential expression of miRNAs (miR-1249, miR-3596d, miR- 3586-3p, miR-7b-3p, miR-191, miR-330-3p, miR-328a, let7i-5p, miR-146-3p, miR-26a-3p) in diabetes-induced cardiac cells. Hyperglycemia threatens the cell homeostasis by dysregulation of miRNAs that begins at a glucose level 10 mM and remains undetected. Analysis of differential expressed miRNAs in pre-diabetes and diabetes conditions and their role in regulatory mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy holds high potential in the direction of using miRNAs as minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Effects of convalescent plasma infusion on the ADAMTS13-von Willebrand factor axis and endothelial integrity in patients with severe and critical COVID-19

Background

Convalescent plasma infusion (CPI) was given to patients with COVID-19 during the early pandemic with mixed therapeutic efficacy. However, the impacts of CPI on the ADAMTS13-von Willebrand factor (VWF) axis and vascular endothelial functions are not known.

Objectives

To determine the impacts of CPI on the ADAMTS13-VWF axis and vascular endothelial functions.

Methods

Sixty hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in the study; 46 received CPI and 14 received no CPI. Plasma ADAMTS13 activity, VWF antigen, endothelial syndecan-1, and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) were assessed before and 24 hours after treatment.

Results

Patients with severe and critical COVID-19 exhibited significantly lower plasma ADAMTS13 activity than the healthy controls. Conversely, these patients showed a significantly increased VWF antigen. This resulted in markedly reduced ratios of ADAMTS13 to VWF in these patients. The levels of plasma ADAMTS13 activity in each patient remained relatively constant throughout hospitalization. Twenty-four hours following CPI, plasma ADAMTS13 activity increased by ∼12% from the baseline in all patients and ∼21% in those who survived. In contrast, plasma levels of VWF antigen varied significantly over time. Patients who died exhibited a significant reduction of plasma VWF antigen from the baseline 24 hours following CPI, whereas those who survived did not. Furthermore, patients with severe and critical COVID-19 showed significantly elevated plasma levels of syndecan-1 and sTM, similar to those found in patients with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Both syndecan-1 and sTM levels were significantly reduced 24 hours following CPI.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the relative deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity and endothelial damage in patients with severe and critical COVID-19, which could be modestly improved following CPI therapy.

A novel long noncoding RNA SP100-AS1 induces radioresistance of colorectal cancer via sponging miR-622 and stabilizing ATG3

Although radiotherapy is an essential modality in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), the incidence of radioresistance remains high clinically. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) reportedly play critical roles in CRC radioresistance by regulating genes or proteins at the transcriptional or post-translational levels. This study aimed to identify novel lncRNAs involved in radioresistance. We found that SP100-AS1 (lncRNA targeting antisense sequence of SP100 gene) was upregulated in radioresistant CRC patient tissues using RNA-seq analysis. Importantly, knockdown of SP100-AS1 significantly reduced radioresistance, cell proliferation, and tumor formation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analyses were used to identify the interacting proteins and microRNAs of SP100-AS1, respectively. Moreover, SP100-AS1 was found to interact with and stabilize ATG3 protein through the ubiquitination-dependent proteasome pathway. In addition, it could serve as a sponge for miR-622, which targeted ATG3 mRNA and affected autophagic activity. Thus, lncRNA SP100-AS1 could act as a radioresistance factor in CRC patients via RNA sponging and protein stabilizing mechanisms. In conclusion, the present study indicates that SP100-AS1/miR-622/ATG3 axis contributes to radioresistance and autophagic activity in CRC patients, suggesting it has huge prospects as a therapeutic target for improving CRC response to radiation therapy.

Research progress on the circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide. Genetic and epigenetic alterations are key factors in gastric carcinogenesis and drug resistance to chemotherapy. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation models have defined circRNA/lncRNA as miRNA sponges that indirectly regulate miRNA downstream target genes. The ceRNA regulatory network is related to the malignant biological behaviour of gastric cancer. The circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis may be a marker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer and a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer. Exosomal ncRNAs play an important role in gastric cancer and are expected to be ideal biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of gastric cancer. This review summarizes the specific ceRNA regulatory network (circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) discovered in gastric cancer in recent years, which may provide new ideas or strategies for early clinical diagnosis, further development, and application.

Mechanism underlying circRNA dysregulation in the TME of digestive system cancer

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new series of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that have been reported to be expressed in eukaryotic cells and have a variety of biological functions in the regulation of cancer pathogenesis and progression. The TME, as a microscopic ecological environment, consists of a variety of cells, including tumor cells, immune cells and other normal cells, ECM and a large number of signaling molecules. The crosstalk between circRNAs and the TME plays a complicated role in affecting the malignant behaviors of digestive system cancers. Herein, we summarize the mechanisms underlying aberrant circRNA expression in the TME of the digestive system cancers, including immune surveillance, angiogenesis, EMT, and ECM remodelling. The regulation of the TME by circRNA is expected to be a new therapeutic method.

Molecular Alterations of the Endocannabinoid System in Psychiatric Disorders

The therapeutic benefits of the current medications for patients with psychiatric disorders contrast with a great variety of adverse effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) components have gained high interest as potential new targets for treating psychiatry diseases because of their neuromodulator role, which is essential to understanding the regulation of many brain functions. This article reviewed the molecular alterations in ECS occurring in different psychiatric conditions. The methods used to identify alterations in the ECS were also described. We used a translational approach. The animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neurochemical aspects of psychiatric disorders and the molecular alterations in clinical studies in post-mortem brain tissue or peripheral tissues were analyzed. This article reviewed the most relevant ECS changes in prevalent psychiatric diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, autism, attentional deficit, eating disorders (ED), and addiction. The review concludes that clinical research studies are urgently needed for two different purposes: (1) To identify alterations of the ECS components potentially useful as new biomarkers relating to a specific disease or condition, and (2) to design new therapeutic targets based on the specific alterations found to improve the pharmacological treatment in psychiatry.

Carbon quantum dots-Annexin V probe: photoinduced electron transfer mechanism, phosphatidylserine detection, and apoptotic cell imaging

An annexin V-based probe is designed and fabricated using carbon quantum dot as highly stable and biocompatible fluorescent crystals for real-time fluorescence imaging of apoptotic cells. Carbon quantum dots were synthesized, characterized, and conjugated to annexin V. The fluorescence of CQDs at 450 nm (excitation at 350 nm) is quenched due to the photoinduced electron transfer between "carbon quantum dots" and two amino acids (tyrosine and tryptophan) in the annexin structure as quencher. The probe shows very strong and bright fluorescence emission in the presence of phosphatidylserine on the outer layer of the apoptotic cell membrane. It was shown that using fluorescence spectroscopy, the probe can be applied to sensitive phosphatidylserine determination and using fluorescence microscopy, it is possible to monitor cell apoptosis in real time.

Introducing the brain erythropoietin circle to explain adaptive brain hardware upgrade and improved performance

Executive functions, learning, attention, and processing speed are imperative facets of cognitive performance, affected in neuropsychiatric disorders. In clinical studies on different patient groups, recombinant human (rh) erythropoietin (EPO) lastingly improved higher cognition and reduced brain matter loss. Correspondingly, rhEPO treatment of young rodents or EPO receptor (EPOR) overexpression in pyramidal neurons caused remarkable and enduring cognitive improvement, together with enhanced hippocampal long-term potentiation. The 'brain hardware upgrade', underlying these observations, includes an EPO induced ~20% increase in pyramidal neurons and oligodendrocytes in cornu ammonis hippocampi in the absence of elevated DNA synthesis. In parallel, EPO reduces microglia numbers and dampens their activity and metabolism as prerequisites for undisturbed EPO-driven differentiation of pre-existing local neuronal precursors. These processes depend on neuronal and microglial EPOR. This novel mechanism of powerful postnatal neurogenesis, outside the classical neurogenic niches, and on-demand delivery of new cells, paralleled by dendritic spine increase, let us hypothesize a physiological procognitive role of hypoxia-induced endogenous EPO in brain, which we imitate by rhEPO treatment. Here we delineate the brain EPO circle as working model explaining adaptive 'brain hardware upgrade' and improved performance. In this fundamental regulatory circle, neuronal networks, challenged by motor-cognitive tasks, drift into transient 'functional hypoxia', thereby triggering neuronal EPO/EPOR expression.

LncRNA H19 modulated by miR-146b-3p/miR-1539-mediated allelic regulation in transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Although overall survival (OS) of TACE-treated patients has been evidently prolonged, not all unresectable HCC patients can benefit from TACE. Genome-wide association studies identified multiple HCC susceptibility single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, it is still unclear how lncRNAs and their functional SNPs impact therapeutic responses of TACE. In the study, we hypothesized that the functional lncRNA H19 SNP(s) might impact H19 expression and, thus, prognosis of TACE-treated HCC patients. We found that the H19 rs3741219 SNP was significantly associated with OS of HCC patients received TACE. Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that the rs3741219 CC genotype was associated with longer OS and a 37% decreased death risk compared with the TT carriers after TACE therapy (P = 0.001). Interestingly, the rs3741219 T-to-C change led to allelic down-regulation of lncRNA H19 expression via creating the binding sites of miR-146b-3p and miR-1539. Luciferase reporter gene assays indicated that miR-146b-3p and miR-1539 could markedly silence the rs3741219 C-allelic H19 expression but not lncRNA H19 with the T allele. Consistently, there was significantly reduced expression of lncRNA H19 in HCC and normal tissues of the C allele carriers compared with the H19 levels in patients with the T allele. Knock-down of lncRNA H19 significantly promoted the anti-viability efficiency of oxaliplatin (the main chemotherapy drug used in TACE) to HCC cells. In view of these results, we assume that lncRNA H19 might be a potential therapeutic target for unresectable HCC patients.

Long non-coding RNA SLC25A25-AS1 exhibits oncogenic roles in non-small cell lung cancer by regulating the microRNA-195-5p/ITGA2 axis

Long non-coding RNA SLC25A25 antisense RNA 1 (SLC25A25-AS1) exerts antitumour activity in colorectal cancer. The present study investigated whether SLC25A25-AS1 is implicated in the aggressiveness of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the possible underlying mechanism. SLC25A25-AS1 expression in NSCLC was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were tested in vitro through cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, Transwell migration and invasion assays, followed by in vivo validation using animal experiments. Additionally, the competitive endogenous RNA theory for SLC25A25-AS1, microRNA-195-5p (miR-195-5p) and integrin α2 (ITGA2) was identified using subcellular fractionation, bioinformatics analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting, a luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. As compared with normal lung tissues, increased expression of SLC25A25-AS1 was demonstrated in NSCLC tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas database.. In addition, SLC25A25-AS1 was overexpressed in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. High SLC25A25-AS1 expression was markedly associated with shorter overall survival time of patients with NSCLC. SLC25A25-AS1 silencing impeded NSCLC cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis, while restricting cell migration and invasion. Tumour growth in vivo was also impaired by SLC25A25-AS1 silencing. Mechanistically, SLC25A25-AS1 was demonstrated to be an miR-195-5p sponge in NSCLC cells. miR-195-5p mimics decreased ITGA2 expression in NSCLC cells by directly targeting ITGA2, and SLC25A25-AS1 interference decreased ITGA2 expression by sequestering miR-195-5p. Furthermore, the antitumour effects of SLC25A25-AS1 silencing on malignant behaviours were counteracted when ITGA2 was restored or when miR-195-5p was silenced. In summary, by controlling the miR-195-5p/ITGA2 axis, SLC25A25-AS1 served tumour-promoting roles in NSCLC cells. Therefore, the SLC25A25-AS1/miR-195-5p/ITGA2 signalling pathway might be an attractive target for future therapeutic options in NSCLC.