Testosterone promotes the migration, invasion and EMT process of papillary thyroid carcinoma by up-regulating Tnnt1

PURPOSE

To explore the key genes and molecular pathways in the progression of thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC) promoted by testosterone using RNA-sequencing technology, and to provide new drug targets for improving the therapeutic effect of PTC.

METHODS

Orchiectomy (ORX) was carried out to construct ORX mouse models. TPC-1 cells were subcutaneously injected for PTC formation in mice, and the tumor tissues were collected for RNA-seq. The key genes were screened by bioinformatics technology. Tnnt1 expression in PTC cells was knocked down or overexpressed by transfection. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, scratch assay and transwell assay were adopted, respectively, for the detection of cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Besides, quantification real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were utilized to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes in tissues or cells.

RESULTS

Both estradiol and testosterone promoted the growth of PTC xenografts. The key gene Tnnt1 was screened and obtained by bioinformatics technology. Functional analysis revealed that overexpression of Tnnt1 could markedly promote the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of PTC cells, as well as could activate p38/JNK pathway. In addition, si-Tnt1 was able to inhibit the cancer-promoting effect of testosterone.

CONCLUSION

Based on the outcomes of bioinformatics and basic experiments, it is found that testosterone can promote malignant behaviors such as growth, migration, invasion and EMT process of PTC by up-regulating Tnnt1 expression. In addition, the function of testosterone may be achieved by activating p38/JNK signaling pathway.

Analysis of the Influence of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention on Vital Signs and Negative Emotions of Patients with Gastrointestinal Polyps Treated by Digestive Endoscopy

This research sets out to elucidate the influence of comprehensive nursing intervention (CNI) on vital signs (VSs) and negative emotions (NEs) of patients with gastrointestinal polyps treated by digestive endoscopy. To address this, from January 2020 to February 2021, 92 cases of gastrointestinal polyps treated by digestive endoscopy in the Yuyao People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province were partitioned into two different groups: the control group (CG; n = 46) intervened by routine nursing intervention, and the research group (RG; n = 46) treated by CNI based on routine care. The VSs, NEs, time of first postoperative exhaust and defecation, early food intake, length of stay (LOS), quality of life (QOL), nursing satisfaction, and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between groups. When entering the operating room, elevated systolic/diastolic (SBP/DBP) was observed in CG compared with RG (P < 0.05) while there was no statistical difference in SBP/DBP in RG before intervention and when entering the operating room (P > 0.05). Statistically, less time of first exhaust and defecation as well as LOS and early food intake were observed in RG (P < 0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores declined in both arms postintervention, and the decrease was more obvious in RG (P < 0.05). After intervention, the scores of various domains of GQOLI-74 elevated in both arms, and the increase was more obvious in RG (P < 0.05). RG also showed a lower total complication rate and a higher degree of nursing satisfaction than CG (P < 0.05). CNI for patients with gastrointestinal polyps treated by digestive endoscopy can obviously relieve their anxiety and depression, with stable VSs, short LOS, and low incidence of complications.

Application of difficult endotracheal intubation under fluoroscopy in otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery

PURPOSE

Thyroid cancer, laryngeal cancer and retrosternal goiter are common diseases of head and neck, which often causes difficulty breathing and dyspnea. However, it is usually hard to use conventional methods to deal with this problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an interventional technique for difficult endotracheal intubation (DEI) caused by head and neck diseases.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 35 patients who underwent an interventional technique for difficult endotracheal intubation and evaluated the efficacy of this approach and observe postoperative pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂), Hugh-Jones grade, and complications.

RESULTS

The procedures were successfully completed in all patients who underwent DEI. The technical and clinical success rate of the procedures was 100%. The average procedure duration was 3.2 ± 1.1 min (range 1-5 min). The patients' postoperative SpO₂ and Hugh-Jones grade improved, and dyspnea symptoms resolved. There were no serious EI-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventional EI under fluoroscopy is a safe, simple, and fast method for accurate intubation and an effective method for DEI; furthermore, it allows for subsequent clinical treatment.

Circular RNA ITCH attenuates the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by inducing PTEN upregulation via miR-214

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (circ-ITCH) has previously been reported to play a key role in carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the role of circ-ITCH in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains to be explored.

METHODS

Gene expression analysis was performed using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The role of circ-ITCH in NPC was explored using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, colony formation, transwell invasion, scratch healing and xenograft tumor assays. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was carried out to assess the interactions among circ-ITCH, microRNA-214 (miR-214) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN).

RESULTS

The levels of circ-ITCH and PTEN were decreased, whereas the level of miR-214 was increased in NPC tissues collected from 28 subjects compared to normal nasopharynx tissues collected from 15 subjects. Moreover, a negative correlation between circ-ITCH and miR-214 expression and a positive correlation between circ-ITCH and PTEN expression were observed in NPC tissues. Downregulation of circ-ITCH expression was also observed in NPC cell lines. In addition, upregulation of circ-ITCH markedly inhibited NPC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, circ-ITCH was confirmed to exert its function by sponging miR-214. PTEN was found to be a direct target gene of miR-214 and its expression was negatively correlated with miR-214 expression in NPC tissues. Moreover, our results showed that the circ-ITCH/miR-214 axis regulated NPC proliferation, migration and invasion through regulating the expression of PTEN. Upregulation of circ-ITCH or PTEN blocked miR-214-mediated promotion of NPC tumorigenesis in vitro. Additionally, upregulation of circ-ITCH also suppressed NPC tumorigenesis in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that circ-ITCH suppressed NPC tumorigenesis by upregulating PTEN expression through interacting with miR-214, thus proposing a novel mechanism for NPC inhibition.

Artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy: A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of polyp detection

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) assistance has been considered as a promising way to improve colonoscopic polyp detection, but there are limited prospective studies on real-time use of AI systems.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing colonoscopy at six centers. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to conventional colonoscopy (control group) or AI-assisted colonoscopy (AI group). AI assistance was our newly developed AI system for real-time colonoscopic polyp detection. Primary outcome is polyp detection rate (PDR). Secondary outcomes include polyps per positive patient (PPP), polyps per colonoscopy (PPC), and non-first polyps per colonoscopy (PPC-Plus).

RESULTS

A total of 2352 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with the control, AI group did not show significant increment in PDR (38.8% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.183), but its PPC-Plus was significantly higher (0.5 vs. 0.4, p < 0.05). In addition, AI group detected more diminutive polyps (76.0% vs. 68.8%, p < 0.01) and flat polyps (5.9% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.05). The effects varied somewhat between centers. In further logistic regression analysis, AI assistance independently contributed to the increment of PDR, and the impact was more pronounced for male endoscopists, shorter insertion time but longer withdrawal time, and elderly patients with larger waist circumference.

CONCLUSION

The intervention of AI plays a limited role in overall polyp detection, but increases detection of easily missed polyps; ChiCTR.org.cn number, ChiCTR1800015607.

Comparative analysis of differences between preoperative endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathological examination for diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to compare the differences between preoperative endoscopic biopsy (PEB) and postoperative pathological examination (PPE) for diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN).

METHODS

From September 2016 to July 2019, 188 consecutive patients with GIN at Yuyao People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The 188 patients had 218 GIN lesions. All patients underwent PEB and either endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment. PPE was performed on pathological tissues that had been surgically removed.

RESULTS

Among 138 cases of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) diagnosed by PEB, 46 were upgraded to high-grade dysplasia (HGD), 20 were upgraded to early gastric cancer (EGC), and 2 were downgraded to inflammation after PPE. Among 42 cases of HGD, 23 were upgraded to EGC, 2 were downgraded to LGD, and 2 were downgraded to inflammation after PPE. Among 38 cases of EGC, 1 was downgraded to HGD and 2 were downgraded to LGD after PPE. The original diagnosis was maintained after the operation in 120 cases of GIN.

CONCLUSION

Biopsy did not fully reflect the lesions of GIN. Biopsy review should be actively performed, and the lesions should be clarified by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgery.

Cellular viability and death biomarkers enables the evaluation of ocular irritation using the bovine corneal opacity and permeability assay

The BCOP assay is used in the identification of chemicals that cause no ocular irritation or serious damage. However, this method has not been found to adequately discriminate between mild from moderate ocular irritation (category 2A/2B), based upon the animal data. In this study, we aimed to establish methods for discerning ocular irritation by chemicals. We used the BCOP assay and the fluorescence staining methods based on biomarkers for cellular viability and death. The potential for ocular irritation by 12 chemicals from different UN GHS categories was assessed by the BCOP assay. Cryosections of bovine corneas were obtained. The necrotic nucleus was TUNEL labeled, cytoplasmic f-actin was stained by phalloidin while the nucleus was stained by DAPI. The depth of injury (DOI) was then measured. According to BCOP assay, in vivo data of Draize eye test and DOI, the results showed that category NC irritants caused ≤ 10 % epithelial DOI, irritants of category 2B caused >10 % epithelial DOI and showed no stromal damage, while category 2A showed damage to the stroma. Based on these results, the GHS prediction model could distinguish between GHS 2A and 2B. Authenticating the viability of BCOP by DOI measurements can provide a more reliable basis for classifying ocular irritants.

Inhibition of Histone Deacetylation by MS-275 Alleviates Colitis by Activating the Vitamin D Receptor

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is a common chronic inflammatory bowel disease without curative treatment.

METHODS

We conducted gene set enrichment analysis to explore potential therapeutic agents for UC. Human colon tissue samples were collected to test H3 acetylation in UC. Both in vivo and in vitro colitis models were constructed to verify the role and mechanism of H3 acetylation modification in UC. Intestine-specific vitamin D receptor [VDR]-/- mice and VD [vitamin D]-deficient diet-fed mice were used to explore downstream molecular mechanisms accordingly.

RESULTS

According to the Connectivity Map database, MS-275 [class I histone deacetylase inhibitor] was the top-ranked agent, indicating the potential importance of histone acetylation in the pathogenesis of UC. We then found that histone H3 acetylation was significantly lower in the colon epithelium of UC patients and negatively associated with disease severity. MS-275 treatment inhibited histone H3 deacetylation, subsequently attenuating nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB]-induced inflammation, reducing cellular apoptosis, maintaining epithelial barrier function, and thereby reducing colitis activity in a mouse model of colitis. We also identified VDR as be a downstream effector of MS-275. The curative effect of MS-275 on colitis was abolished in VDR-/- mice and in VD-deficient diet-fed mice and VDR directly targeted p65. In UC patients, histone H3 acetylation, VDR and zonulin-1 expression showed similar downregulation patterns and were negatively associated with disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that MS-275 inhibits histone deacetylation and alleviates colitis by ameliorating inflammation, reducing apoptosis, and maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier via VDR, providing new strategies for UC treatment.

Comparison of application value between conventional air insufflation and water infusion in colonoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the feasibility of water infusion colonoscopy and its difference with traditional air insufflation colonoscopy in application value.

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled clinical study was designed to include 200 patients who underwent sedation-free diagnostic colonoscopy. Among them, 100 patients were treated with water infusion colonoscopy (observation group) and 100 patients were treated with air insufflation colonoscopy (control group). All operations were performed independently by the same experienced physician. The differences in colonoscopy related values, colon adenoma detection rate, and follow-up findings between the patients of two groups were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) score of the left hemicolon, transverse colon, right hemicolon, total BBPS scores, and bubble amount between the two groups (P>0.05). In the observation group, the scope-forward time, the time to reach the ileocecal junction, and the total operation time were significantly longer than that of the control group (P<0.01). The proportion of patients in whom the ileocecal junction was successfully reached was significantly higher in the observation group. The intraoperative abdominal pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, abdominal distension VAS score, the proportion of postural change, and the proportion of abdominal compression were all significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the endoscope hardness adjustment rate, the scope withdrawal time, total detection rate of adenomas, and the size or location of colon adenomatous lesions between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with control group, the incidence of abdominal pain and VAS scores were significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05), and the willingness of patients to perform colonoscopy again was significantly higher (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Patients' tolerance and examination satisfaction are significantly better when using water infusion colonoscopy compared with traditional air insufflation colonoscopy, but the operation times are longer.

Downregulated long non-coding RNA SNHG7 restricts proliferation and boosts apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by elevating microRNA-140-5p to suppress GLI3 expression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proposed to correlate with various carcinomas, yet the role of lncRNA SNHG7 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is hardly studied. This study intends to examine the molecular mechanism of SNHG7 on NPC cells. The NPC tissues and nasopharyngeal tissues of mild inflammation of nasopharyngeal mucosa were obtained. SNHG7, miR-140-5p, and GLI3 mRNA and protein expression in tissues and in the CNE1, HONE1, C666-1, CNE2, and normal NP69 cell lines was detected. IC50 and the protein expression of related drug-resistant genes of CNE2 and CNE2/DDP cells were determined. Proliferative ability, cell colony formation rate, cell cycle, and apoptosis of CNE2 and CNE2/DDP cells were also detected. SNHG7, miR-140-5p, and GLI3 mRNA and protein expression in CNE2 and CNE2/DDP cells in each group was detected. SNHG7’s cell localization, the binding sites of SNHG7 and miR-140-5p along with miR-140-5p and GLI3 were detected. Overexpressed SNHG7 and GLI3, and underexpressed miR-140-5p were found in NPC tissues and cells. SNHG7 silencing and miR-140-5p elevation declined the drug resistance of drug-resistant NPC cells and their parent cells, restrained NPC cell colony formation ability and proliferation, and boosted cell apoptosis. SNHG7 specially bound to miR-140-5p, and SNHG7 silencing elevated miR-140-5p expression. GLI3 was a direct target gene of miR-140-5p and miR-140-5p elevation diminished GLI3 expression. MiR-140-5p inhibition reversed the impacts of SNHG7 silencing on NPC cells. In summary, our study reveals that downregulated SNHG7 restricts GLI3 expression by upregulating miR-140-5p, which further suppresses cell proliferation, and promotes apoptosis of NPC.

Convolutional neural network for the diagnosis of early gastric cancer based on magnifying narrow band imaging

BACKGROUND

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging (M-NBI) has been applied to examine early gastric cancer by observing microvascular architecture and microsurface structure of gastric mucosal lesions. However, the diagnostic efficacy of non-experts in differentiating early gastric cancer from non-cancerous lesions by M-NBI remained far from satisfactory. In this study, we developed a new system based on convolutional neural network (CNN) to analyze gastric mucosal lesions observed by M-NBI.

METHODS

A total of 386 images of non-cancerous lesions and 1702 images of early gastric cancer were collected to train and establish a CNN model (Inception-v3). Then a total of 341 endoscopic images (171 non-cancerous lesions and 170 early gastric cancer) were selected to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of CNN and endoscopists. Primary outcome measures included diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CNN system in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer were 91.18%, 90.64%, and 90.91%, respectively. No significant difference was spotted in the specificity and accuracy of diagnosis between CNN and experts. However, the diagnostic sensitivity of CNN was significantly higher than that of the experts. Furthermore, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CNN were significantly higher than those of the non-experts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our CNN system showed high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer. It is anticipated that more progress will be made in optimization of the CNN diagnostic system and further development of artificial intelligence in the medical field.

Evaluation of endoscopic coblation treatment for obliteration of congenital pyriform sinus fistula

BACKGROUND

Congenital pyriform sinus fistula is a very rare branchial apparatus malformation. Conventional open surgery for fistulectomy might fail to excise the lesion completely, leading to continual recurrence. The aim of this study was to provide an innovative endoscopic coblation technique for patients with pyriform sinus fistula and evaluate its intermediate-term effectiveness.

METHODS

Retrospective case series with 112 patients (age range 3-36 years) between 2013 and 2016 and underwent endoscopic coblation of the sinus fistula. Data collected including patient demographics, presenting symptoms, diagnostic methods, prior and subsequent treatments, length of hospital stay, and recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 112 cases, there were no postoperative complications observed except temporary reddish swelling in three patients. Four cases were lost to follow-up. Of 108 patients, 106 experienced no recurrence after their first endoscopic coblation of the sinus tract. The remaining two patients with recurrence in the follow-up were ultimately treated with recoblation without complications or further recurrences. Also, Endoscopic coblation can be used to treat seven patients with recurrence who had experienced open resection. In our series, median follow-up period was 1.5 years.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic coblation is an effective approach for most patients. We advocate using this minimally invasive technique as first line of treatment for pyriform sinus fistula.

Uric acid regulates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance through the NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent mechanism

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hyperuricemia significantly increases risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance. However, the mechanisms responsible for this association are as yet unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of uric acid on development of NAFLD and insulin resistance.

METHODS

We initially analyzed the impact of uric acid on the development of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in mice and in two cell models, HepG2 and L02. Subsequently, we studied the role of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in uric acid-induced fat accumulation and insulin signaling impairment.

RESULTS

We found that uric acid directly induces hepatocyte fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and insulin signaling impairment both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that uric acid-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, whereas lowering uric acid by allopurinol inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a high fat diet mouse model of NAFLD. Moreover, knocking down NLRP3 expression significantly attenuated uric acid-induced fat accumulation both in HepG2 cells and L02 cells. Knocking down NLRP3 expression also rescued uric acid-induced insulin signaling impairment in both cell types.

CONCLUSIONS

Uric acid regulates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance through the NLRP3 inflammasome. Uric acid may be a new therapeutic target for NAFLD and insulin resistance.

Prevalence and Predisposing Factors for Depressive Status in Chinese Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Large-Sample Survey

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Recently, there are few studies reporting on depressive status and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in China. A large-sample survey was to be performed to explore the prevalence of depressive status and related factors in Chinese patients with OSA.

METHODS

From among a randomly-selected group of OSA patients, 1,327 met inclusion criteria. After screening with the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), patients were assigned to OSA without depressive status (control group, n = 698) and OSA with depressive status (n = 629) groups. Using chi-squared testing, the correlation analyses between the depressive status and OSA patient demographic and clinical variables were tested. Then depression-related risk factors in OSA patients were analysed using stepwise linear regression analysis. The effects of family and social factors on depressive status in OSA patients were investigated using Mann-Whitney U (one of nonparametric test).

RESULTS

The prevalence of depressive status was 47.4% in OSA patients. Depressive status was significantly associated with female gender, single status, Family Burden Scale of Disease (FBS), Family APGAR Index (APGAR), apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). Stepwise linear regression analysis further indicated that single status, hypoxemia, APGAR, AHI, PSSS, AHI, and FBS were all risk factors for depressive status in OSA patients. The total of the FBS score and three of its sub-factors scores (family daily activities, family relationships and mental health of family members) were higher, and the total of the APGAR score and two of its sub-factors scores (adaptability and affection) were lower in OSA with depressive status compared with the control group. Besides, the total score for the PSSS and scores for its two sub-factors (family support and social support) were all lower in OSA patients with depressive status than those of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive status has high comorbid rate in Chinese OSA patients and is significantly associated with single status, apnoea-hypopnea index, hypoxemia, family and social supports.

[Expression and significance of p-Stat3 and its downstream gene c-myc in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissue and cell line]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expressions of p-Stat3 and c-myc in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissue and Hep2 cell line, and to find the relationship between them.

METHOD

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of p-Stat3 and c-myc in 60 cases of LSCC and 30 cases of vocal cord polyp tissue. The protein levels of p-Stat3 and c-myc in Hep2 cell line was determined by immunocytochemistry. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of p-Stat3 and c-myc in Hep2 after treating with different concentrations of Stattic.

RESULT

The positive rates of p-Stat3 and c-myc were 65% and 70% in the LSCC tissue, compared with that in the vocal cord polyp tissue, with significant difference (P < 0.05). The expression of p-Stat3 in LSCC tissue was associated with that of c-myc (r = 0.273, P < 0.05). The protein levels of p-Stat3 and c-myc were detected in the Hep2 cell line. Stattic inhibited Stat3 phosphorylation and c-myc in the Hep2 cell line in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

p-Stat and c-myc were up regulated in the tissue of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and the Hep2 cell line. Stattic inhibits the constitutively active p-Stat3 signaling pathway, and downregulats the expression of c-myc. The strong constitutive p-Stat3 signaling pathway in LSCC makes p-Stat3 a target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

[NRP-1/shRNA silencing suppresses nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting NRP-1 gene on the growth and proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) CNE-2Z cells.

METHODS

Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmids targeting NRP-1 were designed and synthesized. These plasmids were respectively transfected into human NPC CNE-2Z cells and xenograft tumors in nude mice. The expressions of Fluorescein-labeled plasmids in NPC CNE-2Z cells and xenograft tumors were observed by fluorescence microscopy. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. The inhibitory effects on target genes were evaluated with RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The inhibitory effect of plasmids with the most effective sequence on xenograft tumors in nude mice was observed.

RESULTS

CNE-2Z cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by NRP-1/shRNA silencing. RT-PCR showed NRP-1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased. Western blotting demonstrated the NRP-1/shRNA silencing can effectively inhibit the expression of target proteins in CNE-2Z cells. After six weeks, there were significant differences in the mean tumor volumes in nude mice between plasmid group and negative control group [(0.599±0.002) vs (1.141±0.013) cm(3), P<0.05] or blank control group [(0.599±0.002) vs (1.165±0.308) cm(3), P<0.05], and the inhibitory rate of tumor growth was 48.6%.

CONCLUSION

RNA interference targeting NRP-1 can remarkably inhibit the growth of CNE-2Z cells in vitro and in vivo.

[Research on risk factors of depression symptoms in 1 327 patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the comorbidity rate of depression symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in Henan province and to ascertain the risk factors.

METHODS

One thousand three hundred and twenty-seven patients with OSAHS determined by overnight polysomnogram (PSG) were enrolled in this study. After screening the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), the patients were divided into two groups: OSAHS (control group, n = 698) and OSAHS+depression (n = 629). The correlation was explored between the depression symptoms in patients with OSAHS and the sociodemographic variables and health status including smoking, drinking, marital status, apnea hyponea index (AHI), anoxicity, Family Burden Scale of Disease (FBS), Family APGAR Index (APGAR), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and so on. Furthermore, In-depth analyses were carried out between the depression symptoms in patients with OSAHS and the social and family factor items (FBS, APGAR and PSSS).

RESULTS

The comorbidity rate of depression symptoms in patients with OSAHS in Henan province was 47.4%, and was correlated with the gender, marital status, FBS, APGAR, AHI, PSSS and anoxicity. Logistic regression analysis indicated that single marital status, APGAR, AHI, PSSS, hypoxemia and heart disease were all independent risk factors for depression in OSAHS patients. The total of the FBS score and three of its subfactors scores (family daily activities, family relationships and mental health of family members) were higher, and the total of the APGAR score and two of its subfactors scores (adaptabilith and affection) were lower in OSAHS with depression compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, the total score for the PSSS AND Scores for its two subfactors (family support and social support) were all lower in OSAHS patients with depression than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with OSAHS, depression symptoms are common and are associated with marital status, AHI, anoxicity, concomitant diseases (hypertension, heart disease), concerns and supports from the family and society.

Abstract PD5-3: Anti-metastatic activity, chemotherapeutic enhancement and therapeutic potential of targeting Hsp90 with ganetespib in triple negative breast cancer

Background: While the incidence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is only 10-20%, these tumors show a disproportionate mortality for breast cancer patients. Due to a lack of effective molecular targets in this disease, therapeutic options are largely limited to systemic chemotherapeutic approaches which have shown disappointing efficacy in the metastatic setting. Here we undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the activity of the drug candidate, ganetespib, a potent inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), in this malignancy.

Methods: The sensitivity of TNBC cells to ganetespib was determined in viability assays using a panel of tumor lines. The effects of ganetespib exposure on client proteins and their effector pathways were examined by Western blot and reverse phase protein array analysis. The anti-metastatic activity of ganetespib was evaluated using a 4T1 metastasis model. Combinatorial drug analyses were performed with chemotherapeutic agents. DNA damage and cell cycle disruption were assessed using the comet assay, Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy. The in vivo efficacy of the compound, both as a single agent and in combination, was established using MDA-MB-231 xenograft models. Computed tomography scans were obtained for a metastatic TNBC patient undergoing ganetespib treatment.

Results: Ganetespib reduced cell viability in TNBC cell lines with low nanomolar potency. Ganetespib treatment induced robust destabilization of multiple client proteins and oncogenic signaling pathways and suppressed lung metastasis in the experimental model. Ganetespib potentiated the cytotoxic activity of doxorubicin via enhanced DNA damage and mitotic arrest, conferring superior efficacy to the doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide (AC) regimen in MDA-MB-231 xenograft models. Ganetespib also promoted mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis in combination with taxanes in vitro, and these effects translated to significantly improved combinatorial activity in vivo. Marked tumor shrinkage of metastatic lung lesions was seen in the patient while on ganetespib monotherapy.

Conclusion: The preclinical activity profile and clinical evidence of tumor regression suggest that ganetespib offers considerable promise as a new therapeutic candidate to target TNBC. In particular, the capacity of ganetespib to potentiate the activity of standard of care chemotherapeutics provides a rationale for the exploration of this agent in novel combinatorial treatment strategies for this disease.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr PD5-3.

[Inhibitory effect of NF-kappaB p65siRNA on human laryngeal carcinoma xenograft model in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effect of NF-kappaB p65siRNA on human laryngeal carcinoma xenograft model in nude mice.

METHOD

Human laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2 was seeded in the subcutaneous layer of 15 nude mice to build laryngeal carcinoma xenograft model. Then they were randomly divided into three groups. NF-kappaB p65siRNA was given in siRNA group and FAM-Control siRNA was given in negative control group while phosphoric-buffered saline (PBS) was used in normal control group for 3 weeks. Tumor size and body weight of the mice were measured. TUNEL method and immunohistochemical S-P method were used for detecting the expression of NF-kappaB p65 and Bcl-xL protein.

RESULT

The volume of tumors in siRNA group was reduced and the average weight of tumors in siRNA group was lower than the other two groups (P < 0.05). In siRNA group, the expression of NF-kappaB p65 and Bcl-xL protein was down-regulated and the apoptotic rate was increased obviously as compared with the negative control group and the normal control group.

CONCLUSION

NF-kappaB p65siRNA can significantly inhibit the expression of NF-kappaB p65 and the growth of human laryngeal carcinoma xenograft in nude mice. Its mechanism may be related to inducing the apoptosis in tumor cells by down-regulating the expression of Bcl-xL protein.

[Expression and significances of FSCN1 and HGF in nasal inverted papilloma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expressions of FSCN1 and HGF in nasal inverted papilloma (NIP) and explore their role in occurrence and development of this disease.

METHOD

Immunohistochemical method was used to determine the expression of FSCN1 and HGF in 12 cases of chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, 40 cases of NIP and 14 cases of NIP with malignant transformation.

RESULT

FSCN1 was expressed in 52.5% of NIP, 78.6% of NIP with malignant transformation and 8.3% of inferior turbinate of chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. Expression of FSCN1 was significantly higher in NIP and NIP with malignant transformation than in inferior turbinate (P<0.05). HGF was expressed in 85.7% of NIP with malignant transformation and 8.3% of inferior turbinate. Expression of HGF was significantly higher in NIP with malignant transformation than in inferior turbinate (P<0.05). HGF was expressed in 40.0% of NIP,which was higher than that of inferior turbinate. Expression of HGF was positively related to expression of FSCN1 in NIP and NIP with malignant transformation.

CONCLUSION

The abnormal expression of FSCN1 and HGF may be closely correlated with NIP and its malignant process. Analysis of FSCN1 and HGF expression in NIP may be useful in predicting malignant transformation.

[Diagnosis and surgical approach of parapharyngeal space neoplasms]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnosis and reasonable surgical approach for parapharyngeal space neoplasms.

METHOD

From July 2004 to July 2009, a retrospective review of 45 patients with neoplasms of parapharyngeal space was performed. Fourty-five cases were examined by CT, some of them were examined by MRI or DSA. Several surgical approaches were selected. The transcervical approach was used in 35 cases, the transparotid approach was used in 5 cases, the transmandible approach was used in 2 cases, and the transparotid and temporal approach was used in 3 cases.

RESULT

Among 45 patients, 37 cases (82.22%) were benign and 8 cases (17.78%) were malignant. Neurogenic neoplasms and salivary glands neoplasms were the most common tumors. Using CT, MRI or DSA could obtain useful information about the location, size, shape, density and degree of enhancement of the parapharyngeal space neoplasms, acquire their relationship with styloid and carotid, and make preoperative diagnosis. The diagnostic coincidence rate between preoperative diagnosis and pathological diagnosis was 80% (origin of tissue). All benign tumors were completely resected. A lymphangiomas had recurrence after 1 year,and the second operation had no recurrence. In the 45 cases, 8 cases were malignant tumors. Of 2 patients with malignant mixed tumors, 1 survived disease free after a follow-up of 4 years,and another was still alive with disease after a follow-up of 3 years; Of 2 patients with synovial sarcomas, 1 survived disease free for a follow-up of 3 years, the other one survived disease free after a follow-up of 2 years; 1 patient of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with metastasis in the parapharyngeal space had post-operative radical radiotherapy and survived disease free after a follow-up of 5 years. One patient with chordoma was still alive with disease after a follow-up of 3 years; 1 patient with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, died of pulmonary metastasis after a 4 year follow-up; 1 case with follicular dendritic cell sarcoma survived disease free after a follow-up of 2 years.

CONCLUSION

CT, MRI and DSA are essential for the diagnosis and differentiation of parapharyngeal space neoplasm. The transcervical approach is a simple, safe and minimal invasive procedure for resecting parapharyngeal space neoplasms. It is the best approach for treatment of parapharyngeal space neoplasms.

[The expression of c-myc in the tissues of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and the effect of siRNA-mediated inhibition of c-myc on proliferation in laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expression of c-myc in the tissue of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. RNA interference(RNAi) was employed to inhibit the expression of c-myc in Hep-2 cells and to evaluate the effects of c-myc as a target for gene therapy in laryngeal carcinoma.

METHOD

Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein levels of c-myc and Rb in 80 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 30 cases of polyp of vocal cord. Hep-2 cells were transfected with c-myc siRNA, c-myc protein and mRNA levels were detected using Western Blotting and RT-PCR. Cell viability was detected by MTT after the Hep-2 cells were transfected with c-myc siRNA for different times or transfected with different concentrations c-myc siRNA. The sensitivity of Hep-2 cells to 5-Fu transfected with or without c-myc siRNA was evaluated also by MTT. Hep-2 cells were transfected with c-myc siRNA in combination with 5-Fu for 48 h and then analyzed cell apoptosis by flow cytometry.

RESULT

Immunohistochemical analysis showed that c-myc was highly expressed in the tissues of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma while the expression of Rb was lower. The protein and mRNA levels of c-myc decreased after transfected with c-myc siRNA. The results of MTT showed that the c-myc siRNA inhibited Hep-2 cells growth in a concentration-dependent manner. When transfected with c-myc siRNA(50 nmol/L), the cells were inhibited in a time-dependent manner. Compared with the untransfected cells, the viability of transfected Hep-2 cells was significantly suppressed at the same concentration of 5-Fu (P < 0.05). C-myc siRNA combination with 5-Fu could obviously increase cell apoptosis, even in the low concentration of 5-Fu (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The protein level of C-myc has highly expressed in tumor tissues. C-myc siRNA can effectively inhibit the expression of c-myc and has anti-proliferation effects, increasing the sensitivity of Hep-2 cells to 5-Fu. Therefore,c-myc might be a good target for cancer treatment.

[Treatment of mediastinal abscess caused by removal foreign bodies in esophagus]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical feature and treatment of Mediastinal Abscess caused by removal foreign bodies in esophagus.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis 12 patients of the last ten years, to observe the clinical manifestation and curative effect.

RESULT

Ten patients were cured and 2 patients died.

CONCLUSION

The clinical manifestation of mediastinal abscess caused by removal foreign bodies in esophagus is characteristic, should be operated in general anesthesia.

[Effects of siRNA targeting NF-kappaBp65 against in proliferation of Hep-2 cells and the expression of mRNA and protein of NF-kappaBp65]

OBJECTIVE

To study siRNA inhibited the expression of mRNA and protein of NF-kappaBp65 in the Hep -2 cell line.

METHOD

Hep-2 were transfected with p65SiRNA. Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of NF-kappaBp65. RT-PCR method was adopted to determine the mRNA expression of NF-kappaBp65. MTT method was adopted to investigate the proliferation of the Hep-2 cells after the transfection of p65siRNA.

RESULT

The western blotting result showed that the level of NF-kappaBp65 protein was gradually declined after transfection of p65siRNA. The RT-PCR result showed that transfection with p65siRNA caused special degradation of the p65mRNA in Hep-2 cells at 24, 48 and 72 h. After transfection with p65siRNA.

CONCLUSION

p65siRNA has significant inhibition effects on the proliferation of the Hep-2 cells and expression of purpose gene mRNA and protein. The inhibition effects are time depended.

Effects of mechanical forces on lung-specific gene expression

Fetal breathing movements (FBM) are necessary for fetal lung growth and maturation. The authors analyzed fetal rat lungs cultured with or without lung distension and tracheal ligation, and examined the effects of mechanical stretch on a human pulmonary epithelial cell line (NCI-H441) that shows regulated expression of surfactant proteins (SP-A, SP-B). Cells were grown on silastic membranes and mounted in a Flexercell Strain Unit. Cyclic deformation simulating FBM was achieved by applying a vacuum of 22 kPa (5%-15% radial deformation) at 50 cycles per minute for 2 to 24 hours. Results indicate that static distension for as little as 4 hours decreased steady-state SP-A and SP-B mRNA levels in whole lung (n = 5-6, P < .01). In contrast, cyclic stretching of H441 cells for 24 hours increased SP-B and SP-A expression 2- to 4-fold over controls. Cyclic deformation also significantly enhanced 3H-choline incorporation into saturated phosphatidylcholine. Dynamic mechanodeformation may be a critical stimulus for fetal lung development.

[Studies on the fermentation technology of microbiological preparation No.633]

This paper reports the fermentation techmology of bacterial feed No.633. A new fermentational technic, which was composed of fermentation medium, optimum pH, temperature, airate flow, pot pressure and fermentation time, was established.

Cloning of cDNAs from a mammalian expression library by a direct selection-amplification method

A sensitive method was devised for cloning cDNAs from a mammalian expression library based on single-cell detection and selection of transfected cells. The method is applicable for cloning cell-surface or cytoplasmic proteins for which a detection assay, such as immunofluorescence or immunohistochemical reactivity, exists. The widely used eukaryotic expression vector cdm8 is utilized, and the method is demonstrated using the gene for C-CAM, a liver glycoprotein adhesion molecule. After transfection, cells are plated out on a collagen gel substrate to allow retrieval of selected cells. Simultaneous fixation and permeabilization with acetone permits immunological and histochemical detection of cell-surface and cytoplasmic proteins without loss of plasmid vector. Inserts of interest are recovered by PCR with vector primers.

TA1, a highly conserved oncofetal complementary DNA from rat hepatoma, encodes an integral membrane protein associated with liver development, carcinogenesis, and cell activation

Hepatocellular carcinoma is characterized by changes in gene expression associated with cell growth and differentiation. Cell surface antigenic changes have also been described based on differential antibody reactivity between normal and neoplastic liver. We obtained a novel tumor-associated cDNA designated TA1 on the basis of its differential expression between hepatoma cells and normal liver. Sequence analysis predicted a 723-base pair open reading frame with the deduced amino acid sequence encoding an integral membrane protein containing multiple hydrophobic transmembrane domains. Database searches revealed TA1 as the likely rat homologue of E16, a recently cloned human cDNA associated with lymphocyte activation. Although noncoding sequences diverged significantly, the 95% conservation of the predicted proteins between species strongly suggests an important, although as yet undefined, function in normal cells. TA1 transcripts were detected in normal adult rat tissues including testes, brain, ovary, spleen, mammary gland, and uterus with the highest steady-state expression in placenta. Although no expression was detected in normal liver, all rat hepatomas examined expressed an abundant 3.2-kilobase transcript. TA1 expression was closely associated with progression in this tumor model and suggests this molecule, originally linked to cell activation, also plays a role in the malignant phenotype.

[The effects of mupirocin on burned wound with Staphylococcus aureus infection]

The therapeutic results of 41 cases of S. aureus infected burn wound (average 2.1% TBSA, approximately 200 cm2) treated with Mupirocin are reported in this paper. The effects of Mupirocin was obviously superior to that of SD-Ag used in control group. During the observation period the total effective rate of the studied group was 88.9% (control group: 70%, P < 0.05) and the bacterial clearance rate of S. aureus from the wound was 88.8% (control group: 40% P < 0.05). The sensitivity of 30 strains of S. aureus isolated from burn wounds to 11 varieties of antibiotics indicated that the sensitive rate to Mupirocin was as high as 92.68%, only lower that Vanconmycin. The bacteriological assay (MIC < or = 0.25 mg/L, MIC < or = 4 mg/L) also showed high sensitivity of S. aureus to Mupirocin. We suggest Mupirocin be the first choice of topical antibacterial agents for burn wound with S. aureus infection, especially for infection with MRSA.

[Immune function of rheumatoid arthritis treated by medicated-bath therapy in Tibetan medicine]

The changes of the immune function of rheumatoid arthritis before and after the Tibetan medicated-bath was observed. It showed a higher level of the rheumatoid factor (RF) titre, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, M, A and CD4 cells, but the CD8 cells was obviously lower before the treatment. Clinical data indicated that the medicated-bath had significant effective rate. In order to elucidate the mechanism of the medicated-bath upon rheumatoid arthritis the RF titre, Ig level, complement C3, 3H-TdR incorporated with lymphocytes transformation and CD3, CD4, CD8 cell level were assayed. Results showed that RF titre decreased after the bath and the negative transforming rate reached 70.6%, Ig level obviously dropped as well as the number of CD4 cells while CD8 cell level increased. The transforming stimulation index of lymphocyte cells obviously decreased. All of the above mentioned showed that there was a higher concentration of the enhancing factor of interleukin-2 (IL2-EF) involved in lymphocyte culture of rheumatoid arthritis patients. They suggested that the Tibetan medicated-bath had an immunomodulating effect on rheumatoid arthritis patients through increasing the level of CD8 cells and reducing CD4 cells.

Who cares? Psychological stress in the operating department nurse

The operating department nurse is subject to many stressors and while there is an optimum level of stress where nurses function at their best, too much may be detrimental both to nurses--and their patients. Jean Sang looks at the subject of stress and discusses the findings of her research.