Construction of recombinant fluorescent LSDV for high-throughput screening of antiviral drugs

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection is a major socio-economic issue that seriously threatens the global cattle-farming industry. Here, a recombinant virus LSDV-ΔTK/EGFP, expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), was constructed with a homologous recombination system and applied to the high-throughput screening of antiviral drugs. LSDV-ΔTK/EGFP replicates in various kidney cell lines, consistent with wild-type LSDV. The cytopathic effect, viral particle morphology, and growth performance of LSDV-ΔTK/EGFP are consistent with those of wild-type LSDV. High-throughput screening allowed to identify several molecules that inhibit LSDV-ΔTK/EGFP replication. The strong inhibitory effect of theaflavin on LSDV was identified when 100 antiviral drugs were screened in vitro. An infection time analysis showed that theaflavin plays a role in the entry of LSDV into cells and in subsequent viral replication stages. The development of this recombinant virus will contribute to the development of LSDV-directed antiviral drugs and the study of viral replication and mechanisms of action.

[Association between congenital hypothyroidism and in-hospital adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants]

Objective: To investigate the association between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and the adverse outcomes during hospitalization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational cohort study was conducted based on the data from the Sino-northern Neonatal Network (SNN). Data of 5 818 VLBWI with birth weight <1 500 g and gestational age between 24-<37 weeks that were admitted to the 37 neonatal intensive care units from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2022 were collected and analyzed. Thyroid function was first screened at 7 to 10 days after birth, followed by weekly tests within the first 4 weeks, and retested at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age or before discharge. The VLBWI were assigned to the CH group or non-CH group. Chi-square test, Fisher exact probability method, Wilcoxon rank sum test, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between CH and poor prognosis during hospitalization in VLBWI. Results: A total of 5 818 eligible VLBWI were enrolled, with 2 982 (51.3%) males and the gestational age of 30 (29, 31) weeks. The incidence of CH was 5.5% (319 VLBWI). Among the CH group, only 121 VLBWI (37.9%) were diagnosed at the first screening. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CH was associated with increased incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) (OR=1.31(1.04-1.64), P<0.05) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) of stage Ⅲ and above (OR=1.74(1.11-2.75), P<0.05). However, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed no significant correlation between CH and EUGR, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in stage Ⅱ or above, and ROP in stage Ⅲ or above (OR=1.04 (0.81-1.33), 0.79 (0.54-1.15), 1.15 (0.58-2.26), 1.43 (0.81-2.53), 1.12 (0.70-1.80), all P>0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between CH and in-hospital adverse outcomes, possibly due to timely diagnosis and active replacement therapy.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes carrying hsa-miRNA-128-3p suppress pancreatic ductal cell carcinoma by inhibiting Galectin-3

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal malignant tumors of the digestive system. Many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and lose eligibility for surgery. Moreover, there are few effective methods for treating pancreatic ductal cell carcinoma. Increasing attention has been given to microRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory roles in tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the effects of exosomes extracted from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) carrying hsa-miRNA-128-3p on pancreatic cancer cells.

METHODS

Based on existing experimental and database information, we selected Galectin-3, which is associated with pancreatic cancer, and the corresponding upstream hsa-miRNA-128-3p. We extracted HUCMSCs from a fresh umbilical cord, hsa-miRNA-128-3p was transfected into HUCMSCs, and exosomes containing hsa-miRNA-128-3p were extracted and collected. The effect of exosomes rich in hsa-miRNA-128-3p on pancreatic cancer cells was analyzed.

RESULTS

The expression of Galectin-3 in normal pancreatic duct epithelial cells was significantly lower than that in PDAC cell lines. We successfully extracted HUCMSCs from the umbilical cord and transfected hsa-miRNA-128-3p into HUCMSCs. Then we demonstrated that HUCMSC-derived exosomes with hsa-miRNA-128-3p could suppress the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PANC-1 cells in vitro by targeting Galectin-3.

CONCLUSION

Hsa-miRNA-128-3p could be considered as a potential therapy for pancreatic cancer. We provided a new idea for targeted therapy of PDAC.

In situ observation of heterogeneous catalytic organic reactions via aggregation-induced emission luminogens

Herein, we demonstrated for the first time that customized aggregation-induced emission luminogens can be utilized to directly visualize heterogeneous catalytic organic reactions, which further enables catalyst screening. We used the retro-Diels-Alder reaction as a model reaction for illustration, and identified montmorillonite K10 as the best catalyst in our catalyst screening.

Aluminum chloride induces G0/G1 phase arrest via regulating the reactive oxygen species-depended non-canonical STAT1 pathway in hFOB1.19 cells

Treatment with aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) suppresses the growth of osteoblastic cells; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of AlCl₃ on cell growth have not been fully characterized. In this study, we observed that exposure of hFOB1.19 cells to AlCl₃ arrested cells at G₀/G₁ phase by inducing p21 expression. Further studies indicated that AlCl₃ upregulated the phosphorylation level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) at serine 727 site (Ser727). By chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we found that AlCl₃ promoted STAT1/DNA binding activity to p21 promoter, thus resulting in the upregulation of p21. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of STAT1 attenuated p21 level induced by AlCl₃. Notably, using hFOB1.19 cells stably expressing dominant-negative STAT1 (Ser727Ala), we demonstrated that phosphorylation of STAT1 at Ser727 site is required for p21-mediated cycle arrest induced by AlCl₃. Mechanism investigation indicated that AlCl₃ stimulated the phosphorylation of JNK, and administration of JNK inhibitor SP600125 prevented AlCl₃-induced G₀/G₁ arrest through suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT1. Notably, pretreatment with N-acetyl-cysteine, a reactive oxygen species scavenger, conferred a significantly inhibitory effect on AlCl₃-mediated activation of JNK/STAT1 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings provide the molecular mechanism for G₀/G₁ arrest induced by AlCl₃ in osteoblastic cells.

Customizable nano-sized colloidal tetrahedrons by polymerization-induced particle self-assembly (PIPA)

Colloidal molecules (CMs) are colloidal clusters with molecule-like symmetry and architecture, generated from the self-assembly of nanoparticles with attractive patches. However, large-scale preparation of patchy nanoparticles remains challenging. Here, we...

Development and Application of a Reverse-transcription Recombinase-Aided Amplification Assay for Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus

Subgroup J Avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) is an important pathogen of poultry tumor diseases. Since its discovery, it has caused significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Thus, the rapid detection of molecular level with strong specificity is particularly important whether poultry are infected with ALV-J. In this study, we designed primers and probe for real-time fluorescent reverse-transcription recombinase-aided amplification assay (RT-RAA) based on the ALV-J gp85 sequence. We had established a real-time fluorescent RT-RAA method and confirmed this system by verifying the specificity and sensitivity of the primers and probe. In addition, repeatability tests and clinical sample regression tests were used for preliminary evaluation of this detection method. The sensitivity of established method was about 10¹ copies/μL, and the repeatability of the CV of the C_T value is 4%, indicating repeatability is good. Moreover, there was no cross-reactivity with NDV, IBV, IBDV, H9N2, MDV, and REV, and other avian leukosis virus subgroups, such as subgroups A, B, C, D, K and E. Importantly, the real-time fluorescent RT-RAA completed the test within 30 min at a constant temperature of 41°C. Forty-two clinical samples with known background were tested, and the test results were coincided with 100%. Overall, these results suggested that the real-time fluorescent RT-RAA developed in this study had strong specificity, high sensitivity, and good feasibility. The method is simple, easy, and portable, that is suitable for clinical and laboratory diagnosis, and provides technical support for the prevention and control of ALV-J.

[Effect of daily average temperature on the incidence of allergic rhinitis in Lanzhou]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of daily average temperature on the atteck of allergic rhinitis (AR) by analyzing the changes of the outpatient visits of AR in Lanzhou. Methods: The meteorological and air pollution data of Lanzhou City and the outpatient visits of AR in Departments of Otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery of The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University and Gansu Provincial People's Hospital from 2013 to 2017 were collected to describe the meteorological factors, air pollutants and the outpatient visits of AR. The correlation among the three factors was then analyzed by Spearman rank correlation analysis. Using the distributed lag non-linear model, the relationship between daily average temperature and the number of daily outpatient visits of AR was studied and stratified by gender and age with the long-term trend, seasonal trend and other confounding factors controlled. Results: From 2013 to 2017, the outpatient visits of AR in the above three hospitals reached 20 008 person times. Daily average temperature in Lanzhou showed a non-linear correlation to the outpatient visits of AR, with a certain lag effect. When the daily average temperature was 22 ℃ and the cumulative lag was 21 days (lag 0-21 d), the relative risk (RR) peaked at 4.851 (95%CI: 3.986-5.904). The effect of relatively low temperature (2.3 ℃, P₂₅), relatively high temperature (19.8 ℃, P₇₅) and high temperature (25.5 ℃, P₉₅) on lag 0-21 d were the highest, which were 1.761 (95%CI: 1.375-2.255), 4.299 (95%CI: 3.574-5.171) and 3.656 (95%CI: 3.046-4.389), respectively. According to the stratified analysis, low and relatively low temperature had more significant effect on the outpatient visits of AR among women and people aged 0-14 years. When lag was 0-21 days, the RR value of low temperature for female outpatient visits of AR was 1.433 (95%CI: 1.105-1.860); the RR value of relatively low temperature for female outpatient visits of AR was 1.879 (95%CI: 1.460-2.419); the RR value of low temperature for AR outpatient visits for people aged 0-14 years was 1.511 (95%CI: 0.999-2.287), the RR value of relatively low temperature for AR outpatient visits for people aged 0-14 years was 2.051 (95%CI: 1.383-3.042). Relatively high temperature, on the other hand, had a more significant effect on men and people aged 15-59 years. High temperature had a greater impact on the number of AR outpatients in men and people aged 0-14 years. Conclusions: Temperature may be an important influencing factor of AR onset in Lanzhou. At relatively high temperature (19.8 ℃), the risk of AR outpatient visits is significantly increased, and the cumulative lagged effects are observed. The sensitivity of AR patients to temperature is different in different genders and ages.

Use of transanal drainage tube to prevent anastomotic leakage: intangible differences between the East and the West

Trans-anal drainage tube is used to reduce the rectal pressure, especially at the anastomotic site and thus to protect the anastomosis. Ideally it serves as and even may replace a diverting stoma. When compared to no treatment, the effectiveness of TDT seems confirmed based on the literature, but it remains uncertain whether TDT can replace the diverting stoma. Despite the insignificant tangible costs of TDT, it seems different cultures put varied weight on the intangible costs such as discomfort and pain to patients after surgery.

Hepatitis B virus detected in a golden monkey fatal case, China

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is distributed worldwide and poses a significant threat to human health. Cross-species transmission of HBV from human to non-human primates could occur, which has been confirmed in three individual events. In this study, HBV DNA was detected in one golden monkey fatal case in China. The following genetic sequencing and analysis demonstrated the virus had a close genetic relationship with HBV genotype C in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggested that HBV is related with a non-human primate fatal case in China.

Novel parvovirus in cats, China

Parvovirus is a common element of the feline virus group and usually causes gastroenteritis and leukopenia in cats. In this study, we identified a novel protoparvovirus from the Chinese domestic cats, which is genetically similar to canine bufavirus (98.0%-99.8%), but sharing low amino acid identities in the viral structural proteins 2 (VP2) (36.1-37.2%) to the well-known canine parvovirus type 2 and feline panleukopenia virus. This virus was provisionally designated as feline bufavirus (FBuV). Screening of fecal samples revealed a prevalence of 7.4% (19/257) in domestic cats. Diarrhea was present in 52.6% (10/19) of cats positive for FBuV. However, statistical analysis showed no association between FBuV and clinical signs. VP2 gene of the 19 field FBuV was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that FBuV determined from China had a genetic diversity. This study will strengthen the understanding of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of bufavirus and provide a foundation for further studies.

Two atypical gram-negative bacteria-binding proteins are involved in the antibacterial response in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)

The activation of immune pathways is triggered by the recognition of pathogens by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Gram-negative bacteria-binding proteins (GNBPs)/β-1,3-glucan recognition proteins (βGRPs) are a conserved family of PRRs in insects. Two GNBPs are predicted in the genome database of pea aphids; however, little is known about their functions in the aphid immune system. Here, we show that pea aphid GNBPs possess domain architectures and sequence features distinct from those of typical GNBPs/βGRPs and that their expression is induced by bacterial infection. Knockdown of their expression by dsRNA resulted in lower phenoloxidase activity, higher bacterial loads and higher mortality in aphids after infection. Our data suggest that these two atypical GNBPs are involved in the antibacterial response in the pea aphid, likely acting as PRRs in the prophenoloxidase pathway.

[Heat stress induces neuronal apoptosis by up-regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in heat stress-induced apoptosis of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

OBJECTIVE

SH-SY5Y cells were incubated at 43 ℃ for 2 h followed by further culture at 37 ℃ for 0, 3 h, or 6 h. With the cells cultured at 37 ℃ as the control, the cells exposed to heat stress were examined for morphological changes under optical microscope and changes in cell viability using CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was performed for detecting apoptosis of the cells following heat stress, and intracellular Ca²⁺ level in the cells was determined using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The mRNA expression levels of caspase-12, BIP and XBP-1 in the cells were detected using qRT-PCR, and the protein expressions of caspase-12, BIP, P-JNK, JNK and XBP-1 were examined using Western blotting. The effect of pretreatment with 4-PBA on cell apoptosis following heat stress was analyzed with Western blotting.

OBJECTIVE

SH-SY5Y cells showed obvious cell shrinkage immediately after the exposure to heat stress, followed then by gradual cell stretching over time. The cell viability decreased significantly after heat stress (P=0.001), and the intracellular Ca²⁺ level increased significantly at 0 h and gradually recovered the normal level at 3 and 6 h. Heat stress induced significant increase in the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and time-dependent increase of caspase-12 (P=0.002) and BIP (P=0.008) expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. The expression of P-JNK/JNK protein increased significantly at 0 h (P=0.003) followed by gradual decrease; the expression levels of XBP-1 protein and mRNA gradually decreased after heat stress (P=0.005, P=0.002). Pretreatment with 4-PBA significantly reduced the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 in SH-SY5Y cells following heat stress.

OBJECTIVE

Heat stress induces apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells by triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress and the imbalance of intracellular calcium ion homeostasis.

POS0788 CIRCULATING EXOSOMES PROMOTE LUPUS NEPHRITIS IN MRL-LPR MICE

Background:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease that characterized by the loss of self-tolerance and the production of autoantibodies (autoAbs) [1, 2]. Lupus nephritis (LN), the severe organ-threatening manifestations of SLE, could cause massive damage to patients[3, 4]. Currently, some exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as potential biomarkers in SLE. However, the role of exosomal miRNAs in Lupus Nephritis (LN) remains unclear.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate molecular mechanism of plasma exosomal miRNAs in the development of Lupus Nephritis.

Methods:

Circulating exosomes were isolated from plasma of patients with LN, SLE without LN (NLN). Plasma exosomes were authenticated by Western Blot, Nanosight Tracking Analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fluorescence microscopy of co-cultured plasma exosomes and podocytes demonstrated that exosomes were uptaken into podocytes. Moreover, cell apoptosis and the inflammation factors was assessed using Western Blot. We analyzed the expression profiles of miRNAs in LN and NLN exosomes and the expression profiles of mRNAs of podocytes stimulated with LN and NLN exosomes with the help of next generation sequencing (NGS).

Results:

We demonstrate that exosomes derived from LN plasma could be taken by neighboring podocytes and promote the apoptosis of podocytes and the expression of inflammation factors. In addition, the sequencing found that miRNAs were differentially expressed in LN and NLN exosomes and mRNAs were differentially expressed in podocytes stimulated with LN and NLN exosomes.

Conclusion:

LN plasma exosomes have a potency to stimulate the apoptosis of podocytes and the expression of inflammation factors. Moreover, differentially expressed miRNAs in exosomes play a potential role in the development of LN.

References:

[1]T. Colasanti, A. Maselli, F. Conti, M. Sanchez, C. Alessandri, C. Barbati, D. Vacirca, A. Tinari, F. Chiarotti, A. Giovannetti, F. Franconi, G. Valesini, W. Malorni, M. Pierdominici, E. Ortona, Autoantibodies to estrogen receptor α interfere with T lymphocyte homeostasis and are associated with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus, Arthritis and rheumatism, 64 (2012) 778-787.

[2]H.A. Al-Shobaili, A.A. Al Robaee, A.A. Alzolibani, Z. Rasheed, Antibodies against 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal modified epitopes recognized chromatin and its oxidized forms: role of chromatin, oxidized forms of chromatin and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal modified epitopes in the etiopathogenesis of SLE, Disease markers, 33 (2012) 19-34.

[3]A. Kaul, C. Gordon, M.K. Crow, Z. Touma, M.B. Urowitz, R. van Vollenhoven, G. Ruiz-Irastorza, G. Hughes, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Nat Rev Dis Primers, 2 (2016) 16039.

[4]M.G. Tektonidou, A. Dasgupta, M.M. Ward, Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease in Patients With Lupus Nephritis, 1971-2015: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis, Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.), 68 (2016) 1432-1441.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0073 SINGLE-CELL TRANSCRIPTOMICS UNCOVERS DEFECTIVE BONE MARROW EARLY B CELL DEVELOPMENT IN A SUBSET OF LUPUS PATIENTS ASSOCIATED WITH AGGRAVATED INFLAMMATION

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks own tissues and organs. B cells play a central role in SLE pathogenesis by producing autoantibodies as well as antibody-independent functions. Peripheral B cell abnormality is well known in lupus patients such as expansions of plasmablasts and atypical memory B cells, which are associated with active diseases. However, little is known about the B cell development in the bone marrow of lupus patients.

Objectives:

We conduct this survey to explore the disorder of the B cell development in the bone marrow of lupus patients.

Methods:

In this study, we have performed the scRNASeq to profile the bone marrow B cell compartment in lupus patients and healthy donors.

Results:

We identified that in a subset of lupus patients, the early B cells (proB and preB cells) were strongly decreased, which were confirmed by flow cytometry in an expanded cohort. Furthermore, bone marrow B cells from these patients showed a strong proinflammatory signature revealed by pathway analysis. Interestingly, BCR repertoire analysis showed that the IGHV-4-34 was highly enriched in these patients, indicating an enhanced B cell tolerance defect. Finally, a panel of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1a, IL-12p70, IFN-g, et al.) were strongly increased in the bone marrow plasma of these patients compared with early B normal patients and healthy donors, confirming a localized proinflammatory microenvironment.

Conclusion:

Altogether, the current study has revealed that a defective early B cell development in lupus patients is associated with a more severe B cell tolerance defect and aggravated inflammation, which may shed new light on developing novel therapies by targeting relevant pathways.

References:

[1]Min Wang, Hua Chen, Jia Qiu, et al. Antagonizing miR-7 suppresses B cell hyperresponsiveness and inhibits lupus development. J Autoimmun 2020.

[2]A M Jacobi, D M Goldenberg, F Hiepe, et al. Differential effects of epratuzumab on peripheral blood B cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus versus normal controls. Ann Rheum Dis, 2008.

Acknowledgements:

This work was funded by Special project of clinical medicine of Nantong University (Grant/Award number: 2019LQ001), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant/Award number: 81671616, 81871278 and 82071838).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0787 BERBERINE MODULATE LUPUS SYNDROME VIA THE REGULATION OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN MRL/LPR MICE

Background:

Intestinal flora disorder and immune abnormalities have been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients1,2. Berberine (BBR) showed significant effects in regulating the intestinal flora, repairing gut barriers and regulating immune cells3,4. While few reports mentioned the abnormal gut microbiota and metabolites in Chinese SLE patients.

Objectives:

Our investigation tried to illustrate the relationship between gut microbiota, intestinal metabolites and disease activity in Chinese SLE patients. And the effect of BBR to intestinal dysbacteriosis, multiple organ damages and over-activated immune system in MRL/Lpr mice.

Methods:

16S high-throughput (16S rRNA) sequence, qRT-PCR and gas chromatography technology were used to determine the gut microbiota and metabolites in 104 SLE patients from Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, China. BBR was orally treated to the MRL/Lpr mice in low, medium and high doses. After 6 weeks treatment, mice were sacrificed. Serum, faeces and organs were collected for further studies.

Results:

Chinese SLE patients showed higher abundance of Bacteroidetes and lower abundance of Firmcutes. The results of qRT-PCR showed high Firmcutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio of SLE patients. The F/B ratio was negative correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDA) score. Almost all the tested short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) found statistically significant results in SLE and LN (lupus nephritis) patients, especially the propanoic acid and butyric. BBR altered the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Verrucomicrobia and the butyric acid content in colon of MRL/Lpr mice. The increase of tight junction protein also indicated the gut barrier was repaired by BBR. Treg and Tfr cells in spleen and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) were increased. These results revealed a positive therapeutic effect of berberine on SLE from gut microbiota to immune status.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights current status of intestinal dysbacteriosis in Chinese patients with SLE and differences in intestinal metabolites among patients with different disease states. The regulation of intestinal flora and the repairment of gut barrier by intestinal metabolites in BBR treated mice seemed to be the factor that directed the immune responses and disease outcomes. The ultimate goal of our study was to determine the beneficial effects of regulating the gut microbiota on the treatment of SLE. The application of berberine is a relatively safe and convenient way. In the coming investigations, we plan to focus on the study of berberine and its metabolites on intestinal function and systemic immunity.

References:

[1]Guo, M. et al. Alteration in gut microbiota is associated with dysregulation of cytokines and glucocorticoid therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Gut microbes11, 1758-1773, doi:10.1080/19490976.2020.1768644 (2020).

[2]Mu, Q. et al. Control of lupus nephritis by changes of gut microbiota. Microbiome5, 73, doi:10.1186/s40168-017-0300-8 (2017).

[3]Habtemariam, S. Berberine pharmacology and the gut microbiota: A hidden therapeutic link. Pharmacological research155, 104722, doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104722 (2020).

[4]Cui, H. et al. Berberine Regulates Treg/Th17 Balance to Treat Ulcerative Colitis Through Modulating the Gut Microbiota in the Colon. Frontiers in pharmacology9, 571, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00571 (2018).

Figure 1.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0761 INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECT AND MECHANISM OF ABNORMALLY ACTIVATED CD8+ T CELLS FROM BONE MARROW ON HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by the abnormal function of lymphocytes. The impairment of hematopoietic function of bone marrow participates in its pathogenesis, in which T cells play an important role. However, study on bone marrow T cells in SLE patients is very limited.

Objectives:

This study aims to characterize the phenotype and molecular characteristics of abnormally activated CD8+T cells in bone marrow of SLE patients and explore the mechanism of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reduction caused by the abnormally activated CD8+T cells in bone marrow of patients with SLE.

Methods:

A total of 8 SLE patients and 5 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited in our study. Among them, 3 SLE patients and 4 donors were collected bone marrow and peripheral blood samples for Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional studies. BM and peripheral T cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Plasma cytokines and secreted immunoglobulins were detected by Luminex. Disease activity of SLE patients was measured using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). All analyses were performed using R language and Flowjo 9.

Results:

In the present study, SLE patients had increased CD8+T%αβT cells and decreased CD4+T%αβT cells in bone marrow of SLE, compared to healthy controls. A large number of CD38+HLADR+CD8+T cells existed in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of SLE patients. Those patients also showed reduced number of HSCs, and with a downward trend of the numbers of peripheral red blood cells, white blood cells, neutrophils, hemoglobin, and platelets. By scRNA-seq, the CD38+HLADR+CD8+T cells contained high levels of GZMK, GZMA, PRF1, IFNG, and TNF in the bone marrow of SLE patients. the CD38+HLADR+CD8+T cells exhibited significant relationship with HSCs, white blood cells, neutrophils, and platelets.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrated that the abnormally activated CD8+T cells in bone marrow can reduce the number of HSCs by the expression of killer molecules, which contributes to the impairment of hematopoietic function and the development of SLE. This project focuses on the specific bone marrow T cell subset in SLE. The completement of this project provides information for exploring the mechanism of hematopoiesis involvement.

References:

[1]Anderson E, Shah B, Davidson A, Furie R. Lessons learned from bone marrow failure in systemic lupus erythematosus: Case reports and review of the literature. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2018;48(1):90-104.

[2]Sun LY, Zhou KX, Feng XB, Zhang HY, Ding XQ, Jin O, Lu LW, Lau CS, Hou YY, Fan LM. Abnormal surface markers expression on bone marrow CD34+cells and correlation with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol. 2007;26(12):2073-2079.

Acknowledgements:

We want to thank Lu Meng, Teng Li, Wei Zhou, and Jiaxin Guo for their assistance with this study.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0066 MECHANISMS OF TOTAL SAPONINS OF PANAX JAPONICUS MITIGATES COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS

Background:

Total saponins of Panax japonicus (TSPJ) are extracted from Panax japonicus (T.Nees) C.A.Mey and have achieved a good therapeutic effect in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unfortunately, the mechanism of TSPJ acting on RA is not clear.

Objectives:

To investigate the potential mechanisms and key targets of TSPJ on RA.

Methods:

The raw data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the RStudio3.6.1 software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The potential targets of active compounds from TSPJ were predicted by the Pharmmapper and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Based on the overlapping genes, we used Cytoscape 3.7.2 software to construct a protein-protein interactions (PPI) network and to determine the mechanisms of the treatment by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established and treated with different doses of TSPJ. Arthritis index (AI) and histology score were used to evaluate the symptoms of CIA. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), IL-1β, and IL-17A tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Results:

A total of 2670 DEGs and 371 TSPJ targets were obtained, including 52 overlapping genes. 41 genes had protein interactions that are used to build the PPI network. The results of the KEGG enrichment analysis included VEGF and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Seven negative correlation genes and 16 positive correlation genes were obtained by correlational analysis of DEGs in VEGF and HIF-1 signaling pathway. SRC proto-oncogene, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and the signal transducer and the activator of transcription 3 (STAT 3) had a higher value of degree in PPI and showed a significant correlation in the pathways; they were regarded as key targets. Compared with the CIA model group, TSPJ significantly decreased the AI and histology scores. Moreover, the expression of VEGF-A, HIF-1α, IL-1β, and IL-17A in serum or spleens significantly reduced in a dose-dependent.

Conclusion:

Present study show that SRC and STAT 3 may be the key targets of TSPJ acting on the VEGF and HIF-1 signaling pathways, thus inhibiting angiogenesis and improving RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0785 CHANGING EXPRESSION PROFILES OF LONG NONCODING RNAS, MIRNAS, MRNAS AND CIRCULAR RNAS IN LABIAL SALIVARY GLANDS OF PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME (PSS)

Background:

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a relatively common autoimmune disease characterized by oral and ocular dryness. An increasing number of studies have revealed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), miRNA, mRNA and circular RNA (circRNA) contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Objectives:

To explore lncRNA, miRNA, mRNA and circRNA expression profiles in labial salivary glands (LSGs) in pSS patients and their biological functions in the regulation of pSS.

Methods:

The expression of 75,550 lncRNAs, 2,318 miRNA, 20,292 mRNAs and 6,877 circRNAs were determined in the LSG of six pSS patients and six healthy controls using microarray experiments. Validation was performed in pSS patients and controls using real-time PCR. LncRNA-mRNA co-expression and gene-pathway networks were constructed using bioinformatics software.

Results:

A total of 599 lncRNAs (upregulated: 279, downregulated: 320), 78 miRNAs (upregulated: 26, downregulated: 52), 615 mRNAs (upregulated: 590, downregulated: 25) and 160 mRNAs (upregulated: 110, downregulated: 50) were differentially expressed in the LSGs of pSS patients. Five of these lncRNAs were validated using real-time PCR. lncRNA HCP5, lncRNA SNHG5, lncRNA IFI44L, lncRNA CMPK2 were significantly upregulated and lncRNA TTYH1 were downregulated in pSS. GO and KEGG biological pathway analysis were performed to predict the functions of differentially expressed lncRNAs and co-expressed potential targeting genes. Subsequently, a ceRNA (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) network including 2320 ceRNA pairs was constructed based on predicted miRNAs shared by lncRNAs and mRNAs.

Conclusion:

The expression profile provided a systematic perspective on the potential functions of lncRNAs miRNAs, mRNAs and circRNAs in the pathogenesis of pSS. Therefore, this study will aid in the development of new diagnostic biomarkers and drug therapies.

References:

[1]Le Dantec C, Varin MM, Brooks WH, Pers JO, Youinou P, Renaudineau Y. Epigenetics and Sjogren’s syndrome.Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2012 Aug;13(10):2046-53.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Epigenetic differences in the innate response after immune stimulation during zebrafish sex differentiation

Infections are able to trigger epigenetic modifications; however, epigenetic-mediating infections in the immune system in fish is currently unavailable. Within this purpose, zebrafish were immune-stimulated with three lipopolysaccharides (LPS) during sex differentiation. Methylation patterns of three immune genes were studied by a candidate gene approach together with gene expression analysis, and in adulthood, sex ratios were determined. It was shown that the entrance of LPS was through the gills and accumulated in the pronephros. Significant hypomethylation levels of CASP9 and a significant CpG site for IL1β after Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS exposure were found. No methylation difference was observed for TNFα. Gene expression and correlation data differed among studied genes. Sex ratios showed a feminization in dose and LPS strain-dependent manner. Here, it is provided epigenetic regulatory mechanisms derived by innate response and the first evidence of possible epigenetic interactions between the immune and reproductive systems.

An Adaptable Cryptosystem Enabled by Synergies of Luminogens with Aggregation-Induced-Emission Character

The strong emission in the solid state and the feasibility of introducing stimuli responsiveness make aggregation-induced-emission luminogens promising for optical information encryption. Yet, the vast majority of previous reports rely on subtle changes in the molecular conformation or intermolecular interactions, limiting the robustness, multiplicity, capacity, and security of the resulting cryptosystems. Herein, a versatile cryptographic system is presented based on three interconnected and orthogonal covalent transformations concerning a tetraphenylethylene-maleimide conjugate. The cryptosystem is adapted into four configurations with different functionalities by organizing the reactions and molecules in different ways. These variants either balance the accessibility and security of the encrypted information or improve the security and density in data encryption. Significantly, they allow variable decryption from a single encryption and reconstruction of the chemical nature hidden in the fluorescent pattern can only be accessed through given algorithms. These results highlight the importance of multi-component synergies in advancing information encryption systems, which is enabled by the robustness and diversity stemming from the covalent nature of these transformations.

First identification and genomic characterization of equine hepacivirus sub-type 3 strain in China

Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is a newly discovered equine virus that is classified under the Hepacivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. There are three sub-types of EqHV worldwide namely; sub-types 1-3. The majority of EqHV sub-type 1 strains were found in China. While different sub-types have been found in Japan and USA, therefore, to investigate whether the other sub-types of EqHV strains were present in China, a total of 60 horse serum samples were collected and screened for EqHV RNA through RT-PCR. The results revealed that 19 serum samples were RNA-positive (19/60) and the EqHV detection rate was 31.67%. One EqHV strain named GD23 was obtained and its near-complete genome sequence was acquired. Analysis of nucleotide p-distance with reference to the entire polyprotein gene revealed that GD23 was classified into sub-type 3. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that GD23 was clustered together with EqHV strains of sub-type 3 in other countries. The present study is the first to identify an EqHV sub-type 3 strain in China.

Genomic sequencing and characterization of a novel group of canine bufaviruses from Henan province, China

Canine bufavirus (CBuV) is a novel protoparvovirus of dogs that was first reported in 2018 in Italy. The prevalence and genetic diversity of CBuV in China are not clear. In this study, a total of 115 canine fecal samples were collected from northern China in 2019, and two of the samples tested positive for CBuV DNA by PCR. These two field CBuV strains were designated Henan38 and Henan44. The complete genomic sequences of Henan38 and Henan44 were obtained by gap-filling PCR, sequenced, and assembled. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the two strains clustered together in a novel group that was distant from previously reported CBuV strains. This study will strengthen our understanding of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of CBuV in China.

THU0044 SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS OF BONE MARROW AND PERIPHERAL ALTERED B CELL DIFFERENTIATION IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE SLE AND THE MECHANISM OF ABNORMAL EARLY B CELL DEVELOPMENT

Background:

B cell differentiation and dysfunction play a key role in the pathogenesis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Bone marrow (BM) is the development organ of B cells, and also the home and residence place of plasma cells and memory B cells. However, there is a lack of studies on B cells in BM with lupus.

Objectives:

To map the development of BM and peripheral B cells and investigate the mechanism of abnormal early B cell development in SLE.

Methods:

A total of 11 SLE patients and 5 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited.BM and peripheral B cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. sorting-purified B cell subsets were subject toSingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional studies. Plasma cytokines and secreted immunoglobulins were detected by Luminex or ELISA. Disease activity of SLE patients was measured using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).

Results:

In the present study, we find out that the percentage of monocytes in MNC (p=0.070) and plasma cells(p=0.001)in CD19+ were significantly decreased in BM of SLE, compared to healthy controls. While, SLE patients had increased T%MNC(p=0.008) and B%CD19+(p=0.002) in BM that controls. In detail, the B cell subsets of bone marrow in patients with active lupus (SLEDAI≥8 score) were seriously disordered, showing the increasing T%MNC(p=0.049), propre-B%CD19+ (p=0.006)and immature B cell%CD19+ (p=0.010) than healthy donors. propre-B%CD19+ exhibited good relationship with SLEDAI. By integrating single B cell expression profiling and repertoire analysis, we map the development of B cells in BM and peripheral and pathogenic characteristics of early B cells, especially propre-B.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrated that early B cells in BM, especially propre-B are abnormally differentiated with dysregulations. BM is an important organ targeted by SLE. This studyis not only to clarify the internal mechanism of the disorder of differentiation of B cells, but also to provide new clues for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of SLE.

References:

[1]Palanichamy, A., et al.,Neutrophil-mediated IFN activation in the bone marrow alters B cell development in human and murine systemic lupus erythematosus.J Immunol, 2014.192(3): p. 906-18.

[2]Papadaki, H.A., J.C. Marsh, and G.D. Eliopoulos,Bone marrow stem cells and stromal cells in autoimmune cytopenias.Leuk Lymphoma, 2002.43(4): p. 753-60.

[3]Karrar, S. and D.S. Cunninghame Graham,Abnormal B Cell Development in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: What the Genetics Tell Us.Arthritis Rheumatol, 2018.70(4): p. 496-507.

[4]Woods, M., Y.R. Zou, and A. Davidson,Defects in Germinal Center Selection in SLE.Front Immunol, 2015.6: p. 425.

[5]Upregulation of p16INK4A promotes cellular senescence of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients.Cell Signal, 2012.24(12): p. 2307-14.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0075 MIR-21 IN EXOSOMES DRIVED FROM DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS AMELIORATE THE TREGS/TH17 IMMUNE RESPONSE VIA TARGETING STAT3 IN COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS MICE

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common and systemic autoimmune disease1.It is vital for deciphering pathogenesis to define the precise CD4+Tcell subsets that are expanded or dysregulated in RA patients2.An increase in the Th17 cell subset and a decrease in Tregs resulting imbalance of Tregs/Th17 may be responsible for the occurrence and development of RA3. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) appear be a new therapeutic tool for immunological diseases4,5.InRA, the mechanism of the effect of miR-21 drivedfromDPSCsexosomes (DPSCs-exo) on the balance of Tregs/Th17 is still unclear.

Objectives:

We explored the effect of exosomes drived from DPSCson RA and investigated the correlation between DPSCs-exo and Tregs/Th17 balance.

Methods:

Exosomes were isolated through differential centrifugation. Collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) mice were builded to detect histological change and Tregs/Th17 ratio.CD4+Tcells were isolated from PBMCs. Exosomes and CD4+T cells were co-cultured to study the regulation of Tregs/Th17 balance.The relationship between miR-21 and Tregs/Th17 balance was studied by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and Western blotting etc.

Results:

After Dpscs-exo treatment, the clinical scores and paw swelling of CIA mice decreased.At the same time, the expression of Treg cells increased and the expression of Th17 cells decreased in the spleen,changing the ratio of Tregs/Th17.Exosomes and CD4+T cells were co-culture,showing that Treg cellsincreased and Th17 cellsdecreased. MiR-21 is highly expressed in RA patients.MiR-21 in exosomes were Knockout and overexpressed.The balance ofTregs/Th17 decreased when miR-21 were knockout and increased when miR-21were overexpressed. In addition, STAT3 in CD4+T cells were overexpressed and co-culture with DPSCs-exo,which inhibited Tregs/Th17.

Conclusion:

We elucidated the mechanism of the regulation of Tregs/Th17 balance by DPSCs-exo, that is, miR-21 in exosomes drived from dental pulp stem cells ameliorate the Tregs /Th17 immune response via targeting STAT3 in collagen-induced arthritis mice.

References:

[1]MF, B.et al.Hexokinase 2 as a novel selective metabolic target for rheumatoid arthritis.77, 1636-1643,doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213103 (2018).

[2]CY, F.et al.Mixed-effects association of single cells identifies an expanded effector CD4 T cell subset in rheumatoid arthritis.10,doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aaq0305 (2018).

[3]Q, S.et al.Impaired Tip60-mediated Foxp3 acetylation attenuates regulatory T cell development in rheumatoid arthritis.100, 27-39,doi:10.1016/j.jaut.2019.02.007 (2019).

[4]L, J.et al.Comparison of immunomodulatory properties of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and dental pulp stem cells.67, 432-442,doi:10.1007/s12026-019-09088-6 (2019).

[5]B, M., A, L., M, B., W, L. & cells, S. B. J. S. Concise Review: Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Novel Cell Therapy for Retinal and Central Nervous System Repair.35, 61-67,doi:10.1002/stem.2398 (2017).

Disclosure of Interests: None declared

Comprehensive analysis of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs reveals potential players of sexually dimorphic and left-right asymmetry in chicken gonad during gonadal differentiation

Despite thousands of sex-biased genes being found in chickens, the genetic control of sexually dimorphic and left-right asymmetry during gonadal differentiation is not yet completely understood. This study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and signaling pathways during gonadal differentiation in chick embryos (day 6/stage 29). The left and right gonads were collected for RNA sequencing. Sex-biased, side-biased miRNAs, lncRNAs, mRNAs, and shared differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNA)–differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNA)–differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNA) interaction networks were performed. A total of 8 DEmiRNAs, 183 DElncRNAs, and 123 DEmRNAs were identified for the sex-biased genes, and 7 DEmiRNAs, 189 DElncRNAs, and 183 DEmRNAs for the side-biased genes. The results of quantitative real-time PCR were generally consistent with the RNA-sequencing results. The study suggested that miRNAs and lncRNAs regulation were novel gene-specific dosage compensation mechanism and they could contribute to left-right asymmetry of chicken, but sex-biased and side-biased miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs were independent of each other. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks showed that 17 target pairs including miR-7b (CYP19A1, FSHR, GREB1, STK31, CORIN, and TDRD9), miR-211 (FSHR, GREB1, STK31, CORIN, and TDRD9), miR-204 (FSHR, GREB1, CORIN, and TDRD9), and miR-302b-5p (CYP19A1 and TDRD9) may play crucial roles in ovarian development. These analyses provide new clues to uncover molecular mechanisms and signaling networks of ovarian development.

Introduction of lactobionic acid ligand into mixed-charge nanoparticles to realize in situ triggered active targeting to hepatoma cells

To overcome the dilemma between passive tissue targeting and active cell targeting, nanomaterials are often required to exhibit the transition from ‘stealth’ to ‘active targetable’ in response to the pathological microenvironment. Here, we introduced a ternary surface modification method that incorporating active targeting ligand lactobionic acid with pH-sensitive mixed-charge surface. The resulted mixed-charge gold nanoparticles (LA@MC-GNPs) showed resistance to non-specific adsorption of proteins and uptake by HepG2 cells at normal tissue pH 7.4, while they underwent pH-sensitive aggregation and recovered active targeting capability at tumor acidic pH 6.5. The ternary surface modification method provided a simplest strategy to solve the dilemma between passive and active targeting of nanomedicine.

•

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were ternary modified with lactobionic acid ligand and mixed-charge ligands.

•

The resulted GNPs showed pH-sensitive aggregation in response to tumor acidic pH.

•

Resistance to non-specific protein adsorption and cell uptake of the ternary modified GNPs was observed at pH 7.4.

•

Cell uptake was greatly enhanced because of the recalled active targeting ability at pH 6.5.

Synthesis of AB n -type colloidal molecules by polymerization-induced particle-assembly (PIPA)

Conventional synthesis of colloidal molecules (CMs) mainly depends on particle-based self-assembly of patchy building blocks. However, direct access to CMs by the self-assembly of isotropic colloidal subunits remains challenging. Here, we report the mass production of AB n -type CMs by polymerization-induced particle-assembly (PIPA), using a linear ABC triblock terpolymer system. Starting from diblock copolymer spheres, the association of spheres takes place in situ during the polymerization of the third block. The third blocks aggregate into attractive domains, which connect spheres into CMs. The stability of CMs is ensured, as long as the conversions are limited to ca. 50%, and the pH is low. The valence of AB n -type CMs (n = 2-6) is determined by the volume ratio of the polymer blocks. By tuning the volume ratio, 78.5% linear AB2-type CMs are yielded. We demonstrate that polymerization-induced particle-assembly is successful for the scalable fabrication of AB n -type CMs (50 g L-1), and can be easily extended to vastly different triblock terpolymers, for a wide range of applications.

Effects of sodium butyrate on intestinal health and gut microbiota composition during intestinal inflammation progression in broilers

Butyric acid is a beneficial feed additive used in animal production, including poultry production. However, there are few reports on butyric acid as a prophylactic treatment against intestinal inflammation in broilers. The current study explored the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) as a prophylactic treatment on the intestinal health and gut microbiota of broilers with intestinal inflammation induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) by monitoring changes in intestinal histopathology, gut leakiness indicators, inflammatory cytokines, and gut microbiota composition. Sodium butyrate supplementation prior to DSS administration significantly reduced the lesion scores of intestinal bleeding (P < 0.05) and increased villus height and the total mucosa of the ileum (P < 0.05). Regardless of intestinal inflammation, supplementation with SB at 300 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of D (-)-lactate (P < 0.05), interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β (P < 0.05) but increased the level of interleukin-10 (P < 0.05). The SB treatment did not affect the alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota during intestinal inflammation progression but altered their composition, and the microbial community structure of treated broilers was similar to that of control broilers. Taken together, our results reveal the importance of SB in improving intestinal development, inducing an anti-inflammatory effect during intestinal inflammation progression, and modulating the microbial community in broilers. Sodium butyrate seems to be optimized for anti-inflammatory effects at higher doses (300 mg/kg SB).

Corrigendum: Emergence of Getah Virus Infection in Horse With Fever in China, 2018

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01416.].

[Relationship between SHP-1 gene methylation and STAT3 phosphorylation and prognosis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome]

Objective: To assess the methylation level of SHP-1 promoter region and the effects on the phosphorylation of the Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 (STAT3) protein in bone marrow specimen of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and to explore the relationship of SHP-1 methylation and prognosis of the patients. Method: Bone marrow specimens of 93 patients with MDS were collected from the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from September 2010 to June 2014. The enrolled subjects included 54 males and 39 females and they were divided into the low-risk group (IPSS score:0-1.0, median: 0.5) and the high-risk group (IPSS score: 1.5-3.0, median: 2.5) according to the International Prognostic Score System (IPSS). The methylation level of SHP-1 was detected by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, and the level of p-STAT3 was detected using Western blot. Results: In the high-risk group, 64.44% (29/45) of the patients had methylation in the SHP-1 promoter region, which was significantly higher than the low-risk group 22.92% (11/48). Therefore, SHP-1 methylation was frequently presented in the patients of the high-risk group. Similarly, 66.67% (30/45) of the patients in the high-risk group had positive STAT3 phosphorylation status, whereas only 20.83% (10/48) were tested positive in the low-risk group. In addition, correlation analysis also revealed that the SHP-1 methylation rate was positively correlated with the positive rate of STAT3 phosphorylation (r=0.57,P<0.001). Conclusions: SHP-1 methylation is significantly correlated with the risk of MDS patients. It may be used as an independent predictor of shorter survival in patients of the high-risk group. The increased level of SHP-1 methylation will lead to the uncontrolled activation of the downstream JAK/STAT3 pathway, which in turn can cause further positive feedback to amplify the carcinogenic signal.

A radiomics model for determining the invasiveness of solitary pulmonary nodules that manifest as part-solid nodules

AIM

A nomogram model was developed to predict the histological subtypes of lung invasive adenocarcinomas (IAs) and minimally invasive adenocarcinomas (MIAs) that manifest as part-solid ground-glass nodules (GGNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 119 patients with histopathologically confirmed part-solid GGNs assigned to the training (n=83) or testing cohorts (n=36). Radiomic features were extracted based on the unenhanced computed tomography (CT) images. R software was applied to process the qualitative and quantitative data. The CT features model, radiomic signature model, and combined prediction model were constructed and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 396 radiomic features were extracted from the preoperative CT images, four features including MaxIntensity, RMS, ZonePercentage, and LongRunEmphasis_angle0_offset7 were indicated to be the best discriminators to establish the radiomic signature model. The performance of the model was satisfactory in both the training and testing set with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.854 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.774 to 0.934) and 0.813 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.955), respectively. The CT morphology of the lesion shape and diameter of the solid component were confirmed to be a significant feature for building the CT features model, which had an AUC of 0.755 (95% CI: 0.648 to 0.843). A nomogram that integrated lesion shape and radiomic signature was constructed, which contributed an AUC of 0.888 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.955).

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomic signature could provide an important reference for differentiating IAs from MIAs, and could be significantly enhanced by the addition of CT morphology. The nomogram may be highly informative for making clinical decisions.

[The inhibition of 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid on thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats]

Objective: To explore the effect of 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis (AR) rats. Methods: One hundred Wistar rats,half male and half female,were randomly divided into 5 groups by random number table method: control group, AR model group,budesonide group,18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid at dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg groups, with 20 rats in each group. AR animal models were established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization in the other four experimental groups. After successful modeling, budesonide and 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid were given in each group,and the detection time points were 2 weeks and 4 weeks. The distribution of TSLP in rat nasal mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of TSLP in rat nasal mucosa was determined by Western blot at the protein level. The expression of TSLP-mRNA in rat nasal mucosa was detected and compared by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) at mRNA level. The concentrations of IL-4 and OVA-sIgE in rat serum were measured and compared by ELISA. One-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference method were used for the comparison among groups, LSD t test was used for the comparison between the two groups,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Results: Immunohistochemistry confirmed existence of TSLP in rat nasal mucosa, especially in epithelial cells,endothelial cells and epithelial cilia. Western blot and RT-PCR suggested that the expression of TSLP and TSLP-mRNA in nasal mucosa of AR model group was significantly higher than that of control group (2 weeks TSLP: 1.795 9±0.131 4 vs 0.990 5±0.164 2, 4 weeks TSLP: 1.809 7±0.253 4 vs 0.870 3±0.124 4; 2 weeks TSLP-mRNA:4.582 9±0.697 7 vs 1.108 7±0.081 1, 4 weeks TSLP-mRNA:4.814 4±0.662 8 vs 1.001 0±0.155 3; all P<0.05). After 2 weeks and 4 weeks of drug intervention,the expression of TSLP and TSLP-mRNA was inhibited in nasal mucosa of budesonide group,18β-sodium sodium glycyrrhetinic acid at dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg group,which was significantly different from that of AR model group (2 weeks TSLP: (0.897 8±0.081 8)/(1.072 1±0.113 6)/(1.396 6±0.133 9) vs 1.795 9±0.131 4; 4 weeks TSLP: (1.191 0±0.161 3)/(1.141 0±0.152 3)/(1.200 5±0.189 6) vs 1.809 7±0.253 4; 2 weeks TSLP-mRNA: (1.175 6±0.100 9)/(1.254 4±0.078 2)/(2.037 2±0.559 2) vs 4.582 9±0.697 7; 4 weeks TSLP-mRNA: (1.158 3±0.104 3)/(1.224 0±0.034 0)/(1.275 2±0.099 6) vs 4.814 4±0.662 8; all P<0.05), and not significantly different from control group. With the inhibition of TSLP, the concentrations of IL-4 and OVA-sIgE in rat serum were also decreased. Conclusion: 18β-sodium glycyrrhetinic acid has obvious inhibitory effect on TSLP in nasal mucosa of AR rats, which can control Th2 type immune inflammatory reaction.