First-Trimester Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol are Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among the Four Surrogate Biomarkers of Insulin Resistance

Purpose

This study seeks to assess the potential of early pregnancy Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG), triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-c), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C), and Total Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) in predicting Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

Patients and Methods

A total of 1073 adults singleton pregnant women were enrolled from June 2017 to September 2019. Complete anthropometric data and lipid profiles were measured in the first trimester (before 12 weeks gestation) and a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks was performed. Based on OGTT results, participants were categorised into Normal Glucose Tolerance (NGT) group (n=872) and GDM group (n=201). General data, laboratory test results, and surrogate insulin resistance indicators such as TyG index, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C were documented and compared. To compare differences between the two groups, t-test was used, Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed to establish associations between these indicators and insulin resistance in GDM. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare the thresholds of these indicators for predicting GDM during pregnancy and to quantify overall diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Individuals with GDM had higher TyG, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C levels (P < 0.001), but with no significant difference observed in TC/HDL-C. All four ratios were positively correlated with Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), yet only TyG emerged as an independent risk factor for HOMA-IR. The Area under the Curve (AUC) of TyG index (0.692) was comparable to that of HOMA-IR (0.703). The cut-off points for TyG index, TG/HDL-C, and HOMA-IR in predicting GDM were 7.088, 0.831, and 1.8, respectively. HOMA-IR exhibited the highest sensitivity (79.1%), while TyG index (64.3%) and TG/HDL-C ratio (64.3%) demonstrated better specificity compared to HOMA-IR (56.3%). LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C offered no discernible predictive advantage.

Conclusion

Early pregnancy TyG index and TG/HDL-C can aid in identifying pregnant women at risk for GDM, potentially facilitating early and effective intervention to improve prognosis. TyG index exhibited superior predictive capability compared to TG/HDL-C.

The impact of inflammatory biomarkers on amputation rates in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes, often leading to amputation. Understanding the relationship between haematological inflammatory markers and the incidence of amputation in DFU patients with infectious complications is crucial for improving management and outcomes. This retrospective study, conducted from May 2020 to October 2022, involved 109 patients with DFUs, categorised into amputation (AM) and non-amputation (NAM) groups. Patients were evaluated for various factors, including demographic data, DFU duration, and blood parameters such as haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), haemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). Statistical analyses were performed using independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression. The univariate analysis showed no significant difference in BMI, DM duration or DFU duration between groups. However, significant differences were noted in PCT, Hb, ESR, ALB, HbA1c and WBC levels, and in inflammatory ratios (NLR, PLR and LMR). Multivariate logistic regression identified CRP, NLR and PLR as independent risk factors for amputation. The study highlights CRP, PLR and NLR as key independent risk factors for amputation in patients with DFUs. These easily obtainable markers from routine blood tests can effectively aid in predicting the risk of osteomyelitis and amputation, enhancing clinical decision making and patient care strategies.

Efficacy evaluation of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture for sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation: a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture for sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients diagnosed with sciatica caused by LDH were randomly divided into the warm acupuncture of the Mongolian medicine group (n = 42, warm acupuncture treatment), the sham acupuncture group (n = 38, sham acupuncture using blunt-tipped needles) and the conventional drug group (n = 40, ibuprofen sustained release capsule). All patients were treated for 4 weeks and followed up for 8 weeks. The visual analog scale for leg pain (VAS-LP), Mongolian medicine indicators (efficacy indicators), VAS for waist pain (VAS-WP) and the Mos 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score were analyzed at baseline, after two-week treatment, after four-week treatment, at four-week follow-up and at eight-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Warm acupuncture treatment significantly decreased the VAS-LP and VAS-WP scores of patients at treatment and follow-up (p < 0.05), and pain was improved compared to the conventional drug group and sham acupuncture group. The total effective rate was markedly higher in the warm acupuncture of the Mongolian medicine group compared with the conventional drug group at 8-week follow-up (p < 0.05), but sham acupuncture treatment resulted in no evident improvement in the Mongolian medicine indicators. Additionally, at treatment and follow-up, warm acupuncture of the Mongolian medicine group showed a significant increase in the physical function, physical role, body pain, and emotional and mental health role scores of the SF-36 survey compared with the sham acupuncture groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Mongolian medical warm acupuncture effectively relieves leg and waist pain and improves the total therapeutic effect and the quality of daily life for patients with sciatica caused by LDH, with significant long-term efficacy. Our study provides a basis for warm acupuncture in the treatment of sciatica caused by LDH. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ID: ChiCTR- INR-15007413.

Efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Many meta-analyses have assessed the efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the strength and quality of evidence to date. Systematic reviews of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials, which evaluated the effect of preventive strategies on the incidence of VAP in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h, were included in this article. We identified a total of 34 interventions derived from 31 studies. Among these interventions, 19 resulted in a significantly reduced incidence of VAP. Among numerous strategies, only selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) was supported by highly suggestive (Class II) evidence (risk ratio (RR)=0.439, 95% CI: 0.362-0.532). Based on data from the sensitivity analysis, the evidence for the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation in weaning from mechanical ventilation (NIV) was upgraded from weak (Class IV) to highly suggestive (Class II) (RR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.22-0.46). All preventive interventions were not supported by robust evidence for reducing mortality. Early mobilization exhibited suggestive (Class III) evidence in shortening both intensive length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) (mean difference (MD)=-0.85, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.49) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MD=-1.02, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.63). In conclusion, SDD and NIV are supported by robust evidence for prevention against VAP, while early mobilization has been shown to significantly shorten the LOS in the ICU and the duration of mechanical ventilation. These three strategies are recommendable for inclusion in the ventilator bundle to lower the risk of VAP and improve the prognosis of critically ill patients.

New perspective on first-trimester serum uric acid level in predicting the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum uric acid (UA) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the first trimester and provide a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of GDM. Based on the diagnostic criteria of gestational diabetes of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups, 1744 and 4256 patients were enrolled in the GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) groups. Four groups were constituted based on the quartile of first-trimester serum UA (UA) level, and the differences in each indicator between groups were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of UA level on GDM risk. The rate of GDM in the UA quartile changed from low to high. Significant differences were also observed in fasting plasma glucose level, 1 h post glucose and 2 h post glucose levels, in all the groups (P < 0.05), which increased with the UA level. UA level were independent risk factors for GDM. The best threshold of GDM predicted by the first-trimester UA level was 226.55 μmol/L. The first-trimester UA level in patients with GDM was relatively higher and was an independent risk factor for GDM.

Correlation Between Neck Circumference and Gestational Diabetes

Purpose

The objective of this study was to explore whether neck circumference can serve as an early predictor of the risk of Gestational Diabetes (GDM).

Patients and Methods

A total of 318 singleton pregnant women who underwent routine prenatal examinations at Qinhuangdao Maternal and Child Health Hospital from September 2017 to September 2020 were selected and categorized into the GDM group and the normal glucose tolerance group (NGT) based on the results of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) conducted during the second trimester. The general information and laboratory test results were compared and analyzed. Inter-group comparison was conducted using the t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the independent risk factors of GDM. The predictive threshold of various indicators for GDM occurrence during pregnancy was determined using the subject's work curve.

Results

The GDM group exhibited significantly higher levels of pre-pregnancy weight, pre-pregnancy BMI, neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, triglycerides (TG), uric acid (UA), TG/HDL-C ratio, and waist-hip ratio compared to the NGT group. Additionally, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in the GDM group, and blood glucose levels at each point of the OGTT were markedly higher compared to the NGT group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that neck circumference (OR=1.239, P<0.001) and early pregnancy TG (OR=1.842, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for GDM. The receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the optimal critical value of neck circumference for predicting GDM was 32.6 cm, with a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 74.3%.

Conclusion

The neck circumference during early pregnancy was found to be related to GDM, and the predictive cutoff point of 32.6 cm for neck circumference could be employed as a simple index to predict GDM in early pregnancy.

[Clinical analysis of sirolimus as an alternative GVHD prophylaxis for patients with kidney injury undergoing allo-HSCT]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of sirolimus as an alternative graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in patients with kidney injury after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Retrospective case series study. Medical records of 11 patients in Peking University People's Hospital from 1 August 2008 to 31 October 2022, who received sirolimus instead of cyclosporine to prevent GVHD, due to renal insufficiency after allo-HSCT, were analyzed retrospectively. Incidence of GVHD, infection, and transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA), as well as renal function, were evaluated. Results: Among the 11 patients who received sirolimus, 6 were treated with haploidentical donor HSCT, and 5 were treated using matched sibling donor HSCT. The median (range) time of sirolimus administration was 30 (7-167) days after allo-HSCT, and the median (range) sirolimus course duration was 52 (9-120) days. During sirolimus treatment, 1 case did not undergo combined treatment with other prophylactic drugs, 3 cases received combined mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and 1 case underwent combined CD25 monoclonal antibody treatment, while 6 cases had combined therapy with both MMF and CD25 monoclonal antibody. Of the 11 patients, 2 developed Grade Ⅲ acute GVHD, 1 developed severe pneumonia and died, and 1 developed TA-TMA, while nine patients had normal or improved renal function. Median (range) follow-up time was 130 (54-819) days. Non-relapse mortality was observed in 1 patient. Relapse mortality was also observed in 1 patient. Conclusion: Sirolimus-based alternative GVHD prophylaxis is a potentially viable option for patients undergoing allo-HSCT who cannot tolerate cyclosporine, but its efficacy and safety require further optimization and verification in prospective studies.

Genome-wide association analysis of neck ring traits in NongHua ma male ducks

1. Male NongHua ma ducks have more colourful feathers than females, especially considering that the former have a distinctive neck ring that is different from that of females. This ring development might be influenced by sex selection, the environment, genetics and other elements.2. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was used to locate candidate genes that affect the neck ring formation of male ducks to investigate the genetic basis of this phenomenon.3. In this study, the neck ring area and width of 180 male ducks were assessed at ages 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 d. GWAS was used to identify associated genes. There were 0, 7, 14, 48 and 21 possible candidate genes annotated around the 0, 12, 25, 76 and 40 SNP loci n corresponding regions. A total of 13 candidate genes were identified around 21 SNP sites at the neck ring width of 120 d.4. These significant genes were annotated and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. All SNPs that exceeded the significance threshold were annotated and preliminarily screened as candidate genes affecting neck ring formation. From analysis of gene function and enriched KEGG pathways, genes such as THSD1, SLC6A4, DGAT2, PRKDC, B3GAT2, ROR1, GRK7, EXTL3, TXNDC12, COL4A2, PRKG1, ACTR3, were considered important candidate marker sites related to the neck ring. This provided a reference starting point for the genetic mechanism underlying duck feather colour.

[Epidemiological characteristics of familiar adult inherited metabolic liver disease]

Inherited metabolic liver diseases can occur in multi-age groups such as children, adolescents, adults, and others. With the improvement of diagnosis and treatment levels, more and more patients with childhood-onset diseases are surviving into adulthood. Some diseases originally faced by pediatric hepatologists also appear in adult hepatology clinics. This raises new challenges for adult hepatologists, requiring them to master more professional knowledge. However, specific data on the incidence rate of most inherited metabolic liver diseases is still lacking in our country. This article reviews the research progress of hereditary metabolic liver diseases and summarizes the epidemiological characteristics of familiar hereditary metabolic liver diseases in China.

Analysis of the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D, retinol binding protein, and Cyclooxygenase-2 and the disease severity in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose significant clinical challenges, representing severe complications in diabetes mellitus patients and contributing to non-traumatic amputations. Identifying reliable biomarkers can optimize early diagnosis and improve therapeutic outcomes. This study focused on evaluating the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D], Serum Retinol Binding Protein (RBP), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in elderly DFU patients. A retrospective study involving 240 participants, from March 2020 to March 2023. The participants were segmented into three cohorts: 80 with DFUs, 80 diabetic patients without DFUs, and 80 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of the three biomarkers were assayed using methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay, and an automated biochemistry analyser. Comparisons were made both between groups and within the DFU group based on disease severity. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in biomarker levels across the groups (p < 0.05). COX-2 and RBP concentrations were highest in the DFU group, followed by the non-DFU diabetic group, and lowest in the control group. Conversely, 25(OH)D levels were highest in the control group, followed by the non-DFU diabetic group, and lowest in the DFU group. Within the DFU group, RBP and COX-2 levels increased with disease severity, while 25(OH)D levels decreased. These variations were especially pronounced in patients with the most severe Wagner grading. A significant positive correlation was observed between disease severity and levels of RBP (r = 0.651, p < 0.05) and COX-2 (r = 0.356, p < 0.05). Conversely, a significant negative correlation was identified between disease severity and 25(OH)D levels (r = -0.658, p < 0.05). Assessing 25(OH)D, RBP, and COX-2 serum levels offers a promising tool for evaluating the severity and progression of DFUs. Monitoring these biomarkers can enrich our understanding of the metabolic and inflammatory pathways of the disease and potentially refine therapeutic strategies.

[Pelvic coronal inclination change in adolescent flexible flatfoot surgically treated with arthroereisis]

Objective: To evaluate adolescent pelvic coronal inclination angle change after flatfoot treated with arthroereisis. Method: A case-series study. From June 2018 to September 2020, 25 children with flexible flat foot and pelvic obliquity were included in this retrospective study in Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. There were 17 males and 8 females with a mean age of (11.2±2.2) years (9-15 years). There were 5 cases of unilateral flatfoot and 20 cases of bilateral flatfoot. All of the patients were surgically treated with arthroereisis. Regular follow-up was done in 3 months, 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Weightbearing fluoroscopy of entire lower limb and foot were investigated to measure Meary's angle, calcaneal pitch angle, height difference at ankle and pelvic plane, pelvic inclination and sacrum-iliac distance (F value) on coronal plane. Results: The mean Mearys' angle at 3 month postoperatively was improved when compared with that before the operation (3.1°±1.5° vs 25.9°±4.3°, P<0.001), and it remained at the same level 2 years after the operation (compared with that at 1 year after the operation, P=0.748). The calcaneal pitch angle improved significantly at 3-month follow-up when compared with that before the operation (16.6°±2.4° vs 9.9°±1.5°, P<0.001), and there was no significant change between 1 year and 2 years after operation (P=0.542). The height difference at mortise plane were also reduced at the 3-month follow-up(P<0.001), and it remained at the same level at 1 year and 2 years after the operation (P=0.159). Pelvic height difference decreased dramatically from (12.4±1.7) mm (before operation) to (7.1±1.2) mm(3 month after the operation) (P<0.001), it decreased to (3.6±1.8) mm 1 year after the operation (compared with that at 3 months after the operation, P<0.001), and no further reduction was observed 2 years after the surgery (P=0.483). The pelvic inclination angle and sacrum-iliac distance were also improved at 3-month follow-up when compared with those before the operation (both P<0.001), and they declined further 1 year after the operation(both P<0.05), but the decreasing trend disappeared at the 2-year follow-up (both P>0.05). Conclusion: For adolescent flexible flat foot patients with pelvic obliquity, the coronal inclination and pelvic height discrepancy would partially recovered with correction of flatfoot deformity, but it could not be completely corrected in the mean follow-up period of 2 years after the operation.

[Research progress of non-biological artificial liver support system therapy for paitents with liver failure]

Liver failure progresses quickly with high mortality. Non-biological artificial liver support system therapy is one of the important treatments for patients with liver failure. The basic techniques of non-biological artificial liver support system therapy include plasma exchange, plasma adsorption and continuous renal replacement therapy. In this paper, the effect and choice of these basic techniques, the treatment timing, the possible patients who may benefit, and the existing problems are summarized and discussed. We hope to provide a reference for the rational use of non-biological artificial liver support system therapy in clinical practice.

[Clinical analysis of the usefulness of letermovir for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of letermovir in primary prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in patients receiving haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: This retrospective, cohort study was conducted using data of patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation at Peking University Institute of Hematology and received letermovir for primary prophylaxis between May 1, 2022 and August 30, 2022. The inclusion criteria of the letermovir group were as follows: letermovir initiation within 30 days after transplantation and continuation for≥90 days after transplantation. Patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation within the same time period but did not receive letermovir prophylaxis were selected in a 1∶4 ratio as controls. The main outcomes were the incidence of CMV infection and CMV disease after transplantation as well as the possible effects of letermovir on acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and bone marrow suppression. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test, and continuous variables were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for evaluating incidence differences. Results: Seventeen patients were included in the letermovir prophylaxis group. The median patient age in the letermovir group was significantly greater than that in the control group (43 yr vs. 15 yr; Z=-4.28, P<0.001). The two groups showed no significant difference in sex distribution and primary diseases, etc. (all P>0.05). The proportion of CMV-seronegative donors was significantly higher in the letermovir prophylaxis group in comparison with the control group (8/17 vs. 0/68, χ²=35.32, P<0.001). Three out of the 17 patients in the letermovir group experienced CMV reactivation, which was significantly lower than the incidence of CMV reactivation in the control group (3/17 vs. 40/68, χ²=9.23, P=0.002), and no CMV disease development observed in the letermovir group. Letermovir showed no significant effects on platelet engraftment (P=0.105), aGVHD (P=0.348), and 100-day NRM (P=0.474). Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that letermovir may effectively reduce the incidence of CMV infection after haploidentical transplantation without influencing aGVHD, NRM, and bone marrow suppression. Prospective randomized controlled studies are required to further verify these findings.

A polyaniline functionalized NiFeP nanosheet array-based electrochemical immunosensor using Au/Cu2O nanocubes as a signal amplifier for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged as a novel pathogen in 2019. The virus is responsible for a severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, affecting the respiratory system of infected individuals. COVID-19 is a super amplifier of basic diseases, and the disease with basic diseases is often more serious. Controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic relies heavily on the timely and accurate detection of the virus. To resolve the problem, a polyaniline functionalized NiFeP nanosheet array-based electrochemical immunosensor using Au/Cu₂O nanocubes as a signal amplifier is fabricated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS-CoV-2 NP). Polyaniline (PANI) functionalized NiFeP nanosheet arrays are synthesized as an ideal sensing platform for the first time. PANI is coated on the surface of NiFeP by electropolymerization to enhance biocompatibility, beneficial for the efficient loading of the capture antibody (Ab₁). Significantly, Au/Cu₂O nanocubes possess excellent peroxidase-like activity and exhibit outstanding catalytic activity for the reduction of H₂O₂. Therefore, Au/Cu₂O nanocubes combine with a labeled antibody (Ab₂) through the Au-N bond to form labeled probes, which can effectively amplify current signals. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 NP shows a wide linear range of 10 fg mL^-1-20 ng mL^-1 and a low detection limit of 1.12 fg mL^-1 (S/N = 3). It also exhibits desirable selectivity, repeatability, and stability. Meanwhile, the excellent analytical performance in human serum samples confirms the practicality of the PANI functionalized NiFeP nanosheet array-based immunosensor. The electrochemical immunosensor based on the Au/Cu₂O nanocubes as a signal amplifier demonstrates great potential for application in the personalized point-of-care (POC) clinical diagnosis.

[Sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene and prediction of structure and antigenic epitopes of its encoding protein]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene, and to predict the secondary and tertiary structure and antigenic epitopes of the Enolase protein.

METHODS

Sixty-two engorged female R. microplus were sampled from a yellow cattle breeding farm in Zhijiang County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province in June 25, 2022. Genomic DNA was isolated from R. microplus, and the Enolase gene was amplified using PCR assay, followed by cloning, sequencing and expression of the amplification product. The sequence characteristics of the Enolase gene were analyzed using the software Clustal X, and the gene sequence was translated into amino acid sequences. The secondary and tertiary structures of the Enolase protein were deduced using the software PRABI, and the physicochemical properties of the Enolase protein were analyzed using the software PRABI. In addition, the B- and T-cell epitopes of the Enolase protein were predicted using the software ABCpred Prediction, Scratch, IEDB and NetCTL.

RESULTS

The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence was 1 323 bp in size, and the contents of A, T, G and C bases were 24.5%, 22.5%, 27.0% and 26.0%,with 47.0% of A + T content and 53.0% of G + C content. The R. microplus Enolase gene encoded 434 amino acids, and the Enolase protein had a molecular weight of 47.12 kDa. The secondary structure of the Enolase protein contained 186 α-helixes (42.86%), 32 β-turns (7.37%), 144 random coils (33.18%) and 72 extended strands (16.59%). The Enolase protein was most probably present in cytoplasm (76.7%), followed by in mitochondrion (39.1%) and nucleus (21.7%), and the Enolase protein had no signal peptide or transmembrane domain. In addition, the Enolase protein had 14 B-cell dominant epitopes and 8 T-cell dominant epitopes.

CONCLUSIONS

The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence exhibits a GC preference, and its encoding Enolase protein is an acidic and hydrophilic protein, with α-helixes and random coils as its primary structure, and presenting B- and T-cell dominant epitopes, which is a potential target for development of vaccines against R. microplus.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury through TLR4-NLRP3 pathway

To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on myocardial injury in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD), male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce cardiac dysfunction without or with the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (50 µmol/kg, i.p.) administration 3 h after LPS injection. Six hours after the LPS injection, echocardiography, cardiac hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, myocardial damage and inflammatory biomarkers and Western blot results were analyzed. In mice, the administration of LPS decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by 30 % along with lowered H2S levels (35 % reduction). It was observed that cardiac troponin I (cTnI), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels were all increased (by 0.22-fold, 2000-fold and 0.66-fold respectively). HE staining revealed structural damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in the myocardial tissue after LPS administration. Moreover, after 6 h of LPS treatment, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expressions were up-regulated 2.7-fold and 1.6-fold respectively. When compared to the septic mice, NaHS enhanced ventricular function (by 0.19-fold), decreased cTnI, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta levels (by 11 %, 33 %, and 16 % respectively) and downregulated TLR4 and NLRP3 expressions (by 64 % and 31 % respectively). Furthermore, NaHS did not further improve cardiac function and inflammation in TLR4-/- mice or mice in which NLRP3 activation was inhibited by MCC950, after LPS injection. In conclusion, these findings imply that decreased endogenous H2S promotes the progression of SIMD, whereas exogenous H2S alleviates SIMD by inhibiting inflammation via the TLR4-NLRP3 pathway suppression.

Effects of testis testosterone deficiency on gene expression in the adrenal gland and skeletal muscle of ducks

1. Testosterone has an anabolic effect on skeletal muscle. The testes produce most of the testosterone in vivo, while the adrenal glands contribute smaller amounts. When testis testosterone is deficient the adrenal gland increases steroid hormone synthesis, which is referred to as compensatory testicular adaptation (CTA).2. To reveal the effects of testis testosterone deficiency on adrenal steroid hormones synthesis and skeletal muscle development, gene expression related to adrenal steroid hormones synthesis and skeletal muscle development were determined by RNA-seq.3. The results showed that castrating male ducks had significant effects on their body weight but no significant impact on cross-sectional area (CSA) or density of pectoral muscle fibres. In skeletal muscle protein metabolism, expression levels of the catabolic gene atrogin1/MAFbx and the anabolic gene eEF2 were significantly higher, with concomitant increases after castration. The adrenal glands' alteration of the steroid hormone 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) was significantly lower following castration.4. Expression pattern analysis showed that the adrenal glands' glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1/GR) had a potential regulatory relationship with the skeletal muscle-related genes (Pax7, mTOR, FBXO32, FOXO3, and FOXO4).5. The data showed that castration affected muscle protein metabolism, adrenal steroid and testosterone synthesis. In addition, it was speculated that, after castration, steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland could have a compensatory effect, which might mediate the changes in skeletal muscle protein metabolism and development.

[Molecular characteristics of ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Thompson in foodborne diseases in Hunan Province]

Objective: To investigate the molecular characteristics of ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson (S. Thompson) isolates from sporadic cases of foodborne diseases and aquatic foods in Hunan province. Methods: Ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant S. Thompson isolates were selected from samples, and broth microdilution method was used to determine the resistance to 11 antibiotics of these isolates in vitro. Whole genome sequencing was used for investigating antimicrobial resistance gene patterns and phylogenetic relationships of strains. Results: Nine ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant isolates were recovered from 19 S. Thompson isolates. Among nine ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant isolates, eight of them harbored IncC plasmids, simultaneously carrying plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes qepA and qnrS1, β-lactamase resistance gene bla_CMY-2, azithromycin resistance gene mph(A), and one isolate harbored IncR plasmid, and carried PMQR genes qnrB4 and aac(6')-Ib-cr, bla_OXA-10 and mph(A). Genetic environment analysis showed that qnrS1, qepA, mph(A) and bla_CMY-2 genes might be integrated on genomes of strains by ISKra4, IS91, IS6100 and ISEcp1, respectively. Phylogenetic core genome comparisons demonstrated that ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant isolates from patients and aquatic foods were genetically similar and clustered together. Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant S. Thompson isolates have been isolated from both human and aquatic food samples, suggesting that the spread of multidrug resistant Salmonella between human and aquatic animals.

MicroRNA-137 inhibits pituitary prolactinoma proliferation by targeting AKT2

PURPOSE

Prolactinoma is the most common type of pituitary adenoma. Most prolactinoma need medical treatment, but some of them are aggressive and require surgery. In previous decades, some miRNAs have been manifested as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Consequently, miRNAs' abnormal expression involves tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis of different types of tumors, including pituitary tumors. The current study aim to explore the aggressiveness-associated miRNAs in prolactinoma and underlying molecular mechanisms based on the bioinformatic analysis and fundamental experiment studies.

METHODS

GSE46294 miRNA expression profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was downloaded. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were filtered from this data. Subsequently, the target genes of downregulated miRNAs were analyzed by Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. RT-qPCR, western blot, and CCK-8 assays were used to validate the effect of miR-137 on the proliferation of MMQ cells through AKT2. Finally, the binding site of rat miR-137 to AKT2 were predicted by Targetscan and Bibiserv database, and verified by double luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Twenty-four changed DEMs (fourteen upregulated and ten downregulated) were identified. Target genes of downregulated DEMs were classified into three groups by GO terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed these target genes enriched in the PI3K-Akt pathway. We also confirmed that miR-137 can target AKT2 and inhibit the proliferation of MMQ cells induced by AKT2.

CONCLUSION

MiR-137 suppressed prolactinomas' aggressive behavior by targeting AKT2.

Rapid determination of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins based on 2D/2D MXene/P–BiOCl/Ru(bpy)32+ heterojunction composites to enhance electrochemiluminescence performance

At the end of 2019, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a cluster of atypical pneumonia caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been known as a highly contagious disease. Herein, we report the MXene/P–BiOCl/Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ heterojunction composite to construct an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (CoVNP) determination. Two-dimensional (2D) material ultrathin phosphorus-doped bismuth oxychloride (P–BiOCl) is exploited and first applied in ECL. 2D architectures MXene not only act as “soft substrate” to improve the properties of P–BiOCl, but also synergistically work with P–BiOCl. Owing to the inimitable set of bulk and interfacial properties, intrinsic high electrochemical conductivity, hydrophilicity and good biocompatible of 2D/2D MXene/P–BiOCl/Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, this as-exploited heterojunction composite is an efficient signal amplifier and co-reaction accelerator in the presence of tri-n-propylamine (TPA) as a coreactant. The proposed MXene/P–BiOCl/Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-TPA system exhibits a high and stable ECL signal and achieves ECL emission quenching for “signal on-off” recognition of CoVNP. Fascinatingly, the constructed ECL biosensor towards CoVNP allows a wide linear concentration range from 1 fg/mL to 10 ng/mL and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.49 fg/mL (S/N = 3). Furthermore, this presented strategy sheds light on designing a highly efficient ECL nanostructure through the combination of 2D MXene architectures with 2D semiconductor materials in the field of nanomedicine. This ECL biosensor can successfully detect CoVNP in human serum, which can promote the prosperity and development of diagnostic methods of SARS-CoV-2.

[Implications for risk management of foodborne pathogens in China from the outbreak of monophasic salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium contaminated chocolate products]

Outbreaks caused by highly industrialized food companies are characterized by cross-border, trans-regional, rapid and unpredictable, related to serious disease and economic burden. A cluster of cases with monophasic salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ST34 infection suspected to be associated with consumption of contaminated chocolate products have been reported in several Europe countries since December 2021. After retrospective investigations, the buttermilk circuit in the Belgian factory was suspected to be the point of origin of the contamination. This outbreak could provide a reference for the risk management of foodborne pathogens contamination in China. The objective of this paper was to summarize the process and characteristics of the outbreak of monophasic S. Typhimurium caused by contaminated chocolate products, analyze the characteristics of ST34 monophasic S. Typhimurium and the microbial management measures in the process of chocolate products, and systematically discuss the suggestions for the risk management of foodborne pathogens contamination and countermeasures for the rapid development of industrialization of food enterprises in China, in order to provide scientific and technological support for the prevention and control, prediction and early warning of sudden cases in China.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-related cerebellar ataxia]

The clinical data, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of 10 patients with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody-related cerebellar ataxia in Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from May 2015 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 female patients with a median age of 55 years old. Patients mainly presented with gait ataxia (10/10), dizziness (8/10), diplopia (6/10), and dysarthria (5/10). Four of them were complicated with other autoimmune disease, including vitiligo (3/4), Hashimoto thyroiditis (1/4), thrombocytopenia (1/4), and small cell lung cancer (1/4). All patients received immunotherapy, 6 out of 10 exhibited a good response, and half of them had satisfied functional prognosis. Patients of anti-GAD antibody-related cerebellar ataxia may be complicated with other autoimmune diseases, but underlying tumor is rare. More than half of patients have a good response to immunotherapy and satisfied prognosis.

Structural visualization of transient interactions between the cis-acting acyltransferase and acyl carrier protein of the salinomycin modular polyketide synthase

Transient protein–protein interactions between cis-acting acyltransferase (AT) and acyl carrier protein (ACP) domains are critical for the catalysis and processivity of modular polyketide synthases (mPKSs), but are challenging for structural characterization due to the intrinsically weak binding affinity. Here, a stable complex of cis-acting AT and ACP domains from the ninth module of the salinomycin mPKS was obtained using a maleimide cross-linker and the structure of the complex was determined at 2.6 Å resolution. The crystal structure shows that the AT in combination with the ketosynthase (KS)-to-AT linker forms a C-shaped architecture to embrace the ACP. The large hydrolase subdomain of the AT serves as a major binding platform for the ACP, while the small ferredoxin-like subdomain of the AT and the KS-to-AT linker cooperate with each other to constrain binding of the ACP. The importance of interface residues in cis-acting AT–ACP interactions was confirmed by mutagenesis assays. The interaction mode observed in the cis-acting AT–ACP complex is completely different from those observed in trans-acting AT–ACP complexes, where the ACP primarily contacts the small domain of the AT. The complex structure provides detailed mechanistic insights into AT–ACP recognition in cis-AT mPKSs.

[Liver fibrosis inhibits lethal injury through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced necroptosis]

Objective: To explore the new mechanism of liver fibrosis through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS)-induced necroptosis as an entry point to inhibit lethal injury. Methods: The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was established. At 6 weeks of fibrosis, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose of D-GalN/LPS, and the normal mice treated with the same treatment were used as the control. The experiment was divided into four groups: control group (Control), acute injury group (D-GalN/LPS), liver fibrosis group (Fib), and liver fibrosis + acute challenge group (Fib + D-GalN/LPS). Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression of necroptosis key signal molecules RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL in each group. Normal mice were treated with inhibitors targeting key signaling molecules of necroptosis, and then given an acute challenge. The inhibitory effect of D-GalN/LPS-induced-necroptosis on acute liver injury was evaluated according to the changes in transaminase levels and liver histology. Liver fibrosis spontaneous ablation model was established, and then acute challenge was given. Necroptosis key signal molecules expression was analyzed in liver tissue of mice in each group and compared by immunohistochemistry. The differences between groups were compared with t-test or analysis of variance. Results: Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays result showed that D-GalN/LPS-induced significant upregulation of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL. Necroptosis key signal molecules inhibition had significantly reduced D-GalN/LPS-induced liver injury, as manifested by markedly reduced serum ALT and AST levels with improvement in liver histology. Necroptosis signaling molecules expression was significantly inhibited in fibrotic livers even under acute challenge conditions. Additionally, liver fibrosis with gradual attenuation of fibrotic ablation had inhibited D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis may protect mice from acute lethal challenge injury by inhibiting D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis.

First Report of Alternaria alternata Causing Leaf Spot Disease on Daylily in China

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.; Xanthorrhoeaceae) originated from Eastern Asia and are widely cultivated as perennial ornamentals from the tropics to their native high latitudes. In June 2021, daylily cultivar 'Tao Hua Zhai' with leaf spot symptoms were found at the Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China. The disease prevalence was about 14.5 % in a 33,000 m2 planting area indicated by survey statistics. Symptoms of the disease initially appeared as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves. As disease progressed, spots increased gradually until they were distributed uniformly over the lamina, the leaf tip became withered and the rest of the leaf became chlorotic. Symptomatic leaf tissue pieces (5 × 5 mm) from lesion margins were sterilized with 75 % ethanol for 1 min, rinsed three times with sterile distilled water, then incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 28 °C in the dark. A pure culture (ATHF-1) was obtained. Its upper surface on PDA was olive green with loose aerial hyphae, and its lower surface was brown.Conidiophores were brown, single or branched, producing numerous short chains conidia. Conidia were obclavate to obpyriform or ellipsoid, pale brown to dark brown, with a short cylindrical beak at the tip, contained 2-6 transverse septa and 0-4 longitudinal septa. The size of conidia were 15.9-47.3 µm × 7.6-16.6 µm (n=50), and length/width ratios were 1.51 to 4.92. Based on the morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Alternaria spp. (Simmons, 2007). For molecular characterization, three genes (the internal transcribed spacers [ITS], plasma membrane ATPase [ATPase] and major allergen Alt a 1) of ATHF-1 were amplified with primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), ATPDF1/ATPDR1 (Lawrence et al. 2013) and Alt-for/Alt-rev (Hong et al. 2005), respectively. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, MZ983611; ATPase, MZ962978; Alt a 1, OK021654). Blastn searches showed the nucleotide sequences of ATHF-1 were highly similar to the reference sequences of Alternaria tenuissima (ITS, 99 % to KU982591; ATPase, 98 % to MT833928; Alt a 1, 100 % to MT109294). A phylogenetic tree based on the ITS, ATPase and Alt a 1 sequences was constructed by MEGA7.0, which showed that ATHF-1 was closely related to A. tenuissima and A. alternata. But according to Woudenberg et al. (2015), they were synonymized under the species name A. alternata. So, based on morphological and molecular characteristics, the fungus was identified as A. alternata. For pathogenicity tests, ten healthy two-month-old potted seedlings from tissue culture daylilies were sprayed with 20 ml of suspension (approximately 2×105 spores/ml), ten daylilies were used as controls and sprayed with sterile water. After covering with transparent plastic bags for 48 h to maintain humidity, the plants were placed in the greenhouse at 25 ℃ with 12 h photoperiod. The pathogenicity tests were repeated twice. Seven days after inoculation, lesions appeared on the plants inoculated with the pathogen, which were consistent with the symptoms observed in the field, while the controls remained symptomless. The morphological characteristics and gene sequences of the re-isolated strain from the diseased leaves were consistent with those of the inoculated strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata affecting leaf spot disease on daylily in China. Identification of the causal agent of the disease is important for developing effective disease management strategies. References: Hong, S.G., et al. 2005. Fungal Genet Biol. 42(2):119-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2004.10.009 Lawrence, D.P., et al. 2013. Mycologia. 105(3):530-546. https://doi.org/10.3852/12-249 Simmons, E.G. 2007. Alternaria: An Identification Manual. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands. White, T. J., et al. 1990. Amplification and Direct Sequencing of Fungal Ribosomal RNA Genes for Phylogenetics. PCR protocols: a guide to methods and applications, 18(1), 315-322. Woudenberg J.H.C., et al. 2015. Studies in Mycology. 82(82):1-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.simyco.2015.07.001.

[Effect of hypochloric acid on Escherichia coli biofilm and the clinical efficacy of hypochloric acid for wounds with Escherichia coli infection]

Objective: To investigate the effect of hypochloric acid on Escherichia coli biofilm and the clinical efficacy of hypochloric acid for wounds with Escherichia coli infection. Methods: One strain of Escherichia coli with the strongest bacterial biofilm forming ability among the strains isolated from specimens in 25 patients (16 males and 9 females, aged 32-67 years) from five clinical departments of the 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force was collected for the experimental study from September to December 2019. The Escherichia coli was cultured with hypochloric acid at 162.96, 81.48, 40.74, 20.37, 10.18, 5.09, 2.55, 1.27, 0.64, and 0.32 μg/mL respectively to screen the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of hypochloric acid. The Escherichia coli was cultured with hypochloric acid at the screened MBC for 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min respectively to screen the shortest bactericidal time of hypochloric acid. The biofilm formation of Escherichia coli was observed by scanning electron microscopy at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation, respectively. After 72 h of culture, hypochloric acid at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 times of MBC was respectively added to Escherichia coli to screen the minimum biofilm eradicate concentration (MBEC) of hypochloric acid against Escherichia coli. After hypochloric acid at 1, 2, 4, and 8 times of MBEC and sterile saline were respectively added to Escherichia coli for 10 min, the live/dead bacterial staining kit was used to detect the number of live and dead cells, with the rate of dead bacteria calculated (the number of samples was 5). From January to December 2020, 41 patients with infectious wounds meeting the inclusion criteria and admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA were included into the prospective randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into hypochloric acid group with 21 patients (13 males and 8 females, aged (46±14) years) and povidone iodine group with 20 patients (14 males and 6 females, aged (45±19) years) according to the random number table. Patients in the 2 groups were respectively dressed with sterile gauze soaked with hypochloric acid of 100 μg/mL and povidone iodine solution of 50 mg/mL with the dressings changed daily. Before the first dressing change and on the 10th day of dressing change, tissue was taken from the wound and margin of the wound for culturing bacteria by agar culture method and quantifying the number of bacteria. The amount of wound exudate and granulation tissue growth were observed visually and scored before the first dressing change and on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days of dressing change. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, Dunnett-t test, independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact probability test. Results: The MBC of hypochloric acid against Escherichia coli was 10.18 μg/mL, and the shortest bactericidal time of hypochloric acid with MBC against Escherichia coli was 2 min. Escherichia coli was in a completely free state after 6 and 12 h of culture and gradually aggregated and adhered with the extension of culture time, forming a mature biofilm at 72 h of culture. The MBEC of hypochloric acid against Escherichia coli was 20.36 μg/mL. The Escherichia coli mortality rates after incubation with hypochloric acid at 1, 2, 4, and 8 times of MBEC for 10 min were significantly higher than that after incubation with sterile saline (with t values of 6.11, 25.04, 28.90, and 40.74, respectively, P<0.01). The amount of bacteria in the wound tissue of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 10th day of dressing change was 2.61 (2.20, 3.30)×104 colony forming unit (CFU)/g, significantly less than 4.77 (2.18, 12.48)×104 CFU/g in povidone iodine group (Z=2.06, P<0.05). The amounts of bacteria in the wound tissue of patients in hypochloric acid group and povidone iodine group on the 10th day of dressing change were significantly less than 2.97 (2.90, 3.04)×106 and 2.97 (1.90, 7.95)×106 CFU/g before the first dressing change (with Z values of 4.02 and 3.92, respectively, P<0.01). The score of wound exudate amount of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 10th day of dressing change was significantly lower than that in povidone iodine group (Z=2.07, P<0.05). Compared with those before the first dressing change, the scores of wound exudate amount of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly decreased (with Z values of -3.99 and -4.12, respectively, P<0.01), and the scores of wound exudate amount of patients in povidone iodine group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly decreased (with Z values of -3.54 and -3.93, respectively, P<0.01). The score of wound granulation tissue growth of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 10th day of dressing change was significantly higher than that in povidone iodine group (Z=2.02, P<0.05). Compared with those before the first dressing change, the scores of wound granulation tissue growth of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly increased (with Z values of -3.13 and -3.67, respectively, P<0.01), and the scores of wound granulation tissue growth of patients in povidone iodine group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly increased (with Z values of -3.12 and -3.50, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions: Hypochloric acid can kill Escherichia coli both in free and biofilm status. Hypochloric acid at a low concentration shows a rapid bactericidal effect on mature Escherichia coli biofilm, and the higher the concentration of hypochloric acid, the better the bactericidal effect. The hypochloric acid of 100 μg/mL is effective in reducing the bacterial load on wounds with Escherichia coli infection in patients, as evidenced by a reduction in wound exudate and indirect promotion of granulation tissue growth, which is more effective than povidone iodine, the traditional topical antimicrobial agent.

Pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma enrolled in the randomized KEYNOTE-181 trial in Asia

BACKGROUND

In the randomized phase III KEYNOTE-181 study, pembrolizumab prolonged overall survival (OS) compared with chemotherapy as second-line therapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥10. We report a post hoc subgroup analysis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) enrolled in KEYNOTE-181 in Asia, including patients from the KEYNOTE-181 China extension study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and forty Asian patients with advanced/metastatic ESCC were enrolled in KEYNOTE-181, including the China cohort. Patients were randomly assigned 1 : 1 to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for ≤2 years or investigator's choice of paclitaxel, docetaxel, or irinotecan. OS, progression-free survival, response, and safety were analyzed without formal comparisons. OS was evaluated based on PD-L1 CPS expression level.

RESULTS

In Asian patients with ESCC, median OS was 10.0 months with pembrolizumab and 6.5 months with chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR), 0.63; 95% CI 0.50-0.80; nominal P < 0.0001]. Median progression-free survival was 2.3 months with pembrolizumab and 3.1 months with chemotherapy (HR, 0.79; 95% CI 0.63-0.99; nominal P = 0.020). Objective response rate was 17.1% with pembrolizumab and 7.1% with chemotherapy; median duration of response was 10.5 months and 7.7 months, respectively. In patients with PD-L1 CPS <1 tumors (pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy), the HR was 0.99 (95% CI 0.56-1.72); the HR (95% CI) for death was better for patients with PD-L1 CPS cut-offs >1 [CPS ≥1, 0.57 (0.44-0.75); CPS ≥5, 0.56 (0.41-0.76); CPS ≥10, 0.53 (0.37-0.75)]. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 71.8% of patients in the pembrolizumab group and 89.8% in the chemotherapy group; grade 3-5 events were reported in 20.0% and 44.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pembrolizumab monotherapy demonstrated promising efficacy in Asian patients with ESCC, with fewer treatment-related adverse events than chemotherapy. PD-L1 CPS ≥1 is an appropriate cut-off and a predictive marker of pembrolizumab efficacy in Asian patients with ESCC.

Urinary complement proteins and risk of end-stage renal disease: quantitative urinary proteomics in patients with type 2 diabetes and biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between urinary complement proteins and renal outcome in biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

Untargeted proteomic and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analyses and targeted proteomic analysis using parallel reaction-monitoring (PRM)-mass spectrometry was performed to determine the abundance of urinary complement proteins in healthy controls, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN. The abundance of each urinary complement protein was individually included in Cox proportional hazards models for predicting progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

Untargeted proteomic and functional analysis using the KEGG showed that differentially expressed urinary proteins were primarily associated with the complement and coagulation cascades. Subsequent urinary complement proteins quantification using PRM showed that urinary abundances of C3, C9, and complement factor H (CFAH) correlated negatively with annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, while urinary abundances of C5, decay-accelerating factor (DAF), and CD59 correlated positively with annual rate of eGFR decline. Furthermore, higher urinary abundance of CFAH and lower urinary abundance of DAF were independently associated with greater risk of progression to ESRD. Urinary abundance of CFAH and DAF had a larger area under the curve (AUC) than that of eGFR, proteinuria, or any pathological parameter. Moreover, the model that included CFAH or DAF had a larger AUC than that with only clinical or pathological parameters.

CONCLUSION

Urinary abundance of complement proteins was significantly associated with ESRD in patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN, indicating that therapeutically targeting the complement pathway may alleviate progression of DN.

First-line Cemiplimab versus Standard Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with at Least 50% Programmed Cell Death Receptor Ligand-1 Positivity: Analysis of Cost-effectiveness

AIMS

The EMPOWER-Lung 1 trial showed that cemiplimab significantly prolongs the duration of progression-free survival and overall survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with at least 50% programmed cell death receptor ligand-1 (PD-L1) positivity, yet the financial burden may limit its use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cemiplimab versus chemotherapy in a US setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Markov model, with three mutually exclusive health states, was used to compare the expected health outcomes and cost of cemiplimab with chemotherapy. Survival data and transition probabilities were collected from the EMPOWER-Lung 1 trial. Utility values and costs are publicly available from open sources. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted in both the whole population and subgroups to test the robustness of the parameters and structure.

RESULTS

Treatment of NSCLC with cemiplimab yielded an extra 1.07 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at an additional cost of $98 211 compared with chemotherapy, associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $91 891/QALY and an incremental net health benefit of 0.087 QALYs at a willingness to pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that cemiplimab provided an 83.2% probability of being cost-effective. One-way sensitivity analysis suggested that the price of cemiplimab was the chief driver in this model. A subgroup analysis showed that cemiplimab was the preferred incremental net health benefit in more than half of the subgroups, including patients with squamous type disease and metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

Cemiplimab is a cost-effective option in the first-line treatment of NSCLC in patients who are at least 50% PD-L1 positive from an American perspective.

Liver histology in short telomere syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction/Objective

Short telomere syndrome (STS) is a genetically inherited syndrome resulting in premature telomere shortening. STS encompasses a spectrum of clinical manifestations, including dyskeratosis congenita, premature hair graying, bone marrow failure, immunodeficiency, pulmonary fibrosis and liver disease. Liver histopathologic features in STS patients have not been well characterized.

Methods/Case Report

A 46-year-old man presented for dyspnea and cryptogenic cirrhosis. He had a complicated medical history significant for immune thrombocytopenic purpura and splenectomy, recurrent respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, primary immunodeficiency, pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and severe hepatopulmonary syndrome. He and his brother had gray hair in their late 20s. He also had a long history of intermittently elevated liver enzymes starting at age 33. A liver biopsy performed 12 years before showed chronic portal inflammation with hepatocellular damage without significant fibrosis. These clinical manifestations prompted an evaluation for a possible telomere biology disorder, which revealed the telomere length was critically short and fell at or below the first percentile for age, supportive of the diagnosis. The most recent liver biopsy showed marked portal lymphocytic inflammation with interface hepatitis, bile ductular reaction and frequent foci of lobular inflammation with focal hepatocyte dropout. Some hepatocytes around the portal tracts were swollen with feathery degeneration and occasional Mallory-Denk bodies. A Rhodanine stain highlighted copper granules in the periportal hepatocytes, suggesting chronic cholestasis. Trichrome and reticulin stains demonstrated portal/periportal/pericellular/perisinusoidal fibrosis and focal bridging fibrosis.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

Partly due to the rarity of STS and the risk of bleeding associated with biopsies, liver histology was described in only few limited studies with small samples of STS patients, including inflammation, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, steatohepatitis, hemosiderosis, cholestasis, cirrhosis, and large cell change of hepatocytes. Our case and others suggest liver disease associated with STS demonstrates a spectrum of histopathology. Being aware of these histomorphologic features in STS is important for establishing the correct diagnosis.

Transcriptome analysis of oviduct in laying ducks under different stocking densities

1. High stocking densities can lead to animal stress responses and lead to changes in bird behaviour, egg production and the fertility of laying birds. The oviduct plays a crucial role during the process of laying eggs. Therefore, it is essential to know how high stocking density affects oviduct function.2. In this study, a total of 2,115 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in duck oviduct tissues between different stocking density groups. These genes are mainly enriched in membrane components, calcium ion binding, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and focal adhesion. These pathways were closely related to the formation of eggs. This indicated that secretion and material transport functions of the oviduct are affected under high-density stocking. Further analysis showed that a total of 408 genes related to the transportation process were expressed in the oviduct, of which 96 genes were differentially expressed (LogFC≥1, P < 0.05). Forty-two of these DEGs belonged to the solute carrier family. The data showed that the expression of 31 transcripts was different between the two density groups. Expression of KCNJ15, SLC26A8, and TRPM5 was only seen in the high-density group (8/m²), while ATP13A3 and KCNIP2 were only expressed in the low-density group (4/m²).3. Consequently, high stocking density may affect the expression and splicing of genes related to molecular transport in the oviduct.

[Diagnosis and treatment of new-onset or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury]

The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body, which mainly secretes thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone acts on almost all tissues and cells at different level regulating growth and development, metabolism and other functional activities of the body. Therefore, abnormal thyroid function can affect the multiple organs throughout the body. Liver, as the largest biochemical plant in the whole body, is widely regulated by thyroid hormones, and is one of the important target organs of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism (HT for short) is a common disease of the endocrine system, which can cause liver injury, such as hepatomegaly, abnormal liver function, jaundice, cirrhosis, and liver failure. This phenomenon is also known as hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury, and it is more common in new or untreated or improperly treated patients with hyperthyroidism. The basic liver function test at the beginning of antithyroid drugs (ATD) treatment can clarify the degree of liver injury caused by hyperthyroidism itself, and further predict the additional liver injury with ATD therapy initiation. The core of treating hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury is to rapidly control hyperthyroidism, and restore normal liver function. This review briefly summarizes the incidence rate, possible mechanisms, pathological changes, clinical manifestations, laboratory, imaging and pathologic findings, and the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of the hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury.

[Research on quantitative method and contamination level of Salmonella enterica in raw pork from farmer's markets in Chengdu]

To optimize the quantitative detection method for Salmonella enterica and analyze the quantitative contamination level of Salmonella enterica in raw pork samples from farmer's markets in Chengdu. Based on qualitative detection standard method of Salmonella enterica in China (GB 4789.4-2016) and the quantitative detection method of FSIS in the United States (MLG 4.08 and MLG appendix 2.05 MPN), the selective enrichment broth, screening plate, identification method and quantitative dilution ratio in quantitative detection of Salmonella enterica were optimized using 70 samples of raw pork. The optimized method compared by student's t-test was used to detect 40 samples of raw pork collected from farmer's markets in Chengdu from June to October 2020. For isolation of Salmonella from raw pork samples, the coincidence degree of TTB enrichment solution was significantly higher than that of RV enrichment solution (0.93±0.32 vs 0.35±0.62,t=8.324,P=0.001) and the consistency of suspicious colonies screened by XLT4 plate was significantly higher than that of Salmonella chromogenic medium (0.77±0.09 vs 1.00±0.00,t=2.971,P =0.017). The MPN method used 4 successive gradient dilutions, namely 12 tube method, could obtain more accurate quantitative value for Salmonella enterica. The combined use of selective enrichment broth TTB, XLT4 plate, Real-time PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry could get better results for screening and identifying Salmonella enterica. The detection rate for Salmonella enterica isolated from raw pork in farmer's markets was 92.5% (37/40). The most of the Salmonella positive samples (83.8%, 31/37) were detected with a contamination level ranged from 0.1 to 55 MPN/g. The optimized quantitative detection method for Salmonella enterica in raw pork in this study can effectively screen the target bacteria and obtain more accurate quantitative value.

The efficacy and safety of dupilumab in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is an antibody against interleukin 4 receptor α, used in treating atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in adult Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase III study, conducted between December 2018 and February 2020, patients with AD received dupilumab (300mg) or placebo once every 2 weeks for 16 weeks, and were followed up for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with both Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0-1 and a reduction from baseline of ≥2 points at week 16.

RESULTS

Overall, 165 patients (mean age: 30.6 years; 71.5% male) were randomized: 82 to dupilumab and 83 to placebo. At week 16, 26.8% of patients in the dupilumab group and 4.8% of patients in the placebo group achieved the primary endpoint (difference, 22.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.37-32.65%; p<0.0001). Compared with placebo, higher proportions of patients in the dupilumab group achieved ≥75% reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (57.3% vs 14.5%; difference, 42.9%; 95% CI, 29.75-55.97%; p<0.0001) and had ≥3-point (52.4% vs 9.6%; difference, 42.8%; 95% CI, 30.26-55.34%; p<0.0001) and ≥4-point (39.0% vs 4.8%; difference, 34.2%; 95% CI, 22.69-45.72%; p<0.0001) reductions in weekly average daily peak daily pruritus numerical rating scale scores. The incidence of TEAEs during the treatment period was similar in the two groups. The incidence of conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and injection site reaction was higher in the dupilumab group than in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult Chinese patients, dupilumab was effective in improving the signs and symptoms of AD and demonstrated a favorable safety profile.

[Impact of cardiovascular metabolic diseases on COVID-19: review of recent progress]

The high comorbidity between cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the consequent high mortality and the potential risk of cardiovascular damage have brought great challenges to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the condition. The latest studies found that advanced age, immune function defects, inflammatory factor storms and oxidative stress damage all potentially contribute to the high comorbidity of the two. Direct virus invasion, myocardial oxygen supply and demand imbalance and vascular endothelial and coagulation dysfunction may be important mechanisms for cardiovascular injury in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the expression level of ACE2 (the cell membrane receptor of SARS-CoV-2) in various organs and the peripheral blood not only mediates the direct invasion and damage of the organs, but also participates in regulation of the balance of systematic inflammation and oxidative stress, thus affecting the susceptibility and outcomes of the patients. Herein we review the recent research progress in the comorbidity between COVID-19 and CVMD and explore the mechanisms of cardiovascular damage caused by SARS-CoV-2, thus to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 with underlying CVMD.

Potential probiotics Lactobacillus casei K11 combined with plant extracts reduce markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice

AIMS

Probiotics and plant extracts have been used to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study aimed to explore the effect of the interaction between potential probiotics and bitter gourd extract (BGE) or mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on T2DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Potential probiotics were tested for their gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation combined with BGE and MLE in vitro. The diabetes model was constructed in C57BL/6 mice, and the potential effect and mechanism of regulating blood glucose were verified. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), gas chromatography (GC), ELISA, and RT-PCR were also used for analysis. The results showed that Lactobacillus casei K11 had outstanding gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation with plant extracts. Administration of L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly reduced blood glucose levels and ameliorated insulin resistance in diabetic mice than the administration of Lactobacillus paracasei J5 combined with BGE and MLE. Moreover, in L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE groups, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were regulated. Furthermore, the results indicated that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE improved free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) upregulation, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings showed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE modified the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to improve T2DM.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study identified a new modality for evaluating interactions between potential probiotics and plant extracts. Our findings revealed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly promoted the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to inhibit T2DM.

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in a national surveillance site of Yangzhong City from 2015 to 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in a national surveillance site of Yangzhong City, so as to provide the scientific evidence for adjusting the local schistosomiasis control strategy and consolidating the control achievements.

METHODS

According to the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2014 version), the snail status, Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock and wild feces contamination were monitored in Zhinan Village, a national schistosomiasis surveillance site in Yangzhong City from 2015 to 2018.

RESULTS

Theareasofsnailhabitatsreducedfrom 8.10 hm² in 2015 to 2.72 hm² in 2018, and the mean density of living snails decreased from 0.27 snails/0.1 m² in 2015 to 0.07 snails/0.1 m² in 2018 in Zhinan Village; however, no S. japonicum infections were identified in snails during the period from 2015 to 2018. Serological testing for S. japonicum infections was performed in 2 034 local populations and 858 mobile populations from 2015 to 2018, and the sero-prevalence of S. japonicum human infections was 0.59% to 1.98%, with no egg-positives detected. A total of 79 goats were detected for S. japonicum infections from 2015 to 2018, and no egg-positives were found. In addition, no other livestock was found in Zhinan Village from 2015 to 2018, and no wild feces were found in snail habitats.

CONCLUSIONS

A great success has been achieved in schistosomiasis control in Yangzhong City; however, there are still snails breeding in the city. Monitoring of the risk factors pertaining to schistosomiasis transmission should be further intensified to consolidate the control achievements.

Correlations of degree of coronary artery stenosis with blood lipid, CRP, Hcy, GGT, SCD36 and fibrinogen levels in elderly patients with coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlations between the degree of coronary artery stenosis with blood lipid, C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine (Hcy), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), soluble cluster determinant 36 (sCD36), and fibrinogen (Fib) levels in elderly patients with coronary heart disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Gensini scores for the coronary artery stenosis were analyzed in patients with single-vessel, double-vessel, and multi-vessel coronary artery diseases in observation group and normal people in control group. Changes in blood lipid-associated parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), CRP, Hcy, GGT, sCD36, and Fib were compared between the two groups. The correlations between the Gensini score with changes of the blood-associated parameters, CRP, Hcy, GGT, sCD36, and Fib were analyzed. Finally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors for coronary artery stenosis in elderly patients with coronary heart disease.

RESULTS

The Gensini score was significantly higher in coronary heart disease patients with multi-vessel, double-vessel, and single-vessel coronary artery diseases compared with that in normal people (p<0.05). The levels of the blood lipid-associated parameters TC, TG, and LDL-C in observation group were substantially higher than those in control group (p<0.05), and the level of HDL-C was notably lower than that in control group (p<0.05). Subjects in observation group had markedly higher levels of CRP, Hcy, GGT, sCD36, and Fib than control group (p<0.05). The Gensini score for the degree of coronary artery stenosis was positively correlated with the levels of the blood lipid-associated parameters TC and TG, CRP, Hcy, GGT, sCD36, and Fib (p<0.05) and negatively associated with the level of HDL-C (p<0.05). Blood lipid-associated parameters, CRP, Hcy, GGT, sCD36, and Fib were the independent risk factors for coronary artery stenosis in elderly patients with coronary heart disease patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevations of blood lipid, CRP, Hcy, GGT, sCD36, and Fib levels are closely associated with coronary artery stenosis, and serve as the independent risk factors for coronary artery stenosis.

[Analysis of mutation site characteristics of Gilbert syndrome and Crigler--Najjar syndrome in relation to uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase A1 gene]

Objective: To investigate the mutation characteristics and clinical relevance of Gilbert syndrome (GS) and Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) in relation to uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase A1 (UGT1A1) gene. Methods: The characteristics of UGT1A1 gene mutation and their clinical relevance were analyzed by searching PubMed and Human Gene Mutation Databases. Results: A total of 163 mutation sites were found in the UGT1A1 gene since November 16, 2018. The following patterns existed at the above sites: (1) the numbers of gene mutations occurring between different exons of UGT1A1 was related to GS or CNS phenotypes, and were positively correlated with the length of the exon; (2) nonsense point mutations was mainly occurred in type I of CNS; (3) GS, Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II compound heterozygous mutation sites had a certain combination and distribution, among which - 3279t > G mutation was found in all four GS complex heterozygous compositions; (4) UGT1A1 gene mutation sites reported in Asia had marked aggregation in c.211-c.558. Conclusion: UGT1A1 gene mutation characteristics and clinical relevance varies with different mutation sites, reporting areas and populations. This study has reference value for basic research and clinical diagnosis and treatment of GS and CNS.

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis reveals potential candidate genes affecting drip loss in pork

Drip loss is an essential evaluation indicator for pork quality. It is closely related to other meat quality indicators, including water-holding capacity, water loss rate and pH value at 45 min (pH₁ ) and 24 h post-mortem (pH₂ ), and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors and their interactions. We previously conducted differentially expressed gene analysis to identify candidate genes affecting drip loss using eight individuals with extremely high- and low-drip loss selected from 28 purebred Duroc pigs. Using 28 identical samples, in the present study, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis with drip loss and drip loss-related traits, including water-holding capacity, water loss rate, pH₁ and pH₂ . A total of 25 modules were identified, and five of them correlated with at least two drip loss or drip loss-related traits. After functional enrichment analysis of genes in the five modules, three modules were found to be critical, as their genes were significantly involved in amino acid metabolism, immune response and apoptosis, which have potential relationships with drip loss. Furthermore, we identified five candidate genes affecting drip loss in one critical module, AASS, BCKDHB, ALDH6A1, MUT and MCCC1, as they overlapped with differentially expressed genes detected in our previous study, exhibited protein-protein interactions and had potential biological functions in affecting drip loss according to the literature. The outcomes of the present study enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying drip loss and will aid in improving the pork quality.

[Research progress of the application of regional citrate anticoagulation in artificial liver to treat liver failure]

Liver failure is a rapidly progressive condition with a high mortality rate. Artificial liver treatment is one of the most important treatments for liver failure. In order to ensure the smooth functioning of in vitro circulation device, anticoagulants such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin are often used in clinical practice. However, it induces hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia and other adverse reactions, thereby threatening the life safety of liver failure patients. Regional citrate anticoagulation does not affect the coagulation mechanism in vivo, nor does it effects platelets, so in vitro circulating anticoagulants has become the first choice anticoagulant treatment method for continuous renal replacement therapy. Combined with the current research condition at home and abroad, the research progress of the application of regional citrate anticoagulation in artificial liver to treat liver failure is discussed, covering its principle content, application status and application prospect.

Extracellular vesicles promote esophageal cancer progression by delivering lncZEB1-AS1 between cells

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression of extracellular vesicle-derived lncZEB1-AS1 in esophageal cancer and its role in esophageal cancer progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The extracellular vesicles (EVs) from esophageal cancer patients (n = 26) and normal subjects (n = 26) were isolated by differential centrifugation. The expression of lncZEB1-AS1 in EVs was detected by Real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The clinical data of normal subjects and patients were analyzed. In addition, the concentration of EVs and lncZEB1-AS1 in blood samples from normal subjects and esophageal cancer patients were assessed. After co-culture of esophageal cancer cell line EC109 and EVs with or without lncZEB1-AS1 knockdown, cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. The possible target microRNAs of lncZEB1-AS1 in cytoplasm were predicted with miRcode, followed by correlation analysis of lncZEB1-AS1 and miR-214. Through literature review, lncZEB1-AS1 positively regulates ZEB1 expression, which was consistent with our result.

RESULTS

Quantitative Real-time PCR showed that the serum levels of EVs and the content of lncZEB1-AS1 in EVs from esophageal cancer patients were significantly higher than those in normal controls. LncZEB1-AS1 was overexpressed in esophageal cancer cells co-cultured with EVs of esophageal cancer patients. CCK-8 results indicated that EC109 cells co-cultured with EVs of esophageal cancer patients had stronger proliferative capacity. miRcode showed that miR-214 ranked the first of microRNAs that lncZEB1-AS1 might target, and miR-214 expression was significantly increased after lncZEB1-AS1 knockdown in EC109. After overexpressing lncZEB1-AS1 in EC109 or co-culturing EVs of esophageal cancer patients with EC109 cells, we found that lncZEB1-AS1 positively regulates ZEB1. In contrast, interfering with the expression of lncZEB1-AS1 in esophageal cancer cell lines can effectively reduce the expression of ZEB1.

CONCLUSIONS

EVs in the peripheral blood from esophageal cancer patients promote esophageal cancer progression by delivering lncZEB1-AS1 to esophageal cancer cells and targeting miR-214.