Sub-region based radiomics analysis for prediction of isocitrate dehydrogenase and telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in diffuse gliomas

AIM

To enhance the prediction of mutation status of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter, which are crucial for glioma prognostication and therapeutic decision-making, via sub-regional radiomics analysis based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 401 participants with adult-type diffuse gliomas. Employing the K-means algorithm, tumours were clustered into two to four subregions. Sub-regional radiomics features were extracted and selected using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, forming the basis for predictive models. The performance of model combinations of different sub-regional features and classifiers (including logistic regression, support vector machines, K-nearest neighbour, light gradient boosting machine, and multilayer perceptron) was evaluated using an external test set.

RESULTS

The models demonstrated high predictive performance, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.918 to 0.994 in the training set for IDH mutation prediction and from 0.758 to 0.939 for TERT promoter mutation prediction. In the external test sets, the two-cluster radiomics features and the logistic regression model yielded the highest prediction for IDH mutation, resulting in an AUC of 0.905. Additionally, the most effective predictive performance with an AUC of 0.803 was achieved using the four-cluster radiomics features and the support vector machine model, specifically for TERT promoter mutation prediction.

CONCLUSION

The present study underscores the potential of sub-regional radiomics analysis in predicting IDH and TERT promoter mutations in glioma patients. These models have the capacity to refine preoperative glioma diagnosis and contribute to personalised therapeutic interventions for patients.

Clinical consequence of vessel perforations during endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke

PURPOSE

Endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke can be complicated by vessel perforation. We studied the incidence and determinants of vessel perforations. In addition, we studied the association of vessel perforations with functional outcome, and the association between location of perforation on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and functional outcome, using a large EVT registry.

METHODS

We included all patients in the MR CLEAN Registry who underwent EVT. We used DSA to determine whether EVT was complicated by a vessel perforation. We analyzed the association with baseline clinical and interventional parameters using logistic regression models. Functional outcome was measured using the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. The association between vessel perforation and angiographic imaging features and functional outcome was studied using ordinal logistic regression models adjusted for prognostic parameters. These associations were expressed as adjusted common odds ratios (acOR).

RESULTS

Vessel perforation occurred in 74 (2.6%) of 2794 patients who underwent EVT. Female sex (aOR 2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.2)) and distal occlusion locations (aOR 2.2  (95% CI 1.3-3.5)) were associated with increased risk of vessel perforation. Functional outcome was worse in patients with vessel perforation (acOR 0.38 (95% CI 0.23-0.63)) compared to patients without a vessel perforation. No significant association was found between location of perforation and functional outcome.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of vessel perforation during EVT in this cohort was low, but has severe clinical consequences. Female patients and patients treated at distal occlusion locations are at higher risk.

[Analysis on the use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis and related factors in men who have sex with men in Qingdao]

Objective: To understand the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and analyze related factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Qingdao, and provide a reference for the AIDS prevention and control in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted from April 2022 to February 2023. Relying on MSM social groups in Qingdao, a snowball sampling method was applied to recruit research subjects who met the inclusion criteria of age ≥18 years old, having had homosexual anal or oral sex in the past six months, and HIV-negative or infection status unknown. The sample size was estimated at 566. Data on demographic characteristics, sexual behavior characteristics, PEP use, and others of the research subjects was collected through on-site questionnaires. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with using PEP. Results: A total of 811 participants were recruited, mainly aged 25-34 (53.6%, 435/811), unmarried (74.7%, 606/811), with an average monthly income of ≥5 000 yuan (52.2%, 423/811), and having lived in Qingdao for ≥10 years (75.6%, 613/811). The proportion of those who knew the HIV status of their sexual partners in the last six months was 67.1% (544/811), and those with HIV-positive partners were 3.6% (29/811). In the last six months, the proportion of participants who had group sex (86.4%, 701/811), unprotected anal sex (98.2%, 796/811), and use of club drugs (80.3%, 651/811) was high. Moreover, 28.4% (230/811) had used PEP. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factors related to the use of PEP included divorced or widowed (aOR=5.46,95%CI:1.96-15.17), average monthly income ≥5 000 yuan (aOR=2.04,95%CI:1.44-2.89), same-sex sexual orientation (aOR=0.40,95%CI:0.22-0.71), having HIV-positive sexual partners in the last six months (aOR=2.54,95%CI:1.13-5.71) and having been tested for HIV ≥3 times in the last six months (aOR=1.46,95%CI:1.04-2.06). Conclusions: The prevalence of risk behaviors among MSM in Qingdao was high, and the use of PEP was low. In the future, it is essential to increase HIV/AIDS prevention education among MSM, promote MSM to know the HIV status of their sexual partners, and reduce the prevalence of risk behaviors among this population. Additionally, explore medical insurance reimbursement plans for PEP to reduce utilization costs and promote the use of PEP by MSM after HIV exposure occurs as soon as possible.

Clinical application of laparoscopic continuous interposition jejunostomy with double-tract anastomosis and esophagogastric anastomosis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the early clinical outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy with continuous interposition of jejunal cis-peristaltic dual-channel anastomosis and esophagogastric anastomosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 130 patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical resection of proximal gastric cancer in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College between June 2018 and October 2022 was conducted. Continuous interposition jejunal double-channel anastomosis (double-tract anastomosis) was used in 71 patients and esophagogastric anastomosis (esophagogastrostomy) in 59 patients. The basic clinical data, preoperative and postoperative clinical test indexes, postoperative complications and improvement of symptoms compared to preoperative ones, basic nutritional status and Visick classification of esophageal reflux symptoms at 6 months after surgery were compared between the two groups. Postoperative contrast images of patients in the continuous interposition jejunal double-tract group were collected and analyzed for the ratio of contrast agent remaining in the stomach to that remaining in the small intestinal channel.

RESULTS

A total of 130 cases meeting the criteria were included in this study, including 71 cases involving the double-tract (DT) anastomosis method and 59 cases involving the esophagogastrostomy (EG) anastomosis method. There was no significant difference in preoperative information and perioperative safety between the two groups. Visick score of the DT group was significantly better than that of the EG group.

CONCLUSIONS

Double-tract jejunal anastomosis can effectively improve esophageal reflux symptoms after proximal gastrectomy. At the same time, its anastomotic method also improves the nutritional status in the short term compared to the esophagogastric anastomosis and is a more ideal procedure for reconstructing the digestive tract after proximal gastrectomy.

[Progress in research on HIV self-testing and associated factors among men who have sex with men in China]

HIV testing is the first step in HIV prevention and control, the rate of HIV infection is high and the rate of HIV testing is low among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. HIV self-testing provides MSM with a new choice and plays a vital role in expanding the coverage of HIV testing in this population. This paper reviews HIV self-testing and associated factors among MSM in China and provides a reference for promoting HIV self-testing in this population.

Unveiling the Enhancement of Spontaneous Emission at Exceptional Points

Exceptional points (EPs), singularities of non-Hermitian physics where complex spectral resonances degenerate, are one of the most exotic features of nonequilibrium open systems with unique properties. For instance, the emission rate of quantum emitters placed near resonators with EPs is enhanced (compared to the free-space emission rate) by a factor that scales quadratically with the resonance quality factor. Here, we verify the theory of spontaneous emission at EPs by measuring photoluminescence from photonic-crystal slabs that are embedded with a high-quantum-yield active material. While our experimental results verify the theoretically predicted enhancement, they also highlight the practical limitations on the enhancement due to material loss. Our designed structures can be used in applications that require enhanced and controlled emission, such as quantum sensing and imaging.

AB0933 Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Prediction of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Psoriatic arthritis

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation of MetS, is now the commonest liver disease worldwide. About 65% of PsA patients suffer from NAFLD, and chronic systemic inflammation may be an important predisposing factor.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to establish and validate a diagnostic model nomogram for predicting the occurrence of NAFLD in patients with PsA.

Methods

A total of 127 PsA patients (46 had NAFLD and 81 had no NAFLD) were enrolled in this study. Retrospectively collected clinical and serological parameters of these patients. The percentage and absolute number of lymphocytes and CD4+T cells were determined by Flow cytometry. The independent risk factors for NAFLD were screened in the PsA patients using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses and were used for construction of the nomogram prediction model. The AUROC (C index) was used to verify the model discrimination; the calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to verify the model calibration; and the DCA curve was used to verify the clinical validity of the model.

Results

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that Body Mass Index (BMI) (OR=1.25, P=0.001), serum triglyceride (TG) (OR=3.51，P=0.015) and peripheral blood Th1 cell percentage (OR=1.12, P < 0.001) is an independent risk factor for NAFLD in PsA patients, and an individualized nomogram prediction model was successfully established. The prediction model had a good discrimination power with AUROC (C-index) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.76-0.90); the P value in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was 0.683, suggesting a high reliability of the predicted probability by the model; the DCA curve indicating a good clinical efficiency of the model.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the establishment of a nomogram prediction model of PsA complicated with NAFLD patients is helpful for early clinical screening and identification of such high-risk patients.

Figure 1.

A. Example of prediction nomogram for risk of PsA complicated with NAFLD patients; B. The ROC curve of the prediction model; C. The calibration curve of the prediction model; D. The decision curve analysis of the prediction model.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0506 PRELIMINARY STUDY ON IMBALANCE BETWEEN Th17 AND REGULATORY T CELLS IN ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a typical autoimmune disease, which can be classified into primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (SAPS) based on the presence or not of other autoimmune diseases. Disorders of peripheral blood lymphocyte and CD4+T cell subsets, especially Th17 and Treg cell subsets, may be involved in the pathogenesis of APS.

Objectives

To investigate the differences of peripheral blood lymphocyte and CD4+T cell subsets between patients with primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome and healthy controls, and to evaluate the correlation of antiphospholipid antibody titers and Th17/Treg values in PAPS and SAPS groups, as well as the correlation of cytokines and clinical characteristics in APS patients.

Methods

A total of 67 APS patients (12 PAPS patients, 55 SAPS patients) and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Retrospectively collected clinical and laboratory data of these patients. The absolute numbers of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and CD4+ T cell subsets were detected by flow cytometry, and serum cytokine levels were detected by flow cytometry bead array.

Results

Compared with healthy control group, the absolute values of T [689.26 vs. 1239.00, p＜0.001], B (104.69 vs. 177.50, p＜0.001), NK (98.97 vs. 300.00, p＜0.001) and CD4+T (330.16 vs. 628.50, p＜0.001) cells in SAPS group were decreased. While only the NK cells (151.30 vs. 300.00, p＝0.002) in the PAPS group were lower than that in healthy control group. However, the absolute values of T (1295.41 vs. 689.26, p＝0.001), B (184.44 vs. 104.69, p＝0.012), NK (151.30 vs. 98.97, p＝0.023) and CD4+T cells (698.34 vs. 330.16, p＝0.002) in PAPS group were significantly higher than those in SAPS group. For CD4+T cell subsets, PAPS patients and SAPS patients showed the same trend compared with healthy controls, showing increased Th1(111.50 vs. 23.47, p=0.002 and 71.43 vs. 23.47, p=0.001, respectively), decreased Th2(6.97vs.12.43, p=0.037 and 2.49 vs. 12.43, p＜0.001, respectively) and, more importantly, decreased Treg (18.77 vs. 29.53, p=0.031 and 12.01 vs. 29.53, p＜0.001, respectively), with increased Th17/Treg ratio (0.39 vs. 0.17, p=0.001 and 0.42 vs. 0.17, p＜0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, Th2(6.97 vs. 2.46, p＝0.006), Th17 (8.42 vs. 4.00, p＝0.042) and Treg (18.77 vs. 12.01, p＝0.020) cells in PAPS group were higher than those in SAPS group. As for the correlation study, we concluded that both aCL (r=0.6061, p=0.0405) and aβ2GPI (r=0.6900, p=0.0158) were positively correlated to Th17/Treg ratio in PAPS group. In addition, for APS patients, IL-2 (r=-0.420, p=0.010), IL-4 (r=-0.392, p=0.016), IL-10 (r=-0.331, p=-0.046), IL-17 (r=-0.479, p=0.006), and IFN-γ (r=-0.339, p=0.040) were negatively correlated with titers of aCL. And IL-6 is also associated with ESR (r=0.469, p=0.004) and CRP (r=0.670, p＜0.001).

Conclusion

Whether PAPS or SAPS patients, detection and balancing of lymphocyte and CD4+T subsets, especially Th17 and Treg subsets, may help correct immune disorders. Of course, the immune function of primary and secondary APS patients is not completely consistent, at least in terms of immune cells. Also, the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of APS should not be ignored.

Figure 1.

Comparison of lymphocyte absolute values and CD4+ T cell subsets in PAPS group, SAPS group and healthy control group.

Figure 2.

The correlation analysis between the value of Th17/Treg and the titer of aCL and aβ2GPI in PAPS group and SAPS group, respectively.

Figure 3.

Heatmap of correlation of the serum cytokine levels of a variety of cytokines with clinical and laboratory characteristics of APS patients.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0017 T HELPER /REGULATORY T CELLS RATIOS IMBALANCE IN DIFFERENT STAGING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of the bone and cartilage of the joints[1].The imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells has been demonstrated to play a role in RA pathogenesis[2].With the advances in the RA field, curing and even preventing RA has become a new direction of efforts. To explore the immune characteristics in multi-staging RA is helpful for the development of accurate strategies.

Objectives

To observe the immune characteristics in different staging rheumatoid arthritis patients

Methods

A total of 127 patients with RA were recruited for this study, in cluding 30 early RA(newly diagnosed and treatment-naive,duration of disease ≤3months), 30 midddle RA (newly diagnosed and treatment-naive, duration of disease >3months and≤1 year), 30 advanced RA(newly diagnosed and treatment-naive,duration of disease >1 year) and 37 active treated RA (remissioned after target treatment and this time due to disease recurrence in hospital). All patients were hospitalized in the second hospital of Shanxi medical university and diagnosed with RA fulfilled the ACR 1987 or 2010 criteria.The percentage and absolute numbers of lymphocyte phenotypes and CD4+ T subsets in peripheral blood were examined by flow cytometry.

Results

There were no significant difference in the percentage and value of T,B,NK,CD4+T,CD8+T andCD4+T subsets. But the Th1/Th2 cell ratios in active treated RA group were increased than that in early RA, middle RA and advanced RA group.The Th17/Treg cell ratios in middle RA and advanced RA group were higher when compared with those of active treated RA group.In addition, the Th1/ Treg cell ratios were decreased in middle and advanced RA group as compared with those in active treated RA.

Conclusion

Th1/Th2,Th17/Treg and Th1/Treg imbalance varied with disease staging.The different disease staging in RA, the immune function is different. Providing targeted immunotherapy according to disease staging is helpful to improve remission rates and even prevent disease.

References

[1]Petrovská N, Prajzlerová K, Vencovský J, Šenolt L, Filková M.The pre-clinical phase of rheumatoid arthritis: From risk factors to prevention of arthritis.Autoimmun Rev.2021, 20(5):102797.

[2]Alison M Gizinski, David A Fox.T cell subsets and their role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic disease.Curr Opin Rheumatol,2014;26(2):204-10.

Figure 1.

The comparsion about the lymphocyte subsets and cell ratios in peripheral blood of different stage RA patients.(*p<0.05)

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB1073 HIGH INCIDENCE OF VIRUSES INFECTION IN CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES PATIENTS

Background

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are a group of diseases with a variety of clinical manifestations. The main drug was glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs, but the results are not satisfactory and the side effects are obvious, increased the incidence of infection, especially opportunistic infections. Infections becomes important causes of morbidity and mortality in CTD patients.

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of infection in CTD patients who were clinically considered for co-infection by a combination of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and conventional diagnostic testing methods.

Methods

We analyzed 126 connective tissue diseases (CTD)patients with suspected infections admitted to The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. All patients with CTD were diagnosed according to relevant diagnostic criteria, including 34 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 24 dermatomyositis and polymyositis (DM/PM), 19 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 10 undifferentiated connective tissue disease(UCTD),16 Sjogren syndrome (SS), 5 mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), 5 ANCA associated systemtc vasculitis (AAV), 5 adult onset Stillystemtc isease disease(tic criteria, including 34nfections admitted to The Second Hospital of Shanxi (TA), 1 systemic sclerosis (SSC), 1retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF). All enrolled patients were tested for conventional diagnostic testing methods(CDT) and mNGS.

Results

Among the 126 patients with CTD who were clinically considered for co-infection, 31 patients were negative for mNGS, and pathogens were detected in 99 of them. In our results, the mNGS and CDT were both positive for pathogens detection in 28 individuals.Of both positive individuals, 2 cases were perfect matches,12 cases were partly matched, 14 cases were totally mismatched. A total of 23 cases were negative for both mNGS and CDT. 70 cases were positive for mNGS only.There were only 5 cases positive for pathogens detection by CDT only. In addition, the results of mNGS showed that 131 patients were virus-positive(54%), 78 patients were prokaryotes-positive (37%) inculding bacteria, mycoplasma and 14 patients were eukaryotes-positive (9%). Of course, someones have mixed infections among these patinets some of these patients, with two or more pathogens. In the mixed infection, 5 cases have no viruses infection, 38 cases with virus infection, including 20 cases of bacteria and viruses infection, 4 cases of bacteria,fungi and viruses infection, 9 cases of viruses mixed infection, 1 case of bacteria,viruses,fungi and mycoplasma infection, 1 case of bacteria,viruses and mycoplasma infection, 1 case of viruses and mycoplasma infection, 1 case of viruses and fungi infection. According to the results, viruses were the most common pathogens identified, followed by prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It is noteworthy that the incidence of Human gammaherpesvirus 4(EBV), Human betaherpesvirus 5(CMV) and Human alphaherpesvirus 1 are more common in virus-positive. The most frequently detected prokaryotes were Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Prevotella melaninogenica,Staphylococcus homini and Helicobacter pylori. The major pathogens were Pneumocystis jirovecii and Candida albicans among eukaryotes-positive individuals.

Conclusion

As a complementary approach to conventional methods, mNGS could help improving the identification of infection in CTD patients.The incidence of viral infection is high in patients with connective tissue disease and close attention should be paid to it in clinical works.

Figure 1.

A. Comparison of test results between mNGS and conventional diagnostic testing methods(CDT) in CTD patients. B. The classification of mixed infections with or without viruses infection detected by mNGS and conventional diagnostic testing methods(CDT).

Figure 2.

Distribution of pathogens detected by mNGS. A. Type distribution of pathogens identified by mNGS. Species distribution of viruses of B.viruses, C.Prokayote, D. Eucayon detected by mNGS.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0549 IMBALANCED Tfr/Tfh IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF NEW-ONSET RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a kind of autoimmune disease characterized with chronic aggressive arthritis, presence of abnormal antibodies and persistent synovitis[1]. However, the pathogenesis of RA remained unclear by now. Several observations have showed that the breakdown of immune tolerance was involved in the development of RA. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, as a new subset of CD4+T cell, can exert an opposite effect in the regulation of humoral immunity[2]. Intensive researches have showed that the imbalance of Tfr/Tfh cell is related to the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune disease. There is still a lack of understanding of the relationship between Tfr/Tfh and RA, which needs further exploration.

Objectives

To detect the expression of Tfh and Tfr cells in thr peripheral blood of patients with new-onset RA and healthy controls, and to explore the role of Tfh and Tfr cells in the pathogenesis and development of RA.

Methods

We enrolled 26 patients with new-onset RA who hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from the June 2021 to the November 2021. And 17 age and gender-matched healthy adults were anticipated as controls. The absolute number of Tfh and Tfr cells in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry. Disease activity indicators were collected including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, mm/h) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). Then we compared the expression of Tfh and Tfr cells between the patients and healthy controls and conducted the correlation analysis with disease activity.

Results

There was significant decreased level of Tfr cells in the patients with new-onset RA compared with healthy controls (P<0.001) and a lower ratio of Tfr/Tfh in the patients (P<0.01). The reduced Tfr cells and Tfr/Tfh were significant negative correlation with the disease activity indicators including ESR and DAS28 (r=-0.305, P=0.033). There was no statistically significant in the absolute number of Tfh cells between patients and healthy controls, but the level of Tfh cell showed an increasing trend in new-onset RA.

Conclusion

The results we investigated here showed that new-onset RA exhibited an imbalance of Tfr/Tfh, specifically reduced Tfr cells, compared with healthy controls, which were negatively correlated with higher disease activity in RA. It was likely that the imbalance of Tfr/Tfh in peripheral blood played an important role in the development of RA, which may be a target to treat RA.

Table 1.

A summary of data of all enrolled patients with RA and healthy controls

HC(n=17)New-onset RA(n=26)P valueAge(years)51.94±13.0355.88±13.56P=0.35Sex(male/female)4/137/19P=0.81ESR(mm/h) a-54.85±32.71-DAS28 a-5.09±1.56-Tfh cell count(cell/UL)b43.156(23.277,106.638)83.914(38.133,119.662)0.214Tfr cell count(cell/UL)b1.422(0.882,1.893)0.441(0.116,2.888)0.025*Tfr/Tfhb0.030(0.014,0.049)0.011(0.001,0.024)0.001**

a Results are expressed as the mean ± standard error. b Results are expressed as the median(Q1,Q3).

Normally distributed continuous variables were analyzed by the independent-samples Student’s t-test. And nonparametric variables were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U test

Figure 1.

The differences of Tfr and Tfh cells in peripheral blood between the healthy controls and patients with RA. Tfr cells were higher in new-onset RA leading to an imbalance of Tfr/Tfh. Statistical analyses were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test. (*P<0.05, **P<0.01)

Figure 2.

The correlation of disease activity with the level of Tfr cells and Tfr/Tfh. Tfr cells and Tfr/Tfh were negative associated with ESR and DAS28. Statistical analyses were performed by the Spearman correlation analysis.

References

[1]Sparks, J.A. Rheumatoid Arthritis [J]. Ann Intern Med, 2019, 170(1).DOI: 10.7326/AITC201901010.

[2]Deng, J., Y. Wei, V.R. Fonseca, L. Graca, and D. Yu. T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in rheumatic diseases [J]. Nat Rev Rheumatol, 2019, 15(8): 475-490.DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0254-2.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

Genome-wide association study of fleece traits in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats

Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat is a well-known local cashmere goat breed in China. It is famous for excellent fleece quality and a significant advantage in cashmere yield compared to other cashmere goat breeds. In this study, a genome-wide association study was used to investigate fiber length, fiber diameter, and cashmere yield of 192 Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats using the Illumina GoatSNP52K Beadchip panel. We discovered that four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached genome-wide significance levels. These SNPs were located in some genes, e.g. FGF12, SEMA3D, EVPL, and SOX5, possibly related to fleece traits in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were enriched in several biological pathways that were involved in hair follicle development in cashmere goats. In summary, the identified significant SNPs and genes provide useful information to explore genetic mechanisms underlying the variation in fleece traits and genomic selection of Chinese cashmere goat.

AB0017 IMMUNE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD IN SECONDARY SJOGREN’S SYNDROME PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome (sSS) is diagnosed when symptoms of SS coexist with other systemic connective tissue disease, often secondary to rheumatoid arthritis(RA).The occurrence of SS secondary with RA will worsen the course of disease and increase the high incidence and mortality of RA. At present, the immune characteristics of peripheral blood of sSS with RA are not clear.

Objectives:

To observe the difference of immune Immune characteristics in peripheral blood between sSS secondary to RA, primary Sjogren’s syndrome(pSS) and RA patients.

Methods:

20 sSS with RA patients, 20 pSS paients and 20 RA pateints hospitalized in ShanXi medical university the second Hospital were enrolled. The percentage and absolute numbers of lymphocyte phenotypes and CD4+ T subsets in peripheral blood were examined by flow cytometry.

Results:

As for the percentage and absolute number of total T, B, NK, CD4+T,CD8+ T and the ratio of CD4 + T to CD8+ T cells, there was no significant difference between the sSS with RA, RA, and SS group. There was also no statistical difference in the percentage of CD4+T subsets(Th1,Th2,Th17 and Treg) between the three groups. But the ratio of Th17 and Treg in sSS with RA group was increased than pSS group.About comparison of absolute number of CD4+T subsets, there was no statistical difference among the three groups except that the Th1 cells in RA group was significantly higher than SS group.

Conclusion:

Elevated Th17/Treg may be an immunological feature that differentiates sSS with RA patients from pSS patients. In addition, in general, peripheral blood of patients with RA and SS have similar immune characteristics.

References:

[1]Wei W,Ahmad S S, Chi S. From Molecular Mechanism to the Etiology of Sjogren Syndrome.Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24(35):4177-4185.

[2]Hajiabbasi A, Masooleh I S,Alizadeh Y, Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome in 83 Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.Acta Med Iran.2016;54(7):448-53.

Figure 1.

The comparsion about the lymphocyte phenotypes and CD4+ T subsets in peripheral blood of sSS with RA(n=20), pSS(n=20) and RA patients(n=20).(*p<0.05,**p<0.001,*p<0.0001)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1006 ABERRANT Th17 CELLS EXPANSION AND RISK FACTORS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS COMPLICATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS

Background:

The incidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) complicated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has increased in recent years [1]. However, identification of risk factors indicating the development of CAD in AS patients is lacking. Th17 cells are increasingly recognized to be important in atherogenesis [2]. However, the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis patients complicated with cardiovascular events remains elusive.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the level of circulating Th17 cells as well as other lymphocyte subsets such as Treg, Th, Ts, and NK cells in AS combined with CVD, and further to evaluate whether elevations in special PBMC subpopulations in AS patients indicate an increased risk of CVD.

Methods:

Samples were assessed from 141 AS patients hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (60 AS patients combined with CVD and 81 AS patients without CVD) and 100 healthy controls. The absolute numbers of lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood were determined using Flow Cytometer. The association between PBMC subpopulations and CVD development in AS patients were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

1. Compared with AS group, AS with CVD group exhibited significant increases in the number of Th17 cells (P=0.001) and Treg cells (P=0.046). The ratio of Th17/Treg was also increased (P=0.085).

2. Analogous increases in the absolute number (P<0.001) and frequency (P<0.001) of Th1 cells, as well as the ratio of Th1/Th2 (P<0.001) and Th1/Treg (P=0.004) were also present in AS with CVD patients, compared to those without CVD.

3. Compared to HCs, 141 AS patients showed significantly decreased Treg cells (P<0.012) and increased Th17/Treg (P=0.001).

4. Logistic regression showed age (odds ratio: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.035-1.137), hypertension (odds ratio: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.152-9.528), diabetes (odds ratio: 8.03; 95% CI: 1.251-51.503), and elevated level of Th1 number (odds ratio: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.003-1.016) and DD (D-dimer) (odds ratio: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.000-1.002) were significantly correlated with the onset of CVD in AS patients.

5. Smoke, increased Th17 level, and use of NSAIDS were also positively correlated with the onset of CVD although the P-values did not reach significant.

Conclusion:

Our data indicates aberrant expansion of Th17 cells in AS with CVD patients. Moreover, age, hypertension, diabetes, and increased level of Th1 in PBMC and DD are single independent risk factors for the presence of CVD in AS. The mechanisms of atherogenesis in AS may associate with the elevations in Th1 and Th17 cells. Imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg may be shared etiologic pathways of AS and CVD, providing attractive targets for the prevention and therapy of CVD development in AS patients.

References:

[1]Kim JH, Choi IA. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with spondyloarthritis: A meta-analysis. Int J Rheum Dis (2020). doi: 10.1111/1756-185x.13970.

[2]Saigusa R, Winkels H, Ley K. T cell subsets and functions in atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2020 Jul;17(7):387-401. doi: 10.1038/s41569-020-0352-5.

Figure 1.

Compared with AS group, AS with CVD group exhibited significant increases in the number of Th17 cells (P=0.001) and Treg cells (P=0.046). The ratio of Th17/Treg was also increased (P=0.085). The absolute number (P<0.001) and frequency (P<0.001) of Th1 cells, as well as the ratio of Th1/Th2 (P<0.001) and Th1/Treg (P=0.004) were also present in AS with CVD patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

AB0762 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERIPHERAL LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN PATIENTS WITH IGG4-RELATED DISEASE

Background:

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune disease with chronic systemic inflammation and fibrosis. The main feature of the disease was diffuse swell of the affected organs, and the serum IgG4 level was increased. Histopathology of the lesions showed infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells. However, the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD is still unclear[1].

Objectives:

To explore the clinical characteristic of lymphocyte subsets of IgG4-related disease patients, and make comparisons with healthy controls.

Methods:

A total of 31 patients with IgG4-RD who were admitted to the Rheumatic Immunology Department of the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2016 to June 2020 were included. We collected their Clinical and laboratory data, and selected 30 age and sex matched healthy people as the control group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage and absolute number of lymphocyte subsets (T, B, NK, CD4+T, CD8+T) and CD4+T subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg) in peripheral blood of IgG4-RD patients and healthy controls.

Results:

(1)The percentage of CD4+T cells in peripheral blood of IgG4-RD patients was higher than that of healthy controls [45.00(33.97-51.48) vs. 39.36(33.78-43.30), P<0.05]. (2)The percentage and absolute number of Th17 cells was increased in IgG4-RD patients [1.13(0.70-1.55) vs. 0.77(0.43-1.07), P<0.05; 7.90(5.20-12.23) vs. 5.60(3.12-8.47), P<0.05], while the percentage of Treg cells was decreased [3.37(2.82-5.65) vs. 4.96(4.18-6.34), P<0.01]. But Treg cells number showed no difference between the two groups. (3) Th17/Treg ratio was significantly increased in IgG4-RD patients [0.29(0.16-0.46) vs. 0.15(0.08-0.23), P<0.01], and it was positively correlated with IgG4-RD response index score(r=0.491, P<0.01). (Table 1).

Table 1.

Comparation of absolute number and percentage of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets between IgG4-RD patients(n=31) and healthy controls (n=30).

cell subsetsIgG4-RD (n=31)HC(n=30)P valueB150.59(120.14-212.38)203.27(152.90-244.27)0.089B%8.74(6.46-11.45)10.03(8.26-13.21)0.059NK261.98(178.82-303.08)290.83(179.93-451.45)0.175NK%13.14(9.92-18.10)16.50(11.24-21.75)0.105CD3+T1357.44(992.00-1844.82)1305.81(978.24-1597.94)0.708 CD3+T%72.62(69.32-76.96)71.62(64.97-75.25)0.135CD8+T436.40(342.71-596.86)513.50(359.73-620.53)0.665CD8+T%24.26(19.48-31.27)26.50(20.67-32.90)0.535CD4+T741.00(562.78-1095.52)664.50(585.52-789.97)0.428CD4+T%45.00(33.97-51.48)39.36(33.78-43.30)0.032Th1162.32(108.11-216.61)144.27(81.52-161.66)0.094Th1%19.00(15.24-25.54)18.46(14.86-24.27)0.644Th27.82(5.35-11.78)8.25(5.32-10.87)0.817Th2%1.00(0.76-1.27)1.24(0.89-1.64)0.399Th177.90(5.20-12.23)5.60(3.12-8.47)0.010Th17%1.13(0.70-1.55)0.77(0.43-1.07)0.026Treg24.45(19.76-44.79)34.55(27.29-46.57)0.076Treg%3.37(2.82-5.65)4.96(4.18-6.34)0.003Th1/Th220.00(13.78-36.36)14.97(10.31-21.58)0.135Th1/Treg5.72(2.92-8.86)3.68(2.53-4.77)0.021Th2/Treg0.27(0.16-0.52)0.22(0.15-0.32)0.199Th17/Treg0.29(0.16-0.46)0.15(0.08-0.23)0.002

Conclusion:

Th17/Treg immune disorder exists in IgG4-RD patients, and it is related to the disease activity, indicating that Th17/Treg imbalance may be an important pathogenesis of IgG4-RD.

References:

[1]Kamisawa T, Zen Y, Pillai S, et al. IgG4-related disease[J]. Lancet, 2015, 385(9976): 1460-1471.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Design of super-strong and thermally stable nanotwinned Al alloys via solute synergy

Al alloys have widespread industrial applications. However, their mechanical strength is often much lower than steels. Here, we investigate the influence of solutes on achieving ultrahigh strength and thermal stability of nanotwinned Al alloys. In situ micropillar compression tests show the addition of a small amount of Ti can significantly increase the mechanical strength of Al-Ni alloys to 2 GPa. Deformation induced detwinning, Ni segregation and grain coarsening as discovered in binary Al-Ni alloys are mostly absent in the ternary Al-Ni-Ti alloys. Moreover, the ternary Al-Ni-Ti alloys have outstanding thermal stability. Density function theory calculations reveal the synergetic pinning effect of Ni-Ti solute pairs on incoherent twin boundaries. This study demonstrates that the proper selection of synergistic solute pairs is critical to improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of nanotwinned Al alloys.

Association between SLCO1B1 polymorphism distribution frequency and blood lipid level in Chinese adults

BACKGROUND

The variation of serum lipid levels can be part-related to certain genes. One such gene, SLCO1B1, encodes a transporter that may have a role in lipid metabolism. We hypothesised that differences in certain SLCO1B1 genotypes are related to levels of serum lipids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 636 subjects who were genotyped for SLCO1B1 variants *1a, *1b, *5 and *15. Routine liver function tests, renal function tests and routine lipid indices were measured by standard techniques.

RESULTS

The most frequent genotypes were *1b/*1b (29.3%), *1b/*15 (27.5%), *1a/*1b (21.1%), *1a/*15 and *1b/*5 (10.2%) and *1a/*1a (8.5%). There were significant differences in levels of triglycerides and HDL in the four SLCO1B1 genotypes *1a/*1a, *1b/*1b, *1a/*1b and *1b/*15 (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The genotypes *1a/*1a and *1a/*1b indicate a high risk of cardiovascular disease, while the *1b/*1b group may have a relatively low risk. SLCO1B1 may be involved in the metabolism of triglycerides and HDL. We have provided a tool for identifying potentially high-risk groups that could be helpful for early diagnosis and prevention, individualized drug therapy and even gene therapy.

SAT0278 LOW-DOSE IL-2 RESTORES TREG-MEDIATED IMMUNE TOLERANCE IN PATIENTS WITH ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS

Background:

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of autoimmune disease that can cause systemic organ damage, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis(GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis(EGPA)[1]. Several observations have showed that the breakdown of immune tolerance was involved in the pathogenesis of AAV [2], furthermore, a single, open and clinical trial demonstrates that IL-2 can be used to treat patients with GPA [3]. But there is still a lack of understanding of the relationship between Th17 / Treg and AAV and evidence for the therapeutic effect of IL-2 on AAV, which needs further exploration.

Objectives:

We first measured the absolute number of CD4+T subsets in peripheral blood of patients to explore the pathogenesis of AAV, and then investigated the effects of short-term and low-dose recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2) on CD4+T subsets of patients to analyze the regulatory effect of IL-2 on AAV.

Methods:

49 patients with AAV, hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from the May 2016 to the November 2019 were enrolled, including 36 patients who were only received conventional glucocorticoids and DMARDs, and other 13 patients who were not only received these treatments but were also injected subcutaneously rhIL-2(50WIU/day for a 5-day course). 31 age and gender-matched healthy adults were selected as controls. The absolute number of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of health controls and the patients before and after treatment was detected by flow cytometry.

Results:

There was significant decreased level of Treg cells in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls (P<0.001) leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio in the patients with AAV, but there was no statistically significant in the absolute number of Th17 cells between the patients and healthy controls. After the treatment of short-term and low-dose IL-2, there was a significant increase in the absolute number of Treg cells (P<0.01) leading to a decrease in the ratio of Th17 and Treg (p<0.05).The absolute number of Th17 had a trend towards higher values but was not statistical significance.

Conclusion:

The difference of Treg cells between the patients and healthy controls suggested that the decreased number of Treg cells failed to control autoimmune inflammatory response contributing to the pathogenesis of AAV. After the treatment of short-term and low-dose rhIL-2, there was a more significant increase in the absolute number of Treg cells showing that IL-2 could selectively stimulate the growth of Treg cells and restore the Treg-mediated immune tolerance in patients with AAV to achieve disease remission.

References:

[1]Cosmi, L.,Th17 and Treg lymphocytes as cellular biomarkers of disease activity in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.Eur J Immunol, 2017.47(4): p. 633-636.

[2]Pagnoux, C.,Updates in ANCA-associated vasculitis.Eur J Rheumatol, 2016.3: p. 122-133.

[3]Rosenzwajg, M., et al.,Immunological and clinical effects of low-dose interleukin-2 across 11 autoimmune diseases in a single, open clinical trial.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2019.78(2): p. 209-217.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0269 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERIPHERAL LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS AND CYTOKINES LEVEL IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease. It is characterized by highly disabling polyarthritis, but extra-articular features are also common and portend a poor prognosis. Compared with the general population, the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease in RA are significantly increased. Chronic autoimmune inflammation is the common pathogenesis of RA and coronary heart disease(CAD). We’ve proved that lymphocyte subsets imbalance and high cytokines expression play an important role in the occurrence and development of RA diseases. However, the level of lymphocyte subsets and cytokines of RA patients with CAD are rarely reported[1-2].

Objectives:

To explore the clinical characteristic of lymphocyte subsets and cytokines of RA patients with CAD,and make comparisons with simple RA patients and healthy controls.

Methods:

The study included 96 patients with a diagnosis of RA according to the 1987 revised criteria of the ACR, including 54 RA patients with CAD and 42 RA patients without CAD and other cardiovascular disease, 40 healthy controls are also concluded. The absolute numbers of lymphocyte subsets and T subsets in peripheral blood were measured by Flow Cytometer (FCM). Serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, INF-γ, and TNF-α were measured by flow microsphere capture chip technique (CBA) for 19 RA patients with CAD and 38 simple RA patients among 96 patients.We also collected relevant clinical information and made DAS28 score, and all patients are in the middle-high disease activity group (DAS28>3.2).

Results:

(1) There was no difference in DAS28 scores between the two groups(p=0.572). (2)Compared with RA patients without CAD, the absolute number of total T cell(P=0.035), total B cell (P=0.006), CD4+T cell(P=0.012), Th1 cell(P=0.037), Th17 cell(P=0.033) and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg(P=0.003) was lower than RA patients with CAD, the number of NK cell(P=0.685), CD8+T cell(P=0.322) and Th2 cell(P=0.770) had no obvious difference between them. (3)Compared with the healthy control, the absolute number of total T cell(P=0.014), total B cell (P=0.006), CD8+T cell(P=0.000) in RA with CAD was evidently lower, but there was no siginificant difference in absolute number of CD4+T cell(P=0.582), Th1 cell(P=0.052), Th2 cell(P=0.595), Th17 cell(P=0.148) and Treg(P=0.176) (Figure 1).(4) In RA patients with CAD,the level of cytokines IL-2(P=0.042), IL-4(P=0.043) and IL-17(P=0.012) was lower, while other cytokines had no difference (Table 1).

Figure 1.

The absolute number of lymphcytes of RA patients with CAD(n=54),RA patients without CAD (n=42) and healthy control (n=40). (*P<0.05,**P<0.01, ***P<0.001).

Table 1.

The expression level of cytokines of RA patients with CAD(n=19) and RA patients without CAD (n=38).

Cytokines (pg/ml)RA and CAD group(A) (n = 19)RA group(B) (n = 38)PvalueA vs. BIL-25.50(1.96, 12.82)6.82(4.45, 14.44)0.042IL-44.93(1.67, 9.41)6.28(4.49, 11.88)0.043IL-623.69(10.93, 73.08)36.67(15.40, 72.50)0.636IL-107.76(4.54, 10.50)7.62(5.69, 19.91)0.223IL-1710.81(4.04, 20.25)20.68(13.88, 45.58)0.012IFN-γ6.10(3.27, 13.84)7.13(5.79, 15.83)0.115TNF-α10.49(2.50, 29.04)14.96(10.03, 30.39)0.097

Conclusion:

Our research shows that there is lymphocyte imbalance and immune disorder existing in RA patients with CAD. Both the number of lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels decreased in these patients than pure RA patients. It suggests that this group may be in lower immune state, which providing guidance for further clinical treatment of RA patients with CAD.

References:

[1]Winchester R, Giles JT, Nativ S, et al. Association of Elevations of Specific T Cell and Monocyte Subpopulations in Rheumatoid Arthritis With Subclinical Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis. [J]. Arthritis Rheumatol, 2016,68(1): 92-102.

[2]England BR, Thiele GM, Anderson DR, et al. Increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: mechanisms and implications. [J]. BMJ, 2018 04 23;361.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0043 THE IMBALANCE OF T FOLLICULAR REGULATORY CELL AND T FOLLICULAR HELPER CELL IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which can lead to severe joint damage and disability.The relationship between antibodies and rheumatoid arthritis has long been well established. Recently, many studies have found that T follicular regulatory cells(Tfr) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh) are closely related to antibody generation on lymphoid follicular germinal centers (GCs)[1-2]. Tfr cells can inhibite the GC reaction and suppress production of high-affinity antibodies. The dysregulation of Tfh cells can lead to the production of autoantibodies by B cells.

Objectives:

To examine the expression of circulating T follicular regulatory cell (Tfr) and T follicular helper cell and its subsets(Tfh1 Tfh2 Tfh17) in RA patients and healthy control group.

Methods:

Level of Tfr and Tfh1,Tfh2 and Tfh17 cells in the peripheral blood of 17 new RA patients, 30 treated RA patients and 18 healthy controls were deceted by flow cytomery. All patients were hospitalised at the Department of Rheumatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University.

Results:

We found that the level of Tfr (CD3+CD4+CD25+CXCR5+FOP3+) percent(P=0.020), in the peripheral blood in RA patients were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. The percent of Tfh (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-) (P=0.039)and Tfh17 (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-CXCR3-CCR6+) (P=0.000)were increased, but there are no statistical difference about Tfh1(CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-CXCR3+CCR6-)(P=0.558) and Tfh2 (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-CXCR3-CCR6-) percent(P=0.079). We compared the above indicators between new and treated RA patients, and the results indicated that the Tfr(P=0.013),Tfh (P=0.002) and Tfh1(P=0.034) were significantly increased in the new RA patients compared to the treated RA patients, there were no differences between the two groups in Tfh2(P=0.419) and Tfh17 percent(P=0.124).

Conclusion:

Our results indicated that disorder of Tfr and Tfh subsets were involved in RA, restoring the Tfr/Tfh balance may be the potential therapeutic targets.

Fig. 1.

Comparison of Tfr, Tfh and its subsets(Tfh1 Tfh2 Tfh17) percent among the RA patients (n = 47) and healthy control group (n = 18) (*P < 0.05).

Fig. 2.

Comparison of Tfr,Tfh and its subsets(Tfh1 Tfh2 Tfh17) percent among the new RA patients (n = 17) and treated RA patients(n = 30) (*P < 0.05).

References:

[1]Deng J, Wei Y, Fonseca VR, Graca L, Yu D.T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in rheumatic diseases[J].Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2019, 15(8):475-490.

[2]Chen Liu, Dongwei Wang, Songsong Lu, et al.Increased Circulating Follicular Treg Cells Are Associated With Lower Levels of Autoantibodies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Stable Remission.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2018, 70(5):711-721

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0325 REDUCED OF TREG CELLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DISEASE ACTIVITY OF ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS

Background:

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of autoimmune disease that can cause systemic organ damage, characterized with the presence of abnormal antibodies (ANCAs) in the circulation and the small- and medium-vessel vasculitis[1].However,the etiology of AAV remained unclear. Several observations have showed that the breakdown of immune tolerance caused by many complex interactions was involved in the pathogenesis of AAV[2].It has been confirmed that the disorder of the CD4+T cell,especially the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells can destroy the immune tolerance and cause many autoimmune disease[3]. But the relationship between the Th17/Treg and AAV is unknown.

Objectives:

We investigated the absolute numbers of CD4+T subsets cells in peripheral blood of patients with AAV and healthy adults,and then compared them in different disease activity of AAV to explore the role of CD4+T subsets cells in the pathogenesis and development of AAV.

Methods:

49 patients with AAV,hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from the May 2016 to the November 2019 were enrolled, and 31 age and gender-matched healthy adults were anticipated as controls.According to BVAS, the patients were divided into disease-activity group (BVAS≥15, n=27) and non-disease-activity group (BVAS<15, n=22). The absolute numbers of CD4+T subsets cells including Th17 and Tregs in peripheral blood of these individuals were detected by flow cytometry.We analyzed whether there was difference of CD4+T subsets between the patients and healthy controls,and between disease-activity group and non-disease-activity group.

Results:

There was significant decreased level of Treg cells in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls,especially in the disease-activity group. The absolute numbers of Treg cells was decreased in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls (P<0.001) leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio in the patients (P<0.01).Similarly,the absolute number of Treg cells was decreased in the disease- activity group (P<0.01) compared with the non-disease-activity group, and the absolute number of Treg cells was significant negative correlation with the disease activity indexes such as BVAS (r=-0.342,P=0.016), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) (r=-0.315,P=0.027) and C-reactive protein(CRP) (r=-0.305,P=0.033). But there was no statistically significant in the absolute number of Th17 cells between the patients and healthy controls, and between disease-activity group and non-disease-activity group.

Conclusion:

The results we investigated here suggested that the decreased number of Treg cells failed to control autoimmune inflammatory response and maintain immune tolerance, and the disease activity of AAV was associated with the reduced number of Treg cells.

Figure 1.

(A-C) Characteristics of the absolute number of Th17 cells and Treg cells in peripheral blood of healthy controls (n=31) and the patients with AAV (n=49). There was significant decreased level of Treg cells in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio in the patients with AAV. (D-F) The absolute number of Treg cells was decreased in the disease- activity group (n=27) compared with the non-disease-activity group (n=21). The absolute number of Th17 cells and Treg cells was detected by flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test. *p<0.05,**p<0.01, ***p<0.001.

References:

[1]Cosmi, L., Th17 and Treg lymphocytes as cellular biomarkers of disease activity in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. Eur J Immunol, 2017.47(4): p. 633-636.

[2]Pagnoux, C.,Updates in ANCA-associated vasculitis.Eur J Rheumatol, 2016.3: p. 122-133.

[3]Diller, M.L., et al., Balancing Inflammation: The Link between Th17 and Regulatory T Cells. Mediators Inflamm, 2016.2016: p. 6309219.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0630 IMBALANCE BETWEEN Th17 AND REGULATORY T CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH PM/DM COMBINED WITH EBV/CMV VIRAEMIA

Background:

Dermatomyositis and polymyositis (DM/PM) are associated with muscle weakness and inflammatory infiltration within the skeletal muscle. The numerical and functional defects of immune cells, due to long-term uses of glucocorticoids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) together with immune disturbances associated with disease itself, lead to high risks in opportunistic infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV).1-2We want to observe changes of peripheral lymphcytessubsets in PM/DM patients with EBV and/or CMV infection,especially whether there is imblance between Th17 and Treg cells.

Objectives:

To investigate the characteristics of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in PM/DM with EBV and/or CMV infection, especially the Th17 and Treg cells.

Methods:

From February 2016 to November 2019, PM/DM patients with EBV and/or CMV viremia (infection group, n=34) and without infection (non-infection group, n=31) as well as healthy adult controls (n=20) were enrolled in our study. Absolute numbers of total T, total B, NK, CD4 + T, CD8 + T cells, and CD4 + T subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells) in peripheral blood by flow cytometry combined with standard absolute counting beads.

Results:

(1) Compared with PM/DM patients without infection, 34 PM/DM patients with EBV and/or CMV infection, including 12 patients with EBV, 20 patients with CMV, 2 patients combined EBV and CMV, the absolute number of total T lymph cells (P=0.019), total B lymph cells (P=0.037), NK cells (P=0.033), CD4 + T cells (P=0.000), Th1 cells (P=0.014), Th2 cells (P=0.003), Th17 cells (P=0.003), Treg cells (P=0.004) lower than its of (P=0.003) patients without infection, the absolute number of CD8 + T cells (P=0.427) has no obvious difference between them.

(2) And its the absolute number of total T lymph cells (P=0.000), total B lymph cells (P=0.003), NK cells (P=0.000), CD4 + T cells (P=0.000), CD8 + T cells (P=0.006), Th1 cells (P=0.000), Th2 cells (P=0.001), Th17 cells (P=0.000) and Treg cells (P=0.000) significantly lower than healthy control.

(3) Compared with the healthy control,the absolute number of total T lymph cells (P=0.000), NK cells (P=0.000), CD4 + T cells (P=0.031), CD8 + T cells (P=0.000), Th1 cells (P=0.002), Th2 cells (P=0.031), and Treg cells (P=0.000) in PM/DM without infection evidently lower, but there is no siginificant difference in absolute number of total B lymph cells (P=0.19) and Th17 cells (P=0.171).

Conclusion:

We show that the absolute number of peripheral blood lymphocytes and CD4+T subsets in patients with PM/DM with EBV and/or CMV viremia is further reduced. In addition to Treg cells, a decrease in Th17 cells may also be an important feature of EBV and/or CMV infection in DM/PM. These cell reductions may be the cause and risk indicator of viral infections.

References:

[1]Yang X, Hao Y, Zhang X, et al. Mortality of Chinese patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Clin Rheumatol. 2020 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s10067-019-04910-w. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 31902027

[2]Matsushita T,Kobayashi T, Kano M, et al. Elevated serum B-cell activating factor levels in patients with dermatomyositis: Association with interstitial lung disease. J Dermatol.2019:46:1190-6. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.15117

Figure.

Absolute numbers of peripheral lymphocyte subsets between healthy controls and patients were assessed by fow cytometry using oneplatform method. PM/DM infection group (n=34), PM/DM non- infection group(n=31)and healthy control group (n = 20).(*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Thick grain boundary induced strengthening in nanocrystalline Ni alloy

Grain refinement has been extensively used to strengthen metallic materials for decades. Grain boundaries act as effective barriers to the transmission of dislocations, consequently leading to strengthening. Conventional grain boundaries have a thickness of 1-2 atomic layers, typically ∼0.5 nm for most metallic materials. Here, we report, however, the formation of ∼3 nm thick grain boundaries in a nanocrystalline Ni alloy. In situ micropillar compression studies coupled with molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the thick grain boundaries are stronger barriers than conventional grain boundaries to the transmission of dislocations. This study provides a fresh perspective for the design of high strength, deformable nanostructured metallic materials.

Effectiveness of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate on patient-reported outcomes and clinical measures in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a real-world clinical setting: PROTEC

Background

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and clinical outcomes give a broad assessment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) disease.

Objective

The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on disease activity and PROs in patients with RRMS in the clinic.

Methods

PROTEC, a phase 4, open-label, 12-month observational study, assessed annualized relapse rate (ARR), proportion of patients relapsed, and changes in PROs. Newly diagnosed and early MS (≤3.5 EDSS and ≤1 relapse in the prior year) patient subgroups were evaluated.

Results

Unadjusted ARR at 12 months post-DMF versus 12 months before DMF initiation was 75% lower (0.161 vs. 0.643, p < 0.0001) overall (n = 1105) and 84%, 77%, and 71% lower in newly diagnosed, ≤3.5 EDSS, and ≤1 relapse subgroups, respectively. Overall, 88% of patients were relapse-free 12 months after DMF initiation (84%, newly diagnosed; 88%, ≤3.5 EDSS; 88%, ≤1 relapse). PRO measures for fatigue, treatment satisfaction, daily living, and work improved significantly over 12 months of DMF versus baseline.

Conclusion

At 12 months after versus 12 months before DMF initiation, ARR was significantly lower, the majority of patients were relapse-free, and multiple PRO measures showed improvement (overall and for subgroups), suggesting that DMF is effective based on clinical outcomes and from a patient perspective.Clinical trial: A Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumarate) on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disease Activity and Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROTEC), NCT01930708, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01930708.

[Value of serum HBV RNA in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To analyze serum HBV-RNA levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA has dropped to undetected levels after treatment with entecavir, and to explore the correlation between HBV-RNA level and liver biochemical parameters, which lay the research foundation for the clinical significance of new serological marker HBV-RNA. Methods: HBeAg negatively detected 107 cases with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA test results were lower than detection level for six consecutive months after receiving standard nucleoside therapy for more than 12 months were included. HBV-RNA level was detected by Perkin-Elmer reagent. HBV-DNA level was detected by Roche Cobas. Hitachi automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect ALT and AST. Architect chemiluminescence analyzer was used to detect HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc. RStudio software was performed to analyze the correlation between HBV-RNA level and liver biochemical parameters. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent factors influencing HBV-RNA level. Results: The positive detection rate of serum HBV-RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA had dropped to undetected levels after ETV treatment was 22.43%. HBsAg, ALT and AST levels in HBV-RNA positive group were slightly higher than HBV-RNA negative group, while anti-HBc levels were slightly higher in HBV-RNA negative group. There was no difference in the level of anti-HBe between the HBV-RNA negative and the positive group. Logistic regression analysis showed that anti-HBc was an independent factor influencing the level of HBV-RNA detection (P = 0.021). Conclusion: HBV-RNA can be detected in some patients with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA level has dropped to undetected levels after ETV treatment. Serum HBV-RNA only comes from the direct transcription of cccDNA, so it is better than HBV-DNA and HBsAg to reflect cccDNA level or activity. Anti-HBc, as an independent factor influencing the level of HBV-RNA, may be used in combination as a new marker to predict the efficacy of antiviral therapy.

Crocin Protects Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells from High Glucose-Induced Injury Via Inhibiting the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in diabetic atherosclerosis. High glucose (HG) is considered a stimulator in the development of diabetic atherosclerosis. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is involved in HG-induced vascular injury. Crocin has antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was to evaluate whether crocin can protect human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from HG-induced injury and explored the associated mechanism.

METHODS

HUVECs were treated with 33 mmol/L glucose as the HG condition. The endothelial protective effects of crocin were evaluated by comparison with the control groups.

RESULTS

The exposure of HUVECs to HG for 24 h remarkably induced the ER stress response and a sequence of injuries, as demonstrated an increase in the apoptotic cell number, the reactive oxygen species level and inflammatory cytokine generation, as well as a decline in vascular endothelial growth factor A expression. These changes were markedly alleviated by pretreating the HUVECs with either crocin or 4-phenylbutyrate (ER stress inhibitor) before exposure to HG.

CONCLUSION

Crocin exerted antioxidative, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic effects in the HG-induced HUVEC injury model, which were probably mediated by a favorable modification of ER stress that requires further investigation.

Identification of circular RNAs hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood as novel biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of RNAs that can be used as biomarkers in clinical blood samples. However, little is known about circRNAs' diagnostic values for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, the hsa_circ_0054189, hsa_circ_0008675, hsa_circ_0082689, hsa_circ_0082688, hsa_circ_0010932, hsa_circ_0002473 and hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood were determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). For hsa_circ_0044235, only one abnormal expression circRNAs in peripheral blood was selected as a targeted circRNA to explore the diagnostic value for RA. Our work demonstrated that the hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood was decreased significantly in RA patients. The hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood from RA patients did not correlate with C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) or disease activity score 28 (DAS28). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that the hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood has significant value in the diagnosis of RA. The risk score based on hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood also distinguished significantly the patients with RA from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study suggests that the hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood may be a potential biomarker of patients with RA.

[Research on the correlation and regulation of bone metabolism related biochemical indexes in different gestational ages]

Objective: To investigate the correlation and metabolic characteristics of the growth hormone (GH) and other bone metabolism related biochemical markers in pregnancy women serum. Methods: Determination of GH, 25 hydroxy vitamin D(25(OH)D), osteocalcin n-terminal fragments (N-MID), total propeptide of type 1 procollagen (TP1NP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in different gestation women serum, the experimental group involving 75 cases of early pregnancy women(11-14 weeks), 135 cases of pregnancy women(15-21 weeks), 62 cases of late pregnancy women(31-40 weeks) and 28 cases of postpartum women(1-3 days). All cases were selected from prenatal screening patients in hospital from February 2016 to February 2017. The control group involving 55 cases of physically healthy nulliparous. The indicators of GH, 25(OH)D, TPINP and N-MID were detected by electrochemiluminescence and ALP were detected by rate method. All data were processed by SPSS. Variance analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were employed. Results: Serum GH level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (4.54±2.26), (9.04±3.23), (20.16±4.89), (0.55±0.49)μg/L, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (F=270.037, P<0.01). Serum GH in each group of pregnant women were more higher than those in control group (all P<0.01), and there was statistical difference in different gestational stages(all P<0.01). Serum 25 (OH)D expression in early pregnancy, pregnancy and late pregnancy were (25.60±14.48), (27.10±12.05), (25.45±9.85)nmol/L. Compared with the control group(39.93±14.88)nmol/L, the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.01). Serum TP1NP level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (44.44±11.80), (48.41±20.87), (102.63±41.73), (54.73±24.07)μg/L, respectively. The difference was significantly significant (F=54.027, P<0.01) and TP1NP in late pregnancy group was obvious higher than in early pregnancy group, pregnancy group and control group apart(all P<0.01). Serum N-MID level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (5.91±2.64), (7.45±2.27), (17.24±6.47), (18.52±6.95)μg/L, and the difference was significantly significant(F=55.699, P<0.01). N-MID in early and middle pregnancy group were apparent lower than that in late pregnancy and control group (all P<0.01). Serum ALP level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (49.74±10.14), (77.76±26.90), (168.34±45.15), (52.81±10.33) U/L, and the difference was significantly significant(F=180.349, P<0.01). However, there was noticeable difference in ALP level between late pregnancy and other pregnant group(P<0.01 or P<0.05). The serum GH, TP1NP and N-MID in postpartum women (1-3 days) were (1.44±0.99), (73.41±34.27), (12.10±5.64) μg/L, respectively. Compare with late pregnancy groups, the difference was significantly significant(all P<0.01). The content of GH in serum of 272 cases pregnant women was positively correlated with the concentration of TP1NP, N-MID and ALP, the gestational age and body weight of pregnant women(r=0.509, 0.720, 0.862, 0.827, 0.324, all P<0.01). The content of TP1NP, N-MID and ALP were positively correlated with gestational age, respectively(r=0.603, 0.722, 0.901, all P<0.01). Moreover, TP1NP expression was positively correlated with N-MID (r=0.849, P<0.01), and there was no correlation between other indexes. Conclusions: These findings have revealed that there are different metabolic character of the GH and bone metabolism related biochemical indexes during different pregnancy period. And there is a positive correlation between gestational age and the index of GH, N-MID, TP1NP, ALP, respectively. Finally, the bone metabolism is more active and Vitamin D deficiency is severe throughout pregnancy.

The associations between early pregnancy lipid profiles and pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between early pregnancy lipid profiles and pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective 6 months analysis of 5218 singleton pregnant women. Each participant's demographic and medical data were collected by questionnaires and medical records. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipid cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were divided into quartiles, and the women were categorized as having low (<25th percentile), referent (25 to <75th percentile) or high (>75th percentile) TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C values. Differences between groups were tested using t-test and Pearson's χ²-test. Binary logistic regression and multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between lipid values and the risk of pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

(1) Women who subsequently developed adverse pregnancy outcomes had higher levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and lower levels of HDL-C during early pregnancy (<14 gestational weeks). (2) A trend toward an increasing incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was noted with increasing levels of TC, TG and LDL-C, and decreasing level of HDL-C. (3) The more numbers of TC, TG and LDL-C above 75th percentile and HDL-C inferior to 25th percentile women had, the higher their risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes. (4) Low TG level was a protective factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (<1.44 mmol l^-1, odds ratio (OR)=0.706, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.586 to 0.852) and large for gestational age infants (LGA) (<1.44 mmol l^-1, OR=0.769, 95% CI, 0.631 to 0.936), and low LDL-C (<1.89 mmol l^-1) level was protective factor for preterm birth. High TG (>1.40 mmol l^-1, OR=1.327, 95% CI, 1.130 to 1.558), TC (>4.29 mmol l^-1, OR=1.250, 95% CI, 1.062 to 1.471), and LDL-C (>2.62 mmol l^-1, OR=1.25, 95% CI, 1.069 to 1.480) levels and a low HDL-C (<1.89 mmol l^-1, OR=1.190, 95% CI, 1.007 to 1.405) level were associated with increased risk of GDM. A high TG (>1.40 mmol l^-1, OR=1.550, 95% CI, 1.025 to 2.343) level was related to high risk of pre-eclampsia (PE), while a high LDL-C (>2.62 mmol l^-1, OR=1.400, 95% CI, 1.100 to 1.781) level was risk factor for macrosomia. (5) After adjusting for confounders, early pregnancy TC was an independent risk factor for GDM (ajusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.184, 95% CI, 1.085 to 1.291), TG level was independently associated with the prevalence of GDM (aOR=1.253, 95% CI, 1.141 to 1.375) and PE (aOR=1.245, 95% CI, 1.023 to 1.516), and LDL-C level was significantly associated with risk of GDM (aOR=1.162, 95% CI, 1.052 to 1.283) and preterm birth (aOR=1.264, 95% CI, 1.065, 1.501).

CONCLUSIONS

Early pregnancy high levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and low level of HDL-C may be predictive biomarkers for adverse pregnancy outcomes, while early pregnancy low TC, TG, LDL-C levels and high HDL-C levels could have some protective roles.

In vivo effects of high dietary copper levels on hepatocellular mitochondrial respiration and electron transport chain enzymes in broilers

The diet of broiler chickens supplemented with increasing concentrations of copper (Cu) was assessed for the effect of Cu on liver mitochondrial function. A total of 160, 1-d-old Cobb 500 broilers (Gallus domesticus) were randomly assigned in equal numbers into 4 groups, which differed in the concentration of copper supplements in the diet; 11 (control), 110, 220 and 330 mg of Cu/kg dry matter. Liver mitochondrial function was recorded at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 d of age. Supplementation with 110 mg Cu/kg dry matter enhanced mitochondrial function and activities of complexes I-V, and this was significant at 36 d of age compared with the other diets (P < 0.05). Supplementation with 220 mg Cu/kg dry matter and 330 mg Cu/kg dry matter enhanced mitochondrial function and activities of complexes I-V at 12, 24 and 36 d of age, but displayed reduced function (P < 0.05) at 48 and 60 d of age except in complex IV (P > 0.05). Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production was also increased (P < 0.05) with an increase of copper supplementation in the diet. The results indicate that appropriate dietary copper supplements are sufficient for improving mitochondrial function and activities of the respiratory complexes. Higher concentrations of copper, on the other hand, lead to copper toxicity by affecting certain respiratory complexes.

Discovery of differentially expressed genes in cashmere goat (Capra hircus) hair follicles by RNA sequencing

The mammalian hair follicle (HF) is a unique, highly regenerative organ with a distinct developmental cycle. Cashmere goat (Capra hircus) HFs can be divided into two categories based on structure and development time: primary and secondary follicles. To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the primary and secondary HFs of cashmere goats, the RNA sequencing of six individuals from Arbas, Inner Mongolia, was performed. A total of 617 DEGs were identified; 297 were upregulated while 320 were downregulated. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the main functions of the upregulated genes were electron transport, respiratory electron transport, mitochondrial electron transport, and gene expression. The downregulated genes were mainly involved in cell autophagy, protein complexes, neutrophil aggregation, and bacterial fungal defense reactions. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, these genes are mainly involved in the metabolism of cysteine and methionine, RNA polymerization, and the MAPK signaling pathway, and were enriched in primary follicles. A microRNA-target network revealed that secondary follicles are involved in several important biological processes, such as the synthesis of keratin-associated proteins and enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis. In summary, these findings will increase our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms of HF development and cycling, and provide a basis for the further study of the genes and functions of HF development.

Temporal and spatial expression of Smads and their correlation with YAP1 expression in sheep

The temporal and spatial patterns of Smad and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression were investigated in skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius muscle and extensor digitorum longus) at different growth stages (2 days old, 2 and 6 months old) in Hu sheep. Smads were differentially expressed in sheep skeletal muscle, with high expression in the gastrocnemius muscle and lower expression in the extensor digitorum longus. Expression of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 at the 2-day-old stage was significantly higher than at other stages (P < 0.05). The expression of Smad7 in 2-day-old sheep was lower than in 6-month-old sheep, with the lowest levels at 2 months. Smad expression was higher in males than in females at the 2-day-old stage, and expression in 2- and 6-month-old males was lower than that in 2-day-old females. Smad3 expression was higher in the 2-day- and 2-month-old males than in the females. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.01) between YAP1 and Smad2 expression in gastrocnemius muscle at the 2-month-old stage. YAP1 and Smad4/7 expression were positively correlated (P < 0.01) in extensor digitorum longus at the 2-day-old stage. YAP1 expression was negatively correlated with Smad7 in the extensor digitorum longus at 6 months. A significant difference between Smad2 and Smad3 (P < 0.01) expression in muscle was observed, consistent with Smad3 and Smad4 expression, indicating that these inhibit transforming growth factor-β signaling in the same way. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.01) between YAP1 and MSTN expression, suggesting that YAP1 participates in muscle growth in sheep.

Candidate genes for the development of hair follicles in Hu sheep

The aim of this study was to detect candidate genes for the development of hair follicles in the Hu sheep breed. Seven genes have been detected in large, medium, and small wave follicles of Hu sheep using gene chip technology. The histological features of the follicles of newborn Hu-lambs were combined with fluorescence quantitative PCR technology to detect the correlation between the expression of the seven genes and hair follicle development. Among the genes studied, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7), and sideroflexin 1 (SFXN1) showed a significantly different pattern of expression in large, medium, and small wave follicles (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP2 had a significant positive correlation with secondary follicles in large waves (P < 0.05), while the expression of BMP7 had a significant correlation with primary follicle diameter in small wave follicles, and a highly significant positive correlation with the number of secondary follicles in the small waves (P < 0.01). The expression of SFXN1 was significantly and positively correlated with the diameters of small wave primary follicles; it also showed a highly significant positive correlation with secondary follicle diameters. Although other genes are associated with hair follicles, their expression in large, medium, and small wave follicles was not significant. We propose that BMP7, MMP2, and SFXN1 genes could be important candidate genes for use in breeding Hu lambs with early coat development.

Analysis of the spatiotemporal expression of major genes in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and correlation analysis using Hu sheep muscle tissue

The mRNA expression levels of key genes (Smads, MSTN, and MyoG) in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in Hu sheep at different growth stages (2 days, 2 months, and 6 months of age) and in different skeletal muscles (longissimus dorsi muscle and soleus muscle) and different genders were detected; and correlation of the Smad family (Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7), MSTN, MyoG expressions was analyzed in Hu sheep. The results showed that the expression of Smads was higher in the soleus muscle than in the longissimus dorsi muscle; the expressions of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 were significantly higher in 2-day-old sheep than in sheep belonging to the other age groups (P < 0.05); the expressions of Smad2, Smad4, and Smad7 were higher in rams than in 2-day-old ewes, but lower in rams than in 2-month-old and 6-month-old ewes; and the expression of Smad3 was higher in rams than in 2-day-old and 2-month-old ewes, but lower in rams than in 6-month-old ewes. In the 2 different muscle tissues, expression of Smad2 was significantly positively correlated (P < 0.01) with that of Smad3. The expression of Smad3 was significantly positively correlated (P < 0.01) with that of Smad4, which showed that the Smad family genes could have an inhibitory effect on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Detection of tubule boundaries based on circular shortest path and polar-transformation of arbitrary shapes

In studies of germ cell transplantation, counting cells and measuring tubule diameters from different populations using labelled antibodies are important measurement processes. However, it is slow and sanity grinding to do these tasks manually. This paper proposes a way to accelerate these processes using a new image analysis framework based on several novel algorithms: centre points detection of tubules, tubule shape classification, skeleton-based polar-transformation, boundary weighting of polar-transformed image, and circular shortest path smoothing. The framework has been tested on a dataset consisting of 27 images which contain a total of 989 tubules. Experiments show that the detection results of our algorithm are very close to the results obtained manually and the novel approach can achieve a better performance than two existing methods.

Sheep YAP1 temporal and spatial expression trend and its relation with MyHCs expression

RT-PCR was used to study the temporal and spatial pattern of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression in four different skeletal muscles (i.e., longissimus dorsi muscle, soleus muscle, gastrocnemius muscle, and extensor digitorum longus) and three growth stages (i.e., 2 days old, 2 and 6 months old) of Hu Sheep. The results showed that YAP1 was differentially expressed in skeletal muscles of sheep, that expression increased gradually with age, and that there were high levels of expression in the gastrocnemius muscle and lower levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle. MyHCI was expressed at high levels in the soleus muscle and at lower levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle. In contrast, MyHCIIA and MyHCIIX were expressed at high levels in the extensor digitorum longus and at lower levels in the soleus muscle. The expression of MyHCI and MyHCIIA decreased with increasing age while that of MyHCIIX increased. YAP1 expression was negatively correlated with MyHCII (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with MyHCIIX (P < 0.01) across all growth stages and skeletal muscle types studied. We speculate that after birth, the thicker muscle fiber diameter is associated with the high expression of MyHCIIX. Therefore, we conclude that YAP1 expression affects sheep muscle fiber development after birth and provides important genetic information for the selection candidate genes for sheep muscle growth.

Three-Dimensional Optoacoustic and Laser-Induced Ultrasound Tomography System for Preclinical Research in Mice: Design and Phantom Validation

In this work, we introduce a novel three-dimensional imaging system for in vivo high-resolution anatomical and functional whole-body visualization of small animal models developed for preclinical and other type of biomedical research. The system (LOUIS-3DM) combines a multiwavelength optoacoustic tomography (OAT) and laser-induced ultrasound tomography (LUT) to obtain coregistered maps of tissue optical absorption and speed of sound, displayed within the skin outline of the studied animal. The most promising applications of the LOUIS-3DM include 3D angiography, cancer research, and longitudinal studies of biological distributions of optoacoustic contrast agents.

Hair follicle transcriptome profiles during the transition from anagen to catagen in Cashmere goat (Capra hircus)

Previous molecular genetic studies of the goat hair life cycle have focused primarily on a limited number of genes and proteins. To identify additional genes that may play important roles in hair follicle cycle regulation, Illumina sequencing technology was used to catalog differential gene expression profiles in the hair growth cycle (anagen to catagen) of goat, comparing the primary hair follicle with the secondary hair follicle. There were 13,769 and 12,240 unigenes assembled from the reads obtained from primary hair follicle and secondary hair follicle, respectively. Genes encoding keratin proteins and keratin-associated proteins were the most highly expressed. A total of 5899 genes were differentially expressed in anagen vs catagen primary hair follicles, with 532 genes up-regulated and 5367 genes down-regulated. A total of 5208 genes were differentially expressed in anagen vs catagen secondary hair follicle, including 545 genes that were up-regulated and 4663 genes that were down-regulated. Numerous hair growth genes are expressed in the goat hair follicle, of which 73 genes showed co-up-regulation in both hair follicles during the anagen stage. Many of these up-regulated genes, such as STC2, VEGFR, and ROR2, are known to be transfactors in the process of cell differentiation and in the cell cycle. The differential gene expression profiles between primary hair follicles and secondary hair follicles obtained provide a foundation for future studies examining the network of gene expression controlling hair growth cycle in Cashmere goat.

Correlation between sheep YAP1 temporal and spatial expression trends and MSTN and MyoG gene expression

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) gene expression after birth on the development of muscle and the relationship between YAP1 and myostatin (MSTN) and myogenin (MyoG). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the trends in YAP1, MSTN, and MyoG temporal and spatial expression levels in various skeletal muscles (i.e., longissimus dorsi muscle, soleus muscle, gastrocnemius muscle, and extensor digitorum longus) and across 3 different growth stages (i.e., 2 days old, 2 and 6 months old) of Hu Sheep. The results showed that YAP1 expression was significantly different in the skeletal muscles of sheep; the expression level gradually increased with age; it was highly expressed in the gastrocnemius muscle and minimally expressed in the longissimus dorsi muscle. MSTN, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle development, was minimally expressed in the soleus muscle and might be related to the enlargement of muscle fiber diameter. MyoG, an important factor in regulating skeletal muscle development, was minimally expressed in the longissimus dorsi muscle and extensor digitorum longus, and highly expressed in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles; it might inhibit the enlargement of muscle fiber diameter after birth. YAP1 expression was significantly (P < 0.05) or extremely significantly (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with MSTN and MyoG at 2 days old, 2 and 6 months old. YAP1 expression was related to muscle fiber development after birth and might be a candidate gene for the regulation of muscle growth.

Developmental changes in IGF-I and MyoG gene expression and their association with meat traits in sheep

In the present study, real time-polymerase chain reaction was applied to analyze the expression of IGF-I and MyoG genes in Hu sheep longissimus dorsi at different growth stages and their association with meat traits. Expression of the IGF-I gene in Hu sheep differed significantly between males and females at the two day-old (0.01 < P < 0.05), one-month old (0.01 < P < 0.05), and three month-old (P < 0.01) stages. IGF-I gene expression in male longissimus muscles was higher than that of females at all growth stages, except for the three month-old stage. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between males and females at any growth stage in expression of the MyoG gene. MyoG gene expression in male longissimus muscles tended to be higher than that of females at all growth stages, except for the six month-old stage. IGF-I gene expression was significantly and positively correlated with live weight (P < 0.01) and carcass weight (0.01< P < 0.05), and was non-significantly positively correlated with net meat weight (P > 0.05). In contrast, MyoG gene expression was non-significantly and positively correlated with live weight, carcass, and net meat weight (P > 0.05). Carcass traits showed highly significant positive correlations (P < 0.01). Furthermore, expressions of IGF-I and MyoG genes showed highly significant positive correlations (P < 0.01). We conclude that the expressions of IGF-I and MyoG genes are significantly and positively correlated with early muscle traits of Hu sheep.