Therapeutic importance and diagnostic function of circRNAs in urological cancers: from metastasis to drug resistance

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a member of non-coding RNAs with no ability in encoding proteins and their aberrant dysregulation is observed in cancers. Their closed-loop structure has increased their stability, and they are reliable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. Urological cancers have been responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide, and developing new strategies in their treatment, especially based on gene therapy, is of importance since these malignant diseases do not respond to conventional therapies. In the current review, three important aims are followed. At the first step, the role of circRNAs in increasing or decreasing the progression of urological cancers is discussed, and the double-edged sword function of them is also highlighted. At the second step, the interaction of circRNAs with molecular targets responsible for urological cancer progression is discussed, and their impact on molecular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, EMT, and MMPs is highlighted. Finally, the use of circRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of urological cancer patients is discussed to translate current findings in the clinic for better treatment of patients. Furthermore, since circRNAs can be transferred to tumor via exosomes and the interactions in tumor microenvironment provided by exosomes such as between macrophages and cancer cells is of importance in cancer progression, a separate section has been devoted to the role of exosomal circRNAs in urological tumors.

A biomimetic MoFe-NC for efficient N2 electroreduction to NH3

A binary Mo/Fe-nitrogen-carbon material (MoFe-NC) catalyst was synthesized following the concept of biological nitrogen fixation. The MoFe-NC catalyst demonstrated a maximum N₂ reduction faradaic efficiency of 39.9% and a NH₃ yield rate of 28.5 μg mg_cat^-1 h^-1 under ambient conditions.

Effects of Various Valence Ions on an Aqueous Rechargeable Zn//Polyaniline-coated ZnMn2 O4 Battery

Zinc corrosion and dendrite formation are the main issues which impede the performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) after certain times. In this work, we systematically investigated the effects of three different valence ions (e. g., Na⁺ , Mg²⁺ , Al³⁺ ) as electrolyte additives on the suppression of zinc corrosion and the inhibition of dendrite growth. By combining experiments and theoretical calculations, it has been found that the existence of Na⁺ ions effectively suppressing the zinc dendrite growth because Na⁺ possessess high adsorption energy approximately -0.39 eV. Moreover, Na⁺ ions could lengthen the zinc dendrite formation duration up to 500 h. On the other hand, the PANI/ZMO cathode materials showed the small band gap approximately 0.097 eV, signifying that the PANI/ZMO possessed the semiconductor characteristics. Furthermore, an assembled Zn//PANI/ZMO/GNP full battery using Na⁺ ions as electrolyte additive displayed capacity retention of 90.2 % after 500 cycles at 0.2 A g^-1 , whereas the capacity retention of the control battery using pure ZnSO₄ electrolyte was only 58.2 %. This work could provide a reference for the selection of electrolyte additives in future batteries.

CdS/WO3 S-scheme heterojunction with improved photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity

The anthropogenic emission of CO₂ in the environment affected our atmosphere, which caused a rapid change in the climate. It needs to reduce the excess CO₂ from the environment to maintain sustainability and keep it green. In this work, we have fabricated a CdS decorated WO₃ nanocomposite, improving the reduction ability of CO₂ into CO and CH₄ selectively in visible light. The construction of the heterojunction improved the stability of CdS with WO₃. It synergistically resulted in ~7.7 times the higher yield of CO and 2.3 times the higher yield of CH₄ than CdS using 20 wt% CdS decorated WO₃ nanocomposite in a mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide, triethylamine, and water in a 3:1:1 ratio. The 20 wt% CdS on WO₃ nanocomposite has proven an effective and selective photocatalyst with the relative yield of methanol up to four cycles. The nanocomposite photocatalysts were analyzed using instrumental techniques, such as XRD, XPS, HR-TEM, FTIR, TGA-DTA, UV-vis, PL spectroscopy, and PEC analysis.

Synthesis of PtRu alloy nanofireworks as effective catalysts toward glycerol electro-oxidation in alkaline media

Electro-oxidation of glycerol is a key anodic reaction in direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFCs). Exploring the cost-effective nanocatalysts for glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) is very important for the development of DAFC, but it is still challenging. In this paper, nanofirework-like PtRu alloy catalyst was successfully synthesized and used for GOR in alkaline medium. Thanks to the unique nanofirework-like structure and synergetic effects, the activity and stability of the as-prepared PtRu alloy nanofireworks (NFs) toward GOR were significantly improved relative to Pt NFs. In particular, the peak current density of GOR catalyzed by the optimized Pt₁Ru₃ NFs catalyst reached 2412.0 mA mg^-1, surpassing that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. This work has important guidance for the design of advanced anode electrocatalysts for fuel cells.

Efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution and Cr(VI) reduction under visible light using a novel Z-scheme SnIn4S8/CeO2 heterojunction photocatalysts

Semiconductor photocatalysis technology is a promising method for hydrogen production and water pollution treatment. Here, the SnIn₄S₈/CeO₂ (SISC) composites were fabricated by a stirring and calcination method, and the mass ratio of SnIn₄S₈ to CeO₂ was optimized. The 50 wt% SISC heterojunction photocatalyst has the highest visible light catalytic activity. The degradation rate of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is 98.8% in 75 min of light irradiation, which is 2.48 times that of pure CeO₂. Besides, the 50 wt% SISC composite photocatalyst also has the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency (0.6193 mmol g^-1 h^-1), which exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity than pure CeO₂ and SnIn₄S₈. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the Z-scheme heterojunction structure between CeO₂ and SnIn₄S₈, which can effectively separate and transfer photo-generated charges, thereby reducing the recombination of photo-generated carriers. We hope this work can provide ideas for constructing Z-scheme heterojunction structures and improving photocatalytic activity under visible light.

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of SLN-Loaded Thermoresponsive Hydrogel System of Topotecan as Biological Macromolecule for Colorectal Delivery

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapeutic drugs cause severe toxicities if administered unprotected, without proper targeting, and controlled release. In this study, we developed topotecan- (TPT-) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for their chemotherapeutic effect against colorectal cancer. The TPT-SLNs were further incorporated into a thermoresponsive hydrogel system (TRHS) (TPT-SLNs-TRHS) to ensure control release and reduce toxicity of the drug. Microemulsion technique and cold method were, respectively, used to develop TPT-SLNs and TPT-SLNs-TRHS. Particle size, polydispersive index (PDI), and incorporation efficiency (IE) of the TPT-SLNs were determined. Similarly, gelation time, gel strength, and bioadhesive force studies of the TPT-SLNs-TRHS were performed. Additionally, in vitro release and pharmacokinetic and antitumour evaluations of the formulation were done.

RESULTS

TPT-SLNs have uniformly distributed particles with mean size in nanorange (174 nm) and IE of ~90%. TPT-SLNs-TRHS demonstrated suitable gelation properties upon administration into the rat's rectum. Moreover, drug release was exhibited in a control manner over an extended period of time for the incorporated TPT. Pharmacokinetic studies showed enhanced bioavailability of the TPT with improved plasma concentration and AUC. Further, it showed significantly enhanced antitumour effect in tumour-bearing mice as compared to the test formulations.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that SLNs incorporated in TRHS could be a potential source of the antitumour drug delivery with better control of the drug release and no toxicity.

Synergistic Effect of Statins and Abiraterone Acetate on the Growth Inhibition of Neuroblastoma via Targeting Androgen Receptor

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial neuroendocrine tumor in childhood. Although many studies have tried to find effective treatments, there are still numerous limitations in current clinical targeted therapy. So, it is important to find new therapeutic targets and strategies from a new perspective. Our previous study reported that the androgen receptor (AR) promotes the growth of neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Based on documentary investigation, we postulated that the AR–SCAP–SREBPs-CYP17/HMGCR axis may regulate cholesterol and androgens synthesis and form a positive enhancement loop promoting NB progression. Clinical samples and Oncomine database analysis proved the activation of AR–SCAP–SREBPs-CYP17/HMGCR axis in neuroblastoma. The combination of inhibitors of HMGCR (statins) and CYP17A1 (abiraterone acetate) showed synergistic effect that significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration with decreased expression of related genes detected in vitro and in vivo suggesting the dual-targeted therapy had the potential to inhibit the progression of neuroblastoma in spite of its MYCN status. This study provides new ideas for clinical treatment of neuroblastoma with efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Rod-like MnO2 boost Pd/reduced graphene oxide nanocatalyst for ethylene glycol electrooxidation

Anode catalyst is one of the core components of fuel cell, but its poor catalytic activity, short lifespan, and high price are tricky problems to the commercialization of fuel cell. Herein, a novel rod-like MnO₂ decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO) supported Pd hybrid (Pd/RGO-MnO₂) has been designed, which manifests more negative onset oxidation potential, higher peak current density, and better long-term stability relative to Pd/RGO and pure Pd catalysts when serving for ethylene glycol electrooxidation. This enhancement may be due to the addition of MnO₂, which can effectively promote the adsorption of hydroxyl at a lower potential and produce a strong electronic interaction with Pd, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique. In view of its excellent performance and low cost, Pd/RGO-MnO₂ is considered to be a potential and effective anode catalyst for DEGFCs.

Thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with human‐induced pluripotent stem cells overexpressing growth differentiation factor‐5 ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in rats

To evaluate the effects of thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with human‐induced pluripotent stem cells transfected with the growth differentiation factor‐5 (GDF5‐hiPSCs) on rat intervertebral disc regeneration. GDF5‐hiPSCs were cocultured with rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro. Real‐time PCR and western blot were used to determine the differentiation of hiPSCs. Rat caudal intervertebral discs were punctured using a needle under X‐ray, and groups of coccygeal (Co) discs were subject to various treatments: Puncture group (Co6/7, punctured without treatment); Hydrogel group (Co7/8, 2 μl of hydrogel injected without cells); GDF5‐hiPSCs + Hydrogel group (Co8/9, 2 μl of GDF5‐hiPSCs‐loaded hydrogel injected); and Normal control (Co5/6). X‐ray, MRI, and histological evaluations were performed at 1, 2, and 3 months after cell transplantation and relative changes in the disc height index (DHI%) and voxel count were calculated and compared. GDF5‐hiPSCs were successfully differentiated to a chondrogenic linage after cocultured with rat NP cells. In terms of X‐ray, MRI, and HE staining scores, the GDF5‐hiPSCs + Hydrogel group was significantly superior to the Puncture and Hydrogel groups (p < .05). Compared with the Normal group, the MRI‐based voxel count of the GDF5‐hiPSCs + Hydrogel group was significantly lower at 1, 2, and 3 months after cell transplantation (p < .05). However, there were no significant differences in histological scores at 1 and 2 months after cell transplantation compared with the Normal group (p > .05). In conclusion, thermosensitive hydrogel‐encapsulated hiPSCs overexpressing the GDF5 gene ameliorated intervertebral disc degeneration.

NRF2 SUMOylation promotes de novo serine synthesis and maintains HCC tumorigenesis

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) is a pivotal transcription factor that maintains cellular redox homeostasis and facilitates the development of malignant tumor phenotypes. At the molecular level, NRF2 promotes de novo serine synthesis and SUMOylation affects its function. Our results indicated that the SUMO1 acceptor site of NRF2 is the conserved lysine residue 110 (K110), and that NRF2 SUMOylation deficiency inhibited tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, NRF2 SUMOylation promoted de novo serine synthesis in HCC by enhancing the clearance of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and up-regulating phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH). More importantly, serine starvation increased the level of NRF2 SUMOylation, leading to sustained HCC growth. Collectively, our results indicate the presence of a novel NRF2 SUMOylation-mediated signaling process that maintains HCC tumorigenesis in normal conditions and in response to metabolic stress.

Adsorption of ciprofloxacin and Cu2+ onto biochars in the presence of dissolved organic matter derived from animal manure

Biochar are widely used as adsorbents/amendments for immobilizing pollutants in contaminated soils. In this study, the effects of dissolved organic matter derived from chicken manure (CMDOM) on the adsorption of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Cu²⁺ onto biochars were investigated. The FTIR spectra indicated that π-π donor-acceptor interactions between the hydroxyl groups on the biochar surface and the fluorine group connected to the benzene ring of CIP molecule was the main adsorption mechanism for CIP. CMDOM molecules interacted with the aromatic components in biochars and thus modified the surface chemical properties of biochar. The effect of CMDOM on the adsorption of CIP onto biochars showed great dependence on the distribution of solid adsorbed CMDOM and CMDOM in aqueous solutions. The solid adsorbed CMDOM facilitated CIP adsorption owing to increase the content of -OH on biochar surface, which could provide more π-electron donors and thus strengthened π-π EDA interactions between CIP and biochars. The EDS spectra showed that the ion exchange with K⁺ was the main adsorption mechanism for Cu²⁺ onto biochars, and the presence of CMDOM enhanced complexation of Cu²⁺ with adsorbed CMDOM, thus increasing Cu²⁺ adsorption onto biochars. These results are useful for the application of biochars to immobilize antibiotic and heavy metals in contaminated farmland soils when animal manure fertilizers is presented in soil environment.

Metal-Free Organic Optoelectronic Molecule as a Highly Efficient Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Organic Pollutants

With the increasing consumption of natural resources, photocatalysis converting solar energy to chemical energy has attracted extensive attention of researchers owing to the advantages of developing energy-saving and environmentally benign processes. In this work, a facile and simple method was developed to synthesize a metal-free organic optoelectronic molecule (denoted as DPPRD), which is composed of a central diketopyrrolopyrrole moiety and two terminal units of a rhodanine (RD) moiety. This is a first green strategy toward the synthesis of DPPRD. Because of good thermal stability, narrow band gap, and excellent visible light absorption of solar spectrum, DPPRD exhibited to be an efficient and chemically stable photocatalyst for visible light degradation of organic pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA) and methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution. The control experiments with different types of radical scavengers implied that the hole (h⁺) and hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) were the key reactive species during the photodegradation processes. The photodegradation pathways of BPA and MO were thus proposed based on the identified intermediates. This improved method for DPPRD synthesis is expected to widen its applications to industrial production, whereas its excellent visible light photocatalytic activity would be utilized potentially in the field of environmental and industrial applications.

LINC00852 Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Spinal Metastasis by Targeting S100A9

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma has a strong tendency to develop into bone metastases, especially spinal metastases (SM). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in regulating several biological processes in cancer cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the roles of lncRNAs in the development of SM have not been elucidated to date.

Methods: Clinical specimens were collected for analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used to examine the effects of these genes on pathways. RNA pull-down was utilized to identify the targeting protein of lncRNAs. The effects of lncRNA on its target were detected in A549 and SPCA-1 cells via perturbation of the lncRNA expression. Oncological behavioral changes in transfected cells and phosphorylation of kinases in the relevant pathways, with or without inhibitors, were observed. Further, tumorigenicity was found to occur in experimental nude mice.

Results: LINC00852 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were found to be associated with SM. Moreover, the LINC00852 target S100A9 had a positive regulatory role in the progression, migration, invasion, and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, S100A9 strongly activated the P38 and REK1/2 kinases, and slightly activated the phosphorylation of the JNK kinase in the MAPK pathway in A549 and SPCA-1 cells.

Conclusion: LINC00852 targets S100A9 to promote progression and oncogenic ability in lung adenocarcinoma SM through activation of the MAPK pathway. These findings suggest a potential novel target for early intervention against SM in lung cancer.

The effect of the heart rate lowering drug Ivabradine on hemodynamics in atherosclerotic mice

The heart rate lowering drug Ivabradine was shown to improve cardiac outcome in patients with previous heart failure. However, in patients without heart failure, no beneficial effect of Ivabradine was observed. Animal studies suggested a preventive effect of Ivabradine on atherosclerosis which was due to an increase in wall shear stress (WSS), the blood flow-induced frictional force exerted on the endothelium, triggering anti-inflammatory responses. However, data on the effect of Ivabradine on WSS is sparse. We aim to study the effect of Ivabradine on (i) the 3D WSS distribution over a growing plaque and (ii) plaque composition. We induced atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice by placing a tapered cast around the right common carotid artery (RCCA). Five weeks after cast placement, Ivabradine was administered via drinking water (15 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks, after which the RCCA was excised for histology analyses. Before and after Ivabradine treatment, animals were imaged with Doppler Ultrasound to measure blood velocity. Vessel geometry was obtained using contrast-enhanced micro-CT. Time-averaged WSS during systole, diastole and peak WSS was subsequently computed. Ivabradine significantly decreased heart rate (459 ± 28 bpm vs. 567 ± 32 bpm, p < 0.001). Normalized peak flow significantly increased in the Ivabradine group (124.2% ± 40.5% vs. 87.3% ± 25.4%, p < 0.05), reflected by an increased normalized WSS level during systole (110.7% ± 18.4% vs. 75.4% ± 24.6%, p < 0.05). However, plaque size or composition including plaque area, relative necrotic core area and macrophage content were not altered in mice treated with Ivabradine compared to controls. We conclude that increased WSS in response to Ivabradine treatment did not affect plaque progression in a murine model.

De-novo NAD+ synthesis regulates SIRT1-FOXO1 apoptotic pathway in response to NQO1 substrates in lung cancer cells

Tryptophan metabolism is essential in diverse kinds of tumors via regulating tumor immunology. However, the direct role of tryptophan metabolism and its signaling pathway in cancer cells remain largely elusive. Here, we establish a mechanistic link from L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) mediated transport of tryptophan and the subsequent de-novo NAD⁺ synthesis to SIRT1-FOXO1 regulated apoptotic signaling in A549 cells in response to NQO1 activation. In response to NQO1 activation, SIRT1 is repressed leading to the increased cellular accumulation of acetylated FOXO1 that transcriptionally activates apoptotic signaling. Decreased uptake of tryptophan due to the downregulation of LAT1 coordinates with PARP-1 hyperactivation to induce rapid depletion of NAD⁺ pool. Particularly, the LAT1-NAD⁺-SIRT1 signaling is activated in tumor tissues of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Because NQO1 activation is characterized with oxidative challenge induced DNA damage, these results suggest that LAT1 and de-novo NAD⁺ synthesis in NSCLC cells may play essential roles in sensing excessive oxidative stress.

Temporal and spatial changes in wall shear stress during atherosclerotic plaque progression in mice

Wall shear stress (WSS) is involved in atherosclerotic plaque initiation, yet its role in plaque progression remains unclear. We aimed to study (i) the temporal and spatial changes in WSS over a growing plaque and (ii) the correlation between WSS and plaque composition, using animal-specific data in an atherosclerotic mouse model. Tapered casts were placed around the right common carotid arteries (RCCA) of ApoE^-/- mice. At 5, 7 and 9 weeks after cast placement, RCCA geometry was reconstructed using contrast-enhanced micro-CT. Lumen narrowing was observed in all mice, indicating the progression of a lumen intruding plaque. Next, we determined the flow rate in the RCCA of each mouse using Doppler Ultrasound and computed WSS at all time points. Over time, as the plaque developed and further intruded into the lumen, absolute WSS significantly decreased. Finally at week 9, plaque composition was histologically characterized. The proximal part of the plaque was small and eccentric, exposed to relatively lower WSS. Close to the cast a larger and concentric plaque was present, exposed to relatively higher WSS. Lower WSS was significantly correlated to the accumulation of macrophages in the eccentric plaque. When pooling data of all animals, correlation between WSS and plaque composition was weak and no longer statistically significant. In conclusion, our data showed that in our mouse model absolute WSS strikingly decreased during disease progression, which was significantly correlated to plaque area and macrophage content. Besides, our study demonstrates the necessity to analyse individual animals and plaques when studying correlations between WSS and plaque composition.

Effects of combined teriparatide and zoledronic acid on posterior lumbar vertebral fusion in an aged ovariectomized rat model of osteopenia

There has been no study regarding the effect of a combination of teriparatide (TPTD) and zoledronic acid (ZA) on vertebral fusion. In this study, we investigate the effect of single and combined TPTD and ZA treatment on lumbar vertebral fusion in aged ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Sixty two-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and underwent bilateral L4-L5 posterolateral intertransverse fusion after 10 months. The OVX rats received vehicle (control) treatment, or ZA (100 µg/kg, once), or TPTD (60 µg/kg/2 d for 42 d), or ZA + TPTD until they were euthanized at 6 weeks following lumbar vertebral fusion. The lumbar spine was harvested. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone fusion, bone volume (BV), and bone formation rate (BFR)were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histomorphometry. Compared with vehicle (control) treatment, ZA and TPTD monotherapy increased bone volume (BV) at fusion site, and ZA + TPTD combined therapy had an additive effect. Treatment with TPTD and ZA + TPTD increased the bone fusion rate when compared with the control group. ZA monotherapy did not alter the rate of bone fusion. The TPTD and ZA + TPTD treatment groups had increased mineral apposition rate (MAR), mineralizing surfaces/bone surface ((MS/BS), and BFR/BS compared with the OVX group. Our experiment confirm that the monotherapy with TPTD and combination therapy with ZA + TPTD in an OVX rat model of osteopenia following lumbar vertebral fusion surgery increased bone fusion mass and bone fusion rate, and ZA + TPTD combined therapy had an additive effect on bone fusion mass. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:937-944, 2018.

Characteristics of cervical sagittal parameters in healthy cervical spine adults and patients with cervical disc degeneration

Background

The cervical sagittal parameters of the normal population and the impact of disc degeneration on cervical sagittal alignment have not been clearly defined yet. This study is applied to investigate the characteristics and relationships of cervical sagittal parameters in normal adults and patients with cervical disc degeneration.

Methods

We reviewed 50 normal control subjects (normal group, NG) and 50 patients with cervical disc degeneration (degeneration group, DG), who had both cervical MRI and radiographs obtained together, between January 2010 and September 2015. Data including C2–7 lordosis (CL), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), neck tilt (NT), C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (C2–7 SVA), cervical tilting, and cranial tilting on cervical radiographs were collected and analyzed.

Results

T1S in the NG was significantly greater than in the DG (P < 0.05), while NT and C2–7 SVA in the NG were significantly lower than in the DG (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). T1S positively correlated with CL in both groups (Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.588 in the NG and 0.504 in the DG). No significant difference was seen in TIA between the NG and DG.

Conclusions

T1S was involved in the occurrence and development of cervical disc degeneration, and TIA could be considered as a constant morphological parameter in both the normal population and cervical disc degeneration patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-018-1951-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Regulation of p53wt glioma cell proliferation by androgen receptor-mediated inhibition of small VCP/p97-interacting protein expression

The incidence of glioma in men is higher than that in women; however, little is known about the expression and basic function of the androgen receptor (AR) in gliomas. AR inhibited the small VCP/p97-interacting protein (SVIP) on the transcriptional level was previously reported. The present study shows that the protein level of AR is highly expressed in cell lines of the nervous system. Moreover, the AR expression is increased while SVIP expression is decreased in tumor tissue of glioma patients, which is in agreement with the progressing WHO grades. A statistically significant increase in serum testosterone level of glioma patients compared with that of non-cancer patients was also detected. Furthermore, it has been proved that SVIP is down-regulated as well as AR is up-regulated in glioma cell lines with R1881 treatment. Interestingly, the depletion of SVIP using siRNA facilitated cell proliferation and decreased p53 expression. In addition, overexpression of SVIP increased cell death only in p53^wt cell lines. Moreover, U87MG cells, p53^wt cell line was susceptible to AR antagonists in vitro and in vivo. The current study provides insight into the biological role of AR in suppressing SVIP and p53 and promoting the progression of glioma as well as the clinical treatment of glioma patients.

MRI to measure cervical sagittal parameters: a comparison with plain radiographs

INTRODUCTION

The inability to visualize the sternum tip and T1 vertebra on radiographs may decrease the accuracy of the measurements of cervical sagittal parameters. The object of this study is to investigate the value of MRI to measure cervical sagittal parameters and to compare the data of cervical sagittal parameters on radiographs and MR images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two asymptomatic adults were recruited. Each subject had both an MRI and radiographs of the cervical spine. Data, including C2-7 lordosis (CL), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), neck tilt (NT), and T1S minus C2-7 lordosis (T1S-CL), on radiographs and MRI were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in CL, T1S, and T1S-CL, between X-ray and MR imaging, but not in TIA and NT. Each of the radiographic cervical sagittal parameters had a significant relationship with the corresponding value on MRI, and the correlation between radiographic and MRI measurement of TIA was the most significant of all parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Positional change may significantly influence most sagittal parameters. Supine MRI cannot substitute for upright cervical radiographs to measure most cervical sagittal parameters except for TIA in an asymptomatic population.

Androgen Receptor Regulates the Growth of Neuroblastoma Cells in vitro and in vivo

Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial tumors in children. At present about the true etiology of neuroblastoma is unclear and many studies have tried to find effective treatments for these primary malignant tumors. Although it has been illustrated that androgen receptor (AR) was expressed in neuroblastoma cells in some former reports, the biological role of androgen receptor in the development of neuroblastoma is not fully understood.

Methods: Androgen (R1881) and the antagonists of androgen receptor (MDV3100 and ARN509) were used to study the role of the androgen receptor signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo on SH-SY5Y and Neuro-2a (N2a) cell lines.

Results: We found that AR expression showed an R1881 dose-dependent manner in neuroblastoma cells in vitro and R1881was able to increase, while both antagonists of androgen receptor (MDV3100 and ARN509) significantly decrease, the proliferation, migration, invasion and sphere formation of SH-SY5Y and N2a cells. Moreover, androgen promoted the growth of N2a tumor in vivo. However, when androgen receptor (AR) was effectively knocked down in the two cell lines by siRNA, either promoting or inhibiting effect of the androgen or androgen receptor antagonists, respectively, was attenuated.

Conclusion: Our results suggested that androgen receptor may involve in the progression of neuroblastoma as well as provided insight into a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroblastoma patients.

SUMOylation of KLF4 promotes IL-4 induced macrophage M2 polarization

Macrophages, in response to different environmental cues, undergo the classical polarization (M1 macrophages) as well as the alternative polarization (M2 macrophages) that involve the functions of stimulus-specific transcription factors. Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a member of a subfamily of the zinc-finger class of DNA-binding transcription factors, plays as a critical regulator of macrophage polarization. KLF4 has been reported as a SUMOylated protein. In this study, we showed that SUMOylation of KLF4, is induced by IL-4 treatment in macrophages. IL4-induced KLF4 SUMOylation promotes RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) to polarize into M2 subset. Thus, we identified an important post-translational modification (PTM), SUMOylation, plays a crucial role in regulating KLF4 activity during IL-4 induced macrophage M2 polarization. SUMOylation of KLF4 can be a potential therapeutic target in the resolution of inflammation.

[Significance of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 in rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To detect serum v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) protein levels and to investigate their clinical significance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from 78 RA patients, 32 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, 16 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, 16 gout patients, 16 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, 16 Sjogren syndrome (SS) patients and 30 healthy controls. BRAF protein in the sera was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The associations between BRAF levels and the clinical features including age, sex, disease duration, swelling joints, tenderness joints, duration of moning stiffness, joint deformity, visual assessment scale (VAS) and extra articular manifestations and laboratory parameters including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody, antikeratin antibody, antnuclear antibody (ANA), immunoglobulin and cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17A in RA patients were evaluated. Data analyses were performed by using SPSS 19.0 program.

RESULTS

The serum BRAF protein levels in the RA patients were significantly higher than those of other rheumatic diseases groups including OA, SLE, AS, SS, gout patients and healthy controls, the P value was 0.002, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.001 and <0.001 respectively. The level of serum BRAF protein in the RA patients showed a positive correlation with the rheumatoid factor (P=0.009) and IgA levels (P=0.006), but no correlation with clinical features, such as age and duration or other laboratory parameters, including CRP, ESR, anti-CCP antibody, IgM, IgG, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17A. The RA patients were further divided into normal levels of BRAF protein group and elevated levels of BRAF protein group. Compared with the clinical features and laboratory indexes of normal and elevated levels of BRAF protein groups in the RA patients, there was no significant difference between the two groups in age, duration, DAS28, CRP, ESR, RF, anti-CCP, IgA, IgG, IgM, TNF-α or IL-6.

CONCLUSION

The elevated level of BRAF protein in the RA patients showed that BRAF might play a role in the pathogenesis of RA. Further researches on BRAF gene expression may help to clarify the role of BRAF in RA.

Luteolin protects mice from severe acute pancreatitis by exerting HO-1-mediated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Reseda odorata L. has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative injury and acute inflammation, such as endotoxemia, acute lung injury, acute myocardial infarction and hepatitis. Luteolin, the main component of Reseda odorata L., which is also widely found in many natural herbs and vege-tables, has been shown to induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of luteolin on mice with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Cerulein and lipopolysaccharide were used to induce SAP in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice in the SAP group. The SAP group was divided into 4 subgroups, as follows: the vehicle, luteolin, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) only, and luteolin (Lut) + ZnPP (luteolin plus zinc protoporphyrin treatment) groups. The wet/dry weight ratios, hematoxylin and eosin staining and pathological scores of pancreatic tissues were assessed and compared to those of the control mice. Amylase, lipase, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and myeloperoxidase activities, and malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and HO-1 levels, as well as the expression of HO-1 were determined in serum and/or pancreatic tissue samples. SAP was successfully induced in male mice compared to normal control mice. The wet/dry weight ratios, pathological scores, and amylase and lipase activity, as well as the levels of TNFα and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the pancreatic tissues of the mice in the Lut group compared with those of the mice in the vehicle group. The Lut group exhibited a significant increase in HO-1 expression in the pancreas and enhanced serum HO-1 and IL-10 levels compared with the vehicle group. The suppression of HO-1 activity in the ZnPP group significantly abolished the protective effects of luteolin. NF-κB expression in the pancreatic tissues from the mice in the Lut + ZnPP group was significantly increased following the suppression of HO-1 activity. On the whole, our findings demonstrate that luteolin protects mice from SAP by inducing HO-1-mediated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, in association with the suppression of the activation of the NF-κB pathway.

Predictive value of pedicle involvement with MRI in spine metastases

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the accuracy and value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting pedicle involvement for patients with spine metastases.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with a vertebral metastasis encroaching at least one pedicle were studied using MRI before surgery and regularly after surgery. Patients were categorized on the basis of their numbers of pedicle involvement (Group 1: one pedicle was involved, n = 23; Group 2: two pedicles were involved, n = 22). The diagnostic accuracy was calculated, and comparisons of intraoperative blood loss and recurrence rate between the two groups were performed.

RESULTS

The overall performance of MRI in predicting the pedicle involvement was as follows: accuracy, 94.4%; sensitivity, 95.5%; and specificity, 91.3%. Less intraoperative blood loss was observed for Group 1 compared with Group 2 (1,661 ± 672 ml and 2,173 ± 790 ml, respectively, P = 0.024). Tumor relapse occurred in 8.7% (2/23) of Group 1 and in 22.7% (5/22) of Group 2 with median recurrence free survival time 14 and 9 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI is a reliable approach to assess pedicle involvement. It has potential for use in the evaluation of the clinical characteristics of patients with spine metastases.

Multiple effects of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate on the disposition of docetaxel in docetaxel-induced liver injury

1. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIg) has been extensively used in treating liver injury which is the common adverse reaction of docetaxel (DOC). Due to the narrow therapeutic window, small changes in pharmacokinetic profiles can alter the toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of DOC significantly. The study aimed to explore the effects of MgIg on the disposition of DOC and the potential mechanism in DOC-induced liver injury. 2. Pharmacokinetics and tissues distribution behaviors showed that there was no significant difference between DOC group (DOCG) and MgIg + DOC group (MDOCG). The mRNA and protein levels of cytochrome P450 3A1 (CYP3A1) in liver, intestine, and kidney were significantly upregulated, and the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was obviously downregulated in MDOCG when compared with DOCG. 3. Immunoglobulin M (IgM), CD₈⁺ were upregulated in DOCG; while in MDOCG, IgM, CD₈⁺ recovered to normal levels and complement C₃; CD₄⁺ were upregulated. 4. MgIg had no significant effects on the disposition of DOC in docetaxel-induced liver injury. Additional, potential drug-drug interaction may happen if MgIg co-administered with antitumor drugs which are the substrates of CYP3A4 or P-gp. Hepatoprotective mechanism of MgIg perhaps was through upregulation of C₃, CD₄⁺ and downregulation of IgM, CD₈⁺.

Role of CX3CL1 in Diseases

Chemokines are a family of small 8-10 kDa inducible cytokines. Initially characterized as chemotactic factors, they are now considered to affect not just cellular recruitment. CX3CL1 is a unique chemokine that can exist in a soluble form, as a chemotactic cytokine, or in a membrane-attached form that acts as a binding molecule. Recently, the effects of CX3CL1 on diseases, such as inflammation and cancer, have been supported and confirmed by numerous publications. However, due to its dual effects, CX3CL1 exerts numerous effects on pathophysiological conditions that have both negative and positive consequences on pathogenesis and outcome. This review article summarizes the important scientific and clinical data that now point to a critical role for CX3CL1 in diseases.

Radiation-enhancing effect of sodium glycididazole in patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer with multiple brain metastases: A randomized, placebo-controlled study

PURPOSE

Median survival of patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer is poor. This study was to investigate the radiation-enhancing effect of sodium glycididazole combined with whole-brain radiotherapy of multiple brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-four patients with multiple brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer were included: the study group (n=32) received whole-brain radiotherapy combined with sodium glycididazole at a dose of 700mg/m(2) intravenous infusion 30minutes before radiotherapy, three times a week; the control group (n=32) only received whole-brain radiotherapy. The primary end point was central nervous system (CNS) progression-free survival and overall survival. The treatment-related toxicity was also recorded.

RESULTS

The CNS disease control rate was better (90.6% vs 65.6%, P=0.016) in the study group than in the control group at 3 month of follow-up. The median CNS progression-free survival time was longer in the study group than in the control group (7.0 months vs 4.0 months, P=0.038). There was no significant difference of the median overall survival time between the study group and the control group (11.0 months vs 9.0 months, P=0.418). On the other hand, the treatment-related toxicity showed no statistically significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicated that sodium glycididazole was an effective, promising radiation-enhancing agent that improved CNS disease control rate, extended the median CNS progression-free survival time and was well tolerated in patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer with multiple brain metastases.

Interleukin-21 induces migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial fibroblast hyperplasia and bone erosion. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a pivotal role in RA pathogenesis through aggressive migration and matrix invasion, and certain proinflammatory cytokines may affect synoviocyte invasion. Whether interleukin (IL)-21 influences this process remains controversial. Here, we evaluated the potential regulatory effect of IL-21 on the migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in RA-FLS. We found that IL-21 promoted the migration, invasion and MMP (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13) production in RA-FLS. Moreover, IL-21 induced activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways, and blockage of these pathways [PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor LY294002, STAT-3 inhibitor STA-21 and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059] attenuated IL-21-induced migration and secretion of MMP-3 and MMP-9. In conclusion, our results suggest that IL-21 promotes migration and invasion of RA-FLS. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting IL-21 might be effective for the treatment of RA.