[Pathological significance of plasma cell infiltration in diagnosing lymph node diseases]

Objective: To investigate the value of plasma cells for diagnosing lymph node diseases. Methods: Common lymphadenopathy (except plasma cell neoplasms) diagnosed from September 2012 to August 2022 were selected from the pathological records of Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China. Morphological and immunohistochemical features were analyzed to examine the infiltration pattern, clonality, and IgG and IgG4 expression of plasma cells in these lymphadenopathies, and to summarize the differential diagnoses of plasma cell infiltration in common lymphadenopathies. Results: A total of 236 cases of lymphadenopathies with various degrees of plasma cell infiltration were included in the study. There were 58 cases of Castleman's disease, 55 cases of IgG4-related lymphadenopathy, 14 cases of syphilitic lymphadenitis, 2 cases of rheumatoid lymphadenitis, 18 cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease, 23 cases of Kimura's disease, 13 cases of dermal lymphadenitis and 53 cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). The main features of these lymphadenopathies were lymph node enlargement with various degrees of plasm cell infiltration. A panel of immunohistochemical antibodies were used to examine the distribution of plasma cells and the expression of IgG and IgG4. The presence of lymph node architecture could help determine benign and malignant lesions. The preliminary classification of these lymphadenopathies was based on the infiltration features of plasma cells. The evaluation of IgG and IgG4 as a routine means could exclude the lymph nodes involvement of IgG4-related dieases (IgG4-RD), and whether it was accompanied by autoimmune diseases or multiple-organ diseases, which were of critical evidence for the differential diagnosis. For common lesions of lymphadenopathies, such as Castleman's disease, Kimura's disease, Rosai-Dorfman's disease and dermal lymphadenitis, the expression ratio of IgG4/IgG (>40%) as detected using immunhistochemistry and serum IgG4 levels should be considered as a standard for the possibility of IgG4-RD. The differential diagnosis of multicentric Castleman's diseases and IgG4-RD should be also considered. Conclusions: Infiltration of plasma cells and IgG4-positive plasma cells may be detected in some types of lymphadenopathies and lymphomas in clinicopathological daily practice, but not all of them are related to IgG4-RD. It should be emphasized that the characteristics of plasma cell infiltration and the ratio of IgG4/IgG (>40%) should be considered for further differential diagnosis and avoiding misclassification of lymphadenopathies.

[Advances in three-dimensional tumor models for colorectal cancer]

Conventional tumor culture models include two-dimensional tumor cell cultures and xenograft models. The former has disadvantages including lack of tumor heterogeneity and poor clinical relevance, while the latter are limited by the slow growth, low engraftment successful rate, and high cost. In recent years, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor models have emerged as the tool to better recapitulate the spatial structure and the in vivo environment of tumors. In addition, they preserve the pathological and genetic features of tumor cells and reflect the complex intracellular and extracellular interactions of tumors, which have become a powerful tool for investigating the tumor mechanism, drug screening, and personalized cancer treatment. 3D tumor model technologies such as spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic devices are maturing. Application of new technologies such as co-culture, 3D bioprinting, and air-liquid interface has further improved the clinical relevance of the models. Some models recapitulate the tumor microenvironment, and some can even reconstitute endogenous immune components and microvasculature. In recent years, some scholars have combined xenograft models with organoid technology to develop matched in vivo/in vitro model biobanks, giving full play to the advantages of the two technologies, and providing an ideal research platform for individualized precision therapy for specific molecular targets in certain subtypes of tumors. So far, the above technologies have been widely applied in the field of colorectal cancer research. Our research team is currently studying upon the application of patient-derived tumor cell-like clusters, a self-assembly 3D tumor model, in guiding the selection of postoperative chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer. A high modeling success rate and satisfactory results in the drug screening experiments have been achieved. There is no doubt that with the advancement of related technologies, 3D tumor models will play an increasingly important role in the research and clinical practice of colorectal cancer.

MiR-182-5p and its target HOXA9 in non-small cell lung cancer: a clinical and in-silico exploration with the combination of RT-qPCR, miRNA-seq and miRNA-chip

BACKGROUND

MiR-182-5p, a cancer-related microRNA (miRNA), modulates tumorigenesis and patient outcomes in various human malignances. This study interroted the clinicopathological significance and molecular mechanisms of miR-182-5p in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

The clinical significance of miR-182-5p in NSCLC subtypes was determined based on an analysis of 124 samples (lung adenocarcinomas [LUADs], n = 101; lung squamous cell carcinomas [LUSCs], n = 23) obtained from NSCLC patients and paired noncancer tissues and an analysis of data obtained from public miRNA-seq database, miRNA-chip database, and the scientific literature. The NSCLC samples (n = 124) were analyzed using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Potential targets of miR-182-5p were identified using lists generated by miRWalk v.2.0, a comprehensive atlas of predicted and validated targets of miRNA-target interactions. Molecular events of miR-182-5p in NSCLC were unveiled based on a functional analysis of candidate targets. The association of miR-182-5p with one of the candidate target genes, homeobox A9 (HOXA9), was validated using in-house RT-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

The results of the in-house RT-qPCR assays analysis of data obtained from public miRNA-seq databases, miRNA-chip databases, and the scientific literature all supported upregulation of the expression level of miR-182-5p level in NSCLC. Moreover, the in-house RT-qPCR data supported the influence of upregulated miR-182-5p on malignant progression of NSCLC. In total, 774 prospective targets of miR-182-5p were identified. These targets were mainly clustered in pathways associated with biological processes, such as axonogenesis, axonal development, and Ras protein signal transduction, as well as pathways involved in axonal guidance, melanogenesis, and longevity regulation, in multiple species. Correlation analysis of the in-house RT-qPCR data and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that HOXA9 was a direct target of miR-182-5p in NSCLC.

CONCLUSIONS

The miR-182-5p expression level was upregulated in NSCLC tissues. MiR-182-5p may exert oncogenic influence on NSCLC through regulating target genes such as HOXA9.

[Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: histopathological grading and prognosis]

Objective: To investigate the histological features and prognostic factors of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Methods: The pathological data of 62 patients with AITL with complete follow-up information were retrospectively collected and analyzed from Changhai Hospital during September 2012 and September 2017. Histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examination, in situ hybridization (ISH), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) gene mutation analysis were done. Subgroup evaluation with histology, IHC, ISH, SNP gene mutation, and association with clinical progression were performed. Results: The cohort included 62 cases of AITL, including 46 males and 16 females patients, with a median age of 64 years. Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) area showed significantly expansion (≥30%) in 40 cases; increased plasma cells (≥10%) was seen in 37 cases; B cells were distributed around blood vessels in 37 cases; and increased p53 mutation positive cells (≥40%) were seen in 39 cases; high Ki-67 index (≥40%) was seen in 39 cases; RHOA mutation was seen in 19 cases; TET2 mutation was seen in 9 cases. Overall survival analysis showed these factors were significantly correlated with tumor prognosis (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that CD38 positive cells<10%, Ki-67≥40%, RHOA and TET2 mutations were risk factors associated with overall survival. Conclusions: AITL could be divided into two different prognostic groups, low-grade and high-grade, with statistically significance outcome, based on the FDC area expansion, degree of plasma cell proliferation, B cells distribution pattern combined with gene mutations and clinical progression. Low-grade malignant group progresses slowly, and high-grade malignant group is highly invasive.

[Construction and identification of mouse model with conditional knockout of p75 neurotrophin receptor gene in epidermal cells by Cre-loxP system]

Objective: To construct and identify a mouse model with conditional knockout (cKO) of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR-cKO) gene in epidermis cells by Cre-loxP system. Methods: Five p75NTR(flox/flox) transgenic C57BL/6J mice (aged 6-8 weeks, male and female unlimited, the age and sex of mice used for reproduction were the same below) and five keratin 14 promotor-driven (KRT14-) Cre(+ /-) transgenic C57BL/6J mice were bred and hybridized via Cre-loxP system. Five p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-) mice selected from the first generation of mice were mated with five p75NTR(flox/flox) mice to obtain the second generation hybrids. After the second generation mice were born 20-25 days, the parts of the mice tail were cut off to identify the genotype by polymerase chain reaction method. Four p75NTR gene complete cKO mice (6 weeks old) and 4 wild-type mice (6 weeks old) were selected and sacrificed respectively. The abdominal skin tissue and brain tissue were excised to observe the expression of p75NTR in the two tissue of two types of mice by immunohistochemical staining. The abdominal skin tissue of two types of mice was obtained to observe the histomorphological changes by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: (1) Twenty second generation mice were bred. The genotype of 4 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(+ /-)(p75NTR(-/-)), i. e. p75NTR gene complete cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-), i. e. p75NTR gene partial cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(-/-), and that of 6 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(-/-), all of which were wild-type mice. (2) The expression of p75NTR was negative in skin epidermis tissue of p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, while numerous p75NTR positive expression was observed in skin epidermis tissue of wild-type mice. Abundant p75NTR positive expression was observed in brain tissue of both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice. (3) There was no abnormal growth of skin epidermis tissue in both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, with intact hair follicle structure. Conclusions: Applying Cre-loxP system can successfully construct a p75NTR-cKO mice model in epidermis cells without obvious changes in skin histomorphology.

Clinical value of miR-182-5p in lung squamous cell carcinoma: a study combining data from TCGA, GEO, and RT-qPCR validation

BACKGROUND

MiR-182-5p, as a member of miRNA family, can be detected in lung cancer and plays an important role in lung cancer. To explore the clinical value of miR-182-5p in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and to unveil the molecular mechanism of LUSC.

METHODS

The clinical value of miR-182-5p in LUSC was investigated by collecting and calculating data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Twelve prediction platforms were used to predict the target genes of miR-182-5p. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to explore the molecular mechanism of LUSC.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-182-5p was significantly over-expressed in LUSC than in non-cancerous tissues, as evidenced by various approaches, including the TCGA database, GEO microarrays, RT-qPCR, and a comprehensive meta-analysis of 501 LUSC cases and 148 non-cancerous cases. Furthermore, a total of 81 potential target genes were chosen from the union of predicted genes and the TCGA database. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that the target genes are involved in pathways related to biological processes. PPIs revealed the relationships between these genes, with EPAS1, PRKCE, NR3C1, and RHOB being located in the center of the PPI network.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-182-5p upregulation greatly contributes to LUSC and may serve as a biomarker in LUSC.

A comprehensive insight into the clinicopathologic significance of miR-144-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Studies which focused on the character of miR-144-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. This study aimed to explore the expression, clinical significance and the potential targets of miR-144-3p in HCC.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and a cohort of 95 cases of HCC were applied to investigate aberrant miR-144-3p expression in HCC. A meta-analysis was performed to accumulate data on miR-144-3p expression in HCC based on TCGA, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Additionally, the potential regulatory mechanisms of miR-144-3p in HCC were explored by bioinformatics.

RESULTS

MiR-144-3p expression was downregulated distinctly in HCC compared to para-HCC tissue both in TCGA data (8.9139±1.5986 vs 10.7721±0.9156, P<0.001) and in our qRT-PCR validation (1.3208±0.7594 vs 2.6200±0.9263, P<0.001). The meta-analysis based on TCGA, qRT-PCR and GEO data confirmed a consistent result (standard mean difference =-0.854, 95% CI: -1.224 to -0.484, P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve of miR-144-3p gained a significant diagnostic value both in TCGA data (area under the curve [AUC] =0.852, 95% CI: 0.810 to 0.894, P<0.001) and in qRT-PCR validation (AUC =0.867, 95% CI: 0.817 to 0.916, P<0.001), especially in alpha-fetoprotein-negative HCC patients (AUC =0.900, 95% CI: 0.839 to 0.960, P<0.001). Furthermore, we identified 119 potential targets of miR-144-3p in HCC by bioinformatics. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that several significant biologic functions and pathways correlated with the pathogenesis of HCC, including the p53 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

MiR-144-3p may function as a cancer suppressor microRNA, which is essential for HCC progression through the regulation of various signaling pathways. Thus, interactions with miR-144-3p may provide a novel treatment strategy for HCC in the future.

MMP2 promoter polymorphism (C-1306T) and risk of recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transplantation

Genetic variants in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene may influence the biological function of these enzymes and change their role in carcinogenesis and progression. The effect of MMP2 C-1306T and MMP9 C-1562T polymorphisms on genetic susceptibility has been investigated in various kinds of cancer. However, the relationship between these polymorphisms and risk of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) has not been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the association of these two loci with the risk of HCC recurrence in 93 HCC patients treated with LT. Genotyping was performed using direct DNA sequencing. For MMP2 C-1306T variant, patients with CT heterozygous conferred a 58% reduction in recurrence risk (risk ratio: 0.419; 95% confidence interval: 0.177-0.994). The mean recurrence-free survival for CT genotype was significantly longer than that for homozygous CC patients (30.4 vs 19.3 months, p = 0.019). However, no association was found between MMP9 C-1562T polymorphisms and recurrence of HCC (p = 0.259). These findings suggest that MMP2 promoter polymorphisms may provide some predictive value for HCC recurrence after LT.

Effects of hydrastine derivatives on dopamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells

The effects of hydrastine derivatives on dopamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells were investigated. Treatments of PC12 cells with (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine hydrochloride [(+)-beta-hydrastine HCl] and (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine [(-)-beta-hydrastine] showed 50.6 % and 33.1 % inhibition of dopamine content at a concentration of 10 microM for 48 h. However, (1S,9R)-beta-hydrastine [(+)-beta-hydrastine] and hydrastinine hydrochloride did not reduce dopamine content. The IC(50) values of (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine hydrochloride and (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine were 9.3 microM and 20.7 microM , respectively. Next, the intracellular mechanisms of (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine hydrochloride in PC12 cells were investigated. Dopamine content decreased at 6 h and reached a minimal level at 24 h after the exposure of PC12 cells to 20 microM (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine hydrochloride. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity was inhibited at 6 h following the treatment with (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine hydrochloride, and was maintained at a reduced level for up to 36 h in PC12 cells (17 - 27 % inhibition at 20 microM), whereas TH mRNA level was not found to alter for 24 h. However, the level of intracellular Ca++ concentration decreased by treatment with (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine hydrochloride at 20 microM by 18.4 % inhibition relative to the control level in PC12 cells. These results suggest that (1R,9S)-beta-hydrastine hydrochloride contributes partially to the decrease in dopamine content by the inhibition of TH activity in PC12 cells.

Lymphocyte subsets and sister-chromatid exchanges in the students exposed to formaldehyde vapor

The present report evaluates the effects of formaldehyde (FA) exposure on peripheral lymphocytes by using both genetic and immunological parameters. Twenty-three non-smoking students in the study had inhalation exposure to 0.508 +/- 0.299 mg/m3 of FA for a period of 8 weeks (3h x 3 times each week) during anatomy classes. As for composition of lymphocyte subsets after FA exposure, significant increase was found in the percentage of CD19 (B cells), while significant decrease was observed in CD3 (total T cells), CD4 (T helper-inducer cells), and CD8 (T cytotoxic-suppressor cells) with a P < 0.01. Increase in the ratio of T-helper-inducer cells to T-cytotoxic-suppressor cells (T4/T8) was also observed with statistical significance after exposure (P < 0.001). In the meanwhile, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was reported between lymphocyte proliferation rate and sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) at the exposure level and duration. It is suggested that the lymphocyte subsets may be most susceptible to the effects of FA, though a single immunological endpoint is rarely related with pathophysiological interpretation.

Micronuclei in nasal mucosa, oral mucosa and lymphocytes in students exposed to formaldehyde vapor in anatomy class

The frequency of micronuclei (MN) in cells of the nasal mucosa, oral mucosa and in lymphocytes was evaluated for 25 students in anatomy classes exposed to formaldehyde (FA) over an 8-week period. Each student served as his or her own control. The time-weighted average concentration (TWA) of formaldehyde in anatomical laboratories and in students' dormitories was 0.508 +/- 0.299 mg/m3 and 0.012 +/- 0.0025 mg/m3, respectively. A higher frequency of micronuclei was observed in nasal and oral exfoliative cells after formaldehyde exposure (3.85 +/- 1.48 vs 1.20 +/- 0.676 and 0.857 +/- 0.558 vs 0.568 +/- 0.317, paired-t test: P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). No significant increase in the frequency of lymphocyte micronuclei was found after formaldehyde exposure (P > 0.05). The present study shows that nasal mucosa cells exposed through respiration are the chief target of FA-induced genotoxic effects.

In situ hybridization detection of human herpesvirus 6 in biopsy specimens from Chinese patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

An in situ hybridization assay was developed for the detection of human herpesvirus 6 in formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. This test was applied to specimens obtained from 45 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma seen in Fujian, People's Republic of China, who had been classified by the working formulation and immunohistologically characterized. Human herpesvirus 6 sequences were detected in eight of 45 (mean incidence +/- SD, 18% +/- 6%) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tumor samples tested. The significance of human herpesvirus 6-infected cells in lymphoma tissue remains to be determined.

[Primary color P-VEP in diabetic retinopathy]

148 normal eyes and 123 eyes of diabetic retinopathy patients were examined the red, green, blue primary color and black/white P-VEPs, with the conclusion that the latencies of P100 were significantly delayed in the diabetic group, particularly that of the blue color, which was also in positive correlation with the level of blood sugar and the duration of diabetes. The consistency of blue P-VEP with fluorescein angiographic examination in diabetic retinopathy was good, and the abnormality ratio of the former (73.0%) was higher than that of the latter (60.2%). The results indicated that S-wave cones were damaged more readily than were L-wave cones, and the blue P-VEP was sensitive in monitoring the injury to visual function in diabetes.

[Functional dominance in the lacrimal canaliculi]

Past reports ignored the functional relationship between the upper and lower lacrimal canaliculi. The authors measured the lacrimal function in 50 normal eyes of 27 subjects and found that the drainage was more rapid in the lower lacrimal canaliculi of 25 eyes and in the upper canaliculi of 22 eyes, while the drainage time was equal in 3 eyes. The drainage in 25 eyes with both the upper and lower canaliculi open was more rapid than with any one canaliculus occluded. The authors suggested that the function of the lacrimal canaliculi might be classified into three types: the dominating, the dominated and the balanced. There was no statistical difference (P greater than 0.05) between the numbers of dominating upper or lower canaliculi in this series. The function of the upper and lower canaliculi operated synergically and complete drainage was not accomplished by any one canaliculus alone.