Effect and mechanism of aqueous extract of Chinese herbal prescription (TFK) in treating gout arthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

With the rapid development of China's economic level, great changes have taken place in people's diet structure, gout has become a common disease that puzzles people's health, seriously affects the realization of China's "Healthy China" strategic goal. Gouty arthritis (GA) is a common joint disease caused by chronic purine metabolism disorder. Currently, drugs used to treat GA are allopurinol and colchicine. However, these drugs can only temporarily relieve the clinical symptoms of GA with significant side effects. More and more basic and clinical studies have confirmed that Traditional Chinese medicine has definite curative effect on GA.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the potential molecular mechanism of Tongfengkang (TFK) in the treatment of GA, and to provide experimental basis for the search and development of efficient and low-toxicity Chinese medicine for GA treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous extract of TFK (AETFK) were determined by liquid phase high resolution mass spectrometry and the possible effective constituents were screened out. Acute GA model rats were established to detect the anti-inflammatory and detumification effects of AETFK on GA and explore the potential mechanism. The effect of AETFK on serum uric acid and urinary uric acid levels in acute GA rats was determined by automatic biochemical analyzer, and the effect of AETFK on the expression of acute GA-related immunoinflammatory factors were determined by protein thermal fluorescence chip. The effect of AETFK on the concentration of neutrophils in the joint fluid of acute GA rats were determined by Reichs-Giemsa staining. The effect of AETFK on macrophage activation was detected by ELISA. In order to further investigate the mechanism of AETFK in the treatment of GA, a rat model of hyperuricemia was established to detect the effect of AETFK on the level of uric acid in hyperuricemia model rats. Biochemical indexes of liver and kidney and hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) were used to evaluate the effects of AETFK on the organs, and to preliminatively evaluate the safety of ventilation confufang.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the joint swelling degree of GA rats in AETFK treatment group were significantly reduced, and the levels of blood uric acid and urine uric acid were also significantly decreased. Protein thermal fluorescence microarray results showed that the levels of gout - related inflammatory factors in GA rats in AETFK treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group. Reichsen-giemsa staining and ELISA showed that AETFK could reduce the activation of macrophages and the accumulation of neutrophils in the joint fluid. The results of liver and kidney biochemical indexes and HE staining showed that no obvious tissue damage was observed in the organs of rats treated with AETFK.

CONCLUSIONS

AETFK not only has significant anti-inflammatory effects on GA, but also can significantly reduce the level of blood uric acid in GA rats, without obvious toxic and side effects. These effects may be related to AETFK's inhibition of neutrophil enrichment and macrophage activation during early inflammation.

Celastrus orbiculatus extract suppresses gastric cancer stem cells through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the primary source of tumor recurrence and chemoresistance, which complicates tumor treatment and has a significant impact on poor patient prognosis. Therefore, the discovery of inhibitors that specifically target CSCs is warranted. Previous research has established that the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway is critical for the maintenance of CSCs phenotype, thus facilitating CSCs transformation. In this regard, Celastrus orbiculatus ethyl acetate extract (COE) was shown to exert anticancer properties; however, its therapeutic impact on gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) remains unknown. We here demonstrate that COE displayed a strong inhibitory effect on GCSCs growth and CSCs markers. Moreover, COE was shown to efficiently inhibit the development of tumor spheres and accelerate GCSCs apoptosis. Mechanistically, we established that COE could suppress the stemness phenotype of GCSCs by inhibiting the activity of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. To summarize, our data indicate that COE suppresses the malignant biological phenotype of GCSCs via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. These findings shed new light on the anticancer properties of COE and suggest new strategies for the development of efficient GCSCs therapeutics.

PTBP1 drives c-Myc-dependent gastric cancer progression and stemness

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) tumorigenesis and treatment failure are caused by cancer stem cells. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) was shown to be involved in the development of embryonic stem cells and is now being considered as a therapeutic target for tumour progression and stem-cell characteristics.

METHODS

PTBP1 expression in GC samples was detected using tissue microarrays. Proliferation, colony formation, spheroid formation and stem-cell analysis were used to examine PTBP1's role in tumorigenesis and stem-cell maintenance. In AGS and HGC-27 cells with or without PTBP1 deficiency, ubiquitin-related protein expression and co-precipitation assays were performed.

RESULTS

We identified that PTBP1 was aberrantly highly expressed and represented a novel prognostic factor in GC patients. PTBP1 maintained the tumorigenic activity and stem-cell characteristics of GC in vitro and in vivo. PTBP1 directly interacts with c-Myc and stabilises its protein levels by preventing its proteasomal degradation. This is mediated by upregulating the ubiquitin-specific proteases USP28 and limiting FBW7-mediated ubiquitination of c-Myc. Moreover, the depletion of PTBP1-caused tumour regression was significantly compromised by exogenous c-Myc expression.

CONCLUSIONS

By preserving the stability of c-Myc through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, the oncogene PTBP1 supports stem-cell-like phenotypes of GC and is involved in GC progression.

Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. extract inhibits EMT and metastasis of gastric cancer by regulating actin cytoskeleton remodeling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional Chinese medicine herb Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. is an important folk medicinal plant in China that has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and analgesic in various diseases. Recent years, many studies have reported the significant effects of Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. extract (COE) on gastric cancer. However, the specific mechanism by which COE regulates gastric cancer cytoskeleton remodeling and thus inhibits EMT has not yet been reported.

AIM OF STUDY

To study the effect and mechanism of COE in inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, laying an experimental foundation for the clinical application and further development of COE.

METHODS

The high-content cell dynamic tracking system was used to continuously track the trajectory of cell movement in real time. Through the high-content data, the average movement distance and movement speed of the cells are calculated. Additionally, the dynamic images of the cell movement in the high-content imaging system are derived to analyze the impact of COE on the movement of gastric cancer cells. Cytoskeleton staining experiment was performed to detect the effect of COE on the assembly of gastric cancer cell cytoskeleton proteins. Western blot was employed to detect the changes of EMT and metastasis-related proteins in the gastric cancer cells treated by COE. The effect of COE on the key regulatory protein Cofilin-1 (CFL1) of cell movement was examined by Western blot and protein degradation experiment. The effect of COE on EMT and metastasis of the gastric cancer cells lacking CFL1 was assessed by a transwell assay. The in vivo inhibitory effect of COE on EMT and metastasis of gastric cancer was determined by the animal living image system. IHC assays were used to detect the levels of EMT-related proteins in COE reversal in vivo.

RESULT

The results showed that the movement distance and average movement speed of gastric cancer cells after COE treatment were significantly lower than those of the control group. Cytoskeleton staining experiments revealed that COE can significantly change the distribution of skeletal proteins in gastric cancer cells. Additionally, COE treatment significantly reduced the expression of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and other proteins. Furthermore, COE can significantly accelerate the degradation of CFL1 protein, and both COE treatment and CFL1 deletion can significantly inhibit EMT and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. Lastly, the number of peritoneal metastases of gastric cancer cells was significantly reduced in animals after COE treatment. COE can reverse the levels of EMT-related proteins while reducing the expression levels of CFL1 protein in vivo.

CONCLUSION

COE can significantly inhibit EMT and metastasis of gastric cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. This effect may be achieved by reducing the stability of CFL1 and inhibiting the assembly of actin in gastric cancer cells.

UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-Based Cell Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Analysis to Reveal the Potential Antiarthritic Effects of Pristimerin: In Vitro, In Silico and In Vivo Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by systemic inflammation and synovial hyperplasia. Pristimerin, a natural triterpenoid isolated from plants belonging to the Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae families, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation activities. Our study aims to reveal the antiarthritic effects of pristimerin and explore its potential mechanism using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo methods. In the present study, pristimerin treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability and migration in TNF-α stimulated human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes MH7A. Moreover, UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-based cell metabolomics analysis demonstrated that phospholipid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism and amino acid metabolic pathways were involved in TNF-α induced MH7A cells after pristimerin treatment. In addition, the adjuvant–induced arthritis (AIA) rat model was employed, and the results exhibited that pristimerin could effectively relieve arthritis symptoms and histopathological damage as well as reduce serum levels of TNF-α, NO and synovial expressions of p-Akt and p-Erk in AIA rats. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis was performed to visualize crucial protein targets of pristimerin for RA treatment, which showed that the effects were mediated through the MAPK/Erk1/2, PI3K/Akt pathways and directing binding with TNF-α. Taken together, our study not only offered new insights into the biochemical mechanism of natural compounds for RA treatment, but also provided a strategy that integrated in vitro, in silico and in vivo studies to facilitate screening of new anti-RA drugs.

Metabolomics and molecular docking-directed antiarthritic study of the ethyl acetate extract from Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb., an important folk medicine, has long been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and its ethyl acetate extract (COE) has been reported to possess anticancer, antiinflammation and antiarthritic effects. However, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of COE treatment in rheumatoid arthritis has been rarely studied especially from the perspective of metabolomics.

AIM OF STUDY

To reveal the therapeutic effects of COE on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats through histopathological analysis, non-targeted metabolomics, and molecular docking study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, AIA model group, methotrexate group, and COE groups (80 mg/kg, 160 mg/kg and 320 mg/kg of ethyl acetate extract). Paw swelling and arthritis score were monitored through the experiment. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide were determined and histopathological evaluation was performed. Furthermore, Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadrupole-Orbitrap-based metabolomics was employed to characterize metabolic changes of AIA rats after COE treatment and molecular docking was performed to predict the potential phytochemicals of COE against TNF-α.

RESULTS

COE at three dosages could significantly relieve paw swelling and reduce arthritis scores of AIA rat. Histopathological analysis revealed remarkable decrease in synovial inflammation and bone erosion after COE treatment, especially at middle and high dosage. Additionally, COE down-regulated serum levels of TNF-α and nitric oxide. Serum metabolomics showed that 22 potential biomarkers for the COE treatment of AIA rats were identified, which were closely related to fatty acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid catabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. The molecular docking models predicted that olean-type triterpenes in COE may contribute most to therapeutic effects of rheumatoid arthritis through targeting TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

COE could significantly relieve the arthritic symptoms in AIA rats and the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics proved to be an efficient method to characterize subtle metabolic changes of AIA rats after COE treatment.

Poria Acid, Triterpenoids Extracted from Poria cocos, Inhibits the Invasion and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells

Background: Poria cocos (P. cocos) is an important medicinal fungus in traditional Chinese medicine. Poria acid (PA), a triterpenoid compound, is an effective component of traditional Chinese medicine P. cocos. This experiment investigated the anti-gastric cancer biological activity of PA in vitro. Methods: The effect of PA on the viability of gastric cancer cells was detected by the thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay. Cell adhesion assays were used to detect changes in the adhesion of cells treated after PA (0, 20, 40, and 80 µmol/L). The ability of cell invasion and migration were detected by Transwell assays and wound healing assays. A high-content imaging system was used to dynamically record the motility of the gastric cancer cells after PA (0, 20, 40, and 80 µmol/L) treatment. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT), invasion and migration related proteins. Results: The MTT assay showed that the proliferation of gastric cancer cells was significantly inhibited after PA treatment. Cell adhesion experiments showed that the adhesion of gastric cancer cells was significantly decreased after PA treatment. Compared with the control group, the wound healing area of the gastric cancer cells treated with different concentrations of PA decreased. The Transwell assay showed that the number of gastric cancer cells passing through the cell membrane were significantly reduced after PA treatment. In addition, after PA treatment, the cells’ movement distance and average movement speed were significantly lower than those of the control group. Finally, PA can significantly alter the expression of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin and decreased the expressions of metastasis-related proteins matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)1 in the gastric cancer cells. Conclusions: Triterpenoids from P. cocos have significant biological activity against gastric cancer, and the mechanism may be involved in the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transformation.

Betulonic Acid, as One of the Active Components of the Celastrus orbiculatus Extract, Inhibits the Invasion and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells by Mediating Cytoskeleton Rearrangement In Vitro

Gastric cancer is a type of malignant tumor that seriously threatens human life and health. Invasion and metastasis present difficulties in the treatment of gastric cancer, and the remodeling of the tumor cytoskeleton plays an important role in mediating the ability of tumor cells to achieve invasion and metastasis. Previous experimental results suggest that Celastrus orbiculatus extract can regulate cytoskeletal remodeling in gastric cancer, but the active component has not been determined. Betulonic acid, as an effective component of COE, inhibits the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by regulating cytoskeletal remodeling in vitro; its specific mechanisms have been studied here. After betulonic acid was dissolved, it was diluted to various working concentrations in RPMI-1640 medium and added to AGS, HGC-27 and GES-1 cell lines. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cytoskeleton staining was used to detect changes in cytoskeleton morphology. Functional assays including wound healing assays and transwell assays were used to detect the invasion and migration of cells. The effect of betulonic acid on cell invasion and migration was clearly and precisely observed by high-content imaging technology. Western blotting was used to detect the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-related proteins and epithelial–mesenchymal transformation-related proteins. We found that betulonic acid inhibited the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Therefore, betulonic acid inhibits the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by mediating cytoskeletal remodeling and regulating epithelial mesenchymal transformation.

A long noncoding RNA, LncRNA-LOC100127888, is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Despite great advances in medical technology, the survival rate of CRC patients is still extremely low, mainly due to recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, it is particularly important to find valuable biomarkers to predict the prognosis of CRC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed to test the expression of LncA in a CRC tissue microarray containing 470 tumor and corresponding normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and a Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate the correlation between lncRNA-LOC100127888 (LncA) expression and CRC prognosis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assays.

RESULTS

The expression of LncA was significantly upregulated in CRC cancer tissues compared with the corresponding noncancer tissues. High LncA expression in cancer tissues was associated with pathological classification, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and distant metastasis. LncA expression was an unfavorable prognostic factor for CRC patients. Furthermore, LncA combined with clinical variables exhibited synergistic potential for the prediction of CRC prognosis. Low expression of LncA in HT 29 and HCT116 cells could decrease cell proliferation, and the migration and invasion of these cells was inhibited by knockdown of LncA.

CONCLUSION

LncA could be used as an effective biomarker to predict the prognosis of CRC patients. We could predict the prognosis of CRC patients more effectively by combining LncA with clinical indicators.

Celastrus Orbiculatus Extract Inhibits the Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Process by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common tumor and has the third-highest mortality rate among various malignant tumors, and the survival rate of patients is low. Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE) has been shown to inhibit the activity of a variety of tumors. In this study, we examined the inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in gastric cancer cells by COE through the transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) signaling pathway.

METHODS

COE was first diluted to various concentrations and then used to treat SGC-7901, BGC-823, MGC-803, and AGS cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by an MTT (thiazole blue) assay. Transwell assays were used to assess cell invasion and migration. The high-content imaging technology was used to further observe the effects of the drug on cell invasion and migration. Western blotting was used to assess the effects of the drug on the expression of EMT and Smad2/3 signaling pathway-related proteins.

RESULTS

We found that COE inhibited the migration and invasion of AGS gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, COE decreased the expression of EMT-related proteins and proteins related to the Smad2/3 signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells, inhibiting the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, and this effect occurred through the TGF-β signaling pathway.

SUMMARY

We investigated that COE could inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and inhibit invasion and metastasis by inhibiting the EMT process at the molecular level and its effect on the TGF-β signaling pathway.

The Ethyl Acetate Extract From Celastrus orbiculatus Promotes Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells Through Mitochondria Regulation by PHB

Objective: To investigate the effect of ethyl acetate extract from Celastrus orbiculatus (COE) on gastric cancer cell apoptosis and reveal its underlying molecular mechanism. In addition, it was aimed to stablish a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Celastrus orbiculatus in the gastric cancer treatment. Material and Methods: Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of PHB in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues. MTT method was used to detect the COE effect on the proliferation of AGS cells and to determine the 50% inhibitory concentration COE on these cells. COE effect on AGS apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Changes in apoptosis-related proteins expression in AGS cells were detected by western blot and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by JC-1 fluorescence staining. PHB expression was knocked down in AGS cells by lentiviral-mediated RNA interference. The COE antitumor effect was assessed in vivo using a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model in nude mice and in vivo fluorescence tracing technique in small animals. Results: The clinical samples analysis results showed that the PHB expression in gastric cancer samples was significantly higher than in corresponding adjacent tissues. MTT results showed that the AGS cell proliferation was significantly inhibited. RT-qPCR and western blot results showed that COE can significantly inhibit the PHB mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis showed that COE was able to significantly promote AGS cell apoptosis. Western blot results also indicated that apoptosis-related protein expression changed significantly; BCL-2 expression significantly reduced while the Caspase-3 and Bax expression significantly increased after COE treatment. JC-1 fluorescence staining results showed that COE changed the mitochondrial membrane potential and activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, in vivo experiments results demonstrated that the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumor was significantly inhibited by the PHB knockdown and by the COE intragastric administration. Conclusion: COE can significantly promote apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells, which can be achieved by inhibiting PHB expression, thus altering the structure and function of mitochondria and activating the mitochondria apoptosis pathway. The antitumor effect of COE has also been proved in vivo.

Celastrol Inhibits the Proliferation and Decreases Drug Resistance of Cisplatin-Resistant Gastric Cancer SGC7901/DDP Cells

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of Celastrol inhibiting the proliferation and decreases drug resistance of cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect and mechanism of Celastrol on proliferation and drug resistance of human gastric cancer cisplatin-resistant cells SGC7901/DDP.

METHODS

The thiazole blue (MTT) method was used to detect the sensitivity of human gastric cancer cisplatin-resistant cells SGC7901/DPP to cisplatin and Celastrol to determine the Drug resistance index (DRI). According to the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) value, the action concentration of the following experimental drugs was set to reduce the cytotoxicity; Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method was used to detect the apoptosis of SGC7901/DDP cells induced by Celastrol; Western Blot was used to examine the expression levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), Multidrug Resistance Associated Protein 1 (MRP1), Breast Cancer Resistance Associated Protein (Breast Cancer Resistance)-relative protein (BCRP), and mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway related proteins; Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP.

RESULTS

(1) Compared with the control group (We set the untreated group as the control group), the proliferation of the SGC7901/DPP cells was significantly inhibited after treating with 0.1-6.4μmol/L Celastrol in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). The Drug resistance index DRI of the SGC7901/DPP cells to DDP was 5.64. (2) Compared with the control group, Celastrol could significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of the SGC7901/DPP cells (P<0.05). (3) The mRNA and protein expression levels of P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP in the SGC7901/DPP cells were significantly higher than those in the SGC7901 cells. However, after treating with Celastrol, the expression levels of P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP in the SGC7901/DPP cells were significantly reduced (P<0.05). (4) Compared with the control group, the Celastrol treatment also reduced the expression of the mTOR signaling pathway related proteins, suggesting that the mTOR signaling pathway may be involved in the process of Celastrol inhibiting the proliferation of the SGC7901/DDP cells and reducing their drug resistance. (5) Significantly, the combination of Celastrol and DDP reduced the expression of P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP in the SGC7901/DPP cells.

CONCLUSION

Celastrol can inhibit the proliferation of the SGC7901/DDP cells, induce their apoptosis, and reduce the expression of drug resistance genes, probably by inhibiting the expression of the proteins related to the mTOR signaling pathway.

MiR-199a modulates autophagy and inflammation in rats with cerebral infarction via regulating mTOR expression

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-199a in rats with cerebral infarction by regulating mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups, including: sham group (n=12), model group (n=12) and miR-199a mimics group (n=12). In sham group internal and external carotid arteries were exposed. The ischemia-reperfusion model was successfully established using suture embolization in the other two groups. After modeling, rats in sham group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline. However, rats in miR-199a mimics group were injected with miR-199a mimics. Following intervention for 3 d, sampling was conducted. Neurological deficit was evaluated in rats based on the Zea-Longa scoring system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology. The expression of mTOR was detected using immunohistochemistry, and the relative expression level of tau protein was determined via Western blotting (WB). Besides, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of mTOR and tau were detected by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Finally, inflammatory factor content was measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Model group and miR-199a mimics group exhibited a substantially higher Zea-Longa score than sham group (p<0.05). Compared with model group, the Zea-Longa score rose prominently in miR-199a mimics group (p<0.05). According to the results of HE staining, the structure of neurons in sham group was clear and intact, while the structure of neurons in model group was disordered. Meanwhile, neuronal morphology in miR-199a mimics group was significantly worse than that in model group (p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the positive expression level of mTOR was considerably upregulated in both model group and miR-199a mimics group in comparison with sham group (p<0.05). Moreover, its positive expression level in miR-199a mimics group was markedly higher that in model group (p<0.05). Based on the results of WB, model and miR-199a mimics groups exhibited a remarkably higher relative expression level of tau protein than sham group (p<0.05). However, the relative expression level of tau protein in miR-199a mimics group was prominently higher than that in model group (p<0.05). QPCR results manifested that the relative mRNA expression levels of mTOR and tau in model group and miR-199a mimics group were dramatically higher than those in sham group (p<0.05). Compared with those in model group, the relative mRNA expression levels of mTOR and tau increased significantly in miR-199a mimics group (p<0.05). ELISA results revealed that model group and miR-199a mimics group had prominently higher content of inflammatory factors than sham group (p<0.05). In addition, content of inflammatory factors in miR-199a mimics group was considerably higher than that in model group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-199a modulates mTOR expression to exert important regulatory effects on the autophagy and inflammation in rats with cerebral infarction.

Characterizing the air pollution of the cities in the closure of corona virus disease 2019 in China

With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization in China, energy and vehicle consumption have continued to increase in recent years and air pollution has become serious. In early 2020, Corona Virus Disease 2019 broke out in Wuhan, China. From January 29, 2020, several sources of the air pollution almost all stopped working, including gasoline burning vehicles, dust producing building sites, coal-fired factories, etc. Five indicators of the atmospheric environmental quality were observed from December 19, 2019 to April 30, 2020 in nine cities and 1-h average concentrations, 24-h average concentrations and Air Quality Index were assessed. The 1-h average concentrations of the nitrogen dioxide, the ozone and the sulfur dioxide showed obvious difference though the closure did not change the sequence of the five pollutants' concentrations in the air at diverse sampling moments. The changing of the 24-h average concentrations of the five pollutants indicated the amount of pollutants in the air were greatly affected by human activities. The nitrogen dioxide, the sulfur dioxide and the particulate matters decreased obviously in the closure. The air in the metropolis and the south-east cities were relatively clean and the pollutants' concentrations decreased slightly during the closure period. The northern and the heavy industrial cities showed significant drop on air pollution indicators and the air quality of the two city groups could be greatly improved if some effective measures could be taken of environmental management and regional development.

CD133+/CD166+ human gastric adenocarcinoma cells present the properties of neoplastic stem cells and emerge more malignant features

AIMS

The recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer has always been an important factor affecting the prognosis of gastric cancer. Cancer stem cells can promote the recurrence and growth of gastric cancer. The identification and isolation of gastric cancer stem cells contribute to the origin, progress and treatment strategy of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to identify and isolate gastric cancer stem cells, and provide targets for the treatment of gastric cancer.

METHODS

Magnetic-activated cell sorting was used to isolate CD133+/CD166+ cell populations from human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines (BGC-823 and SGC-7901). Sphere formation, cell proliferation, resistance to chemotherapy, colony formation, migration invasion and tumorigenicity in vivo of these cell populations were evaluated. Moreover, RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to investigate the expression level of the stem cell markers Nanog, Sox2, Oct-4, and c-Myc.

RESULTS

CD133+/CD166+ cell subpopulations presented more malignant features than CD133-/CD166-, CD133-/CD166+, CD133+/CD166- cell populations and parental cells. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression level of Oct-4 and c-Myc were higher in CD133+/CD166+ cells than in parental cells or other cell populations.

CONCLUSION

The CD133+/CD166+ populations of human gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and SGC-7901 have cancer stem cell characteristics.

A Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Xiaoaiping (XAP) Injection and S-1 Combination Therapy in Inhibiting the Invasion and Metastasis of Human GC Cells

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of Xiaoaiping (XAP) injection combined with S-1 in inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of human GC cells.

METHODS

BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells were incubated in vitro, and the effects of treatment on the cytotoxicity and proliferation of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. Cell adhesion tests and Transwell assays were used to detect the effects of Xiaoaiping injection combined with S-1 on the metastatic ability of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. The expression of VEGF, Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proteins related to the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) were detected by Western blotting. Meanwhile, a tumour model was established in nude mice, and the effect of XAP combined with S-1 on BGC-823 cells in vivo was studied.

RESULTS

Compared with the single drug group, the combination of XAP with S-1 increased the inhibition rate (P<0.05). The adhesion test showed that the combination group significantly inhibited the adhesion of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells (P<0.05). The combination of XAP with S-1 reduced the migration and invasion potential of human GC BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. Western blotting showed that the expression of VEGF, MMP-9, Ncadherin and vimentin was decreased and E-cadherin expression was increased in the combination group compared with these expression values in either the XAP or S-1 alone group (P<0.05). In vivo, we found that XAP combined with S-1 had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of tumours compared with XAP or S-1 alone. Immunohistochemistry showed that XAP combined with S-1 was able to enhance the levels of E-cadherin and downregulate N-cadherin and vimentin.

CONCLUSION

The combination of XAP with S-1 can enhance the inhibitory effect of a single drug on proliferation, invasion and metastasis. The mechanism may be related to the decrease in the expression of VEGF and MMP-9 proteins and the effect on EMT.

TIMP-2 inhibits metastasis and predicts prognosis of colorectal cancer via regulating MMP-9

Colorectal cancer has a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is urgent to detect reliable biomarkers to predict prognosis in CRC. Here, we determined the expression of TIMP-2 and MMP-9 in a  CRC tissue microarray by immunohistochemistry. We found that lower TIMP-2 or/and higher MMP-9 expression in cancer tissues was correlated with poorer overall survival (OS). TIMP-2 or MMP-9 expression was independent prognostic factors for CRC. Furthermore, TIMP-2 and MMP-9 expression had a synergistic role as efficient prognostic indicators for CRC patients. In vitro and in vivo, TIMP-2 could inhibit HCT 116 cells invasion and migration by regulating MMP-9. In sum, a combined expression of TIMP-2 and MMP-9 as efficient prognostic indicators was found for the first time.

DJ‑1 is a new prognostic marker and predicts chemotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer

Protein/nucleic acid deglycase DJ-1 (DJ-1) is a 20-kDa conserved protein, which belongs to the DJ-1/ThiJ/Pfp I protein superfamily. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of DJ-1 in a colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue microarray containing tumor and corresponding adjacent normal tissues. In the present study, DJ-1 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC cells and tissues, compared with that in normal colon cells and adjacent normal tissues, respectively. In addition, patients with high DJ-1 expression levels had a worse overall survival (OS) compared with patients with low expression levels. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high DJ-1 expression levels was an independent prognostic factor for patients with CRC. Moreover, DJ-1 was able to regulate the PI3K/Akt/p27/cyclin E and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways to promote CRC cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, DJ-1 regulated the NF-κB/Snail signaling pathway to induce CRC cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition to promote migration and invasion. Notably, patients receiving LFP treatment (oxaliplatin, 5-FU and tetrahydrofolate) had an increased OS compared with patients who underwent only surgery and low DJ-1 expression levels. The findings from the present study suggest that DJ-1 may serve as a promising prognostic marker and predicts chemotherapy efficacy in patients with CRC.

COX-2 promotes metastasis and predicts prognosis in gastric cancer via regulating mTOR

Aim: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. It is important to find accurate and reliable biomarkers in order to decrease whole morbidity and mortality. Results: We examined the expression of COX-2 and mTOR on GC tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry. Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that the expression of COX-2 or mTOR was an independent factor in the prognosis of GC patients. In addition, COX-2 and mTOR have a potentially synergistic effect on predicting the prognosis of GC. Conclusion: The combined expression of COX-2 and mTOR could serve as efficient prognostic indicators and COX-2 could suppress GC metastasis via regulating mTOR.

CHIP-mediated ubiquitination of Galectin-1 predicts colorectal cancer prognosis

CHIP and Galectin-1 are associated with the development of metastasis in cancer. However, the precise roles of CHIP or Gal1 in colorectal cancer are uncertain. Here, our study explored the relationship and clinical significance of CHIP or Gal1 in CRC. CHIP or Gal1 expression was significantly decreased or up-regulated in CRC compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues by immunohistochemistry on a CRC tissue microarray, respectively. Low CHIP or high Gal1 expression significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics in patients, as well as with shorter overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that CHIP or Gal1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients. Moreover, CHIP associated with Gal1 has a synergistic effect on the prediction of CRC prognosis. In vitro and vivo, high CHIP or low Gal1 expression inhibit CRC growth or metastasis. Our results found that CHIP could degradate Gal1 by ubiquitination. In summary, CHIP could inhibit CRC growth or metastasis through promoting Gal1 ubiquitination and degradation by proteasome. CHIP and Gal1 expressions are novel candidate prognostic markers in CRC. A combined effect of CHIP and Gal1 as efficient prognostic indicators was found for the first time.

Celastrus Orbiculatus Extract Potentiates the Sensitivity of Cisplatin Via Caspase-Depenent Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin-based treatment often leads to therapeutic failure because the acquisition of cisplatin resistance. The combination of cisplatin with other agents has been recognized as a promising strategy to overcome cisplatin resistance.

OBJECTIVE

Celastrus orbiculatus is a traditional Chinese medicine from Celastraceae family with multiple pharmacological activities. We previously found that the ethyl acetate extract of Celastrus orbiculatus (COE) exhibited significant antitumor activity in gastric cancer. Here, we asked whether COE could increase the sensitivity of cisplatin.

METHODS

We use CCK8 assay to show synergistic cytotoxicity of COE and cisplatin. Then, PI single staining and FITC-Annexin V/PI double staining were used to observe apoptotic cells through flow cytometry. The proteins of caspase signaling pathway were examined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

COE and cisplatin showed synergistic cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in BGC 823 and SGC 7901 gastric cancer cells, and COE could increase the number of apoptotic cells upon cisplatin treatment in vitro. Moreover, our results indicated that COE could enhance cisplatin-induced activation of caspase-8 or caspase- 9/caspase-3/PARP1 signaling pathways. The xenograft study further confirmed that COE increased the sensitivity of cisplatin in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provided new evidence that COE could increase the sensitivity of cisplatin on the antitumor effect.

TNF-derived peptides inhibit tumour growth and metastasis through cytolytic effects on tumour lymphatics

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a multi-functional cytokine with profound and diverse effects on physiology and pathology. Identifying the molecular determinants underlying the functions and pathogenic effects of TNF is key to understanding its mechanisms of action and identifying new therapeutic opportunities based on this important molecule. Previously, we showed that some evolutionarily conserved peptides derived from TNF could induce cell death (e.g. apoptosis and/or necrosis), a feature of immune defence mechanisms shared by many vertebrates. In this study, we demonstrated that necrosis-inducing peptide P16 kills human glioblastoma cancer cells and primary human hepatoma or renal cancer cells isolated from patients who had not responded to standard treatments. Importantly, we show that the necrosis-inducing peptide P1516 significantly improves survival by inhibiting tumour metastasis in a 4T1 breast cancer syngeneic graft mouse model. Because the lymphatic system is an important metastatic route in many cancers, we also tested the effect of TNF-derived peptides on monolayers of primary human lymphatic endothelial cells (hDLEC) and found that they increased junctional permeability by inducing cytoskeletal reorganization, gap junction formation and cell death. Transmission electron microscopy imaging evidence, structural analysis and in-vitro liposome leakage experiments strongly suggest that this killing is due to the cytolytic nature of these peptides. P1516 provides another example of a pro-cytotoxic TNF peptide that probably functions as a cryptic necrotic factor released by TNF degradation. Its ability to inhibit tumour metastasis and improve survival may form the basis of a novel approach to cancer therapy.

Jinlong Capsule (JLC) inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

As a representative traditional Chinese medicine made by modern pharmaceutical technology, Jinlong Capsule (JLC) has been used for several decades to treat liver cancer with significantly improved clinical outcomes as adjuvant therapy. JLC consists of three medicinal animals including freshly prepared Bungarus, Agkistrodon and Gecko. The active components were extracted by the process of modern cryogenic and biochemical separation from raw animals. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activities of JLC were not fully investigated. In the current study, experiments were carried out to examine the effect of JLC on anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic activities of human gastric cancer (GC) cell lines in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to observe the viability of MGC-803 and BGC-823 cells treated with JLC. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of MGC-803 and BGC-823 cells induced by JLC were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to detect the effect of JLC on apoptosis-related proteins, including Bax, Bcl-2, survivin and caspase-3. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the microstructure of apoptotic GC cells. Tumor growth in vivo was monitored using live-imaging system. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) was used to examine the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that JLC inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of MGC-803 and BGC-823 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. JLC significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. Both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that JLC could downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and survivin, whereas upregulate the levels of bax and caspase-3. JLC had significant antitumor effects in human GC through cell cycle arresting. Besides, JLC altered the microstructure of GC cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that JLC can be considered as a promising candidate in GC treatment.

Celastrus orbiculatus extracts induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human esophageal squamous carcinoma ECA-109 cells in vitro via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Recently, Celastrus orbiculatus ethyl acetate extracts (COE) have been investigated for their anticancer effects on digestive tract tumors. However, the therapeutic effects of COE on esophageal squamous carcinoma cells (ESCC) have not been investigated. In the present study, the effects of COE on the cell cycle and apoptosis of ESCCs were assessed in vitro, and it was revealed that COE treatment triggered G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest, and induced DNA damage and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in ESCC. Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase-B/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was also suppressed by COE. Additionally, the combined treatment with COE and rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor) acted synergistically in ECA-109 cells compared with the treatment with COE or rapamycin alone. These findings extend the understanding of the action of COE and suggest that COE has potential as a treatment option for ESCC as a single treatment or in combination.

[Effects of transforming growth factor β1 receptor inhibitor SD-208 on human hypertrophic scar]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) receptor inhibitor SD-208 on human hypertrophic scar and its mechanisms.

METHODS

Scar fibroblasts were isolated from deprecated human hypertrophic scar tissue and then sub-cultured. Cells of the fifth passage were used in the following experiments. (1) Cells were divided into blank control group (BC) and 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208 groups according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 6 wells in each group. Cells in group BC were added with 1 μL phosphate buffer solution, while cells in the latter four groups were added with 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208, respectively. After being cultured for 12 hours, the proliferation activity of cells was detected by cell counting kit 8 and microplate reader (denoted as absorbance value). Suitable amount of substance concentration of SD-208 according to the results of proliferation activity of cells was chosen for the following experiments. (2) Another batch of cells were divided into group BC and 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups and treated as in (1), with 8 wells in each group. The number of migration cells was detected by transwell method. (3) Another batch of cells were grouped and treated as in (2), and the microfilament morphology of cells was observed by rhodamine-phalloidin staining. (4) Another batch of cells were grouped and treated as in (2), and the protein expression of TGF-β1 was assessed with Western blotting. (5) Forty-eight BALB/c nude mice were divided into normal saline group (NS) and 1 μmol/L SD-208 group, and one longitudinal incision with length of 1 cm was made on their back. Then human hypertrophic scar tissue was embedded into the incision. On post injury day 7, multipoint injection of NS in a volume of 0.05 mL was performed in wounds of rats in group NS, while rats in 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were given 0.05 mL 1 μmol/L SD-208, once a day. On the day 0 (the same day), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 post first time of injection, the weight of 8 nude mice was weighed by electronic scale, and scar area was measured by vernier caliper and the ratio of rest scar area was calculated. (6) In week 1, 2, and 3 post first time of injection, the protein expression of TGF-β1 of human hypertrophic scar tissue was assessed with Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and two independent-sample t test.

RESULTS

(1) The proliferation activity of cells in group BC, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208 groups was respectively 1.00±0.03, 0.90±0.08, 0.68±0.11, 0.54±0.04, and 0.42±0.09, and the proliferation activity of cells in 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208 groups was significantly lower than that in group BC (with t values from 2.9 to 22.1, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) The number of migration cells in 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups was significantly less than that in group BC (with t values respectively 6.5 and 6.4, P values below 0.01). (3) Compared with that in group BC, fluorescence intensity of microfilaments of cells in 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups was attenuated, and the pseudopod extended less. (4) The protein expressions of TGF-β1 of cells in group BC and 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups were respectively 1.00±0.08, 0.80±0.08, and 0.61±0.05, and the protein expressions of TGF-β1 of cells in 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups were significantly lower than those in group BC (with t values respectively 4.0 and 9.2, P values below 0.01). (5) The weights of nude mice in group NS and 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were similar on each time day (with t values from 0.2 to 1.1, P values above 0.05). The ratios of rest scar area of nude mice in two groups were decreased along with the injection time, and the ratios of rest scar area of nude mice in 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were significantly less than those in group NS from the day 6 to 20 post first time of injection (with t values from 1.8 to 15.9, P<0.05 or P<0.01). In week 1, 2, and 3 post first time of injection, the protein expressions of TGF-β1 of human hypertrophic scar tissue in nude mice in two groups showed a tendency of decrease, and the protein expressions of TGF-β1 of human hypertrophic scar tissue in nude mice in 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were significantly lower than those in group NS (with t values from 6.2 to 19.1, P values below 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SD-208 has significant inhibition effect on human hypertrophic scars, and the mechanism is correlated to the inhibition of protein expression of endogenous TGF-β1.

Cofilin 1 induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells by promoting cytoskeletal rearrangement

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process whereby malignant tumor cells obtain the ability to migrate, invade, resist apoptosis and degrade the extracellular matrix. We found that Cofilin1 (CFL1) expression was elevated in clinical gastric cancer specimens and correlated with biomarkers of EMT in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. BGC-823 cells exhibited EMT phenotypes and increased metastatic ability when induced by TGF-β1. By contrast, BGC-823 cells transfected with Lv-siRNA-CFL1 did not exhibit EMT phenotypes under the same inducing conditions. As CFL1 expression increased, EMT cell filopodia stretched out. In addition, the ultrastructures observed using transmission electron microscopy indicated that silencing of CFL1 markedly inhibited depolymerization of fibrous actin and cytoskeletal reorganization during EMT. Similar results were obtained in vivo. These findings demonstrate that CFL1 induces EMT by promoting cytoskeletal rearrangement. Our results may provide the basis for developing new anticancer drugs to inhibit CFL1.

Anticancer efficacy of the ethyl acetate extract from the traditional Chinese medicine herb Celastrus orbiculatus against human gastric cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb Celastrus orbiculatus is an important folk medicinal plant in China that has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and analgesic in various diseases. The ethyl acetate extract of C. orbiculatus (C. orbiculatus extract, COE) was reported to show significant antitumor effects. However, no study in China or abroad has reported the effect and mechanism of COE in triggering apoptosis of gastric cancer (GC) cells.

AIM OF STUDY

To further uncover the molecular mechanism underlying COE's apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects and lay a foundation for the development of novel, effective antitumor TCM agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of COE on AGS and BGC-823 GC cell viability was examined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis of AGS and BGC-823 cells induced by COE was analyzed using flow cytometry and a mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit (JC-1). The proliferating GC cells were identified and examined using a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) staining kit and flow cytometric analysis. A western blot assay was used to detect the effect of COE on apoptosis-related proteins, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-extra-large (Bcl-xL), Bcl-2-like protein 12 (Bcl-L12), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and caspase as well as proliferation-related proteins, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70s6k. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and an animal imaging technique were used to evaluate the microstructure of apoptotic GC cells and the effect of COE on tumor cell growth in vivo, respectively.

RESULTS

The results indicate that COE significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of GC AGS and BGC-823 cell lines both in vivo and in vitro. COE significantly decreased the cell mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, COE downregulated the levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70s6k while those of Bax and caspase were upregulated. More interestingly, COE altered the microstructure of the mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

All these data collectively indicate that COE not only has significant antiproliferative effects but also has both in vivo and in vitro apoptotic effects. In addition, COE altered the structure and function of the mitochondria, which is another potential pathway for the antitumor activity of COE. These findings may provide a basis for the development of new anticancer TCM candidates.

Hysteroscopy combined dilatation and curettage, serum CA125 and CA19-9 play an important role in preserving fertility or endocrine function for early-stage endometrial cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of hysteroscopy combined dilatation and curettage (D&C), serum CA125 and CA19-9 in endometrial cancer (EC) patients who desire to preserve fertility or endocrine function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included a total of 622 patients with EC between January 2006 and December 2014. The consistency of preoperative and postoperative histopathological findings were compared in patients who underwent D&C with or without hysteroscopy. The incidence of positive peritoneal cytology was also compared to assess the safety of hysteroscopy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the role of preoperative serum CA125 and CA19-9 in predicting extrauterine metastasis.

RESULTS

In 151 patients who underwent hysteroscopy combined D&C, the consistency of pre- and postoperative pathology was higher than the remaining 447 patients who underwent classical D&C alone (83.44% vs. 74.94%,p < 0.05) and there was no significant difference in the incidence of positive peritoneal cytology between the two groups (2.64% vs. 2.73%, p > 0.05). ROC curve analysis results showed the CA125 serum level of 31.75 U/ml and CA19-9 serum level of 35.40 U/ml were the best cutoff to predict extrauterine metastasis in endometrial cancer, with 66.7% sensitivity, 83% specificity, and 61.9% sensitivity and 84.9% of specificity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysteroscopy combined D&C should be recommended for early-stage EC patients who desire to preserve fertility or endocrine function, and the preoperative serum levels of CA125 and CA19-9 were powerful in predicting tumor stage in these patients.

Detection of circulating tumour cells may add value in endometrial cancer management

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC).

STUDY DESIGN

This study included 40 patients with a pre-operative diagnosis of high-risk EC between April 2015 and May 2016. Patients were further divided into high-risk (grade 3, non-endometrioid, myometrial invasion ≥1/2 and stage III-IV) and high-intermediate-risk (grade 2-3, endometrioid, myometrial invasion <1/2 and stage I-II) groups according to postoperative pathological results. CTCs were detected using the CellSearch system, and CTC results were correlated with standard clinicopathological characteristics and serum tumour marker CA125/HE4 status using Chi-squared test, continuity correction or Fisher's exact test. The pharmacodynamic effect was detected after the first cycle of adjuvant therapy. Patients were followed up for 13 months to assess outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifteen percent of patients had one or more CTCs. The presence of CTCs was found to be significantly associated with cervical involvement (83.33% vs 11.76%, p=0.00). No significant difference in CTC-positive rates was detected between the high-risk and high-intermediate-risk groups, and no significant correlation was found between CTCs and serum CA125/HE4, either by positive rates or exact serum levels of the conventional tumour markers. No more CTCs were detected after the first cycle of standard chemotherapy in this study, and no distant metastases or recurrence were found in the CTC-positive patients during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The presence of CTCs was correlated with cervical involvement. Early-stage EC patients with CTCs may benefit from additional adjuvant therapies. Assessment of CTCs may be useful in the management of high-risk EC patients.

Identification of marker genes in diabetic wounds by DNA microarray study

This study aimed to identify marker genes in diabetic wounds using a dataset based on a DNA microarray of dermal lymphatic endothelial cells, and our results provide a basic understanding of diabetic wounds through further study of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs). From the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we downloaded a gene expression microarray (GSE38396) that includes 8 samples: 4 normal controls and 4 disease samples (type II diabetes). We then identified genes that were differentially expressed between normal and disease samples using packages in R language, constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and analyzed modules in the network. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was performed by MEGA to find the most conserved genes. Two hundred and thirteen genes were identified as being differentially expressed between normal and disease samples, and we constructed a PPI network that included 213 pairs of proteins. We then identified a module including 20 genes, the function of which was significantly enriched in wounding response. Lastly, the most conserved genes, CD44 and CCL5, were identified through phylogenetic analysis. In summary, we found differentially expressed marker genes, a wounding response-related module, and the most important genes CD44 and CCL5. Our findings suggest new approaches to therapies for diabetic wounds.

Two-dimensional imaging of soot volume fraction by the use of laser-induced incandescence

A recently developed laser-induced incandescence technique is used to make novel planar measurements of soot volume fraction within turbulent diffusion flames and droplet flames. The two-dimensional imaging technique is developed and assessed by systematic experiments in a coannular laminar diffusion flame, in which the soot characteristics have been well established. With a single point calibration procedure, agreement to within 10% was found between the values of soot volume fraction measured by this technique and those determined by conventional laser scattering-extinction methods in the flame. As a demonstration of the wide range of applicability of the technique, soot volume fraction images are also obtained from both turbulent ethene diffusion flames and from a freely falling droplet flame that burns the mixture of 75% benzene and 25% methanol. For the turbulent diffusion flames, approximately an 80% reduction in soot volume fraction was found when the Reynolds number of the fuel jet increased from 4000 to 8000. In the droplet flame case, the distribution of soot field was found to be similar to that observed in coannular laminar diffusion flames.

Laser Raman spectrometry study on experimental galactose-induced cataract

PURPOSE

To observe the dynamic changes of hydration in galactose induced cataract.

METHODS

Two groups of Wistar rats were used in the experiment. There were 12 rats in the experimental group, which were fed diet of 50% D-Galactose standard feed; while the control group had 8 rats fed standard feed. Their other living conditions were the same. At desired time periods, two Wistar rats fed galactose and one normal control were selected and killed 20 minutes before the instrument examination respectively, then, their lenses were removed from the orbs by a posterior approach. The cleaned fresh lens was placed in a quartz cuvette with Tris buffered balanced salt solution containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose. The quartz cuvette was placed on the stage of the Spectrometer. The laser beam was focused at the lens nuclear from the bottom of the cuvette and the scattered light was collected at 90 degrees to the incident beam.

RESULTS

Raman spectroscopy showed that (1) during the formation of galactose cataract, the water signal (at 3390cm-1) increased obviously, and the ratio of I3390/I2935 increased from 0.31 (3 days) to 2.26 (17 days), which is correlated with the imbibition of water in the lens nuclear; (2) the hydration of lens nuclear could be divided into two phases. The ratio I3390/I2935 was increased slowly and steadily by 11 days after galactose feeding. Then, the ratio turned to increase quite fast till 17 days.

CONCLUSION

The hydration of nuclear is changed simultaneously with the formation of cataract. The hydration of nuclear is mainly due to the imbalance of Na+/K+.

Features of the adeno-associated virus origin involved in substrate recognition by the viral Rep protein

We previously demonstrated that the adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep68 and Rep78 proteins are able to nick the AAV origin of DNA replication at the terminal resolution site (trs) in an ATP-dependent manner. Using four types of modified or mutant substrates, we now have investigated the substrate requirements of Rep68 in the trs endonuclease reaction. In the first kind of substrate, portions of the hairpinned AAV terminal repeat were deleted. Only deletions that retained virtually all of the small internal palindromes of the AAV terminal repeat were active in the endonuclease reaction. This result confirmed previous genetic and biochemical evidence that the secondary structure of the terminal repeat was an important feature for substrate recognition. In the second type of substrate, the trs was moved eight bases further away from the end of the genome. The mutant was nicked at a 50-fold-lower frequency relative to a wild-type origin, and the nick occurred at the correct trs sequence despite its new position. This finding indicated that the endonuclease reaction required a specific sequence at the trs in addition to the correct secondary structure. It also suggested that the minimum trs recognition sequence extended three bases from the cut site in the 3' direction. The third type of substrate harbored mismatched base pairs at the trs. The mismatch substrates contained a wild-type sequence on the strand normally cut but an incorrect sequence on the complementary strand. All of the mismatch mutants were capable of being nicked in the presence of ATP. However, there was substantial variation in the level of activity, suggesting that the sequence on the opposite strand may also be recognized during nicking. Analysis of the mismatch mutants also suggested that a single-stranded trs was a viable substrate for the enzyme. This interpretation was confirmed by analysis of the fourth type of substrate tested, which contained a single-stranded trs. This substrate was also cleaved efficiently by the enzyme provided that the correct strand was present in the substrate. In addition, the single-stranded substrate no longer required ATP as a cofactor for nicking. Finally, all of the substrates with mutant trss bound the Rep protein as efficiently as the wild-type did. This finding indicated that the sequence at the cut site was not involved in recognition of the terminal repeat for specific binding by the enzyme. We concluded that substrate recognition by the AAV Rep protein involves at least two and possibly as many as four features of the AAV terminal repeat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)