Pigment epithelium‑derived factor inhibits proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, and induces ferroptosis of extravillous trophoblasts by targeting Wnt‑β‑catenin/VEGF signaling in placenta accreta spectrum

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is one of the most dangerous complications in obstetrics, which can lead to severe postpartum bleeding and shock, and even necessitate uterine removal. The abnormal migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and enhanced neovascularization occurring in an uncontrolled manner in time and space are closely related to the abnormal expression of pro‑angiogenic and anti‑angiogenic factors. The pigment epithelium‑derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional regulatory factor that participates in several important biological processes and is recognized as the most efficient inhibitor of angiogenesis. The present study aimed to explore the effects of PEDF on EVT phenotypes and the underlying mechanisms in PAS. HTR‑8/SVneo cells were transfected to overexpress or knock down PEDF. Cell proliferation and invasion were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‑8, 5‑ethynyl‑2'‑deoxyuridine and Transwell assays. In vitro angiogenesis was analyzed using tube formation assays. The degree of ferroptosis was assessed by evaluating the levels of lipid reactive oxygen species, total iron, Fe2+, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione using commercial kits. The expression levels of biomarkers of ferroptosis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and Wnt signaling were examined by western blotting. PEDF overexpression decreased the proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, and induced ferroptosis of EVTs. Activation of Wnt signaling with BML‑284 and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reversed the PEDF overexpression‑induced suppression of cell proliferation, invasion and tube formation. PEDF overexpression‑induced ferroptosis was also decreased by Wnt agonist treatment and VEGF overexpression. It was predicted that PEDF suppressed the proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, and increased ferroptosis in EVTs by decreasing Wnt‑β‑catenin/VEGF signaling. The findings of the present study suggested a novel regulatory mechanism of the phenotypes of EVTs and PAS.

Socio-economic disparities in exposure to and endorsement of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and the associations with vaccine hesitancy and vaccination

OBJECTIVES

We examined disparities in vaccine misinformation exposure and endorsement and the associations with vaccine hesitancy and vaccination uptake.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based survey.

METHODS

A population-based survey was conducted on 5,002 Hong Kong adults oversampling low socio-economic status (SES, n = 2,200). Information on exposure (13 misinformation statements, total 0-13, median = 2), endorsement (13 statements, score 0-10, high scores indicate higher levels of endorsement, median = 5.75) of misinformation, vaccine hesitancy (14 items, score 1-5), and vaccination (two doses) were collected. Multivariable regression (adjusted β [aβ]) and Poisson regression (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]) adjusting for demographic characteristics were used to examine the associations of exposure to and endorsement of misinformation with vaccine hesitancy and vaccination.

RESULTS

A total of 71.8% of respondents had at least exposure to one vaccine misinformation, and 35.7% had a high level of endorsement (median or above). Respondents with lower SES had a lower exposure (≤2 statements, 57.1% vs 50.1%, P < 0.001) but a higher level of endorsement (36.6% vs 34.9%, P = 0.01) of misinformation. Overall, 72.9% had been vaccinated for two or more doses, with a lower proportion in respondents with lower SES (83.6% vs 61.1%; P < 0.001). Compared with no exposure to misinformation, high levels of exposure and endorsement were associated with vaccine hesitancy (aβ = 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.40-0.48; aβ = 0.50, 0.47-0.54, respectively) and lower vaccination rates (aRR = 0.98, 0.97-0.99; aRR = 0.92, 0.88-0.96, respectively). Vaccine hesitancy mediated the associations of exposure (fully, 100%) and endorsement (partially, 73%) with vaccination uptake.

CONCLUSION

Endorsement of vaccine misinformation in respondents with lower SES was associated with low vaccination uptake.

Effects of evaporative cooling and dietary zinc source on heat shock responses and mammary gland development in lactating dairy cows during summer

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of evaporative cooling and dietary supplemental Zn source on heat shock responses and mammary gland development of lactating dairy cows during summer. Seventy-two multiparous lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Cows were either cooled (CL) or not cooled (NC) and fed diets supplemented with 75 mg of Zn/kg of dry matter (DM) from Zn hydroxychloride (IOZ) or 35 mg of Zn/kg of DM from Zn hydroxychloride plus 40 mg of Zn/kg of DM from Zn-Met complex (ZMC). The 168-d trial included a 12-wk baseline phase when all cows were cooled and fed respective dietary treatments, and a subsequent 12-wk environmental challenge phase when NC cows were deprived of evaporative cooling. Plasma was collected from a subset of cows (n = 24) at 1, 3, 5, 12, 26, 41, 54, 68, 81 d of the environmental challenge to measure heat shock protein (HSP) 70 concentration. Mammary biopsies were collected from another subset of cows (n = 30) at enrollment (baseline samples) and at d 7 and 56 of the environmental challenge to analyze gene expression related to heat shock response, apoptosis and anti-oxidative enzymes, and to examine apoptosis and cell proliferation using immunohistochemistry. Supplemental Zn source did not affect milk yield but NC cows produced less milk than CL cows. Supplemental Zn source had no effect on mammary gene expression of HSP27, 70, and 90 or plasma concentrations of HSP70. The NC cows had greater mammary gene expression of HSP than CL cows. Circulating HSP70 of NC cows gradually increased and was higher at 81 d of environmental challenge compared with CL cows. Relative to IOZ, ZMC cows tended to have lower total mammary cell proliferation but greater mammary apoptosis. There was a tendency of greater TNFRSF1A mRNA expression for ZMC compared with IOZ cows, which may suggest upregulated extrinsic apoptosis. At d 7 of environmental challenge, NC cows had numerically higher mammary apoptosis than CL cows although not statistically significant. The NC cows tended to have greater mRNA expression of CAT and SOD3 regardless of time, and had greater mRNA expression of GPX1 at d 56 and FAS at d 7 of the environmental challenge than CL cows. Relative to CL cows, mammary cell proliferation rate was higher for NC cows at d 56 of the environmental challenge. In conclusion, dietary source of supplemental Zn has substantial effect on mammary cell turnover in lactating dairy cows, and prolonged exposure to heat stress increases mammary cell proliferation.

Inhibition of CD44 attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac and lung inflammation, fibrosis, and heart failure progression

Background

Inflammation contributes to heart failure (HF) development and progression. CD44 is a member of the hyaluronate receptor family of cell adhesion molecules, which regulates tissue inflammation and fibrosis through modulating macrophage and lymphocyte migration and homing in several diseases. Here we evaluated the role and cellular mechanism of CD44 in regulating transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced HF development and progression in mice.

Methods and results

C57/B6 background CD44 KO and wild type mice (6–8 weeks) were subjected to TAC to evaluate the effect of CD44 on the development of TAC-induced LV hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction. Due to the rapid response to TAC, Balb/c mice (6–8 weeks) were used to determine the effect of CD44 on the progression of TAC-induced congestive heart failure. We found that CD44 expression is dramatically increased in left ventricular (LV) tissues obtained from HF patients and mice. While CD44 gene knockout (KO) has no detectable effect on cardiac structure and function under control conditions, CD44 KO mice were protected from TAC-induced LV inflammation, fibrosis, hypertrophy, dysfunction, and lung remodeling as compared with wild type mice. In addition, we found that inhibition of CD44 signaling with blocking antibodies (Abs) significantly attenuated the transition from LV failure to lung remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy in mice with existing HF.

Conclusions

These data identify an important role of CD44 in attenuating cardiac and lung inflammation, fibrosis, HF development, and HF progression, suggesting that inhibition of CD44 signaling may be useful in preventing and treating HF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Chinese National Natural Science Foundation Grants and American Heart Association

Porcine insulin receptor substrate 2: molecular cloning, tissues distribution, and functions in hepatocyte and aortic endothelial cells

Insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS-2) modulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, which controls the suppression of gluconeogenic genes; IRS-2 is also a critical node of insulin signaling. Because of the high homology between pig and human IRS-2, we investigated the expression pattern and function of porcine IRS-2. QPCR and immunoblotting were used to detect the IRS-2 expression level in different tissues. There were high IRS-2 levels in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum in the central nervous system. In peripheral tissues, IRS-2 was expressed at relatively high levels in the liver. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that IRS-2 was mainly distributed in the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. Furthermore, IRS-2 knockdown porcine hepatocytes and porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs) were generated. The IRS-2 knockdown induced abnormal expression of genes involved in glycolipid metabolism in hepatocytes and reduced the antiatherosclerosis ability in PAECs. In addition, we disrupted IRS-2 in porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs) using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system, before finally generating IRS-2 knockout embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Taken together, our results indicate that IRS-2 might be a valuable target to establish diabetes and vascular disease models in the pig.

Risk factors of perioperative complications and transfusion following total hip arthroplasty in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

BACKGROUND

In recent years, hip arthroplasty rates in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have been increasing rapidly. Although patients with SLE generally show beneficial or desirable functional outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA), it has been reported that SLE patients after THA have increased risk of postoperative complications, especially during the period of hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we aimed to identify possible factors associated with complications or transfusion of THA in SLE patients during hospitalization.

METHODS

The present study was a retrospective study conducted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Data were collected from medical records of patients who underwent THA from January 2012 to June 2018. The primary outcome variable was perioperative complications, which was defined as having one or more of the following conditions: high fever, infection, impaired wound healing, venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, hematoma, arrhythmia, implant complications. The secondary outcome was perioperative transfusion.

RESULTS

During January 2012 to June 2018, 100 patients had taken the surgery of THA. After multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for perioperative complications were: age ≥ 45 years (p = 0.001), SLE with other connective tissue diseases (p = 0.029), high temperature (p = 0.030), positive anti-dsDNA antibody (p = 0.043), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index ≥ 3 (p = 0.008). Independent risk factors for perioperative transfusion were bilateral THA (p = 0.029), low hemoglobin (p = 0.021) and abnormal renal function (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

For SLE patients following THA, age > 45 years, SLE with other connective tissue disease, high temperature, positive anti-dsDNA antibody and SLICC/ACR Damage Index ≥ 3 were the risk factors of complications during hospitalization and bilateral THA, low hemoglobin and abnormal renal function were the risk factors of transfusion.

Membrane potential oscillations are not essential for spontaneous firing generation in L4 Aβ-afferent neurons after L5 spinal nerve axotomy and are not mediated by HCN channels

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Is spontaneous activity (SA) in L4 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons induced by L5 spinal nerve axotomy associated with membrane potential oscillations in these neurons, and if so, are these membrane oscillations mediated by HCN channels? What is the main finding and its importance? Unlike injured L5 DRG neurons, which have been shown to be incapable of firing spontaneously without membrane potential oscillations, membrane potential oscillations are not essential for SA generation in conducting 'uninjured' L4 neurons, and they are not mediated by HCN channels. These findings suggest that the underlying cellular mechanisms of SA in injured and 'uninjured' DRG neurons induced by spinal nerve injury are distinct.

ABSTRACT

The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain are not fully understood. However, preclinical studies using animal models suggest that this debilitating condition is driven partly by aberrant spontaneous activity (SA) in injured and uninjured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and that SA in injured DRG neurons is triggered by subthreshold membrane potential oscillations (SMPOs). Here, using in vivo intracellular recording from control L4-DRG neurons, and ipsilateral L4-DRG neurons in female Wistar rats that had previously undergone L5 spinal nerve axotomy (SNA), we examined whether conducting 'uninjured' L4-DRG neurons in SNA rats exhibit SMPOs, and if so, whether such SMPOs are associated with SA in those L4 neurons, and whether they are mediated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels. We found that 7 days after SNA: (a) none of the control A- or C-fibre DRG neurons showed SMPOs or SA, but 50%, 43% and 0% of spontaneously active cutaneous L4 Aβ-low threshold mechanoreceptors, Aβ-nociceptors and C-nociceptors exhibited SMPOs, respectively, in SNA rats with established neuropathic pain behaviors; (b) neither SMPOs nor SA in L4 Aβ-neurons was suppressed by blocking HCN channels with ZD7288 (10 mg kg^-1 , i.v.); and (c) there is a tendency for female rats to show greater pain hypersensitivity than male rats. These results suggest that SMPOs are linked to SA only in some of the conducting L4 Aβ-neurons, that such oscillations are not a prerequisite for SA generation in those L4 A- or C-fibre neurons, and that HCN channels are not involved in their electrogenesis.

Growth of vertically aligned nanowires in metal-oxide nanocomposites: kinetic Monte-Carlo modeling versus experiments

We employ kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations to study the growth process of metal-oxide nanocomposites obtained via sequential pulsed laser deposition. Using Ni-SrTiO3 (Ni-STO) as a model system, we reduce the complexity of the computational problem by choosing a coarse-grained approach mapping Sr, Ti and O atoms onto a single effective STO pseudo-atom species. With this ansatz, we scrutinize the kinetics of the sequential synthesis process, governed by alternating deposition and relaxation steps, and analyze the self-organization propensity of Ni atoms into straight vertically aligned nanowires embedded in the surrounding STO matrix. We finally compare the predictions of our binary toy model with experiments and demonstrate that our computational approach captures fundamental aspects of self-assembled nanowire synthesis. Despite its simplicity, our modeling strategy successfully describes the impact of relevant parameters like the concentration or laser frequency on the final nanoarchitecture of metal-oxide thin films grown via pulsed laser deposition.

Transgenic characterization of two silkworm tissue-specific promoters in the haemocyte plasmatocyte cells

Haemocytes play crucial roles in insect metabolism, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. As a model of lepidopteran insects, the silkworm is a useful model to study the functions of both haematopoiesis and haemocytes. Tissue-specific promoters are excellent tools for genetic manipulation and are widely used in fundamental biological research. Herein, two haemocyte-specific genes, Integrin β2 and Integrin β3, were confirmed. Promoter activities of Integrin β2 and Integrin β3 were evaluated by genetic manipulation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting suggested that both promoters can drive enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) specifically expressed in haemocytes. Further evidence clearly demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm exhibited a high level of EGFP signal in plasmatocytes, but not in other detected haemocyte types. Moreover, EGFP fluorescence signals were observed in the haematopoietic organ of both transgenic strains. Thus, two promoters that enable plasmatocytes to express genes of interest were confirmed in our study. It is expected that the results of this study will facilitate advances in our understanding of insect haematopoiesis and immunity in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Effects of heat stress and dietary zinc source on performance and mammary epithelial integrity of lactating dairy cows

Dietary Zn and heat stress alter gut integrity in monogastric animals. However, effects of Zn on mammary epithelial integrity in heat-stressed lactating dairy cows have not been studied. Multiparous lactating Holstein cows (n = 72) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to study the effects of environment and Zn source on performance and mammary epithelial integrity. Treatments included 2 environments [cooled (CL) or not cooled (NC)] and 2 Zn sources [75 mg/kg of supplemental Zn as Zn hydroxychloride (IOZ) or 35 mg/kg of Zn hydroxychloride + 40 mg/kg of Zn-Met complex (ZMC)]. The experiment was divided into baseline and environmental challenge phases of 84 d each. All cows were cooled during the baseline phase (temperature-humidity index = 72.5), whereas NC cows were not cooled during environmental challenge (temperature-humidity index = 77.7). Mammary biopsies were collected on d 7 and 56 relative to the onset of environmental challenge to analyze gene expression of claudin 1, 4, and 8, zonula occludens 1, 2, and 3, occludin, and E-cadherin and protein expression of occludin and E-cadherin. Deprivation of cooling increased respiration rate (64.8 vs. 73.9 breaths/min) and vaginal temperature (39.03 vs. 39.94°C) and decreased dry matter intake (26.7 vs. 21.6 kg/d). Energy-corrected milk yield decreased for NC cows relative to CL cows (24.5 vs. 34.1 kg/d). An interaction between environment and Zn source occurred for milk fat content as CL cows fed ZMC had lower milk fat percentage than other groups. Relative to CL cows, NC cows had lower concentrations of lactose (4.69 vs. 4.56%) and solids-not-fat (8.46 vs. 8.32%) but a higher concentration of milk urea nitrogen (9.07 vs. 11.02 mg/mL). Compared with IOZ, cows fed ZMC had lower plasma lactose concentration during baseline and tended to have lower plasma lactose concentration during environmental challenge. Plasma lactose concentration tended to increase at 3, 5, and 41 d after the onset of environmental challenge in NC cows relative to CL cows. Treatment had no effect on milk BSA concentration. Cows fed ZMC tended to have higher gene expression of E-cadherin relative to IOZ. Compared with CL, NC cows had increased gene expression of occludin and E-cadherin and tended to have increased claudin 1 and zonula occludens 1 and 2 gene expression in the mammary gland. Protein expression of occludin and E-cadherin was unchanged. In conclusion, removing active cooling impairs lactation performance and affects gene expression of proteins involved in the mammary epithelial barrier, and feeding a portion of dietary zinc as ZMC improves the integrity of the mammary epithelium.

The effect of aspirin on circulating tumor cells in metastatic colorectal and breast cancer patients: a phase II trial study

PURPOSE

Aspirin could reduce the risk of cancer metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a key factor of cancer metastasis, but no evidence has revealed how aspirin affects CTCs and its epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we conducted a clinical trial to investigate how aspirin affects CTCs in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) and breast cancer patients (MBC).

METHODS

The trial is retrospective registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02602938). The eligible patients are given 100 mg aspirin q.d. for 8 weeks, and CTCs are evaluated at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks for absolute number, phenotype (epithelial type, E+, mesenchymal type, M+, and biophenotypic type, B+), and vimentin expression.

RESULTS

Data on 21 MCC and 19 MBC patients are analyzed, and it revealed that the CTC numbers decreased with aspirin treatment in MCC (p < 0.001) but not MBC (p = 0.0532); besides, ratio of E+ CTCs increased (p = 0.037) and M+ CTCs decreased at 2 months in MCC (p = 0.013), but neither the ratio of E+ or M+ CTCs changes significantly in MBC; vimentin expression of M+ CTCs is higher than E+ and B+ CTCs either in MBC or MCC patients at baseline (p < 0.01); and aspirin suppresses the vimentin expression in M+ (p = 0.002)and B+ (p = 0.006) CTCs of MCC and M+ CTCs of MBC (p = 0.004); besides it find vimentin expression in B+ (p = 0.004) or M+ (p < 0.001), CTCs are markedly decreased in patients with total CTC numbers declined.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin could decrease CTCs numbers and block EMT transition in MCC patients and part of MBC patients.

Butylated caffeic acid: An efficient novel antioxidant

A novel antioxidant, butylated caffeic acid (BCA) was rationally designed by adding a tert-butyl group to caffeic acid, which was synthesized at a high yield (36.2%) from 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol by a four-step reaction including Friedel-Crafts alkylation, bromine oxidation, ether bond hydrolysis and Knoevenagel condensation. Its antioxidant capacity was much stronger than common commercial antioxidant tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) and its mother compound, caffeic acid, in both rancimat and deep frying tests. When investigated via the DPPH method, the antioxidant capacity of BCA was almost equal to TBHQ, but lower than caffeic acid. BCA could be a potentially strong antioxidant, especially for food processing at high temperatures such as deep frying and baking.

Vertebral fracture in postmenopausal Chinese women: a population-based study

In a random sample of postmenopausal Chinese women, the prevalence of radiographic vertebral fractures increased from 13% between ages 50 and 59 to over 50% after age 80 years. A model with seven clinical risk factors predicted the probability of vertebral fractures as well with as without BMD and better than a model with only three risk factors. More than half an hour of outdoor activity per day might correlate with lower risk of vertebral fracture in this population.

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to describe the prevalence and develop a model for prediction of radiographic vertebral fractures in a large random sample of postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

We enrolled 1760 women from an age-stratified random sample of postmenopausal women in Beijing, China. The presence of vertebral fracture was assessed by semi-quantitative grading of lateral thoracolumbar radiographs, risk factors by interview, bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur and lumbar spine by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and markers of bone turnover from a fasting blood sample. Associations of these factors were analyzed in logistic models and discrimination by areas of receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC).

RESULTS

The prevalence of vertebral fracture, ranged from 13.4% ages 50 to 59 years old to 58.1% at age 80 years or older. Older age, a history of non-vertebral fracture, lower femoral neck BMD T-score, body mass index (BMI), height loss, housework, and less than half an hour of outdoor activity were significantly associated with increased probability of having a vertebral fracture. A model with those seven factors had a similar AUC with or without BMD and performed better than a simple model with three factors.

CONCLUSION

This study is from a true random sample of postmenopausal women in urban China with high response rate. The prevalence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women in Beijing increases from 13% under age 60 to over 50% by age 80 years. A model with seven clinical risk factors with or without BMD is better than simple models and may guide the use of spine x-rays to identify women with vertebral fractures. More than half an hour of outdoor activity might correlate with lower risk of vertebral fracture in this population.

[Overexpression of Keap1 inhibits the cell proliferation and metastasis and overcomes the drug resistance in human lung cancer A549 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Keap1-Nrf2 pathway on cell proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance of human lung cancer A549 cell line.

METHODS

A549-Keap1 cell line, constantly expressing wild type Keap1, was established by lentiviral transfection. Real-time RT-PCR and western blot were used to determine the expression of Nrf2 and its target gene in A549 cells. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, flow cytometry, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and cell wound-healing assay were performed to explore the effect of wild type Keap1 expression on the proliferation, invasion, migration and drug resistance of A549 cells.

RESULTS

Over-expressed Keap1 decreased the expression of Nrf2 protein and the mRNA level of its downstream target genes and inhibited the ability of cell proliferation and clone formation of A549 cells. Keap1 overexpression induced G0/G1 phase arrest. The percentage of A549-Keap1 cells in G0/G1 phase was significantly higher than that of A549-GFP cells (80.2±5.9)% vs. (67.1±0.9%)(P<0.05). Compared with the invasive A549-Keap1 cells (156.33±17.37), the number of invasive A549-GFP cells was significantly higher (306.67±22.19) in a high power field. Keap1 overexpression significantly enhanced the sensitivity of A549 cells to carboplatin and gemcitabine (P<0.01). The IC50s of carboplatin in A549-Keap1 and A549-GFP cells were (52.1±3.3) μmol/L and (107.8±12.9) μmol/L, respectively. The IC50s of gemcitabine in A549-Keap1 and A549-GFP cells were (6.8±1.2) μmol/L and (9.9±0.5) μmol/L, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Keap1 overexpression significantly inhibits the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes, suppresses tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, and enhances the sensitivity of A549 cells to anticancer drugs.

miR-216a rescues dexamethasone suppression of osteogenesis, promotes osteoblast differentiation and enhances bone formation, by regulating c-Cbl-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

Osteoporosis is a disease marked by reduced bone mass, leading to an increased risk of fractures or broken bones. Bone formation is mediated by recruiting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate MSC differentiation into osteoblasts is of great importance for the development of anabolic therapies for osteoporosis and other bone metabolism-related diseases. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to have crucial roles in bone development, osteogenic differentiation and osteoporosis pathophysiology. However, to date, only a few miRNAs have been reported to enhance osteogenesis and regulate the suppressive effect of glucocorticoids on osteogenic differentiation. In this study, we discovered that miR-216a, a pancreatic-specific miRNA, was significantly upregulated during osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived MSCs (hAMSCs). The expression of miR-216a was positively correlated with the expression of bone formation marker genes in clinical osteoporosis samples. Functional analysis demonstrated that miR-216a can markedly promote osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs, rescue the suppressive effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on osteogenic differentiation in vitro and enhance bone formation in vivo. c-Cbl, a gene that encodes a RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase, was identified as a direct target of miR-216a. Downregulation of c-Cbl by short hairpin RNAs can mimic the promotion effects of miR-216a and significantly rescue the suppressive effects of DEX on osteogenesis. Pathway analysis indicated that miR-216a regulation of osteogenic differentiation occurs via the c-Cbl-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. The recovery effects of miR-216a on the inhibition of osteogenesis by DEX were attenuated after blocking the PI3K pathway. Thus, our findings suggest that miR-216a may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and other bone metabolism-related diseases.

Persistent hindlimb inflammation induces changes in activation properties of hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) in rat C-fiber nociceptors in vivo

A hallmark of chronic inflammation is hypersensitivity to noxious and innocuous stimuli. This inflammatory pain hypersensitivity results partly from hyperexcitability of nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating inflamed tissue, although the underlying ionic mechanisms are not fully understood. However, we have previously shown that the nociceptor hyperexcitability is associated with increased expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 2 (HCN2) protein and hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) in C-nociceptors. Here we used in vivo voltage-clamp and current-clamp recordings, in deeply anesthetized rats, to determine whether activation properties of Ih in these C-nociceptors also change following persistent (not acute) hindlimb inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Recordings were made from lumbar (L4/L5) C-nociceptive DRG neurons. Behavioral sensory testing was performed 5-7days after CFA treatment, and all the CFA-treated group showed significant behavioral signs of mechanical and heat hypersensitivity, but not spontaneous pain. Compared with control, C-nociceptors recorded 5-7days after CFA showed: (a) a significant increase in the incidence of spontaneous activity (from ∼5% to 26%) albeit at low rate (0.14±0.08Hz (Mean±SEM); range, 0.01-0.29Hz), (b) a significant increase in the percentage of neurons expressing Ih (from 35%, n=43-84%, n=50) based on the presence of voltage "sag" of >10%, and (c) a significant increase in the conductance (Gh) of the somatic channels conducting Ih along with the corresponding Ih,Ih, activation rate, but not voltage dependence, in C-nociceptors. Given that activation of Ih depolarizes the neuronal membrane toward the threshold of action potential generation, these changes in Ih kinetics in CFA C-nociceptors may contribute to their hyperexcitability and thus to pain hypersensitivity associated with persistent inflammation.

TBX6 null variants and a common hypomorphic allele in congenital scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Congenital scoliosis is a common type of vertebral malformation. Genetic susceptibility has been implicated in congenital scoliosis.

METHODS

We evaluated 161 Han Chinese persons with sporadic congenital scoliosis, 166 Han Chinese controls, and 2 pedigrees, family members of which had a 16p11.2 deletion, using comparative genomic hybridization, quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction analysis, and DNA sequencing. We carried out tests of replication using an additional series of 76 Han Chinese persons with congenital scoliosis and a multicenter series of 42 persons with 16p11.2 deletions.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 17 heterozygous TBX6 null mutations in the 161 persons with sporadic congenital scoliosis (11%); we did not observe any null mutations in TBX6 in 166 controls (P<3.8×10(-6)). These null alleles include copy-number variants (12 instances of a 16p11.2 deletion affecting TBX6) and single-nucleotide variants (1 nonsense and 4 frame-shift mutations). However, the discordant intrafamilial phenotypes of 16p11.2 deletion carriers suggest that heterozygous TBX6 null mutation is insufficient to cause congenital scoliosis. We went on to identify a common TBX6 haplotype as the second risk allele in all 17 carriers of TBX6 null mutations (P<1.1×10(-6)). Replication studies involving additional persons with congenital scoliosis who carried a deletion affecting TBX6 confirmed this compound inheritance model. In vitro functional assays suggested that the risk haplotype is a hypomorphic allele. Hemivertebrae are characteristic of TBX6-associated congenital scoliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Compound inheritance of a rare null mutation and a hypomorphic allele of TBX6 accounted for up to 11% of congenital scoliosis cases in the series that we analyzed. (Funded by the National Basic Research Program of China and others.).

Histological improvement of long-term antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological outcomes of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels after long-term antiviral therapy. Paired liver biopsies before and after lamivudine (LAM) treatment in CHB patients with normal and elevated ALT levels were compared. Histological response was defined as a 1-point decrease according to the Scheuer scoring system, without worsening of fibrosis between pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies. Among the 48 patients who underwent paired liver biopsies, 17 had persistently normal baseline ALT level and 31 had elevated ALT level. The median age of the patients was 44 years and 72.9% of the patients were male. The median duration of antiviral treatment was 44.5 months (range 14-104). Long-term follow-up of liver biopsies revealed that 82.4% of patients in the normal ALT group and 61.3% in the elevated ALT group had a baseline fibrosis score of 4, which was reduced to 17.6% and 38.7% after long-term therapy, respectively, indicating reversal of cirrhosis in a large proportion of both groups, especially in patients with normal baseline ALT levels. Long-term antiviral treatment could achieve significant histological improvement in CHB patients with fibrosis or cirrhosis, regardless of ALT level.

Evaluation of the GenoType® MTBDRplus assay and identification of a rare mutation for improving MDR-TB detection

OBJECTIVE

To assess the new GenoType® MTBDRplus assay for the rapid detection of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in comparison with DNA sequencing to identify drug resistance mutation profiles in China.

DESIGN

Using MTBDRplus, drug susceptibility testing (DST) and DNA sequencing, 237 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were tested.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of MTBDRplus was 75.0% (126/168) for isoniazid (INH) resistant strains, and 93.5% (157/168) for rifampicin (RMP) resistant strains. It correlated well with sequencing, with 94.9% and 99.6% agreement for each strain category and 100% specificity for all categories. The two most common rpoB mutations were S531L (53.6%, 90/168) and D516G (17.3%, 29/168) in RMP-resistant strains. INH resistance was dominated by the katG 315 locus (S to T, N, R, I) mutation (73.7%, 124/168), and a rare katG mutation, S315N (6.5%, 11/168), not covered by MTBDRplus was identified. The mutation combination inhA-15/inhA-8 and katG315 (34 strains) was characteristically displayed in MDR-TB strains (23.5%), but not in INH-monoresistant strains.

CONCLUSIONS

Although Genotype MTBDRplus is a rapid and reliable molecular test for detecting MDR-TB, a significant proportion of strains in China contain a rare katG S315N mutation that would be missed by the assay. Further improvements may be achieved by incorporating this mutation into the assay to increase sensitivity in detecting INH resistance in China.

EGFR tyrosine kinase mutation testing in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) tumours with activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (efgr) tyrosine kinase are highly sensitized to the effects of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib and erlotinib, suggesting the possibility of targeted treatment of nsclc based on EFGR mutation status. However, no standardized method exists for assessing the EGFR mutation status of tumours. Also, it is not known if available methods are feasible for routine screening. To address that question, we conducted a validation study of methods used for detecting EGFR mutations in exons 19 and 21 at molecular laboratories located in five specialized Canadian cancer centres.

METHODS

The screening methods were first optimized using cell lines harbouring the mutations in question. A validation phase using anonymized patient samples followed.

RESULTS

The methods used at the sites were highly specific and sensitive in detecting both mutations in cell-line dna (specificity of 100% and sensitivity of at least 1% across all centres). In the validation phase, we observed excellent concordance between the laboratories for detecting mutations in the patient samples. Concordant results were obtained in 26 of 30 samples (approximately 87%). In general, the samples for which results were discordant were also less optimal, containing small amounts of tumour.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that currently available methods are capable of reliably detecting exon 19 and exon 21 mutations of EFGR in tumour samples (provided that sufficient tumour material is available) and that routine screening for those mutations is feasible in clinical practice.

Ex vivo expansion of natural killer cells with high cytotoxicity by K562 cells modified to co-express major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A, 4-1BB ligand, and interleukin-15

A large number of natural killer (NK) cells with high function are expected to generate especially in tumor adoptive immunotherapy. Here K562 cells were genetically modified to co-express major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A (MICA), 4-1BB ligand, and IL-15, called K562-MICA-4-1BBL-IL-15. The modified K562 cells not only promoted activation, proliferation, and survival of NK cells, but also enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity. In long-term culture tests, K562-MICA-4-1BBL-IL-15 cells stimulated NK cell to expand mean 550 folds in 24-day culture and to cover from 14.8% of total peripheral blood monoclonal lymphocytes on day 1 to 86.7% on day 24. Prevalent NK cells after expansion enhanced the ability of killing targets and producing interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and kept high expression of activating receptors. The results indicated that K562-MICA-4-1BBL-IL-15 cells would be developed for expansion of NK cells ex vivo and may have important implications for clinical immunotherapy.

Verbal memory retrieval engages visual cortex in musicians

As one major line of research on brain plasticity, many imaging studies have been conducted to identify the functional and structural reorganization associated with musical expertise. Based on previous behavioral research, the present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify the neural correlates of superior verbal memory performance in musicians. Participants with and without musical training performed a verbal memory task to first encode a list of words auditorily delivered and then silently recall as many words as possible. They performed in separate blocks a control task involving pure tone pitch judgment. Post-scan recognition test showed better memory performance in musicians than non-musicians. During memory retrieval, the musicians showed significantly greater activations in bilateral though left-lateralized visual cortex relative to the pitch judgment baseline. In comparison, no such visual cortical activations were found in the non-musicians. No group differences were observed during the encoding stage. The results echo a previous report of visual cortical activation during verbal memory retrieval in the absence of any visual sensory stimulation in the blind population, who are also known to possess superior verbal memory. It is suggested that the visual cortex can be recruited to serve as extra memory resources and contributes to the superior verbal memory in special situations. While in the blind population, such cross-modal functional reorganization may be induced by sensory deprivation; in the musicians it may be induced by the long-term and demanding nature of musical training to use as much available neural resources as possible.