Endothelial YAP/TEAD1-CXCL17 signaling recruits myeloid-derived suppressor cells against liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common complication of liver transplantation and hepatectomy and causes acute liver dysfunction and even organ failure. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulate and play immunosuppressive function in cancers and inflammation. However, the role of MDSCs in liver IRI has not been defined.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We enrolled recipients receiving OLT and obtained the pre-OLT/post-OLT blood and liver samples. The proportions of MDSCs were significantly elevated after OLT and negatively associated with liver damage. In single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of liver samples during OLT, 2 cell clusters with MDSC-like phenotypes were identified and showed maturation and infiltration in post-OLT livers. In the mouse model, liver IRI mobilized MDSCs and promoted their infiltration in the damaged liver, and intrahepatic MDSCs were possessed with enhanced immunosuppressive function by upregulation of STAT3 signaling. Under treatment with αGr-1 antibody or adoptive transfer MDSCs to change the proportion of MDSCs in vivo, we found that intrahepatic MDSCs alleviated liver IRI-induced inflammation and damage by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, bulk RNA-sequencing analysis and in vivo experiments verified that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 17 (CXCL17) was upregulated by YAP/TEAD1 signaling and subsequently recruited MDSCs through binding with GPR35 during liver IRI. Moreover, hepatic endothelial cells were the major cells responsible for CXCL17 expression in injured livers, among which hypoxia-reoxygenation stimulation activated the YAP/TEAD1 complex to promote CXCL17 transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelial YAP/TEAD1-CXCL17 signaling recruited MDSCs to attenuate liver IRI, providing evidence of therapeutic potential for managing IRI in liver surgery.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits proliferation and migration by downregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in small cell lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant lung cancer type. Due to the high rates of metastasis and drug resistance, effective therapeutic strategies remain lacking. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor activity. Therefore, this study investigated the ability and underlying mechanism of Tan IIA to inhibit the metastasis and proliferation of SCLC.

METHODS

H1688 and H446 cells were treated in vitro with Tan IIA (0, 1, 2 and 4 µM) or LY294002 (10 µM) for 24, 48, 72 h. H1688 and H446 cell migration was evaluated in wound healing and transwell migration assays. RNA-sequencing helped assess gene expression. BALB/c nude mice were injected with H1688 cells and treated with the Tan IIA group (10 mg/kg/day) or a control. Expression of E-cadherin, vimentin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway proteins in tumors and H1688 was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis and western blot.

RESULTS

Tan IIA inhibited H1688 and H446 cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis and suppressed H1688 and H446 cell migration. E-cadherin expression was increased, while vimentin expression was reduced after administration of Tan IIA. RNA-sequencing revealed that some genes related with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were altered using Tan IIA treatment. Furthermore, western blot helped detect PI3K and p-Akt expression was also reduced by Tan IIA treatment. Tan IIA inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, Tan IIA increased tumoral expression of E-cadherin accompanied by PI3K and p-Akt downregulation.

CONCLUSION

Tan IIA suppresses SCLC proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby highlighting the potential of Tan IIA as a new and relatively safe drug candidate to treat SCLC.

[Characteristics of autonomic neuropathy in patients with vestibular migraine]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of autonomic neuropathy in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) by sympathetic skin reflex (SSR) and R-R interval variation (RRIV). Methods: Seventy-three patients with interseizure VM and 36 healthy controls in the Department of Neurology affiliated to Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital of Tongji University from November 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were prospectively enrolled. SSR and RRIV were performed and relevant parameters were recorded, including SSR latency, SSR amplitude, RRIV during calm breathing (R%), RRIV during deep breathing (D%), RRIV difference between deep breathing and calm breathing (D%-R%), RRIV ratio between deep breathing and calm breathing (D%/R%), and the difference and correlation of various parameters between VM patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Results: Among the 73 patients with VM, there were 12 males and 61 females, and aged (46±13) years. While among 36 healthy controls, there were 6 males and 30 females, and aged (46±7) years. Among the 73 VM patients, abnormal SSR, abnormal RRIV, abnormal SSR and RRIV, and abnormal SSR or RRIV was detected in 38 cases (52%), 17 cases (23%), 11 cases (15%) and 44 cases (60%), respectively. Compared with healthy controls, the lower extremity SSR latency [(1 719±289) ms] in VM patients was longer than that in control group [(1 500±349) ms] (P=0.001), but the upper extremity SSR amplitude [1.6 (0.8, 3.0) mV] was lower than that in control group [2.6 (1.8, 4.2) mV] (P=0.006). SSR amplitude, R% and D% were negatively correlated with age in VM patients (r_s=-0.311, P=0.007; r_s=-0.237, P=0.043; r_s=-0.263, P=0.024, respectively). SSR of lower extremity in VM patients was longer than that of upper extremity [(1 719±289) ms vs (1 244±185) ms, P<0.001], but the amplitude of lower extremity was lower than that of upper extremity [0.8 (0.3, 1.7) mV vs 1.6 (0.8, 3.0) mV, P<0.001]. SSR latency of upper limb was positively correlated with SSR latency of lower limb (r=0.436, P<0.001), the amplitude of upper limb was positively correlated with amplitude of lower limb (r_s=0.456, P<0.001), and D% was positively correlated with R% (r_s=0.357, P=0.002). Conclusion: The autonomic neuropathy during VM interphase features with imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and the sympathetic nerve function is mainly impaired.

Mitochondrial-Targeted Delivery of Polyphenol-Mediated Antioxidases Complexes against Pyroptosis and Inflammatory Diseases

Excess accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) is a key target for inhibiting pyroptosis-induced inflammation and tissue damage. However, targeted delivery of drugs to mitochondria and efficient clearance of mtROS remain challenging. In current study, it is discovered that polyphenols such as tannic acid (TA) can mediate the targeting of polyphenol/antioxidases complexes to mitochondria. This affinity does not depend on mitochondrial membrane potential but stems from the strong binding of TA to mitochondrial outer membrane proteins. Taking advantage of the feasibility of self-assembly between TA and proteins, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and TA are assembled into complexes (referred to as TSC) for efficient enzymatic activity maintenance. In vitro fluorescence confocal imaging shows that TSC not only promoted the uptake of biological enzymes in hepatocytes but also highly overlapped with mitochondria after lysosomal escape. The results from an in vitro model of hepatocyte oxidative stress demonstrate that TSC efficiently scavenges excess mtROS and reverses mitochondrial depolarization, thereby inhibiting inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. More interestingly, TSC maintain superior efficacy compared with the clinical gold standard drug N-acetylcysteine in both acetaminophen- and D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced pyroptosis-related hepatitis mouse models. In conclusion, this study opens a new paradigm for targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress to inhibit pyroptosis and treat inflammatory diseases.

Effect evaluation of case-based learning with situated cognition theory on competence training for student nurses in pediatric surgery

Objective

The case-based learning with situated cognition theory (CBL-SCT) approach focuses on teaching over learning, making it suited to student nurse education. However, it is rare in student nurse training in pediatric surgery, and some subjective evaluations of the learning effect are still affected by the assessor. This study investigated the effect of the CBL-SCT approach on improving the nursing quality/safety and comprehensive performance of student nurses, and explored a method for analyzing the reliability of subjective evaluations.

Methods

Thirty-six student nurses were divided into a control group and an experimental group and received seven days of orientation via conventional and CBL-SCT training, respectively. The learning effect was evaluated via examining their implementation of nursing quality criteria within the following month and their comprehensive clinical performance after six months. Among the evaluation indicators, professional skills, job competency, and professional quality were evaluated by assessors, whose scores were tested for consistency using Cronbach's alpha.

Results

Among the 11 nursing quality criteria, the correct implementation of patient identification and communication (t = 2.257, P = 0.031), medication-checking (t = 5.444, P < 0.001), tumbles/bed-falling prevention (t = 3.609, P = 0.001), pressure injury prevention (t = 3.834, P = 0.001), catheter management (t = 3.409, P = 0.002), and nursing record writing (t = 2.911, P = 0.006) in the experimental group were all higher than in the control group. Six months after training, the experimental group was also higher in professional theory (t = 4.889, P < 0.001), professional skills (t = 2.736, P = 0.010), job competency (t = 5.166, P < 0.001), and professional quality (t = 16.809, P < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha test verified that the assessors' evaluations had good internal consistency and reliability for job competency (alpha = 0.847, 95% CI lower limit = 0.769), professional quality (alpha = 0.840, 95% CI lower limit = 0.759), and professional skills (alpha = 0.888, 95% CI lower limit = 0.822).

Conclusions

The CBL-SCT method can help student nurses quickly change their nursing role, and Cronbach's alpha test can verify the reliability of subjective evaluations, thus indirectly reflecting the training effect equitably and objectively.

[Association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis]

Objective: To investigate the association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 371 middle-aged and young obese patients who were hospitalized and underwent liver puncture in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2016 to April 2021 were included. The population was divided into control group (n=43) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group (n=328) based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. Subjects in NAFLD group were further divided into non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) (n=60), uncertain-NASH (n=172), and NASH (n=96). Serum SHBG was tested in patients with NAFLD who were divided into three subgroups according to tertiles. The liver pathological characteristics in different SHBG level subgroups were compared. The risk factors of NASH were analyzed by logistic regression. The prediction model of NASH noninvasive diagnosis was established by forward stepwise regression, and the diagnostic value of non-invasive model for NASH was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The median age in patients were (32±10) years old with a body mass index of (39.16±6.58) kg/m², including 236 females (63.6%). Serum SHBG level [M (Q₁, Q₃)] in NAFLD group was significantly lower than that in control group [16.90 (11.43, 23.00) vs. (23.45 (15.40, 31.22) mmol/L, P<0.05], and progressively diminished in NAFL, uncertain-NASH and NASH subgroups [(22.24±10.47), (20.57±19.58), (15.80±8.74) mmol; P for trend<0.05]. Compared with the high-leveled SHBG subgroup, the steatosis score (2.09±0.80 vs. 1.51±0.72, P<0.01) and lobular inflammation score (1.10±0.68 vs. 0.85±0.68, P<0.05) were significantly higher in the low-leveled SHBG group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower serum SHBG level was an independent risk factor for NASH (OR=2.527, 95%CI: 1.296 to 4.928, P<0.05). The area under ROC curve of SHBG combined with aspartate aminotransferase in predicting NASH in NAFLD patients was 0.752 (95%CI: 0.696 to 0.809). Conclusion: Low serum SHBG level is associated with NASH.

[Effects of parity on nutrition and health status of Chinese women of childbearing age]

Objective: To analyze effects of parity on women's nutrition and health status. Methods: This study was based on the data bank of "Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Adolescents Aged 0-17 years old and Lactating Mothers from 2016 to 2017". Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, 17 771 women at 0 to 24 months postpartum from 31 provinces in Mainland China were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect data on women's general demographic characteristics, parity, mode of delivery, pre-pregnancy weight, pre-delivery weight, diseases before and during pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage. Current body height, body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Blood hemoglobin, blood glucose and blood lipids were detected. Pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, postpartum BMI, the rates of anemia, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were calculated. Survey sample weights were calculated according to the sampling design and number of children under 2 years old from the sixth population census data of China. Effects of parity on the observational indicators after adjusting for confounding factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The age of 17 771 women was (29.5±5.0) years old, 12.2% (2 172) were over 35 but less than 40 years old, and 3.2% (563) were over 40 years old; the women with one parity, two parities, and three parities accounted for 47.3% (8 413), 48.5% (8 620) and 4.2% (738), respectively; urban women accounted for 49.9% (8 875), and rural women accounted for 50.1% (8 896). The results from multivariate linear regression showed that the pre-pregnancy BMI of women with two and three parities was 0.55 kg/m² and 0.76 kg/m² higher than women with one parity, respectively; the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that the OR(95%CI) of pre-pregnancy anemia was 1.45(1.04-2.02) for women with three parities compared with women with one parity, and the OR(95%CI) of anemia during pregnancy for women with two parities was 1.20(1.06-1.35) compared with women with one parity. Conclusion: Parity is associated with pre-pregnancy BMI and risk of anemia before and during pregnancy in women of reproductive age.

Tumor microenvironment and its clinicopathological and prognostic associations in surgically resected cutaneous angiosarcoma

PURPOSE

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare but typically aggressive malignant vascular neoplasm of the skin. Tumor microenvironment (TME) of CAS and its associations with baseline clinicopathological features and patient outcomes are very important, especially when considering the recent advances in understanding of the tumor biology.

METHODS/PATIENTS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent surgical resection for CAS at a tertiary Hospital. The pretreated specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), densities of tumor infiltrative lymphocytes (TILs) (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+, FoxP3+), as well as c-MYC and Ki-67 expressions. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 21 CAS patients were identified. Median age was 67 (ranges: 20-81) years, 14 (66.7%) were male, and over 50% had lesions of scalp. Histopathological examination showed a predominantly spindle cell type (57.1%). All patients underwent surgery, 16 (76.2%) were treated further. PD-L1 was positively stained (> 1%) in tumor cells (42.9%) and TILs (23.8%). PD-1 expression (> 1%) was identified in TILs of 11 (52.4%) cases. PD-1/PD-L1 expressions were significantly associated with the higher densities of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+, and Foxp3+ TILs, but not with patient characteristics or c-MYC or Ki-67 expression. Median OS was 18.5 months (95% CI 6.0-35.9), although no prognostic significance was observed with respect to any clinicopathological features.

CONCLUSION

We characterized TME and its clinical and prognostic association in CAS. PD-1/PD-L1 expressions were significantly associated with TILs subtypes but not with OS.

Longitudinal investigations of anatomical and morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract in goats from colostrum to postweaning

The digestive tract development in goat kids around weaning is vital to the establishment of digestion and absorption function, growth, and health of adults. The objective was to explore the effects of age and solid feed on the anatomical and morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract of Laiwu Black goat kids. Forty-eight female Laiwu Black goats at 8 ages (1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 d; 6 goats per group) were selected and killed for anatomical and morphological analysis. The goats experienced the following 4 diet phases: maternal colostrum (MC; d 1, d 7), maternal milk (MM; d 14, d 28), maternal milk plus solid diet (MMSD; d 42, d 56) and only solid diet (OSD; d 70, d 84). The body and carcass weights were not significantly changed during MC and MM phases but changed during the MMSD phase. The absolute growth of body and carcass weights were higher in the MMSD phase than in MM phase. In addition, the dressing percentage was the highest in the MMSD phase. The body size indices evolved progressively and increased over time. The percentage of internal and external organs to body weight decreased over time, whereas the percentage to complex stomach percentage increased. The rumen and omasum weight experienced synchronous absolute growth over time, especially in the OSD phase. In contrast, the absolute growth of the reticulum and abomasum was the highest in MMSD and MC phases, respectively. After weaning, the goats showed the highest papillae height, lamina propria, muscle layer thickness, and epithelial thickness. The OSD phase showed the highest colonic mucosa thickness, ileal villus height, and ileal muscle layer thickness. The crypt depth was higher in the MMSD phase than in the MM phase. Moreover, the crypt depth and muscle layer thickness of jejunum increased over time. Furthermore, duodenal crypt depth, muscle layer thickness, and epithelial thickness increased in the OSD phase compared with other stages. In conclusion, the histological investigation supports the improvement of the morphological development of the digestive tract and the growth performance in the solid feed phase. It is recommended to add solid food as early as 4 wk old.

Prediction of Ovarian Cancer-Related Metabolites Based on Graph Neural Network

Ovarian cancer is one of the three most malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. At present, researchers do not know its pathogenesis, which makes the treatment effect unsatisfactory. Metabolomics is closely related to drug efficacy, safety evaluation, mechanism of action, and rational drug use. Therefore, identifying ovarian cancer-related metabolites could greatly help researchers understand the pathogenesis and develop treatment plans. However, the measurement of metabolites is inaccurate and greatly affects the environment, and biological experiment is time-consuming and costly. Therefore, researchers tend to use computational methods to identify disease-related metabolites in large scale. Since the hypothesis that similar diseases are related to similar metabolites is widely accepted, in this paper, we built both disease similarity network and metabolite similarity network and used graph convolutional network (GCN) to encode these networks. Then, support vector machine (SVM) was used to identify whether a metabolite is related to ovarian cancer. The experiment results show that the AUC and AUPR of our method are 0.92 and 0.81, respectively. Finally, we proposed an effective method to prioritize ovarian cancer-related metabolites in large scale.

Low dietary phosphorus impairs keel bone health and quality in laying hens

1. Phosphorus (P) is a necessary nutrient for egg production and bone quality in poultry diets. To investigate the effects of low dietary available P (avP) on keel bone, 180 laying hens were fed either a control (C, 0.3% avP) or low phosphorus (LP, 0.15% avP) diet from 20-36 weeks of age (WOA). Each diet was replicated in six cages with 15 birds per cage. Keel samples were collected at 24, 28, 32, and 36 WOA to measure indicators.2. The incidence of keel bone damage in the LP group was higher than C group and increased with age throughout the experiment period. Keel bone length from laying hens in the LP group was shorter than C group (P < 0.05) at 32 and 36 WOA.3. The mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and ratio of RANKL to osteoprotegerin (OPG) were upregulated (P < 0.05), and that of sclerostin and OPG was downregulated (P < 0.05) in the LP group in comparison to hens in the C group. Meanwhile, mRNA expression of the integrin-binding sialoprotein was increased at 24 and 28 WOA (P < 0.05), and decreased at 32 and 38 WOA (P < 0.05) in the LP group.4. Laying hens in LP group had increased trabecular separation and bone surface fraction (P < 0.05), decreased bone volume, bone volume fraction, trabecular number and thickness, and bone mineral density (P < 0.05) at 32 WOA. The LP-fed hens had increased K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Se, Sr and Pb bone concentrations (P < 0.05), and decreased P and TI bone concentrations (P < 0.05) at 36 WOA.5. Feeding hens a P-deficient diet with 0.15% avP and 3.37% Ca during the laying period impaired keel bone quality, which could be related to the osteoporosis.

DEPTOR inhibits lung tumorigenesis by inactivating the EGFR-mTOR signals

DEPTOR plays vital roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and survival by directly modulating the activity of mTORC1/2. However, the physiological role of DEPTOR in lung tumorigenesis, as well as its clinical significance, remains elusive. In this study, we revealed that decreased DEPTOR expression correlated with increased tumor size, poor differentiation, and worse survival in patients with lung cancer. DEPTOR depletion promoted cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion in human lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, DEPTOR bound to the kinase domain of EGFR via its PDZ domain to inactivate EGFR signal. Thus, DEPTOR depletion not only directly activated mTORC1/2, but also relieved the inhibition of EGFR to subsequently activate mTOR signals, leading to the induction of cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, activated EGFR-mTOR signals upregulated the expression of ZEB1 and SLUG to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition, resulting in enhanced migration and invasion. Importantly, Deptor deletion accelerated Kras^G12D;p53^fl/fl-induced lung tumorigenesis and shortened mouse life span via the activation of EGFR-mTOR signals. Collectively, our study demonstrated that DEPTOR acts as a tumor suppressor in lung tumorigenesis, and its reduction may advance the progression of human lung cancer.

DEPTOR stabilizes ErbB2 to promote the proliferation and survival of ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells

Rationale: Dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway occurs frequently in cancers, providing an attractive therapeutic target for anticancer treatments. DEPTOR plays essential roles in regulation of cell proliferation and survival by directly modulating mTOR activity. However, whether DEPTOR regulates the growth of ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells remains unknown.

Methods: DEPTOR expression was determined by TCGA data analysis and immunohistochemistry of human breast tissue microarrays. The membrane localization of DEPTOR was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation. The interaction of DEPTOR with ErbB2 was determined by immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, the biological significance of this interaction was assessed by ATPlite cell growth, clonogenic survival, and flow cytometry-based apoptosis assays.

Results: DEPTOR promoted the proliferation and survival of ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells by directly interacting with and stabilizing ErbB2. Specifically, DEPTOR translocates to cell membrane and interacts with ErbB2 to disrupt ErbB2 polyubiquitination and degradation promoted by β-TrCP, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. DEPTOR knockdown destabilizes ErbB2 by shortening its protein half-life to inactivate ErbB2-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling, leading to the suppression of cell proliferation and survival by inducing apoptosis. Ectopic expression of a constitutively active ErbB2 mutant completely rescued the reduction in cell proliferation and survival by DEPTOR knockdown. Importantly, DEPTOR expression is increased in human breast cancer tissues and its overexpression correlates with poor patient survival. Moreover, DEPTOR is located on the cell membrane in ErbB2-positive breast cancer tissues, but not in tumor-adjacent normal tissues, indicating that DEPTOR may contribute to the oncogenic characteristics of ErbB2.

Conclusions: Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which DEPTOR promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and survival by stabilizing ErbB2.

Nuclear ErbB2 represses DEPTOR transcription to inhibit autophagy in breast cancer cells

ErbB2, a classical receptor tyrosine kinase, is frequently overexpressed in breast cancer cells. Although the role of ErbB2 in the transmission of extracellular signals to intracellular matrix has been widely studied, the functions of nuclear ErbB2 remain largely elusive. Here, we report a novel function of nuclear ErbB2 in repressing the transcription of DEPTOR, a direct inhibitor of mTOR. Nuclear ErbB2 directly binds to the consensus binding sequence in the DEPTOR promoter to repress its transcription. The kinase activity of ErbB2 is required for its nuclear translocation and transcriptional repression of DEPTOR. Moreover, the repressed DEPTOR by nuclear ErbB2 inhibits the induction of autophagy by activating mTORC1. Thus, our study reveals a novel mechanism for autophagy regulation by functional ErbB2, which translocates to the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional regulator to suppress DEPTOR transcription, leading to activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit autophagy.

The characteristics and roles of β-TrCP1/2 in carcinogenesis

β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP), one of the well-characterized F-box proteins, acts as a substrate receptor and constitutes an active SCF^β-TrCP E3 ligase with a scaffold protein CUL1, a RING protein RBX1, and an adaptor protein SKP1. β-TrCP plays a critical role in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes, including signal transduction, cell cycle progression, cell migration, DNA damage response, and tumorigenesis, by governing burgeoning amounts of key regulators for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Given that a variety of β-TrCP substrates are well-known oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, and dysregulation of β-TrCP is frequently identified in human cancers, β-TrCP plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. In this review, we first briefly introduce the characteristics of β-TrCP1, β-TrCP2, and SCF^β-TrCP ubiquitin ligase, and then discuss SCF^β-TrCP ubiquitin ligase regulated biological processes by targeting its substrates for degradation. Moreover, we summarize the regulation of β-TrCP1 and β-TrCP2 at multiple layers and further discuss the various roles of β-TrCP1 and β-TrCP2 in human cancer, functioning as either an oncoprotein or a tumor suppressor in a manner dependent of cellular context. Finally, we provide novel insights for future perspectives on the potential of targeting β-TrCP1 and β-TrCP2 for cancer therapy.

Immunocyte density in parathyroid carcinoma is correlated with disease relapse

PURPOSE

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an endocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis. The tumour immune microenvironment is a critical factor influencing the outcomes of multiple cancer types. However, knowledge of the immune microenvironment in PC remains limited.

METHODS

The intratumoural density of immunocytes and the Ki-67 index were evaluated immunohistochemically in 51 PC patient samples and were compared with clinicopathological features and parafibromin staining results. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to estimate the effects of these variables on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Intratumoural immunocyte density was not correlated with age, gender, urolithiasis, or palpation of a neck mass. The Ki-67 index was correlated with the intratumoural density of CD3⁺ cells (P = 0.022) and CD8⁺ cells (P = 0.021) and serum calcium levels (P = 0.022). In the intratumoural area of primary foci, Kaplan-Meier method showed that the risk factors associated with recurrence/metastasis were a low density of CD3⁺ (P = 0.017), CD8⁺ (P = 0.019) and CD45⁺ cells (P = 0.047), a high density of CD163⁺ cells (P = 0.003) and a high Ki-67 index (P = 0.004). Cox regression multivariate analysis revealed that CD163⁺ cell density (hazard ratio (HR) 16.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99-131.66; P = 0.009) and CD8⁺ cell density (HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.76, P = 0.024) were independent factors associated with PC relapse.

CONCLUSION

The immune microenvironment is an important factor influencing the relapse of PC. The intratumoural density of CD3⁺, CD8⁺, CD45⁺, and CD163⁺ immunocytes was correlated with disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with PC. Immunotherapy based on T lymphocytes or tumour-associated macrophages may be a promising treatment strategy.

Neddylation modification of ribosomal protein RPS27L or RPS27 by MDM2 or NEDP1 regulates cancer cell survival

Neddylation plays a distinct role in stabilization of a subset of ribosomal proteins. Whether the family of ribosomal proteins S27 (RPS27 and RPS27-like) is subjected to neddylation regulation with associated biological consequence is totally unknown. Here, we report that both family members are subjected to neddylation by MDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase, and deneddylation by NEDP1. Blockage of neddylation with MLN4924, a small molecule inhibitor of neddylation-activating enzyme, destabilizes RPS27L and RPS27 by shortening their protein half-lives. Biologically, knockdown of RPS27L and RPS27 sensitizes, whereas ectopic expression of RPS27L and RPS27 desensitizes cancer cells to MLN4924-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our study demonstrates that neddylation stabilizes RPS27L and RPS27 to confer the survival of cancer cells.

Identification of a Major QTL and Candidate Gene Analysis of Salt Tolerance at the Bud Burst Stage in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using QTL-Seq and RNA-Seq

BACKGROUND

Salt stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that limits rice production worldwide. Rice salt tolerance at the bud burst stage directly affects the seedling survival rate and the final yield in the direct seeding cultivation model. However, the reports on quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and map-based cloning for salt tolerance at the bud burst stage are limited.

RESULTS

Here, an F_2:3 population derived from a cross between IR36 (salt-sensitive) and Weiguo (salt-tolerant) was used to identify salt-tolerant QTL interval at the bud burst stage using a whole-genome sequencing-based QTL-seq containing 40 extreme salt-tolerant and 40 extreme salt-sensitive individuals. A major QTL, qRSL7, related to relative shoot length (RSL) was detected on chromosome 7 using ΔSNP index algorithms and Euclidean Distance (ED) algorithms. According to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the parents, 25 Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed near qRSL7, and regional QTL mapping was performed using 199 individuals from the F_2:3 population. We then confirmed and narrowed down qRSL7 to a 222 kb genome interval. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed for IR36 and Weiguo at 36 h after salt stress and control condition at the bud burst stage, and 5 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the candidate region. The qRT-PCR results showed the same expression patterns as the RNA-seq data. Furthermore, sequence analysis revealed a 1 bp Indel difference in Os07g0569700 (OsSAP16) between IR36 and Weiguo. OsSAP16 encodes a stress-associated protein whose expression is increased under drought stress.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that OsSAP16 was the candidate gene of qRSL7. The results is useful for gene cloning of qRSL7 and for improving the salt tolerance of rice varieties by marker assisted selection (MAS).

Correlation of fecal metabolomics and gut microbiota in mice with endometriosis

PROBLEM

Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with unclear pathogenesis. Three studies have uncovered the influence of gut microbiota on mice with EMS, but no study has investigated the characteristics of fecal metabolomics to determine some important clues on EMS. This research aims to uncover the interaction between fecal metabolomics and gut microbiota in EMS mice.

METHOD OF STUDY

Female C57BL/6J mice were used to construct the EMS model. Non-target metabolomics was applied to detect the fecal metabolites of EMS mice. The 16s rRNA sequencing was used for clarifying the composition of the gut microbiota. The functional characteristics of gut microbiota were analyzed using the PICRUSt. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was utilized for determining the potential important differential metabolites, and the Spearman correlation coefficient was applied for expressing the correlation between the important differential metabolites and gut microbiota.

RESULTS

A total of 156 named differential metabolites were screened. The diversity and the abundance of gut microbiota in EMS mice decreased. Eleven pathways were involved in the differential metabolites and the functional prediction of gut microbiota, among which the second bile acid biosynthesis and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) metabolism were the significant enrichment pathways. The increased abundance of chenodeoxycholic and ursodeoxycholic acids and the decreased abundance of ALA and 12,13-EOTrE were found in the feces of EMS mice.

CONCLUSION

The abnormal fecal metabolites, which are influenced by dysbacteriosis, may be the characteristics of EMS mice and can be the potential important indices to distinguish the disease.

Emerging role of FBXO22 in carcinogenesis

The F-box protein 22 (FBXO22), one of F-box proteins, has been identified to be critically involved in carcinogenesis. FBXO22 promotes proliferation in breast cancer and lung cancer, but suppresses migration and metastasis. FBXO22 exerts oncogenetic functions via promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of its substrates, including KDM4A, KDM4B, methylated p53, p21, KLF4, LKB1, Snail, CD147, Bach1, PTEN, and HDM2. FBXO22 is also regulated by several regulatory factors such as p53, miR-155, SNHG14, and circ_0006282. In this review, we summarize the regulatory factors and downstream targets of FBXO22 in cancers, discuss its functions in tumorigenesis, and further highlight the alteration of FBXO22 expression in a variety of human malignancies. Finally, we provide novel insights for future perspectives on targeting FBXO22 as a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Gender and age differences in the association between sleep characteristics and fasting glucose levels in Chinese adults

AIM

The present study examined the associations between night-time sleep duration, midday napping duration and bedtime, and fasting glucose levels, and whether or not such associations are dependent on gender and age.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 172,901 adults aged≥40 years living in mainland China. Sleep duration was obtained by self-reports of bedtime at night, waking-up time the next morning and average napping duration at midday. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)≥7.0mmol/L was defined as hyperglycaemia. Independent associations between night-time sleep duration, midday naptime duration and bedtime with hyperglycaemia were evaluated using regression models.

RESULTS

Compared with night-time sleep durations of 6-7.9h, both short (<6h) and long (≥8h) night-time sleep durations were significantly associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia in women [odds ratio (OR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.29 and OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.21, respectively], and revealed a U-shaped distribution of risk in women and no significant association in men. Long midday nap durations (≥1h) were significantly but weakly associated with hyperglycaemia (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09) compared with no napping without interactions from gender or age, whereas the association between bedtime and fasting glucose levels did vary according to gender and age.

CONCLUSION

Night-time sleep duration, midday napping duration and bedtime were all independently associated with the risk of hyperglycaemia, and some of the associations between these sleep characteristics and hyperglycaemia were gender- and age-dependent.

Oridonin inhibits the migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of small cell lung cancer cells by suppressing FAK-ERK1/2 signalling pathway

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a severe malignant with high morbidity; however, few effective and secure therapeutic strategy is used in current clinical practice. Oridonin is a small molecule from the traditional Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens. This study mainly aimed to investigate the role of oridonin on inhibiting the process of H1688, a kind of small cell lung cancer cells from human. Oridonin could suppress H1688 cell proliferation and induce their apoptosis in a high dosage treatment (20 μmol/L). Meanwhile, cell migration was suppressed by oridonin (5 and 10 μmol/L) that did not affect cell proliferation and apoptosis. The expression level of E-cadherin was significantly increased, and the expression of vimentin, snail and slug was reduced after administration of oridonin. These expression changes were associated with the suppressed integrin β1, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and ERK1/2. In addition, oridonin (5 and 10 mg/kg) inhibited tumour growth in a nude mouse model; however, HE staining revealed a certain degree of cytotoxicity in hepatic tissue after treatment oridonin (10 mg/kg). Furthermore, the concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALP) was significantly increased and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was reduced after oridonin treatment (10 mg/kg). Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed that oridonin increased E-cadherin expression and reduced vimentin and phospho-FAK levels in vivo. These findings indicated that oridonin can inhibit the migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SCLC cells by suppressing the FAK-ERK1/2 signalling pathway. Thus, oridonin may be a new drug candidate to offer an effect of anti-SCLC with relative safety.

A new adaptation for in vitro co-culture of single porcine parthenogenetic embryos using feeder cells

Feeder cells can promote cell proliferation and help overcome the developmental arrest of early embryos by producing growth factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeder cells on the development of all single porcine parthenogenetic embryos in vitro. Firstly, we showed that the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate of all single procine parthenogenetic embryos co-cultured with feeder cells increased in contrast to those cultured without feeder cells (p⟨0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the blastocyst formation rate in the embryos co-cultured with 3 different kinds feeder cells namely oviduct epithelial feeder cells, granulose feeder cells and porcine fetal fibroblast feeder cells (p>0.05). Secondly, highly significant differences were observed between the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate (p⟨0.05) when the embryos were co-cultured with oviduct epithelial feeder cells in different volume drops ranging from 3 to 20 μL and the cleavage rate were the highest when cultured in 5 μL drops. Thirdly, the tempospacial pattern of the development of single embryos co-cultured with oviduct epithelial feeder cells was consistent with that of traditional multi-embryo culture, indicating that the co-culturing does not affect the developmental competence of the porcine parthenogenetic embryos. Finally, highly significant differences were observed between the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate with and without zona pellucida in vitro (p⟨0.05). In this study, a new adaption of in vitro co-culture of single porcine parthenogenetic embryos using feeder cells has been successfully established and this will facilitate further investigations to discover the mechanistic mode of developmental arrest of porcine embryos.

Interactive effects of dietary vitamin K3 and Bacillus subtilis PB6 on the growth performance and tibia quality of broiler chickens with sex separate rearing

Both vitamin K and probiotics can promote the bone health of poultry and mammals. The present study was conducted to investigate the interactive effects between vitamin K3 (VK3) and Bacillus subtilis PB6 on the growth performance and tibia quality of broiler chickens with sex separate rearing. In a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 720 one-day-old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were assigned to 12 groups with three levels of dietary VK3 (0, 0.5 and 4.0 mg/kg), with or without probiotic supplementation (500 g/t) and with sex separation (male and female). Each group included 3 replicates with 20 birds per replicate. During day 1 to 21, 0.5 and 4.0 mg/kg of VK3 increased average daily gain (ADG) of all birds and average daily feed intake of male birds (P < 0.05). During day 22 to 42, probiotic supplementation increased the ADG of birds (P < 0.05). Probiotic addition increased the weight, length, diameter and strength of tibia in all birds, and 0.5 and 4.0 mg/kg of VK3 increased the tibial breaking strength of male birds at day 21 (P < 0.05). Vitamin K3 and probiotic synergistically increased tibial breaking strength at day 42 and ash content at day 21 (P < 0.05). Three factors exhibited interactive effects on the chemical composition of tibia at day 42, and female birds fed 4 mg/kg of VK3 and probiotic had the highest contents of ash, calcium and phosphorus (P < 0.05). Bacillus subtilis PB6 increased the serum phosphorus level of male birds at day 21 and serum calcium level of female ones at day 42 (P < 0.05). At day 21, in the probiotic-supplemented birds, serum osteocalcin (OCN) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were increased by 0 and 4.0 mg/kg of VK3, respectively (P < 0.05). Probiotic increased serum OCN and cooperated with VK3 to increase the serum BALP at day 42 (P < 0.05). Vitamin K3 and probiotic synergistically down-regulated the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 and OCN at day 21 (P < 0.05). Vitamin K3 down-regulated the alkaline phosphatase (liver/bone/kidney) expression in male birds at day 21 and 42, but probiotic up-regulated the expression of these genes at day 42 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, VK3 and B. subtilis PB6 promoted the growth performance of broilers during starter and grower phases, respectively. They synergistically improved the physical and chemical traits of tibias, especially in grower phase, by modulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as osteogenic gene expression.

[Prevalence and influencing factors of carotid plaque in population at high-risk for cardiovascular disease in Jiangsu province]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of carotid plaque (CP) in population at high-risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Jiangsu province and identify related influencing factors. Methods: Based on the China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project from 2015 to 2016, a total of 11 392 persons at high-risk for CVD were selected from six project areas in Jiangsu province for the questionnaire survey, physical measurement, laboratory test and bilateral ultrasound examination of carotid arteries. The prevalence of CP and influencing factors of abnormal carotid arteries, CP and plaque burden (CP≥2) were analyzed. Results: Among the persons surveyed, 4 821 (42.3%) were males. The age of the persons surveyed was (59.4±8.9) years. There were 5 971 abnormal carotid arteries cases (52.4%), including 1 782 carotid intima-media thickness thickening cases (15.6%), 3 811 CP cases (33.5%) and 378 carotid stenosis cases (3.3%). Older age (OR=2.253, 95%CI: 2.127-2.386), urban residence (OR=2.622, 95%CI: 2.375-2.895), hypertension (OR=1.439, 95%CI: 1.195-1.732), smoking (OR=1.441, 95%CI: 1.259- 1.650), pulse pressure difference (OR=1.270, 95%CI: 1.198-1.347), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (OR=1.109, 95%CI: 1.059-1.161) and LDL-C/HDL-C (OR=1.225, 95%CI: 1.164-1.288) were possible risk factors of CP in population at high risk for CVD. Being women (OR=0.558, 95%CI: 0.494-0.630), high BMI (OR=0.948, 95%CI: 0.904-0.994), higher levels of education (OR=0.708, 95%CI: 0.531-0.945), and higher annual household income (OR=0.773, 95%CI: 0.669-0.894) were the possible protective factors. Conclusions: Over half of the population at high-risk for CVD in Jiangsu showed abnormal carotid arteries. High blood pressure, high blood glucose, high blood lipids and smoking were the main factors that could be changed.

[investigation on the triggers and the effect of healthy education on recurrence of vestibular migraine]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the predisposing factors and the effect of healthy education on recurrence of vestibular migraine (VM), so as to provide a scientific basis for increasing the knowledge rate and reducing the recurrence rate of VM patients. Method: Questionnaires, memory diary, regular follow-up, etc. were used to understand the possible predisposing factors of VM patients. Self-assessment depression scale (SDS) and self-assessment anxiety scale (SAS) were used to evaluate patients' mental and psychological status, and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the severity of vertigo. Health education was conducted for VM patients through face-to-face consultation, material distribution, modern multimedia and other methods. The knowledge rate, anxiety and fear psychological state, recurrence frequency of vertigo, duration and severity of vertigo were compared before and after the healthy education. Result:Of 103 cases of the object of study, 100 patients (97.1%) with different degree of sleep disorders, 96 cases (93.2%) had a clear family history with vertigo or dizziness headache, 90 cases (87.4%) had history of motion sickness, 90 cases (87.4%) had confined space history of intolerance, 82 cases (79.6%), recurrent cause psychological anxiety, fear, 80 cases (77.7%), lack of exercise, 79 cases (76.7%) under pressure from life or work, 53 (51.5%) had food preference, 8 cases (7.8%) think much rain attacks more frequent when humid climate,seven (6.8%) reported more episodes during the spring or spring/summer exchanges.After health education, patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years with a median of 15 months, and their knowledge rate of VM was increased from 12.6% (13 cases) to 98% (101 cases).The psychological ratio of anxiety and fear decreased from 79.6% (82 cases) to 7.8% (8 cases).The SAS score decreased from 47.9±4.4 to 45.5±4.2, and the SDS score decreased from 39.7±3.6 to 38.2±3.8.The unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits （lack of exercise, stress, and eating preferences at least 1 item）decreased from 89.4% (92 cases) to 32.1% (33 cases).The recurrence rate of 83.5% (86 cases) of the patients was reduced by 1 time or more, and the rate of no recurrence increased from 1% (1 case) to 15.5% (16 cases) within half a year.The duration of the attack was reduced by 20% or more in 48.5%(50 cases),The mean duration of the attack declined from (17.4±1.4) hours before healthy education to (10.5±0.9) hours after healthy education.The VAS score of 86.4%(89 cases) with recurrence severity decreased by 2 points or more. The average VAS score before and after education was (6.6±0.1) points and (4.5±0.1) points respectively.The above differences were statistically significant (P<0.01) compared with those before and after education.Conclusion: Sleep disorder, airtight space intolerance, excessive stress, lack of exercise, and dietary preference may be related factors to trigger VM attacks. Healthy education can significantly improve the awareness of VMs, and promote patients to change their lifestyle and eating habits. It can significantly improve patients' anxiety and fear psychological state, reduce the frequency of attack, shorten the duration of attack, and reduce the severity of selfassessment, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Association between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A meta-analysis of cohort studies

AIM

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is thought to be associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), although the evidence so far remains inconsistent. Thus, our study aimed to further assess this association.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed of the PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases up to 11 March 2019. A random-effects model was used to calculate summary relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 20 articles including data from 35 cohort studies matched our inclusion criteria, and 31 RRs were calculated for type 2 DM; the summary RR was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.12-1.30, I² = 84.7%). Also, four RRs were calculated for type 1 DM, and the result was significant (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.15-2.08, I² = 0.0%). The results of subgroup analyses demonstrated that the association between DM and NHL was much more substantial in an Asian population, while sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness of a positive association between DM and NHL risk. In addition, the RR of NHL correlated negatively with duration of DM, with the highest risk found in patients within 1-2 years of DM diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Our study findings suggest a moderate increase in risk of NHL in type 1 and 2 DM patients. Future studies should investigate the effects of duration of DM and antidiabetes interventions on NHL risk.

Model-informed drug development approach supporting approval of the 4-week (Q4W) dosing schedule for nivolumab (Opdivo) across multiple indications: a regulatory perspective

BACKGROUND

A nivolumab dosage regimen of 480 mg intravenously (i.v.) every 4 weeks (Q4W) was approved by FDA for the majority of the approved indications for nivolumab.

METHODS

The proposed new dosage regimen was supported by pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation, dose/exposure-response relationships for efficacy and safety in the indicated patient populations, and the clinical safety data with the 480 mg Q4W dosage regimen. Pharmacokinetic exposures achieved with 480 mg Q4W were predicted for 4166 patients in 21 clinical studies with various types of solid and hematological tumors. Exposure-response analyses were conducted to predict 480 mg Q4W safety and efficacy across all FDA-approved indications for nivolumab.

RESULTS

For the overall population, the geometric mean exposure achieved with 480 mg i.v. Q4W was 5.2% higher for steady state Cavg and 15.6% lower for Ctrough than those with 3 mg/kg i.v. Q2W, the approved dosage regimen. The simulated concentration-time course achieved with 480 mg Q4W regimen was below the median concentration achieved with 10 mg/kg i.v. Q2W that was also studied in clinical trials. The predicted probability of adverse events was similar between 480 mg Q4W and that observed with the 3 mg/kg Q2W regimen. Efficacy results were found to be similar between Q2W and Q3W dosage regimens in patients with renal cell carcinoma. The predicted efficacy for each indication suggested that the efficacy with 480 mg Q4W is unlikely to be compromised compared with that observed with 3 mg/kg Q2W.

CONCLUSIONS

The model-informed analyses of predicted exposure, efficacy and safety based on data from extensive clinical experience with nivolumab suggest that the benefit-risk profile of 480 mg Q4W regimen is comparable to the approved 3 mg/kg Q2W regimen, thus providing the regulatory basis for the approval of 480 mg Q4W regimen in the absence of clinical efficacy data with this new dosage regimen.

CO2 concentration affects in vitro pig embryo developmental capacity

Culture gas atmosphere is one of the most important factors affecting embryo development in vitro. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of CO concentration on the subsequent pre-implantation developmental capacity of pig embryos in vitro, including embryos obtained via parthenogenesis, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Pig embryos were developed in four different CO2 concentrations in air: 3%, 5%, 10%, or 15%. The cleavage rate of pig parthenogenetic, IVF, or ICSI embryos developed in CO2 concen- trations under 5% was the highest. There were no significant differences in the oocyte cleavage rate in ICSI embryos in CO2 concentrations under 3% and 5% (p>0.05). However, as CO2 levels increased (up to 15%) the blastocyst output on day 7, from parthenogenetic, IVF, and ICSI em- bryos, decreased to 0%. These findings demonstrate that CO2 positively affects the developmen- tal capacity of pig embryos. However, high or low CO2 levels do not significantly improve the developmental capacity of pig embryos. The best results were obtained for all of the pig embryos at a 5% CO2 concentration.

AKT inhibitor MK-2206 sensitizes breast cancer cells to MLN4924, a first-in-class NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer among female cancer patients and the main cause of cancer-related deaths. During the last decades, targeted therapies for breast cancer have been rapidly developing. Among them, MLN4924, a first-in-class NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor, has performed antitumor activity by inactivating the cullin-RING ligases and causing the accumulation of their substrates to induce apoptosis in a number of studies. In this study, we found that MLN4924 activates the AKT pathway in both HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. Given that AKT signaling is responsible for tumor progression and drug resistance in some types of cancers, we hypothesized that the AKT inhibitor may synergistically enhance the tumor suppression capability in breast cancer by MLN4924. To demonstrate the sensitizing effect, MK-2206 was chosen as the adjuvant treatment, and cell growth, migration and apoptosis were detected. The results showed that MLN4924 treatment inhibited cell growth and migration and induced apoptosis in both SK-BR3 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell lines. More importantly, the combined treatment of MLN4924 and MK-2206 indeed caused stronger cytotoxicity and inhibition of migration and a much higher induction of apoptosis compared with MLN4924 treatment alone. Our study provides the proof-of-concept evidence for strategic drug combination of MLN4924 with an AKT inhibitor for maximal killing of breast cancer cells via the enhancement of apoptosis.

Type 1 innate lymphoid cells are associated with type 2 diabetes

AIM

Type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) play a major role in regulating systemic inflammatory diseases. However, the relationship between ILC1s and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. Thus, the present study investigated the relationship between ILC1s and glucose homoeostasis in humans.

METHODS

A total of 37 newly diagnosed T2D patients and 32 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), matched for age and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in the study. Flow cytometric analysis of ILC1s derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and omental adipose tissue was performed.

RESULTS

T2D patients displayed greater numbers and frequencies of circulating and adipose tissue ILC1s (P < 0.05) compared with NGT subjects, and the two types of ILC1s correlated positively with each other. Circulating ILC1s were positively associated with glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adipose tissue insulin resistance index (Adipo-IR) and serum free fatty acids (FFAs). A logistic regression model revealed that patients with higher ILC1 levels exhibited a 13.481-fold greater risk of developing T2D.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to provide evidence that ILC1 abnormalities are involved in the development of diabetes. The data also suggest a potential role of ILC1s as therapeutic indicators in the treatment of T2D.

Effects of dietary threonine and immune stress on growth performance, carcass trait, serum immune parameters, and intestinal muc2 and NF-κb gene expression in Pekin ducks from hatch to 21 days

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary threonine (Thr) levels and immune stress on Pekin ducklings' growth performance, carcass traits, serum immune parameters, and intestinal mucin 2 (MUC2) and nuclear factor kB (NF-κB) gene expressions. A total of 320 Pekin ducklings was randomly assigned to a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each treatment group consisted of 4 replicate pens with 8 ducks per pen. Ducklings were fed 5 graded levels of Thr: 0.49, 0.56, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.76% from hatch to 21 d of age. At 11 d of age, ducks in the stressed groups were challenged with bovine serum albumin (BSA), and ducks in the unstressed groups were injected with normal saline water. The results showed that increasing Thr supplementation from 0.49 to 0.56% in the diet can improve BWG; feed consumption; weight and relative weight of breast and leg; weight of liver, bursa of Fabricius, spleen, and thymus; serum natural immune globulin A (IgA) concentration; and MUC2 gene expression in the ileum of 21-day-old Pekin ducks, significantly (P < 0.05). Immune stress with BSA had a significant effect on 21-day-old Pekin ducklings' BWG, feed consumption, and weight and relative weight of breast and thymus (P < 0.05), but no interaction between BSA and dietary Thr content was noticed in our experiment in 21-day-old Pekin ducks (P < 0.05). Dietary Thr requirements of the unstressed groups and stressed groups based on broken-line model analyses for ducks' BWG were 0.705 and 0.603%, respectively, and for ducks' feed consumption were 0.724 and 0.705%, respectively.

[The influencing factors of anemia for pregnant women between 2010-2012 in China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of anemia and related risk factors for pregnant women in China. Method: Based on Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2010-2012, a total of 3 501 pregnant women were investigated from 150 counties of 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China, using a multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. General information of pregnant women, health status, and food intake during the gestation, was collected through a questionnaire investigation. 6 ml fasting venous blood was collected for the determination of hemoglobin concentration. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression to investigate the prevalence of anemia and the related influencing factors. Results: The 605 of 3 501 pregnant women had anemia. The prevalence of anemia was 17.2%; and mild anemia accounted for about 61.0% (369/605). Compared with the pregnant women living in the large cities, the OR (95%CI) of those living in the poor rural areas was 1.46 (1.08-1.98). Compared with the pregnant women living in the south area of China, the OR (95%CI) of those living in the north area of China was 1.39 (1.15-1.68); Compared with the pregnant women in the first trimester, the OR (95%CI) of those in the second trimester and the third trimester were 1.79 (1.33-2.43) and 2.11 (1.56-2.85), respectively. The OR (95%CI) of pregnant women who had used folic acid supplementation within the 6 months prior to gestation was 0.76 (0.63-0.93) compared with those who had not used. Conclusion: From 2010 to 2012, the epidemic characteristics of anemia was mild for the pregnant women in China, and pregnant women residential areas, periods of pregnancy and whether to take folic acid were related to anemia.

Increased oestradiol in hepatitis E virus-infected pregnant women promotes viral replication

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection causes subclinical diseases, leading to high mortality (>25%) in pregnant women. HEV replication is aggressively escalated in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Oestrogen plays an important role in pregnancy. However, the pathogenesis of HEV in pregnant women or immunosuppressive pregnant women (such as HIV-infected or organ-transplanted pregnant women) remains unclear. We investigated the role of oestradiol in HEV infection in a cell culture system. HEV-infected pregnant women had significantly higher oestradiol levels compared with uninfected individuals. HEV infection was significantly increased in cells treated with analogues of oestradiol, diethylstilbestrol (DES) or 17β-oestradiol in a dose-dependent way. However, tamoxifen, an antagonist oestrogen, inhibited HEV replication. HEV infection inhibits oestrogen receptor (ER-α) expression. Immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation assays indicated that ER-α interacted with the helicase of HEV ORF1 indirectly. More importantly, HEV infection was exacerbated in immunosuppressive cells treated with an inhibitor of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signal pathway (LY296004) and supplemented with pregnant women serum with high oestradiol simultaneously. These results strongly suggest that pregnant women with high oestradiol and/or immunosuppression will be vulnerable to HEV infection.

[Status and related factors for gestational weight gain of Chinese pregnant women during 2010-2012]

Objective: To examine the status and related factors for gestational weight gain of Chinese pregnant women at different trimesters in 2010-2012. Methods: Participants were from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012. Using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, we recruited 2 805 singleton pregnant women with gestational age 13 weeks or more from 31 provinces of China. A standard questionnaire was used to collect general information and pre-pregnancy weight; body weight and height of pregnant women were measured using a unified weighing scale and stadiometer, dietary intake during the previous year was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression was used to analyze potential factors associated with appropriate gestational weight gain. Results: Among 2 805 pregnant women, 1 441 were in the second (13-27 weeks) and 1 364 in the third trimesters (≥28 weeks) . In the 2(nd) trimester, 229 cases (15.9%), 440 cases (30.5%) and 772 cases (53.6%) were insufficient gestational weight gain, appropriate gestational weight gain and excessive gestational weight gain respectively. So were 256 cases (18.8%), 474 cases (34.8%), 634 cases (46.5%) in the 3(rd) trimester respectively. In the multivariate unconditional logistic model, less fruit intake was associated with insufficient weight gain for women in the 2(nd) trimester (OR (95%CI): 1.58 (1.06-2.34)). Pregnant women with Han ethnicity who live in the small/medium city had lower risk of insufficient weight gain in the 3(rd) trimester (OR (95%CI): 0.58 (0.34-0.98)). Those pregnant women with physical activity <1 hour/day had a higher risk of excessive weight gain (OR (95%CI): 1.33 (1.02-1.73)). Conclusion: The prevalence of appropriate gestational weight gain was low in China. Our study suggests that pregnant weight gain is associated with fruit intake, types of residential area and physical activity.

[Prevalence of calf muscle cramps and influencing factors for pregnant women in China during 2010-2012]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of calf muscle cramps and possible influencing factors for pregnant women in China. Methods: Using a multi-stage stratified probability proportional to size cluster randomization sampling method during 2010-2012. A total of 3 582 pregnant women were investigated at 150 counties from 31 provinces in China mainland. Information on calf muscle cramps, demographic socio-economic status, pregnancy information, and the physical activities was collected through questionnaires. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect food intake of pregnant women. Dynamic cluster analysis was used to assess dietary pattern. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the possible influencing factors for calf muscle cramps. Results: The prevalence of calf muscle cramps was 32.9% (1 180/3 582) in Chinese pregnant women, which was 11.6% (87/748), 28.2% (420/1 492), and 50.2% (673/1 342), respectively, during the first, second and third trimester. There were significant differences between them (χ(2)=349.16, P<0.001). Dietary patterns of the pregnant women were classified into three groups, which called relatively balanced pattern, high vegetables and fruits pattern, and high dairy pattern. Among the three groups, the prevalence of calf muscle cramps was 32.0% (952/2 971), 37.2% (186/500), and 37.8% (42/111), with significant differences (χ(2)=6.39, P=0.041). The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the second and third trimester was 2.96 (2.28-3.83), and 8.02 (6.16-10.44), respectively, comparing with the first trimester. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the women taking calcium before pregnant was 1.45 (1.19-1.76), comparing with the one who was not taken. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the women who had been diagnosed by pregnancy-induced hypertension was 5.76 (2.06-16.12), comparing with the one who had not been diagnosed. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the high vegetables and fruits pattern and high dairy pattern was 1.13 (0.91-1.41), and 1.18 (0.76-1.81), respectively, comparing with the relatively balanced pattern. Conclusion: The prevalence of calf muscle cramps was relatively high in Chinese pregnant women, which was significantly different among three trimesters. The residential areas, occupation, and pregnancy-induced hypertension might be related to the prevalence of calf muscle cramps. However, there was no significant difference among different dietary patterns.

Levothyroxine monotherapy versus levothyroxine and selenium combination therapy in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis

PURPOSE

New strategies are needed for prevention and treatment of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT). This study aimed to assess whether combination of levothyroxine treatment and selenium (Se) supplementation results in improved therapeutic effects in CLT compared with levothyroxine monotherapy.

METHODS

An open-label, randomized controlled study was performed in 60 CLT patients assigned to two groups. Levothyroxine group (LT) patients (n = 24) received levothyroxine alone for 3 months; meanwhile, the combination (LTSS) group (n = 36) was administered levothyroxine with selenium yeast capsule. Blood selenium concentrations, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) antibody levels, and inflammatory cytokine amounts were compared between both groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline, similar values were obtained in both groups for all the parameters assessed (p > 0.05). After treatment, significantly increased blood selenium levels (µg/L) [90.05 (80.69, 107.76) vs. 39.64 (29.42, 51.10), p < 0.001] and decreased anti-TPO antibody (23.63 ± 9.31 vs. 32.00 ± 10.41%, p = 0.002), anti-Tg antibody (35.84 ± 15.21 vs. 45.47 ± 14.24%, p = 0.015) and IL-2 amounts (pg/mL) [159.29 (124.54, 189.70) vs. 226.48 (190.74, 266.56), p < 0.001] were observed in the LTSS group compared with the LT group post-treatment; meanwhile, similar IL-10 concentrations [23.14 (21.65, 28.56) pg/mL vs. 24.68 (21.71, 29.67) pg/mL] were obtained in both groups. Subgroup analysis of patients with hypothyroidism showed the same trend observed in the whole population; in patients with normal thyroid function, only Se and IL-2 amounts differed between the two treatment groups. Correlation analysis of of the indexes: in HT patients, the basal serum selenium concentration was positively correlated with TT₄ (r = 0.294, p < 0.05), significantly negatively correlated with TSH (r = -0.343, p < 0.01), and had no significant correlation with TT3 (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that levothyroxine and selenium combination results in improved therapeutic effects than the levothyroxine monotherapy in preventing CLT progression.