Pepsinogen C Interacts with IQGAP1 to Inhibit the Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells by Suppressing Rho-GTPase Pathway

AIM

This study systematically explored the biological effects and mechanisms of PGC on gastric cancer (GC) cells in vitro and in vivo.

METHOD

The critical biological roles of PGC in GC were assessed via EdU staining, Hoechst staining, flow cytometry, mouse models, CCK-8, wound healing, transwell, and sphere-forming assays. The interaction study with IQ-domain GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) was used by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, CHX-chase assay, MG132 assay, and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

PGC inhibited the proliferation, viability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and stemness of GC cells and promoted GC cell differentiation. PGC suppressed subcutaneous tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination in vivo. The interaction study found PGC inhibits GC cell migration and invasion by downregulating IQGAP1 protein and IQGAP1-mediated Rho-GTPase signaling suppression. In addition, PGC disrupts the stability of the IQGAP1 protein, promoting its degradation and significantly shortening its half-life. Moreover, the expression levels of PGC and IQGAP1 in GC tissues were significantly negatively correlated.

CONCLUSION

PGC may act as a tumor suppressor in the development and metastasis of GC. PGC can downregulate its interacting protein IQGAP1 and inhibit the Rho-GTPase pathway, thereby participating in the inhibition of GC cell migration and invasion.

Association of mitochondrial homeostasis and dynamic balance with malignant biological behaviors of gastrointestinal cancer

Mitochondria determine the physiological status of most eukaryotes. Mitochondrial dynamics plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, and the disorder in mitochondrial dynamics could affect cellular energy metabolism leading to tumorigenesis. In recent years, disrupted mitochondrial dynamics has been found to influence the biological behaviors of gastrointestinal cancer with the potential to be a novel target for its individualized therapy. This review systematically introduced the role of mitochondrial dynamics in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, and further elaborated the effects of disrupted mitochondrial dynamics on the cellular biological behaviors of gastrointestinal cancer as well as its association with cancer progression. We aim to provide clues for elucidating the etiology and pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancer from the perspective of mitochondrial homeostasis and disorder.

Involvement of CXCL17 and GPR35 in Gastric Cancer Initiation and Progression

The expression of CXC motif chemokine 17 (CXCL17) and its reported membrane receptor G-protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) in different gastric pathological lesions and their clinical implications are largely unknown. In this study, a total of 860 pathological sections were immune-stained with either anti-CXCL17 or anti-GPR35 antibodies. Their expression was scored within the area of the normal gastric gland of non-atrophic gastritis (NAG-NOR), intestinal metaplasia of atrophic gastritis (AG-IM), IM adjacent to GC (GC-IM), and GC tissue. The clinical significance and potential function of CXCL17 and GPR35 were explored using multiple methods. Our results suggested that CXCL17 expression was gradually upregulated during the pathological progress of gastric diseases (NAG-NOR < AG-IM < GC-IM), but significantly downregulated when GC occurred. GPR35 had a similar expression pattern but its expression in GC remained abundant. High CXCL17 expression in GC was associated with less malignant behavior and was an independent biomarker of favorable prognosis. Overexpressing CXCL17 in HGC27 cells significantly upregulated CCL20 expression. TCGA analysis identified that CXCL17 was negatively correlated with some cancer-promoting pathways and involved in inflammatory activities. CTRP analysis revealed that gastric cell lines expressing less CXCL17 and were more sensitive to the CXCR2 inhibitor SB-225002.

Non-coding RNA and hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A bibliometric analysis and systematic review

Objectives

A bibliometric analysis for non-coding RNA and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was performed to describe international research status and visualize the research scope and emerging trends over the last two decades on this topic.

Materials and methods

Research data of non-coding RNA and HBV-related HCC were retrieved and extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 1 January 2003 to 13 June 2022 and then analyzed by means of bibliometric methods. A total of 1,036 articles published in this field were assessed for specific characteristics, including the year of publication, journal, author, institution, country/region, references, and keywords. VOSviewer was employed to perform co-authorship, co-occurrence, and co-citation analyses accompanied by constructing a visual network.

Results

Overall, 1,036 reports on non-coding RNA and HBV-related HCC from 2003 to 2022 were retrieved from WoSCC. The publication has gradually increased during the last two decades with 324 journals involved. Most research records (748 publications and 23,184 citations) were concentrated in China. A co-occurrence cluster analysis for the top 100 keywords was performed and four clusters were generated: (1) non-coding RNA as a molecular marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HBV-related HCC; (2) dysregulation of non-coding RNA by hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx); (3) non-coding RNA affecting the biological behaviors of HBV-related HCC; and (4) epidemiological study for the effects of non-coding RNA on the risk of HBV-related HCC.

Conclusion

The publications and citations involved in non-coding RNA and HBV-related HCC have increased over the last two decades associated with many countries, institutions, and authors. Our study revealed current development trends, global cooperation models, basic knowledge, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers in this field.

The role of non-coding RNA in the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related gastric cancer, with a focus on inflammation and immune response

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the globally recognized causative factors of gastric cancer (GC). Currently, no definite therapy and drugs for H. pylori-related GC have been widely acknowledged although H. pylori infection could be eradicated in early stage. Inflammation and immune response are spontaneous essential stages during H. pylori infection. H pylori may mediate immune escape by affecting inflammation and immune response, leading to gastric carcinogenesis. As an important component of transcriptome, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been proven to play crucial roles in the genesis and development of H. pylori-induced GC. This review briefly described the effects of ncRNAs on H. pylori-related GC from the perspective of inflammation and immune response, as well as their association with inflammatory reaction and immune microenvironment. We aim to explore the potential of ncRNAs as markers for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of H. pylori-related GC. The ncRNAs involved in H. pylori-related GC may all hold promise as novel therapeutic targets for immunotherapy.

[The synergistic action of guanghuoxiang volatile oil and sodium artesunate against Plasmodium berghei and reversal of SA-resistant Plasmodium berghei]

OBJECTIVE

To study the synergistic action of a combination of guanghuoxiang volatile oil (B) and sodium artesunate (SA) against Plasmodium berghei (P. b) and the resistance-reversal activity against SA-resistant P. b (P. b SA-R).

METHODS

Mice infected with P. b N or P. b R were treated with a combination of B and SA respectively by 4-day suppressive test method and linear regression to calculate the SD50 of B and SA for each drug alone and in combination (equally effective dose compatibility).

RESULTS

B alone, N:SD50 = 87.64 +/- 19.58(GKD), R:SD50 = 43.24 +/- 7.71(GKD); SA alone, N:SD50 = 0.88 +/- 0.01(MGKD), R:SD50 = 27.69 +/- 0.93(MGKD). B and SA combination, N:B SD50 = 36.89 +/- 4.57(GKD), SA SD50 = 0.39 +/- 0.05 (MGKD); R:B SD50 = 7.40 +/- 1.30(GKD), SA SD50 = 4.21 +/- 0.74(MGKD). The synergistic indexes of B and SA in combination were 2.2 for N and 6.6 for R, respectivly. The multiple of resistance reversal of B vs SA was 6.6. The relative reversal rate was 87.6%.

CONCLUSION

A combination of B and SA may enhance the antimalarial effect against P. b and reverse the SA-resistance of P. b and delay the occurrence of resistance to SA in N.

Combination of EGFR, HER-2/neu, and HER-3 is a stronger predictor for the outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma than any individual family members

In a series of 111 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression levels of four epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members (EGFR, HER-2/neu, HER-3, and HER-4). Expression of the EGFR members was not significantly associated with tumor size. However, their expressions (except for HER-4) were significantly associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis, and all of them were significantly associated with distant metastasis. We further examined the association between the expression levels of the EGFR members and the survival rates in 47 oral SCC patients whose detailed clinical follow-ups were available. The expression of all EGFR members was significantly associated with shortened patient survival, and the association was strongest for HER-2/neu. Furthermore, the combination of HER-2, HER-3, and EGFR but not HER-4 significantly improved the predicting power. The expression level of HER-2/neu was significantly correlated with that of EGFR or HER-3. Similar coexpression patterns were also observed in three oral SCC cell lines studied, but not in four other head and neck SCC cell lines. Taken together, these results indicated that expression levels of EGFR, HER-2/ neu, and HER-3 may help predict the outcome of patients with oral SCC.

Neoplastic odontogenic epithelial cells express bone sialoprotein

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is synthesized and secreted by bone-, dentine- and cementum-forming cells and has been implicated in de novo bone formation and mineralization. In this study, we used histological sections of odontogenic neoplasms and performed immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analyses. In ameloblastoma, BSP mRNA signals were seen in the neoplastic epithelial cells forming nests, strips and islands. BSP deposition was also seen in the stellate reticulum of the tumour masses revealed by immunohistochemistry using human BSP antibodies. In calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour, the calcified masses demonstrated positive immunoreactivity to the human BSP antibodies, and the hybridization signals for BSP were located in the cells near the calcified particles. In the calcifying odontogenic cyst, strong BSP signals were seen in cells surrounding the characteristic nests of ghost cells, which often calcify subsequently. BSP protein was also found in these cells by immunohistochemistry. The active expression of BSP in the epithelial elements of the odontogenic tumours of adult patients suggests the activation of this matrix protein gene in the neoplastic process, and that BSP may play an important role in tumour formation and differentiation with respect to pathological calcification.

[HPLC determination of six flavonoid constituents in Ginkgo biloba leaves]

Six flavonoid constituents (quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, bilobetin, ginkgetin and sciadopitysin) were isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaves and determined by reversed phase HPLC using salvianolic acid B as internal standard. The column employed was Zorbax ODS (150 mm x 4 mm ID, 5 microns). The mobile phase consisted of solvent A (methanol) and solvent B [tetrahydrofuran--water--formic acid (34:65:1)] for gradient elution. The flow rate was 1 ml.min-1 and detection was effected at 350 nm. This method is accurate, rapid and reproducible. Analytical data for various samples were given.

[Study in the combining quantity of Con A-binding sites on membrane surface of artesunate-resistance strain of Plasmodium berghei]

OBJECTIVE

To study the production mechanism of plasmodium berghei (PB) in resisting artesunate.

METHODS

The combining quantity of Con A-binding sites on membrane surface of PB trophozoite labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) of Con A was determined by fluoromicrospectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The combining quantity of PB artesunate-resistance strain (PBAR) was reduced significantly than that of PB normal strain (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The type of glucose in surface membrane of PBAR has changed and the changes of membrane fluidity could be one of the causes of the change in the combining quantity of Con A-binding sites on membrane of PBAR.

[The influences of lanthanum,cerium and fluorine ions to the activity of collagenase degrading cemental collagens]

The influences of trace elements lanthanum,cerium and fluorine to the activity of clostridium histolyticum collagenase(CHC) during the period of CHC degrading the cemental root collagen in vitro is studied.The results reveal that La(3+) can significantly inhibit the activity of the CHC than Ce(3+) and F(-). Therefore it suggests that lanthanum may be used as a new kind of element in preventing root caries.The mechanisms of above functions are also discussed.

Strong correlation between c-erbB-2 overexpression and overall survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Overexpression of c-erbB-2 (also known as HER-2/neu) has been found in many human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We therefore examined expression of the oncoprotein in oral SCC primary tumor samples and compared its relationship with clinical stages and survival rate. Out of 80 cases of oral SCC, high expression level (++ or +++) of c-erbB-2 was found in 41 cases. Of the 80 cases with follow-up information, 39 were further investigated for the correlation of expression level of c-erbB-2 and survival rate. Overexpression of the oncoprotein was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival, and the patients with low and no expression of c-erbB-2 had much higher survival rates. Overexpression of c-erbB-2 was also significantly correlated with nodal stage and metastasis. We found that high expression level of c-erbB-2 was frequently detected in oral cancer cell lines but not in the other head and neck SCC cell lines. Thus, we conclude that overexpression of c-erbB-2 is a frequent event in oral SCC and is correlated with poor survival and may be used as a poor prognostic factor.

[The effects of LTA and plaque on the periodontal tissue of the Guinea pig]

40 Guinea pigs were divided into 4 groups.The gingival sulcus of 2 mandibular incisors were irrigated with LPS(Lipopolysaccharide),LTA (Lipoteichoicacid),PL(Subgingival plaque) and NS(Normal saline solution) respectively.2 animals were sacrificed in group of 5 successively at 1,2,3,6,8 week after irrigation.Microscopic examination demonstrated:Only a few penetration of inflammatory cells lay in the gingival tissue in NS control group.Significant infiltrate associated with evident crystal resorption were noted at 1st week and active remodeling took place at 4th,5th week in LPS group.Enhancing accumulations of plaque calculus with weak inflammation could be seen in LTA group.Not only accumulations of plaque and calculus but also penetration of inflammation with resorption of bone were seen in PL group.Their effects on the periodontal tissue of Guinea pig showed evident different.These findings served further expression the possible mechanisms of periodontal diseases.

[Recurrent fetal cellular rhabdomyoma:histopathological and ultrastructural observations]

A mass of the neck in an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with recurrent fetal cellular rhabdomyoma was reported.The recurrent tumor consisted of undifferentiated round and short spindle cells and immature striated muscle cells,which was similar to the primary tumor occured in five years ago.However,there were more large round myoblasts which mainly located at the periphery of the tumor and osteoid stroma in the recurrent case immuno-histochemistry stain and ultrstructure observation suggested that these were undifferntiated mesenchymal cell and myoblasts.The differential diagnosis from fibrosarcoma,highly differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma,and hemangiopericytoma were dicussed.Author considered FRMs has a recurrent and malignant change tendency though it belongs to benign tumor.

[Malignant pleomorphic adenoma of salivary glands:A clinicopathologic study of 83 cases]

This paper presented the clinicopathologic features of 83 cases of malignant pleomorphic adenomas(MPA) of the salivary glands.The average age of the patients was 53 years old.The ratio from male to female was 1.24 to 1.Thirty nine tumors located in parotid glands,twenty in submandibular glands and seventeen in palate.Histopathologically,the malignant component of 76 tumors was identified as carcinoma and 7 tumours as carcinosarcoma both in various types.The statistic analysis showed the factors which influenced the prognosis(P>0.05) included 1. location,2. histologic subtype of malignant component,3.differentiation grade,4.infiltration status,and 5.with or without lymph node metastasis in the initial operation.The prognosis of MPA was more ominous than that of/the conventional types of carcinoma,with only 52.7% of year survival rate.The authors concluded that the pleomorphic adenoma was the pre-cancerous lesion of MPA.Therefore,it is necessary to resect the pleomorphic adenoma as early as possible in order to prevent the occurence of the MPA.

[Histopathological and ultrastructural studies of melanomatic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy]

Three cases of melanomatic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy(MNTI) were studied.The tumor mainly consisted of small neuroblastic-like cells and pigmented large cuboidal cell,and infiltrated adjacent tissues.The main ultrastructural charactristics were the presence of some membranebound dense-core secretory granules,numerous free ribosomes and polysomes aggregaed in rosettes,occasional mitoses in the small cells;and four types of membranebound pigment granules corresponding to melanosomes at different stages of maturation in the pigment cell.immunohistochemical results indicated that both of main cells were positive reaction for NSE,negative for S-100.These facts suggested they are immature in and malignancy.Further,the isogenesis of the tumor cells and embryo optic cup cells were discussed.

[Effects of demineral-resistant of Lanthanum,Cerium and Fluoride on human root surface:A comparative study in vitro]

An in vitro acid-resistant and remineralized study on human root surface with 500ppm lanthanum,Cerium and Fluoride accidulate buffer was carried out in a pH-cy-cling system.The results of quantitative chemical and energy spectrometry analyses showed that all these three elements had the demineral-resistant effects,although fluoride showed a better effect,Furthermore,the mechanisms of lanthanum,Cerium and Fluoride on demineral-resistant were discussed from the viewpoint of crystal physicochemistry.

[Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on parotid gland clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study.]

A clinico-pathologic and immunohistochemical study of 20 cases of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on the parotid gland was made.The result showed 45% of the cases originated from B cells,white 40% from T cells,the rest 15% from the small lymphocytes.Immunohistochemical study was made on 11 cases,the result of immunophenotype was in concordance with the histopathologic diagnosis in 10 cases,except in one case which was initially diagnosed as plasmocytoid lymphocytic lymphoma,but the immunmophenotype suggested that it was T cell type of malignant lymphoma(ML).Follow-up data can be collected in 16 cases(80%).Three of the 16 cases(18.75%) died of the tumor within one year,they were diagnosed initially as B cleaved cell,lymphoplastic cell and polymorphic T cell type of ML,each in 1 case.Other cases survived from 15 months to 9.25 years,among them 2 were diagnosed as low-grade ML(both of small lymphocyte type),7 cases as middle-grade ML(5 of B cleaved cell,2 of B mixed type),and 4 cases as high-grade ML (2 of clear T cell,2 of polymorphic T cell type).They were treated by surgical removal and combined western and traditional Chinese medicine,their prognosis was quite good.

Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in lymphoproliferative disorders of the human salivary gland

The relationship between the silver-stained proteins of the nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) and proliferative activity was studied in 30 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders of the major salivary gland. The salivary gland lesions were microscopically and immunohistochemically differentiated into myoepithelial sialadenitis (MESA, n = 6), low-grade B-cell lymphoma (n = 16), high-grade B-cell lymphoma (n = 5), and T-cell lymphoma (n = 3). The mean AgNOR count per nucleus for MESA was 2.48; for low-grade B-cell lymphoma, 2.19; for high-grade B-cell lymphoma, 6.37; and for T-cell lymphoma, 5.46. There was no significant difference in AgNOR counts per nucleus between the MESA and low-grade B-cell lymphoma, whereas the high-grade B-cell lymphomas exhibited significantly increased mean AgNOR number. Furthermore, the mean numbers of AgNOR were compared with cellular types of lymphoproliferative disorders. A statistically significant difference did exist among AgNOR counts of centroblasts, centrocytes and mantle zone lymphocytes or interfollicular lymphocytes in MESA. There was no significant difference in AgNOR counts per nucleus among the centroblasts of MESA, neoplastic centroblasts of centroblastic/centrocytic lymphoma, and centroblastic lymphoma. It was shown that AgNOR enumeration of tumor cells in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma was similar to those seen in mantle zone and interfollicular lymphocytes of MESA. Therefore, we propose that MALT lymphoma may represent a mucosal counterpart of mantle zone lymphocyte- or interfollicular lymphocyte-related low-grade B-cell lymphomas.

[Clinicopathological analysis of 20 cases of giant cell granuloma of the jaw]

The pathological features of 20 cases of giant cell granuloma and 12 cases of giant cell tumor of the jaw were compared. Specimens of 8 cases of giant cell granuloma and 5 cases of giant cell tumor were stained with Wilder's reticular fiber stain and trichromic stain. The results showed that reticular fibers and collagenous fibers were more abundant and more focal in distribution in giant cell granulomas than in those of giant cell tumors. It is concluded that the two staining methods adopted are helpful in the differential diagnosis between these two kinds of diseases.

Primary malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland: a tumor of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

The clinical, morphologic and immunohistochemical features of 10 cases of the low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of salivary glands are described. Although the initial histologic diagnosis in nine of these cases was myoepithelial sialadenitis, the diagnosis of primary salivary gland MALT lymphoma was based on the demonstration of light chain restriction and on morphologic characteristics. Histologic study showed a characteristic cytology, which included centrocytoid cells (composed of small centrocytes and monocytoid B cells) and a varying degree of plasma cell differentiation; the occurrence of epithelial or acinar invasion by neoplastic centrocytoid cells; and the presence of reactive lymph follicles among the neoplastic cells. Furthermore, multinucleate giant cells resembling Warthin-Finkeldey cells were detected in seven cases. In the light of these findings, cases previously diagnosed as myoepithelial sialadenitis require careful assessment and nine out of 32 cases are, in reality, examples of primary salivary gland MALT lymphomas. Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin sections revealed the following characteristic immunophenotype of MALT lymphoma: L26, KiB3 and LN2 positive, and a monotypic immunoglobulin pattern (predominantly IgM/kappa). It was of interest that salivary gland parenchyma, infiltrated by neoplastic centrocytoid cells, reacted with LN3 for cells expressing human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) antigens. Whereas salivary gland epithelia devoid of a neoplastic invasion were invariably negative for LN3. This suggests a lymphocyte-mediated role in salivary epithelial HLA-DR expression. It appears that HLA-DR expression is an inducible phenomenon in MALT lymphomas of salivary gland.

[Effects of low level fluoride on the resolutive behavior of dental enamel]

The purpose of this investigation was to study the low level fluoride on the resolutive behavior of dental enamel in vitro.Twelve enamel slabs were used to treat with acidulated phosphate fluoride solutions containing different F concentration and then with acidic artificial carious gel.Chemical analysis were carried out with atomic absorption spectrophotometer,fluoride ion-selective electrode and electron microprobe.Results indicate that different F concentration in environmental solutions make different physicochemical ways on effects to enamel demineralization,they are specific and non-specific absorption of fluoride ions or dissolution and reprecipitation of fluoridated apatite and CaF(2).

Metabolic changes in women using a long-acting monthly oral contraceptive and return of ovulation on discontinuation

Metabolic changes were investigated in two groups of women using oral contraceptives for 5 to 16 years. Blood samples were taken during the last cycle of oral contraceptive use and three months post-treatment. One group had used a monthly oral contraceptive (MOC, 3mg quinestrol and 10mg 16-methylene chlormadinone acetate) and the second group a daily oral contraceptive (DOC, 35 micrograms ethynylestradiol and 0.625 mg norethisterone). During treatment there were increases in serum total cholesterol and triglycerides but not HDL-C, in plasma total cortisol but not in renin activity, angiotensin II or urinary free cortisol excretion, in hemoglobin and some coagulation factors but not Factor X or antithrombin III, platelet function or fibrinolysis. The area under the blood glucose concentration-time curve, but not that for serum insulin, was slightly increased and there was no change in fasting blood sugar concentrations. All metabolic parameters, except plasma cortisol, which had shown an increase on treatment, had decreased to control levels within 3 months. Ovulation returned promptly in all women, the mean time being 70 days for Group MOC and 44 days for Group DOC. Thus, in spite of the long duration of use of the oral contraceptives, metabolic changes were minor.