Potential association of HSPD1 with dysregulations in ribosome biogenesis and immune cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma: An integrated bioinformatic approach

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major histological subtype of lung cancer with a high mortality rate worldwide. Heat shock protein family D member 1 (HSPD1, also known as HSP60) is reported to be increased in tumor tissues of lung cancer patients compared with healthy control tissues.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the roles of HSPD1 in prognosis, carcinogenesis, and immune infiltration in LUAD using an integrative bioinformatic analysis.

METHODS

HSPD1 expression in LUAD was investigated in several transcriptome-based and protein databases. Survival analysis was performed using the KM plotter and OSluca databases, while prognostic significance was independently confirmed through univariate and multivariate analyses. Integrative gene interaction network and enrichment analyses of HSPD1-correlated genes were performed to investigate the roles of HSPD1 in LUAD carcinogenesis. TIMER and TISIDB were used to analyze correlation between HSPD1 expression and immune cell infiltration.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein expressions of HSPD1 were higher in LUAD compared with normal tissues. High HSPD1 expression was associated with male gender and LUAD with advanced stages. High HSPD1 expression was an independent prognostic factor associated with poor survival in LUAD patients. HSPD1-correlated genes with prognostic impact were mainly involved in aberrant ribosome biogenesis, while LUAD patients with high HSPD1 expression had low tumor infiltrations of activated and immature B cells and CD4+ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

HSPD1 may play a role in the regulation of ribosome biogenesis and B cell-mediated immunity in LUAD. It could serve as a predictive biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response in LUAD.

Membranous Nephropathy following Full-Dose of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Virus Vaccination: A Case Report and Literature Review

Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) has proven to be the most effective measure to prevent the spread and reduce infection severity. A case report of de novo membranous nephropathy (MN) following immunization with inactivated virus vaccine (CoronaVac®, Sinovac Biotech) is presented here. A 53-year-old man presented with a sudden onset of leg edema a week after receiving an inactivated virus vaccine and a relapse of nephrotic syndrome (NS) with acute kidney injury (AKI) after a booster dose. Screening for serum anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody and secondary causes of MN were negative. Kidney biopsy revealed an early MN pattern with focal spike formation, whilst numerous subepithelial electron-dense deposits and a few small deposits in the mesangial area were observed through electron microscopy. A short course of steroids and oral cyclophosphamide was prescribed, resulting in the complete remission of NS and AKI. MN following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination should call for medical importance. Awareness of the association between vaccination and MN should be kept in mind to avoid unnecessary treatment with long-term immunosuppressive agents.

High-Throughput Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals the Inhibitory Effect of Hydroquinine on Virulence Factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Hydroquinine is an organic alkaloid compound that exhibits antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains including strains of both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Despite this, the effects of hydroquinine on virulence factors in P. aeruginosa have not yet been characterized. We therefore aimed to uncover the mechanism of P. aeruginosa hydroquinine-sensitivity using high-throughput transcriptomic analysis. We further confirmed whether hydroquinine inhibits specific virulence factors using RT-qPCR and phenotypic analysis. At half the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of hydroquinine (1.250 mg/mL), 254 genes were differentially expressed (97 downregulated and 157 upregulated). We found that flagellar-related genes were downregulated by between −2.93 and −2.18 Log2-fold change. These genes were consistent with the analysis of gene ontology and KEGG pathway. Further validation by RT-qPCR showed that hydroquinine significantly suppressed expression of the flagellar-related genes. By analyzing cellular phenotypes, P. aeruginosa treated with ½MIC of hydroquinine exhibited inhibition of motility (30−54% reduction) and pyocyanin production (~25−27% reduction) and impaired biofilm formation (~57−87% reduction). These findings suggest that hydroquinine possesses anti-virulence factors, through diminishing flagellar, pyocyanin and biofilm formation.

Changes in the NS1 gene of avian influenza viruses isolated in Thailand affect expression of type I interferon in primary chicken embryonic fibroblast cells

The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of avian influenza virus was defined as one of the virulent factors. To understand the effect of NS1 protein of influenza virus H5N1 isolated in Thailand on type I (α/β) interferon (IFN) synthesis, five reverse genetic viruses were constructed and used as models. The viruses were generated using NS genomic segment from A/Peurto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) and four avian influenza viruses isolated from the first outbreak in Thailand. All the viruses have the rest of the genome from A/Peurto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1). The constructed viruses were named (1) NS1 PR8/34, (2) NS1 wild type, (3) NS1 L15FD53G, (4) NS1 N171I and (5) NS1 E71K, respectively. The type I (α/β) IFN gene expression in control and infected primary chicken embryonic fibroblast cells were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results show that the inhibition of IFN-β gene expression by NS1 wild type infected cells is stronger than NS1 N171I, NS1 E71K, NS1 PR8/34 and NS1 L15FD53G, respectively. The data suggest that the difference of amino acid sequence of NS1 protein contributes to the IFN-β antagonist. In contrast, the difference of the NS1 protein does not influence in the IFN-α antagonistic activity.

Enhancement of Lipolysis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes by Nitroarene Capsaicinoid Analogs

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation by capsaicin binding increased intracellular calcium influx and stimulated adipocyte-to-adipocyte communication, leading to lipolysis. Generally, enhancement of π-stacking capabilities improves certain binding interactions. Notably, nitroarenes exhibit strong binding interactions with aromatic amino acid side chains in proteins. New capsaicinoid analogs were designed by substitution of the OCH3 group with a nitrogen dioxide (NO2) group on the vanillyl ring to investigate how π-stacking interactions in capsaicinoid analogs contribute to lipolysis. Capsaicinoid analogs, nitro capsaicin (5), and nitro dihydrocapsaicin (6) were prepared in moderate yields via coupling of a nitroaromatic amine salt and fatty acids. Oil Red O staining and triglyceride assays with 10 µM loading of capsaicin (CAP), dihydrocapsaicin (DHC), 5, and 6 were performed to investigate their effect on lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Both assay results indicated that 5 and 6 decreased lipid accumulation by 13.6% and 14.7%, respectively, and significantly reduced triglyceride content by 26.9% and 28.4%, respectively, in comparison with the control experiment. Furthermore, the decrease in triglyceride content observed in response to nitroarene capsaicinoid analogs was approximately 2-folds higher than that of CAP and DHC. These results arose from the NO2 group augmented π-π stacking with Tyr511 and the attractive charge interaction with Glu570 affecting binding interactions with TRPV1 receptors.

Essential function of adaptor protein Nck1 in platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling in human lens epithelial cells

Binding of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) to its cognate receptor (PDGFR) promotes lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation and migration. After cataract surgery, these LEC behaviors have been proposed as an influential cause of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Stimulated PDFGR undergoes dimerization and tyrosine phosphorylation providing docking sites for a SH2-domain-containing noncatalytic region of tyrosine kinase (Nck). Nck is an adaptor protein acting as a linker of the proximal and downstream signaling events. However, the functions of Nck1 protein in LEC have not been investigated so far. We reported here a crucial role of Nck1 protein in regulating PDGFR-mediated LEC activation using LEC with a silenced expression of Nck1 protein. The knockdown of Nck1 suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated LEC proliferation and migration and disrupted the cell cycle progression especially G1/S transition. LEC lacking Nck1 protein failed to exhibit actin polymerization and membrane protrusions. The downregulation of Nck1 protein in LEC impaired PDGFR-induced phosphorylation of intracellular signaling proteins, including Erk1/2, Akt, CREB and ATF1, which resulted in inhibition of LEC responses. Therefore, these data suggest that the loss of Nck1 expression may disturb LEC activation and Nck1 may potentially be a drug target to prevent PCO and lens-related disease.

Cooperative Interaction of Nck and Lck Orchestrates Optimal TCR Signaling

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) is expressed on T cells, which orchestrate adaptive immune responses. It is composed of the ligand-binding clonotypic TCRαβ heterodimer and the non-covalently bound invariant signal-transducing CD3 complex. Among the CD3 subunits, the CD3ε cytoplasmic tail contains binding motifs for the Src family kinase, Lck, and the adaptor protein, Nck. Lck binds to a receptor kinase (RK) motif and Nck binds to a proline-rich sequence (PRS). Both motifs only become accessible upon ligand binding to the TCR and facilitate the recruitment of Lck and Nck independently of phosphorylation of the TCR. Mutations in each of these motifs cause defects in TCR signaling and T cell activation. Here, we investigated the role of Nck in proximal TCR signaling by silencing both Nck isoforms, Nck1 and Nck2. In the absence of Nck, TCR phosphorylation, ZAP70 recruitment, and ZAP70 phosphorylation was impaired. Mechanistically, this is explained by loss of Lck recruitment to the stimulated TCR in cells lacking Nck. Hence, our data uncover a previously unknown cooperative interaction between Lck and Nck to promote optimal TCR signaling.

Pediatric Relapsing Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Crossing with Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesion

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalopathy characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms, autonomic instability, and abnormal movements. Most children who undergo tumor removal and receive appropriate immunosuppressants have substantial neurological improvement. We report a 14-year-old girl with relapsing anti-NMDAR encephalitis who presented with paroxysmal tingling and weakness of the right lower limb. Despite long-term prophylaxis with immunotherapy (azathioprine), tumefactive demyelinating lesion and multifocal subcortical white matter lesions were identified on magnetic resonance imaging, which improved after high doses of steroid therapy. There may be overlap between the clinical manifestations of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and acquired demyelination syndromes in children.

The role of immunogenic cell death in gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy (Review)

Modern cancer immunotherapy techniques are aimed at enhancing the responses of the patients' immune systems to fight against the cancer. The main promising strategies include active vaccination of tumor antigens, passive vaccination with antibodies specific to cancer antigens, adoptive transfer of cancer-specific T cells and manipulation of the patient's immune response by inhibiting immune checkpoints. The application of immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers has been proven to enhance the immunity of patients undergoing various types of immunotherapy. The dying, stressed or injured cells release or present molecules on the cell surface, which function as either adjuvants or danger signals for detection by the innate immune system. These molecules are now termed 'damage-associated molecular patterns'. The term 'ICD' indicates a type of cell death that triggers an immune response against dead-cell antigens, particularly those derived from cancer cells, and it was initially proposed with regards to the effects of anticancer chemotherapy with conventional cytotoxic drugs. The aim of the present study was to review and discuss the role and mechanisms of ICD as a promising combined immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors.

Evaluation of a cryopreservation procedure to set up a new bone marrow transplant unit using lymphocyte proliferation test

A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is one kind of standard treatment modality in advanced hemato-oncology. In order to set up a BMT unit, one of the important steps before starting a clinical program is to evaluate the cryopreservation procedure for stem cell storage. Twenty one bags of buffy coat were used to be the testing specimens. They were processed and frozen according to cryopreservation protocol and kept in liquid nitrogen for 2 weeks. The evaluation process was carried out with a lymphocyte proliferation test together with trypan blue staining. By measuring the optical density of each lymphocyte containing well after stimulation, the lymphocyte proliferation value (LPV) could be obtained. When comparing them before and after cryopreservation, the LPV was 2.064 ± 0.379 (mean ± SD) and 1.913 ± 0.546, (p = 0.314), respectively. At 2 weeks after cryopreservation, comparing between the frozen group and the unfrozen control, the LPV was 1.913 ± 0.546 and 0.486 ± 0.453, (p < 0.05), respectively. The LPV showed clear efficacy of the procedure, especially for preserving the cellular proliferation function. Our model of the cryopreservation procedure evaluation at pre-clinical phase by use of a buffy coat and lymphocyte proliferation test seems feasible for newly-established small BMT units. With these results, clinical transplantations can be performed with more confidence.

Multiple Venous and Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis as the Presenting Features of Spontaneously Reversible Nephrotic Syndrome after Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Virus (Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2) Vaccination

We report an unusual case of nephrotic syndrome and multiple venous thromboembolism (VTE) four days after BNT162b2 injection. The patient presented with a three-day history of foamy urine and one-day history of right leg swelling. The investigation showed 9.5 g of 24 hr urine protein, hypoalbuminemia (2.6 gm/dL), and hypercholesterolemia (320 mg/dL). The duplex ultrasonography revealed VTE of the right lower extremity veins (common femoral vein, saphenous vein, and popliteal vein). Computed tomography (CT) showed thrombosis of the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) extending to both iliac veins and acute pulmonary embolism. Kidney biopsy was performed. The diagnosis of minimal change disease was made. The patient received anticoagulation without steroid or immunosuppressive medications. The nephrosis was spontaneously resolved in 20 days; thus, it strongly suggested the diagnosis of vaccine-induced minimal change nephropathy. Reports of kidney adverse events and clinical characteristics are further needed in the circumstances of worldwide SARS-CoV-2 vaccine usage.

Immunopeptidomics in the cancer immunotherapy era

Cancer is the primary cause of death worldwide, and conventional treatments are painful, complicated, and have negative effects on healthy cells. However, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative. Principle of cancer immunotherapy is the re-activation of T-cell to combat the tumor that presents the peptide antigen on major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Those peptide antigens are identified with the set of omics technology, proteomics, genomics, and bioinformatics, which referred to immunopeptidomics. Indeed, immunopeptidomics can identify the neoantigens that are very useful for cancer immunotherapies. This review explored the use of immunopeptidomics for various immunotherapies, i.e., peptide-based vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell. We also discussed how the diversity of neoantigens allows for the discovery of novel antigenic peptides while post-translationally modified peptides diversify the overall peptides binding to MHC or so-called MHC ligandome. The development of immunopeptidomics is keeping up-to-date and very active, particularly for clinical application. Immunopeptidomics is expected to be fast, accurate and reliable for the application for cancer immunotherapies.

Structure-Activity Relationship and Molecular Docking of Quinazolinones Inhibiting Expression of COX-2, IL-1β, iNOS, and TNF-α through NF-κB Pathways

The quinazolinone scaffold is found in natural products and biologically active compounds, including inflammatory inhibitors. Major proteins or enzymes involved in the inflammation process are regulated by the amount of gene expression. Quinazolinone derivatives were investigated and developed against the inflammatory genes cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The mRNA expressions were measured using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Quinazolinone compounds at 62.5 μM demonstrated anti-COX-2 and anti-IL-1β mRNA expressions down to 0.50% and 3.10% gene expression, respectively, via inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Molecular docking was performed to explain the interaction between the binding site and the developed compounds as well as the structure-activity relationship of the quinazolinone moiety.

Whole genome sequences of H5N1 influenza a virus isolated from a little grebe in Thailand

This is the first report of the whole genome sequence of influenza A virus in an aquatic resident bird of Thailand. It was categorized into genotype Z according to its characteristics of a 20 amino acid deletion in neuraminidase and a five amino acid deletion in the nonstructural protein. The indicator for a highly pathogenic trait of the virus is the presence of a polybasic amino acid sequence at the cleavage site of HA0. The feature of resistance to the antiviral drug amantadine is found at the 31st amino acid position of M2 (serine to asparagine). Phylogenic analyses revealed that virus A/little grebe/Thailand/Phichit-01/2004 (H5N1) is closely related to the chicken and human isolates recovered from Thailand. The high degrees of similarity among the sequences and phylogenic trees indicate there was no difference between the viruses isolated from poultry and aquatic birds in Thailand at the time of study. The results also suggest the source of H5N1 avian influenza virus in the little grebe and others in Thailand may have the same origin.

Characteristic features of in vitro differentiation of human naïve CD4+ T cells to induced regulatory T cells (iTreg) and T helper (Th) 17 cells: Sharing of lineage-specific markers

In vitro induced regulatory T cells (iTreg) and IL-17 producing T cells (Th17-like cells) can be generated in culture from native CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood by different sets of cytokines. In the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plus interleukin (IL)-2, cells differentiate into Treg cells with increased expression of the forkhead box P3 (FOXP3). In the presence of TGF-β, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-23, cells differentiate into Th17 cells that produce IL-17A. However, protocols for the generation of human iTreg and Th17 are still controversial. In this study, we characterized the biological features of iTreg and Th17 cells differentiated from peripheral blood naïve CD4+ T cells in vitro using the established protocols. We showed that cells obtained from Treg or Th17 culture conditions shared some phenotypic markers. Cells under Treg conditions had an up-regulated FOXP3 gene and a down-regulated RAR-related orphan receptor C (RORC) gene. Cells derived from the Th17 condition exhibited a down-regulated FOXP3 gene and had significantly higher RORC gene expression than Treg cells. Both resulting cells showed intracellular production of IL-17A and IL-10. Th17 condition-cultured cells exhibited more glycolytic activity and glucose uptake compared to the Treg cells. The findings suggest that cells obtained from established protocols for the differentiation of iTreg and Th17 cells in vitro are possibly in the intermediate stage of differentiation or may be two different types of cells that share a lineage-specific differentiation program.

Proteomic profiling of oleamide-mediated polarization in a primary human monocyte-derived tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) model: a functional analysis

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical function in the development of tumors and are associated with protumor M2 phenotypes. Shifting TAMs towards antitumor M1 phenotypes holds promise for tumor immunotherapy. Oleamide, a primary fatty acid amide, has emerged as a potent anticancer and immunomodulatory compound. However, the regulatory effects of oleamide on TAM phenotypes remain unclear.

METHODS

We used real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques to study the influence of oleamide on primary human monocyte-derived TAM phenotypes, and we investigated the protein expression profiles based on mass spectrometry to analyze the effect of oleamide on macrophage polarization. Moreover, the advantageous binding scores between oleamide and these target candidate proteins are examined using molecular docking.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that oleamide effectively suppressed the M2-like TAM phenotype by reducing interleukin (IL)-10 production and downregulating M2-like markers, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), MYC proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor (c-Myc), and mannose receptor C-type 1 (CD206). Moreover, the conditioned medium derived from oleamide-treated TAMs induces apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Proteomic analysis identified 20 candidate up- and down-regulation proteins targeted by oleamide, showing modulation activity associated with the promotion of the M1-like phenotype. Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated favorable binding scores between oleamide and these candidate proteins. Collectively, our findings suggest that oleamide exerts a potent antitumor effect by promoting the antitumor M1-like TAM phenotype. These novel insights provide valuable resources for further investigations into oleamide and macrophage polarization which inhibit the progression of breast cancer, which may provide insight into immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer.

Impaired interleukin-1beta expression by monocytes stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus in diabetes

Diabetic patients with poorly controlled blood glucose have frequent and persistent bacterial infections particularly those infecting the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. The function of phagocytes of diabetic patients is believed to be impaired due to hyperglycemia, leading to suboptimal immune response to clear acute infection. The present study investigated interleukin (IL)-1beta expression by diabetic patients' monocytes (n = 22) experimentally infected with S. aureus compared with that from healthy subjects (n = 30). In addition, the in vitro effect of hyperglycemia on IL-1beta expression by monocytes from normal subjects (n = 18) stimulated with S. aureus and S. epidermidis was investigated. Monocytes from diabetic patients, stimulated or not with S. aureus, express significantly lower levels of IL-1beta than those from healthy subjects. In vitro hyperglycemia did not affect IL-1beta expression by unstimulated monocytes. However, at the same levels of glucose normal monocytes stimulated with S. aureus produce significantly higher IL-1beta than those stimulated with S. epidermidis. These findings suggest that diabetic patients have abnormally lower IL-1beta expression and hyperglycemia is related to abnormal expression of IL-1beta by monocytes, which could lead to enhanced susceptibility to infection by the more virulent bacteria.

Comparative effectiveness of nitro dihydrocapsaicin, new synthetic derivative capsaicinoid, and capsaicin in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated corneal epithelial cells

Loss of tear homeostasis, characterized by hyperosmolarity of the ocular surface, induces cell damage through inflammation and oxidation. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a sensor for osmotic changes, plays a crucial role as a calcium ion channel in the pathogenesis of hypertonic-related eye diseases. Capsaicin (CAP), a potent phytochemical, alleviates inflammation during oxidative stress events by activating TRPV1. However, the pharmacological use of CAP for eye treatment is limited by its pungency. Nitro dihydrocapsaicin (NDHC) was synthesized with aromatic ring modification of CAP structure to overcome the pungent effect. We compared the molecular features of NDHC and CAP, along with their biological activities in human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells, focusing on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The results demonstrated that NDHC maintained cell viability, cell shape, and exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to CAP-treated cells. Moreover, NDHC prevented oxidative stress and inflammation in HCE cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. These findings underscore the beneficial effect of NDHC in alleviating ocular surface inflammation, suggesting that NDHC may serve as an alternative anti-inflammatory agent targeting TRPV1 for improving hyperosmotic stress-induced ocular surface damage.

Detection of distribution of avian influenza H5N1 virus by immunohistochemistry, chromogenic in situ hybridization and real-time PCR techniques in experimentally infected chickens

Ten specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens were inoculated intranasally with avian influenza virus subtype H5N1. Evaluation revealed distribution of the virus in twelve organs: liver, intestine, bursa, lung, trachea, thymus, heart, pancreas, brain, spleen, kidney, and esophagus. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were developed and compared for detection of the virus from the organs. The distribution of avian influenza H5N1 in chickens varied by animal and detecting technique. The heart, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and pancreas were positive with all three techniques, while the others varied by techique. The three techniques can be used to detect avian influenza effectively, but the pros and cons of each technique need to be determined. The decision of which technique to use depends on the objective of the examination, budget, type and quality of samples, laboratory facilities and technician skills.

Nitro Dihydrocapsaicin, a Non-Pungent Capsaicin Analogue, Inhibits Cellular Senescence of Lens Epithelial Cells via Upregulation of SIRT1

Diabetic cataracts are a common complication that can cause blindness among patients with diabetes mellitus. A novel nitro dihydrocapsaicin (NDHC), a capsaicin analog, was constructed to have a non-pungency effect. The objective of this research was to study the effect of NDHC on human lens epithelial (HLE) cells that lost function from hyperglycemia. HLE cells were pretreated with NDHC before an exposure to high glucose (HG) conditions. The results show that NDHC promoted a deacceleration of cellular senescence in HLE cells. This inhibition of cellular senescence was characterized by a delayed cell growth and lower production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as decreased SA-β-galactosidase activity. Additionally, the expression of Sirt1 protein sharply increased, while the expression of p21 and phospho-p38 proteins decreased. These findings provide evidence that NDHC could exert a pharmacologically protective effect by inhibiting the senescence program of lens cells during diabetic cataracts.

Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Level in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical value of carcinoembryonic-antigen-related cell-adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in predicting the severity of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).

METHODS

We evaluated 40 healthy subjects and 40 HCC patients by collecting venous blood for the comparison. Serum CEACAM1 was detected using the Human CEACAM1 ELISA Kit. Other laboratory chemistries were analyzed by standard methods.

RESULTS

The serum level of CEACAM1 was not different between HCC patients and healthy subjects (p=0.0069). There was a correlation between serum CEACAM1 level and total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. There was also a statistically significant difference among serum CEACAM1 levels stratified by BCLC staging and MELD score at the cut-point of 18. Lower platelet count, higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were observed in HCC patients.

CONCLUSION

An increase of serum CEACAM1 level was associated with cholestasis. The role of this molecule in HCC diagnosis was unclear. However, serum CAECAM1 may be useful to predict the severity in HCC patients.

Genetic characterization of nonstructural genes of H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated in Thailand in 2004-2005

The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses has severely disrupted poultry production and trade. Humans have been infected with HPAI H5N1 viruses and many have died. The nonstructural (NS) proteins of the virus are a factor that determines virulence. In this report, 80 NS genes of H5N1 HPAI viruses isolated from Thailand were completely sequenced and phylogenically analyzed. The percentages of identity and variable site NS1 genes were similar to NS2/nuclear export protein (NEP) genes. All NS1 genes from the samples were located in allelic group A. The NS1 and NS2/NEP proteins possess 225 and 121 amino acids, respectively. All NS1 protein samples had five amino acid deletions typical of avian influenza viruses isolated since 2002. An amino acid substitution at position 92 (G92E) of the NS1 protein, known to promote the inhibition of host immune responses, was also found in the samples.

Lack of Nck1 protein and Nck-CD3 interaction caused the increment of lipid content in Jurkat T cells

BACKGROUND

The non-catalytic region of tyrosine kinase (Nck) is an adaptor protein, which is ubiquitously expressed in many types of cells. In T cells, the Nck1 isoform promotes T cell receptor signalling as well as actin polymerisation. However, the role of Nck1 in the lipid metabolism in T cells is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the Nck1 protein and Nck-CD3 interaction on lipid metabolism and on the physical and biological properties of Jurkat T cells, using a newly developed holotomographic microscope.

RESULTS

Holotomographic microscopy showed that Nck1-knocked-out cells had membrane blebs and were irregular in shape compared to the rounded control cells. The cell size and volume of Nck1-deficient cells were comparable to those of the control cells. Nck1-knocked-out Jurkat T cells had a greater lipid content, lipid mass/cell mass ratio, and lipid metabolite levels than the control cells. Interestingly, treatment with a small molecule, AX-024, which inhibited Nck-CD3 interaction, also caused an increase in the lipid content in wild-type Jurkat T cells, as found in Nck1-deficient cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Knockout of Nck1 protein and hindrance of the Nck-CD3 interaction cause the elevation of lipid content in Jurkat T cells.