Minimally Invasive Cytopathology and Accurate Diagnosis: Technical Procedures and Ancillary Techniques

In recent years, the demand for cytopathological accurate diagnoses has increased as expanding minimally invasive procedures obtain materials from patients with advanced cancer for diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive purposes. However, inadequate knowledge of cytopathological technical procedures and ancillary techniques by clinicians remains the most common reason for the limited availability of cytopathology. The objectives of this review were to understand the technical procedures, ancillary techniques, and application and effectiveness of various types of tests in cytopathology. Each of the many ancillary technologies described in the literature has specific advantages and limitations and laboratories select one or more methods depending on their infrastructure and expertise to achieve the goal from initial screening of the disease to the final diagnosis of the cytopathology. This paper systematically reviews the development of cytopathology, summarizes the existing problems in cytopathology and the new progress of auxiliary examination, to provide a theoretical basis for the advanced development of cytopathological diagnostic technologies and to consolidate the minimally invasive and accurate diagnosis of cytopathologies for clinicians. Cytopathology offers many advantages over other clinical examinations, particularly for minimally invasive and accurate diagnosis.

Allele frequencies of D2S2960 and GATA149B10 in two populations

POPULATION: Chinese Han, Thai.

eIF6 Promotes Gastric Cancer Proliferation and Invasion by Regulating Cell Cycle

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role and function of eIF6 in gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

The expression level of eIF6 in GC tissues and normal tissues was detected in different high-throughput sequencing cohorts. Survival analysis, gene differential analysis, and enrichment analysis were performed in the TCGA cohort. Biological networks centered on eIF6 were constructed through two different databases. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect protein expression of eIF6, and qRT-PCR was used to detect eIF6 mRNA expression. The correlation between the expression of eIF6 in GC tissues and clinicopathological parameters of GC was analyzed. siRNA knockout of eIF6 was used to study the proliferation, migration, and invasion. The effects of eIF6 on cell cycle and Cyclin B1 were detected by flow cytometry and Western blot.

RESULTS

eIF6 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues and predicted poor prognosis. In addition, 113 differentially expressed genes were detected in cancer-related biological pathways and functions by differential analysis. Biological networks revealed interactions of genes and proteins with eIF6. The expression intensity of eIF6 in cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (P = 0.0001), confirming the up-regulation of eIF6 expression in GC tissues. The expression level of eIF6 was statistically significant with pTNM stage (P = 0.006). siRNA knockout of eIF6 significantly reduced the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion ability of GC cells. Silencing of eIF6 also inhibited the cell cycle of GC cells in G2/M phase and decreased the expression level of CyclinB1.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that eIF6 is up-regulated in GC and may promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC by regulating cell cycle.

Prognostic value of IKBIP in papillary renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

I kappa B kinase interacting protein, a highly conserved gene, has rarely been reported in cancer. According to previous study, IKBIP has only been shown to promote malignant progression of glioma. In other malignant tumors, few reports have examined the function of IKBIP, especially in papillary renal cell carcinoma. Therefore, the molecular profiles and clinical prognostic values of the IKBIP in papillary renal cell carcinoma remain undetermined.

METHODS

Several bioinformatic platforms and Immunohistochemistry were used to clarify the expression and prognostic values of IKBIP in Papillary renal cell carcinoma.

RESULTS

In this study, GEPIA and TIMER platform were used to identify mRNA expression of IKBIP in papillary renal cell carcinoma. And our results revealed that IKBIP mRNA expression was up-regulated in papillary renal cell carcinoma than in its corresponding normal tissues. In addition, high mRNA expression levels of IKBIP were correlated with age, pathological stage, pathological T stage and pathological N stage. Moreover, High IKBIP mRNA expression was negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Besides, Multivariate analysis indicated that IKBIP mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor for patients of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed IKBIP co-expressed genes were enriched in homologous recombination, DNA replication, cell cycle, Mismatch repair, Fanconi anemia pathway, P53 signaling pathway and nucleotide excision repair. And Immunohistochemical profile showed that protein expression of IKBIP was higher in papillary renal cell carcinoma than adjacent normal tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings reveled that IKBIP may act as a novel and potential tumor factor to accelerate papillary renal cell carcinoma progression, meanwhile, IKBIP could serve as a promising target for treating papillary renal cell carcinoma.

Alantolactone enhances the sensitivity of melanoma to MAPK pathway inhibitors by targeting inhibition of STAT3 activation and down-regulating stem cell markers

Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) were the first line drugs for advanced melanoma patients with BRAF mutation. Targeted therapies have significant therapeutic effects; however, drug resistance hinders their long-term efficacy. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies against MAPKi resistance is critical. Our previous results showed that MAPKi promote feedback activation of STAT3 signaling in BRAF-mutated cancer cells. Studies have shown that alantolactone inhibited the activation of STAT3 in a variety of tumor cells. Our results confirmed that alantolactone suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 feedback activation induced by MAPKi and downregulating the expression of downstream Oct4 and Sox2. The inhibitory effect of alantolactone combined with a MAPKi on melanoma cells was significantly stronger than that on normal cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that combination treatment was effective against drug-resistant melanomas. Our research indicates a potential novel combination therapy (alantolactone and MAPKi) for patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma.

The m6A regulators in prostate cancer: molecular basis and clinical perspective

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in western countries. Evidence has indicated the significant role of the androgen receptor (AR) as the main driving factor in controlling the development of PCa, making androgen receptor inhibition (ARI) therapy a pivotal management approach. In addition, AR independent signaling pathways also contribute to PCa progression. One such signaling pathway that has garnered our attention is N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) signaling, which refers to a chemical modification on RNA with crucial roles in RNA metabolism and disease progression, including PCa. It is important to comprehensively summarize the role of each individual m6A regulator in PCa development and understand its interaction with AR signaling. This review aims to provide a thorough summary of the involvement of m6A regulators in PCa development, shedding light on their upstream and downstream signaling pathways. This summary sets the stage for a comprehensive review that would benefit the scientific community and clinical practice by enhancing our understanding of the biology of m6A regulators in the context of PCa.

Sargassum henslowianum polysaccharides induce apoptosis of prostate cancer associated macrophages via the CD206-ERK-ROS pathway

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a predominant immunosuppressive cell type within the tumor microenvironment. Whether polysaccharides from Sargassum henslowianum C. Ag. (SH) exert anti-tumor effects by modulating TAMs remains under investigation. In this study, we isolated and characterized a uniform sulfated polysaccharide, SHA1P-2, from SH, with a molecular weight of 68,000 g/mol. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that fucose and galactose were the predominant components, with minor amounts of xylose and mannose. RM1-Raw264.7 cells, simulating TAMs, were induced by culturing Raw264.7 cells in the supernatant of prostate cancer RM1 cells, and their effects on T-cell proliferation were assessed. Unlike Raw264.7 cells, RM1-Raw264.7 cells significantly suppressed concanavalin A-induced T-cell proliferation, a suppression alleviated by SHA1P-2 treatment. Interestingly, SHA1P-2 did not induce apoptosis in Raw264.7 cells but effectively triggered apoptosis in RM1-Raw264.7 cells. The apoptotic mechanism was mediated via the upregulation of CD206 in TAMs, as evidenced by reduced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels when CD206 was knocked down or p-ERK was inhibited in TAMs. These findings demonstrate that SHA1P-2 promotes TAM apoptosis via the CD206-ERK-ROS axis, indicating that elevated ROS levels serve as a key trigger for TAM apoptosis, thereby presenting a novel strategy for TAM-based anti-tumor therapies.

Genetic alterations of GI-NECs involving three main signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (GI)-neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are subclassified in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), and mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs). The genetic characteristics of GI-NEN has been a hot issue in recent years, but more studies are needed to provide further details. This study aims to provide additional data about genomic characteristics of GI-NENs and the genetic differences between NETs and NECs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen samples were selected for next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis with a 425-gene panel. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were calculated as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to test for protein expression.

RESULTS

Genetic alterations were very common in NECs, but rare in NETs. The average TMB of NETs and NECs was 2.3 and 6.9, respectively. The TMB of NECs was significantly higher compared to NETs. The TP53 mutation rate was significantly higher in NECs than in NETs (100% vs. 20%), other mutations involved MTOR (n = 2, 15.4%), DDR2 (n = 3, 23.1%), ERBB4 (n = 1, 7.7%), BRCA1 (n = 1, 7.7%), BRCA2 (n = 1, 7.7%), ATM (n = 1, 7.7%), and SMAD4 (n = 1, 7.7%). Deep loss of SMAD4 (1/3, 33.3%), SDHB (1/3, 33.3%), RB1 (1/3, 33.3%), and BRCA2 (1/3, 33.3%), high-level amplification of CRKL (1/3, 33.3%), CCNE1(1/3, 33.3%), and MCL1(1/3, 33.3%) were found in NECs. The integrated analysis found these genetic alterations frequently involve DNA repair and cell cycle, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and TGF-β/SMAD4 signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Genetic alterations were very common in NECs and rare in NETs, and frequently involved three main signaling pathways. NEC patients harboring these genetic alterations may benefit from targeted therapy and PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.

Multi-functional adhesive hydrogel as bio-interface for wireless transient pacemaker

Traditional temporary cardiac pacemakers (TCPs), which employ transcutaneous leads and external wired power systems are battery-dependent and generally non-absorbable with rigidity, thereby necessitating surgical retrieval after therapy and resulting in potentially severe complications. Wireless and bioresorbable transient pacemakers have, hence, emerged recently, though hitting a bottleneck of unfavorable tissue-device bonding interface subject to mismatched mechanical modulus, low adhesive strength, inferior electrical performances, and infection risks. Here, to address such crux, we develop a multifunctional interface hydrogel (MIH) with superior electrical performance to facilitate efficient electrical exchange, comparable mechanical strength to natural heart tissue, robust adhesion property to enable stable device-tissue fixation (tensile strength: ∼30 kPa, shear strength of ∼30 kPa, and peel-off strength: ∼85 kPa), and good bactericidal effect to suppress bacterial growth. Through delicate integration of this versatile MIH with a leadless, battery-free, wireless, and transient pacemaker, the entire system exhibits stable and conformal adhesion to the beating heart while enabling precise and constant electrical stimulation to modulate the cardiac rhythm. It is envisioned that this versatile MIH and the proposed integration framework will have immense potential in overcoming key limitations of traditional TCPs, and may inspire the design of novel bioelectronic-tissue interfaces for next-generation implantable medical devices.

[Induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha in two kinds of rats asphyxiation death models]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-alpha) in the heart, lung, liver and kidney in rats died of two typical models of asphyxia.

METHODS

Two asphyxia models were made and tissue samples of the dead rats were collected from different groups at various postmortem duration. The expression and the changes of HIF1-alpha in various tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry and image analysis techniques. Results Significant expression of HIF1-alpha was observed in the myocardial fibers, kidney cells, liver cells and lung cells in both asphyxia models, but not in the control group. The expression of HIF1-alpha in various tissues in the rat died of nitrogen gas breathing was found in the nuclei at 0 hour and the expression level decreased gradually thereafter. The HIF1-alpha expression level and duration in various tissues of the rat died of hanging were higher and longer than that of the former group, with a peak of the expression level observed 6 hours after death, and then started to decline in all tissues except the heart where the expression still showed an increase 24 hours after death. The control groups showed a steady expression in the cytoplasm but not in the nuclei.

CONCLUSION

HIF1-alpha appears to be a valuable biomarker in the diagnosis of asphyxia within 24 hours after death.

[Species identification by multiplex amplifying mtDNA-HV I, HV II and cytb regions]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the method for species identification by multiplex amplification of mtDNA-HV I, HV II and cytb regions.

METHODS

The bloodstains or muscular tissues of human and 16 kinds of animals were collected. DNA were quantified after extraction. Three pairs of primers were mixed in the same reaction and the PCR amplification products were analyzed by PAGE and silver staining.

RESULTS

The presence of three bands (278 bp, 358 bp, 425 bp) indicated the samples were from human, while only one band indicated nonhuman origin. The position of the animal's only band is different from the band (358 bp) of human.

CONCLUSION

The method of species identification by multiplex amplifying mtDNA-HV I, HV II and cytb regions is simple and sensitive. It is of use for forensic identification.

Allele frequencies of D16S764 and D10S2470 in two populations

POPULATION: Chinese Han (n=103) and Thai (n=110).

Identification of human papillomavirus and Rb/E2F pathway genomic alterations in mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the molecular characteristics of Rb/E2F in mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinicopathological features of MANEC were analyzed. The protein expressions of Rb, p16, and p53 were detected by the immunohistochemical method. The infection status of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) was evaluated by in situ hybridization (ISH) and the gene chip method.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases of MANEC were divided into four molecular patterns according to Rb protein expression and HPV status. Group 1: A total of eight of the 13 cases showed positive Rb protein expression and lack of HR-HPV expression (8/13, 62%). Rb protein expression with p16 protein deletion and p53 protein abnormal expression was unique to NEC. Group 2: three cases (3/13, 23%) with negative Rb protein expression and lack of HR-HPV expression. Group 3: There was one case (1/13, 8%) with positive expression of Rb protein accompanied by HR-HPV. Group 4: There was one case of Rb protein loss with an HR-HPV-positive status.

CONCLUSIONS

HR-HPV and Rb/p16/p53 pathway can be associated in MANEC pathogenesis, which provides the research basis for personalized treatment of MANEC.

[Expression of HIF1-alpha on myocardium and lung in rats model of asphyxia death]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of HIF1-alpha in heart and lung tissue died from asphyxia.

METHODS

The rats model of asphyxia death was constructed by hanging, different asphyxia groups and control group sets were made according the postmortem time (0,2,6,24 h), immunohistochemistry and half-quantitative RT-PCR methods were used to investigate expression of HIF1-alpha and mRNA changes on heart and lung tissue.

RESULTS

The positive staining of HIF1-alpha could be observed in the myocardium and lung tissue. Significant differences were found between the groups of asphyxia and their corresponding control group. HIF1-alpha expression was found in all the asphyxia groups while it was only expressed in the control groups of 2 h, 6 h and 24 h. Nucleic positive staining could be detected in all the asphyxia groups but none was found in the control groups. RT-PCR showed that the expression of mRNA between 0 h asphyxia group and 0 h control group were equal in both cardic muscle and lung, but elevated expression in groups of 2,6,24h compared to their control groups.

CONCLUSION

The nuclear positive staining of HIF1-alpha in heart and lung can be a special character of suffocation death.