Mir-138-5p acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 in human retinoblastoma

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs have caught more attention for their role in tumor progression. Retinoblastoma (RB) is one of these ordinary malignant tumors. This study aims to identify whether mir-138-5p can regulate the development of RB, and find out its potential mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mir-138-5p expression in RB cells was monitored by RT-qPCR. Besides, the role of mir-138-5p in RB development was explored through function experiments in vitro. The potential mechanism was further explored by RT-qPCR, luciferase assay, and Western blot assay.

RESULTS

In our investigation, mir-138-5p was lower-expressed in RB cells than that in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Moreover, overexpression of mir-138-5p repressed cell viability, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis of RB cells, while downregulated mir-138-5p increased cell viability, migration and invasion, and reduced apoptosis of RB cells. Furthermore, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) could be downregulated via overexpression of mir-138-5p, while PDK1 was upregulated via knockdown of mir-138-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that mir-138-5p could repress the development of RB via suppressing PDK1, which may offer a new vision for interpreting the mechanism of RB tumorigenesis.

[Influence of vagus nerve on multiple organ function and immune reaction of T lymphocytes in septic rats]

Objective: To explore influence of vagus nerve on multiple organ function and immune reaction of T lymphocytes in septic rats. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham injury group, sepsis group, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) group, and vagotomy (VGX) group, according to the random number table, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in sepsis group, VNS group, and VGX group were inflicted with sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rats in VNS group were given electrical stimulation on left cervical vagus nerve for 15 min right after CLP. Rats in VGX group underwent vagotomy of left cervical vagus nerve at 30 min before CLP. At 24 h after CLP, serum of rats was collected to detect levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glycocholic acid (CG), creatine kinase (CK), myocardial creatine kinase (CK-MB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine by fully automatic biochemistry analyzer. The left lung of rats was collected to determine wet or dry mass, and wet to dry (W/D) ratio was calculated. The right lung of rats was collected to measure the activity of pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spleen of rats was collected to determine the proliferative activity of CD4(+) T lymphocytes by cell counting kit 8, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA were used to quantify mRNA expressions and levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon-γ, and IL-4, respectively. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's honest significant difference test. Results: (1) The levels of serum ALT, AST, CG, CK, CK-MB, BUN, and creatinine, pulmonary W/D ratio, as well as MPO activity of rats in sepsis group were significantly higher than those in sham injury group and VNS group (P<0.01) and were significantly lower than those in VGX group (P<0.01). (2) The proliferative activity of CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in sepsis group was 0.93±0.03, which was significantly lower than 1.54±0.07 of rats in sham injury group (P<0.01). The proliferative activity of CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in VNS group was 1.15±0.15, which was significantly higher than that of rats in sepsis group (P<0.01). The proliferative activity of CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in VGX group was 0.75±0.06, which was obviously lower than that of rats in sepsis group (P<0.01). (3) In comparison with those of rats in sham injury group, the levels of IL-2 and interferon-γ in CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in sepsis group were markedly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of IL-4 was significantly increased (P<0.01). In comparison with those of rats in sepsis group, the levels of IL-2 and interferon-γ in CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in VNS group were obviously increased (P<0.01), while the level of IL-4 was markedly decreased (P<0.01). As compared with those of rats in sepsis group, the levels of IL-2 and interferon-γ in CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in VGX group were markedly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of IL-4 was significantly increased (P<0.01). (4) As compared with those of rats in sham injury group, expressions of IL-2 and interferon-γ mRNA in CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in sepsis group were markedly decreased (P<0.01), while expression of IL-4 mRNA was significantly increased (P<0.01). Expressions of IL-2 and interferon-γ mRNA in CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in VNS group were obviously increased when compared with those of rats in sepsis group (P<0.01), while expression of IL-4 mRNA was markedly decreased (P<0.01). In comparison with those of rats in sepsis group, expressions of IL-2 and interferon-γ mRNA in CD4(+) T lymphocytes of rats in VGX group were markedly decreased (P<0.01), while expression of IL-4 mRNA was significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusions: Electrical stimulation of vagus nerve can significantly improve multiple organ dysfunction and reverse immunosuppression of T lymphocytes in septic rats, while vagotomy of vagus nerve may enhance the susceptibility of rats to sepsis.

[Efficacy of deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops on early recovery after pterygium surgery]

Objective: To investigate the effect of deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops on early postoperative recovery in primary pterygium patients. Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Patients diagnosed with primary pterygium in single eye at affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University during March 2016 to May 2016 were enrolled. After Pterygium excision with autologous conjunctival transplantation, patients were randomly assigned into four groups by a random number table, treated with anti-inflammaroty drugs only (control group) or combined with the following agents: deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops (DCBE group), carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops (CMC group), and recombinant human epidermal growth factor eye drops (rEGF group). Short-form McGill pain questionnaire, slit lamp and corneal fluorescein sodium staining, non-contact intraocular pressure, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acquity (BCVA) as well as redness score of bulbar conjunctiva were performed before surgery (d0) and on day 1 (d1), day 2 (d2), day 3 (d3), day 7 (d7) and day 14 (d14) after surgery. Results: One hundred and fourteen patients including 43 males and 71 females, aged (48.9±12.5) years, were eventually included in this study. The McGill scores gradually decreased after surgery in all groups. On d2, the McGill score in DCBE group, control group, CMC group and rEGF group was (1.42±0.67), (2.21±0.88), (1.93±1.08) and (1.77±1.18), respectively; On d3, the score was (1.32±0.54), (1.93±0.72), (1.79±0.87) and (1.52±0.77), respectively. On d2 and d3, statistical difference was recorded among groups (d2, F=3.43, P=0.019; d3, F=4.047, P=0.009), and the McGill score of DCBE group was significantly lower than that of CMC group (d2, P=0.047, d3, P=0.017). On d2, the percentage of corneal epithelium defect in DCBE group, control group, CMC group and rEGF group was 8.6%±1.9%, 11.7%±1.7%, 11.5%±1.9% and 10.4%±1.8%, respectively; On d3, the percentage was 4.5%±2.2%, 9.2%±2.4%, 7.4%±2.5% and 5.9%±2.3%, respectively. On d2 and d3, statistical difference of corneal epithelium defect percentage was recorded among groups (d2, F=17.17, P<0.001; d3, F=21.4, P<0.001). On d2, the percentage of corneal epithelium defect in DCBE group was significantly lower than the other three groups (P<0.01); On d3, the percentage of corneal epithelium defect in DCBE group was significantly lower than control group and CMC group (P<0.001), while no difference was found between DCBE group and rEGF group (P>0.05). However, no statistical differences were recorded in the number of patients with vision improvement among the groups (P>0.05). The intraocular pressure remained stable. No differences in the conjunctival redness score were found among the groups after surgery (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our data demonstrated the efficacy of deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops on the postoperative management in patients with primary patients, with faster pain relief and promoted epithelium recovery. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:134-140).

A novel multiplex PCR for virus detection by melting curve analysis

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Taqman probe based melting curve analysis can detect and distinguish six respiratory viruses simultaneously.

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The multiplex PCR established here has a good analytical sensitivity and specificity.

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The accordance rate between the multiplex PCR and direct fluorescent antibody testing was high.

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Taqman probe based melting curve analysis is well suited to multiple virus detection.

Background

Rapid and accurate laboratory diagnoses of viral infections are crucial for the management and treatment of patients with viral infections. Conventional methods for virus detection are labourious, time consuming, and only a single virus can be analysed in one assay.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to develop a novel real-time PCR method for multiple virus detection by melting curve analysis using Taqman probes in a single reaction.

Study design

As a model, six respiratory viruses were detected in one tube using three fluorophores. The specificity was assessed by cross-reaction tests with other common respiratory pathogens. The analytical sensitivity was assessed by testing the limit of detection of the assay using artificial plasmids as the positive template. The clinical evaluation of the established assay was evaluated for the detection of respiratory viruses in clinical samples, and the results were compared with direct fluorescent antibody testing (DFA).

Results

The six respiratory viruses were clearly distinguished by their respective melting temperature values in the corresponding fluorescence detection channels. No cross reactions were observed by cross reaction tests. The detection limits of this assay were 2 to 2 × 10³ copies per reaction for each virus. The clinical evaluation of this assay was demonstrated by analysing 352 clinical samples, and 67(19.0%) samples were positive for at least one virus. The accordance rate between the established PCR and DFA testing was high, and ranged from 94.57% to 100%.

Conclusions

Taqman probe-based melting curve analysis is well suited for detection of multiple viruses in clinical and research laboratories because of its high throughput, reliability, and cost savings.

[Clinical Application Value of Peripheral Blood Diagnostic Report]

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of peripheral blood diagnostic report. Methods: 557 peripheral blood diagnostic reports were collected from Peking University First Hospital, YANDA LU DAOPEI Hospital and Beijing United Family Hospital. The results were analyzed and summarized according to different blood cell morphology character for the first time and review cases, respectively. Results: Two hundred and one samples from first time patients were found abnormal complete blood count or leukocyte differential count, they were summarized as anemia, anemia accompanied with leukopenia or thrombopenia, abnormal white blood cell count or leukocyte differential count and abnormal platelet count. Each condition was further distinguished on the basis of different morphology character. Initial diagnosis or further examination could be proposed if abnormal morphology was specific or typical, when blood cell morphology was atypical or normal, the morphology was described objectively. 22 review cases included many benign and malignant disorders such as acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, infectious mononucleosis and so on. Suggestion of therapeutic effect, progression of diseases or further examination could be present according to complete blood cell count and morphology character. Conclusion: Peripheral blood diagnostic report can provide more comprehensive and accurate information for clinic, and propose important advisory opinions for primary diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment monitoring and progression assessment.

Correction to: Characterization of bactericidal efficiency, cell selectivity, and mechanism of short interspecific hybrid peptides

Facing rising global antibiotics resistance, physical membrane-damaging antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising antimicrobial agents. Various strategies to design effective hybrid peptides offer many advantages in overcoming the adverse effects of natural AMPs.

Characterization of bactericidal efficiency, cell selectivity, and mechanism of short interspecific hybrid peptides

Facing rising global antibiotics resistance, physical membrane-damaging antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising antimicrobial agents. Various strategies to design effective hybrid peptides offer many advantages in overcoming the adverse effects of natural AMPs. In this study, hybrid peptides from different species were investigated, and three hybrid antimicrobial peptides, LI, LN, and LC, were designed by combining the typical fragment of human cathelicidin-derived LL37 with either indolicidin, pig nematode cecropin P1 (CP-1) or rat neutrophil peptide-1 (NP-1). In an aqueous solution, all hybrid peptides had an unordered conformation. In simulated membrane conditions, the hybrid peptide LI displayed more β-turn and β-hairpin structures, whereas LN and LC folded into α-helix structures. The three interspecific hybrid peptides LI, LN, and LC exhibited different levels of antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. LI demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity and cell selectivity. The results of the swimming motility indicated that LI repressed bacterial motility in a concentration-dependent method. Endotoxin binding assay demonstrated that hybrid peptide LI conserved the binding ability to LPS (polyanionic lipopolysaccharides) of its parental peptides. Fluorescence assays, flow cytometry, and SEM further revealed that hybrid peptide LI acted through different bacteriostatic mechanisms than LL37 and indolicidin and that LI killed bacterial cells via membrane damage. In summary, this study demonstrated that hybrid peptide LI produced by interspecific hybrid synthesis possessed strong cell selectivity and is a promising therapeutic candidate for drug-resistant bacteria infection.

[Accelerated transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus with a thin cornea: one-year results]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results of keratoconic eyes with a thin cornea treated with accelerated transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking (A-TE-CXL) within 1 year. Methods: Nineteen eyes of 19 patients with progressive keratoconus with a minimum corneal thickness from 380 μm to 420 μm (including the epithelium) were included in this prospective, nonrandomized clinical study and treated with A-TE-CXL. Scoring of pain and foreign body sensation, slit lamp examination, uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected distance visual acuity, corneal topography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, in vivo corneal confocal microscopy and endothelial cell count were assessed before surgery and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Paired t test was applied for statistical analysis. Results: Mild pain and moderate foreign body sensation were reported by most patients within postoperative 24 hours, but rapidly disappeared on day 2. Extremely mild epithelial damage was observed within postoperative 24 hours, and the epithelium fully recovered on day 2. Improvement of visual acuity was recorded at 3 and 12 months. Pentacam corneal topography revealed a significant reduction of the thickness of the thinnest location from(395.2±13.8)μm preoperatively to (378.9±17.1)μm at 1 month postoperatively (t=2.982, P<0.01). Front curvature values were reduced postoperatively. K(MAX) was significantly decreased at 12 months (55.67±4.91) compared with (57.35±5.54) preoperatively, while K2 was also significantly decreased at 12 months (52.18±3.70) compared with (52.70±3.56) preoperatively (K(MAX), t=3.044, P<0.01. K2, t=2.384, P<0.05) . Within 1 month postoperatively, optical coherence tomography exhibited an increase of reflectance with a demarcation line in the anterior stroma. In vivo confocal microscopy also showed significant thickening and increased connections of collagen fibers with a maximal depth at about 90 to 120 μm. The corneal endothelial cell density remained stable (t=0.692, P>0.05). None of the patients showed postoperative complications such as corneal infection, scarring and ulceration. Conclusions: Within 1 year postoperatively, A-TE-CXL was effective and safe for the management of progressive keratoconus with a thin cornea. A-TE-CXL showed the advantages of very short time consuming in surgery, rapid recovery and very few complications, and had the potential to become a valid alternative for the treatment of keratoconus. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 694-700).

High sensitivity of spontaneous spike frequency to sodium leak current in a Lymnaea pacemaker neuron

The spontaneous rhythmic firing of action potentials in pacemaker neurons depends on the biophysical properties of voltage-gated ion channels and background leak currents. The background leak current includes a large K⁺ and a small Na⁺ component. We previously reported that a Na⁺ -leak current via U-type channels is required to generate spontaneous action potential firing in the identified respiratory pacemaker neuron, RPeD1, in the freshwater pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. We further investigated the functional significance of the background Na⁺ current in rhythmic spiking of RPeD1 neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording and computational modeling approaches were carried out in isolated RPeD1 neurons. The whole-cell current of the major ion channel components in RPeD1 neurons were characterized, and a conductance-based computational model of the rhythmic pacemaker activity was simulated with the experimental measurements. We found that the spiking rate is more sensitive to changes in the Na⁺ leak current as compared to the K⁺ leak current, suggesting a robust function of Na⁺ leak current in regulating spontaneous neuronal firing activity. Our study provides new insight into our current understanding of the role of Na⁺ leak current in intrinsic properties of pacemaker neurons.

Congenital heart diseases and their association with the variant distribution features on susceptibility genes

Congenital heart disease (CHD), one of the causes of childhood morbidity and mortality, is mainly triggered by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Several susceptible genes, such as NKX2-5, GATA4 and TBX5, have been reported as closely related to heart and vessel development. CHD subtypes are classified into diverse clinical phenotypes, such as atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS). Here, we summarize the associations of the genetic variants in these three genes with CHD subtypes. CHD-associated variants of NKX2-5 locate mainly in the tinman domain and the homeodomain. Mutations in the homeodomain are correlated with ASD and atrioventricular (AV) block subtypes. VSD-associated variants of GATA4 are mainly at its terminal ends. Variants of TBX5 gene are primarily in exons 3, 4, 5 and 7 and highly associated with HOS subtype. Hence, the variant distribution of NKX2-5, GATA4 and TBX5 are tightly associated with particular CHD subtypes. Further structure-modelling analysis revealed that these mutated amino acid residuals maintain their DNA-binding ability and structural stability. Therefore structural features of these genes may be used to predict the high risk of CHD subtypes in infants.

Levator resection with suspensory ligament of the superior fornix suspension for correction of pediatric congenital ptosis with poor levator function

PurposeTo evaluate the surgical outcome of levator resection with suspensory ligament of the superior fornix (SLSF) suspension in severe congenital ptosis with poor levator function (LF).Patients and methodsThe medical records of 25 patients who underwent levator resection with SLSF suspension between March 2011 and January 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. All of the patients had severe congenital ptosis (>4 mm) and poor LF (<4 mm). The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 18 months (median, 15 months). Data regarding eyelid position, cosmetic outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated.ResultsThe average preoperative margin reflex distance-1 (MRD1) measured -0.30±0.11 mm. The average postoperative MRD1 measured 3.1±1.25 mm at the last follow-up visit. There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative MRD1 values (P<0.001). Excellent cosmetic results occurred in 14 patients, good cosmetic results occurred in eight patients and poor cosmetic results did not occur. Three patients (12%) underwent reoperation for residual ptosis. No serious postoperative complications occurred.ConclusionLevator resection with SLSF suspension is very effective in the treatment of severe congenital ptosis with poor LF. This surgery technique results in high functional and cosmetic successes in the long term.

[TAK1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

Transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) is thought to play a key role in the initiation of Smad-independent TGF-β signaling. This study investigated the role of TAK1 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) lens epithelial cells.

METHODS

TAK1 was overexpressed in the HLE B-3 cell line by transfecting TAK1-pcDNA3 and TAK1-binding protein 1 (TAB1)-pcDNA3 plasmids. The expression levels of TAK1, phospho-TAK1, E-cadherin, and fibronectin were detected by Western blot analysis and immunocytofluorescence to analyze the effects of overexpression. The levels of α-SMA and type I collagen were analyzed by real-time PCR. Quantitative data were analyzed by Student's t test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (multiple comparisons using LSD test).

RESULTS

Western blot analysis showed in the TAK1-pcDNA3 plasmids group, expression of TAK1 proteins (1.00±0.03) with a maximum upregulation of approximately 80% at 24 h than it was in the control group (0.19±0.09)(t=8.02, P< 0.01); Western blot analysis showed in the TAB1-pcDNA3 plasmids group, expression of TAB1 proteins (1.00±0.02) with a maximum upregulation of approximately 78% at 24 h than it was in the control group (0.22±0.08)(t=7.63, P<0.01). The levels of E-cadherin/Beta-actin had significant differences among control, overexpression of TAK1 together with TAB1, overexpression of TAK1, and overexpression of TAB1 (1.00±0.02, 0.12±0.03, 0.98±0.09, 0.92±0.08;F=31.03, P<0.01). The levels of fibronectin/Beta-actin had significant differences among control, overexpression of TAK1 together with TAB1, overexpression of TAK1, and overexpression of TAB1 (0.11±0.03, 1.00±0.05, 0.16±0.04, 0.21±0.05;F=35.12, P<0.01). Overexpression of TAK1 with TAB1 resulted in upregulated expression of fibronectin, and downregulated expression of E-cadherin. The expression of E-cadherin was increased and the expression of fibronectin was decreased by TAK1 siRNA and TAK1 chemical inhibitors in the presence of TGF-β2.

CONCLUSION

These data reveal that TAK1 can induce the EMT of HLE cells, and the inhibition of TAK1 phosphorylation may be a potential novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of posterior capsule opacification. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 278-284).

Genotypes of the Enterovirus Causing Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Shanghai, China, 2012-2013

Sporadic HFMD (hand foot and mouth disease, HFMD) cases and outbreaks caused by etiologic agents other than EV71 and CA16 have increased globally. We conducted this study to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of enteroviruses, especially the non-EV71 and non-CA16 enteroviruses, causing HFMD in Shanghai. Clinical specimens were collected from patients with a diagnosis of HFMD. A partial length of VP1 was amplified with RT-PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using MEGA 5.0. The ages of the HFMD cases ranged from 3 to 96 months, and the male/female ratio was 1.41. The median hospital stay was 2.96 days. Up to 18.0% of patients had neurologic system complications such as encephalitis, meningoencephalitis or meningitis. Of the 480 samples, 417 were positive for enterovirus (86.9%) with RT-PCR. A total of 13 enterovirus genotypes were identified. The most frequent genotypes were CA6 (31.9%), EV71 (30.6%), CA16 (8.8%) and CA10 (7.5%). Infections with CA6, EV71, CA16 and CA10 were prevalent throughout the years of study, while the proportion of CA6 notably increased from Sep. 2012 to Dec. 2013. Phylogenetic analyses showed that EV71 strains belonged to the C4a subgenogroup and CA16 was identified as B1b subgenogroup. The CA6 strains were assigned to genogroup F, whereas the CA10 strains were assigned to genogroup D. Patients infected with CA6 were typically younger, had a shorter hospital stay and had a lower incidence of neurologic system complications when compared to patients infected with EV71. Our study demonstrates that the enterovirus genotypes causing HFMD were diversified, and there was an increasing prevalence of the non-EV71 and non-CA16 enteroviruses from 2012 to 2013. CA6 was the most predominant pathogen causing HFMD from Sep. 2012 to Dec. 2013, and it often caused relatively mild HFMD symptoms. Most severe HFMD cases were associated with EV71 infection.

Role of Patient Factors and Practice Patterns in Determining Access to Liver Waitlist

Geographic variability in access to care is a persistent challenge in transplantation. Little is known about how patients with end-stage liver disease are chosen for referral, evaluation and listing. Utilizing death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2002 to 2009, estimated liver demand (ELD) was measured by aggregating annual deaths from liver disease and liver transplants performed in each donor service area (DSA). In DSAs with higher ELD, more patients per capita were listed for transplantation (p < 0.001). In addition, listing rates per ELD varied fivefold across DSAs, with more patients per ELD being transplanted in DSAs with higher listing rates (p < 0.001). After adjusting for liver donor risk index and MELD at transplant, there was no association between listing rate and posttransplant survival (HR 1.002, p = 0.77). In addition, DSAs with lower listing rates were more likely to export organs (p < 0.001) of lower liver donor risk index (p < 0.001). Listing sicker patients was associated with increased access to the waitlist and transplantation and more efficient organ utilization, but had minimal effect on posttransplant outcomes after adjusting for the resulting organ shortage.