[Identification, molecular structure and expression characteristics of Torso like gene in Anopheles dirus]

OBJECTIVE

To characterize Torso-like (tsl) gene and investigate its expression characteristics in Anopheles dirus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for subsequent functional studies of the tsl gene.

METHODS

According to the coding sequences of Drosophila melanogaster and An. gambiae tsl genes, the complete genome of An. dirus was retrieved and the An. dirus tsl gene was characterized. Specific primers were designed and the target gene was amplified using PCR and reverse-transcription PCR assays. The physicochemical properties, signal peptide, transmembrane structure, secondary structure and tertiary structure of the encoded protein TSL were analyzed using bioinformatics tools, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed. In addition, the specific expression of the tls gene was detected in various tissues of An. dirus using a quantitative real-time PCR assay.

RESULTS

The An. dirus tsl gene was 16 751 bp in length with a CDS region of 1 134 bp, encoding 377 amino acids, and the encoded TSL protein was a stably hydrophilic protein. The TSL protein was predicted to be a secretory protein that was located in extra-membrane regions containing signal peptides. The secondary structure of the TSL protein contained α-helix (51.72%), extended strand (12.20%), β-bridge (4.78%) and random coil (31.30%) in the secondary structure, and a 3D homology model was generated using 5cj9.1.A as a template. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close genetic relationship in the TSL protein between An. dirus and An. farauti. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR assay detected the tsl gene expression in the head, chest, abdomen and foot of An. dirus, with the highest expression in the head and low expression in the foot.

CONCLUSIONS

The tsl gene is characterized in An. dirus at a genomic level, and the prediction of the TSL protein structure and the elucidation of the tissue-specific tsl gene expression in An. dirus provide a basis for the further studies on the gene functions.

[Assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk along the Yangtze River basin after the flood disaster in 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the flood disaster on schistosomiasis transmission along the Yangtze River basin in 2020, so as to provide insights into schistosomiasis prevention and control in flood-affected areas.

METHODS

The data pertaining to the endemic situation of schistosomiasis were collected from 5 provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu from 2013 to 2019, including Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock and snail distribution, and the warning water levels and actual water status were collected in water regions locating in these 5 provinces. The cumulative numbers of S. japonicum egg-positive individuals and bovines during the period from 2013 to 2019, the area of snail habitats in 2019 and the water level on July 12, 2020 were estimated at a county level and employed as parameters for classification of schistosomiasis transmission risk. Then, the cumulative value of each risk index was calculated to assess the risk of schistosomiasis transmission risk.

RESULTS

After the flood disaster along the Yangtze River basin in 2020, there were 10, 5 and 9 counties (districts) at high risk of schistosomiasis transmission in 5 provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu based on number of egg-positive individuals, number of egg-positive bovines and snail distribution, respectively. Based on comprehensive risk indices, there were 10 (8 in Dongting Lake regions of Hunan Province and 2 in Poyang Lake regions of Jiangxi Province) and 15 counties (districts) (4 in Hubei Province, 7 in Hunan Province and 4 in Jiangxi Province) identified at grades 5 and 4 risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Dongting Lake regions and Poyang Lake regions are the most severely flood-affected schistosomiasis-endemic foci of China in 2020, and the flood disaster may facilitate the transmission of schistosomiasis in affected areas. Therefore, schistosomiasis control requires to be intensified after the flood disaster to prevent the rebound of the disease.

[Challenges of schistosomiasis control in China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the implementation of schistosomiasis control activities in China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, so as to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on the national schistosomiasis control program in China.

METHODS

On April 2020, 3 counties (districts) were randomly selected from each of the 12 schistosomiasis-endemic provinces (municipality, autonomous region), and a questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the implementation of schistosomiasis control activities in these counties (districts) from January to March 2020. Then, the impact of the COVID-19 epidemics on the national schistosomiasis control program of China was evaluated using a comparative analysis approach.

RESULTS

Among the 36 counties (cities, districts) sampled from 12 provinces (municipality, autonomous region), 66.67% were at a high and medium risk of COVID-19 epidemics. The implementation of schistosomiasis control activities assignment, human schistosomiasis examination and treatment, snail control with chemical treatment and health education reduced by 44.26% to 91.56% as compared to 2019 during the same time period, and the schistosomiasis control program was more affected by COVID-19 in transmission-controlled provinces. The gross funds invested into the schistosomiasis control program reduced by 23.39% in relative to the expected, while the total expenditure increased by 41.22%. In addition, all 36 surveyed counties (districts) considered that the COVID-19 epidemic had a short-term impact on the schistosomiasis control program, with the most predominant impact on schistosomiasis control activities assignment, human resources and monitoring of endemic situation of schistosomiasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 epidemics affect the routine schistosomiasis control program across the endemic-foci of China. Policy and financial support should be strengthened to ensure the completion of the schistosomiasis control program.

[Prevalence of soil - borne nematode infections among residents living in urban/town areas of China in 2015]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections among residents living in urban/town areas of China, so as to provide insights into the control and elimination of soil-borne nematodiasis.

METHODS

A total of 5 epidemic areas were classified in China according to the prevalence of human Clonorchis sinensis infections captured from the 2014-2015 national survey on major human parasitic diseases in China, and the total sample size was estimated according to the binomial distribution and Poisson's distribution. Then, the total sample size was allocated proportionally to each province (autonomous region, municipality) of China based on the percentage of residents living in urban and town areas, and the number of survey sites in each province (autonomous region, municipality) was proportionally assigned according to the percentages of residents living in urban and town areas. Then, stratified sampling was performed at county, township and community levels according to the number of sampling sites in each province (autonomous region, municipality), and the survey site (community) was defined as the smallest sampling unit. All permanent residents in the survey sites were selected as the study subjects, and their stool samples were collected for identification and counting of parasite egg using a Kato-Katz technique. The prevalence and intensity of each parasite species were calculated.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2015, among the 133 231 residents detected in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China, the overall prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was 1.23% (1 636/133 231), and the prevalence rates of hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections were 0.77% (1 032/133 231), 0.32% (426/133 231) and 0.17% (224/133 231), respectively. The highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was seen in Jiangxi (4.03%, 82/2 034) and Chongqing (4.03%, 524/13 012), followed by in Hainan (3.47%, 72/2 075). The prevalence of soilborne nematode infections was 1.07% (662/62 139) in men and 1.37% (974/71 092) in women, and the greatest prevalence was found in residents at ages of 65 to 70 years (2.56%, 219/8 569). With regard to occupations and education levels, herdsmen (2.47%, 2/81) and illiterate residents (3.33%, 226/6 795) were found to have the highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections, respectively. In addition, mild infections were predominantly identified in hookworm-, A. lumbricoides- and T. trichiura-infected individuals (all > 90%).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of soil-borne nematodiasis remains low in urban and town areas of China; however, human infections are widespread. According to the epidemiological features, health education combined with deworming are recommended to reduce the prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections among residents living in urban and town areas of China.

Targeted delivery of miR-99b reprograms tumor-associated macrophage phenotype leading to tumor regression

Background

Accumulating evidence has shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in tumor progression. Targeting TAMs is a potential strategy for tumor immunotherapy. However, the mechanism underlying the TAM phenotype and function needs to be resolved. Our previous studies have demonstrated that miR-125a can reverse the TAM phenotype toward antitumor. Meanwhile, we have found that miR-125a and miR-99b cluster in the first intron of the same host gene, and are transcribed simultaneously in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) following LPS+IFNγ stimulation. However, it remains unclear whether miR-99b by itself can exert an antitumor effect by regulating macrophage phenotype.

Methods

miR-99b and/or miR-125a were delivered into TAMs of orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or subcutaneous Lewis lung cancer (LLC) mice. The effect of treatment was evaluated by live imaging, TUNEL staining and survival tests. The phenotype of the immune cells was determined by qRT-PCR, ELISA, western blot and FACS. The capability of miR-99b-mediated macrophage phagocytosis and antigen presentation was detected by FACS and immunofluorescence staining. The underlying molecular mechanism was examined by qRT-PCR, reporter assay and western blot, and further verified in the tumor model. The expression of miR-99b and its target genes was determined in TAMs sorted from tumor and adjacent tissues in patients with liver cancer.

Results

Targeted delivery of miR-99b and/or miR-125a into TAMs significantly impeded the growth of HCC and LLC, especially after miR-99b delivery. More importantly, the delivery of miR-99b re-educated TAM toward antitumor phenotype with enhanced immune surveillance. Further investigation of mechanisms showed that macrophage-specific overexpression of miR-99b promoted M1 while suppressing M2 macrophage polarization by targeting κB-Ras2 and/or mTOR, respectively. miR-99b-overexpressed M1 macrophage was characterized by stronger capability of phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Additionally, delivery of simTOR or siκB-Ras2 into TAMs inhibited miR-99b antagomir-triggered tumor growth. Finally, miR-99b expression was lower in TAMs of patients with liver cancer than that in adjacent tissues, while the expression of κB-Ras2 and mTOR was reversed.

Conclusions

Our results reveal the mechanism of miR-99b-mediated TAM phenotype, indicating that TAM-targeted delivery of miR-99b is a potential strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

[Molecular identification of Tricula spp. and the parasitized trematode cercariae in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To characterize a species of the genus Tricula and parasitized trematodes in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province using a molecular analysis, so as to understand their taxonomic positions.

METHODS

Tricula spp. and Oncomelania snails were collected from Xiangyun County, Yunnan Province, and cercaria parasitizing snails were observed using crushing followed by microscopy. Cercaria parasitizing Tricula snails at various morphologies were sampled using a shedding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from snail soft tissues and cercariae, and the 16S rRNA, COI, 28S rDNA genes in snails and the ND1 and 28S rDNA genes in cercariae were amplified using a PCR assay and sequenced. The species of Tricula snails and their parasitized trematodes was characterized using sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS

Among 382 Tricula snails detected, there were three types of trematode cercariae found, including the non-forked (20.94%, 80/382), double-forked (3.40%, 13/382) and swallow shapes (7.07%, 27/382). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the 16S rRNA, COI and 28S rDNA gene sequences of this species of Tricula had high homology to those in Delavaya dianchiensis, and were clustered in a branch. Sequencing analysis of the ND1 and 28S rDNA genes revealed that the non-forked cercariae belonged to the family Pleu- rogenidae, the swallow-shaped cercariae belonged to the family Opecoelidae, and the double-forked cercariae belonged to another species of the genus Schistosoma that was different from S. sinensium and S. ovuncatum.

CONCLUSIONS

The species and taxonomy of Triculla spp. and their parasitized trematodes are preliminarily determined in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province; however, further studies are required to investigate the more definite taxonomy and pathogenicity.

Downregulation of FHL1 protein in glioma inhibits tumor growth through PI3K/AKT signaling

Human four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 1 (FHL1) is a member of the FHL protein family, which serves an important role in multiple cellular events by interacting with transcription factors using its cysteine-rich zinc finger motifs. A previous study indicated that FHL1 was downregulated in several types of human cancer and served a role as a tumor suppressive gene. The overexpression of FHL1 inhibited tumor cell proliferation. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no evidence to confirm whether FHL1 affected glioma growth, and the molecular mechanisms through which FHL1 represses tumor development remain unclear. In the present study, the expression level of FHL1 was determined using immunohistochemical staining in 114 tumor specimens from patients with glioma. The results indicated that FHL1 expression was negatively associated with the pathological grade of gliomas. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the patients with an increased FHL1 expression exhibited a significantly longer survival time, suggesting that FHL1 may be a prognostic marker for glioma. The protein level of FHL1 was relatively increased in the U251 glioma cell line compared with that in the U87 cell line. Therefore, FHL1 was knocked down in U251 by siRNA and overexpressed in U87, and it was identified that FHL1 significantly decreased the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling by interacting with AKT. Further experiments verified that FHL1 inhibited the growth of gliomas in vivo by modulating PI3K/AKT signaling. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that FHL1 suppressed glioma development through PI3K/AKT signaling.

[Strategy for the South-South cooperation on schistosomiasis control under the Belt and Road Initiative]

Following the concerted efforts for nearly 70 years, great successes have been achieved in the national schistosomiasis control programme in China. Currently, the national schistosomiasis control programme in China is facing the challenges to solve the problems during the"final mile"stage towards schistosomiasis elimination, and contribute Chinese experiences, Chinese strategy and Chinese wisdom to the global schistosomiasis control programmes, so as to facilitate the transformation of the joint efforts in the Belt and Road Initiative to a high-quality development, thereby well supporting the activities on global health security. This paper analyzes the current global status of schistosomiasis and the challenges of the global schistosomiasis control programmes, describes the basis for the cooperation on schistosomiasis control among the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, illustrates the challenges for translation of Chinese experiences and techniques in schistosomiasis control to other diseaseendemic countries, and proposes the patterns and prospects of the South-South cooperation on schistosomiasis control under the Belt and Road Initiative.

[Surveillance and control strategy of imported schistosomiasis mansoni: an expert consensus]

In 1980s, Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, was found in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China, and currently, this snail has colonized in Shenzhen City and spread to peripheral cities involving of Dongguan and Huizhou. Since imported cases infected with S. mamoni have been reported from time to time in China, Mainland China is facing the potential risk of transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni. With the deepening of the opening-up policy, notably the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, there is an increase in the risk of transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni in Mainland China. Increasing the understanding on schistosomiasis mansoni, improving the awareness toward schistosomiasis mansoni prevention and control, and identifying, reporting and managing imported cases with S. mansoni infection or pathogen carriers, are of particular importance to prevent the development of entire life cycle of S. mansoni and the resultant schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in China. To protect public health, a consensus has been reached pertaining to the surveillance and control strategy of imported schistosomiasis mansoni by Chinese infectious disease experts and parasitologists, with aims to improve the awareness and capability for the diagnosis, treatment and control of imported schistosomiasis mansoni among Chinese disease control and prevention institutions and medical institutions, and decrease and even eliminate the risk of schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in China.

[Endemic status of schistosomiasis in People's Republic of China in 2018]

This report presented the endemic status of schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China at a national level in 2018, and analyzed the data collected from the national schistosomiasis prevention and control system and 453 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites. Among the 12 provinces (municipality and autonomous region) endemic for schistosomiasis in China, 5 provinces (municipality and autonomous region), including Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi, continued to consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis elimination, Sichuan Province achieved transmission interruption and 6 provinces of Yunnan, Jiangsu, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan achieved transmission control by the end of 2018. There were 450 endemic counties (cities, districts) covering 260 million people, specifically including 28 456 endemic villages covering 70.059 7 million people at risk of infection. Among the 450 endemic counties (cities, districts), 58.44% (263/450), 27.56% (124/450) and 14.00% (63/450) reached the criteria of elimination, transmission interruption and transmission control, respectively. By the end of 2018, a total of 29 214 advanced schistosomiasis cases were documented in China. In 2018, a total of 11.127 6 million individuals received inquiry examinations and 2.062 9 million were positive; 7.191 4 million individuals received serological tests and 138.5 thousand of them were positive, 532.2 thousand individuals received stool examinations and 8 were positive in China. In 2018, snail survey was performed in 19 821 endemic villages and Oncomehania snails were found in 7 321 villages, accounting for 36.94% of all surveyed villages, with 3 newly detected villages with snails in China. Snail survey covered an area of 590 241.01 hm² and 168 319.41 hm² snail habitats were found, including emerging snail habitats of 61.28 hm²; however, no infected snails were identified. In 2018, a total of 646 823 bovines were raised in the schistosomiasis endemic areas of China, and 225 258 received serological examinations, with 2 638 positives detected, while 164 803 bovines received stool examinations, with 2 positives identified. In 2018, there were 90 388 patients with schistosomiasis receiving praziquantel chemotherapy, and expanded chemotherapy was given to 1 490 594 person-times; there were two bovines with schistosomiasis receiving praziquantel chemotherapy, and expanded chemotherapy was given to 352 577 bovine-times; chemical treatment was conducted in an area of 141 660.87 hm², including an actual mollusciciding area of 75 308.26 hm², and environmental improvements were performed in an area of 4 738.37 hm² in China. Data from the 453 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites of China showed that the mean Schistosoma japonicum infection rates were 0.001 5% and zero in humans and bovines in 2018, respectively, and no infected snails were found. The results demonstrate that the endemic situation of schistosomiasis appears a tendency towards a continuous decline in China; however, there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission, and challenges remain in achieving the target set in the Thirteenth Five-Year National Plan for Schistosomiasis Control in 2020 in some regions.

[Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after successful treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia: a report of four cases and literature review]

目的

探讨急性早幼粒细胞白血病（APL）患者继发治疗相关性髓系肿瘤（t-MN）的临床特点、诊断、治疗及预后。

方法

回顾性分析中国医学科学院血液病医院2012年10月至2019年1月收治的4例APL继发t-MN患者的临床资料，并进行相关文献复习。

结果

4例APL继发t-MN患者均为女性，中位年龄42（40~53）岁，3例接受了以维甲酸（ATRA）+亚砷酸（ATO）为基础联合蒽环/蒽醌类药物±阿糖胞苷的前期诱导缓解及巩固治疗方案，1例采用了ATRA联合蒽环/蒽醌类药物±阿糖胞苷的治疗方案，均没有使用烷化剂。在APL获得完全缓解（CR）后40~43个月出现t-MN，其中治疗相关性骨髓增生异常综合征（t-MDS）1例，治疗相关性急性髓系白血病（t-AML）3例，出现t-MN时PML-RARα融合基因均为阴性。3例t-AML患者接受了2~4个疗程再诱导治疗，其中有1例t-AML患者在获得CR后行异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT），1例t-MDS患者接受了去甲基化治疗。中位随访54.5（48~62）个月，2例t-AML患者死亡，出现t-MN后中位生存期为12（5~18）个月。1989至2018年文献共报道63例APL继发t-MN病例，与本次报道的4例汇总分析，67例患者中男27例，女40例；中位年龄为52.5（15~76）岁；中位潜伏期39（12~168）个月，确诊t-MN后中位生存时间为10（1~39）个月。

结论

APL继发t-MN较为少见，目前缺乏有效的防治措施，预后不佳，在随访过程中（尤其是获得CR后39个月左右）若出现病情变化，应警惕t-MN的发生，对此类患者应尽快明确疾病的变化，给予合理的治疗。

A ketogenic diet attenuates proliferation and stemness of glioma stem‑like cells by altering metabolism resulting in increased ROS production

Abnormal metabolism serves a critical role in the development and progression of different types of malignancies including glioblastoma (GBM), and may therefore serve as a promising target for treatment of cancer. Preclinical studies have indicated that a ketogenic diet (KD) may exhibit beneficial effects in patients with GBM; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a KD on glioma stem‑like cells (GSCs), by culturing patient‑derived primary GSCs as well as a GSC cell line in glucose‑restricted, β‑hydroxybutyrate‑containing medium (BHB‑Glow) which was used to mimic clinical KD treatment. GSCs cultured in BHB‑Glow medium exhibited reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis compared with cells grown in the control medium. Furthermore, decreased expression of stem cell markers, diminished self‑renewal in vitro, and reduced tumorigenic capacity in vivo, providing evidence that the stemness of GSCs was compromised. Mechanistically, culturing in BHB‑Glow medium reduced glucose uptake and inhibited glycolysis in GSCs. Furthermore, culturing in the BHB‑Glow medium resulted in morphological and functional disturbances to the mitochondria of GSCs. These metabolic changes may have reduced ATP production, promoted lactic acid accumulation, and thus, increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GSCs. The expression levels and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin, hypoxia‑inducible factor 1 and B‑cell lymphoma 2 were decreased, consistent with the reduced proliferation of GSCs in BHB‑Glow medium. ROS scavenging reversed the inhibitory effects of a KD on GSCs. Taken together, the results demonstrate that treatment with KD inhibited proliferation of GSCs, increased apoptosis and attenuated the stemness in GSCs by increasing ROS production.

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in People's Republic of China from 2010 to 2017]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the epidemic trend of schistosomiasis in China from 2010 to 2017 so as to provide the scientific evidence for schistosomiasis elimination.

METHODS

The information of schistosomiasis control nationwide from 2010 to 2017 was collected, including the endemic of population, status of livestock control, and Oncomelania hupensis snail control. Microsoft Excel was applied for datum management and analysis.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2017, the epidemic of schistosomiasis in China dropped significantly. The decreasing amplitude of estimated number of patients nationwide was 88.46%. Seventy-one acute schistosomiasis patients were reported and 12.68% (9/71) of them were imported. The decreasing rate of cultivated cattle was 50.09%, and the accumulative number of schistosome-infected cattle was 17 239, and the average positive rate of stool examinations decreased from 1.04% to 0.000 22%. The area with snails nationwide was 373 596.18 to 363 068.95 hm², and the new detected area with snails was 46.71 to 1 346.73 hm². The area with schistosome-infected snails was 171.68 hm² in 2012 and it was 9.25 hm² in 2013. In 72 key monitoring points of 7 endemic provinces, there were 17 schistosome positive points of water body in 2010 and 6 points in 2016. There were some high risk-factors related to schistosomiasis transmission including schisto-some-infected cattle, dogs, and field rats, and the field stools, and the pasture in the area with snails in schistosomiasis monitoring points.

CONCLUSIONS

The endemic status of schistosomiasis in China has dropped significantly, and the transmission level is very low. However, the infectious source and risk factors in the endemic environments have not be eliminated. Therefore, the infectious source control, health education, snail control, and transmission monitoring should be strengthened, so as to promote the progress of schistosomiasis elimination.

[Research advances in the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway and its inhibitors in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase in the downstream of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) family. This kinase plays an important role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preclinical data demonstrate that 40%-50% of HCC patients have dysregulated expression of the effectors of the mTOR signaling pathway, and the activation of the mTOR pathway is associated with poorly differentiated tumors, early tumor recurrence, and poor survival/prognosis. This article reviews the research advances in the potential role of the mTOR signaling pathway and its inhibitors in the treatment of HCC.

miR-183-96-182 clusters alleviated ox-LDL-induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in vitro by targeting FOXO1

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of FOXO1 and miR-183-96-182 clusters in ox-LDL induced endothelial cell apoptosis.

METHODS

FOXO1 overexpression (OE) and knockdown (KD) as well as AKT1 OE in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were achieved by lentiviral transduction. Upregulation of miR-183-5p, miR-182-5p or miR-96-5p was mimicked by agomir treatment. FOXO1 gene transcription was monitored by FOXO1 promotor reporter assay. Cell apoptosis in culture was monitored by TiterTACS in situ detection. Regulation of FOXO1 gene expression by an miRNA targeting mechanism was monitored by AGO2-RNA immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTS

FOXO1 mRNA and protein expression levels in ox-LDL treated HUVECs or HAECs were significantly upregulated due to transcriptional and miRNA targeting mechanisms. MiR-183-5p, miR-182-5p and miR-96-5p expression levels in HUVECs or HAECs were significantly reduced by ox-LDL treatment, the overexpression of which by agomir treatment partially reduced the FOXO1 mRNA/protein expression levels and cell apoptosis which was upregulated by ox-LDL treatment. FOXO1 overexpression antagonized the effect of the agomir treatment indicated above. MiR-183-5p, miR-182-5p and miR-96-5p agomir treatment partially rescued the FOXO1 pSer256/total FOXO1 protein ratio and the AKT1 pSer473 level that were reduced by ox-LDL treatment in the HUVECs or HAECs. AKT1 overexpression significantly reduced FOXO1 protein expression, increased miR-182-5p and miR-183-5p expression, and partially alleviated ox-LDL induced HUVEC or HAEC apoptosis in an miR-183-5p and miR-182-5p-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

miR-183-96-182 clusters could partially alleviate ox-LDL-induced apoptosis in HUVECs or HAECs by targeting FOXO1.

[Retinal image quality in northern rural Chinese adult population]

Objective: To assess the retinal image quality of the normal northern rural Chinese adult population. Methods: A normal population-based, cross-sectional study. From Oct, 2012 to Jan 2013, a clustered, random sampling procedure was used to select normal population who visual acuity≤ 0(LogMAR) and 30-69 years old from 2 villages. All eligible subjects were invited to undergo a comprehensive eye examination, and the retinal image quality related index were examined with pupil 4 mm using objective optical quality analysis systemⅡ(OQAS Ⅱ, Visiometrics, Spain), including MTFcutoff, VA20, VA9, PSF50, PSF10, OSI, SR. And describe the retinal image quality of different age group, including 30-39y, 40-49y, 50-59y, 60-69y. Results: Among 1 108 participants (61.9%) that completed examinations in our center, 681 participants (1 362 eyes) were recruited. There were 146, 586, 440 and 190 eyes in each group. The spherical equivalent refraction of each group was (-0.35±0.84), (-0.19±0.50), (-0.03±0.54) and (0.20±0.71) D. The best corrected vision acuity of each group was -0.02±0.04, -0.01±0.03, -0.01±0.02 and -0.00±0.01. The MTFcutoff of each group was (37.06±9.31), (36.69±8.93), (36.52±9.05) and (32.61±10.08) c/deg. Retinal imaging parameters were significantly different(MTFcutoff: MD=4.45, SR:MD=0.03, PSF50: MD=-0.45, PSF10: MD=-2.87, VA20:MD=0.13, A9:MD=0.09, OSI:MD=-0.41, P<0.001)between aged 30-39 group and aged 60-69 group. Objective scattering index (OSI) were significantly different(MD=-0.13, P=0.004)between aged 30-39 group and aged 50-59 group. Retinal imaging parameters were significantly different(MTFcutoff:MD=4.45, SR:MD=0.03, PSF50:MD=-0.45, PSF10:MD=-2.87, VA20:MD=0.13, VA9: MD=0.09, OSI: MD=-0.41, P<0.001)between aged 40-49 group and aged 60-69 group. Retinal imageing parameters were significantly different(MTFcutoff: MD=4.45, SR: MD=0.03, PSF50: MD=-0.45, PSF10: MD=-2.87, VA20:MD=0.13, VA9:MD=0.09, OSI:MD=-0.41,P<0.001)between aged 50-59 group and aged 60-69 group. Conclusion: Retinal image quality was gradually worse over time in the northern rural Chinese adult population. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54:593-598).

High expression of MMP9 in glioma affects cell proliferation and is associated with patient survival rates

Human gliomas are a heterogeneous group of primary malignant brain tumors, which most commonly occur in the central nervous system of children and adults. Previous studies have suggested a prognostic role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in glioma, however, the frequency and significance of the protein expression of MMP9 in glioma remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the expression of MMP9 was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. MTT and colony-forming assays were used to detect the role of MMP9 in the proliferation of glioma cells. MMP9 copy numbers in glioma were examined using qPCR. The results indicated that the expression level of MMP9 was significantly increased in glioma and was associated with World Health Organization (WHO) glioma grades. The high expression of MMP9 in tissues was an independent predictor of survival rates in patients with WHO grade III tumors. The overexpression of MMP9 promoted cell growth and induced a significant increase in clonogenic potential in U87 glioblastoma cell lines. These experimental data suggested that the overexpression of MMP9 in glioblastoma cells may occur primarily through an increase in gene copy number. The results of the present study suggested that the overexpression of MMP9 may be necessary for the transition to the more aggressive phenotype typical of WHO grade III gliomas, suggesting the likely involvement of the MMP9 gene in gliomagenesis and disease progression.

[Clinical effect of compound internal fixations in treating extreme distal radial fractures]

Objective: To investigate the clinical character and treating strategy of extreme distal radial fractures. Methods: From June 2012 to May 2014, 12 patients who suffered from extreme distal radial fractures were treated in Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University. According to AO/OTA classification, there were 4 cases of type 23B1, 3 cases of 23B2, 3 cases of 23C1 and 2 cases of 23C3.When classified by morphological features, there were 4 of simple styloid process fracture, 3 of simple extreme distal radial fracture without articular surface involved, 3 of styloid process fracture combined with distal radial articular fracture, and 2 of articular surface splintered or collapse fracture. According to the fracture features that radiographic exams showed, different surgical paths and fixation methods were chosen in order to protect soft tissues to the best advantage. To those patients with simple styloid process fracture, screw alone, Kirschner-wire or styloid plate were used for fixation. To the other types of fracture, open reduction and compound internal fixation with low-notch volar plate, dorsal or volar mini-plate, screw or Kirschner-wire was applied to ensure the stability of fixation, and maximally protect soft tissues like tendons, ligaments and neurovascular bundles, counting on the "stuffing-squeezing" effects after reduction or reconstruction of the articular surface. Situation of the wound and soft tissue were mainly checked in the first 2 weeks, and in the 3rd month post-operatively, fracture reduction and internal fixation were evaluated by radiographic methods like X-ray and CT scan. When 12 months post-operatively, not only radiographic follow-up such as fracture reduction, internal fixation and osteoarthritis were taken, but also some other evaluation, such as pain of wrist, rotation range of forearm, grip strength, and function of wrist according to DASH scores. Results: All of the 12 cases were followed up for at least 1 year. The wound healed well in all cases 2 weeks post-operatively, and no soft tissue infections, necrosis or neurovascular complications occurred. All fractures healed and no loss of reduction occurred 3 months post-operatively. Internal fixations were at good condition except in 2 cases, whose Kirschner-wire had been removed 2.5 and 2.8 months after the operation due to loosening and partly backing out on dorsal side. When followed up at 12 months post-operatively, one from these 2 patients suffered from a mild pain of wrist, and grip strength together with the function of the affected wrist dramatic declined when compared to the unaffected side. With the help of radiograph, local collapse on the articular surface was found, which meant to be traumatic arthritis. There were no pain in the rest 11 cases, and flexion-extension range of the wrist, rotation range of forearm and grip strength of the affected side recovered to over 80% of the unaffected side, with a DASH score was from 7 to 15 points(average 11.9 points)below 15 points. Conclusions: Traditional volar plates can not be used for extreme distal radial fractures. It may be an effective way to treat extreme distal radial fractures with compound internal fixation on the basis of morphological feature of fractures and the situation of soft tissue because of vivid of the fixation, reducing damage of soft tissue and early functional training.

Saponin 6 derived from Anemone taipaiensis induces U87 human malignant glioblastoma cell apoptosis via regulation of Fas and Bcl‑2 family proteins

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor, and is associated with a poor prognosis. Saponin 6, derived from Anemone taipaiensis, exerts potent cytotoxic effects against the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line and the human promyelocytic leukemia HL‑60 cell line; however, the effects of saponin 6 on glioblastoma remain unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of saponin 6 on human U87 malignant glioblastoma (U87 MG) cells. The current study revealed that saponin 6 induced U87 MG cell death in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.83 µM after treatment for 48 h. However, saponin 6 was needed to be used at a lesser potency in HT‑22 cells, with an IC50 value of 6.24 µM. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry using Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. DNA fragmentation and alterations in nuclear morphology were examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‑mediated dUTP nick end labeling and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The present study demonstrated that treatment with saponin 6 induced cell apoptosis in U87 MG cells, and resulted in DNA fragmentation and nuclear morphological alterations typical of apoptosis. In addition, flow cytometric analysis revealed that saponin 6 was able to induce cell cycle arrest. The present study also demonstrated that saponin 6‑induced apoptosis of U87 MG cells was attributed to increases in the protein expression levels of Fas, Fas ligand, and cleaved caspase‑3, ‑8 and ‑9, and decreases in the levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2. The current study indicated that saponin 6 may exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward U87 MG cells by activating apoptosis via the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Therefore, saponin 6 derived from A. taipaiensis may possess therapeutic potential for the treatment of GBM.

miR-139 Functions as An Antioncomir to Repress Glioma Progression Through Targeting IGF-1 R, AMY-1, and PGC-1β

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis, characterized by a highly heterogeneous cell population, extensive proliferation, and migration. A lot of molecular mechanisms regulate gliomas development and invasion, including abnormal expression of oncogenes and variation of epigenetic modification. MicroRNAs could affect cell growth and functions. Several reports have demonstrated that miR-139 plays multifunctions in kinds of solid tumors through different pathways. However, the antitumor mechanisms of this miR-139 are not unveiled in detail. In this study, we not only validated the low expression level of miR-139 in glioma tissues and cell lines but also detected the effect of miR-139 on modulating gliomas proliferation and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. We identified insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, associate of Myc 1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1β as direct targets of miR-139 and the levels of them were all inversely correlated with miR-139 in gliomas. Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor promoted gliomas invasion through Akt signaling and increased proliferation in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1β-dependent way. Associate of Myc 1 also facilitated gliomas progression by activating c-Myc pathway. Overexpression of the target genes could retrieve the antitumor function of miR-139, respectively, in different degrees. The nude mice transplantation tumor experiment displayed that glioma cells stably expressed miR-139 growth much slower in vivo than the negative control cells. Taken together, these findings suggested miR-139 acted as a favorable factor against gliomas progression and uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism, which may provide a new evidenced prognostic marker and therapeutic target for gliomas.

FHL1C induces apoptosis in Notch1-dependent T-ALL cells through an interaction with RBP-J

BACKGROUND

Aberrantly activated Notch signaling has been found in more than 50% of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Current strategies that employ γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) to target Notch activation have not been successful. Many limitations, such as non-Notch specificity, dose-limiting gastrointestinal toxicity and GSI resistance, have prompted an urgent need for more effective Notch signaling inhibitors for T-ALL treatment. Human four-and-a-half LIM domain protein 1C (FHL1C) (KyoT2 in mice) has been demonstrated to suppress Notch activation in vitro, suggesting that FHL1C may be new candidate target in T-ALL therapy. However, the role of FHL1C in T-ALL cells remained unclear.

METHODS

Using RT-PCR, we amplified full-length human FHL1C, and constructed full-length and various truncated forms of FHL1C. Using cell transfection, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscope, real-time RT-PCR, and Western blotting, we found that overexpression of FHL1C induced apoptosis of Jurkat cells. By using a reporter assay and Annexin-V staining, the minimal functional sequence of FHL1C inhibiting RBP-J-mediated Notch transactivation and inducing cell apoptosis was identified. Using real-time PCR and Western blotting, we explored the possible molecular mechanism of FHL1C-induced apoptosis. All data were statistically analyzed with the SPSS version 12.0 software.

RESULTS

In Jurkat cells derived from a Notch1-associated T-ALL cell line insensitive to GSI treatment, we observed that overexpression of FHL1C, which is down-regulated in T-ALL patients, strongly induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we verified that FHL1C-induced apoptosis depended on the RBP-J-binding motif at the C-terminus of FHL1C. Using various truncated forms of FHL1C, we found that the RBP-J-binding motif of FHL1C had almost the same effect as full-length FHL1C on the induction of apoptosis, suggesting that the minimal functional sequence in the RBP-J-binding motif of FHL1C might be a new drug candidate for T-ALL treatment. We also explored the molecular mechanism of FHL1C overexpression-induced apoptosis, which suppressed downstream target genes such as Hes1 and c-Myc and key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT and NF-κB of Notch signaling involved in T-ALL progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has revealed that FHL1C overexpression induces Jurkat cell apoptosis. This finding may provide new insights in designing new Notch inhibitors based on FHL1C to treat T-ALL.

Hif-1α and Hif-2α differentially regulate Notch signaling through competitive interaction with the intracellular domain of Notch receptors in glioma stem cells

Hypoxia contributes to GSC expansion principally through Hif-1α and Hif-2α, but how these two factors work together has not been completely understood. We show that hypoxia promoted proliferation, self-renewal and inhibited the conversion of GSCs into INP-like cells through activating Notch signaling. Further data suggested that Hif-2α interacted with NICD and repressed the activity of Notch signaling, in contrast to the role of Hif-1α in Notch signaling. Together, our findings suggest that Hif-1α and Hif-2α competitively bind to NICD and dynamically regulate the activation of Notch signaling in GSCs likely depending on different oxygen tensions, providing improved therapeutic opportunities for malignant gliomas.