Correlation between culprit vessel/tirofiban and reperfusion bradyarrhythmia in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after emergency PCI

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between culprit vessel/tirofiban and reperfusion bradyarrhythmia in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 123 STEMI patients undergoing emergency PCI in our hospital from September 2018 to September 2019 were selected and divided into the reperfusion arrhythmias (RA) group (50 cases) and non-RA group (NRA, 73 cases) according to whether RA occurring during PCI. The baseline data such as age and underlying disease were statistically analyzed. Then, the differences were compared between the two groups. According to whether reperfusion bradyarrhythmia (RB) occurring during PCI, 123 STEMI patients were divided into the RB group (63 cases) and non-RB group (60 cases). The relation between culprit vessel/tirofiban and RB was analyzed. ROC curves analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted for the risk factors of RA and RB.

RESULTS

Among 123 patients with STEMI after PCI treatment, 73 patients had RA (59.35%), including RB 63 cases and tachyarrhythmia 10 cases. Results of single factor analysis showed that there was statistical significance in 3 factors including the patient age, infarction area and vascular blood flow TIMI classification between RA group and NRA group (p<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the continuous variable patent ages had predictive value in the prevalence of RA, which resulting in an AUC 0.624 and a cut-off pointed age 57 (sensitivity 72.60, specificity 52.00). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the patient age (>57 years old), infarction area in inferior wall and grade 0 lesion vascular blood flow TIMI classification in RA group was significantly higher than that in NRA group (p<0.05). Tirofiban was not associated with RB in STEMI patients treated with emergency PCI, while culprit vessel was statistically significant between RB group and NRB group (p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that culprit vessel of the right coronary artery and grade 0 lesions vascular blood flowed TIMI classification was independent risk factors to occurring RB in the STEMI patients with emergency PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Tirofiban was not associated with RB in STEMI patients treated with emergency PCI. However, it may increase the risk of RB development when the culprit vessel is the right coronary artery. Therefore, timely corresponding treatments and reduction of reperfusion damage are of great significance for those patients.

Associations Between Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Gene Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio in Chinese University Students

BACKGROUND Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes are necessary for the production or metabolism of fetal sex hormones during pregnancy. The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D: 4D) is formed in the early stage of human fetal development and considered an indicator reflecting prenatal sex steroids levels. We explored the association between 2D: 4D and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP. MATERIAL AND METHODS Correlation analysis between 2D: 4D and 8 SNPs, rs2687133 (CPY3A7), rs7173655 (CYP11A1), rs1004467, rs17115149, and rs2486758 (CYP17A1), and rs4646, rs2255192, rs4275794 (CYP19A1), was performed using data from 426 female and 412 male Chinese university students. SNP genotyping was conducted using PCR. Digit lengths were photographed and measured by image processing software. RESULTS rs2486758 (CYP17A1) correlated with left hand 2D: 4D in men (P=0.026), and rs1004467 (CYP17A1) correlated with right hand 2D: 4D in men (P=0.008) and the whole population (P=0.032). In men, allele G rs1004467 decreased right hand 2D: 4D, while allele C of rs2486758 increased left hand 2D: 4D. In women, left hand 2D: 4D was higher in genotypes with allele A of SNP rs4646 (CYP19A1) under the dominant genetic model; female DR-L was higher in genotypes with allele T of rs17115149 (CYP11A1). SNPs rs2687133 (CYP3A7) and rs1004467 (CYP17A1) were significantly correlated with right hand 2D: 4D (P=0.0107). CONCLUSIONS SNPs rs1004467 and rs2486758 of CYP17A1 are significant in the relationship between 2D: 4D and CYP gene polymorphisms under different conditions. SNP interactions between CYP genes probably impact 2D: 4D. The correlation between 2D: 4D and some sex hormone-related diseases may be due to the effect of CYP variants on the 2 phenotypes.

Effect of strontium ranelate on rabbits with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head through TGF-β1/BMP2 pathway

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of strontium ranelate (SR) on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SIONFH) in rabbits and its regulatory mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ONFH model was established in 30 rabbits using steroid and they were randomly divided into Control group, Model group, and SR group. After SR intervention, the rabbits were sacrificed and sampled. The pathological injury of the femoral head in each group was detected via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the femoral head in each group was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), as well as the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in the femoral head in each group, were determined using Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The rabbit model of SIONFH was successfully established. Compared with Control group, the Model group had a severer pathological injury of the femoral head, a lower level of VEGF in the femoral head, significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1 and BMP2. Compared with Model group, the SR group had markedly improved pathological injury of the femoral head, a higher level of VEGF in the femoral head, significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, as well as BMP2.

CONCLUSIONS

SR can remarkably improve the pathological injury of the femoral head and increase the expression of VEGF in SIONFH rabbits, whose potential mechanism may be related to the activation of the TGF-β1/BMP2 signaling pathway.

MiR-19a suppress apoptosis of myocardial cells in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion through PTEN/Akt/P-Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To detect differentially expressed micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MIR), and to explore the influence of miR-19a on MIR rats and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to prepare MIR models, RNAs were extracted, and miRNA sequencing analysis was carried out to determine differentially expressed miRNAs related to MIR. Secondly, the predicted target genes of miR-19a were collected, and WebGestalt was applied to analyze gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment. Thirdly, the expression of the related proteins and the apoptosis of myocardial cells in MIR rats were detected via Western blotting. Fourthly, the interaction between miR-19a and the target gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was examined through Luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Compared with that in the Sham operation (Sham) group, the miR-19a expression in rat myocardial tissues in the MIR group was significantly increased (p<0.05). Compared with those in the miR-negative control (miR-NC) group, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of PTEN in the miR-19a group were notably decreased (p<0.05). In comparison with the miR-NC group, miR-19a group had elevated expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) (p<0.05). The Luciferase reporter gene assay manifested the direct binding of miR-19a to PTEN mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-19a inhibits the PTEN expression by directly binding to the 3'-UTR of PTEN mRNA, thus activating the Akt/p-Akt signaling pathway to suppress the apoptosis of myocardial cells in MIR injury.

Correlation between Sarcopenia and Arteriosclerosis in Elderly Community Dwellers: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that arteriosclerosis and sarcopenia (decreased muscle mass) share some of their many causes. However, after controlling for confounding factors, it is unclear whether the presence of arteriosclerosis correlates with sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper is to explore whether sarcopenia is associated with arteriosclerosis.

DESIGN

A multicenter cross-sectional community-based study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 2511 elderly subjects from six Chinese community health service centers in Anhui province were surveyed through an e-health promotion system to collect basic data and measurements of brachial-ankle pulse wave (baPWV), body composition, and handgrip strength (HGS). Pearson's correlation and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between sarcopenia and high baPWV.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of sarcopenia were 12.9% in men and 15.3% in women according to the 2019 standard of Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Among subjects with high baPWV, the proportion of sarcopenia was higher compared to those with normal baPWV (men: 17.7% vs. 3.7%; women: 20.4% vs. 4.9%, both p<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that sarcopenia was associated with high baPWV (p<0.0001, odds ratio=1.619) after adjusting for confounding factors. HGS slightly and negatively correlated with baPWV (-0.19 in men and -0.18 in women).

CONCLUSIONS

The intertwined pathophysiological mechanisms shared by arteriosclerosis and sarcopenia are potential targets for future interventions to reduce morbimortality in subjects with both disorders. Upcoming prospective studies and clinical trials are expected to advance these findings.

Mental health problems and correlates among 746 217 college students during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in China

AIMS

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health concern all over the world. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population. This study aimed to assess the mental health problems and associated factors among a large sample of college students during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.

METHODS

This cross-sectional and nation-wide survey of college students was conducted in China from 3 to 10 February 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess psychosocial factors, COVID-19 epidemic related factors and mental health problems. Acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by the Chinese versions of the impact of event scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Univariate and hierarchical logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with mental health problems.

RESULTS

Among 821 218 students who participated in the survey, 746 217 (90.9%) were included for the analysis. In total, 414 604 (55.6%) of the students were female. About 45% of the participants had mental health problems. The prevalence rates of probable acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were 34.9%, 21.1% and 11.0%, respectively. COVID-19 epidemic factors that were associated with increased risk of mental health problems were having relatives or friends being infected (adjusted odds ratio = 1.72-2.33). Students with exposure to media coverage of the COVID-19 ≥3 h/day were 2.13 times more likely than students with media exposure <1 h/day to have acute stress symptoms. Individuals with low perceived social support were 4.84-5.98 times more likely than individuals with high perceived social support to have anxiety and depressive symptoms. In addition, senior year and prior mental health problems were also significantly associated with anxiety or/and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large-scale survey of college students in China, acute stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple epidemic and psychosocial factors, such as family members being infected, massive media exposure, low social support, senior year and prior mental health problems were associated with increased risk of mental health problems. Psychosocial support and mental health services should be provided to those students at risk.

[Observation and analysis of lens turbidity lesion induced by low intensity 635 nm laser radiation]

Objective: To study the characteristics of the lens turbidity after long-term exposure to low intensity 635nm laser. Methods: Cluster sampling method was adopted to select 812 employees in a laser leveler workshop in a city of Guangdong Province from January 2014 to December 2018. They were divided into the control group, diffuse reflection (DR) group and direct vision (DV) group for retrospective observation and analysis of lens turbidity. The laser irradiation intensity of each group was investigated, the position and shape of lens opacity were analyzed, and the influencing factors were statistically analyzed with the repeated measurement data of dichotomy. Results: The laser irradiance and radiant exposure of DV group were between 0.72×10(-4) and 9.92×10(-4) mW/cm(2) and between 2.61×10(-2) and 1.53 J/cm(2), respectively. The subjects were mainly diagnosed with lens turbidity lesion, especially for the DV group. Most of lesions occurred in the pole and periphery of the anterior cortex. The lesions exhibited multipoint patterns with greyish white color. The turbidity rates in DV group (before work and work for 1, 2, 3 years) were 0%, 1.99% (8/402) , 4.98% (20/402) and 6.72% (27/402) , respectively, in the order of observation points. The statistical analysis of single factor effect showed that the turbidity rate was higher in DV group and higher in the second year in the DV group (P<0.01) . Multi-factor analysis of the laser effect on the lens showed that the main effect between groups, between the observation point were statistically significant (P<0.05) , but no statistical significance in the interaction between group×observation points (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Lens turbidity lesion can be caused by long-term exposure to low intensity 635 nm laser, so the product safety classification should be strictly strengthened. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of laser photochemical damage in the production process.

Narasin inhibits tumor metastasis and growth of ERα‑positive breast cancer cells by inactivation of the TGF‑β/SMAD3 and IL‑6/STAT3 signaling pathways

Treatment of human estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (ER⁺ BC) using conventional chemotherapy remains a challenge and is often ineffective as a result of tumor metastasis. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of narasin, an ionophore antibiotic, to potentially inhibit tumor metastasis and growth in human ER⁺ BC. Narasin was found to have significant inhibitory abilities on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in ER⁺ BC cell lines MCF-7 and T47D compared with the triple-negative BC cell MDA-MB-231. For the in vivo studies, narasin effectively decreased the number of tumor metastasis nodules, tumor volume and weight without apparent toxicity in human MCF-7 nude mouse left ventricle injection tumor metastasis and xenograft models. Mechanistically, it demonstrated that exposure to TGF-β or IL-6 induced the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in ER⁺ BC cell lines. On the contrary, narasin dose-dependently reversed EMT by increasing the expression of E-cadherin and decreasing the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, β-catenin and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 at the protein and gene expression levels. Gene microarray, molecular docking and western blotting were performed to demonstrate that those protein and gene expression levels are regulated by the inactivation of the TGF-β/phosphorylated (p)-SMAD3 and IL-6/p-STAT3 signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings indicated that narasin may be a promising candidate that can be further optimized for the treatment of human ER⁺ BC.

von Willebrand factor promotes platelet-induced metastasis of osteosarcoma through activation of the VWF-GPIb axis

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Immunohistochemistry results directly show VWF is increased during tumor progression.

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VWF is expressed as low molecular weight multimer in OS cell line SAOS2.

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VWF promotes platelet-induced metastasis of OS through VWF-GPIb pathway.

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is exclusively expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and megakaryocytes, which plays a crucial role in the initiation of arterial thrombosis. Recent studies have shown that VWF is also expressed in osteosarcoma (OS) cells and participates in adhesion of cancer cells to platelets, thus promoting metastasis of OS cells. However, it is unclear how OS cell-derived VWF-platelet interaction contributes to the metastasis of OS. We hypothesized that the interaction is mediated by the binding between VWF A1 and GPIbα of platelets, a molecular mechanism similar to that of thrombosis. The increased expression of VWF in SAOS2 cells may contribute to the enhancement of platelet adhesion through the VWF-GPIb pathway, which could promote the migration and invasion capacities of SAOS2 cells in vitro. Antibodies that block the pathway could significantly inhibit the platelet-induced metastasis of OS cells. Our results suggest a theoretical basis for the development of new anti-OS metastasis drugs, and further enrich the mechanism of OS metastasis.

Correction to: Maternal Hypertension, Advanced Doppler Haemodynamics and Therapeutic Precision: Principles and Illustrative Cases

The original publication of this article, unfortunately, contains the following errors.

Relative deprivation, social exclusion, and quality of life among Chinese internal migrants

OBJECTIVES

Factors contributing to diminishing quality of life (QOL) of migrants have been examined, but little is known about the impact of relative deprivation. This study aimed to clarify the effects of relative deprivation on QOL and mediating effects of social exclusion among Chinese internal migrants.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary data analysis of a nationally representative survey.

METHODS

We obtained data from 14,816 internal immigrants, aged 15-59 years, throughout China using the 2014 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS). We measured relative deprivation via a modified Yitzhaki Index, social exclusion using a four-point Likert scale, and QOL using the Kessler Psychological Distress Short Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and a subscale of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Survey data of 15,996 local residents were also retrieved and analyzed to make possible comparisons between the local and migrant population. Furthermore, we used descriptive and statistical analyses with data from the CMDS to identify relative deprivation and social exclusion.

RESULTS

The results show relative deprivation both directly and indirectly influences Chinese internal migrants' QOL. Specifically, compared with the local population, relative deprivation triggers serious social exclusion (β = 0.008, P < 0.001), ultimately deteriorating QOL. Social exclusion partially mediated the total effects of relative deprivation on mental illness (β = 0.004, P < 0.001), self-rated health (β = -0.285, P < 0.001), and life satisfaction (β = -0.020, P < 0.001) among Chinese internal migrants.

CONCLUSION

Relative deprivation significantly impacts QOL by exacerbating mental illness, eroding self-rated health, and inhibiting life satisfaction. Relative deprivation is significantly directly associated with various indicators of QOL and indirectly affects QOL through social exclusion. In addition, our results demonstrate that the relative deprivation theoretical approach and the modified Yitzhaki Index are worthy of future investigation in studies of migrants' health.

[Influence of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy on immune function and coagulation function and prognosis]

Objective: To explore the influence of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy on patients'immune functions, coagulation functions and prognoses. Methods: Fifty-eight patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (laparoscopic group) and 40 patients with gastric cancer who underwent traditional open surgery (traditional group) in Henan People's Hospital from May 2016 to May 2018 were selected as the subjects. The immune function and coagulation function were compared between the two groups before and after operation. The prognoses of patients underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results: Three days after operation, the CD4(+) level and CD4(+) /CD8(+) ratio in laparoscopic group were (29.78±3.58)% and (1.01±0.18), higher than (27.23±3.47)% and (0.93±0.14) in control group (P<0.05). Three days after operation, the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in laparoscopic group was (26.55±2.56) seconds, shorter than (27.86±2.73) seconds in traditional group, while the levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer were (4.24±0.84) g/L and (377.91±47.19) μg/L, higher than (3.88±0.75) g/L and (330.28±45.11) μg/L in traditional group (P<0.05). The 5-year survival rate was 77.5% in traditional group and 72.4% in laparoscopic group, without significant difference (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis was the independent risk factor for prognosis of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (P<0.05). Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy can effectively reduce postoperative immunosuppression, but affect postoperative coagulation function. Lymph node metastasis is closely related to the prognosis of patient with gastric cancer. The patient's condition should be comprehensively evaluated before and after operation to determine whether the laparoscopic operation is suitable, for reducing postoperative complications and improving the prognosis.

Maternal Hypertension, Advanced Doppler Haemodynamics and Therapeutic Precision: Principles and Illustrative Cases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Maternal hypertension is a common and serious condition associated with increased maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality, with early detection and management improving outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Blood pressure (BP) changes of pre-eclampsia are defined after 20 gestational weeks, while haemodynamic changes can be detected at 5-11 weeks using a specialised non-invasive Doppler stroke volume (SV) monitor. Thus, advanced haemodynamic monitoring allows for physiologically precise identification of circulatory abnormalities, and implementation of appropriate therapy within the first trimester. We measured the oscillometric BP and advanced haemodynamics (USCOM 1A) of 3 unselected women with singleton pregnancies, consecutively listed for therapeutic induction for maternal hypertension at 32-41 weeks gestational age. While the BP's of the patients varied, it was the haemodynamics, particularly SV, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, Smith Madigan Inotropy Index, and oxygen deliver, that identified differing patterns of circulatory dysfunction, therapeutic objectives, and predicted post-partum complications of the mother and child. First trimester screening of maternal haemodynamics may allow for earlier detection of circulatory derangements, selection of patient precise interventions, and improved maternal-foetal outcomes.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the BES1 gene family in apple (Malus domestica)

As the most important transcription factor in the brassinosteroid (BR) signal transduction pathway, BES1 not only affects growth and development of plants but also regulates stress resistance of crops. The physicochemical properties, gene structure, cis-acting elements and gene chip expression of apple BES1 transcription factors were analysed using bioinformatics, and expression of this gene family was analysed with qRT-PCR. There were 22 members of the apple BES1 transcription factors, distributed on eight chromosomes, divided into seven subtribes (I-VII), and the same subtribe contained the same basic motifs. Gene structure analysis showed that the number and position of exons differed, and there was no upstream and downstream structure. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that BES1 transcription factors contain response elements for hormones and abiotic stress, as well as organ-specific elements. Gene chip expression profile analysis revealed that expression patterns of BES1 transcription factors differed in different apple hybrids and different organs. In addition, expression of apple BES1 genes was higher in flowers, young fruits, mature fruits and leaves. qRT-PCR demonstrated that expression of MdBES1 genes was highest 12 h after BR induction. At the same time, there were differences in expression in response to PEG, NaCl and MeJA. This paper provides a theoretical basis for analysis of the biological function and stress resistance mechanism of BES1 transcription factors in apple.

Sapphire Fabry-Perot interferometer for high-temperature pressure sensing

An adhesive-free encapsulation sapphire Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) is proposed and demonstrated for high-temperature pressure measurements. The sapphire FPI sensor is packaged by zirconia ferrules and a zirconia sleeve, which is easy to be configured and low in cost. Owing to this packaging technology, the sapphire FPI sensor presents good stability and high temperature resistance. The pressure and temperature properties of the sapphire FPI sensor are investigated within a temperature range from -50^∘C to 1200°C and a pressure range from 0.4 to 4.0 MPa. Experimental results show the FPI has a temperature sensitivity of 23 pm/°C and still works as the temperature is up to 1200°C. Meanwhile, the wavelength shift of the sapphire FPI versus the applied pressure is linear at each tested temperature. The pressure sensitivity is measured to be 1.20 nm/MPa at 1200°C, and the linear response shows the proposed sensor has good repeatability within 0.4-4.0 MPa. Such a sapphire FPI sensor has potential applications in engineering areas, such as the oil industry and gas boilers.

Identification of genetic effects and potential causal polymorphisms of CPM gene impacting milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein

Our previous GWAS revealed 83 significant SNPs and 20 promising candidate genes associated with milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle. Out of them, the carboxypeptidase M (CPM) gene contains a genome-wide significant SNP, Hapmap49848-BTA-106779, which is strongly associated with myristic acid (C14:0; P = 0.0064). Herein, we aimed to confirm the genetic effects of CPM on milk fatty acids in Chinese Holstein. Seven SNPs were detected by re-sequencing the sequences of entire exons and 3000 bp of up-/downstream flanking regions of the CPM gene, of which three were in 5' flanking region, one in the 3' UTR and three were in the 3' flanking region. Using the Haploview 4.1, we estimated the LD among the identified SNPs and found two haplotype blocks. With the animal model, we performed the SNP- and haplotype-based association analyses, and observed that these SNPs and haplotype blocks mainly had strong genetic associations with medium-chain saturated fatty acids (caproic acid, C6:0; caprylic acid, C8:0; capric acid, C10:0; and lauric acid, C12:0) (P < 0.0001-0.0257). In addition, using the Genomatix software, we predicted that three SNPs in the 5' flanking region of CPM (g.45079507A>G, g.45080228C>A and g.45080335C>G) changed the transcription factor binding sites for PREF (progesterone receptor biding site), ZBRK1 (transcription factor with eight central zinc fingers and an N-terminal KRAB domain), SOX9 (sex-determining region Y-box 9, dimeric binding sites), SOX6 (sex-determining region Y-box 6) and FOXP1-ES (alternative splicing variant of FOXP1, activated in ESCs). Further, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed these three SNPs altered the transcriptional activity of CPM gene (P ≤ 0.0006). In summary, using the post-GWAS strategy, we first confirmed the significant genetic effects of CPM with milk fatty acids in dairy cattle, and identified three potential causal mutations.

Rapamycin-induced autophagy plays a pro-survival role by enhancing up-regulation of intracellular ferritin expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Elevated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling has been reported to correlate with poor prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Rapamycin, an mTOR kinase inhibitor, and also a potent autophagy inducer, could not only effectively reverse glucocorticoid resistance, but also promote autophagy in the ALL cells. Autophagy has been suggested to play a paradoxical role in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to address the role of the rapamycin-induced autophagy in the leukemia treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell proliferation was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in ALL cell lines of CEM-C1 and CEM-C7. Western Blot analysis was performed to test protein expressions.

RESULTS

Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin could reverse glucocorticoid resistance in CEM-C1 cells, and also induce autophagy in these cells by up-regulation of LC3-II and Beclin-1 expressions. This autophagy played a pro-survival role since its inhibition by 6-amino-3-methylpurine or chroloquine could enhance rapamycin-induced cell death. Rapamycin increased the expression of intracellular ferritin, and this effect could be totally blocked by 6-amino-3-methylpurine and chroloquine, suggesting that the protective role of autophagy might be mediated through up-regulation of ferritin, the major iron-binding stress protein. Ciclopirox olamine, an iron chelator, could enhance rapamycin's anti-leukemia effect by down-regulation of intracellular ferritin expression.

CONCLUSIONS

All these findings would suggest that rapamycin-induced autophagy plays a pro-survival role in leukemia cells and this effect might be mediated by up-regulation of intracellular ferritin expression. We hypothesize that the combination of mTOR pathway inhibitors and autophagy inhibition is rational and would induce strong anti-leukemia effects in ALL.

Abstract ES10-2: Understanding breast cancer using a developmental perspective

Parallels among embryonic development, stem cells, and cancer have long been recognized. We identified, isolated, and characterized stem cells that first become committed to a mammary fate during embryogenesis; we refer to these cells as fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSCs). Lineage tracing, in vitro sphere formation, and in vivo transplantation studies by our group and many others all confirm that cells in the embryo are the bipotent progenitors of the mammary gland. There is debate, however, on whether such bipotent cells persist into the adult, or whether the luminal and basal lineages are maintained by unipotent progenitors. To gain insight into the relationships between fMaSCs and breast cancer, and to investigate their potential persistence in the adult, we have applied bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) and single nucleus ATAC-sequencing (snATAC-seq) throughout mammary development. The results to be discussed demonstrate that fMaSC transcriptomes are heterogeneous, but all share co-expression of genes associated with luminal and basal cell fates. This fits a model in which the bipotent state is created by a balance of lineage specifiers. We also find that the fMaSC transcriptome is highly enriched in basal-like human breast cancers and identify potential embryonic pathways that correlate with poor prognosis. We used a variety of computational tools to infer the gene expression programs that ensue when fMaSCs commit to luminal and basal states. The data from scRNA-seq and snATAC-seq demonstrate that the transitions are gradual, not precipitous, and that luminal and basal cells exhibit significant transcriptomic and epigenetic heterogeneity. This challenges the notion that the mammary gland consists of discrete cell types defined by rigid transcriptomic parameters, and reveals a potential for intrinsic phenotypic plasticity of normal mammary cells. Using the combined databases, we identified Sox10 as a significantly differentially expressed cell state regulator. We show that tumors are heterogeneous with regard to Sox10 expression, and that locally invasive cells tend to express high Sox10 levels. Elevated Sox10 correlates with acquisition of a neural-crest like, EMT-related state. Implications for interception of metastasis by targeting neural crest-like cells will be discussed. Finally, we have generated a web resource that is available to the scientific community to enable the transcription and epigenetic characteristics of any gene of interest to be tracked through mammary development (https://wahl-labsalk.shinyapps.io/Mammary_snATAC/).

Citation Format: GM Wahl, Z Ma, C Chung, C Dravis, BT Spike, RR Giraddi, O Balcioglu, C Fan, B Hagos, R Heinz, Herrera-Valdez J, X Hou, J Hwang, R Lasken, G Luna, NE Lytle, EM Mehrabad, M Novotny, CM Perou, O Poirion, S Preissl, B Ren, T Reya, CL Trejo, KT Varley. Understanding breast cancer using a developmental perspective [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES10-2.

Expression and distribution of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, VEGF, VEGFR-2 and HIMF in the kidneys of Tibetan sheep, plain sheep and goat

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to detect the expression and distribution characteristics of five proteins (the hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha [HIF-1a], HIF-2a, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], VEGF-2 receptor [VEGFR-2] and hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor [HIMF]) in kidney of Tibetan sheep, plain sheep and goat. The results will provide the basic information for the comparative study of sheep breeds living at different altitudes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The kidney tissues were collected from healthy adult Tibetan sheep, plain sheep and goats and made into paraffin sections. Histological characteristics were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Expressions of HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF, VEGFR-2 and HIMF proteins were measured by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry results showed that the positive expression signals of HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF and VEGFR-2 were detected in epithelial cells of renal tubules and collecting tubules, renal corpuscles in the kidneys of the three sheep breeds. Positive expression signals of HIMF were detected in epithelial cells of proximal tubules and distal tubules in Tibetan sheep and epithelial cells of distal tubules in goat. Immunostaining intensity of HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF and VEGFR-2 proteins in Tibetan sheep was significantly higher than that in both plain sheep and goat (p < 0.05). Immunostaining intensity of HIMF in Tibetan sheep was higher than goat (p < 0.05). Positive expression signals of HIMF were not detected in plain sheep.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression and distribution characteristics of HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF, VEGFR-2 and HIMF in the studied kidney tissues suggested that these proteins may be related to the physiological regulation of Tibetan sheep kidney in hypoxia environment, and therefore might be important regulating proteins for Tibetan sheep to adapt to high altitude hypoxia environment.