The mechanism of and the association between interleukin-27 and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity in lung cancer

Interleukins (ILs) are involved in the occurrence and development of numerous types of cancer, and serve a critical role in the development of effective cancer therapeutics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of IL-27 on chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer cells, and analyze its potential molecular mechanism in lung cancer tissues. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the RNA and protein expression levels of IL-27. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation rates of the lung cancer line A549. Flow cytometry was subsequently applied to determine the rate of apoptosis in A549 cells. The data obtained revealed that the expression of IL-27 with cisplatin, significantly suppressed the proliferation and apoptosis of A549 cells compared with that in the cisplatin treatment group alone. The expression of Akt and apoptosis factors such as Caspase-3 and Bcl-2/Bax also ascertained that upregulated IL-27 inhibited the development of cancer and increased apoptosis in the A549 cells. Therefore, IL-27 may represent a potential target for antitumor therapy, especially when considering the clinical challenges presented by the development of chemoresistance in tumors. These findings suggest that IL-27 is a promising biomarker and represents a novel treatment strategy for patients with lung cancer.

[Comprehensive control rate and related factros of diabetes mellitus in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the comprehensive control situation and related factors of diabetes mellitus. Methods: From August to December of 2017, 13 259 residents aged 18 to 79 years old were randomly selected as the subjects by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method. Questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory tests were conducted. The effective sample size was 13 240. A total of 1 592 diabetes patients were found. In this study, 917 diabetes patients who had been diagnosed before the investigation were selected as subjects. The comprehensive control of diabetes patients was analyzed. The situation of diabetes patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, overweight and obesity, coronary heart diseases was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis of complex sampling was used to analyze the related factors of diabetes comprehensive control. Results: The average age of 917 patients with diabetes was (58.5±0.7) years old. The proportion of people who participated in diabetes follow-up management was 29.0%. There were 89.5% diabetes patients with one or more chronic diseases. The comprehensive control rate of diabetes mellitus was 2.0%, men and women were 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively (P>0.05). The rate of comprehensive control among those diabetes patients with chronic diseases was 0.4%, lower than that of those without chronic diseases (15.6%, P<0.05). The comprehensive control rate of people who participated in diabetes follow-up management was 1.4%. The control rate of blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid and weight of diabetes mellitus was 30.9%, 30.2%, 17.4% and 27.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of complex sampling showed that excessive intake of red meat, with chronic diseases and qualified core knowledge were all related with comprehensive control of diabetes mellitus, OR value was 31.41, 39.98 and 0.29, P<0.05. Conclusion: The comprehensive control rate of diabetes mellitus was low. Excessive intake of red meat, with chronic diseases and qualified core knowledge were all related with comprehensive control of diabetes mellitus.

Quantitative T1ρ MRI of the Head and Neck Discriminates Carcinoma and Benign Hyperplasia in the Nasopharynx

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

T1ρ imaging is a new quantitative MR imaging pulse sequence with the potential to discriminate between malignant and benign tissue. In this study, we evaluated the capability of T1ρ imaging to characterize tissue by applying T1ρ imaging to malignant and benign tissue in the nasopharynx and to normal tissue in the head and neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and benign hyperplasia of the nasopharynx prospectively underwent T1ρ imaging. T1ρ measurements obtained from the histogram analysis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 43 participants were compared with those for benign hyperplasia and for normal tissue (brain, muscle, and parotid glands) in 41 participants using the Mann-Whitney U test. The area under the curve of significant T1ρ measurements was calculated and compared using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the Delong test, respectively. A P < . 05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in T1ρ measurements between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and benign hyperplasia and between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and normal tissue (all, P < . 05). Compared with benign hyperplasia, nasopharyngeal carcinoma showed a lower T1ρ mean (62.14 versus 65.45 × ms), SD (12.60 versus 17.73 × ms), and skewness (0.61 versus 0.76) (all P < .05), but no difference in kurtosis (P = . 18). The T1ρ SD showed the highest area under the curve of 0.95 compared with the T1ρ mean (area under the curve  = 0.72) and T1ρ skewness (area under the curve  = 0.72) for discriminating nasopharyngeal carcinoma and benign hyperplasia (all, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative T1ρ imaging has the potential to discriminate malignant from benign and normal tissue in the head and neck.

[Analysis of quantitative changes of γδT cells in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic brucellosis]

Objective: To investigate the quantitative changes of γδT cells in peripheral blood before and after anti-Brucella treatment in patients with chronic brucellosis. Methods: A prospective design was used to 88 patients with chronic brucellosis who were admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Tianjin from September 2012 to April 2018. The patients took anti-brucella drugs, And the changes in the number of γδT cell, CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+)T lymphocytes and CD4/8 in peripheral blood before treatment, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment were analyzed. Thirty volunteers were selected as the healthy control group from Tianjin Second People's Hospital employee health checkup in 2014. Results: After 6 weeks antibacterial therapy, the counts of CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+)T lymphocytes were significantly lower than before treatment in patients with chronic brucellosis (P<0.05) . After 12 weeks antibacterial therapy, the counts of γδT cell, CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+)T lymphocytes were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05) , but CD4/8 was higher than before treatment in patients with chronic brucellosis (P<0.05) . Compared with healthy control group, after 6 weeks antibacterial treatment, the γδT cell count was still significantly higher, but the CD4(+)T lymphocyte count was lower (P<0.05) . After 12 weeks treatment, the γδT cell count was still significantly higher than that of the healthy control group (P<0.01) . Conclusion: γδ T cells, CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD3(+)T lymphocytes may play a role in human body resistance to chronic Brucella infection.

The prokaryotic expression, polyclonal antibody preparation, and subcellular localization of the transmembrane protein NS2A of the duck Tembusu virus

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA arbovirus, belonging to the genus Flavivirus, the family Flaviviridae. As a transmembrane protein, non-structural protein 2A (NS2A) plays an important role in virion assembly, replication complex and antagonizing host immune response. Since NS2A protein contains many hydrophobic amino acids, it is hard to gain the full-length protein of NS2A for prokaryotic expression. Therefore, to make a deep study, prokaryotic expression and polyclonal antibody preparation of truncated DTMUV NS2A was performed. The truncated NS2A gene (178-450 bp) was obtained, and sub-cloned into the prokaryotic vector pGEX-4T-1 (pGEX-4T-1-NS2A178-450bp). Subsequently, the recombinant GST-NS2A60-150aa protein was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) with the induction by 0.3 mmol/l isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) for 6 h at 37°C. The GST-NS2A60-150aa protein was extracted from the gel. The BALB/c mice were immunized with the purified recombinant NS2A protein to prepare polyclonal antibodies against the truncated NS2A protein. The titer of the polyclonal antibodies, determined by ELISA analysis, was 1:128,000. The specificity of the polyclonal antibodies (mPAb-DTMUV-NS2A60-150aa) were verified by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) was performed to explore the subcellular localization of NS2A. NS2A protein was, in the transfected cells, located mainly around nucleus in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Taken together, our study provided a useful tool for the further exploration of the biological functions and molecular mechanism of DTMUV NS2A. Keywords: duck Tembusu virus; non-structural protein 2A; prokaryotic expression; polyclonal antibodies; subcellular location.

[Association between sleep and serum hemoglobin A1c in nondiabetic population in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the status quo of sleep and its associations with serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among nondiabetic people of 18-79 years old in Beijing. Methods: Data was gathered from the 2017 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Program. Multiple classified clusters sampling method was used while the 18-79 years old were sampled from the 16 districts of Beijing. Questionnaires would include information on demographic characteristics, chronic diseases and related risk factors, sleep duration and related problems (snore/asphyxia, difficult to get to sleep, waking often during the night, waking up early or taking sleeping pills) within the last 30 days. Complex sampling logistic regression models were established to analyze the association between sleep-related problems and serum HbA1c. Results: A total of 11 608 non-diabetic participants were involved in this study, with average age, reported sleep duration and median of serum HbA1c level as (43.36±15.27) years old, (7.49±1.29) h/d and 5.30%, respectively. 47.38% of them reported having sleep problems within the last 30 days. With the increasing time of sleep, serum HbA1c level was fluctuating significantly (F=413.06, P<0.01). Significant differences appeared in serum HbA1c levels among different age groups (t=358.3, P<0.01). Among participants with several kinds of sleep problems, the serum HbA1c levels were significantly higher than those without, through the single factor analysis (U=15.11, P<0.01). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the combination of one sleep-related problem (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.03-1.41) and snore/asphyxia were associated with higher serum HbA1c levels (HbA1c≥5.7%) (OR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.16-1.61). People under 60 years of age were with higher risk of having higher serum HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Duration and sleep-related problems might affect the serum HbA1c levels, especially among those younger than 60 years of age.

[Study on intention of smoking concession, awareness of smoking hazards and impact on smoking status in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the awareness of smoking hazards and intention of smoking concession in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing, and provide scientific evidence for the development and improvement of tobacco control policies and measures. Methods: Data were collected from the 2017 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease surveillance. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to take samples from 165 communities in 16 districts of Beijing. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results: Among 11 594 participants, 49.93% had no intention of smoking concession. The percentage of refusing smoking concession was higher in men (50.39%) than in women (43.01%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=14.211, P=0.002), and higher in suburban residents (56.78%) than in urban residents (45.30%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=51.977, P<0.001). For the smoking cessation motivation, "illness" was the reason for more former smokers (29.88%) compared with current smokers (11.50%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=85.865, P<0.001). The awareness rates of smoking hazards was higher in women (34.97%) than in men (32.63%), the difference was significant (Z=5.612, P<0.001), higher in suburban residents (35.44%) than in urban residents (33.03%), the difference was significant (Z=-3.734, P<0.001), and higher in never smokers (35.15%) than in smokers (30.06%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=62.277, P=0.005). Multiple logistic regression analysis results showed people with general awareness (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.39-0.94) and poor awareness (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.50-0.90) of smoking hazards were less likely to quit smoking and people with general awareness (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.53-0.76) and poor awareness (OR=0.87, 95%CI: 0.78-0.98) of smoking hazards were more likely to smoke. Conclusions: Smokers aged 18-65 in Beijing had low willingness for smoking cessation. Health problem was main consideration for smoking cessation. Never-smokers had better awareness of smoking hazards than smokers, and the awareness of smoking hazards was an influencing factor of smoking status.

[Study on the relationship between sleep-related problems and dyslipidemia among adults in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the status quo of sleelated problems and relationship with dyslipidemia among adults in Beijing. Methods: From August to December 2017, 13 188 residents aged 18-79 years old were randomly selected as the subjects of this study, by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method. Questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory testing were used in this study. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics and status quo of sleep. Height and weight were measured, with fasting venous blood collected to test the levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG. Results: In Beijing, 52.1% of the adults involved in this study were having sleep-related problems which appeared higher in patients with dyslipidemia (55.1%) than those without (50.7%). Rates of sleep-related problems as snoring, difficult to get into sleep, waking at night, waking early and taking sleeping pills were 30.1%, 18.8%, 24.6%, 20.1% and 3.0%, respectively. The prevalence rates of high TC, high TG and high LDL-C were 7.5%, 23.5% and 6.6%, respectively among subjects with snoring and as, 5.7%, 15.5% and 4.9%, respectively among those without. The average level of TC of people easy to wake at night was 4.74 mmol/L, higher than that of those without (4.66 mmol/L). The prevalence of high TC among those waking at night was 7.5%, higher than that of those without (5.8%). After controlling potential confounding factors as age, sex, smoking, overweight and obesity, snoring was significantly positively correlated to the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C (P<0.05) and presenting as risk factor for dyslipidemia, with OR=1.248 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sleep-related problems appeared serious, with snoring and waking at night the main ones among adults in Beijing. Snoring was significantly positively correlated with the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C and served an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia.

LncRNA SNHG7 promotes the proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of renal cell cancer cells by downregulating CDKN1A

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "LncRNA SNHG7 promotes the proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of renal cell cancer cells by downregulating CDKN1A, by J.-S. Dong, B. Wu, B. Jiang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (23): 10241-10247-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201912_19661-PMID: 31841178" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/19661.

Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR regulates the development of non-small cell lung cancer through miR-217/DACH1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is reported to make chromatin state, cell growth and cancer metastasis. However, the role of HOTAIR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of HOTAIR in NSCLC in relation to miR-217/Dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression levels of HOTAIR and miR-217 were measured by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) in NSCLC cell lines and human bronchial epithelial cell line HBE. The direct target of HOTAIR and miR-217 in NSCLC was confirmed by a Luciferase reporter assay. The expression of DACH1 protein was examined by Western blot (WB) assay. Cell migration and invasion were examined with transwell assays, and cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay.

RESULTS

HOTAIR was up-regulated and miR-217 was down-regulated in NSCLC cell lines. Silencing of HOTAIR significantly repressed cell proliferation and inhibited cell migration and invasion in H1299 and A549 cells by facilitating miR-217 expression. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that DACH1 was a target of miR-217. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-217 markedly repressed cell proliferation and inhibited cell migration and invasion in H1299 and A549 cells. DACH1 reverses the effects of miR-217 overexpression in NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

HOTAIR was up-regulated in NSCLC cell and regulates the proliferation, migration, invasion through the miR-217/DACH1 signaling pathway. It provides a novel potential treatment strategy for NSCLC.

[Nursing of one patient with extremely severe burn-blast combined injury complicated with acute kidney injury caused by dust explosion]

On January 31, 2018, a 21-year-old male patient with extremely severe burn-blast combined injury complicated with acute kidney injury caused by dust explosion of crospovidone was admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The following nursing measures were carried out, aiming at the condition of the patient. We strengthened the management of fluid intake and output volume, prevented hypothermia and unplanned disembarkation during the period of continuous renal replacement therapy with burn shock and acute kidney injury. For traumatic pneumothorax, we took a good care of the closed chest drainage tube and implemented a ventilation strategy of low tide and low positive end expiratory pressure. During the infection with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, the environmental disinfection of the care unit was optimized and polymyxin B drug care was done. After 71 days of comprehensive treatment and nursing care, the patient recovered and was discharged from hospital. This case suggests that, in view of the renal function and lung function of patients with extremely severe burn-blast combined injury, individualized treatment and nursing measures are helpful to improve the cure rate and prognosis.

Early antiviral treatment contributes to alleviate the severity and improve the prognosis of patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

BACKGROUND

At present, the severity of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a focal point.

METHODS

To assess the factors associated with severity and prognosis of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, we retrospectively investigated the clinical, imaging and laboratory characteristics of confirmed 280 cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from 20 January to 20 February 2020.

RESULTS

The median age of patients in the mild group was 37.55 years, whilst that in the severe group was 63.04 years. The proportion of patients aged over 65 years in the severe group was significantly higher than that of the mild group (59.04% vs. 10.15%, P < 0.05). 85.54% of severe patients had diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, which was significantly higher than that of the mild group (51.81% vs. 7.11%, P = 0.025; 33.73% vs. 3.05%, P = 0.042). Patients in the mild group experienced earlier initiation of antiviral treatment (1.19 ± 0.45 vs. 2.65 ± 1.06 days in the severe group, P < 0.001). Our study showed that comorbidity, time from illness onset to antiviral treatment and age >=65 were three major risk factors for COVID-19 progression, whilst comorbidity and time from illness onset to antiviral treatment were two major risk factors for COVID-19 recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The elderly and patients with underlying diseases are more likely to experience a severe progression of COVID-19. It is recommended that timely antiviral treatment should be initiated to slow the disease progression and improve the prognosis.

[Clinical effectiveness of super pulsed carbon dioxide fractional laser debridement surgery in treating chronic wounds]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of super pulsed carbon dioxide fractional laser debridement surgery on the treatment of chronic wounds. Methods: From December 2018 to May 2019, 37 patients with chronic wounds who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University for a prospective randomized controlled study. Using the random number table, the patients were divided into surgical debridement group (19 patients, 4 males and 15 females, aged (58±16) years, 25 wounds) and laser debridement group (18 patients, 9 males and 9 females, aged (58±10) years, 23 wounds). In patients of surgical debridement group, oedematous and aging granulation tissue was scraped from the wound by scalpel handle or curet, and the residual necrotic tissue was removed by sharp surgical instruments. In patients of laser debridement group, oedematous and aging granulation tissue and necrotic tissue was removed by super pulsed carbon dioxide fractional laser therapeutic machine, laser gasification debridement was performed repeatedly till fresh normal tissue layer observed. In patients of the two groups, according to the wound in the first 3 d after the first debridement, debridement dressing was performed twice at least as before, then wound debridement dressing was performed once every 1 to 4 days as before according to the wound conditions. The wound healing rates on 7, 14, 21, and 28 d after the first debridement were calculated. The positive rates of bacterial culture of wounds before and after the first debridement were calculated. The color and texture of the wound granulation tissue before the first debridement and on 7, 14, and 28 d after the first debridement were observed and scored. The pain scores before every debridement, during every debridement, and after every debridement dressing change were evaluated by visual analogue scale. The times of debridement dressing change were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with two independent sample t test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, Fisher's exact probability test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) On 7, 14, 21, and 28 d after the first debridement, the wound healing rates of patients in laser debridement group (29.5% (24.1%, 36.0%), 47.1% (42.7%, 62.4%), 71.4% (62.2%, 76.8%), and 88.6% (79.2%, 96.3%) were significantly higher than those of surgical debridement group (1.6% (1.0%, 12.8%), 12.7% (2.0%, 16.6%), 24.5% (8.9%, 45.5%), 43.9% (23.2%, 70.8%), Z=3.477, 3.553, 2.721, 2.193, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) Before the first debridement, the positive rates of bacterial culture of wounds in patients of laser debridement group and surgical debridement group were 92% (23/25) and 91% (21/23), respectively, which were similar (P>0.05). After the first debridement, the positive rate of bacterial culture of wounds of patients in surgical debridement group was 64% (16/25), which was significantly higher than 13% (3/23) of laser debridement group (P<0.01). (3) On 7, 14, and 28 d after the first debridement, the scores of color and texture of wound granulation tissue of patients in laser debridement group were significantly higher than those of surgical debridement group (Z=3.420, 5.682, 6.142, 4.461, 5.337, 4.458, P<0.01). (4) The pain scores during every debridement and after every debridement dressing change in patients of laser debridement group were significantly lower than those of surgical debridement group (t=2.847, 5.046, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (5) The time of debridement dressing change in laser debridement group was 8.0 (7.0, 10.0) times, which was significantly less than 10.0 (9.5, 12.5) times in surgical debridement group (Z=2.261, P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with traditional surgical debridement method, super pulsed carbon dioxide fractional laser debridement surgery is more effective in treating patients with chronic wounds. Laser debridement makes the wound healing more efficiently with reduced pain and better infection control; significantly reduces the number of dressing changes, and is especially suitable for the wound treatment in outpatients.

[Suggestions for thoracic surgery clinical practice in non-epidemic area of 2019 coronavirus disease]

In this paper, the mechanism of destroying human alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary tissue by 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was discussed firstly. There may be multiple mechanisms including killing directly the target cells and hyperinflammatory responses. Secondly, the clinical features, CT imaging, short-term and long-term pulmonary function damage of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was analyzed. Finally, some suggestions for thoracic surgery clinical practice in non-epidemic area during and after the epidemic of COVID-19 were provided, to help all the thoracic surgery patients receive active and effective treatment.

[Evaluation on the effect of exclusive breastfeeding among women with primipara, using the Information-motivation-behavioral skills model intervention model]

Objective: To explore the effects of intervention programs during primipara, using the Information-motivation-behavioral skills model (IMB) intervention model on initial exclusive breastfeeding. Method: 206 women of primiparas who were registered to the top three hospitals were selected in Shandong province, 2018. These women were hospitalized in the obstetrics/gynaecology wards during the later periods. IMB model was used to support the intervention programs at the following stages: antenatal period, 1 day postpartum, 3-4 days postpartum and 42 days postpartum. Questionnaire regarding self-efficacy energy meter, knowledge and behavior related to breastfeeding, were used before and after the intervention programs. Results: Through intervention programs, statistically significant differences in breastfeeding self-efficacy scores between the four stages (F=150.680, P=0.000) were recorded. Significant differences were also noticed in scores on knowledge of breastfeeding (F=176.556, P=0.000). Conclusion: The application of IMB intervention model in women at childbearing age seemed to be helpful in improving the effect of primary breastfeeding in women at childbearing age.

Up-regulation of miR-765 predicts a poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Up-regulation of miR-765 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been reported in the previous study. The aim of the present study was to measure the levels of miR-765 expression in ESCC and evaluate its clinical significance in ESCC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time PCR assays were performed to analyze the expression of miR-765 in human ESCC tissues and adjacent esophageal tissues. The relationships between miR-765 expression levels and the clinical factors were investigated by x2-test. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of ESCC patients with a different expression level of miR-765. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-765 in ESCC tissues was significantly higher than that in their corresponding normal tissues (p < 0.01). High miR-765 expression was significantly correlated with tumor stage (p = 0.001), lymph nodes metastasis (p = 0.005), clinical stage (p = 0.007). In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with higher miR-765 expression had a significantly poorer OS (p = 0.0010) and DFS (p< 0.0001) than those with lower miR-765 expression. Multivariate analyses revealed that miR-765 expression served as an independent predictor for both OS (p = 0.001) and DFS (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided the first evidence that miR-765 may serve as an indicator for prognosis of ESCC.

The role of miR-99b in mediating hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and migration

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults with a high rate of malignancy. The potent invasion and migration of HCC mainly impact the prognosis and recurrence of the disease. Our previous study found that miR-99b was highly expressed in HCC, and its expression was associated with vascular invasion. It was speculated that miR-99b may play a role in HCC invasion and migration, while the specific mechanism remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was applied to detect expressions of miR-99b and KAI1 genes in L02, HepG2, and MHCC97H cells. HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-99b inhibitor, miR-99b mimic, and NC. Flow cytometry was used to test cell cycle and apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to validate the target gene of miR-99b. Wound healing assay was used to detect cell migration. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell invasion. Western blot was performed to detect KAI1, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin expressions. Immunofluorescence assay was adopted to test Vimentin expression.

RESULTS

The level of miR-99b was reduced in L02 while up-regulated in MHCC97H. By contrast, the expression of KAI1 was increased in L02 but declined in MHCC97H. The transfection of miR-99b mimic inhibited HepG2 apoptosis and accelerated cell cycle. MiR-99b suppressed KAI gene expression through targeting its 3'-UTR. MiR-99b mimic or si-KAI1 transfection promoted cell invasion and migration, while their simultaneous action significantly enhanced cell invasion and migration. The overexpression of miR-99b or knockdown of KAI1 significantly weakened HepG2 cell adhesion, reduced E-cadherin expression, upregulated N-cadherin and Vimentin, and promoted cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-99b contributes to promoting function in HCC migration and invasion through inhibiting KAI1 expression.

[Value of serum HBV RNA in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To analyze serum HBV-RNA levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA has dropped to undetected levels after treatment with entecavir, and to explore the correlation between HBV-RNA level and liver biochemical parameters, which lay the research foundation for the clinical significance of new serological marker HBV-RNA. Methods: HBeAg negatively detected 107 cases with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA test results were lower than detection level for six consecutive months after receiving standard nucleoside therapy for more than 12 months were included. HBV-RNA level was detected by Perkin-Elmer reagent. HBV-DNA level was detected by Roche Cobas. Hitachi automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect ALT and AST. Architect chemiluminescence analyzer was used to detect HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc. RStudio software was performed to analyze the correlation between HBV-RNA level and liver biochemical parameters. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent factors influencing HBV-RNA level. Results: The positive detection rate of serum HBV-RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA had dropped to undetected levels after ETV treatment was 22.43%. HBsAg, ALT and AST levels in HBV-RNA positive group were slightly higher than HBV-RNA negative group, while anti-HBc levels were slightly higher in HBV-RNA negative group. There was no difference in the level of anti-HBe between the HBV-RNA negative and the positive group. Logistic regression analysis showed that anti-HBc was an independent factor influencing the level of HBV-RNA detection (P = 0.021). Conclusion: HBV-RNA can be detected in some patients with chronic hepatitis B whose serum HBV-DNA level has dropped to undetected levels after ETV treatment. Serum HBV-RNA only comes from the direct transcription of cccDNA, so it is better than HBV-DNA and HBsAg to reflect cccDNA level or activity. Anti-HBc, as an independent factor influencing the level of HBV-RNA, may be used in combination as a new marker to predict the efficacy of antiviral therapy.