Establishment of a Novel Temozolomide Resistant Subline of Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis With Parental Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal disease with a high rate of chemoresistance to temozolomide (TMZ). The aim of the study was to establish a TMZ-resistant subline from the GBM-8401 cell line to determine the mechanisms of resistance and identify novel effective therapeutics for TMZ-resistant GBM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Comparative transcriptome analysis of GBM-8401/TMZR cells and the parental line was performed using Ion Torrent sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the GBM-8401/TMZR and GBM-8401 cell lines were analyzed.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic profiling of GBM-8401/TMZR cells revealed DEGs involved in the retinoblastoma (RB) signaling, DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, and DNA repair mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

In vitro and in vivo cell-based GBM models should be used in further biomedical studies to investigate the underlying mechanisms of TMZ-resistant GBM.

[Bonebridge implantation combined with simultaneous bilateral auricle reconstruction for bilateral congenital aural atresia]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of auricle reconstruction combined with Bonebridge implantation for bilateral aural atresia patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 36 cases(72 ears) who underwent Bonebridge implantation combined with bilateral auricle reconstruction from February 1, 2017 to January 15, 2020. All cases were bilateral congenital aural atresia and underwent Nagata auricle reconstruction for both sides simultaneously. Bonebridge implantations were performed during the second stage of auricle reconstruction. Results: All 36 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharged. The preoperative average bone conduction threshold of the patients was(8.5±5.8) dB HL and postoperative bone conduction threshold was (8.4±5.2) dB HL. There was no significant change after the implantation (P=0.724). The preoperative average air conduction threshold of was(64.9±7.4)dB HL and postoperative air conduction threshold was (24.0±5.3) dB HL, which had a significant change after the implantation (P<0.001). The hearing threshold with Bonebridge significantly decreased by 40.9 dB HL compared with the preoperative air conduction threshold(P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased by 62.5%, 63.5% and 72.2% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words and short sentences in noise environment were significantly increased by 55.9%, 58.9% and 69.9% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 18.3 months in average, the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfied. One patient had implant rupture and healed after revision surgery. Conclusions: With an integrated surgical procedure, patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia can complete bilateral auricle reconstruction and hearing implantation within six months. This integrated surgical procedure is safe and efficient, with a stable hearing improvement and good appearance.

[Advances in researches of serotype 2 novel oral polio vaccine]

In April 2016, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) adjusted its polio vaccination strategy, converting trivalent oral polio vaccine (tOPV) into bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV), and withdrawing type 2 oral polio vaccine (OPV2) globally. However, after the withdrawal of OPV2, there were many outbreaks of type-2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) in Asia and Africa. In order to eradicate poliovirus completely, GPEI launched the research and development of the novel serotype 2 oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) in 2010 and considering whether it is necessary to reuse OPV. This paper summarizes the epidemiological situation of cVDPV2 before and after OPV2's withdrawal, the related factors affecting the reuse of OPV and the related research progress of nOPV2.

Approaches towards fighting the COVID‑19 pandemic (Review)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) outbreak, which has caused >46 millions confirmed infections and >1.2 million coronavirus related deaths, is one of the most devastating worldwide crises in recent years. Infection with COVID‑19 results in a fever, dry cough, general fatigue, respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea and a sore throat, similar to those of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The causative agent of COVID‑19, SARS‑CoV‑2, is a novel coronavirus strain. To date, remdesivir has been granted emergency use authorization for use in the management of infection. Additionally, several efficient diagnostic tools are being actively developed, and novel drugs and vaccines are being evaluated for their efficacy as therapeutic agents against COVID‑19, or in the prevention of infection. The present review highlights the prevalent clinical manifestations of COVID‑19, characterizes the SARS‑CoV‑2 viral genome sequence and life cycle, highlights the optimal methods for preventing viral transmission, and discusses possible molecular pharmacological mechanisms and approaches in the development of anti‑SARS‑CoV‑2 therapeutic agents. In addition, the use of traditional Chinese medicines for management of COVID‑19 is discussed. It is expected that novel anti‑viral agents, vaccines or an effective combination therapy for treatment/management of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and spread therapy will be developed and implemented in 2021, and we would like to extend our best regards to the frontline health workers across the world in their fight against COVID‑19.

[Clinical observation of single-segment cervical adjacent segment disease treated with artificial cervical disc replacement]

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcomes and radiographic results of artificial cervical disc replacement (ACDR) for cervical adjacent segment disease (ASD). Methods: The clinical data of 28 patients with single-segment cervical ASD treated with ACDR in Xi 'an Honghui Hospital from December 2013 to July 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 19 males and 9 females with a mean age of (46±7) years (36-63 years). Preoperative, postoperative 1 month and postoperative 24 months of clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded and compared. The clinical outcome mainly includes Japanese orthopedic association (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI%), Odom score and complications. Imaging assessment mainly included range of motion (ROM) of cervical spine, surgical segment ROM, Cobb angle of surgical segment, degree of adjacent disc degeneration, heterotopic ossification, and prosthesis related image parameters. Results: In terms of clinical outcome, the average JOA score was 12.7±1.5 before surgery, 14.0±1.0 one month after surgery, 15.8±0.9 24 months after surgery, and the improvement rate of JOA was 75%±19%. The mean NDI% was 27.0%±2.8% before surgery, 20.5%±1.6% one month after surgery, and 15.3%±2.8% 24 months after surgery; the difference before and after treatment was statistically significant (F=159.101, P<0.01). Twenty patients were classified with excellent Odom score and 8 patients with good Odom score at the final follow-up. The total ROM of cervical spine, operation segment ROM, operation segment Cobb angle were all improved significantly after the operation (F=4.633, 6.063, 26.952, all P<0.05). There was a statistical difference in Miyazaki classification between adjacent discs above ACDR and below the fusion segment 24 months after surgery (μ(c)=2.12, P=0.034). The incidence of heterotopic ossification was 14.3%. The results of displacement degree of prosthesis were as follow: coronal plane (0.30±0.11) mm, sagittal plane (0.28±0.10) mm; subsidence of the prosthesis: (0.27±0.09) mm. No prosthesis loosening was observed. Conclusions: The clinical outcome of revision of cervical ASD by ACDR is satisfactory. The risk of intervertebral disc degeneration in adjacent segments is significantly lower than that of ACDF due to the presence of certain motor function postoperatively.

Novel quinazolinone MJ‑33 induces AKT/mTOR‑mediated autophagy‑associated apoptosis in 5FU‑resistant colorectal cancer cells

Novel quinazolinone compounds have been studied in the field of drug discovery for a long time. Among their broad range of pharmacological effects, certain compounds effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation. MJ‑33 is a quinazolinone derivative with proposed anticancer activities that was synthesized in our laboratory. The present study aimed to evaluate the anticancer activity of MJ‑33 in fluorouracil (5FU)‑resistant colorectal cancer cells (HT‑29/5FUR) and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The cell viability assay results indicated that HT‑29/5FUR cell viability was inhibited by MJ‑33 treatment in a concentration‑dependent manner compared with the control group. The cellular morphological alterations observed following MJ‑33 treatment indicated the occurrence of apoptosis and autophagy, as well as inhibition of cell proliferation in a time‑dependent manner compared with the control group. The acridine orange, LysoTracker Red and LC3‑green fluorescent protein staining results indicated that MJ‑33 treatment significantly induced autophagy compared with the control group. The DAPI/TUNEL dual staining results demonstrated increased nuclear fragmentation and condensation following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. The Annexin V apoptosis assay and image cytometry analysis results demonstrated a significant increase in apoptotic cells following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. The western blotting results demonstrated markedly decreased Bcl‑2, phosphorylated (p)‑BAD, pro‑caspase‑9 and pro‑caspase‑3 expression levels, and notably increased cytochrome c and apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 expression levels following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of autophagy‑related proteins, including autophagy related (ATG)‑5, ATG‑7, ATG‑12, ATG‑16, p62 and LC3‑II, were increased following MJ‑33 treatment compared with the control group. Furthermore, MJ‑33‑treated HT‑29/5FUR cells displayed decreased expression levels of p‑AKT and p‑mTOR compared with control cells. The results suggested that MJ‑33‑induced apoptosis was mediated by AKT signaling, and subsequently modulated via the mitochondria‑dependent signaling pathway. Therefore, the results suggested that suppression of AKT/mTOR activity triggered autophagy in the HT‑29/5FUR cell line. In summary, the results indicated that MJ‑33 inhibited HT‑29/5FUR cell viability, and induced apoptosis and autophagy via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The present study may provide novel insight into the anticancer effects and mechanisms underlying MJ‑33 in 5FU‑resistant colorectal cancer cells.

In Silico De Novo Curcuminoid Derivatives From the Compound Library of Natural Products Research Laboratories Inhibit COVID-19 3CLpro Activity

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV) is becoming increasingly serious. In March 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated remdesivir for compassionate use to treat COVID-19. Thus, the development of novel antiviral agents, antibodies, and vaccines against COVID-19 is an urgent research subject. Many laboratories and research organizations are actively investing in the development of new compounds for COVID-19. Through in silico high-throughput virtual screening, we have recently identified compounds from the compound library of Natural Products Research Laboratories (NPRL) that can bind to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein and block COVID-19 3Lpro activity through in silico high-throughput virtual screening. Curcuminoid derivatives (including NPRL334, NPRL339, NPRL342, NPRL346, NPRL407, NPRL415, NPRL420, NPRL472, and NPRL473) display strong binding affinity to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein. The binding site of curcuminoid derivatives to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein is the same as that of the FDA-approved human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor (lopinavir) to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein. The binding affinity of curcuminoid derivatives to COVID-19 3Lpro is stronger than that of lopinavir and curcumin. Among curcuminoid derivatives, NPRL-334 revealed the strongest binding affinity to COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein and is speculated to have an anti-COVID-19 effect. In vitro and in vivo ongoing experiments are currently underway to confirm the present findings. This study sheds light on the drug design for COVID-19 3Lpro polyprotein. Basing on lead compound development, we provide new insights on inhibiting COVID-19 attachment to cells, reducing COVID-19 infection rate and drug side effects, and increasing therapeutic success rate.

[The 478 th case: multiple myalgia with intramuscular nodules]

A 28-year-old man was admitted to the first medical center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital because of multiple myalgia and intramuscular nodules for more than 2 months. The patient complained of dysphagia, fever and weight loss 2 months ago. Magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy revealed nodular fasciitis. Inflammatory indicators including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count and fibrinogen were slightly elevated. Urine occult blood was positive. Abdominal ultrasound revealed left hydronephrosis. Because nodular fasciitis could not explain the whole situation, a needle biopsy of intramuscular nodules was performed. Pathological examination revealed intramuscular metastatic adenocarcinoma with poor differentiation. Gastric endoscope and positron emission tomography-computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma with extensive metastases of esophagus, lymph nodes, muscles, ureter and bone. Although chemotherapy was given, the patient died of disease progression six months later.

The Contribution of MMP-9 Genotypes to Pterygium in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIM

The studies about the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in pterygium diagnosis and/or prognosis are mainly based on their mRNA and protein levels, while the genomic roles of MMPs are seldom examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of MMP-9 genotypes to pterygium risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MMP-9 rs3918242 was genotyped in 134 pterygium cases and 268 controls via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

The rs3918242 genotype percentages of CC, CT, and TT were 73.1, 25.4 and 1.5% among cases and 74.6, 23.1 and 2.3% among controls (p trend=0.7928). The odds ratios after adjusting for age and gender for CT and TT genotypes at rs3918242 were 1.08 and 0.92 (95%CI=0.66-1.73 and 0.45-2.89, p=0.6478 and 0.6389), respectively. In addition, allelic frequency analysis showed no significant difference in the distribution of allelic frequencies between the pterygium and control groups.

CONCLUSION

The genotypes at MMP-9 rs3918242 play a minor role in determining personal susceptibility to pterygium.

Protective effects of valproic acid on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neuroinjury

Oxidative stress may play critically important roles in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is a physiological neurotoxin reported to induce oxidative-induced apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in PD mice models. Valproic acid (VPA), a clinical mood stabilizer, is a HDAC inhibitor with neuroprotective capacities. In the study, we aim at examining the feasibility of VPA as a protector for dopaminergic neurons against damage from 6-OHDA, and the intracellular mechanisms. The 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity to the human dopaminergic cell line SH-SY5Y was applied for examining VPA protective effects. Pretreatment with VPA was able to improve cell viability and reduce 6-OHDA-induced reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, a significant suppression of apoptotic caspases including cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 was observed. The results also revealed VPA decreased the 6-OHDA-induced Bax/Bcl2 ratio, as measured at protein level. These novel findings indicate that VPA may be capable of protecting the SH-SY5Y dopaminergic neuronal cells from 6-OHDA-induced toxicity via the deceasing of apoptotic caspases (cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9) and reducing of the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Very possibly, VPA could serve as not only a mood stabilizer but also a potential antidote for PD prevention.

Sensitivity of allyl isothiocyanate to induce apoptosis via ER stress and the mitochondrial pathway upon ROS production in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a bioactive phytochemical compound that is a constituent of dietary cruciferous vegetables, possesses promising chemopreventive and anticancer effects. However, reports of AITC exerting antitumor effects on apoptosis induction of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro are not well elucidated. The present study focused on the functional mechanism of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-based apoptotic machinery induced by AITC in human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. Our results indicated that AITC decreased cell growth and number, reduced viability, and facilitated morphological changes of apoptotic cell death. DNA analysis by flow cytometry showed G2/M phase arrest, and alterations in the modulated protein levels caused by AITC were detected via western blot analysis. AITC also triggered vital intrinsic apoptotic factors (caspase-9/caspase-3 activity), disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and stimulated mitochondrial-related apoptotic molecules (e.g., cytochrome c, apoptotic protease activating factor 1, apoptosis-inducing factor, and endonuclease G). Additionally, AITC prompted induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ release and Ca²⁺-dependent ER stress-related signals, such as calpain 1, activating transcription factor 6α, glucose-regulated proteins 78 and 94, growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible protein 153 (GADD153), and caspase-4. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was found to induce the hallmark of ER stress GADD153, proapoptotic marker caspase-3, and calpain activity after AITC treatment. Our findings showed for the first time that AITC induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptotic death via ROS-based ER stress and the intrinsic pathway (mitochondrial-dependent) in HT-29 cells. Overall, AITC may exert an epigenetic effect and is a potential bioactive compound for CRC treatment.

Potential effects of allyl isothiocyanate on inhibiting cellular proliferation and inducing apoptotic pathway in human cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Cisplatin-resistant oral cancer is clinically difficult to manage and the dose-dependent toxicities of cisplatin has been widely concerned. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), known as mustard oil, is a plant-derived compound abundant in cruciferous vegetables. It is reported to have anti-cancer potential as a natural dietary chemopreventive compound against a variety of cancers, but the effect of AITC on cisplatin-resistant cancer cells is still little-known.

METHODS

Human CAL27-cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells (CAR cells) were examined to investigate the antitumor properties of AITC. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, IncuCyte™ S3 cell proliferation assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining as well as Western blot analysis were deployed.

RESULTS

AITC decreased CAR cell viability, induced cell death of CAR cells and inhibited the confluences of cultured CAR cells. When CAR cells were treated with AITC, activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 by AITC was observed and could be reversed by Z-VAD-fmk (pan-caspase inhibitor). Furthermore, the protein expressions of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) were suppressed in AITC-treated CAR cells, whereas protein expressions of Bax, cytochrome c, Apaf-1, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 were upregulated in AITC-treated CAR cells.

CONCLUSION

AITC can inhibit Akt/mTOR proliferation signaling and promote mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway through AITC-enhanced activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in CAR cells.

The Association of MMP7 Genotype With Pterygium

BACKGROUND/AIM

In literature, few studies have examined the diagnostic or prognostic potential of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in pterygium, whose formation and progression are closely related to imbalance in the extracellular microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the contribution of MMP7 promoter (A-181G and C-153T) polymorphic genotypes to pterygium risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 134 cases and 268 controls were collected and their MMP7 genotypes at A-181G and C-153T were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology.

RESULTS

The AA, AG and GG genotypes at MMP7 promoter A-181G were non-significantly differentially distributed between the two groups at 85.8, 11.2 and 3.0%, respectively, in pterygium cases and 88.4, 9.7 and 1.9% in controls, respectively (p for trend=0.6822). There was no polymorphic genotype for MMP7 C-153T among our Taiwanese cohort.

CONCLUSION

A-181G and C-153T genotypes at MMP7 do not have a direct role in determining Taiwanese susceptibility to pterygium.

Tetramethylpyrazine reverses high-glucose induced hypoxic effects by negatively regulating HIF-1α induced BNIP3 expression to ameliorate H9c2 cardiomyoblast apoptosis

Background

Diabetic patients are highly vulnerable to hypoxic injury, which is associated with hypoxia induced BNIP3 expression that subsequently activate apoptosis. Our previous research show that Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a food flavoring agent, represses the hypoxia induced BNIP3 expression attenuate myocardial apoptosis. In this study, we evaluate the effect of TMP to provide protection against hypoxia aggravated high-glucose associated cellular apoptosis.

Methods

The cytoprotective effect of TMP against high glucose induced cellular damages was determined on embryo derived H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells that were subjected to 5% hypoxia for 24 h and subjected to different duration of 33 mM high glucose challenge. Further, the involvement of HIF-1α and BNIP3 in cellular damage and the mechanism of protection of TMP were determined by overexpression and silencing HIF-1α and BNIP3 protein expression.

Results

The results show that hypoxic effects on cell viability aggravates with high glucose challenge and this augmentative effect is mediated through BNIP3 in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. However, TMP administration effectively reversed the augmented HIF-1α levels and BNIP3 elevation. TMP improved the survival of H9c2 cells and effectively suppressed apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Further comparison on the effects of TMP on H9c2 cells challenged with high glucose and those challenged with hypoxia show that TMP precisely regulated the hypoxic intensified apoptotic effects in high-glucose condition.

Conclusion

The results clearly show that flavoring agent-TMP attenuates cytotoxicity amplified by hypoxia challenge in high glucose condition by destabilizing HIF-1α.

Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, and Preliminary Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of 4,4-Disubstituted Curcuminoid 2,2-bis(Hydroxymethyl)Propionate Derivatives

Compound 1 is a curcumin di-O-2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionate that shows significant in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against MDA-MB-231 cells with eight to ten-fold higher potency than curcumin. Here, we modified the α-position (C-4 position) of the central 1,3-diketone moiety of 1 with polar or nonpolar functional groups to afford a series of 4,4-disubstituted curcuminoid 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionate derivatives and evaluated their anticancer activities. A clear structure-activity relationship of compound 1 derivatives focusing on the functional groups at the C-4 position was established based on their anti-proliferative effects against the MDA-MB-231 and HCT-116 cell lines. Compounds 2-6 are 4,4-dimethylated, 4,4-diethylated, 4,4-dibenzylated, 4,4-dipropargylated and 4,4-diallylated compound 1, respectively. Compounds 2m-6m, the ester hydrolysis products of compounds 2-6, respectively, were synthesized and assessed for anticancer activity. Among all compound 1 derivatives, compound 2 emerged as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for colon cancer due to the promising in vivo anti-proliferative activities of 2 (IC50 = 3.10 ± 0.29 μM) and its ester hydrolysis product 2m (IC50 = 2.17 ± 0.16 μM) against HCT-116. The preliminary pharmacokinetic evaluation of 2 implied that 2 and 2m are main contributors to the in vivo efficacy. Compound 2 was further evaluated in an animal study using HCT-116 colon tumor xenograft bearing nude mice. The results revealed a dose-dependent efficacy that led to tumor volume reductions of 27%, 45%, and 60% at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg doses, respectively. The established structure-activity relationship and pharmacokinetic outcomes of 2 is the guidance for future development of 4,4-disubstituted curcuminoid 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)- propionate derivatives as anticancer drug candidates.

Integrated analysis of gene modulation profile identifies pathogenic factors and pathways in the liver of diabetic mice

Purpose

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that can progress to a serious chronic disease and frequently develops in obese individuals in association with various pathogenic complications that shorten the lifespan of these patients. The liver is an important organ regulating lipid metabolism, which is damaged in both obesity and T2D; however, the specific pathways involved in these pathogenic effects remain unclear. Establishing a suitable animal model that effectively mimics the human biological condition is a critical factor to allow for precise identification of T2D-related genes.

Methods

The KK.Cg-A^y mouse strain is one such model that has offered insight into obesity-related T2D pathogenesis. To comprehensively assess the association between obesity and T2D, in the present study, we performed microarray analysis on liver tissue samples of KK.Cg-A^y and KK-α/α wild-type mice to examine differences in gene expression and methylation patterns and their related biological processes and pathways.

Results

We found that inflammation accompanied by abnormal lipid metabolism led to the spontaneous mechanism of obesity-induced diabetes, resulting in differential expression of some genes related to the terms of insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. Surprisingly, disruption of steroid biosynthesis strongly facilitated the diabetic pathogenesis. To support these findings, we highlighted some candidate genes and determined their relationships in biological networks of obesity-induced T2D.

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable reference data that can facilitate further detailed investigations to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of obesity-induced diabetes in mice, which can be associated with the human condition to inform new prevention and treatment strategies.

Combinational treatment of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC)-induced apoptosis in liver cancer Hep3B cells

The effects of two-drug combination, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), on apoptosis induction of liver cancer cells were investigated in human liver Hep 3B cells. Two-drug combination caused a more effective decrease in cell viability and in induction of S phase arrest, DNA damage, and cell apoptosis than that of ATRA or BDMC only. Also, the two-drug combination caused more cells to undergo significantly increased ROS productions when compared to that of ATRA or BDMC only. Results of Western blotting demonstrated that two-drug combination increased expressions of Fas, pro-apoptotic proteins, and active form of caspase-3 and -9, but decreased that of anti-apoptotic proteins and XIAP than that of ATRA or BDMC only in Hep 3B cells. In conclusion, ATRA combined with BDMC enhance cell apoptosis and associated protein expression in Hep 3B cells. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) derived from natural plants, turmeric (Curcuma longa), which had been used for Asia food for thousands of years. All-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) is currently used as a primary treatment for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. In previous study, ATRA and BDMC were reported to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Our results showed that treatment of ATRA combined with BDMC showed more effectively apoptosis than that of ATRA or BDMC only in Hep 3B cells. The findings also provided possible pathways concerning the induction of liver cancer cell apoptosis. We conclude that ATRA combined with BDMC may be potent anticancer agents or adjuvants for liver cancer therapy in the future.

[A survey on the current status and related factors of influenza vaccination among health care workers in tertiary hospitals of Xining city during the influenza epidemic season from 2017 to 2018]

Objective: To evaluate the current status and related factors of influenza vaccination among health care workers (HCWs) in tertiary hospitals of Xining city after the implementation of the free influenza vaccination policy. Methods: In August 2018, the cluster sampling method was used to select four medical institutions in Xining that had previously conducted investigations and interventions. All HCWs(excluding logistic staff) in each medical institution were included in the study. A total of 3 260 valid respondents were included. Questionnaires were used to collect the demographic characteristics, influenza and influenza vaccination awareness, implementation of free policy in the influenza epidemic season from 2017 to 2018, influenza vaccination status, awareness of influenza vaccination schedule and free policy. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze related factors of influenza vaccination. Results: The age of respondents was (31.41±5.00) years. The influenza vaccination rate was 6.80% (226/3 260) in 2017-2018 influenza epidemic season. After controlling for related factors, the awareness of the influenza vaccination schedule (OR=17.05, 95%CI: 5.86-49.59), vaccination frequency (OR=8.22, 95%CI: 2.98-22.61) and the free policy (OR=3.15, 95%CI: 1.49-6.67) had higher vaccination rate. Conclusion: The influenza vaccination rate of HCWs in tertiary hospitals of Xining city was low. Increasing the awareness of the vaccination schedule, frequency and free policy may promote the influenza vaccination rate of HCWs.

Lupeol suppresses migration and invasion via p38/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells

Lupeol, one of the common components from the fruits and natural foods, has been reported to exert antitumor activities in many human cancer cell lines; however, its effects on osteosarcoma cell metastasis were not elucidated. In the present study, lupeol at 10–25 μM induced cell morphological changes and decreased total viable cell number in U-2 OS cells. Lupeol (5–15 μM) suppressed cell mobility, migration, and invasion by wound healing and transwell chamber assays, respectively. Lupeol inhibited the activities of MMP-2 and −9 in U-2 OS cells by gelatin zymography assay. Lupeol significantly decreased PI3K, pAKT, β-catenin, and increased GSK3β. Furthermore, lupeol decreased the expressions of Ras, p-Raf-1, p-p38, and β-catenin. Lupeol also decreased uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and N-cadherin but increased VE-cadherin in U-2 OS cells. Based on these observations, we suggest that lupeol can be used in anti-metastasis of human osteosarcoma cells in the future.

Oridonin, A natural diterpenoid, protected NGF-differentiated PC12 cells against MPP+- and kainic acid-induced injury

Oridonin (ORI) is a natural diterpenoid presented in some medicinal plants. The effects of pre-treatments from ORI against MPP⁺- or kainic acid (KA)-induced damage in nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated PC12 cells were investigated. Results showed that pre-treatments of ORI at 0.25-2 μM enhanced the viability and plasma membrane integrity of NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. MPP⁺ or KA exposure down-regulated Bcl-2 mRNA expression, up-regulated Bax mRNA expression, increased caspase-3 activity and decreased Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase activity. ORI pre-treatments at test concentrations reversed these changes. ORI pre-treatments decreased reactive oxygen species production, raised glutathione level, and increased glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase activities in MPP⁺ or KA treated cells. ORI pre-treatments lowered tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and prostaglandin E₂ levels in MPP⁺ or KA treated cells. ORI also diminished MPP⁺ or KA induced increase in nuclear factor-κB binding activity. MPP⁺ exposure suppressed tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA expression and decreased dopamine content. KA exposure reduced glutamine synthetase (GS) mRNA expression, raised glutamate level and lowered glutamine level. ORI pre-treatments at 0.5-2 μM up-regulated mRNA expression of TH and GS, restored DA and glutamine content. These findings suggested that oridonin was a potent neuro-protective agent against Parkinson's disease and seizure.

[Study on safety of adjuvant radiotherapy concurrent with weekly chemotherapy for stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection]

Objective: To evaluate the tolerability and short-term efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy in 125 patients with stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the rate of completion, toxicity and survival of patients undergoing adjuvant concurrent chemo-radiotherapy after radical resection of esophageal carcinoma from January 2004 to December 2014 in our institution. The survival rate was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed using the log-rank test. Multivariate prognostic analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: 122 patients received more than 50 Gy dose (97.6%). A total of 52 patients received more than 5 weeks chemo-radiotherapy (41.6%), while 73 patients underwent only 1-4 weeks (58.4%). The median following up was 48.4 months. 8 patients lost follow up (6.4%). The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rate were 91.6% and 57.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 64.4 months. The 1-year and 3-year disease free survival rate were 73.2% and 54.3%, respectively, with a median disease free survival time of 59.1 months. The most common acute complications associated with chemo-radiotherapy were myelosuppression, radiation esophagitis and radiation dermatitis, the majority of which were Grade 1-2. Of the 125 patients, there were 59 cases of recurrence, including 23 cases with local regional recurrence, 26 cases with hematogenous metastasis, and 8 cases with mixed recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was associated with the overall survival (P=0.006). But receiving more than 5 weeks was not the prognostic factor compared to 1 to 4 weeks chemotherapy (P=0.231). Multivariate analysis showed that only the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.010). Conclusions: Postoperative radiotherapy concurrent with weekly chemotherapy could improve the overall survival and decrease the recurrence for stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. However, the completion rate of chemotherapy was low, so it was necessary to explore reasonable regimens to improve the completion rate and carry out prospective randomized controlled trial.

Cantharidin decreased viable cell number in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells through G2/M phase arrest and induction of cell apoptosis

Cantharidin (CTD), a sesquiterpenoid bioactive substance, has been reported to exhibit anticancer activity against various types of cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the apoptosis effects and the underlying mechanisms of CTD on osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells. Results showed that CTD induced cell morphologic changes, reduced total viable cells, induced DNA damage, and G₂/M phase arrest. CTD increased the production of reactive oxygen species and Ca²⁺, and elevated the activities of caspase-3 and -9, but decreased the level of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, CTD increased the ROS- and ER stress-associated protein expressions and increased the levels of pro-apoptosis-associated proteins, but decreased that of anti-apoptosis-associated proteins. Based on these observations, we suggested that CTD decreased cell number through G₂/M phase arrest and the induction of cell apoptosis in U-2 OS cells and CTD could be a potential candidate for osteosarcoma treatments.