Maternal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin suppresses male reproductive functions in their adulthood

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in the environment. The developmental period is more sensitive to TCDD and there is a possibility that maternal exposure to TCDD may affect in adulthood. Adult female Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 µg/kg TCDD during the critical stage of organogenesis, that is, on GD15. The results revealed a significant decrease in indices of reproductive organ weight in adult male rats exposed to prenatal TCDD, and dose-dependent reduction in epididymal sperm reserves, percent motile, and viable sperm with an increase in percent morphological abnormal sperm. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed downregulated expression levels of steroidogenic markers such as steroidogenic acute regulatory, cholesterol side-chain cleavage, and 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDs) in experimental rats. Immunofluorescence sections portrayed reduced distribution of 3β- and 17β-HSD proteins in testes of experimental rats. Furthermore, spermatogenic markers (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase) were significantly altered in the testes. Serum levels of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormones, and luteinizing hormone were significantly decreased. Testicular levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated with a decline in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and total thiol levels. Moreover, histological and morphometric examination of testicular cross-sections depicted degenerative changes. Male fertility assessment in adult rats revealed a significant decrease in mating index, fertility index, and mean number of pre- and postimplantations with an increase in pre- and postimplantation losses in rats cohabited with in utero TCDD-exposed adult males. In conclusion, the findings of this study provided clear evidence that maternal exposure to TCDD during the critical stage of development results in suppressed reproductive health in adulthood.

Influenza a virus and Streptococcus pneumonia coinfection potentially promotes bacterial colonization and enhances B lymphocyte depression and reduction

Influenza has frequently been epidemic in recent years. However, the mechanisms of severe pneumonia with postinfluenza Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) secondary infection have not been fully understood. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of pneumonia in postinfluenza A virus (IAV) infection via a mouse model. Mice were intranasally inoculated with SP three days after IAV inoculation. We then collected samples at three time points to dynamically observe the pathological progression. In IAV infection alone, lymphocyte infiltration and widened alveolar intervals were observed. In the blood, levels of the CD19+, CD19+CD21+ and CD19+CD79β+B lymphocyte subpopulations were reduced, and IFN-γ and IL-10 were elevated. Slight atrophy was seen in the spleen, which was due to splenic B lymphocyteinitiated apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. When SP infection occurred after IAV infection, the pulmonary inflammation was significantly aggravated; a fair number of lymphocytes and neutrophils infiltrated simultaneously with exfoliated bronchial epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, widened alveolar septum and hemorrhaging. Increasing edema fluid and bacteria accumulated in the alveolar cavity. Decreased CD19+, CD19+CD21+ and CD19+CD79β+B lymphocyte subpopulations and increased interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or interleukin 10 (IL-10) were more prominent compared to those with viral infection alone. Spleen atrophy resulting from coinfection was more obvious because of massive splenic B lymphocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway compared to viral infection alone. This study shows that although inflammation caused by SP infection alone was temporary, preceding IAV infection provided favorable conditions for SP colonization and multiplication by destroying lung structure and suppressing humoral immunity. Synergistic IAV-SP coinfection is likely to facilitate more SP colonization and promote B lymphocyte-suppression and reduction. Eventually, the pneumonia worsened.

MiR-195 restrains lung adenocarcinoma by regulating CD4+ T cell activation via the CCDC88C/Wnt signaling pathway: a study based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and bioinformatic analysis

Background

To systematically identity microRNA signatures, as well as miRNA-gene axes, for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and to explore the potential biomarkers and mechanisms associated with the LUAD immune responses.

Methods

LUAD-related data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and these data were then used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs that were downregulated in tumor tissues. Summary receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, survival analysis and meta-analysis were applied to evaluate the clinical significance and diagnostic value of the identified miRNAs. The presumed targets of the integrated-signature miRNAs were identified via 3 different target prediction algorithms: TargetScan, miRDB and DIANA-TarBase. Immunologic signature gene sets were enriched by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were profiled by the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER). After pathway enrichment analysis using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases, pathway-gene networks were constructed using Cytoscape software.

Results

After integrated analysis of 4 GEO data sets (GSE48414, GSE51853, GSE63805 and GSE74190) and TCGA databases, miR-195 was identified as a potential clinical diagnostic marker. A total of 287 miR-195 target genes were screened, and 3 functional gene sets (GSE13485, GSE21379 and GSE29164) were enriched. GSE21379 was associated with the upregulation of CD4+ T cells in tumors, and the core genes were validated via the TIMER database. The CCDC88C expression level was significantly correlated with CD4+ T cell activation (partial.cor =0.437, P<0.001). Enrichment analysis revealed that CCDC88C was significantly enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway.

Conclusions

MiR-195, as a suppressor of lung adenocarcinoma, regulates CD4+ T cell activation via CCDC88C.

[Correlation between endogenous EPO levels and electrocardiogram scatter plot changes in patients with coronary heart disease and autonomic nerve function injury]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between endogenous EPO levels and electrocardiogram scatter plot changes in patients with coronary heart disease and autonomic nerve function injury. Methods: Forty-eight patients who underwent coronary arteriography (CAG) inspection due to chronic coronary heart diseases were selected from July 2015 to October 2015. All of them were evaluated by the Ewing standard autonomic nervous function test, and were divided into Ewing(+) group and Ewing(-) group according to the results of the test. The clinical data of the patients was collected and venous blood was extracted to detect EPO level. Results: The EPO level of Ewing (+) group ((13±3) mIU/ml) was significantly higher than that of Ewing (-) group ((10±3) mIU/ml). The Lorenz scatter plot comet shapes between the two groups had a significant difference. As for the quantitative indicators of Lorenz scatterplot, length of the Ewing (+) group ((147±22) ms) was shorter than that of the Ewing (-) group ((164±24) ms) and there was no significant differences in the width between the two groups. EPO level was negatively correlated with length in both groups (r=-0.427, P=0.002), but not with width (r=0.091, P=0.539). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that EPO (OR=1.394) and diastolic blood pressure (OR=1.091) were risk factors for autonomic nervous function damage. Length (OR=0.934) was a protective factor for autonomic nervous function. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the EPO curve was 0.737 and that under the length curve was 0.719. Conclusions: The endogenous EPO levels are associated with the changes of electrocardiogram scatter plot in patients with coronary heart disease and autonomic nerve function injury. EPO and length of scatter plot have the similar diagnostic value on predicting of autonomic nerve function injury.

BNIP1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promotes apoptosis by mTOR in cervical cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

BNIP1, a member of the BH3-only protein family, plays essential roles in a variety of biological processes. However, the mechanism and function of BNIP1 are still unknown in cervical cancer. We aim to explore the roles of BNIP1 on cervical cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion abilities by mTOR signaling pathway.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR and Western blot assays were performed to assess BNIP, mTOR, and p70S6K1 expressions. CCK-8, transwell and flow cytometry assays were used to measure the representative proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis abilities.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that BNIP1 is down-expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells, and was negatively associated with lymphatic metastasis. Overexpression of BNIP1 suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Silence of BNIP1 by siRNAs accelerated proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. In addition, we found that BNIP1 significantly inhibited mTOR, p70S6K1, and p-p70S6K1 expressions; BNIP1 affected the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion abilities of cervical cancer cells by regulating mTOR expression.

CONCLUSIONS

BNIP1 can be considered a marker for cervical carcinoma therapy.

Apical U-shape splitting technique for undercut areas of the anterior alveolar ridge: a prospective non-randomized controlled study

The aim of this study was to investigate a novel apical U-shape splitting technique for horizontal bone augmentation in undercut areas and to compare its efficacy with that of guided bone regeneration (GBR). This was a prospective non-randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 36 patients, who presented with a labial undercut that was not able to house a normally inclined implant, underwent the new technique or GBR. Radiographic and clinical data were obtained preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. Pairwise comparisons of changes in ridge width gain, marginal bone loss, and pink aesthetic score were performed; correlations with pristine ridge morphology were investigated. The results showed similar marginal bone loss in the two groups. The overall ridge width gains in the new technique group (2.56±1.92mm) and GBR group (0.73±1.21mm) differed significantly (P<0.05). The pink aesthetic score was higher for the new technique group (11.75±1.22) than for the GBR group (9.25±1.86) (P<0.01). The morphology of the concavity had different impacts on regeneration in the two groups. The apical U-shape splitting technique, as a safe and effective alternative to GBR, provided a significant increase in bone volume gain where labial fenestration was inevitable during implant placement.

Epithelial Cdc42 Deletion Induced Enamel Organ Defects and Cystogenesis

Cdc42, a Rho family small GTPase, regulates cytoskeleton organization, vesicle trafficking, and other cellular processes in development and homeostasis. However, Cdc42's roles in prenatal tooth development remain elusive. Here, we investigated Cdc42 functions in mouse enamel organ. Cdc42 showed highly dynamic temporospatial patterns in the developing enamel organ, with robust expression in the outer enamel epithelium, stellate reticulum (SR), and stratum intermedium layers. Strikingly, epithelium-specific Cdc42 deletion resulted in cystic lesions in the enamel organ. Cystic lesions were first noted at embryonic day 15.5 and progressively enlarged during gestation. At birth, cystic lesions occupied the bulk of the entire enamel organ, with intracystic erythrocyte accumulation. Ameloblast differentiation was retarded upon epithelial Cdc42 deletion. Apoptosis occurred in the Cdc42 mutant enamel organ prior to and synchronously with cystogenesis. Transmission electron microscopy examination showed disrupted actin assemblies, aberrant desmosomes, and significantly fewer cell junctions in the SR cells of Cdc42 mutants than littermate controls. Autophagosomes were present in the SR cells of Cdc42 mutants relative to the virtual absence of autophagosome in the SR cells of littermate controls. Epithelium-specific Cdc42 deletion attenuated Wnt/β-catenin and Shh signaling in dental epithelium and induced aberrant Sox2 expression in the secondary enamel knot. These findings suggest that excessive cell death and disrupted cell-cell connections may be among multiple factors responsible for the observed cystic lesions in Cdc42 mutant enamel organs. Taken together, Cdc42 exerts multidimensional and pivotal roles in enamel organ development and is particularly required for cell survival and tooth morphogenesis.

[Interventional treatment of symptomatic intracranial in-stent restenosis]

Objective: To assess the feasibility and safety of interventional treatment of symptomatic intracranial in-stent restenosis (SISR). Methods: Clinical data of 21 patients with SISR who underwent interventional treatment in the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force from January 2012 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Perioperative complications, angiographic and clinical follow-up results were recorded. Results: The success rate of treatment was 100%, including 21 lesions of SISR (7 at the V4 segment of the vertebral artery, 7 at the basilar artery, 5 at the M1 segment of middle cerebral artery, 2 at the internal carotid artery). The residual stenosis rate was preoperative 84±7, postoperative 30±14 respectively. Balloon angioplasty and stent implantation were performed in 10 patients (48.6%) and 11 patients (52.4%), respectively. After treatment, 1 patient experienced perforating event without neurological sequelae. Of the 11 patients (52.4%) completed angiography follow-up, 3 (3/11, 27.3%) ocurred restenosis and 1 was retreated. During clinical follow-up, 1 patients received intravenous thrombolysis for the symptom of acute cerebral infarction in territory of stenting artery, in-stent restenosis or occlusion was not demonstrated by emergency cerebral angiography. Conclusion: Interventional treatment of SISR is feasible and safe, however, further studies need to warrant the long-term effects.

Sodiation-based in-source collision for profiling of pyranocoumarins in Radix Peucedani (Qianhu): utility of sodium adducts' stability with in-source collision

Full scan mode of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry equipped with an electrospray ionization source offers a chance on global detection of complicated components; however, the scan mode carries significant challenges in rapidly capturing information of analysts. Sodiation-based in-source collision was proposed here, as a technique for rapid detecting untargeted analytes in full scan analysis, which was based on the stability of sodium adducts and the nonselectivity of in-source collision. Then the technique was applied to profile of angular-type pyranocoumarins (APs) in Radix Peucedani, with full scan analysis performed at two specific in-source collision energy: a high energy 50 V that is tolerated by the sodium adducts of APs, and a low energy 10 V, at which abundant adducts were offered. The spectra list of two average mass spectra was exported, and stable ions were selected based on the intensity ratio of standards at the two collision energy. Then 27 plausible [M + Na]⁺ m/z values of APs were acquired after filtering the fragment ion and isotope ions and validating with [M + NH₄ ]⁺ . Eighty-two APs finally were tentatively identified based on their accurate spectral data of MSⁿ , fragmentation rules, and elution order regardless of their absolute configuration, which included 25 reported APs from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. The technique provided a novel application of sodium adduct in qualitative analysis. And it was valuable for rapidly capturing information of analytes in full scan analysis, not only for APs but also for other compounds that could form sodium adducts. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prospective cohort study of laparoscopic and open hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a diameter of 5 cm or less is well recognized. The role of laparoscopy in treating large HCC (5-10 cm) remains controversial. This prospective cohort study was undertaken to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy for large HCC and to compare this approach with open hepatectomy.

METHODS

Patients with a solitary HCC (diameter 5-10 cm) who underwent open or laparoscopic hepatectomy were enrolled in a prospective observational study from January 2012 to April 2015. Perioperative and follow-up data were analysed.

RESULTS

Some 128 patients underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy and 207 had an open hepatectomy. One and two perioperative deaths were reported in the laparoscopic and open groups respectively. Laparoscopic hepatectomy was converted to an open procedure in 12 (9·4 per cent) of 128 patients. More patients in the laparoscopic group underwent an anatomical hepatectomy than in the open group (45·3 versus 21·7 per cent; P = 0·001). The postoperative complication rate was 20·3 per cent for the laparoscopic group versus 35·7 per cent for the open group (P = 0·003). Mean(s.d.) duration of hospital stay was 11·4(3·1) and 15·8(7·7) days respectively (P < 0·001). One- and 3-year overall survival rates in the laparoscopic and open groups were 94·4 versus 93·6 per cent (P = 0·875), and 81·4 versus 82·2 per cent (P = 0·802), respectively. One- and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 89·4 versus 88·7 per cent (P = 0·825), and 67·3 versus 66·7 per cent (P = 0·902), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is safe and feasible for the treatment of patients with large HCC.