Heme oxygenase-1 directly binds STAT3 to control the generation of pathogenic Th17 cells during neutrophilic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

Specific JAK/STAT pathways play a critical role in the functional differentiation of distinct Th subsets. Previously, we showed that HO-1, a stress-inducible protein, inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and alleviates neutrophilic airway inflammation, but the responsible molecular basis remains unclear.

METHODS

We employed Th17-skewing differentiation and NEA mouse models to study the role of HO-1 in regulating IL-6-STAT3-RORγt/SOCS3 signaling pathway to control Th17 cell-mediated neutrophilic airway inflammation. The levels of cytokines and expressions of relative signaling molecules were measured by ELISA, western blot, and qPCR, respectively. Frequency of CD4⁺ IL-17A⁺ , CD4⁺ IL-6R⁺ , and CD4⁺ IL-23R⁺ cells was analyzed by FCM. The interaction between HO-1 and signaling pathway-related proteins was determined by co-immunoprecipitation and western blot.

RESULTS

Here, we show that hemin-induced HO-1 overexpression is required to mediate this process. Specifically, HO-1 decreased STAT3 phosphorylation but not IL-6R/IL-23R expression or JAK1/JAK2 activation in CD4⁺ T cells. The effect was accompanied by co-inhibition of SOCS3, a negative feedback factor of STAT3 activation. HO-1 bound to three domains on STAT3 (DNA-binding, linker, and transactivation domains) to directly regulate STAT3 activation. Conversely, either forced expression of a constitutively active STAT3 mutant or application of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) for HO-1 reversed these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that HO-1 exerts its inhibitory effect on Th17 cell differentiation by directly associating and blocking STAT3 phosphorylation. We speculate that hemin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of other types of immune and pulmonary inflammatory-related diseases.

Gene-environment interaction: Does fluoride influence the reproductive hormones in male farmers modified by ERα gene polymorphisms?

The occurrence of endemic fluorosis is derived from high fluoride levels in drinking water and industrial fumes or dust. Reproductive disruption is also a major harm caused by fluoride exposure besides dental and skeletal lesions. However, few studies focus on the mechanism of fluoride exposure on male reproductive function, especially the possible interaction of fluoride exposure and gene polymorphism on male reproductive hormones. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study in rural areas of Henan province in China to explore the interaction between the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) gene and fluoride exposure on reproductive hormone levels in male farmers living in the endemic fluorosis villages. The results showed that fluoride exposure significantly increased the serum level of estradiol in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis in male farmers. Moreover, the observations indicated that fluoride exposure and genetic markers had an interaction on serum concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol, and the interaction among different loci of the ERα gene could impact the serum testosterone level. Findings in the present work suggest that chronic fluoride exposure in drinking water could modulate the levels of reproductive hormones in males living in endemic fluorosis areas, and the interaction between fluoride exposure and ERα polymorphisms might affect the serum levels of hormones in the HPT axis in male farmers.

MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and the severity of coronary lesions in acute coronary syndrome

The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, circulating levels of homocysteine (Hcy), and the severity of coronary lesion in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unknown.Consecutive ACS patients were included. MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were determined via amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Gensini scores were used to evaluate the severity of coronary lesions.Three hundred ten ACS patients were included, and grouped according to the MTHFR C677T polymorphism variant: CC (n = 78, 25.2%), CT (n = 137, 44.2%), and TT (n = 95, 30.6%) groups. No significant differences were detected with respect to baseline characteristics. Patients in TT group had significantly higher Hcy, and significantly lower folic acid (FA) levels as compared with those in the other 2 groups (P < .05 for both). More importantly, patients with TT had more severe coronary lesions as compared with those from the other 2 groups, as evidenced by higher Gensini scores (P < .05 for both); however, no significant differences were observed with respect to the numbers of affected coronary arteries, or the number, length, and diameter of stents implanted in each group (P > .05 for all). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, presence of a T allele in MTHFR C677T was found to be independently associated with higher circulating Hcy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.12, P = .024), and higher Gensini scores (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P = .046).MTHFR C677T TT polymorphism was associated with higher Hcy levels and more severe coronary lesions in patients with ACS.

Microarray analysis of an synthetic α-synuclein induced cellular model reveals the expression profile of long non-coding RNA in Parkinson's disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new research focus that are reported to influence the pathogenetic process of neurodegenerative disorders. To uncover new disease-associated genes and their relevant mechanisms, we carried out a gene microarray analysis based on a Parkinson's disease (PD) in vitro model induced by α-synuclein oligomers. This cellular model induced by 25 μmol/L α-synuclein oligomers has been confirmed to show the stable, transmissible neurotoxicity of α-synuclein, a typical PD pathological marker. And several differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified in this model, such as G046036, G030771, AC009365.4, RPS14P3, CTB-11I22.1, and G007549. Subsequent ceRNA analysis determined the potential relationships between these lncRNAs and their associated mRNAs and microRNAs. The results of the present study widen our horizon of PD susceptibility genes and provide new pathways towards efficient diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PD.

Ablation of Tacr2 in mice leads to gastric emptying disturbance

BACKGROUND

Tacr2 is one of the G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs) that mediate the biological actions of tachykinins. It is abundantly expressed in the gastrointestinal (GI) system and is thought to play an important role in GI motility, secretion, and visceral sensitivity. Previously, the physiological and pathophysiological functions of Tacr2 were mainly studied using Tacr2 selective agonists or antagonists. Here, we seek to investigate the effect of Tacr2 disruption in mice to provide further insights.

METHODS

The Tacr2 knockout mice were generated by homologous recombination and the phenotypic changes of the Tacr2-null mice were analyzed and compared with their wild type (wt) littermates.

KEY RESULTS

Increased food retention was detected in Tacr2^-/- mice. The stomach of Tacr2^-/- mice had thinner muscularis externa and less neurons in the myenteric plexus. The stomach and small intestine exhibited longer duration of electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced inhibition in the gastric fundus and decreased frequency of migrating motor complex (MMC), respectively. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were significantly up-regulated due to Tarc2 deficiency, contributing to enhanced nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the stomach of Tacr2^-/- mice. Intraperitoneal application of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) to Tacr2^-/- mice effectively relieved the gastric emptying disturbance. Moreover, Creb and NF-κB signalings were involved in the regulation of these physiological changes initiated by Tacr2 deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Tacr2 negatively regulated the expression of nNOS and VIP both in vivo and in vitro. Its ablation in mice elevated the expression of nNOS and VIP, enhanced NO signaling and changed the Creb and NF-κB signalings, finally leading to the gastric emptying disturbance of Tacr2^-/- mice.

Coherent combination of ultrashort pulse beams using two diffractive optics

A novel coherent beam combiner, capable of combining large numbers of femtosecond pulse beams using two diffractive optics, is presented. The diffractive optic pair cancels pulse front tilt, while uncorrected dispersions are minimized. An example using four beams is modeled numerically and tested experimentally, demonstrating 120 fs pulses combined without degradation of pulse width. Scaling the concept, we show analytically that combining loss due to uncorrected dispersions is only a few percent for ∼200 beams with 130 fs pulses.

Preliminary study on fabrication, characterization and synergistic anti-lung cancer effects of self-assembled micelles of covalently conjugated celastrol-polyethylene glycol-ginsenoside Rh2

The aim of this study was to develop an amphipathic polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative that was bi-terminally modified with celastrol and ginsenoside Rh2 (Celastrol-PEG-G Rh2). Such derivative was capable of forming novel, celastrol-loaded polymeric micelles (CG-M) for endo/lysosomal delivery and thereby synergistic treatment of lung cancer. Celastrol-PEG-G Rh2 with a yield of 55.6% was first synthesized and characterized. Its critical micellar concentration was 1 × 10-5 M, determined by pyrene entrapment method. CG-M had a small particle size of 121.53 ± 2.35 nm, a narrow polydispersity index of 0.214 ± 0.001 and a moderately negative zeta potential of -23.14 ± 3.15 mV. Celastrol and G Rh2 were rapidly released from CG-M under acidic and enzymatic conditions, but slowly released in normal physiological environments. In cellular studies, the internalization of celastrol and G Rh2 by human non-small cell lung cancer (A549) cells treated with CG-M was 5.8-fold and 1.8-fold higher than that of non-micelle control. Combinational therapy of celastrol and G Rh2 using CG-M exhibited synergistic anticancer activities in cell apoptosis and proliferation assays via rapid drug release within endo/lysosomes. Most importantly, the celastrol in CG-M exhibited a long elimination half-life of 445.3 ± 43.5 min and an improved area under the curve of 645060.8 ± 63640.7 ng/mL/h, that were 1.03-fold and 2.44-fold greater than those of non-micelle control, respectively. These findings suggest that CG-M is a promising vector for precisely releasing anticancer drugs within the tumor cells, and thereby exerts an improved synergistic anti-lung cancer effect.

Engineering the ribosomal DNA in a megabase synthetic chromosome

We designed and synthesized a 976,067-base pair linear chromosome, synXII, based on native chromosome XII in Saccharomyces cerevisiae SynXII was assembled using a two-step method, specified by successive megachunk integration and meiotic recombination-mediated assembly, producing a functional chromosome in S. cerevisiae. Minor growth defect "bugs" detected in synXII, caused by deletion of tRNA genes, were rescued by introducing an ectopic copy of a single tRNA gene. The ribosomal gene cluster (rDNA) on synXII was left intact during the assembly process and subsequently replaced by a modified rDNA unit used to regenerate rDNA at three distinct chromosomal locations. The signature sequences within rDNA, which can be used to determine species identity, were swapped to generate a Saccharomyces synXII strain that would be identified as Saccharomyces bayanus by standard DNA barcoding procedures.

MiR-92a promotes stem cell-like properties by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer

We previously reported the oncogenic function of miR-92a in colorectal cancer. This study identified that miR-92a was upregulated in chemoresistant colorectal cancer cells and tissues. Ectopic expression of miR-92a conferred resistance to 5-fluorouracil-induced apoptosis in vitro, while antagomiR-92a significantly enhanced chemosensitivity in vivo. Moreover, Overexpression of miR-92a promoted the tumor sphere formation and the expression of stem cell markers. MiR-92a overexpression also displayed higher tumourigenesis in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-92a upregulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity via directly targeting KLF4, GSK3β and DKK3, which are multiple level negative regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. In addition, our results indicate IL-6/STAT3 pathway increases miR-92a expression by directly targeting its promoter, resulting in Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation and consequent promotion of stem-like phenotypes of colorectal cancer cells. Our present results suggest the essential role of IL-6/STAT3/miR-92a/Wnt/β-catenin pathway in regulating the stem cell-like traits of colorectal cancer cells and provide a potential target for colorectal cancer therapy.

DC-SIGN reacts with TLR-4 and regulates inflammatory cytokine expression via NF-κB activation in renal tubular epithelial cells during acute renal injury

In the pathological process of acute kidney injury (AKI), innate immune receptors are essential in inflammatory response modulation; however, the precise molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Our study sought to demonstrate the inflammatory response mechanisms in renal tubular epithelial cells via Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing non-integrin 1 (DC-SIGN) signalling. We found that DC-SIGN exhibited strong expression in renal tubular epithelial cells of human acute renal injury tissues. DC-SIGN protein expression was increased significantly when renal tubular epithelial cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for a short period. Furthermore, DC-SIGN was involved in the activation of p65 by TLR-4, which excluded p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression was decreased after DC-SIGN knock-down, and LPS induced endogenous interactions and plasma membrane co-expression between TLR-4 and DC-SIGN. These results show that DC-SIGN and TLR-4 interactions regulate inflammatory responses in renal tubular epithelial cells and participate in AKI pathogenesis.

Rice stripe virus NS3 protein regulates primary miRNA processing through association with the miRNA biogenesis factor OsDRB1 and facilitates virus infection in rice

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs processed from primary miRNA transcripts, and plant miRNAs play important roles in plant growth, development, and response to infection by microbes. Microbial infections broadly alter miRNA biogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we report that the Rice stripe virus (RSV)-encoded nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) interacts with OsDRB1, an indispensable component of the rice (Oryza sativa) miRNA-processing complex. Moreover, the NS3-OsDRB1 interaction occurs at the sites required for OsDRB1 self-interaction, which is essential for miRNA biogenesis. Further analysis revealed that NS3 acts as a scaffold between OsDRB1 and pri-miRNAs to regulate their association and aids in vivo processing of pri-miRNAs. Genetic evidence in Arabidopsis showed that NS3 can partially substitute for the function of double-stranded RNA binding domain (dsRBD) of AtDRB1/AtHYL1 during miRNA biogenesis. As a result, NS3 induces the accumulation of several miRNAs, most of which target pivotal genes associated with development or pathogen resistance. In contrast, a mutant version of NS3 (mNS3), which still associated with OsDRB1 but has defects in pri-miRNA binding, reduces accumulation of these miRNAs. Transgenic rice lines expressing NS3 exhibited significantly higher susceptibility to RSV infection compared with non-transgenic wild-type plants, whereas the transgenic lines expressing mNS3 showed a less-sensitive response. Our findings revealed a previously unknown mechanism in which a viral protein hijacks OsDRB1, a key component of the processing complex, for miRNA biogenesis and enhances viral infection and pathogenesis in rice.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level and have emerged as key players in regulating plant growth, development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Accumulating evidences suggest that miRNAs are pivotal modulators of host–virus interactions, but how virus regulates miRNA accumulation remains poorly understood. Here, we report that NS3 protein encoded by Rice stripe virus (RSV) regulates the processing of several primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) by acting as an intermediary to modulate the association of pri-miRNAs and OsDRB1, a key factor of the pri-miRNA processing complex. NS3 increases recruitment of pri-miRNA to the processing complex by its association with OsDRB1 at the sites required for OsDRB1 dimer formation and induces several miRNAs accumulations as well as target genes repression, promoting the sensitivity of rice to RSV infection. Together these findings reveal a novel mechanism by which RSV regulates pri-miRNA processing, leading to enhanced viral infection.

Gender- and Age-Specific Relationships Between Phthalate Exposures and Obesity in Shanghai Adults

Phthalate exposure has been reported to be associated with obesity (measured by body mass index [BMI]) and central obesity (measured by waist circumference [WC]). Yet, reported associations and the potential gender and age differences are inconsistent. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 2330 participants in the fall of 2012. Urinary metabolites of ten phthalates were measured. Height, body weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured using standardized methods. We performed logistic regression analyses to estimate the association between each urine phthalate metabolite (categorized into quartiles) and obesity and central obesity and conducted an additional, stratified analysis to explore the gender and age differences. In the overall study population, higher urinary levels of MMP, MEHHP, and MECPP were associated with increased ratios of central obesity. When stratifying by gender and central obesity, higher urinary levels of MMP, MEHHP, and MEOHP were associated with increased odds of central obesity in females, whereas MB_zP was significantly associated inversely with central obesity in females. In males, it showed no significant P value for trend (P trend). When stratifying by age in females, higher urinary levels of MEHP, MEOHP, MEHHP, and MECPP were associated with increased odds of central obesity in women aged ≤45 years. In females aged >45 years, it showed no significant P trend. In conclusion, we found that association between phthalates and central obesity was stronger than between phthalates and obesity; association between phthalates and central obesity was stronger in females than in males and was stronger in younger females (aged ≤45 years) than in older females (aged >45 years).

Miniaturized compound refractive X-ray zoom lens

We introduce the concept of a miniaturized compound refractive X-ray zoom lens consisting of SU-8 lenses fabricated by deep X-ray lithography. The focal length can be varied by changing the number of lens elements placed in the beam. We use suitable actuators to move single lens elements reversibly out of the beam. The X-ray zoom lens can accept different X-ray energies while keeping a fixed working distance, or vary the focal distance for a fixed energy. The latter is useful in tuning the magnification factor in full field microscopy.

Role of exosomal proteins in cancer diagnosis

Exosomes are emerging as a new type of cancer biomarkers. Exosome is a bilayered nano-sized vesicle secreted by various living cells in all body fluids. Based on the expanding albeit incomplete knowledge of their biogenesis, secretion by cells and cancer cell-specific molecular and genetic contents, exosomes are viewed as promising, clinically-relevant surrogates of cancer progression and response to therapy. Preliminary proteomic, genetic and functional profiling of cancer cell-derived or cancer plasma-derived exosomes confirms their unique characteristics. Alterations in protein or nucleic acid profiles of exosomes in plasma correlate with pathological processes of many diseases including cancer. However, previous studies on exosome application in cancer diagnosis and treatment mainly focussed on miRNAs. With the development of rapid large-scale production, purification, extraction and screening of exosomal contents, exosomal protein application can be explored for early stage cancer diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis evaluation. Here, we summarized the recent developments in application of exosomal proteins for cancer diagnosis.

Hepatic Artery Reconstruction Using 3-in-1 Segmental Resection in Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report a transplant of the left lateral liver segments with 3 arteries for a pediatric recipient from a living donor. A 6-month-old female infant was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis secondary to biliary atresia and scheduled for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT; mother as donor). Left lateral hepatectomy was performed at the donor site. The dissection of the left hepatic artery (HA), which was divided immediately after its origin, showed 3 branches for segments II, III, and IV. The arteries for segment II, segment III, and segment IV were anastomosed to the recipient HA. No postoperative complications were observed. The outcome of this case demonstrates that left lateral segments with 3 arteries can be successfully used if proper surgical techniques are applied. From this experience we can recommend "3-in-1 segmental resection" in the donor can be safely done by skilled microvascular surgeons and this technique should be considered for selected cases where multiple tiny arteries supply the graft.

Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is overexpressed in human non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and activates the Notch signaling pathway

The transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), serves an essential role in the regulation of immune responses, and has been reported to act as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for various hematological malignancies. The present study aimed to investigate whether IRF4 could exert effects on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to explore the underlying mechanism. The mRNA and protein expression of IRF4 was detected in NSCLC tissues using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. In the in vitro experiment, IRF4 expression was knocked down or overexpressed using lentivirus in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 and lung squamous cell carcinoma LC-AI cell lines. Cell proliferation and colony number were analyzed using MTT and colony formation assays, respectively. The expression levels of IRF4 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in NSCLC tissues (n=54) compared with that in adjacent non-tumor tissues. Similarly, the expression levels of Notch1 and Notch2 mRNA were significantly higher in NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, the expression level of IRF4 mRNA was positively correlated with the levels of Notch1 and Notch2 mRNA in NSCLC tissues. Consequently, using NSCLC cell lines, it was demonstrated that the knockdown of IRF4 expression significantly reduced the cell proliferation rate and colony formation, whereas IRF4-overexpression significantly increased them. Notably, the IRF4 knockdown significantly decreased the expression levels of Notch1 and Notch2 mRNA, and phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT), whereas IRF4 overexpression resulted in the opposite. The results of the present study indicate that IRF4 is overexpressed and serves as a tumor promoter in human NSCLC, at least partially, through activating the Notch-Akt signaling pathway.

A transcriptomic insight into the impacts of mast cells in lung, breast, and colon cancers

To date, the exact impact of mast cells in tumor microenvironment is still controversial because of inconsistency in observations regarding the relationship between mast cell infiltrates and cancer development and prognosis. The discrepancies in previous studies have motivated us to examine the roles of mast cells in cancer pathology from different perspectives. Here, we investigated the impact of mast cells on transcriptomic profiles in the tissue microenvironment. Mice carrying the W-sh mutation in c-kit (Kit^W-sh ) are deficient in mast cell production and were used to assess the influence of mast cells on gene expression. By examining the transcriptomic profile among wild-type mice, Kit^W-sh mice, and Kit^W-sh mice with mast cell engraftment, we identified a list of "mast cell-dependent genes," which are enriched for cancer-related pathways. Utilizing whole-genome gene expression data from both mouse models and human cancer patients, we demonstrated that the expression profile of the mast cell-dependent genes differs between tumor and normal tissues from lung, breast, and colon, respectively. Mast cell infiltration is potentially increased in tumors compared with normal tissues, suggesting that mast cells might participate in tumor development. Accordingly, a prognostic molecular signature was developed based on the mast cell-dependent genes, which predicted recurrence-free survival for human patients with lung, breast, and colon cancers, respectively. Our study provides a novel transcriptomic insight into the impact of mast cells in the tumor microenvironment, though further experimental investigation is needed to validate the exact role of individual mast cell-dependent genes in different cancers.

[Effect of pH Shock on Nitrogen Removal Performance of Marine Anaerobic Ammonium-Oxidizing Bacteria Treating Saline Wastewater]

The effect of pH shock on nitrogen removal performance of marine anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (MAAOB) treating saline wastewater was studied by employing an ASBR reactor. Dynamic characteristics of the MAAOB were simulated by the Andrew model and Ratkowsky model. The results indicated that the reactor had the best nitrogen removal efficiency when the pH value was 7-8. The nitrogen removal rate (NRR) was (0.30±0.04) kg·(m³·d)^-1, and the total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNRE) was (76.73±5.74)%. When the pH value was 8.5, FA had a mean concentration of 14.22 mg·L^-1 and little effect on nitrogen removal. The NRR was (0.30±0.02) kg·(m³·d)^-1. However, NO₂^--N accumulated and it was not completely removed. When the pH values were 6.5 and 9, the concentrations of FA were 0.22 mg·L^-1 and 37.84 mg·L^-1, respectively, the NRRs were (0.10±0.02) and (0.15±0.02) kg·(m³·d)^-1, and the TNREs were (23.04±9.88)% and (42.12±5.52)%. The tolerance of the MAAOB in alkaline condition was stronger than that in acidic condition. The Andrew model was modified to determine the relationship between NRR and FA. Other parameters such as NRR_max, k_S, and k_I were also achieved simultaneously. These are key to describing the nitrogen removal process of MAAOB.

Microbes Are Associated with Host Innate Immune Response in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

RATIONALE

Differences in the lung microbial community influence idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) progression. Whether the lung microbiome influences IPF host defense remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the host immune response and microbial interaction in IPF as they relate to progression-free survival (PFS), fibroblast function, and leukocyte phenotypes.

METHODS

Paired microarray gene expression data derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing data from bronchoalveolar lavage obtained as part of the COMET-IPF (Correlating Outcomes with Biochemical Markers to Estimate Time-Progression in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) study were used to conduct association pathway analyses. The responsiveness of paired lung fibroblasts to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) stimulation by CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) was integrated into microbiome-gene expression association analyses for a subset of individuals. The relationship between associated pathways and circulating leukocyte phenotypes was explored by flow cytometry.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Down-regulation of immune response pathways, including nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-, Toll-, and RIG1-like receptor pathways, was associated with worse PFS. Ten of the 11 PFS-associated pathways correlated with microbial diversity and individual genus, with species accumulation curve richness as a hub. Higher species accumulation curve richness was significantly associated with inhibition of NODs and TLRs, whereas increased abundance of Streptococcus correlated with increased NOD-like receptor signaling. In a network analysis, expression of up-regulated signaling pathways was strongly associated with decreased abundance of operational taxonomic unit 1341 (OTU1341; Prevotella) among individuals with fibroblasts responsive to CpG-ODN stimulation. The expression of TLR signaling pathways was also linked to CpG-ODN responsive fibroblasts, OTU1341 (Prevotella), and Shannon index of microbial diversity in a network analysis. Lymphocytes expressing C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 CD8 significantly correlated with OTU1348 (Staphylococcus).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that host-microbiome interactions influence PFS and fibroblast responsiveness.

sPD-L1 Expression is Associated with Immunosuppression and Infectious Complications in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) with infectious complications has high mortality because of early-stage immunosuppression. The programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is an important host immunosuppression mechanism. Soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) expression regulates co-inhibitory signals in malignancies or autoimmune disorders; however, its effects in AP are unknown. Here, we evaluated whether serum sPD-L1 is involved in immune dysfunction and assessed its relationship with infectious complications in early AP. Blood samples were obtained from 56 patients with acute pancreatitis and 21 healthy individuals in this prospective study. Serum sPD-L1 levels within 48 h after AP onset were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Relevant immune parameters (human leucocyte antigen-DR, lymphocyte count) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, white blood cell count) were analysed. sPD-L1 was significantly upregulated in patients with early AP, especially those with infectious complications, compared to healthy controls. Significant negative correlations were observed among monocyte HLA-DR expression, lymphocyte count and sPD-L1 levels in AP. Multivariate regression indicated that sPD-L1 was an independent risk factor for infectious complications in AP. The findings suggest that increased sPD-L1 expression appears to be involved in the development of immunosuppression in the early stage of AP and that sPD-L1 might be an early parameter for prediction of infectious complications in patients with AP.

[Clinical effectiveness of salvianolic acid B and triamcinolone acetonide in treatment of oral submucous fibrosis]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of salvianolic acid B (SA-B) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) by means of combined intralesional injection in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Methods: According to clinical findings and symptoms, TA combined with SA-B were consecutively applied intralesionally 1 time weekly for 30 times. Mouth opening degree, color change of the buccal mucosae and numeral increase of the capillary vessels were determined by degree Ⅰ-Ⅳ visual analog scale were evaluated at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Results: One hundred and fourteen subjects fulfilled the study without obvious adverse reactions. After treatment for 1 year, the net gain in mouth opening of the early stage group was (5.5 ± 1.5) mm at 12 months, (8.8 ± 1.6) mm at 24 months and (12.0±1.2) mm at 36 months. The net gain in mouth opening of the middle stage group were (5.3±1.7) mm at 12 months, (10.5±1.5) mm at 24 months and (14.5±2.4) mm at 36 months. The net gain in mouth opening of the advanced stage group were (5.7±1.3) mm at 12 months, (13.7±1.3) mm at 24 months and (15.5±1.5) mm at 36 months. The effective rates of color change of the buccal mucosae and numeral increase of the capillary vessels after treatment for 36 months were 100% in early stage group, 93% (51/55) in middle stage group and 90% (36/40) in advanced stage group. Conclusions: TA and SA-B combined intralesional injection in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis is effective.

A reliable method for the sorting and identification of ALDHhigh cancer stem cells by flow cytometry

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare tumorigenic population of cells found in multiple types of cancer. It has been suggested that CSCs are responsible for cancer drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, it is important to develop techniques to correctly sort and identify CSCs. In the current study, the sorting and identification of aldehyde dehydrogenase high (ALDH^high) CSCs was performed using flow cytometry. Cells from three colon cancer cell lines were cultured in serum-free medium to obtain CSCs-enriched spheroid cells. Subsequently, two subpopulations of ALDH^high CSCs were isolated by flow cytometry either with the use of propidium iodide (PI) or not, respectively. The two subpopulations of ALDH^high CSCs exhibited distinct characteristics, including stem cell related gene expression, self-renewal capacity and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. Key regulators of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including vimentin, snail and slug were highly expressed in ALDH^high CSCs. Therefore, the current study indicates that PI staining prior to the sorting of ALDH^high CSCs by flow cytometry is an appropriate system for the study of CSCs. The current study also demonstrated that there was partial overlap between the transcriptional programs underlying the EMT and CSCs.