MicroRNA-149 inhibits the progression of lung adenocarcinoma through targeting RAP1B and inactivating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LAD). Moreover, microRNA-149 (miR-149) exhibits different roles in human cancers. Hence, this study mainly focused on the function of miR-149 in LAD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Western blot analysis and Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to quantify expression levels. The regulatory mechanism of miR-149/RAP1B was explored by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), transwell, and Dual-Luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

Downregulation of miR-149 was detected in LAD and predicted worse prognosis in patients with LAD. Functionally, overexpression of miR-149 inhibited cell viability and metastasis in LAD. In addition, miR-149 directly targets RAP1B and restrained its expression in LAD. Furthermore, upregulation of RAP1B attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR-149 on LAD. Besides that, miR-149 blocked epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in LAD.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-149 inhibited the progression of LAD by restraining RAP1B/EMT and inactivating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

PM2.5 exposure induces alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis and causes emphysema through p53/Siva-1

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate whether PM2.5 exposure is involved in the induction of alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis and the progression of emphysema in mice, and to further explore its specific molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A certain number of PM2.5 exposed mice and normal control mice were selected, and a lung resection operation was performed to collect the pulmonary tissue samples, which were then analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining assay. Subsequently, the total protein in the pulmonary tissues of mice in PM2.5 exposure group and control group was extracted, and the p53 protein level was detected by Western blot. Meanwhile, in A549 cells, after treatment of different doses of PM2.5, the protein levels of p53, caspase3, and clv-caspase3 were examined by Western blot while the mRNA levels of p53, Siva-1, and clv-caspase3 were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. In addition, flow cytometry was carried out to measure the incidence of cell apoptosis, while chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to verify whether p53 binds to the Siva-1 promoter region and thus regulates its transcription process.

RESULTS

H&E staining revealed that PM2.5 exposure caused pathological damage in the pulmonary tissues and the expansion of the spatial structure of alveoli, which led to emphysema in mice. Moreover, p53 protein expression in pulmonary tissue of mice in PM2.5 exposure group was remarkably higher than that in the control group. Subsequently, A549 cells were treated with 0, 25, 50, 100 μg/ml PM2.5 for 48 h, and it was found that, with the increase of PM2.5 exposure dose, the p53 protein level, Siva-1 mRNA level and cell apoptosis rate were all found increased in a dose-dependent manner, which could be partially reversed by transfection of si-p53 in A549 cells. In addition, CHIP experiments confirmed that p53 can bind to the Siva-1 promoter region and directly regulate Siva-1 transcription. In A549 cells, PM2.5 exposure increased the expression of the clv-caspase3 protein, which was reversed by the knockdown of p53; however, simultaneous overexpression of Siva-1 could further increase the clv-caspase3 protein level. Additionally, flow cytometry also revealed that PM2.5 exposure induced apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells, while the knockdown of p53 reduced that, which could be promoted by the overexpression of Siva-1.

CONCLUSIONS

PM2.5 exposure can promote the transcription of Siva-1 to induce apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells and accelerate the progression of emphysema in mice by enhancing p53 protein expression.

Analysis of physiological and metabolite response of Celosia argentea to copper stress

Copper-tolerant (Cu) plants with high ornamental value play an important role in the ecological restoration of the copper tail mining area. We first discovered Celosia argentea adaptability in a copper mine area in China; however, its resistance to Cu and the underlying mechanism are not clear. In this study, C. argentea was selected for pot culture experiments. Its heavy metal accumulation and translocation, physiological and metabolic products were analysed under different growth concentrations of Cu (0-2400 mg.kg^-1 ) stress. Our results indicated that roots strongly accumulated Cu²⁺ . Oxidative stress defence mechanisms were activated in leaves under Cu treatment. Higher Cu concentrations triggered higher electrolyte leakage (EL), Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity, and consequently a higher capacity to scavenge oxygen radicals and maintain cellular membrane integrity. In the citrate cycle, some amino acids and sugars related to biological pathways were altered in C. argentea exposed to Cu stress. Metabolomics data revealed that C. argentea used elevated sugar content as an antioxidant to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some organic acids and amino acids were up-regulated compared with the control, indicating that these may chelate Cu in cells to remove excess Cu²⁺ . The up-regulation of polyamines and some organic acids may mitigate oxidative stress. These results indicate that C. argentea could be used as a Cu-tolerant plant in Cu mine restoration. Its Cu tolerance mechanism also provides a basis for future plant improvement or breeding for use in mine restoration.

[Feasibility on the diagnosis of non-calcified plaque based on radiomics of pericoronary adipose tissue on plain CT scan image]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of radiomics model based on plain CT scan of peripheral coronary artery adipose tissue for non-calcified plaque. Methods: The image data of 461 patients undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in the Department of Radiology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University from August 1,2019 to July 31,2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Two hundred and six cases (355 branches) with non-calcified plaques, and 255 cases (510 branches) with no coronary artery disease were detected by CCTA. The regions of interest (ROI) of the pericoronary adipose tissue were segmented on the plain CT scan images (coronary calcification score (CCS) sequence). The coronary ROI was determined by selecting the coronary artery with a length of 40 mm and starting at 10 mm from the opening of the coronary artery, and the pericoronary adipose ROI was generated automatically. The pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI) was then performed, and the radiomics features were extracted. The 865 coronary arteries were divided into the training group (n=606) and the testing group (n=259) at a ratio of 7∶3, and the radiomics model was carried out. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the FAI value and the diagnostic efficacy of the radiomics model for non-calcified plaque. Results: A total of 1 692 features were extracted from images of pericoronary adipose based on plain scan. All features were screened by using max-relevance and min-redundancy (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and 14 features were selected for the establishment of the radiomics model. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) of the model in distinguishing patients with non-calcified plaque and those without coronary stenosis in the testing group were 70.3%, 63.2%, 75.2% and 0.75, respectively. Conclusion: The radiomics model based on plain CT scan of the pericoronary adipose tissue had good diagnostic efficacy for non-calcified plaque.

[A prospective multi-center clinical investigation of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis in China]

Objective: To investigate the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary cryptococcosis in respiratory medicine and improve the understanding of the clinical characteristics of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis in China. Methods: A prospective multi-center open cohort study was designed to screen for pulmonary cryptococcosis in the general wards and intensive care units of the Department of Respiratory Diseases in 22 hospitals. The HIV-negative patients with positive cryptococcal etiological diagnosis based on smear culture, antigen detection and histopathology were enrolled in the study. The clinical data of enrolled patients were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 457 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis were enrolled, among which 3.28% (15/457) were disseminated infections. The case fatality rate was 0.88% (4/457). The majority of the cases were diagnosed by histopathological examinations (74.40%, 340/457) and cryptococcus antigen detection (37.64%, 172/457). Patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis accounted for 2.04‰ (457/223 748) of the total hospitalized patients in the Department of Respiratory Diseases during the same period, and the ratio was the highest in south and east China. Meanwhile, 70.24% (321/457) of the patients had no underlying diseases, while 87.75% (401/457) were found to have immunocompetent status. Cough and expectoration were the most common clinical symptoms in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. However, 25.16% (115/457) of the patients had no clinical symptom or physical signs. In terms of imaging features on pulmonary CT, multiple pulmonary lesions were more common than isolated lesions, and there were more subpleural lesions than perihilar or medial lesions. Morphologically, most of the lesions were middle-sized nodules (1-5 cm) or small-sized nodules (3 mm to 1 cm). The sensitivity of serum cryptococcus antigen test was 71.99% (203/282). Moreover, antigen-positive patients differed from antigen-negative patients in terms of basic immune status, clinical symptoms, imaging features and infection types. Meanwhile, immunocompromised patients differed from immunocompetent patients in terms of clinical symptoms, physical signs, infection-related inflammation indicator levels, imaging features, serum cryptococcus antigen positive rate and prognosis. Conclusions: The majority of cases of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis in China had no underlying disease or immunocompromised status, and the overrall prognosis was favorable. However, early diagnosis of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis remains challenging due to the complicated manifestations of the disease.

[Thyroid disruptor p, p'-DDE inhibited the expression of LHX4 and DIS3L protein in Nthy-ori-3-1 cells]

Objective: To observe the changes of LHX4 and DIS3L mRNA and protein expression in Nthy-ori-3-1 cells after the treatment of thyroid disruptor p, p'-DDE. Methods: Nthy-ori-3-1 cells in logarithmic growth phase were treated with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 μg/ml p, p'-DDE solution. The growth state and morphology of the cells were observed by microscope. The mRNA levels of LHX4 and DIS3L were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, and the protein expression levels of LHX4 and DIS3L were detected by Western blot. Results: when the concentrations of p, p'-DDE were 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml, Nthy-ori-3-1 cells grew normally. There were 33 differential genes in 2.0 μg/ml group, among which 13 genes were down regulated and 20 genes were up-regulated. Compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of LHX4 and DIS3L in 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05) , and the relative expression levels of LHX4 and DIS3L protein mRNA in 1.0 μg/ml group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: p, p'-DDE can affect the protein expression of LHX4 and dis3l in nthy-ori-3-1 cells.

[Cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in China]

Objective: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of primary prophylaxis (PP) with pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF), PP with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) and no prophylaxis in women with early-stage breast cancer in China. Methods: Two phase Markov models were constructed for a hypothetical cohort of patients aged 45 with stage Ⅱ breast cancer. The first phase modelled costs and outcomes of 4 cycles docetaxel combined with cyclophosphamide [TC×4, febrile neutropenia (FN) risk>20%] chemotherapy, which assumptions based on literature reviews, including FN rates [base-case (deterministic sensitivity analysis range), 0.29 (0.24-0.35)] and related events [FN case-fatality, 3.4 (2.7-4.1)]. Second phase modelled the long term survival which was link with the relative dose intensity (RDI) [mortality hazard ratio (HR) of RDI < 85% vs ≥85%, 1.45 (1.00-2.32)]. Clinical effectiveness, therapeutic costs, and economic utilities were estimated from peer-reviewed publications and expert opinions in case of unavailability of published evidences. Results: Compared to rhG-CSF PP and no prophylaxis, the cost of PEG-rhG-CSF PP increased to 5 208.19 RMB and 5 222.73 RMB, respectively. The quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) enhanced to 0.066 and 0.297, respectively. Accordingly, the incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are 79 146.3 RMB and 17 558.77 RMB per QALY, which were both below the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of three times GDP per capita (18, 000 RMB) recommended by the WHO. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the more clinically effective the primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. And the lower the mortality HR of RDI<85% vs ≥85% is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. Conclusion: Although the cost of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is higher, considering the additional benefits, the administrating of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to PP rhG-CSF and no prophylaxis in patients with early stage breast cancer whose FN risks are more than 20% in China.

[Current management and future prospect of HER-2 mutant non-small cell lung cancer]

Since Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER-2) was regarded as oncogenic driver gene for malignancies, HER-2 targeted therapy has benefited many patients with breast cancer and gastric cancer. However, as a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, HER-2 has failed to respond well to both traditional anti-HER-2 and anti-EGFR targeted agents when compared to EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is reported that unlike gene copy number variation in breast cancer, HER-2 intragenic kinase domain mutations (the exon 20 in-frame insertions are dominant, and missense mutations in kinase domain are also observed) in NSCLC might account for the poor response to traditional HER-2 or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis, molecular variations, clinical features and current therapeutic strategies for HER-2 mutated NSCLC to discuss the challenges and perspectives for this population.

MicroRNA-199 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in children with acute myeloid leukemia by mediating caspase-3

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, "MicroRNA-199 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in children with acute myeloid leukemia by mediating caspase-3, by F. Xue, Y. Zhu, F. Xu, L.-J. Zhou, F. Han, S.-C. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (9): 3584-3593-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201905_17780-PMID: 31114982" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/17780.

[Application of molecular analysis in differential diagnosis of ovarian adult granulosa cell tumors]

Objective: To investigate the application value of molecular detection in the differential diagnosis of ovarian adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) by analyzing FOXL2, AKT1 and DICER1 mutations in these tumors. Methods: A total of 48 cases of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor (SCST) were selected from July 2012 to June 2019 in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, including 21 adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT), 15 fibromas/fibrothecomas, 8 Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) and 4 other types of ovarian SCST. Genomic DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Polymerase chain reaction amplification for FOXL2, AKT1 and DICER1 genes was performed, followed by sequencing using capillary electrophoresis. Fisher exact test was used to compare the prevalence difference of FOXL2, AKT1 and DICER1 mutations among the groups. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Eighteen of the 21 (85.7%) AGCT harbored FOXL2 mutation. Compared with other SCST (13.0%, 3 of 23; including fibromas/fibrothecomas and SLCT), FOXL2 mutation was significantly higher in AGCT (P<0.001). In addition, FOXL2 mutation was also detected in one fibrothecoma, two SLCT and two gynandroblastomas. DICER1 mutation was identified in four of eight SLCT, and these cases were moderately to poorly differentiated. FOXL2 mutation was found in one SLCT with DICER1 mutation. There was no DICER1 mutation in other ovarian SCST. No AKT1 mutation was detected in all the patients. Conclusions: FOXL2 mutation is a highly specific biomarker for adult AGCT and may be helpful to resolve problematic cases. Diagnosis should also be taken into consideration of the clinical and histological features as FOXL2 mutation is also found in other SCST. The detection of DICER1 mutation is helpful for the differential diagnosis of ovarian SLCT. Synchronous DICER1 and FOXL2 mutation in the SLCT has been observed, and its significance needs to be further studied.

[Effects of different crystalloid fluids resuscitation on renal structure and function in sepsis rats]

To evaluate the effects of resuscitation with normal saline and sodium potassium magnesium calcium and glucose injection on renal structure and function in septic rats. Rat model of sepsis was established by ligation and perforation of cecum. Male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham operation group, sepsis group, saline resuscitation group, sodium potassium magnesium calcium and glucose injection resuscitation group. Blood gas analysis was performed at the end of resuscitation. The rats were sacrificed 72 hours after resuscitation. Blood samples were taken to measure the plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα). Caspase-3 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in kidney sections. The degree of renal injury was evaluated by regular HE staining and electron microscope. Compared with normal saline resuscitation, sodium potassium calcium magnesium glucose injection resuscitation could decrease the levels of BUN, serum creatinine, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα (P<0.05) , reduce the expression of caspase-3 (P<0.05) , and improve the renal injury score (P<0.05) . Sodium potassium calcium magnesium glucose injection resuscitation can significantly improve the renal function of sepsis rats with less pathological damage of the kidney.

A NEW SIMPLE, PERSONALIZED, AND QUANTITATIVE EMPIRICAL METHOD FOR DETERMINING 131I ACTIVITY IN TREATING GRAVES' DISEASE

CONTEXT

The ¹³¹I activity for treating Graves' disease (GD) is usually determined based on physician's experience.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design an empirical method that was not only personalized and quantitative, but also simple, convenient, and easy to grasp.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study population comprised patients with GD, selected between May 2013 and May 2016, who received ¹³¹I therapy in the Outpatient Department of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. The first-visit patients of physician 1 were placed in the traditional group: the activity of ¹³¹I (mCi) was calculated using the routine formula: [empirical activity (0.07-0.12 mCi/g) × thyroid mass]/[24-h thyroid ¹³¹I uptake]. The first-visit patients of physician 2 were placed in the personalized group. The activity of ¹³¹I (mCi) was calculated in two steps. First, the initial activity was calculated: 0.1 mCi/g × thyroid mass (g), and then a personalized and quantitative calibration table of ¹³¹I activity was used to obtain a final ¹³¹I activity. The cure rate with a single activity of ¹³¹I was recorded 1 year later.

RESULTS

The traditional and personalized groups included 241 and 282 patients, respectively. Interestingly, the personalized group achieved a higher cure rate [86.5% (244/282) versus 73.4% (177/241), P = 0.000] with a relatively higher ¹³¹I activity for the first treatment [8.7 (7, 3.5-30) mCi versus 6.7(6, 2.5-30) mCi, P = 0.000] compared with the traditional group, while the incidence rate of permanent hypothyroidism was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.175).

CONCLUSION

The empirical method designed in this study was reliable.

ELECTROACUPUNCTURE IMPROVES INSULIN SENSITIVITY IN HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED INSULIN RESISTANT RATS BY ACTIVATING SIRT1 AND GLUT4 IN QUADRICEPS FEMORIS

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongwan (CV12), and Fenglong (ST40) acupoints on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) expression in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin-resistant (IR) rats.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into normal control (NC), HFD, and HFD+EA groups. NC rats were fed a standard chow diet and did not receive EA. After being fed an HFD for eight weeks, rats in the HFD+EA group received EA at 2 Hz five times a week for eight weeks. Rats in the HFD group did not receive EA.

RESULTS

In HFD-induced IR rats, EA inhibited body weight increase and water intake, which were observed in HFD rats. EA had no effect on fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood sugar levels. Intraperitoneal insulin tolerance testing revealed that EA enhanced insulin sensitivity in HFD-induced IR rats. Compared with NC rats, SIRT1 and GLUT4 were downregulated in the quadriceps femoris of HFD-fed rats but were increased after eight weeks of EA stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

EA enhanced HFD-induced insulin resistance by activating SIRT1 and GLUT4 in the quadriceps femoris. These results provide powerful evidence supporting the beneficial effects of EA on HFD-induced insulin resistance.

[Interrupted time series analysis for influence on HIV related fatality of implementation of 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China]

Objective: To analyze influence on HIV related fatality of implementation of 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China during 1993-2012, and evaluate effectiveness for the policy of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Methods: The data during 1993-2003 (before the implementation of the policy) and during 2005-2012 (after the implementation of the policy) were collected from the national HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System for the analysis on HIV related fatality in Chinese, especially in rural residents. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze the trends of HIV related fatality during 1993 and 2012. Results: During the twenty years from 1993 to 2012, the HIV related fatality in China decreased, and the HIV related fatality in rural areas was higher than the overall HIV related fatality. Compared with the period before the implementation of the policy, the overall HIV related fatality decreased by 1.5% (P=0.156) and the HIV related fatality in rural residents decreased by 2.6% in 2004 when the policy was implemented (P=0.094). As for the change of slope, the overall slope rate after the policy implementation was -0.466 (P=0.005), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. The slope rate after the policy implementation in rural residents was-0.592 (P=0.005), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. At the same time, the slope rate after the policy implementation in rural residents infected through blood transmission route was-0.766 (P<0.001), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. Conclusions: The implementation of the 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China has made remarkable progress in free HIV antiviral therapy.

On the co-occurrence of species of Wynnea (Ascomycota, Pezizales, Sarcoscyphaceae) and Armillaria (Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Physalacriaceae)

Species of the genus Wynnea are collected in association with a subterranean mass generally referred to as a sclerotium. This is one of the few genera of the Sarcoscyphaceae not associated with plant material – wood or leaves. The sclerotium is composed of hyphae of both Armillaria species and Wynnea species. To verify the existence of Armillaria species in the sclerotia of those Wynnea species not previously examined and to fully understand the structure and nature of the sclerotium, molecular data and morphological characters were analyzed. Using nuclear ITS rDNA sequences the Armillaria species co-occurring with Wynnea species were identified from all examined material. These Armillaria symbionts fall into two main Armillaria groups – the A. gallica-nabsnona-calvescens group and the A. mellea group. Divergent time estimates of the Armillaria and Wynnea lineages support a co-evolutionary relationship between these two fungi.