Nuclear Transglutaminase 2 interacts with topoisomerase II⍺ to promote DNA damage repair in lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

To block repairs of DNA damages, especially the DNA double strand break (DSB) repair, can be used to induce cancer cell death. DSB repair depends on a sequential activation of DNA repair factors that may be potentially targeted for clinical cancer therapy. Up to now, many protein components of DSB repair complex remain unclear or poorly characterized. In this study, we discovered that Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) acted as a new component of DSB repair complex.

METHODS

A bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify DNA damage relative genes from dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to monitor the protein localization and recruitment kinetics. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis were performed to determine protein interaction of both full-length and fragments or mutants in distinct domain. In situ lung cancer model was used to study the effects cancer therapy in vivo.

RESULTS

After DSB induction, cytoplasmic TG2 was extensively mobilized and translocated into nucleus after phosphorylated at T162 site by DNA-PKcs. Nuclear TG2 quickly accumulated at DSB sites and directly interacting with Topoisomerase IIα (TOPOIIα) with its TGase domain to promote DSB repair. TG2 deficient cells lost capacity of DSB repair and become susceptible to ionizing radiation. Specific inhibition of TG2-TOPOIIα interaction by glucosamine also significantly inhibited DSB repair, which increased sensitivity in lung cancer cells and engrafted lung cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings elucidate new mechanism of TG2 in DSB repair trough directly interacting with TOPOIIα, inhibition of which provided potential target for overcoming cancer resistance.

[A brief history of intelligent medicine]

Intelligent medicine is a discipline system developed and established in the background of a rapid development of science and technology. Information technology represented by artificial intelligence, VR(virtual reality) technology and the 1G (first-generation) communication laid a foundation for intelligent medicine. Internet technology, such as 3D printing, robot system and wearable medical devices have helped to improve the development of intelligent medicine. The application of intelligent medicine infiltrated medical imaging, auxiliary diagnosis, surgical operation, hospital management, pharmaceutical development, healthcare system and other aspects of the medical system. Currently, the cutting-edge technologies such as 5G medical, medical cloud platform/big data, advanced material synthesis, 4D printing, AR(Augmented Reality)/MR(Mixed Reality), super intelligence and other technologies have comprehensively driven human society into the era of intelligent medicine.

LncRNA HMGA1P4 promotes cisplatin-resistance in gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HMGA1P4 has been previously reported to be upregulated in gastric cancer (GC). This study aims to investigate the role of HMGA1P4 in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant GC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HMGA1P4 levels in DDP-resistant GC tissues and cells were determined. Regulatory effects of HMGA1P4 on proliferative and apoptotic abilities in DDP-resistant GC cells and their parental cells were assessed. At last, expression levels of genes associated with multidrug-resistance (MDR) (MDR1, MRP1, mTOR and HIF-1α) and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase3) were determined in DDP-resistant GC cells.

RESULTS

Results revealed that HMGA1P4 was upregulated in DDP-resistant GC tissues and cells. Overexpression of HMGA1P4 stimulated proliferative rate and suppressed apoptosis in both DDP-resistant GC cells and their parental cells. Moreover, in DDP-resistant GC cells, overexpression of HMGA1P4 upregulated MDR-related genes and downregulated apoptosis-related genes.

CONCLUSIONS

HMGA1P4 is upregulated in DDP-resistant GC tissues and cells, and triggers the progression of DDP-resistance in GC.

[Analysis of the clinical confusion and controversy of esophagogastric junction tumor from basic anatomy]

There are still many controversies in the surgical treatment of esophagogastric junction tumors in terms of surgical approach, cleaning range, and resection scope. The reason is the confusion about the scope of the esophagogastric junction. The previous domestic and foreign anatomy descriptions of this part are not enough to solve the current problems. Based on a large number of basic anatomy and clinical operations, this article proposes that the esophagogastric junction may be wrapped by a complete and separate esophagogastric junction membrane with independent anatomy other than infracardiac bursa. The structure of the transitional tissue, mainly from the distribution of submucosal veins, explained the relationship and significance of tissue transitional changes and clinical operations, and made a reasonable analysis of the current controversy based on the anatomical characteristics, which is worthy of further investigation.

Associations of IL-18 and IL-9 expressions and gene polymorphisms with asthma

OBJECTIVE

To explore the associations of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-9 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to asthma, and to study the associations between IL-18 and IL-9 expression levels and polymorphisms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 200 asthma patients in our hospital were collected as disease group, while 200 healthy people were taken as control group. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from peripheral blood and sent to the company for the detection of IL-18 and IL-9 gene polymorphisms via sequencing. The levels of serum IL-18 and IL-9 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and arterial blood gas analysis was performed for patients.

RESULTS

The allele distributions at IL-18 gene loci rs189667 and rs360715 had no differences between control group and disease group. The allele distributions at IL-9 gene loci rs1859430 and rs2066758 were different between the two groups (p=0.001, p=0.022), among which the G allele frequency was the highest in disease group [245 (0.613)], and the T allele frequency was also the highest in disease group [240 (0.600)]. There was a difference in the genotype distribution at IL-9 gene locus rs1859430 between the two groups, and the GG genotype frequency in disease group [82 (0.410)] was significantly higher than that in control group (p=0.005). The CC genotype frequency at rs2066758 was significantly lower in disease group [27 (0.135), p=0.044]. In disease group, the frequency of heterozygous model CT (p=0.047) at IL-18 gene locus rs360715, and recessive model GA+AA (p=0.021) and heterozygous model GA (p=0.031) at IL-19 gene locus rs1859430 was significantly lower than that in control group. In disease group, the AC haplotype frequency at IL-18 gene loci rs189667 and rs360715 was evidently lower than that in control group (p=0.048). Disease group had evidently lower AT haplotype frequency (p=0.006) and evidently higher GT haplotype frequency (p=0.000) at IL-9 gene loci rs1859430 and rs2066758. Moreover, the level of serum IL-18 in patients with TT genotype at IL-18 gene locus rs360715 was higher than that in those with other genotypes in disease group (p<0.05), and the level of serum IL-9 in patients with AG genotype at IL-9 gene locus rs1859430 was also higher than that in those with other genotypes in disease group (p<0.05). There was a remarkable association between CT genotype at IL-18 gene locus rs360715 and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) (p=0.035), and between CC genotype at IL-9 gene locus rs2066758 and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) (p=0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression levels of serum IL-18 and IL-9 and their gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with asthma.

Depressive symptoms in Chinese adults with risk factors for diabetes: the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) study

AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between newly diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes and depressive symptoms among individuals with risk factors for diabetes in China. We also investigated the associations of depressive symptoms with pancreatic β-cell function and insulin resistance.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data from the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) project. Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 1728 participants were enrolled in this study and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and the modified Matsuda index. Pancreatic β-cell function was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function, Stumvoll first- and second-phase indexes. Elevated depressive symptoms were determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10).

RESULTS

The prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in the total study population was 4.8% (83 of 1728). Compared with the normal glucose tolerance group, individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes were less likely to have elevated depressive symptoms even after controlling for potential confounders [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.68; P = 0.002]. However, prediabetes was not associated with depressive symptoms. The odds for elevated depressive symptoms were increased in individuals with higher levels of the Stumvoll first-phase index. No association was observed between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

Elevated depressive symptoms were less prevalent in Chinese individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes among a high-risk population for diabetes.

Effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on sexual maturation and reproductive performance of Rugao layer breeders

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on the sexual maturation and reproductive performance of Rugao layer breeders. A total of 2,400 8-wk-old Rugao layer breeders were randomly assigned to one of 5 groups (480 pullets per group) with eight replicates and were fed one of 5 diets that were nutritionally similar with the exception of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AME_n) content (2,850, 2,750, 2,650, 2,550, and 2,450 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 wks of age. The daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by laying hens fed 2,850 kcal AME_n per kg diet ad libitum (control). From 18 to 52 wks of age, all hens were fed basal diets ad libitum. The body weight of layer breeders at 18 wks of age decreased linearly with increasing energy restriction (P < 0.001), but caught up within 3 wks of ad libitum feeding (P = 0.290). The coefficient of variation of the body weight of the hens at 18, 21, and 24 wks of age decreased linearly (P = 0.010, 0.025, and 0.041, respectively) with increasing energy restriction during rearing. Energy-restricted feeding delayed sexual organ development at 18, 20, and 22 wks of age, including the number of large yellow follicles, oviduct length, oviduct length index, oviduct index, and ovary stroma index (P < 0.05), and delayed sexual maturity, including the age at laying the first egg and the age at 5% and 50% egg production (P = 0.042, 0.004, and 0.029, respectively). Consequently, egg number from 5% to 50% egg production decreased linearly as the degree of energy restriction increased (P = 0.001) and egg production of hens in the energy-restricted feeding groups was lower than that of hens in the ad libitum feeding group (6.36, 6.43, 6.4, and 4.61% vs. 14.29%; P < 0.05) from 18 to 20 wks of age. Furthermore, egg weight increased linearly as energy restriction increased (P < 0.001) and laying hens in the most severe energy-restricted feeding group had more setting eggs (normal eggs weighing >40 g) than hens in the ad libitum feeding and lighter energy-restricted feeding groups (149.57 vs. 144.34, 142.66, 143.63, and 141.78; P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in fertility, hatchability of fertile eggs, and hatchability of setting eggs (P = 0.381, 0.790, and 0.605, respectively). In conclusion, moderate energy restriction (85.97%, 2,450 vs. 2,850 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 wks of age increased egg weight as well as the production of setting eggs in native layer breeders throughout the laying period, without adverse effects on productive performance from 18 to 52 wks of age, or fertility and hatchability at 52 wks of age.

222 Rn emanation measurements for the XENON1T experiment

The selection of low-radioactive construction materials is of utmost importance for the success of low-energy rare event search experiments. Besides radioactive contaminants in the bulk, the emanation of radioactive radon atoms from material surfaces attains increasing relevance in the effort to further reduce the background of such experiments. In this work, we present the 222 Rn emanation measurements performed for the XENON1T dark matter experiment. Together with the bulk impurity screening campaign, the results enabled us to select the radio-purest construction materials, targeting a 222 Rn activity concentration of 10 μ Bq / kg in 3.2 t of xenon. The knowledge of the distribution of the 222 Rn sources allowed us to selectively eliminate problematic components in the course of the experiment. The predictions from the emanation measurements were compared to data of the 222 Rn activity concentration in XENON1T. The final 222 Rn activity concentration of ( 4.5 ± 0.1 ) μ Bq / kg in the target of XENON1T is the lowest ever achieved in a xenon dark matter experiment.

Occurrence, migration and health risk of phthalates in tap water, barreled water and bottled water in Tianjin, China

This study was to investigate the occurrence, migration and health risk of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in tap water, barreled water and bottled water in Tianjin, China. Six priority controlled PAEs were measured, among which the detection frequency of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was 100%, while the others were not detected. The concentration of DEHP was higher than BBP and DBP in all the samples. The initial ∑₃PAEs concentrations in tap water, barreled water and bottled water were 2.409 ± 0.391 μg/L, 1.495 ± 0.213 μg/L and 1.963 ± 0.160 μg/L, respectively. Boiling tap water could reduce the PAEs content to an extent, but they increased significantly in hot tap water contacting with disposable plastic cups. The migration of PAEs in barreled water and bottled water were positively correlated with storage time and temperature, which could be described by exponential models. The hazard indexes of PAEs in different types of drinking water were very low. However, the human carcinogenic risks of DEHP will reach the maximum acceptable risk level of 10^-6 when bottled water is stored for 8.8 days at 40 °C, 7.7 days at 50 °C, or 6.1 days at 60 °C.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins play the roles of radioprotection on Normal Lung and radiosensitization on Lung Cancer via differential regulation of the MAPK Signaling Pathway

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common serious complication and dose-limiting factor caused by radiotherapy for lung cancer. This study was to investigate radioprotective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) on normal lung as well as radiosensitizing effects on lung cancer. In vitro, we demonstrated radioprotective effects of GSP on normal alveolar epithelial cells (MLE-12 and BEAS/2B) and radiosensitizing effects on lung cancer cells (LLC and A549). In vivo, we confirmed these two-way effects in tumor-bearing mice. The results showed that GSP inhibited tumor growth, and played a synergistic killing effect with radiotherapy on lung cancer. Meanwhile, GSP reduced radiation damage to normal lung tissues. The two-way effects related to the differential regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway by GSP on normal lung and lung cancer. Moreover, GSP regulated secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γ and expression of p53 and Ki67 on normal lung and lung cancer. Our findings suggest that GSP is expected to be an ideal radioprotective drug for lung cancer patients who are treated with radiotherapy.

The relationship between HSP60 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential correlation between heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to atherosclerosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 160 atherosclerosis patients treated in our hospital from February 2017 to February 2019 were randomly enrolled as case group, and 200 healthy adults receiving physical examination were selected as control group at the same period. Venous blood was drawn from all subjects to extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). TaqMan probe technology was employed to genotype two loci rs2340690 and rs788016 of HSP60 gene in all 260 subjects. The correlations between HSP60 gene polymorphisms and the incidence rate and pathological grade of atherosclerosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG) in HSP60 rs2340690 and three (GG, AG, and AA) in HSP60 rs788016. No significant differences in the frequency of each genotype were found between the two groups (p>0.05). HSP60 rs2340690 and HSP60 rs788016 had no significant associations with the incidence rate of atherosclerosis in the dominant, recessive, and additive genetic models. In the case of pathological grade IV, the proportion of atherosclerosis patients carrying GG genotype of HSP60 rs2340690 was higher than those carrying AA genotype and AG genotype of HSP60 rs2340690 (p<0.05). The probability in atherosclerosis patients carrying rs788016 A was higher than those carrying rs2340690 G (p<0.05). When atherosclerosis patients carried both genotype G of HSP60 rs2340690 and genotype A of HSP60 rs788016, the odds ratio (OR) was 1.721 (p=0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

The HSP60 gene polymorphisms are certainly correlated with the pathological grade and incidence rate of atherosclerosis.

Diet-Dependent Changes of the DNA Methylome Using a Göttingen Minipig Model for Obesity

Objective: Environmental factors can influence obesity by epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate obesity-related epigenetic changes and the potential for reversal of these changes in the liver of Göttingen minipigs subjected to diet interventions. Methods: High-throughput liquid hybridization capture-based bisulfite sequencing (LHC-BS) was used to quantify the methylation status of gene promotor regions in liver tissue in three groups of male castrated Göttingen minipigs: a standard chow group (SD, N = 7); a group fed high fat/fructose/cholesterol diet (FFC, N = 10) and a group fed high fat/fructose/cholesterol diet during 7 months and reversed to standard diet for 6 months (FFC/SD, N = 12). Expression profiling by qPCR of selected metabolically relevant genes was performed in liver tissue from all pigs. Results: The pigs in the FFC diet group became morbidly obese. The FFC/SD diet did not result in a complete reversal of the body weight to the same weight as in the SD group, but it resulted in reversal of all lipid related metabolic parameters. Here we identified widespread differences in the patterning of cytosine methylation of promoters between the different feeding groups. By combining detection of differentially methylated genes with a rank-based hypergeometric overlap algorithm, we identified 160 genes showing differential methylation in corresponding promoter regions in the FFC diet group when comparing with both the SD and FFC/SD groups. As expected, this differential methylation under FFC diet intervention induced de-regulation of several metabolically-related genes involved in lipid/cholesterol metabolism, inflammatory response and fibrosis generation. Moreover, five genes, of which one is a fibrosis-related gene (MMP9), were still perturbed after diet reversion. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential of exploring diet-epigenome interactions for treatment of obesity.

[Novel vector preS1-tp fusion protein effectively inhibits hepatitis B virus replication and cccDNA synthesis by mediating hepatitis B virus targeting sequence small interfering RNA]

Objective: To study the use of preS1-tp fusion protein as a novel vector to mediate the entry of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the carboxy-terminal nuclear localization signal (NLS) region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein into HBV-infected hepatocytes, and to further explore the HBV replication inhibition and covalently closed circular DNA synthesis. Methods: HepG2.2.15 cells expressing the human sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide were established on the basis of lentivirus infection system. siRNA against HBV NLS region was designed and synthesized. PreS1-tp fusion protein expression and purification was observed to test its ability to cell entry and DNA binding. NLS siRNA were delivered into HepG2.2.15- sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide cells by preS1-tp fusion protein as a vector to observe the effects of NLS siRNA on HBV replication and covalently closed circular DNA levels. Analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the measurement data differences between groups were analyzed by t-test. Results: HepG2.2.15-sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide cell line was successfully constructed. Screened synthetic HBV NLS siRNA had significantly inhibited HBV replication. The preS1-tp fusion protein was expressed and purified on a large-scale. The fusion protein as a vector for HBV NLS siRNA had targeted delivery. The result showed that the fusion protein had effectively targeted siRNA to Hepg2.2.15-sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide cell, which not only had effectively inhibited the expression of HBV mRNA, HBsAg and HBeAg, but also had significantly reduced the levels of HBV DNA and covalently closed circular DNA. Conclusion: The preS1-tp fusion protein constructed in this study uses the dual functional characteristics of preS1 binding to hepatocyte HBV receptor, and tp binding to nucleic acids, and targets HBV NLS siRNA against HBV-infected cells and block rcDNA from being transported to nucleus. siRNA plays a role in inhibiting HBV replication and covalently close circular DNA synthesis, providing a new strategy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B caused by HBV infection, and a new research perspective for the complete elimination of HBV from the body.

Pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic role of long non-coding RNA RMRP in pediatric asthma through targeting microRNA-206/CCL2 axis

Asthma is an inflammatory pulmonary illness that plagues infants and young children. We carried out this investigation to examine the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) RNA component of mitochondrial RNA processing endoribonuclease (RMRP) in an asthmatic mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and human airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Eight-week-old mice were sensitized with OVA to simulate pediatric asthma. The expression patterns of RMRP, microRNA-206 (miR-206) and C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) in pulmonary tissues were evaluated by qPCR. In addition, the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by ELISA. The expression of RMRP and CCL2 was elevated, while miR-206 was reduced in OVA-induced mice. Our findings indicated that administration of RMRP overexpression in ASMCs increased the levels of biomarkers in asthma. RMRP functioned as a sponge for miR-206 to upregulate CCL2 expression. Blockade of the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway in ASMCs overexpressing RMRP suppressed the inflammatory cytokines and cell viability, while enhancing apoptosis. The RMRP/miR-206/CCL2 regulatory axis is implicated in the occurrence of pediatric asthma.

Search for Coherent Elastic Scattering of Solar ^{8}B Neutrinos in the XENON1T Dark Matter Experiment

We report on a search for nuclear recoil signals from solar ^{8}B neutrinos elastically scattering off xenon nuclei in XENON1T data, lowering the energy threshold from 2.6 to 1.6  keV. We develop a variety of novel techniques to limit the resulting increase in backgrounds near the threshold. No significant ^{8}B neutrinolike excess is found in an exposure of 0.6  t×y. For the first time, we use the nondetection of solar neutrinos to constrain the light yield from 1-2 keV nuclear recoils in liquid xenon, as well as nonstandard neutrino-quark interactions. Finally, we improve upon world-leading constraints on dark matter-nucleus interactions for dark matter masses between 3 and 11  GeV c^{-2} by as much as an order of magnitude.

Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Crosstalk in Radiation-Induced Mouse Thymic Lymphomas to Identify miR-486 as a Critical Regulator by Targeting IGF2BP3 mRNA

Ionizing radiation is one of the common environmental carcinogens. miRNAs play critical roles in the processes of tumor occurrence, development, metastasis. However, the relationship between radiation-induced carcinogenesis and miRNA rarely reported. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of miRNAs on radiation-induced carcinogenesis. In this study we established the radiation-induced thymic lymphoma mice model. By using miRNA array of RTL tissue and predicting for miRNAs target genes, a miRNA-mRNA crosstalk network was established. Based on this network, we identified a critical miRNA, miR-486, which was the most down-regulated in the radiation-induced carcinogenesis. Then the function of miR-486 was confirmed by using knockout mice and cellular experiments. As a result, miR-486 could inhibit proliferation of mouse lymphoma cells by targeting IGF2BP3 mRNA. The adenovirus over-expression miR-486 vector reduced tumorigenesis in vivo. MiR-486 knockout mice have a strong tendency of radiation-induced carcinogenesis. In conclusion, miR-486 inhibits the proliferation of lymphoma cells and tumorigenesis induced by radiation through targeting IGF2BP3.

Novel chimeric TLR2/NOD2 agonist CL429 exhibited significant radioprotective effects in mice

Severe ionizing radiation causes the acute lethal damage of haematopoietic system and gastrointestinal tract. Here, we found CL429, the novel chimeric TLR2/NOD2 agonist, exhibited significant radioprotective effects in mice. CL429 increased mice survival, protected mice against the lethal damage of haematopoietic system and gastrointestinal tract. CL429 was more effective than equivalent amounts of monospecific (TLR2 or NOD2) and combination (TLR2 + NOD2) of molecules in preventing radiation‐induced death. The radioprotection of CL429 was mainly mediated by activating TLR2 and partially activating NOD2. CL429‐induced radioprotection was largely dependent on the activation of TLR2‐MyD88‐NF‐κB signalling pathway. In conclusion, the data suggested that the co‐activation of TLR2 and NOD2 could induce significant synergistic radioprotective effects and CL429 might be a potential high‐efficiency selective agent.

Role of miR-541-3p/TMPRSS4 in the metastasis and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-541-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to explore the possible underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

80 pairs of cancerous and para-cancerous tissues were collected in this study. Human HCC SMMC-7721 cells and normal liver HL-7702 cells were enrolled as well. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect the expression level of miR-541-3p in tissues and cells. Potential target genes of miR-541-3p were screened and confirmed by online prediction websites and Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. SMMC-7721 cells were used for functional experiments in vitro. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The invasion and migration of the cells were evaluated by transwell and scratch wound-healing assay, respectively. Furthermore, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated markers were measured by Western blot assay.

RESULTS

MiR-541-3p was lowly expressed in both HCC tissues and cells. Transmembrane protease serines 4 (TMPRSS4) was defined as a functional target of miR-541-3p. The miR-541-3p/TMPRSS4 axis showed containment in HCC cells, such as proliferation, invasion and migration. These effects might be manifested by altering the expressions of EMT-related molecular proteins, including TGF-β, E-cadherin and N-cadherin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that miR-541-3p suppressed the invasion and migration of HCC cells by directly targeting and inhibiting TMPRSS4 protein expression. Furthermore, the newly identified miR-541-3p/TMPRSS4 axis provided new insight into the pathogenesis of HCC. It might also serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Adverse cardiovascular ageing among older women and cardiometabolic ageing

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): National Medical Research Council (NMRC)

Background

Despite longer life expectancies, women may experience reduced ‘health-span’ (period of life spent in good health) due to accumulation of risks over their longer life spans. Metabolic factors present in diet and lifestyle may provide modifiable solutions to tackle burdens of cardiovascular (CV) ageing in women.

Objective

We aim to study gender differences in CV structure and function among community older adults without clinical CV disease, as well as metabolic perturbations in their study samples.

Methods

We examined a prospective cohort study of older adults, obtaining their medical history, serum sampling, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging on a single day visit. Echo E/A ratio was computed as a ratio of peak velocity flow in early diastole E (m/s) to peak velocity flow in late diastole by atrial contraction A (m/s) mitral inflow velocities. Longitudinal strain (ε) at any time point (t) in the cardiac cycle from end-diastole (time 0) was calculated as: ε(t)=(L(t)-L0)/L0, obtaining left atrial (LA) reservoir strain (εs), conduit strain (εe) and booster strain (εa) by CMR. Metabolomics profiling was performed by standard mass spectrometry techniques.

Results

Among n = 492 (49.6%, n = 244 women, mean age 73 ± 4 years) participants, women had lower prevalence of hypertension (52% vs 58%, p &lt; 0.0001), smoking (4% vs 35%, p &lt; 0.0001), but higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (52% vs 50%, p = 0.001) compared to men. Women had lower left ventricular mass index (69 vs 71 g/m2, p &lt; 0.0001) compared to men. However, women had more adverse CV function, such as lower E/A ratio (0.78 vs 0.85, p &lt; 0.0001), lower LA booster (εa) (16.5 vs 17.8, p = 0.027) and lower LA reservoir (εs) strain rate (1.5 vs 1.6, p = 0.012), compared to men. Amino acids such as alanine, arginine, aspartate, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine and valine were similar between gender. However, women had higher levels of tyrosine (76 vs 68 μM, p = 0.015). On multivariate adjustment, apart from age, tyrosine was independently associated with E/A ratio (β=0.002, 95%CI 0.00-0.004, p = 0.044) and εs (β=0.004, 95%CI 0.00-0.009, p = 0.048) among women. 

Conclusion

Utilizing conventional and sensitive CV imaging, women appeared to have more adverse CV functions with ageing. As a branched chain amino acid linked to future risk of CV disease, tyrosine may be linked to adverse CV function. Factors that contribute to these cardiometabolic profiles, such as menopause, diet or lifestyle warrant further research.