[Mutations in A((8)) and A((9)) loci of exon 8 of retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene of keloid patients]

Objective: To study the situation of the mutations in the A((8)) and A((9)) loci of exon 8 of retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene (RIZ) of keloid patients. Methods: From January 2003 to December 2007, 19 outpatient and hospitalized keloid patients of our hospital were conforming to the inclusion criteria. Both 3-5 g keloid tissue and 3 mL peripheral venous blood were collected from each patient to extract their genomic DNA, and the concentration was determined. The A((8)) and A((9)) loci fragments of exon 8 of RIZ were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The length of product was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing was performed after column chromatography. The mutations of A((8)) and A((9)) loci fragments were searched, and the types of mutations were determined. The consistency of genetic mutations of the keloid tissue and peripheral venous blood were compared. Data were processed with McNemar test. Results: The DNA concentrations of the extracted keloid tissue and peripheral venous blood were 0.54 and 0.37 μg/μL, respectively, which were above 0.10 μg/μL. The lengths of PCR products of A((8)) locus fragment DNA of exon 8 of RIZ from keloid tissue and peripheral venous blood were 235 and 238 bp, respectively, and those of A((9)) locus were 242 and 244 bp, respectively, which were basically the same as the designed DNA fragments. PCR products purity of A((8)) locus fragment DNA of exon 8 of RIZ from keloid tissue and peripheral venous blood were 1.81 and 1.75, respectively, and those of A((9)) locus were 1.82 and 1.78, respectively, which were above 1.50. Mutations in the A((8)) locus of exon 8 of RIZ were observed in keloid tissue of 18 patients, totally 6 gene mutations, including 4 point mutations and 2 frameshift mutations. Mutations in the A((9)) locus of exon 8 of RIZ were observed in keloid tissue of 9 patients, totally 9 gene mutations, including 7 point mutations and 2 frameshift mutations. No patient had a mutation in the A((8)) or A((9)) locus of exon 8 of RIZ in peripheral venous blood. Compared with those of peripheral venous blood, the mutations in the A((8)) and A((9)) loci of exon 8 of RIZ in keloid tissue of patients were statistically significant (χ(2)=16.06, 7.11, P<0.05). Conclusions: Point mutations and frameshift mutations occur in the A((8)) and A((9)) loci of exon 8 of RIZ in keloids of patients, which may be associated with the occurrence of keloids.

Clinical analysis of Hashimoto thyroiditis coexistent with papillary thyroid cancer in 1392 patients

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant tumour of the thyroid. The effect of the concurrent presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and PTC is still under debate. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of coexistent HT on prognostic outcomes and the association of coexistent HT with clinicopathological features. The demographic and clinicopathological data of 1,392 patients who underwent surgery in our hospital from 2007 to 2016 was collected and analysed. Among 1,392 PTC patients, the rate of HT was 25.6%. There were significant differences in the mean levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (3.27 vs. 2.41 μIU/L, p < 0.01), thyroperoxidase antibodies (110.31 vs. 131.2 U/ml, p < 0.01) and thyroglobulin antibodies (131.90 vs. 113.53 ng/ml, p < 0.01) between the two groups. PTC patients with HT had the following characteristics compared to patients without HT: smaller tumour size (p < 0.01), female predominance (p < 0.01) and higher rate of multifocality (p = 0.024). In addition, patients with HT had a significantly lower rate of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and advanced TNM stage than patients without HT (all p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis found that both age and multifocality were significantly associated with central LNM in HT patients (p < 0.01, p = 0.019, respectively). Extrathyroidal invasion and TSH level were also significant independent factors for lateral LNM in HT patients (p < 0.008, p = 0.04, respectively). HT is associated with a significantly higher risk of PTC. The coexistence of HT in PTC patients is associated with favourable clinical outcomes compared to PTC without HT. Total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central compartment lymphadenectomy should be a choice for PTC patients with HT.

Novel insights into the pharmacological effects of resveratrol on the management of depression: a short review

Recently, it was suggested that resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol, possesses beneficial therapeutic roles in depression. The aim of this review is to discuss the novel potential pharmacological effects of RES on depression. We first consider the pathophysiology of depression and then review the potential antidepressant effects of RES. Apart from the alternation of the monoaminergic system and the molecular markers related to depression, RES might exert an antidepressant-like effect through modulating the HPA axis, BDNF and synaptic vesicle proteins, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and thyroid hormones. Consumption of RES may represent an alternative strategy to delay the onset and progression of depression, and depressive-like symptoms through multiple pharmacological activities.

Galectin-9 suppresses B cell receptor signaling and is regulated by I-branching of N-glycans

Leukocytes are coated with a layer of heterogeneous carbohydrates (glycans) that modulate immune function, in part by governing specific interactions with glycan-binding proteins (lectins). Although nearly all membrane proteins bear glycans, the identity and function of most of these sugars on leukocytes remain unexplored. Here, we characterize the N-glycan repertoire (N-glycome) of human tonsillar B cells. We observe that naive and memory B cells express an N-glycan repertoire conferring strong binding to the immunoregulatory lectin galectin-9 (Gal-9). Germinal center B cells, by contrast, show sharply diminished binding to Gal-9 due to upregulation of I-branched N-glycans, catalyzed by the β1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase GCNT2. Functionally, we find that Gal-9 is autologously produced by naive B cells, binds CD45, suppresses calcium signaling via a Lyn-CD22-SHP-1 dependent mechanism, and blunts B cell activation. Thus, our findings suggest Gal-9 intrinsically regulates B cell activation and may differentially modulate BCR signaling at steady state and within germinal centers.

[Prognostic value of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with thoracic radiation]

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio(NLR) in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients treated with thoracic radiotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyze 420 patients who received thoracic radiotherapy alone, sequential chemoraiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced stage NSCLC from January 2007 to December 2010 of our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups (high NLR group and low NLR group) with appropriate cutoff point using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method. The survival curve was established by Kaplan-Meier method. The Log-rank test was used to compare the survival of the two NLR groups and the multivariate analysis was carried out by Cox regression model. Results: Among the 420 patients, 99 received radiotherapy alone, 139 received sequential chemoradiotherapy and 182 received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. 345 patients died and 75 were still alive. The median follow-up time was 5.2 years and the median overall survival was 22 months. The cut-off value of pretreatment NLR was 2.1. The 5-year PFS and OS rates in high NLR group and low NLR group were 10.6% vs 15.7% (P=0.033) and 15.5% vs 22.7% (P=0.012). Multivariate analysis confirmed that pretreatment NLR (hazard ratio 1.06, P=0.041) was independent prognostic factor of OS. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the pretreatment NLR is the independent prognostic factor of OS in patients with locally advanced stage NSCLC treated with thoracic radiotherapy. However, NLR is still greatly influenced by patient's condition and treatment which needs further research.

Protective Effects of an Obesity-Associated Polymorphism (CDKAL1 rs9356744) on Prediabetes: The Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study

Background Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance and elevated plasma glucose levels. The rs9356744 polymorphism in the CDKAL1 gene is associated with body mass index (BMI) only in East Asians. Here, we examined the effect of the rs9356744 polymorphism on glucose-related traits and prediabetes in Chinese adults.

Methods A total of 2 357 participants were enrolled from the Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study, including 499 persons with prediabetes, 204 persons with type 2 diabetes, and 1 654 normoglycemic controls. The rs9356744 polymorphism in CDKAL1 was genotyped and analyzed in all participants.

Results Despite the positive relationship between obesity and glucose traits, the T allele of rs9356744, which is associated with a predisposition to obesity, was correlated with lower levels of 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) plasma glucose (2hPG) (β=− 0.2104 and P=0.0233), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (β=− 0.0551 and P=0.0298) and higher levels of homeostasis model of assessment β-cell function (HOMA-B) (β=5.282 and P=0.0424). After further adjustment for BMI, the levels of HOMA-B maintained a similar increased trend across rs9356744 genotype (β=3.277 and P=0.1958). In stratified analyses, the associations of rs9356744 with 2hPG and HbA1c were significant for individuals with a low BMI. Moreover, an antagonism action of BMI and rs9356744 on 2hPG (P for interaction=0.0055) was observed. In addition, we found a protective effect of rs9356744 on prediabetes.

Conclusions The CDKAL1 rs9356744 T allele associated with a predisposition to obesity showed a protective effect on HbA1c, 2hPG, and prediabetes. BMI was mediator of the association between the genetic variant and HbA1c, 2hPG, and prediabetes.

Improved performance of quantitative collagen parameters versus standard histology in longitudinal assessment of nonadvanced liver fibrosis for chronic hepatitis B

Monitoring longitudinal nonadvanced fibrosis is a more common scenario in management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), for which, however, current evaluation methods generally lack sufficient performance. We conducted a proof-of-concept study to evaluate the performance of quantitative fibrous collagen parameters (q-FP) in the assessment. Data sets from a prior CHB trial (NCT00962533) with mostly mild-to-moderate fibrosis participants were used for this study. 301 subjects with paired liver biopsies were consecutively included. Of these, 139 subjects were used to establish the test and the rest for internal validation. Fibrosis change between baseline and week 104 of treatment was blindly assessed with q-FP and was compared with Ishak fibrosis staging. There were 70% and 93% subjects with Ishak F0-2 at baseline and week 104, respectively. For the test of the subjects, q-FP and Ishak staging showed no difference in determining the incidence of fibrosis regression (68% vs 67%; difference = 0.7%, P = 1.00). Q-FP demonstrated that the regression was independently associated with the antiviral efficacy endpoint (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.4-6.5, P = .005), but Ishak failed the detection (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.3, P = .24). Moreover, q-FP directly revealed a higher fibrosis-resistance to antiviral treatment in virus genotypes C vs B and in males vs females. These results were confirmed in the validation subjects. Additionally, a functional model built on the test subjects showed an accuracy of 82% in stratifying fibrosis reversibility of the validation subjects. In conclusion, q-FP could have improved efficiency and accuracy in the longitudinal assessment of mild-to-moderate CHB fibrosis, indicating a potential alternative to current evaluation methodologies.

Circular RNA expression profile analysis of severe acne by RNA-Seq and bioinformatics

BACKGROUND

Acne is a common chronic skin disease with a multifactorial aetiology and pathogenesis. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as a key factor in regulating gene expression through circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks in many biological processes and human diseases. However, the circRNAs expression in patients with acne is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate circRNA expression profile in severe acne.

METHODS

The expression profile of circRNAs in three paired lesional skin and adjacent non-lesional skin in severe acne was detected by high-throughput RNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis. The candidate circRNAs were validated by PCR, Sanger sequencing and qRT-PCR in the separate group (n = 4). The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were predicted.

RESULTS

A total of 538 circRNAs including 271 up- and 267 downregulated circRNAs were differentially expressed in lesional skin compared with adjacent non-lesional skin in severe acne. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the aberrantly expressed circRNAs were primarily involved in inflammatory, metabolism and immune responses. Five candidate circRNAs (circRNA_0084927, circRNA_0001073, circRNA_0005941, circRNA_0086376 and circRNA_0018168) were validated to have significant decrease in severe acne by PCR, Sanger sequencing and qRT-PCR, in agreement with the results from RNA-Seq data analysis. The five identified circRNAs were predicted to interact with 213 miRNAs and regulated target gene expression.

CONCLUSION

This study firstly showed that circRNAs were differentially expressed in severe acne and suggested that circRNAs could be used as a potential biomarker for the drug targets of acne.

Results of an international comparison of activity measurements of 68Ge

An international key comparison, identifier CCRI(II)-K2.Ge-68, has been performed. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) served as the pilot laboratory, distributing aliquots of a 68Ge/68Ga solution. Results for the activity concentration, CA, of 68Ge at a reference date of 12h00 UTC 14 November 2014 were submitted by 17 laboratories, encompassing many variants of coincidence methods and liquid-scintillation counting methods. The first use of 4π(Cherenkov)β-γ coincidence and anticoincidence methods in an international comparison is reported. One participant reported results by secondary methods only. Two results, both utilizing pure liquid-scintillation methods, were identified as outliers. Evaluation using the Power-Moderated Mean method results in a proposed Comparison Reference Value (CRV) of 621.7(11)kBqg-1, based on 14 results. The degrees of equivalence and their associated uncertainties are evaluated for each participant. Several participants submitted 3.6mL ampoules to the BIPM to link the comparison to the International Reference System (SIR) which may lead to the evaluation of a Key Comparison Reference Value and associated degrees of equivalence.

Is prophylactic central neck dissection necessary for cN0 differentiated thyroid cancer patients at initial treatment? A meta-analysis of the literature

Central lymph node metastases are common in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The management of preoperatively nodenegative (cN0) DTC is still under debate. The aim of this study was to analyse the difference in recurrence and surgical complications between thyroidectomy (TT) alone and TT combined with prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) as initial treatments to DTC patients with cN0 and evaluate the clinic significance of pCND for these patients. PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched using multiple search terms. Twenty-three articles with 6,823 patients were identified. The quality of evidence was assessed by Jadad quality scores and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality assessment scale. The results showed that compared with patients who underwent TT alone, patients who underwent TT plus pCND had a significant higher rate of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (p = 0.023), transient hypocalcaemia (p < 0.01) and permanent hypocalcaemia (p<0.01). There was a trend towards lower central neck recurrence rate in TT plus pCND (p < 0.01). Combined TT and pCND as initial treatment for DTC patients with cN0 may reduce the risk of recurrence, but increases the incidence of some complications. Methodologically high-quality comparative studies are needed for further evaluation.

Abstract P4-04-07: Characterization of the effects of estrogen receptor alpha Y537S and D538G mutations on receptor function and pharmacology

The frontline therapy for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positive Breast Cancer (ER+BC) involves various forms of endocrine therapy, consisting of either Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) or aromatase inhibitors. An emerging mechanism of ER+BC resistance to endocrine therapy, and consequently disease relapse, has been associated with a set of “hotspot” mutations in and near to helix-12 of the ERα ligand binding domain. Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders/Down-regulators (SERDs), such as GDC-0810, AZD9496 and GDC-0927, represent a current major pharmacological strategy being applied to develop treatments for such resistant ER+BC. Here, we compare 2 of the most frequent ERα hotspot mutations (Y537S and D538G), with ERα wildtype (WT) and the ability of a set of ERα ligands (including GDC-0810, AZD9496 and GDC-0927) to bind, antagonize and degrade ERα. The concentration of each drug required to bind, antagonize or degrade ERα Y537S or ERα D538G was typically higher than that required for ERα WT. Importantly, ERα Y537S is resistant to estradiol stimulated protein degradation and 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (a major active metabolite of tamoxifen) stabilizes ERα Y537S protein. This represents a potential mechanism of resistance of ERα Y537S ER+BC to Tamoxifen therapy.

Citation Format: Blake RA, Hartman SJ, Kleinheinz TL, White J, Daly S, Goodwin R, Zhou W, Liang J, Wang X, O'Rourke M, Metcalfe C, Friedman L. Characterization of the effects of estrogen receptor alpha Y537S and D538G mutations on receptor function and pharmacology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-04-07.

Novel MBTPS2 missense mutation causes a keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans phenotype: mutation update and review of the literature

Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD) is an X-linked condition characterized by keratotic follicular papules and progressive alopecia, which is caused by mutations in the MBTPS2 gene. We carried out a genetic study on a child who was suspected clinically to have KFSD. Sanger sequencing was performed to detect mutations in the entire coding region of MBTPS2. A novel missense mutation (c.599C>T) was identified in the patient, confirming a diagnosis of KFSD. We reviewed related cases with MBTPS2 mutations for evidence of genotype-phenotype correlations.

Isomeric 26Al beam production with CRIB

We performed an experiment to measure proton resonant elastic scattering of a mixed 26m,gAl beam with a thick target in inverse kinematics by using CNS RI beam sep-arator, located at RIKEN Nishina Center. It aimed to search for strong proton resonances and determine level properties of low spin-parity states in 27Si. Diagnosis of the 26mAl purity of the beam by annihilation radiation are discussed.

Colorectal surveillance after segmental resection for young-onset colorectal cancer: is there evidence for extended resection?

AIM

Although sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) usually occurs in patients aged over 50, recent evidence suggests that the incidence is increasing in younger patients. Such patients are theoretically at high risk of metachronous neoplasia and may be candidates for extended prophylactic colectomy. This study aimed to define the risk of metachronous cancer/adenomas during follow-up of younger patients who underwent segmental colectomy for CRC.

METHOD

A CRC database was used to identify patients aged under 50 who underwent surgery for CRC between 1994 and 2010. Patients diagnosed with hereditary cancer or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. The primary end-points were frequency of extended resection and the rates of metachronous cancer and high-risk adenomas during follow-up.

RESULTS

There were 284 young patients with a resectable primary tumour, of whom 280 (98.6%) underwent segmental resection, 3 (1%) extended resection and 1 (0.4%) local resection. Endoscopic follow-up was available for 150 of the patients who had segmental colectomy, with a mean age of 42.6 (±5.8) years at diagnosis and median follow-up time of 68 months (interquartile range 45-105). Out of these 150 patients, 4 (2.7%) developed metachronous colonic adenocarcinoma at 24, 71, 151 and 228 months after index surgery. Thirty additional patients had at least one adenoma identified during surveillance, and three had sessile serrated polyps. Out of the three patients undergoing extended resection, none had metachronous cancer or advanced adenomas at an average follow-up of 17 years.

CONCLUSION

A segmental colectomy or proctectomy is adequate treatment for patients presenting with CRC under the age of 50.

Exome sequencing identifies a TCF4 mutation in a Chinese pedigree with symmetrical acral keratoderma

BACKGROUND

Symmetrical acral keratoderma (SAK) is a rare skin disorder and its pathogenesis and inheritability are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the inheritance and pathogenesis of SAK.

METHODS

Four SAK cases occurred in a four-generation Chinese family. Exome sequencing identified SNPs with potential SAK-related mutations, and a potentially responsible gene transcription factor 4 (TCF4) was identified. TCF4 was then sequenced in all 11 family members, and pedigree analysis was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry evaluated TCF4 expression in skin lesions. The gene mutation was investigated in human keratinocytes for keratin-related protein expression.

RESULTS

A novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.85C>A (p.Pro29Thr) was found in TCF4. The mutation showed autosomal dominant inheritance and perfectly cosegregated with the SAK phenotype in all family members. In skin lesions, TCF4 was present in the cytoplasm and membranes of the basal layer, the stratum spinosum and the stratum granulosum of the epidermis. The mutant TCF4 induced overexpression of differentiation markers including KRT1, KRT14, loricrin and involucrin.

CONCLUSIONS

A SAK-related gene mutation in TCF4 may function through transcriptional regulation of keratin.