Zfp462 deficiency causes anxiety-like behaviors with excessive self-grooming in mice

Zfp462 is a newly identified vertebrate-specific zinc finger protein that contains nearly 2500 amino acids and 23 putative C2H2-type zinc finger domains. So far, the functions of Zfp462 remain unclear. In our study, we showed that Zfp462 is expressed predominantly in the developing brain, especially in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions from embryonic day 7.5 to early postnatal stage. By using a piggyBac transposon-generated Zfp462 knockout (KO) mouse model, we found that Zfp462 KO mice exhibited prenatal lethality with normal neural tube patterning, whereas heterozygous (Het) Zfp462 KO (Zfp462^+/- ) mice showed developmental delay with low body weight and brain weight. Behavioral studies showed that Zfp462^+/- mice presented anxiety-like behaviors with excessive self-grooming and hair loss, which were similar to the pathological grooming behaviors in Hoxb8 KO mice. Further analysis of grooming microstructure showed the impairment of grooming patterning in Zfp462^+/- mice. In addition, the mRNA levels of Pbx1 (pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 1, an interacting protein of Zfp462) and Hoxb8 decreased in the brains of Zfp462^+/- mice, which may be the cause of anxiety-like behaviors. Finally, imipramine, a widely used and effective anti-anxiety medicine, rescued anxiety-like behaviors and excessive self-grooming in Zfp462^+/- mice. In conclusion, Zfp462 deficiency causes anxiety-like behaviors with excessive self-grooming in mice. This provides a novel genetic mouse model for anxiety disorders and a useful tool to determine potential therapeutic targets for anxiety disorders and screen anti-anxiety drugs.

The added value of SPECT/spiral CT in patients with equivocal bony metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incremental value provided by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/spiral computed tomography (CT) over SPECT alone for the evaluation of equivocal bone lesions in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS, METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 65 patients (61 men and 4 women; mean age, 53.1 ± 10.1 years; age range, 31-78 years) with HCC confirmed by pathology who underwent planar whole body scintigraphy and SPECT/CT. Each lesion was scored visually using a 5-point scale (0, negative; 1, benign; 2, likely benign; 3, likely bone metastasis; 4, bone metastasis). Lesions in which diagnostic confidence was scored as 3 or 4 were categorized into metastases.The final diagnosis of each lesion was based on pathological confirmation or follow-up by whole body scintigraphy and SPECT/spiral CT conducted two or more times. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of SPECT alone and SPECT/CT were computed.

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of SPECT alone were 78.4, 70.9%, 94.9%, 96.8% and 59.7%, respectively. Moreover, for agreement of SPECT alone and the final results, the kappa value was 0.567 (p < 0.001), which was considered to be moderate agreement. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of SPECT/CT were 99.2%, 100%, 97.4%, 98.9% and 100 %, respectively. Furthermore, for agreement of SPECT/CT and the final results, the kappa value was 0.981 (p < 0.001), which was considered to be nearly perfect agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

SPECT/spiral CT is more accurate and valuable than SPECT alone in the differential diagnosis of equivocal bone lesions in patients with HCC.

Study on correlation between liver ultrasonic appearance of patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis and hydrothorax

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between liver ultrasonic quantitative detection indexes of patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis and hepatic hydrothorax.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected 56 cases of patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis combined with hepatic hydrothorax in our hospital from March 2013 to March 2015. Also, we selected 63 cases of patients with cirrhosis without hepatic hydrothorax at the same time. The comparison of liver ultrasonic quantitative detection indexes and positions, quantities and proportions of hepatic hydrothorax of patients in these two groups was conducted.

RESULTS

In compare to the index of liver size and the level of ALP in two groups, there were not significant differences (p>0.05). In the observation group, the diameter of portal vein, the blood flow velocity of portal vein and the level of serum albumin significantly decreased in comparison to the control group (p<0.05). For patients with hydrothorax in both sides of the observation group, the diameter of portal vein, blood flow velocity of portal vein and level of serum albumin significantly decreased while comparing to the patients with hydrothorax in right (p<0.05). The volume of hydrothorax was negatively related to the diameter of portal vein, blood flow velocity of portal vein and the level of serum albumin, while the proportion of hydrothorax was not related to the diameter of portal vein, the blood flow velocity of portal vein and the level of serum albumin.

CONCLUSIONS

The liver ultrasonic quantitative detection indexes of patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis, diameter of portal vein, blood flow velocity of portal vein and level of serum albumin might be related to the volume of hepatic hydrothorax.

Identification of Natural Infections in Sheep/Goats with HoBi-like Pestiviruses in China

The natural infections of HoBi-like pestiviruses in cattle have been reported in South America, Europe and Asia. In China, although the detections of HoBi-like pestivirus have been reported, the epidemiological investigation was limited. From January 2014 to October 2015, several flocks of sheep/goats in Henan province in central China suffered respiratory diseases which were recovered slowly after antibiotics treatment. To test whether it is the HoBi-like pestivirus caused this symptom, 49 serum samples and 22 nasal swabs were then collected for analysis by serology and RT-PCR. Serological result revealed that prevalence of pestivirus in small ruminants was 12.2% (6/49) in central China. Sequence analysis of partial 5'-UTR nucleotides of pestivirus-positive samples suggested that HoBi-like pestivirus might have circulated in sheep/goats of China for a period and have evolved into new genotype clusters. It is apparent that the study provides the molecular evidence of natural infections in goat/sheep species with HoBi-like pestiviruses in China.

Use of three-dimensional color power doppler in imaging of liver cancer

We aimed to assess the role of three-dimensional color power Doppler (3D-CPD) imaging in diagnosis of liver cancer. First of all, we performed 2D- and 3D-CPD imaging on 96 cases of liver tumors with a total of 106 lesions to examine the characteristics of the vascular distribution patterns of the tumors, and in turn, compare the sensitivity and specificity. Also, with the use of three-dimensional volumetric measurement, we calculated the volume of tumors, quantity of intra-tumor blood vessels, and the ratio of the quantity of intra-tumor blood vessels to tumor volumes (vascular index, VI). Finally, we statistically analyzed the vascular index between benign and malignant tumors. We found that the sensitivity/specificity were 21.3%/100% for 2D-CPD, and 81.3%/100% for 3D-CPD, based on the use of type-III of blood vessels for diagnosis of the malignant lesions. In 3D-CPD, the type-III of blood vessels along with VI of > 0.3/cm3 can be used as the criteria for the diagnosis of liver cancer since we found that average VI was 0.38/cm3 in 75 malignant tumors, but 0.18/cm3 in 31 benign tumors (p less than0.05). The sensitivity and specificity in determining malignancy in the liver based on VI > 0.3/cm3 were 78.7% and 87.1%, respectively.

An essential role of Ffar2 (Gpr43) in dietary fibre-mediated promotion of healthy composition of gut microbiota and suppression of intestinal carcinogenesis

Composition of the gut microbiota has profound effects on intestinal carcinogenesis. Diet and host genetics play critical roles in shaping the composition of gut microbiota. Whether diet and host genes interact with each other to bring specific changes in gut microbiota that affect intestinal carcinogenesis is unknown. Ability of dietary fibre to specifically increase beneficial gut microbiota at the expense of pathogenic bacteria in vivo via unknown mechanism is an important process that suppresses intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis. Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2 or GPR43) is a receptor for short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate), metabolites of dietary fibre fermentation by gut microbiota. Here, we show FFAR2 is down modulated in human colon cancers than matched adjacent healthy tissue. Consistent with this, Ffar2(-/-) mice are hypersusceptible to development of intestinal carcinogenesis. Dietary fibre suppressed colon carcinogenesis in an Ffar2-dependent manner. Ffar2 played an essential role in dietary fibre-mediated promotion of beneficial gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium species (spp) and suppression of Helicobacter hepaticus and Prevotellaceae. Moreover, numbers of Bifidobacterium is reduced, whereas those of Prevotellaceae are increased in human colon cancers than matched adjacent normal tissue. Administration of Bifidobacterium mitigated intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis in Ffar2(-/-) mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that interplay between dietary fibre and Ffar2 play a key role in promoting healthy composition of gut microbiota that stimulates intestinal health.

The efficacy of high-intensity, focused ultrasound treatment for non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva

Non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva (NNEDV) are common types of vulval lesions. Although corticosteroids represent a first-line treatment for NNEDV, concerns exist about the safety associated with long-term topical corticosteroid use. Recently, several clinical trials have identified high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a promising treatment modality for NNEDV. The aim of this multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of HIFU therapy in women with NNEDV based on histological alterations. We enrolled patients who were clinically diagnosed with NNEDV. They were randomized into 2 treatment groups: 1) halcinonide for 3 months or 2) HIFU once. A total of 123 patients were biopsied both prior to and after the therapy, and 62 and 61 patients were assigned to the HIFU and halcinonide groups, respectively. The histological changes were then analyzed. After the treatments, the therapeutic effects were observed in both groups. Comparing the diagnosis and alterations in lichenoid and sclerotic patterns and in chronic inflammation, we found statistically significant differences. Furthermore, when compared with the halcinonide group, the HIFU group exhibited enhanced curative effects that were statistically significant (P = 0.039). Based on the histological evidence from this randomized, controlled trial, HIFU represents an effective method for the treatment of NNEDV.

Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for genotyping of Type III Secretion System in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-known environmental bacterium capable of causing a variety of life-threatening human infections, with a Type III Secretion System (T3SS) as the most significant virulence determinant. P. aeruginosa strains exhibit unique T3SS virulence genotypes defined by the presence of either exoS or exoU. In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for rapid detection of exoS and exoU in P. aeruginosa have been developed and evaluated. Set of four primers were designed for LAMP-based amplification of exoS and exoU respectively. The LAMP reactions were performed at 63°C for 40 min, with detection limits of 100 fg purified DNA. In 107 river water isolates, exoS and exoU were detected in 10 (9%) and 89 (83%) isolates, respectively, and in 38 soil isolates, they were detected in 7 (18%) and 31 (82%) cases respectively. In conclusion, the LAMP assays are rapid, simple and cost-effective tools for detection of the exoU- and exoS-types of P. aeruginosa strains.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This method can be used for the rapid, sensitive and low-cost detection of genes (exoS and exoU) encoding proteins that are part of Type III Secretion System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It can serve as an efficient method in outbreak situations or in routine surveillance studies to judge virulence potential and to investigate pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa.

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β promotes autophagy to protect mice from acute liver failure mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α

Our previous studies have demonstrated that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity protects mice from acute liver failure (ALF), whereas its protective and regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Autophagy is a recently recognized rudimentary cellular response to inflammation and injury. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that inhibition of GSK3β mediates autophagy to inhibit liver inflammation and protect against ALF. In ALF mice model induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), autophagy was repressed compared with normal control, and D-GalN/LPS can directly induce autophagic flux in the progression of ALF mice. Autophagy activation by rapamycin protected against liver injury and its inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or autophagy gene 7 (Atg7) small interfering RNA (siRNA) exacerbated liver injury. The protective effect of GSK3β inhibition on ALF mice model depending on the induction of autophagy, because that inhibition of GSK3β promoted autophagy in vitro and in vivo, and inhibition of autophagy reversed liver protection and inflammation of GSK3β inhibition. Furthermore, inhibition of GSK3β increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and the downregulated PPARα by siRNA decreased autophagy induced by GSK3β inhibition. More importantly, the expressions of autophagy-related gene and PPARα are significantly downregulated and the activity of GSK3β is significantly upregulated in liver of ALF patients with hepatitis B virus. Thus, we have demonstrated the new pathological mechanism of ALF that the increased GSK3β activity suppresses autophagy to promote the occurrence and development of ALF by inhibiting PPARα pathway.

Multicenter Prospective Trial of Stent Placement in Patients with Symptomatic High-Grade Intracranial Stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

On the basis of the high 1-month stroke and/or death (14.7%) rates associated with stent placement in the Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis trial, modifications in patient selection and procedural aspects for intracranial stent placement have been recommended. We performed a multicenter prospective single-arm trial to determine whether such modifications would result in lower rates of periprocedural stroke and/or death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study enrolled patients with recent transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke (excluding perforator ischemic events) related to high-grade (70%-99% in severity) stenosis of a major intracranial artery. Patients were treated by using angioplasty and self-expanding stents 3 weeks after the index ischemic event at 1 of the 10 high-volume centers in China. An independent neurologist ascertained the occurrence of any stroke and/or death within 1 month after the procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 100 consecutive patients were recruited. The target lesions were located in the middle cerebral artery (M1) (n = 38, 38%), intracranial internal carotid artery (n = 17, 17%), intradural vertebral artery (n = 18, 18%), and basilar artery (n = 27, 27%). The technical success rate of stent deployment with residual stenosis of <50% was 100%. The overall 1-month stroke and/or death rate was 2% (95% confidence interval, 0.2%-7.0%). Two ischemic strokes occurred in the pontine region (perforator distribution) in patients following angioplasty and stent placement for basilar artery stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this prospective multicenter study demonstrated that modifications in patient selection and procedural aspects can substantially reduce the 1-month stroke and/or death rate following intracranial stent placement.

Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor and quantitative dual-energy spectral CT in non-small-cell lung cancer

AIM

To explore the correlation between the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue and quantitative parameters of spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients with NSCLC underwent a spectral CT imaging protocol before surgical tumour resection. The repetition of iodine concentration, water concentration, and CT values at 40 keV in the region of interest were measured. The slopes of spectral attenuation curves (λHU) in the region were also calculated. The level of VEGF expression in the tumour tissue was measured using an immunohistochemical method (MaxVision method). The quantitative parameters of spectral CT imaging were compared among different levels of VEGF expression using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (SLD) test. The correlation between VEGF expression and spectral CT imaging was estimated through Spearman's rank correlation analysis.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in iodine concentrations, λHU, and CT values at 40 KeV in NSCLC between the groups showing negative and moderately positive expression of VEGF (p=0.001, 0.000, and 0.001, respectively) as well as between those showing mildly and moderately positive expression of VEGF (p=0.047, 0.005, and 0.002, respectively). In addition, all of the iodine concentrations, λHU values, and CT values at 40 KeV displayed a significant and positive correlation with the level of VEGF expression (r=0.413, 0.458, and 0.393, respectively, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative parameters of spectral CT imaging may be helpful for evaluating the status of angiogenesis in NSCLC.

Contact force-guided catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

Contact force (CF) sensing technology allows real-time monitoring during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effect of CF sensing technology on procedural parameters and clinical outcomes still needs clarification. Because of the inconsistent results thus far in this area, we performed a meta-analysis to determine whether CF sensing technology can improve procedural parameters and clinical outcomes for the treatment of AF. Studies examining the benefits of CF sensing technology were identified in English-language articles by searching the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (inception to May 2015). Ten randomized, controlled trials involving 1834 patients (1263 males, 571 females) were included in the meta-analysis (681 in the CF group, 1153 in the control group). Overall, the ablation time was significantly decreased by 7.34 min (95%CI=-12.21 to -2.46; P=0.003, Z test) in the CF group compared with the control group. CF sensing technology was associated with significantly improved freedom from AF after 12 months (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.20 to 1.99; P=0.0007) and complications were significantly lower in the CF group than in the control group (OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.29 to 0.87; P=0.01). However, fluoroscopy time analysis showed no significantly decreased trend associated with CF-guided catheter ablation (weighted mean difference: -2.59; 95%CI=-9.06 to 3.88; P=0.43). The present meta-analysis shows improvement in ablation time and freedom from AF after 12 months in AF patients treated with CF-guided catheter ablation. However, CF-guided catheter ablation does not decrease fluoroscopy time.

Single i.v. ketamine augmentation of newly initiated escitalopram for major depression: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled 4-week study

BACKGROUND

While oral antidepressants reach efficacy after weeks, single-dose intravenous (i.v.) ketamine has rapid, yet time-limited antidepressant effects. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of single-dose i.v. ketamine augmentation of escitalopram in major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHOD

Thirty outpatients with severe MDD (17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression total score ⩾ 24) were randomized to 4 weeks double-blind treatment with escitalopram 10 mg/day+single-dose i.v. ketamine (0.5 mg/kg over 40 min) or escitalopram 10 mg/day + placebo (0.9% i.v. saline). Depressive symptoms were measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self-Report (QIDS-SR). Suicidal ideation was evaluated with the QIDS-SR item 12. Adverse psychopathological effects were measured with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)-positive symptoms, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS). Patients were assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 4, 24 and 72 h and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Time to response (⩾ 50% MADRS score reduction) was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

By 4 weeks, more escitalopram + ketamine-treated than escitalopram + placebo-treated patients responded (92.3% v. 57.1%, p = 0.04) and remitted (76.9% v. 14.3%, p = 0.001), with significantly shorter time to response [hazard ratio (HR) 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01-0.22, p < 0.001] and remission (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.63, p = 0.01). Compared to escitalopram + placebo, escitalopram + ketamine was associated with significantly lower MADRS scores from 2 h to 2 weeks [(peak = 3 days-2 weeks; effect size (ES) = 1.08-1.18)], QIDS-SR scores from 2 h to 2 weeks (maximum ES = 1.27), and QIDS-SR suicidality from 2 to 72 h (maximum ES = 2.24). Only YMRS scores increased significantly with ketamine augmentation (1 and 2 h), without significant BPRS or CADSS elevation.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-dose i.v. ketamine augmentation of escitalopram was safe and effective in severe MDD, holding promise for speeding up early oral antidepressant efficacy.

De novo assembly and characterization of Gleditsia sinensis transcriptome and subsequent gene identification and SSR mining

Gleditsia sinensis is a Chinese native deciduous tree with a high economic and medicinal value. However, there is limited knowledge on the molecular processes responsible for the medical properties of this species owing to lack of bioinformatic resources such as available whole-genome sequences. In the present study, RNA sequencing data were used to analyze the transcriptome of G. sinensis, and a series of bioinformatic tools was used to explore the main genes involved in important molecular processes. A total of 75.57 million paired-end reads, with a length of 101 bp, were acquired from G. sinensis. Using the assembly tool Trinity, 233,751 transcripts were discovered. Among these, 85,795 were identified as unique transcripts and 59,326 unique transcripts were found to contain coding regions. Gene ontology analysis identified 27,637 unique transcripts that were clustered into 56 functional groups. Genes involved in flavonoid and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and those encoding transcription factors were further analyzed. Sequence analysis revealed four putative G. sinensis chalcone isomerase genes (GsCHI) encoding the enzymes for flavonoid biosynthesis. GsCHI1 was found to be phylogenetically related to the chalcone isomerase of the family Leguminosae, and its transcript levels in different tissues were higher than those of GsCHI2, GsCHI3, and GsCHI4. Furthermore, 15,014 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were discovered in the transcript library, and 5170 primers were generated for the SSR loci. The genetic and genomic information presented in this study will be helpful for future studies on gene discovery and molecular processes in G. sinensis.

Cascade polycyclizations in natural product synthesis

Cascade (domino) reactions have an unparalleled ability to generate molecular complexity from relatively simple starting materials; these transformations are particularly appealing when multiple rings are forged during this process.

The dysregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response in acute-on-chronic liver failure patients caused by acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B

Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is critical in various liver diseases, its role in acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF) caused by acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is still elusive. This study aimed to analyse ER stress responses in the progression of HBV-related AoCLF. Normal liver tissues (n = 10), liver tissues of CHB (n = 12) and HBV-related patients with AoCLF (n = 19) were used. Electron microscopy of the ultrastructure of the ER was carried out on liver specimens. The gene and protein expression levels of ER stress-related genes were measured. We further analysed the correlation between the expression levels of ER stress-related molecules and liver injury. Electron microscopy identified typical features of the ER microstructure in AoCLF subjects. Among the three pathways of unfolded protein responses, the PKR-like ER kinase and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 signalling pathway were activated in CHB subjects and inactivated in AoCLF subjects, while the activating transcription factor 6 signalling pathway was sustained in the activated form during the progression of AoCLF; the expression of glucose-regulated protein (Grp)78 and Grp94 was gradually decreased in AoCLF subjects compared to healthy individuals and CHB subjects, showing a negative correlation with serum ALT, AST and TBIL; moreover, the ER stress-related apoptosis molecules were activated in the progression of acute exacerbation of CHB. The dysregulated ER stress response may play a complicated role in the pathogenesis of AoCLF, and a severe ER stress response may predict the occurrence of AoCLF caused by acute exacerbation of CHB.

Consumption of Chilies, but not Sweet Peppers, Is Positively Related to Handgrip Strength in an Adult Population

BACKGROUND

Chili consumption may have a beneficial effect on muscle strength in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of chili consumption and handgrip strength in adults.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study used baseline data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3 717 subjects were recruited to the study. Frequency of chili consumption during the previous month was assessed using a valid self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between muscle strength and frequency of chili consumption. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, significant relationships were observed between different categories of chili consumption and handgrip strength in males, the means (95% confidence interval) for handgrip strength across chili consumption categories were 44.7 (42.1, 47.2) for < one time/week; 45.5 (42.9, 48.1) for one time/week; and 45.8 (43.3, 48.4) for ≥ 2-3 times/week (P for trend < 0.01). Similar results were not observed with sweet pepper consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a positive correlation between frequency of chili consumption and muscle strength in adult males. Further studies are necessary in order to determine whether there is a causal relationship between chili consumption frequency and muscle strength.

Expression of cancer stem markers could be influenced by silencing of p16 gene in HeLa cervical carcinoma cells

Effect of the tumor suppression gene p16 on the biological characteristics of HeLa cervical carcinoma cells was explored. The expression of p16 protein was increased in HeLa tumor sphere cells, and no significant difference in tumor spheres from the first to the fourth passages. Compared with those of parental HeLa cells, the proportion of CD44+/CD24- and ABCG2+ cells increased significantly in tumor spheres. However after the cells were silenced by the p16-sh289 vector, expression of P16 protein and the cell number of CD44+/CD24- and ABCG2+ decreased. Moreover, HeLa cells with p16 gene silencing showed decreased abilities of sphere formation and matrigel invasion. More HeLa cells with p16 gene silence were needed for tumor formation in nude mice. Tumor size and weight in mouse model established with p16 gene silenced HeLa cells were less than those with HeLa parental cell model. The present results indicate that silencing of the p16 gene inhibits expression of cancer stem cell markers and tumorigenic ability of HeLa cells.

Deacetylation of tumor-suppressor MST1 in Hippo pathway induces its degradation through HBXIP-elevated HDAC6 in promotion of breast cancer growth

Reduction or loss of tumor-suppressor mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 (MST1) in Hippo pathway contributes to the tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism leading to reduction of MST1 in cancers remains poorly understood. In this study, we explored the hypothesis that the oncoprotein hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) is involved in the reduction of MST1 in breast cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays revealed that the expression of HBXIP was negatively associated with that of MST1 in 98 clinical breast tissue samples. Then we found that HBXIP could posttranslationally downregulate MST1 in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we identified that MST1 could be acetylated on its lysine 35 residue in the cells. Strikingly, the treatment with trichostatin A, an inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), markedly increased the levels of MST1 acetylation and protein in the cells. Interestingly, the oncoprotein HBXIP could significantly inhibit acetylation of MST1, resulting in the reduction of MST1 protein. Notably, we revealed that the HDAC6 could reduce the protein levels of MST1 through deacetylation modification of MST1 in the cells. Moreover, our data revealed that HBXIP upregulated HDAC6 at the levels of mRNA and protein by activating transcription factor nuclear factor-κB. Deacetylation of MST1 promoted the interaction of MST1 with HSC70 in the cells, resulting in a lysosome-dependent degradation of MST1 via chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). Functionally, the reduction of tumor-suppressor MST1 mediated by HBXIP promoted the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus we conclude that the deacetylation of MST1 mediated by HBXIP-enhanced HDAC6 results in MST1 degradation in a CMA manner in promotion of breast cancer growth. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism of tumor-suppressor MST1 reduction in breast cancer.

Intranasal immunization with heat shock protein 60 induces CD4(+) CD25(+) GARP(+) and type 1 regulatory T cells and inhibits early atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease involving both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Immune tolerance induction may have therapeutic potential for the suppression of atherosclerosis. Current interest is directed towards mucosal tolerance induction, especially nasal tolerance. Previous studies have shown that heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is recognized as an important autoantigen in atherosclerosis, and nasal or oral HSP60 can induce tolerance and ameliorate atherosclerosis by inducing several subsets of regulatory T cells (Tregs ) such as latency-associated peptide (LAP)(+) and forkhead box transcription factor 3 (FoxP3)(+) Tregs. However, little is known regarding the detailed mechanisms of nasal tolerance. Here, we again investigated the impact of nasal HSP60 on atherosclerosis and the mechanisms underlying the anti-atherosclerosis responses. We found that nasal HSP60 caused a significant 33·6% reduction in plaque size at the aortic root in the early stages of atherosclerosis (P < 0·001). Notably, a significant increase in activated CD4(+) CD25(+) glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP)(+) Tregs, type 1 Tregs (Tr1 cells), and CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) Tregs, as well as a marked decrease in the numbers of type 1 and 17 T helper cells was detected in the spleens and cervical lymph nodes of HSP60-treated mice. Moreover, nasal HSP60 increases the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-10 and decreases the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17. Interestingly, the atheroprotective role of nasal HSP60 treatment was abrogated partly by the neutralization of IL-10. Our findings show that nasal administration of HSP60 can attenuate atherosclerotic formation by inducing GARP(+) Tregs, Tr1 cells and FoxP3(+) Tregs, and that these Tregs maintain immune homeostasis by secreting IL-10 and TGF-β.

Prognostic Importance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective Study

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and to predict the treatment response in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methodology: A single-center prospective study involving 93 patients with NSCLC was conducted. Blood samples were analyzed for CTC count before and after chemotherapy. Clinical relevance of CTCs with patient`s characteristics and treatment response were determined.Results: Higher levels of CTCs were associated with severe stage of NSCLC (p = 0.003), tumor histology (p = 0.014) and metastases (p = 0.013). Significant difference in CTC count was observed in favorable (CTCs < 5) and unfavorable (CTCs ≥ 5) groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.8 months (range: 5.32 to 6.43) and 2.2 months (range: 1.85 to 3.01) in the favorable and unfavorable groups, respectively (HR: 3.88, 95% CI, p < 0.001). Similarly, overall survival (OS) was 7.3 months (95% CI, 6.51 to 7.92) and 3.9 months (95% CI, 1.99 to 5.13), respectively (HR: 4.8, 95% CI, p < 0.001). Multivariate  regression analysis revealed CTCs as strong predictors of OS and PFS. Significant reduction (p < 0.001) in CTC count was also observed after one cycle of chemotherapy.Conclusion: Patients with low CTC count live longer and remain progression-free for a longer period of time than those with high CTC count. High CTCs can be detected in severe forms of lung cancer and can be used as a valid prognostic marker. However, this assertion requires validation in larger prospective clinical cohorts.Keywords: Circulating tumor cells, Non-small cell lung cancer, Circulating tumor cell, Prognosis

Dual-faced SH3BGRL: oncogenic in mice, tumor suppressive in humans

Despite abundant data supporting c-Src as a metastasis-promoting oncogene, activating mutations of c-Src are rare. This suggests that trans-interacting proteins may have a critical role in regulating c-Src activation. Here, we first report the discovery of Src homology 3 (SH3) domain-binding glutamic acid-rich-like protein (SH3BGRL), a novel c-Src activator in mice. Ectopic expression of murine SH3BGRL (mSH3BGRL) strongly promoted both tumor cell invasion and lung metastasis. Molecularly, mSH3BGRL specifically bound the inactive form of c-Src phosphorylated at Tyr527, promoting Tyr416 phosphorylation of c-Src and subsequent FAK-mediated activation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways. Targeting endogenous c-Src alone was sufficient to abolish mSH3BGRL-induced cancer metastasis in vivo. Unexpectedly, human SH3BGRL (hSH3BGRL) in turn suppressed tumorigenesis and metastasis in nature. We attempted site-specific reversion of hSH3BGRL amino-acid sequence to mSH3BGRL and found V108A substitution sufficient to restore SH3BGRL function as a c-Src activator and metastasis promoter. Notably, the somatic mutation R76C of hSH3BGRL can similarly act as hSH3BGRL-V108A and mSH3BGRL in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Our results uncover an evolutionarily controversial role of SH3BGRL in driving tumor metastasis through c-Src activation, and suggests that hSH3BGRL mutation status could be relevant to cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Pattern of CsICE1 expression under cold or drought treatment and functional verification through analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis

CsICE1 is thought to be involved in hardiness resistance of tea plants. Using seedling cuttings of biennial Wuniuzao in this study, the pattern of CsICE1 expression under cold temperature (4°, -5°C), drought [20% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000)], and plant hormone [200 mg/L abscisic acid (ABA), 1 mg/L brassinolide (BR)] treatment was studied by real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, stress resistance, such as the freezing resistance of CsICE1, was studied using Arabidopsis lines transformed with sense or anti-sense CsICE1 via Agrobacterium tumefaciens infection. Our results showed that CsICE1 mRNA could be induced under -5°C, PEG, ABA, or BR treatment, although the pattern of expression differed for all treatments. Compared to wild type (WT) and anti-sense ICE1 transgenic lines, sense lines displayed higher relative germination rates under salt and drought stress. After freezing treatment, the sense transgenic lines over-expressing CsICE1 showed a higher survival rate, increased levels of proline, and decreased levels of malonaldehyde. Conversely, compared with WT, anti-sense ICE1 transgenic lines had lower proline levels and higher malonaldehyde levels under freezing conditions. Our study indicates that CsICE1 is an important anti-freezing gene and that over-expression of CsICE1 can improve cold resistance and enhance salt and drought tolerance of transgenic lines.

Altered mesenchymal niche cells impede generation of normal hematopoietic progenitor cells in leukemic bone marrow

Degeneration of normal hematopoietic cells is a shared feature of malignant diseases in the hematopoietic system. Previous studies have shown the exhaustion of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in leukemic marrow, whereas hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remain functional upon relocation to non-leukemic marrow. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms, especially the specific niche components that are responsible for the degeneration of HPCs, are unknown. In this study, we focused on murine bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their supporting function for normal hematopoietic cells in Notch1-induced acute T-cell lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) mice. We demonstrate that the proliferative capability and differentiation potential of T-ALL MSCs were impaired due to accelerated cellular senescence. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant transcriptional alterations in leukemic MSCs. After co-cultured with the MSCs from T-ALL mice, a specific inhibitory effect on HPCs was defined, whereas in vivo repopulating potential of normal HSCs was not compromised. Furthermore, osteoprotegerin was identified as a cytokine to improve the function of T-ALL MSCs and to enhance normal HPC output via the p38/ERK pathway. Therefore, this study reveals a novel cellular mechanism underlying the inhibition of HPC generation in T-ALL. Leukemic MSCs may serve as a cellular target for improving normal hematopoietic regeneration therapeutically.

Gray matter correlates of migraine and gender effect: A meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of neuroimaging studies have revealed gray matter (GM) anomalies of several brain regions by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies in migraineurs. However, not all the studies reported entirely consistent findings. Our aim is to investigate concurrence across VBM studies to help clarify the structural anomalies underpinning this condition.

METHODS

A systematic search of VBM studies of patients with migraine and healthy controls (HC) published in PubMed and Embase databases from January 2000 to March 2014 was conducted. A quantitative meta-analysis of whole-brain VBM studies in patients with migraine compared with HC was performed by means of anisotropic effect size version of signed differential mapping (AES-SDM) software package.

RESULTS

Nine studies comprising 222 patients with migraine and 230 HC subjects were included in the present study. Compared to HC subjects, the patients group showed consistent decreased GM in the posterior insular-opercular regions, the prefrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate cortex. Results remained largely unchanged in the following jackknife sensitivity analyses. Meta-regression analysis showed that a higher percentage of females in the patient sample was associated with decreased GM in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first quantitative whole-brain VBM meta-analysis in migraine showing strong evidence of brain GM anomalies within the pain-processing neural network. Further longitudinal investigations are needed to determine whether these structural anomalies are reversible with effective treatment on migraine.

Study on the distribution and elimination of the new hormone irisin in vivo: new discoveries regarding irisin

Irisin is a newly discovered factor that is secreted by skeletal muscle and plays an important role in the homeostasis and metabolism of energy balance. This study used irisin radiolabeled with (125)I and small-animal SPECT/CT imaging to investigate the metabolic elimination and distribution of irisin in vivo. Irisin was labeled with (125)I using the Iodogen method. Small-animal SPECT/CT imaging was performed on C57/B16 mice at 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min after receiving a tail vein injection, and the radioactive distribution in the organs of mice was determined at 15, 60, and 120 min. Small-animal SPECT/CT imaging revealed the highest level of radioactivity in the gallbladder followed by the liver and kidney. Radioactivity decreased gradually with time in all organs. The radioactive distribution in the mice organs also showed that the highest %ID/g was in the gallbladder followed by the kidney and liver, and decreased gradually with time. The radioactivity in the gastric system reached its highest level at 60 min. Finally, our study showed the metabolic clearance of (125)I-irisin is achieved primarily through the hepatobiliary and renal system and provided the basis for the clinical application of irisin.

Successful ABO-incompatible living-related intestinal transplantation: a 2-year follow-up

ABO-incompatible intestinal transplantation has rarely been performed due to poor patient outcomes. Herein we present a case of successful ABO-incompatible intestinal transplantation with a 2-year follow-up. A 16-year-old female with a history of extensive bowel resection received an ABO-incompatible living donor bowel graft from her father (blood type AB graft into a type A recipient). Posttransplant immunosuppression consisted of an initial anti-CD20, plasmapheresis/intravenous immunoglobulin before transplantation, followed by an anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction and splenectomy, and maintenance with tacrolimus and prednisone. Her postoperative course was remarkable for a single episode of rejection on day 14 which responded promptly to treatment with methyprednisolone and ATG. Three months after transplantation, the patient developed an abdominal abscess requiring open surgical drainage. No viral infections were encountered. Posttransplant anti-B antibody titers and anti-B7 donor-specific antibody levels remained low. At a 2-year follow-up, the patient showed a progressive weight gain of 5.0 kg. This case illustrates that ABO-incompatible living-related bowel transplantation is immunologically feasible and is associated with good outcomes for the recipient. The management of blood type antibodies and the use of adequate immunosuppression in the early period of the procedure may be the keys to the success of future cases.

Cancer stem cells: targeting tumors at the source

The cancer stem cell hypothesis states that tumors rely exclusively on the continued proliferation of a subset of cancer cells that originated from normal adult stem cells. These cells have two key traits: multipotency, and self-renewal. The prolonged lifespan of stem cells makes them perfect candidates for the accumulation of carcinogenic mutations that would convert them into cancer stem cells (CSCs) no longer responsive to the many regulatory pathways in place that are responsible for tight governance of proliferation and differentiation in normal stem cells. Comprehending what these regulatory pathways are, and how their derailment contributes to oncogenic transformation, can hold the key to finding new strategies to target CSCs in order to effectively treat cancer. Additionally, what environmental factors are involved in promoting or suppressing CSC tumorigenicity requires attention. The possibility that some cancers may have clonal origins in non-stem cell populations that were able to acquire stem cell-like properties, and the lack of complete cell autonomy in carcinogenesis, suggests that the CSC hypothesis is continually evolving. Continued research in this field can shed light on how effective selective elimination of CSCs as opposed to generalized targeting of cancer cells will be in the treatment of cancer.