Effects and mechanism of lipoic acid on beta-amyloid-intoxicated C6 glioma cells

β-amyloid peptides (Aβs) can exert neurotoxic effects through induction of oxidative damage, whereas lipoic acid (LA), a powerful antioxidant, can alleviate oxidative damage. In this study, we explored the effect and mechanism of action of LA on beta-amyloid-intoxicated C6 glioma cells. Cells were randomly divided into three groups: control (vehicle), Aβ, and LA + Aβ. The LA + Aβ group was treated with LA for 2 h, then both the Aβ-only and the LA + Aβ groups were incubated with 25 μM Aβ for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by the MTT method. Mitochondrial reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the GSH to GSSG ratio calculated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to detect MnSOD mRNA and protein, respectively. Aβ significantly inhibited C6 cell proliferation compared with the control group (P < 0.05). LA markedly increased cell viability compared with the Aβ group (P < 0.05). The increased GSSH and decreased GSH mitochondrial accumulation induced by Aβ was profoundly reversed by treatment with LA (P < 0.05). Aβ significantly reduced MnSOD expression compared to controls (P < 0.05), whereas LA pretreatment increased MnSOD expression compared with the Aβ-only group (P < 0.05); MnSOD protein levels showed similar patterns. These results suggest that LA might protect Aβ-intoxicated C6 glioma cells by alleviating oxidative damage, providing a new treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.

A meta-analysis of limb-salvage versus amputation in the treatment of patients with Enneking‡U pathologic fracture osteosarcoma

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this meta-analysis was to further explore whether the relapse, 5-year survival and metastasis the same or not between limb-salvage and amputation in the treatment of patients with limited stage Enneking II pathologic fracture osteosarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search of the Medline, EMBASE and CNKI was done on October 2014. The clinical studies about amputation or limb-salvage surgery in the treatment of patients with limited stage Enneking II pathologic fracture osteosarcoma were searched and reviewed. The effect size of relapse, 5-year survival and metastasis between the amputation and limb-salvage surgery were pooled by stata11.0 software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA, http://www.stata.com;) using random or fixed effect model. The funnel plot and Egger's line regression test were used for evaluation of publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 89 studies were identified and seven articles with 200 cases in the limb-salvage surgery group and 84 subjects in the amputation group were finally included in the meta-analysis. The pooled data indicated that no statistical different of risk for developing relapse between limb-salvage and amputation was found relative risk (RR) =1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71-2.79, (P = 0.33). The 5-year survival rate of patients underwent limb-salvage surgery was smaller than patients received amputation RR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.19-2.89, (P = 0.01); the metastasis rate of patients underwent limb-salvage surgery was significant decreased compared with patients received amputation RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.94, (P = 0.03). No publication bias was existed in this meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

Limb-salvage surgery does not increased the risk of relapse compared with amputation in the treatment of patients with limited stage Enneking II pathologic fracture osteosarcoma.

Randomized phase II study evaluating veliparib (ABT-888) with temozolomide in patients with metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

Veliparib (ABT-888) is a potent, orally bioavailable, small-molecule inhibitor of the DNA repair enzymes poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 and -2. Veliparib enhances the efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) and other cytotoxic agents in preclinical tumor models.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicenter, double-blind trial, adults with unresectable stage III or IV metastatic melanoma were randomized 1:1:1 to TMZ plus veliparib 20 or 40 mg, or placebo twice daily. Efficacy end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

Patients (N = 346) were randomized between February 2009 and January 2010. Median [95% confidence interval (CI)] PFS was 3.7 (3.0-5.5), 3.6 (1.9-4.1), and 2 (1.9-3.7) months in the 20-mg, 40-mg, and placebo arms, respectively. Median (95% CI) OS was 10.8 (9.0-13.1), 13.6 (11.4-15.9), and 12.9 (9.8-14.3) months, respectively; ORR was 10.3%, 8.7%, and 7.0%. Exploratory analyses showed patients with low ERCC1 expression had longer PFS when TMZ was combined with veliparib. Toxicities were as expected for TMZ. The frequencies of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and leukopenia were significantly increased in the veliparib groups. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events, mainly hematologic toxicities, were seen in 55%, 63%, and 41% of patients in the 20-mg, 40-mg, and placebo arms, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Median PFS with 20 and 40 mg veliparib almost doubled numerically compared with placebo, but the improvements did not reach statistical significance. OS was not increased with veliparib. Toxicities were similar to TMZ monotherapy, but with increased frequency.

Shear stress regulates endothelial cell autophagy via redox regulation and Sirt1 expression

Disturbed cell autophagy is found in various cardiovascular disease conditions. Biomechanical stimuli induced by laminar blood flow have important protective actions against the development of various vascular diseases. However, the impacts and underlying mechanisms of shear stress on the autophagic process in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are not entirely understood. Here we investigated the impacts of shear stress on autophagy in human vascular ECs. We found that shear stress induced by laminar flow, but not that by oscillatory or low-magnitude flow, promoted autophagy. Time-course analysis and flow cessation experiments confirmed that this effect was not a transient adaptive stress response but appeared to be a sustained physiological action. Flow had no effect on the mammalian target of rapamycin-ULK pathway, whereas it significantly upregulated Sirt1 expression. Inhibition of Sirt1 blunted shear stress-induced autophagy. Overexpression of wild-type Sirt1, but not the deacetylase-dead mutant, was sufficient to induce autophagy in ECs. Using both of gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we showed that Sirt1-dependent activation of FoxO1 was critical in mediating shear stress-induced autophagy. Shear stress also induced deacetylation of Atg5 and Atg7. Moreover, shear stress-induced Sirt1 expression and autophagy were redox dependent, whereas Sirt1 might act as a redox-sensitive transducer mediating reactive oxygen species-elicited autophagy. Functionally, we demonstrated that flow-conditioned cells are more resistant to oxidant-induced cell injury, and this cytoprotective effect was abolished after inhibition of autophagy. In summary, these results suggest that Sirt1-mediated autophagy in ECs may be a novel mechanism by which laminar flow produces its vascular-protective actions.

Association of the interleukin-6 polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-6, an important proinflammatory cytokine, plays a potential pathological role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies on the relationship of IL-6 gene polymorphisms with SLE are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship more precisely.

METHODS

The databases of PubMed and Web of Science updated to 30 August 2014 were retrieved. Meta-analysis was conducted using allelic contrast, dominant, recessive and homozygote contrast models. Fifteen studies were included in this study and ethnicity-specific meta-analysis was performed on European, Iranian and Asian populations.

RESULTS

Analysis for the IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism under all models except the homozygote contrast model indicated an association in the overall population (allelic contrast model: odds ratio (OR) 1.428, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.124-1.812, dominant model: OR 1.382, 95% CI 1.037-1.842, recessive model: OR 1.610, 95% CI 1.158-2.240, homozygote contrast model: OR 1.759, 95% CI 0.989-3.127), as well as in European individuals under all four genetic models (allelic contrast model: OR 1.557, 95% CI 1.155-2.098, dominant model: OR 1.699, 95% CI 1.203-2.400, recessive model: OR 1.506, 95% CI 1.176-1.930, homozygote contrast model: OR 2.118, 95% CI 1.103-4.065). Analysis for the IL-6-572 G/C polymorphism indicated significant association in overall ethnicities under the recessive model (OR 1.491, 95% CI 1.104-2.014), but not under other models or in Asian individuals. In addition, significant association between the IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism and discoid skin lesions and antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) were found under the allelic contrast model and recessive model, respectively (discoid skin lesions: OR 2.271, 95% CI 1.053-4.895; ANAs: OR 2.244, 95% CI 1.141-4.416).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis provides evidence of the association between the IL-6 polymorphism and the risk of SLE, hinting that the IL-6-174 G/C and IL-6-572 G/C polymorphisms may play a role in SLE susceptibility.

Non-invasive prenatal testing for trisomies 21, 18 and 13: clinical experience from 146,958 pregnancies

OBJECTIVES

To report the clinical performance of massively parallel sequencing-based non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in detecting trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in over 140,000 clinical samples and to compare its performance in low-risk and high-risk pregnancies.

METHODS

Between 1 January 2012 and 31 August 2013, 147,314 NIPT requests to screen for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 using low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of plasma cell-free DNA were received. The results were validated by karyotyping or follow-up of clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

NIPT was performed and results obtained in 146,958 samples, for which outcome data were available in 112,669 (76.7%). Repeat blood sampling was required in 3213 cases and 145 had test failure. Aneuploidy was confirmed in 720/781 cases positive for trisomy 21, 167/218 cases positive for trisomy 18 and 22/67 cases positive for trisomy 13 on NIPT. Nine false negatives were identified, including six cases of trisomy 21 and three of trisomy 18. The overall sensitivity of NIPT was 99.17%, 98.24% and 100% for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, respectively, and specificity was 99.95%, 99.95% and 99.96% for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, respectively. There was no significant difference in test performance between the 72,382 high-risk and 40,287 low-risk subjects (sensitivity, 99.21% vs. 98.97% (P = 0.82); specificity, 99.95% vs. 99.95% (P = 0.98)). The major factors contributing to false-positive and false-negative NIPT results were maternal copy number variant and fetal/placental mosaicism, but fetal fraction had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a stringent protocol, the good performance of NIPT shown by early validation studies can be maintained in large clinical samples. This technique can provide equally high sensitivity and specificity in screening for trisomy 21 in a low-risk, as compared to high-risk, population.

Caffeic acid improves cell viability and protects against DNA damage: involvement of reactive oxygen species and extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Hormesis is an adaptive response to a variety of oxidative stresses that renders cells resistant to harmful doses of stressing agents. Caffeic acid (CaA) is an important antioxidant that has protective effects against DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, whether CaA-induced protection is a hormetic effect remains unknown, as is the molecular mechanism that is involved. We found that a low concentration (10 μM) of CaA increased human liver L-02 cell viability, attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-mediated decreases in cell viability, and decreased the extent of H₂O₂-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In L-02 cells exposed to H₂O₂, CaA treatment reduced ROS levels, which might have played a protective role. CaA also activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal pathway in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERK by its inhibitor U0126 or by its specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked the CaA-induced improvement in cell viability and the protective effects against H₂O₂-mediated DNA damage. This study adds to the understanding of the antioxidant effects of CaA by identifying a novel molecular mechanism of enhanced cell viability and protection against DNA damage.

Simulation of ozone formation at different elevations in mountainous area of Hong Kong using WRF-CMAQ model

Field measurements were simultaneously conducted at a mountain (Mt.) site (Tai Mao Shan, TMS) and an urban site (Tsuen Wan, TW) at the foot of the Mt. TMS in Hong Kong. An interesting event with consecutive high-ozone (O₃) days from 08:00 on 28 Oct. to 23:00 on 03 Nov., 2010 was observed at Mt. TMS, while no such polluted event was found at the foot of the mountain. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) models were used to understand this event. Model performance evaluation showed that the simulated meteorological parameters and air pollutants were well in agreement with the observations. The index of agreement (IOA) of temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and wind speed were 0.93, 0.83, 0.46 and 0.60, respectively. The multi-day high O₃ episode at Mt. TMS was also reasonably reproduced (IOA=0.68). Horizontally, the photochemical processes determined the O₃ levels in southwestern Pearl River Delta (PRD) and the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), while in eastern and northern PRD, the O₃ destruction was over the production during the event. Vertically, higher O₃ values at higher levels were found at both Mt. TMS and TW, indicating a vertical O₃ gradient over Hong Kong. With the aid of the process analysis module, we found positive contribution of vertical transport including advection and diffusion to O₃ mixing ratios at the two sites, suggesting that O₃ values at lower locations could be affected by O₃ at higher locations via vertical advection and diffusion over Hong Kong.

Genetic variants of PLA2G6 are associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and triglyceride levels in a Chinese population

AIM

To test the association of PLA2G6 variants with Type 2 diabetes and clinical characteristics in large Chinese population-based samples.

METHODS

A total of 6822 people were recruited. In the first stage, 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms within the PLA2G6 region were selected and genotyped in 3700 Chinese Han people. In the second stage, the single nucleotide polymorphisms that showed a significant association were genotyped in an additional 3122 samples for replication. Genotype-phenotype association studies and meta-analyses were performed after combining data from the two stages.

RESULTS

In the first stage, we detected rs132984 and rs2284060 as significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes with odds ratios of 1.247 (95% CI 1.074-1.449, P = 0.004, empirical P = 0.047) and 1.173 (95% CI 1.059-1.299, P = 0.002, empirical P = 0.029), respectively. In the second stage, a similar effect of rs132984 on Type 2 diabetes was observed (odds ratio 1.280, 95% CI 1.094-1.497, P = 0.002). The meta-analysis showed a significant effect of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms on Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.254, 95% CI 1.104-1.451, P = 4.85 × 10⁻⁵ for rs132984; odds ratio 1.120, 95% CI 1.046-1.195, P = 0.003 for rs2284060). Moreover, genotype-phenotype association analysis showed that rs132984 was associated with triglyceride levels (P = 0.022, empirical P = 0.044) and area under the curve for glucose (P = 0.015, empirical P = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data imply that common single nucleotide polymorphisms within the PLA2G6 region are associated with Type 2 diabetes and triglyceride levels in the Chinese population.

[Cp*Ru]-catalyzed selective coupling/hydrogenation

Selective coupling and hydrogenation catalyzed by [Cp*Ru] have been achieved affording valuable polyfunctionalized cyclic enamide derivatives.

DNA barcoding of five common stored-product pest species of genus Cryptolestes (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae)

Several species of the genus Cryptolestes Ganglbauer, 1899 (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) are commonly found in stored products. In this study, five species of Cryptolestes, with almost worldwide distribution, were obtained from laboratories in China, Czech Republic and the USA: Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens, 1831), Cryptolestes pusillus (Schönherr, 1817), Cryptolestes turcicus (Grouvelle, 1876), Cryptolestes pusilloides (Steel & Howe, 1952) and Cryptolestes capensis (Waltl, 1834). Molecular identification based on a 658 bp fragment from the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was adopted to overcome some problems of morphological identification of Cryptolestes species. The utility of COI sequences as DNA barcodes in discriminating the five Cryptolestes species was evaluated on adults and larvae by analysing Kimura 2-parameter distances, phylogenetic tree and haplotype networks. The results showed that molecular approaches based on DNA barcodes were able to accurately identify these species. This is the first study using DNA barcoding to identify Cryptolestes species and the gathered DNA sequences will complement the biological barcode database.

Associations between parent-reported sleep duration and adiposity in Chinese early adolescents

BACKGROUND

Short sleep duration has recently been found to be associated with obesity in children, but findings involving adolescents have been less consistent, and some have mentioned gender differences.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between parent-reported sleep duration and adiposity in early adolescence (10-12 years old) and to explore gender differences within this population.

METHODS

Participants were 1309 fifth-grade students (685 boys) from 10 primary schools in Shanghai, China. Body mass index (BMI), waist-height ratio (WHeR) and body fat percentage (BF%) were assessed. Sleep and other potential contributors were recorded by parents or self-reported.

RESULTS

Compared with adolescents in the longest sleep group (greater than or equal to +1 SD, ≥10.05 h), those in the shortest sleep group (less than -1 SD, <8.89 h) had significantly higher BMI, WHeR and BF%. Sleep was found to be closely related to increased adiposity in girls who were in the shortest and shorter sleep group (<mean, <9.45 h). No association was found in boys.

CONCLUSIONS

Short sleep duration was associated with higher adiposity indices in early adolescents from China, especially in girls. Interventions focusing on modifying adolescents' sleep habits may potentially prevent obesity and overweight.

Detection of fetal sex chromosome aneuploidy by massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA: initial experience in a Chinese hospital

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the performance of a massively parallel sequencing (MPS)-based test in detecting fetal sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) and to present a comprehensive clinical counseling protocol for SCA-positive patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in a large patient cohort of 5950 singleton pregnancies which underwent MPS-based testing as a prenatal screening test for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, with X and Y chromosomes as secondary findings, in Southwest Hospital in China. MPS-based SCA-positive women were offered the choice of knowing whether their SCA results were positive and those who did commenced a two-stage post-test clinical counseling protocol. In Stage 1, general information about SCA was given, and women were given the option of invasive testing for confirmation of findings; in Stage 2, those who had chosen to undergo invasive testing were informed about the specific SCA affecting their fetus and their management options.

RESULTS

Thirty-three cases were classified as SCA-positive by MPS-based testing. After Stage 1 of the two-stage post-test clinical counseling session, 33 (100%) of these pregnant women chose to know the screening test results, and 25 (75.76%) underwent an invasive diagnostic procedure and karyotype analysis, in one of whom karyotyping failed. In thirteen cases, karyotyping confirmed the MPS-based test results (two X0 cases, seven XXX cases, three XXY cases and one XYY case), giving a positive predictive value of 54.17% (13/24 cases confirmed by karyotyping). After post-test clinical counseling session Stage 2, seven women chose to terminate the pregnancy: one X0 case, two XXX cases, the three XXY cases and the single XYY case. Six women decided to continue with pregnancy: one X0 case and five XXX cases.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed the feasibility of clinical application of the MPS-based test in the non-invasive detection of fetal SCA. Together with a two-stage post-test clinical counseling protocol, it leads to a well-informed decision-making procedure.

Correlation and interventional embolization therapy of posterior intercostal arteries-induced hemoptysis

The incidence of posterior intercostal arteries-induced hemoptysis, its correlation with primary diseases, and the value of interventional embolization therapy were investigated. Clinical data, multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and other imaging data of 143 cases of hemoptysis were retrospectively analyzed. After the offending vessels were subjected to interventional embolization therapy, patients were followed-up for observations of clinical efficacies and complications. Thirty-one patients (21.7%) showed 65 branches of posterior intercostal arteries as the non-bronchial systemic arteries involved in hemoptysis; pleural thickening was evident in 25 (80.6%) cases. Posterior intercostal arteries-induced hemoptysis was observed in 16 of the 27 (59.3%) patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, and in 9 of the 10 (90.0%) patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary damage. Posterior intercostal arteries-induced hemoptysis was correlated to pleural thickening (P<0.05), which differed significantly among different underlying diseases (P<0.05). Twenty-eight cases of 58 branches of posterior intercostal arteries were found to be involved in hemoptysis by preoperative chest CT angiogram (CTA); the intraoperative matching rates were 90.3% (28/31) and 89.2% (58/65), respectively. Thirty-one patients received transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), of which 29 (93.5%) showed immediate hemostasis; 1 case had surgical treatment for ineffectuality, and 2 cases showed recurrence without serious complications. The posterior intercostal arteries were commonly involved in hemoptysis, and were closely associated with pleural thickening and pulmonary tuberculosis, especially when accompanied by pulmonary damage. Complete TAE could improve the treatment effect of hemoptysis and preoperative chest CTA was helpful for interventional embolization therapy.

Association of PAX4 genetic variants with oral antidiabetic drugs efficacy in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of PAX4 variants with therapeutic effect of oral antidiabetic drugs in Chinese type 2 diabtes mellitus (T2DM) patients. A total of 209 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were randomly assigned to treatment with repaglinide or rosiglitazone for 48 weeks, and the therapeutic effects were compared. In the rosiglitazone cohort, rs6467136 GA+AA carriers showed greater decrease in 2-h glucose levels (P=0.0063) and higher cumulative attainment rates of target 2-h glucose levels (Plog rank=0.0093) than GG homozygotes. In the subgroup with defective β-cell function, rs6467136 GA+AA carriers exhibited greater decrements of 2-h glucose level and improvement of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P=0.0143). Moreover, GA+AA carriers were more likely to attain the target fasting and 2-h glucose level (Plog rank=0.0091 and 0.007, respectively). However, these single-nucleotide polymorphisms showed no effect on repaglinide efficacy. In conclusion, PAX4 variant rs6467136 was associated with the therapeutic effect of rosiglitazone in Chinese T2DM patients.

Non-invasive prenatal testing for fetal chromosomal abnormalities by low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of maternal plasma DNA: review of 1982 consecutive cases in a single center

OBJECTIVE

To review the performance of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) by low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of maternal plasma DNA at a single center.

METHODS

The NIPT result and pregnancy outcome of 1982 consecutive cases were reviewed. NIPT was based on low coverage (0.1×) whole-genome sequencing of maternal plasma DNA. All subjects were contacted for pregnancy and fetal outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 1982 NIPT tests, a repeat blood sample was required in 23 (1.16%). In one case, a conclusive report could not be issued, probably because of an abnormal vanished twin fetus. NIPT was positive for common trisomies in 29 cases (23 were trisomy 21, four were trisomy 18 and two were trisomy 13); all were confirmed by prenatal karyotyping (specificity=100%). In addition, 11 cases were positive for sex-chromosomal abnormalities (SCA), and nine cases were positive for other aneuploidies or deletion/duplication. Fourteen of these 20 subjects agreed to undergo further investigations, and the abnormality was found to be of fetal origin in seven, confined placental mosaicism (CPM) in four, of maternal origin in two and not confirmed in one. Overall, 85.7% of the NIPT-suspected SCA were of fetal origin, and 66.7% of the other abnormalities were caused by CPM. Two of the six cases suspected or confirmed to have CPM were complicated by early-onset growth restriction requiring delivery before 34 weeks. Fetal outcome of the NIPT-negative cases was ascertained in 1645 (85.15%). Three chromosomal abnormalities were not detected by NIPT, including one case each of a balanced translocation, unbalanced translocation and triploidy. There were no known false negatives involving the common trisomies (sensitivity=100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of maternal plasma DNA was highly accurate in detecting common trisomies. It also enabled the detection of other aneuploidies and structural chromosomal abnormalities with high positive predictive value.

The value of TRUS in the staging of rectal carcinoma before and after radiotherapy and comparison with the staging postoperative pathology

AIM

To compare the effectiveness of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) with that of postoperative pathological examination in staging rectal carcinoma before surgery and before and after radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was undertaken comprising 62 patients with stage T3 or T4 rectal carcinoma confirmed by endoscopic biopsy.

RESULTS

TRUS showed significant differences (p < 0.01) in tumour echogenicity and volume, border delineation, local invasion, and draining lymph node involvement before and after radiotherapy, and significant reduction in blood flow resistance index after radiotherapy but no difference (p > 0.05) in the classification of tumour blood flow. In ultrasonographic assessments, 53 of the 62 cases (85.5%) showed lower T stages after radiotherapy. TRUS showed an accuracy of 94.1% for T2 cases, 77.3% for T3 cases, and 83.3% for T4 cases, and an overall accuracy of 87.1% in comparison with the results of postoperative pathological examination.

CONCLUSION

TRUS is expected to play a vital role in the accurate preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma with the increasing utilization of adjuvant radiotherapy in rectal carcinoma and to contribute to the assessment of treatment.

Nox4 and redox signaling mediate TGF-β-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and phenotypic switch

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) triggers apoptosis in endothelial cells, while the mechanisms underlying this action are not entirely understood. Using genetic and pharmacological tools, we demonstrated that TGF-β induced a moderate apoptotic response in human cultured endothelial cells, which was dependent upon upregulation of the Nox4 NADPH oxidase and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, we showed that ectopic expression of Nox4 via viral vectors (vNox4) produced an antiapoptotic effect. TGF-β caused ROS-dependent p38 activation, whereas inhibition of p38 blunted TGF-β-induced apoptosis. However, vNox4, but not TGF-β, activated Akt, and inhibition of Akt attenuated the antiapoptotic effect of vNox4. Akt activation induced by vNox4 was accompanied by inactivation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) function and enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 phosphorylation. Moreover, we showed that TGF-β enhanced Notch signaling and increased expression of the arterial marker EphrinB2 in a redox-dependent manner. In summary, our results suggest that Nox4 and ROS have pivotal roles in mediating TGF-β-induced endothelial apoptosis and phenotype specification. Redox mechanisms may influence endothelial cell functions by modulating p38, PTP1B/VEGFR/Akt and Notch signaling pathways.

Population pharmacogenetic-based pharmacokinetic modeling of efavirenz, 7-hydroxy- and 8-hydroxyefavirenz

The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic and pharmacogenetic covariates that influence the disposition of efavirenz (EFV) and its major metabolites. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed from a randomized, cross-over, drug-interaction study in healthy male Korean subjects (n = 17). Plasma concentrations of EFV and its hydroxy-metabolites (0-120 hours) were measured by LC/MS/MS. Genomic DNA was genotyped for variants in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6, 2B6, 3A5, and MDR1 genes. A PK model was built in a stepwise procedure using nonlinear mixed effect modeling in NONMEM 7. The covariate model was built using the generalized additive modeling and forward selection-backward elimination. Model-based simulations were performed to predict EFV steady-state concentrations following 200, 400, and 600 mg daily oral dose among different CYP2B6 genotypes. The final model included only CYP2B6 genotype as a covariate that predicts EFV clearance through the formation of 8-OH EFV that represented 65% to 80% of EFV clearance. The total clearance of EFV in CYP2B6*6/*6 genotype was ∼30% lower than CYP2B6*1/*1 or CYP2B6*1/*6 alleles (P < .001). Clopidogrel reduced both formation and elimination clearances of 8-OH EFV by 22% and 19%, respectively (P = .033 and .041). Other demographics and genotype of accessory CYP pathways did not predict EFV or metabolites PK. CYP2B6 genotype was the only significant predictor of EFV disposition. The developed model may serve as the foundation for further exploration of pharmacogenetic-based dosing of EFV.

MSC-seeded dense collagen scaffolds with a bolus dose of VEGF promote healing of large bone defects

The functional repair of large skeletal defects remains a significant challenge to orthopaedic surgeons due to the lack of effective strategies to promote bone regeneration, particularly in the elderly. This study investigated the potential use of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in a dense collagen scaffold with a bolus dose of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to repair a defect in the femoral diaphysis of mice. MSC isolated from bone marrow of 4-month-old donor mice were seeded in type I collagen gels that were then compressed to form scaffolds with a fibrillar density similar to osteoid. The cells remained metabolically active in scaffolds incubated in vitro for up to 15 days and differentiated into osteoblasts that deposited calcium-phosphate mineral into the scaffold, which was quantified using micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging. When implanted in a 1 mm x 3 mm unicortical defect the MSC-loaded scaffolds were rapidly mineralised and integrated into host bone with administration of 10 ng of recombinant VEGF injected into the femoral canal at 4 days postoperative. Empty scaffolds and MSC-seeded scaffolds implanted in defects that did not receive a bolus dose of VEGF did not mineralise or integrate with native bone. The approach with MSC, hydrogels and a biologic factor already approved for human use warrants further pre-clinical investigation with a large animal model.

Association between KCNQ1 genetic variants and QT interval in a Chinese population

AIM

There is a close link between electrocardiographic ventricular repolarization QT parameters and Type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of QT-related and diabetes-related variants in KCNQ1 on QT interval in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We recruited 2415 patients with Type 2 diabetes and 1163 subjects with normal glucose regulation in the present study. QT interval was obtained and the heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) was calculated using Bazett's formula. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms in KCNQ1 were selected (rs12296050, rs12576239, rs2237892 and rs2237895) and genotyped.

RESULTS

In participants with normal glucose regulation, the minor allele T of rs12296050 was associated with a 3.46-ms QTc prolongation under an additive model (P = 0.0109, empirical P = 0.0498). In patients with Type 2 diabetes, we did not find any association for the single nucleotide polymorphisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that KCNQ1 is associated with QT interval in a Chinese population with normal glucose regulation.

Establishing a conceptual model for photochemical ozone pollution in subtropical Hong Kong

Photochemical ozone (O₃) formation is related to its precursors and meteorological conditions. A conceptual model of O₃ air pollution is developed based on the analysis of data obtained at Tung Chung (TC) in Hong Kong. By comparing meteorological parameters between O₃ and non-O₃ episode days, it was found that high temperatures, strong solar radiation, low wind speeds and relative humidity, northeasterly and/or northwesterly prevailing winds were favorable for the O₃ formation, while tropical cyclones were most conducive to the occurrence of O₃ episodes. Backward trajectories simulation and graphical illustration of O₃ pollution suggested that super-regional (i.e. central and eastern China) and regional (i.e. Pearl River Delta, southern China) transport was another factor that contributed to high O₃ levels in Hong Kong. The photochemical O₃ formation, generally VOC-limited in Hong Kong, was controlled by a small number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, the positive matrix factorization (PMF) simulation suggested that solvent usage and vehicular emissions are the major contributors to ambient VOCs in Hong Kong. Finally, this paper presents recommendations for further O₃ research and implementation of O₃ control strategies.

Photochemical trajectory modeling of ozone concentrations in Hong Kong

In this study, tropical cyclones over the East and South China Seas were found to be the most predominant weather conditions associated with the occurrence of high ozone (O3) episodes in Hong Kong in 2005-2009. A photochemical trajectory model coupled with Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) was adapted to simulate the O3 concentrations during two O3 pollution episodes. The results agreed well with the observed data. A representative backward air mass trajectory was used to determine the contribution of each volatile organic compound (VOC) to the O3 levels. After taking into account both reactivity and mass emission of each VOC, 10 species were found to be the key O3 precursors in Hong Kong. Further analysis identified solvent related products accounting for 70% of the modeled O3 concentration in Hong Kong. The results highlight the importance of considering together reactivity and source sector emissions in developing targeted VOC reduction for O3 abatement strategies.

Genome-wide association study in a Chinese population identifies a susceptibility locus for type 2 diabetes at 7q32 near PAX4

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Most genetic variants identified for type 2 diabetes have been discovered in European populations. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in a Chinese population with the aim of identifying novel variants for type 2 diabetes in Asians.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of three GWAS comprising 684 patients with type 2 diabetes and 955 controls of Southern Han Chinese descent. We followed up the top signals in two independent Southern Han Chinese cohorts (totalling 10,383 cases and 6,974 controls), and performed in silico replication in multiple populations.

RESULTS

We identified CDKN2A/B and four novel type 2 diabetes association signals with p < 1 × 10(-5) from the meta-analysis. Thirteen variants within these four loci were followed up in two independent Chinese cohorts, and rs10229583 at 7q32 was found to be associated with type 2 diabetes in a combined analysis of 11,067 cases and 7,929 controls (p meta = 2.6 × 10(-8); OR [95% CI] 1.18 [1.11, 1.25]). In silico replication revealed consistent associations across multiethnic groups, including five East Asian populations (p meta = 2.3 × 10(-10)) and a population of European descent (p = 8.6 × 10(-3)). The rs10229583 risk variant was associated with elevated fasting plasma glucose, impaired beta cell function in controls, and an earlier age at diagnosis for the cases. The novel variant lies within an islet-selective cluster of open regulatory elements. There was significant heterogeneity of effect between Han Chinese and individuals of European descent, Malaysians and Indians.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study identifies rs10229583 near PAX4 as a novel locus for type 2 diabetes in Chinese and other populations and provides new insights into the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

Rapid diagnosis of the economically important fruit fly, Bactrocera correcta (Diptera: Tephritidae) based on a species-specific barcoding cytochrome oxidase I marker

The guava fruit fly, Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an invasive pest of fruit and vegetable crops that primarily inhabits Southeast Asia and which has the potential to become a major threat within both the Oriental and Australian oceanic regions as well as California and Florida. In light of the threat posed, it is important to develop a rapid, accurate and reliable method to identify B. correcta in quarantine work in order to provide an early warning to prevent its widespread invasion. In the present study, we describe a species-specific polymerase chain reaction assay for the diagnosis of B. correcta using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (mtDNA COI) barcoding genes. A B. correcta-specific primer pair was designed according to variations in the mtDNA COI barcode sequences among 14 fruit fly species. The specificity and sensitivity of the B. correcta-specific primer pair was tested based on the presence or absence of a band in the gel profile. A pair of species-specific B. correcta primers was successfully designed and named BCOR-F/BCOR-R. An ∼280 bp fragment was amplified from specimens belonging to 17 geographical populations and four life stages of B. correcta, while no such diagnostic bands were present in any of the 14 other related fruit fly species examined. Sensitivity test results demonstrated that successful amplification can be obtained with as little as 1 ng μl⁻¹ of template DNA. The species-specific PCR analysis was able to successfully diagnose B. correcta, even in immature life stages, and from adult body parts. This method proved to be a robust single-step molecular technique for the diagnosis of B. correcta with respect to potential plant quarantine.

Nanostructured high-strength molybdenum alloys with unprecedented tensile ductility

The high-temperature stability and mechanical properties of refractory molybdenum alloys are highly desirable for a wide range of critical applications. However, a long-standing problem for these alloys is that they suffer from low ductility and limited formability. Here we report a nanostructuring strategy that achieves Mo alloys with yield strength over 800 MPa and tensile elongation as large as ~ 40% at room temperature. The processing route involves a molecular-level liquid-liquid mixing/doping technique that leads to an optimal microstructure of submicrometre grains with nanometric oxide particles uniformly distributed in the grain interior. Our approach can be readily adapted to large-scale industrial production of ductile Mo alloys that can be extensively processed and shaped at low temperatures. The architecture engineered into such multicomponent alloys offers a general pathway for manufacturing dispersion-strengthened materials with both high strength and ductility.

Industrial flue gas desulfurization waste may offer an opportunity to facilitate SANI® application for significant sludge minimization in freshwater wastewater treatment

This paper reports an exploratory study on the use of a sulfite-rich industrial effluent to enable the integration of a sulfite-sulfide-sulfate cycle to the conventional carbon and nitrogen cycles in wastewater treatment to achieve sludge minimization through the non-sludge-producing Sulfate reduction, Autotrophic denitrification and Nitrification Integrated (SANI) process. A laboratory-scale sulfite reduction reactor was set up for treating sulfite-rich synthetic wastewater simulating the wastewater from industrial flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units. The results indicated that the sulfite reduction reactor can be started up within 11 d, which was much faster than that using sulfate. Thiosulfate was found to be the major sulfite reduction intermediate, accounting for about 30% of the total reduced sulfur in the reactor effluent, which may enable additional footprint reduction of the autotrophic denitrification reactor in the SANI process. This study indicated that it was possible to make use of the FGD effluent for applying the FGD-SANI process in treating freshwater-based sewage.

Genetic variants of LPIN1 indicate an association with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population

AIMS

Metabolic disorders are independent risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study is to test the association of LPIN1 variants with Type 2 diabetes and clinical characteristics in large samples of the Chinese population.

METHODS

In the first stage, 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms within the LPIN1 region were selected and genotyped in 3700 Chinese Han participants. In the second stage, the single nucleotide polymorphisms showing significant association or trends towards association were genotyped in an additional 3122 samples for replication. Meta-analyses and genotype-phenotype association studies were performed after combining the data from the two stages.

RESULTS

In the first stage, we detected that rs16857876 was significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes with an odds ratio of 0.806 (95% CI 0.677-0.958, P = 0.015), while rs11695610 showed a trend with Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 0.846, 95% CI 0.709-1.009, P = 0.062). In the second stage, a similar effect of rs11695610 on Type 2 diabetes was observed (odds ratio 0.849, 95% CI 0.700-1.030, P = 0.096). The meta-analyses combining the information from the two stages showed a significant effect of rs11695610 on Type 2 diabetes with an odds ratio of 0.847 (95% CI 0.744-0.965, P = 0.012). Finally, the phenotype-genotype association analyses showed that rs11695610 was associated with 2-h plasma glucose (P = 0.040) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data implied that common single nucleotide polymorphisms within the LPIN1 region were associated with Type 2 diabetes and metabolic traits in the Chinese population.

High intensity focused ultrasound ablation of goat liver in vivo: Pathologic changes of portal vein and the "heat-sink" effect

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pathological changes of the portal vein (PV) and the effects on main branches of the hepatic PV during HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) sonication when liver tissue adjacent to the main branches of hepatic PV was ablated. Normal liver tissue at 0mm, 5mm, 10mm away from the hepatic portal vein in 50 healthy goats was ablated with magnetic resonance image-guided HIFU (MRgHIFU). MRI showed a non-perfusion region at the target area but did not show any significant changes of the PV immediately after HIFU. The histological examination 1 day after HIFU showed coagulative necrosis at the target area, revealed deep-dyed swelling collagen (CS) fibers and vessel wall fracture (VWF) in the PV adjacent to the target area; however, no CS or VWF was observed in the PV 1 week after HIFU ablation. The energy required to ablate the foci at 0mm was 21% more than that at 10mm from the PV (p<0.05); the energy needed to ablate foci 5mm away from the PV was 10% more than that at 10mm from the PV (p<0.05). We concluded that minor injury of the hepatic portal vein may occur when ablating the adjacent liver tissue, and the acoustic energy deposition is related to the distance to the portal vein.

Association between KCNQ1 genetic variants and obesity in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

There is evidence of overlap between susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study is to explore the association between the established type 2 diabetes locus KCNQ1 and obesity in Han Chinese.

METHODS

We recruited 6,667 and 6,606 diabetic case-control samples from Shanghai and Hong Kong, respectively. Of the samples, 7.5% and 6.3% were excluded because of genotyping failure or data missing in the association analyses of rs2237892 and rs2237895 with obesity/BMI, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that rs2237892 was associated with lower BMI and lower incidence of overweight/obesity in diabetic patients from Hong Kong (BMI, β = -0.0060 per diabetes risk C allele for log(10)BMI [95% CI -0.0088, -0.0032; p = 2.83 × 10(-5)]; overweight/obesity, OR 0.880 for C allele [95% CI 0.807, 0.960; p = 0.004]) and in the meta-analysis of cases from the two regions (BMI, combined β = -0.0048 per C allele for log(10)BMI [95% CI -0.0070, -0.0026; p = 2.20 × 10(-5)]; overweight/obesity, combined OR 0.890 for C allele [95% CI 0.830, 0.955; p = 0.001]). rs2237895 was also related to decreased BMI (combined β = -0.0042 per diabetes risk C allele for log(10)BMI [95% CI -0.0062, -0.0022; p = 4.30 × 10(-5)]). A significant association with waist circumference was detected for rs2237892 in the pooled analyses (β = -0.0026 per C allele for log(10)[waist circumference] [95% CI -0.0045, -0.0007; p = 0.007]). However, neither an association with the risk of being overweight or obese nor associations with quantitive traits were detected for rs2237892 or rs2237895 in controls.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that KCNQ1 is associated with obesity in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Mechanisms involved in the p62-73 idiopeptide-modulated delay of lupus nephritis in SNF(1) mice

The F(1) progeny of the (SWR × NZB) cross develop a lupus-like disease with high serum titers of autoantibodies, and increased frequency and severity of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in females. In previous work, we found that an idiotypic peptide corresponding to aa62-73 (p62-73) of the heavy chain variable region of autoantibody 540 (Id(LN)F(1)) induced the proliferation of p62-73 idiotype-reactive T cell clones. Further, monthly immunization of pre-nephritic SNF(1) female mice with p62-73 resulted in decreased nephritis and prolonged life spans. Here we show that this treatment modulated proliferative responses to Id(LN)F(1) antigen, including a reduction in the population of idiopeptide-presenting antigen-presenting cells (APCs), as early as two weeks after immunization (10 weeks of age). Th1-type cytokine production was increased at 12 weeks of age. The incidence and severity of nephritis was reduced by 14 weeks compared to controls. Clinical indicators of nephritis, specifically histological evidence of glomerulonephritis and urine protein levels, were reduced by 20 weeks. Together these data suggest that events involved in the mechanism(s) whereby p62-73 immunization delayed nephritis occurred early after immunization, and involved modulation of APCs, B and T cell populations.

Fluoroscopically guided nose tube drainage of mediastinal abscesses in post-operative gastro-oesophageal anastomotic leakage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the technical success rates and clinical effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided nose tube drainage of mediastinal abscesses and a nasojejunum feeding tube in post-operative gastro-oesophageal anastomotic leakage (GEAL).

METHODS

From January 2006 to June 2011, 18 cases of post-operative GEAL with mediastinal abscesses after oesophagectomy with intrathoracic oesophagogastric anastomotic procedures for oesophageal and cardiac carcinoma were treated by insertion of a nose drainage tube and nasojejunum feeding tube under fluoroscopic guidance. We evaluated the feasibility of two-tube insertion to facilitate leakage site closure and complete resolution of the abscess, and the patients' nutritional benefit was also evaluated by checking the serum albumin level between pre- and post-enteral feeding via the feeding tube.

RESULTS

The two tubes were placed successfully under fluoroscopic guidance in 18 patients (100%). The procedure time for two-tube insertion ranged from 20 to 40 min (mean 30 min). 17 patients (94%) achieved leakage site closure after two-tube insertion and had a good tolerance of two tubes in the nasal cavity. The serum albumin level was significant, increased from pre-enteral feeding (2.49 ± 0.42 g dl(-1)) to the post-enteral feeding (3.58 ± 0.47 g dl(-1)) via the feeding tube (p<0.001). The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 49 months (mean 19 months).

CONCLUSION

The insertion of nose tube drainage and a nasojejunum feeding tube under fluoroscopic guidance is safe, and it provides effective relief from mediastinal abscesses in GEAL after oesophagectomy. Moreover, our findings indicate that two-tube insertion may be used as a selective procedure to treat mediastinal abscesses in post-operative GEAL. Advances in knowledge Directive drainage of mediastinal abscesses in post-operative GEAL may be an effective treatment.

Atomic structure and structural stability of Sc75Fe25 nanoglasses

Nanoglasses are solids consisting of nanometer-sized glassy regions connected by interfaces having a reduced density. We studied the structure of Sc(75)Fe(25) nanoglasses by electron microscopy, positron annihilation spectroscopy, and small-/wide-angle X-ray scattering. The positron annihilation spectroscopy measurements showed that the as-prepared nanoglasses consisted of 65 vol% glassy and 35 vol% interfacial regions. By applying temperature annealing to the nanoglasses and measuring in situ small-angle X-ray scattering, we observed that the width of the interfacial regions increased exponentially as a function of the annealing temperature. A quantitative fit to the small-angle X-ray scattering data using a Debye-Bueche random phase model gave a correlation length that is related to the sizes of the interfacial regions in the nanoglass. The correlation length was found to increase exponentially from 1.3 to 1.7 nm when the sample temperature was increased from 25 to 230 °C. Using simple approximations, we correlate this to an increase in the width of interfacial regions from 0.8 to 1.2 nm, while the volume fraction of interfacial regions increased from 31 to 44%. Using micro-compression measurements, we investigated the deformation behavior of ribbon glass and the corresponding nanoglass. While the nanoglass exhibited a remarkable plasticity even in the annealed state owing to the glass-glass interfaces, the corresponding ribbon glass was brittle. As this difference seems not limited to Sc(75)Fe(25) glasses, the reported result suggest that nanoglasses open the way to glasses with high ductility resulting from the nanometer sized microstructure.

Inhibition of β-catenin signaling by nongenomic action of orphan nuclear receptor Nur77

Dysregulation of β-catenin turnover due to mutations of its regulatory proteins including adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and p53 is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. Thus, intensive effort is being made to search for alternative approaches to reduce abnormally activated β-catenin in cancer cells. Nur77, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has a role in the growth and apoptosis of cancer cells. Here, we reported that Nur77 could inhibit transcriptional activity of β-catenin by inducing β-catenin degradation via proteasomal degradation pathway that is glycogen synthase kinase 3β and Siah-1 independent. Nur77 induction of β-catenin degradation required both the N-terminal region of Nur77, which was involved in Nur77 ubiquitination, and the C-terminal region, which was responsible for β-catenin binding. Nur77/ΔDBD, a Nur77 mutant lacking its DNA-binding domain, resided in the cytoplasm, interacted with β-catenin, and induced β-catenin degradation, demonstrating that Nur77-mediated β-catenin degradation was independent of its DNA binding and transactivation, and might occur in the cytoplasm. In addition, we reported our identification of two digitalis-like compounds (DLCs), H-9 and ATE-i2-b4, which potently induced Nur77 expression and β-catenin degradation in SW620 colon cancer cells expressing mutant APC protein in vitro and in animals. DLC-induced Nur77 protein was mainly found in the cytoplasm, and inhibition of Nur77 nuclear export by the CRM1-dependent nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B or Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor prevented the effect of DLC on inducing β-catenin degradation. Together, our results demonstrate that β-catenin can be degraded by cytoplasmic Nur77 through their interaction and identify H-9 and ATE-i2-b4 as potent activators of the Nur77-mediated pathway for β-catenin degradation.

Small nucleolar RNA 42 acts as an oncogene in lung tumorigenesis

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death, reflecting the need for better understanding the oncogenesis, and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the malignancy. Emerging evidence suggests that small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) have malfunctioning roles in tumorigenesis. Our recent study demonstrated that small nucleolar RNA 42 (SNORA42) was overexpressed in lung tumors. Here, we investigate the role of SNORA42 in tumorigenesis of NSCLC. We simultaneously assess genomic dosages and expression levels of SNORA42 and its host gene, KIAA0907, in 10 NSCLC cell lines and a human bronchial epithelial cell line. We then determine in vitro functional significance of SNORA42 in lung cancer cell lines through gain- and loss-of-function analyses. We also inoculate cancer cells with SNORA42-siRNA into mice through either tail vein or subcutaneous injection. We finally evaluate expression level of SNORA42 on frozen surgically resected lung tumor tissues of 64 patients with stage I NSCLC by using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay. Genomic amplification and associated high expression of SNORA42 rather than KIAA0907 are frequently observed in lung cancer cells, suggesting that SNORA42 overexpression is activated by its genomic amplification. SNORA42 knockdown in NSCLC cells inhibits in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity, whereas enforced SNORA42 expression in bronchial epitheliums increases cell growth and colony formation. Such pleiotropy of SNORA42 suppression could be achieved at least partially through increased apoptosis of NSCLC cells in a p53-dependent manner. SNORA42 expression in lung tumor tissue specimens is inversely correlated with survival of NSCLC patients. Therefore, SNORA42 activation could have an oncogenic role in lung tumorigenesis and provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the malignancy.