Chicken C/EBPζ gene: Expression profiles, association analysis, and identification of functional variants for abdominal fat

CCAAT enhancer binding protein ζ (C/EBPζ) plays an important role in adipose proliferation and differentiation in humans. However, very little is known about the effect of C/EBPζ on the growth and development of adipose tissues in domesticated animals. The present study attempted to investigate the mRNA expression profiles of chicken C/EBPζ in a variety of tissues; analyze the association of its variants with abdominal fat; and identify the functional variants for abdominal fat. The tissue expression profiles revealed that C/EBPζ was highly expressed in 19 tissues obtained from broilers. The expression level of C/EBPζ in fat broilers was significantly lower than that in lean broilers in the duodenum, ileum, cecum, kidney, pectoral muscle, and liver (P < 0.05). Among 170 polymorphic loci of C/EBPζ, 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) demonstrated a significant association with chicken abdominal fat traits (P < 0.05) as well as significant discrepancies in their allelic frequencies between fat and lean birds. Particularly, only C/EBPζ g.7085A>C exhibited significant correlation with abdominal fat traits (P < 0.00015) using the Bonferroni method. The results revealed that, in preadipocyte immortalized cells (ICPI), the luciferase activity of the A allele of g.7085A>C locus was remarkably stronger than that of the C allele (P < 0.05). In silico analysis showed that g.7085A>C locus was located in the binding region of the transcription factor SOX5, which possesses the ability to transform C/EBPζ transcription efficiency through binding with SOX5. In summary, the data obtained from this study suggested that C/EBPζ is a potential candidate gene responsible for abdominal fat deposition in chicken and that g.7085A>C is a functional SNP that can be promisingly leveraged for marker assisted selection (MAS) in future chicken breeding programs.

Fizeau drag in graphene plasmonics

Dragging of light by moving media was predicted by Fresnel¹ and verified by Fizeau's celebrated experiments² with flowing water. This momentous discovery is among the experimental cornerstones of Einstein's special relativity theory and is well understood^3,4 in the context of relativistic kinematics. By contrast, experiments on dragging photons by an electron flow in solids are riddled with inconsistencies and have so far eluded agreement with the theory^5-7. Here we report on the electron flow dragging surface plasmon polaritons^8,9 (SPPs): hybrid quasiparticles of infrared photons and electrons in graphene. The drag is visualized directly through infrared nano-imaging of propagating plasmonic waves in the presence of a high-density current. The polaritons in graphene shorten their wavelength when propagating against the drifting carriers. Unlike the Fizeau effect for light, the SPP drag by electrical currents defies explanation by simple kinematics and is linked to the nonlinear electrodynamics of Dirac electrons in graphene. The observed plasmonic Fizeau drag enables breaking of time-reversal symmetry and reciprocity¹⁰ at infrared frequencies without resorting to magnetic fields^11,12 or chiral optical pumping^13,14. The Fizeau drag also provides a tool with which to study interactions and nonequilibrium effects in electron liquids.

[Preliminary study of the changes in blood system in pyrrolizidine alkaloid-related liver damage]

Objective: To preliminary explore the changes in blood system in pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)-related liver damage. Methods: General situation, liver function, biochemical blood test, routine blood test, coagulation function markers, etc., of 77 cases with drug-induced liver damage admitted to the Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from 2012 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' were divided into PA group, other traditional Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group according to their medication history. Simultaneously, the changes in liver function were observed in the established mice model of monocrotaline-induced liver damage. Liver tissues HE staining and blood routine indexes were observed. Results: 24 cases received PA, 24 cases received other traditional Chinese medicine, and 29 cases received western medicine. Alanine aminotransferase was lower in PA group than the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were significantly lower than the other traditional Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05). The peripheral platelet count of the PA group was (84.11 ± 26.91) ×10(9)/L, which was significantly lower than the lower limit of normal, and had statistically significant difference with other traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine group (P < 0.01). Thrombocytocrit, mean platelet volume and platelet indices of PA group were statistically different from the other two groups (P < 0.05). The D-dimer level in patients with PA group was (2.62 ± 1.93) mg/L, which was higher than the upper limit of normal, and significantly higher than the D-dimer level of the other two groups of patients (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, prothrombin time was longer in PA group than that of the other two groups (P < 0.01), and platelets count were decreased significantly in the mouse model of monocrotaline-induced liver damage after alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase elevation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: PA-related liver damage has lower peripheral platelet counts, and the peripheral platelet counts of these patients are lower than other types of drug-induced liver damage. In addition, increased D-dimer in patients with PA-related liver damage indicate a potential risk of thrombosis.

The distinctive characteristics of the micro-vasculature and immune cell infiltration in cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

PURPOSE

Hypervascularity is a main characteristic of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), and cystic PanNETs (CPanNETs) are unique type of PanNETs in which the microenvironment remains unknown. We aim to compare the micro-vasculature features and immune cell infiltration between CPanNETs and solid PanNETs (SPanNETs).

METHODS

Data of 301 SPanNET and 36 CPanNET patients from a high-volume institution were evaluated. CD4, CD8, CD11c, CD15, CD20, CD68, CD34 and α-SMA expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent double staining. The microvessel density (MVD) and microvessel integrity (MVI) were examined.

RESULTS

MVD and MVI expression levels in CPanNETs were significantly higher than those in SPanNETs (p = 0.025 and 0.0092, respectively). CPanNETs had higher proportions of T1 (p = 0.023) and G1 (p = 0.052) than SPanNETs. In SPanNETs, higher MVD occurred in stages T1, N0 and G1 than in the T2/T3, N1 and G2 subgroups. In CPanNETs, CD34-MVD was uncorrelated with the T stage or grade. Higher CD34-MVD, but not MVI, was associated with better DFS (HR 0.3209, 95% CI 0.1259-0.8176, p = 0.004). There were significantly more peritumoral infiltrating immune cells than their intratumoral counterparts (p < 0.001 for each) in CPanNETs and SPanNETs. The mean number of peritumoral CD68 + TAM in CPanNETs was significantly lower than that in SPanNETs (p = 0.008). The counts of other peritumoral immune cells did not significantly differ between CPanNETs and SPanNETs.

CONCLUSIONS

CPanNETs had a microenvironment distinct from that of SPanNETs, including higher CD34-MVD, higher MVI and lower TAM. This specific microenvironment structure may partially help predicting the prognosis of patients with PanNET.

KIF2A regulates ovarian development via modulating cell cycle progression and vitollogenin levels

The kinesin superfamily of proteins (KIFs) are microtubule motor proteins that use the hydrolysis of ATP to power directional movement along microtubules. KIFs induce microtubule depolymerization to regulate the length and dynamics of microtubules in a variety of cell processes and structures, including the mitotic and meiotic spindles and centriole and interphase microtubules. KIF plays a significant role in the transport of organelles, protein complexes and mRNAs. The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is a major insect pest in rice paddy fields. Ovarian development is regulated by multiple factors, including endocrine factors. The role of KIFs in brown planthopper ovarian development remains unknown. We found that downregulation of KIF2A significantly compromised the development and eclosion of the brown planthopper, delayed ovarian cell cycle progression, disrupted ovarian development, reduced the expression of MCM genes required for DNA replication and significantly reduced the number of nuclei in the follicles. We also found a significant reduction in Vg mRNA and protein levels. We conclude that downregulation of KIF2A disrupts the cell cycle progression of cells. Alternatively, the ovarian phenotype could be an indirect effect of a compromised trophic cord. In summary, KIF2A regulates ovarian development via modulating cell cycle progression and/or vitollogenin transportation.

Long noncoding RNA UCA1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of thyroid cancer cells by sponging miR-497-3p

OBJECTIVE

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted much attention for their roles in tumor progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the exact role of lncRNA UCA1 in the development of thyroid cancer (TC) and to explore the possible underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

UCA1 expression in both TC cells and tissues was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Colony formation assay, cell proliferation, and transwell assay were conducted in vitro. Subsequent luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to investigate the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the function of UCA1 in vivo was monitored as well.

RESULTS

UCA1 expression level in TC samples was significantly higher than that of corresponding normal tissues. After UCA1 was knocked down in vitro and in vivo, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TC cells were significantly inhibited. Moreover, the expression of miR-497-3p was repressed after the knockdown of UCA1. Furthermore, miR-497-3p was directly targeted by UCA1.

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of UCA1 could inhibit TC cell proliferation and metastasis via sponging miR-497-3p. Our findings might offer a new therapeutic intervention for TC patients.

Tipping the immunostimulatory and inhibitory DAMP balance to harness immunogenic cell death

Induction of tumor cell death is the therapeutic goal for most anticancer drugs. Yet, a mode of drug-induced cell death, known as immunogenic cell death (ICD), can propagate antitumoral immunity to augment therapeutic efficacy. Currently, the molecular hallmark of ICD features the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by dying cancer cells. Here, we show that gemcitabine, a standard chemotherapy for various solid tumors, triggers hallmark immunostimualtory DAMP release (e.g., calreticulin, HSP70, and HMGB1); however, is unable to induce ICD. Mechanistic studies reveal gemcitabine concurrently triggers prostaglandin E2 release as an inhibitory DAMP to counterpoise the adjuvanticity of immunostimulatory DAMPs. Pharmacological blockade of prostaglandin E2 biosythesis favors CD103+ dendritic cell activation that primes a Tc1-polarized CD8+ T cell response to bolster tumor rejection. Herein, we postulate that an intricate balance between immunostimulatory and inhibitory DAMPs could determine the outcome of drug-induced ICD and pose COX-2/prostaglandin E2 blockade as a strategy to harness ICD.

No pulsed radio emission during a bursting phase of a Galactic magnetar

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration radio transients of unknown physical origin observed at extragalactic distances^1-3. It has long been speculated that magnetars are the engine powering repeating bursts from FRB sources^4-13, but no convincing evidence has been collected so far¹⁴. Recently, the Galactic magnetar SRG 1935+2154 entered an active phase by emitting intense soft γ-ray bursts¹⁵. One FRB-like event with two peaks (FRB 200428) and a luminosity slightly lower than the faintest extragalactic FRBs was detected from the source, in association with a soft γ-ray/hard-X-ray flare^18-21. Here we report an eight-hour targeted radio observational campaign comprising four sessions and assisted by multi-wavelength (optical and hard-X-ray) data. During the third session, 29 soft-γ-ray repeater (SGR) bursts were detected in γ-ray energies. Throughout the observing period, we detected no single dispersed pulsed emission coincident with the arrivals of SGR bursts, but unfortunately we were not observing when the FRB was detected. The non-detection places a fluence upper limit that is eight orders of magnitude lower than the fluence of FRB 200428. Our results suggest that FRB-SGR burst associations are rare. FRBs may be highly relativistic and geometrically beamed, or FRB-like events associated with SGR bursts may have narrow spectra and characteristic frequencies outside the observed band. It is also possible that the physical conditions required to achieve coherent radiation in SGR bursts are difficult to satisfy, and that only under extreme conditions could an FRB be associated with an SGR burst.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG14 accelerates cell proliferation, migration, invasion and suppresses apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by targeting miR-944/KRAS axis through PI3K/AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a gastrointestinal tract cancer, which threatens the well-being of million of patients due to high metastasis. Recently, numerous studies have recognized nuclear RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) as a remarkable oncogene in different cancers. However, the regulatory mechanism of SNHG14 in CRC development is mostly unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of SNHG14, miR-944 and Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) in tissues and cells was measured by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using transwell assay. Protein expression of KRAS, AKT, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) was detected by Western blot. Animal models were constructed by subcutaneously injecting SW620 cells stably transfected with sh-SNHG14 and sh-NC. The interaction among SNHG14, miR-944 and KRAS was determined by luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay.

RESULTS

The expression of SNHG14 and KRAS was up-regulated whereas miR-944 was down-regulated in CRC tumors and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. In addition, SNHG14 silencing attenuated cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while accelerated apoptosis in CRC cells by suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway. Consistently, SNHG14 knockdown hindered tumor growth in vivo. MiR-944 was a target of SNHG14 and directly targeted KRAS. Moreover, miR-944 inhibitor abrogated silenced SNHG14-mediated inhibition on proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as promotion on apoptosis in CRC cells. Similarly, miR-944 regulated CRC cell progression by targeting KRAS through PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG14 contributed to cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while suppressed apoptosis in CRC cells by targeting miR-944/KRAS axis through PI3K/AKT pathway, representing novel biomarkers for CRC therapy.

Gastric cancer nodal tumour-stroma ratios influence prognosis

This study showed that nodal tumour-stroma ratio (NTSR) is an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival of patients with gastric cancer. Both relative stroma-rich primary tumour-stroma ratio (PTSR) and NTSR were independent negative prognostic factors for overall survival in gastric cancer. This study supports assessment of tumour-stroma ratio in the routine pathological diagnosis of gastric cancer. validated in node-positive disease.

STAT3-induced upregulation of lncRNA SNHG17 predicts a poor prognosis of melanoma and promotes cell proliferation and metastasis through regulating PI3K-AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have drawn increasing attention due to their critical roles in various diseases, including melanoma. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of Small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) in the modulation of melanoma progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The levels of SNHG17 in melanoma tissues and cells were determined using RT-PCR. The clinical significance of SNHG17 in melanoma patients was analyzed using Chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier methods, and multivariate assays. MTT assays, transwell assay, and flow cytometry were carried out to explore the biological functions of SNHG17. The biological mechanism underlying up-regulation of SNHG17 was explored using ChIP analysis and luciferase reporter assays. The related proteins of the PI3K-AKT pathway were determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

High expressions of SNHG17 were observed in both melanoma tissues and cells. Up-regulation of SNHG17 in melanoma patients was associated with lymph node metastasis and tumor stage. Survival assays revealed that those patients with high SNHG17 expression had significantly shorter survival time. SNHG17 was also confirmed to be independently associated with overall survival of melanoma patients. Functional studies confirmed that the proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells were noticeably reduced by the down-regulation of SNHG17. Mechanistically, the up-regulation of SNHG17 was induced by STAT3. We also found that knockdown of SNHG17 resulted in the remarkable diminution in the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT, suggesting that the activity of the PI3K-AKT pathway was suppressed.

CONCLUSIONS

STAT3-induced upregulation of SNHG17 contributed to the progression of melanoma by promoting the PI3K-AKT signaling.

LncRNA LINC00342 regulated cell growth and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer via targeting miR-203a-3p

OBJECTIVE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main form of lung cancer, leading to major causes of cancer mortality. It is well known that lncRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, including NSCLC. The aim of this study was to provide a novel therapeutic target of LINC00342 for the therapy of NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of LINC00342 and miR-203a-3p was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay. Colony formation analysis was performed to count the number of colonies. Cell migration and invasion were measured by transwell. Online software DIANA tools were used to predict binding sites of LINC00342 and miR-203a-3p. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the interaction between LINC00342 and miR-203a-3p.

RESULTS

The expression of LINC00342 was increased in NSCLC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. Knockdown of LINC00342 suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. LINC00342 regulated the expression of miR-203a-3p by targeting it directly. MiR-203a-3p was down-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. Furthermore, LINC00342 promoted NSCLC cells proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion by depleting the expression of miR-203a-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

This work implied that LINC00342 functions in NSCLC acting as an oncogene. Briefly, LINC00342 contributes to NSCLC cells growth and metastasis via targeting miR-203a-3p competitively.

Dynamical Order and Superconductivity in a Frustrated Many-Body System

In triangular lattice structures, spatial anisotropy and frustration can lead to rich equilibrium phase diagrams with regions containing complex, highly entangled states of matter. In this work, we study the driven two-rung triangular Hubbard model and evolve these states out of equilibrium, observing how the interplay between the driving and the initial state unexpectedly shuts down the particle-hole excitation pathway. This restriction, which symmetry arguments fail to predict, dictates the transient dynamics of the system, causing the available particle-hole degrees of freedom to manifest uniform long-range order. We discuss implications of our results for a recent experiment on photoinduced superconductivity in κ-(BEDT-TTF)_{2}Cu[N(CN)_{2}]Br molecules.

The Ca2+ -regulated protein kinase CIPK1 integrates plant responses to phosphate deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency severely restricts plant growth and development, as Pi is an essential macronutrient. Calcium (Ca²⁺ ) is a ubiquitous second messenger in plants; calcineurin B-like proteins (CBL) and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPK) are signalling pathways that act as an important Ca²⁺ signalling network which integrates plants to fine tune the response to stress; however, whether CIPK are involved in Pi deficiency stress remains largely unknown. In this study, we carried out a reverse genetic strategy to screen T-DNA insertion mutants of CIPK isoforms under Pi deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana. Then Pi content, transcription of phosphate starvation-induced (PSI) genes, acid phosphatase activity and hydrogen peroxide were determined in the wild-type (WT) and cipk1 mutant, respectively. The phenotype of CIPK1 complementation lines was analysed. The cipk1 mutant had a more sensitive phenotype, with lower root elongation and root length, and decreased Pi content compared with the WT under Pi deficiency. Moreover, CIPK1 mutation caused phosphate starvation-induced (PSI) genes to be significantly induced under Pi deficiency. Histological staining demonstrated that the cipk1 mutant had increased acid phosphatase activity and hydrogen peroxide concentration under Pi deficiency. By using the yeast two-hybrid system, we further demonstrated the interaction between CIPK1 and the WRKY transcription factors, WRKY6 and WRKY42. Overall, we demonstrate that CIPK1 is involved in the Pi deficiency signalling pathway in A. thaliana, revealing the important role of Ca²⁺ in the Pi nutrition signalling pathway, and potentially providing a theoretical foundation for molecular breeding of crops with better Pi utilization efficiency.

[Clinical feature changes of a COVID-19 patient from mild to critical condition and cardiopulmonary pathological results]

Objective: To analyse the clinical history, laboratory tests and pathological data of a patient who suffered from novel coronavirus pneumonia(COVID-19) and provide reference for the clinical treatment of similar cases. Methods: Data of clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, bronchoscopy, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary pathological results were retrospectively reviewed in a case of COVID-19 with rapid exacerbation from mild to critical condition. Results: This patient hospitalized at day 9 post 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) infection, experienced progressive deterioration from mild to severe at day 12, severe to critical at day 18 and underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT) as well as heart lung transplantation during day 28-45 post infection, and died at the second day post heart and lung transplantation. The patient had suffered from hypertension for 8 years. At the early stage of the disease, his symptoms were mild and the inflammatory indices increased and the lymphocyte count decreased continuously. The patient's condition exacerbated rapidly with multi-organ infections, and eventually developed pulmonary hemorrhage and consolidation, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, malignant ventricular arrhythmias, liver dysfunction, etc. His clinical manifestations could not be improved despite viral RNAs test results became negative. The patient underwent lung and heart transplantation and finally died of multi organ failure at the second day post lung and heart transplantation. Pathological examination indicated massive mucus, dark red secretions and blood clots in bronchus. The pathological changes were mainly diffused pulmonary hemorrhagic injuries and necrosis, fibrosis, small vessel disease with cardiac edema and lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusions: The clinical course of severe COVID-19 can exacerbate rapidly from mild to critical with lung, liver and heart injuries.

[Bronchiolar adenoma: a clinicopathological analysis of 15 cases]

Objective: To study the clinicopathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of bronchiolar adenoma (BA). Methods: Fifteen cases of BA were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from January 2016 to October 2019. The clinical data, imaging examination, morphology, immunostaining and molecular changes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 3 males, 12 females, most of the patients were female, mainly in middle-aged to elderly (51-77 years). Three had smoking history. The patients usually had no clinical symptoms. Imaging findings were ground-glass and/or lobulated nodules. Grossly, the tumors were gray-whitish, taupe solid or focally microcystic nodules with distinct boundary but no capsule. The maximum diameter was 0.4-2.5 cm (mean 1.0 cm). Histologically, there were glandular, papillary, or flat patterns that were composed of basal cells, mucous cells, ciliated cells and type Ⅱ pneumocytes, some of which showed basal cell proliferation and squamous cell metaplasia. However, there were some cases with few or even without mucous and/or ciliated cells. Immunostaining highlighted the continuous basal cell layer (positive for p63, p40 and cytokeratin 5/6), which was the most important diagnostic evidence. Genetic tests did not show mutation in BRAF or EGFR genes. All patients were followed up for 1-41 months, and they were without recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions: BA is a benign neoplasm that develops in the peripheral lung with good prognosis. Definite diagnosis is very crucial for surgical treatment, especially in frozen consultation. Immunohistochemistry will be helpful if necessary.

FRI0261 DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF PERIPHERAL CD4+ T CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AND MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE

Background:

The CD4+T cell subsets plays an important role in its pathogenesis, and its new research are constantly being published, but its specific changes between SSc and MCTD are still unclear.

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to explore the absolute numbers of CD4+T subsets in peripheral blood(PB) of patients with SSc and MCTD using our modified flow cryometric method and investigate the role in the pathogenesis of both.

Methods:

The PB samples from 54 patients with SSc, 51 patients with MCTD as well as 30 healthy control subjects were analyzed for lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry. Of these patients, 19 had pulmonary involvement, including 9 patients with SSc and 10 patients with MCTD. Using directly the percentages from flow cytometry combined with internal standard beads calculated absolute number of peripheral lymphocyte subsets from the subjects in each group.

Results:

Although there were some changes among CD4+T cell subsets in PB from these SSc patients and MCTD patients, the major alteration was the reductions of Treg cells. Compared with the normal controls, the absolute number of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+Treg cells were significantly decreased in SSc patients and MCTD patients, and the absolute number of Th1 cells in MCTD patients is also significantly reduced. Notably, the absolute numbers of Th17 and Th2 cells were not different from those of normal controls, but the ratios of Th17/Treg in SSc patients and MCTD patients were significantly higher, causing by insufficient number of Treg cells (Fig 1). In addition, in patients with pulmonary involvement, we found that the absolute number of Treg cells was significantly reduced in patients with MCTD, while the absolute number of Th2 cells and Th17 cells was significantly reduced in patients with SSc(Fig 2).

Fig 1.

Comparison of the levels of CD4+T lymphocyte subsets in SSc patients, MCTD patients and healthy controls: (A) The absolute number of peripheral Th1 cells in patients with MCTD was significantly reduced; (B and C) There was no significant difference in the absolute number of Th2 cells in peripheral blood of different subjects; (D and E) The ratio of Th17/Treg cells in PB of patients with SSc and MCTD were significantly higher.*P< 0.05; **P< 0.01; ***P< 0.001.

Conclusion:

The number of peripheral Treg cells in patients with SSc and MCTD was significantly reduced, suggesting that that SSc and MCTD progression is associated with the imbalances between pro-inflammation cells to anti-inflammation Treg cells. In addition, we also found that the decrease in peripheral numbers of Treg cells may contribute to the development of MCTD-associated lung disease, whereas in SSc patients who had lung involvement, the reduce in peripheral number of Th17 cells may result in a severe imbalance of Th17/Treg cells, thereby promoting disease progression.

Fig 2.

Comparison of the levels of CD4+T lymphocyte subsets in patients who had pulmonary involvement and healthy controls: (A) There was no significant difference in the absolute number of Th1 cells in peripheral blood of different subjects; (B and C) The absolute number of peripheral Th2 cells and Th17 cells in patients with SSc were significantly reduced; (D and E) The ratio of Th17/Treg cells in PB of patients with MCTD were higher.*P< 0.05; **P< 0.01; ***P< 0.001.

References:

[1]Liu M, Wu W, Sun X, et al. New insights into CD4(+) T cell abnormalities in systemic sclerosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2016 Apr; 28:31-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.12.002.

Acknowledgments:

None

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared