Suppressed translation as a mechanism of initiation of CASP8 (caspase 8)-dependent apoptosis in autophagy-deficient NSCLC cells under nutrient limitation

Macroautophagy/autophagy inhibition under stress conditions is often associated with increased cell death. We found that under nutrient limitation, activation of CASP8/caspase-8 was significantly increased in autophagy-deficient lung cancer cells, which precedes mitochondria outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), CYCS/cytochrome c release, and activation of CASP9/caspase-9, indicating that under such conditions the activation of CASP8 is a primary event in the initiation of apoptosis as well as essential to reduce clonogenic survival of autophagy-deficient cells. Starvation leads to suppression of CFLAR proteosynthesis and accumulation of CASP8 in SQSTM1 puncta. Overexpression of CFLARs reduces CASP8 activation and apoptosis during starvation, while its silencing promotes efficient activation of CASP8 and apoptosis in autophagy-deficient U1810 lung cancer cells even under nutrient-rich conditions. Similar to starvation, inhibition of protein translation leads to efficient activation of CASP8 and cell death in autophagy-deficient lung cancer cells. Thus, here for the first time we report that suppressed translation leads to activation of CASP8-dependent apoptosis in autophagy-deficient NSCLC cells under conditions of nutrient limitation. Our data suggest that targeting translational machinery can be beneficial for elimination of autophagy-deficient cells via the CASP8-dependent apoptotic pathway.

Overt Increase of Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Murine and Human Colitis and Colitis-Associated Neoplasia

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of developing colitis-associated-cancer (CAC); however, the underlying processes of disease progression are not completely understood. Here, the molecular processes of inflammation-driven colon carcinogenesis were investigated using IL10-deficient mice (IL10 KO). IL10 KO mice were euthanized after development of colitis and dysplasia. IHC was performed for markers of colitis-induced DNA damage (CIDD): oxidative DNA lesions (8-oxoG), double-strand breaks (DSB; γH2AX). and DSB repair. MSI, LOH (Trp53, Apc), and global methylation (CIMP) were assessed on microdissected tissue. Comet assay for DNA damage, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting were performed on intestinal organoids from wild-type (WT) and IL10 KO mice. Sequential biopsies and surgical specimens from IBD and CAC patients were used for IHC analysis. Severity of inflammation correlated with number of dysplasia. 8-oxoG and γH2AX-positive cells were significantly increased in inflamed and dysplastic areas along with activation of DSB repair. The amount of positively stained cells strongly correlated with degree of inflammation (8-oxoG: R = 0.923; γH2AX: R = 0.858). Neither CIMP, MSI nor LOH was observed. Enhanced DSBs in IL10 KO organoids were confirmed by comet assay and increased expression of γH2AX. Human clinical specimens exhibited significantly higher γH2AX and 8-oxoG in IBD, dysplasia, and CAC compared with normal mucosa. These data indicate that inflammation-driven colon carcinogenesis in IL10 KO mice and IBD patients is associated with oxidative DNA damage and overt presence of DSB. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 634-42. ©2018 AACR.

Retrospective Analysis of Patients with Esophageal Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy and/or Chemoradiotherapy

Aims and background

Esophageal cancer consists of 5% of all cancers. In Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, the rate was found to be 16%. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate effect of the localization and histologic type of tumor, stage of cancer and treatment modality, patient's sex, age and smoking status, Karnofsky performance score, and family history on survival.

Methods and study design

A total of 135 patients with locally advanced esophagus cancer were enrolled into the study. The factors (sex, age, Karnofsky performance status, localization, histology, stage of the disease, treatment modality) on survival were evaluated.

Results

After the end of treatment, overall survival was 20 months, median survival period was 13 months. The survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 51.3%, 20.1% and 13.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

For patients with esophageal cancer, age, Karnofsky performance score, stage, treatment modality applied, chemotherapy protocol, number of cures and general survival rate were found to be the prognostic factors related to survival (P <0.05) in univariate analysis. At the same time, the study showed that gender, smoking status, family history, localization of the tumor and histologic type had no effect on the survival. The best survival in patients with esophageal cancer which cannot be operated is obtained by 50.4 Gray radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy.

TGF-β-induced NKILA inhibits ESCC cell migration and invasion through NF-κB/MMP14 signaling

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays anti- and pro-tumoral roles in the vast majority of cancers, and long noncoding RNAs have been reported to play key roles in the highly contextual response process. However, the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in TGF-β signaling in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. In this study, we performed RNA-seq to compare lncRNAs expression levels between TGF-β1-treated and untreated ESCC cells and observed that NF-kappaB-interacting lncRNA (NKILA) was remarkably upregulated by the classical TGF-β signaling pathway. RNA profiling of 39 pairs ESCC tumor and adjacent nontumor samples using RT-qPCR demonstrated that NKILA is significantly downregulated in ESCC tumor tissues, and NKILA expression levels were significantly decreased in advanced tumor tissues (III and IV) compared to early stages (I and II) (p < 0.01). Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that NKILA inhibited ESCC cell metastasis in vitro and in vivo, and mechanism studies showed that NKILA repressed MMP14 expression by inhibiting IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB activation. Collectively, these findings suggest that the TGF-β-induced lncRNA NKILA has potential as an antimetastasis therapy.

KEY MESSAGES

Long noncoding RNA NKILA could be remarkably upregulated by classical TGF-β signal pathway in ESCC. NKILA was significantly downregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and negatively correlated with TNM stage. NKILA inhibits ESCC cell metastasis via repressing MMP14 expression by suppressing the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB activation.

The chemokine MCP-1 (CCL2) in the host interaction with cancer: a foe or ally?

Macrophages are one of the most abundant leukocyte populations infiltrating tumor tissues and can exhibit both tumoricidal and tumor-promoting activities. In 1989, we reported the purification of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from culture supernatants of mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor cells. MCP-1 is a potent monocyte-attracting chemokine, identical to the previously described lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor or tumor-derived chemotactic factor, and greatly contributes to the recruitment of blood monocytes into sites of inflammatory responses and tumors. Because in vitro-cultured tumor cells often produce significant amounts of MCP-1, tumor cells are considered to be the main source of MCP-1. However, various non-tumor cells in the tumor stroma also produce MCP-1 in response to stimuli. Studies performed in vitro and in vivo have provided evidence that MCP-1 production in tumors is a consequence of complex interactions between tumor cells and non-tumor cells and that both tumor cells and non-tumor cells contribute to the production of MCP-1. Although MCP-1 production was once considered to be a part of host defense against tumors, it is now believed to regulate the vicious cycle between tumor cells and macrophages that promotes the progression of tumors.

Vitamin D deficiency and hepatitis viruses-associated liver diseases: A literature review

The secosteroid hormone vitamin D has, in addition to its effects in bone metabolism also functions in the modulation of immune responses against infectious agents and in inhibiting tumorigenesis. Thus, deficiency of vitamin D is associated with several malignancies, but also with a plethora of infectious diseases. Among other communicable diseases, vitamin D deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases caused by hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency with serum levels below 20 mg/mL in patients with HBV and HCV infection are found worldwide. Several studies have assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy in HBV and HCV infection. In these studies, inconsistent results were reported. This review addresses general aspects of vitamin D deficiency and, in particular, the significance of vitamin D hypovitaminosis in the outcome of HBV- and HCV-related chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, current literature was reviewed in order to understand the effects of vitamin D supplementation in combination with IFN-based therapy on the virological response in HBV and HCV infected patients.

Molecular Subtypes, Apoptosis and Proliferation Status in Indonesian Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Cases

Objective:

The diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has two major molecular subtypes, germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) and non-GCB. These have differing behavior which affects overall patient survival. However, immunohistochemistry based molecular subtyping of Indonesian DLBCLs has been limited. This was the focus of the present study, with a focus of attention on the apoptotic index (AI) and the proliferation index (PI) of the two molecular subtypes.

Materials and Methods:

During the study period of 3.5 years, a total of 98 cases of DLBCL were identified. Molecular subtypes and PI were determined by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL method was used to determine the AI.

Result:

GCB accounted for 31 cases (31.6%) and non-GCB the remainder (68.4%). Gender showed a slight male predominance (54 cases, 55.1%), with a higher incidence in the extra-nodal region (57 cases, 58.2%). The AI and PI were significantly higher in GCB (p<0.001 in the Mann-Whitney test) and a Spearman correlation coefficient test showed that PI was positively correlated with AI (r=0.673, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The findings indicate that the non-GCB subtype is more common than GCB in Indonesian DLBCL. GCB features significantly higher PI and AI, which themselves appear linked.

Combined therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have a pronounced clinical benefit for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) positive for EGFR activating mutations. Such individuals inevitably develop resistance to these drugs, however, new treatment strategies to overcome such resistance are being actively pursued. The clinical benefit of EGFR-TKIs for patients with locally advanced NSCLC remains to be clarified. Areas covered: This review summarizes the recent progress in combination treatment with EGFR-TKIs and either chemotherapy or radiotherapy for patients with NSCLC positive for EGFR activating mutations. Expert commentary: Combination therapy with EGFR-TKIs and various other treatment options are under investigation in clinical studies. Although early studies failed to show a clinical benefit for such combination therapy because of a lack of patient selection, clinical studies with patient selection based on EGFR mutation status have shown promising results. Such combination therapy might eventually replace the current standard treatment for patients with NSCLC positive for EGFR activating mutations.

Interaction between Saikosaponin D, Paeoniflorin, and Human Serum Albumin

Saikosaponin D (SSD) and paeoniflorin (PF) are the major active constituents of Bupleuri Radix and Paeonia lactiflora Pall, respectively, and have been widely used in China to treat liver and other diseases for many centuries. We explored the binding of SSD/PF to human serum albumin (HSA) by using fluorospectrophotometry, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking. Both SSD and PF produced a conformational change in HSA. Fluorescence quenching was accompanied by a blue shift in the fluorescence spectra. Co-binding of PF and SSD also induced quenching and a conformational change in HSA. The Stern-Volmer equation showed that quenching was dominated by static quenching. The binding constant for ternary interaction was below that for binary interaction. Site-competitive experiments demonstrated that SSD/PF bound to site I (subdomain IIA) and site II (subdomain IIIA) in HSA. Analysis of thermodynamic parameters indicated that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were mostly responsible for the binary association. Also, there was energy transfer upon binary interaction. Molecular docking supported the experimental findings in conformation, binding sites and binding forces.

Molecular Subtypes of Indonesian Breast Carcinomas - Lack of Association with Patient Age and Tumor Size

Objective: Breast carcinoma (BC) is a heterogeneous disease that exhibits variation in biological behaviour, prognosis and response to therapy. Molecular classification is generally into Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2+ and triple negative/basal-like, depending on receptor characteristics. Clinical factors that determined the BC prognosis are age and tumor size. Since information on molecular subtypes of Indonesian BCs is limited, the present study was conducted, with attention to subtypes in relation to age and tumor size. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 247 paraffin-embedded samples of invasive BC from Dr. Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta in the year 2012- 2015 was performed. Immunohistochemical staining using anti- ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67 and CK 5/6 antibodies was applied to classify molecular subtypes. Associations with age and tumor size were analyzed using the Chi Square Test. Results: The Luminal A was the most common subtype of Indonesian BC (41.3%), followed by triple negative (25.5%), HER2 (19.4%) and luminal B (13.8%). Among the triple negative lesions, the basal-like subtype was more frequent than the non basal-like (58.8 % vs 41.2%). Luminal B accounted for the highest percentage of younger age cases (< 40 years old) while HER2+ was most common in older age (> 50 years old) patients. Triple negative/basal-like were commonly large in size. Age (p = 0.080) and tumor size (p = 0.462) were not significantly associated with molecular subtypes of BC. Conclusion: The most common molecular subtype of Indonesian BC is luminal A, followed by triple-negative, HER2+ and luminal B. The majority of triple-negative lesions are basal-like. There are no association between age and tumor size with molecular subtypes of Indonesian BCs.

SIRT1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition by promoting autophagic degradation of E-cadherin in melanoma cells

Melanoma is highly metastatic, and understanding of its molecular mechanism is urgently needed for the development of therapeutic targets and prognostic assessment for metastatic melanoma. SIRT1 is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent protein deacetylase, belonging to the mammalian sirtuin family. It has been reported that SIRT1 is associated with metastasis in various cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of SIRT1 in melanoma metastasis remains to be clarified. Here we report that SIRT1 induces the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by accelerating E-cadherin degradation via autophagy and facilitates melanoma metastasis. Initially, we found that SIRT1 expression was frequently elevated in metastatic melanoma compared with primary melanoma. In addition, SIRT1 induced the EMT and promoted cell migration and invasion by decreasing E-cadherin expression. Further work demonstrated that SIRT1 accelerated the autophagic degradation of E-cadherin through deacetylation of Beclin 1. In addition, inhibition of autophagy recovered E-cadherin expression and suppressed cell migration and invasion by delaying the degradation of E-cadherin in SIRT1-overexpressing cells. Overall, our findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism for SIRT1 in melanoma metastasis, indicating that SIRT1 may serve as a viable therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma.

Notch signaling molecule is involved in the invasion of MiaPaCa2 cells induced by CoCl2 via regulating epithelial‑mesenchymal transition

Pancreatic cancer exhibits a high mortality rate resulting from metastasis and there is currently no effective treatment strategy. Hypoxia serves an important role in cancer cells, where cellular metabolic rate is high. The underlying mechanisms that trigger hypoxia and the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells remain unknown. Investigation of the importance of hypoxia in the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells for potential, novel treatment strategies is of primary concern. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, invasion assay, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of Notch1 in MiaPaCa2 cells treated with cobalt II chloride (CoCl₂). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) small interfering (si)RNA and Notch1 inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) were also selected to investigate these mechanisms. Data indicated that CoCl₂ increased the invasion ability and altered EMT in MiaPaCa2 cells. CoCl₂ regulated the expression of HIF-1α and Notch1 in MiaPaCa2 cells. In addition, HIF-1α siRNA inhibited the effects of CoCl₂ on the expression of Notch1 and decreased Snail, EMT and invasion in MiaPaCa2 cells. DAPT increased the expression of epithelial-cadherin and decreased the content of neural-cadherin, Snail and invasion in MiaPaCa2 cells in the presence or absence of CoCl₂. CoCl₂ promoted invasion by stimulating the expression of HIF-1α and regulating the expression of Notch1 and EMT in MiaPaCa2 cells. Targeting the Notch1 signaling molecule may be a novel treatment strategy for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of pelvic lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer

Background

Accurate evaluation of lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer (BCa) is important for disease staging, treatment selection, and prognosis prediction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for metastatic lymph nodes in BCa and establish criteria of imaging diagnosis.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the imaging characteristics of 191 BCa patients who underwent radical cystectomy. The data regarding size, shape, density, and diffusion of the lymph nodes on CT and/or MRI were obtained and analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test and χ² test. The optimal cutoff value for the size of metastatic node was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

A total of 184 out of 3317 resected lymph nodes were diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. Among 82 imaging-detectable lymph nodes, 51 were confirmed to be positive for metastasis. The detection rate of metastatic nodes increased along with more advanced tumor stage (P < 0.001). Once the ratio of short- to long-axis diameter ≤ 0.4 or fatty hilum was observed in lymph nodes on imaging, it indicated non-metastases. Besides, lymph nodes with spiculate or obscure margin or necrosis indicated metastases. Furthermore, the short diameter of 6.8 mm was the optimal threshold to diagnose metastatic lymph node, with the area under ROC curve of 0.815.

Conclusions

The probability of metastatic nodes significantly increased with more advanced T stages. Once lymph nodes are detected on imaging, the characteristic signs should be paid attention to. The short diameter > 6.8 mm may indicate metastatic lymph nodes in BCa.

Rapid Spontaneously Resolving Acute Subdural Hematoma

Introduction:

This study reports a rare patient of a rapid spontaneously resolving acute subdural hematoma. In addition, an analysis of potential clues for the phenomenon is presented with a review of the literature.

Patient Presentation:

A 1-year-and-2-month-old boy fell from a height of approximately 2 m. The patient was in a superficial coma with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 when he was transferred to the authors’ hospital. Computed tomography revealed the presence of an acute subdural hematoma with a midline shift beyond 1 cm. His guardians refused invasive interventions and chose conservative treatment. Repeat imaging after 15 hours showed the evident resolution of the hematoma and midline reversion. Progressive magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the complete resolution of the hematoma, without redistribution to a remote site.

Conclusions:

Even though this phenomenon has a low incidence, the probability of a rapid spontaneously resolving acute subdural hematoma should be considered when patients present with the following characteristics: children or elderly individuals suffering from mild to moderate head trauma; stable or rapidly recovered consciousness; and simple acute subdural hematoma with a moderate thickness and a particularly low-density band in computed tomography scans.

miR-508 Defines the Stem-like/Mesenchymal Subtype in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer includes an invasive stem-like/mesenchymal subtype, but its genetic drivers, functional, and clinical relevance are uncharacterized. Here we report the definition of an altered miRNA signature defining this subtype that includes a major genomic loss of miR-508. Mechanistic investigations showed that this miRNA affected the expression of cadherin CDH1 and the transcription factors ZEB1, SALL4, and BMI1. Loss of miR-508 in colorectal cancer was associated with upregulation of the novel hypoxia-induced long noncoding RNA AK000053. Ectopic expression of miR-508 in colorectal cancer cells blunted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, migration, and invasive capacity in vitro and in vivo In clinical colorectal cancer specimens, expression of miR-508 negatively correlated with stemness and EMT-associated gene expression and positively correlated with patient survival. Overall, our results showed that miR-508 is a key functional determinant of the stem-like/mesenchymal colorectal cancer subtype and a candidate therapeutic target for its treatment.Significance: These results define a key functional determinant of a stem-like/mesenchymal subtype of colorectal cancers and a candidate therapeutic target for its treatment. Cancer Res; 78(7); 1751-65. ©2018 AACR.

Long non-coding RNA HNF1A-AS1 promotes cell viability and migration in human bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is among the most frequent types of genitourinary malignancies and results in high morbidity and mortality. Despite considerable progress in methods of bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment, the detailed underlying molecular mechanisms of bladder cancer remain unclear, and the prognosis of patients remains poor. In the present study, the role of long non-coding (lnc)RNA hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF1A)-antisense RNA (AS)1 in bladder cancer progression was examined in vitro. HNF1A-AS1 was overexpressed in clinical bladder cancer tissues and cultured bladder cancer cells. Specific short hairpin RNAs against HNF1A-AS1 knocked down the expression of HNF1A-AS1, and thus suppressed the viability and migration/invasion abilities of the cells. Additionally, the depletion of HNF1A-AS1 in bladder cancer T24 and 5637 cell lines also induced cell accumulation in G₀/G₁ phase with the cell cycle analysis. Overall, these data suggest that lncRNA HNF1A-AS1 may be a potential regulator of bladder cancer tumorigenesis, and provide novel insight into the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA expression profiles reveals a novel lncRNA signature to discriminate nonequivalent outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer

There is growing evidence of dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serving as potential biomarkers for cancer prognosis. However, systematic efforts of searching for an expression-based lncRNA signature for prognosis prediction in ovarian cancer (OvCa) have not been made yet. Here, we performed comprehensive analysis for lncRNA expression profiles and clinical data of 544 OvCa patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and identified an eight-lncRNA signature with ability to classify patients of the training cohort into high-risk group showing poor outcome and low-risk group showing significantly improved outcome, which was further validated in the validation cohort and entire TCGA cohort. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and stratified analysis demonstrated that the prognostic value of this signature was independent of other clinicopathological factors. Associating the outcome prediction with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation revealed a superior prognosis performance both in BRCA1/2-mutated and BRCA1/2 wild-type tumors. Finally, a significantly correlation was found between the lncRNA signature and the complete response rate of chemotherapy, suggesting that this eight-lncRNA signature may be a measure to predict chemotherapy response and identify platinum-resistant patients who might benefit from other more efficacious therapies. With further prospective validation, this eight-lncRNA signature may have important implications for outcome prediction and therapy decisions.

Genetic structure and polymorphism analysis of Xinjiang Hui ethnic minority based on 21 STRs

In the present study, we calculated the allelic frequencies and forensic descriptive parameters of Hui ethnic minority on the basis of 21 short tandem repeat (STR) loci aiming at understanding population structure better and enriching population genetic database. Bloodstain samples of 506 unrelated healthy Hui individuals in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were collected. Altogether 268 alleles were observed and the allelic frequencies ranged from 0.0010 to 0.5306. The combined power of discrimination and the cumulative probability of exclusion of the 21 STR loci in Hui ethnic minority were 0.9999999999999999999999998697 and 0.9999999968, respectively. Population data obtained manifested that the panel of 21 STR loci could provide robust genetic information for individual identification and paternity testing involved in forensic applications for Huis of Xinjiang Region. Furthermore, the present results of interpopulation differentiations, phylogenetic trees and principal component analysis which were conducted based on the overlapping 16 STR loci revealed that Hui group was genetically close to Xibe ethnic group and Han populations from different regions.

Identification of methylated genes and miRNA signatures in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in several regions, including. Southern China and Southeast Asia, with high mortality. The present study aimed to explore the epigenetic mechanisms of NPC and to provide novel biomarkers for prognosis. Two methylation data sets (GSE52068 and GSE62336) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Following pretreatment of the raw data, differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially methylated CpG islands (DMCs) were identified between the NPC samples and normal tissue controls using COHCAP software. The overlapped DMRs and DMCs in the two data sets were extracted and associated to relevant genes. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed on the identified genes using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery and Cytoscape, respectively. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the overlapped genes were identified based on the miRWalk database. NPC-related genes were analyzed with the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Multiple overlapping DMRs between the two data sets were identified and were associated with 1,854 hypermethylated and 18 hypomethylated genes, which were revealed to be enriched in certain pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. Several nodes in the predicted PPI network were highlighted, including proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase SRC, SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3), tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein ζ (YWHAZ) and Heat shock protein family A member 4 (HSPA4), all of which were hypomethylated. A total of 14 miRNAs were identified that correlated with the overlapped genes such as miRNA (miR)-148a-3p, which was predicted to target of HSPA4; and 17 genes were identified as related to NPC, including SMAD3 and SRC. miR129-2 was hypermethylated. Several novel methylated genes or miRNAs were suggested as biomarkers for NPC prognosis: Hypomethylation of SRC, SMAD3, YWHAZ and HSPA4, and hypermethylation of miR129-2 may be linked to poor prognosis of NPC.

Immunological consequences of kidney cell death

Death of renal cells is central to the pathophysiology of acute tubular necrosis, autoimmunity, necrotizing glomerulonephritis, cystic kidney disease, urosepsis, delayed graft function and transplant rejection. By means of regulated necrosis, immunogenic damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and highly reactive organelles such as lysosomes, peroxisomes and mitochondria are released from the dying cells, thereby causing an overwhelming immunologic response. The rupture of the plasma membrane exhibits the "point of no return" for the immunogenicity of regulated cell death, explaining why apoptosis, a highly organized cell death subroutine with long-lasting plasma membrane integrity, elicits hardly any immune response. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent necrotic type cell death, results in the release of DAMPs and large amounts of lipid peroxides. In contrast, anti-inflammatory cytokines are actively released from cells that die by necroptosis, limiting the DAMP-induced immune response to a surrounding microenvironment, whereas at the same time, inflammasome-associated caspases drive maturation of intracellularly expressed interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In a distinct setting, additionally interleukin-18 (IL-18) is expressed during pyroptosis, initiated by gasdermin-mediated plasma membrane rupture. As all of these pathways are druggable, we provide an overview of regulated necrosis in kidney diseases with a focus on immunogenicity and potential therapeutic interventions.

Estimation of Cross-Immunity Between Drifted Strains of Influenza A/H3N2

To determine the cross-immunity between influenza strains, we design a novel statistical method, which uses a theoretical model and clinical data on attack rates and vaccine efficacy among school children for two seasons after the 1968 A/H3N2 influenza pandemic. This model incorporates the distribution of susceptibility and the dependence of cross-immunity on the antigenic distance of drifted strains. We find that the cross-immunity between an influenza strain and the mutant that causes the next epidemic is 88%. Our method also gives estimates of the vaccine protection against the vaccinating strain, and the basic reproduction number of the 1968 pandemic influenza.

Global Quantitative Proteomics reveal Deregulation of Cytoskeletal and Apoptotic Signalling Proteins in Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral malignancies remain to have higher morbidity and mortality rates owing to the poor understanding of the carcinogenesis and the lack of early detection and diagnosis. The lack of established biomarkers for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) resulted in aggressive multi-modality management less effective. Here, we report for the first time that a panel of potential markers identified from tongue tumor samples using two-dimensional-differential-in-gel-electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Our approach of combining 2D-DIGE with tandem mass spectrometry identified 24 candidate proteins including cofilins, myosin light chain family members, annexins, serpins, HSPs and tropomyosins, with significant differential expression in tongue carcinomas as compared with their matched adjacent normal tissues. The expression levels of the identified proteins were further validated in larger cohort of Indian samples using qPCR. Most of the differentially regulated proteins are involved in actin cytoskeletal dynamics, drug resistance, immune system, inflammation and apoptotic signalling pathways and are known to play critical role in oral tumorigenesis. Taken together, the results from present investigation provide a valuable base for understanding the development and progression of OTSCC. The validated panel of proteins may be used as potential biomarkers for early detection as well as in predicting therapeutic outcome of OTSCC.

Simple Strategy for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Avian Influenza A H7N9 Virus Based on Intensity-Modulated SPR Biosensor and New Generated Antibody

In 2013 a new reassortant avian influenza A H7N9 virus emerged in China, causing human infection with high mortality. An accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for controlling the outbreaks of the disease. We therefore propose a simple strategy for rapidly and sensitively detecting the H7N9 virus using an intensity-modulated surface plasmon resonance (IM-SPR) biosensor integrated with a new generated monoclonal antibody. The novel antibody exhibits significant specificity to recognize H7N9 virus compared with other clinical human influenza isolates (p < 0.01). Experimentally, the detection limit of the proposed approach for H7N9 virus detection is estimated to be 144 copies/mL, which is a 20-fold increase in sensitivity compared with homemade target-captured ELISA using the identical antibody. For the measurement of mimic clinical specimens containing the H7N9 virus mixed with nasal mucosa from flu-like syndrome patients, the detection limit is calculated to be 402 copies/mL, which is better than conventional influenza detection assays; quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). Most importantly, the assay time took less than 10 min. Combined, the results of this study indicate that the proposed simple strategy demonstrates high sensitivity and time-saving in H7N9 virus detection. By incorporating a high specific recognizer, the proposed technique has the potential to be used in applications and development of other emerging or re-emerging microbe detection platforms.

CD10+GPR77+ Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Cancer Formation and Chemoresistance by Sustaining Cancer Stemness

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant and heterogeneous stromal cells in tumor microenvironment that are critically involved in cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that two cell-surface molecules, CD10 and GPR77, specifically define a CAF subset correlated with chemoresistance and poor survival in multiple cohorts of breast and lung cancer patients. CD10⁺GPR77⁺ CAFs promote tumor formation and chemoresistance by providing a survival niche for cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mechanistically, CD10⁺GPR77⁺ CAFs are driven by persistent NF-κB activation via p65 phosphorylation and acetylation, which is maintained by complement signaling via GPR77, a C5a receptor. Furthermore, CD10⁺GPR77⁺ CAFs promote successful engraftment of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), and targeting these CAFs with a neutralizing anti-GPR77 antibody abolishes tumor formation and restores tumor chemosensitivity. Our study reveals a functional CAF subset that can be defined and isolated by specific cell-surface markers and suggests that targeting the CD10⁺GPR77⁺ CAF subset could be an effective therapeutic strategy against CSC-driven solid tumors.

Opinion: Making Inactivated and Subunit-Based Vaccines Work

Empirically derived vaccines have in the past relied on the isolation and growth of disease-causing microorganisms that are then inactivated or attenuated before being administered. This is often done without prior knowledge of the mechanisms involved in conferring protective immunity. Recent advances in scientific technologies and in our knowledge of how protective immune responses are induced enable us to rationally design novel and safer vaccination strategies. Such advances have accelerated the development of inactivated whole-organism- and subunit-based vaccines. In this review, we discuss ideal attributes and criteria that need to be considered for the development of vaccines and some existing vaccine platforms. We focus on inactivated vaccines against influenza virus and ways by which vaccine efficacy can be improved with the use of adjuvants and Toll-like receptor-2 signaling.

Establishment and genomic characterizations of patient-derived esophageal squamous cell carcinoma xenograft models using biopsies for treatment optimization

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma is the dominant type of esophageal cancer in China with many patients initially diagnosed at advanced stage. Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models have been developed to be an important platform for preclinical research. This study aims to establish and characterize PDX models using biopsy tissue from advanced esophageal cancer patients to lay the foundation of preclinical application.

Methods

Fresh endoscopic biopsy tissues were harvested from patients with advanced esophageal cancer and implanted subcutaneously into NOD/SCID mice. Then, the PDXs were serially passaged for up to four generations. Transplantation was analyzed and genomic characteristics of xenografts were profiled using next-generation sequencing.

Results

Twenty-five PDX models were established (13.3%, 25/188). The latency period was 75.12 ± 19.87 days (50–120 days) for the first passage and it decreased with increasing passaging. Other than tumor stages, no differences were found between transplantations of xenografts and patient characteristics, irrespective of chemotherapy. Histopathological features and chemosensitivity of PDXs were in great accordance with primary patient tumors. Each PDX was assessed for molecular characteristics including copy number variations, somatic mutations, and signaling pathway abnormalities and these were similar to patient results.

Conclusions

Our PDX models were established from real time biopsies and molecularly profiled. They might be promising for drug development and individualized therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1379-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long non-coding RNA implicated in the invasion and metastasis of head and neck cancer: possible function and mechanisms

Head and neck cancer (HNC) ranks as the 6th most common malignancy across the world. Metastasis is a hallmark of cancer, primarily contributing to the relapse and poor prognosis of HNC. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), previously considered as non-functional, are increasingly appreciated by scholars to play crucial roles in mediating HNC metastasis. LncRNAs, which are located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, mainly exert their function via epigenetic modification, transcriptional control and translational regulation. As several lncRNAs are presently demonstrated to participate in HNC metastasis, we make a summary of the functions and mechanisms regarding these lncRNAs. As shown in the literature, most lncRNAs appear to promote the metastasis of HNC. Hence, we primarily discuss the lncRNAs involved in enhancing metastasis. Additionally, more studies are needed to understand those lncRNAs without clear mechanisms. Furthermore, we introduced the upstream regulator for the aberrant expression of lncRNAs in HNC. Finally, we concisely addressed future research prospects of lncRNAs, particularly the interplay between lncRNAs and tumor immunity as well as lncRNA-targeted therapeutic techniques, and we introduced clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Display as a possibly transformative tool to study lncRNAs. Although lncRNA research is still in the initial stage, it holds great promise to be applied as a prognosticator of HNC and a therapeutic target to inhibit HNC metastasis, which could significantly enhance the outcome of HNC patients.

An Egyptian HPAI H5N1 isolate from clade 2.2.1.2 is highly pathogenic in an experimentally infected domestic duck breed (Sudani duck)

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses continue to cause major problems in poultry and can, although rarely, cause human infection. Being enzootic in domestic poultry, Egyptian isolates are continuously evolving, and novel clades vary in their pathogenicity in avian hosts. Considering the importance of domestic ducks as natural hosts of HPAI H5N1 viruses and their likelihood of physical contact with other avian hosts and humans, it is of utmost importance to characterize the pathogenicity of newly emerged HPAI strains in the domestic duck. The most recently identified Egyptian clade 2.2.1.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have been isolated from naturally infected pigeons, turkeys and humans. However, essentially nothing is known about their pathogenicity in domestic ducks. We therefore characterized the pathogenicity of an Egyptian HPAI H5N1 isolate A/chicken/Faquos/amn12/2011 (clade 2.2.1.2) in Sudani duck, a domestic duck breed commonly reared in Egypt. While viral transcription (HA mRNA) was highest in lung, heart and kidney peaking between 40 and 48 hpi, lower levels were detected in brain. Weight loss of infected ducks started at 16 hpi and persisted until 120 hpi. The first severe clinical signs were noted by 32 hpi and peaked in severity at 72 and 96 hpi. Haematological analyses showed a decline in total leucocytes, granulocytes, platelets and granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio, but lymphocytosis. Upon necropsy, lesions were obvious in heart, liver, spleen and pancreas and consisted mainly of necrosis and petechial haemorrhage. Histologically, lungs were the most severely affected organs, whereas brain only showed mild neuronal degeneration and gliosis at 48 hpi despite obvious neurological clinical signs. Taken together, our results provide first evidence that this HPAI H5N1 isolate (clade 2.2.1.2) is highly pathogenic to Sudani ducks and highlight the importance of this breed as potential reservoir and disseminator of HPAI strains from this clade.

The Bif-1-Dynamin 2 membrane fission machinery regulates Atg9-containing vesicle generation at the Rab11-positive reservoirs

Atg9 is a multispanning transmembrane protein that is required for autophagosome formation. During autophagy, vesicles containing Atg9 are generated through an unknown mechanism and delivered to the autophagosome formation sites. We have previously reported that Atg9-containing membranes undergo continuous tubulation and fission during nutrient starvation in a manner dependent on the curvature-inducing protein Bif-1/Sh3glb1. Here, we identify Dynamin 2 (DNM2) as a Bif-1-interacting protein that mediates the fission of Atg9-containing membranes during autophagy. The interaction of Bif-1 and DNM2 is enhanced upon nutrient starvation, and Bif-1 and DNM2 cooperatively induce the generation of Atg9-containing vesicles. Inhibition of the GTPase activity of DNM2 results in the accumulation of Atg9-positive tubular structures that originate from a Rab11-positive reservoir. Although Atg9 seems to be constitutively trafficked to the reservoir regardless of Bif-1 expression, membrane tubulation from the Atg9 reservoir is dependent on Bif-1 and is strongly induced upon nutrient starvation. These findings suggest that the generation of Atg9 vesicles from a Rab11-positive reservoir is tightly controlled by the Bif-1-DNM2 membrane fission machinery in response to cellular demand for autophagy.

MAPK15 upregulation promotes cell proliferation and prevents DNA damage in male germ cell tumors

Germ cell tumors (GCT) are the most common malignancies in males between 15 and 35 years of age. Despite the high cure rate, achieved through chemotherapy and/or surgery, the molecular basis of GCT etiology is still largely obscure. Here, we show a positive correlation between MAPK15 (ERK8; ERK7) expression and specific GCT subtypes, with the highest levels found in the aggressive embryonal carcinomas (EC). Indeed, in corresponding cellular models for EC, MAPK15 enhanced tumorigenicity in vivo and promoted cell proliferation in vitro, supporting a role for this kinase in human GCT. At molecular level, we demonstrated that endogenous MAPK15 is necessary to sustain cell cycle progression of EC cells, by limiting p53 activation and preventing the triggering of p53-dependent mechanisms resulting in cell cycle arrest.

To understand MAPK15-dependent mechanisms impinging on p53 activation, we demonstrate that this kinase efficiently protects cells from DNA damage. Moreover, we show that the ability of MAPK15 to control the autophagic process is necessary for basal management of DNA damage and for tumor formation controlled by the kinase.

In conclusion, our findings suggest that MAPK15 overexpression may contribute to the malignant transformation of germ cells by controlling a “stress support” autophagic pathway, able to prevent DNA damage and the consequent activation of the p53 tumor suppressor. Moreover, in light of these results, MAPK15-specific inhibitors might represent new tools to enhance the therapeutic index of cytotoxic therapy in GCT treatment, and to increase the sensitivity to DNA-damaging drugs in other chemotherapy-resistant human tumors.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany in 2016/2017

Here, we report on the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany. Between November 8, 2016, and September 30, 2017, more than 1,150 cases of HPAI H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds and 107 outbreaks in birds kept in captivity (92 poultry holdings and 15 zoos/animal parks) were reported in Germany. This HPAI epidemic is the most severe recorded in Germany so far. The viruses were apparently introduced by migratory birds, sparking an epidemic among wild birds across Germany with occasional incursions into poultry holdings, zoos and animal parks, which were usually rapidly detected and controlled by stamping out. HPAI viruses (mainly subtype H5N8, in a few cases also H5N5) were found in dead wild birds of at least 53 species. The affected wild birds were water birds (including gulls, storks, herons, and cormorants) and scavenging birds (birds of prey, owls, and crows). In a number of cases, substantial gaps in farm biosecurity may have eased virus entry into the holdings. In a second wave of the epidemic starting from February 2017, there was epidemiological and molecular evidence for virus transmission of the infections between commercial turkey holdings in an area of high poultry density, which caused approximately 25% of the total number of outbreaks in poultry. Biosecurity measures in poultry holdings should be adapted. This includes, inter alia, wearing of stable-specific protective clothing and footwear, cleaning, and disinfection of equipment that has been in contact with birds and prevention of contacts between poultry and wild water birds.

Contribution of oxidative stress and growth factor receptor transactivation in natriuretic peptide receptor C-mediated attenuation of hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR

Earlier studies have shown the implication of growth factor receptor activation in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hyperproliferation of aortic VSMC as well as in hyperproliferation of VSMC from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We previously showed that NPR-C specific agonist C-ANP_4-23 attenuates the hyperproliferation of VSMC from SHR through the inhibition of MAP kinase, Giα protein signaling and overexpression of cell cycle proteins. The aim of the present study was to investigate if C-ANP_4-23- mediated attenuation of hyperproliferation of VSMC from SHR also involves growth factor receptor activation and upstream signaling molecules. For this study, C-ANP _4–23 (10 nmole/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally into 2 week-old prehypertensive SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats twice per week for 6 weeks. The blood pressure in SHR was significantly attenuated by C-ANP_4-23 treatment. In addition, C-ANP_4-23 treatment also attenuated the hyperproliferation of VSMC from SHR as well as the enhanced phosphorylation of EGF-R, PDGF-R, IGF-R and c-Src. Furthermore, the enhanced levels of superoxide anion, NADPH oxidase activity, and enhanced expression of Nox4,Nox1,Nox2 and P47^phox in SHR compared to WKY rats was also significantly attenuated by C-ANP_4-23 treatment. In addition, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of O₂^-, inhibitors of growth factor receptors and of c-Src, all inhibited the overexpression of cell cycle proteins cyclin D1 and cdk4 in VSMC from SHR. These results suggest that in vivo treatment of SHR with C-ANP_4-23 inhibits the enhanced oxidative stress, c-Src and EGF-R, PDGF-R, IGF-R activation which through the inhibition of overexpression of cell cycle proteins result in the attenuation of hyperproliferation of VSMC.

Differential effects of reticulophagy and mitophagy on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Autophagy affects the pathological progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the precise role of autophagy in NAFLD remains unclear. In this study, we want to identify the role of autophagy including reticulophagy and mitophagy in NAFLD pathogenesis. When HepG2 cells were treated with 400 μM oleic acid (OA), increased reticulophagy was induced 8 h after treatment, which correlated with an anti-apoptotic response as shown by the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, an increase in BCL-2 expression, and the downregulation of OA-induced lipotoxicity. When treated with OA for 24 h, DRAM expression-dependent mitophagy resulted in increased apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Inhibition of reticulophagy aggravated and increased lipotoxicity-induced apoptosis 8 h after treatment; however, the inhibition of mitophagy decreased hepatocyte apoptosis after 24 h of OA treatment. Results from the analysis of patient liver samples showed that autophagic flux increased in patients with mild or severe NAFL. PI3K/AKT phosphorylation was observed only in samples from patients with low-grade steatosis, whereas DRAM expression was increased in samples from patients with high-grade steatosis. Together, our results demonstrate that reticulophagy and mitophagy are independent, sequential events that influence NAFLD progression, which opens new avenues for investigating new therapeutics in NAFLD.

[Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid in noncardiac surgery : Update 2017]

BACKGROUND

Minimising perioperative bleeding is a key goal of "patient blood management" programs. One component of respective strategies includes preventive inhibition of fibrinolysis using protease inhibitors, such as tranexamic acid (TXA). TXA inhibits plasminogen activation and plasmin-induced fibrin degradation.

OBJECTIVES

The present article provides an overview of the existing literature and TXA applications in the prophylaxis of perioperative bleeding.

METHODS

Literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE (U.S. National Library of Medicine®, Bethesda, MD, USA).

RESULTS

TXA reduces perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses in the field of hip and knee arthroplasty for both intravenous and topical use. Moreover, evidence favours use of TXA in complex spine surgery and reconstructive surgery (e. g. craniosynostosis in children). Single RCTs showed benefits of TXA in abdominal hysterectomy, open prostatectomy, liver surgery and actively bleeding trauma patients. For prophylaxis of peripartum haemorrhage (PPH) following vaginal delivery or Caesarean section, TXA cannot be routinely recommended, although evidence points to benefits in actively bleeding patients. A recommendation exists for the treatment of (active) PPH. For prophylactic perioperative administration, different dosage regimens exist for adults. Most often an initial i. v. bolus of 1 g or 10-15 mg/kg body weight with/without repetition after 6 h or continuous infusions over 8 h is administered. Increased rates of thromboembolic events were not noted.

CONCLUSION

Protease inhibitors such as TXA reduce perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in selected surgical fields.

Treatment and outcomes of non-small-cell lung cancer patients with high comorbidity

Background

The life expectancy of untreated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is dismal, while treatment for NSCLC improves survival. The presence of comorbidities is thought to play a significant role in the decision to treat or not treat a given patient. We aim to evaluate the association of comorbidities with the survival of patients treated for NSCLC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients aged ≥66 years with invasive NSCLC between the years 2007 and 2011 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Kentucky Cancer Registry. Comorbidity was measured using the Klabunde Comorbidity Index (KCI), and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to measure association between receiving treatment and comorbidity. Kaplan–Meier plots were constructed to estimate time-to-event outcomes.

Results

A total of 4014 patients were identified; of this, 94.9% were white and 55.7% were male. The proportion of patients who did not receive any treatment was 8.7%, 3.9%, 19.1%, and 23.5% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, older age, higher stage, and higher comorbidity (KCI ≥3) were associated with a lower likelihood of receiving any treatment. The median overall survival (OS) for untreated and KCI=0 was 17.7 months for stages I and II, 2.3 months for stage III, and 1.3 months for stage IV. The median OS for treated and KCI=0 was 58.9 months for stages I and II, 16.8 months for stage III, and 5.8 months for stage IV (p<0.01). Treatment was an independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis that included KCI scores.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that lung cancer patients may derive a survival benefit from therapies, regardless of the presence of comorbidities, although the degree of benefit seems to decrease with higher KCI scores.

Revisiting the genomic hypomethylation hypothesis of aging

The genomic hypomethylation hypothesis of aging proposes that an overall decrease in global DNA methylation occurs with age, and it has been argued that the decrease in global DNA methylation could be an important factor in aging, resulting in the relaxation of gene expression regulation and abnormal gene expression. Since it was initially observed that DNA methylation decreased with age in 1974, 16 articles have been published describing the effect of age on global DNA methylation in various tissues from rodents and humans. We critically reviewed the publications on the effect of age on DNA methylation and the expression of the enzymes involved in DNA methylation to evaluate the validity of the hypomethylation hypothesis of aging. On the basis of the current scientific literature, we conclude that a decrease in the global methylation of the genome occurs in most if not all tissues/cells as an animal ages. However, age-related changes in DNA methylation in specific regions or at specific sites in the genome occur even though the global DNA methylation does not change.

MicroRNA-92b represses invasion-metastasis cascade of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Invasion and metastasis are major contributors to cancer-caused death in patients suffered from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). To explore the microRNAs involved in regulating invasion-metastasis cascade of ESCC, we established two pairs of sublines (30-U/D and 180-U/D) with distinct motility capacity from two ESCC cell lines (KYSE30 and KYSE180). Screening of the differentially expressed microRNAs identified that microRNA-92b-3p (miR-92b) could dramatically inhibit invasion and metastasis of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Subsequent studies showed that miR-92b exerted its inhibitory function through suppressing the expression of integrin αV (ITGAV), which further reduced phosphrylated FAK and impaired Rac1 activation. Moreover, higher expression of miR-92b in ESCC tissues correlated inversely with lymph node metastasis and indicated better prognosis. Together, these results for the first time describe how miR-92b suppresses the motility of ESCC cells and provide a promise for diagnosis or therapy of ESCC invasion and metastasis.

RNF113A promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion, and is associated with a poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Ring finger protein 113A (RNF113A) possesses a C3HC4 zinc finger domain and this domain is found in E3 ubiquitin ligase and is involved in tumorigenesis. To date, and at least to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies available which have investigated RNF113A in cancer. Thus, this study aimed to explore the role of RNF113A in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). For this purpose, paraffin-embedded samples from 117 patients with ESCC were selected, as well as 41 pairs of fresh-frozen ESCC and adjacent normal tissue samples. RNF113A expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RNF113A was overexpressed or silenced in the EC9706 and Eca109 cells. The cells were examined for cell cycle progression, apoptosis, invasiveness and migration. Xenograft tumors were also created in mice using the Eca109 cells. Tumor differentiation (P=0.008) and T classification (P<0.001) were found to be significantly associated with RNF113A expression. No statistically significant association was observed between RNF113A expression and sex, age, histological type, tumor location and lymph node metastasis (N classification). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the patients with ESCC with ahigh expression of RNF113A had a lower survival rate than those with a low expression (P=0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that RNF113A expression (HR=2.406; 95% CI, 1.301-4.449, P=0.005) was independently associated with overall survival in patients with ESCC. The overexpression of RNF113A promoted proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of ESCC cell lines in vitro, and RNF113A silencing reversed these malignant behaviors. RNF113A knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Thus, these results indicate that RNF113A promotes the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of ESCC cell lines. RNF113A expression in ESCC is this associated with a poor prognosis of affected patients.

Dysfunctional autophagy following exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines contributes to pancreatic β-cell apoptosis

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from β-cell destruction due to concerted action of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and interferon-γ, secreted by the immune cells invading islets of Langerhans, contribute to pancreatic β-cell death in T1D. Cytokine-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a central role in β-cell demise. ER stress can modulate autophagic response; however, no study addressed the regulation of autophagy during the pathophysiology of T1D. In this study, we document that cytokines activate the AMPK-ULK-1 pathway while inhibiting mTORC1, which stimulates autophagy activity in an ER stress-dependent manner. On the other hand, time-course analysis of LC3-II accumulation in autophagosomes revealed that cytokines block the autophagy flux in an ER stress independent manner, leading to the formation of large dysfunctional autophagosomes and worsening of ER stress. Cytokines rapidly impair lysosome function, leading to lysosome membrane permeabilization, Cathepsin B leakage and lysosomal cell death. Blocking cathepsin activity partially protects against cytokine-induced or torin1-induced apoptosis, whereas blocking autophagy aggravates cytokine-induced CHOP overexpression and β-cell apoptosis. In conclusion, cytokines stimulate the early steps of autophagy while blocking the autophagic flux, which aggravate ER stress and trigger lysosomal cell death. Restoration of autophagy/lysosomal function may represent a novel strategy to improve β-cell resistance in the context of T1D.

Socioeconomic status is inversely associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk: results from a population-based case-control study in China

Socioeconomic status (SES) is suspected to influence the risk of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) in China, however, the evidence is still inconclusive and the selection of SES indicators remains inconsistent. In current study, we examined the association between SES and risk of ESCC based on a population-based case-control study in Taixing, China, with 1298 histopathology-confirmed cases and 1900 controls recruited between October 2010 and September 2013. Data on SES indicators was collected using a structured questionnaire. We constructed a composite wealth score based on the ownership of a series of household appliances and other variables by using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). We used unconditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ESCC in association with SES indicators. SES was inversely associated with ESCC risk in current study. Higher education (secondary high school or above vs illiteracy, OR=0.60, 95%CI, 0.41-0.87), larger house area per person (>70 vs <45 square meters, OR=0.71, 95%CI, 0.59-0.86) and higher wealth score (5th quintile (high) vs 1st quintile (low), OR=0.43, 95%CI, 0.32-0.57) were associated with a decreased risk of ESCC. Subjects possessing several household appliances >5 years also had a lower ESCC risk. Whereas physical labor (very active vs sedentary, OR=1.69, 95%CI, 1.27-2.26) and larger families (≥6 vs <3 in household, OR=1.63, 95%CI, 1.30-2.03) increased the risk of ESCC. These findings confirm the strong inverse association between SES and ESCC risk. Future studies are needed to verify these findings and identify contributing factors underlying the observed associations.

The regulation of host cellular and gut microbial metabolism in the development and prevention of colorectal cancer

Metabolism regulation is crucial in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has emerged as a remarkable field currently. The cellular metabolism of glucose, amino acids and lipids in CRC are all reprogrammed. Each of them changes tumour microenvironment, modulates bacterial composition and activity, and eventually promotes CRC development. Metabolites such as short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, N-nitroso compounds, hydrogen sulphide, polyphenols and toxins like fragilysin, FadA, cytolethal distending toxin and colibactin play a dual role in CRC. The relationship of gut microbe-metabolite is essential in remodelling intestinal microbial ecology composition and metabolic activity. It regulates the metabolism of colonic epithelial cells and changes the tumour microenvironment in CRC. Microbial metabolism manipulation has been considered to be potentially preventive in CRC, but more large-scale clinical trials are required before their application in clinical practice in the near future.

Low density lipoprotein modified silica nanoparticles loaded with docetaxel and thalidomide for effective chemotherapy of liver cancer

In the present study, we successfully developed a docetaxel (DTX) and thalidomide (TDD) co-delivery system based on low density lipoprotein (LDL) modified silica nanoparticles (LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD). By employing the tumor homing property of LDL and the drug-loading capability of silica nanoparticles, the prepared LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD was expected to locate and specifically deliver the loaded drugs (DTX and TDD) to achieve effective chemotherapy of liver cancer. In vitro analysis revealed that nano-sized LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD with decent drug loading capabilities was able to increase the delivery efficiency by targeting the low density lipoprotein receptors, which were overexpressed on HepG2 human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line, which exerted better cytotoxicity than unmodified silica nanoparticles and free drugs. In vivo imaging and anti-cancer assays also confirmed the preferable tumor-homing and synergetic anti-cancer effects of LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD.

Long Non-Coding RNA Cancer Susceptibility Candidate 2a (CASC2a) Is a Marker of Early Recurrence After Radical Cystectomy in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) cancer susceptibility candidate 2a (CASC2a) in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) and its predictive value in the recurrence of UCB after radical cystectomy (RC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Tumor and paired adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 112 patients with UCB who underwent RC in our hospital from March 2010 to March 2012. The expression of CASC2a was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS CASC2a was down-regulated in UCB tissues, and was highly negatively correlated with the pT, pN, tumor size, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). The sensitivities of CASC2a for diagnosing UCB and its recurrence after RC were 89.30% and 81.55%, respectively, and the specificities were 71.43% and 58.21%, respectively. Patients with a high expression of CASC2a had a higher 5-year recurrence-free survival rate than those with low expression of CASC2a. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the pT, pN, tumor grade, tumor size, concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS), LVI, soft tissue surgical margin (STSM), and CASC2a expression were related to the recurrence in patients undergoing RC for UCB. Cox proportional hazard model analysis showed that CASC2 expression, pT4, lymph node metastasis, and CIS were independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS CASC2a was down-regulated in patients with UCB, and was associated with the risk of recurrence among patients undergoing RC, indicating that lncRNAs could act as predictive biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in bladder cancer, including CASC2a.

Tumoral indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 is regulated by monocytes and T lymphocytes collaboration in hepatocellular carcinoma

Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in cancer cells plays a critical role in tumor immunosuppression. However, the precise mechanisms regulating tumoral IDO1 expression in tumor milieus remain unclear. Here, we reported that IDO1 expression in tumor cells of hepatocelluar carcinomas (HCC), displayed a discrete rather than uniform pattern. In vitro culture, human hepatoma cell lines did not constitutively express IDO1. Interestingly, co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) significantly induced and maintained IDO1 expression in these tumor cells, predominantly through IFN-γ. Mechanistically, we showed that IDO1 expression in tumor cells was only induced when co-cultured with both T lymphocytes and monocytes. Moreover, the cooperation between T lymphocytes and monocytes played an indispensable role on the tumoral IDO1 expression in immunocompromised mice. Taken together, our data supported the notion that IDO1 expression in tumor cells might serve as a counter-regulatory mechanism regulated by immune system, and provided new insights into the collaborative action of different inflammatory cells in tumor immunosuppression.