Long noncoding RNA/circular RNA regulates competitive endogenous RNA networks in rheumatoid arthritis: molecular mechanisms and traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic significances

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic and autoimmune disease that is mainly featured abnormal fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration. Abnormal expression or function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely related to human diseases, including RA. There has been increasing evidence showing that in the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, both lncRNA and circRNA are vital in the biological functions of cells. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of ceRNA in RA remains to be investigated. Herein, we summarized the molecular potencies of lncRNA/circRNA-mediated ceRNA networks in RA, with emphasis on the phenotypic regulation of ceRNA in the progression of RA, including regulation of proliferation, invasion, inflammation and apoptosis, as well as the role of ceRNA in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RA. In addition, we also discussed the future direction and potential clinical value of ceRNA in the treatment of RA, which may provide potential reference value for clinical trials of TCM therapy for the treatment of RA.Key messagesLong noncoding RNA/circular RNA can work as the competitive endogenous RNA sponge and participate in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.Traditional Chinese medicine and its agents have shown potential roles in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis via competitive endogenous RNA.

Genome-wide association study identifies variants associated with semen volume in white-feathered broilers

Semen is a measure of the reproductive efficiency of roosters, which affects the economic benefits of white-feathered broilers. Over the years, research in this field has mainly focused on hens, while there have been fewer studies on the reproductive traits of roosters. To identify the genes related to the semen traits of roosters, we used a chicken 55 K SNP chip to genetically type the white-feathered population (220) and performed imputation with resequencing data from 97 roosters. In total, 1 048 576 SNPs were obtained and used for genome-wide association analysis of semen volume, from which 197 genome-wide significant markers were identified, all within the interval of 13.82-16.12 Mb on chromosome 7. By combining our results with the biological functions of genes in the interval, four candidate genes were identified that potentially relate to semen volume: FAPP1, OSBPL6, SESTD1 and SSFA2. Our findings may provide a basis for further research on the genetic mechanism and marker-assisted selection of semen volume in white-feathered broilers.

Preliminary results of the 105 GHz collective Thomson scattering system on HL-2A

A 105 GHz collective Thomson scattering (CTS) diagnostic has been successfully developed for fast-ion measurements on the HL-2A tokamak, and it has been deployed during an experimental campaign. Enhanced signals exhibiting synchronous modulation characteristics have been observed across all CTS channels upon the launch of a modulated probe wave. Results show that the intensity of the CTS signal increases with Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) power and is proportional to neutron count, indicating that the scattering signal contains a contribution from fast ions. Compared with the signal without NBI, the enhanced scattering spectrum due to NBI is slightly wider than the predicted fast ion range. Such broadening might be attributed to the heating effects of the gyrotron.

COVID-19 pandemic and neonatal birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Lockdown was implemented in many countries during the pandemic, which led to myriad changes in pregnant women's lives. However, the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonatal outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between the pandemic and neonatal birth weight.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the previous literature.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases up to May 2022 and extracted 36 eligible studies that compared neonatal birth weight between the pandemic and the prepandemic period. The following outcomes were included: mean birth weight, low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), macrosomia, small for gestational age (SGA), very small for gestational age (VSGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). Statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed to determine whether a random effects model or fixed effects model was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 4514 studies identified, 36 articles were eligible for inclusion. A total of 1,883,936 neonates during the pandemic and 4,667,133 neonates during the prepandemic were reported. We identified a significant increase in mean birth weight (pooled mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 15.06 [10.36, 19.76], I² = 0.0%, 12 studies) and a reduction in VLBW (pooled OR [95% CI] = 0.86 [0.77, 0.97], I² = 55.4%, 12 studies). No overall effect was identified for other outcomes: LBW, macrosomia, SGA, VSGA, and LGA. There was publication bias for mean birth weight with a borderline significance (Egger's P = 0.050).

CONCLUSION

Pooled results showed the pandemic was significantly associated with an increase in mean birth weight and a reduction in VLBW, but not for other outcomes. This review provided clues about the indirect effects of the pandemic on neonatal birth weight and more healthcare measures needed to improve neonatal long-term health.

Modified transcrestal sinus floor elevation with concomitant implant placement in edentulous posterior maxillae with residual bone height of 5 mm or less: a non-controlled prospective study

The aim of this study was to describe a modified transcrestal sinus floor elevation (mTSFE) technique and to evaluate its clinical effectiveness and reliability when residual bone height is severely reduced. Forty-three maxillary edentulous patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. All patients underwent the mTSFE technique; 66 dental implants were inserted simultaneously. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed 2 weeks after surgery. Prosthetic crowns were placed 6 months after surgery. Radiographic analyses and clinical analyses were conducted to assess the clinical effectiveness and feasibility of mTSFE during a follow-up period of 2-8 years. The mean vertical bone increase after surgery was 8.09 mm, and it decreased to 6.56 mm at 6 months after surgery. Two cases of membrane perforation occurred during surgery and one implant was lost in the third year after surgery; the survival rate at the implant level was 98.48%. No severe postoperative complication was reported and the subjective feeling of patients was acceptable. This mTSFE technique could simplify the operative procedure and might be helpful to reduce intraoperative trauma, as well as to alleviate postoperative discomfort.

MHD instability dynamics and turbulence enhancement towards the plasma disruption at the HL-2A tokamak

The evolutions of MHD instability behaviors and enhancement of both electrostatic and electromagnetic turbulence towards the plasma disruption have been clearly observed in the HL-2A plasmas. Two types of plasma disruptive discharges have been investigated for similar equilibrium parameters: one with a distinct stage of a small central temperature collapse ([Formula: see text] 5-10%) around 1 millisecond before the thermal quench (TQ), while the other without. For both types, the TQ phase is preceded by a rotating 2/1 tearing mode, and it is the development of the cold bubble from the inner region of the 2/1 island O-point along with its inward convection that causes the massive energy loss. In addition, the micro-scale turbulence, including magnetic fluctuations and density fluctuations, increases before the small collapse, and more significantly towards the TQ. Also, temperature fluctuations measured by electron cyclotron emission imaging enhances dramatically at the reconnection site and expand into the island when approaching the small collapse and TQ, and the expansion is more significant close to the TQ. The observed turbulence enhancement near the X-point cannot be fully interpreted by the linear stability analysis by GENE. Evidences suggest that nonlinear effects, such as the reduction of local [Formula: see text] shear and turbulence spreading, may play an important role in governing turbulence enhancement and expansion. These results imply that the turbulence and its interaction with the island facilitate the stochasticity of the magnetic flux and formation of the cold bubble, and hence, the plasma disruption.

[Screening of apoptosis-related differential proteins in rheumatoid arthritis patients with cold-dampness syndrome based on protein microarray technology]

Objective Screening the differentially expressed proteins related to apoptosis in cold-dampness syndrome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from healthy people and RA patients with cold-dampness syndrome. 43 apoptosis-related proteins were detected by antibody chip, which was verified by ELISA. Results In 43 apoptosis-related proteins, 10 of them were up-regulated and 3 were down-regulated. The most differentially expressed were tumor necrosis factor receptor 5 (CD40) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2). Compared with the normal group, the expression of CD40 and sTNFR2 in RA patients with cold-dampness syndrome increased significantly. The results of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that CD40(AUC=0.8133) and sTNFR2(AUC=0.8117) could be used as diagnostic markers of RA patients with cold-dampness syndrome. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that CD40 was negatively correlated with Fas and Fas ligand (FasL), while sTNFR2 was positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and negatively correlated with mental health score (MH). Logistic regression analysis showed that rheumatoid factor (RF), 28 joint disease activity scores (DAS28) and vitality (VT) were risk factors for CD40. ESR, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody, self-rating depression scale (SAS) and MH were the risk factors of sTNFR2. Conclusion CD40 and sTNFR2 are proteins related to apoptosis in RA patients with cold-dampness syndrome, which are closely related to clinical indexes and apoptosis indexes.

Xinfeng capsule inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis by up-regulating LINC00638 and activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xinfeng capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine compound, which has been clinically used for more than 20 years in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and its extracurricular lesions. However, the molecular role of XFC in the treatment of RA remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the efficacy and potential mechanism of XFC through retrospective data mining analysis, animal experiments and cell experiments.

METHODS

The effect of XFC on clinical laboratory indexes of RA patients was observed using data mining techniques combined with association rule analysis and a random walk model. Afterwards, a rat model of adjuvant arthritis (AA) was established with Freund's complete adjuvant, followed by the observation of pathological changes in synovial tissues and the ultrastructure of synoviocytes. A RA cell model was constructed by inducing fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) to assess the effects of XFC-containing serum on inflammation and oxidative stress through long non-coding RNA LINC00638.

RESULTS

In retrospective data mining, XFC effectively reduced immune inflammation and increase the level of antioxidant enzymes in RA patients. Subsequently, animal experiments showed that XFC significantly repressed immune inflammation, oxidative stress, synovial hyperplasia, and cartilage destruction, while improving the ultrastructure of synoviocytes in AA rats. XFC-containing serum diminished the proliferation of TNF-α-induced RA-FLSs, increased LINC00638 expression (P＜0.01), decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) levels (P＜0.01), and increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) (P＜0.01). Furthermore, rescue experiments manifested that XFC-containing serum reversed the effects of silencing LINC00638 on inflammation and oxidative stress in RA-FLSs.

CONCLUSION

XFC inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in RA by up-regulating LINC00638 and activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Correlation analysis of differentially expressed long non-coding RNA HOTAIR with PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis and the effect of baicalin intervention

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the correlation of long non-coding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (lncRNA HOTAIR) with the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and clinical-related indicators in osteoarthritis (OA) and determine the effect of baicalin intervention.

METHODS

The levels of clinical lipid metabolism indexes and immune-inflammatory indexes in OA patients and normal controls was detected. OA chondrocytes (OA-CHs) were induced with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), followed by baicalin treatment (50 ug/mL). RT-qPCR was performed to measure lncRNA HOTAIR expression. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and adiponectin were detected using ELISA kits. CCK-8 assay was used to assess the viability of CHs. The related protein expression was measured using Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

LncRNA HOTAIR might act as a biomarker of OA in vivo. LncRNA HOTAIR was positively correlated with TC, hs-CRP, IgA, TNF-α, and VAS score. Overexpression of lncRNA HOTAIR in vitro inhibited cell proliferation, reduced IL-10 and PTEN expression, but augmented TNF-α, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in OA-CHs stimulated by OA-PBMCs. The changes of above indexes were also observed in OA-CHs stimulated by OA-PBMCs treated with si-lncRNA HOTAIR or baicalin, implying the synergistic effects of baicalin and lncRNA HOTAIR silencing on OA.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusively, lncRNA HOTAIR was highly expressed in OA-CHs, which facilitated OA inflammatory responses by orchestrating inflammatory cytokines and the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Baicalin exerted therapeutic effects by inhibiting the expression of lncRNA HOTAIR, decreasing the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT, and increasing the protein levels of PTEN, APN, and ADIPOR1.

Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected healthcare systems and daily well-being. However, the reports of the indirect impacts of the pandemic on preterm birth remain conflicting. We performed a meta-analysis to examine whether the pandemic altered the risk of preterm birth.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the previous literature.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases until March 2022 using appropriate keywords and extracted 63 eligible studies that compared preterm between the COVID-19 pandemic period and the prepandemic period. A random effects model was used to obtain the pooled odds of each outcome. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42022326717).

RESULTS

The search identified 3827 studies, of which 63 reports were included. A total of 3,220,370 pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic period and 6,122,615 pregnancies during the prepandemic period were studied. Compared with the prepandemic period, we identified a significant decreased odds of preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks' gestation; pooled odds ratio [OR; 95% confidence interval (CI)] = 0.96 [0.94, 0.98]; I² = 78.7%; 62 studies) and extremely PTB (<28 weeks' gestation; pooled OR [95% CI] = 0.92 [0.87, 0.97]; I² = 26.4%; 25 studies) during the pandemic, whereas there was only a borderline significant reduction in the odds of very PTB (<32 weeks' gestation; pooled OR [95% CI] = 0.93 [0.86, 1.01]; I² = 90.1%; 33 studies) between the two periods. There was significant publication bias for PTB.

CONCLUSION

Pooled results suggested the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with preterm birth, although there was only a borderline significant reduction for very PTB during the pandemic compared with the prepandemic period. Large studies showed conflicting results, and further research on whether the change is related to pandemic mitigation measures was warranted.

(Cd,Mg)Te crystals for picosecond-response optical-to-x-ray radiation detectors

We demonstrate a photodetector sensitive to both optical and x-ray picosecond pulses based on our in-house grown cadmium magnesium telluride (Cd,Mg)Te single crystal. Specifically, we developed In-doped Cd_0.96Mg_0.04Te material and discuss its femtosecond optical photoresponse, as well as the detector performance, such as <100-pA dark current and up to 0.22-mA/W responsivity for 780-nm wavelength optical radiation. The detector exposed to Ti fluorescence (K alpha) x-ray pulses at 4.5 keV, generated by a free-electron laser beam with the central energy of 9.8 keV and <100 fs pulse width, exhibited readout-electronics-limited 200-ps full-width-at-half-maximum photoresponse, demonstrating that it is suitable for coarse timing in free-electron laser x-ray/optical femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy applications.

Exploring the Mechanism of Action of Xinfeng Capsule in Treating Hypercoagulable State of Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology

Objective: To explore the effect of Xinfeng Capsule (XFC) on hypercoagulable state in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using data mining and network pharmacology. Methods: The data were collected of 524 inpatients with RA who were treated with XFC in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) before October 2021. The changes of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), complement component 3 (C3), C4, platelet (PLT), fibrinogen (FBG), thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were observed before and after the treatment. By implementing the Apriori module, the association rules between XFC and immune-inflammation indexes and coagulation indexes were analyzed. XFC and disease targets were obtained through traditional chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform, Genecards, OMIM, and other databases. The cross targets and core targets were screened, and the network diagram of TCM—active ingredients—potential targets was constructed using Cytoscape3.7.2 software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed through Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database. AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking between active ingredients and core targets. The docking results were visualized using PyMOL2.3.0 software. Results: (1) Data mining results showed that the inflammation and coagulation indexes of RA patients were significantly improved after XFC treatment, and there was a strong correlation between XFC and the improvement of CRP, ESR, RF, C3, C4, PLT, FBG, TT, PT, and APTT. (2) Network pharmacology results showed that prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), CASP3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), AKT1, and JUN, the main targets of XFC in the treatment of RA, were closely related to apoptosis and were mainly involved in interleukin 17 (IL-17), TNF, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κb), and other apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways. (3) Molecular docking results showed that the active components of XFC, β- sitosterol, and stigmasterol, had good docking with TNF and PTGS2, which might be the key active components of XFC in the treatment of RA-related hypercoagulable state. Conclusion: XFC can improve the hypercoagulable state of patients with RA by promoting cell apoptosis and improving immune inflammatory response.

[Analysis and significance of HBV DNA below the lower detection limit of HBV RNA levels after long-term NAs antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis]

Objective: To analyze the significance of HBV DNA below the lower detection limit of HBV RNA levels after long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis. Methods: 97 cases with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis treated with NAs antiviral therapy for at least 3 years between May 2018 to July 2019 were selected. High-sensitivity HBV DNA (<20 IU/ml), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV RNA at least twice every 6 months were detected. According to Child-Pugh classification, HBeAg, HBsAg level, and HBV RNA level intergroup comparison was performed. Rank sum test, χ² test and linear regression analysis were performed on the data. Results: Compared with the HBV RNA level of child-Pugh class A patients, the HBV RNA level of Child-Pugh class B+C patients were significantly higher [4.1 (0,4.9) log₁₀ copies/ml and 2.0 (0,3.5) log₁₀ copies/ml], and the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.370, P<0.05). According to different HBeAg levels, they were divided into HBeAg positive and negative group, and the quantitative comparison of HBV RNA levels between the two groups were 2.0 (0, 4.5) log₁₀ copies/ml and 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) log₁₀ copies/ml, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=3.233, P<0.05). According to different HBsAg levels, they were divided into three groups: HBsAg≤100 IU/ml, 100<HBsAg<1 000 IU/ml, and HBsAg≥1 000 IU/ml, and the quantitative comparison of HBV RNA levels among the three groups were 0 (0, 2.0) log₁₀, 2.0 (0,4.6) log_10, and 2.2 (2.0, 4.7) log₁₀ copies/ml, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H=11.265, P<0.05). Gender, age, ALT, AST, GGT, HBsAg, and HBeAg were included for linear regression analysis, and the HBsAg and AST levels were correlated with HBV RNA quantification (P<0.05). Adverse events occurrence during 1-year follow-up were recorded. 19 (31.7%) out of 60 cases had adverse events with detectable HBV RNA, and 3 (8.1%) out of 37 cases had adverse events with undetectable HBV RNA, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=7.24, P<0.05). Conclusion: HBV RNA can still be detected after HBV DNA falls below the detection limit in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis treated with long-term NAs antiviral therapy. HBV RNA quantification level is higher in patients with Child Pugh class B and C. Patients with detectable HBV RNA has higher proportion of adverse events, and AST and HBsAg levels may be correlated with serum HBV RNA.

[Correlation analysis between blood routine-derived inflammatory markers and respiratory function in pneumoconiosis patients]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between blood routine-derived inflammation indicators and respiratory function in patients with pneumoconiosis. Methods: In January 2021, 492 male pneumoconiosis patients hospitalized in Hefei Institute of Occupational Disease Control and Prevention from 2012 to 2020 were randomly selected as the case group, 492 dust exposed non pneumoconiosis workers who underwent occupational health examination at the same time were taken as the control group. The occupational history and clinical examination data of the two groups of subjects were collected, the correlation between blood routine-derived inflammatory indexes and pulmonary function and blood gas analysis was analyzed retrospectively. Results: Compared with the control group, the lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR) in the case group was decreased, and the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . There were significant differences in forced vital capacity as a percentage of the predicted value (FVC) , forced expiratory volume in the first second as a percentage of the predicted value (FEV(1)%) , one second rate (FEV(1)/FVC) , partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) , partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) , and pH among pneumoconiosis patients at different stages (P<0.05) . FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC, and PaO(2) decreased with the increase of the stage, the trend test was statistically significant (tau-b=-0.24, -0.34, -0.37, -0.17, P<0.05) , PaCO(2) and pH increased with the increase of the stage, and the trend test was statistically significant (tau-b=0.10, 0.08, P<0.05) . There were statistically significant differences in LYM, LMR, NLR, platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with pneumoconiosis at different stages (P<0.05) , and LYM and LMR decreased with the increase of stage, trend test showed that there was statistically significant (tau-b=-0.11, -0.13, P<0.05) . There were significant differences in FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC, PaO(2), pH, LMR, NLR, PLR among patients with different types of pneumoconiosis (P<0.05) . LMR in pneumoconiosis patients was significantly positively correlated with FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and PaO(2) (r(s)=0.342, 0.324, 0.203, 0.207, P<0.05) , NLR was significantly negatively correlated with FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and PaO(2) (r(s)=-0.193, -0.202, -0.164, -0.177, P<0.05) , PLR was significantly negatively correlated with FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and PaO(2) (r(s)=-0.194, -0.193, -0.106, -0.113, P<0.05) . Multiple linear regression analysis showed that LMR in pneumoconiosis patients was positively related with FVC%, FEV(1)% and PaO(2) (P<0.05) . Conclusion: LMR in patients with pneumoconiosis has a certain correlation with lung function and blood gas analysis, LMR is expected to become a sensitive indicator for evaluating pneumoconiosis.

Overexpression of long noncoding RNA LINC00638 inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Background

Abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is involved in several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we intended to explore the expression of lncRNA LINC00638 in RA and its potential mechanism of action related to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Methods

The level of LINC00638 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from 45 RA patients and 30 normal controls was analyzed and its correlation with clinical indicators was investigated. In vitro, we used tumor necrosis factor‐α to stimulate fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) of RA patients for cell based experiments. Subsequently, the overexpressed plasmid and small interfering RNA of LINC00638 were designed. Furthermore, we further analyzed the potential effects of LINC00638 on the proliferation and migration of RA‐FLS and the nuclear factor erythrocyte derived 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) pathway.

Results

LINC00638 expression was found to be significantly decreased in PBMCs of RA patients, and it was negatively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin (IL)‐17, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and disease activity scores for 28 joints (DAS28). Overexpression of LINC00638 activated the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, markedly decreased the expressions of IL‐6, IL‐17, IL‐23, ROS, as well as malondialdehyde, increased the total antioxidant capacity, and attenuated the proliferation and migration of RA‐FLS, while silencing of LINC00638 reversed these manifestations.

Conclusions

LINC00638 was found to be expressed at low levels in RA patients and was associated with immune inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease activity. Overexpression of LINC00638 can reduce the proliferation as well as migration of RA‐FLS, and activate the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway to inhibit the inflammation and oxidative stress.

[Inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog signaling inhibits fibrous scar formation and adversely affects functional outcome after ischemic brain injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling on fibrous scar formation and functional outcome after ischemic brain injury.

METHODS

Adult SD rats were randomized into sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion (I/R) group, I/R with intraventricular empty adenoviral vector (rAd-NC) injection group, and I/R with adenovirus-mediated Shh knockdown (rAd-ShShh) group. After the treatments, the neurological deficits of the rats were assessed, and the protein and mRNA expressions of fibronectin (Fn), α-SMA, and Shh in the ischemic hemisphere were detected with immunofluorescence assay and qPCR; TUNEL staining was used for detecting neural cell apoptosis. In the cell experiment, primary meningeal fibroblasts isolated from neonatal SD rats were pretreated for 24 h with TGF-β1 or TGF-β1 plus cyclopamine (CYC) before oxygen-glucose deprivation for 150 min followed by reoxygenation for 72 h (OGD/R). CCK-8 assay and scratch test were performed to examine the changes in cell proliferation and migration, and immunofluorescence assay, qPCR and Western blotting were used for detecting cell transformation and the expressions of Shh, α-SMA, and Fn.

RESULTS

Cerebral I/R injury significantly increased the protein and mRNA expressions of Shh, α-SMA, and Fn in the ischemic hemisphere of the rats, but their expression levels were significantly lowered by intraventricular injection of rAd-Shshh (P < 0.05), which obviously increased cell apoptosis in the ischemic hemisphere (P < 0.05) and improved modified mNSS and modified Bederson scores of the rats (P < 0.05). In the cell experiment, pretreatment with TGF-β1 and TGF-β1+CYC both increased the viability of the primary meningeal fibroblasts after OGD/R. TGF-β1 significantly enhanced the migration ability and induced obvious transformation of the exposed cells (P < 0.05), but these effects were significantly attenuated by co-treatment with CYC (P < 0.05). The expressions of Shh, α-SMA and Fn in the TGF-β1 group were all significantly higher in TGF-β1-treated cells (P < 0.05) and were obviously lowered by co-treatment with CYC (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of Shh signaling may inhibit fibrous scar formation and functional recovery in rats after ischemic brain injury.

POS0409 INTESTINAL HIF1α EXPRESSION PROTECTS AGAINST EPITHELIAL CELL DEATH IN ARTHRITIS

Background

While a so-called gut-joint axis is supported by many clinical observations, the current knowledge on such axis is mostly confined to descriptive and correlative data, e.g. showing the microbiota changes are associated with arthritis. In contrast, mechanistic data on how molecular changes in the intestinal epithelium influence the development of arthritis are scarce.

Objectives

To investigate, whether the mucosal barrier in the intestine dependent of the epithelial cell survival maintenance, influences the development of arthritis.

Methods

Intestinal hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression was assessed before, at onset and during experimental arthritis and human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Intestinal epithelial cell-specific HIF1α conditional knock-out mice were generated (HIF1αΔIEC) and subjected to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Clinical and histological courses of arthritis were recorded, and T and B cell subsets were analyzed in the gut and secondary lymphatic organs, and intestinal epithelial cells were subjected to molecular mRNA sequencing in HIF1αΔIEC and littermate control mice. Furthermore, pharmacologic HIF1α stabilization by PHD inhibitor was used for the treatment of arthritis.

Results

Intestinal HIF1α expression peaked at onset and remained high in experimental arthritis and RA. Conditionally deletion of HIF1α in gut epithelial cells strongly exacerbate arthritis and was associated with increased gut epithelial cell death, intestinal and lymphatic Th1 and Th17 activation. Mechanistically, HIF1α inhibits the transcription of necroptotic and apoptotic markers, which leads to a defect in the intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, treatment with HIF1α stabilization reinforced the gut epithelial cell survival and inhibited arthritis.

Conclusion

These findings show that the HIF1α regulating epithelial cells survival is critical for the breakdown of the intestinal barrier function in arthritis highlighting the functional link between intestinal homeostasis and arthritis.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

[Protective effect of Epothilone D against traumatic optic nerve injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effect of Epothilone D on traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) in rats.

METHODS

Forty-two SD rats were randomized to receive intraperitoneal injection of 1.0 mg/kg Epothilone D or DMSO (control) every 3 days until day 28, and rat models of TON were established on the second day after the first administration. On days 3, 7, and 28, examination of flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP), immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were performed to examine the visual pathway features, number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), GAP43 expression level in damaged axons, and changes of Tau and pTau-396/404 in the retina and optic nerve.

RESULTS

In Epothilone D treatment group, RGC loss rate was significantly decreased by 19.12% (P=0.032) on day 3 and by 22.67% (P=0.042) on day 28 as compared with the rats in the control group, but FVEP examination failed to show physiological improvement in the visual pathway on day 28 in terms of the relative latency of N2 wave (P=0.236) and relative amplitude attenuation of P2-N2 wave (P=0.441). The total Tau content in the retina of the treatment group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group on day 3 (P < 0.001), showing a consistent change with ptau-396/404 level. In the optic nerve axons, the total Tau level in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group on day 7 (P=0.002), but the changes of the total Tau and pTau-396/404 level did not show an obvious correlation. Epothilone D induced persistent expression of GAP43 in the damaged axons, detectable even on day 28 of the experiment.

CONCLUSION

Epothilone D treatment can protect against TON in rats by promoting the survival of injured RGCs, enhancing Tau content in the surviving RGCs, reducing Tau accumulation in injured axons, and stimulating sustained regeneration of axons.

Factors influencing the Sharp score of 1057 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and anemia: a retrospective study

Objective

This study examined the relationship of the Sharp score with demographic factors and clinical immune-inflammatory markers in patients with anemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The clinical data of 1057 patients with RA and anemia and 1006 patients with RA without anemia were retrospectively analyzed. Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis, association rule analysis, and logistic regression were used to study the relationships between the Sharp score and influencing factors in patients with RA and anemia.

Results

The incidence of anemia was 51.24% (1057/2063), and mild anemia accounted for 81.93% (866/1057) of cases. Spearman’s correlation coefficient and association rule analyses revealed that the Sharp score of patients with RA and anemia was correlated with immune-inflammatory response and anemia. Logistic regression analysis illustrated that advanced age (>60 years), female, low serum iron levels, C-reactive protein positivity, and immunoglobulin A positivity were risk factors for a high Sharp score (>28.25) in patients with RA and anemia.

Conclusion

The Sharp score is closely related to clinical disease activity and anemia, and it should be considered in the treatment strategy of patients with RA and anemia.

Knockdown of circular RNA hsa_circ_0003307 inhibits synovial inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has a high disability rate, and an early diagnosis is difficult.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the possible functions and underlying mechanism of circular RNAs Homo sapiens (hsa)_circ_0003307 in ankylosing spondylitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The hsa_circ_0003307 expression levels were investigated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 30 AS patients and 30 healthy controls (HC) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were separated from synovial tissues, established as cell lines and cultured for subsequent cell experiments involving transfection with different vectors. The qRT-PCR analysis was used for evaluating the levels of hsa_circ_0003307 in AS-FLS. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway-related protein levels were measured using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between hsa_circ_0003307 and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The expression level of hsa_circ_0003307 was significantly high in AS patients and was positively associated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). We found that hsa_circ_0003307 overexpression could promote the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and expression of inflammatory cytokines - tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and TNF-α-induced protein 2 (TNFAIP2). However, hsa_circ_0003307 knockdown reduced the expression of TNF-α and TNFAIP2.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression level of hsa_circ_0003307 was associated with inflammatory response, and it was revealed that hsa_circ_0003307 knockdown could reduce the inflammatory response of AS by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Effective factors on Sharp Score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective study

Background

This study aims to describe the association between sharp score and clinical indexes, bone metabolism indexes, Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and sociodemographic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Data were collected from the HIS (hospital information system), a national inpatient database in China, with information on the patients hospitalized during the period from 2012 to 2019. The association between sharp score and effective factors were identified using multinomial logistic regression and association rule mining (ARM).

Results

Three thousand eight hundred and forty patients were included: 82.66% males, 17.34% females, mean (SD) age 56.95 (12.68) years and symptom duration 3.45 (1.09) years. Spearman correlation analysis and Association rules analysis showed that there were significant positive correlations between sharp score and effective factors. Logistic regression analysis presented that erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) were risk factors of sharp score. In the analysis of individual outcomes, sex, age, symptom duration, DSA28 score, RF, ever drinker, and radiographic grading of hands were influence factors of sharp score.

Conclusion

Sharp score should be taken into consideration in formulating treatment strategies in RA.

Combination therapy with interleukin-15 and metformin as a synergistic treatment for pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacies and mechanisms of combination therapy with interleukin-15 (IL-15) and metformin (Met) on suppressing pancreatic cell proliferation and protecting Panc02-bearing mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assays were applied to assess the inhibitory effects of IL-15 combined Met or Met and IL-15 alone on proliferation of normal HPDE6-C7 and Panc02 cells. After tumor grew up to 150 mm3, the Panc02-bearing xenograft model mice were randomly divided into saline group, IL-15 and Met alone group and combined treatment group (n=8) with the administration of each agent every other day for three weeks, and survival rates were recorded. The changes in tumor size, expression levels of the apoptosis, autophagy as well as Akt/mTOR/STAT3-related factors in tumor tissues were all measured.

RESULTS

MTT assays demonstrated significantly inhibiting efficacy of combination therapy with IL-15 and Met on Panc02 cell proliferation compared to other groups (all p<0.05) with combination index<1 showing evident synergistic effect. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of Panc02 cell under combined treatment were 95.5±3.2% and significantly higher than those of others (all p<0.01). In addition, combined administration remarkably inhibited the growth of pancreatic carcinoma, and improved survival rate of Panc02-bearing model with less body weight loss. Furthermore, combined treatment significantly downregulated anti-apoptotic proteins as well as Akt/mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway and upregulated autophagy related factors, respectively, compared with those of monotherapy groups in both Panc02 cells and tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined treatment of IL-15 with Met showed synergistic anti-tumor efficacies on Panc02 cells attributing to promotion on apoptosis, autophagy and inhibition on Akt/mTOR/STAT3 signaling-transduction in Panc02-bearing model mice.

Development of solid state terahertz interferometer for the first plasma on HL-2M tokamak

A solid state terahertz interferometer has been developed on the recent commissioned HL-2M tokamak. It can work in a wide frequency region of 220-325 GHz, and the terahertz wave is generated from a low frequency phase locked voltage controlled oscillator with the frequency multiplying technique. A phase processor based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology is designed for the heterodyne interferometer, and it contributes to real-time display of electron density. To extract phase information, a novel numerical algorithm related to fast Fourier transform is written on the FPGA chip and enables one to obtain phase shift without being affected by amplitude variation induced by plasma absorption or frequency modulation from the outer electromagnetic environment. The interferometer achieves minimum measurable electron density in the order of 10¹⁶ m^-3. With the plasma diagnosis, electron density and low frequency tearing mode have been measured during the first experimental campaign.

Triptolide promotes the apoptosis and attenuates the inflammation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by down-regulating lncRNA ENST00000619282

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), recognized as a common chronic autoimmune disease, is characterized by the excessive proliferation and inflammatory infiltration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). In this study, our purpose is to elucidate the mechanisms of triptolide (TPL) in the treatment of RA by regulating the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ENST00000619282, which promoted apoptosis and reduced inflammatory infiltration of FLS in RA (RA-FLS). RA-FLS was treated with different concentrations of TPL at different time points. CCK-8 assay, ELISA, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, TUNEL assay, and the transmission electron microscopy were used to measure the changes of cell viability, apoptosis, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Next, the involvement of ENST00000619282 in TPL-mediated protection against RA was explored. ENST00000619282 expression was significantly increased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients. ENST0000061928 expression in RA PBMCs was positively associated with ESR, RF, CCP, and DAS28, while TPL treatment led to a downregulation of ENST00000619282. In addition, ENST00000619282 was significantly increased in RA-FLS. Furthermore, overexpression of ENST00000619282 elevated the levels of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory factors, while reduced the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins and antiinflammatory factors. Besides, TPL treatment could reverse these effects by ENST00000619282 overexpression. The anti-RA potential of TPL might be achieved by downregulating ENST00000619282, thereby promoting apoptosis, and reducing the inflammatory response in RA.

A remote gain controlled and polarization angle tunable Doppler backward scattering reflectometer

Remote control of the diagnostic systems is the basic requirement for the high performance plasma operation in a fusion device. This work presents the development of the remote control system for the multichannel Doppler backward scattering (DBS) reflectometers. It includes a remote controlled quasi-optical system and a remote intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier gain control system. The quasi-optical system contains a rotational polarizer, its polarization angle is tunable through a remote controlled motor, and it could combine the microwave beams with a wide frequency range into one focused beam. The remote IF gain control system utilizes the digital microcontroller (MCU) technique to regulate the signal amplitude for each signal channel. The gain parameters of amplifiers are adjustable, and the feedback of working status in the IF system will be sent to MCU in real time for safe operation. The gain parameters could be controlled either by the Ethernet remote way or directly through the local control interface on the system. Preliminary experimental results show the effectiveness of the remote controlled multichannel DBS system.

[The value of MRI plain scan and DWI in the diagnosis of brain metastases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plain scan and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of brain metastases. Methods: The MRI plain imaging findings of 105 cases with brain metastases and 103 cases without brain metastases confirmed by enhanced MRI examination and clinical diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. The comparisons of plain MRI findings including T1 weighted image (T1WI), T2WI, T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR), DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were made between brain metastases and non-brain metastases. Results: The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T1WI in the brain metastatic group were 54, 23, 9 and 19, respectively, while the numbers of hypo-intensity and iso-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group were 52 and 51, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T2WI in the brain metastatic group were 1, 9, 72 and 23, respectively, while the numbers of iso-intensity and hyper-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group were 11 and 92, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of DWI in the brain metastatic group were 4, 31 and 65, respectively, while the number of hyper-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group was 4 and others were iso-intensity, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T2WI/FLAIR in the brain metastatic group were 4, 5, 60 and 36, respectively, while all cases in the non-brain metastatic group were hyper-intensity, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The number of lesion accompanied with peripheral edema in the brain metastatic group were 69 cases, significantly higher than 0 cases in the non-brain metastatic group (P<0.001). The mean ADC value in the brain metastatic group were (0.919±0.019)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, significantly lower than (1.098±0.012)×10(-3) mm(2)/s of non-brain metastatic group (P<0.05). Conclusions: For patients with a history of primary malignancy, the MRI plain scan signals of T1WI, T2WI, T2WI/FLAIR and DWI are significantly different between brain metastatic tumor and non-metastatic tumor. The mixed signal, peripheral edema and the restriction of DWI diffusion indicate brain metastases. The combined application of the above parameters can improve the diagnostic efficacy of predicting brain metastases, and contrast enhancement MRI examination should be performed for the confirmation of diagnosis.

Partial repigmentation of a vitiliginous nipple areolar complex following therapeutic mammoplasty

We discuss the unusual repigmentation of a vitiliginous region of a nipple areolar complex following a therapeutic mammoplasty. We consider the autoimmune mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of vitiligo and their potential interplay with the immunological pathways involved in this patient's breast cancer and ultimately in the postoperative recovery period. This case highlights the potential interconnecting thread of immunological disruptions, which may provide a springboard for further discussion around the treatment for vitiligo. It also provides a useful point of note when counselling darker skin patients around scarring when undergoing surgical interventions.

Genomic scan revealed KIT gene underlying white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese

Goose is an important type of domesticated poultry. The wild geese that are regarded as the ancestors of modern domestic geese present gray plumage. Domesticated, geese have both white and gray feathers. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of white and gray plumage in geese, we resequenced the whole genome of 18 geese from six populations including white and gray goose breeds. The average sequencing depth per individual was 9.81× and the average genome coverage was 96.8%. A total of 346 genes were detected in the top 1% of F_ST scores of gray- and white-feathered geese, and a significant F_ST site was located in the intron region within the KIT gene, the 18 bp deletion in KIT having the strongest potential association with white feathers. It has been reported that a number of genes are associated with plumage colors in birds. However, no studies have identified the relationship between KIT and plumage color in birds at present, although the white coat can be attributed to mutations in KIT in some mammals. Our study showed that that KIT is a plausible candidate gene for white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese.

MicroRNA-26b-5p alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats via inhibiting the N-myc/PTEN axis by downregulating KLF10 expression

MicroRNAs plays important role in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR). However, the role of miR-26b-5p in CIR injury remains unclear. PC12 cells were treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 0 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and then reoxygenated for 24 h to construct an in vitro I/R model. Then, miR-26b-5p mimic, small interfering RNA of KLF10 and KLF10 overexpression plasmid were transfected into cells respectively for mechanism study. Our results showed that miR-26b-5p was downregulated in OGD/R-induced PC12 cells. After overexpression of miR-26b-5p, cell proliferation ability was enhanced, apoptosis, ROS and inflammatory mediators were inhibited. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that miR-26b-5p was directly bound to the 3' UTR of KLF10, and downregulated the expression of KLF10. KLF10 was upregulated in OGD/R cells, and transfection with si-KLF10 promoted cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis, NO concentration and inflammatory factor secretion. Moreover, pcDNA-KLF10 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-26b-5p mimic on apoptosis, NO content and inflammatory factor secretion, as well as the downregulation of N-myc and PTEN expression. Meanwhile, I/R rat models were constructed and divided into sham operation group (femoral artery isolation only), model group (middle cerebral artery occlusion model of rats was prepared by thread embolization), treatment group (200 µL of miR-26b-5p mimic was injected into the brain of model rats). We observed that the infarct size of brain tissue was reduced, KLF10 expression was downregulated, and apoptosis and inflammatory response were reduced. These results suggest that miR-26b-5p had protective effects on CIRI and it may be a potential treatment target.

[Application value of high-throughput gene copy number variation detection in the diagnosis of enlarged vestibular aqueduct]

Objective: To explore the application value of high-throughput gene detection method of copy number variations (CNV) in the diagnosis of enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). Methods: A total of 46 nonsyndromic hearing loss patients with EVA were recruited between May 2014 and December 2016 from Department of Otolaryngology of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. A high-throughput multiplex analysis method based on double ligation and multiple fluorescent PCR was designed and performed to detect CNV in the three EVA-related genes (SLC26A4, FOXI1 and KCNJ10). The data were analyzed by GeneMapper v4.1. Healthy volunteers (n=100) were selected as normal controls. Results: A total of 46 EVA patients were detected (32 males, 14 females, aged 1 to 26 years). In 4 EVA patients, deletions of exons 1-3 of SLC26A4 gene (4/46, 8.7%) were detected, which were not reported in the database of genomic variants (DGV), and were absent in 100 normal controls. There was no CNV detected in FOXI1 and KCNJ10 in the study. Conclusions: In the current study, three known EVA-related genes were designed as the target area for CNV detection by high-throughput ligation-dependent probe amplification (HLPA) analysis. This method can be used as a supplementary analysis of point mutation detection of hearing loss, which helps achieve the accurate genetic diagnosis of EVA.

Expression and clinical significance of circular RNAs related to immunity and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in and clinical significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) expression related to immunity and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We analyzed the circRNAs related to immunity and inflammation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from three RA patients and three healthy controls using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, four differentially expressed circRNAs were verified by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We selected hsa_circ_0003353 for functional phenotype analysis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) according to correlation tests and logistic regression analysis. The results identified and verified the expression of circRNAs (0003353, 0005732, 0072428, 0091685) that were significantly changed in PBMCs from RA patients. ROC analysis suggested that these circRNAs have significant value in RA diagnosis. Spearman analysis revealed that significant relationships between these circRNAs and clinical indicators as well as SPP. The logistic regression analysis showed that clinical indicators and SPP were risk factors for hsa_circ_0003353 expression, which is worthy of further investigation. As predicted, hsa_circ_0003353 had significantly higher expression in RA-FLS. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokine production of RA-FLS showed significant alterations after hsa_circ_0003353 suppression and overexpression. Our results indicate that hsa_circ_0003353 may play an essential role in promoting immunity, inflammation, synovial invasion, and joint destruction and that hsa_circ_0003353 may act as a biomarker of RA.