Andrographolide loaded montmorillonite attenuated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli induced intestinal barrier injury and inflammation in a mouse model

Montmorillonite (MMT), a natural absorbent agent, has widely been accepted for its antidiarrhea function in human and farm animals; however, its specific physicochemical property limits its biological function in practical use. In the current study, raw MMT was loaded by andrographolide, namely andrographolide loaded montmorillonite (AGP-MMT). The microstructure of AGP-MMT was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effect of AGP-MMT on the growth performance, intestinal barrier and inflammation was investigated in an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenged mice model. The results show that the microstructure of MMT was obviously changed after andrographolide modification: AGP-MMT exhibited a large number of spheroid particles, and floccule aggregates, but lower interplanar spacing compared with MMT. ETEC infection induced body weight losses and intestinal barrier function injury, as indicated by a lower villus height and ratio of villus height/crypt depth, whereas the serum levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), D-xylose and ETEC shedding were higher in the ETEC group compared with the CON group. Mice pretreated with AGP-MMT showed alleviated body weight losses and the intestinal barrier function injury induced by ETEC challenge. The villus height and the ratio of villus height/crypt depth, were higher in mice pretreated with AGP-MMT than those pretreated with equal levels of MMT. Pretreatment with AGP-MMT also alleviated the increased concentration of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the corresponding genes in the jejunum induced by ETEC infection in mice. The protein and mRNA levels of IL-1β were lower in mice pretreated with AGP-MMT than those with equal levels of MMT. The results indicate that AGP-MMT was more effective in alleviating intestinal barrier injury and inflammation in mice with ETEC challenge than MMT.

Splitting phonons: Building a platform for linear mechanical quantum computing

Linear optical quantum computing provides a desirable approach to quantum computing, with only a short list of required computational elements. The similarity between photons and phonons points to the interesting potential for linear mechanical quantum computing using phonons in place of photons. Although single-phonon sources and detectors have been demonstrated, a phononic beam splitter element remains an outstanding requirement. Here we demonstrate such an element, using two superconducting qubits to fully characterize a beam splitter with single phonons. We further use the beam splitter to demonstrate two-phonon interference, a requirement for two-qubit gates in linear computing. This advances a new solid-state system for implementing linear quantum computing, further providing straightforward conversion between itinerant phonons and superconducting qubits.

Fluorophore-Conjugated Anti-ICOS Antibody Enables Precise Prediction of Therapeutic Response of the STING Agonist in Colorectal Cancer via NIRF Imaging

The innovation of cancer immunotherapy is improving the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in clinics. Nevertheless, due to tumor heterogeneity and complex underlying inhibitory mechanisms, the therapeutic response greatly varies among different patients. To optimize the clinical management of CRC patients, it is critical to develop novel approaches for response monitoring and prediction. In the current study, we developed a novel near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging probe (Cy5.5-ICOS mAb) targeting the inducible T-cell costimulatory receptor (ICOS or CD278) and assessed its capacity for the detection of ICOS⁺-activated T cells in vivo. ICOS expression was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining in subcutaneous MC38 models treated with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist (STINGa). NIRF imaging study was performed 1 day after the last treatment, and tumor volume was monitored every other day with a caliper. A significantly higher optical signal could be detected at tumor regions in STINGa group, compared with that in the PBS group at all time points imaged, and this was in line with ex vivo imaging and immunofluorescence staining study. The data demonstrated that Cy5.5-ICOS mAb could detect ICOS⁺-activated T cells with high specificity, and ICOS NIRF imaging is a promising strategy for predicting and monitoring immune response in CRC.

Colon Cancer-Related Genes Identification and Function Study Based on Single-Cell Multi-Omics Integration

Transcriptomes and DNA methylation of colon cancer at the single-cell level are used to identify marker genes and improve diagnoses and therapies. Seven colon cancer subtypes are recognized based on the single-cell RNA sequence, and the differentially expressed genes regulated by dysregulated methylation are identified as marker genes for different types of colon cancer. Compared with normal colon cells, marker genes of different types show very obvious specificity, especially upregulated genes in tumors. Functional enrichment analysis for marker genes indicates a possible relation between colon cancer and nervous system disease, moreover, the weak immune system is verified in colon cancer. The heightened expression of markers and the reduction of methylation in colon cancer promote tumor development in an extensive mechanism so that there is no biological process that can be enriched in different types.

Genome-wide scanning for CHD1L gene in papillary thyroid carcinoma complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) represents the most common subtype of thyroid cancer (TC). This study was set out to explore the potential effect of CHD1L on PTC and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We searched for T2DM susceptibility genes through the GWAS database and obtained T2DM-related differentially expressed gene from the GEO database. The expression and clinical data of TC and normal samples were collated from the TCGA database. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was subsequently applied to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the CHD1L for the diagnosis of PTC. The MCP-counter package in R language was then utilized to generate immune cell score to evaluate the relationship between CHD1L expression and immune cells. Then, we performed functional enrichment analysis of co-expressed genes and DEGs to determine significantly enriched GO terms and KEGG to predict the potential functions of CHD1L in PTC samples and T2DM adipose tissue.

RESULTS

From two genes (ABCB9, CHD1L) were identified to be DEGs (p < 1 * 10^-5) that exerted effects on survival (HR > 1, p < 0.05) in PTC and served as T2DM susceptibility genes. The gene expression matrix-based scoring of immunocytes suggested that PTC samples with high and low CHD1L expression presented with significant differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The enrichment analysis of CHD1L co-expressed genes and DEGs suggested that CHD1L was involved in multiple pathways to regulate the development of PTC. Among them, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection, salmonella infection and TNF signaling pathways were highlighted as the three most relevant pathways. GSEA analysis, employed to analyze the genome dataset of PTC samples and T2DM adipose tissue presenting with high and low expression groups of CHD1L, suggests that these differential genes are related to chemokine signaling pathway, leukocyte transendothelial migration and TCELL receptor signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

CHD1L may potentially serve as an early diagnostic biomarker for PTC, and a target of immunotherapy for PTC and T2DM.

[Metabolomics study of urine with Benzene, Toluene and Xylene combined exposure based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry]

Objective: To study the effects of combined occupational exposure of benzene, toluene, and xylene on human metabolism at an overall level, and to screen biomarkers related to the combined occupational exposure of benzene, toluene, and xylene, and to explore the mechanism of early health effects preliminarily caused by combined occupational exposure of benzene, toluene, and xylene by identification of biomarkers and retrieval of metabolic pathways. Methods: A shoe-making company was selected as the research site. Twenty subjects for the exposed group and the control group were selected separately, and urine of the subjects was collected. The metabolic profiles of the samples were collected by liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and professional metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis software were used to establish PCA and OPLS-DA analysis models to screen potential biomarkers and identify biomarkers. Finally, based on the dynamic changes and trends of potential biomarkers between groups, the mechanism of body damage caused by benzene, toluene, and xylene was initially explored. Results: Urine metabolomics analysis showed that the metabolic profile of urine samples of the benzene, toluene, and xylene combined exposure group was different from that of the control group. 27 potential biomarkers that were closely related to the combined exposure of benzene, toluene, and xylene were screened and identified. These potential biomarkers were enriched in 16 metabolic pathways, of which 3 pathways were significantly enriched (P<0.05) , respectively, lysine metabolism, amino sugar metabolism, and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Conclusion: The metabonomics method can well reflect the changes in the metabolome of urine samples in the occupational population after the combined exposure of benzene, toluene, and xylene, which will help us better evaluate the risk of combined exposure of benzene, toluene, and xylene and prevent and control their health risks.

Experimental study on synergistic effect of HIFU treatment of tumors using Bifidobacterium bound with cationic phase-change nanoparticles

OBJECTIVE

Anaerobic bacteria can enter the solid tumor in the hypoxic region to colonize and proliferate. Aggregation of nanoparticles in the tumor area can enhance molecular imaging and therapy. It is hypothesized that the combination of the two could possibly achieve better imaging and tumor treatment. This study presents a biocompatible bacteria-based system that can deliver cationic phase-change nanoparticles (CPNs) into solid tumor to achieve enhanced imaging and treatment integration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cationic phase-change nanoparticles (CPNs) and Bifidobacterium longum (BF) were mixed to determine the best binding rate and were placed in an agar phantom for ultrasonography. BF-CPNs complex adhesion to breast cancer cells was observed by laser confocal microscopy. In vivo, BF-CPNs and control groups were injected into tumors in breast cancer nude mouse models. Nanoparticles distribution was observed by ultrasound and in vivo fluorescence imaging. HIFU ablation was performed after injection. Gross and histological changes were compared and synergy was evaluated.

RESULTS

Bifidobacterium longum (BF) and CPNs were combined by electrostatic adsorption. The BF-CPNs particles could increase the deposition of energy after liquid-gas phase-change during High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) irradiation of tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a valid method in diagnosis and therapy integration for providing stronger imaging, longer retention time, and more effective tumor treatment.

A WRKY transcription factor, TaWRKY40-D, promotes leaf senescence associated with jasmonic acid and abscisic acid pathways in wheat

Leaf senescence is a complex and precise regulatory process that is correlated with numerous internal and environmental factors. Leaf senescence is tightly related to the redistribution of nutrients, which significantly affects productivity and quality, especially in crops. Evidence shows that the mediation of transcriptional regulation by WRKY transcription factors is vital for the fine-tuning of leaf senescence. However, the underlying mechanisms of the involvement of WRKY in leaf senescence are still unclear in wheat. Using RNA sequencing data, we isolated a novel WRKY transcription factor, TaWRKY40-D, which localizes in the nucleus and is basically induced by the progression of leaf senescence. TaWRKY40-D is a promoter of natural and dark-induced leaf senescence in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and wheat. We also demonstrated a positive response of TaWRKY40-D in wheat upon jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Consistent with this, the detached leaves of TaWRKY40-D VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing) wheat plants showed a stay-green phenotype, while TaWRKY40-D overexpressing Arabidopsis plants showed premature leaf senescence after JA and ABA treatment. Moreover, our results revealed that TaWRKY40-D positively regulates leaf senescence, possibly by altering the biosynthesis and signalling of JA and ABA pathway genes. Together, our results suggest a new regulator of JA- and ABA-related leaf senescence, as well as a new candidate gene that can be used for molecular breeding in wheat.

Correlation between endothelial cell apoptosis and SIRT3 gene expression in atherosclerosis rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between the endothelial cell apoptosis and sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) gene expression in atherosclerosis (AS) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The AS model in rats was established through the high-fat diet. A total of 12 rats fed normally were enrolled as the control group, while 12 rats fed with high-fat diet were enrolled as the experimental group. After the experiment, the aortic tissues of rats were collected, and the relative area of the arterial plaque (total area of plaque/total area of the vessel) was measured via oil red O staining. The serum was collected to detect the levels of blood lipid, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Moreover, the expression levels of SIRT3 and apoptotic genes were determined via Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. The apoptosis was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining.

RESULTS

The area of aortic plaque in the experimental group [(36.15±9.52)%] was significantly larger than that in the control group [(11.62±3.25)%] (p<0.01). Compared with those in the control group, the serum TC, TG and LDL-C levels were significantly increased in the experimental group, while the HDL-C level was significantly decreased (p<0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT3 in the aorta of rats markedly declined in the experimental group (p<0.05), while Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expressions were significantly increased (p<0.05), respectively. The results of TUNEL staining revealed that the apoptosis in the aorta of rats in the experimental group was remarkably higher than that in the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of SIRT3 is deleted in the aorta of AS rats and closely related to the apoptosis. SIRT3 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of AS.

One-day protocol for 18F-FDG and 13N-ammonia PET/CT with uptake decoupling score in differentiating untreated low-grade glioma from inflammation

PURPOSE

Accurate identification of low-grade gliomas (LGGs; World Health Organization grades I and II) and their differentiation from brain inflammation lesions (BILs) remains difficult; however, it is essential for treatment. This study assessed whether a one-day protocol for voxel-wise ¹⁸F-FDG and ¹³N-ammonia PET/CT with uptake decoupling analysis could differentiate LGGs from BILs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with LGGs and 16 patients with BILs underwent ¹⁸F-FDG and ¹³N-ammonia PET/CT on the same day before any type of therapy. The decoupling score and tumor-to-normal tissue (T/N) ratio of ¹⁸F-FDG and ¹³N-ammonia were calculated at each location. Student's t-test was used to compare values, and ROC curve analysis was used to establish a cut-off value for the T/N ratio and decoupling score. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate differential efficacy.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in ¹³N-ammonia T/N ratio (p=0.018) and decoupling score (p=0.003) between LGGs and BILs; however, the ¹⁸F-FDG T/N ratio did not show any differences (p=0.413). Optimal cut-off values for ¹⁸F-FDG T/N ratio, ¹³N-ammonia T/N ratio, and decoupling score were 0.73, 0.97, and 2.31, respectively, with corresponding AUCs of 0.48, 0.68, and 0.77. The respective sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy parameters using these cut-off values were 53.6%, 62.5%, and 56.8%, respectively, for ¹⁸F-FDG; 50.0%, 75.0%, and 59.1%, respectively, for ¹³N-ammonia; and 60.7%, 93.8%, and 72.7%, respectively, for decoupling score.

CONCLUSIONS

¹⁸F-FDG/¹³N-ammonia uptake decoupling score can be used to discriminate between LGGs and BILs. Use of a decoupling map of these two tracers can improve visual analysis and diagnostic accuracy.

The miR-141/neuropilin-1 axis is associated with the clinicopathology and contributes to the growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer

Background

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a non-tyrosine kinase receptor interacting with multiple signaling pathways that underpin the biological behavior and fate of cancer cells. However, in pancreatic cancer, the mechanisms underlying the function of NRP-1 in cell proliferation and metastasis and the involvement of regulatory upstream miRNAs remain unclear.

Methods

Potential miRNAs were mined by using multiple bioinformatics prediction tools and validated by luciferase assays. The expression of NRP-1 and miRNA-141 (miR-141) in pancreatic tissues and cells was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and/or real-time RT-PCR. Stable transfected cells depleted of NRP-1 were generated, and regulatory effects of miR-141 were investigated by transfecting cells with miR-141 mimics and anti-miR-141. Assays of cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, transwell migration and cell scratch were employed. Xenograft tumor models were established to assess the effects of NRP-1 depletion on tumorigenesis and liver metastasis, and therapeutic effects of miR-141 on tumor growth. The role of miR-141/NRP-1 axis in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by co-interacting the TGF-β pathway was examined.

Results

In this study, of 12 candidate miRNAs identified, miR-141 showed the strongest ability to regulate NRP-1. In pancreatic cancer tissues and cells, the expression level of NRP-1 was negatively correlated with that of miR-141. NRP-1 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with normal pancreatic tissues, and its expression levels were positively correlated with tumor grade, lymph metastasis and AJCC staging. NRP-1 depletion inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase through upregulating p27 and downregulating cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2, and reduced cell migration by inhibiting EMT through upregulating E-cadherin and downregulating Snail and N-cadherin. Through downregulating NRP-1, miR-141 mimics showed a similar effect as NRP-1 depletion on cell proliferation and migration. NRP-1 depletion suppressed tumor growth and liver metastasis and miR-141 mimics inhibited the growth of established tumors in mice. NRP-1 depletion and/or miR-141 mimics inhibited the activation of the TGF-β pathway stimulated by TGF-β ligand.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that NRP-1 is negatively regulated by miR-141 and the miR-141/NRP-1 axis may serve as potentially valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.

[Determination of seven urinary metabolites of benzene, toluene and xylene by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry]

Objective: To develop a method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to determine the urinary metabolites of benzene, toluene and xylene. The selected metabolites are S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) , trans, trans-muconic acid (t, t-MA) , 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) , hippuric acid (HA) , 2-methylhippuric acid (2-MHA) , 3-methylhippuric acid (3-MHA) and 4-methylhippuric acid (4-MHA) . Methods: The urine sample was pretreated using methanol to precipitate the proteins. HSS T3 chromatographic column was used to separate the metabolites. The mass spectrometric acquisition was carried out using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) after ionization with ESI source. External standard method was used for quantification. Results: All the standard curves showed good linear relation, and r of the seven metabolites was all above 0.999. The detection limits and quantitative limits of the seven metabolites were 0.01-500 ng/ml and 0.02-1 000 ng/ml (based on the actual dilution ratio) , respectively. The average spiked recoveries of four loadings ranged from 85.8% to 109.9%. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were 0.2%-4.5% and 0.6%-9.5%, respectively. The samples can be kept for at least 14 days at both 4 ℃ and -20 ℃. Conclusion: This method is simple, rapid and highly sensitive with low cost, and its accuracy, precision and stability can meet the daily test requirements. It can be applied for the determination of urinary S-PMA, t, t-MA, 8-OHdG, HA, 2-MHA, 3-MHA and 4-MHA for the occupational population exposed to benzene, toluene and xylene.

[Determination of Cortisol in Saliva by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry]

Objective: To establish a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to determine the cortisol in saliva. Methods: Take 0.5 ml saliva sample into a 2 ml centrifuge tube, add excess sodium chloride and 1ml acetonitrile to it, then vortex for 3 min, centrifuge for 10 min at 15 000 r/min, and take 800 μl of the upper layer to another centrifuge tube. Finally, the sample was concentrated by a vacuum concentrator and brought to 200 μl with the initial mobile phase. Then, the sample was analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The target compound was quantified by external standard curve method. Results: The linear range of the method was 0.02-5.00 ng/ml, r=0.999 9, the method limit of the detection was 0.002 ng/ml, the method limit of quantitative was 0.02 ng/ml, and the spiked recoveries were 89.60%-98.60%. The intra-assay precision was 1.90%-3.30%, and the inter-assay precision was 4.20%-9.00%; samples could be stored at -20 °C for at least 14 days. The determination of cortisol could not be interfered by other endogenous substances in the sample. Conclusion: The method is simple in pretreatment, high sensitivity, good reproducibility and good recovery, and it is suitable for the quantitative analysis of cortisol in saliva for normal and occupationally stressed populations.

PROPERTIES OF THERMOLUMINESCENT CARDS WITH HIGH SENSITIVE GR-200A LiF:Mg,Cu, P DETECTORS FOR HARSHAW AUTOMATIC READER

New DML TL cards with GR-200A detectors were developed. The TL sensitivity remains stable and the detectors were sealed firmly during the encapsulation process. The sensitivity, detection threshold, residual signal, reusability, dose response and Teflon capsule resistance of DML cards with two GR-200A detectors with diameter 3.6 mm and thickness 0.38 mm placed in positions 2 and 3 were evaluated. The detection thresholds were 0.61 μSv for the detector at position 2 and 1.15 μSv for the detector at position 3. The residual signals were 0.40% for the detector at position 2 and 0.57% for the detector at position 3. The 10 repeated readings of the same 10 irradiated cards were found within 1% for the two detectors on the cards. The DML cards demonstrate very high sensitivity, low background and good stability and can be used for very low dose ranges in personnel dosimetry and in environmental monitoring.

A Novel LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Triple Network Identifies LncRNA RP11-363E7.4 as An Important Regulator of miRNA and Gene Expression in Gastric Cancer

Background/Aims: Recent evidence has shown that some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various biological processes. However, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Methods: We reannotated the GC gene expression profile into a lncRNA-mRNA biphasic profile and integrated the microRNA target data to construct a global GC triple network. A further clustering and random walk with restart analyses was performed on the triple network from the level of topology analyses. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine expression of lncRNA RP11-363E7.4. Kaplan-Meier analyses was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of lncRNA RP11-363E7.4. Results: We constructed a gastric cancer lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network (GCLMN) including six lncRNAs, 332 mRNAs, and 3,707 edges. For the shared lncRNA RP11-363E7.4, the interacting gene and microRNA functional enrichment studies implied that lncRNA RP11-363E7.4 might function as a new regulator in GC. The expression of lncRNA RP11-363E7.4 was downregulated compared with that of paracarcinoma tissues in five GC samples. High expression of lncRNA RP11-363E7.4 was found to be correlated to better overall survival (OS) for GC patients. Conclusions: This study focused on GC lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks, and found that lncRNA RP11-363E7.4 was a new GC risk lncRNA, which might provide novel insight into a better understanding of the pathogenesis of GC.

An artificial lncRNA targeting multiple miRNAs overcomes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Sorafenib resistance remains a major obstacle for the effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and a number of miRNAs contribute to this resistance. However, the regulatory networks of miRNAs are very complex, thus inhibiting a single miRNA may sequentially activate other compensatory pathways. In the present study, we generated an artificial long non-coding RNA (AlncRNA), which simultaneously targets multiple miRNAs including miR-21, miR-153, miR-216a, miR-217, miR-494 and miR-10a-5p. These miRNAs have been shown to be upregulated in sorafenib-resistant cells and participate in the mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance. The AlncRNA contains tandem sequences of 6 copies of the complementary binding sequences to the target miRNAs and is expressed by an adenoviral vector (Ad5-AlncRNA). Infection of Ad5-AlncRNA into sorafenib-resistant HCC cells blocked the function of miRNAs, and sequentially inhibited the downregulation of PTEN and activation of AKT. Ad5-AlncRNA significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of sorafenib-resistant cells and enhanced the effects of sorafenib in vitro and in animal models. Inhibition of autophagy decreased the sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant cells to Ad5-AlncRNA, while its induction had the opposite effect. These results indicate that targeting multiple miRNAs by the artificial lncRNA could be a potential promising strategy for overcoming sorafenib resistance in the treatment of HCC.

[Interaction between family history of diabetes and hyperlipidemia on risk of diabetes in population with normotension in Harbin: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To explore the interaction between family history of diabetes and hyperlipidemia on the risk of diabetes in population with normotension. Methods: A multistage stratified probability random sampling was conducted to select a representative sample of urban residents aged 20-74 years in Harbin. A total of 376 diabetes patients with normotension and 3 692 residents with normal blood pressure, normal fasting glucose, and normal 2 hours glucose from OGTT were surveyed. The interaction was evaluated by using crossover analysis and additive model. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that there was a possible additive interaction between family history of diabetes and hyperlipidemia on the risk of diabetes. The relative excess risk due to the interaction, the attributable proportion due to the interaction, and the synergy index were 1.97 (95%CI:-0.32-4.26), 0.30 (95%CI: 0.03-0.57), and 1.54 (95%CI: 0.96-2.47), respectively. There were significant combination effects between family history of diabetes and high both total cholesterol and triglyceride, isolated high total cholesterol, and isolated high triglyceride levels; the ORs were 10.55 (95%CI: 5.62-19.80), 7.81 (95%CI: 3.65-16.71) and 5.13 (95%CI: 3.22-8.16), respectively. Conclusion: There might be synergistic effect between family history of diabetes and hyperlipidemia on the risk of diabetes in population with normotension.

[Perioperational management of gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications: a serial of 37 clinical cases]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of perioperational management of gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications. Methods: We collected 37 cases of gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications who were hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital from Jan. 2010 to Nov. 2014. All of the cases were planned to move to ICU right after operation based on the preoperational assessment of anesthetist and physician. The median age was 69.4 years, and 25 cases (68%,25/37) of them were over 70 years old. The pathological types, preoperational complications, preoperational preparation, process of anesthesia and surgery, post-operational short-term morbidity were retrospectively analyzed. Results: (1) Pathological type: among 37 cases of gynecological cancer patients, 16 cases of endometrial cancer, 12 cases of ovarian cancer, 5 cases of vulvar cancer, 3 cases of uterine sarcoma and 1 case of fallopian cancer. (2) Preoperational complication: all the patients had more than 2 types of internal complications, 34 cases (92%, 34/37)of them had no less than 3 types of internal complications. The preoperational complications mainly included 25 cases of hypertension, 13 cases of coronary heart disease and 5 cases of arrhythmia, 5 cases of history of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, 19 cases of diabetes and 1 case of obesity, 6 cases of allergic asthma and history of pulmonary embolism. (3) Preoperational preparation: medication were taken according to internal physicians to make blood pressure lower than 140/90 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), fasting blood glucose lower than 8.0 mmol/L, postprandial blood glucose lower than 10.0 mmol/L and cardiac function return to a generally normal status. (4) Process of anesthesia and surgery: 37 cases completed operation successfully after preoperational anesthetic assessment and internal medication. No perioperational death was observed. (5) Post-operational morbidity: 17 cases of post-operational short-term morbidity were observed before discharge, including 9 cases of poor wound healing, 5 cases of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and 3 cases of pulmonary infection. All of them were improved or cured. Conclusion: Surgery is safe and applicable to gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications on the compressive management of anesthesia assessment, perioperational internal adjustment and post-operational multi-discipline treatment.

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy versus conventional staged hepatectomy: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Controversies persist between associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and conventional staged hepatectomy. This meta-analysis aims to compare completion, regeneration capacity, and surgical outcomes between the two strategies.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Medline. The main endpoints consisted of completion rate, future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy ratio, morbidity, major complication, minor complication, post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and mortality. Pooled data was assessed by the use of a random-effects model. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of the 124 identified studies, 7 were eligible and were included in our analysis (N.=525 participants). In the two groups, there was no statistical difference in morbidity (OR=1.62; 95% CI: 0.81-3.20; Z=1.37; P=0.17), minor complication rate (OR=1.27; 95% CI: 0.50-3.21; Z=0.51; P=0.61), PHLF rate (OR=0.87; 95% CI: 0.34-2.22; Z=0.30; P=0.76), mortality (OR=1.68; 95% CI: 0.59-4.83; Z=0.97; P=0.33). Meanwhile, statistical significance was showed in the completion rate (OR=8.29; 95% CI: 2.49-27.53; Z=3.45; P=0.0006), FLR hypertrophy ratio (MD=28.00; 95% CI: 16.06-39.93; Z=4.60; P<0.00001) and major complication rate (OR=1.83; 95% CI: 1.08-3.10; Z=2.26; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with conventional staged hepatectomy, ALPPS provides a higher completion rate and FLR hypertrophy ratio. However, it results in more major complications. Conventional staged hepatectomy is not better than ALPPS in the aspects of minor complication, PHLF, morbidity and mortality.

Dual inhibition of Akt and c-Met as a second-line therapy following acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Sorafenib displays a limited efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some patients with HCC initially respond to sorafenib, but eventually succumb to the disease, indicating that the acquired resistance to sorafenib reduces its beneficial effects. No alternative drugs are available after the failure of sorafenib therapy. Therefore, investigation of the mechanisms underlying the acquired resistance and development of second-line treatments for sorafenib-resistant HCC are urgently required. In this study, sorafenib-resistant HCC cells generated from sorafenib-sensitive human HCC cells were shown to overproduce hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and overexpress c-Met kinase and its phosphorylated form, leading to the activation of Akt and ERK (extracellular signaling-regulated kinase) pathways. Use of specific c-Met inhibitors enhanced the effects of sorafenib by inhibiting the growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Akt inhibitors, a class of second-line therapeutic drugs under investigation for treating HCC in clinical trials, enhanced the effects of sorafenib, but also activated the c-Met pathway in sorafenib-resistant cells. Dual inhibition of Akt and c-Met by their respective inhibitors, MK2206 and capmatinib, additively or synergistically suppressed sorafenib-resistant HCC cells in vitro and sorafenib-resistant HCC xenografts in mice. The anticancer activities of MK2206 mainly rely on its ability to induce cell apoptosis and autophagic death, while capmatinib treatment leads to cell cycle arrest at phase G1. These results provide strong evidence for further investigation on the clinical utility of dual inhibition of Akt and c-Met, particularly MK2206 and capmatinib, as a second-line therapy for advanced HCC that has acquired resistance to sorafenib.

Partial splenic embolization has beneficial effects for the management of gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) is used in the management of gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage (GEVH). However, it is uncertain whether it has beneficial effects for GEVH patients in preventing variceal recurrence and variceal hemorrhage, as well as promoting overall survival (OS), when it is combined with conventional therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to 11th of November, 2015. Meta-analyses were performed by using Review Manager 5.3 software for analyzing the risk of bias, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for assessing the bias of cohort studies, and GRADEprofiler software for assessing outcomes obtained from the meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1505 articles were reviewed, and 1 randomized controlled trial and 5 cohort studies with 244 participants were eligible for inclusion. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) of variceal recurrence is 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37, 0.68; P< 0.00001; I2 = 0%). The pooled HR of variceal hemorrhage is 0.24 (95% CI 0.15, 0.39; P< 0.00001; I2 = 0%). The pooled HR of OS is 0.50 (95% CI 0.33, 0.67; P< 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Meta-analyses demonstrated statistically significant superiority of combinational therapies over conventional therapies in preventing variceal recurrence and variceal hemorrhage and prolonging OS. The complications related to PSE were mild or moderate and nonfatal.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that PSE has beneficial effects for GEVH patients, however, future investigation with a larger number of subjects in clinical trials is warranted.

Molecular cloning and expression pattern of oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) nitric oxide synthase

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) produces nitric oxide (NO) by catalyzing the conversion of l-arginine to l-citrulline, with the concomitant oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Recently, various studies have verified the importance of NOS invertebrates and invertebrates. However, the NOS gene family in the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense is poorly understood. In this study, we cloned the full-length NOS complementary DNA from M. nipponense (MnNOS) and characterized its expression pattern in different tissues and at different developmental stages. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed the MnNOS gene to be expressed in all investigated tissues, with the highest levels observed in the androgenic gland (P < 0.05). Our results revealed that the MnNOS gene may play a key role in M. nipponense male sexual differentiation. Moreover, RT-qPCR revealed that MnNOS mRNA expression was significantly increased in post-larvae 10 days after metamorphosis (P < 0.05). The expression of this gene in various tissues indicates that it may perform versatile biological functions in M. nipponense.

Characterization of cold-induced remodelling reveals depot-specific differences across and within brown and white adipose tissues in mice

AIM

Brown and beige adipose tissues dissipate energy in the form of heat via mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1, defending against hypothermia and potentially obesity. The latter has prompted renewed interest in understanding the processes involved in browning to realize the potential therapeutic benefits. To characterize the temporal profile of cold-induced changes and browning of brown and white adipose tissues in mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were singly housed in conventional cages under cold exposure (4 °C) for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days. Food intake and body weight were measured daily. Interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT), inguinal subcutaneous (sWAT) and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical, gene and protein expression analysis.

RESULTS

Upon cold exposure, food intake increased, whilst body weight and adipocyte size were found to be transiently reduced. iBAT mass was found to be increased, whilst sWAT and eWAT were found to be transiently decreased. A combination of morphological, genetic (Ucp-1, Pgc-1α and Elov13) and biochemical (UCP-1, PPARγ and aP2) analyses demonstrated the depot-specific remodelling in response to cold exposure.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the differential responses to cold-induced changes across discrete BAT and WAT depots and support the notion that the effects of short-term cold exposure are achieved by expansion, activation and increasing thermogenic capacity of iBAT, as well as browning of sWAT and, to a lesser extent, eWAT.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of Fem1b from oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense

Feminization-1 homolog b (Fem1b) is one of the genes essential for male development and play central roles in sex determination of Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study, we cloned and characterized the full-length Fem1b cDNA from the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium nipponense (MnFem1b) in different tissues and at different developmental stages. Real-time quantitative reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that the MnFem1b gene was expressed in all investigated tissues, with the highest expression level found in the testes. The results revealed that the MnFem1b gene might play roles in aspects of development of the male prawn phenotype. The RT-qPCR also revealed that MnFem1b mRNA expression was significantly increased at 10 days after metamorphosis. The expression levels in all investigated tissues showed a certain degree of sexually dimorphism, the expression levels in males were significantly higher than those in females (P < 0.05). Notably, the highest expression of MnFem1b was found in the testes. The expression of MnFem1b in different tissues indicates that it plays multiple biological functions in M. nipponense.

Intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine optimises surgical field visualisation with decreased blood loss during endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Safe and effective endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) depends on distinct surgical visibility. Various interventions are proposed to reduce intranasal bleeding. This study investigated whether intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine (DEX) provided optimal surgical conditions and decreased blood loss.

METHODS

ASA I or II patients undergoing ESS were randomly assigned to receive either 2 μg/kg intranasal DEX (group D) or the same volume of saline (group N) 15 min before induction. Lund-Mackay (LM) scores represented the extent of the preoperative surgical lesion and were obtained based on the computed tomographic scans. Estimated blood loss was recorded. The visibility of the surgical field was rated by surgeons on a numerical rating scale (NRS) or assessed using Boezaart score.

RESULTS

Median blood loss in groups D and N was 75 and 100 ml, respectively. NRS and Boezaart score for surgical condition were lower in group D than in group N. LM score showed a positive correlation between NRS and Boezaart score in group N but not in group D.

CONCLUSION

Intranasal atomised DEX resulted in improved surgical conditions with less bleeding during ESS despite the severity of the preoperative surgical lesion.

The long noncoding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript-1/miR-490 axis regulates gastric cancer cell migration by targeting hnRNPA1

Colon cancer-associated transcript-1 (CCAT1) is a highly conserved long noncoding RNA that is deregulated in several cancers. However, its role in gastric carcinoma and its post-transcriptional regulation remain poorly understood. In this study, we provide the first evidence that CCAT1 regulates miR-490 in gastric cancer (GC) cells. Interestingly, miR-490 can also repress CCAT1 expression. CCAT1 expression was significantly upregulated, and miR-490 expression was downregulated in GC. The negative correlation between miR-490 and CCAT1 expression was observed in GC tissues. Importantly, CCAT1 contains a putative miR-490-binding site, and deletion of this binding site abolishes their miR-490 responsiveness. Post-transcriptional CCAT1 silencing by miR-490 significantly suppressed GC cell migration. Furthermore, miR-490 directly bound to the hnRNPA1 mRNA 3'-UTR to repress its translation. Inhibition of miR-490 rescued CCAT1 siRNA-mediated suppression of cell migration. hnRNPA1 expression was significantly upregulated in GC specimens, and there was a negative correlation between miR-490 and hnRNPA1 expression and also a positive correlation between hnRNAP1 expression level and CCAT1 level. Taken together, we show for the first time that the CCAT1/miR-490/hnRNPA1 axis promotes GC migration, and it may have a possible diagnostic and therapeutic potential in GC.

MiR-382 inhibits cell growth and invasion by targeting NR2F2 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. MiR-382 has been found to have a decreased expression and the ability to suppress tumorigenesis in certain cancers. However, the role of miR-382 in CRC has not been sufficiently investigated. NR2F2 (also known as COUP-TFII), a member of the steroid/thyroid receptor superfamily, is often aberrantly activated in various tumors, but it is currently unclear whether NR2F2 may be a target of miR-382. In the present study, we investigated the role of miR-382 in CRC and identified the regulation of NR2F2 by miR-382. We observed that miR-382 was aberrantly downregulated in CRC. Transfection with miR-382 mimics impeded the growth, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. The direct binding of miR-382 to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of NR2F2 was confirmed using a luciferase reporter gene assay. We showed that the relative expression levels of NR2F2 were significantly higher in CRC tissues compared with normal adjacent mucosa. A Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high NR2F2 expression had a poor overall survival. Knockdown of NR2F2 inhibited CRC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Ectopic expression of NR2F2 mitigated miR-382 suppression of CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, the present study describes a potential mechanism underlying a miR-382/NR2F2 link contributing to CRC development. Our results demonstrate that miR-382 represents a potential strategy against CRC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Neuropilin-1 is associated with clinicopathology of gastric cancer and contributes to cell proliferation and migration as multifunctional co-receptors

Background

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein participating in the growth and metastasis of cancer cells as multifunctional co-receptors by interacting with the signaling pathways. However, its role in gastric cancer has not yet been clarified. This study aims to investigate whether NRP-1 expression is associated with the clinicopathology of gastric cancer, and involved in the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Methods

NRP-1 expression in clinical gastric cancer specimens was examined by immunohistochemistry and its association with clinicopathology analyzed. The expression of NRP-1 in a panel of human gastric cancer cells was examined by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Stable transfectants depleted of NRP-1, termed MGC-803-NRP^low, were generated from MGC-803 cells. Cell proliferation was analyzed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 and Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays, and migrating ability analyzed by migration assays. The xenograft model was used to assess the effects of NRP-1 depletion on tumorigenesis, growth, metastasis and therapeutic potentials. The role of NRP-1 as co-receptors in the signaling pathways stimulated by ligands was examined. The key molecules involved in cell proliferation, migration and related signaling pathways were detected by immunoblotting.

Results

Gastric cancer tissues expressed higher levels of NRP-1 compared to normal gastric mucosa. Its expression correlated with clinical staging, tumor differentiation and pathological types. NRP-1 depletion inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1/S phase by upregulating p27, and downregulating cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. NRP-1 depletion reduced the ability of cells to migrate by inhibiting the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. NRP-1 depletion suppressed tumorigenesis, tumor growth and lung metastasis by inhibiting cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis in situ. Therapeutic NRP-1 shRNA inhibited the growth of established BGC823 tumors. Depletion of NRP-1 inhibited the activation of VEGF/VEGFR2, EGF/EGFR and HGF/c-Met pathways stimulated by respective recombinant human VEGF-165, EGF and HGF proteins.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that NRP-1 may be a potentially valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0291-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identification of androgenic gland microRNA and their target genes to discover sex-related microRNA in the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense

The oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, is an important aquaculture species in China. The androgenic gland produces hormones that play crucial roles in the differentiation of crustaceans to the male sex. MicroRNA (miRNA) post-transcriptionally regulates many protein-coding genes, influencing important biological and metabolic processes. However, currently, there is no published data identifying miRNA in M. nipponense. In this study, we identified novel miRNA in the androgenic gland of M. nipponense. Using the high-throughput Illumina Solexa system, 1077 miRNA were identified from small RNA libraries by aligning with the de novo androgenic gland transcriptome of M. nipponense (obtained from RNA-Seq) and the sequences in the miRBase21 database. A total of 8,248, 76,011, and 78,307 target genes were predicted in the EST and SRA sequences provided in the NCBI database, and the androgenic gland transcriptome of M. nipponense, respectively. Some potential sex-related miRNA were identified based on the function of the predicted target genes. The results of our study provide new information regarding the miRNA expression in M. nipponense, which could be the basis for further genetic studies on decapod crustaceans.

Intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine optimises surgical field visualisation with decreased blood loss during endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Safe and effective endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) depends on distinct surgical visibility. Various interventions are proposed to reduce intranasal bleeding. This study investigated whether intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine (DEX) provided optimal surgical conditions and decreased blood loss.

METHODS

ASA I or II patients undergoing ESS were randomly assigned to receive either 2 μg/kg intranasal DEX (group D) or the same volume of saline (group N) 15 min before induction. Lund-Mackay (LM) scores represented the extent of the preoperative surgical lesion and were obtained based on the computed tomographic scans. Estimated blood loss was recorded. The visibility of the surgical field was rated by surgeons on a numerical rating scale (NRS) or assessed using Boezaart score.

RESULTS

Median blood loss in groups D and N was 75 and 100 ml, respectively. NRS and Boezaart score for surgical condition were lower in group D than in group N. LM score showed a positive correlation between NRS and Boezaart score in group N but not in group D.

CONCLUSION

Intranasal atomised DEX resulted in improved surgical conditions with less bleeding during ESS despite the severity of the preoperative surgical lesion.

Acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints facilitates distal colonic motility via activating M3 receptors and somatic afferent C-fibers in normal, constipated, or diarrhoeic rats

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of somatic stimulation for patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders. However, little effort has been made to investigate the effects of acupuncture on colonic motility, particularly in pathological conditions. The precise mechanism employed in the regulation of acupuncture on colonic motility still remains unclear.

METHODS

We assessed the effect of acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints on distal colonic motility using a warm-water-filled manometric balloon inserted 5-6 cm into the rectum of anesthetized normal rats or rats with diarrhea or constipation. Choline chloride, 4-DAMP, cobra venom and capsaicin were separately applied to investigate the role of M3 receptors in the regulation of distal colonic motility by acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints, and whether Aδ- and/or C-fibers are required for triggering distal colonic motility by acupuncture.

KEY RESULTS

Acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints increased distal colonic motility not only in normal rats but also in rats with constipation or diarrhea. M3 receptors play an important role in the facilitation of distal colonic motility triggered by acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints. Afferent nerve Aδ- and C-fibers mediate the transduction of the acupuncture signal and C-fibers are essential for enhancing the effect of acupuncture at the heterotopic acupoint on distal colonic motility.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our results reveal that acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints increases distal colonic motility regardless of normal or pathological conditions via predominately activating C-fibers of somatic afferent nerve and M3 receptors.

Effect of miR-340 on gastric cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis

Gastric cancer pathogenesis is a multi-factor, multi-step, complicated process that related to gene abnormal expression. This study intended to explore the miR-340 effect on human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and BGG823 proliferation and apoptosis, as to provide theoretical basis and experimental evidence for potential clinical application. Array was used to screen gastric cancer related abnormal genes. Q-PCR was applied to detect the screened genes expression in tissue and gastric cancer cells. MTT and colony formation assay were performed to evaluate miR-340 impact on gastric cancer proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Q-PCR showed that miR-340 overexpressed in gastric cancer tissue significantly compared with normal control (P < 0.01). MiR-340 overexpression can promote SGC-7901 and BGC823 cells proliferation with 50% proliferation rate. Soft agar colony formation assay also showed that miR-340 overexpression can facilitate gastric cancer cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis revealed that miR-340 overexpression can reduce cell apoptosis. Annexin V/PI staining demonstrated that miR-340 transfection can decrease cell apoptotic rate (4.58%, 1.98%, 2.11%). MiR-340 can promote tumor cell growth and reduce cell apoptosis effectively.

Diagnostic significance of miR-106a in gastric cancer

As one of the most common malignant tumors, gastric cancer still lacks tumor markers with enough specificity and sensitivity. Therefore the development of novel tumor markers is necessary for early diagnosis in clinics. MicroRNA (miR) has been known to be of unique expressional patterns in various tumors and may work as potential tumor markers for clinical use. This study thus explored the significance of plasma miR-106a in clinical diagnosis of gastric cancer and its effects on proliferation of cancer cells. Plasma miR-106a levels were quantified by real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR methods in 80 cases of gastric cancer patients and healthy individuals to analyze the correlation between miR-106a and clinical features. MiR-106 inhibitor was further transfected into human gastric carcinoma cells for further cell proliferation using CCK-8 approach. MiR-106a was significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer patient plasma samples compared to healthy individuals (P<0.01). The area under ROC curve was 0.895 (95% CI: 0.846~0.943). It has a specificity of 93.8% and a sensitivity of 77.5% in diagnosing gastric cancer. MiR-106a level was also correlated with cancer differentiation stage, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and tumor size (P<0.05). The down-regulation of miR-106 in gastric carcinoma cells inhibited cell proliferation (P<0.05). MiR-106a was significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer patients and can facilitate the in vitro proliferation of tumor cells. It may work as a biological marker for gastric cancer.

AT1 receptor blockade in the central nucleus of the amygdala attenuates the effects of muscimol on sodium and water intake

The blockade of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) with the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol significantly reduces hypertonic NaCl and water intake by sodium-depleted rats. In the present study we investigated the effects of previous injection of losartan, an angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, into the CeA on 0.3M NaCl and water intake reduced by muscimol bilaterally injected into the same areas in rats submitted to water deprivation-partial rehydration (WD-PR) and in rats treated with the diuretic furosemide (FURO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats with stainless steel cannulas bilaterally implanted into the CeA were used. Bilateral injections of muscimol (0.2 nmol/0.5 μl, n=8 rats/group) into the CeA in WD-PR-treated rats reduced 0.3M NaCl intake and water intake, and pre-treatment of the CeA with losartan (50 μg/0.5 μl) reversed the inhibitory effect of muscimol. The negative effect of muscimol on sodium and water intake could also be blocked by pretreatment with losartan microinjected into the CeA in rats given FURO (n=8 rats/group). However, bilateral injections of losartan (50 μg/0.5 μl) alone into the CeA did not affect the NaCl or water intake. These results suggest that the deactivation of CeA facilitatory mechanisms by muscimol injection into the CeA is promoted by endogenous angiotensin II acting on AT1 receptors in the CeA, which prevents rats from ingesting large amounts of hypertonic NaCl and water.

CCL18 promotes the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells via ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling pathway

CCL18 is a member of CCL chemokines and is frequently overexpressed in cancer. Elevated CCL18 expression has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of CCL18 in gastric cancer cells remain elusive. In our study, we found that CCL18 was highly expressed in different gastric cancer cells. CCL18 stimulation dose-dependently enhanced the invasion and migration of MGC-803 cells. Knockdown of endogenous CCL18 inhibited the invasion and migration of MGC-803 cells, whereas overexpression of CCL18 promoted the invasion and migration of MKN28 cells. We further found that CCL18 increased the expressions of MMP-3 and Slug and decreased the expression of E-cadherin in MGC-803 cells. In addition, CCL18 time-dependently induced activation of ERK1/2, IκBα, and NF-κB. These effects of CCL18 were prevented by ERK1/2 selective inhibitor U0126 as well as NF-κB selective inhibitor BAY117082. Taken together, our findings establish a signaling role for CCL18 in gastric cancer cells and identify that the CCL18/ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling pathway is essential for tumor invasiveness in gastric cancer cells. Thus, our data may provide knowledge for using CCL18 as a novel target for effective diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

Genomic cloning, expression, and single nucleotide polymorphism association analysis of the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone gene in the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense)

Increasing evidence suggests that the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) gene plays an important role in male sexual differentiation, metabolism, and growth in crustaceans. In the present study, we isolated the full-length genome sequence of IAG by genome walking based on the cDNA sequence in Macrobrachium nipponense. Four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied, including 509G>T, 529G>T, 590A>T in intron 1, and 2226A>G in intron 2. The association of genetic variation with growth traits [body length (BL) and body weight (BW)] was analyzed. Individuals with GG geno- type at locus 2226A>G maintained higher mean BL (P < 0.01) and BW (P < 0.05) than AA and GA individuals. These results suggest that IAG SNPs may be useful molecular markers for selecting growth traits in M. nipponense.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of a Broad-Complex homolog during development in the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense

Broad-Complex (BR-C) is an early ecdysone-responsive gene encoding a family of zinc-finger transcription factors. In this study, we isolated the full-length cDNA of a BR-C homolog from the testes of the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense), according to established expressed sequence tag information, using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique. The homolog was designated as MnBR-C. The full-length cDNA of MnBR-C contained a 1095-bp open reading frame encoding a precursor protein of 365 amino acid residues. Comparative and bioinformatic analyses revealed that MnBR-C exhibited a high degree of homology with BR-C proteins, and contained the BTB and Zf-H2C2-2 domains. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis revealed that the MnBR-C expression level varied significantly in the developing embryo, postembryonic larva, and adult tissue. Real-time qPCR showed that the MnBR-C gene was expressed in all of the tissues investigated, with the highest level of expression in the brain. In addition, MnBR-C was more abundantly expressed in the testes than in the ovaries.

Gene expression profile analysis of testis and ovary of oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, reveals candidate reproduction-related genes

This study utilized high-throughput RNA sequencing technology to identify reproduction- and development-related genes of Macrobrachium nipponense by analyzing gene expression profiles of testis and ovary. More than 20 million 1 x 51-bp reads were obtained by Illumina sequencing, generating more than 7.7 and 11.7 million clean reads in the testis and ovary library, respectively. As a result, 10,018 unitags were supposed to be differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ovary and testis. Compared to the ovary library, 4563 (45.5%) of these DEGs exhibited at least 6-fold upregulated expression, while 5455 (54.5%) DEGs exhibited at least 2-fold downregulated expression in the testis. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that 113 GO terms had potential molecular functions in reproduction. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes results revealed that the most important pathways may be relevant to reproduction and included 7 pathways. Forty-two genes were identified as reproduction-, development-, and sex-related genes based on GO classification and sequence comparison with other publications, including male reproductive-related LIM protein, spermatogenesis-associated protein, gametocyte-specific factor 1, VASA-like protein, vitellogenin, sex-determining protein fem-1, and other potential candidates. These results will advance research in the field of molecular genetics in M. nipponense and offer a valuable resource for further research related to reproduction in crustaceans.

Enhanced autophagy by everolimus contributes to the antirestenotic mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms accounting for the activities of everolimus to inhibit the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which contributes to restenosis.

METHODS

Primary VSMCs were cultured in media containing smooth muscle growth supplements and incubated with testing agents. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and autophagy, and the key molecules involved, were examined.

RESULTS

Everolimus inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs by inhibiting the activation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase and phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, and downregulating proliferating cellular nuclear antigen. Everolimus induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase by downregulating cyclin D1 and upregulating p27, and increased apoptosis by downregulating Bcl-2, upregulating Bad and activating capsase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase. Everolimus enhanced autophagy by increasing the conversion of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II, and upregulating Beclin 1. Specific autophagy inhibitors, 3-methyladenine and bafilomycin A1, significantly attenuated the inhibition of cell proliferation, the increased apoptosis and the altered expression of the above key proteins induced by everolimus.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced autophagy by everolimus contributes to its antirestenotic activity and its abilities to inhibit cell proliferation and to induce apoptosis of VSMCs.

Inhibition of Akt reverses the acquired resistance to sorafenib by switching protective autophagy to autophagic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma

Sorafenib is the standard first-line systemic drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the acquired resistance to sorafenib results in limited benefits. Activation of Akt is thought to be responsible for mediating the acquired resistance to sorafenib. The present study aims to examine the underlying mechanism and seek potential strategies to reverse this resistance. Two sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines, which had been established from human HCC HepG2 and Huh7 cells, were refractory to sorafenib-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Sustained exposure to sorafenib activated Akt via the feedback loop of mTOR but independent of protein phosphatase 2A in HCC cells. Autophagy participated in the resistance to sorafenib as inhibition of autophagy reduced the sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells to sorafenib, whereas activation of autophagy by rapamycin had the opposite effect. However, rapamycin did not show a synergistic effect with sorafenib to inhibit cell proliferation, while it also activated Akt via a feedback mechanism in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Inhibition of Akt reversed the acquired resistance to sorafenib by switching autophagy from a cytoprotective role to a death-promoting mechanism in the sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Akt inhibition by GDC0068 synergized with sorafenib to suppress the growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors that possessed the sorafenib-resistant feature in vivo. The results have provided evidence for clinical investigation of GDC0068, a novel ATP-competitive pan-Akt inhibitor, as the second-line treatment after the failure of sorafenib-medicated molecular targeted therapy for advanced HCC.

Meloxicam executes its antitumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma in COX-2- dependent and -independent pathways

Background

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is overexpressed in many types of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Meloxicam, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, has shown potential therapeutic effects against HCC, but the mechanisms accounting for its anti-cancer activities remain unclear.

Methods and Findings

Meloxicam inhibited the ability of human HCC cells expressing higher levels of COX-2 to migrate, invade, adhere and form colonies through upregulating the expression of E-cadherin and downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2. Meloxicam induced cell apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax and Fas-L, and downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins including survivin and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), through inhibiting phosphorylation of AKT. Addition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the major product of COX-2, could abrogate the effects of meloxicam on the expression of survivin and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), but not Bax and Fas-L, indicating that meloxicam induces cell apoptosis via both COX-2-dependent and -independent pathways. Meloxicam also induced cell autophagy by upregulating Beclin 1 and light chain 3-II. Specific inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine and chloroquine had little effect on cell apoptosis but could enhance the pro-apoptotic effects of meloxicam by further upregulating the expression of Bax.

Conclusions

Meloxicam executes its antitumor effects by targeting the COX-2/MMP-2/E-cadherin, AKT, apoptotic and autophagic pathways in COX-2-dependent and -independent pathways, and inhibition of cell autophagy could help to overcome the resistance to meloxicam-induced apoptosis in HCC.