RV1+RV3 Index to Differentiate Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias Arising From Right Ventricular Outflow Tract and Aortic Sinus of Valsalva: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of parameters of every precordial lead and their combinations in differentiating between idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVAs) from the right ventricular outflow tract and aortic sinus of Valsalva (ASV).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between March 1, 2018, and December 1, 2021, consecutive patients receiving successful ablation of right ventricular outflow tract or ASV IVAs were enrolled. The amplitude and duration of the R wave and S wave were measured in every precordial lead during IVAs. These parameters were either summed, subtracted, multiplied, or divided to create different indexes. The index with the highest area under the curve to predict ASV IVAs was developed, compared with established indexes, and validated in an independent prospective multicenter cohort. A total of 150 patients (60 men; mean age, 45.3±16.4 years) were included in the derivation cohort. The RV1+RV3 index (summed R-wave amplitude in leads V1 and V3) had the highest area under the curve (0.942) among the established indexes. An RV1+RV3 index >1.3 mV could predict ASV IVAs with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 83%. Its predictive performance was maintained in the validation cohort (N=109). In patients with V3 R/S transition, an RV1+RV3 index >1.3 mV could predict ASV IVAs, with an area under the curve of 0.892, 93% sensitivity, and 75% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The RV1+RV3 index is a simple and novel criterion that accurately differentiates between right ventricular outflow tract and ASV IVAs. Its performance outperformed established indexes, making it a valuable tool in clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed for TKI-failed leptomeningeal metastases from EGFR+ NSCLC: an expanded, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) for treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in an expanded, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study (ChiCTR1800016615).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed NSCLC-LM who progressed from TKI received IP (50 mg, day 1/day 5 for 1 week, then every 3 weeks for four cycles, and then once monthly) until disease progression or intolerance. Objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. Measurable lesions were assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1. LM were assessed according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients; 68% were female and median age was 52 years (31-74 years). The median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 10.4-13.6 months), RANO-assessed response rate was 80.3% (106/132), and the most common adverse event was myelosuppression (n = 42; 31.8%), which reversed after symptomatic treatment. The results of subgroup analysis showed that absence of brain parenchymal metastasis, good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, good response to IP treatment, negative cytology after treatment, and patients without neck/back pain/difficult defecation had longer survival. Gender, age, previous intrathecal methotrexate/cytarabine, and whole-brain radiotherapy had no significant influence on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further showed that IP is an effective and safe treatment method for the EGFR-TKI-failed NSCLC-LM, and should be recommended for these patients in clinical practice and guidelines.

Survival impact of post-operative immunotherapy in resected stage III cutaneous melanomas in the checkpoint era

BACKGROUND

Checkpoint inhibitors have shown improvement in recurrence-free survival in the post-operative setting for node-positive melanoma and were first approved in late 2015. However, single-agent checkpoint therapies have yet to show benefit to overall survival (OS) for lower-risk stage III cancers. We evaluated the OS benefit of post-operative immunotherapy in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patient cases were selected from the NCDB 2020 Participant Use File. Patients diagnosed with stage III cutaneous melanoma between 2016 and 2019 who underwent definitive resection for their melanoma were included. OS between those who received post-operative immunotherapy within 84 days of surgery and those who did not was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared via Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

14 978 patients with stage III melanoma were included. Of those, 34.9% (n = 5234) received post-operative immunotherapy and 65.1% (n = 9744) did not. Using the American Joint Committee on Cancer version 8 (AJCCv8) staging, 36-month survival was significantly higher in patients who received post-operative immunotherapy compared to no post-operative systemic therapy in those diagnosed with stage IIIB (88.0% versus 84.7%, P = 0.011), IIIC (75.6% versus 68.1%, P < 0.001), or IIID (59.2% versus 48.4%, P = 0.002). No significant improvement in 36-month survival was seen in patients who received post-operative immunotherapy in patients with stage IIIA disease (93.0% versus 92.2%, P = 0.218).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-operative immunotherapy had an OS benefit in patients with AJCCv8 stage IIIB, IIIC, and IIID disease, but had no significant survival benefit for patients with stage IIIA melanomas.

Erratum: PFKFB4 promotes angiogenesis via IL-6/STAT5A/P-STAT5 signaling in breast cancer: Erratum

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7150/jca.66773.].

Function and regulation of RGS family members in solid tumours: a comprehensive review

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a key role in regulating the homeostasis of the internal environment and are closely associated with tumour progression as major mediators of cellular signalling. As a diverse and multifunctional group of proteins, the G protein signalling regulator (RGS) family was proven to be involved in the cellular transduction of GPCRs. Growing evidence has revealed dysregulation of RGS proteins as a common phenomenon and highlighted the key roles of these proteins in human cancers. Furthermore, their differential expression may be a potential biomarker for tumour diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Most importantly, there are few systematic reviews on the functional/mechanistic characteristics and clinical application of RGS family members at present. In this review, we focus on the G-protein signalling regulator (RGS) family, which includes more than 20 family members. We analysed the classification, basic structure, and major functions of the RGS family members. Moreover, we summarize the expression changes of each RGS family member in various human cancers and their important roles in regulating cancer cell proliferation, stem cell maintenance, tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. On this basis, we outline the molecular signalling pathways in which some RGS family members are involved in tumour progression. Finally, their potential application in the precise diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of different types of cancers and the main possible problems for clinical application at present are discussed. Our review provides a comprehensive understanding of the role and potential mechanisms of RGS in regulating tumour progression. Video Abstract.

The Clinical Practice and Dosimetric Outcome of the Manual Adaptive Planning during Definitive Radiotherapy Treatment for Cervical Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Organ motion is challenging during primary definitive external beam radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Our study evaluated the manual adaptive planning approach three weeks after the treatment started, compared the dosimetric consequences of the manual adaptive plans to the scheduled plans, and explored the clinical factors predicting patients suitable for this replanning strategy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We analyzed 82 patients receiving primary definitive external beam radiotherapy with weekly online cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based monitoring. The re-CT simulation was performed during treatment to develop a new plan (manual adaptive plan) due to a significant deviation of the clinical target volume (CTV). To evaluate the dosimetric benefit, D98, homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI) for the planning target volume (PTV), as well as D2cc of the bowel, bladder, sigmoid and rectum were compared between the manual adaptive plans and the scheduled ones. The clinical factors influencing target motion throughout treatment were analyzed by chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The re-CT simulation was performed after 15 fractions during treatment to develop the manual adaptive plan in 41 patients. The median CI and HI of the manual adaptive plan were significantly superior to the scheduled one (P = 0.001, 0.003, respectively), demonstrating a better dose coverage of the target volume. Compared to the scheduled plans, D98 of the manual adaptive plans increased by 3.3% (P = 0.0002), the average of D2cc to the rectum, bladder decreased 0.267Gy (P = 0.0049) and 0.321Gy (P = 0.0146), respectively. In addition, the chi-square test demonstrated that age (P = 0.024), primary tumor volume (P = 0.015), and parametrial infiltration (P = 0.022) were the clinical factors influencing target motion throughout treatment. Multivariate analysis further identified the large tumor volume (≥50cm3, OR = 3.254, P = 0.039) and parametrial infiltration (OR = 3.376, P = 0.018) as the independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

We found the most significant organ motion happened after 15 fractions during treatment. The manual adaptive planning of definitive radiotherapy improved the dose coverage and decreased the volume of organs at risk of receiving clinically significant doses of RT in patients with LACC. Patients with bulky mass or with parametrial infiltration were highly suggested to receive manual adaptive planning after 15 fractions during definitive radiotherapy, a timesaving strategy compared to the daily online adaptive radiotherapy without compromising the target dose coverage.

TBX21 attenuates colorectal cancer progression via an ARHGAP29/RSK/GSK3β dependent manner

PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown that TBX21 (T-Box Transcription Factor 21) plays a vital role in coordinating multiple aspects of the immune response especially type 1 immune response as well as tumor progression. However, the function of TBX21 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear.

METHODS

IHC to investigate TBX21 expression in CRC tissues. Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays to validate TBX21 function in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq assay to explore target genes of TBX21. Human phospho-kinase array assay to explore down-stream signaling of TBX21.

RESULTS

We disclosed that the expression of TBX21 was marked decreased in CRC versus normal tissue, and negatively correlated with CRC TNM stages. Surprisingly, we found that the CRC and normal cell lines show no TBX21 expression levels. Ectopic expression of TBX21 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, RNA-sequence data first time showed that ARHGAP29 acts as the target gene of TBX21 to mediate down-stream signaling activation. Human phospho-kinase array data first time displayed that ectopic expression of TBX21 reduced kinase RSK and GSK3β activation. In contrast, knocked down the expression of TBX21 or ARHGAP29 alternatively abolished TBX21 mediated cell proliferation suppression, cell apoptosis enhancement and RSK/GSK3β activation. In addition, xenograft model studies demonstrated that TBX21 inhibits colorectal tumor progression via ARHGAP29/ RSK/ GSK3β signaling in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the aforementioned findings suggest a model of TBX21 in suppressing CRC progression. This may provide a promising target for CRC therapy.

CHDH, a key mitochondrial enzyme, plays a diagnostic role in metabolic disorders diseases and tumor progression

Human choline dehydrogenase (CHDH) is a transmembrane protein located in mitochondria. CHDH has been shown to be one of the important catalytic enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of choline to betaine and is involved in mitochondrial autophagy after mitochondrial damage. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on CHDH and found a close association with the pathogenesis of various diseases, including tumor prognosis. Here we summarized the genomic localization, protein structure and basic functions of CHDH and discuss the progress of CHDH research in metabolic disorders and other diseases. Moreover, we described the regulatory role of CHDH on the progression of different types of malignant tumors. In addition, major pathogenic mechanisms of CHDH in multiple diseases may be associated with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We look forward to providing new strategies and basis for clinical diagnosis and prognosis prediction of diseases by diagnosing SNP loci of CHDH genes. Our work evaluates the feasibility of CHDH as a molecular marker relevant to the diagnosis of some metabolic disorders diseases and tumors, which may provide new targets for the treatment of related diseases and tumors.

[Network meta-analysis comparing the clinical outcomes and safety of robotic, laparoscopic, and transanal total rectal mesenteric resection for rectal cancer]

Objective: To methodically assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted total rectal mesenteric resection (RTME), laparoscopic-assisted total rectal mesenteric resection (laTME), and transanal total rectal mesenteric resection (taTME). Methods: A computer search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases to identify English-language reports published between January 2017 and January 2022 that compared the clinical efficacy of the three surgical procedures of RTME, laTME, and taTME. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the NOS and JADAD scales for retrospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials, respectively. Direct meta-analysis and reticulated meta-analysis were performed using Review Manager software and R software, respectively. Results: Twenty-nine publications comprising 8,339 patients with rectal cancer were ultimately included. The direct meta-analysis indicated that the length of hospital stay was longer after RTME than after taTME, whereas according to the reticulated meta-analysis the length of hospital stay was shorter after taTME than after laTME (MD=-0.86, 95%CI: -1.70 to -0.096, P=0.036). Moreover, the incidence of anastomotic leak was lower after taTME than after RTME (OR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.39 to 0.91, P=0.018). The incidence of intestinal obstruction was also lower after taTME than after RTME (OR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.31 to 0.94, P=0.037). All of these differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the three surgical procedures regarding the number of lymph nodes cleared, length of the inferior rectal margin, or rate of positive circumferential margins (all P>0.05). An inconsistency test using nodal analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the results of direct and indirect comparisons of the six outcome indicators (all P>0.05). Furthermore, we detected no significant overall inconsistency between direct and indirect evidence. Conclusion: taTME has advantages over RTME and laTME, in terms of radical and surgical short-term outcomes in patients with rectal cancer.

[Electroencephalographic microstates in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the biomarkers of tinnitus in vestibular schwannoma patients using electroencephalographic (EEG) microstate technology.

METHODS

The EEG and clinical data of 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma were collected. All the patients were evaluated by SAS, SDS, THI and VAS scales. The EEG acquisition time was 10-15 min, and the EEG data were preprocessed and analyzed using MATLAB and EEGLAB software package.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma, 29 patients had tinnitus and 12 did not have tinnitus, and their clinical parameters were comparable. The average global explanation variances of the non-tinnitus and tinnitus groups were 78.8% and 80.1%, respectively. The results of EEG microstate analysis showed that compared with those without tinnitus, the patients with tinnitus had an increased frequency (P=0.033) and contribution (P=0.028) of microstate C. Correlation analysis showed that THI scale scores of the patients were negatively correlated with the duration of microstate A (R=-0.435, P=0.018) and positively with the frequencies of microstate B (R=0.456, P=0.013) and microstate C (R=0.412, P=0.026). Syntax analysis showed that the probability of transition from microstate C to microstate B increased significantly in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus (P=0.031).

CONCLUSION

EEG microstate features differ significantly between vestibular schwannoma patients with and without tinnitus. This abnormality in patients with tinnitus may reflect the potential abnormality in the allocation of neural resources and the transition of brain functional activity.

Synergistic effects of electroacupuncture and bone marrow stromal cells transplantation therapy in ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

Animal studies and clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of a combination of transplanted bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and electroacupuncture (EA) treatment in improving neurological deficits. However, the ability of the BMSC-EA treatment to enhance brain repair processes or the neuronal plasticity of BMSC in ischemic stroke model is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects and neuronal plasticity of BMSC transplantation combined with EA in ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used. Intracerebral transplantation of BMSC, transfected with lentiviral vectors expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), was performed using a stereotactic apparatus after modeling. MCAO rats were treated with BMSC injection alone or in combination with EA. After the treatment, proliferation and migration of BMSC were observed in different groups by fluorescence microscopy. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine changes in the levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and nestin in the injured striatum.

RESULTS

Epifluorescence microscopy revealed that most BMSC in the cerebrum were lysed; few transplanted BMSC survived, and some living cells migrated to areas around the lesion site. NSE was overexpressed in the striatum of MCAO rats, illustrating the neurological deficits caused by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. The combination of BMSC transplantation and EA attenuated the expression of NSE, indicating nerve injury repair. Although the qRT-PCR results showed that BMSC-EA treatment elevated nestin RNA expression, less robust responses were observed in other tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the combination treatment significantly improved restoration of neurological deficits in the animal stroke model. However, further studies are required to see if EA could promote the rapid differentiation of BMSC into neural stem cells in the short term.

Association between hepatitis C infection during pregnancy with maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Studies of possible implications of the maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in terms of intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW) infants, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), maternal and neonatal mortality are limited and inconclusive. Our study aims to assess the impact of HCV on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic literature search was done in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and TRIP databases for all observational studies published from 1st January 1950 to 15th October 2022. The pooled odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. STATA version 12.0 software was used for analysis. Heterogeneity among the included articles was evaluated by sensitivity, meta-regression, and publication bias analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies involving 12,451 HCV (+) and 56,42,910 HCV (-) pregnant women were included in our meta-analysis. Maternal HCV during pregnancy was significantly associated with the increased risk of PTB (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.59-1.74), IUGR (OR=2.09, 95% CI: 2.04-2.14) and LBW (OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.63-2.36) as compared to healthy pregnant women. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity also suggested a strong association between maternal HCV infection and a higher risk of PTB in Asian and Caucasian populations. Maternal (RR=3.44, 95% CI: 1.85-6.41), as well as neonatal (RR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.18-2.02) mortality was significantly higher in HCV (+) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers with HCV infection had a markedly increased probability of PTB and/or IUGR and/or LBW. In clinical practice, standard care of treatment and proper monitoring are needed for the pregnant population with HCV infection. Our findings may provide useful information for selecting appropriate therapy methods for HCV-positive pregnant women.

Correlation between capsule endoscopy classification and CT lymphangiography of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia

AIM

To investigate the correlation between capsule endoscopy (CE) classification of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) and computed tomography (CT) lymphangiography (CTL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 52 patients with diagnosed PIL were enrolled. All patients were examined using CTL and small intestinal CE before surgery. CE assessments included the morphology, scope, colour, and size of lesions. CTL assessments included intestinal wall, lymphatic vessel dilatation, lymph fluid reflux, and lymphatic fistula. Patients were divided into three groups according to type diagnosed by CE, and the CTL characteristics were analysed among the groups.

RESULTS

CE showed 15 patients with type I, 27 with II, and 10 with type III. Intestinal wall thickening was observed in 15 type I, 21 type II, and seven type III. Pericardial effusion was observed in only three type I patients; the difference among types was statistically significant (p=0.02). Abnormal contrast agent distribution in the intestinal wall and mesentery was observed in 15 type II patients, and the difference was significantly greater than that of types I and III (p=0.02). Abnormal contrast agent distribution in the abdominal cavity was observed in 12 type II, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

The CE PIL classification reflects the extent and scope of intestinal mucosa lesions; CTL more systematically demonstrates abnormal lymphatic vessels or reflux, and its manifestations of PIL are related to the CE classification. The combination of CTL with CE is useful for accurately evaluating PIL, and provides guidance for preoperative assessment and treatment management of PIL patients.

Phosphorylation of TGIF2 represents a therapeutic target that drives EMT and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

TGF-β-induced factor homeobox 2 (TGIF2) is a transcription regulator that is phosphorylated by EGFR/ERK signaling. However, the functions of phosphorylated (p)-TGIF2 in cancer are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the roles of p-TGIF2 in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the role of TGIF2 in LUAD EMT and metastasis. Dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP assays were employed to observe the direct transcriptional regulation of E-cadherin by TGIF2 and HDAC1. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to identify the interaction between TGIF2 and HDAC1.

RESULTS

Downregulating the expression of TGIF2 inhibited LUAD cell migration, EMT and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylation of TGIF2 by EGFR/ERK signaling was required for TGIF2-promoted LUAD EMT and metastasis since phosphorylation-deficient TGIF2 mutant lost these functions. Phosphorylation of TGIF2 was necessary to recruit HDAC1 to the E-cadherin promoter sequence and subsequently suppress E-cadherin transcription. Meanwhile, inhibition of HDAC1 repressed the TGIF2 phosphorylation-induced migration and EMT of LUAD cells. In xenograft mouse models, both inhibition of ERK and HDAC1 could significantly inhibited TGIF2-enhanced metastasis. Furthermore, TGIF2-positive staining was significantly correlated with E-cadherin-negative staining in human lung cancer specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals the novel function of p-TGIF2 in promoting EMT and metastasis in LUAD; p-TGIF2 could be a potential therapeutic target to inhibit LUAD metastasis.

Functional evaluation of various ICAM3 transcript variants in diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma

Previous studies have identified several ICAM3 transcript variants and mainly investigated the function of the longest transcript of ICAM3 in various tumor progressions. However, the role of the other ICAM3 transcript variants remains unclear. Herein, we detected the expression of ICAM3 transcript variants 1-4 in DLBCL cells and tumor tissues, disclosed that variants 1, 3, and 4 were expressed in normal B cell lines and 3 DLBCL cell lines except SU-DHL-2 as well as tumor tissues, while variant 2 was not detected. Moreover, we found that ectopic expression of variants 1-4 enhanced cell proliferation by accelerating the cell cycle in SU-DHL2 cells in vitro. In addition, variants 1-4 overexpression showed no effects on SU-DHL2 cell apoptosis. Interestingly, the expression of variants 1, 3, and 4 promoted cell migration and EMT process while variant 2 had no effects. Collectively, the above results displayed the different roles of ICAM3 transcript variants in mediating DLBCL progression.

PPA1, an energy metabolism initiator, plays an important role in the progression of malignant tumors

Inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPA1) encoded by PPA1 gene belongs to Soluble Pyrophosphatases (PPase) family and is expressed widely in various tissues of Homo sapiens, as well as significantly in a variety of malignancies. The hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) to produce orthophosphate (Pi) not only dissipates the negative effects of PPi accumulation, but the energy released by this process also serves as a substitute for ATP. PPA1 is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is involved in proliferation, invasion, and metastasis during tumor development, through the JNK/p53, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathways. Because of its remarkable role in tumor development, PPA1 may serve as a biological target for adjuvant therapy of tumor malignancies. Further, PPA1 is a potential biomarker to predict survival in patients with cancer, where the assessment of its transcriptional regulation can provide an in-depth understanding. Herein, we describe the signaling pathways through which PPA1 regulates malignant tumor progression and provide new insights to establish PPA1 as a biomarker for tumor diagnosis.

Aucubin administration suppresses STING signaling and mitigated high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis and steatohepatosis in LDL receptor deficient mice

The rising obesity epidemic in developed countries is associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Consuming aucubin may benefit health by suppressing inflammation. Herein, we studied the effects of aucubin consumption on atherosclerosis and NASH progression induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in LDL receptor deficient (LDLr^-/-) mice. Adult LDLr^-/- mice were fed with HFD for 12 weeks and received oral administration of aucubin for the last 6 weeks. Aucubin did not alter body weight or dyslipidemia, but lowered hyperglycemia and mitigated HFD-induced atherosclerosis and hepatic impairments in LDLr^-/- mice. Aucubin administration inhibited HFD-induced inflammation and downregulated mRNA and protein expression of stimulator of IFN genes (STING) in both aortas and livers of LDLr^-/- mice. In vitro, aucubin suppressed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-induced activation of STING/NFκB pathway and downregulated gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Furthermore, aucubin enhanced microRNA-181a-5p (miR-181a-5p) levels in both aortas and livers of LDLr^-/- mice. Importantly, miR-181a-5p mimicked the inhibitory effect of aucubin on STING/NFκB pathway and inflammation in BMDM. In conclusion, aucubin consumption attenuated HFD-induced atherosclerosis and NASH progression in LDLr^-/- mice, possibly through modulating miR-181a-5p/STING and inhibiting inflammation.

Transcriptome dissection of candidate genes associated with lentil seed quality traits

Lentils provide a rich plant-based protein source and staple food in many parts of the world. Despite numerous nutritional benefits, lentil seeds also possess undesirable elements, such as anti-nutritional factors. Understanding the genetic networks of seed metabolism is of great importance for improving the seed nutritional profile. We applied RNA sequencing analysis to survey the transcriptome of developing lentil seeds and compared this with that of the pod shells and leaves. In total, we identified 2622 genes differentially expressed among the tissues examined. Genes preferentially expressed in seeds were enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with development, nitrogen and carbon (N/C) metabolism and lipid synthesis. We further categorized seed preferentially expressed genes based on their involvement in storage protein production, starch accumulation, lipid and suberin metabolism, phytate, saponin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The availability of transcript profile datasets on lentil seed metabolism and a roadmap of candidate genes presented here will be of great value for breeding strategies towards further improvement of lentil seed quality traits.

TIFA promotes CRC cell proliferation via RSK- and PRAS40- dependent manner

Previous studies have reported that TIFA plays different roles in various tumor types. However, the function of TIFA in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Here, we showed that the expression of TIFA was markedly increased in CRC versus normal tissue, and positively correlated with CRC TNM stages. In agreement, we found that the CRC cell lines show increased TIFA expression levels versus normal control. The knockdown of TIFA inhibited cell proliferation but had no effect on cell apoptosis in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, the ectopic expression of TIFA enhanced cell proliferation ability in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the expression of mutant TIFA (T9A, oligomerization site mutation; D6, TRAF6 binding site deletion) abolished TIFA‐mediated cell proliferation enhancement. Exploration of the underlying mechanism revealed that the protein synthesis‐associated kinase RSK and PRAS40 activation were responsible for TIFA‐mediated CRC progression. In summary, these findings suggest that TIFA plays a role in mediating CRC progression. This could provide a promising target for CRC therapy.

The prevalence of Type-1 Brugada pattern in African American: a large population study from the United States

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The prevalence of Type-1 Brugada pattern in Caucasians and Asians have been estimated to be 20 and 180 per 100,000. However, the prevalence of Type-1 Brugada pattern in African Americans has never been studied.

Purpose

This study aims to identify the prevalence of Type-1 Brugada pattern in African Americans.

Methods

Medical records of African American patients ages 18 years old or older with at least one 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) performed at 16 hospitals from 5 states in a single healthcare system between January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2020 were included. The search engine software was used to identify patients with keywords (Brugada pattern, Brugada ECG, Brugada Type-1, or Brugada syndrome) documented in the electronic medical record. The 12-lead ECGs were retrospectively analyzed by 2 cardiologists. Any inconsistencies were reviewed by a third cardiac electrophysiologist. Type-1 Brugada pattern was diagnosed according to the recent Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement.

Results

Among 43,116 African American patients, (46.9% males), 6 patients (mean age 44.8±13.9 years, 100% males) had Type-1 Brugada pattern documented on at least one 12-lead ECG. The prevalence of Type-1 Brugada pattern in this large patient population of African American was 13.9 per 100,000. None of the patients had major arrhythmic event at 6.7±4.7 years follow-up.

Conclusions

The prevalence of Type-1 Brugada pattern in African American is lower than Caucasian and Asian populations. The risk of major arrhythmic event of Type-1 Brugada pattern in African American appears to be low; however longer follow-up data is needed.

In premenopausal women with idiopathic osteoporosis, lower bone formation rate is associated with higher body fat and higher IGF-1

We examined serum IGF-1 in premenopausal IOP, finding relationships that were opposite to those expected: higher IGF-1 was associated with lower bone formation and higher body fat, and lower BMD response to teriparatide. These paradoxical relationships between serum IGF-1, bone, and fat may contribute to the mechanism of idiopathic osteoporosis in premenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION

Premenopausal women with idiopathic osteoporosis (IOP) have marked deficits in bone microarchitecture but variable bone remodeling. We previously reported that those with low tissue-level bone formation rate (BFR) are less responsive to teriparatide and have higher serum IGF-1, a hormone anabolic for osteoblasts and other tissues. The IGF-1 data were unexpected because IGF-1 is low in other forms of low turnover osteoporosis-leading us to hypothesize that IGF-1 relationships are paradoxical in IOP. This study aimed to determine whether IOP women with low BFR have higher IGF-1 and paradoxical IGF-1 relationships in skeletal and non-skeletal tissues, and whether IGF-1 and the related measures predict teriparatide response.

METHODS

This research is an ancillary study to a 24 month clinical trial of teriparatide for IOP. Baseline assessments were related to trial outcomes: BMD, bone remodeling.

SUBJECTS

 Premenopausal women with IOP(n = 34); bone remodeling status was defined by baseline cancellous BFR/BS on bone biopsy.

MEASURES

 Serum IGF-1 parameters, compartmental adiposity (DXA, CT, MRI), serum hormones, and cardiovascular-risk-markers related to fat distribution.

RESULTS

As seen in other populations, lower BFR was associated with higher body fat and poorer teriparatide response. However, in contrast to observations in other populations, low BFR, higher body fat, and poorer teriparatide response were all related to higher IGF-1: IGF-1 Z-score was inversely related to BFR at all bone surfaces (r =  - 0.39 to - 0.46; p < 0.05), directly related to central fat (p = 0.05) and leptin (p = 0.03). IGF-1 inversely related to 24 month hip BMD %change (r =  - 0.46; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Paradoxical IGF-1 relationships suggest that abnormal or atypical regulation of bone and fat may contribute to osteoporosis mechanisms in premenopausal IOP.

PFKFB4 promotes angiogenesis via IL-6/STAT5A/P-STAT5 signaling in breast cancer

Breast cancer has become the most newly-diagnosed cancer and the 5th leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The 5-year survival rate of breast cancer is about 90%. However, the 5-year survival rate drops to <30% when metastasis to distant sites occurs. The blood vessel formation (i.e., angiogenesis) plays a crucial role during the metastatic process. In this study, we investigated the role of PFKFB4 in angiogenesis of breast cancer. Employing in vitro HUVEC tube formation or in vivo orthotopic mouse model, and gene editing or specific small inhibitors strategy, and utilizing qPCR, western blot, ELISA, or immunofluorescent/immunohistochemistry staining methods, we found the following: 1) PFKFB4 upregulates IL-6 expression via NF-κB signaling in breast cancer cells; 2) PFKFB4-induced lactate secretion contributes to NF-κB activation in breast cancer cells; 3) IL-6 elicits angiogenesis via STAT5A/P-STAT5 in HUVEC; 4) 5-MPN (a specific PFKFB4 inhibitor) suppresses angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest a potential strategy whereby 5-MPN may lead to an improved therapeutic outcome for breast cancer patients.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A novel approach to assessing treatment in locally advanced esophageal cancer patients

Aims

This study aims to investigate the potential application of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to predict concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.

Patients and Methods

This study involved 33 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer and treated with CRT. The patients underwent DCE-MRI before CRT (pre) and 3 weeks after starting CRT (mid). The patients were categorized into two groups: complete response (CR) and non-complete response (non-CR) after 3 months of treatment. The quantitative parameters of DCE-MRI (K^trans, Kep, and Ve), the changes and ratios of parameters (ΔK^trans, ΔKep, ΔVe, rΔK^trans, rΔKep, and rΔVe), and the relative ratio in the tumor area and a normal tube wall (rK^trans, rKep, and rVe) were calculated and compared between two timeframes in two groups, respectively. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) statistical analysis was used to assess the above parameters.

Results

We divided 33 patients into two groups: 22 in the CR group and 11 in the non-CR group. During the mid-CRT phase in the CR group, both K^trans and Kep rapidly decreased, while only Kep decreased in the non-CR group. The pre-K^trans and pre-Kep in the CR group were substantially higher compared to the non-CR group. Moreover, the rK^trans was also apparently observed as higher at pre-CRT in the CR group compared to the non-CR group. The ROC analysis demonstrated that the pre-K^trans could be the best parameter to evaluate the treatment performance (AUC = 0.74).

Conclusion

Pre-K^trans could be a promising parameter to forecast how patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer will respond to CRT.

[Effect of PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone on the prolifeiration of malignant nesothelionma cells induced by HMGB1]

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of PPAR-γ agonist Pioglitazone (PGZ) on the proliferation of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cells. Methods: In December 2019, MM cell lines MSTO-211H and NCI-H2452 were incubated with different final concentrations of PGZ (0, 10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μmol/L) for different periods of time (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) , and then the cell proliferation level was detected by CCK8 assay. After given various final concentration of PGZ (0, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200 μmol/L) the for 72 hours, the changes of number and morphology of MM cells were observed under an inverted microscope. The expressions of PPAR-γ and HMGB1 mRNA were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) after treatment of MM cells with PGZ of 0, 10, 50, 100 μmol/L for 72 h. The MM cells were treated with PGZ at concentration of 0, 100 μmol/L for 72 h, and the protein expressions of HMGB1 were examined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence; the protein expressions of Ki67 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: The cell viability rate of MM cells was decreased after treated with PGZ (P<0.05) . Cell number in PGZ-treated group was significantly less than that in control group and morphology changes were observed under light microscope. QRT-PCR results revealed significantly increased PPAR-γ mRNA expression in the PGZ-treated group compared to the control group (P<0.05) . There was a significant decrease in the mRNA expression level of HMGB1 in the PGZ-treated group (100 μmol/L) as compared to the control group in MSTO-211H (P<0.05) ; however, the expression level of HMGB1 in NCI-H2452 was an increase or no significant differences (P>0.05) . Western blotting and immunofluorescence results showed that the protein expression of HMGB1 was reduced in the PGZ-treated group compared with the control group in MSTO-211H (P<0.05) , but the protein expression of that in NCI-H2452 was no significant differences (P>0.05) . Immunohistochemistry results showed increased expression of proliferation marker Ki-67. Conclusion: Pioglitazone suppresses the proliferation of MM cells through inhibition of HMGB1 by the activation of PPAR-γ.

Expression Characteristics and Significant Prognostic Values of PGK1 in Breast Cancer

It was proven that PGK1 plays a vital role in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human breast cancer. However, the correlation of PGK1 mRNA and protein expression with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic values according to various kinds of breast cancer patient classifications remains unsufficient. Here, we analyzed data from the Oncomine database, Breast cancer Gene-Expression Miner v4.5, TNMplot, MuTarget, PrognoScan database, and clinical bioinformatics to investigate PGK1 expression distribution and prognostic value in breast cancer patients. Our study revealed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of PGK1 were up-regulated in various clinicopathologic types of breast cancer. Moreover, the expression of PGK1 was correlated with mutations of common tumor suppressor genes TP53 and CDH1. In addition, we found that high mRNA level of PGK1 was significantly associated with poor OS, RFS, and DMFS. Notably, Cox regression analysis showed that PGK1 could be used as an independent prognostic marker. In summary, the aforementioned findings suggested that PGK1 might be not only explored as a potential biomarker, but also combined with TP53/CDH1 for chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Therapeutic efficacy of dexmedetomidine on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via downregulating lncRNA PACER

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its regulatory effect on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PACER.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Serum level of PACER in COPD patients was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The diagnostic potential of PACER in COPD was assessed by plotting ROC curves. The in vivo COPD model was generated in rats by cigarette smoking exposure. Primary rat alveolar epithelial cells were isolated, purified and cultured. After overexpression of PACER in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells, proliferative and migratory abilities were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay, respectively. Subsequently, we detected changes in PACER expression, viability and migratory potentials in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells harvested from control rats, and those harvested from COPD rats and induced with either DEX or not. Rescue experiments were conducted to uncover the involvement of PP2A in PACER-regulated cell phenotypes.

RESULTS

PACER was upregulated in serum of COPD patients, which was a potential biomarker for diagnosing COPD. Overexpression of PACER in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells enhanced proliferative and migratory abilities. Compared with primary rat alveolar epithelial cells harvested from control rats, proliferative and migratory abilities were stronger in those harvested from COPD rats and induced with either DEX or not. Notably, DEX induction decreased PACER expression, and proliferative and migratory abilities in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells harvested from COPD rats. Overexpression of PP2A could partially abolish the promotive effects of PACER on proliferative and migratory abilities in DEX-induced primary rat alveolar epithelial cells harvested from COPD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

PACER drives the proliferative and migratory abilities of alveolar epithelial cells through activating PP2A. Dexmedetomidine is conducive to COPD treatment by downregulating PACER.

Prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis

AIM

To assess systematically the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The full text of studies of the clinical efficacy of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in ARVC was retrieved in multiple databases. Stata 14 was adopted for meta-analysis and bias analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 561 patients were included in five studies, and the eligibility criteria were met. The meta-analysis suggested that there was a significant difference between LGE positive and negative patients with ARVC in all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR] = 4.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41, 16.23, p=0.012; p for heterogeneity = 0.692, I² = 0%); major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (RR=2.48, 95% CI = 1.24, 4.96, p=0.010; p for heterogeneity = 0.596, I² = 0%); ventricular tachycardia (RR=3.13, 95% CI = 1.69, 5.78, p<0.001; p for heterogeneity = 0.825, I² = 0%); implanted cardiac defibrillators (RR=3.15, 95% CI = 1.69, 5.87], p<0.001; p for heterogeneity = 0.353, I² = 9.4%).

CONCLUSION

LGE in ARVC patients is a predictor of all-cause mortality and MACE.

Erratum: CCL16 maintains stem cell-like properties in breast cancer by activating CCR2/GSK3β/β-catenin/OCT4 axis: Erratum

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7150/thno.51000.].

Analysis of cranial type characteristics in term infants: a multi-center study

Background

Positional head deformity (PHD) is defined as a change in the shape of an infant’s skull due to an external force. In certain cases, it can lead to cosmetic deformities or even neurological issues due to its impact on the developing nervous system. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the incidence and characteristics of PHD in term infants in China and preliminarily establish a localized diagnostic reference standard.

Methods

Overall, 4456 term infants from three medical institutions in Chongqing were and divided and analyzed according to their age. Cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and cephalic index (CI) were calculated in all infants. The current international diagnostic criteria were used to understand PHD incidence and analyze the CVA and CI distribution.

Results

According to the current international standards, the total detection rate of PHD in Chongqing’s term infants was 81.5%, with brachycephaly alone being the most frequent (39.4%), followed by brachycephaly with plagiocephaly (34.8%) and plagiocephaly alone (6.2%). The detection rates of dolichocephaly were low: alone, 0.9% and combined with plagiocephaly, 0.2%. According to age, plagiocephaly (44.5%) and brachycephaly (82.0%) were the most frequent in the 2-3-month group. The 75th/90th/97th and 3rd/10th/25th/75th/90th/97th percentiles of CVA and CIs were 0.4/0.7/1.0 and 76.4/78.8/82.3/91.1/94.6/99.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

According to the current international standards, the PHD detection rate among term infants in Chongqing was high. Therefore, a new diagnostic standard for Chinese infants was proposed where CVA ≥ 0.4 cm indicates plagiocephaly, CI ≥ 91% indicates brachycephaly, and CI ≤ 82% indicates dolichocephaly.

Differences in hypertension and prehypertension among people living with and without HIV in China: role of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

Hypertension is a growing health concern in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, association between HIV infection and hypertension is equivocal.

METHODS

In all, 1472 PLWH and 2944 HIV-negative individuals frequency-matched by age and sex were derived from the baseline survey of Comparative HIV and Aging Research in Taizhou (CHART), China. Prehypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120-139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg.

RESULTS

Despite the fact that prevalence of hypertension was overall lower among PLWH than among HIV-negative people (21.1% vs. 29.1%, P < 0.001), it was similar at ages 18-29 (7.6% vs. 8.5%) and 30-44 years (17.1% vs. 18.5%) but significantly lower in PLWH at ages 45-59 (26.1% vs. 40.7%) and 60-75 years (37.1% vs. 57.3%). Prehypertension prevalence was consistently higher in PLWH across all age groups. In the model adjusting for traditional risk factors, HIV infection was associated with hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.55) and prehypertension (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.51-2.08), and attenuated after additional adjustment for abdominal obesity. Age-stratified analysis showed that these associations of HIV with hypertension were observed at ages 18-29 and 30-44 years and associations with prehypertension were observed at ages 18-29, 30-44 and 45-59 years only. Years since HIV diagnosis and stavudine use were the HIV-specific factors independently associated with hypertension or/and prehypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection is independently associated with prehypertension and hypertension especially at younger ages, and this risk may increase as treatment becomes prolonged. Our findings reinforce the urgent necessity for active BP screening and control strategies be adopted for PLWH in China.

CCL16 maintains stem cell-like properties in breast cancer by activating CCR2/GSK3β/β-catenin/OCT4 axis

Rationale: Considerable evidence suggests that breast cancer metastasis and recurrence occur due to emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In our previous study, we designed a high-throughput siRNA screening platform that identifies inflammation genes involved in the regulation of cancer cell stemness. We reported that CCL16 protein decreases OCT4 expression and reduces the ALDH+ subpopulation. However, the mechanism by which CCL16 maintains stem cell-like properties remains unclear.

Methods: Tissue microarrays were used to evaluate CCL16 expression. Cancer stemness assays were performed in CCL16 knockdown and overexpressing cells in vitro and in a xenograft model in vivo. Human phosphokinase array, immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanism.

Results: We report that CCL16 was overexpressed in breast tumors and significantly correlated with clinical progression. We found that silencing CCL16 in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells diminished CSC properties including ALDH+ subpopulation, side population, chemo-resistance, and sphere formation. Furthermore, mice bearing CCL16-silenced MDA-MB-231 xenografts had lower tumorigenic frequency and developed smaller tumors. Exploration of the underlying mechanism found that CCL16 selects CCR2 to activate p-AKT/GSK3β signaling and facilitate β-catenin nuclear translocation. Further, CCL16 binds to the OCT4 promoter and promotes OCT4 expression. In addition, shRNAs targeting CCR2 and XAV939 targeting β-catenin abolished CCL16-mediated cancer stemness. Upstream, IL10 mediates STAT3 activation, which binds to the CCL16 promoter and enhances its expression. The STAT3-targeted inhibitor Stattic suppressed CCL16 expression in vitro and restrained tumor progression in vivo.

Conclusions: We identified a potential CSC regulator and suggest a novel mechanism for how CCL16 governs cancer cell stemness. We propose that CCL16 could be an effective target for breast cancer therapy.

FHOD3 promotes carcinogenesis by regulating RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway in medulloblastoma

PURPOSE

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant brain disease in young children. The overall survival of MB patients is disappointing due to absence of effective therapeutics and this could be attributed to the lack of molecular mechanism underlying MB. FHOD3 was an important gene during cardio-genesis and was reported to promote cell migration in cancer. However, its role in MB is not clear to date.

METHODS

RT-qPCR and IHC analysis were used to determine expression of FHOD3. Survival curve was drawn by K-M analysis. FHOD3 was knocked down by RNAi technology. The effects of FHOD3 on medulloblastoma cells were determined by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and FACs analysis.

RESULTS

FHOD3 expression increased by 1.5 fold in tumor tissues compared to the control and IHC analysis further confirmed strong expression of FHOD3 in medulloblastoma tissues. Then higher FHOD3 expression was associated with shorter survival time in MB patients (13.0 months versus 43.8 months). In medulloblastoma cells such as Daoy and D283med, FHOD3 also displayed abundant expression. When FHOD3 was knocked down, the ability of cell proliferation and colony formation was reduced over greatly. The capability of cell migration and invasion was also inhibited significantly. However, cell apoptotic rate increased significantly reversely. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation level of RhoA, ROCK1, and LIMK1 was decreased when FHOD3 was knocked down but increased reversely when FHOD3 was over-expressed in Daoy cells.

CONCLUSIONS

FHOD3 was associated with overall survival time in medulloblastoma patients and was essential to cell proliferation, growth and survival in medulloblastoma and might regulates activation of RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway.

Discovery of a novel ferroptosis inducer-talaroconvolutin A-killing colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Ferropotsis is among the most important mechanisms of cancer suppression, which could be harnessed for cancer therapy. However, no natural small-molecule compounds with cancer inhibitory activity have been identified to date. In the present study, we reported the discovery of a novel ferroptosis inducer, talaroconvolutin A (TalaA), and the underlying molecular mechanism. We discovered that TalaA killed colorectal cancer cells in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. Interestingly, TalaA did not induce apoptosis, but strongly triggered ferroptosis. Notably, TalaA was significantly more effective than erastin (a well-known ferroptosis inducer) in suppressing colorectal cancer cells via ferroptosis. We revealed a dual mechanism of TalaA’ action against cancer. On the one hand, TalaA considerably increased reactive oxygen species levels to a certain threshold, the exceeding of which induced ferroptosis. On the other hand, this compound downregulated the expression of the channel protein solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) but upregulated arachidonate lipoxygenase 3 (ALOXE3), promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments in mice evidenced that TalaA effectively suppressed the growth of xenografted colorectal cancer cells without obvious liver and kidney toxicities. The findings of this study indicated that TalaA could be a new potential powerful drug candidate for colorectal cancer therapy due to its outstanding ability to kill colorectal cancer cells via ferroptosis induction.

MiR-30 suppresses lung cancer cell 95D epithelial mesenchymal transition and invasion through targeted regulating Snail

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "MiR-30 suppresses lung cancer cell 95D epithelial mesenchymal transition and invasion through targeted regulating Snail, by M.-J. Fan, Y.-H. Zhong, W. Shen, K.-F. Yuan, G.-H. Zhao, Y. Zhang, S.-K. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21 (11): 2642-2649-PMID: 28678320" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/12883.

Aspirin mediates histone methylation that inhibits inflammation-related stemness gene expression to diminish cancer stemness via COX-independent manner

Background

The widely recognized anti-cancer potential of aspirin has created a broad interest to explore the clinical benefits of aspirin in cancer therapy. However, the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-cancer potential of aspirin remains limited.

Methods

Cancer stemness assays which contained ALDH, side population, chemo-resistance, sphere formation, and tumorigenesis were performed to validate aspirin function in vitro and in vivo. Histone modification assay was performed to check the effect of aspirin on histone methylation as well as the activity of HDAC and KDM6A/B. Inhibitor in vivo assay was performed to evaluate therapeutic effects of various inhibitor combination manners.

Results

In regards to in vitro studies, aspirin diminishes cancer cell stemness properties which include reducing the ALDH+ subpopulation, side population, chemo-resistance, and sphere formation in three cancer types. In regards to in vivo studies, aspirin decreases tumor growth and metastasis and prolongs survival. In addition, our results showed that aspirin inhibits inflammation-related stemness gene expression (especially ICAM3) identified by a high-throughput siRNA platform. In regards to the underlying molecular mechanism of action, aspirin reduces histone demethylase (KDM6A/B) expression that mediates histone methylation and suppresses gene expression via a COX-independent manner. In regards to therapeutic strategies, aspirin combined HDM inhibitors, ICAM3 downstream signaling Src/PI3K inhibitors, or ICAM3 inhibitor Lifitigrast prevents cancer progression in vivo.

Conclusions

The aforementioned findings suggest a molecular model that explains how aspirin diminishes cancer cell stemness properties. These findings may provide novel targets for therapeutic strategies involving aspirin in the prevention of cancer progression.

Next-generation sequencing identifies a novel heterozygous I229T mutation on LMNA associated with familial cardiac conduction disease

LMNA gene encodes Lamin A and C (Lamin A/C), which are intermediate filament protein implicating in DNA replication and transcription. Mutations in LMNA are validated to cause cardiac conduction disease (CCD) and cardiomyopathy.In a Chinese family, we identified 5 members harboring the identical heterozygous LMNA (c.686T>C, I229T) disease-causing mutation, which was not found in the 535 healthy controls. In silico analysis, we revealed structural alteration in Lamin A/C I229T mutant. Furthermore, molecular docking identified human polycomb repressive complex 2 and Lamin A/C interact with higher affinity in the presence of I229T, thus may downregulate Nav1.5 channel expression.Our findings expanded the spectrum of mutations associated with CCD and were valuable in the genetic diagnosis and clinical screening for CCD. Molecular docking analysis provided useful information of increased binding affinity between mutant Lamin A/C and polycomb repressive complex 2. However, the concrete mechanism of LMNA mutation (I229T) remains undetermined in our study, future genetics and molecular studies are still needed.