Identification of immune-related genes in the prognosis of head and neck cancer using a novel prognostic signature model

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence indicates that the immune response plays a critical role in the development of head and neck cancer (HNC). We aimed to develop an immune-related gene signature and evaluate its prognostic value in patients with HNC.

METHODS

We retrieved an HNC cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and divided the samples into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median of the immune and stromal scores. We performed Venn and Cox analyses to identify the immune-related DEGs to use in our prognostic model. We evaluated the correlation between the model and immune-cell infiltration and validated the prognostic value of the model by applying it to 2 external HNC cohorts.

RESULTS

We identified 7 DEGs-CCR4, WDFY4, VCAM1, LYZ, VSIG4, XIRP1, and CMKLR1-to use in our prognostic model and validated the model by applying it to 2 external HNC cohorts. We found that risk scores based on the model could reflect the status of the tumor microenvironment and that VSIG4 might be associated with lymph node metastasis in HNC.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a highly accurate immune-related prognostic 7-gene model in HNC predication, indicating that these 7 genes play critical roles in the tumor microenvironment.

MYO1B as a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in Arecoline-associated oral carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Arecoline, the main component of betel nut, induces malignant transformation of oral cells through complicated unclear mechanisms. Thus, we aimed to screen the key genes involved in Arecoline-induced oral cancer and further verify their expressions and roles.

METHODS

This study included a data-mining part, a bioinformatics verification part, and an experimental verification one. First, the key gene related to oral cancer induced by Arecoline was screened. Then, the expression and clinical significance of the key gene in head and neck/oral cancer tissues were verified, and its downstream mechanisms of action were explored. Afterwards, the expression and roles of the key gene were verified by experiments at the histological and cytological levels.

RESULTS

MYO1B was identified as the key gene. Overexpression of MYO1B was associated with lymph node metastasis and unfavorable outcomes in oral cancer. MYO1B may be mainly related to metastasis, angiogenesis, hypoxia, and differentiation. A positive correlation between MYO1B and the infiltration of macrophages, B cells, and dendritic cells was presented. MYO1B might have a close relationship with SMAD3, which may be enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway. MYO1B suppression markedly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis abilities of both Arecoline-transformed oral cells and oral cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed MYO1B as a key gene in Arecoline-induced oral tumorigenesis. MYO1B might be a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for oral cancer.

SERPINE1 as an Independent Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target for Nicotine-Related Oral Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Nicotine is an ingredient of tobacco, and exposure to nicotine increases the risks of various cancers, including oral cancer. Previous studies have focused on the addictive properties of nicotine, but its carcinogenic mechanism has rarely been studied. We aimed to explore the key genes in the process through which nicotine promotes the occurrence and development of oral cancer via data mining and experimental verification.

METHODS

This study involved three parts. First, key genes related to nicotine-related oral cancer were screened through data mining; second, the expression and clinical significance of a key gene in oral cancer tissues were verified by bioinformatics. Finally, the expression and clinical significance of the key gene in oral cancer were histologically investigated, and the effects of its expression on cell proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance were cytologically assessed.

RESULTS

SERPINE1 was identified as the key gene, which was upregulated in nicotine-treated oral cells and may be an independent prognostic factor for oral cancer. SERPINE1 was enriched in various pathways, such as the tumor necrosis factor and apelin pathways, and was related to the infiltration of macrophages, CD4+T cells, and CD8+T cells. Overexpression of SERPINE1 was associated with N staging and may be involved in hypoxia, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Knockdown of SERPINE1 in oral cancer cells resulted in weakened cell proliferation and invasion ability and increased sensitivity to bleomycin and docetaxel.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed SERPINE1 as a key gene for nicotine-related oral cancer, indicating that SERPINE1 may be a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for oral carcinoma.

Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, increases the sensitivity of chemoresistant head and neck carcinoma cells to cisplatin possibly through HSP90AA1/IL-17 pathway

Cisplatin (DDP) resistance is a bottleneck in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), leading to poor prognosis. Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, has low toxicity and high antitumor activity with unclear mechanisms. We intended to predict the targets of fisetin for reversing DDP-resistance and further verify their expressions and roles. A network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the target genes. The hub genes were screened out and subjected to molecular docking and experimental verification (in vivo and in vitro). Thirty-two genes common to fisetin and DDP-resistance were screened, including three hub genes, namely HSP90AA1, PPIA, and PTPRS. Molecular docking suggested that fisetin and the candidate proteins could bind tightly. HSP90AA1 was identified as the key gene. Administration of fisetin increased the sensitivity of chemoresistant cells (Cal27/DDP and FaDu/DDP) to DDP, accompanied by the downregulation of HSP90AA1 and IL-17. HSP90AA1 silencing increases the sensitivity of DDP-resistant cells to DDP, which was mediated by IL-17. In summary, fisetin might inhibit the chemoresistance of HNC cells to DDP by targeting the HSP90AA1/IL-17 pathway. Several hub genes might be the targets of fisetin for reversing DDP-resistance in HNC cells and might also serve as prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for HNC.

Exploration of the effect of Celastrol on protein targets in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental evaluations

Background: Celastrol, an important extract of Tripterygium wilfordii, shows strong antitumor activity in a variety of tumors including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, little is known about its targets in NPC. We aimed to screen the key gene targets of Celastrol in the treatment of NPC by means of in silico analyses (including network pharmacology and molecular docking) and experimental evaluations. Methods: The main target genes of Celastrol and the genes related to NPC were obtained by retrieving the relevant biological databases, and the common targets were screened. Protein-protein interaction analysis was used to screen the hub genes. Then, a "compound-target-disease" network model was created and molecular docking was used to predict the binding of Celastrol to the candidate hub proteins. Afterward, the expression changes of the candidate genes under the administration of Celastrol were verified in vitro and in vivo. Results: Sixty genes common to Celastrol and NPC were screened out, which may be related to numerous biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tube development, and enriched in various pathways such as PI3K- Akt, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and Apoptosis. The tight binding ability of the candidate hub proteins (TNF, VEGFA, and IL6) to Celastrol was predicted by molecular docking [Docking energy: TNF, -6.08; VEGFA,-6.76; IL6,-6.91(kcal/mol)]. In vitro experiments showed that the expression of TNF and VEGFA decreased while the expression of IL6 increased in NPC cells (CNE2 and HONE1) treated with Celastrol. In vivo experiments suggested that Celastrol significantly reduced the weight and volume of the transplanted tumors in tumor-bearing mice in vivo. The expression of TNF, VEGFA, and IL6 in the transplanted tumor cells could be regulated by using Celastrol, and the expression trends were consistent with the in vitro model. Conclusion: Several gene targets have been filtered out as the core targets of Celastrol in the treatment of NPC, which might be involved in a variety of signaling pathways. Hence, Celastrol may exert its anti-NPC activity through multiple targets and multiple pathways, which will provide new clues for further research. Future experiments are warranted to validate the findings.

EPHB2 as a recurrence-related gene and a prognostic indicator in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A bioinformatics screening and immunohistochemistry verification

Recurrence and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radical treatment is a major bottleneck in clinical treatment. Therefore, we aimed to find the genes related to metastasis after radical treatment in NPC patients. Public datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were consulted and the differential expression genes (DEGs) were screened out. The possible roles of the DEGs were annotated by Gene Ontology, and pathway analysis. The hub genes/proteins were then filtered out through protein-protein interaction network construction. The key genes were sifted out from the hub genes, and their expressions were verified by qPCR and immunohistochemistry assays. A total of 28 DEGs were filtered out, which may be enriched in different signaling pathways. Of these DEGs, 11 hub genes were filtered out, among which EPHB2 was shown to be over-expressed in NPC tissues. Further experimental assays confirmed that EPHB2 was overexpressed in NPC cells, which might be associated with tumor recurrence, neck lymph node metastasis, and advanced clinical stages. Moreover, high EPHB2 expression predicted poor prognosis in NPC patients. EPHB2 might be a novel recurrence-related biomarker and a prognostic factor for NPC. Moreover, it might also be used as a potential treatment target for NPC.

SPP1 as a key gene in the lymph node metastasis and a potential predictor of poor prognosis in head and neck carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important cause leading to recurrence and development of head and neck carcinoma (HNC), with the precise mechanisms unclear. Thus, we aimed to identify the key genes involved in LNM and further evaluate their expressions and roles.

METHODS

A cohort of HNC in the TCGA was analyzed. The study involved three phases (one screening and two validation phases). First, the differentially expressed genes regarding LNM were screened, from which a key gene was identified by a series of data mining approaches. Then, the expressions and roles of the key gene were validated in HNC through bioinformatics. Afterward, the expression of the key gene was detected by qPCR, western blot, and Immunohistochemistry based on a cell model and a tissue microarray. Further, colony formation and transwell migration and invasion assays were used to evaluate the roles of the key gene.

RESULTS

SPP1 was overexpressed in HNC tissues and was identified as the key gene. Overexpression of SPP1 in HNC was correlated with advanced pathological stages and T-stage, as well as the presence of LNM, which predicted poor prognosis. The expression of SPP1 was closely associated with the infiltration of immune cells in HNC, especially M2 macrophages. Lab experiments confirmed that SPP1 silence in HNC cells resulted in weakened invasive and metastatic abilities.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that SPP1 may be a key gene associated with LNM in HNC, raising the possibility of SPP1 as a target for HNC prevention and treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of nanoparticle-mediated double suicide gene expression driven by 'E9-hTERT promoter' switch in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), such as papillary thyroid cancer, has a good prognosis after routine treatment. However, in the course of treatment, 5% to 20% of cases may dedifferentiate and can be transformed into dedifferentiated DTC (deDTC) or anaplastic thyroid cancer, leading to treatment failure. To date, several drugs have been used effectively for dedifferentiated thyroid cancer, whereas gene therapy may be a potential method. Literature reported that double suicide genes driven by human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (hTERTp) can specifically express in cancer cells and kill them. However, the weak activity of hTERTp limits its further research. To overcome this weakness, we constructed a novel chitosan nanocarrier containing double suicide genes driven by a ‘gene switch’ (a cascade of radiation enhancer E9 and a hTERTp). The vector was labeled with iodine-131 (¹³¹I). On one hand, E9 can significantly enhance the activity of hTERTp under the weak radiation of ¹³¹I, thereby increasing the expression of double suicide genes in deDTC cells. On the other hand, ¹³¹I also plays a certain killing role when it enters host cells. The proposed nanocarrier has good specificity for deDTC cells and thus deserves further study.

TXNIP, CXCL1, and AREG as key genes in formaldehyde-induced head and neck carcinoma: an in silico analysis

BACKGROUND

Reports have shown that formaldehyde (FA) can induce malignant transformation in cells via complicated mechanisms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the possible molecules, pathways, and therapeutic agents for FA-induced head and neck cancer (HNC) by using bioinformatics approaches.

METHODS

High throughput data were analyzed to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FA-treated nasal epithelium cells and controls. Then, the functions of the DEGs were annotated and the hub genes, as well as the key genes, were further screened out. Afterwards, potential drugs were predicted by using the connectivity map (CMAP) tool.

RESULTS

The information of a microarray-based dataset GSE21477 was extracted and analyzed. A total of 210 upregulated and 83 downregulated DEGs were generated, which might be enriched in various pathways, such as Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Among these DEGs, three hub genes including TXNIP, CXCL1, and AREG, were identified as the key genes because they might affect the prognosis of HNC. Finally, a major active ingredient of blister beetles, Cantharidin, was predicted to be one of the potential drugs reversing FA-induced malignant transformation in head and neck epithelium cells.

CONCLUSION

The present analysis gave us a novel insight into the mechanisms of FA-induced malignant transformation in head and neck epithelium cells, and predicted several small agents for the prevention or treatment of HNC. Future experiment studies are warranted to validate the findings.

Identification of a novel microRNA profile including miR-106b, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-18a and miR-93 in the metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metastasis often leads to poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Evidence has indicated the important roles of microRNA (miRNA) in cancer metastasis. The aim of this study was to identify and verify the key miRNAs that might be involved in the development of NPC metastasis.

METHODS

Microarray data were obtained and analyzed to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between NPC tissues with metastasis and those without metastasis. The target genes of the DEMs were predicted and their functions were annotated. Then, candidate hub genes were screened out through protein-protein interaction analysis, and the key miRNAs were identified. Afterwards, the expression levels of the key miRNAs were assessed by qRT-PCR based on an in vitro model.

RESULTS

A total of 22 DEMs were screened out, and 616 target genes were predicted. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target genes may be enriched in a diversity of GO terms and signaling pathways. Among them, eleven hub genes were identified, such as PTEN, KAT2B, CCND1, STAT3, and MAP3K5. Moreover, a five-miRNA profile (miR-106b, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-18a and miR-93) was identified and their expression levels were tested to be up-regulated in high-metastatic NPC cells relative to low-metastatic ones.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that five miRNAs (miR-106b, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-18a and miR-93) and several hub genes such as PTEN, KAT2B, CCND1, STAT3, and MAP3K5, might play critical roles in the development of NPC metastasis. Future investigations are needed to confirm the results.

Construction and analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in the radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Radiotherapy has been the major treatment strategy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), while the occurrence of radioresistance may lead to cancer recurrence or progression. This study aimed to identify the key microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes in the development of NPC radioresistance. Public microarray data were searched and analyzed to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) between radioresistant and radiosensitive NPC samples. MiRNA-mRNA networks were constructed. As a result, 5 DEMs and 195 DEGs were screened out. The DEGs were enriched in various signaling pathways, such as Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Several hub genes, such as IGF2, OLA1, BBS10, MMP9, and BBS7 were identified. A regulatory miRNA-mRNA network containing 87 miRNA-mRNA pairs was constructed. Then, 14 key miRNA-mRNA pairs that contained the hub genes were further filtered out. In the networks, miR-203a-3p had the largest number of target genes. Afterwards, the candidate pairs (miR-203a-3p/BTK and miR-484/OLA1) have been verified by a qRT-PCR assay. In summary, we identified several miRNAs and hub genes via big data screening. A total of 87 miRNA-mRNA pairs (including 14 key pairs) were predicted to play a crucial role in the development of NPC radioresistance. These data provide a bioinformatics basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism of radiotherapy resistance in NPC. Future studies are needed to validate the results.

Screening of hub genes and prediction of putative drugs in arsenic-related bladder carcinoma: An in silico study

BACKGROUND

Evidence showed that inorganic arsenic (iAs) can trigger malignant transformation in cells with complex mechanisms. Thus, we aimed to investigate the possible molecules, pathways and therapeutic drugs for iAs-induced bladder cancer (BC) by using bioinformatics approaches.

METHODS

Microarray-based data were analyzed to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between iAs-related BC cells and controls. Then, the roles of DEGs were annotated and the hub genes were screened out by protein-protein interaction network. The key genes were further selected from the hub genes through an assessment of the prognostic values. Afterward, potential drugs were predicted by using CMAP analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis of a dataset (GSE90023) generated 21 upregulated and 47 downregulated DEGs, which were enriched in various signaling pathways. Among the DEGs, four hub genes including WNT7B, SFRP1, DNAJB2, and ATF3, were identified as the key genes because they might predict poor prognosis in BC patients. Lastly, Cantharidin was predicted to be a potential drug reversing iAs-induced malignant transformation in urinary epithelium cells.

CONCLUSION

The present study found several hub genes involved in iAs-induced malignant transformation in urinary epithelium cells, and predicted several small agents for iAs toxicity prevention or therapy.

The expression and clinical significance of an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition inducer, SNAI1, in head and neck carcinoma

BACKGROUND

SNAI1 is an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer, which has been indicated to play a role in the progression of cancers. We aimed to evaluate the expression and prognostic roles of SNAI1 in head and neck carcinoma (HNC).

METHODS

The study involved two major phases. In the in silico phase, the SNAI1 expression and its association with clinical features as well as its prognostic values were assessed; then, the target genes of SNAI1 were predicted and the relationship between SNAI1 expression and immune cell infiltration was evaluated. In the validation phase, a cohort of a tissue microarray (47 cases) and a cohort of HNC patients (68 cases) were enrolled. SNAI1 was detected by using an immunochemistry assay.

RESULTS

The in silico analysis showed that overexpression of SNAI1 in HNC tissues may be correlated with metastatic lymph node numbers and may predict poor outcomes. Six genes, including CREB3L1, MITF, KLF9, RARA, KLF7, and ETV1, were predicted to be the target genes of SNAI1. The expression of SNAI1 was negatively correlated with tumor purity of HNC, while it was positively correlated with the infiltration of diverse immune cells, such as B cells and macrophages. In the validation phase, the relationships of SNAI1 expression with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis were verified.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of SNAI1 might promote lymph node metastasis through complex molecular mechanisms and act as a prognostic indicator in HNC. SNAI1 expression may have a correlation with immune cell infiltrates. Future studies are needed to address these points.

Identification of an immune-related key gene, PPARGC1A, in the development of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: in silico study and in vitro evaluation

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare malignant tumor, with short overall survival time and a high mortality rate. To date, there is a lack of effective treatment strategies for this disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying ATC have remained largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to screen the key genes that play a critical role in the genesis and development of ATC.

METHODS

Datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were searched and analyzed to obtain the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ATC and normal thyroid samples. Then, hub genes were screened out via protein-protein interaction network construction, and the key genes were filtered out from the hub genes. Afterward, the roles of the key genes further evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 353 up-regulated and 544 down-regulated DEGs were selected, which were enriched in various pathways. Nine hub genes, including CDH1, AQP4, OCLN, SLC4A4, PAX8, DIO1, PPARGC1A, MAL2, and SLC26A4, were screened out.Then, PPARGC1A was identified as the key gene, which was positively correlated with tumor purity but negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration. Moreover, high PPARGC1A expression predicted poor prognosis in thyroid cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

An immune-related gene, PPARGC1A, was filtered out as the key gene that might play critical roles in the initiation and progression of ATC. It might affect the prognosis by inhibiting immune cell infiltrations. Future experimental studies are needed to confirm the results.

IGFBP3 as an indicator of lymph node metastasis and unfavorable prognosis for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a usual event in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients, which usually leads to poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of LNM remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to screen the possible key genes in the progression of LNM in PTC patients and further validate their roles. The study involved two phases: a discovery phase and a validation one. In the former phase, the candidate genes were screened by using bioinformatics methods. In the latter one, the genes were firstly assessed in a cohort from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) to evaluate the associations of their expressions with clinical features and the prognostic values, and then, they were assessed at protein levels by using an immunohistochemical assay. Consequently, IGHBP3 was selected as the candidate gene, which might be enriched in several metabolism-related pathways and cancer progression-related pathways. High expressions of IGHBP3 have an association with gender, advanced clinical stages, high T stages, and the presence of LNM. Survival analysis indicated that IGHBP3 may affect the prognosis of PTC patients. The use of a tissue chip confirmed the view that IGHBP3 might play a crucial role in the LNM of PTC. In conclusion, IGHBP3 might be involved in the development of LNM in PTC patients. IGHBP3 over-expression might be a novel indicator and a potential target for PTC therapy.

Screening of key miRNAs and evaluation of their diagnostic and prognostic values in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Increasing evidence has revealed the importance of microRNA (miRNA/miR) in cancer genesis and progression. The aim of the current study was to identify the key miRNAs involved in the onset and development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to further evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic values. Microarray data were obtained and analyzed to screen differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between patients with NPC and healthy controls. The target genes of the DEMs were predicted and their possible functions were evaluated. The diagnostic and prognostic values of the DEMs were subsequently investigated. A total of 4 DEMs, including miR-18a, miR-135b, miR-204 and miR-497, were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes were enriched in a number of GO terms and signaling pathways. The results demonstrated that the selected DEMs may present potential diagnostic factors for NPC. In addition, miR-18a [Hazard ratio (HR), 3.405; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.334-8.693] and miR-135b (HR, 2.482; 95% CI, 1.014-6.076) may serve prognostic roles for patients with NPC. In summary, the present study identified 4 miRNAs that may be involved in the genesis and development of NPC. In addition, miR-18a and miR-135b may present useful prognostic markers for patients with NPC. Future in vitro and in vivo investigations are warranted to substantiate the results obtained in the current study.

Plasma microRNA expression signature involving miR-548q, miR-630 and miR-940 as biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma detection

BACKGROUND

Increasing studies have identified a series of circulating mircoRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for disease detection due to their stability in the blood. The aim of the present study was to identify specific plasma miRNAs as potential biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) detection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relative public microarray data were obtained and analyzed for screening of the plasma differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between NPC patients and controls. This study contained two phases: a screening phase and a validation one. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analyses were used to identify DEM signatures. Moreover, targeted genes of the selected DEMs were predicted and their functions were annotated by using bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

Both the screening and the validation phases showed that three miRNAs (miR-548q, miR-630 and miR-940) in the plasma of NPC patients were up-regulated compared to those of controls. They can be used as biomarkers for discriminating NPC patients from non-cancerous controls. Moreover, we found a classifier including only two miRNAs (miR-548q and miR-940) that can be used as a diagnostic signature for NPC, achieving an area under curve (AUC) of 0.972, a sensitivity of 0.94, and a specificity of 0.925.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that three miRNAs (miR-548q, miR-630 and miR940) might be novel and useful biomarkers for NPC detection. A two-miRNA signature (miR-548q and miR940) may be considered as a better biomarker for NPC detection with relatively high sensitivity and specificity. Future studies with large sample sizes are needed for further validation.

Therapeutic effect of pregabalin on radiotherapy-induced trismus in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of pregabalin on radiotherapy-induced trismus in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a hospital-based, clinical retrospective cohort study was conducted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected on patients diagnosed with radiotherapy-induced trismus from March 2014 and March 2016 in the department of neurology in our hospital. Patients in the treatment group were administrated pregabalin for 8 weeks combined with rehabilitation, while the control group only received rehabilitation. The clinical therapeutic effects were observed and evaluated by mandibular motion, severity of trismus measured by late effects of normal tissues/subjective and objective medical analysis (LENT/SOMA) scales, and quality of life (QOL) assessed using the World Health Organization QOL instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline, week 4 and week 8 during treatment in these two groups, respectively.

RESULTS

In the treatment group, the number of patients with improvement on maximal vertical dimension (MVD) was significantly more than controls at week 4 and week 8 (P=0.013, P=0.004, respectively). Moreover, at week 4 and week 8, the severity of trismus was both significantly improved on LENT/SOMA grade in treatment group (P=0.047, P=0.032, respectively). And at week 8, the physical health and the whole life domain of the WHOQOL-BREF score were significantly increased (P=0.037, P=0.034, respectively). In the treatment group, 11 patients (36.7%) presented dizziness, and 7 patients (23.3%) presented somnolence.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of pregabalin, in adjunct to rehabilitation, might provide a better outcome in patients with radiotherapy-induced trismus.

MiR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and head and neck carcinoma risk: a meta-analysis based on 10 case-control studies

Two recent meta-analyses have been conducted on the relationship between miR-146a polymorphism (rs2910164) and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk. However, they have yielded conflicting results. Hence, the aim of the present study was to conduct a quantitative updated meta-analysis addressing this subject. Eligible studies up to Sep 2016 were retrieved and screened from the bio-databases and then essential data were extracted for data analysis. Next, subgroup analyses on ethnicity, source of controls, sample size, and genotyping method were also carried out. As a result, a total of 9 publications involving 10 independent case-control studies were included. The overall data indicated a significant association between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and HNC risk [C vs. G: odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00-1.31; CC+CG vs. GG: OR=1.21; 95%CI=1.02-1.43]. Variant alleles of miR-146a rs2910164 may have a correlation with increased HNC risk. Future well-designed studies containing large sample sizes are needed to verify this result.

Does CYP2E1 RsaI/PstI polymorphism confer head and neck carcinoma susceptibility?: A meta-analysis based on 43 studies

BACKGROUND

Previous reports showed that CYP2E1 RsaI/PstI polymorphism may be a risk factor for cancers. Published meta-analyses in 2010 and 2011, respectively, on the relationship of CYP2E1 RsaI/PstI polymorphisms with the susceptibility to head and neck carcinoma (HNC) have generated inconsistent results. Thus, this study aimed to conduct an updated meta-analysis involving published studies up to Nov 2015 to get a more confidential result.

METHODS

Eligible studies up to Nov 2015 were retrieved and screened. Data were extracted and a quantitative meta-analysis was conducted. Subgroup analyses on ethnicity, source of controls, sample size, genotyping method, smoking status, and drinking status were also performed.

RESULTS

Forty-one publications including a total of 43 case-control studies were selected for analysis. The overall data under a homozygote comparison model indicated a significant association of CYP2E1 RsaI/PstI polymorphisms with HNC risk (c2c2 vs c1c1: odds ratio [OR] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53-2.53). Similar results were observed in the Asian subgroup (c2c2 vs c1c1: OR = 1.98; 95%CI = 1.51-2.60; c2 vs c1: OR = 1.20; 95%CI = 1.03-1.39) and mixed population (c2 vs c1: OR = 1.41; 95%CI = 1.06-1.86) when the data were stratified by ethnicities. Interestingly, increased cancer risk only was shown among never-smokers (c2c2+c1c2 vs c1c1: OR = 1.44; 95%CI = 1.05-1.98) but not ever-smokers.

CONCLUSION

CYP2E1 RsaI/PstI polymorphisms may modify the susceptibility to HNC, particularly among Asians, mixed population, and never-smokers. Future large and well-designed studies are needed to verify this conclusion.

Endoscopic removal of bullets from the cranial ridge junction region via transoral and transnasal approaches: Two case reports and review of literature

Endoscopes in otolaryngology may facilitate accessing the lumens and sites such as upper cervical spine with minimally invasive surgical exposure. Here, we present 2 interesting cases of youth who underwent endoscopic removal of bullets in the cranial ridge junction region.The first case was a 20-year-old young man who underwent a gunshot in the face. A CT scan showed that a metallic foreign body located inside the right lateral body of Atlas that presented a comminuted fracture. The second case a 36-year-old man who also underwent a gunshot in the face. CT scan showed a foreign body lodged in the soft tissues before the right anterior arch of Atlas cone (C1) that presented a fracture. The bullets in these 2 patients were removed under the endoscopes with minimal damage, respectively. The patients were discharged without neck activity obstacle.The advantage of endoscopic technique is obvious because limited visualization does not damage surrounding tissues, thus decreasing surgical complications. This was an interesting experience of surgical operation in this region.

Cost to government and society of chronic kidney disease stage 1-5: a national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Costs associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not well documented. Understanding such costs is important to inform economic evaluations of prevention strategies and treatment options.

AIM

To estimate the costs associated with CKD in Australia.

METHODS

We used data from the 2004/2005 AusDiab study, a national longitudinal population-based study of non-institutionalised Australian adults aged ≥25 years. We included 6138 participants with CKD, diabetes and healthcare cost data. The annual age and sex-adjusted costs per person were estimated using a generalised linear model. Costs were inflated from 2005 to 2012 Australian dollars using best practice methods.

RESULTS

Among 6138 study participants, there was a significant difference in the per-person annual direct healthcare costs by CKD status, increasing from $1829 (95% confidence interval (CI): $1740-1943) for those without CKD to $14 545 (95% CI: $5680-44 842) for those with stage 4 or 5 CKD (P < 0.01). Similarly, there was a significant difference in the per-person annual direct non-healthcare costs by CKD status from $524 (95% CI: $413-641) for those without CKD to $2349 (95% CI: $386-5156) for those with stage 4 or 5 CKD (P < 0.01). Diabetes is a common cause of CKD and is associated with increased health costs. Costs per person were higher for those with diabetes than those without diabetes in all CKD groups; however, this was significant only for those without CKD and those with early stage (stage 1 or 2) CKD.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with CKD incur 85% higher healthcare costs and 50% higher government subsidies than individuals without CKD, and costs increase by CKD stage. Primary and secondary prevention strategies may reduce costs and warrant further consideration.

Is MDM2 SNP309 Variation a Risk Factor for Head and Neck Carcinoma?: An Updated Meta-Analysis Based on 11,552 Individuals

Murine double minute-2 (MDM2) is a negative regulator of P53, and its T309G polymorphism has been suggested as a risk factor for a variety of cancers. Increasing evidence has shown the association of MDM2 T309G polymorphism with head and neck carcinoma (HNC) risk. However, the results are inconsistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to elucidate the association. The meta-analysis retrieved studies published up to August 2015, and essential information was extracted for analysis. Separate analyses on ethnicity, source of controls, sample size, detection method, and cancer types were also conducted. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association. Pooled data from 16 case-control studies including 4625 cases and 6927 controls failed to indicate a significant association. However, in the subgroup analysis of sample sizes, an increased risk was observed in the largest sample size group (>1000) under a recessive model (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.08-2.13). Increased risks were also found in the nasopharyngeal cancer in the subgroup analysis of cancer types (GG vs TT: OR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.38-3.12; dominant model: OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.13-1.93; recessive model: OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.17-2.65). The results suggest that homozygote GG alleles of MDM2 SNP309 may be a low-penetrant risk factor for HNC, and G allele may confer nasopharyngeal cancer susceptibility.

Fragmentation and high entropy of neonatal experience predict adolescent emotional outcome

Vulnerability to emotional disorders including depression derives from interactions between genes and environment, especially during sensitive developmental periods. Across evolution, maternal care is a key source of environmental sensory signals to the developing brain, and a vast body of work has linked quantitative and qualitative aspects of maternal care to emotional outcome in children and animals. However, the fundamental properties of maternal signals, that promote advantageous vs pathological outcomes in the offspring, are unknown and have been a topic of intense study. We studied emotional outcomes of adolescent rats reared under routine or impoverished environments, and used mathematical approaches to analyze the nurturing behaviors of the dams. Unexpectedly, whereas the quantity and typical qualities of maternal care behaviors were indistinguishable in the two environments, their patterns and rhythms differed drastically and influenced emotional outcomes. Specifically, unpredictable, fragmented maternal care patterns translated into high-entropy rates of sensory signals to the offspring in the impoverished cages. During adolescence, these offspring had significant reductions in sucrose preference and in peer-play, two independent measures of the ability to experience pleasure. This adolescent anhedonia, often a harbinger of later depression, was not accompanied by measures of anxiety or helplessness. Dopaminergic pleasure circuits underlying anhedonia are engaged by predictable sequences of events, and predictable sensory signals during neonatal periods may be critical for their maturation. Conversely, unpredictability maternal-derived signals may disrupt these developmental processes, provoking anhedonia. In sum, high-entropy and fragmented patterns of maternal-derived sensory input to the developing brain predicts, and might promote, the development of anhedonia in rodents, with potential clinical implications.

Is overexpression of TWIST, a transcriptional factor, a prognostic biomarker of head and neck carcinoma? Evidence from fifteen studies

TWIST, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, has been indicated to play a critical role in the progression of numerous malignant disorders. Published data on the significance of TWIST expression in head and neck carcinoma (HNC) risk have yielded conflicting results. Thus, we conducted a quantitative meta-analysis to obtain a precise estimate of this subject. After systematic searching and screening, a total of fifteen studies using immunohistochemistry for TWIST detection were included. The results showed that TWIST positive expression rate in HNC tissues was higher than that in normal tissues. TWIST expression might have a correlation with clinical features such as low differentiation, advanced clinical stage, presence of lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and local recurrence (P < 0.05) , but not with age, gender, T stage and smoking as well as drinking (P > 0.05). In addition, over-expression of TWIST was a prognostic factor for HNC (HR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.13–3.25). The data suggested that TWIST might play critical roles in cancer progression and act as a prognostic factor for HNC patients.

Expression and significance of TWIST, a zinc finger transcription factor, in laryngeal carcinoma among Chinese population: a meta-analysis

TWIST, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition inducer, has been implicated in the progression of a variety of cancers. Published evidence concerning the association of TWIST expression with laryngeal carcinoma risk has generated inconclusive results. Thus, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to address this controversy. A meta-analysis assessing the expression of TWIST in laryngeal cancer was conducted. Eligible studies for the period up to Jun 2015 were identified. After rigorous screening, a total of four studies met the inclusion criteria and they happened to be conducted on Chinese population. The results showed that TWIST positive expression rate in laryngeal cancer tissues was higher than that in normal tissues (OR=8.91, 95% CI=4.55-17.46). TWIST expression might have a correlation with low differentiation (OR=5.40, 95% CI=2.02-14.44), advanced clinical stage (OR=6.52, 95% CI=3.61-11.78), presence of lymph node metastasis (OR=9.10, 95% CI=4.26-19.41) and distant metastasis (OR=8.12, 95% CI=2.10-31.42), but not age and gender. The data suggested that TWIST might play critical roles in the development of laryngeal carcinoma. Further well-designed studies are warranted to get a more conclusive result.

Over-expression of TWIST, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition inducer, predicts poor survival in patients with oral carcinoma

TWIST, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition inducer, has been thought to play a critical role in the progression of a number of malignancies. Published studies reporting the association of TWIST expression with oral carcinoma risk has yielded conflicting results. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to address this controversy. After rigorous searching and screening, a total of seven studies were included. The results showed that the TWIST positive expression rate in oral cancer tissues was higher than that in the normal tissues. TWIST expression might have a correlation with clinical features such as low differentiation, advanced clinical stage, presence of lymph node metastasis and local recurrence, but not age, gender, T stage and smoking and drinking. The data suggested that TWIST might play critical roles in the cancer progression and act as a prognostic factor in oral cancer patients.

MTHFR C677T polymorphism interaction with heavy alcohol consumption increases head and neck carcinoma risk

MTHFR C677T polymorphism has been indicated to be a risk factor for cancers, but its association with head and neck cancer (HNC) risk remains inconclusive. In the present study, we aimed to get a more precise estimation by performing a quantitative meta-analysis. Published papers up to Jun 2014 was searched and screened. Necessary information was rigorously extracted for data pooling and analyzing, and then, subgroup analyses on ethnicity, source of controls, sample size, tumor type, smoking and drinking status were also carried out. As a result, twenty-three case-control studies including 14298 subjects were included. The overall data failed to reveal a significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and HNC risk (homozygote comparison model: OR = 1.16; 95%CI = 0.93-1.45; dominant model: OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 0.90-1.21; recessive model: OR = 1.14; 95%CI = 0.93-1.38). However, in the subgroup analysis about drinking status, increase risk was shown in the heavy drinking subgroup (TT vs CC: OR = 3.11; 95%CI = 1.52-3.02). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that Homozygous TT alleles of MTHFR C677T polymorphism might be a risk factor for HNC among individuals who have a heavy drinking history. Further studies are needed to get a more definitive conclusion.

The effect of lifestyle intervention and metformin on preventing or delaying diabetes among women with and without gestational diabetes: the Diabetes Prevention Program outcomes study 10-year follow-up

CONTEXT

Gestational diabetes (GDM) confers a high risk of type 2 diabetes. In the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), intensive lifestyle (ILS) and metformin prevented or delayed diabetes in women with a history of GDM.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of ILS and metformin intervention over 10 years in women with and without a history of GDM in the DPP/Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study.

DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial with an observational follow-up.

SETTING

The study was conducted at 27 clinical centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred fifty women with a history of GDM and 1416 women with previous live births but no history of GDM participated in the study. The participants had an elevated body mass index and fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance at study entry.

INTERVENTIONS

Interventions included placebo, ILS, or metformin.

OUTCOMES MEASURE

Outcomes measure was diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

Over 10 years, women with a history of GDM assigned to placebo had a 48% higher risk of developing diabetes compared with women without a history of GDM. In women with a history of GDM, ILS and metformin reduced progression to diabetes compared with placebo by 35% and 40%, respectively. Among women without a history of GDM, ILS reduced the progression to diabetes by 30%, and metformin did not reduce the progression to diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with a history of GDM are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. In women with a history of GDM in the DPP/Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, both lifestyle and metformin were highly effective in reducing progression to diabetes during a 10-year follow-up period. Among women without a history of GDM, lifestyle but not metformin reduced progression to diabetes.

Nanoparticle-mediated down-regulation of TWIST increases radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via ERK pathway

Evidence suggests that over-expression of TWIST, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition inducer, might have a correlation with cancer progression and chemoresistance. However, its roles in radioresistance of cancer have rarely been reported. High TWIST expression was detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and associated with poor prognosis. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to determine whether knockdown of TWIST can increase radiosensitivity of NPC cells. Chitosan-encapsulated TWIST-siRNA nanoparticles were constructed and used to silence TWIST expression in CNE2 cells. The cell viability and apoptosis as well as possible MAPKs pathways were assessed after irradiation treatment. The results showed that the nanoparticles successfully suppressed TWIST expression in CNE2 cells, and TWIST depletion significantly sensitized CNE2 cells to irradiation by inducing activation of ERK pathway but not JNK or p-38 pathways. The data suggested that TWIST depletion might be a promising approach sensitizing NPC cells to irradiation. Further investigations are needed to confirm the results.

Expression and clinical significance of microvessel density and its association with TWIST in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by a high frequency of nodal and distant metastasis at diagnosis. Microvessel density (MVD) is an indicator for angiogenesis that has been shown to correlate with metastasis of cancers. Evidence regarding the roles of MVD in NPC has rarely been reported. Thus, we aimed to investigate the state of angiogenesis in NPC. CD34 and TWIST were detected in sixty-five NPC specimens by immunohistochemistry, respectively. Then, MVD and its association with clinical features as well as TWIST expression have been assessed. As a result, MVD was closely related to cancer progression as reflected by distant metastasis (P < 0.05), and nevertheless, the data failed to show its association with lymph node metastasis and other clinicophathological features (P > 0.05). Interestingly, a marked correlation between TWIST positive expression with increased MVD was observed. The results suggested that MVD might play important roles in the development of NPC and TWIST might promote cancer progression by facilitating angiogenesis. Further studies are needed to confirm the results.

Expression of TWIST, an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its clinical significance

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the development of a number of cancers. An important EMT inducer, TWIST, has been detected to be over-expressed in a variety of tumors, but rarely been studied in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to examine TWIST expression and its association with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in NPC. A total of 65 NPC and 20 normal samples were involved in the present study. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the mRNA and protein expressions of TWIST in NPC and normal tissues. The relationship of TWIST expression levels with clinical features and prognosis of NPC patients were analyzed. The positive rate of TWIST expression was markedly higher in NPC tissues than that in normal tissues. Over-expression of TWIST was correlated with N stage and the presence of distant metastasis. Patients with positive TWIST expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time relative to patients with negative TWIST expression. The data suggest that TWIST over-expression has a correlation with lymphatic and distant metastasis in NPC. Moreover, it might be a novel biomarker for prediction of advanced tumor progression and a potential unfavorable prognostic factor as well as a potential treatment target for NPC.

MDM2 SNP309 variation increases cervical cancer risk among Asians

MDM2 T309G polymorphism has been suggested to be a risk factor for a number of cancers. The association of MDM2 T309G genetic variation with cervical cancer risk remains inconclusive. In the present study, we aimed to get a more confidential result by conducting a quantitative meta-analysis. Relevant literature up to October 2013 was searched and screened. Essential information was rigorously extracted for data pooling and analyzing, and then, separate analyses on ethnicity and source of controls were also performed. As a result, four articles including five case-control studies were selected. The overall data failed to show a significant association between MDM2 T309G polymorphism and cervical cancer risk (GG vs TT: odds ratio (OR)=1.31; 95 % confidence interval (CI)=0.55-3.13; dominant model: OR=1.22; 95 % CI=0.65-2.31; recessive model: OR=1.45; 95 % CI=0.79-2.65). However, in the subgroup analysis about ethnicity, increased cancer risk could be shown among Asians (GG vs TT: OR=2.15; 95 % CI=1.03-4.51; recessive model: OR=2.01; 95 % CI=1.32-3.06). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that homozygous GG alleles of MDM2 T309G polymorphism might be a risk factor for cervical cancer among Asians. Further studies are needed get a more definitive conclusion.

Cytochrome P450 1A1 Ile462Val polymorphism and oral carcinoma risk: an updated meta-analysis including 1,515 cases and 2,233 controls

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 Ile462Val (exon7) polymorphism has been suggested to be a risk factor for several cancers. Published data on its association with oral cancer risk have generated conflicting results. Our previous meta-analysis containing data from prior to Jan 2008 regarding this issue failed to find a significant association between CYP1A1 Ile462Val variation and oral cancer susceptibility. An updated meta-analysis with eligible studies for the period up to May 2012 was conducted. Separate analyses on ethnicity and source of controls were also performed. A total of 13 case-control studies comprising 1,515 cases and 2,233 controls were lastly selected for analysis. Compared with the previous meta-analysis, the overall data also failed to indicate a significant association of CYP1A1 Ile462Val polymorphism with oral cancer risk (Val/Val vs. Ile/Ile--OR = 1.46; 95 % CI = 0.96-2.24; dominant model--OR = 1.01; 95 % CI = 0.81-1.25; and recessive model--OR = 1.46; 95 % CI = 0.96-2.23). However, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, increased cancer risk was observed among Asians under the additive and recessive models (Val/Val vs. Ile/Ile--OR = 1.74; 95 % CI = 1.04-2.90 and recessive model-OR = 1.73; 95 % CI = 1.04-2.87), inconsistent with the previous meta-analysis. Collectively, the data of the present study suggest that CYP1A1 variant Val/Val alleles might modify the susceptibility to oral cancer among Asians. Further well-designed investigations with large sample sizes are required to confirm this conclusion.

Cost-effectiveness of nutrition interventions in nursing home residents: a pilot intervention

OBJECTIVES

Unintentional weight loss is a prevalent and costly clinical problem among nursing home (NH) residents. One of the most common nutrition interventions for residents at risk for weight loss is oral liquid nutrition supplementation. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of supplements relative to offering residents' snack foods and fluids between meals to increase caloric intake.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Three long-term care facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-three long-stay residents who had an order for nutrition supplementation.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized into one of three groups: (1) usual NH care control; (2) supplement, or (3) between-meal snacks. For groups two and three, trained research staff provided supplements or snacks twice daily between meals, five days per week, for six weeks with assistance and encouragement to promote consumption.

MEASUREMENTS

Research staff observed residents during and between meals for two days at baseline, weekly, and post six weeks to estimate total daily caloric intake. For both intervention groups, research staff documented residents' caloric intake between meals from supplements or snack items, refusal rates and the amount of staff time required to provide each intervention.

RESULTS

Both interventions increased between meal caloric intake significantly relative to the control group and required more staff time than usual NH care. The snack intervention was slightly less expensive and more effective than the supplement intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Offering residents a choice among a variety of foods and fluids twice per day may be a more effective nutrition intervention than oral liquid nutrition supplementation.

GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and nasopharyngeal cancer risk: an evidence-based meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous evidence implicates polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1, candidates of phase II enzymes, as risk factors for various cancers. A number of studies have conducted on the association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism with susceptibility to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, inconsistent and inconclusive results have been obtained. In the present study, we aimed to assess the possible associations of NPC risk with GSTM1 and GSTM1 null genotype, respectively.

METHODS

The associated literature was acquired through deliberate searching and selected based on the established inclusion criteria for publications, then the extracted data were further analyzed using systematic meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 85 articles were identified, of which eight case-control studies concerning NPC were selected. The results showed that the overall OR was 1.42 (95%CI = 1.21-1.66) for GSTM1 polymorphism. While for GSTT1 polymorphism, the overall OR was 1.12 (95% CI = 0.93-1.34).

CONCLUSION

The data were proven stable via sensitivity analyses. The results suggest GSTM1 deletion as a risk factor for NPC and failed to suggest a marked correlation of GSTT1 polymorphisms with NPC risk.

CYP1A1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms and oral cancer risk: association studies via evidence-based meta-analyses

Previous studies have implicated CYP1A1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms as risk factors for various cancers. A number of studies have been devoted to the association of CYP1A1 or GSTM1 polymorphism with susceptibility to oral carcinoma and have yielded conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible associations of oral cancer risk with CYP1A1 genetic variation and GSTM1 null genotype respectively via systematic meta-analyses. The data suggest that variant genotypes of CYP1A1 might not be risk factors for oral cancer, whereas GSTM1 null genotype significantly increases susceptibility to oral cancer in Asians but not Caucasians.

Helicobacter pylori infection and oesophageal cancer risk: association studies via evidence-based meta-analyses

AIMS

Infection of Helicobacter pylori, a major cause of various gastric diseases, has been reported to play a role in the process of tumorigenesis and progression of gastric carcinoma. Some studies have been devoted to the relationship between H. pylori infection and oesophageal cancer and have yielded conflicting results. Whether infection of H. pylori is a risk factor for this cancer remains uncertain. In this study we aimed to evaluate the association of H. pylori infection with oesophageal cancer risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The associated literature was acquired through deliberate searching and selected based on the established inclusion criteria for publications, then the extracted data were further analysed by systematic meta-analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 195 articles were identified, of which 12 case-control studies concerning oesophageal cancer were selected. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk for H. pylori infection was 0.58-fold (95% confidence interval 0.48-0.70) (Z=5.79, P<0.01) compared with the controls. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk was 0.80-fold (95% confidence interval 0.45-1.43) (Z=0.75, P>0.05) compared with the controls. Compared with CagA-negative H. pylori, CagA-positive H. pylori markedly decreased oesophageal cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

The pooled data suggest infection of H. pylori as a possible preventive factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma and failed to suggest a significant association between H. pylori infection and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Knockdown of Snail, a novel zinc finger transcription factor, via RNA interference increases A549 cell sensitivity to cisplatin via JNK/mitochondrial pathway

Previous reports have implicated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a major cause of cancer. Snail, a novel zinc finger transcription factor, was suggested to be an important inducer of EMT and therefore be involved in different phases of tumorigenicity. However, whether Snail could increase chemoresistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agent remains unclear. To evaluate the roles and possible mechanisms of Snail in chemoresistance of lung cancer cells to cisplatin, we utilized RNA interference to knockdown Snail expression in A549 cells and further assessed the cell viability and apoptosis as well as possible signaling transduction pathways. The data showed that Snail depletion sensitized A549 cells to cisplatin possibly by inducing activation of JNK/mitochondrial pathway, suggesting critical roles of Snail in A549 cell chemoresistance to cisplatin and raising the possibility of Snail depletion as a promising approach to lung cancer therapy.

[Expression of Livin in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and relationship with bFGF]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the roles of Livin and its relationship with bFGF in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) through observing the expression of Livin and bFGF in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHOD

Expression of Livin and bFGF in 41 cases of LSCC (11 cases with lymph node metastasis) and 20 cases of normal soft palate mucosa were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULT

Livin were positively detected in 29 (70.73%) cases of LSCC and negatively detected in all normal soft palate tissue. The positive rate of Livin was higher in LSCC than that in normal soft palate tissue and the expressions were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis status (P < 0.05) but not with histological grade, clinical stage and age (P > 0.05). The expression of Livin was positively correlated with the expression of bFGF.

CONCLUSION

The elevated expression of Livin in LSCC might play an important role in the development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and bFGF might be involved in the process.

[The history of heroin abuse by assaying 6-monoacetylmorphine and morphine in human hair]

The purpose of this study is to conclude the history of heroin abuse by assaying 6-monoacetylmorphine (MAM) and morphine (MOR) in human hair. The hair of heroin abuse was labeled and segmented, then washed and cut into fragments. After hydrolyses and extraction, 6-MAM and MOR in human hair were determined by GC/MS-SIM with selected ion monitoring. Results of the segmented hair were analyzed. It provided useful information about the history of heroin abuse (hair growth rate 1-1.5 cm/mon).

Eotaxin and CCR3 are up-regulated in exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophils and T lymphocytes represent constant features in the airways of subjects with exacerbated chronic bronchitis. Eotaxin is the most potent and selective eosinophil chemoattractant which can also attracts lymphocytes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of eotaxin and its receptor, CCR3, in bronchial airways during exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

METHODS

By immunohistochemistry we studied eotaxin and CCR3 expression in the lamina propria of 14 subjects with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. 20 asthmatics, and 8 healthy subjects. We determined the cell types expressing the CCR3 receptor by colocalization experiments. We finally studied the relationship between eotaxin and CCR3 and eosinophils and T lymphocytes.

RESULTS

The number of eotaxin+ and CCR3+ cells was significantly higher in exacerbated chronic bronchitis (P<0.003 and P<0.002) and asthma (P<0.002 and P<0.0001) when compared to healthy subjects. CCR3 was mainly expressed by eosinophils and to a lesser extent by CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. In exacerbated chronic bronchitis the number of CCR3+ cells was strongly correlated to the number of eosinophils (P<0.0002. r=0.85) and to the number of CD4+ lymphocytes (P<0.05, r=0.57).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that eotaxin and CCR3 are up-regulated and could be involved in the eosinophil and CD4+ lymphocyte recruitment into the airways which occur during acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

[Construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3-gtfB expressing glucosyltransferase B of Streptococcus mutans]

OBJECTIVE

Glucosyltransferase (GTF) of Streptococcus mutans is considered as a cariogenic virulence factor due to its ability to synthesize glucan, which facilitate sucrose-depended adherence and cell-to-cell accumulation of bacteria. In this study, gtfB, the target gene fragment which encodes multiple catalytic sites and antigen epitopes of GTF, was recombined into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3. The feasibility of the recombination plasmid pcDNA3-gtfB used as gene vaccine will be investigated in further study.

METHODS

The target gene fragment gtfB (904-4578 bp) was obtained by standard PCR amplification while genome DNA of streptococcus mutans GS-5 was used as template. Then the PCR products were extracted and purified from low-melting temperature agarose. The gtfB and plasmid pcDNA3 were cut by Kpn I, Xho I, and the digested products were extracted and purified again for recombination. The purified gtfB and plasmid pcDNA3 were recombined by T4 DNA ligase, ligation products were transformed into competent cell, Escherichia coli JM109. Transformed colonies were screened by Ampr LB plate, then recombined plasmids were isolated and identified by restricted endonuclease cutting and Sanger dideoxy DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Identified by agarose gel electrophoresis, the target gene-gtfB obtained PCR amplification had the same molecular size (36 kb) as predicted. It was indicated that recombined plasmids contained inserted gtfB gene fragment by restricted endonuclease cut analysis, the sequencing data also indicated that inserted gtfB gene had correct DNA sequence and orientation according to DNA sequence of Streptococcus mutans GS-5 (gene bank M17361).

CONCLUSION

Inserted gene-gtfB of recombined plasmid pcDNA3-gtfB encoded multiple catalytic sites and epitopes. It was proved that these epitopes had high immune antigenicity and that antiserum could significantly inhibit the synthesis of water-insoluble glucans and water-soluble glucan. In vitro adherence experiment also indicated that it could inhibit streptococcus mutans adherence to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite. Vector pcDNA3 was high expressing eukaryotic vector, and could stimulate antigen-representing cell. It was suggested that recombined plasmid pcDNA3-gtfB had high immune antigenicity and immune responsiveness, and this supported its use as gene vaccine candidates in the development of anti-caries vaccines.