The safety and feasibility of same-day discharge for the management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy

OBJECTIVES

Is same-day discharge mode safe and feasible for thoracoscopic lobectomy? This study assesses the safety and feasibility of same-day discharge for patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study from January to December 2022, all patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy were screened for eligibility, and participating eligible patients were separated into a same-day discharge lobectomy (SDDL) group and an inpatient lobectomy (InpL) group based upon length of stay. All discharged patients underwent 30-day postoperative follow-up performed by a team of medical professionals. In addition, eligible patients that underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy from January to December 2021 were included in the historical lobectomy (HisL) group.

RESULTS

Of the 52 patients that met the eligibility criteria for same-day discharge, 17 were discharged within 24 h after surgery. In the SDDL group, of whom 1 (5.9%) underwent emergency treatment and readmission within 30 days after surgery due to a pulmonary infection, no patients experienced complications such as reoperation, air leakage, atelectasis, chylothorax, or blood transfusion events during the follow-up period. No differences in overall postoperative complication rates were detected between the SDDL and InpL groups (P>0.05), there was a non-significantly higher rate of readmission and emergency visits in the SDDL group relative to the other two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the safety and feasibility of same-day discharge for patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy, it may further revolutionize the general approach to the hospitalization of thoracoscopic lobectomy patients.

[Advances in epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and one of the most commonly infectious diseases. Its epidemiological characteristics vary with host and immune status, and corresponding pathogen spectrums migrate over time and space distribution. Meanwhile, with the outbreak of COVID-19, some unconventional treatment strategies are on the rise. This article reviewed the epidemiological characteristics, pathogen spectrum and treatment direction of CAP in China over the years, and aimed to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of CAP in clinical practice.

[Value of multidetector computed tomography angiography and image analysis before bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of hemoptysis]

Objective: To estimate the value of multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) and image analysis before bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in the treatment of hemoptysis. Methods: A total of 165 patients with hemoptysis who underwent BAE at the Department of Interventional Radiology of Xiangyang Central Hospital from August 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: MDCTA group [with preoperative MDCTA, 88 patients,63 males and 25 females,aged 23 to 87(62.6±12.3) years] and control group [77 patients, 52 males and 25 females, aged 26 to 83 (59.8±12.7) years]. The number of bronchial arteries and non-bronchial systemic arteries, and clinical success rate were compared between the two groups. Comparisons within groups were performed using the t-test or nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test for quantitative data with paired design, while comparisons between groups were performed using the t-test for the mean of two independent samples or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples and comparisons between groups were performed using the chi-square test. Results: The number of orthotopic and ectopic bronchial arteries found in BAE procedure in the MDCTA group was significantly higher than that in the control group [1.77±0.72 vs. 1.42±0.82, P=0.003; 0 (0, 0) vs. 0 (0, 0), P=0.033, respectively]; in the MDCTA group, the numbers of orthotopic and ectopic bronchial arteries found by MDCTA were significantly higher than those found in BAE procedure [2.22±0.63 vs. 1.77±0.72, P<0.001; 0 (0, 0) vs. 0 (0, 0), P=0.005, respectively]. The number of non-intercostal arteries found by MDCTA in the MDCTA group was significantly higher than that in the control group [0 (0, 0) vs. 0 (0, 0), P=0.038]. Hemostatic success was significantly higher in the MDCTA group than that in the control group (88.6% vs. 68.8%, P=0.002). Conclusions: MDCTA and image analysis help to detect more bronchial arteries and improve the hemostatic success rate before bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of hemoptysis.

[Advances in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic strategies during the later COVID-19 era]

Based on natural infection or vaccination, the protective barrier for population has been preliminarily established. However, with constant appearances of SARS-CoV-2 variants, breakthrough infection events cannot be completely avoided, and thus the diagnostic strategy is still the key to discovering epidemic sources and blocking the transmission chain. Currently, SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis technologies based on nucleic acid, antigen and antibody detections have developed and extended in diversity. Under the background of work resumption and epidemic-prevention normalization during the later COVID-19 era, it is necessary for us to choose appropriate detection methods to satisfy the need of epidemic prevention and control in various scenarios. We summarized the principles and applicable characteristics of existing SARS-CoV-2 detection technologies in this paper, aimed to provide guidance for clinical and public health personnel to make targeted decisions.

[Clinicopathological features and prognosis of cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma: analysis of 134 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (CTL). Methods: The clinicopathological data of 134 CTL patients in Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, the 989 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support force (formerly the 152 Hospital) and the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2008 to 2020 were retrospectively collected. Immunophenotype, Epstein-Barr virus infection status and T cell receptor (TCR) clonality of tumor cells were assessed, and clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients were analyzed. Results: Among the 134 CTL patients, the male to female ratio was 1.7∶1.0, the median age was 49.5 years (range 3-83 years), and 100 cases (74.6%) were under 60 years old. Forty-six point nine percent of the patients (53/113) had B symptoms. Most of the patients presented with systemic superficial lymphadenopathy. According to the Ann Arbor staging system, 36.8% (39/106) of the patients were in stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ, and 63.2% (67/106) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. The rate of extranodal involvement was 51.6% (66/128). Spleen was involved in 24.2% (31/128) of the cases. Morphology showed diffuse growth of abnormal lymphocytes, infiltrating and destroying normal tissue structure. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumor cells expressed T cell antigens (CD2, CD3, CD5, and CD7), and 72.0% (77/107) of them had decreased or lost expression of one or more antigens. According to the numbers of CD4 and CD8 expression in tumor cells, 70 cases (52.2%) were grouped into CD8⁺>CD4⁺group. The expression rates of TIA-1 and granzyme B were 99.2% (119/120) and 79.8% (95/119), respectively. CD20 abnormal expression rate was 27.6% (37/134) and CD56 was negative in all cases. The median Ki-67 proliferative index was 45.0% (range 5%-80%). In situ hybridization of small RNA encoded by Epstein-Barr virus was negative. Clonal TCR gene rearrangement analysis was performed on 49 cases and was positive in all cases. Ninety-one patients were followed up for a median of 36 months (range, 1 to 240 months), and 40 of the 91 patients (44.0%) died. The twenty-three patients were in complete remission (including 13 cases with localized single extranodal mass). The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 53.5% and 49.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that B symptom, spleen involvement, extranodal involvement, clinical stage, CD8⁺>CD4⁺phenotype, abnormal expression of CD20 and Ki-67 proliferation index (>60%) were associated with overall survival (P<0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that spleen involvement and CD8⁺>CD4⁺ phenotype were independent prognostic factors for overall survival in CTL patients. Conclusions: CTL are more commonly found in adult males under 60 years old, often accompanied by B symptom, with a high proportion of extranodal involvement and more CD8 positive phenotypes. Spleen involvement and CD8⁺>CD4⁺phenotype are independent predictors of CTL overall survival. Some patients with localized extranodal CTL may have a good prognosis.

[Magnetic resonance imaging quantitative analysis of knee joint injury and cartilage before and after long-distance march and training for college students]

Objective: To assess the effects of long-distance march and training on acute knee injury and knee cartilage sub-regions of college students using quantitatively magnetic resonance imaging analysis. Methods: Twenty-seven young male students from freshman classes in the Army Military Medical University were enrolled in September 2019, aged from 17 to 20 (19.48±0.14) years, participated in the whole 8-day, 240 km long-distance march and training. Three-dimensional quantitative MRI was performed on the right knee using high-field MRI before (baseline) and 1 day after (follow-up) march. The assessment indexes included: meniscus and cartilage injury(5-point scale), bone marrow and ligament injury, and joint effusion(3-point scale). Using semi-automatic cartilage segmentation and 3D data post-processing techniques, a total of 21 sub-regions of cartilage volume and thickness were measured in the medial and lateral femur, medial and lateral tibia. Paired-samples t-test was used to compare the changes in quantitative cartilage indices of the knee joint before and after march. Results: In terms of acute knee injuries, medial and lateral meniscus injuries (grade 1-3) occurred in 8 and 9 college students, respectively compared with those before march. Anterior cruciate ligaments injury occurred in 4 college students and developed from grade 0 to grade 1. Bone marrow edema occurred in 10 students and developed from grade 0 to grade 2, and in 5 students from grade 0 to grade 1. Joint effusion occurred in 5 college students and developed from grade 1 to grade 2 (all P<0.05). In terms of quantitative analysis of cartilage subregion of knee joint, the volume of central region of femoral pulley increased [(1.84±0.32) mm³ vs (1.67±0.29) mm³] and the volume of central region of medial femoral condyle decreased [(1.18±0.21) mm³ vs (1.26±0.17) mm³] compared with that before march (all P<0.05); The cartilage thickness of 11 cartilage subregion [(1.37±0.27) mm vs (1.53±0.18) mm], [(1.42±0.25) mm vs (1.54±0.17) mm], [(1.53±0.20) mm vs (1.62±0.20) mm], [(1.72±0.28) mm vs (1.83±0.28) mm], [(1.84±0.45) mm vs (2.04±0.42) mm], [(2.20±0.58) mm vs (2.46±0.50) mm], [(1.74±0.19) mm vs (1.85±0.21) mm] [(1.45±0.21) mm vs (1.58±0.16) mm], [(1.81±0.22) mm vs (1.91±0.15) mm], [(1.44±0.13) mm vs (1.53±0.15) mm] was thinner than that before march (all P<0.05). The T₂ values of 7 cartilage subregion [(40.57±26.23) ms vs (67.10±47.46) ms], [(80.10±20.56) ms vs (98.42±23.58) ms], [(87.92±24.95) ms vs (108.84±29.24) ms], [(50.49±19.18) ms vs (76.97±37.16) ms], [(38.89±15.82) ms vs (69.70±40.16) ms] [(55.84±24.53) ms vs (106.35±50.01) ms] and [(72.38±36.64) ms vs (105.31±39.34) ms] were lower than those before march, while the T₂ values of the two subregions of patellar cartilage [(102.13±44.47) ms vs (72.20±28.37) ms], [(97.42±44.86) ms vs (76.67±51.64) ms] were higher than those before march (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other cartilage subareas (P>0.05). Conclusions: Long distance hiking will lead to acute injury of knee joint of young college students. The thickness of cartilage subregion of knee joint showed a thinning trend as a whole, while the volume and T₂ values showed different trends.

[Efficacy and safety of conformal thermocoagulation guided by stereotactic electroencephalogram in the treatment of epilepsy caused by focal cortical dysplasia in eloquent cortex]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided conformal radiofrequency thermocoagulation for epilepsy caused by focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in eloquent cortex. Methods: The data of epilepsy patients with conformal thermocoagulation in the Epilepsy Center of Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital from September 2017 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. SEEG electrodes were placed in patients with drug-refractory epilepsy caused by FCD in eloquent cortex with limited boundaries, which was confirmed by preoperative evaluation methods such as imaging and electroencephalography. When designing the electrode placement plan, related software was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional MRI image and lesion. SEEG electrode contacts should be designed to fully cover the lesion as much as possible. After the completion of SEEG monitoring and cortical electrical stimulation, the pre-thermocoagulation and permanent thermocoagulation modes were used in sequence. The mode of direct damage between adjacent contacts of a single electrode and cross-destruction between adjacent contacts of multiple electrodes was combined to ablate the lesions point by point. Results: A total of 22 patients were enrolled, ranging from 2 to 30 years old, with an average age of (15±9) years old. MRI showed that FCD lesions located at pre-central gyrus in 19 cases, at post-central gyrus in 3 cases, at left frontal lobe in 3 cases, at both pre-central and post-central gyrus in 1 case and at both pre-central and left frontal lobe in 2 cases. The length of the lesion was 1.2-4.0 cm, with an average length of (2.2±0.7) cm. Moreover, 7-12 SEEG electrodes were implanted, with an average of (9±2) electrodes. The number of electrodes passing through the lesion was 2-8, with an average of 5±2. The number of thermocoagulation target points was 6 to 83, with an average of 29±18, while the number of target points which proved to have function by cortical simulation was 0-21, with a median of 3.5. The number of direct thermocoagulation target points was 6 to 58, with an average of 23±13, while the number of cross thermocoagulation target points was 0 to 30, with a median of 3. The completion of the whole thermocoagulation was divided into 2 to 5 times. There were 11 cases (50%) who experienced immediate muscle strength decline, 1 case (4.5%) showed slower speech speed during thermocoagulation, 3 cases (13.6%) exhibited muscle strength decline after thermocoagulation, however, only 1 case (4.5%) had permanent hemiparalysis. There were 17 cases of Engel Ⅰ (77.3%), 3 cases of Engel Ⅱ (13.6%), and 2 case of Engel Ⅲ (9.1%), respectively, after follow-up for 6-42 months, with an average of (20±10) months. Conclusion: SEEG-guided conformal radiofrequency thermocoagulation is safe and effective for epilepsy caused by FCD in eloquent cortex with limited boundaries.

Association between plasma macrophage migration inhibitor factor and deep vein thrombosis in patients with spinal cord injuries

The patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffered significantly higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) than normal population. The aim was to assess the clinical significance of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the risk factor for DVT in acute SCI patients. 207 Chinese patients were enrolled in this study, including thirty-nine (39) patients (18.8 %; 95 %CI: 13.5 %–24.2 %) diagnosed as DVT at the follow-up of 1 month. Nine (9) of the 39 patients (23.1%) were suspected of thrombosis before the screening. The MIF levels in plasma of DVT patients were significantly higher than DVT-free patients. The risks of DVT would be increased by 11 % (OR _unadjusted: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06–1.17, P<0.001) and 8 % (OR _adjusted: 1.08; 1.03–1.14, P=0.001), for each additional 1 ng/ml of MIF level. Furthermore, after MIF was combined with established risk factors, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (standard error) was increased from 0.82(0.035) to 0.85(0.030). The results showed the potential association between the high MIF levels in plasma and elevated DVT risk in SCI patients, which may assist on early intervention.

Diastereo- and Enantioselective Construction of Biologically Important Chiral 1,3-Dioxolochroman Frameworks via Catalytic Asymmetric [4+2] Cycloaddition

A diastereo- and enantioselective construction of biologically important chiral 1,3-dioxolochroman frameworks has been established via chiral phosphoric acid (CPA)-catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition of ortho-quinone methides with 3-methyl-2-vinylindoles. By using this approach, a series of indole-based chiral 1,3-dioxolochromans were synthesized with structural diversity in generally good yields, excellent diastereoselectivities and high enantioselectivities (up to 98% yields, >95:5 dr, 97% ee). The evaluation on the cytotoxic activity of some selected products indicated that this class of chiral 1,3-dioxolochroman derivatives had some extent of anti-cancer activity. This reaction not only provides an efficient synthetic method for accessing chiral 1,3-dioxolochroman derivatives with structural diversity and optical purity but also will enrich the research contents of catalytic asymmetric [4+2] cycloadditions involving ortho-quinone methides. In addition, the bioassay of these compounds will cast a light on discovering useful bioactivities of chiral 1,3-dioxolochroman derivatives, which will be helpful for finding lead compounds.

[CD7 expression and its prognostic significance in acute myeloid leukemia patients with wild-type or mutant CEBPA]

目的

分析CD7在初治急性髓系白血病（AML）患者中的表达和预后价值，进一步探讨CD7表达情况与CEBPA突变的相关性，明确其在CEBPA野生型和突变型AML患者中与预后的关系。

方法

回顾性分析2010年1月至2016年12月收治的298例初治AML患者（除外M₃亚型）的临床资料，在全部患者以及CEBPA野生型和突变型组中，分别比较CD7阳性（CD7⁺）和CD7阴性（CD7⁻）患者的临床特征及预后差异，并联合CD7表达情况和CEBPA突变状态初步建立新的危险分层模型。

结果

在CD7⁺组中，CEBPA单位点和双位点突变的发生率分别为10.1%和33.9%，显著高于CD7⁻组（5.3%和4.2%），差异具有统计学意义（P=0.000）。在CEBPA野生型患者中，CD7⁺组患者相较CD7⁻组患者完全缓解率低（P=0.001）、复发率高（P=0.023），而两组总生存（OS）期和无病生存（DFS）期差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）；在CEBPA突变患者中，CD7⁺组显示有更长的OS期（P=0.019）和DFS期（P=0.010）。根据CD7表达和CEBPA突变与否将AML患者分为三个亚组：CD7⁺伴CEBPA突变组、CD7⁻组和CD7⁺伴CEBPA野生型组。三组患者的3年OS率分别为80.2%、48.0%和30.6%（P<0.001），3年的DFS率分别为74.1%、37.4%和22.2%（P<0.001）。

结论

CD7⁺组中CEBPA突变率显著高于CD7⁻组，CD7⁺在CEBPA野生型组和突变组AML中存在截然相反的预后意义。根据CD7表达情况和CEBPA突变与否建立新的危险分层模型，有助于指导临床个体化治疗。

2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) induces mitochondrial dysfunction and related liver injury via eliciting miR-34a-5p-mediated mitophagy impairment

2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is associated with various adverse human health effects; however, the knowledge of its toxicity is still very limited. Mitochondrial injury has been observed in liver cells exposed to BDE-47 in vitro. Mitophagy impairment causes the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, contributing to the pathological mechanisms of liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BDE-47 impairs mitophagy to trigger mitochondrial dysfunction-related liver injury and the underlying mechanisms. This study revealed that BDE-47 elicited mitochondrial dysfunction and related oxidative liver injury by impairing mitophagy. Moreover, our results showed that NAD⁺ insufficiency is responsible for BDE-47-mediated mitophagy defect and mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse livers, which was associated with suppression of Sirt3/FoxO3a/PINK1 signaling. Furthermore, our results indicated a potential role of miR-34a-5p in the hepatotoxicity of BDE-47. Mechanistically, BDE-47 dramatically upregulated miR-34a-5p expression in mouse livers. The data from AAV-sponge-mediated miR-34a-5p inhibition suggested that miR-34a-5p diminished NAD⁺ level by directly targeting NAMPT expression in BDE-47-treated mouse livers, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Consequently, miR-34a-5p markedly abated Sirt3/FoxO3a/PINK1 signaling-mediated mitophagy to promote mitochondrial dysfunction in BDE-47-treated mouse livers. The present study provided in vivo evidence to reveal a potential mechanism for BDE-47-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and related liver injury and indicated that miR-34a-5p-mediated mitophagy impairment might be a therapeutic target for BDE-47 toxicity.

LncRNA AB209371 up-regulated Survivin gene by down-regulating miR-203 in ovarian carcinoma

AB209371 gene has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in liver cancer. However, its involvement in ovarian carcinoma (OC) is unknown. In the present study, we analyzed the roles of AB209371 in OC. We found that AB209371 gene and Survivin gene were up-regulated in OC and positively correlated with OC development. AB209371 over-expression led to up-regulated Survivin in OC cells, while Survivin over-expression failed to affect AB209371. In addition, AB209371 over-expression led to down-regulated miR-203. However, miR-203 over-expression failed to affect AB209371, but down-regulated the expression of Survivin. In addition, over-expressions of AB209371 and Survivin resulted in the increased proliferation rate of OC cells. Over-expression MiR-203 played the opposite role and attenuated the effects of AB209371 over-expression. Therefore, AB209371 may down-regulate miR-203 to up-regulate Survivin, thereby promoting OC cell proliferation. Our study provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of OC.

Comprehensive RNA-Seq Data Analysis Identifies Key mRNAs and lncRNAs in Atrial Fibrillation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an emerging class of RNA species that may play a critical regulatory role in gene expression. However, the association between lncRNAs and atrial fibrillation (AF) is still not fully understood. In this study, we used RNA sequencing data to identify and quantify the both protein coding genes (PCGs) and lncRNAs. The high enrichment of these up-regulated genes in biological functions concerning response to virus and inflammatory response suggested that chronic viral infection may lead to activated inflammatory pathways, thereby alter the electrophysiology, structure, and autonomic remodeling of the atria. In contrast, the downregulated GO terms were related to the response to saccharides. To identify key lncRNAs involved in AF, we predicted lncRNAs regulating expression of the adjacent PCGs, and characterized biological function of the dysregulated lncRNAs. We found that two lncRNAs, ETF1P2, and AP001053.11, could interact with protein-coding genes (PCGs), which were implicated in AF. In conclusion, we identified key PCGs and lncRNAs, which may be implicated in AF, which not only improves our understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in AF, but also provides potentially functional lncRNAs for AF researchers.

Retracted: The role of HOTAIR-induced downregulation of microRNA-126 and interleukin-13 in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in neonates

Long noncoding RNAs, including HOTAIR, are involved in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases. This study aimed to explore the mechanism underlying the involvement of HOTAIR in neonatal bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). A total of 105 newborns were recruited in this study to collect their peripheral blood mononuclear cell and serum samples, which were then divided into different genotype groups based on the genotypes of rs4759314, rs874945, and rs7958904. The real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, computational analyses, and luciferase assays were performed to establish the regulatory relationships between the HOTAIR, microRNA-126 (miR-126), and interleukin-13 (IL-13). The level of HOTAIR, miR-126, and IL-13 among rs4759314 AA, AG, and GG groups, as well as among rs874945 GG, AG, and AA groups was similar. However, the level of HOTAIR was increased in the rs7958904 GG group, accompanied by a decreased level of miR-126 and IL-13. In addition, the level of airway responsiveness was comparable among rs4759314 AA, AG, and GG groups, as well as among rs874945 GG, AG, and AA groups. However, the airway responsiveness in the groups rs7958904 CG and CC was much stronger than that of the GG group. We also demonstrated that, by directly binding to miR-126, HOTAIR reduced the expression of miR-126, which in turn decreased the expression of IL-13. In summary, we demonstrated the role of HOTAIR-induced downregulation of miR-126 and IL-13 in the development of BHR in neonates.

Down-regulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 inhibits tumorigenesis through STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing CADM1 promoter methylation in liver cancer stem cells

Background

Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are a small subset of cells characterized by unlimited self-renewal, cell differentiation, and uncontrollable cellular growth. LCSCs are also resistant to conventional therapies and are thus believed to be held responsible for causing treatment failure of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been recently found that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators in HCC. This present study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of how lncRNA DLX6-AS1 influences the development of LCSCs and HCC.

Methods

A microarray-based analysis was performed to initially screen differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with HCC. We then analyzed the lncRNA DLX6-AS1 levels as well as CADM1 promoter methylation. The mRNA and protein expression of CADM1, STAT3, CD133, CD13, OCT-4, SOX2, and Nanog were then detected. We quantified our results by evaluating the spheroid formation, proliferation, and tumor formation abilities, as well as the proportion of tumor stem cells, and the recruitment of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) in LCSCs when lncRNA DLX6-AS1 was either overexpressed or silenced.

Results

LncRNA DLX6-AS1 was upregulated in HCC. The silencing of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 was shown to reduce and inhibit spheroid formation, colony formation, proliferation, and tumor formation abilities, as well as attenuate CD133, CD13, OCT-4, SOX2, and Nanog expression in LCSCs. Furthermore, downregulation of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 contributed to a reduction in CADM1 promoter methylation via suppression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b in LCSCs and inactivating the STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that down-regulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 may inhibit the stem cell properties of LCSCs through upregulation of CADM1 by suppressing the methylation of the CADM1 promoter and inactivation of the STAT3 signaling pathway.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1239-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 impacts cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma through regulating miR-139-5p/ CDK6

AIMS

We aimed to explore the impact of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes were screened out from Gene Expression Omnibus data set based on the microarray analysis. The expression levels of lncRNA NEAT1, miR-139-5p, and CDK6 in glioma cells and tissues were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the protein level of CDK6 in glioma cells was determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Glioma cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis were detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively, whereas cell invasion and migration were analyzed by transwell assay. The target relationships among NEAT1, miR-139-5p, and CDK6 were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of lncRNA NEAT1 on tumor growth were further testified through glioma xenografts in nude mice.

RESULTS

LncRNA NEAT1 and CDK6 were highly expressed in glioma tissues and cells, whereas miR-139-5p was lowly expressed. There were target relationships and correlations on expressions between miR-139-5p and NEAT1/ CDK6. NEAT1 and CDK6 could promote cell proliferation and metastasis of glioma cells and impeded cell apoptosis, whereas miR-139-5p exerted suppressive effects on the biological functions of glioma cells. NEAT1 regulated CDK6 to affect glioma growth through sponging miR-139-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA NEAT1 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma through regulating miR-139-5p/CDK6 pathway.

Mechanism of MicroRNA-708 Targeting BAMBI in Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Apoptosis in Mice With Melanoma via the Wnt and TGF-β Signaling Pathways

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms involved with miRNA-708 and its targeting of bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor in cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in mice with melanoma via the Wnt and transforming growth factor β signaling pathways.

Methods:

Sixty mice were recruited of which 40 were subsequently assigned into the experimental group (22 mice were successfully established as melanoma model and 18 mice used in tumor xenograft), and the normal control group consisted of 20 mice. B16 cells were assigned to the normal, blank, and negative control, miR-708 mimics, miR-708 inhibitors, si-BAMBI, and miR-708 inhibitors + si-bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor groups. Western blotting and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were employed to detect the expression levels within the tissues and cell lines. TCF luciferase reporter (TOP-FLASH) or a control vector (FOP-FLASH) was applied to detect the activity of the Wnt signaling pathway. MTT3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, scratch test, and Transwell assay were conducted, respectively, for cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, while tumor xenograft procedures were performed on the nude mice recruited for the study.

Results:

Compared to the normal control group, the model group displayed increased expressions of bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor, Wnt10B, P53, and Bcl-2; TOPflash activity; β-catenin expression; cell proliferation; migration; and invasion capabilities while decreased expressions of miR-708, vascular endothelial growth factor, Fas, Bax, Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-3 and apoptosis rate. Compared to the blank and negative control groups, the miR-708 mimics and small-interfering RNA-bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor groups exhibited decreases expressions of bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor, Wnt10B, P53, and Bcl-2 and decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities, while increases in the apoptosis rate, expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor, Fas, Bax, Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-3; however, downregulated levels of TOPflash activity and β-catenin expression were recorded. The miR-708 inhibitors group displayed an opposite trend.

Conclusion:

Downregulation of miR-708-targeted bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor inhibits the proliferation and migration of melanoma cells through the activation of the transforming growth factor β pathway and the suppression of Wnt pathway.

Impact of serum omentin-1 levels on functional prognosis in nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

Omentin-1, an adipokine released from visceral fat tissue, is associated with diabetes and stroke. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of serum omentin-1 levels on functional prognosis in nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

From March 2016 to December 2017, consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke admitted to our hospital, China, were recorded. Functional impairment was evaluated at 3-month after admission using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Uni-and multivariate analyses with Cox proportional hazard regression was used for assessing the relationship between serum level of omentin-1 and functional outcome.

RESULTS

We recorded 209 stroke patients, 52 of them (24.9%) experienced as poor functional outcome. The obtained omentin-1 level in patients with poor outcome was lower than in those patients with good outcome [100.8 (80.9-131.6) ng/ml vs. 137.6 (IQR, 106.1-171.5) ng/ml; Z=4.692; P<0.001). Multivariate analysis models were used to assess stroke outcome according to omentin-1 quartiles (the highest quartile [Q4] as the reference), the 1^st and 2^nd quartile of omentin-1 were compared against the Q4, and the risks were increased by 505% (HR=6.05; 95% CI: 2.13-12.15; P=0.007) and 215% (31.5; 1.21-7.98; P=0.03), respectively. The inclusion of omentin-1 in the routine prediction model for the prediction of poor functional outcome, enhanced the NRI (P=0.006) and IDI (P=0.001) values, confirming the effective reclassification and discrimination. Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that the patients with low serum omentin-1 levels had a higher risk of death than those patients with high levels of omentin-1 (log-rank test P=0.033).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke, a reduced baseline level of serum omentin-1 was related with an increased risk for poor functional outcome or death, independent of baseline variables.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomal MicroRNA-126-3p Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Development by Targeting ADAM9

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignancy with relatively few effective therapies. Recent investigations have highlighted the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as crucial regulators in various tumor processes including tumor progression. Hence the current study aimed to investigate the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomal microRNA-126-3p (miR-126-3p) in pancreatic cancer. Initially, miRNA candidates and related genes associated with pancreatic cancer were screened. PANC-1 cells were transfected with miR-126-3p or silenced a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase-9 (ADAM9) to examine their regulatory roles in pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, exosomes derived from BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with pancreatic cancer cells to elucidate the effects of exosomes in pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, the effects of overexpressed miR-126-3p derived from BMSCs exosomes on proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, tumor growth, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells were analyzed in connection with lentiviral packaged miR-126-3p in vivo. Restored miR-126-3p was observed to suppress pancreatic cancer through downregulating ADAM9. Notably, overexpressed miR-126-3p derived from BMSCs exosomes inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells, and promoted their apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the key findings of the study indicated that overexpressed miR-126-3p derived from BMSCs exosomes inhibited the development of pancreatic cancer through the downregulation of ADAM9, highlighting the potential of miR-126-3p as a novel biomarker for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Roles of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: correlation with clinicopathological features and prognostic significance

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck region with poorly understood progression and prognosis. The present study aims at exploring whether the expression of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin affects clinicopathological features and prognostic significance in NPC.

Methods

We enrolled 164 patients with NPC and 70 patients with chronic nasopharyngitis (CNP) in this study. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to evaluate the expression of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to measure the correlation of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin. Risk factors for prognosis and survival conditions of NPC patients were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

The results obtained revealed that mRNA and protein expression of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin was higher in NPC tissues than in CNP tissues. Positive correlations amongst β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin were identified by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. There was a significant correlation in expression of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin with EBV DNA, EBV-VCA-IgA, EBV-EA-IgA, T stage, N stage, and clinicopathological stages. Lower overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were detected in NPC patients with positive expression of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin, in contrast to those with negative expression. Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin protein positive expression were independent risk factors for OS and DFS of NPC prognosis; there was an evident correlation between clinicopathological stages, TCF-4, and EBV-EA-IgA and OS, DMFS, LRFS, and DFS of NPC.

Conclusions

The aforementioned results indicate that β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin proteins are highly expressed in NPC, which can be used as factors to predict the malignancy of NPC. In addition, positive expression of β-catenin, TCF-4, and survivin are potential risk factors that lead to an unfavorable prognosis of OS and DFS in NPC patients.

High-throughput screening of novel pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases inhibitors and biological evaluation of their in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity

Overexpression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) has been widely noticed in a variety of human solid tumors, which could be regarded as an attractive therapeutic target for cancer therapy. In this paper, we present an enzymatic screening assay and multiple biological evaluations for the identification of potential PDKs, especially PDK1 inhibitors. We identified 9 potential PDKs inhibitors from the screening of an in-house small molecule library, all of the identified inhibitors reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex phosphorylation. Among which, 4, 5, and 9 displayed the most potent PDKs inhibitory activities, with EC₅₀ values of 0.34, 1.4, and 1.6 μM in an enzymatic assay, respectively. A kinase inhibition assay suggested that 4, 5, and 9 were pan-isoform PDK inhibitors, but more sensitive to PDK1. Meanwhile, the three compounds inhibited HSP90, with IC₅₀ values of 0.78, 3.58, and 2.70 μM, respectively. The cell viability assay indicated that 4 inhibited all of the tested cancer cells proliferation, with a GC₅₀ value of 2.3 μM against NCIH1975 cell, but has little effect on human normal lung cell BEAS-2B cell. In the NCIH1975 xenograft models, 4 displayed strong antitumor activities at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg, but with no negative effect on the mice weight. In addition, 4 decreased the ECAR and lactate formation, increased OCR and ROS level in NCIH1975 cancer cell, which could be used as a promising modulator to reprogram the glucose metabolic pathways in NCIH1975 cancer cells.

Purple Sweet Potato Color Attenuates Kidney Damage by Blocking VEGFR2/ROS/NLRP3 Signaling in High-Fat Diet-Treated Mice

Our preliminary data showed that VEGFR2 upregulation promoted renal ROS overproduction in high-fat diet- (HFD-) treated mice. Given that ROS-induced NLRP3 activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetic kidney injury, we evaluate whether VEGFR2 upregulation induces type 2 diabetic kidney injury via ROS-mediated NLRP3 activation and further explore the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that VEGFR2 knockdown decreased ROS overproduction, blocked NLRP3-dependent inflammation, and alleviated kidney damage in HFD-treated mice. Treatment with α-lipoic acid, a scavenger of ROS, lowered ROS overproduction and alleviated NLRP3-triggered kidney injury of HFD-treated mice. Collectively, the VEGFR2/ROS/NLRP3 signal is a critical therapeutic strategy for the kidney injury of HFD-treated mice. Purple sweet potato color (PSPC), a natural anthocyanin, can exert renal protection by inhibiting ROS in HFD-treated mice. Here, we provide a novel mechanism of PSPC against renal damage in HFD-treated mice by downregulating VEGFR2 expression.

Micro-RNA-143 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of thymocytes by targeting CXCL13 in a myasthenia gravis mouse model

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, affecting the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. The present study aims to determine the relationship between micro-RNA-143 (miR-143) and C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) and whether it influences the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG). Thymus specimens were resected from patients with thymic hyperplasia combined with MG and then infused into normal mouse cavities to establish MG mouse models. Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization detection, and Western blot analysis were employed to identify the expression of miR-143 and CXCL13 in MG and normal mice. The obtained thymocytes were cultured in vitro and transfected with a series of miR-143 mimic, miR-143 inhibitor, overexpression of CXCL13, or siRNA against CXCL13. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and flow cytometry assays were employed to assess cell viability, cycle entry, and apoptosis of the thymocytes. Dual-luciferase reporter assay provided verification, confirming that CXCL13 was the target gene of miR-143. Low miR-143 expression in the thymus tissues of the MG mice was detected, which presented with a reciprocal relationship with the expression rate of CLCX13. Observations in relation to the interactions between miR-143 mimic or siRNA-CXCL13 exposure showed reduced cell viability, with a greater number of cells arrested at the G0/G1 phase and a greater rate of induced apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of CXCL13 rescued miR-143 mimic-induced apoptosis. The findings have identified the potential role of miR-143 as a MG development mediator by targeting CXCL13. The key results obtained provide a promising experimental basis for targeted intervention treatment with miR-143.

Inhibition of microRNA-200a Upregulates the Expression of Striatal Dopamine Receptor D2 to Repress Apoptosis of Striatum via the cAMP/PKA Signaling Pathway in Rats with Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disease with a high annual incidence. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that microRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis of multiple neurological disorders, including PD. This study aims to investigate how microRNA-200a (miR-200a) regulates striatal dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) to affect apoptosis of striatum in rats with PD and to explore the associated mechanism.

METHODS

After successfully establishing a PD model by 6-hydroxydopamine injections, PD rats were mainly treated with miR-200a mimics, inhibitors, Forskolin or a combination of miR-200a inhibitors and Forskolin. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) was employed to detect the levels of dopamine, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), and chemistry colorimetric methods were applied to detect the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). A TUNEL assay and immunocytochemical staining were performed to observe apoptosis and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells in the striatum. The expression of miR-200a, DRD2, Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, cAMP and PKA was determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays.

RESULTS

In the cellular experiments, after transfection with the inhibitor of miR-200a, decreased levels of Bax, GSH-Px, SOD, dopamine, DOPAC and HVA but increased levels of MDA and Bcl-2 were found along with a reduced apoptosis rate and increased TH-positive cell number. In addition, downregulating miR-200a resulted in lower expression of AKT, cAMP and PKA but higher expression of DRD2 and CREB, indicating that the downregulation of miR-200a increases DRD2 expression, which blocks the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that the inhibition of miR-200a can repress apoptosis in the striatum via inhibition of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway by upregulating DRD2 expression in PD rats.

Purple sweet potato color protects against high-fat diet-induced cognitive deficits through AMPK-mediated autophagy in mouse hippocampus

Prevention of obesity-induced cognitive decline is an important public health goal. Purple sweet potato color (PSPC), a class of naturally occurring anthocyanins, has beneficial potentials including antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Evidence shows that anthocyanins can activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical mediator of autophagy induction. This study investigated whether PSPC could improve cognitive function through regulating AMPK/autophagy signaling in HFD-fed obese mice. Our results showed that PSPC significantly ameliorated obesity, peripheral insulin resistance and memory impairment in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, enhanced autophagy was observed, along with the decreased levels of protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hippocampus of HFD-fed mice due to PSPC administration. PSPC also promoted hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and neuron survival in HFD-fed mouse. These improvements were mediated, at least in part, by the activation of AMPK, which was confirmed by metformin treatment. It is concluded that PSPC has great potential to improve cognitive function in HFD-fed mice via AMPK activation that restores autophagy and protects against hippocampal apoptosis.

MCL1 gene silencing promotes senescence and apoptosis of glioma cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Glioma is known to be the most prevalent primary brain tumor. In recent years, there has been evidence indicating myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1) plays a role in brain glioblastoma. Therefore, the present study was conducted with aims of exploring the ability of MCL1 silencing to influence glioma cell senescence and apoptosis through the mediation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Glioma and tumor-adjacent tissues were collected in order to detect the presence of higher levels of MCL1 protein expression. Next, the mRNA and protein expression of MCL1, PI3K, Akt, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-associated X (Bax), B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (Bmi-1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were determined. Cell counting kit-8 assay was applied to detect cell proliferation, β-galactosidase staining for cell senescence, and flow cytometry for cell cycle entry and apoptosis. Initially, the results revealed higher positive expression rate of MCL1 protein, increased mRNA and protein expression of MCL1, PI3K, Akt, Bmi-1, and Bcl-2 and decreased that of Bax and PTEN in human glioma tissues. The silencing of MCL1 resulted in a decrease in mRNA and protein expression of PI3K, Akt, Bmi-1, and Bcl-2 and an increase in Bax and PTEN expressions in glioma cells. Moreover, silencing of MCL1 also inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle entry in glioma cells, and promoted glioma cell senescence and apoptosis. In conclusion, the aforementioned results collectively suggested that the silencing of MCL1 promotes senescence and apoptosis in glioma cells through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, decreasing the expression of MCL1 might have therapeutic functions in glioma. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):81-92, 2019.

Survival Benefit of Three Different Therapies in Postoperative Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis

Purpose: Gastric cancer is mainly treated by gastrectomy, the results of which were unsatisfactory without any adjuvant treatments. This study aimed to examine the performance of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy after surgery in order to acquire the optimal adjuvant treatment. Method: Embase and PubMed were retrieved to conduct a systematic research. Hazard ratios (HR) of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as outcomes were calculated by synthesizing direct and indirect evidence to evaluate the efficacy of three treatments against surgery alone. The P-score ranking was utilized to rank the therapies. Consistency was assessed by heat plot. Begg's test was performed to evaluate publication bias. Results: A total of 35 randomized controlled studies (RCTs) with 8973 patients were included in our network meta-analysis (NMA). As for efficacy outcomes, OS and PFS of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, all revealed chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as the best of three adjuvant therapies. Meanwhile, P-score ranking results also displayed that CRT was the optimal regimen. Additionally, radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) were two alternative options following CRT since RT performed well in short-term survival while CT could improve the long-term survival. Conclusion: CRT was the most recommended therapy to accompany surgery according to our results. However, no analysis about the safety of these three treatments was mentioned in our study. Further studies including safety outcomes were required to draw a more comprehensive conclusion.

Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01260 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Spinal Cord Glioma Cells by Targeting CARD11 Via the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Spinal cord glioma is a highly aggressive malignancy that commonly results in high mortality due to metastasis, high recurrence and limited treatment regimens. This study aims to elucidate the effects of long non-coding RNA LINC01260 (LINC01260) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of spinal cord glioma cells by targeting Caspase recruitment domain family, member 11 (CARD11) via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling.

METHODS

The Multi Experiment Matrix (MEM) website was used for target gene prediction, and the DAVID database was used for analysis of the relationship between CARD11 and the NF-κB pathway. In total, 60 cases of glioma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected. Human U251 glioma cells were grouped into blank, negative control (NC), LINC01260 vector, CARD11 vector, siRNA-LINC01260, siRNA-CARD11, LINC01260 vector + CARD11 vector and LINC01260 + siRNA-CARD11 groups. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the target relationship between LINC01260 and CARD11. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were employed to assess expression of LINC01260, E-cadherin, p53, CARD11, Ki67, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, NF-κBp65 and NF-κBp50. MTT, flow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell viability, the cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Tumor growth was assessed through xenografts in nude mice.

RESULTS

CARD11 was confirmed to be a target gene of LINC01260 and was found to be involved in regulating the NF-κB pathway. Compared with adjacent normal tissues, glioma tissues showed reduced expression of LINC01260 and elevated expression of CARD11 and genes related to apoptosis, invasion and migration; activation of NF-κB signaling was also observed. In contrast to the blank and NC groups, an elevated number of cells arrested in G1 phase, increased apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation, invasion and number of cells arrested in S and G2 phases, as well as tumor growth were found for the LINC01260 vector and siRNA-CARD11 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of LINC01260 inhibits spinal cord glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting CARD11 via NF-κB signaling suppression.

MircoRNA-1275 promotes proliferation, invasion and migration of glioma cells via SERPINE1

This study was designed to explore the relationship between miR‐1275 and SERPINE1 and its effects on glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in glioma tissues were screened out by bioinformatic analysis. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was used to validate the targeted relationship between miR‐1275 and SERPINE1. qRT‐PCR was used to detect the expression of miR‐1275 and SERPINE1 in glioma tissues. The expressions of SERPINE1 and p53 pathway‐related proteins in glioma cells were detected by western blot. Glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were respectively detected by CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell assay. Tumour xenograft model was developed to study the influence of miR‐1275 and SERPINE1 on glioma growth in vivo. The results of microarray analysis, qRT‐PCR and western blot showed that miR‐1275 was low‐expressed while SERPINE1 was high‐expressed in glioma. Dual‐luciferase assay showed that miR‐1275 could bind to SERPINE1. Overexpression of miR‐1275 could promote the p53 pathway‐related proteins’ expression. Highly expressed miR‐1275 could repress the migration, proliferation and invasion of glioma cells while highly expressed SERPINE1 had inverse effects. Tumour xenograft showed that up‐regulated miR‐1275 or down‐regulated SERPINE1 could repress glioma growth in vivo. Up‐regulation of miR‐1275 activated p53 signalling pathway via regulating SERPINE1 and therefore suppressed glioma cell proliferation, invasion and migration, whereas promoted cell apoptosis.

MiR-142-3p Enhances Cell Viability and Inhibits Apoptosis by Targeting CDKN1B and TIMP3 Following Sciatic Nerve Injury

Background/Aims: MiRNAs are involved in phenotype modulation of neural cells after peripheral nerve injury. However, the roles of miRNAs on the survival of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons have not yet been fully understood. Methods: In this study, the expression of miR-142-3p was measured in rat DRGs (L4-L6) during the initial 24 hours post sciatic nerve transection by microarray profiling and quantitative PCR. The functional assays including the cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were performed in miR-142-3p mimic or inhibitor transfected cell lines. Results: MiR-142-3p was identified to be siginificantly upregulated in rat DRGs (L4-L6) during the initial 24 hours post sciatic nerve transection. MiR-142-3p mimic enhanced cell viability by promoting cell cycle and inhibiting cell apoptosis in cultured DRG neurons. In addition, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B, also known as p27/Kip1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) were identified as targets of miR-142-3p. Furthermore, knockdown of CDKN1B or TIMP3 by specific siRNAs could reverse the effect of miR-142-3p. Conclusions: In the conclusion, the results showed that miR-142-3p could promote neuronal cell cycle and inhibit apoptosis at least partially through suppressing CDKN1B and TIMP3 after peripheral nerve injury.

Salidroside Protection Against Oxidative Stress Injury Through the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Rats with Parkinson’s Disease

Background/Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, and recent studies suggested that oxidative stress (OS) contributes to the cascade that leads to dopamine cell degeneration in PD. In this study, we hypothesized that salidroside (SDS) offers protection against OS injury in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) unilaterally lesioned rats as well as the underlying mechanism. Methods: SDS and LiCl (activators of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway) administration alone and in combination with 6-OHDA injection in rats was performed 3 days before modeling for 17 consecutive days to verify the regulatory mechanism by which SDS affects the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as well as to evaluate the protective effect of SDS on PD in relation to OS in vivo. In addition, pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells were incubated with 10 µmol/L SDS or LiCl alone or with both in combination for 1 h followed by a 24-h incubation with 100 µmol/L 6-OHDA to obtain in vitro data. Results: In vivo the administration of LiCl was found to ameliorate behavioral deficits and dopaminergic neuron loss; increase superoxide dismutase (SOA) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylation (GSK-3β-Ser9); reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in the striatum and the GSK-3β mRNA level; as well as elevate β-catenin and cyclinD1 mRNA and protein levels in 6-OHDA-injected rats. This SDS treatment regimen was found to strengthen the beneficial effect of LiCl on 6-OHDA-injected rats. In vitro LiCl treatment decreased the toxicity of 6-OHDA on PC12 cells and prevented apoptosis. Additionally, LiCl treatment increased SOA activity, GSH-Px levels, and GSK-3β-Ser9 phosphorylation; decreased MDA accumulation in the striatum and GSK-3β mRNA levels; as well as increased β-catenin and cyclinD1 mRNA and protein levels in 6-OHDA-treated PC12 cells. Additionally, SDS treatment increased the protective effect of LiCl on 6-OHDA-treated PC12 cells. Conclusion: Evidence from experimental models suggested that SDS may confer neuroprotection against the neurotoxicity of 6-OHDA in response to OS injury and showed that these beneficial effects may be related to regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, SDS might be a potential therapeutic agent for treating PD.

Effects of microRNA-129 and its target gene c-Fos on proliferation and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in rats with epilepsy via the MAPK signaling pathway

This study aims to investigate the effect of microRNA-129 (miR-129) on proliferation and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy rats by targeting c-Fos via the MAPK signaling pathway. Thirty rats were equally classified into a model group (successfully established as chronic epilepsy models) and a normal group. Expression of miR-129, c-Fos, bax, and MAPK was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Hippocampal neurons were assigned into normal, blank, negative control (NC), miR-129 mimic, miR-129 inhibitor, siRNA-c-Fos, miR-129 inhibitor+siRNA-c-Fos groups. The targeting relationship between miR-129 and c-Fos was predicted and verified by bioinformatics websites and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Cell proliferation after transfection was measured by MTT assay, and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry. c-Fos is a potential target gene of miR-129. Compared with the normal group, the other six groups showed a decreased miR-129 expression; increased expression of expression of c-Fos, Bax, and MAPK; decreased proliferation; accelerated apoptosis; more cells arrested in the G1 phase; and fewer cells arrested in the S phase. Compared with the blank and NC groups, the miR-129 mimic group and the siRNA-c-Fos group showed decreased expression of c-Fos, Bax, and MAPK, increased cells proliferation, and decreased cell apoptosis, fewer cells arrested in the G1 phase and more cells arrested in the S phase. However, the miR-129 inhibitor groups showed reverse consequences. This study suggests that miR-129 could inhibit the occurrence and development of epilepsy by repressing c-Fos expression through inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.

Adeno-associated virus vector-mediated expression of DJ-1 attenuates learning and memory deficits in 2, 2´, 4, 4´-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47)-treated mice

Evidence indicates that oxidative stress is the central pathological feature of 2, 2´, 4, 4´-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47)-induced neurotoxicity. Protein kinase C delta (PKCδ), an oxidative stress-sensitive kinase, can be proteolytically cleaved to yield a catalytically active fragment (PKCδ-CF) that is involved in various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we showed that BDE-47 treatment increased ROS, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels in the mouse hippocampus. In turn, excessive ROS induced caspase-3-dependent PKCδ activation and stimulated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, resulting in inflammation in the mouse hippocampus. These changes caused learning and memory deficits in BDE-47-treated mice. Treatment with Z-DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, or N-acetyl-L-cysteine, an antioxidant, blocked PKCδ activation and subsequently inhibited inflammation, thereby improving learning and memory deficits in BDE-47-treated mice. Our data further showed that activation of ROS-PKCδ signaling was associated with DJ-1 downregulation, which exerted neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by different neurotoxic agents. Adeno-associated viral vector-mediated DJ-1 overexpression in the hippocampus effectively inhibited excessive ROS production, suppressed caspase-3-dependent PKCδ cleavage, blunted inflammation and ultimately reversed learning and memory deficits in BDE-47-treated mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that DJ-1 plays a pivotal role in BDE-47-induced neurotoxic effects and learning and memory deficits.

Down-regulated long non-coding RNA ANRIL restores the learning and memory abilities and rescues hippocampal pyramidal neurons from apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via the NF-κB signaling pathway

Diabetes often causes learning and memory deficits, which leads to unfavorable behavioral performance. In this study, we investigated the effects of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ANRIL on learning, memory abilities, and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis via the NF-κB signaling pathway in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After successful establishment of diabetic rat models, the subjects were then assigned into the DM, DM + si-ANRIL, DM + si-negative control (si-NC) groups, as well as an additional normal group. Morris water maze test was employed to assess behavioral performance of rats, followed by the recording of body weight and blood glucose levels. Expressions of ANRIL, NF-κB signaling pathway-related, and apoptosis-related genes were examined by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Rat hippocampus expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3 were determined by immunofluorescence. Cell apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assay. Versus to the normal group, revealed there to be activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, decreased weight, increased blood glucose, increased escape latency, reduced residence time, memory impairment, increased cleaved-caspase-3 expression, and increased apoptosis were detected in the DM and DM + si-NC groups. The DM + si-ANRIL group exhibited inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway, weight loss, decreased blood glucose, recovered memory, decreased cleaved-caspase-3 expression and reduced apoptosis compared to the DM group, with higher weight of rats, lower blood glucose levels, and stronger memory abilities in the DM + si-ANRIL group. Taken together, these findings indicate that silencing lncRNA ANRIL promotes memory recovery and decreases hippocampal neurons apoptosis in diabetic rats through the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

LncRNA LINC00880 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while inhibiting apoptosis by targeting CACNG5 through the MAPK signaling pathway in spinal cord ependymoma

The present study was to investigate the effect of lncRNA LINC00880 targeting CACNG5 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in spinal cord ependymoma (SCE) through the MAPK signaling pathway. GEO database was used to download gene expression data related with SCE (GSE50161 and GSE66354) and annotation file. LncRNA with differential expression was predicted by Multi Experiment Matrix website (MEM). The target gene was analyzed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. SCE tissues and adjacent tissues were collected. The positive expression of CACNG5 protein was tested by immunohistochemistry. Expression of LINC00880, CACNG5, and MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins was measured with qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle, and apoptosis were detected using MTT, Transwell assay, Scratch test, and Flow cytometry. SCE tissues showed increased LINC00880 expression. CACNG5 was a target gene of LINC00880 and correlated with MAPK signaling pathway. Compared with adjacent tissues, SCE tissues showed lower positive expression of CACNG5. Compared with the blank group, LINC00880 expression was higher in the LINC00880 vector and LINC00880 vector + CACNG5 vector groups, and lower in the si-LINC00880 and si-LINC00880 + si-CACNG5 groups; in the LINC00880 vector and si-CACNG5 groups, expression of survivin, p38MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3 increased and CACNG5 and Bax expression reduced, the proliferation, invasion and migration of tumor cells increased, and apoptosis rate decreased. Opposite results were found in the si-LINC00880 and CACNG5 vector groups. The findings indicate that lncRNA LINC00880 targeting CACNG5 inhibits cell apoptosis and promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion in SCE through the MAPK signaling pathway.

MicroRNA-421 suppresses the apoptosis and autophagy of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy mice model by inhibition of the TLR/MYD88 pathway

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures. In this study, we aim to explore the role of microRNA-421 (miR-421) in hippocampal neurons of epilepsy mice via the TLR/MYD88 pathway. Forty mice were randomly served as the normal and model (established as epilepsy model) groups. Hippocampal neurons were assigned into seven groups with different transfections. The RT-qPCR and western blotting were conducted to examine the expression of miR-421 TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, Bax, Bcl-2, p53, Beclin-1, and LC3II/LC3I. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT and flow cytometry.MYD88 is a target gene of miR-421. Model mice showed elevated expression of TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, Bax, p53, Beclin-1, and LC3II/LC3I but reduced expression of miR-421 and Bcl-2. In vitro experiments reveals that overexpression of miR-421 inhibited the TLR/MYD88 pathway. Besides, overexpressed miR-421 declined cell apoptosis but increased cell proliferation. It reveals that miR-421 targeting MYD88 could inhibit the apoptosis and autophagy of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy mice by down-regulating the TLR/MYD88 pathway.