Overexpressing of the GIPC1 protects against pathological cardiac remodelling

OBJECTIVE

Pathological cardiac remodelling, including cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, is a key pathological process in the development of heart failure. However, effective therapeutic approaches are limited. The β-adrenergic receptors are pivotal signalling molecules in regulating cardiac function. G-alpha interacting protein (GAIP)-interacting protein, C-terminus 1 (GIPC1) is a multifunctional scaffold protein that directly binds to the C-terminus of β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-adrenergic receptor). However, little is known about its roles in heart function. Therefore, we investigated the role of GIPC1 in cardiac remodelling and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Pathological cardiac remodelling in mice was established via intraperitoneal injection of isoprenaline for 14 d or transverse aortic constriction surgery for 8 weeks. Myh6-driving cardiomyocyte-specific GIPC1 conditional knockout (GIPC1 cKO) mice and adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated GIPC1 overexpression mice were used. The effect of GIPC1 on cardiac remodelling was assessed using echocardiographic, histological, and biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

GIPC1 expression was consistently reduced in the cardiac remodelling model. GIPC1 cKO mice exhibited spontaneous abnormalities, including cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and systolic dysfunction. In contrast, AAV9-mediated GIPC1 overexpression in the heart attenuated isoproterenol-induced pathological cardiac remodelling in mice. Mechanistically, GIPC1 interacted with the β1-adrenergic receptor and stabilised its expression by preventing its ubiquitination and degradation, maintaining the balance of β1-adrenergic receptor/β2-adrenergic receptor, and inhibiting hyperactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that GIPC1 plays a cardioprotective role and is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac remodelling and heart failure.

Innovative pharmacotherapy for hepatic metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases in China

Liver disease constitutes a significant global health concern, particularly in China where it has distinctive characteristics. China grapples with a staggering 300 million cases, predominantly due to hepatitis B and metabolic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, hepatocellular carcinoma has become a prevalent which is a lethal type of cancer. Despite the scarcity of innovative treatment options, Chinese hepatologists and researchers have achieved notable breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of liver diseases. Traditional Chinese medicines have found widespread application in the treatment of various liver ailments owing to their commendable pharmacological efficacy and minimal side effects. Furthermore, there is a growing body of research in extracellular vesicles, cell therapy and gene therapy, offering new hope in the fight against liver diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological characteristics of liver diseases and the diverse array of treatments that Chinese scholars and scientists have pursued in critical field.

The roles of long noncoding RNAs in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that often occurs in patients with structural heart disease and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in clinical settings. AF is typically associated with significant changes of both the structure of the atria and the cardiac conduction system. AF can result in reduced heart function, heart failure, and various other complications. Current drug therapy for AF patients is often ineffective and may have adverse effects. Radiofrequency ablation is more effective than traditional drug therapy, but this invasive procedure carries potential risks and may lead to postoperative recurrence, limiting the clinical benefits to some extent. Therefore, in-depth research into the molecular mechanisms of AF and exploration of new treatment strategies based on research findings are prerequisites for improving the treatment of AF and the associated cardiac conditions. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new class of noncoding RNA (ncRNAs) with a length exceeding 200 nt, which regulate gene expression at multiple levels. Increasing evidence suggests that lncRNAs participate in many pathological processes of AF initiation, development, and maintenance, such as structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, renin-angiotensin system anomalies, and intracellular calcium deregulation s. LncRNAs that play key roles in structural and electrical remodeling may become molecular markers and targets for AF diagnosis and treatment, respectively, while lncRNAs critical to autonomic nervous system remodeling may bring new insights into the prognosis and recurrence of AF. This review article provides a synopsis on the up-to-date research findings relevant to the roles of lncRNAs in AF.

[Evaluation of the predictive effect of PD-L1 expression on survival in early triple-negative breast cancer]

Objectives: To find the prognostic factors related to early triple-negative breast cancer to optimize the therapeutic strategies, and explore the influence of programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1)expression in early triple-negative breast cancer on its prognosis, so as to provide support for clinical treatment decisions. Methods: Early triple-negative breast cancer patients treated at the National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences during 1st June, 2009 and 31st Oct, 2015 were enrolled in this study. All the clinicopathological data of patients were collected, and the paraffin sections of the surgical specimens were stained with estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), androgen receptor, PD-L1 and other antibodies by the immunohistochemical method. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression curves were used for survival analysis of relevant clinical and pathological results and nomogram survival prediction models were established to explore the influence of relevant factors on the prognosis. Results: A total of 205 patients with triple-negative breast cancer were enrolled. Ninety patients (43.9%) were PD-L1 positive. The median follow-up time was 63 months. Thirty-seven patients were relapsed or recurrent and 16 patients were dead. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate were 86.1% (95% CI: 81.4%-90.8%) and 93.6% (95% CI: 91.0%-97.6%), respectively, in the general population. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that PD-L1 expression and lymph node metastasis were correlated with DFS and OS (P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, PD-L1 expression was an independent influencing factor of DFS, with PD-L1 positive patients possessing a significant survival benefit in DFS (HR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.73). Lymph node metastasis was an independent influencing factor of OS, and OS was significantly shortened in patients with positive lymph node metastasis (HR=3.24, 95% CI: 1.15-9.17). PD-L1, lymph node metastasis, menopausal status, Ki-67 index and adjuvant chemotherapy regimen were included to establish the 1- and 3-year DFS and OS nomogram prediction models, resulting in C indices of 0.698 and 0.748, respectively. Conclusions: PD-L1 expression is a predictive biomarker of good prognostic factor in triple-negative breast cancer patients. DFS is significantly prolonged in PD-L1 positive patients and OS also shows a prolongation trend. The nomogram prognosis prediction models have reference values for adjuvant chemotherapy in this patient group.

YTHDF2 Promotes Cardiac Ferroptosis via Degradation of SLC7A11 in Cardiac Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

AIMS

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury facilitates cardiomyocyte death and endangers human health. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation plays a critical role in cardiovascular diseases. The m6A reader YTHDF2 identifies m6A-modified RNA and promotes target RNA degradation. Hence, we hypothesized that YTHDF2 affects I/R injury by regulating RNA stability.

RESULTS

Both mRNA and protein levels of YTHDF2 were upregulated in I/R mice and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocytes. Silencing of endogenous YTHDF2 abrogated cardiac dysfunction and lowered the infarct size in I/R mice, and forced expression of YTHDF2 aggravated these adverse pathological processes. Consistently, the protective effect of silencing YTHDF2 occurred in cardiomyocytes exposed to H/R and erastin. Furthermore, RNA-seq and RIP revealed that YTHDF2 recognized the m6A modification sites of the ferroptosis-related gene SLC7A11 mRNA to promote its degradation both in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of SLC7A11 impaired cardiac function, increased infarct size, and the release of LDH in I/R mice after silencing YTHDF2. The beneficial effects of si-YTHDF2 on H/R injury were reversed by co-transfection with si-SLC7A11, which substantially exacerbated ferroptosis and the production of ROS.

INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION

The cardioprotective effects of silencing YTHDF2 are accomplished by increasing SLC7A11 stability and expression and reducing ferroptosis, providing novel potential therapeutic targets for treating ischemic cardiac diseases.

Daming capsule protects against myocardial infarction by promoting mitophagy via the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a myocardial injury caused by coronary thrombosis or persistent ischemia and hypoxia. Due to its high morbidity and mortality, a safer and more effective treatment strategy is urgently needed. Daming capsule (DMC), a hypolipidemic drug, reportedly exerts cardioprotective effects in clinical and basic research, although its protective mechanism remains unknown. To investigate the mechanism underlying DMC-mediated improvement of cardiac function post-MI, C57/BL6 mice subjected to coronary artery ligation were administered DMC for 4 weeks. Our data demonstrated that DMC significantly improved cardiac structure and function compared to the saline group. Moreover, DMC inhibited inflammatory response and oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial structure and function in MI mice and hypoxia-stressed cardiomyocytes. Next, our research proved that DMC increased the expression of mitophagy receptor NLRX1. Interestingly, with the administration of DMC and siNLRX1, NLRX1 expression, mitochondria and lysosome colocalization, and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, while mitochondrial ROS accumulation increased, suggesting that DMC promoted mitophagy to improve mitochondrial function via NLRX1 regulation. Further analysis showed that DMC activated the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Our data showed that SIRT1 knockdown downregulated NLRX1 expression, leading to structural damage and functional impairment in mitochondria, as well as increased oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and decreased cardiac function in MI mice. Collectively, our findings reveal that DMC improves cardiac function post-MI by increasing mitophagy and inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammotory response in cardiomyocytes through the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway.

Ranolazine Inhibits Pyroptosis via Regulation of miR-135b in the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiac Fibrosis

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cardiovascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiac fibrosis is a characteristic pathological manifestation of DCM. DCM can be exacerbated by pyroptosis, and pyroptosis is a potential target of microRNAs (miRNAs). miR-135b is involved in delaying the progression of numerous cardiovascular diseases, Nonetheless, the role of miR-135b in diabetic cardiac fibrosis is unclear. Ranolazine is a piperazine derivative and is effective for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of action of ranolazine against diabetic cardiac fibrosis and to investigate the role of miR-135b in this process. Functional and structural changes in the rat heart were examined by echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin (H&amp;E) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), gasdermin D (GSDMD), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), collagen I and collagen III in the rat left ventricle. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expression of caspase-1, IL-1β, GSDMD, TGF-β1, collagen I and collagen III proteins, and the mRNA levels were determined using fluorescent quantitative PCR. Ranolazine reduced pyroptosis and inhibited collagen deposition, improving cardiac function in rats. Ranolazine increased miR-135b expression in high glucose-treated cardiac fibroblasts, and miR-135b directly bound to caspase-1. Interference with miR-135b reduced the effects of ranolazine on pyroptosis and collagen deposition. Ranolazine treatment of diabetic cardiac fibrosis inhibited pyroptosis and collagen deposition by upregulating miR-135b. Our study provides a solid theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiac fibrosis and the clinical use of ranolazine in the treatment of DCM.

HIV Tat Protein Induces Myocardial Fibrosis Through TGF-β1-CTGF Signaling Cascade: A Potential Mechanism of HIV Infection-Related Cardiac Manifestations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). HIV-infected patients exhibit cardiac dysfunction coupled with cardiac fibrosis. However, the reason why HIV could induce cardiac fibrosis remains largely unexplored. HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein is a regulatory protein, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various HIV-related complications. In the present study, recombinant Tat was administered to mouse myocardium or neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts in different doses. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to observe the histological changes of mice myocardial tissues. EdU staining and MTS assay were used to evaluate the proliferation and viability of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts, respectively. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect CTGF, TGF-β1, and collagen I mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. The results showed that Tat promoted the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis in mice. Also, we found that Tat increased the proliferative ability and the viability of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts. The protein and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF were significantly upregulated both in Tat-treated mouse myocardium and neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts. However, co-administration of TGF-β inhibitor abrogated the enhanced expression of collagen I induced by Tat in neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, Tat contributes to HIV-related cardiac fibrosis through enhanced TGF-β1-CTGF signaling cascade.

[Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of combination of gemcitabine and nedaplatin for patients with HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer]

Objective: To assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the gemcitabine combined with nedaplatin (GN) chemotherapy for metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) negative breast cancer patients. Methods: Forty-five patients with HER-2 negative recurrent metastatic breast cancer who had received prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy with anthracycline and/or taxanes were enrolled. All the patients received GN regime from January 2014 to February 2019. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1. The adverse response was evaluated and monitored according to common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors were also analyzed. Results: All of the 45 patients received 4 course GN, 1 of them achieved complete response, 21 achieved partial response. The objective response rate was 48.9 (95% CI: 33.7%-64.1%). Grade 3-4 hematological toxicities include leukopenia occurred in 10 (22.2%) of patients, neutropenia in 13 (28.9%) patients, and thrombocytopenia in 8 (17.6%) patients. The grade 3-4 hematological toxicities mainly manifested as nausea and vomiting, and the incidence was 4.4% (2/45). Among the 45 patients, 34 died, the median PFS was 5.1 (95% CI: 3.9-6.1) months and the median OS was 17.6 (95% CI: 13.1-20.9) months. Conclusion: The combination of gemcitabine and nedaplatin is an effective and tolerable treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients previously treated with anthracyclines and/or taxanes.

CircHelz activates NLRP3 inflammasome to promote myocardial injury by sponging miR-133a-3p in mouse ischemic heart

Myocardial infarction (MI)-induced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been well known to aggravate myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction by causing inflammation and pyroptosis in the heart. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to play critical roles in cardiovascular diseases. However, the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in modulating cardiac inflammatory response and cardiomyocyte pyroptosis remain largely unknown. We revealed that circHelz, a novel circRNA transcribed from the helicase with zinc finger (Helz) gene, was significantly upregulated in both the ischemic myocardium of MI mouse and neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVCs) exposed to hypoxia. Overexpression of circHelz caused cardiomyocyte injury in NMVCs by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and inducing pyroptosis, while circHelz silencing reduced these effects induced by hypoxia. Furthermore, knockdown of circHelz remarkably attenuated NLRP3 expression, decreased myocardial infarct size, pyroptosis, inflammation, and increased cardiac function in vivo after MI. Overexpression of miR-133a-3p in cardiomyocytes greatly prevented pyroptosis in the presence of hypoxia or circHelz by targeting NLRP3 in NMVCs. Mechanistically, circHelz functioned as an endogenous sponge for miR-133a-3p via suppressing its activity. Overall, our results demonstrate that circHelz causes myocardial injury by triggering the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pro-inflammatory response and subsequent pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes by inhibiting miR-133a-3p function. Therefore, interfering with circHelz/miR-133a-3p/NLRP3 axis might be a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic cardiac diseases.

LncRNA-H19 Drives Cardiomyocyte Senescence by Targeting miR-19a/socs1/p53 Axis

Purpose: Cardiomyocyte senescence is associated with a progressive decline in cardiac physiological function and the risk of cardiovascular events. lncRNA H19 (H19), a well-known long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), is involved in the pathophysiological process of multiple cardiovascular disease such as heart failure, cardiac ischemia and fibrosis. However, the role of H19 in cardiomyocyte senescence remains to be further explored.

Methods: Senescence-associated β-galactosidases (SA-β-gal) staining was used to detect cardiomyocyte senescence. Western blot, qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assay were employed to evaluate the role of H19 in cardiomyocyte senescence and its underling molecular mechanism.

Results: H19 level was significantly increased in high glucose-induced senescence cardiomyocytes and aged mouse hearts. Overexpression of H19 enhanced the number of SA-β-gal-positive cells, and the expression of senescence-related proteins p53 and p21, whereas H19 knockdown exerted the opposite effects. Mechanistically, H19 was demonstrated as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for microRNA-19a (miR-19a): H19 overexpression downregulated miR-19a level, while H19 knockdown upregulated miR-19a. The expression of SOSC1 was dramatically increased in senescence cardiomyocytes and aged mouse hearts. Further experiments identified SOCS1 as a downstream target of miR-19a. H19 upregulated SOCS1 expression and activated the p53/p21 pathway by targeting miR-19a, thus promoting the cardiomyocytes senescence.

Conclusion: Our results show that H19 is a pro-senescence lncRNA in cardiomyocytes acting as a ceRNA to target the miR-19a/SOCS1/p53/p21 pathway. Our research reveals a molecular mechanism of cardiomyocyte senescence regulation and provides a novel target of the therapy for senescence-associated cardiac diseases.

[Physical activity intervention for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is chronic steatosis of the liver in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, which is related to insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is the most common cause of liver disease in children, and lifestyle interventions such as diet or exercise are usually recommended as a treatment. Compared with dietary restriction that may affect growth and development, physical training has become the main form of treatment for children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This article summarizes the aspects of physical training intervention for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children.

[An investigation of the fertility needs of young patients with breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the fertility needs and outcome of pregnancy in patients with young breast cancer in China. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 374 young breast cancer women from Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Young patients with breast cancer were defined as patients who got initial diagnosis of breast cancer at age no more than 40 years old. We conducted a questionnaire survey and collected clinical data from medical chart. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the possible factors influencing patients' fertility intention. Results: 308 young women with breast cancer completed questionnaires, and the response rate was 82.4%. 81 patients (26.3%) had fertility needs after diagnosis. Of them, 6 cases took active measures to preserve fertility. 72 patients (23.4%) received fertility counseling during treatment. 7 patients were successfully pregnant, including four cases who delivered normally. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients under 35 years old (OR=4.81), bachelor degree or above (OR=3.26), receiving breast-conserving surgery (OR=2.15) and childless patients (OR=3.03) were more likely to have fertility needs after diagnosis of breast cancer (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The fertility needs of young breast cancer women in China are gradually increasing. Healthcare providers associated with tumor patients should actively offer corresponding fertility consultation and individualized diagnosis and therapy plans for patients with fertility needs.

Significance of Glutamate Racemase for the Viability and Cell Wall Integrity of Streptococcus iniae

Streptococcus iniae is a pathogenic and zoonotic bacterium responsible for human diseases and mortality of many fish species. Recently, this bacterium has demonstrated an increasing trend for antibiotics resistance, which has warranted a search for new approaches to tackle its infection. Glutamate racemase (MurI) is a ubiquitous enzyme of the peptidoglycan synthesis pathway that plays an important role in the cell wall integrity maintenance; however, the significance of this enzyme differs in different species. In this study, we knocked out the MurI gene in S. iniae in order to elucidate the role of glutamate racemase in maintaining cell wall integrity in this bacterial species. We also cloned, expressed, and purified MurI and determined its biochemical characteristics. Biochemical analysis revealed that the MurI gene in S. iniae encodes a functional enzyme with a molecular weight of 30 kDa, temperature optimum at 35°C, and pH optimum at 8.5. Metal ions, such as Cu2+, Mn2+, Co2+ and Zn2+, inhibited the enzyme activity. MurI was found to be essential for the viability and cell wall integrity of S. iniae. The optimal growth of the MurI-deficient S. iniae mutant can be achieved only by adding a high concentration of D-glutamate to the medium. Membrane permeability assay of the mutant showed an increasing extent of the cell wall damage with time upon D-glutamate starvation. Moreover, the mutant lost its virulence when incubated in fish blood. Our results demonstrated that the MurI knockout leads to the generation of S. iniae auxotroph with damaged cell walls.

PEP06 polypeptide 30 is a novel cluster-dissociating agent inhibiting v integrin/FAK/Src signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Collectively migrating tumor cells have been recently implicated in enhanced metastasis of epithelial malignancies. In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), αv integrin is a crucial mediator of multicellular clustering and collective movement in vitro; however, its contribution to metastatic spread remains to be addressed. According to the emerging therapeutic concept, dissociation of tumor clusters into single cells could significantly suppress metastasis-seeding ability of carcinomas. This study aimed to investigate the anti-OSCC potential of novel endostatin-derived polypeptide PEP06 as a cluster-dissociating therapeutic agent in vitro. Firstly, we found marked enrichment of αv integrin in collectively invading multicellular clusters in human OSCCs. Our study revealed that metastatic progression of OSCC was associated with augmented immunostaining of αv integrin in cancerous lesions. Following PEP06 treatment, cell clustering on fibronectin, migration, multicellular aggregation, anchorage-independent survival and colony formation of OSCC were significantly inhibited. Moreover, PEP06 suppressed αv integrin/FAK/Src signaling in OSCC cells. PEP06-induced loss of active Src and E-cadherin from cell–cell contacts contributed to diminished collective migration of OSCC in vitro. Overall, these results suggest that PEP06 polypeptide 30 inhibiting αv integrin/FAK/Src signaling and disrupting E-cadherin-based intercellular junctions possesses anti-metastatic potential in OSCC by acting as a cluster-dissociating therapeutic agent.

[Demographic characteristics and canalith repositioning efficacy in 907 patients with typical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

AbstractObjective:To review the demographic characteristics and canalith repositioning efficacy in 907 patients with typical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV). Method: The demographic characteristics of 907 patients with typical BPPV were statistically analyzed. According to the type of BPPV, patients were treated with the appropriate repositioning maneuver, and the clinical efficacy of repositioning maneuver was analyzed and summarized. Result: Nine hundred and seven patients of BPPV with typical nystagmus were elected in this study. 585 out of 907 were female and 322 out of were male, and the mean age was 53.10±14.25(13 to 89) years. The lesion located to the posterior semiCIrcular canal was 489 patients(53.9%), horizontal semiCIrcular canal was 312 patients(34.4%), anterior semiCIrcular was 63 patients(6.9%), and multiple semiCIrcular was 43 patients(4.8%). According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curve, the median cure time for the modified Semont and Epley repositioning maneuver in PC-BPPV groups was 3 days, and there was no significant difference in survival curves between the two repositioning maneuver. Meanwhile, the median cure time for Barbecue and Li horizontal canal quick repositioning maneuver groups was 3 days, and 1 day for Gufoni repositioning maneuver group in HC-BPPV groups. And there was no significant difference in survival curves among the three repositioning maneuver. In the AC-BPPV, 7 cases, 31 cases, 57 cases, 58 cases were cured with the Li anterior canal quick repositioning maneuver in the 1st day, the 3rd day, 1 week later, and 1 month later, and 5 cases lost to be follow-up. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curve, the median cure time for the Li anterior canal quick repositioning maneuver in AC-BPPV groups was 3 days. Conclusion:Repositioning maneuver represents a simple, safe, rapid and effective approach to the treatment of BPPV. Therefore, repositioning maneuver should be choice for the BPPV treatment.

[Short-term outcomes of Li's repositioning maneuver of different age groups patients of horizontal semicircular canal canalithiasis benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective:To analyse whether there is statistical difference between different age group short-term outcomes of horizontal semicircular canal canalithiasis benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HC-BPPV) patients treated by Li's repositioning maneuver.Method:Since October 2009 to July 2017, we included 169 unilateral HC-BPPV patients treated by Li's repositioning maneuver. Then we recorded and analyse 3-day and 1-week outcomes.Result:Three-day efficacy rates of youth, middle aged, young elderly and elderly patients were 97.9%,93.9%,90.9% and 90.% (P=0.136), respectively. Rates of 1-week efficacy were 100.0%,98.5%,97.7%and 100.0% (P=0.799),respectively. There was no statistical difference.Conclusion:Treated by Li's repositioning maneuver,HC-BPPV patients of different age groups can both get good short-term outcomes without statistical difference.

Nonreciprocal Linear Transmission of Sound in a Viscous Environment with Broken P Symmetry

Reciprocity is a fundamental property of the wave equation in a linear medium that originates from time-reversal symmetry, or T symmetry. For electromagnetic waves, reciprocity can be violated by an external magnetic field. It is much harder to realize nonreciprocity for acoustic waves. Here we report the first experimental observation of linear nonreciprocal transmission of ultrasound through a water-submerged phononic crystal consisting of asymmetric rods. Viscosity of water is the factor that breaks the T symmetry. Asymmetry, or broken P symmetry along the direction of sound propagation, is the second necessary factor for nonreciprocity. Experimental results are in agreement with numerical simulations based on the Navier-Stokes equation. Our study demonstrates that a medium with broken PT symmetry is acoustically nonreciprocal. The proposed passive nonreciprocal device is cheap, robust, and does not require an energy source.

[Clinical characteristics and short term outcome of very old benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients]

Objective:To provide evidence and strategy for treatment of very old patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (v-BPPV) by retrospective analysis of v-BPPV patients. Method:According to the criteria, 19 v-BPPV patients were collected, aging from 80 to 91 years old, including 10 horizontal semicircular canal BPPV (HC-BPPV), 4 posterior semicircular canal (PC-BPPV) and 5 mutiple semicircular canal BPPV patients. PC-BPPV patients were treated by Epley or Li maneuver, and HC-BPPV patients were treated by Barbecue or Li maneuver. Each patient was treated twice, with an interval of 5 to 10 minutes. Result:Rates of 3-day cure and efficacy were 63.16% and 94.74%, respectively. Rates of 1-week cure and efficacy were 89.47% and 100.00%, respectively. Conclusion:v-BPPV can have good outcomes via proper treatment. Age should not influence BPPV outcomes, while we should pay more attention to v-BPPV patients' physiclal status and systematic diseases which may increase risk to diagnosis and treatment.

[A randomized controlled trial on short-term efficacy of the modified Semont maneuver for the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective:To observe the short-term efficacy of modified Semont maneuver for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV)Method:This was a prospective randomized controlled trial on 130 PC-BPPV patients. Subjects were randomized divided into two groups: modified Semont (65 patients),and Epley(65 patients).Each maneuver was repeated twice,and the presence of sequelae,nystagmus and vertigo on positional testing were evaluated 3rd day and 1 week after treatment.Result:Five patients were lost to follow up (all five in the modified Semont group),and three patients failed to complete treatment (all three in the Epley group). The sequelae at the 3rd day and one week after modified Semont maneuver were 27 and 9,while 41 and 15 in Epley group. The efficacy rates at the 3rd day and one week after modified Semont maneuver were 91.7% and 98.3%,and 91.9% and 96.8% in Epley group retrospectively. The sequelae and short-term effective rate of patients in modified Semont group was no difference when compared with that in Epley group (P>0.05).Conclusion:Modified Semont maneuver represents a simple rapid and effective approach to the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Identification and Functional Verification of MicroRNAs in the Obese Rat With Erectile Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a potential risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of genes involved in various pathophysiologic processes.

AIM

To identify the miRNA profile in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of obese rats with ED and elucidate the potential function of miRNA in the pathogenesis of ED.

METHODS

Obesity was induced in rats by a high-fat diet. After the erectile function test, experimental animals were divided into two groups: obese rats with ED and obese rats with normal erectile function. The CCs from these rats were collected for miRNA microarray analysis. The results were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Subsequently, the targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the functions of differentially expressed miRNAs in ED. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to evaluate the effects of miRNA on the erectile function of rats.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

MiRNA expression in the CC of obese rats with ED and those with normal erectile function was detected by miRNA microarray analysis. Candidate miRNAs were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the functions of miRNAs. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to reflect the erectile function of rats.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight miRNAs were differentially expressed in the CC of obese rats with ED (≥1.5-fold change). The real-time polymerase chain reaction results were consistent with the miRNA microarray analysis results. Specifically, miR-328a was significantly upregulated in rats with ED compared with control rats and was chosen for functional evaluation in the pathogenesis of ED. Overexpression of miR-328a noticeably decreased the erectile response to apomorphine and the expression of heme oxygenase-1.

CONCLUSION

MiRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related ED. MiR-328a might facilitate the induction of ED. Bai Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, et al. Identification and Functional Verification of MicroRNAs in the Obese Rat With Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2017;5:e261-e271.

Astragalus polysaccharides improve cardiomyopathy in STZ-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous (SOD2+/-) knockout mice

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. In the present study, we determined whether the effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on diabetic cardiomyopathy was associated with its impact on oxidative stress. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous superoxide dismutase (SOD2+/-) knockout mice were administered APS. The hemodynamics, cardiac ultrastructure, and the apoptosis, necrosis and proliferation of cardiomyocytes were assessed to evaluate the effect of APS on diabetic and oxidative cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, H₂O₂ formation, oxidative stress/damage, and SOD activity in cardiomyocytes were evaluated to determine the effects of APS on cardiac oxidative stress. APS therapy improved hemodynamics and myocardial ultrastructure with reduced apoptosis/necrosis, and enhanced proliferation in cardiomyocytes from both STZ-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous SOD2+/- knockout mice. In addition, APS therapy reduced H₂O₂ formation and oxidative stress/damage, and enhanced SOD activity in both groups of mice. Our findings suggest that APS had benefits in diabetic cardiomyopathy, which may be partly associated with its impact on cardiac oxidative stress.

Endothelial to mesenchymal transition contributes to arsenic-trioxide-induced cardiac fibrosis

Emerging evidence has suggested the critical role of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in fibrotic diseases. The present study was designed to examine whether EndMT is involved in arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃)-induced cardiac fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Cardiac dysfunction was observed in rats after exposure to As₂O₃ for 15 days using echocardiography, and the deposition of collagen was detected by Masson’s trichrome staining and electron microscope. EndMT was indicated by the loss of endothelial cell markers (VE-cadherin and CD31) and the acquisition of mesenchymal cell markers (α-SMA and FSP1) determined by RT-PCR at the mRNA level and Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis at the protein level. In the in-vitro experiments, endothelial cells acquired a spindle-shaped morphology accompanying downregulation of the endothelial cell markers and upregulation of the mesenchymal cell markers when exposed to As₂O₃. As₂O₃ activated the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway, and blocking this pathway with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) abolished EndMT in As₂O₃-treated endothelial cells. Our results highlight that As₂O₃ is an EndMT-promoting factor during cardiac fibrosis, suggesting that targeting EndMT is beneficial for preventing As₂O₃-induced cardiac toxicity.

Effect of inulin-type fructans on blood lipid profile and glucose level: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the effects of inulin-type fructans (ITF) on human blood lipids and glucose homeostasis associated with metabolic abnormalities, including dyslipidemia, overweight or obesity, and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before January 2016. Human trials that investigated the effects of ITF supplementation on the lipid profile, fasting glucose and insulin were included using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Twenty RCTs with 607 adult participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, the supplementation of ITF reduced only the low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) (mean difference (MD): -0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.29, -0.02; P=0.03) without affecting the other endpoints. Within the T2DM subgroup analysis, ITF supplementation was positively associated with a decreased fasting insulin concentration (MD: -4.01; 95% CI: -5.92, -2.09; P<0.0001) and increased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) (MD: 0.07; 95% CI: 0, 0.14; P=0.05). Moreover, a reduced fasting glucose tendency was identified only in the T2DM subgroup (MD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.90, 0.06; P=0.09). There was a potential publication bias, and few trials were available for the T2DM subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the use of ITF may have benefits for LDL-c reduction across all study populations, whereas HDL-c improvement and glucose control were demonstrated only in the T2DM subgroup. Thus, additional, well-powered, long-term, randomized clinical trials are required for a definitive conclusion. Overall, ITF supplementation may provide a novel direction for improving the lipid profile and glucose metabolism.

Combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft for reconstruction of the thumb

The purpose of this report was to retrospectively review the results of reconstruction of the thumb by use of combined two foot flaps with an iliac bone graft. From 2009 to 2014, nine patients with traumatic amputation of the thumb had their thumbs reconstructed. The two flaps were based on one pedicle. All flaps survived completely. Patients were followed for a mean of 15.6 months (range, 6-35 months). The appearance of the reconstructed thumb was comparable to a normal one, except for one thumb which required debulking. The appearance of the nail was satisfactory without deformity. The range of joint motion was satisfactory. The two point discrimination of the pulp ranged from 6 mm to >15 mm. The Michigan Hand Questionnaire outcome score was a mean of 76.2 ± 11.3 points and the Maryland foot rating score a mean of 94.8 ± 3.4 points. The combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft might provide an option for the reconstruction of the thumb.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Sex Influences on the Penetrance of IL-1β and IL-1RN Genotypes for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Chinese Population

Polymorphism (variable number of tandem repeats) in the second intron of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra) gene and two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions −511 and +3954 of the IL-1β gene may be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study used sex stratification to investigate a correlation of the three genetic polymorphisms with the risk of RA, on patients with RA and healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) were performed. The frequencies of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele and genotype in female patients were significantly different compared with the controls; but in males, only the frequency of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele was different. The frequency of the IL-1RN genotype in patients was not statistically different compared with the controls; however, the frequency of IL-1RN allele in female patients was different. The association of the three polymorphisms with the susceptibility to RA appears to be significantly affected by gender.

Regulation of Insulin Resistance by Multiple MiRNAs via Targeting the GLUT4 Signalling Pathway

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance (IR), but the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to participate in the signalling pathways relevant to glucose metabolism in IR. The purpose of this study was to test whether the multiple-target anti-miRNA antisense oligonucleotides (MTg-AMO) technology, an innovative miRNA knockdown strategy, can be used to interfere with multiple miRNAs that play critical roles in regulating IR.

METHODS

An MTg-AMO carrying the antisense sequences targeting miR-106b, miR-27a and miR-30d was constructed (MTg-AMO106b/27a/30d). Protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis, and transcript levels were detected by real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Insulin resistance was analysed with glucose consumption and glucose uptake assays.

RESULTS

We found that the protein level of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK 14), Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit beta (PI3K regulatory subunit beta) and mRNA level of Slc2a4 (encode GLUT4), Mapk14 (encode MAPK 14) and Pik3r2 (encode PI3K regulatory subunit beta) were all significantly down-regulated in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats and in insulin-resistant L6 cells. Overexpression of miR-106b, miR-27a and miR-30d in L6 cells decreased glucose consumption and glucose uptake, and reduced the expression of GLUT4, MAPK 14 and PI3K regulatory subunit beta. Conversely, silencing of endogenous miR-106b, miR-27a and miR-30d in insulin-resistant L6 cells enhanced glucose consumption and glucose uptake, and increased the expression of GLUT4, MAPK 14 and PI3K regulatory subunit beta. MTg-AMO106b/27a/30d up-regulated the protein levels of GLUT4, MAPK 14 and PI3K regulatory subunit beta, enhanced glucose consumption and glucose uptake.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that miR-106b, miR-27a and miR-30d play crucial roles in the regulation of glucose metabolism by targeting the GLUT4 signalling pathway in L6 cells. Moreover, MTg-AMO106b/27a/30d offers more potent effects than regular singular AMOs.

One-stop microfiber spinning and fabrication of a fibrous cell-encapsulated scaffold on a single microfluidic platform

This paper provides a method for microscale fiber spinning and the in situ construction of a 3D fibrous scaffold on a single microfluidic platform. This platform was also used to fabricate a variety of fibrous scaffolds with diverse compositions without the use of complicated devices. We explored the potential utility of the fibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications by constructing a fibrous scaffold encapsulating primary hepatocytes. The cells in scaffold were cultured over seven days and maintained higher viability comparing with 3D alginate non-fibrous block. The main advantage of this platform is that the fibrous structure used to form a scaffold can be generated without damaging the mechanically weak alginate fibers or encapsulated cells because all procedures are performed in a single platform without the intervention of the operator. In addition, the proposed fibrous scaffold permitted high diffusion capability of molecules, which enabled better viability of encapsulated cells than non-fibrous scaffold even in massive cell culture.

Shensong Yangxin Capsule prevents diabetic myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shensong Yangxin Capsule (SSYX), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has long been used clinically to treat arrhythmias in China. However, the effect of SSYX on interstitial fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of SSYX on myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antifibrotic effect of SSYX was investigated in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats with high fat-diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose, heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Echocardiography and histology examination were carried out to evaluate heart function. Expressions of Smad7, TGF-β1, collagen I (col-1), collagen III (col-3), MMP-2, MMP-9 and α-SMA mRNA in heart tissues were measured by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). TGF-β1, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3 and Smad7 protein levels were measured by western blot analysis. Proliferation of cardiac fibroblast was detected via immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

SSYX markedly decreased HW/BW ratio and improved the impaired cardiac function of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining results showed that SSYX attenuated cardiac fibrosis and collagen deposition in T2DM rats. Moreover, mRNA levels of TGF-β1, col-1, col-3, MMP-2, MMP-9 and α-SMA were downregulated, whereas Smad7 expression was upregulated after treatment with SSYX in rats with cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, SSYX decreased protein levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3, and increased Smad7 expression.

CONCLUSION

TGF-β1/Smad signaling is involved in the cardiac fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy and SSYX inhibits fibrosis and improves cardiac function via suppressing this pathway. Therefore, SSYX might be considered as an alternative therapeutic remedy for diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Suppression of AKT expression by miR-153 produced anti-tumor activity in lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. microRNAs have been shown to be a novel class of regulators in lung cancer. Here, we explored the role of miR-153 in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and its therapeutic potential. miR-153 was significantly decreased in lung cancer tissues than the adjacent tissues. The protein and mRNA levels of protein kinase B (AKT), which were shown to promote tumor growth, were both increased in lung cancer tissues than adjacent tissues. Overexpression of miR-153 significantly inhibited AKT protein expression, which were abrogated by co-transfection of AMO-153, the specific inhibitor of miR-153. Luciferase assay showed that transfection of miR-153 markedly suppressed the fluorescent intensity of chimeric vectors carrying the 3'UTR of AKT1, while produced no effect on the mutant construct, indicating that AKT is regulated by miR-153. Overexpression of miR-153 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis of cultured lung cancer cells in vitro, and suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. Interestingly, lung cancer cells with lower endogenous miR-153 expression are more sensitive to ectopic overexpressed miR-153. The IC50 of miR-153 on lung cancer cells is positive correlated with the endogenous miR-153 level, while negative correlated with AKT level. Knockdown of AKT expression suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation. In summary, miR-153 exerted anti-tumor activity in lung cancer by targeting on AKT. The sensitivity of lung cancer cells to miR-153 is determined by its endogenous miR-153 level.

Berberine hydrochloride prevents postsurgery intestinal adhesion and inflammation in rats

Intestinal adhesion, characterized by connection of the loops of the intestine with other abdominal organs by fibrous tissue bands, remains an inevitable event of abdominal operations and can cause a number of complications. Berberine hydrochloride (berberine), a natural plant alkaloid derived from Chinese herbal medicine, is characterized by diverse pharmacological effects, such as anticancer and lower elevated blood glucose. This study is designed to investigate the effects of berberine on adhesion and inflammation after abdominal surgeries and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Adhesion severity grades and collagen deposition were assessed 14 days after surgery. We evaluated the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and examined transforming growth factor-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and TAK1/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling. The surgery group experienced the most severe adhesions, and berberine strikingly reduced the density and severity of adhesion. Results showed significant lower expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β, TNF-α, and ICAM-1, in berberine groups compared with the operation group. Activities of phosphorylated JNK and phosphorylated NF-κB were inhibited in the berberine groups compared with the surgery group. Our novel findings identified berberine hydrochloride as a promising strategy to prevent adhesion by downregulating ICAM-1 and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the TAK1/JNK and TAK1/NF-κB signaling after abdominal surgery, which brought out a good therapeutic approach for the development of clinical application for postoperative abdominal adhesion and inflammation.

Diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c in diabetes between Eastern and Western

BACKGROUND

In 2010, the American Diabetes Association recommended the use of HbA1c as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes. However, HbA1c is not an accepted diagnostic tool for diabetes in Eastern Asia, because genetic differences compromise the standardization of the diagnostic cut-off point.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated differences in the use of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes in Eastern and Western populations and investigated whether HbA1c cut-off point of ≥ 6.5% is diagnostic of diabetes in patients from Eastern Asia.

METHODS

Literature was obtained from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of each HbA1c cut-off point were extracted and compared between Western and Eastern populations. Differences in the cut-off point for diagnosing diabetes in each region were compared by examining differences in the area under summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves.

RESULTS

Twelve publications from Eastern countries (n = 59,735) and 13 from Western countries (n = 22,954) were included in the analysis. Areas under SROC curves in the Eastern and Western groups were 0.9331 and 0.9120, respectively (P = 0.98). The cut-off point of the highest Youden index was 6.0%. At the HbA1c cut-off point of 6.5%, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 58.7% and 98.4% for Eastern countries and 65.5% and 98.1% for Western countries, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c exhibits the same diagnostic value for diabetes in Eastern and Western populations. In both populations, HbA1c levels > 6.0% identify the population at high risk of diabetes, and HbA1c > 6.5% is diagnostic of clinically established diabetes.

Mutant p53 gain-of-function induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition through modulation of the miR-130b-ZEB1 axis

The tumor suppressor gene p53 has been implicated in the regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis by regulating microRNA (miRNA) expression. Here, we report that mutant p53 exerts oncogenic functions and promotes EMT in endometrial cancer (EC) by directly binding to the promoter of miR-130b (a negative regulator of ZEB1) and inhibiting its transcription. We transduced p53 mutants into p53-null EC cells, profiled the miRNA expression by miRNA microarray and identified miR-130b as a potential target of mutant p53. Ectopic expression of p53 mutants repressed the expression of miR-130b and triggered ZEB1-dependent EMT and cancer cell invasion. Loss of an endogenous p53 mutation increased the expression of miR-130b, which resulted in reduced ZEB1 expression and attenuation of the EMT phenotype. Furthermore, re-expression of miR-130b suppressed mutant p53-induced EMT and ZEB1 expression. Importantly, the expression of miR-130 was significantly reduced in EC tissues, and patients with higher expression levels of miR-130b survived longer. These data provide a novel understanding of the roles of p53 gain-of-function mutations in accelerating tumor progression and metastasis through modulation of the miR-130b–ZEB1 axis.

Potential role of soluble B7-H3 in liver immunopathogenesis during chronic HBV infection

Immune-mediated mechanisms have been implicated in liver pathogenesis and subsequent progression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Costimulatory molecules, the important regulators of immune responses, participate in the regulation of liver pathology in HBV infection. However, the role of B7-H3 (CD276, a new member of B7 family) in this process has not been investigated. In this study, we detected abundant soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3) in the plasma of patients with chronic HBV infections. The increase of the plasma B7-H3 was associated with the progression of liver cirrhosis and accompanied by decreased expression of B7-H3 on hepatocytes. The identification analysis suggests that the plasma B7-H3 might be derived from the membrane-bound B7-H3 on hepatocytes. A functional study showed that immobilized (4Ig) B7-H3Ig fusion protein could inhibit TCR-induced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells, which could be partially blocked by soluble B7-H3flag fusion protein. These results suggest that the reduced expression of B7-H3 in the livers might temper the inhibition of T-cell responses mediated by B7-H3 expressed on hepatocytes and thus promote the hepatic inflammation and hepatitis progression in the chronic HBV-infected patients.

PARP-1 deficiency blocks IL-5 expression through calpain-dependent degradation of STAT-6 in a murine asthma model

BACKGROUND

We recently showed that poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) may play a role in allergen (ovalbumin)-induced airway eosinophilia, potentially through a specific effect on IL-5 production. We also reported that while IL-5 replenishment promotes reversal of eosinophilia in lungs of PARP-1(-/-) mice, IL-4 or Immunoglobulin E replenishment do not, suggesting a potentially significant regulatory relationship between PARP-1 and IL-5.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism by which PARP-1 regulates IL-5 production and to determine how PARP-1 inhibition blocks allergen-induced eosinophilia.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a murine model of allergic airway inflammation and primary splenocytes.

RESULTS

PARP-1 knockout-associated reduction in IL-5 upon allergen exposure occurs at the mRNA level. Such an effect appears to take place after IL-4 receptor activation as PARP-1 inhibition exerted no effect on JAK1/JAK3 activation. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT-6) protein was severely downregulated in spleens of PARP-1(-/-) mice without any effect on mRNA levels, suggesting an effect on protein integrity rather than gene transcription. Interestingly, the degradation of STAT-6 in PARP-1(-/-) mice required allergen stimulation. Additionally, PARP-1 enzymatic activity appears to be required for STAT-6 integrity. The downregulation of STAT-6 coincided with mRNA and protein reduction of GATA-binding protein-3 and occupancy of its binding site on the IL-5 gene promoter. IL-4 was sufficient to induce STAT-6 downregulation in both PARP-1(-/-) mice and isolated splenocytes. Such degradation may be mediated by calpain, but not by proteasomes.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate a novel function of PARP-1 in regulating IL-5 expression during allergen-induced inflammation and explain the underlying mechanism by which PARP-1 inhibition results in IL-5 reduction.

Abstract P1-01-17: Comparative Analysis of Metastatic Tumor Cells within the Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Breast Cancer Patients Utilizing a Novel Approach

Background and Objective: The intrinsic high false negative rate associated with intraoperative analysis of SLN may result in a second surgical procedure for the patient. We attempt to improve the intraoperative and the pathologic and molecular evaluation of SLN by utilizing novel immunobead methods for detection and assessment of tumor cell expression of Her2, CD44 and Muc1.

Methods: During the operation of breast cancer patients, gived sentinel lymph node biopsy firstly, and the SLN will each be divided in four quadrants, and two quadrants (B,C) will be brought to the pathologist for routine intraoperative analysis and further immunhistochemical (H&E and CK) examination often 2 mm thick sections of each quadrant.

The other (A,D) quadrants will be immediately mechanically disaggregated and filtered in order to remove stromal elements and cellular debris. The resulting cell suspension will be incubated with 4.5 µm magnetic beads coated with MOC31 antibody, and simultaneously with different nonmagnetic, fluorescent microparticles coated with either anti-Her2, anti-CD44, or anti-Muc1 by flow-cytometry.

Results: 62 cases from 2009.1 to 2009.9 in our hospital has been studied, and results as follows: 1. Immunomagnetic evaluation of alive tumor cells in SLNs is rapidly and easily performed using the MOC-31 antibody that binds to the vast majority of breast cancer cells. The novel technologies will demonstrate higher detection sensitivity (96%) and lower false negative rate (4.0%). 2. For the intraoperative frozen HE staining, the sensitivity was 68%, false negative rate was 32%; and for CK-IHC, the sensitivity was 76.0%, and the false negative rate was 24%. 3.To compare to standard intraoperative procedures and histopathologic techniques of analyzing the SLN to that of the novel approach, it could get higher sensitivity (96%vs 68%,P=0.023;96%vs76%,P=0.049), lower false negative rate (4%vs32% ,P=0.023;4%vs24%,P=0.049) and higher micrometastasis detection rate. 4.Expession of Her2,CD44 and Muc1 in SLN is 32.5%±2.2%,83.4± 4.1% and 86.6%±3.4%, and each has positively correlated with the expression of that in primary tumor (P&lt;0.5).

Conclusion: Our novel approach that utilizing immunobead detection of metastatic breast cancer cells, and simultaneously characterize the isolated cells for membrane markers coated with antibodies targeting Her2, Muc1 or CD44 by flow-cytometry, has rapid speed and high accuracy. Compared to traditional HE and CK-IHC, it has higher sensitivity and lower false negative rate, and could be used more widely and easily. Expression of CD44, Her2 and Muc1 in sentinel lymph nodes were positively correlated with the expression of those in primary tumor. It is suggested that the three biomarkers above could predict metastasis of sentinel lymph nodes, and maybe direct treatment after operation.

Influence of strain and pressure to the effective refractive index of the fundamental mode of hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers

We investigate the phase sensitivity of the fundamental mode of hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers to strain and acoustic pressure. A theoretical model is constructed to analyze the effect of axial strain and acoustic pressure on the effective refractive index of the fundamental mode. Simulation shows that, for the commercial HC-1550-02 fiber, the contribution of mode-index variation to the overall phase sensitivities to axial strain and acoustic pressure are respectively approximately -2% and approximately -17%. The calculated normalized phase-sensitivities of the HC-1550-02 fiber to strain and acoustic pressure are respectively 1 epsilon(-1) and -331.6 dB re microPa(-1) without considering mode-index variation, and 0.9797 epsilon(-1) and -333.1 dB re microPa(-1) when mode-index variation is included in the calculation. The latter matches better with the experimentally measured results.

Impacts of microRNA-215 on cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer and osteosarcoma

2542

Background: Translational control plays a key role in resistance to anti-cancer drug treatment. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, mainly by interacting with 3'-UTR of their mRNA targets. Methods: miR-215 was ectopically expressed by transient transfection in both human colon cancer cell lines and osteosarcoma cell lines. The impact of miR-215 on cell proliferation, cell cycle control, chemosensitivity and down stream targets were characterized. The expression of miR-215 in colorectal cancer specimens and normal adjacent tissues was quantified by real time-qRT-PCR analysis. Results: In this study, we discovered that miR-215 down-regulates the expression of both dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS), two of the most important chemotherapeutic targets, in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS and colon cancer HCT-116 (wt-p53) cell lines. Cells with elevated miR-215 expression are more resistant to DHFR inhibitor methotrexate (MTX) or TS inhibitor Tomudex (TDX) treatment. Ectopically over-expressing miR-215 triggers reduced cell proliferation and increased G2 arrest, at least in part, through the induction of p53 and p21. miR-215 transfected cells with reduced proliferating phenotype were resist to MTX or TDX treatment due to deceased cell cycle in S phase. The expression of endogeneous miR-215 was highly elevated in CD133+/HI CD44+/HI colon cancer stem cells compared to CD133- CD44- colon cancer cells, suggesting that tumor stem cells may be avoiding cellular and DNA damage caused by chemotherapy with a reduced proliferating phenotype mediated by certain miRNAs such as miR-215. The elevated expression of miR-215 in colon cancer stem cells with slow proliferation rate and resistance to chemotherapy further supports the role of miR-215 in cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance. Conclusions: miR-215 may have a unique potential as a novel therapeutic target and biomarker candidate in cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber polarizer

Broadband, compact in-fiber polarizers were fabricated using a pulsed CO(2) laser to modify the air holes along one side of the hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers. The polarizers have lengths from 3 to 6 mm and exhibit a polarization extinction ratio of better than 20 dB over a wavelength range larger than 100 nm at approximately 1,550 nm.

DNA sequencing by the dideoxy method

In the basic dideoxy sequencing reaction, an oligonucleotide primer is annealed to a single-stranded DNA template and extended by DNA polymerase in the presence of four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), one of which is 35S-labeled. The reaction also contains one of four dideoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (ddNTPs), which terminate elongation when incorporated into the growing DNA chain. After completion of the sequencing reactions, the products are subjected to electrophoresis on a high-resolution denaturing polyacrylamide gel and then autoradiographed to visualize the DNA sequence. Three variations of the dideoxy sequencing procedure are currently in use and are presented in this unit. In the "labeling/termination" procedure, primer chains are initially extended and labeled in the absence of terminating ddNTPs, whereas in the traditional "Sanger" procedure, labeling and termination of primer chains occur in a single step. A recent variation of the dideoxy sequencing method is thermal cycle sequencing in which the reaction mixture, containing template DNA, primer, thermostable DNA polymerase, dNTPs, and ddNTPs, is subjected to repeated rounds of denaturation, annealing, and elongation steps. The resulting linear amplification of the sequencing products allows much less template DNA to be used and eliminates independent primer annealing and template denaturation steps, which are required for the labeling/termination or Sanger procedures. The use of automated fluorescent sequencers for four-color dideoxy DNA sequencing is also described in detail.