Mice deficient of Lats1 develop soft-tissue sarcomas, ovarian tumours and pituitary dysfunction

The lats gene has been identified as a tumour suppressor in Drosophila melanogaster using mosaic screens. Mosaic flies carrying somatic cells that are mutant for lats develop large tumours in many organs. The human LATS1 homologue rescues embryonic lethality and inhibits tumour growth in lats mutant flies, demonstrating the functional conservation of this gene. Biochemical and genetic analyses have revealed that LATS1 functions as a negative regulator of CDC2 (ref. 3). These data suggest that mammalian LATS1 may have a role in tumorigenesis. To elucidate the function of mammalian LATS1, we have generated Lats1-/- mice. Lats1-/- animals exhibit a lack of mammary gland development, infertility and growth retardation. Accompanying these defects are hyperplastic changes in the pituitary and decreased serum hormone levels. The reproductive hormone defects of Lats1-/- mice are reminiscent of isolated LH-hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and corpus luteum insufficiency in humans. Furthermore, Lats1-/- mice develop soft-tissue sarcomas and ovarian stromal cell tumours and are highly sensitive to carcinogenic treatments. Our data demonstrate a role for Lats1 in mammalian tumorigenesis and specific endocrine dysfunction.

A new simple method for isolation of microvascular endothelial cells avoiding both chemical and mechanical injuries

Our study indicates that when small pieces of lung or muscles of chest wall are cultured, erythrocytes and leukocytes (PMNs) leave the tissues first, followed by vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Fibroblasts and other mixed cells grow after 72 hr culture. The ECs can then be isolated avoiding mechanical and chemical injuries. The lung tissue is obtained from the peripheral surface and muscles from the chest. It is then cut into pieces and cultured with DMEM containing 20% fetal bovine serum. After 60 hr culture, the tissues are discarded. The flask contains only ECs and blood cells. Blood cells can be cleared out after the cells are subcultured once or twice. The primary cells and the subcultured cells cultured on gelatinized culture dish give the capillary-like structure. Cells cultured on untreated dishes have regular cobblestone morphology and junctional contacts. The isolated cells were not mesothelial cells because the cells did not react to antibody against cytokeratin 18, while mesothelial cells reacted strongly to the antibody. The cells can be isolated from the lung tissue without pleura. The primary microvascular ECs are also cultured on microcarriers (cytodex 3). Because both mechanical and proteolytic injuries are avoided, the cells may be more similar to cells in the in vivo state. There are no significant differences in PMN-endothelium adherence and monolayer responses to second messengers, platelet activating factor, and phospholipase A2 when pulmonary and muscular microvascular endothelial cells are compared.

Family quality of life of Chinese families of children with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

The concepts of quality of life and family quality of life (FQOL) are increasingly being studied in the field of intellectual disabilities (ID) in China as important frameworks for: (1) assessing families' need for supports and services; (2) guiding organisational and service delivery system changes; and (3) evaluating quality family outcomes. The present study focused on exploring the perceptions of Chinese families who have a child with an ID regarding FQOL as well as examining the factor structure of FQOL concept from Chinese families.

METHODS

The Chinese version of the Family Quality of Life Scale was used to survey Chinese families living in the urban and suburban areas of Beijing who have a child with ID. A total of 442 families participated in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factor structure of FQOL. Multivariate analysis was also used to examine group differences among families in terms of family demographic variables.

RESULTS

A five-factor structure of the FQOL construct was found in the Chinese sample, suggesting a similar factor structure found from US families in the literature. Different living conditions (e.g. housing and transportation) tended to affect significantly families' satisfaction ratings of their FQOL. It is also found that family income and severity of disability of the child are predictors of families' satisfaction ratings of FQOL.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary findings of this study suggest a cross-cultural factor structure comparability of FQOL between samples in the USA and China. Results call for further examination of the family-centred service and support as a mediator on the interactive relationship between family characteristics, family needs and FQOL outcomes.

Aquaporin-1 plays a crucial role in estrogen-induced tubulogenesis of vascular endothelial cells

CONTEXT

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) has been proposed as a mediator of estrogen-induced angiogenesis in human breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms governing AQP1-mediated, estrogen-induced angiogenesis may contribute to an improved understanding of tumor development.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify the estrogen-response element (ERE) in the promoter of the Aqp1 gene and investigate the effects and mechanisms of AQP1 on estrogen-induced tubulogenesis of vascular endothelial cells.

SETTING

The study was conducted in a university hospital in eastern China.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Immunohistological, real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were used to determine the expression AQP1 mRNA and protein in vascular endothelial cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses and luciferase reporter assays identified ERE-like motif in the promoter of the Aqp1 gene.

RESULTS

Expression of AQP1 in blood vessels of human breast and endometrial carcinoma tissues were significantly higher than controls. Estradiol (E2) dose-dependently increased the expression levels of AQP1 mRNA and protein in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). A functional ERE-like motif was identified in the promoter of the Aqp1 gene. AQP1 colocalized with ezrin, a component of the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein complex, and, ezrin colocalized with filamentous actin in HUVECs. Knockdown of AQP1 or ezrin with specific small interfering RNA significantly attenuated the formation of transcytoplasmic filamentous actin stress fibers induced by E2 and inhibited E2-enhanced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tubule formation of HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen induces AQP1 expression by activating ERE in the promoter of the Aqp1 gene, resulting in tubulogenesis of vascular endothelial cells. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning the angiogenic effects of estrogen.

Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 6 modulates the radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma

Increasing the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to radiation is a promising approach to improve survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This study aims to determine if serine/threonine phosphatase (protein phosphatase 6 (PP6)) is a molecular target for GBM radiosensitization treatment. The GBM orthotopic xenograft mice model was used in this study. Our data demonstrated that the protein level of PP6 catalytic subunit (PP6c) was upregulated in the GBM tissue from about 50% patients compared with the surrounding tissue or control tissue. Both the in vitro survival fraction of GBM cells and the patient survival time were highly correlated or inversely correlated with PP6c expression (R²=0.755 and −0.707, respectively). We also found that siRNA knockdown of PP6c reduced DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) activity in three different GBM cell lines, increasing their sensitivity to radiation. In the orthotopic mice model, the overexpression of PP6c in GBM U87 cells attenuated the effect of radiation treatment, and reduced the survival time of mice compared with the control mice, while the PP6c knocking-down improved the effect of radiation treatment, and increased the survival time of mice. These findings demonstrate that PP6 regulates the sensitivity of GBM cells to radiation, and suggest small molecules disrupting or inhibiting PP6 association with DNA-PK is a potential radiosensitizer for GBM.

Valosin-containing protein regulates the proteasome-mediated degradation of DNA-PKcs in glioma cells

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) has an important role in the repair of DNA damage and regulates the radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma cells. The VCP (valosine-containing protein), a chaperone protein that regulates ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation, is phosphorylated by DNA-PK and recruited to DNA double-strand break sites to regulate DNA damage repair. However, it is not clear whether VCP is involved in DNA-PKcs (DNA-PK catalytic subunit) degradation or whether it regulates the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma. Our data demonstrated that DNA-PKcs was ubiquitinated and bound to VCP. VCP knockdown resulted in the accumulation of the DNA-PKcs protein in glioblastoma cells, and the proteasome inhibitor MG132 synergised this increase. As expected, this increase promoted the efficiency of DNA repair in several glioblastoma cell lines; in turn, this enhanced activity decreased the radiation sensitivity and prolonged the survival fraction of glioblastoma cells in vitro. Moreover, the VCP knockdown in glioblastoma cells reduced the survival time of the xenografted mice with radiation treatment relative to the control xenografted glioblastoma mice. In addition, the VCP protein was also downregulated in ∼25% of GBM tissues from patients (WHO, grade IV astrocytoma), and the VCP protein level was correlated with patient survival (R²=0.5222, P<0.05). These findings demonstrated that VCP regulates DNA-PKcs degradation and increases the sensitivity of GBM cells to radiation.

Association of exosomal microRNAs in human ovarian follicular fluid with oocyte quality

The postponement of childbearing by women has led to an increase in infertility. The reproductive aging process leads to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of oocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate exosomal microRNAs in human ovarian follicular fluid and explore their potential association with oocyte quality. We collected ovarian follicle fluid from 68 patients and assigned the patients to A (superior oocyte quality) or B (poor oocyte quality) group according to their oocyte quality. Exosomal miRNAs were extracted, library constructed and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform. Subsequently, we analyzed exosomal miRNA expression, predicted the miRNA target genes, and enriched Gene Ontology terms using GOSeq. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was performed using miRanda. A total of 47 miRNAs were found to be significantly differentially expressed between group A and group B (p < 0.05). Among nine differentially expressed miRNAs that were previously known, seven were upregulated in group B. In silico analysis indicated that several of these exosomal miRNAs were involved in pathways implicated in oocyte quality. Analysis of the expression of exosomal miRNAs in human ovarian follicular fluid showed that they were critical for maintaining oocyte quality. Our findings provide the basis for further investigations of the functions of exosomal miRNAs in the ovarian microenvironment and suggest that these exosomal miRNAs may be potential biomarkers for evaluating oocyte quality. The findings are potentially important to maintain oocyte quality in clinical settings.

Schwann cells and cells in the oligodendrocyte lineage proliferate in response to a 50,000 dalton membrane-associated mitogen present in developing brain

The neuronal cell surface is believed to carry a mitogenic signal for peripheral glial cells. We have purified a mitogen from fetal bovine brain membranes that, in common with the PNS neuronal mitogen, stimulates the proliferation of Schwann cells in vitro and binds heparin. The purified mitogen has an apparent molecular weight of 50,000 daltons as estimated by elution of activity from non-reducing polyacrylamide gels. Since the developing central nervous system is a rich source of mitogen, we tested whether the protein is mitogenic for one or more cell types isolated from the developing brain. Purified mitogen was added to enriched cultures of astrocytes or developing oligodendrocytes, or to microglial cells. The analyses demonstrated that the protein is mitogenic for developing oligodendrocytes but not astrocytes or microglial cells. These results suggest that during development a membrane-associated mitogen present in the brain might regulate the proliferation of developing oligodendrocytes, and consequently, the population size of oligodendrocytes in the brain.

Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Secretion of HLA-E by Trophoblasts Maintains Pregnancy by Regulating the Metabolism of Decidual NK Cells

Extracellular vesicles derived from trophoblasts (T-EVs) play an important role in pregnancy, but the mechanism is not entirely clear. In this study, we found that HLA-E, which is mostly confined to the cytoplasm of trophoblast cells, was secreted by T-EVs. The level of HLA-E in T-EVs from unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) patients was lower than that in normal pregnancy (NP) and RSA patients who had an abnormal embryo karyotype (AK-RSA). T-EVs promoted secretion of IFN-γ and VEGFα by decidual NK (dNK) cells from URSA patients via HLA-E, VEGFα was necessary for angiogenesis and trophoblast growth, and IFN-γ inhibited Th17 induction. Glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) were involved in this process. Glycolysis but not OxPhos of dNK cells facilitated by T-EVs was dependent on mTORC1 activation. Inhibition of T-EV production in vivo increased the susceptibility of mice to embryo absorption, which was reversed by transferring exogenous T-EVs. T-EVs promoted secretion of IFN-γ and VEGFα by dNK cells to maintain pregnancy via Qa-1 in abortion-prone mouse models. This study reveals a new mechanism of pregnancy maintenance mediated by HLA-E via T-EVs.

A thiocyanopalladation/carbocyclization transformation identified through enzymatic screening: stereocontrolled tandem C-SCN and C-C bond formation

Herein we describe a formal thiocyanopalladation/carbocyclization transformation and its parametrization and optimization using a new elevated temperature plate-based version of our visual colorimetric enzymatic screening method for reaction discovery. The carbocyclization step leads to C-SCN bond formation in tandem with C-C bond construction and is highly stereoselective, showing nearly absolute 1,2-anti-stereoinduction (5 examples) for substrates bearing allylic substitution, and nearly absolute 1,3-syn-stereoinduction (16 examples) for substrates bearing propargylic substitution. Based upon these high levels of stereoinduction, the dependence of the 1,2-stereoinduction upon cyclization substrate geometry, and the generally high preference for the transoid vinyl thiocyanate alkene geometry, a mechanistic model is proposed, involving (i) Pd(ii)-enyne coordination, (ii) thiocyanopalladation, (iii) migratory insertion and (iv) β-elimination. Examples of transition metal-mediated C-SCN bond formation that proceed smoothly on unactivated substrates and allow for preservation of the SCN moiety are lacking. Yet, the thiocyanate functionality is of great value for biophysical chemistry (vibrational Stark effect) and medicinal chemistry (S,N-heterocycle construction). The title transformation accommodates C-, O-, N- and S-bridged substrates (6 examples), thereby providing the corresponding carbocyclic or heterocyclic scaffolds. The reaction is also shown to be compatible with a significant range of substituents, varying in steric and electronic demand, including a wide range of substituted aromatics, fused bicyclic and heterocyclic systems, and even biaryl systems. Combination of this new transformation with asymmetric allylation and Grubbs ring-closing metathesis provides for a streamlined enantio- and diastereoselective entry into the oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl core of the natural products massarilactone and annuionone A, as also evidenced by low temperature X-ray crystal structure determination. Utilizing this bicyclic scaffold, we demonstrate the versatility of the thiocyanate moiety for structural diversification post-cyclization. Thus, the bridging vinyl thiocyanate moiety is smoothly elaborated into a range of derivative functionalities utilizing transformations that cleave the S-CN bond, add the elements of RS-CN across a π-system and exploit the SCN moiety as a cycloaddition partner (7 diverse examples). Among the new functionalities thereby generated are thiotetrazole and sulfonyl tetrazole heterocycles that serve as carboxylate and phosphate surrogates, respectively, highlighting the potential of this approach for future applications in medicinal chemistry or chemical biology.

Phospholipase A2-induced lung edema and its mechanism in isolated perfused guinea pig lung

Lung injury induced by phospholipase A2 (PLA2, 0.046 IU/ml perfusate) was studied in a continuous weighing system of isolated perfused guinea pig lungs. The results revealed that lung weight increased progressively during the 30-min perfusion of PLA2. No change of pulmonary arterial pressure was observed in the same period. Albumin permeability-surface area product, lung index, lung water content, exudate from pleura, and angiotensin-converting-enzyme activity increased significantly at the end of 30 min PLA2 perfusion. p-Bromophenacyl bromide, a PLA2 inhibitor, may block the above changes nearly completely. The effects of inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin, IM), lipoxygenase (diethylcarbamaxine, DE), and platelet-activating factor (SRI 63-441) on PLA2-induced lung injury were also studied. We found: (1) PLA2 may induce high permeability lung edema. The role of endothelial injury in the permeability change remains to be further investigated. (2) DE ameliorated lung injury significantly within 10 min of PLA2 treatment but showed no effect after 15 min. IM ameliorated lung injury during the whole experimental period. SRI 63-441 had no effect. It is suggested that PLA2 may damage lung by inducing products of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase besides its direct effect.

Measurement of the neutron lifetime using a proton trap

We report a new measurement of the neutron decay lifetime by the absolute counting of in-beam neutrons and their decay protons. Protons were confined in a quasi-Penning trap and counted with a silicon detector. The neutron beam fluence was measured by capture in a thin 6LiF foil detector with known absolute efficiency. The combination of these simultaneous measurements gives the neutron lifetime: tau(n)=(886.8+/-1.2[stat]+/-3.2[syst]) s. The systematic uncertainty is dominated by uncertainties in the mass of the 6LiF deposit and the 6Li(n,t) cross section. This is the most precise measurement of the neutron lifetime to date using an in-beam method.

The relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and MTHFR gene variation, age, and sex in Northeast China

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is the risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, the impacts on the genetic variation of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) on plasma homocysteine levels in the Northeast Chinese population have not been studied. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the relationship between HHcy and MTHFR gene variation, and whether it was influenced by age and sex of the population in Northeast China.

Materials and Methods

A total of 466 subjects were randomly enrolled in this study. According to the homocysteine levels (Hcy ≥ 15 μmol/L) of the subjects, they were divided into hyperhomocysteine (HHcy = 206) and normal homocysteine (Hcy = 260). Polymerase chain reaction/high-resolution dissolution curve and homocysteine determination kit methods were used for genotype testing and homocysteine detection, respectively.

Results

High plasma homocysteine levels are associated with MTHFR 677T and 1298A [P < 0.00, odds ratio (confidence interval) = 1.842 (1.418-2.394) >1], which is related to increasing age (P_range = 0.0005-0.0161), with the homocysteine levels of males higher than females (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

High plasma homocysteine levels were linked to the MTHFR gene mutation. In addition, plasma homocysteine levels increased significantly with age with male's homocysteine levels higher than that of females.

Screening and identification of endometrial proteins as novel potential biomarkers for repeated implantation failure

Inadequate endometrial receptivity may be responsible for the low implantation rate of transferred embryos in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) impact the clinical pregnancy rate for IVF. We collected endometrial tissue during the implantation window of hysteroscopy biopsies from September 2016 to December 2019 and clinical data were collected simultaneously. Patients were divided into RIF and pregnant controls group according to pregnancy outcomes. A total of 82 differentially expressed endometrial proteins were identified, including 55 up-regulated proteins (>1.50-fold, P < 0.05) and 27 down-regulated proteins (<0.67-fold, P < 0.05) by iTRAQ labeling coupled with the 2D LC MS/MS technique in the RIF group. String analysis found interactions between these proteins which assembled in two bunches: ribosomal proteins and blood homeostasis proteins. The most significant enriched Gene Ontology terms were negative regulation of hydrolase activity, blood microparticle, and enzyme inhibitor activity. Our results emphasized the corticosteroid-binding globulin and fetuin-A as the specific proteins of endometrial receptivity by Western-blot. Our study provided experimental data to establish the objective indicator of endometrial receptivity, and also provided new insight into the pathogenesis of RIF.

Biotransformation of podophyllotoxin to picropodophyllin by microbes

Biotransformation of podophyllotoxin (PT) by several microbial species has been investigated. Among the fungi tested, it was found that Penicillium strains can isomerize PT to picropodophyllin (PPT) in 8% yield and other strains also transform the substrate into the same product but with lower yield.

Cesarean scar pregnancy combined with arteriovenous malformation successfully treated with transvaginal fertility-sparing surgery: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

A cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), when combined with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that may be associated with uncontrolled hemorrhage. Hysterectomy is indicated when conservative treatment fails. Preservation of fertility is challenging.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We reported a 33-year-old woman with a CSP combined with an AVM who failed methotrexate administration as conservative treatment.

DIAGNOSES

A CSP combined with an AVM was diagnosed via three-dimensional color Doppler angiogram and magnetic resonance imaging.

INTERVENTIONS

Transvaginal removal of the ectopic gestation and repair of the uterine defect was performed without incident.

OUTCOMES

The fertility of the patient was preserved and hysterectomy was avoided.

CONCLUSION

Transvaginal fertility-sparing surgery may be successfully performed to prevent hysterectomy when conservative treatment fails in patients with a CSP combined with an AVM.

Photothermal-Controllable Microneedles with Antitumor, Antioxidant, Angiogenic, and Chondrogenic Activities to Sequential Eliminate Tracheal Neoplasm and Reconstruct Tracheal Cartilage

The optimal treatment for tracheal tumors necessitates sequential tumor elimination and tracheal cartilage reconstruction. This study introduces an innovative inorganic nanosheet, MnO2 /PDA@Cu, comprising manganese dioxide (MnO2 ) loaded with copper ions (Cu) through in situ polymerization using polydopamine (PDA) as an intermediary. Additionally, a specialized methacrylic anhydride modified decellularized cartilage matrix (MDC) hydrogel with chondrogenic effects is developed by modifying a decellularized cartilage matrix with methacrylic anhydride. The MnO2 /PDA@Cu nanosheet is encapsulated within MDC-derived microneedles, creating a photothermal-controllable MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle. Effectiveness evaluation involved deep insertion of the MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle into tracheal orthotopic tumor in a murine model. Under 808 nm near-infrared irradiation, facilitated by PDA, the microneedle exhibited rapid overheating, efficiently eliminating tumors. PDA's photothermal effects triggered controlled MnO2 and Cu release. The MnO2 nanosheet acted as a potent inorganic nanoenzyme, scavenging reactive oxygen species for an antioxidant effect, while Cu facilitated angiogenesis. This intervention enhanced blood supply at the tumor excision site, promoting stem cell enrichment and nutrient provision. The MDC hydrogel played a pivotal role in creating a chondrogenic niche, fostering stem cells to secrete cartilaginous matrix. In conclusion, the MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle is a versatile platform with photothermal control, sequentially combining antitumor, antioxidant, pro-angiogenic, and chondrogenic activities to orchestrate precise tracheal tumor eradication and cartilage regeneration.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone Accelerates Pathological Process of Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the most common features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is related to obesity. Whether increased anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in PCOS are involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance remains unclear. We investigated serum levels of leptin and AMH along with basic clinical and metabolic parameters in 114 PCOS patients and 181 non-PCOS women. PCOS patients presented higher fasting blood glucose, insulin concentrations and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in addition to body mass index (BMI), lipids profiles and hormone levels. HOMA-IR showed a positive correlation with BMI, AMH, leptin, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. Interestingly, AMH is strongly positively correlated with HOMA-IR and insulin concentrations for 1st and 2nd hours of glucose treatment after fasting. Among PCOS women with BMI≥25 kg/m², high AMH level group showed an increased HOMA-IR when compared to normal AMH level. However, among PCOS women with normal BMI, women with high AMH presented an elevated fasting insulin levels but not HOMA-IR when compared to normal AMH group. In vitro treatment of isolated islet cells with high concentration of leptin (200 ng/ml) or high leptin plus high concentration of AMH (1 ng/ml) significantly enhanced insulin secretion. Importantly, co-treatment of AMH plus leptin upregulates the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8 after incubating with a high level of glucose. These results suggest that AMH may involve in the pathological process of pancreatic β-cells in obese PCOS women.