Preparation and characterisation of novel casein-gum Arabic composite microcapsules for targeted in vivo delivery of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A3

The health benefits of probiotics in the body are predicated on their ability to remain viable in harsh gastrointestinal conditions and complex pathological microenvironments. Casein and gum Arabic (GA), with dual emulsifying and stabilising effects in colloidal systems. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop a novel microcapsule to encapsulate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A3 using casein and GA as wall materials to improve the survival of the bacteria during gastrointestinal digestion, storage and lyophilization. The casein and GA composite microcapsules were prepared and characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the microcapsules had stable morphology, uniform size and spherical shape. The results revealed that the encapsulation of microcapsules significantly improved the survival of L. plantarum A3 in gastrointestinal fluid environment (5.52 × 109 cfu/ml) and lyophilization treatment (6.25 × 109 cfu/ml). Furthermore, the microencapsulated L. plantarum A3 exhibited an improved ability to regulate intestinal microbiota by effectively increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria and decreasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes in vivo. The findings of the study will help to design a lactic acid bacteria encapsulation system based on the gastrointestinal environment and provide a basis for the development of probiotic functional products.

Tuning the corona-core ratio of polyplex micelles for selective oligonucleotide delivery to hepatocytes or hepatic immune cells

Targeted delivery of oligonucleotides or small molecular drugs to hepatocytes, the liver's parenchymal cells, is challenging without targeting moiety due to the highly efficient mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) of the liver. The MPS comprises Kupffer cells and specialized sinusoidal endothelial cells, efficiently clearing nanocarriers regardless of their size and surface properties. Physiologically, this non-parenchymal shield protects hepatocytes; however, these local barriers must be overcome for drug delivery. Nanocarrier structural properties strongly influence tissue penetration, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution profile. Here we demonstrate the in vivo biodistribution of polyplex micelles formed by polyion complexation of short interfering (si)RNA with modified poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(allyl glycidyl ether) (PEG-b-PAGE) diblock copolymer that carries amino moieties in the side chain. The ratio between PEG corona and siRNA complexed PAGE core of polyplex micelles was chemically varied by altering the degree of polymerization of PAGE. Applying Raman-spectroscopy and dynamic in silico modeling on the polyplex micelles, we determined the corona-core ratio (CCR) and visualized the possible micellar structure with varying CCR. The results for this model system reveal that polyplex micelles with higher CCR, i.e., better PEG coverage, exclusively accumulate and thus allow passive cell-type-specific targeting towards hepatocytes, overcoming the macrophage-rich reticuloendothelial barrier of the liver.

[Fontan-associated liver disease current status and transplantation consideration]

Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is one of the main complications after the Fontan procedure, manifesting mostly as liver fibrosis and even cirrhosis, with a high incidence rate and a lack of typical clinical symptoms that seriously affect patient prognosis. The specific cause is unknown, although it is considered to be associated with long-term elevated central venous pressure, impaired hepatic artery blood flow, and other relevant factors. The absence of association between laboratory tests, imaging data, and the severity of liver fibrosis makes clinical diagnosis and monitoring difficult. A liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis. The most important risk factor for FALD is time following the Fontan procedure; therefore, it is recommended to do a liver biopsy 10 years after the Fontan procedure and to be cautious for the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Combined heart-liver transplantation is a recommended choice with favorable outcomes for patients with Fontan circulatory failure and severe hepatic fibrosis.

Prognostic implications of unrecognized myocardial infarction before elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

A non-negligible proportion of myocardial infarction (MI) is not clinically recognized and unrecognized myocardial infarction (UMI) is associated with adverse outcomes.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and prognostic significance of UMI by delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) before elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

In this prospective, single-center study, 236 patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective and uncomplicated PCI were studied. All patients underwent DE-CMR before PCI. The prevalence of UMI was evaluated and the association of clinical and CMR-derived variables with primary MACE, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, hospitalization for heart failure, unplanned late revascularization, and ischemic stroke was investigated.

Results

In the final analysis of 213 patients, 63 patients (29.6%) showed UMI. Target territory UMI was observed in 38 (17.8% of total, 60.3% of patients with UMI). UMI was significantly associated with sex, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular ejection fraction, SYNTAX score and fractional flow reserve in target vessels. During follow-up periods (median, 23 months), MACE was observed in 17 (27.0%) of patients with UMI, and 17 (11.3%) without (P=0.001). In a multivariable model, UMI (hazard ratio [HR] 2.18, 95% confidential interval, 1.10–4.33, P=0.001) remained as an independent predictor of MACE. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the presence of UMI was significantly associated with higher incidence of MACE.

Conclusions

The prevalence of UMI in patients undergoing elective PCI was 29.6%. UMI was independently associated with an increased risk of MACE after successful PCI. Given the non-negligible prevalence and potential clinical significance of UMI, clinical studies comparing PCI and guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT only strategy might have to take the presence of UMI into consideration.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Prognostic implication of unrecognized myocardial infarction in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome

Background

Prognostic value of unrecognized non-infarct-related territory (non-IR) myocardial infarction (UMI) in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of non-IR UMI and its prognostic value in patients with first NSTE-ACS presentation.

Methods

This retrospective single-center analysis was conducted in patients with NSTE-ACS without prior history of coronary artery disease, who underwent uncomplicated urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 48 hours of admission between August 2014 and January 2018. All patients underwent postprocedural cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) within 30 days after PCI. Non-IR UMI was defined as the presence of non-IR delayed gadolinium enhancement with an ischemic distribution pattern. We investigated the association of non-IR UMI, other CMR findings and baseline clinical characteristics with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, late revascularization and hospitalization for congestive heart failure.

Results

A total of 168 NSTE-ACS patients were included (124 males (73.8%); 66±11 years). Non-IR UMI was detected in 28 patients (16.7%). During a median follow-up of 32 months (15–58), MACE occurred in 10 (35.7%) patients with non-IR UMI, and 20 (14.3%) patients without (P=0.013). Patients with MACE showed higher frequency of non-IR UMI in RCA territory and multi vessel disease, higher level of NT-proBNP at admission, higher Genisini score, and greater extent of UMI. Cox's proportional hazards analysis showed that the presence of non-IR UMI was an independent predictor of MACE (HR 2.34, 95% CI 1.02–5.37, P=0.045), after adjusting confounding factors, such as multi vessel disease and serum levels of NT-proBNP at admission. The discriminant efficacy (IDI and NRI) of predicting MACE was significantly improved when the presence of non-IR UMI added to the reference clinical risk model. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with non-IR UMI were significantly associated with poor prognosis. (Figure 1).

Conclusions

In patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing urgent PCI, the prevalence of non-IR UMI was 16.7%. Non-IR UMI provided prognostic information independent of conventional risk factors.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Level of vascular inflammation is higher in acute coronary syndromes compared to chronic coronary disease

Background

Vascular inflammation has been recognized as one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation by computed tomography angiography (CTA) has emerged as a marker specific for coronary artery inflammation. We examined the relationship between clinical presentation and coronary artery inflammation assessed by PCAT attenuation and coronary plaque characteristics.

Methods

Patients with ACS or stable angina pectoris (SAP) who underwent pre-intervention coronary CTA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were enrolled. PCAT attenuation was measured around the culprit lesion and in the proximal 40 mm of all coronary arteries. PCAT attenuation and OCT findings were compared between patients with ACS versus SAP.

Results

Among 471 patients (ACS: 198, SAP: 273), PCAT attenuation was higher in ACS patients than in SAP patients both at the culprit plaque level (−67.5±9.6 Hounsfield unit [HU] vs. −71.5±11.0 HU, p<0.001) and the culprit vessel level (−68.3±7.7 HU vs. −71.1±7.9 HU, p<0.001). The mean PCAT attenuation of all 3 coronary arteries was also significantly higher in ACS patients than in SAP patients (−68.8±6.3 HU vs. −70.5±7.1 HU, p=0.007). After adjusting patient characteristics, not only thin-cap fibroatheroma (OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.63–3.65) and macrophages (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.34–3.21) but also PCAT attenuation in the culprit plaque (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02–1.06) was associated with the clinical presentation of ACS.

Conclusions

PCAT attenuation at culprit plaque, culprit vessel, and pan-coronary levels was higher in ACS patients than in SAP patients. Vascular inflammation appears to play a crucial role in the development of ACS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

[Changes in the structure of intestinal mucosal flora in colorectal cancer patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes in bacterial flora in fecal samples, at the tumor loci and in adjacent mucosa in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

We collected fecal samples from 13 patients with CRC and 20 healthy individuals and tumor and adjacent mucosa samples from 6 CRC patients. The differences in bacterial composition between the fecal and mucosa samples were analyzed with 16S rDNA sequencing and bioinformatics methods. We also detected the total number of bacteria in the feces using flow cytometry, isolated and identified the microorganisms in the fecal and mucosa samples using common bacterial culture media. We further tested the effects of 7 isolated bacterial strains on apoptosis of 3 CRC cell lines using lactate dehydrogenase detection kit.

RESULTS

The bacterial α-diversity in the feces of healthy individuals and in adjacent mucosa of CRC patients was significantly higher than that in the feces and tumor mucosa in CRC patients (P < 0.05). Lactobacillaceae is a specific bacteria in the feces, while Escherichia, Enterococcus, and Fusobacterium are specific bacteria in tumor mucosa of CRC patients as compared with healthy individuals. Cell experiment with3 CRC cell lines showed that Bacteroides fragilis isolated from the tumor mucosa of CRC patients produced significant inhibitory effects on cell proliferation (P < 0.0001), while the isolated strain Fusobacterium nucleatum obviously promoted the proliferation of the cell lines (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The bacterial flora in the feces, tumor mucosa and adjacent mucosa of CRC patients is significantly different from that in the feces of healthy individuals, and the fecal flora of CRC patients can not represent the specific flora of the tumor mucosa. Inhibition of F. nucleatum colonization in the tumor mucosa and promoting B. fragilis colonization may prove beneficial for CRC treatment.

The analysis of osteosarcopenia as a risk factor for fractures, mortality, and falls

Osteosarcopenia is defined as the concomitant occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis/osteopenia. This study aimed to clarify whether osteosarcopenia implies a greater risk of fractures, mortality, and falls and to draw attention to osteosarcopenia.

INTRODUCTION

Osteosarcopenia, which is characterized by the co-existence of osteoporosis/osteopenia and sarcopenia, is one of the most challenging geriatric syndromes. However, the association between osteosarcopenia and the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality is controversial.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from their inception to March 18, 2021, for cohort studies on the relationship between osteosarcopenia and fractures, falls, and mortality. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. A pooled analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed or random-effects models.

RESULTS

Eight cohort studies including 19,836 participants showed that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fracture (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.83-3.30, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.006, I² = 63.0%), three cohort studies involving 2601 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of mortality (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23-2.26, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.214, I² = 35.2%), and three cohort studies involving 3144 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of falls (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.04, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.219, I² = 34.1%). No publication bias existed among the studies regarding the association between osteosarcopenia and fractures. The findings were robust according to the subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis demonstrated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fractures, falls, and mortality, thus highlighting its relevance in daily life. Therefore, we suggest that elderly persons should be aware of the risks associated with osteosarcopenia.

[Cohort study of efficacy and safety of polatuzumab vedotin combined with immunochemotherapy in patients with relapse/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of Polatuzumab vedotin+rituximab±bendamustine (Pola-(B)R) in relapse/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) patients. Methods: The clinical data of 21 patients enrolled in Chinese Pola compassionate use program (CUP) in 4 centers from November 2019 to August 2020 were collected. There were 15 males and 6 females, and the median age was 56 years (ranged 25-76 years). Of the patients, 10 cases received Pola-BR regimen and the other 11 received Pola-R. Their clinical features, regimens, efficacy, and adverse events (AEs) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients with at least one efficacy evaluation were included. At data analysis cut-off point (12 Aug. 2020), the best overall response (BOR) rate was 81.0% (17/21) and the complete response (CR) rate was 19.0% (4/21). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, at a median follow-up of 54 days, three patients (14.3%) had disease progressed, and 18 patients (85.7%) were censored; the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was estimated to be 148 days. The incidence of adverse effects (AEs) of any grade was higher in Pola-BR group than Pola-R group (80.0% vs 63.6%). However, the incidence of grade 3-4 AEs were close in the two groups (30.0% vs 29.3%). The most common hematological toxicities were thrombocytopenia (28.6%, 6/21), neutropenia (28.6%, 6/21) and anemia (14.3%, 3/21), respectively. One patient with pneumonia and 1 patient with hemophagocytic syndrome recovered after symptomatic treatment. No peripheral neuropathy of grade≥2 was observed. Conclusions: The preliminary data suggested that, for heavily treated Chinese R/R DLBCL, the Pola-(B)R regimen still achieves promising efficacy and tolerable safety.

LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 stimulates proliferation of melanoma via silencing p15 by recruiting EZH2

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of FOXC2-AS1 in promoting the proliferative ability and inhibiting apoptosis of melanoma by silencing p15, thereafter regulating the progression of melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

FOXC2-AS1 levels in melanoma patients with or without metastasis and those with the tumor in different stages were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Regulatory effects of FOXC2-AS1 on viability and apoptosis in melanoma cells were assessed, and subcellular distribution of FOXC2-AS1 was analyzed. Subsequently, the interactions of FOXC2-AS1 with EZH2 and SUZ12 were explored by RNA-Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RNA-RIP) assay. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, the role of FOXC2-AS1 to regulate p15 transcription by recruiting EZH2 was verified. At last, regulatory effects of FOXC2-AS1/p15 axis on viability and apoptosis in melanoma cells were investigated.

RESULTS

It was found that FOXC2-AS1 was upregulated in melanoma tissues, especially those with metastasis or stage II-IV. Melanoma patients expressing high level of FOXC2-AS1 showed worse survival than those with low level. Knockdown of FOXC2-AS1 inhibited viability, and stimulated apoptosis in A375 and sk-mel-110 cells. Besides, P15 level was upregulated in melanoma cells transfected with si-FOXC2-AS1, and FOXC2-AS1 was mainly distributed in cytoplasm. RNA-RIP assay confirmed that FOXC2-AS1 was mainly enriched in anti-EZH2 and aniti-SUZ12. Knockdown of EZH2 could markedly upregulate protein level of p15 in melanoma cells. Furthermore, it was verified that FOXC2-AS1 inhibited p15 transcription via recruiting EZH2, and the knockdown of p15 could partially reverse the regulatory effects of FOXC2-AS1 on viability and apoptosis in melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

FOXC2-AS1 stimulates proliferative ability in melanoma via silencing p15.

Efficacy of utidelone plus capecitabine versus capecitabine for heavily pretreated, anthracycline- and taxane-refractory metastatic breast cancer: final analysis of overall survival in a phase III randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Primary analysis of the phase III trial BG01-1323L demonstrated that utidelone plus capecitabine significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) versus capecitabine alone in heavily-pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Here, we report the final overall survival (OS) analysis and updates of other endpoints.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 405 patients were randomised 2:1 to receive utidelone (30 mg/m² IV daily, days 1-5, over 90 min) plus capecitabine (1000 mg/m² orally b.i.d., days 1-14) or capecitabine alone (1250 mg/m² orally b.i.d., days 1-14) every 21 days. The secondary endpoint, OS, was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit approach at a two-sided alpha level of 0.05 after the prespecified 310 death events had been reached. Exploratory analyses of the primary endpoint, PFS, and the secondary endpoint, ORR, were also done. Safety was analysed in patients who had at least one dose of study drug.

RESULTS

At the final OS analysis, the median duration of follow-up was 19.6 months in the utidelone plus capecitabine group and 15.4 months in the capecitabine alone group. In the intention-to-treat population, 313 deaths had occurred at data cut-off, 203 of 270 patients in the combination group and 110 of 135 in the monotherapy group. Median OS in the combination group was 19.8 months compared with 16.0 months in the monotherapy group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.75, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.59-0.94, P = 0.0142]. The updated analysis of PFS and ORR showed that the combination therapy remained superior to monotherapy. Safety results were similar to those previously reported with respect to incidence, severity and specificity. No late-emerging toxicities or new safety concerns occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

For heavily-pretreated, anthracycline- and taxane-resistant MBC patients, utidelone plus capecitabine significantly improved OS versus capecitabine alone. These results support the use of utidelone plus capecitabine as a novel therapeutic regimen for patients with MBC.

KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 promotes aggressive biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells via regulating microRNA-491-5p and pyruvate kinase M1/2

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1 and opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) have been validated to be carcinogenic in several cancers. However, the role of KCNQ1OT1 in regulating the malignant biological behavior and radiotherapy resistance of cervical cancer (CC) remains largely unknown. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to detect KCNQ1OT1 and miR-491-5p expression in CC tissues and cells. Pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM2) expression was detected by Western blot. CC cell proliferation, movement, migration and invasion were monitored by CCK-8, scratch healing and Transwell assay, respectively. The CC cell colony survival was detected by colony formation assay under different doses of radiation. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay, pull-down assay and RIP assay were employed to verify the targeting relationship between KCNQ1OT1, miR-491-5p and PKM2. In this study, KCNQ1OT1 was significantly up-regulated in CC patient cancerous tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was significantly related to tumor volume increase and poor differentiation. KCNQ1OT1 overexpression significantly promoted CC cell proliferation, metastasis and radioresistance. On the contrary, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown compared to the control group inhibited the above biological behavior of CC cells. The underlying mechanism suggested that KCNQ1OT1 promoted progression and radioresistance of CC by modulating the miR-491-5p/PKM2 axis. In conclusion, KCNQ1OT1 enhances CC cell progression through the miR-491-5p/PKM2 axis.

Time Regularity of Morphology of Blood Pools

Abstract

Objective To provide reference indexes and theoretical basis for age estimation of blood pools by investigating the entire drying process and monitoring the change of morphology and mass. Methods Four 15 mL blood pool samples were prepared on the clean ceramic plate. The change of morphology and mass of blood pools in a closed dark environment with a temperature of （20.0±0.5） ℃ and a humidity of 35%-45% were dynamically observed from 0 h to 60 h. Images of the blood pools were recorded by digital camera. The area of blood pools was calculated by MATLAB R2014b, the length of cracks was measured by Image J and the statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 16.0. Results By summarizing and analyzing, the drying of blood pools was divided into five stages： coagulation （0-4.5 h）, gelation （>4.5-20.0 h）, gel-solid mixing （>20.0-37.0 h）, solid （>37.0-40.0 h） and final desiccation （>40.0-45.0 h）. From 0 to 45 h, the mass of the blood pools decreased linearly with time, and the decrease was not obvious from 45.0 to 60.0 h. The standardized mass （y₂） showed strong correlation with the time （x） y₂=0.018 2 x+0.271 4（R²=0.967 9）. The area change rate of blood pools, the distance that the edge of blood pools moved, the average length of radical cracks had little correlation with the time that passed. Conclusion The overall morphological characteristics of blood pools show a certain regularity with the time and the standardized indexes established provide a reference for the age estimation of blood pools.

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for pregnancies at risk for β-thalassaemia: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical feasibility of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for β-thalassaemia using circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology (cSMART).

DESIGN

Through carrier screening, 102 pregnant Chinese couples carrying pathogenic HBB gene variants were recruited to the study. Pregnancies were managed using traditional invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD). Retrospectively, we evaluated the archived pregnancy plasma DNA by NIPD to evaluate the performance of our cSMART assay for fetal genotyping.

SETTING

Chinese prenatal diagnostic centres specialising in thalassaemia testing.

POPULATION

Chinese carrier couples at high genetic risk for β-thalassaemia.

METHODS

Fetal cell sampling was performed by amniocentesis and HBB genotypes were determined by reverse dot blot. NIPD was performed by a newly designed HBB cSMART assay and fetal genotypes were called by measuring the allelic ratios in the maternal cell-free DNA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Concordance of HBB fetal genotyping between IPD and NIPD and the sensitivity and specificity of NIPD.

RESULTS

Invasive prenatal diagnosis identified 29 affected homozygotes or compound heterozygotes, 54 heterozygotes and 19 normal homozygotes. Compared with IPD results, 99 of 102 fetuses (97%) were correctly genotyped by our NIPD assay. Two of three discordant samples were false positives and the other sample involved an incorrect call of a heterozygote carrier as a homozygote normal. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of our NIPD assay was 100% (95% CI 88.06-100.00%) and 97.26% (95% CI 90.45-99.67%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that our cSMART-based NIPD assay for β-thalassaemia has potential clinical utility as an alternative to IPD for pregnant HBB carrier couples.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

A new noninvasive test for pregnancies at risk for β-thalassaemia.

[Expression discordances and clinical values of ER, PR, HER-2 and Ki-67 in primary and metastatic breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the expression discordances of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER-2) and Ki-67 in primary and metastatic breast cancer specimens and explore the clinical significances. Methods: Biopsies of metastatic lesions were performed in 203 patients with breast cancer recurrence and metastasis indicated by physical examination and/or imaging examination. We confirmed pathological properties and assessed the expressions of ER, PR, HER-2 and Ki-67 in primary and metastatic lesions, their relationships with prognosis were also analyzed. Results: Biopsy failed in 3 patients, the pathology and immunohistochemitry results of metastatic lesions were not obtained. One person was diagnosed as tuberculosis and another was primary lung cancer. Among the 198 cases of primary and metastatic lesions, the discordance rates of ER, PR, HER-2 and Ki-67 were 27.3%, 34.3%, 11.8% and 15.1%, respectively.The expressions of ER, HER-2 and Ki-67 were not significantly different between the primary and metastatic lesions, however, the expressions of PR were more likely to turn negative in the metastases (P<0.001). The disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with ER, PR positive, HER-2 negative and low expression of Ki-67 in metastatic lesion was much longer (P<0.05). Conclusions: The expressions of ER, PR, HER-2 and Ki-67 in metastatic lesions are associated with the prognosis of breast cancer patients.Their expression discordances between primary and metastatic lesions can guide the treatment and evaluate the risks of recurrence and prognosis.

Noninvasive fetal genotyping in pregnancies at risk for PKU using a comprehensive quantitative cSMART assay for PAH gene mutations: a clinical feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic performance of a novel circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology (cSMART) method for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of Phenylketonuria (PKU).

DESIGN

Blinded NIPT analysis of pregnancies at high risk for PKU.

SETTING

Shanghai Xinhua Hospital and Hunan Jiahui Genetics Hospital, China.

POPULATION

Couples (n = 33) with a child diagnosed with PKU.

METHODS

Trio testing for pathogenic PAH mutations was performed by Sanger sequencing. In second pregnancies, invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD) was used to determine fetal genotypes. NIPT was performed using a PAH gene-specific cSMART assay. Based on the plasma DNA mutation ratio relative to the fetal DNA fraction, fetal genotypes were assigned using a maximum-likelihood algorithm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Concordance of fetal genotyping results between IPD and NIPT, and the sensitivity and specificity of the NIPT assay.

RESULTS

Compared with gold standard IPD results, 32 of 33 fetuses (96.97%) were accurately genotyped by NIPT. The sensitivity and specificity of the NIPT assay was 100.00% (95% CI 59.04-100.00%) and 96.15% (95% CI 80.36-99.90%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel cSMART assay demonstrated high accuracy for correctly calling fetal genotypes. We propose that this test has useful clinical utility for the rapid screening of high-risk and low-risk pregnancies with a known history of PKU on one or both sides of the family.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

NIPT of couples at high risk for PKU using a full-coverage cSMART PAH gene test.

Development of Integrated Device of Trace Bloodstains Imaging and Age Analysis

Abstract

Objective To develop a device of trace bloodstains imaging and age analysis, so as to provide a non-destructive, simple and objective method for age estimation of bloodstains at the crime scene. Methods Based on the principle of digital imaging and color pattern analysis, the mobile terminal of the device was used to collect images of bloodstains of different ages. The time-dependent pattern of 6 parameters （R, G, B, C, Y, M） reflecting the changes of color of images of different ages was obtained by computer image analysis. A multiparameter comprehensive inference equation of bloodstains age was established and embedded into the device software to realize the intelligent inference of the bloodstains age. Then the capability and reliability of the device was verified. Results This integrated device of bloodstains imaging and age analysis could quickly collect bloodstains at the crime scene and automatically analyze and infer the age of bloodstains combined with related intelligence software. In the blind test, the detection accuracy of this device was 95% in both natural light airtight group and dark airtight group, and 80% in the natural light ventilation group. Conclusion The integrated device of trace bloodstains imaging and age analysis can be used in a simple manner, which provides a new objective method for bloodstains age estimation.

Clinical and radiographic characterization of primary seminomas and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

Background

Primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMMGCTs) including seminomas and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) are rare, and sometimes the diagnosis is very difficult.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics, biomarkers, and imaging findings of seminomas and NSGCTs and to determine whether these features could help distinguish these two types of PMMGCT.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study of 24 male patients with histopathologically proven PMMGCT was performed. We collected the information of computed tomography (CT) (the scan area ranged from the apex of lung to the costophrenic angles) and magnetic resonance imaging blood test and histology characteristics of these patients.

Results

Twelve of 24 cases were confirmed to be seminomas, whereas the other 12 cases were NSGCTs. Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) was found to be elevated in all patients with NSGCT, whereas none of the patients with seminomas had elevated AFP level. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) level was elevated in all the patients with seminomas (seven/seven), whereas in NSGCT only two of seven patients had elevated β-HCG. Lactate dehydrogenase level was increased in five of the nine patients with seminomas, as well as in the eight patients with NSGCT. CT imaging revealed that 12 masses from the seminoma group were homogeneous, soft tissue opacity and showed minimal contrast enhancement. On the contrary, all 12 NSGCT cases showed cystic and solid masses; on contrast-enhanced CT, heterogeneous enhancement was found on the capsule of the tumor, septum, and solid masses.

Conclusion

Seminomas and NSGCT showed different profiles of tumor biomarkers and radiographic features. Evidence from serum test, histopathological analysis, and imaging should be combined to ensure the accurate diagnosis of these two types of PMMGCT.

Serum SOX11 promoter methylation is a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of Hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Promoter methylation of tumor suppressor gene SOX11 has been reported to contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of various cancerous diseases, including gastric cancer, hematopoietic malignancies and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, there is no data on the diagnostic potential of serum SOX11 promoter methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was therefore aimed to investigate the potential role of serum SOX11 promoter methylation as a noninvasive biomarker in the diagnosis of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated HCC. A total of 205 subjects were retrospectively included, which consisted of 111 HCC patients, 66 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 28 healthy controls (HCs). Methylation of SOX11 promoter was determined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The methylation frequency of serum SOX11 promoter in HCC patients (69.4%, 77/111) was significantly higher than that in CHB patients (13.6%, 9/66; χ2 = 51.467, P<0.001) and HCs (10.7%, 3/28; χ2 = 31.489, P<0.001). There was significant difference of serum SOX11 promoter methylation in HCC patients with vascular invasion (49/58) and those without vascular invasion (28/53; χ2 = 13.058, P<0.001). Furthermore, the sensitivity of 69% was identified for SOX11 methylation in discriminating HCC from CHB, which was significant higher than the sensitivity of 57% for serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (P<0.05). Notably, SOX11 promoter methylation plus AFP showed a sensitivity of 85% in discriminating HCC from CHB. These results suggested that serum SOX11 promoter methylation might serve as a useful and noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC.

Clinical significance of fascin-1 and laminin-5 in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Fascin-1 and laminin-5 were associated with the invasiveness and prognoses of several cancers. The expression and the serum levels of fascin-1 and laminin-5 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were analyzed in this study. The expression of fascin-1 and laminin-5 were examined in 378 patients and their serum level was measured in 154 patients. The health of all patients was followed post-surgery. The expression of fascin-1 (P = 0.000) and lanminin-5 (P = 0.001) and the serum levels of fascin-1 (P = 0.015) and laminin-5 (P = 0.046) were related to the relapse of patients with NSCLC. Both serum levels and expression of fascin-1 and laminin-5 can be used to effectively evaluate the prognoses of patients with NSCLC.

Propofol inhibits invasion and growth of ovarian cancer cells via regulating miR-9/NF-κB signal

Propofol is one of the most commonly used intravenous anesthetic agents during cancer resection surgery. A previous study has found that propofol can inhibit invasion and induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are not known. miR-9 has been reported to be little expressed in ovarian cancer cells, which has been related to a poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Studies have also demonstrated that propofol could induce microRNAs expression and suppress NF-κB activation in some situations. In the present study, we assessed whether propofol inhibits invasion and induces apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by miR-9/NF-κB signaling. Ovarian cancer ES-2 cells were transfected with anti-miR-9 or p65 cDNA or p65 siRNA for 24 h, after which the cells were treated with different concentrations of propofol (1, 5, and 10 μg/mL) for 24 h. Cell growth and apoptosis were detected using MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Cell migration and invasion were detected using Transwell and Wound-healing assay. Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to detect different protein expression and NF-κB activity. Propofol inhibited cell growth and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which was accompanied by miR-9 activation and NF-κB inactivation. Knockdown of miR-9 abrogated propofol-induced NF-κB activation and MMP-9 expression, reversed propofol-induced cell death and invasion of ES-2 cells. Knockdown of p65 inhibited NF-κB activation rescued the miR-9-induced down-regulation of MMP-9. In addition, overexpression of p65 by p65 cDNA transfection increased propofol-induced NF-κB activation and reversed propofol-induced down-regulation of MMP-9. Propofol upregulates miR-9 expression and inhibits NF-κB activation and its downstream MMP-9 expression, leading to the inhibition of cell growth and invasion of ES-2 cells.

Roles of CLCA and CFTR in Electrolyte Re-absorption from Rat Saliva

A molecular basis for Cl− re-absorption has not been well-characterized in salivary ductal cells. Previously, we found strong expression of a rat homologue proposed to be Ca2+-dependent Cl− channels (rCLCA) in the intralobular ducts of the rat submandibular gland. To address the question as to whether rCLCA and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are involved in Cl− re-absorption, we evaluated the electrolyte content of saliva from glands pre-treated with a small interfering RNA (siRNA). Retrograde injection into a given submandibular duct of an siRNA designed to knock down either rCLCA or CFTR reduced the expression of each of the proteins. rCLCA and CFTR siRNAs significantly increased Cl− concentration in the final saliva during pilocarpine stimulation. These results represent the first in vivo evidence for a physiological significance of rCLCA, along with CFTR, in transepithelial Cl− transport in the ductal system of the rat submandibular gland.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer cells is sustained by Rac1 through simultaneous activation of MEK1/2 and Src signaling pathways

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is regarded as a crucial contributing factor to cancer progression. Diverse factors have been identified as potent EMT inducers in ovarian cancer. However, molecular mechanism sustaining EMT of ovarian cancer cells remains elusive. Here, we show that the presence of SOS1/EPS8/ABI1 complex is critical for sustained EMT traits of ovarian cancer cells. Consistent with the role of SOS1/EPS8/ABI1 complex as a Rac1-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, depleting Rac1 results in the loss of most of mesenchymal traits in mesenchymal-like ovarian cancer cells while expressing constitutively active Rac1 leads to EMT in epithelial-like ovarian cancer cells. With the aid of clinically tested inhibitors targeting various EMT-associated signaling pathways, we show that only combined treatment of MEK1/2 and Src inhibitors can abolish constitutively active Rac1-led EMT and mesenchymal traits displayed by mesenchymal-like ovarian cancer cells. Further experiments also reveal that EMT can be induced in epithelial-like ovarian cancer cells by co-expressing constitutively active MEK1 and Src rather than either alone. As the activities of Erk and Src are higher in ovarian cancer cells with constitutively active Rac1, we conclude that Rac1 sustains ovarian cancer cell EMT through simultaneous activation of MEK1/2 and Src signaling pathways. Importantly, we demonstrate that combined use of MEK1/2 and Src inhibitors effectively suppresses development of intraperitoneal xenografts and prolongs the survival of ovarian cancer-bearing mice. This study suggests that cocktail of MEK1/2 and Src inhibitors represents an effective therapeutic strategy against ovarian cancer progression.

Oxidative stress and lung pathology following geogenic dust exposure

This study was designed to evaluate markers of systemic oxidative stress and lung histopathology following subacute exposure to geogenic dust with varying heavy metal content collected from a natural setting prone to wind erosion and used heavily for off-road vehicle recreation. Adult female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to several concentrations of dust collected from seven different types of surfaces at the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area in Clark County, Nevada, designated here as CBN 1-7. Dust representing each of the seven surface types, with an average median diameter of 4.2 μm, was selected and administered via oropharyngeal aspiration to mice at concentrations from 0.01 to 100 mg of dust kg(-1) of body weight. Exposures were given four times spaced a week apart over a 28 day period to mimic a month of weekend exposures. Lung pathology was evaluated while plasma markers of oxidative stress included levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and total glutathione. Overall, results of these assays to evaluate markers of oxidative stress indicate that no single CBN surface type was able to consistently induce markers of systemic oxidative stress at a particular dose or in a dose-response manner. All surface types were able to induce some level of lung inflammation, typically at the highest exposure levels. These data suggest that dust from the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area may present a potential health risk, but additional studies are necessary to characterize the full extent of health risks to humans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of Nanoparticles on the Survival and Development of Vitrified Porcine GV Oocytes

BACKGROUND: Some mammalian oocytes have been successfully cryopreserved by vitrification. However, the survival and developmental rate of vitrified oocytes is still low. The incorporation of nanoparticles into cryoprotectant (CPA) may improve the efficiency of vitrification by changing the properties of solutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The toxicity of different concentrations of hydroxy apatite (HA), silica dioxide (SO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (20 nm in diameter) to oocytes was tested and the toxicity threshold value of each nanoparticle was determined. Porcine GV oocytes were vitrified in optimized nano-CPA, and effects of diameter and concentration of nanoparticles on the survival rate and developmental rate of porcine GV oocytes were compared.

RESULTS

HA nanoparticles have demonstrated the least toxicity among four nanoparticles and the developmental rate of GV-stage porcine oocytes was 100% when its concentration was lower than 0.5%. By adding 0.1% HA into VS, the developmental rate of GV-stage porcine oocytes (22%) was significantly higher than other groups. The effect of vitrification in nano-CPA on oocytes was related to the concentration of HA nanoparticles rather than their size. By adding 0.05% HA nanoparticles (60nm in diameter), the developmental rate increased dramatically from 14.7% to 30.4%.

CONCLUSION

Nano-cryopreservation offers a new way to improve the effect of survival and development of oocytes, but the limitation of this technology shall not be ignored.

Loss of ATF3 promotes hormone-induced prostate carcinogenesis and the emergence of CK5(+)CK8(+) epithelial cells

Steroid sex hormones can induce prostate carcinogenesis, and are thought to contribute to the development of prostate cancer during aging. However, the mechanism for hormone-induced prostate carcinogenesis remains elusive. Here we report that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) – a broad stress sensor – suppressed hormone-induced prostate carcinogenesis in mice. While implantation of testosterone and estradiol (T+E₂) pellets for 2 months in wild-type mice rarely induced prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) in dorsal prostates (1 out of 8 mice), loss of ATF3 led to the appearance of not only PIN but also invasive lesions in almost all examined animals. The enhanced carcinogenic effects of hormones on ATF3-deficient prostates did not appear to be caused by a change in estrogen signaling, but were more likely a consequence of elevated androgen signaling that stimulated differentiation of prostatic basal cells into transformation-preferable luminal cells. Indeed, we found that hormone-induced lesions in ATF3-knockout mice often contained cells with both basal and luminal characteristics, such as p63⁺ cells (a basal cell marker) showing luminal-like morphology, or cells double-stained with basal (CK5⁺) and luminal (CK8⁺) markers. Consistent with these findings, low ATF3 expression was found to be a poor prognostic marker for prostate cancer in a cohort of 245 patients. Our results thus support that ATF3 is a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer.

Infected hematopoietic stem cells and with integrated HBV DNA generate defective T cells in chronic HBV infection patients

A weak T-cell response plays a key role in the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We aimed to confirm that T-cell defects in patients with chronic HBV infection are associated with HBV DNA infection of bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we observed the transcription of HBsAg coding genes and confirmed the integration of HBV DNA in CD34(+) BM HSCs from chronic HBV infection patients. T cells were generated by coculturing the HSCs with delta-like ligand 1-expressing OP9 (OP9-DL1) cells. The phenotypes of the T cells were then evaluated by flow cytometric (FACS) analysis on days 14 and 25. The results demonstrated that fewer CD3(+) TCRaβ(+) CD3(+) CD4(+) and CD4(+) CD8(+) T cells were generated from the HSCs of the patients than from the healthy controls, (P < 0.01) but the frequency of CD3(+) D8(+) T cells was not significantly different between the two group (P > 0.05). In contrast, CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells were more in the patient group than in healthy controls (P < 0.01) on both days 14 and 25. There were fewer CD3(+) CD4(+) /CD3(+) CD8(+) cells in the patient group than in the healthy control group on day 25 (P < 0.05). Less proliferation and lower levels of IL-2 and IFN- γ were also observed in the patient group compared with the control group (P < 0.05).These data suggest that HBV DNA infected and integrated into the BM HSCs from patients with chronic HBV infection and that these BM HSCs generated defective T cells.

Attentional tradeoffs in the pigeon

We deployed the Multiple Necessary Cues (MNC) discrimination task to see if pigeons can simultaneously attend to four different dimensions of complex visual stimuli. Specifically, we trained nine pigeons (Columba livia) on a go/no go discrimination to peck only 1 of 16 compound stimuli created from all possible combinations of two stimulus values from four separable visual dimensions: shape (circle/square), size (large/small), line orientation (horizontal/vertical), and brightness (dark/light). Some of the pigeons had CLHD (circle, large, horizontal, dark) as the positive stimulus (S+), whereas others had SSVL (square, small, vertical, light) as the S+. We recorded touchscreen pecking during the first 15 s that each stimulus was presented on each training trial. Discrimination training continued until pigeons' rates of responding to all 15 negative stimuli (S-s) fell to less than 15% of their response rates to the S+. All pigeons acquired the MNC discrimination, suggesting that they attended to all four dimensions of the multidimensional stimuli. Learning rate was similar for all four dimensions, indicating equivalent salience of the discriminative stimuli. The more dimensions along which the S-s differed from the S+, the faster was discrimination learning, suggesting an added benefit from increasing perceptual disparities of the S-s from the S+. Finally, evidence of attentional tradeoffs among the four dimensions was seen during discrimination learning, raising interesting questions concerning the possible control of behavior by elemental and configural stimuli.

Inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is an inducer of cancer cell death that holds promise in cancer therapy. Cancer cells are more susceptible than normal cells to the cell-death-inducing effects of TRAIL. However, a variety of cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL through complex mechanisms. Here, we investigate the effects of inhibition of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 subunit α (eIF2α) dephosphorylation on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. Treatment of hepatoma cells with salubrinal, an inhibitor of eIF2α dephosphorylation, enhances TRAIL-induced eIF2α phosphorylation, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression and caspase activation. Salubrinal enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis, which could be abrogated by caspase inhibitor. Overexpression of phosphomimetic eIF2α (S51D) enhances TRAIL-induced CHOP expression, caspase 7 and PARP cleavage and apoptosis. By contrast, overexpression of phosphodeficient eIF2α (S51A) abrogates the stimulation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by salubrinal. Moreover, knockdown of growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34), which recruits protein phosphatase 1 to dephosphorylate eIF2α, enhances TRAIL-induced eIF2α phosphorylation, CHOP expression, caspase activation and apoptosis. Furthermore, the sensitization of hepatoma cells to TRAIL by salubrinal is dependent on CHOP. Knockdown of CHOP abrogates the stimulation of TRAIL-induced caspase activation and apoptosis by salubrinal. Combination of salubrinal and TRAIL leads to increased expression of Bim, a CHOP-regulated proapoptotic protein. Bim knockdown blunts the stimulatory effect of salubrinal on TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation may lead to synthetic lethality in TRAIL-treated hepatoma cells.

Tobacco smoking associated with the increases of the bronchoalveolar levels of interleukin-5 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in acute eosinophilic pneumonia

BACKGROUND

There is a strong association between tobacco smoking and acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) and tobacco smoking has been related to onset of AEP, but the mechanisms for causing AEP are largely unknown. AEP is characterized by locally high levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). Thus, tobacco smoking may relate to the high levels of IL-5 and IL-1RA in AEP.

AIM

We aimed to determine whether the rate of tobacco smoking positively related to the high levels of IL-5 and IL-1RA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the study, 155 AEP patients and 135 control healthy subjects were recruited by the Clinical Research Center at General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command (Shenyang, China). All the subjects were interviewed regarding for the tobacco smoking rate. The number of eosinophils was counted in all subjects. The relative expressive levels of IL-5 and IL-1RA were measured with ELISA in Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and serum.

RESULTS

The BAL levels of IL-5, IL-1ra, eosinophils and lymphocytes positively correlates with the rate of tobacco smoking in AEP patients (p < 0.005) comparing with those in healthy control groups. No significant association was observed between the serum levels IL-5 and IL-1ra and the rate of tobacco smoking in AEP patients (p > 0.05) comparing with those in healthy control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking increases the BAL levels of IL-5 and IL-1RA, which is associated with the onset of AEP.

Synergistic function of Kras mutation and HBx in initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice

Although the activation of Ras pathway is frequently observed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the in vivo role of Ras activation in HCC initiation and progression is underdetermined. To test the consequence of Kras activation in hepatocyte, we generated a hepatocyte-specific Kras(G12D) transgenic mouse strain and observed spontaneous development of HCC in these mice. Remarkably, HBV X protein (HBx) expression significantly promotes the formation and malignant progression of Kras(G12D)-driven HCC as shown with the accelerated tumor onset, the increased tumor burden and the more poorly differentiated lesions. At the cellular level, concomitant expression of Kras(G12D) and HBx results in a robust increase in hepatocellular proliferation. We reveal that the Akt, MAPK, p53 and TGF-β pathways are deregulated in the Kras(G12D)-driven HCCs. Also, the dysregulation is more pronounced in the HCCs developed in Kras(G12D) and HBx double transgenic mice. In addition, the altered expressions of β-catenin, CD44 and E-cadherin are only observed in the Kras(G12D) and HBx double transgenic mice. These results demonstrate a crucial role of Ras activation in hepatocellular carcinogenesis and the functional synergy between Kras(G12D) and HBx in HCC initiation and progression. The novel genetic mouse models that closely recapitulate the histopathologic progression and molecular alterations of human HCC may potentially facilitate the future therapeutic studies.

Rescue from dominant follicle atresia by follicle-stimulating hormone in mice

We investigated the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on atresia of the dominant follicle and changes in relevant apoptosis genes in granulosa cells of dominant follicles regulated by FSH in vivo. Four-week-old mice were administered FSH by intraperitoneal injection to induce follicular maturation. Granulosa cells of dominant follicles were collected at 48, 72, and 96 h after the first FSH injection. Phosphate-buffered saline was injected as a control. The mRNA levels of relevant granulosa cell apoptosis genes were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and apoptosis of granulosa cells in dominant ovarian follicles was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis in granulosa cells of dominant follicles was almost TUNEL-negative at 48, 72-66, 72, and 96-90 h after the first FSH injection, but granulosa cell apoptosis in dominant follicles was clearly detected at 96, 102, and 102-96 h by TUNEL. The BIM, caspase-3, and caspase-9 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower after FSH treatment at 72-66 and 96-90 h, compared with that at 72 and 96 h (P < 0.05). Caspase-8 and FasL mRNA expressions did not respond to FSH. FSH rescued granulosa cells from apoptosis when the relevant apoptosis genes were upregulated in early atretic follicles. FSH did not rescue granulosa cells from apoptosis if the DNA was cut into fragments by endonucleases. Thus, the rescue by FSH of granulosa cells from apoptosis and dominant follicle atresia may be accomplished by inhibition of apoptosis in mitochondria.