Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis via miR-135b-5p/GPNMB axis in Parkinson's disease cell model

BACKGROUNDS: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. This research aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism underlying long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in PD. METHODS: SK-N-SH and SK-N-BE cells were treated with MPP+ to establish the MPP+-stimulated cell model of PD, and MALAT1 expression was determined. Then, the effects of MALAT1 depletion on cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined in the MPP+-stimulated cell model of PD. Besides, the correlations between microRNA-135b-5p (miR-135b-5p) and MALAT1 or glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) in MPP+-stimulated cell model of PD were explored. RESULTS: MALAT1 was increasingly expressed and downregulation of MALAT1 promoted cell proliferation while inhibited apoptosis in MPP+-stimulated cells. Besides, miR-135b-5p was a target of MALAT1 and directly targeted to GPNMB. Further investigation indicated that suppression of MALAT1 regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis by miR-135b-5p/GPNMB axis. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that MALAT1/miR-135b-5p/GPNMB axis regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis in MPP+-stimulated cell model of PD, providing a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PD.

Biomarcadores gliais da doença de Alzheimer / Glial biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease

Introdução: A neuroinflamação associada às células gliais é um elemento importante do processo patológico da doença de Alzheimer (DA). Este estudo apresenta uma revisão dos marcadores gliais quitinase 3-like 1 (YKL-40), do receptor desencadeado expresso nas células mieloides 2 (Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 ­ TREM2), da proteína acídica fibrilar glial (GFAP) e da proteína B S100 ligante de cálcio (S100B). Métodos: Nesta revisão são analisados os marcadores gliais YKL-40, TREM2, GFAP e S100B presentes em sangue e/ou líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR), a partir de estudos publicados até 2020 nos bancos de dados do PubMed, Medline e Periódicos Capes. Resultados: Foram recuperados 233 documentos, dentre os quais foram incluídos 60. Todos os marcadores se encontram aumentados na DA em LCR ­ YKL-40 e TREM2 solúvel (sTREM2), já na fase pré-clínica ­, e em sangue, e estão correlacionados ao declínio cognitivo. No entanto, nenhum dos marcadores analisados apresentou grande potencial para o diagnóstico diferencial. Além da proteína TREM2 solúvel no LCR, no sangue também se pode identificar alteração nos níveis do RNAm de TREM2. GFAP sanguíneo mostra ser o melhor em distinguir controles de pacientes com Alzheimer. Há evidências de um efeito protetivo da ativação glial em reação ao acúmulo amiloide. Conclusão: Os marcadores gliais no geral têm pouca utilidade para o diagnóstico diferencial, mas podem auxiliar no prognóstico e como biomarcadores inespecíficos para doenças neurodegenerativas. (AU)

Introduction: Glial cell-associated neuroinflammation is a driving force for the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study is a systematic review aimed to analyze the following glial markers: chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B). Methods: The PubMed, MEDLINE and CAPES Journals databases were searched for studies published until 2020 that addressed blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of YKL-40, TREM2, GFAP and S100B. Results: A total of 233 articles were retrieved, of which 60 were included in this study. All CSF ­ YKL-40 and soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) in preclinical stage ­ and blood biomarker levels were elevated for AD and were correlated to cognitive decline. None of the analyzed biomarkers showed promising results for differential diagnosis. Besides CSF sTREM2 levels, blood TREM2 mRNA levels were also altered in AD. Blood GFAP levels seem to be the best option for distinguishing controls from AD patients.' There is evidence of a protective role of glial activation in amyloid accumulation. Conclusion: Glial markers in general are of little use for differential diagnosis but can assist in prognosis and as nonspecific biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. (AU)

Enhancing PSMA-uptake with androgen deprivation therapy - a new way to detect prostate cancer metastases?

ABSTRACT Purpose: 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging is a promising modality for the staging of recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). Current evidence suggests limited diagnostic value of the 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in PSA-levels ≤0.3ng/mL. Experimental data have demonstrated an increase in PSMA-expression in PCa metastases by androgen deprivation in vitro. The aim of the current study was to investigate a possible enhancing effect of PSMA with low-dose androgen deprivation in patients with BCR and low PSA-levels. Materials and Methods: Five patients with PCa and BCR, following radical prostatectomy, underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. A consecutive 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was performed 6 to 11 days after injection of 80mg of Degarelix (Firmagon®). We recorded PSA and testosterone serum-levels and changes of PSMA-uptake in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT images. Results: Median PSA prior 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was 0.27ng/mL. All patients had a decrease in testosterone serum levels from median 2.95μg/l to 0.16μg/l following Degarelix injection. We observed an increase in the standardized uptake value (SUV) in PSMA-positive lymphogenous and osseous lesions in two patients following androgen deprivation. In another two patients, no PSMA positive signals were detected in either the first or the second scan. Conclusion: Our preliminary results of this feasibility assessment indicate a possible enhancing effect of PSMA-imaging induced by low-dose ADT. Despite several limitations and the small number of patients, this could be a new approach to improve staging by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in PCa patients with BCR after primary therapy. Further prospective studies with larger number of patients are needed to validate our findings.

Isolation and characterization of a human cementocyte-like cell line, HCY-23

Abstract Cementum is the mineralized tissue covering the tooth root that functions in tooth attachment and post-eruptive adjustment of tooth position. It has been reported to be highly similar to bone in several respects but remains poorly understood in terms of development and regeneration. Here, we investigate whether cementocytes, the residing cells in cellular cementum, have the potential to be protagonist in cementum homeostasis, responding to endocrine signals and directing local cementum metabolism. Cells from healthy erupted human teeth were isolated using sequential collagenase/EDTA digestions, and maintained in standard cell culture conditions. A cementocyte-like cell line was cloned (HCY-23, for human cementocyte clone 23), which presented a cementocyte compatible gene expression signature, including the expression of dentin matrix protein 1 ( DMP1 ), sclerostin ( SOST ), and E11/gp38/podoplanin ( E11 ). In contrast, these cells did not express the odontoblast/dentin marker dentin sialoprotein ( DSPP ). HCY-23 cells produced mineral-like nodules in vitro under differentiation conditions, and were highly responsive to inorganic phosphate (Pi). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that cementocytes are phosphate-responsive cells, and have the potential do play a key role in periodontal homeostasis and regeneration.

Association of the co-expression of SOX2 and Podoplanin in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinomas - an immunohistochemical study

Abstract SOX2 is a transcription factor related to the maintenance of stem cells in a pluripotent state. Podoplanin is a type of transmembrane sialoglycoprotein, which plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. This study aims to determine association of SOX2 and podoplanin expression in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinomas and to elucidate the association between two proteins. Methodology: The immunohistochemical expression of SOX2 and podoplanin were evaluated in 60 cases of primary oral squamous cell carcinomas. The correlation between the SOX2 and podoplanin expression and the clinicopathological features of the tumors and the patient outcomes were assessed. Results: The expression of SOX2 was seen in 38/60 (63%) of the cases and the expression for podoplanin was seen in 45/60 (75%) cases. There was a significant inverse correlation between the expression of SOX2 and podoplanin with the tumor grade (p=0.002 and p=0.017, respectively). There was a high expression of SOX2 in 9/13 cases that presented with disease free survival. Survival analysis showed that a high expression of SOX2 correlated positively (p=0.043) with the disease-free survival. There was a significant positive association between the pattern of SOX2 and podoplanin expression (p=0.002). Conclusion: A high expression of SOX2 was associated with better disease-free survival. The expression of podoplanin was associated with the degree of differentiation of the tumors. Analysis of these biomarkers can aid in the prognosis and treatment of oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B accelerates tumorigenesis of cervical cancer in vitro by regulating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women around the world. However, the underlying mechanism involved in cervical cancer progression is incompletely known. In the present study, we determined the role of glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) in tumorigenesis of cervical cancer. According to the GEO database, we found that GPNMB expression was significantly higher in cervical cancer than in normal cervix epithelium. A similar pattern was observed in GPNMB expression in cultured cervical cancer cells and normal cervical epithelial cells. Compared with the control, GPNMB knockdown significantly decreased the proliferation and migration capacity, but enhanced the apoptosis capacity of SiHa and HeLa cells. Additionally, the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were aberrantly increased in SiHa and HeLa cells compared with normal cervical epithelial cells, whereas their activities were strongly inhibited by GPNMB siRNA. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was activated by GPNMB in SiHa and HeLa cells. Increased MMP-2/MMP-9 expression was suppressed by Dkk-1, inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, while it was enhanced by stimulator BIO. The proliferation, migration, and apoptosis capacity of HeLa cells were found to be affected by Dkk-1 and BIO to different extents. In conclusion, we demonstrated that GPNMB contributed to the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer, at least in part, by regulating MMP-2/MMP-9 activity in tumor cells via activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This might be a potential therapeutic target for treating human cervical cancer.

Electroacupuncture ameliorate learning and memory by improving N -acetylaspartate and glutamate metabolism in APP/PS1 mice

OBJECTIVE: To explore the precise mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) to delay cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease. Methods N -Acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate (Glu) and myoinositol (mI) metabolism were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, learning and memory of APP/PS1 mouse was evaluated by the Morris water maze test and the step-down avoidance test, neuron survival number and neuronal structure in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining, and BDNF and phosphorylated TrkB detected by Western blot. RESULTS: EA at DU20 acupuncture significantly improve learning and memory in behavioral tests, up-regulate NAA, Glu and mI metabolism, increase the surviving neurons in hippocampus, and promote the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that EA is a potential therapeutic for ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, and it might be due to EA could improve NAA and Glu metabolism by upregulation of BDNF in APP/PS1 mice.

Arsenic trioxide induces cell cycle arrest and affects Trk receptor expression in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells

BACKGROUND: Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), a drug that has been used in China for approximately two thousand years, induces cell death in a variety of cancer cell types, including neuroblastoma (NB). The tyrosine kinase receptor (Trk) family comprises three members, namely TrkA, TrkB and TrkC. Various studies have confirmed that TrkA and TrkC expression is associated with a good prognosis in NB, while TrkB overexpression can lead to tumor cell growth and invasive metastasis. Previous studies have shown that As2O3 can inhibit the growth and proliferation of a human NB cell line and can also affect the N-Myc mRNA expression. It remains unclear whether As2O3 regulates Trks for the purposes of treating NB. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of As2O3 on Trk expression in NB cell lines and its potential therapeutic efficacy. SK-N-SH cells were grown with increasing doses of As2O3 at different time points. We cultured SK-N-SH cells, which were treated with increasing doses of As2O3 at different time points. Trk expression in the NB samples was quantified by immunohistochemistry, and the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. TrkA, TrkB and TrkC mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical and real-time PCR analyses indicated that TrkA and TrkC were over-expressed in NB, and specifically during stages 1, 2 and 4S of the disease progression. TrkB expression was increased in stage 3 and 4 NB. As2O3significantly arrested SK-N-SH cells in the G2/M phase. In addition, TrkA, TrkB and TrkC expression levels were significantly upregulated by higher concentrations of As2O3 treatment, notably in the 48-h treatment period. Our findings suggested that to achieve the maximum effect and appropriate regulation of Trk expression in NB stages 1, 2 and 4S, As2O3 treatment should be at relatively higher concentrations for longer delivery times;however, for NB stages 3 and 4, an appropriate concentration and infusion time for As2O3 must be carefully determined. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggested that As2O3 induced Trk expression in SK-N-SH cells to varying degrees and may be a promising adjuvant to current treatments for NB due to its apoptotic effects.

Role of MyD88-adaptor-like gene polymorphism rs8177374 in modulation of malaria severity in the Pakistani population

Abstract Introduction: The present study was designed to investigate the association between rs8177374 polymorphism and malaria symptoms due to exposure of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. Materials and methods: A total of 454 samples were included in the study (228 malaria patients and 226 healthy individuals). Malaria patients, divided into P. vivax and P. falciparum groups on the basis of the causative species of Plasmodium, were categorized into mild and severe on the basis of clinical outcomes according to WHO criteria. Healthy individuals were used as controls. Allele specific PCR based strategy was used for the identification of rs8177374 SNP. Results: MyD88-adaptor-like gene polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to malaria (p < 0.001). C allele frequency (0.74) was higher in the population compared to T allele frequency (0.26). CT genotype increased the susceptibility of malaria (OR: 2.661; 95% CI: 1.722-4.113) and was positively associated with mild malaria (OR: 5.609; 95% CI: 3.479-9.044, p = 0.00). On the other hand, CC genotype was associated with severe malaria (OR: 3.116; 95% CI: 1.560-6.224, p = 0.00). P. vivax infection rate was higher in CT genotype carriers compared to other genotypes (OR: 3.616; 95% CI: 2.219-5.894, p < 0.001). Conclusion: MyD88-adaptor-like/TIR domain containing adaptor protein polymorphism for single nucleotide polymorphism rs8177374 is related with the susceptibility of malaria.

Valor prognóstico da imunoexpressão de podoplanina e de CD44v6 na recidiva locorregional dos pacientes com câncer de lábio / Prognostic value of podoplanin and CD44v6 immunoexpressions on locoregional recurrence of the patients with lip cancer

O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em avaliar a expressão imuno-histoquímica da podoplanina e do CD44v6 pelas células malignas, verificando a associação destas proteínas com as variáveis clínicas, microscópicas, com o índice histopatológico de malignidade e com a sobrevivência livre de doença de 91 pacientes portadores de carcinomas espinocelulares (CEC) de lábio inferior, tratados no Centro de Tratamento e Pesquisa do Hospital do Câncer A.C.Camargo, São Paulo. Os tumores foram corados, separadamente, com os anticorpos anti-podoplanina e anti-CD44v6, sendo avaliada a imunoexpressão destas proteínas pelas células neoplásicas, no front de invasão tumoral, por meio de um método semi-quantitativo de escores. A associação da expressão da podoplanina e do CD44v6 com as variáveis demográficas, clínicas e microscópicas foi feita pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. As taxas de sobrevivência livre de doença, acumuladas em cinco e dez anos, foram calculadas pelo teste de Kaplan-Meier e a influência das variáveis clínicas e microscópicas no prognóstico avaliadas pelo modelo de regressão de Cox. A correlação entre a podoplanina e o CD44v6 foi analisada pelo teste de Spearman. Em todos os testes estatísticos utilizou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados mostraram uma predominância da forte expressão membranosa e citoplasmática da podoplanina pelas células malignas. Verificou-se uma associação significativa da podoplanina citoplasmática com a recidiva locorregional (p=0,028) e da podoplanina membranosa com o índice histopatológico de malignidade tumoral (p=0,026). O CD44v6 foi fortemente expresso pelas células neoplásicas de 95,4% dos CECs e significativamente, associado com o estadiamento clínico T (p=0,034). Não houve correlação entre a podoplanina e o CD44v6 nos CECs de lábio inferior. A forte expressão de podoplanina membranosa (p=0,016) e citoplasmática (p=0,030) pelas células malignas foi fator de prognóstico favorável independente na sobrevivência livre de doença. Concluímos que a podoplanina e o CD44v6 são fortemente expressos pelas células neoplásicas e que a forte imunoexpressão membranosa e citoplasmática da podoplanina pode auxiliar na identificação do risco de recidiva locorregional nos pacientes portadores de carcinoma espinocelular de lábio inferior.(AU)

The aim of this study was evalute the podoplanin and CD44v6 immunohistochemical expression by malignant cells and its association with the clinical and microscopic variables, tumor histopathological grading and disease-free survival of 91 patients with lip squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), submitted to surgical treatment at Research and Treatment Center of the Cancer Hospital A.C. Camargo, São Paulo. The tumors were stained separately, with the antibodies anti-podoplanin and anti-CD44v6, and the immunoexpression of these proteins, by the neoplastic cells in the invasion front, was evaluated by a semi-quantitative scores method. Chi-square test or Fishers exact test was used to analyze the association of podoplanin and CD44v6 expression with demographic, clinical, and microscopic variables. Disease-free survival in five and ten years, were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the influence of clinical and microscopic variables on prognosis were evaluated by the Cox regression model. The correlation between podoplanin and CD44v6 expression was analyzed by Spearman's test and a significance level of 5% was used in all statistical tests. The results showed a predominance of strong membranous and cytoplasmic podoplanin expression by malignant cells. An association between cytoplasmic podoplanin and locorregional recurrence (p=0,028) and membranous podoplanin with tumor histopathological grading (p=0,026). CD44v6 was strongly expressed in 95.4% of the SCCs neoplastic cells and significantly associated with the clinical staging T (p=0,034). There was no correlation between podoplanin and CD44v6 expression in the lower lip SCC. The strong expression of membranous (p=0.016) and cytoplasmic (p=0.030) podoplanin by malignant cells was a favorable independent prognostic factor in disease-free survival. Concluding, the podoplanin and CD44v6 are strongly expressed by neoplastic cells and the strong membranous and cytoplasmic immunoexpression of podoplanin can help the identification of locoregional recurrence risk in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip.(AU)

Number of lymph nodes dissected in colorectal cancer and probability of positive nodes, angiolymphatic/perineural invasion, and intracellular mucin in a referral service / Número de Linfonodos Dissecados no Câncer Colorretal e Probabilidade de Nodos Positivos, Invasão Angiolinfática, Perineural e Mucina Intracelular em Serviço de Referência

Among the malignancies, colorectal cancer ranks fourth in incidence in Brazil. The main prognostic measure is related to the amount of affected lymph nodes. Thus, many studies try to correlate the number of extracted lymph nodes, with the probability of obtaining positive nodes. Study objectives: Determine whether dissection ≥12 lymph nodes increases probability of finding neoplastic involvement in relation to resection of fewer. Assess the presence of angiolymphatic invasion; perineural and intracelluar mucin and correlate it with tumor differentiation and TNM classification. Correlate the average of positive nodes with angiolymphatic and perineural involvement. Methods: Pathological reports of patients operated for CRC from 1997 to 2013 were analyzed. A probability (p) less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: Median of lymph nodes sent to analysis was 12 nodes. Average number of lymph nodes affected was higher when a number ≥12 lymph nodes were dissected (p = 0.001) (Kruskal-Wallis). There was positive association between average of affected lymph nodes and presence of angiolymphatic (p < 0.0001) or perineural invasion (p = 0.024). Angiolymphatic and intracellular mucin are less present in well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. Perineural and angiolymphatic were more present in T4 stages. Conclusions: Dissection ≥ 12 lymph nodes increases chances of finding positive nodes. There is relation between angiolymphatic invasion; perineural and intracellular mucin and type of tumor differentiation, as well as TNM classification. Average number of lymph nodes affected was higher in presence of perineural or angiolymphatic invasion.

Dentre as neoplasias malignas, o câncer colorretal ocupa o quarto lugar em incidência no Brasil. Uma das principais medidas de prognóstico está relacionada à quantidade de linfonodos acometidos. Sendo assim, muitos trabalhos estudam meios de correlacionar o número de linfonodos dissecados, com a probabilidade de se obterem linfonodos positivos. Objetivos do estudo: Determinar se a dissecção ≥ 12 linfonodos aumenta a probabilidade de se encontrar acometimento neoplásico nos mesmos em relação à menor ressecção. Avaliar a presença de invasão angiolinfática; perineural e mucina intracelular e correlacioná-la com diferenciação tumoral e classificação TNM. Correlacionar a média de nodos positivos com acometimento angiolinfático e perineural. Métodos: Foram analisados laudos anatomopatológicos de pacientes operados por câncer colorretal (CCR) de 1997 a 2013. A probabilidade (p) menor que 0,05 foi considerada para indicar significância estatística. Resultados: A média de linfonodos comprometidos foi maior quando um número ≥ 12 linfonodos foram dissecados (p = 0,001) (Kruskal-Wallis). Houve associação positiva entre a média de linfonodos afetados e a presença de invasão angiolinfática (p < 0,0001) ou perineural (p = 0,024). A invasão angiolinfática e a mucina intracelular estavam menos presentes em adenocarcinomas bem diferenciados. Invasão perineural e angiolinfática estiveram mais presentes nos estádios T4. Conclusões: A dissecção ≥ 12 linfonodos aumenta as chances de se encontrar nodo positivo. Existe relação entre invasão angiolinfática; perineural e mucina intracelular e o tipo de diferenciação tumoral, bem como a classificação TNM. A média de linfonodos comprometidos foi maior na presença de invasão perineural ou angiolinfática.

Marcadores e mecanismos de resistência à terapia neoadjuvante e o papel das vesículas extracelulares secretadas pelas células tumorais no câncer de reto / Biomarkers and mechanisms of resistance to neoadjuvnat therapy and the role of extracelular vesicles secreted by tumor cells in rectal cancer

O câncer de reto é o segundo tumor mais comum no intestino grosso correspondendo a um terço do total de casos de câncer colorretal (CCR). Pacientes com câncer de reto em estádios II e III são tratados com radioquimioterapia neoadjuvante seguida de ressecção cirúrgica do tumor. Análises das peças cirúrgicas ressecadas mostraram que apenas 10-45% dos pacientes obtém resposta patológica completa (RCp) à terapia neoadjuvante, estando essa associada com uma diminuição da recorrência local, melhora da sobrevida livre de doença e aumento na preservação esfincteriana. Apesar da melhora na sobrevida nas últimas décadas, a resposta à terapia neoadjuvante continua variável e imprevisível e não é possível identificar e separar clinicamente os grupos de pacientes que terão ou não resposta completa ao tratamento neoadjuvante. Além disso, os mecanismos de resistência à radioquimioterapia nos tumores de reto são pouco compreendidos. Dessa forma, o objetivo principal deste estudo foi identificar marcadores e mecanismos celulares relacionados à resistência à terapia neoadjuvante em adenocarcinoma de reto e o papel das vesículas extracelulares (VEs) nesse processo. O estudo proteômico comparativo entre biópsias obtidas de tumores pré-tratamento com o tumor residual removido cirurgicamente pós-tratamento radioquimioterápico mostrou uma importante alteração no perfil de expressão proteica. Entre as proteínas que aumentam a expressão após a neoadjuvância estão as proteínas de reparo de dano de DNA, Ku70 e Ku80, e a proteína de tráfego intracelular Rab5C. Em um modelo in vitro, foi demonstrado que Rab5C orquestra um mecanismo de resistência à radioterapia nos tumores de reto através da modulação da internalização de EGFR promovida por radiação ionizante (RI). O EGRF intracelular por sua vez é essencial para regular a expressão de Ku70 e Ku80 e a resistência celular à RI. Estes dados apontam Rab5C e EGFR como potenciais alvos terapêuticos para sensibilizar células de câncer de reto resistentes ao tratamento neoadjuvante. Também foi observado que a RI promove alterações epigenéticas predominantemente de hipometilação, e entre os genes alterados estão SPG20 e TBC1D16, sendo o primeiro importante para a internalização de EGFR e o segundo para a regulação de Rab5C e modulação de EGFR. O perfil de expressão proteica foi ainda comparado entre biópsias pré-tratamento de pacientes com RCp e sem resposta patológica, e o resultado mostrou que esses dois grupos de pacientes apresentam um diferente perfil de expressão proteica. Nos pacientes com RCp as proteínas com aumento da expressão estão atuando em vias que favorecem a resposta à terapia, como a detoxificação de glutationa e degradação de glicogênio, enquanto as proteínas com aumento da expressão em pacientes sem RCp estão envolvidas em vias do metabolismo energético do tumor as quais contribuem para a resistência tumoral à terapia. As diferenças observadas nestes grupos devem ser amplamente exploradas uma vez que podem ser marcadores preditivos de resposta ao tratamento radioquimioterápico. A realização de estudos funcionais foi viabilizada pela geração de um modelo celular de tumor de reto resistente à radioterapia. Ao analisar as VEs secretadas por estas células foi observado que a RI não altera a quantidade e o tamanho médio das VEs secretadas, porém é capaz de alterar o carregamento proteico das mesmas. De fato, as VEs de células irradiadas apresentam um perfil proteico diferente quando comparadas as VEs de células não irradiadas, onde encontramos aumento da expressão de Ku70, Ku80 e Rab5C, além das metiltransferases NSUN2 e GLYM nas VEs de células pós RI. Interessantemente, as VEs secretadas por células irradiadas são capazes de transmitir a resistência à RI às células não irradiadas. Além disso os resultados mostraram que o tratamento com VEs de células irradiadas promove metilação em 98% do DNA avaliado em células SW837 em comparação ao tratamento com VEs de células não irradiadas. Os genes hipermetilados estão envolvidos em vias relacionadas ao sistema imune, como a apresentação de antígeno, sinalização de imunodeficiência primária e maturação de células dendríticas. Por fim, foi identificado que a expressão da proteína A33 está relacionada ao grau de diferenciação dos tumores colorretais, e que essa proteína está presente em VEs secretadas por células de adenocarcinoma de reto, indicando que a mesma pode ser usada para isolar VEs específicas do tecido colorretal. Os dados obtidos neste trabalho apontam mecanismos relacionados à resistência à terapia neoadjuvante no adenocarcinoma de reto e que em conjunto permitirão identificar novos alvos terapêuticos com potencial de melhorar a resposta à radioquimioterapia, além de identificar marcadores de resposta à terapia neoadjuvante antes do tratamento e dessa forma, poupar os pacientes não respondedores de terapias tóxicas e melhorar a sustentabilidade na saúde poupando os custos com drogas não eficientes para um grupo de pacientes.

Rectal cancer is the second most common cancer in large intestine, corresponding to one third of total cases of colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with rectal cancer in stage II and III are treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection. Analyzes of the resected tumor demonstrated that only 10-45% of the patients achieve pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy, which is associated with a decrease in local recurrence, improvement of disease free survival and increase in sphincter preservation. Despite the improvement in survival in the last decades, the response to neoadjuvant therapy is still variable and unpredictable, and before the surgery it is not possible to identify and separate clinically the group of patients that will or will not have complete response to neoadjuvant treatment. Moreover, the mechanisms of resistance of rectal tumors to chemoradiation are poorly understood. Thus, the main objective of this work was to identify biomarkers and cellular mechanisms related to the resistance to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal adenocarcinomas and the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in this process. The comparative proteomic study between biopsy obtained from tumors pretreatment with residual tumor, post chemoradiation treatment, removed by surgery showed an important alteration in the protein expression profile. Among the proteins with increased expression after neoadjuvant therapy are the DNA repair proteins Ku70 and Ku80, and the protein involved in the intracellular trafficking, Rab5C. It was demonstrated in vitro that Rab5C orchestrates a mechanism of radioresistance in rectal tumors by modulating the EGFR internalization promoted by ionizing radiation (IR). The intracellular EGFR is essential to regulate Ku70 and Ku80 expression and the cell resistance to IR. These data pointed Rab5C and EGFR as potential therapeutic targets to sensitize rectal cancer cells resistant to neoadjuvant treatment. It was also observed that IR promotes epigenetic alterations, predominantly hypomethylation, and between the altered genes are SPG20 and TBC1D16, the first is important to EGFR internalization, while the second regulates Rab5C and modulates EGFR. The protein expression profile was further compared between biopsy pretreatment of patients with and without pCR, and the results showed that these two groups of patients present a different protein expression profile. In patients with pCR the proteins with increased expression are involved in pathways favoring the response to therapy, as glutathione-mediated detoxification and glycogen degradation, while the proteins with increased expression in patients without pCR are involved in tumor energetic metabolism pathways that contribute to tumor resistance to therapy. The observed differences in these groups should be widely explored since they may be predictive markers of response to chemoradiation treatment. The performance of functional studies was possible by generation of a cellular model of rectal tumor resistant to radiotherapy. The analysis of the EVs secreted by these cells showed that IR does not alter the amount and the medium size of secreted EVs, but is able to change their protein content. EVs from irradiated cells presented a different protein profile when compared to EVs from non-irradiated cells, where it was found the increased expression of Ku70, Ku80 and Rab5C, besides the methyltransferases NSUN2 and GLYM in EVs after irradiation. Interestingly, the EVs secreted by irradiated cells are capable of transfering resistance to IR to non-irradiated cells. Moreover, the results showed that the treatment of SW837 cells with EVs from irradiated cells promoted methylation in 98% of the analyzed DNA in comparison with the treatment with EVs from non-irradiated cells. The hypermethylated genes are involved in pathways related to immune system, as antigen presentation, primary immunodeficiency signaling and dendritic cells maturation. Lastly, it was identified that the A33 expression is related to the colorectal tumors differentiation degree, and this protein is present in EVs secreted by rectal adenocarcinoma, indicating that it may be used to isolate EVs specific from colorectal tissues. The data obtained in this work pointed to mechanisms related to resistance to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal adenocarcinoma that together will allow to identify new therapeutic targets with the potential to improve the response to chemoradiation, as well as to identify markers of response to neoadjuvant therapy before the treatment, and, in this way, avoid the non-responder patients to receive toxic therapies and improve health sustainability, sparing cost with non-efficient drugs for a group of patients.

Normal mesenteric lymph ameliorates lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced spleen injury

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of normal mesenteric lymph (NML) from mice on the spleen injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.METHODS: Mice in the LPS and LPS+NML groups received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (35 mg/kg) and kept for 6 h.. The mice in the LPS+NML group received NML treatment at 1 h after LPS injection. Afterward, the splenic morphology, the levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), phosphorylation mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and inflammatory mediators in splenic tissue were investigated.RESULTS:LPS injection induced spleen injury, increased the levels of LBP, CD14, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and decreased the IL-4 content in the spleen. By contrast, NML treatment reversed these changes. Meanwhile, the LPS challenge decreased the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and JNK were further decreased by the NML administration.CONCLUSION:rRdThe normal mesenteric lymph treatment alleviated lipopolysaccharide induced spleen injury by attenuating LPS sensitization and production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ.

Receptor expression and responsiveness of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a human cytomegalovirus encoded CC chemokine

Human cytomegalovirus is a ubiquitous pathogen that infects the majority of the world's population. After long period of time co-evolving with human being, this pathogen has developed several strategies to evade host immune surveillance. One of the major trick is encoding homologous to those of the host organism or stealing host cellular genes that have significant functions in immune system. To date, we have found several viral immune analogous which include G protein coupled receptor, class I major histocompatibility complex and chemokine. Chemokine is a small group of molecules which is defined by the presence of four cysteines in highly conserved region. The four kinds of chemokines (C, CC, CXC, and CX3C) are classified based on the arrangement of 1 or 2 N-terminal cysteine residues. UL128 protein is one of the analogous that encoded by human cytomegalovirus that has similar amino acid sequences to the human CC chemokine. It has been proved to be one of the essential particles that involved in human cytomegalovirus entry into epithelial/endothelial cells as well as macrophages. It is also the target of potent neutralizing antibodies in human cytomegalovirus-seropositive individuals. We had demonstrated the chemotactic trait of UL128 protein in our previous study. Recombinant UL128 in vitrohas the ability to attract monocytes to the infection region and enhances peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation by activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. However, the way that this viral encoded chemokine interacting with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the detailed mechanism that involving the virus entry into host cells keeps unknown. Here we performed in vitroinvestigation into the effects of UL128 protein on peripheral blood mononuclear cell's activation and receptor binding, which may help us further understand the immunomodulatory function of UL128 protein as well as human cytomegalovirus diffusion mechanism.

Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial / Reflexologia podal no comprometimento dos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus tipo 2: ensaio randomizado / Reflexología podal en el comprometimiento de los pies de personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2: ensayo aleatorio

AbstractObjective: to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Method: this is a randomized, controlled and blind clinical trial. The sample was comprised by people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who, after being randomized into Treated group (n = 21) and Control group (n = 24), received guidelines on foot self-care. To the Treated Group it was also provided 12 sessions of foot reflexology. The scores of impairment indicators related to skin and hair, blood circulation, tissue sensitivity and temperature were measured by means of the instrument for assessing tissue integrity of the feet of people with diabetes mellitus. Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney test and regression analyzes were applied to the data, considering a significance level of 5% (P value <0.05).Results: participants who received the therapy showed better scores in some impairment indicators related to skin and hair (hair growth, elasticity/turgor, hydration, perspiration, texture and integrity of the skin/ skin peeling).Conclusion: the foot reflexology had a beneficial effect on feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which makes it a viable therapy, deserving investment. This study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - RBR-8zk8sz.

ResumoObjetivo:avaliar o efeito da reflexologia podal no comprometimento dos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus tipo 2.Método:trata-se de um ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado e mascarado. A amostra foi composta por pessoas com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 que, após serem randomizadas em grupo Tratado (n=21) e Controle (n=24), receberam orientações de autocuidado com os pés. Ao Grupo Tratado também foram fornecidas 12 sessões de reflexologia podal. Foram mensurados os escores de comprometimento de indicadores relacionados à pele e pelos, circulação sanguínea, sensibilidade e temperatura tissular por meio do Instrumento para avaliação da integridade tissular dos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus. Aos dados foram aplicados os testes Qui-Quadrado, Exato de Fisher, Mann-Whitney e Análises de regressão, considerando-se nível de significância de 5% (Valor P<0,05).Resultados:os participantes que receberam a terapia apresentaram melhores escores de comprometimento em alguns indicadores relacionados à pele e pelos (crescimento de pelos, elasticidade/tugor, hidratação, transpiração, textura e integridade da pele/descamação cutânea).Conclusão:a reflexologia podal apresentou efeito benéfico sobre o comprometimento dos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus tipo 2, o que a torna uma terapia viável e que merece investimento. Este estudo foi registrado no Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos - RBR-8zk8sz.

ResumenObjetivo:evaluar el efecto de la reflexología podal en el comprometimiento de los pies de personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.Método:se trata de un ensayo clínico, aleatorio, controlado y enmascarado. La muestra estuvo compuesta por personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 que, después de ser tratadas aleatoriamente en los grupos Tratado (n=21) y Control (n=24), recibieron orientaciones de autocuidado de los pies. También, al Grupo Tratado se le suministraron 12 sesiones de reflexología podal. Fueron medidos los puntajes de comprometimiento de indicadores relacionados a la piel y pelos, circulación sanguínea, sensibilidad y temperatura tisular por medio de instrumento para evaluación de la integridad del tejido de los pies de personas con diabetes mellitus. Los datos fueron sometidos a las pruebas Chi-cuadrado, Exacta de Fisher, Mann-Whitney y Análisis de regresión, considerando un nivel de significación de 5% (Valor p<0,05).Resultados:los participantes que recibieron la terapia presentaron mejores puntajes de comprometimiento en algunos indicadores relacionados a la piel y pelos (crecimiento de pelos, elasticidad/turgencia, hidratación, transpiración, textura e integridad de la piel/descamación cutánea).Conclusión:la reflexología podal presentó efecto benéfico sobre el comprometimiento de los pies de personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, lo que la torna una terapia viable y que merece inversiones. Este estudio fue registrado en el Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos - RBR-8zk8sz.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND SEQUENCE PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF SURFACE ANTIGEN 3 (SAG3) GENE OF LOCAL INDIAN ISOLATES (CHENNAI AND IZATNAGAR) OF Toxoplasma gondii / Caracterização molecular e análise filogenética de sequências do antígeno de superfície 3 (SAG3) em isolados indianos (CHENNAI E IZATNAGAR) de Toxoplasma gondii

Context and objective: The molecular characterization of local isolates of Toxoplasma gondii is considered significant so as to assess the homologous variations between the different loci of various strains of parasites. Design and setting: The present communication deals with the molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the 1158 bp entire open reading frame (ORF) of surface antigen 3 (SAG3) of two Indian T. gondii isolates (Chennai and Izatnagar) being maintained as cryostock at the IVRI. Method: The surface antigen 3 (SAG3) of two local Indian isolates were cloned and sequenced before being compared with the available published sequences. Results: The sequence comparison analysis revealed 99.9% homology with the standard published RH strain sequence of T. gondii. The strains were also compared with other established published sequences and found to be most related to the P-Br strain and CEP strain (both 99.3%), and least with PRU strain (98.4%). However, the two Indian isolates had 100% homology between them. Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that the Indian isolates were closer to the RH strain than to the P-Br strain (Brazilian strain), the CEP strain and the PRU strains (USA), with respect to nucleotide homology. The two Indian isolates used in the present study are known to vary between themselves, as far as homologies related to other genes are concerned, but they were found to be 100% homologous as far as SAG3 locus is concerned. This could be attributed to the fact that this SAG3 might be a conserved locus and thereby, further detailed studies are thereby warranted to exploit the use of this particular molecule in diagnostics and immunoprophylactics. The findings are important from the point of view of molecular phylogeny. .

Contexto e objetivo. A caracterização molecular de isolados indianos de Toxoplasma gondii é importante para a investigação de variações genéticas existentes entre cepas do parasito em diferentes locos gênicos. Delineamento e disposição. A presente comunicação realizou a clonagem e o sequenciamento dos 1158 pares de base correspondendo à totalidade do quadro de leitura do antígeno de superfície 3 (SAG3) de Toxoplasma gondii em dois isolados indianos (Chennai e Izatnagar) mantidos em um biorrepositório localizado em IVRI. Método. As sequências do SAG3 dos dois isolados indianos foram clonadas, sequenciadas e posteriormente comparadas com sequências SAG3 de Toxoplasma gondii disponíveis em publicações. Resultados. A comparação das sequências revelou 99,9% de homologia com a cepa RH padrão; 99,3% de homologia com as cepas P-Br e CEP; e 98,4% de homologia com a cepa PRU. Os dois isolados indianos eram 100% idênticos no que diz respeito à sequência SAG3. Conclusão. Concluiu-se que os isolados indianos são filogeneticamente mais próximos da cepa RH em relação à cepa brasileira P-Br, ou às cepas CEP e PRU (USA). No entanto, a análise de outros genes de Toxoplasma gondii destes dois isolados indianos mostrou diferenças na composição de nucleotídeos, ao contrário do que foi encontrado para o locus SAG3. Estes resultados poderiam ser atribuídos ao fato do locus SAG3 ser altamente conservado, necessitando de estudos adicionais para determinar se SAG3 poderia ser utilizado no diagnóstico da toxoplasmose. No entanto, estes resultados são importantes do ponto de vista da filogenia molecular. .

Evaluation of Swallowing in Infants with Congenital Heart Defect

Introduction Surgical repair of congenital heart disease in the first years of life compromises the coordination of the suction, breathing, and swallowing functions. Objective To describe the alterations in swallowing found in infants with congenital heart defect during their hospitalization. Methods Prospective, cross-sectional study in a reference hospital for heart disease. The sample consisted of 19 postsurgical patients who underwent an evaluation of swallowing. The infants included were younger than 7 months and had a diagnosis of congenital heart defect and suspected swallowing difficulties. Results Of the 19 infants with congenital heart defect, the median age was 3.2 months. A significant association was found between suction rhythm and dysphagia (p = 0.036) and between oral-motor oral feeding readiness and dysphagia (p = 0.014). Conclusions The data suggest that dysphagia often occurs after surgery in infants with congenital heart defect. Infants with congenital heart defect had very similar behavior to preterm infants in terms of oral feeding readiness. .