Circ0001320 inhibits lung cancer cell growth and invasion by regulating TNFAIP1 and TPM1 expression through sponging miR-558.

Lung cancer is the most affected malignant tumor in the world, and its specific pathogenesis is still unclear. It has been confirmed that circ0001320 is down-regulated in lung cancer, but its mechanism has not been reported. Further study found that circ0001320 was down-regulated in lung cancer cells, localized in the cytoplasm, and had multiple miR-558 binding sites. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA-pull-down, and immunoprecipitation experiments all confirmed that circ0001320 directly bound to miR-558, and then inhibit the expression of miR-558. MiR-558 was up-regulated in lung cancer cells, and bound the downstream target genes TNFAIP1 and TPM1 to inhibit their expression. Western blot showed that circ0001320 significantly up-regulated the protein levels of TNFAIP1 and TPM1, while miR-558 blocked this effect of circ0001320. Circ0001320, TNFAIP1, and TPM1 all inhibited the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells and promoted apoptosis, while miR-558 had the opposite effects. After transfection with circ0001320 overexpression vector, miR-558 up-regulation or down-regulation of TNFAIP1, or TPM1 expression significantly reversed the inhibition of cell growth and invasion by circ0001320. Similarly, the expression of TNFAIP1 or TPM1 was down-regulated, while miR-558 expression was inhibited, and the levels of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion did not change significantly. Therefore, these fully show that circ0001320 inhibits the growth and invasion of lung cancer cells through miR-558/TNFAIP1 and TPM1 pathways, which may be closely related markers and therapeutic targets of lung cancer.

Targeting the KDM4B-AR-c-Myc axis promotes sensitivity to androgen receptor-targeted therapy in advanced prostate cancer.

The histone demethylase KDM4B functions as a key co-activator for the androgen receptor (AR) and plays a vital in multiple cancers through controlling gene expression by epigenetic regulation of H3K9 methylation marks. Constitutively active androgen receptor confers anti-androgen resistance in advanced prostate cancer. However, the role of KDM4B in resistance to next-generation anti-androgens and the mechanisms of KDM4B regulation are poorly defined. Here we found that KDM4B is overexpressed in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. Overexpression of KDM4B promoted recruitment of AR to the c-Myc (MYC) gene enhancer and induced H3K9 demethylation, increasing AR-dependent transcription of c-Myc mRNA, which regulates the sensitivity to next-generation AR-targeted therapy. Inhibition of KDM4B significantly inhibited prostate tumor cell growth in xenografts, and improved enzalutamide treatments through suppression of c-Myc. Clinically, KDM4B expression was found upregulated and to correlate with prostate cancer progression and poor prognosis. Our results revealed a novel mechanism of anti-androgen resistance via histone demethylase alteration which could be targeted through inhibition of KDM4B to reduce AR-dependent c-Myc expression and overcome resistance to AR-targeted therapies. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Association between different sequences of vessel ligation during video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy and survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the influence of the sequence of pulmonary vessel ligation during video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy on long-term survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: This retrospective study included 60 patients treated surgically with lobectomy and standard lymphadenectomy between 2012 and 2013. Patients had primary ligation of the pulmonary vein or veins (PV group, 33 patients) or of the pulmonary artery or arteries (PA group, 27 patients). Patients were excluded if they had undergone pulmonary wedge resection before lobectomy. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also used to investigate the effect of clinical characteristics of interest on survival. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 54.5 months. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were statistically comparable regarding gender, histology, type of resection, T stage, and overall stage (all P>0.05). Overall, 5-year survival reached 66.67% in the PV group and 44.44% in the PA group (P=0.084). There were no differences between two groups regarding overall survival (OS) (P=0.063, HR: 2.093; 95% CI: 0.960-4.564), disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.180, HR: 1.539; 95% CI: 0.820-2.889), or cancer-specific deaths (P=0.227, 14/33 vs. 17/27). Subgroup analyses showed no significant difference of OS (P=0.374, HR: 1.541; 95% CI: 0.594-3.997) or DFS (PLog-rank=0.746) for isolated adenocarcinoma, but significant differences in OS (PLog-Rank=0.036; HR: 3.992; 95% CI: 0.987-16.139) and DFS (P=0.044, HR: 3.011; 95% CI: 1.031-8.795) between the two groups of patients in whom squamous cell carcinomas. Sensitivity analysis showed that the differences were not statistically significant between the two groups regarding OS (P=0.140, HR: 1.944; 95% CI: 0.804-4.700) and DFS (P=0.190, HR: 1.605; 95% CI: 0.791-3.255) for patients with a tumour diameter of greater than 3 cm. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the sequence of pulmonary vessel ligation during video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for NSCLC has no different effects on long-term survival, but for patients with squamous cell carcinoma, venous ligation should be preferred first since it may bring survival advantage after surgery.

[Investigation of non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in 16 medical institutions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions and to explore feasible control measures for occupational diseases. METHODS: On-site measurement and assessment of ultra-high-frequency radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic field, microwave radiation, and laser radiation were carried out in 16 medical institutions using the methods in the Measurement of Physical Agents in Workplace (GBZ/T189-2007). RESULTS: All the investigated medical institutions failed to take effective protective measures against non-ionizing radiation. Of the 17 ultra-short wave therapy apparatus, 70.6%, 47.1%, and 17.64% had a safe intensity of ultra-high-frequency radiation on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. Of the 4 external high-frequency thermotherapy apparatus, 100%, 75%, and 75%had a safe intensity of high-frequency electromagnetic field on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. In addition, the intensities of microwave radiation and laser radiation produced by the 18 microwave therapy apparatus and 12 laser therapeutic apparatus met national health standards. CONCLUSION: There are non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions, and effective prevention and control measures are necessary.

Distribution of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana in rice ecosystems and its effect on soil enzymes.

Fungal entomopathogens, especially Beauveria bassiana, are often studied within the context of their use in biological pest control; however, there is limited knowledge of their distributions in host plants and soil ecosystem. We examined the distribution of B. bassiana and its influence on rice plants and paddy soils. B. bassiana could only be detected on the foliar surfaces of rice plants within 15 days under Bb-4 (7.5 × 10(4) conidia/mL) and Bb-7 (7.5 × 10(7) conidia/mL) treatments. The endophytic colonization of B. bassiana could not be found in stems, roots, or seeds of rice plants under Bb-4 and Bb-7 treatments. The fungus was found only in the leaves of rice plants under Bb-4 and Bb-7 treatments at 15 days after inoculation. Moreover, B. bassiana was absent from paddy soils under Bb-4 and Bb-7 treatments at all times. Enzyme activity (urease and phosphatase) in the paddy soils of Bb-4 and Bb-7 treatments showed no significant difference from the control. It is possible that B. bassiana was not able to colonize paddy soil. Detailed understanding of distribution and ecological interactions of B. bassiana is helpful for understanding and predicting the effects of fungal entomopathogens on host populations, and the interactions among fungal entomopathogens and other organisms in the community.

[Effects of n-hexane exposure on human serum myelin basic proteins].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of n-hexane on expression of serum myelin proteins (MBP) in workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane. METHODS: In this study, 269 workers exposed to n-hexane for more than one year and 104 subjects not exposed to n-hexane served as the exposure group and the control group, respectively. The urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels in all subjects were detected. On the basis of urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels, the exposure group was divided into the high exposure sub-group and low exposure sub-group. The serum myelin basic protein (MBP) levels were measured by ELISA kit. RESULTS: The mean concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the exposed group was (3.10 +/- 1.35) mg/L. The concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the control group was undetectable. The levels of serum MBP in the high exposure sub-group and low exposure sub-group were (2.43 +/- 0.24) and (1.62 +/- 0.23) microg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than that (0.78 +/- 0.12) microg/L in the controls (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis showed the positive correlation between serum MBP levels and urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels (r = 0.781, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of present study showed that the serum MBP levels of workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane significantly elevated, and the serum MBP can serve as the effective biomarker of n-hexane exposure.

[Effects on serum myelin proteins of n-hexane exposure].

OBJECTIVE: Exploring the effects of n-hexane on expression of serum myelin proteins in occupational exposure workers, and finding the early biomarker of n-hexane exposure. METHODS: In the study, 373 subjects were recruited, 269 exposure workers (work experience of more than1 year) and 104 non-exposure workers were selected. Firstly examined the level of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the two groups, based on urinary 2,5-hexanedione biological limit value (4 mg/L), the exposed group was divided into high-exposed group and low-exposed group. And then collected blood samples and extracted serum. Human peripheral myelin protein zero (P0) antibody (IgG, IgM) and human peripheral myelin protein two (P2) antibody (IgG, IgM) analysis was performed according to ELISA kit. RESULTS: The concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the exposed group was (3.10 ± 1.35) mg/L. The level of P0 antibody (IgG, IgM) and P2 antibody (IgG, IgM) in the high-exposed group and low-exposed group were both higher than that in the controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: P0 antibody and P2 antibody could be used as the early biomarkers of n-hexane exposure, which not only evaluate the occupational hazards in the early, but also provide the policy maker with scientific evidence.