Palmitic acid in type 2 diabetes mellitus promotes atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability via macrophage Dll4 signaling.

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus are increasingly susceptible to atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, leading to severe cardiovascular events. In this study, we demonstrate that elevated serum levels of palmitic acid, a type of saturated fatty acid, are significantly linked to this enhanced vulnerability in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Through a combination of human cohort studies and animal models, our research identifies a key mechanistic pathway: palmitic acid induces macrophage Delta-like ligand 4 signaling, which in turn triggers senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells. This process is critical for plaque instability due to reduced collagen synthesis and deposition. Importantly, our findings reveal that macrophage-specific knockout of Delta-like ligand 4 in atherosclerotic mice leads to reduced plaque burden and improved stability, highlighting the potential of targeting this pathway. These insights offer a promising direction for developing therapeutic strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risks in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Comparison of 18 F-FDG and 18 F-FAPI PET/CT Findings of Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Stomach.

ABSTRACT: A 66-year-old man with gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma underwent both 18 F-FDG and 18 FAl-NOTA-FAPI PET/CT imaging. There was no abnormal FDG activity in the stomach, but there was diffuse intense 18 FAl-NOTA-FAPI uptake in the known lesion and an adjacent metastasis.

AGEs induce high expression of Dll4 via endoplasmic reticulum stress PERK signaling-mediated internal ribosomal entry site mechanism in macrophages.

Background and aim: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)- exposed macrophages was characterized by Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) high expressed and has been shown to participate in diabetes-related atherosclerosis. This study was aimed to investigate the translational regulatory mechanism of Dll4 high expression in macrophages exposed to AGEs. Methods: Human Dll4 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) sequence was cloned and inserted into a bicistronic reporter plasmid. Human THP-1 macrophages transfected with the bicistronic reporter plasmids were exposed to AGEs. Dual-luciferase assay was used to detect internal ribosome entry site (IRES) activity contained in Dll4 5'UTR. Small interference RNA transfection was used to knock-down specific gene expression. Localization of protein was analyzed. Results: AGEs exposure significantly induced IRES activity in Dll4 5' UTR in human macrophages. Internal potential promoter and ribosome read-through mechanisms were excluded. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and specific silencing of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) signaling pathway activation reduced IRES activity in Dll4 5' UTR in human macrophages. Dll4 5' UTR IRES activity was also inhibited by targeted silencing of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1). Moreover, specific inhibition of PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway led to deactivation of hnRNPA1, resulting to reduction of AGEs- induced Dll4 5' UTR IRES activity in human macrophages. Conclusions: AGEs induced Dll4 5' UTR IRES activity in human macrophages which was dependent on endoplasmic reticulum stress PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway. hnRNPA1 acted the role as an ITAF was also indispensable for AGEs-induced Dll4 5'UTR IRES activity in human macrophages.

Estimating potassium in potato plants based on multispectral images acquired from unmanned aerial vehicles.

Plant potassium content (PKC) is a crucial indicator of crop potassium nutrient status and is vital in making informed fertilization decisions in the field. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of PKC estimation during key potato growth stages by using vegetation indices (VIs) and spatial structure features derived from UAV-based multispectral sensors. Specifically, the fraction of vegetation coverage (FVC), gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture, and multispectral VIs were extracted from multispectral images acquired at the potato tuber formation, tuber growth, and starch accumulation stages. Linear regression and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate how VIs, both individually and in combination with spatial structure features, affect potato PKC estimation. The findings lead to the following conclusions: (1) Estimating potato PKC using multispectral VIs is feasible but necessitates further enhancements in accuracy. (2) Augmenting VIs with either the FVC or texture features makes potato PKC estimation more accurate than when using single VIs. (3) Finally, integrating VIs with both the FVC and texture features improves the accuracy of potato PKC estimation, resulting in notable R 2 values of 0.63, 0.84, and 0.80 for the three fertility periods, respectively, with corresponding root mean square errors of 0.44%, 0.29%, and 0.25%. Overall, these results highlight the potential of integrating canopy spectral information and spatial-structure information obtained from multispectral sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring crop growth and assessing potassium nutrient status. These findings thus have significant implications for agricultural management.

Role of the Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites in Tumorigenesis or Development of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer of the digestive system with high mortality and morbidity rates. Gut microbiota is found in the intestines, especially the colorectum, and has structured crosstalk interactions with the host that affect several physiological processes. The gut microbiota include CRC-promoting bacterial species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis, and CRC-protecting bacterial species, such as Clostridium butyricum, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, which along with other microorganisms, such as viruses and fungi, play critical roles in the development of CRC. Different bacterial features are identified in patients with early-onset CRC, combined with different patterns between fecal and intratumoral microbiota. The gut microbiota may be beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC; some bacteria may serve as biomarkers while others as regulators of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Furthermore, metabolites produced by the gut microbiota play essential roles in the crosstalk with CRC cells. Harmful metabolites include some primary bile acids and short-chain fatty acids, whereas others, including ursodeoxycholic acid and butyrate, are beneficial and impede tumor development and progression. This review focuses on the gut microbiota and its metabolites, and their potential roles in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of CRC.

Hydroxychloroquine Attenuates hERG Channel by Promoting the Membrane Channel Degradation: Computational Simulation and Experimental Evidence for QT-Interval Prolongation with Hydroxychloroquine Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide and has no approved therapy. Currently, more than 700 drugs are tested in the COVID-19 clinical trials, and full evaluation of their cardiotoxicity risks is in high demand. METHODS: We mainly focused on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), one of the most concerned drugs for COVID-19 therapy, and investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of HCQ on hERG channel via molecular docking simulations. We further applied the HEK293 cell line stably expressing hERG-wild-type channel (hERG-HEK) and HEK293 cells transiently expressing hERG-p.Y652A or hERG-p.F656A mutants to validate our predictions. Western blot analysis was used to determine the hERG channel, and the whole-cell patch clamp was utilized to record hERG current (IhERG). RESULTS: HCQ reduced the mature hERG protein in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Correspondingly, chronic and acute treatment of HCQ decreased the hERG current. Treatment with brefeldin A (BFA) and HCQ combination reduced hERG protein to a greater extent than BFA alone. Moreover, disruption of the typical hERG binding site (hERG-p.Y652A or hERG-p.F656A) rescued HCQ-mediated hERG protein and IhERG reduction. CONCLUSION: HCQ can reduce the mature hERG channel expression and IhERG via enhancing channel degradation. The QT prolongation effect of HCQ is mediated by typical hERG binding sites involving residues Tyr652 and Phe656.

Comparison of outcomes between transcatheter tricuspid valve repair and surgical tricuspid valve replacement or repair in patients with tricuspid insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Tricuspid regurgitation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but with limited treatment options. The objective of this study is to compare the demographic characteristics, complications, and outcomes of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr) versus surgical tricuspid valve replacement (STVR) or surgical tricuspid valve repair (STVr), using real-world data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our study analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2018 and identified 92, 86, and 84 patients with tricuspid insufficiency who underwent STVr, STVR, and TTVr, respectively. The mean ages of patients who received STVr, STVR, and TTVr were 65.03 years, 66.3 years, and 71.09 years, respectively, with TTVr patients significantly older than those who received STVr (P < 0.05). Patients who received STVr or STVR had higher mortality rates (8.7% and 3.5%, respectively) compared to those who received TTVr (1.2%). Patients who underwent STVr or STVR were also more likely to experience perioperative complications, including third-degree atrioventricular block (8.7% STVr vs. 1.2% TTVr, P = 0.329; 38.4% STVR vs. 1.2% TTVr, P < 0.05), respiratory failure (5.4% STVr vs. 1.2% TTVr, P = 0.369; 15.1% STVR vs. 1.2% TTVr, P < 0.05), respiratory complications (6.5% STVr vs. 1.2% TTVr, P = 0.372; 19.8% STVR vs. 1.2% TTVr, P < 0.05), acute kidney injury (40.2% STVr vs. 27.4% TTVr, P = 0.367; 34.9% STVR vs. 27.4% TTVr, P = 0.617), and fluid and electrolyte disorders (44.6% STVr vs. 22.6% TTVr, P = 0.1332; 50% STVR vs. 22.6% TTVr, P < 0.05). In addition, the average cost of care and the average length of hospital stay were higher for patients who underwent STVr or STVR than for those who received TTVr (USD$37995 ± 356008.523 STVr vs. USD$198397 ± 188943.082 TTVr, P < 0.05; USD$470948 ± 614177.568 STVR vs. USD$198397 ± 188943.082 TTVr, P < 0.05; 15.4 ± 15.19 STVr vs. 9.6 ± 10.21 days TTVr, P = 0.267; 24.7 ± 28.81 STVR vs. 9.6 ± 10.21 days TTVr, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TTVr has shown to have favorable outcomes compared to STVr or STVR, but more research and clinical trials are required to help formulate evidence-based guidelines for the role of catheter-based management in tricuspid valve disease.

Relationships of tumor differentiation and immune infiltration in gastric cancers revealed by single-cell RNA-seq analyses.

Gastric cancers are highly heterogeneous malignant tumors. To reveal the relationship between differentiation status of cancer cells and tumor immune microenvironments in gastric cancer, single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed on normal mucosa tissue, differentiated gastric cancer (DGC) tissue, poorly differentiated gastric cancer (PDGC) tissue and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) tissue sampled from surgically resected gastric cancer specimens. We identified the signature genes for both DGC and PDGC, and found that signature genes of PDGC strongly enriched in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. Furthermore, we found that DGC tends to be immune-rich type whereas PDGC tends to be immune-poor type defined according to the density of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Additionally, interferon alpha and gamma responding genes were specifically expressed in the immune-rich malignant cells compared with immune-poor malignant cells. Through analyzing the mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma, we identified intermediate state malignant cells during the trans-differentiation process from DGC to NEC, which showed double-negative expressions of both DGC marker genes and NEC marker genes. Interferon-related pathways were gradually downregulated along the DGC to NEC trans-differentiation path, which was accompanied by reduced CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell infiltration. In summary, molecular features of both malignant cells and immune microenvironment cells of DGC, PDGC and NEC were systematically revealed, which may partially explain the strong tumor heterogeneities of gastric cancer. Especially along the DGC to NEC trans-differentiation path, immune-evasion was gradually enhanced with the decreasing activities of interferon pathway responses in malignant cells.

Advanced glycation end products induce skeletal muscle atrophy and insulin resistance via activating ROS-mediated ER stress PERK/FOXO1 signaling.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is often found in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is characterized by insulin resistance. As the largest tissue in the body, skeletal muscle plays important roles in insulin resistance. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a type of toxic metabolite that are representative of multiple pathophysiological changes associated with T2DM. Mice were exposed to AGEs. Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) was silenced by using a constructed viral vector carrying siRNA. Skeletal muscle atrophy was evaluated by using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), oil red O, myosin skeletal heavy chain (MHC), and laminin immunofluorescent stains. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was assessed by using the dihydroethidium (DHE) stain. Western blotting was used to evaluate protein expression and phosphorylation. Insulin resistance was monitored via the insulin tolerance test and the glucose infusion rate (GIR). Mice exposed to AGEs showed insulin resistance, which was evidenced by reduced insulin tolerance and GIR. H&E and MHC immunofluorescent stains suggested reduced cross-sectional muscle fiber area. Laminin immunofluorescent and oil red O stains indicated increased intramuscular fibrosis and lipid deposits, respectively. Exposure to AGEs induced ROS generation, increased phosphorylation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and FOXO1, facilitated FOXO1 nuclear translocation, and elevated expression of muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) in gastrocnemius muscle. foxo1 silencing significantly suppressed skeletal muscle atrophy and insulin resistance without affecting ROS production. AGEs exacerbated skeletal muscle atrophy and insulin resistance by activating the PERK/FOXO1 signaling pathway in skeletal muscle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we proposed a molecular mechanism underlying the skeletal muscle atrophy-associated insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our investigation suggests that exposure to AGEs, which are characteristic metabolites of T2DM pathology, induces the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to the upregulation of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)/forkhead box O1 (FOXO1)/muscle atrophy F-box pathway and subsequent skeletal muscle atrophy, ultimately resulting in insulin resistance.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Versus Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients with Mitral insufficiency.

AIMS: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most prevalent form of valvular heart disease. Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) have recently emerged as alternatives to open heart surgical repair or replacement. However, studies on the comparative outcomes of TMVr and TMVR are limited. This study aims to compare the demographics, complications and outcomes of TMVr and TMVR based on a real-world investigation of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 2016-2018 in the NIS database, a total of 210 and 3370 patients who underwent TMVR and TMVr, respectively, were selected. The mean age of the patients was 75.99 years (TMVr) and 69.6 years (TMVR) (p <0.01). The mortality of patients who received TMVR was higher compared to that of patients who were treated with TMVr (8.1 vs. 1.9%, p <0.01). The patients who underwent TMVR were more likely to suffer perioperative complications including blood transfusions (16.2 vs. 5.0%, p <0.01) and acute kidney injury (22.9 vs. 13.3%, p <0.01). The average cost of treatment was higher (USD $278864 vs. USD $216845, p <0.01), and the average duration of hospitalization was longer (8.73 vs. 4.17 d, p <0.01) for TMVR compared to TMVr. When taking into account perioperative comorbidities and other factors, TMVR was associated with a worse adjusted in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.307 [95% CI, 1.533-7.136]; p <0.01). CONCLUSION: TMVr is associated with lower mortality, peri-procedural morbidity, and resource use compared to TMVR. A patient-centered approach can help guide decision-making about the choice of intervention for the individual patient and more studies evaluating the long-term outcomes and durability of TMVR are needed at present.

Promotion of Deoxycholic Acid Effect on Colonic Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro by Altering the Mucosal Microbiota.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent neoplasm and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Microbiota and their products, such as bile acids (BAs), are important causal factors for the occurrence and development of CRC. Therefore, we performed 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to measure mucosal microbiota and BA composition in paired cancerous and noncancerous gut tissue samples from 33 patients with CRC at a hospital in Beijing. In cancerous tissues, we detected altered mucosal microbiota with increased levels of the genera Bacteroides, Curtobacterium, and Campylobacter and an increase in deoxycholic acid (DCA), which was the only BA elevated in cancerous tissues. Ex vivo coculture showed that the mucosal microbiota in cancerous tissues indeed had a stronger DCA production ability, indicating that DCA-producing bacteria are enriched in tumors. Results from the CCK8 and Transwell assays indicated that DCA enhances the overgrowth, migration, and invasion of CRC cell lines, and, through qPCR and Western blot analyses, downregulation of FXR was observed in CRC cell lines after DCA culture. We then verified the downregulation of FXR expression in cancerous tissues using our data and the TCGA database, and we found that FXR downregulation plays an important role in the development of CRC. In conclusion, differing mucosal microbiota, increased amounts of mucosal DCA, and lower FXR expression were demonstrated in cancerous tissues compared to normal tissue samples. The results of this study can be applied to the development of potential therapeutic targets for CRC prevention, such as altering mucosal microbiota, DCA, or FXR.

Features of gastric cancer by anatomic subsite in northern China: A multi-center Health Science Report database study.

BACKGROUND: The features of gastric cancer based on the anatomic site remain unknown in northern China patients. AIM: To analyze gastric cancer features and associated trends based on the anatomical site in northern China patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used incident gastric cancer case data from 10 Peking University-affiliated hospitals (2014 to 2018). The clinical and prevailing local features were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 10709 patients were enrolled, including antral (42.97%), cardia (34.30%), and stomach body (18.41%) gastric cancer cases. Cancer in the cardia had the highest male:female ratio, proportion of elderly patients, and patients with complications, including hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular, and coronary diseases (P < 0.001). gastric cancer involving the antrum showed the lowest proportion of patients from rural areas and accounted for the highest hospitalization rate and cost (each P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with cancer involving the cardia increased with an increase in the number of gastroesophageal reflux disease cases during the same period (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor location in the cardia increased the risk of in-hospital mortality (P = 0.046). Anatomical subsite was not linked to postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The features of gastric cancer based on the anatomical site differ between northern China and other regions, both globally and within the country. Social factors may account for these differences and should affect policy-making and clinical practice.

Cdk2 suppresses IL-23 expression and the onset of severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Although interleukin-23 (IL-23) is associated with the severity of acute pancreatitis, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Herein, its regulatory mechanisms were explored in this study. METHODS: RNA-sequencing analysis selected the differently expressed genes in cerulean-induced acute pancreatitis mice. Polymerase chain reaction analysis determined IL-23 expression in cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-pretreated or DDB1-cullin-4-associated factor-2 (DCAF2)-overexpressed RAW264.7 cells or CDKs inhibitor AT7519/cullin ring-finger ubiquitin ligase inhibitor MLN4924-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages in the presence of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Pancreatic damages were evaluated in AT7519-treated pancreatitis mice. RESULTS: Pancreatitis mice displayed an increased expression on IL-23 and a decreased expression of Cdk2. Inhibiting Cdk2 by shRNA or AT7519 significantly induced IL-23 expression in LPS-treated RAW cells. Moreover, AT7519 treatment significantly aggravated the severity of acute pancreatitis in mice. Furthermore, AT7519 remarkably increased DCAF2 expression, which was also induced by MLN4924 no matter with or without AT7519 in vitro. On the contrary, overexpressing DCAF2 blocked the stimulatory effect of AT7519 on IL-23 expression. CONCLUSION: Cdk2 negatively regulates IL-23 expression by inhibiting DCAF2 in acute pancreatitis, indicating that Cdk2 might serve as a promising therapeutic target for acute pancreatitis.

Matrine inhibits advanced glycation end products-induced macrophage M1 polarization by reducing DNMT3a/b-mediated DNA methylation of GPX1 promoter.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are characterized diabetic metabolites inducing macrophage M1 polarization which is crucial in diabetes-exacerbated atherosclerosis. Matrine was proved anti-atherosclerotic. The current study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of matrine on AGEs- induced macrophage M1 polarization and underlying molecular mechanisms. Primary mouse macrophages were exposed to AGEs. Receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were over-expressed by vectors. Matrine was used to treat these cells. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production were used to evaluate macrophage M1 polarization. Oxidative stress was assessed by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Relative mRNA expression level was determined by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to evaluate protein and protein phosphorylation levels. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to evaluate DNA methylation. Matrine reduced AGEs exposure-elevated expressions of DNA methyltransferase (DNA MTase, DNMT)3a and DNMT3b in macrophages which were not affected by RAGE or TLR4 over expressions. DNA methylation rate of GPX1 promoter was reduced from 97.22% to 66.67% in AGEs- exposed macrophages treated by matrine. GPX1 expression was up-regulated by matrine, which further suppressed AGEs/RAGE-mediated oxidative stress. Thus, the activation of down-stream TLR4/STAT1 signaling pathway was inhibited by matrine treatment which eventually suppressed AGEs- induced macrophage M1 polarization. However, these effects of matrine were impaired by RAGE and TLR4 overexpression. Results from this study suggested that matrine inhibited AGEs- induced macrophage M1 polarization by suppressing RAGE-induced oxidative stress-mediated TLR4/STAT1 signaling pathway. Matrine exerted anti-oxidant effects via increasing GPX1 expression by inhibiting DNMT3a/b-induced GPX1 promoter DNA methylation.

Advanced glycation end products correlate with breast cancer metastasis by activating RAGE/TLR4 signaling.

INTRODUCTION: This study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in promoting invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with 131 breast cancer were enrolled in a cohort and followed up to investigate the association between AGEs and metastasis. Serum AGE concentrations were detected by ELISA. Breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to generated AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA). CCK-8 assay was used to select the non-cytotoxic concentrations of AGE-BSA. Small interfering RNA was used to knock down Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and transwell assays. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the gene expressions. RESULTS: In the cohort study, metastasis incidence was significantly correlated with serum AGE concentrations in patients with breast cancer (adjusted OR=1.75, 95% CI=1.20 to 2.57, p=0.004). During follow-up, metastasis interval was significantly shorter in diabetic than non-diabetic subjects. In the in vitro study, AGE-BSA incubation significantly promoted migration and invasion of cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. AGE-BSA dramatically increased expressions of receptor for AGEs (RAGE), TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor (MyD88), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), promoted nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) p65, but decreased the expression of inhibitor of NFκB (IκBα). TLR4 silencing significantly suppressed migration and invasion of cancer cells exposed to AGE-BSA. TLR4 silencing reduced the expression of MyD88 and MMP9, as well as nuclear translocation of NFκB p65 but increased IκBα expression in AGE-BSA-incubated breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: AGEs are correlated with metastasis of breast cancer. AGEs' promoting effects on migration and invasion of breast cancer cells via activating RAGE/TLR4/MyD88 signaling were suggested as the involved mechanism.

Progress in the Study of Colorectal Cancer Caused by Altered Gut Microbiota After Cholecystectomy.

Epidemiological studies have found an increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in people who undergo cholecystectomy compared to healthy individuals. After cholecystectomy, bile enters the duodenum directly, unregulated by the timing of meals. Disruption of the balance of bile acid metabolism and increased production of primary bile acids, which in turn affects the composition and abundance of intestinal microorganisms. The link among cholecystectomy, the gut microbiota, and the occurrence and development of CRC is becoming clearer. However, due to the complexity of the microbial community, the mechanistic connections are less well understood. In this review, we summarize the changes of gut microbiota after cholecystectomy and illuminate the potential mechanisms on CRC, such as inflammation and immune regulation, production of genotoxins, metabolism of dietary ingredients, activation of signaling pathways, and so on. By reviewing these, we aimed to unravel the interactions between the gut microbiota and its host and be better positioned to develop treatments for CRC after cholecystectomy.

Outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with percutaneous coronary intervention vs. surgical mitral valve repair with coronary artery bypass grafting.

Aims: Patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) may receive concurrent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with surgical mitral valve repair (SMVr) or percutaneous coronary stent implantation (PCI) with transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr). However, there is no consensus on the management of severe IMR in this setting. We aimed to compare the outcomes of combined SMVr with CABG to concurrent TMVr with PCI among patients with IMR in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Methods and results: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all patients diagnosed with IMR who underwent SMVr with CABG or TMVr with PCI during the years 2016-2018. Study outcomes included all-cause in-hospital mortality, periprocedural complications, and resources used. A total of 1,360 potentially eligible patients were included in the study. After 1:5 propensity score matching, 133 patients were classified in the SMVr + CABG group and 29 patients in the TMVr + PCI group. Adjusted mortality was higher in the TMVr + PCI group compared with the SMVr + CABG group (13.8% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.034). Perioperative complications were higher among patients who underwent SMVr + CABG including blood transfusions (29.3% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.01) and post-procedural cardiogenic shock (11.3% vs. 0%, P = 0.044). The cost of care was higher (USD$783548.80 vs. USD$331846.523, P = 0.001) and the length of stay was longer (17.9 vs. 15.44 days, P < 0.001) in the TMVr + PCI group. On multivariable analysis, age (OR, 1.039 [95% CI, 1.006-1.072]; P = 0.032), renal failure (OR, 3.465 [95% CI, 1.867-6.433]; P < 0.001), and liver disease (OR, 5.012 [95% CI, 2.578-9.686]; P < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: TMVr + PCI was associated with higher resource use and in-hospital mortality but with improved perioperative complications compared with SMVr + CABG.

Rivaroxaban Suppresses Atherosclerosis by Inhibiting FXa-Induced Macrophage M1 Polarization-Mediated Phenotypic Conversion of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Background: Factor Xa (FXa) is a mediator initiating and accelerating atherosclerosis (AS). Both macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) participate in AS progression. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of the FXa inhibitor rivaroxaban on AS. Methods: Rivaroxaban was administered to AS mice. Primary macrophages were exposed to FXa, treated with rivaroxaban, and transfected with siRNA silencing protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), delta-like receptor 4 (Dll4), and Akt. Interaction between macrophages and VSMCs was assessed by co-culturing systems. Atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated by oil red O stain. Fluorescent staining was used to determine the cell phenotypes. Secretions of inflammatory cytokines and collagen were assessed by ELISA and Sircol assays. Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression and phosphorylation levels. Results: Rivaroxaban reduced lesion area, accumulation of M1 macrophages, and contractile-synthetic phenotypic conversion of VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaques. FXa exposure induced polarization of macrophages toward M1 and Dll4 high expression, which were inhibited by PAR2, Akt1, and HIF1α silencing. Rivaroxaban treatment inhibited PAR2/Akt/HIF1α signaling activation and Dll4 expression in FXa-exposed macrophages. By cell-to-cell contact, M1 macrophages induced Notch signaling activation in VSMCs which committed contractile-synthetic conversion. Rivaroxaban treatment and Dll4 silencing incapacitated macrophage in inducing phenotypic conversion of VSMCs upon cell-to-cell contact. Conclusion: Rivaroxaban suppresses AS by inhibiting FXa-induced PAR2/Akt/HIF1α signaling activation-mediated macrophage M1 polarization and high Dll4 expression. These macrophages facilitated VSMCs to perform contractile-synthetic phenotypic conversion upon macrophage-VSMCs cell-to-cell contact.

Features of colorectal cancer in China stratified by anatomic sites: A hospital-based study conducted in university-affiliated hospitals from 2014 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical and biological characteristics of colorectal cancer have been found to differ depending on the anatomic site of the cancer. However, for Chinese patients, there is limited information on the proportion of cases at each site and the related features. In this study, we explored the location, distribution and other features of colorectal cancers at each anatomic site in Chinese patients. METHODS: We conducted a hospital-based study using hospitalization summary reports from 10 Peking University-affiliated hospitals from 2014 to 2018; the reports covered a total of 2,097,347 hospitalizations. Incident cases were chosen as the study population, and their epidemiological features were further analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 20,739 colorectal cancer patients were identified. Rectum was the most common location (48.3%) of the cancer, whereas the proportions of patients with distal and proximal colon cancer were 24.5% and 18.6%, respectively. Patients with rectal cancer were predominantly male and were the youngest for all anatomical sites (each P<0.001). The highest proportion of emergency admissions, the longest hospital stays and the highest hospitalization costs were found in patients with proximal colon cancer (each P<0.001). The proximal colon cancer subgroup included the highest proportions of patients with medical histories of cholecystectomy, cholecystolithiasis and/or gallbladder polyps and appendectomy (P=0.009, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The distal colon cancer subgroup included the highest proportions of patients with medical histories of diabetes and hypertension (P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of colorectal cancer observed in this study differ from those reported for Western patients and show a significantly higher proportion of patients with rectal cancer. Different epidemiological features were also found based on anatomic sites. Further studies based on tumor location should be conducted to facilitate more accurate screening and treatment.