Yin Yang 1 facilitates the activation, inflammation, and extracellular matrix deposition of hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrosis.

Chronic hepatic diseases often involve fibrosis as a pivotal factor in their progression. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in hepatic fibrosis. Our data reveal that YY1 binds to the prolyl hydroxylase domain 1 (PHD1) promoter. Rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) display heightened fibrosis in liver tissues, accompanied by increased levels of YY1, PHD1, and the fibrosis marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Elevated levels of YY1, PHD1, and α-SMA are observed in the liver tissues of CCl4-treated rats, primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from fibrotic liver tissues, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1)-induced HSCs. The human HSC cell line LX-2, upon YY1 overexpression, exhibits enhanced TGF-ß1-induced activation, leading to increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins and inflammatory cytokines. YY1 silencing produces the opposite effect. YY1 exerts a positive regulatory effect on the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and PHD1 expression. PHD1 silencing rescues the promotion of YY1 in cell activation, ECM-related protein expression, and inflammatory cytokine production in TGF-ß1-treated LX-2 cells. Overall, our findings propose a model wherein YY1 facilitates TGF-ß1-induced HSC activation, ECM-related protein expression, and inflammatory cytokine production by promoting PHD1 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study positions YY1 as a promising therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis.

Transcription factor YY1 accelerates hepatic fibrosis development by activating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis.

Hepatic fibrosis is the basis of multiple liver diseases and may eventually develop into hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a driving factor of hepatic fibrogenesis. In the liver microenvironment, liver cells and others play a crucial role in HSC activation. The liver tissues of CCl4-induced rats show excessive fibrosis, inflammation, and cell apoptosis. Yin Yang 1 (YY1) was highly expressed in hepatic fibrosis rats and TGF-ß1-treated liver cells. In animal experiments, YY1 knockdown effectively attenuated CCl4-induced liver injury and pyroptosis-related IL-1ß and IL-18 expression. In cellular experiments, NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis was activated by TGF-ß1 treatment, while YY1 knockdown significantly inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, pyroptosis, and the secretion of IL-1ß and IL-18. In addition, our data showed that TGF-ß1-treated liver cell conditional medium markedly induced HSC activation, which was rescued by YY1 knockdown in liver cells. YY1 overexpression in liver cells contributed to the activation of TGF-ß1-treated liver cell conditional medium in HSCs, however, this effect of YY1 was attenuated by NLRP3 inhibition. Overall, YY1 overexpression in liver cells contributed to HSC activation by facilitating IL-1ß and IL-18 production via activating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, thus aggravating hepatic fibrogenesis. Our data indicate that YY1 may be a novel target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and associated liver diseases.

Resveratrol inhibits AhR/Notch axis and reverses Th17/Treg imbalance in purpura by activating Foxp3.

Background: Resveratrol has been reported to reverse the imbalance of T helper 17/regulatory T (Th17/Treg) by inhibiting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway to treat immune thrombocytopenia. However, the regulation mechanism of the Notch signaling pathway by resveratrol has not been reported in purpura. This study is aimed to explore the mechanism of resveratrol ultrafine nanoemulsion (Res-mNE) in immune thrombocytopenia. Methods: The immune thrombocytopenia mouse model was constructed to explore the effect of RES-mNE on immune thrombocytopenia. Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) T cells were isolated and treated with different medications. CD4+ T cells were induced to differentiate into Th17 cells and Treg cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th17 cells and Treg cells. The secretion was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels. Results: Th17 cells, IL-17A and IL-22 increased in the immune thrombocytopenia mouse model, and the Treg cells and IL-10 decreased. Res-mNE promoted Treg cell differentiation and IL-10 secretion in CD4+ T cells while inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17A and IL-22 levels. The AhR activator 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) reversed the effect of Res-mNE. Notch inhibitors reduced the ratio of Th17/Treg differentiation. Res-mNE activated the expression of Foxp3 by mediating AhR/Notch signaling to reverse the imbalance of Th17/Treg differentiation in immune thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings demonstrated that RES-mNE inhibited the AhR/Notch axis and reversed Th17/Treg imbalance by activating Foxp3.

Abnormal expression pattern of lncRNA H19 participates in multiple myeloma bone disease by unbalancing osteogenesis and osteolysis.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating genetic and epigenetic alterations in multiple myeloma (MM) have been demonstrated to be closely associated with osteolytic bone disease, generally characterized as increased osteoclast formation and decreased osteoblast activity. Previously, serum long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been proved to be a biomarker for the diagnosis of MM. Whereas, its role in MM-associated bone homeostasis remains largely elusive. METHODS: A cohort of 42 MM patients and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled for evaluating differential expressions of H19 and its downstream effectors. The proliferative capacity of MM cells was monitored by CCK-8 assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity detection, either with Alizarin red staining (ARS) were employed to assess osteoblast formation. Osteoblast- or osteoclast-associated gene were detected using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were subjected to verify H19/miR-532-3p/E2F7/EZH2 axis, which was accounted for epigenetic suppression of PTEN. The functional role of H19 on MM development through unbalancing osteolysis and osteogenesis was also confirmed in the murine MM model. RESULTS: Upregulation of serum H19 was observed in MM patients, suggesting its positive correlation with the poor prognosis of MM patients. Loss of H19 dramatically weakened cell proliferation of MM cells, promoted osteoblastic differentiation, and impaired osteoclast activity. While reinforced H19 exhibited the opposite effects. Akt/mTOR signaling plays an indispensable role in H19-mediated osteoblast formation and osteoclastgenesis. Mechanistically, H19 served as a sponge for miR-532-3p to upregulate E2F7, a transcriptional activator of EZH2, thereby accounting for modulating epigenetic suppression of PTEN. The in vivo experiments further validated that H19 exerted important impacts on tumor growth through breaking the balance between osteogenesis and osteolysis via Akt/mTOR signaling. CONCLUSION: Collectively, increased enrichment of H19 in MM cells exhibits an essential role in MM development by disturbing bone homeostasis.

Integrated Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics Model and Simulation of the Ticagrelor Effect on Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Data available for pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) of ticagrelor and significant endogenous/exogenous factors or biomarkers related to bleeding events in both healthy and clinical patients are limited. OBJECTIVE: Based on PK and PD data from multicenter healthy subjects and patients, we aimed to establish an integrated approach towards population PK (pop PK) and the PD model of ticagrelor. METHODS: This study was conducted as a multicenter, prospective clinical registration study involving both healthy subjects and clinical patients. The integrated Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models were characterized based on PK/PD [ticagrelor concentration, aggregation baseline (BASE), P2Y12 response unit (PRU) and inhibition rate (INHIBIT)] data from 175 healthy volunteers. The model was corrected by sparse PD (BASE, PRU and INHIBIT) data from 208 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The correlations between PD biomarkers and clinically relevant bleedings in 1 year were explored. RESULTS: A one-compartment, linear model with first-order absorption was adopted as PK model. Food status (FOOD) and body weight (WT) significantly influenced clearance and improved the fitting degree of the PK model, while SEX was selected as the covariates of the PD model. For patients taking ticagrelor 90 mg, the peak value [mean (95% CI)] of PRU was 355.15 (344.24-366.06) and the trough value was 3.64 (3.14-4.15). The PRU mean parameters were basically within the expected range (80-200) of the literature suggestions. CONCLUSION: A fixed dose of ticagrelor, without adjusting the dosing regimen other than covariates of FOOD/WT/SEX, could be used in patients with acute coronary syndromes, and the standard regimen could be used in Chinese patients from the perspective of exposure.

Effect of Genetic Polymorphism Including NUP153 and SVEP1 on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Ticagrelor in Healthy Chinese Subjects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The search for potential gene loci that affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of ticagrelor is a matter of broad clinical interest. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ticagrelor in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS: This is a multi-center study in China, including three hospitals from Beijing, Nanchang, and Changsha. Healthy Chinese subjects aged 18-45 years with unknown genotypes were included. All subjects received a single oral dose of 90 mg of ticagrelor. Platelet aggregation and the area under the concentration-time curve for ticagrelor and its major active metabolite in plasma samples were assessed. Genome-wide association studies and candidate gene association analysis related to ticagrelor were performed. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five native Chinese subjects were enrolled and completed the study. According to the p value, the threshold of ticagrelor population was 6.57 × 10-7 (0.05/76106), one single-nucleotide polymorphism chr6:17616513 of gene NUP153 (p = 2.03 × 10-7) related to the area under the concentration-time curve for plasma concentration at time zero versus the last measurable timepoint, and one single nucleotide polymorphism rs17204533 of gene SVEP1 (p = 3.96 × 10-7) related to P2Y12 reaction unit12h of ticagrelor was identified. In addition, L1TD1, CETP, CLEC2A, CHSY1, PDZRN3, CTU2, PIEZO1, APOBEC1, SEMA6A, KAZN, and FASN polymorphisms might influence the pharmacokinetics of ticagrelor, while PARP10, TRIB1, CYP2C19, and UGT2B7 might affected its pharmacodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variation affects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ticagrelor in healthy individuals. The detection of NUP153, SVEP1 gene variation will be helpful for pharmacodynamic prediction and evaluation, and the regulation of these genes may be the target of new drug development. Further studies are required to confirm the results and explore whether these single-nucleotide polymorphisms are associated only with platelet activity or also with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03161002.

Low arterial oxygen partial pressure induces pulmonary thrombocytopenia in patients and a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Recent basic studies demonstrate that the lung is a primary organ of platelet biogenesis. However, whether the pathophysiological state of the lung affect the platelets is little known. We aim to investigate the incidence of thrombocytopenia in patients with pulmonary infection (PIN) and risk factors associated with pulmonary thrombocytopenia. METHODS: In total, 11,941 patients with pulmonary infection (PIN) were enrolled, and patients with other three infectious diseases were collected as controls. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was compared, and the risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia in PIN patients were investigated by multivariate analysis. To explore the mechanism of thrombocytopenia, hypoxic model was constructed. Blood platelet counts from the angular vein (PLTs), left ventricle (PLTpost) and right ventricle (PLTpre) were determined. Megakaryocytes identified by anti-CD41 antibody were detected through flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The incidence of thrombocytopenia in PIN was higher than that in other three infectious diseases (9.8% vs. 6.4% ~ 5.0%, P < 0.001). Low arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) was an important risk factor for thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.88; P < 0.001). In a hypoxic mouse model, PLTs decreased (518.38 ± 127.92 vs 840.75 ± 77.30, P < 0.05), which showed that low PaO2 induced thrombocytopenia. The difference between the PLTpost and PLTpre (∆PLTpost-pre), representing the production of platelets in the lungs, was significantly attenuated in hypoxic mice when compared with normoxic mice (F = 25.47, P < 0.05). Additionally, proportions of CD41-positive megakaryocytes in the lungs, marrow, spleen all decreased in hypoxic mice. CONCLUSION: There is a high incidence for thrombocytopenia in PIN patients. Low PaO2-induced thrombocytopenia is associated with impaired generation of platelet in the lungs.

LncRNA-MALAT1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells via miR-205-PTK7 pathway.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 has been confirmed to function as an oncogene in various solid tumors. MALAT1 level has been shown to be upregulated in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, but the mechanism is unclear. This study aims to investigate the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of MALAT1 in ALL. MALAT1 and miR-205 expression were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Protein level of protein tyrosine kinase-7 (PTK7) was detected by Western blot assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the binding of MALAT1 and miR-205, as well as miR-205 and PTK7. The levels of MALAT1 and PTK7 were upregulated in ALL samples. In contrast, miR-205 level was downregulated in ALL in ALL samples. Moreover, MALAT1 silencing or miR-205 overexpression restrained proliferation and promoted apoptosis of ALL cells. Mechanistically, MALAT1 sponged miR-205 to regulate PTK7 expression. In summary, MALAT1 affected ALL cell proliferation and apoptosis via regulating miR-205-PTK7 axis. Our results suggest that MALAT1-miR-205-PTK7 axis participates in the proliferation and apoptosis of ALL, which may provide a potential treatment target for ALL.

A three-tiered integrative analysis of transcriptional data reveals the shared pathways related to heart failure from different aetiologies.

Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of most heart disease cases and can be initiated from multiple aetiologies. However, whether the molecular basis of HF has a commonality between different aetiologies has not been elucidated. To address this lack, we performed a three-tiered analysis by integrating transcriptional data and pathway information to explore the commonalities of HF from different aetiologies. First, through differential expression analysis, we obtained 111 genes that were frequently differentially expressed in HF from 11 different aetiologies. Several genes, such as NPPA and NPPB, are early and accurate biomarkers for HF. We also provided candidates for further experimental verification, such as SERPINA3 and STAT4. Then, using gene set enrichment analysis, we successfully identified 19 frequently dysregulated pathways. In particular, we found that pathways related to immune system signalling, the extracellular matrix and metabolism were critical in the development of HF. Finally, we successfully acquired 241 regulatory relationships between 64 transcriptional factors (TFs) and 17 frequently dysregulated pathways by integrating a regulatory network, and some of the identified TFs have already been proven to play important roles in HF. Taken together, the three-tiered analysis of HF provided a systems biology perspective on HF and emphasized the molecular commonality of HF from different aetiologies.

Long Noncoding RNA H19 Promotes Tumorigenesis of Multiple Myeloma by Activating BRD4 Signaling by Targeting MicroRNA 152-3p.

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for over twenty percent of hematological cancer-related death worldwide. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is associated with multiple tumorigenesis and is increased in MM, but the underlying mechanism of H19 in MM is unclear. In this study, the expression of H19, microRNA 152-3p (miR-152-3p), and BRD4 in MM patients was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Colony formation and flow cytometry analysis were used to determine the effects of H19 and miR-152-3p on MM cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the interaction among H19, miR-152-3p, and BRD4. A nude mouse xenograft model was established, and the cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay. We found that levels of H19 and BRD4 were upregulated and the expression of miR-152-3p was downregulated in MM patients. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed H19 targeted miR-152-3p to promote BRD4 expression. Knockdown of H19 repressed proliferation and enhanced apoptosis and cell cycle G1 arrest by upregulating miR-152-3p in MM cells. Furthermore, H19 knockdown suppressed the growth of xenograft tumor, reduced Ki-67 and BRD4 levels, and increased cell apoptosis in xenograft tumor tissues. Taking these results together, H19 knockdown suppresses MM tumorigenesis via inhibiting BRD4-mediated cell proliferation through targeting miR-152-3p, implying that H19 is a promising biomarker and drug target for MM.

Resting Heart Rate and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation.

In a previous meta-analysis, it was demonstrated that the resting heart rate (RHR) is a potential risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the results of that meta-analysis were conflicting, and the relationship between the RHR and AF is still not well established. In the current meta-analysis, our aim is to update evidence with a better statistical model. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases for relevant studies and used a "one-stage approach" with a restricted cubic spline model to summarize the dose-specific relationships between the RHR and AF. Relative risk (RR) was used to measure the effects. In total, 10 studies were included, with a total of 18,630 cases of AF among 431,432 participants. In the dose-response analysis, there was evidence of a nonlinear association between the RHR and the risk of AF (nonlinearity, P < 0.0001), which exhibited a significant J-shaped association between the two factors. An RHR between 68 and 80 bpm had the lowest risk of AF. Among people who had RHR < 70 bpm, the summary RR was 1.09 per 10-RHR decrease (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.12; P < 0.001). The results were similar for participants with RHR > 70 bpm (per 10 bpm increase) (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03-1.08; P < 0.001). Our dose-response meta-analysis revealed a significant J-shaped association between the RHR and AF. Both low RHR and high RHR were associated with an increased risk of AF compared with a modest RHR of 68-80 bpm.

The potential therapeutic benefit of resveratrol on Th17/Treg imbalance in immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the restrained production of new platelets and the persistent reduction of existing platelets. An imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells is associated with a decrease in platelets. However, few therapeutic strategies aim to modulate this imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells in ITP. METHODS: ITP patients and healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to measure the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), cytochrome P450 family 1 member A1 (CYP1A1), RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR-γt) and forkhead-box P3 (Foxp3). ELISA was employed to measure the secretion of IL-17A, IL-22 and IL-10. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to measure cell viability. RESULTS: The proportion of Th17 cells and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A and IL-22 were both elevated, whereas the proportion of Treg cells and the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were both reduced in ITP patients compared to healthy controls. The ratio of Th17/Treg cells and the expression of IL-17A and IL-22 displayed a positive correlation with the severity of ITP. Low and moderate concentrations of resveratrol did not affect the viability of CD4+ T cells from ITP patients but repressed Th17 differentiation and promoted Treg differentiation. Moreover, resveratrol could markedly downregulate the production of IL-17A and IL-22 and upregulate the secretion of IL-10 in CD4+ T cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies revealed that resveratrol exerted its beneficial function mainly through suppressing the AhR pathway, which led to the impaired expression of ROR-γt and reduced secretion of IL-17A and IL-22, as well as enhanced expression of Foxp3 and augmented secretion of IL-10. The induction of AhR by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in CD4+ T cells led to a Th17/Treg imbalance and the upregulation of IL-17A and IL-22, an effect that could be reversed by resveratrol treatment. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that resveratrol reversed the Th17/Treg imbalance by a mechanism involving the suppression of the AhR pathway. Since ITP is characterized by a Th17/Treg imbalance, resveratrol might be beneficial for the treatment of this condition.

I-BET151 suppresses osteoclast formation and inflammatory cytokines secretion by targetting BRD4 in multiple myeloma.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic cancer, accompanied by excessive osteoclast formation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. The mechanisms by which bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein inhibitor I-BET151 regulates osteoclast differentiation and inflammatory cytokine secretion in MM are largely unknown. Methods: The isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal or patients with MM were treated with receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and M-CSF to induce osteoclast differentiation. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with RANKL. I-BET151 was applied to investigate the effects of BRD4 inhibition on osteoclast formation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Osteoclast formation was determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) staining. The expression of osteoclast-specific genes TRACP, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), cathepsin K (Ctsk), and c-Src was tested using quantitative real-time PCR. And the level of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 was assessed by ELISA. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), BRD4, nuclear and cytoplasm p65, IκB-α, nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic (NFATc1), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression were measured by Western blotting. RNAi technology was applied to knock down BET family member BRD4. Results: I-BET151 dose-dependently suppressed osteoclast formation, inhibited the levels of osteoclast-specific genes TRACP, MMP-9, Ctsk, and c-Src and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and RAW 264.7. I-BET151 inhibited the protein levels of BRD4 and NFATc1, increased OPG expression, and suppressed IκB-α degradation and p65 nuclear translocation. Further, the effects of I-BET151 on osteoclast formation, osteoclast-specific genes expression, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and NF-κB inhibition were promoted by BRD4 knockdown. Conclusion: I-BET151 inhibits osteoclast formation and inflammatory cytokine secretion by targetting BRD4-mediated RANKL-NF-κB signal pathway and BRD4 inhibition might be beneficial for MM treatment.

I­BET151 inhibits osteoclastogenesis via the RANKL signaling pathway in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Excessive bone resorption mediated by osteoclasts may lead to the risk of various lytic bone diseases. In the present study, the effects of I­BET151, a bromodomain and extra terminal domain protein inhibitor, on osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells and the underlying mechanism of this process was investigated. Cells were divided into 6 groups, including the control group, receptor activator of nuclear factor­κB ligand (RANKL) group and 4 other groups containing RANKL and I­BET151 at different concentrations. Tartrate­resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) staining was used to observe the effect of I­BET151 on osteoclastogenesis and the number of TRACP positive multinucleated cells was calculated. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor (TRAF6), nuclear factor of activated T­cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATcl), transcription factor p65 (p65), nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B­cells inhibitor­α (IκB­α), extracellular signal­regulated kinase, Jun N­terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. mRNA expression levels of osteoclast specific genes TRACP, matrix metalloproteinase­9 (MMP9), cathepsin K (CtsK) and proto­oncogene tyrosine­protein kinase Src (c­Src) were measured using the reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR). TRACP staining results demonstrated that I­BET151 inhibited osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL and the inhibition was dose dependent. TRACP multinucleated positive cells were significantly decreased when treated with I­BET151 compared with the RANKL group. The inhibitory effect on TRAF6 was significant when concentrations of 100 and 200 nM I­BET151 were used, and NFATcl was significantly inhibited when a concentration of 200 nM was used compared with the RANKL group, in a dose-dependent manner. Nuclear translocation of p65 was significantly inhibited by I­BET151 at all concentrations. The degradation of IκB­α, and phosphorylation of JNK and p38 were also significantly inhibited by I­BET151, with the exception of the expression of IκB­α following treatment with 50 nM I­BET151. The RT­qPCR results revealed that osteoclast­specific genes TRACP, MMP9, CtsK and c­Src were all dose­dependently inhibited by I­BET151, except for CtsK. In conclusion, I­BET151 may significantly suppress the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells via the RANKL signaling pathway.

[Expression and significance of HSP90 in plasma of patients with multiple myeloma].

This study was purposed to investigate the expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in peripheral blood plasma of patients with multipl myeloma (MM), and to explore its possible role in the pathogenesis of MM, and its relationship with treatment, prognosis and the outcome of patients. The peripheral blood samples from 58 patients with MM and 20 healthy volunteers were collected. The plasma concentration of HSP90 in patients and healthy volunteers was measured by ELISA. The results showed that the concentration of HSP90 in peripheral blood of patients with MM was significantly higher than that in the healthy volunteers [(32.398 ± 3.674) vs (25.762 ± 2.916) ng/ml] (P < 0.001). The concentration of HSP90 showed positively correlation with International Staging System(ISS) stage, therapeutic response, frequency of plasmocyte, globulin, immune globulin, M-protein, ß2 micro-globulin, and light chain of MM patients (P < 0.05) ; while it showed little correlation with sex, age and type of MM patients (P > 0.05) . It is concluded that the HSP90 may be involved in the occurrence and development of MM. Detection of HSP90 in plasma would contribute to judge the clinical course, therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of MM patients.

[Expression of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and its significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and its significance. METHODS: The quantity of CD4(+)CD25(+)T cells, CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells and CD4(+) IL-17(+)T cells in peripheral blood were measured with flow cytometry (FCM), the plasma level of IL-10 and IL-17 with ELISA and the expression of Foxp3 mRNA and RORc mRNA with RT-PCR in 29 newly diagnosed ITP patients and 28 healthy controls. RESULTS: The ratio of CD4(+)CD25(+)T cells/CD4(+) T cells in the peripheral blood of ITP patients was significantly higher than that of the normal controls (P < 0.05). And the ratio of CD4(+)CD25(high) T/CD4(+) T cells in the patients was remarkably lower (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the percentage of CD4(+) IL-17(+)T/CD4(+) T cells between ITP patients and controls (P > 0.05). The ratio of Treg/Th17 was lower in ITP patients (P < 0.05). The plasma level of IL-10 in ITP patients was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas no statistical difference was observed in the level of IL-17 (P > 0.05). The Foxp3 mRNA expression levels were largely reduced (P < 0.05), but the RORc mRNA expression was increased compared with that in controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The imbalance of Treg/Th17 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ITP.