Design Strategies of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Nano Electrocatalysts for High Current Density Water Splitting.

Hydrogen is now recognized as the primary alternative to fossil fuels due to its renewable, safe, high-energy density and environmentally friendly properties. Efficient hydrogen production through water splitting has laid the foundation for sustainable energy technologies. However, when hydrogen production is scaled up to industrial levels, operating at high current densities introduces unique challenges. It is necessary to design advanced electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) under high current densities. This review will briefly introduce the challenges posed by high current densities on electrocatalysts, including catalytic activity, mass diffusion, and catalyst stability. In an attempt to address these issues, various electrocatalyst design strategies are summarized in detail. In the end, our insights into future challenges for efficient large-scale industrial hydrogen production from water splitting are presented. This review is expected to guide the rational design of efficient high-current density water electrolysis electrocatalysts and promote the research progress of sustainable energy.

High­risk pathological subtype associated FAM83A­AS1 promotes malignancy and glycolysis of lung adenocarcinoma via miR­202­3p/HK2 axis.

According to the diverse cellular morphology, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was classified into five pathological subtypes, referred to as follows: High­risk group (micropapillary and solid), intermediate­risk group (acinar and papillary) and low­risk group (epidic). Nevertheless, little is known about the biological function of long non­coding RNA (lncRNA) in the molecular determination of LUAD histologic patterns. Screening the transcriptional expression data from TCGA­LUAD, the differentially expressed lncRNA across the divergent pathological subtypes were explored. Pan­cancer analysis revealed the characteristic of FAM83A­AS1, which was also confirmed in the LUAD tissues. The function of FAM83A­AS1 was uncovered through the in vitro assays. RNA immunoprecipitation and dual­luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms of FAM83A­AS1. In the present study, it was identified that the expression of FAM83A­AS1 was increased from the low­risk group to the high, which was associated with a poorer prognosis and higher risk of recurrence. Pan­cancer analysis revealed that FAM83A­AS1 was positively correlated with high tumor mutational burden. Additionally, FAM83A­AS1 promoted cell migration, invasion and growth of LUAD cancer cells. Mechanistically, FAM83A­AS1 sponged miR­202­3p to regulate the expression of hexokinase II (HK2) in post­transcription, which facilitated the malignancy and glycolysis. The present study uncovered the biological roles of FAM83A­AS1/miR­202­3p/HK2 axis in regulating malignancy and glycolysis of LUAD, which provided novel avenues to addressing the determination of histologic patterns.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma patients with M1a diseases gain more clinical benefits from palliative primary tumor resection than those with M1b diseases: A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is regarded as the only potentially curative treatment option for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). The National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines do not recommend palliative surgery unless there is a risk of severe symptoms. However, accumulating evidence has shown that palliative surgery is associated with more favorable outcomes for patients with metastatic CRC. AIM: To investigate the separate role of palliative primary tumor resection for patients with stage IVA (M1a diseases) and stage IVB (M1b diseases) colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRA). METHODS: CRA patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2015 with definite M1a and M1b categories according to the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system were selected from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. To minimize potential selection bias, the data were adjusted by propensity score matching (PSM). Baseline characteristics, including gender, year of diagnosis, age, marital status, primary site, surgical information, race, grade, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, were recorded and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the separate role of palliative surgery for patients with M1a and M1b diseases. RESULTS: A total of 19680 patients with metastatic CRA were collected from the SEER database, including 10399 cases of M1a diseases and 9281 cases of M1b diseases. Common independent prognostic factors for both M1a and M1b patients included year of diagnosis, age, race, marital status, primary site, grade, surgery, and chemotherapy. After PSM adjustment, 3732 and 3568 matched patients in the M1a and M1b groups were included, respectively. Patients receiving palliative primary tumor resection had longer survival time than those without surgery (P < 0.001). For patients with M1a diseases, palliative resection could increase the median survival time by 9 mo; for patients with M1b diseases, palliative resection could prolong the median survival time by 7 mo. For M1a diseases, patients with lung metastasis had more clinical benefit from palliative resection than those with liver metastasis (15 mo for lung metastasis vs 8 mo for liver metastasis, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CRA patients with M1a diseases gain more clinical benefits from palliative primary tumor resection than those with M1b diseases. Those patients with M1a (lung metastasis) have superior long-term outcomes after palliative primary tumor resection.

PRKAA1 rs13361707 C/T polymorphism confers decreased susceptibility to esophageal cancer: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies probed into the connection between esophageal cancer (EC) risk and PRKAA1 rs13361707 C/T polymorphism, but obtained insignificant findings. METHODS: In this study, 814 EC cases and 961 controls from Eastern China were recruited to validate the relationship between this polymorphism and EC susceptibility. RESULTS: Data suggested rs13361707 C/T polymorphism in PRKAA1 gene was significantly related with a lower risk for EC. Such significant connection was also uncovered in subgroups of males, smokers, drinkers and individuals with age ≥ 60 years. In addition, this polymorphism was linked with the pathological grading, distant metastasis, and histology of EC. CONCLUSION: In summary, PRKAA1 rs13361707 C/T polymorphism is related to the risk and clinical properties of EC patients in East China.

PD-1 gene rs10204525 and rs7421861 polymorphisms are associated with increased risk and clinical features of esophageal cancer in a Chinese Han population.

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) polymorphisms have been associated with esophageal cancer risk. Here, the aims of this case-control study were to explore whether three PD-1 polymorphisms (rs10204525, rs7421861, and rs36084323) were related with the risk and clinical features of esophageal cancer in Chinese Han subjects (n = 814 cases and 961 controls). We found that rs10204525 and rs7421861, but not rs36084323, conferred increased susceptibility to esophageal cancer. Subgroup analysis revealed that all three loci increased the risk of esophageal cancer among men, and that rs10204525 and rs7421861 correlated with increased risk among patients ≥ 60 years old. The rs10204525 and rs7421861 polymorphisms were associated with higher TNM stage, and rs10204525 was associated with distant metastasis. The combination of smoking and either the rs10204525 or rs7421861 genotype conferred an increased risk to esophageal cancer, which is indicative of potential gene-environment interactions. The rs10204525 and rs7421861 polymorphisms correlated with increased PD-1 gene and protein levels, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed higher PD-1 gene expression was related to poorer overall survival. These data indicate the rs10204525 and rs7421861 polymorphisms of PD-1 gene confer an increased risk of esophageal cancer among Chinese Han individuals.

C-reactive protein gene 1846C>T polymorphism is associated with increased risk and clinical features of lung cancer: a case-control study.

Chronic inflammation plays an important role in lung carcinogenesis. Recently, several studies investigated the association of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene 1846C>T polymorphism and lung cancer (LC) risk, but with conflicting findings. In the present study, we conducted this case-control study with 408 LC patients and 472 healthy controls in a Chinese Han population. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLR) method. Our data found that CRP gene 1846C>T polymorphism increased the risk of LC. Subgroup analyses obtained significant associations among the groups of males, ≥50 years old, smoking, and non-drinkers. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression levels of CRP in LC tissues were significantly increased compared with normal tissues. Additionally, the present study found CRP mRNA high expression was associated with worse survival in LC patients. Furthermore, our data indicated that TT genotype of 1846C>T polymorphism was associated with a larger size of tumor and was related with lymphatic metastasis in LC patients. In conclusion, the present study suggests that CRP gene 1846C>T polymorphism is associated with increased risk of LC. CRP gene 1846C>T polymorphism may be a potential marker for the diagnosis of LC.

Protective Effect of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A on Inflammatory Injury in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the attenuating effect of Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on inflammatory injury in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups according to body weight including normal control group, HSYA blank group (76.8 mg/kg), COPD group, COPD+HSYA (30, 48, 76.8 mg/kg) groups and COPD+dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), 10 in each group. Passive cigarette smoke and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharides were used to establish a COPD model in rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of lung tissue sections was used, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assay mRNA levels of some cytokines in lung tissues, the cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot analysis was used to determine phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) levels in lung tissues, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein levels in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Lung alveolar septa destruction, alveolus fusion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and bronchiole exudation were observed. These pathological changes were alleviated in the COPD+HSYA group. The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors were significantly increased in lung tissues from COPD rats (all P<0.01) and were inhibited by HSYA. Levels of inflammatory cytokines in BALF of COPD rats were significantly increased (all P<0.01) which were inhibited by HSYA (all P<0.01, 48, 76.8 mg/kg). The levels of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and p65 in lung tissues of COPD rats were significantly increased (all P<0.01) and were suppressed by HSYA (all P<0.01, 48, 76.8 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: HSYA could alleviate inflammatory cell infiltration and other pathological changes in the lungs of COPD rats. HSYA inhibited inflammatory cytokine expression, and increase phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65 in the lungs of COPD rats. The protective mechanism of HSYA to inhibit COPD inflammation might be by attenuating NF-κB and p38MAPK signal transduction.

LncRNA PCAT-1 Promoted ESCC Progression via Regulating ANXA10 Expression by Sponging miR-508-3p.

BACKGROUND: Given the poor prognosis of metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients, molecular mechanisms underlying the progression and metastasis of ESCC are highly desired in the scientific community. Prostate cancer associated transcript-1 (PCAT-1) is a lncRNA up-regulated in major types of cancers and is associated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. This study aimed to understand the expression and role of PCAT-1 in the progression and metastasis of ESCC and to identify the potential lncRNA-miRNA interactions and signaling pathways underlying the mechanisms of action of PCAT-1 in ESCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene expression levels were determined by qRT-PCR; protein levels were determined by Western blot assay; cell proliferation, invasion and migration were determined by CCK-8, Transwell invasion and wound healing assays, respectively; in vivo tumor growth was evaluated by xenograft nude mice model. RESULTS: Our data showed the up-regulation of PCAT-1 in different human ESCC cell lines and in clinical ESCC tissues. Knockdown of PCAT-1 in ESCC cells significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of the cancer cells. Moreover, we showed the interactions between PCAT-1 and miR-508-3p and demonstrated that PCAT-1 was able to repress miR-508-3p expression in ESCC cells via acting as a competing endogenous RNA. Besides, Annexin A10 (ANXA10) was identified to be the downstream target of the PCAT-1 and miR-508-3p interactions. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the functional role of PCAT-1 in promoting the proliferation, invasion and migration of ESCC cells. We also identified a PCAT-1/miR-508-3p/ANXA10 axis in mediating the promoting role of PCAT-1 in the progression of ESCC. The findings provide experimental evidence to support lncRNA PCAT-1 as a potential therapeutic target of ESCC.

Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Promotes the Growth and Migration of Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an oncogene found in various types of cancers. However, how PEDF affects the development of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is unknown. This study investigates the role of PEDF in ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle both in vitro and in vivo. The PEDF expression was examined in patient tumor samples and ESCC cell lines. Short hairpin RNA technology was used to inhibit the PEDF expression in ESCC EC9706 and KYSE150 cells. In vitro cell proliferation and migration assays were performed. The effects of PEDF on tumor growth and progression were examined in vivo in murine subcutaneous xenograft tumor models. It was found that PEDF was overexpressed in esophageal cancer cells and patient tumor tissues compared to normal control samples. PEDF enhanced cell cycle progression and inhibited cell apoptosis. Knock down of PEDF inhibited esophageal cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Moreover, Inhibition of PEDF significantly reduced tumor growth and tumor size in vivo. These results indicate that PEDF induce tumorigenesis in ESCC and can be a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A on bleomycin- induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), an active ingredient of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine Carthamus tinctorius L., on lung inflflammation and pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) in rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into 6 groups including normal group, model group, three HSYA groups and dexamethasone (DXM) group. Three doses of HSYA (35.6, 53.3, and 80.0 mg•kg-1•day-1) were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected in rats for 3 weeks after BLM administration and DXM was used as the positive control (n=8 or 12). Arterial blood gas was assayed and morphological changes were observed. Lung mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and some cytokines in lung tissue were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear factor-κB p65 or α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein distribution in rat lung tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: On the 7th day after BLM administration, lung tissue showed serious inflammation. Treatment with HSYA or DXM ameliorated lung inflammation. After treatment with HSYA or DXM, oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) increased (HSYA 80.0 mg•kg-1, P<0.01) and CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) decreased (HSYA 53.3, 80.0 mg•kg-1, P<0.05). Moreover, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6; and the number of NF-κB p65 positive cells was lower in HSYA 53.3 and 80.0 mg•kg-1 groups than those in the model group (all P<0.05). Twenty-one days after BLM administration, HSYA or DXM treatment ameliorated fibrosis, increased PaO2 (HSYA 53.3, 80.0 mg•kg-1, P<0.01), and decreased PaCO2 (53.3 and 80.0 mg•kg-1, P<0.05). Further, the mRNA expression of TGF-ß1, α-SMA, and collagen I as well as the number of α-SMA positive cells increased in the model group and HSYA can attenuate these changes (53.3, 80.0 mg•kg-1, P<0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining indicated that the fibrosis and collagen deposition were ameliorated in HSYA groups (53.3, 80.0 mg•kg-1, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: HSYA could alleviate acute lung inflflammation and chronic pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM in rats.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Mice.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is an effective ingredient of the Chinese herb Carthamus tinctorius L. The present study investigated the protective effect of HSYA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice, and the underlying mechanisms involved. HSYA (14, 28, 56 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to mice once daily from day 1 to 10 after LPS administration. HSYA attenuated the body weight loss, the augmented left index and the increase of pathologic changes in pulmonary inflammation caused by LPS. Treatment with HSYA also alleviated increased expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, collagen (Col) I, Col III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), myeloid differentiation (MD)-2, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and cluster differentiation (CD)14 at the mRNA (RT-PCR) and protein levels (Western blot and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay). Moreover, HSYA inhibited the elevated levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and α-SMA in lung tissue (immunohistochemistry), and alleviated the slight collagen deposition in pulmonary tissues (Masson's trichrome staining). HSYA inhibited the specific binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-LPS on human lung epithelial cell line (A549) or human umbilical vein cell line (Eahy926) cells (flow cytometry). These findings suggested that HSYA has a protective effect on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by LPS through blocking the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and that the TLR4 receptor might be a target of HSYA on the cell membrane.

Epigenetic activation of SIN1 promotes NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis by affecting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) interacting protein 1 (SIN1) is an essential component of mTORC2. Previous studies have shown that SIN1 is a key regulator of Akt pathway which plays an important role in various pathological conditions including cancer. While its effects and mechanisms on the progression of NSCLC remain unknown. In this study, we report that SIN1 is able to promote the growth and migration of NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of SIN1 promoted A549 and H1299 cells proliferation by both MTT and colony formation assays. Consistently, knockdown of SIN1 inhibited the proliferation of these cells. In transwell assay, overexpression of SIN1 increased the migration of A549 and H1299 cells, while SIN1 knockdown reduced their migration. In a tumor xenograft model, overexpression of SIN1 promoted tumor growth of A549 cells in vivo, while SIN1 knockdown suppresses the tumor growth. We also found a mechanistic link between SIN1 and H3K4me3, H3K4me3 is involved in SIN1 upregulation. Moreover, SIN1 can significantly promote the in vitro migration and invasion of NSCLC cells via induction epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which subsequently leads to transcriptional downregulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin and upregulation of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and Vimentin expression. Together, our results reveal that SIN1 plays an important role in NSCLC and SIN1 is a potential biomarker and a promising target in the treatment of NSCLC.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelium inflammatory injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study observed attenuating effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), an effective ingredient of aqueous extract of Carthamus tinctorius L, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelium inflammatory injury. METHODS: Eahy926 human endothelium cell (EC) line was used; thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was assayed to observe the viability of EC; Luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to measure nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit nuclear binding activity in EC; Western blot technology was used to monitor mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and NF-κB activation. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was applied to observe intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin mRNA level; EC surface ICAM-1 expression was measured with flow cytometry and leukocyte adhesion to EC was assayed with Rose Bengal spectrophotometry technology. RESULTS: HSYA protected EC viability against LPS-induced injury (P <0.05). LPS-induced NF-κB p65 subunit DNA binding (P <0.01) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor α (IκBα) phosphorylation was inhibited by HSYA. HSYA attenuated LPS triggered ICAM-1 and E-selectin mRNA levels elevation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK or c-Jun N-terminal kinase MAPK. HSYA also inhibited LPS-induced cell surface ICAM-1 protein expression P <0.01) and leukocyte adhesion to EC (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: HSYA is effective to protect LPS-induced high expression of endothelium adhesive molecule and inflammatory signal transduction.

Encapsulated paclitaxel nanoparticles exhibit enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in A549 non-small lung cancer cells.

In the present study, paclitaxel (PTX) were encapsulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polylactide (PLA)/D-α tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) (PEG-PLA/TPGS) and the enhanced anti-tumor activity of this PTX mixed micelles (PTX-MM) was evaluated in lung cancer cells. The PTX-MM prepared by a solvent evaporation method was demonstrated to have high drug-loading efficiency (23.2%), high encapsulation efficiency (76.4%), and small size (59 nm). In vitro release assay showed the slow release behavior of PTX-MM, suggesting the good stability of the PTX-MM essential for long circulation time. In vitro kinetics assay demonstrated that PTX-MM could promote absorption and increase relative bioavailability. The anti-cancer efficiency of PTX-MM was also examined by both in vitro and in vivo studies. PTX-MM exhibits obvious cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells with much lower IC50 value when compared with commercial formulated PTX or PTX + TPGS. The xenograft tumor model studies on nude mice indicated that PTX-MM inhibits tumor growth more effectively than other formulations. It was also found that most of mixed micelles were integral in tumor site to exhibit anti-cancer activity. Our results suggested that the use of PTX-MM as an anti-cancer drug may be an effective approach to treat lung cancer.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a main component of safflor yellow, has been demonstrated to prevent steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head by inhibiting primary bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells adipogenic differentiation induced by steroid. In this study, we investigate the effect of HSYA on the proliferation and adipogenesis of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The effects of HSYA on proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and its possible mechanism were studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide spectrophotometry, Oil Red O staining, intracellular triglyceride assays, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, transient transfection and dual luciferase reporter gene methods. HSYA inhibited the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and cell viability greatly decreased in a dose and time dependent manner. HSYA (1 mg/l) notably reduced the amount of intracellular lipid and triglyceride content in adipocytes by 21.3 % (2.13 ± 0.36 vs 2.71 ± 0.40, P < 0.01) and 22.6 % (1.33 ± 0.07 vs 1.72 ± 0.07, P < 0.01) on days 8 following the differentiation, respectively. HSYA (1 mg/l) significantly increased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) mRNA expression and promoter activities by 2.4- and 1.55-fold, respectively (P < 0.01), in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. HSYA inhibits the proliferation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The inhibitory action of HYSA on adipogenesis may be due to the promotion of lipolytic-specific enzyme HSL expression by increasing HSL promoter activity.

HPV-16 E6 promotes cell growth of esophageal cancer via downregulation of miR-125b and activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a possible cause of esophageal cancer. However, the molecular pathogenesis of HPV-infected esophageal cancer remains unclear. The expression levels of some microRNAs including miR-125b have been negatively correlated with HPV infection, and miR-125b downregulation is associated with tumorigenesis. In addition, Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway has been suggested to play an important role in esophageal cancer (EC). We examined miR-125b and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in HPV-16 E6 promoted tumor progression in EC. HPV-16 E6 transfection decreased markedly the expression levels of miR-125b and promoted the colony formation in the Eca 109 and Kyse 150 cell lines, and restoration of miR-125b expression level antagonized the increased colony formation in HPV-16 E6 transfected cell lines. We also demonstrated that overexpression of E6 upregulated the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling activity via modulating the multiple regulators including TLE1, GSK3ß, and sFRP4. Overexpression of miR-125b restored the expression levels of these proteins. Expression of miR-125b was lower in HPV-16 E6 positive esophageal cancer tissues, and was negatively correlated with E6 mRNA levels. Our results indicate that HPV-16 E6 promotes tumorigenesis in EC via down-regulation of miR-125b, and this underlying mechanism may be involved in the activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Hormone-sensitive lipase is involved in the action of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) inhibiting adipogenesis of 3T3-L1cells.

BACKGROUND: Safflor yellow A (SY) has been demonstrated to be beneficial to cardiovascular system. Our previous study showed that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a main component of SY, could increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ mRNA expression. In this study, we investigate the effect of HSYA on the proliferation and adipogenesis of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. METHODS: The proliferation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells treated with HSYA was studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) spectrophotometry, Oil Red O staining and intracellular triglyceride assay methods. HSL mRNA expression and promoter activity were studied by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, transient transfection and dual luciferase reporter gene methods. RESULTS: HSYA (0.1 mg/L) significantly inhibited the proliferation of 3T3-L1 cells when compared with control cells in 8 h. This effect was further enhanced with the extension time (24 to 96 h) and an increase of concentration of HSYA (1-10 mg/L). The maximal inhibitory action was observed at 0.1 mg/L HSYA in 72 h (86±11.8% vs. 100±4.1%, p<0.01). HSYA notably reduced the amount of intracellular lipid and triglyceride content in adipocytes to 85% (1 mg/L) and 75% (100 mg/L) on Day 4 following the differentiation, respectively, while increased HSL mRNA expression and promoter activities to 2.7 fold and 1.55 fold, respectively (p<0.01), in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: HSYA inhibits the proliferation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The inhibitory action of HYSA on adipogenesis may be due to the promotion of lipolytic-specific enzyme HSL expression by increasing HSL promoter activity.

[Comparison of the short-term outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer after subtotal esophagectomy via thoracoscopy in left lateral position and in prone position].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer after subtotal esophagectomy via thoracoscopy in prone position and in left lateral position. METHODS: Between September 2008 and September 2010, thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE) with thoracoscopic mobilization of the esophagus and mediastinal esophagectomy was performed in 41 patients in prone position (group A) and other 41 patients (group B) performed by the same surgeon in left lateral position. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the endoscopic location of the tumor was in the upper third in 5 cases (2 vs. 3), the middle third in 21 cases (12 vs. 9), and the lower third in 56 cases (27 vs. 29). The median operative time was 230 (range 170-310) min in group A and 280 (range 190-380) min in group B (P=0.04). The median intraoperative blood loss was 275 (range 100-320) ml in group A and 360 (range 120-670) ml in group B (P=0.09). The median number of lymph nodes dissected was 8.4 (range 4-23) in group A and 6.9 (range 6-21) in group B (P=0.03). The postoperative complications totaled 6 (14.6%) in group A and 8 (17.1%) in group B (P=0.44). After a median follow-up period of 15.7 (range 2-28) months for group A and 16.3 (range 3-31) months for group B, 19 patients in group A died and 21 patients in group B. CONCLUSIONS: For esophageal cancer under T3N1M0, surgical outcomes are similar between prone thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization and left lateral position. Prone position may be associated with better lymph node dissection.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A alleviates early inflammatory response of bleomycin-induced mice lung injury.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is an effective ingredient of Chinese herb Carthamus tinctorius L. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of HSYA on inflammatory phase of bleomycin-induced pulmonary injury in mice. Three doses of HSYA (26.7, 40, 60 mg/kg/d) were intraperitoneally injected to mice consecutively for 1 week after bleomycin administration. It was found that HSYA attenuated the loss in body weight, the increase of myeloperoxidase activity and pathologic changes of pulmonary inflammation caused by bleomycin. Treatment with HSYA also alleviated bleomycin-induced increase of mRNA level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 in lung homogenates. Moreover HSYA inhibited the increased activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in lung tissue. These findings demonstrated that HSYA had protective effect on bleomycin-induced lung inflammatory response.

[Inhibitory effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A against PMN activation induced by LPS].

Carthamus tinctorius L. is a traditional Chinese medicine with the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. HSYA (hydroxysafflor yellow A) is the main effective component of Carthamus tinctorius L. In order to study the inhibitory effects of HSYA against PMN (polymorphonuclear) activation induced by LPS (lipopolysaccharide), rabbit PMN adhesion potency which was activated by LPS through colorimetry method was observed. Cellular free calcium concentration was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. RT-PCR was applied to study the effect of HSYA on PMN TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression; The inhibition of HSYA on NF-kappaB activation was monitored with immunofluorescence. The results showed that after treated with HSYA, the increase of adhesion potency (HSYA dose 1.01 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1)), free calcium concentration (HSYA dose 3.1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1)), TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression elevation (HSYA dose 5.2 x 10(-1) mol x L(-1)) induced by LPS were inhibited. HSYA can inhibit NF-kappaB p65 subgroup nuclear translocation (HSYA dose 5.2 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1)). It is suggested that HSYA is effective in PMN activation induced by LPS.