Enantioselective Construction of C-SCF3 Stereocenters via Nickel Catalyzed Asymmetric Negishi Coupling Reaction.

The construction of the SCF3-containing 1,1-diaryl tertiary carbon stereocenters with high enantioselectivities is reported via a nickel-catalyzed asymmetric C-C coupling strategy. This method demonstrates simple operations, mild conditions and excellent functional group tolerance, with newly designed SCF3-containing synthon, which can be easily obtained from commercially available benzyl bromide and trifluoromethylthio anion in a two-step manner. Further substrate exploration indicated that the reaction system could be extended to diverse perfluoroalkyl sulfide (SC2F5, SC3F7, SC4F9, SCF2CO2Et)-substituted 1,1-diaryl compounds with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by convenient derivatization to optical SCF3-containing analogues of bioactive compounds without an apparent decrease in enantioselectivity.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Dicarbofunctionalizations of Alkenes for the Synthesis of Difluorocarbonyl Oxindoles and Isoquinoline-1,3-diones.

A novel and efficient strategy for the construction of difluorocarbonyl-oxindole and difluorocarbonyl-isoquinoline-1,3-dione derivatives involving nickel-catalyzed intramolecular Heck-type cyclizations followed by intermolecular cross-couplings has been developed. This approach features high functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and operational simplicity under mild conditions, thus providing a new method for the rapid difluorocarbonyl-functionalization of alkenes to construct the structurally diversified five- and six-membered heterocycles.

The Utility of Preclinical Models in Understanding the Bone Health of Transgender Individuals Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarise the evidence regarding the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on bone health in transgender people, to identify key knowledge gaps and how these gaps can be addressed using preclinical rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS: Sex hormones play a critical role in bone physiology, yet there is a paucity of research regarding the effects of GAHT on bone microstructure and fracture risk in transgender individuals. The controlled clinical studies required to yield fracture data are unethical to conduct making clinically translatable preclinical research of the utmost importance. Novel genetic and surgical preclinical models have yielded significant mechanistic insight into the roles of sex steroids on skeletal integrity. Preclinical models of GAHT have the potential inform clinical approaches to preserve skeletal integrity and prevent fractures in transgender people undergoing GAHT. This review highlights the key considerations required to ensure the information gained from preclinical models of GAHT are informative.

LncRNA SCIRT is Downregulated in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Sponges miR-21 in Cytoplasm to Increase Chemosensitivity to Doxorubicin.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the role of SCIRT in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its interaction with miR-21. METHODS: This study included 66 AML patients who were diagnosed with AML and received doxorubicin (Dox) treatment. Bone marrow was isolated from all patients before and after treatment to prepare BM mononuclear cells (BMMNCs). BMMNCs from another 60 healthy controls were also collected. The expression of SCIRT and miR-21 were analyzed with RT-qPCR. Subcellular location of SCIRT was analyzed with cellular fractionation assay. RNA pull-down assay was performed to analyze the interaction between SCIRT and miR-21. The roles of SCIRT and miR-21 in regulating the expression of each other were explored with overexpression assay. The role of SCIRT and miR-21 in Dox-induced AML cell apoptosis was analyzed with cell apoptosis assay. RESULTS: SCIRT was downregulated in AML and further downregulated in AML patients who developed drug resistance (DR) after treatment. In contrast, miR-21 was upregulated in AML and further upregulated in AML patients with DR. SCIRT was detected in both nuclear and cytoplasm and it directly interacted with miR-21. SCIRT and miR-21 did not affect the expression of each other. In contrast, SCIRT suppressed the inhibitory role of miR-21 in the apoptosis of AML cells induced by Dox. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, SCIRT was downregulated in AML and it sponged miR-21 in cytoplasm to increase the chemosensitivity to Dox.

MicroRNA-582-3p negatively regulates cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in acute myeloid leukemia by targeting cyclin B2.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as post-transcriptional gene expression regulators. Some miRNAs, including the recently discovered miR-582-3p, have been implicated in leukemogenesis. This study aimed to reveal the biological function of miR-582-3p in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is one of the most frequently diagnosed hematological malignancies. METHODS: The expression of miR-582-3p was determined using quantitative real-time PCR in blood samples from leukemia patients and in cell lines. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were analyzed using the CCK-8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays. The target gene of miR-582-3p was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The G2/M phase arrest-related molecule contents were measured using western blotting analysis. RESULTS: We found miR-582-3p was significantly downregulated in the blood samples from leukemia patients and in the cell lines. MiR-582-3p overexpression significantly impaired cell proliferation and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, cyclin B2 (CCNB2) was confirmed as a target gene of miR-582-3p and found to be negatively regulated by miR-582-3p overexpression. More importantly, CCNB2 knockdown showed suppressive effects on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression similar to those caused by miR-582-3p overexpression. The inhibitory effects of miR-582-3p overexpression on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were abrogated by CCNB2 transfection. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate new functions and mechanisms for miR-582-3p in AML development. Further study could clarify if miR-582-3p and CCNB2 are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of AML.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and risk of cognitive decline: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and risk of cognitive decline. METHODS: Electronic databases such as PubMed and EMBASE were searched for prospective cohort studies that involved the relationship between HHcy and risk of cognitive decline. Adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by Review Manager 5.2.7. Subgroup analyses were conducted on stratification of some important variables. RESULTS: Fourteen publications were included in the analysis. The pooled RR was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.23-1.91; p = 0.0002) for patients with HHcy compared to subjects without HHcy. Subgroup analyses indicated that the pooled RRs were 1.51 (95% CI, 1.10-2.05; p = 0.01) for more than five-year follow-up studies and 1. 56 (95% CI, 1.13-2.14; p = 0.007) for less than five-year follow-up studies. The pooled RRs were 1.66 (95% CI, 1.21-2.26; p = 0.001) for studies excluding the confounder of B vitamins and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.08-1.66; p = 0.008) for non-excluded studies. In terms of region, the pooled RR was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.21-2.13; p = 0.001) for European and American countries, while the pooled RR was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.02-1.59; p = 0.03) for other regions. CONCLUSION: As one of the independent risk factors, HHcy was associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.

[Retracted] Potentiation of the antitumor activity of adriamycin against osteosarcoma by cannabinoid WIN­55,212­2.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3525.].

Estradiol increases cortical and trabecular bone accrual and bone strength in an adolescent male-to-female mouse model of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on the skeletal integrity and fracture risk in transitioning adolescent trans girls are unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a mouse model to simulate male-to-female transition in human adolescents in whom puberty is first arrested by using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogs with subsequent estradiol treatment. Puberty was suppressed by orchidectomy in male mice at 5 weeks of age. At 3 weeks post-surgery, male-to-female mice were treated with a high dose of estradiol (~0.85 mg) by intraperitoneal silastic implantation for 12 weeks. Controls included intact and orchidectomized males at 3 weeks post-surgery, vehicle-treated intact males, intact females and orchidectomized males at 12 weeks post-treatment. Compared to male controls, orchidectomized males exhibited decreased peak bone mass accrual and a decreased maximal force the bone could withstand prior to fracture. Estradiol treatment in orchidectomized male-to-female mice compared to mice in all control groups was associated with an increased cortical thickness in the mid-diaphysis, while the periosteal circumference increased to a level that was intermediate between intact male and female controls, resulting in increased maximal force and stiffness. In trabecular bone, estradiol treatment increased newly formed trabeculae arising from the growth plate as well as mineralizing surface/bone surface and bone formation rate, consistent with the anabolic action of estradiol on osteoblast proliferation. These data support the concept that skeletal integrity can be preserved and that long-term fractures may be prevented in trans girls treated with GnRHa and a sufficiently high dose of GAHT. Further study is needed to identify an optimal dose of estradiol that protects the bone without adverse side effects.

High circulating concentrations of estradiol are anabolic for bone mass and strength in an adult male to female transgender mouse model.

The effects of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on bone microarchitecture and fracture risk in adult transgender women is unclear. To investigate the concept that skeletal integrity and strength in trans women may be improved by treatment with a higher dose of GAHT than commonly prescribed, we treated adult male mice with a sustained, high dose of estradiol. Adult male mice at 16 weeks of age were administered ~1.3 mg estradiol by silastic implant, implanted intraperitoneally, for 12 weeks. Controls included vehicle treated intact females and males. High-dose estradiol treatment in males stimulated the endocortical deposition of bone at the femoral mid-diaphysis, increasing cortical thickness and bone area. This led to higher stiffness, maximum force, and the work required to fracture the bone compared to male controls, while post-yield displacement was unaffected. Assessment of the material properties of the bone showed an increase in both elastic modulus and ultimate stress in the estradiol treated males. Treatment of male mice with high dose estradiol was also anabolic for trabecular bone, markedly increasing trabecular bone volume, number and thickness in the distal metaphysis which was accompanied by an increase in the histomorphometric markers of bone remodelling, mineralizing surface/bone surface, bone formation rate and osteoclast number. In conclusion, a high dose of estradiol is anabolic for cortical and trabecular bone in a male to female transgender mouse model, increasing both stiffness and strength. These findings suggest that increasing the current dose of GAHT administered to trans women, while considering other potential adverse effects, may be beneficial to preserving their bone microstructure and strength.

[A new triterpenoid from Pittosporum glabratum Lindl].

The roots of Pittosporum glabratum Lindl. (Pittosporaceae) have been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, insomnia and hypertension. Only a few chemical or biological studies on P. glabratum have been reported. As part of our ongoing phytochemical research on this plant, four compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as 3beta, 6beta, 19alpha, 21alpha, 24-pentahydroxy-12-en-28-oleanolic acid (1), 3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl siaresinolic acid (2), 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl-1-O-beta-D-(5-O-syringoyl)-apiofuranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenol-1-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) on the basis of physical evidence and spectroscopic analysis. Among them, compound 1 is a new triterpenoid, and compounds 2-4 are isolated from the genus Pittosporum for the first time.

Characteristics of Acupoint Selection and Therapeutic Effect Analysis of Acupuncture Treatment for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment on chronic kidney disease (CKD) was assessed, and the characteristics of acupoint selection in different CKD types were summarised. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with CKD were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study, of whom 50 received acupuncture treatment for 12 weeks (acupuncture group) and 50 received routine treatment for 12 weeks (control group). Routine treatment included appropriate rest, low-salt and low-protein diet and correction of the disturbance in water, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Hypertensive patients received antihypertensive treatment, and patients with hyperuricaemia received uric acid lowering treatment. Acupuncture acupoints were selected in accordance with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Baseline characteristics, therapeutic effects and adverse events were assessed, and kidney function indexes, urine albumin creatine ratios (UACRs) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were compared at different time points (before acupuncture treatment, T1; Immediately after acupuncture treatment, T2; After 3 months of follow-up, T3). RESULTS: The baseline data were slightly different between the groups (p > 0.05), specifically gender, age, duration time, TCM syndrome, CKD stage, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The acupuncture group presented better therapeutic effects than the control group (82.00% vs. 60.00%, p = 0.015). At T2 or T3, the value of UACR in both groups obviously decreased (p < 0.05), whereas the eGFRs markedly increased (p < 0.05). In addition, at T2 or T3, the UACRs were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the control group (p < 0.01), whereas an opposite result was obtained for eGFR (p < 0.05). The adverse event rate barely differed between the groups (8.00% vs. 6.00%, p = 0.695). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture treatment can effectively treat CKD and can improve kidney function. This study provides a theoretical basis for clinical application.

Hyperprogressive disease in non-small cell lung cancer after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors immunotherapy: underlying killer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) target the negative regulatory pathway of T cells and effectively reactive the anti-tumor immune function of T cells by blocking the key pathway of the immune escape mechanism of the tumor-PD-1/PD-L1, and fundamentally changing the prospect of immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients. However, such promising immunotherapy is overshadowed by Hyperprogressive Disease, a response pattern associated with unwanted accelerated tumor growth and characterized by poor prognosis in a fraction of treated patients. This review comprehensively provides an overview of Hyperprogressive Disease in immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer including its definition, biomarkers, mechanisms, and treatment. A better understanding of the black side of immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy will provide a more profound insight into the pros and cons of immunotherapy.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed Monofluoroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes to Propargylic Fluorides.

A photoinduced copper-catalyzed strategy for the monofluoroalkylation of alkynes with readily available monofluoroalkyl triflates was developed. It provides a new protocol to access valuable propargyl fluoride compounds via C-C bond formation by avoiding the use of highly toxic fluorination reagents. This reaction proceeded under mild conditions to afford propargyl monofluorides in moderate to high yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that a ligand-matched alkynyl copper complex might be the key photoactive substance.

Identification of the prognostic and immunological roles of aquaporin 4: A potential target for survival and immunotherapy in glioma patients.

Recent studies have revealed the critical role of AQP4 in the occurrence and development of gliomas. However, the role of AQP4 in immune regulation has not yet been reported. Many recent reports have identified the lymphatic system's occurrence within the central nervous system (CNS) and the vital role of immune regulation in treating brain tumors. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the role of AQP4 in the immune regulation of glioma. We used bioinformatics analysis to investigate the immunoregulatory function of AQP4, including its correlation with immunity, anti-tumor immune processes, immunotherapy, immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), stemness, mutation, and pan-cancer. The results revealed that AQP4 was significantly associated with the expression of multiple immune checkpoints, immune cells, as well as multiple immune cell effector genes, and antigen presentation and processing abilities. Although no significant correlation was found between the AQP4 gene and IDH mutation and MGMT, AQP4 demonstrated substantial expression differences in different immunophenotypes and molecular types. Using the TTD database, we discovered that EGFR, ABAT, and PDGFRA are strongly associated with AQP4 expression in the glioblastoma (GBM) classification, and these factors could be the potential AQP4-related immunotherapy targets. Afterward, we screened the differential genes in the high and low AQP4 gene expression group, the high and low immune score group, and the high and low matrix score group and took the intersection as the candidate factor. Finally, univariate Cox analysis was used to find eight prognostic variables with significant differences across the candidate genes. After lasso dimensionality reduction, three genes built the model (RARRES1, SOCS3, and TTYH1). The scoring model generated by the three genes was eventually obtained after the multi-factor screening of the three genes. Finally, combined with clinical information and cox regression analysis, it was further confirmed that the model score could be used as an independent prognostic factor.

Wernicke's encephalopathy in a rectal cancer patient with atypical radiological features: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Wernicke's encephalopathy is a disease caused by thiamine deficiency. The lesions usually involve the periphery of the aqueduct, midbrain, tectum, third ventricle, papillary body, and thalamus. It is very rare to affect the vermis and cerebellar hemispheres. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 77-year-old female patient admitted to the emergency department of our hospital for 2 d of unconsciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed increased diffusion weighted imaging signals in the bilateral thalamus, periventricular regions of the third ventricle, corpora quadrigemina, vermis, and cerebellar hemispheres. Wernicke's encephalopathy was considered. She was given thiamine therapy and became conscious after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Wernicke's encephalopathy may have various imaging manifestations. Clinicians should keep in mind that Wernicke's encephalopathy may occur in patients who experience prolonged periods of malnutrition.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG1 relieves microglia activation by downregulating miR-329-3p expression in an in vitro model of cerebral infarction.

Following cerebral infarction, activated microglia cells can release a large amount of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exacerbating neuronal damage. It has been demonstrated that the long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) exerts a protective effect against cerebral infarction. However, its specific role in cerebral infarction and underlying mechanism have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the SNHG1 and microRNA (miR)-329-3p in cerebral infarction and to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. An in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was established using the BV-2 microglial cell line. The mRNA expression levels of SNHG1 and miR-329-3p were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and the protein expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-3 were detected using western blotting. The binding relationship between SNHG1 and miR-329-3p was predicted using starBase and verified using a dual luciferase reporter assay. The release of TNF-α and nitric oxide, as well as caspase-3 activity, were detected using appropriate commercial kits. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to measure cell apoptosis. The results of the present study revealed that the expression levels of SNHG1 were upregulated in the OGD-induced BV-2 cell model. miR-329-3p was discovered to directly target SNHG1, and its mRNA expression levels were downregulated in the OGD-induced BV-2 cell model. The SNHG1-plasmid downregulated miR-329-3p expression levels, while this effect was reversed by transfection with the miR-329-3p mimic. The overexpression of SNHG1 or knockdown of miR-329-3p inhibited OGD-induced BV-2 cell activation. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that SNHG1 may reduce microglial cell activity by regulating the expression of miR-329-3p, indicating its potential protective role in cerebral infarction.

Changes in white adipose tissue gene expression in a randomized control trial of dieting obese men with lowered serum testosterone alone or in combination with testosterone treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine early weight loss-associated changes in subcutaneous abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) gene expression in obese men with lowered serum testosterone by RNA next-generation sequencing. METHODS: Fourteen men, mean age (IQR) 51.6 years (43.4-54.5), BMI 38.3 kg/m2 (34.6-40.8) and total testosterone 8.4 nmol/L (7.5-9.5) provided subcutaneous WAT samples at baseline and after 2 weeks of a very low energy diet. RESULTS: Body weight loss was similar in participants receiving testosterone (n = 6), -5.27 kg [95% CI -6.17; -4.26], and placebo (n = 8), -4.57 kg [95% CI -6.10; -3.55], p = 0.86. In placebo-treated men, of the 14,410 genes expressed in subcutaneous WAT, four genes, Angiopoietin-like 4, Semaphorin 3 G, Neuropilin 2 and Angiopoietin 4, were upregulated (adjusted false discovery rate P < 0.05). In an exploratory analysis comparing men receiving testosterone and placebo, the most-upregulated gene in the testosterone group (exploratory p < 0.0005) was the neuropeptide y receptor 2. CONCLUSIONS: In obese men, dieting is associated with upregulation of WAT-expressed Angiopoietin-like 4, a secreted protein that regulates lipid metabolism, Semaphorin 3 G, a proposed adipocyte differentiation factor and secreted adipokine, and its receptor Neuropilin 2, as well as Angiopoietin 4, a vascular integrity factor. In an exploratory analysis, testosterone was associated with the upregulation of neuropeptide y receptor 2, a receptor involved in appetite regulation. Further studies are needed to confirm these observations and their potential biological implications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT01616732, Registration date: June 8, 2012.

Gene expression profiling of brain endothelial cells after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a type of hemorrhagic stroke that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. New effective treatments are needed to improve outcomes. The pathophysiology of SAH is complex and includes early brain injury and delayed cerebral ischemia, both of which are characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment. We isolated brain endothelial cells (BECs) from mice subjected to SAH by injection of blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. We used gene expression profiling to identify 707 unique genes (2.8% of transcripts, 403 upregulated, 304 downregulated, 24,865 interrogated probe sets) that were significantly differentially expressed in mouse BECs after SAH. The pathway involving prostaglandin synthesis and regulation was significantly upregulated after SAH, including increased expression of the Ptgs2 gene and its corresponding COX-2 protein. Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, limited upregulation of Ptgs2 in BECs. In this study, we have defined the gene expression profiling of BECs after experimental SAH and provide further insight into BBB pathophysiology, which may be relevant to other neurological diseases such as traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, ischaemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Human urinary kallidinogenase or edaravone combined with butylphthalide in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

AIM: The effectiveness of neuroprotective agents is still unclear. Here we analyzed the clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with human urinary kallidinogenase (HUK) or edaravone (Eda) combined with butylphthalide (NBP). METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2017, a total of 165 AIS patients were enrolled in this open-label, randomized controlled clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated into HUK group and Eda group in a ratio of 2:1. All the patients received basic treatments and NBP (200 mg p.o. qid) while HUK group received 0.15 PNA unit of HUK injection (ivgtt. qd) and Eda group received 30 mg Eda (ivgtt. bid) for 14 consecutive days. Independency rate [12-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 1] and related factors were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Twelve-month mRS score of the HUK group (1, IQR 0~1) was significantly lower compared with Eda group (2, IQR 1~3, p < .0001). The HUK treatment achieved an independency rate of 79.1% while the Eda treatment only had 45.3% (p < .0001). Further binary logistic regression showed that recurrent stroke (RR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0~0.1, p = .038) and HUK treatment (RR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1~16.5, p = .041) could significantly affect patients' 12-month outcomes. CONCLUSION: Human urinary kallidinogenase combined with NBP can enhance AIS patients' long-term independency rate, and the effectiveness of HUK combined therapy is better than Eda.

Silencing of PPMD1 inhibits proliferation of human colon cancer cells via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

PURPOSE: Accumulating reports have shown the oncogenic properties of PPMD1 (protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1D) in different cancer types. This study was undertaken to explore the role and therapeutic potential of PPM1D in colon cancer. METHODS: HT-29 colon cancer cell line was used in this study. Expression analysis of PPMD1 was performed by qRT-PCR. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. DAPI, acridin orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and propidium iodide (PI)staining assays were used for apoptosis detection. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of PPMD1 was significantly upregulated in colon cancer by 3.2 to 4.8 fold. Silencing of PPMD1 caused significant decline in the proliferation rate of the HT-29 colon cancer cells that was due to induction of apoptosis as evidenced by DAPI, AO/EB and PI staining. Annexin V/PI showed a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic of HT-29 cells upon silencing of PPMD1. The induction of apoptosis was also accompanied by increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 expression. PPMD1 silencing also resulted in arrest of the HT-29 cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle which was also associated with upsurge of p21 and p53 and depletion of cyclin B1 expression levels. PPMD1 silencing also caused decrease in the viability of the HT-29 cells which was concomitant with suppression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PPMD1 has oncogenic properties in colon cancer and exhibit therapeutic implications in colon cancer treatment.