Increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea.

PURPOSE: We aimed to show the increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea in patients with immunosuppression. METHODS: We present a case of an invasive fungal infection caused by Volvariella volvacea, and summarize the clinical and pathological features based on this case and a review of the literature. RESULTS: A total of seven patients with IFIs due to Volvariella Volvacea have been reported in the literature. The majority of cases have been obtained between 2019 and 2022. Including our case, they all had acquired immunosuppression. The lung and brain were the most commonly affected organs. All eight of these patients received antifungal therapy, but five still died one to seven months after occurrences of IFIs. CONCLUSION: The incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea is increasing in recent years. It mainly occurred in patients with immunosuppression, especially in patients with malignant hematological cancers, and increased mortality.

Rapamycin protects mouse skin from ultraviolet B-induced photodamage by modulating Hspb2-mediated autophagy and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Continuous exposure to UVB is the main extrinsic cause of skin photodamage, which is associated with oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis and degradation of collagen. Rapamycin, a mechanistic target inhibitor of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), has been shown to play a crucial role anti-tumor and aging retardation, but its mechanism of action in UVB-induced photodamage still remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of rapamycin and Hspb2 (also known as Hsp27) in UVB-induced photodamage in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: We constructed skin acute photodamage models on the ears of WT and Hspb2 KO mice, respectively, and administered rapamycin treatment. Histological results showed that knockout of the hspb2 exacerbated the skin damage, as evidenced by thickening of the epidermis, breakage and disruption of collagen fibers and reduction in their number, which is reversed by rapamycin treatment. In addition, hspb2 knockout promoted UVB-induced apoptosis and reduced autophagy levels, with a significant increase in p53 levels and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, a reduction in LC3II/I ratio and an increase in p62 levels in the KO mice compared to those in WT mice after the same dose of UVB irradiation. Rapamycin was also found to inhibit collagen degradation induced by hspb2 knockdown through activation of the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin can alleviate skin photodamage from Hspb2 knockout to some extent. It may be a potential therapeutic drug for skin photodamage. In this study, we investigated the role of rapamycin and Hspb2 in UVB-induced photodamage in mice. Histological results showed that knockout of the hspb2 exacerbated the skin damage, as evidenced by thickening of the epidermis, breakage and disruption of collagen fibers and reduction in their number, which is reversed by rapamycin treatment. In addition, hspb2 knockout promoted UVB-induced apoptosis and reduced autophagy levels. Rapamycin was also found to inhibit collagen degradation induced by hspb2 knockdown through activation of the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. We conclude that rapamycin and Hspb2 exert a synergistic protective effect in skin photodamage.

Tomo-seq identifies NINJ1 as a potential target for anti-inflammatory strategy in thoracic aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening disease caused by an intimal tear in the aorta. The histological characteristics differ significantly between the tear area (TA) and the distant area. Previous studies have emphasized that certain specific genes tend to cluster at the TA. Obtaining a thorough understanding of the precise molecular signatures near the TA will assist in discovering therapeutic strategies for TAD. METHODS: We performed a paired comparison of the pathological patterns in the TA with that in the remote area (RA). We used Tomo-seq, genome-wide transcriptional profiling with spatial resolution, to obtain gene expression signatures spanning from the TA to the RA. Samples from multiple sporadic TAD patients and animal models were used to validate our findings. RESULTS: Pathological examination revealed that the TA of TAD exhibited more pronounced intimal hyperplasia, media degeneration, and inflammatory infiltration compared to the RA. The TA also had more apoptotic cells and CD31+α-SMA+ cells. Tomo-seq revealed four distinct gene expression patterns from the TA to the RA, which were inflammation, collagen catabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell stress, respectively. The spatial distribution of genes allowed us to identify genes that were potentially relevant with TAD. NINJ1 encoded the protein-mediated cytoplasmic membrane rupture, regulated tissue remodeling, showed high expression levels in the tear area, and co-expressed within the inflammatory pattern. The use of short hairpin RNA to reduce NINJ1 expression in the beta-aminopropionitrile-induced TAD model led to a significant decrease in TAD formation. Additionally, it resulted in reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and a decrease in the number of CD31+α-SMA+ cells. The NINJ1-neutralizing antibody also demonstrated comparable therapeutic effects and can effectively impede the formation of TAD. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that Tomo-seq had the advantage of obtaining spatial expression information of TAD across the TA and the RA. We pointed out that NINJ1 may be involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling, which played an important role in the formation of TAD. NINJ1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for TAD.

Analysis of the Efficacy and Recurrence of Omalizumab Use in the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and Chronic Inducible Urticaria.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin condition that can be divided into chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU). Omalizumab is one treatment option for CU, but currently there are limited clinical studies of omalizumab's efficacy for treating CU in Chinese patients. This study sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab treatment for CU patients in a Chinese patient population. Specifically, we aimed to compare the differential efficacy of omalizumab for CSU and CIndU patients and predict risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: We completed a retrospective clinical data review of 130 CU patients who received omalizumab treatment from August 2020 to May 2022, with a maximum follow-up period of 18 months. RESULTS: A total of 108 CSU patients and 22 CIndU patients were included in the study. After treatment with omalizumab, the response rate in the CSU group was higher than that in the CIndU group (93.5% vs. 68.2%), and CSU patients accounted for a higher proportion of responders and early responders (responders: 87.1% vs. 12.9%, p < 0.001; early responders: 95.7% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.001). Nonresponders had lower total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels (75.0 vs. 167.5 IU/mL, p = 0.046) and a relatively shorter duration of treatment (1.0 vs. 3.0 months, p = 0.009) compared to responders. Early responders had shorter disease duration (1.0 vs. 3.0 years, p = 0.028), higher baseline UCT (4.0 vs. 2.0, p = 0.034), lower baseline DLQI (18.0 vs. 18.5, p = 0.026), and shorter total treatment time (2.0 vs. 4.0 months, p < 0.001) compared to late responders. All adverse events reported during treatment were mild. Seventy-four patients with CU discontinued the drug after achieving complete disease control, of which 26 (35.1%) relapsed for 2.0 months (interquartile range: 1.0-3.0 months). Compared with nonrelapsed patients, relapsed patients often had other allergic diseases (42.3% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.029), higher basal levels of total IgE (263.0 vs. 140.0 IU/mL, p = 0.033), and longer disease duration (4.2 vs. 1.0 years, p = 0.002). Relapsed patients could still achieve good disease control after restarting omalizumab therapy. CONCLUSION: Omalizumab was effective and safe for CSU and CIndU patients. Patients with CSU responded more quickly to omalizumab and showed a relatively better treatment effect. However, there was a possibility of relapse after discontinuation of omalizumab after complete control of CU, and in these cases, restarting omalizumab treatment after relapse was effective.

Whole genome sequencing and evolution analyses of Human metapneumovirus.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a major pathogen of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children. Whole genome sequence analyses could help understand the evolution and transmission events of this virus. In this study, we sequenced HMPV whole genomes to improve the identification of molecular epidemiology in Beijing, China. Nasopharyngeal aspirates of hospitalized children aged < 14 years old with ARTIs were screened for HMPV infection using qPCR. Fourteen pairs of overlapping primers were used to amplify whole genome sequences of HMPV from positive samples with high viral loads. The epidemiology of HMPV was analysed and 27 HMPV whole genome sequences were obtained. Sequence identity and the positional entropy analyses showed that most regions of HMPV genome are conserved, whereas the G gene contained many variations. Phylogenetic analysis identified 25 HMPV sequences that belonged to a newly defined subtype A2b1; G gene sequences from 24 of these contained a 111-nucleotide duplication. HMPV is an important respiratory pathogen in paediatric patients. The new subtype A2b1 with a 111-nucleotide duplication has become predominate in Beijing, China.

Predictive factors of atopic-like dermatitis induced by IL-17A inhibitors in patients with psoriasis: A 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic-like dermatitis (ALD) is a common side effect of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitors. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, outcomes and treatment of ALD in a cohort of psoriasis patients treated with IL-17A inhibitors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 226 psoriasis patients treated with an IL-17A inhibitor in our dermatology department between July 2020 and July 2022. The patients were reviewed over 2 years. A logistic regression model in rare events data (relogit) was used to predict the risk factors for ALD. RESULTS: Of the 226 patients, 14 had ALD. Data including age, body mass index, IL-17A inhibitor use, personal and family history of atopic disease, pet ownership history, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were analysed using the relogit regression model. It indicated a personal history of atopic disease (odd ratio [OR] 27.830, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.801-203.770; p = 0.001) and elevated IgE levels (OR 5.867, 95% CI 1.131-30.434; p = 0.035) as independent predictors of incident ALD. In one patient, anti-IL-17A therapy was discontinued, and treatment was switched to tofacitinib. Thirteen patients who continued with IL-17A inhibitor were treated with topical therapy and/or antihistamines, and their ALD was partially or completely resolved. CONCLUSION: In this study, the incidence rate of ALD was 6.19%. Elevated IgE levels and a personal history of atopic disease were found to be the risk factors for ALD. Our study findings suggest that treatment should be provided based on the severity of psoriasis and incident ALD. Prior to treatment, psoriasis patients who have the risk factors for ALD should be informed of the possible development of ALD, and alternative psoriatic therapeutic options should be considered if severe ALD develops.

Comprehensive virome analysis of the viral spectrum in paediatric patients diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Among hospitalized children suffering from community-acquired pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the most common pathogens. MP often exists as a co-infection with bacteria or viruses, which can exacerbate the clinical symptoms. We investigated the pathogen spectrum in MP-positive and MP-negative samples from hospitalized children with respiratory tract infections in Beijing, China. METHOD: This study included 1038 samples of nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained between April, 2017 and March, 2018 from hospitalized children under 6 years of age with respiratory tract infections. To explore the impact of MP infection on the composition of the pathogen spectrum, 185 nasopharyngeal aspirates (83 MP-positive/102 MP-negative) were randomly selected for next-generation sequencing and comprehensive metagenomics analysis. Real-time PCR was used to detect and verify common respiratory viruses. RESULTS: Of the 1038 samples, 454 (43.7%) were infected with MP. In children < 6 years of age, the MP infection rate gradually increased with age, with the highest rate of 74.2% in 5-6-year-olds. The results of metagenomics analysis revealed 11 human, animal and plant virus families, and bacteriophages, including common respiratory viruses, enteroviruses and anelloviruses. The virus family with the highest number of reads in both MP-positive and MP-negative samples was the Pneumoviridae, and the number of reads for human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in MP-positive samples was higher than that in MP-negative samples. Among the 83 MP-positive samples, 47 (56.63%) were co-infected with viruses, the most common of which was influenza virus (IFV). The durations of hospitalization and fever were higher in patients with MP co-infection than MP single infection, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The viral family with the highest number of reads in both groups was Pneumoviridae, and the number of reads matched to HRSV in MP-positive samples was much higher than MP-negative samples. Co-infection of MP and IFV infection were the most cases.

Human adenoviruses in paediatric patients with respiratory tract infections in Beijing, China.

BACKGROUND: Human adenoviruse (HAdV) is a major pathogen of paediatric respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Mutation or recombination of HAdV genes may cause changes in its pathogenicity and transmission. We described the epidemiology and genotypic diversity of HAdV in hospitalized children with RTIs in Beijing, China. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from hospitalized children with RTIs from April 2018 to March 2019. HAdVs were detected by a quantitative real-time PCR, and the hexon gene was used for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Among 1572 samples, 90 (5.72%) were HAdV-positive. The HAdV detection rate was highest in November and July. Among HAdV-positive children, 61.11% (55/90) were co-infected with other respiratory viruses, the most common of which were human respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus. The main diagnosis was bronchopneumonia, most patient have cough and fever. Children with a high viral load were more likely to have a high fever (P = 0.041) and elevated WBC count (P = 0.000). Of 55 HAdV-positive specimens, HAdV-B (63.64%), HAdV-C (27.27%), and HAdV-E (9.09%) were main epidemic species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that hexon sequences of three samples were on the same branch with the recombinant HAdV strain (CBJ113), which was circulating in Beijing since 2016. CONCLUSION: The HAdV-B3 and HAdV-B7 are the main epidemic strains in Beijing, and the recombinant HAdV-C strain CBJ113 has formed an epidemic trend.

Epidemiology and genotypic diversity of human metapneumovirus in paediatric patients with acute respiratory infection in Beijing, China.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) causes high amounts of morbidity and mortality worldwide every year. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a major pathogen of ARTIs in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the epidemiology and genotypic diversity of HMPV in children hospitalized with ARTIs in Beijing, China. METHODS: Hospitalized children aged < 14 years with ARTIs were enrolled from April 2017 to March 2018; nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction tests for HMPV. HMPV-positive samples were genotyped based on a partial N gene. Whole genome sequences were determined for samples with high viral loads. RESULTS: 4.08% (52/1276) enrolled paediatric patients were identified as having HMPV infection. The epidemic season is winter and early spring, children aged ≤ 4 years were more susceptible to HMPV infection (47/52, 90.38%). The co-infection rate were 36.54% (19/52), the most common co-infected virus were influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. The main diagnoses of HMPV infection were pneumonia (29/52, 55.77%) and bronchitis (23/52, 44.23%), while the main clinical manifestations were cough, fever, rhinorrhoea, and sneeze. Among 48 HMPV-positive specimens, A2b (19/48, 39.58%) and B1 (26/48, 54.17%) were the main epidemic subtypes. Patients with HMPV genotype A infection had a higher viral load compared to genotype B patients (6.07 vs. 5.37 log10 RNA copies/ml). Five complete sequences of HMPV were obtained. This is the first report of a whole genome sequence of HMPV-B1 isolated in China. CONCLUSIONS: HMPV is an important respiratory pathogen in paediatric patients. Cases of HMPV infection could burden hospitals in the epidemic season. HMPV viral loads and genotypes have no correlation with co-infection or clinical characteristics.

Progranulin Promotes Bleomycin-Induced Skin Sclerosis by Enhancing Transforming Growth Factor-ß/Smad3 Signaling through Up-Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor-ß Type I Receptor.

Progranulin (PGRN) is an autocrine growth factor with numerous physiological and pathologic roles. Previous reports demonstrated PGRN could increase dermal fibroblasts in wound healing and activate cancer-associated fibroblasts in some cancers. Because systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypical fibrosis-related disorder, here, the aim was to clarify the role and mechanism of PGRN in bleomycin (BLM)-induced model of SSc for the first time. It was observed that the serum PGRN levels were increased in SSc patients compared with healthy controls. Immunohistology and quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that PGRN was also elevated in the lesion from the mice model of BLM-induced dermal fibrosis. In addition, in BLM-treated mice, PGRN deficiency not only attenuated dermal fibrosis but also decreased the differentiation of myofibroblasts. The reduced progression of skin sclerosis in PGRN-deficient mice was associated with down-regulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß receptor I (TßR I) and decreased level of phosphorylated Smad3, with correspondingly impaired expression of its downstream target gene connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in skin lesion. In contrast, exogenous PGRN significantly increased the level of TßR I and phosphorylated Smad3 in cultured mouse fibroblasts. This study demonstrates that PGRN plays a promoting role in the development of dermal fibrosis through the activation of the TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling via up-regulation of TßR I. PGRN may be a new therapeutic target in SSc.

Isolation and characterization of WUPyV in polarized human airway epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV) is a novel human polyomavirus detected in childwith acute respiratory infection in 2007. However, the relationship between WUPyV and respiratory diseases has yet to be established for lacking of a suitable in vitro culture system. METHODS: To isolate WUPyV with human airway epithelial (HAE) cells, the positive samples were incubated in HAE, and then the nucleic acid, VP1 protein and virions were detected using real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy respectively. RESULTS: The result showed that WUPyV could replicate effectively in HAE cells and virions with typical polyomavirus characteristics could be observed. Additionally, the entire genome sequence of the isolated strain (BJ0771) was obtained and phylogenetic analysis indicated that BJ0771 belongs to gene cluster I. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated clinical WUPyV strain was successfully isolated for the first time in the world and this will help unravel the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of WUPyV in respiratory infection diseases.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR BISPHENOL A AND DYSLIPIDEMIA: A FIVE-YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Objective: To investigate whether serum bisphenol A (BPA) concentration is related to the occurrence of dyslipidemia. Methods: A total of 574 adults were enrolled at baseline and followed up for 5 years. Concentrations of serum BPA, triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were measured. Dyslipidemia was defined as the existence of one or more of the following conditions: high-LDL-cholesterolemia (LDL ≥140 mg/dL), hypertriglyceridemia (TGs ≥150 mg/dL), or low-HDL-cholesterolemia (HDL <40 mg/dL). Participants were stratified into tertiles according to low, median, and high baseline serum BPA levels. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used. Data from baseline and follow-up were used for cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Results: In the cross-sectional analysis, compared to subjects in the low BPA tertile, those in the high BPA tertile showed a higher level of LDL cholesterol (108.1 ± 24.4 mg/dL versus 119.5 ± 26.9 mg/dL; P<.05) and a lower level of HDL cholesterol (46.2 ± 11.7 mg/dL versus 39.5 ± 7.5 mg/dL; P<.05). In multivariable linear regression models, Z-transformed BPA was positively associated with LDL cholesterol (ß= 0.13, P = .002) and negatively associated with HDL cholesterol (ß= -0.28; P<.001). After cross-sectionally adjusting for confounders, subjects in higher BPA exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of low-HDL-cholesterolemia. Longitudinally, in subjects without low-HDL-cholesterolemia at baseline, each SD increment in baseline BPA was associated with a higher incidence of low-HDL-cholesterolemia after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio [95% confidence interval; CI] 2.76, 95% CI 1.21, 6.29). Conclusion: Cross-sectionally, higher BPA exposure is associated with a higher prevalence of low-HDL-cholesterolemia. Longitudinally, baseline BPA is an independent predictor of the 5-year incidence of low-HDL-cholesterolemia. Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; BPA = bisphenol A; CI = confidence interval; CVD = cardiovascular disease; EIMDS = environment, inflammation and metabolic diseases study; HDL = high density lipoprotein; LDL = low density lipoprotein; OR = odds ratio; PPAR = peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor; SBP = systolic blood pressure; TG = triglyceride; Z-BPA = Z-transformed bisphenol A.

[Clinical experience of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in severe COVID-19 patients].

Acute respiratory failure due to acute hypoxemia is the major manifestation in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Rational and effective respiratory support is crucial in the management of COVID-19 patients. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been utilized widely due to its superiority over other non-invasive respiratory support techniques. To avoid HFNC failure and intubation delay, the key issues are proper patients, timely application and improving compliance. It should be noted that elder patients are vulnerable for failed HFNC. We applied HFNC for oxygen therapy in severe and critical ill COVID-19 patients and summarized the following experiences. Firstly, to select the proper size of nasal catheter, to locate it at suitable place, and to confirm the nose and the upper respiratory airway unobstructed. Secondly, an initial ow of 60 L/min and 37℃ should be given immediately for patients with obvious respiratory distress or weak cough ability; otherwise, low-level support should be given first and the level gradually increased. Thirdly, to avoid hypoxia or hypoxemia, the treatment goal of HFNC should be maintained the oxygen saturation (SpO2) above 95% for patients without chronic pulmonary disease. Finally, patients should wear a surgical mask during HFNC treatment to reduce the risk of virus transmission through droplets or aerosols.

The effects of HSP27 against UVB-induced photoaging in rat skin.

Skin photoaging refers to the phenomenon of skin aging or accelerated aging as a result of long-term UV exposure. Ultraviolet radiation can lead to DNA damage, cell apoptosis, cell growth inhibition and carcinogenic effects. Evidence suggests that hsp27 can protect cells from apoptosis induced by various stimuli in vivo and in vitro. However, modulation in hsp27 expression toward skin protection against UVB treatment has not been investigated clearly. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hsp27 against UVB-induced photoaging in rat skin and to explore the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we identified that the level of hsp27 increased after UVB irradiation induced chronic photoaging rat model. In order to investigate the function of hsp27 in UVB-induced skin photoaging, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) to specificity reduce the expression of hsp27 in rat skin. In contrast to UVB group, we found that collagen fibers were disorganized and elastic fibers were thickened and twisted in UVB-AAV group. In the UVB-AAV group, reduced hsp27 enhanced the oxidative stress. Aging markers (SA-ß-Gal staining and the protein levels of p16, p53, p21) were significantly changed in the hsp27 decreased group. However, in hsp27 deletion group, the expression of antiapoptotic factor bcl-2 was decreased, while the apoptosis factor bax was increased after UVB irradiation. These findings suggested that hsp27 was involved in oxidative stress, aging and apoptosis of skin after UV exposure. Management the expression of hsp27 can be used as a potential intervention method to alleviate UVB-induced skin damage.

DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 is an innate guardian for human squamous cell carcinoma and an molecular vector for anti-carcinoma effect of 1,25(OH)2 D3.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common non-melanoma skin cancers worldwide. While its exact tumorigenesis mechanisms is far from well-established and less satisfied therapeutic strategy can be clinically used nowadays. In this study, we intended to investigate the role of DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) in human SCC. Firstly, we identified DDIT4 is significantly suppressed in human SCC tissue and cultured A431 cell line, and reduced DDIT4 accelerates keratinocytes proliferation but impedes the autophagy flux through mTORC1 pathway by affecting the downstream S6 Kinase1, 4E-BP1, Beclin1 and LC3 II/I. While 1,25(OH)2 D3 enhanced DDIT4 expression and activated autophagy and inhibit mTORC1 to take the effect of anti-proliferation and activating autophagy. Further, formation of direct vitamin D receptor (VDR)-DDIT4 transcription complex was verified by ChIP-qPCR, which showed the molecular mechanism of how 1,25(OH)2 D3 promotes DDIT4 transcription. Thirdly, xenograft tumor-bearing mice model treated by gradient concentrations of 1,25(OH)2 D3 revealed the obvious anti-carcinoma effect of 1,25(OH)2 D3 in vivo and DDIT4 acted the molecular vector of 1,25(OH)2 D3 through mTORC1. Lastly, elevated DDIT4 expression was verified in human actinic keratoses tissue, and chronic long-term ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on mouse disclosed UV could promote DDIT4 expression inside epidermis. Conclusively, our research suggested a novel molecular mechanism about the human SCC tumorigenesis and the pharmacological mechanism about how 1,25(OH)2 D3 take its anti-carcinoma role on human SCC, as well as a striking paradoxes that how UV irradiation plays the tumorigenesis effect but synchronously take a protective role in the early stage of SCC carcinogenesis.

Anti-H7N9 avian influenza A virus activity of interferon in pseudostratified human airway epithelium cell cultures.

BACKGROUND: Since H7N9 influenza A virus (H7N9) was first reported in 2013, five waves of outbreaks have occurred, posing a huge threat to human health. In preparation for a potential H7N9 epidemic, it is essential to evaluate the efficacy of anti-H7N9 drugs with an appropriate model. METHODS: Well-differentiated pseudostratified human airway epithelium (HAE) cells were grown at the air-liquid interface, and the H7N9 cell tropism and cytopathic effect were detected by immunostaining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The H7N9 replication kinetics and anti-H7N9 effect of recombinant human α2b (rhIFN-α2b) and rhIFN-λ1 were compared with different cell lines. The H7N9 viral load and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression were quantified by real-time PCR assays. RESULTS: H7N9 could infect both ciliated and non-ciliated cells within the three-dimensional (3D) HAE cell culture, which reduced the number of cilia and damaged the airways. The H7N9 replication kinetics differed between traditional cells and 3D HAE cells. Interferon had antiviral activity against H7N9 and alleviated epithelial cell lesions; the antiviral activity of rhIFN-α2b was slightly better than that of rhIFN-λ1. In normal cells, rhIFN-α2b induced a greater amount of ISG expression (MX1, OAS1, IFITM3, and ISG15) compared with rhIFN-λ1, but in 3D HAE cells, this trend was reversed. CONCLUSIONS: Both rhIFN-α2b and rhIFN-λ1 had antiviral activity against H7N9, and this protection was related to the induction of ISGs. The 3D cell culture model is suitable for evaluating interferon antiviral activity because it can demonstrate realistic in vivo-like effects.

A pilot study of new promising non-coding RNA diagnostic biomarkers for early-stage colorectal cancers.

Background Diagnostic biomarkers for the detection of colorectal cancers (CRCs) are lacking. Recent studies have demonstrated that circulating long non-coding RNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for the detection of cancers. We analyzed the significance of lncRNAs 91H, PVT-1 and MEG3 in the detection of CRC. Methods We examined the expression levels of 13 candidate lncRNAs in the plasma of 18 CRC patients and 20 non-cancerous controls. Then, we validated our findings by determining the expression levels of six promising lncRNAs in CRC tissues and normal colorectal tissues. Finally, we evaluated the clinical relevance of lncRNAs 91H, PVT-1 and MEG3 in the plasma of 58 CRC patients and 56 non-cancerous controls. Results Our data revealed that the expression levels of lncRNAs 91H, PVT-1 and MEG3 were significantly higher in plasma samples from CRC patients than in those from non-cancerous controls. The combination of 91H, PVT-1 and MEG3 could discriminate CRC patients from non-cancerous controls with an area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) of 0.877 at a cut-off value of 0.3816, with a sensitivity of 82.76% and 78.57% specificity. More importantly, the combination of lncRNAs shows more sensitivity in the detection of early-stage CRC than the combination of CEA and CA19-9, biomarkers currently used for CRC detection (p < 0.0001). Conclusions lncRNAs 91H, PVT-1 and MEG3 are promising diagnostic biomarkers for early-stage CRC.

Interference of Hsp27 Results in Apoptosis Induced by Photodamage via Regulation of Subcellular Localization of p21 in Immortalized Human Keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND Owing to the increased incidence of photodermatosis caused by ultraviolet light in recent years, it is necessary to clarify the mechanisms potential photodamage to the skin and reveal possible therapeutic targets. Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is well known for suppressing apoptosis. The aim of present study was to elucidate possible photoprotective mechanism between Hsp27 and p21 on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photodamage. MATERIAL AND METHODS The Hsp27 gene was interfered to assess the expression of its downstream effectors, cell apoptosis, and cell proliferation ability. The cell apoptosis was tested using flow cytometry method. The cell proliferation ability was tested using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The expression of protein was tested using western-blotting method. The expression of mRNA was detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The subcellular localization was elucidated using immunofluorescence. RESULTS Hsp27 knockdown decreased cell viability and increased the incidence of UVB-induced apoptosis. Compared with control group, activation of phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt)-dependent pathway resulted in the nuclear accumulation of p21 and suppression of cell proliferation, while promoting apoptosis in Hsp27 knockdown group. In addition, Hsp27 knockdown increased p53 expression and the Bax: Bcl-2 ratio, which further accelerated the apoptotic process. CONCLUSIONS These findings complemented the mechanism of skin photodamage and demonstrated the photoprotective mechanisms of Hsp27 in HaCaT cells, which might implicate a potential therapeutic target of photodamage and photodermatosis.

Resveratrol protects HaCaT cells from ultraviolet B-induced photoaging via upregulation of HSP27 and modulation of mitochondrial caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway.

The skin is the outermost protective barrier between the internal and external environment in humans. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of photoaging. Evidence suggests that resveratrol suppresses UVB-induced photoaging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of resveratrol against UVB-induced photoaging in HaCaT cells and to determine the underlying mechanisms. Apoptosis of normal or HSP27-overexpressing HaCaT cells in the presence of UVB was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Resveratrol inhibited UVB-induced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of HSP27, reducing the production of proapoptotic proteins such as p65, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, and promoting the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. However, UVB irradiation on HaCaT cells pretreated with resveratrol led to the upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, and promotion of p65 and caspase-3 activation after silencing of HSP27 gene. These findings suggest that the inhibition of HSP27 expression can partially reverse the anti-apoptotic effect of resveratrol and confirm that resveratrol can regulate HSP27 and thus control p65 and caspase-3 activation. In summary, resveratrol plays a role in photoprotection by upregulating HSP27 expression, increasing Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and inhibiting caspase-3 activity and p65 expression.