[Analysis of pregnancy-related adverse outcomes in patients with severe hypothyroidism during pregnancy].

Objective: To analyze the pregnancy-related adverse outcomes in patients with severe hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Methods: Using cross-sectional study, a total of 47 pregnant women with severe hypothyroidism in the Peking University First Hospital from January 2007 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected by electronic case system. According to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy events (defined as any pregnancy complication or adverse maternal-fetal/neonatal outcomes), the patients were divided into pregnancy-related adverse outcomes group (n=33) and no pregnancy-related adverse outcomes group (n=15). The demographic data, thyroid function and thyroid autoantibody levels during pregnancy, pregnancy complications and maternal-fetal/neonatal outcomes of the two groups were recorded and analyzed. Results: The age of severe hypothyroidism women was (30.5±4.1) years. The median of gestational week at delivery was 38.6 (36.3, 39.9) weeks, the median of gestational week for diagnosis was 7.0 (6.0, 8.8) weeks, the median of the highest TSH level was 32.7(23.1,60.2)mU/L and the period of reaching the target TSH level for the first time was 6.0(4.0, 10.0)weeks. Most cases (82.5%, 33/40) had thyroid autoimmunity. All women were treated with levothyroxine (L-T4) during pregnancy. A total of 37 cases (77.1%, 37/48) of them obtained the recommended target values. Fourty cases (83.3%, 40/48) gave birth. The birth weight of newborns was (3 041±452) g, the body length was (49.4±2.1) cm, and the head circumference was (33.6±0.7) cm. The period of reaching to target TSH level for the first time in patients without pregnancy-related adverse outcomes was shorter [5.0 (3.0, 9.0) vs 8.0 (4.5, 12.5) weeks) ] (P=0.033), and the times of thyroid function monitoring were more frequent [ (8.2±3.5) vs (6.0±3.6) times] (P=0.049) than the group with pregnancy-related adverse outcomes. Conclusions: The incidence of pregnancy complications and adverse maternal-fetal/neonatal outcomes is high in patients with severe hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Intense follow-up, treatment and restoration of euthyroidism as prompt as possible may improve pregnant outcomes.

[Analysis of experience in diagnosis and treatment of fetal goiter in patients with Graves' disease complicated with pregnancy].

This article reported the clinical diagnosis and treatment experience of two cases of fetal goiter in Graves' disease (GD) complicated with pregnancy. Two GD patients took antithyroid drugs regularly during pregnancy and their thyroid functions were well controlled, but the levels of thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) of the two cases were still above the upper limit in the second and third trimester. Two fetuses had fetal goiter in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. After continuously controlling maternal thyroid function and closely monitoring fetal ultrasound, there was no aggravation of the fetal goiter, and the delivery went smoothly. One case had neonatal hyperthyroidism. It is suggested that although the thyroid function was well controlled during pregnancy in patients with GD, the high level of serum TRAb still needs to be alert to the occurrence of fetal goiter, and fetal ultrasound is the most direct non-invasive monitoring method.

[Correlation between serum uric acid and creatinine ratio and metabolic syndrome based on physical examination population in Nantong area].

To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid to creatinine ratio (SUA/Cr) and metabolic syndrome (MS) and other indexes on physical examination population in Nantong area. Using the method of cross-sectional study, 8 148 physical examiners in the physical examination center of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2017 to April 2020 were used as the research objects, and the clinical data and serum biochemical indicators such as smoking and alcohol addiction, physical examination and so on were collected. According to the standard diagnosis of MS of Diabetes Society of Chinese Medical Association, the patients were grouped according to the quartile of SUA/Cr and the clinical data of each group were compared. Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the correlation between SUA/Cr and clinical indicators and the relationship between SUA/Cr and the risk of MS. The results showed that UA and SUA/Cr were the lowest in normal metabolism group, followed by abnormal metabolism group and the highest in MS group, The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (H=919.21 and 629.34, P<0.001). According to the SUA/Cr quartile, the population was divided into four groups. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking history and drinking history, SUA/Cr in group Q1 was positively correlated with BMI and TG (r=0.061 and 0.080, P<0.05), but negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.057, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that after adjusting for age, sex, smoking history and drinking history, the risk of MS for BMI, SBP, DBP, FBG, TG, HDL-C and SUA/Cr [OR (95%CI)] were: 1.44 (1.41-1.47), 1.07 (1.06-1.07), 1.10 (1.10-1.11), 1.83 (1.73-1.92), 1.89 (1.79-1.99), 0.08 (0.06-0.10) and 1.54 (1.47-1.62). Compared with SUA/Cr group Q1, the risk of MS in group Q2, Q3 and Q4 increased by 75%, 162% and 346%, respectively. In conclusion, there was an independent positive correlation between SUA/Cr and MS risk in Nantong area.

[Quantitative evaluation of early stage blood flow change status after radiofrequency ablation based on multi-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion imaging on small hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the blood flow change status in early stage tumor-related areas of hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical significance after radiofrequency ablation using multi-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion imaging technology. Methods: 21 cases of primary liver cancer that underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation were included. CT perfusion scans were divided into four groups according to the time points of CT scans (before surgery, immediately after surgery and 1 and 3 month after surgery), and then blood perfusion parameters of the corresponding areas of the tumor were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using two independent samples of non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The differences of blood perfusion parameters between tumor or ablation lesion and background liver parenchyma, paratumor tissue or inflammatory response zone were compared before, immediately and 1 and 3 months after surgery, respectively. Results: (1) The hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP) and hepatic arterial perfusion index (HPI) of cancerous liver tumors and background liver parenchyma was significantly increased (P < 0.01). The total liver perfusion (TLP) was higher than the background liver parenchyma (P = 0.01 < 0.05). The time to peak (TTP) was significantly lower than background liver parenchyma (P < 0.01); (2) The perfusion parameters of HAP, PVP and TLP were lower than the background liver parenchyma in the complete ablation lesions immediately after radiofrequency ablation and 1 and 3 months after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); (3) The inflammatory response zone of ablation lesions of HAP, HPI, and TLP were gradually decreased with the extended postoperative time and TTP was gradually increased, while PVP did not change significantly; (4) HAP, HPI, and TTP were compared between the tumor and the tumor inflammatory response zone immediately after surgery, and 1 and 3 months after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference between PVP and TLP (P > 0.05). Conclusion: CT whole-liver perfusion imaging can precisely evaluate the early stage blood flow change status in peritumor and tumors before and after radiofrequency ablation and then objectively evaluate tumor's blood supply and therapeutic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Quantitative assessment of hepatic and splenic blood flow status in patients with hypersplenism of different degrees based on multi-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion imaging].

Objective: To investigate the differences and changes of blood flow status of splenic volume, common hepatic artery, splenic arteriovenous, inner diameter of portal vein and hepatic in patients with hypersplenism of different degrees using multi-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion model. Methods: 42 cases with hypersplenism of chronic hepatitis B with cirrhosis and 15 cases without hepatosplenic disease were collected as controls. All patients underwent multi-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion imaging. (1) The differences of spleen volume, common hepatic artery, splenic arteriovenous, and portal vein diameter between different degrees of hypersplenism and the control group were measured and compared. (2) The correlation between spleen volume and the inner diameter of each related vessels were analyzed and compared. (3) The values of perfusion parameters related to the five lobes of the liver in Couinaud segments based on hepatic artery perfusion (HAP), portal venous perfusion (PVP), total hepatic perfusion (TLP) and hepatic artery perfusion index (HPI) were measured and compared. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the measurement data. The correlation between the spleen volume and the inner diameter of each blood vessel was analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: (1) spleen volume and the inner diameter of splenic artery, splenic vein and portal vein in the cirrhotic hypersplenism group were significantly larger than control group, and the difference was statistically significant (F = 37.108, 17.484, 23.124, 13.636, P < 0.05). (2) spleen volume and the inner diameter of splenic artery, vein and portal vein in the moderate and severe hypersplenism groups were significantly larger than the mild hypersplenism group, and the difference was statistically significant (F = 25.418, 13.293, 15.136, 7.093, P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the moderate and severe hypersplenism groups (P > 0.05). (3) The inner diameter of splenic vein, portal vein, and splenic artery was positively correlated with spleen volume (r = 0.680, 0.548, and 0.726). (4) PVP and TLP of the whole liver in hypersplenism group were lower than control group (P < 0.05), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). HPI in the right posterior lobe of the liver in the moderate and severe hypersplenism group was higher than mild hypersplenism group (F = 3.555, 4.570, P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the HAP in the whole liver among the groups (P > 0.05), but the HAP in the whole liver in the severe hypersplenism group was lower than control, mild and moderate hypersplenism group. Conclusion: The inner diameter of the splenic arteriovenous in patients with hypersplenism of different degrees has widened to varying degrees, and is consistent with the increase in spleen volume, particularly in moderate and severe cases. Portal venous perfusion and total liver perfusion in patients with hypersplenism of different degrees have declined and the hepatic arterial perfusion in patients with severe hypersplenism is significantly reduced.

Identification of Tiletamine, Zolazepam and Their Metabolites in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault by GC-QTOF-MS.

ABSTRACT: Objective To identify tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in samples from drug facilitated sexual assault by gas chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry （GC-QTOF-MS）. Methods Urine samples of victims were collected, and detected by GC-QTOF-MS after liquid-liquid extraction and concentration. The molecular formula of fragments ions was identified by determination of accurate mass numbers, to detect related substances. Results Tiletamine, zolazepam, three metabolites of tiletamine and two metabolites of zolazepam were identified in urine samples from actual cases. Conclusion GC-QTOF-MS provides abundant and accurate information of fragment ions mass numbers, which can be used for qualitative identification of tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in drug facilitated sexual assault.

[A single center large cohort study on perioperative complications of carotid endarterectomy of 547 cases].

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of perioperative complications within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy(CEA) in the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis stenosis(CAS) during 2011-2017, and to discuss the techniques for reducing the perioperative complication rates. Methods: From August 2011 to August 2017, 486 patients with CAS were retrospective included, and 61 of them underwent bilateral CEA, with a total of 547 cases of CEA included. Perioperative complications were collected within 30 days after operation, and the risk factors related to perioperative complications were analyzed by statistical analysis. Results: In total 547 cases, 12 cases had a postoperative stroke, while 1 case died. A total of 7 cases underwent cranial nerve injury, and 5 cases had an incision related complications. In chi-square test analysis, data suggested that there was a significant difference in the incidence of complications in patients with heart disease, preoperative neurological score difference, contralateral carotid serious stenosis or occlusion and intraoperative shunt in CCA/ICA technique application (P<0.05). In the multivariate Logistic regression, it suggested that poor preoperative neurological score and contralateral carotid serious stenosis or occlusion were independent risk factors for perioperative stroke and death. Conclusion: Our results showed that CEA is effective to prevent stroke and treat patients with CAS. Patients with poor preoperative neurological score and contralateral carotid serious stenosis or occlusion may increase the risk of postoperative stroke rates.

Expression of prion protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Parkinson's disease complicated with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and mainly manifests with decreasing numbers of dopaminergic neurons. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) has an incidence of 15-47% in all PD patients. Prion proteins (PrPs), which are expressed in both neurons and glial cells of the brain, are believed to be correlated with abnormal neurological functions, although their role in PD-related sleeping disorders remains unclear. We therefore investigated the expressional profiles of PrP in PD patients with RBD. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of PrP, respectively, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PD patients with RBD, PD patients without sleeping disorder, and healthy people (N = 23 each). We investigated the correlation between the CSF PrP level and sleeping behavior in PD patients. Patients with PD complicated with RBD had significantly elevated CSF PrP expression levels (both mRNA and protein) compared with either PD patients without sleeping disorder or healthy individuals (P < 0.05 in both cases). There is elevated expression of PrP in the CSF of PD patients with RBD. This may benefit the diagnosis of PD-related RBD.

[Current epidemiology and pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-associated liver cancer].

Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor. Although the overall incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer has been decreasing in recent years, the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated liver cancer tends to increase. The health and social issues brought by NAFLD-associated liver cancer have attracted more and more attention, and its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis and treatment await further research. This article summarizes the current epidemiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD-associated liver cancer.

[Advances in basic and clinical research on liver cirrhosis in 2016].

Esophageal and gastric varices are common complications of liver cirrhosis and are seen in 50% of patients with liver cirrhosis. The annual incidence rate of esophagogastric variceal bleeding is 5%-15%, and even if the recommended treatment is used, the 6-week mortality rate is still as high as 15%-20%. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of end-stage liver disease and has an incidence rate of 10%-30% in patients with severe liver damage. SBP refers to the bacterial infection of the peritoneum and/or ascites that occurs in the absence of any inflammation in adjacent tissues (e.g., intestinal perforation and intestinal abscess). Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the clinical syndrome manifesting as cognitive impairment in patients with chronic liver disease, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated and may be associated with ammonia poisoning theory, γ-aminobutyric acid and endogenous benzodiazepine complex receptor theory, and inflammatory pathway theory. This article introduces the advances in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis, SBP, and HE in 2016.

[Study on apoptosis mechanism of H9c2 cardiomyocytes induced by N, N-dimethylformamide].

Objective: To observe the change levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 protein in cytoplasm and nuclear, phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B (p-IκB) protein and cytochrome C (Cyt-c) , cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Cleaved caspase-3) , B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) in cytoplasm in the process of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) -induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, and explore the tentative mechanism of apoptosis. Methods: H9c2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to 200 mmol/L DMF. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of p65 in cytoplasm and nuclear, p-IκB after exposure for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 h, and the protein expression levels of Cyt-c, Cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2 in cytoplasm after exposure for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 h. Immunofluorescencecytochemistry (IFC) was used to observe the location of Cyt-c after 200 mmol/L DMF exposure for different times. Results: The levels of p65 in cytoplasm and nuclear and p-IκB among groups were statistically significant (F were 7.79, 33.11, 90.25, respectively, all P<0.01) . Compared with the control group, the levels of p65 in cytoplasm of 2, 4, 6 h group were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) ; the levels of p65 in nuclear of 2, 4, 6, 8 h were significantly increased (all P<0.01) ; the levels of p-IκB of 2, 4, 6 h group were significantly increased (all P<0.01) . The levels of Cyt-c, Cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2 among groups were statistically significant (F were 51.42, 503.68, 73.37, respectively, all P<0.01) . Compared with the control group, the levels of Cyt-c of 8, 12 h group were significantly increased (both P<0.01) ; the levels of Cleaved caspase-3 of 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 h were significantly increased (all P<0.01) ; the levels of Bcl-2 of 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 h group were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) . IFC showed that Cyt-c was released from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm gradually as the extension of the exposure time. Conclusion: NF-κB signaling pathway and mitochondrial pathway are involved in the mechanism of DMF-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

Prognostic value of miR-141 downregulation in gastric cancer.

Previous research has shown that microRNA-141 (miR-141) expression levels are associated with survival in several types of cancer. In the present study, we investigated the clinical significance and prognostic value of miR-141 in gastric cancer. Paired tissue specimens (tumor and adjacent normal mucosa) from 95 patients with gastric cancer were obtained at the Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from March 2009 to February 2014. The levels of miR-141 in cancerous and corresponding non-cancerous tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Associations between clinicopathological parameters and miR-141 expression were evaluated using chi-square tests. Overall survival was calculated and survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method; differences between groups were compared using log-rank tests. Compared to the matched normal gastric mucosa, gastric cancer tissues had significantly lower miR-141 expression levels (P < 0.001). This decreased miR-141 expression was significantly associated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.044), positive lymph node metastasis (P = 0.010), distant metastasis (P < 0.001), and advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between miR-141 expression and overall survival (P = 0.012, log-rank test). Cox regression analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003), distant metastasis (P = 0.001), TNM stage (P < 0.001), and miR- 141 expression (P = 0.007) were independent prognostic factors in patients with gastric cancer. Our data provide evidence that the downregulation of miR-141 may contribute to the aggressive progression and poor prognosis of human gastric cancer.

Characterization and expression of DDX6 during gametogenesis in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis.

DDX6 belongs to a family of DEAD-box RNA helicases, which are RNA splicing proteins that ensure the correct folding and structure of mature RNA. Gametogenesis requires the participation of many kinds of RNA. To explore its functions during Eriocheir sinensis gametogenesis, we cloned a full-length DDX6 cDNA sequence from E. sinensis (Es-DDX6) which contains a 1536-nucleotide open reading frame encoding a 512-amino acid protein. Multiple sequence alignments showed that Es-DDX6 has ten conservative DEAD-box family motifs. Tissue expression analysis of Es-DDX6 mRNA and protein levels showed that Es-DDX6 was highly expressed in both the ovary and testis. qRT-PCR analysis revealed the widespread expression of Es-DDX6 mRNA during various stages of gonad development peaking in October. In addition, immunohistochemical studies showed that oocytes and the spermatogonium and primary spermatocytes of testes contained high levels of cytoplasmic Es-DDX6 and decreased expression levels in spermatids. Interestingly, there was no expression of Es-DDX6 in these cells as they matured along the male reproductive system. Since oocytes and spermatocytes are active in meiosis and oocytes undergo rapid growth in October, these results provide preliminary evidence that Es-DDX6 plays a role in E. sinensis gametogenesis and oocyte growth processes.

Reduced STMN1 expression induced by RNA interference inhibits the bioactivity of pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1.

Increased expression of STMN1 has been observed in many tumor forms, but its expression and potential biological role in pancreatic cancer is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that STMN1 was expressed to a large extent in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines as compared to normal pancreatic tissues. Suppression of STMN1 expression via transfection with STMN1-specific siRNA could not only significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of Panc-1 cells, but also enhance the apoptosis of Panc-1 cells. In addition, downregulation of STMN1 obviously enhanced the acetylation level of α-tubulin. All these results indicated that STMN1 plays an important role in pancreatic cancer development, and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

Investigation of the shape change of bio-flocs and its influence on mass transport using particle image velocimetry.

In this laboratory study, an advanced flow visualization technique - particle image velocimetry (PIV) - was employed to investigate the change of shape of activated sludge flocs in water and its influence on the material transport characteristics of the flocs. The continuous shape change of the bio-flocs that occurred within a very short period of time could be captured by the PIV system. The results demonstrate that the fluid turbulence caused the shift of parts of a floc from one side to the other in less than 200 ms. During the continuous shape change, the liquid within the floc was forced out of the floc, which was then refilled with the liquid from the surrounding flow. For the bio-flocs saturated with a tracer dye, it was shown that the dye could be released from the flocs at a faster rate when the flocs were swayed around in water. The experimental results indicate that frequent shape change of bio-flocs facilitates the exchange of fluid and materials between the floc interior and the surrounding water. This mass transfer mechanism can be more important than molecular diffusion and internal permeation to the function and behavior of particle aggregates, including bio-flocs, in natural waters and treatment systems.

Observational evidence of ring current in the magnetosphere of Mercury.

The magnetic gradient and curvature drift of energetic ions can form a longitudinal electric current around a planet known as the ring current, that has been observed in the intrinsic magnetospheres of Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. However, there is still a lack of observational evidence of ring current in Mercury's magnetosphere, which has a significantly weaker dipole magnetic field. Under such conditions, charged particles are thought to be efficiently lost through magnetopause shadowing and/or directly impact the planetary surface. Here, we present the observational evidence of Mercury's ring current by analysing particle measurements from MErcury Surface, Space Environment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. The ring current is bifurcated because of the dayside off-equatorial magnetic minima. Test-particle simulation with Mercury's dynamic magnetospheric magnetic field model (KT17 model) validates this morphology. The ring current energy exceeds [Formula: see text] J during active times, indicating that magnetic storms may also occur on Mercury.

The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in healthy Chinese adult volunteers: influence of ethnicity and gender.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the influence of ethnicity (including Han, Mongolian, Korean, Hui and Uygur) and gender on the pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in healthy adult volunteers after administration of 200-mg fluconazole tablet. METHODS: Ten healthy subjects (five males and five females) of each ethnicity were recruited and given a single 200-mg dose of fluconazole in tablet form. Blood samples were obtained before dosing and at various predetermined time points after administration up to 96 h. Drug levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The blood concentration-time profiles were analyzed using a non-compartmental approach to estimate the absorption parameters (AUC((0-96)), C(max) and t(max)), the distribution parameter (V(d)) and the disposition parameters (t(1/2) and CL). RESULTS: Ethnicity did not affect the parameter estimates, but gender did. However, the gender differences in pharmacokinetic parameter could be accounted for by differences in weight. There was a high linear correlation between weight and ln C(max), ln AUC (ln means natural logarithmic transformation), V(d) and CL. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnicity (Chinese Han, Mongolian, Korean, Hui and Uygur) influences the pharmacokinetics of fluconazole tablet. However, there were statistically significant gender differences in AUC, C(max), V(d) and CL. But these could be accounted for by weight differences. If fluconazole dose-adjustment is deemed necessary, this can be done on a weight basis rather than gender basis.

LncRNA MALAT1 expression inhibition suppresses tongue squamous cell carcinoma proliferation, migration and invasion by inactivating PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating MMP-9 expression.

OBJECTIVE: LncRNA MALAT1 has been proved to be involved in the development of various types of human cancers while the involvement of MALAT1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma has not been reported. In view of this, our study aimed to investigate the functionality of MALAT1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of MALAT1 in tumor tissues and adjacent healthy tissues of tongue cancer patients, and the serum from tongue cancer patients as well as healthy controls, were detected by quantitative Real Time-PCR (qRT-PCR). ROC curve analysis was performed to analyze the diagnostic value of plasma MALAT1 for tongue cancer. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma MALAT1 for tongue cancer. CCK-8 assay, transwell migration and invasion assay were performed to investigate the effects of MALAT1 knockdown on the proliferation, migration and invasion of tongue cancer cells, respectively. The effects of MALAT1 overexpression on the PI3K/Akt pathway and MMP-9 expression were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression level of MALAT1 was remarkably higher in tumor tissues than that in adjacent healthy tissues. Serum MALAT1 was significantly higher in tongue cancer patients than in healthy controls. MALAT1 knockdown markedly inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of tongue cancer cells. MALAT1 knockdown also reduced the phosphorylation level of Akt as well as the expression level of MMP-9. It showed no significant effects on Akt expression, while PI3K activator treatment reduced the inhibitory effects of MALAT1 knockdown on the proliferation, migration and invasion of tongue cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA MALAT1 expression inhibition can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of tongue cancer cells by inactivating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating MMP-9. MALAT1 may serve as a target for the treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.