Immunometabolic rewiring in tumorigenesis and anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Cellular metabolism constitutes a fundamental process in biology. During tumor initiation and progression, each cellular component in the cancerous niche undergoes dramatic metabolic reprogramming, adapting to a challenging microenvironment of hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and other stresses. While the metabolic hallmarks of cancer have been extensively studied, the metabolic states of the immune cells are less well elucidated. Here we review the metabolic disturbance and fitness of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing on the impact of oncometabolites to the function of immune cells and the clinical significance of targeting metabolism in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Metabolic alterations in the immune system of TME offer novel therapeutic insight into cancer treatment.

Can baseline C-reactive protein level predict functional outcome in acute ischaemic stroke? A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level and poor functional outcome is conflicting in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. This meta-analysis sought to investigate the value of elevated CRP level in predicting poor functional outcome in AIS patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematically literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase databases up to 31 October 2019. Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the association between elevated CRP level and poor functional outcome (defined by the modified Rankin scale ≥3) beyond 3 months after AIS were included. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 8087 AIS patients were identified in this meta-analysis. When compared with reference low CRP level, the highest CRP level was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome (multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63-2.44) in a random effect model. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the significance of CRP elevation for predicting poor functional outcome after AIS. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated CRP level is significantly associated with poor functional outcome in patients with AIS. Baseline CRP level has potential to improve risk stratification of function outcome in AIS patients.

Evaluation of ovarian function using three dimensional ultrasound in perimenopausal women.

To evaluate the feasibility and clinical value of three-dimensional ultrasound in evaluating ovarian function in perimenopausal women. In this prospective cohort study, 102 patients with clinically suspected perimenopause and 90 patients with menopause were enrolled. These patients were classified into three groups according to the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2): menopause group, perimenopause group, and normal group. Perimenopause group: There were significant differences in volume, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization-flow index (VFI) in the ovaries after treatment. Cycle 1 > cycle 0 (p < .05) and cycle 3 cycle 0 (p < .05), and in FSH: cycle 3 < cycle 0 (p < .05). Three-dimensional ultrasound in ovarian quantitative measurement can objectively reflect the change in the ovarian function, predicting the effect of drug treatment, and provided an objective information for early intervention to menopausal.

[Meta-analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion for the therapeutic effect on postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction of gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (GID) of gastric cancer with meta-analysis. METHODS: The articles of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for postoperative GID of gastric cancer were retrieved from the following databases from the time of database establishment to December 31, 2020, including PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, VIP database and China Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed). RevMan5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Using Stata16.0 software, sensitivity analysis and publication bias test were performed. RESULTS: A total of 16 RCTs were included finally, including 1 360 patients, of which, there were 681 cases in the intervention group and 679 cases in the control group. Meta-analysis results showed that acupuncture and moxibustion shortened the time of first flatus (P<0.000 01, MD =-14.52, 95%CI = [-17.31, -11.74]), the time of first bowel sound (P<0.000 01, MD =-10.50, 95%CI =[-13.99, -7.01]) and the time of first defecation (P<0.000 1, MD =-13.79, 95%CI =[-20.09, -7.50]). Meanwhile, acupuncture and moxibustion shortened the time of the first food intake (P<0.000 1, MD =-3.23, 95%CI = [-3.45, -3.00]) and the hospital stay (P<0.000 01, MD =-1.94, 95%CI =[-2.20, -1.69]) after gastric cancer operation, and reduced the incidences of postoperative adverse reactions, i.e. nausea and vomiting (P =0.000 3, RR =0.43, 95%CI =[0.28, 0.68]) and abdominal distention (P =0.000 5, RR =0.41, 95%CI =[0.25, 0.68]). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion can promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function in the patients with gastric cancer. But, for the comparison among different measures of acupuncture and moxibustion intervention, it needs more high-quality trials for a further verification.

Spatially resolved proteomics identify biomarkers from endometrial sentinel lymph nodes.

In this issue, Aboulouard et al. (2021) use spatially resolved shot-gun proteomics to characterize the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) of endometrial cancer patients at different pathological grades. They identify biomarkers that predict prognosis as well as tumor grade.

Efficacy and safety of Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a significant public health problem associated with a substantial burden of functional disability. The Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction (GSZD), a traditional medicine, has been used in China for a long time to treat RA. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of GSZD in the treatment of RA. METHODS: We will search the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database, and also manually search the Chinese Clinical Trial Register and unpublished studies or references, with the establishment up to February 2021. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we will screen the literature, and the data are extracted independently by the 2 researchers. We will collect RCTs of GSZD in the treatment of RA. RevMan5.3 will be used for statistical analysis. According to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), we will appraise each outcome quality evidence. RESULTS: We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: We will evaluate the efficacy and safety of GSZD in treating RA. UNIQUE INPLASY NUMBER: INPLASY2020120147.

Helicobacter pylori reinfection and its risk factors after initial eradication: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is a common health problem, which is closely related to peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and extragastric diseases. Drugs can successfully eradicate it. However, the recurrence of H pylori often occurs after initial eradication. To confirm the global incidence of H pylori reinfection and systematically evaluate its risk factors. METHODS: We will search for the relevant literature through Chinese and English databases, with the retrieval deadline being November 2021. Databases include PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database. Stata14.0 will be used to conduct this systematic review. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis protocols statements are followed in this protocol, and the PRISMA statement will be followed in the completed systematic review. RESULTS: The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review will provide evidence regarding the rate of H pylori reinfection and its risk factors after successful eradication. It can guide the management of patients with H pylori infection.

Effectiveness of acupuncture for the recovery of gastrointestinal function of patients with gastric cancer in the postoperative period: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common malignant tumors in the world and surgical resection remains the primary treatment for it. Postoperative patients often suffer from gastrointestinal dysfunction as the most common side effects of surgery for GC patients. Acupuncture has a regulatory effect on gastrointestinal function. We conducted this study to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture on the restoration of gastrointestinal function of postoperative patients with GC. METHODS: Seven electronic databases will be searched from inception to November 2020 to identify any relevant study: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database). No restriction on time and language. The primary outcome measure will be the Time to First Flatus and secondary outcome measures include the time of first defecation and the quality of life (QOL) and the number of patients with abdominal distention. We will use EndNote V.9.1 to screen the eligible literature and the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity in the included studies. The meta-analysis will be conducted using the Review Manager (RevMan) software (V.5.3). RESULTS: Our study aims to systematically assess whether the pooled effects of currently available trials prove effects of acupuncture in improving gastrointestinal function of patients with GC in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: This study will conduct an evaluation about the efficacy of acupuncture for the recovery of gastrointestinal function of patients with GC in the postoperative period, making up for the lack of relevant clinical evidence. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020110066.

Efficacy and safety of Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San combined with chemotherapy for lung cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC), with the high incidence in malignant tumors in the world, and seriously affects people's lives and brings a great economic burden. Previous clinical studies on Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SLBZS) combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer have been increasing, but there are no systematic reviews. This study aims to systematically study the efficacy and safety of SLBZS combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of LC. METHODS: The Chinese and English databases will be searched by us for related documents, and the search time limit is January 2021. Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Chinese databases include China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, ChongqingVIP Information Resource Integration Service Platform, China Biomedical Literature. The international clinical trial registration platform and the Chinese clinical trial registration platform will be searched by us to find ongoing or unpublished trials. After screening the literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 researchers independently extracted data. The primary outcomes were the treatment efficiency. RevMan 5.3.5 software will be used for statistical analysis. The Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system will be used to evaluate the quality evidence of each result. RESULTS: This study will provide the latest evidence for the SLBZS combined with chemotherapy for LC. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of SLBZS combined with chemotherapy for LC will be evaluated. UNIQUE INPLASY NUMBER: INPLASY202110025.

A Functional Variant rs2072915 is Associated with the Susceptibility and Mortality of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Genetic variant has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for the occurrence and outcome of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). From previous genome wide association studies, 6p21.32 has been identified as a susceptibility locus of CSCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of a polymorphism rs2072915 located in 6p21.32 with the risk of CSCC and examine the potential mechanism of the rs2072915 in CSCC pathogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The rs2072915 was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism. miR-637 and RXRB mRNA expression levels in CSCC patients were examined using quantitative PCR. miR-637 target site was determined using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: The rs2072915 was associated with a significantly increased risk (AA vs TT: adjusted OR = 2.48, 95% CI, 1.57-3.94, P < 0.001; AT/AA vs TT: adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI, 1.06-1.80, P = 0.018; A vs T: adjusted OR = 1.49, 95% CI, 1.21-1.84, P < 0.001, respectively) and shorter survival time of CSCC (P = 0.03). Patients with the rs2072915 AA genotype displayed lower levels of RXRB that is a target of miR-637. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the rs2072915 T > A change might augment the binding energy of miR-637 to RXRB, result in lower levels of RXRB, and thus contribute to the risk of CSCC.

Effectiveness of Banxia Xiexin Decoction in the treatment of precancerous lesions: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) is a necessary stage in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. At present, the incidence of gastric cancer is increasing year by year. It is important to prevent and control gastric cancer through early detection and intervention. Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD) has a good effect in improving symptoms, reducing inflammation, promoting the repair of gastric mucosa, reversing its atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. BXD may be a foreground choice for the treatment of GPL. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials of BXD for GPL will be searched in the relevant database, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database). The studies of electronic searches will be exported to EndNote V.9.1 software. We will run meta-analyses using the Review Manager (RevMan) V.5.3 software. Any disagreement will be solved in consultation with a third reviewer. RESULTS: Our study aims to explore the efficacy of BXD for GPL and to provide up-to-date evidence for clinical of GPL. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for the efficacy of BXD on GPL. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY 202130102.

Meta-analysis of excision repair cross complementary gene 1 (ERCC1) expression and platinum chemosensitivity in patients with ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. Due to the lack of typical clinical symptoms and ineffective screening methods for early ovarian cancer, 60-70% of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed as middle and late stage when they are already suffering abdominal distension, abdominal pain, or pelvic tumor. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the correlation of excision repair cross complementary gene 1 (ERCC1) expression and the chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate the relevant research in this area. The literature published in PubMed, Web of Science, CQVIP, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases from establishment to June 2019 were searched. The evaluation index of chemotherapy sensitivity was clinical effective rate (complete remission plus partial remission). Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted the data according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 7 articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising 402 patients with ovarian cancer. The results showed that there was a significant difference in chemosensitivity between the low ERCC1 expression group and the high ERCC1 expression group (OR =5.19, 95% CI: 3.15-8.54, P<0.01), with the results of the ethnicity subgroup analysis being the same for the Asian and Caucasian populations. CONCLUSIONS: The chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer patients with a low expression of ERCC1 is greater than that of patients with high expression.

Long Noncoding RNA HULC Promoter Polymorphism rs1041279 Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma upregulated long noncoding RNA (HULC), identified as an oncogene in cervical cancer, is involved in not only the clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and depth of cervical invasion but also outcome. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between 3 polymorphisms (i.e., rs1041279, rs3005167, and rs7770772) in the promoter of HULC and the risk of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The polymorphisms were genotyped using the multiplex ligase detection reaction assay. The promoter activity was measured using the dual-luciferase reporter assay kit. The rs1041279 GG genotype and G allele revealed a significantly higher risk of CSCC compared with the rs1041279 CC genotype and C allele (GG vs. CC, adjusted OR = 1.79, 95% CI, 1.17-2.73, P = 0.007; G vs. C, adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI, 1.09-1.69, P = 0.006). Haplotype analysis revealed that the rs3005167C-rs7770772G-rs1041279C or rs3005167C-rs7770772G-rs1041279G haplotype had a significantly higher risk of CSCC compared to the rs3005167G-rs7770772G-rs1041279C haplotype (CGC vs. GGC, OR = 2.38, 95% CI, 1.53-3.75, P < 0.001; CGG vs. GGC, OR = 3.76, 95% CI, 2.12-6.68, P < 0.001). Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that the rs1041279 G promoter resulted in higher transcriptional activity compared with the rs1041279 C (P < 0.01). Additionally, the rs1041279 GG genotype carriers had an increased level of HULC expression (P = 0.03). These findings suggest that the HULC rs1041279 may be a useful marker for the etiology of CSCC.

Efficacy and safety of pricking-blood therapy for acute gouty arthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute gouty arthritis is a joint inflammatory reaction that affects the daily quality of patients. Previous reviews of pricking-blood therapy for acute gouty arthritis have been growing, but a systematic review is not available. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of pricking-blood therapy in treating acute gout arthritis. METHODS: We will search for relevant literature through Chinese and English databases, with the retrieval deadline being December 2020. Databases include PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database. We will also manually search Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Acupuncture Research, Chinese Clinical Trial Register, and unpublished studies or references. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the literature will be screened, and the data are extracted independently by the 2 researchers. The primary outcomes were the total effective rate and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. RevMan 5.3.5. software will be used for statistical analysis. According to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), each evidence of outcome quality will be appraised. RESULTS: This study will provide a comprehensive review of current evidence for a pricking-blood therapy treatment for acute gouty arthritis. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of picking-blood therapy in treating acute gout arthritis will be evaluated. UNIQUE INPLASY NUMBER: INPLASY2020100094.

Clinical efficacy of pelvic autologous tissue reconstruction in treating pelvic organ prolapse in 36 patients.

This study aims to search for a new, economic, convenient, and low recurrence rate operation for the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The clinical value of the operation for treating POP was determined through retrospective case series. The new operation was called, pelvic autologous tissue reconstruction.Women with symptomatic uterine prolapse, who required surgery, were recruited. A total of 97 women [stage III to IV, according to POP quantification (POP-Q) staging] were collected from January 2010 to December 2016. Among these women, 61 women underwent a traditional operation (TO, vaginal hysterectomy and vaginal anterior and posterior wall repair), while the remaining women underwent pelvic autologous tissue reconstruction.First, there was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, indwelling urethral catheter time, in-hospital time, and the time of passage of gas through the anus between the pelvic autologous reconstruction (PAR) and TO groups (P > .05). The average operation time in the PAR group was significantly longer than that in the TO group (P < .05). Second, ultrasonic parameters before and after the operation between the 2 groups were compared. The postoperative rotation angle of the urethra (UR), posterior vesicourethral angle (PVA), and bladder neck descent (BND) significantly decreased in the PAR group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in UR between before and 12 months after surgery in the TO group (P > .05). Furthermore, BND increased in the TO group at 12 months after the operation, compared with that at 3 months after the operation (P < .05). There was no significant difference in PVA and UR before the surgery and at 3 and 12 months after the surgery between the 2 groups (P > .05). In addition, BND was significantly smaller in the PAR group than in the TO group at 3 and 12 months after the surgery (P < .05). Third, there was no statistically significant difference in PFIQ-7 and PISG-12 in both groups after surgery.The stability of the pelvic floor structure was better in the PAR group than in the TO group. Furthermore, PAR is better for preventing the occurrence of pelvic floor prolapse and stress urinary incontinence after surgery.

[Advances in researches on inhibin B and male reproduction].

Inhibin B, a dimeric glycoprotein, is directly secreted by the testis and responses to a diversity of exogenic hormones. Serum inhibin B levels will be influenced by different factors, such as age, testis volume, the time of puberty, the time of sample collection, varied groups of people and so on. Inhibin B is directly relevant to spermatogenesis of the testis and can be viewed as a valuable marker to assess male fertility. The determination of serum inhibin B has an applicable value in diagnosing the etiology of male infertility, assessing the damage to spermatogenesis in men after radiotherapy or chemiotherapy, and evaluating therapeutic effect on cryptorchidism and varicocele. Moreover, as far as assisted reproductive technology is concerned, the investigation of serum inhibin B has a predictive value in testicular sperm extraction.