Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among postmenopausal females: results from NHANES.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is common among the population, but its relationship with mortality of postmenopausal females is unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the association between serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among postmenopausal women in the United States. METHODS: 6812 participants of postmenopausal females from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2018) were included in this study. The mortality status of the follow-up was ascertained by linkage to National Death Index (NDI) records through 31 December 2019. We used cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association of serum 25(OH)D concentrations and mortality of postmenopausal females. RESULTS: The mean level of serum 25(OH)D was 72.57 ± 29.93 nmol/L, and 65.34% had insufficient vitamin D. In postmenopausal females, low serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly associated with higher levels of glycohemoglobin, glucose, and lower levels of HDL. During follow-up, 1448 all-cause deaths occurred, including 393 cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths and 263 cancer deaths. After multivariate adjustment, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly related with lower all-cause and CVD mortality. In addition, serum 25(OH)D presented a L-shaped relationship with all-cause mortality, while appeared a U-shaped with CVD mortality, and the cut-off value is 73.89 nmol/L and 46.75 nmol/L respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with the higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in postmenopausal females. These findings provide new ideas and targets for the health management of postmenopausal women.

Serum luteinizing hormone level on the third day after ovarian stimulation in GnRH agonist short protocol is predictive of outcome in poor responders but not in normal responders.

OBJECTIVES: To identify whether prognostic value of LH measurement in normal responders (NR) is different from poor responders (POR). METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted among patients who underwent ovarian stimulation with short protocol, with 300 NR and 101 POR, according to Bologna Consensus criteria. LH was measured on 3rd and 5th day after stimulation and HCG administration day. RESULTS: There was significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle initiated among those with LH level on the third day after stimulation (a) below the 25 centile (b) between the 25 and 75 centile and (c) above the 75 centile in women with POR (7.7%, 15.1% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.02) but not in NR. There was significant correlation between LH ranks and clinical pregnancy rate in POR (p = 0.02) but not in NR. Factors associated with clinical pregnancy rate in POR were age and LH on the third of stimulation, while factors in NR were age, AFC and FSH. CONCLUSION: LH level on the 3rd day of stimulation was predictive of clinical pregnancy in POR but not in NR.

Ultrastructural Changes and Methylation of Human Oocytes Vitrified at the Germinal Vesicle Stage and Matured in vitro after Thawing.

AIM: The study aimed to assess the effect of in vitro vitrification and maturation on the nuclear configuration, cytoplasmic maturation and global DNA methylation pattern of human germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes. METHODS: Human oocytes from infertile women were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: (i) metaphase II (MII) oocytes matured in vivo (vivo-MII, n = 56) as controls; (ii) MII oocytes matured in vitro (vitro-MII, n = 106); and (iii) MII oocytes that were vitrified at the GV stage, warmed and matured in vitro (cryo-MII, n = 122). All MII oocytes were fixed and immunofluorescence staining for spindle, chromosome, mitochondrion and cortical granules (CGs) were performed; examination was done using immunofluorescence laser scanning confocal microscope. The expression of 5-methycytosine in these MII oocytes was also assessed. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between vitro-MII and cryo-MII groups with respect to oocyte maturation rate (72.4 vs. 78.3%). No significant differences were observed in the distribution of mitochondria, migration of CG and global DNA methylation pattern among the 3 study groups. However, the abnormal configuration of spindle and chromosome was significantly higher in cryo-MII group (78.9 and 84.2%) as compared to that in the vitro-MII (45.0 and 50.0%, p < 0.05) and vivo-MII groups (27.3 and 36.4%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: GV oocytes appeared to resist vitrification and retain their potential for maturation to MII stage oocytes after thawing. However, GV oocytes vitrification combined with in vitro maturation could affect the organization of spindle and chromosome.

The Effect of PCDH15 Gene Variations on the Risk of Noise-induced Hearing Loss in a Chinese Population.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a complex disease caused by interactions between environmental and genetic factors. This study investigated whether genetic variability in protocadherin related 15 (PCDH15) underlies an increased susceptibility to the development of NIHL in a Chinese population. The results showed that compared with the TT genotype of rs11004085, CT/CC genotypes were associated with an increased risk of NIHL [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-6.11, P = 0.024]. Additionally, significant interactions between the rs11004085 and rs978842 genetic variations and noise exposure were observed in the high-level exposure groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk haplotype TAGCC was observed when combined with higher levels of noise exposure (P < 0.05). Thus, our study confirms that genetic variations in PCDH15 modify the susceptibility to NIHL development in humans.

p-type Li, Cu-codoped NiOx hole-transporting layer for efficient planar perovskite solar cells.

p-type inorganic hole transport materials of Li, Cu-codoped NiOx films were deposited using a simple solution-based process. The as-prepared films were used as hole selective contacts for lead halide perovskite solar cell. An enhanced power conversion efficiency of 14.53% has been achieved due to the improved electrical conductivity and optical transmittance of the Li, Cu-codoped NiOx electrode interlayer.

CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 are associated with trophoblastic cells apoptosis and linked to pathophysiology of severe preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder with sudden onset of maternal hypertension and proteinuria, which is characterized by defective cytotrophoblast invasion, increased apoptosis in cytotrophoblast, and diminished syncytial differentiation. In this study, samples from 11 mild preeclamptic patients, 18 severe preeclamptic patients, and 21 normal pregnant women were collected. The expression level of CXCL12 and its two receptors (CXCR4 and CXCR7) in these samples and their relationship with apoptosis were investigated. Morphological change of trophoblast cells that was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated a significant tendency of apoptosis in the preeclamptic placenta. Immunohistochemical staining showed that expression level of three proteins was significantly lower in severe preeclamptic placentas compared with normal placentas (P<0.05), whereas no significant difference was found between mild preeclamptic and normal placentas (P>0.05). Real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot showed that both mRNA and protein expression level of CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 of trophoblasts were lower in the severe preeclampsia group than that in the normal group (P<0.05 for mRNA, P<0.01 for protein). In conclusion, our data revealed that the roles of CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 are associated with trophoblastic cells apoptosis and may be linked to the occurrence and development of severe preeclampsia.

[Expressions of chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in human sperm].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression patterns of the chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in human sperm. METHODS: We collected semen samples from 10 fertile men, performed density gradient centrifugation, and then determined the expressions of both CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the sperm by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: RT-PCR revealed the mRNA expressions of CXCL12 (0.641 +/- 0.180) and CXCR4 (0.464 +/- 0.100) in the sperm. However, only CXCR4 rather than CXCL12 was expressed at the protein level, and the positive staining for CXCR4 was observed mainly in the posterior part of the acrosome. CONCLUSION: CXCL12 and CXCR4 are involved as important molecules in regulating the function of human sperm.

Enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells using solution-based in situ synthesis and fabrication of Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystal counter electrode.

On the bright side: A solution-based strategy was developed for in situ synthesis and film deposition of Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystal films (samples a-d). The obtained Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystal films can be used as an effective counter-electrode (CE) material to replace Pt, and yield low-cost, high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The assembled solar cell devices exhibit an efficiency of 7.82 % under 1 sun irradiation (see figure).

Co-effect of Demand-control-support model and effort-reward imbalance model on depression risk estimation in humans: findings from Henan Province of China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the co-effect of Demand-control-support (DCS) model and Effort-reward Imbalance (ERI) model on the risk estimation of depression in humans in comparison with the effects when they are used respectively. METHODS: A total of 3 632 males and 1 706 females from 13 factories and companies in Henan province were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Perceived job stress was evaluated with the Job Content Questionnaire and Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (Chinese version). Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: DC (demands/job control ratio) and ERI were shown to be independently associated with depressive symptoms. The outcome of low social support and overcommitment were similar. High DC and low social support (SS), high ERI and high overcommitment, and high DC and high ERI posed greater risks of depressive symptoms than each of them did alone. ERI model and SS model seem to be effective in estimating the risk of depressive symptoms if they are used respectively. CONCLUSION: The DC had better performance when it was used in combination with low SS. The effect on physical demands was better than on psychological demands. The combination of DCS and ERI models could improve the risk estimate of depressive symptoms in humans.

2D Ti3C2-MXene Serving as Intermediate Layer between Absorber and Back Contact for Efficient CZTSSe Solar Cells.

Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) has been considered as the most promising absorber material for inorganic thin-film solar cells. Among the three main interfaces in CZTSSe-based solar cells, the CZTSSe/Mo back interface plays an essential role in hole extraction as well as device performance. During the selenization process, the reaction between CZTSSe and Mo is one of the main reasons that lead to a large open circuit voltage (VOC) deficit, low short circuit current (Jsc), and fill factor. In this study, 2D Ti3C2-MXene was introduced as an intermediate layer to optimize the interface between the CZTSSe absorber layer and Mo back contact. Benefiting from the 2D Ti3C2-MXene intermediate layer, the reaction between CZTSSe and Mo was effectually suppressed, thus, significantly reducing the thickness of the detrimental Mo(S,Se)2 layer as well as interface recombination at the CZTSSe/Mo back interface. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of the champion device fabricated with the 2D Ti3C2-MXene intermediate layer was improved from 10.89 to 13.14% (active-area efficiency). This study demonstrates the potential use of the 2D Ti3C2-MXene intermediate layer for efficient CZTSSe solar cells and promotes a deeper understanding of the back interface in CZTSSe solar cells.

Trophoblast-derived chemokine CXCL12 promotes CXCR4 expression and invasion of human first-trimester decidual stromal cells.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCL12/CXCR4) axis on the crosstalk between human first-trimester trophoblast cells (TCs) and decidual stromal cells (DSCs), to contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms on the interaction between the mother and embryo during pregnancy. METHODS: CXCR4 on human first-trimester DSC membranes was detected by flow cytometry. The effects of exogenous CXCL12 or TC-conditioned medium (TCM) on proliferation and invasion of DSCs were examined by measuring proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and an invasion assay, respectively. Finally, a co-culture model was established to investigate the effect of CXCL12 secreted from TCs on motility of DSCs. RESULTS: The mean (±SEM) percentage of DSCs positive for CXCR4 was 32.32 ± 7.18%. Human recombinant CXCL12 induced an increase in CXCR4 levels on DSCs via binding to CXCR4 (P < 0.01) but had no effect on the PCNA expression of DSCs. Moreover, both exogenous CXCL12 and TCM reinforced the invasive ability of DSCs via CXCR4 ligation. A co-culture model further confirmed that the enhanced invasiveness of DSCs in co-culture with TCs was inhibited by anti-CXCR4 or anti-CXCL12 neutralizing antibody (both P< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Human first-trimester DSCs express membrane CXCR4 and TC-derived CXCL12 promotes CXCR4 expression and invasion of DSCs via ligation with CXCR4. Our data highlight the role of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis on the co-operation between TCs and DSCs during human first-trimester pregnancy.

[The epidemiological characteristics and correlated factors of daily hassles for thermal power plant workers].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and correlated factors of daily hassles among thermal power plant workers. METHODS: A mass screening of daily hassles and correlated factors was conducted on 498 workers from a thermal power plant in Zhengzhou in July, 2008. The questionnaires included Daily Hassles Questionnaires, Work Roles Questionnaires, Job Content Questionnaires (Chinese version), Effort-Reward Imbalance (Chinese version), Work Locus of Control Scale and Type A Behavior Scale, with content covering demographic characters and occupational stress correlated factors among subjects. The daily hassles was divided into lower level and higher level according to scores, and the epidemiological characteristics and correlated factors of daily hassles were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 446 qualified questionnaires were obtained, effective response rate was 89.6% (446/498). For respondents, the age was (36.96 ± 6.49) years old, working length of the current job was (12.05 ± 7.54) years, the daily hassles scores was (9.01 ± 2.50), and the prevalence rate of the higher level of daily hassles was 34.1% (152/446). The multiple non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed 5-14 years' working length of current job (OR = 0.451, 95%CI: 0.225 - 0.904), average income > 3000 yuan(OR = 0.372, 95%CI: 0.202 - 0.684), reward (OR = 0.557, 95%CI: 0.325 - 0.954) and coping strategy (OR = 0.552, 95%CI: 0.330 - 0.925) were negatively correlated with daily hassles, and shift-work (OR = 1.887, 95%CI: 1.108 - 3.215), effort (OR = 2.053, 95%CI: 1.198 - 3.519), psychological demand (OR = 1.797, 95%CI: 1.049 - 3.078), negative affectivity (OR = 3.421, 95%CI: 2.065 - 5.668) were positively correlated with daily hassles. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of the higher level of daily hassles was considerable high for thermal power plant workers. Its negative correlated factors included 5 - 14 years' working length of the current job, average income > 3000 yuan, reward and coping strategy and its positive corelated factors included shift-work, effort, psychological demand and negative affectivity.

Insight of Autophagy in Spontaneous Miscarriage.

In some cases of spontaneous miscarriage (SM), the exact etiology cannot be determined. Autophagy, which is responsible for cellular survival under stress conditions, has also been implicated in many diseases. Recently, it is also surmised to be correlated with SM. However, the detailed mechanism remains elusive. In fact, there are several essential steps during pregnancy establishment and maintenance: trophoblasts invasion, placentation, decidualization, enrichment and infiltration of decidua immune cells (e.g., natural killer, macrophage and T cells). Accordingly, upstream molecules and downstream effects of autophagy are discussed in these processes, respectively. Of note, autophagy regulates the crosstalk between these cells at the maternal-fetal interface as well. Aberrant autophagy is found in villi, decidual stromal cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells in SM patients, although the findings are inconsistent among different studies. Furthermore, potential treatments targeting autophagy are included, during which rapamycin and vitamin D are hot-spots in recent literatures. To conclude, a moderately activated autophagy is deeply involved in pregnancy, suggesting that autophagy should be a regulator and promising target for treating SM.

Suppressing interface recombination in CZTSSe solar cells by simple selenization with synchronous interface gradient doping.

The main bottleneck in the development of kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells is their very low VOC due to severe carrier recombination. Specifically, due to the poor defect environment and unfavorable band structure, carrier recombination at the front interface is considered to be one of the most serious issues. Thus, to reduce the interface recombination and VOC deficit, we propose a convenient and effective strategy for Cd gradient doping near the front interface during selenization. The formed Cd gradient significantly reduced the CuZn defects and related [2CuZn + SnZn] defect clusters near the CZTSSe-CdS heterojunction, thus significantly suppressing the interface recombination near the heterojunction. Benefitting from the formed Cd gradient, a champion device with 12.14% PCE was achieved with the VOC significantly improved from 432 mV to 486 mV. The proposed element gradient doping strategy can offer a new idea for selenization and element gradient doping in other photoelectric devices.

[Relationship between job satisfaction and occupational stress in the workers of a thermal power plant].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between job satisfaction and occupational stress in the workers of a thermal power plant. METHODS: The cluster sampling method was used to investigate 875 workers in a thermal power plant. The job satisfaction, occupational stressors, strains, personalities, meeting strategy and social support were measured using occupational stress instruments, job content questionnaire and effort-reward imbalance questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of job satisfaction scores between different groups according to sex, educational level, marriage status, smoking and drinking (P > 0.05). But there were significant differences of job satisfaction scores between different age groups or between different service length groups (P < 0.01). The correlation analysis revealed that job satisfaction scores were related positively to responsibility for persons and things, promotion opportunity, job control, job stabilization, rewards, mental health, positive affectivity, self-esteem, superior support and coworker support scores (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), negatively to role ambiguity and conflict, job future ambiguity, job demands, negative affectivity, depressive symptoms, patience, and mental locus of work control(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The results of variance analysis indicated that the job relationship, responsibility for persons and things, promotion opportunity, job control, job stabilization, reward, mental health, positive affectivity, self-esteem and buffer scores of the workers with high job satisfaction scores were significantly higher than those of workers with moderate and lower job satisfaction scores (P < 0.01), but the role ambiguity and conflict, job future ambiguity, job demands, and depressive symptoms scores and mental locus of work control of the workers with high job satisfaction scores were significantly lower than those of workers with moderate and lower job satisfaction scores (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of job dissatisfaction for workers with low reward was about four times as high as that for workers with high reward (OR = 3.773), the risks of job dissatisfaction for workers with low social support and mental locus of external work control were about two times as high as that for workers with high social support or mental locus of internal work control (OR = 2.419 and 2.219, respectively). The daily life stress, low control strategy, low support strategy, low job control and negative affectivity were risk factors of job dissatisfaction (OR = 1.125 approximately 1.790), but the self-esteem and positive affectivity could reduce the risk of job dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: Increasing the decision level, social support, meeting strategy and reward or decreasing the role conflict and ambiguity, demands and negative affectivity could improve worker's job satisfaction level.

[Association between occupational stress and musculoskeletal disorders in lower extremity].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between occupational stress and musculoskeletal disorders in lower extremity. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was used to investigate 5338 workers in 13 factories and companies for prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in lower extremity, working postures and occupational stress were investigated with questionnaires for past year. Perceived occupational stress was evaluated by the Chinese version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Model Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between occupational stress and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in lower extremity. RESULTS: In the main dimensions of job strain and ERI model, physical demands and effort were risk factors of hip disorders, but job control was a protective factor of hip disorders. When job strain and ERI model scales were analyzed simultaneously, only physical demands were risk factor of hip disorders. When job strain and the effort-reward imbalance were computed by creating four independent categories, job strain was a risk factor of hip disorders, ERI was a risk factor of hip and knee disorders. The risk of imbalance between job strain and effort-reward the protective effect of job control increased with the disorder regions. According to continuous variable analysis, job strain by calculated with physical demands was risk factor of hip disorders, continuous ERI variable was risk factor of hip and knee disorders. CONCLUSION: Occupational stress is associated significantly with musculoskeletal disorders in lower extremity. The control of occupational stress and increase of job control should be considered for preventing the musculoskeletal disorders in lower extremity.

[Gender difference of relationship between occupational stress and depressive symptoms].

OBJECTIVE: To explore gender difference of relationship between occupational stress and depressive symptoms. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was used to investigate 5338 workers in 13 factories and companies, the depressive symptoms were assessed with Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the perceived occupational stress was evaluated by the Chinese version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Model Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between occupational stress and prevalence of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 31.8% for all subjects, 33.8% for males and 27.7% for females, gender difference of prevalence was significant (P < 0.01). Psychological demands, physical demands, job control, effort, overcommitment and negative affectivity scores for males were significantly higher than those for females(P < 0.01 or 0.05), social support, reward and job satisfaction scores for males were significantly lower than those for females (P < 0.01). Psychological demands, physical demands, job control, effort, overcommitment and negative affectivity scores for workers with depressive symptoms were significantly higher than those for workers without depressive symptoms (P < 0.01) but job control, social support, reward, job satisfaction and positive affectivity scores for workers with depressive symptoms were significantly lower than those for without depressive symptoms (P < 0.01). Psychological demands, physical demands, job control, effort, overcommitment and negative affectivity scores for male workers with depressive symptoms were significantly higher than those for female counterparts (P < 0.01), but social support, reward, job satisfaction scores for male workers with depressive symptoms were significantly lower than hose for female workers with depressive symptoms (P < 0.01). Ratio of male workers and male workers with depressive symptoms with job strain and ERI > 1, high demands and low control, and high effort and low reward were higher than female counterparts (P < 0.01). The risk of depressive symptoms for female with high demands and low control was about two times as high as that for female workers with low demands and high control for psychological demands and physical demands (OR = 2.0), risk for females was slightly higher than that for males (OR = 2.04 and 2.17, respectively). The risk of depressive symptoms for workers with high efforts and low rewards was about two times as high as that for workers with low efforts and high rewards (OR = 1.70). No interactive effect between gender and job strain and ERI on depressive symptoms were found. CONCLUSION: The gender difference of relationship between depressive symptom prevalence and job strain may due to the difference of psychosocial factors between females and males. There may be no interactive effect between psychosocial factors and gender on depressive symptoms.

YinQiSanHuang Jiedu decoction for the treatment of hepatitis B-related compensated liver cirrhosis: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B-related compensated liver cirrhosis is related to a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and antiviral therapy is the preferred method. As the pathological mechanisms of liver fibrosis are complex, drugs developed for a single target are difficult to be effective in clinical practice, so there are no chemical drugs or biological drugs with clear efficacy available for clinical application at present. Traditional Chinese medicine is a kind of medical science that has been gradually formed during thousands of years and continuously enriched by the people of all ethnic groups in China. Traditional Chinese medicine shows curative effects in the treatment of liver diseases, especially in the field of liver fibrosis prevention and treatment. This study aims to test the integrative medicine (Chinese medicine plus antiviral therapy) effective on lowing hepatocellular carcinoma risk among patients with hepatitis-related compensated liver cirrhosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multi-center randomized controlled trial, and a total of 5 hospitals and 802 patients will be involved in. All the subjects are randomly allocated to the YinQiSanHuang Jiedu decoction (YQSHD) group (n = 401) or the placebo group (n = 401). The YQSHD group receives YQSHD granule with entecavir (ETV), and the placebo group receives YQSHD placebo with ETV. The treatment period will last for 52 weeks, and the follow-up period for 52 ± 2 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the annual incidence of HCC. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after treatment. The objective of this trial is "the integrative of YQSHD with ETV reduce the annual incidence of HCC to 1%." ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Guang'anmen Hospital, China (No.2019-006-KY), and the other centers in the trial will not begin recruiting until the local ethical approval has been obtained. Trial final results will be disseminated via publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900021532 . Registered on February 26, 2019.

[Role of CXCL16/CXCR6 axis in the metastasis of human prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the roles of chemokine CXCL16 and its receptor CXCR6 in the directional invasion of human prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: The expression of CXCL16/CXCR6 in PCa samples and osseous tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of CXCR6 in PC3 and LNCap cells was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. Then the effects of CXCL16 upon the migration and invasion of human PC3 and LNCap cells were examined by Matrigel invasion assay. RESULTS: The expression of CXCR6 protein was detected in all clinical PCa samples. But no CXCL16 protein was detected. Positive CXCL16 expression was observed in human osseous tissues. Both PC3 and LNCap cells expressed CXCR6 mRNA (0.38+/-0.054 vs 0.41+/-0.019 respectively) and protein. In addition, CXCL16 could promote the in vitro migration and invasion of PC3 and LNCap cell lines (invading cells 211.50+/-5.60 vs 89.25+/-3.31 respectively). Such a promoting effect of CXCL16 could not be blocked influenced by antiCXCL12 or antiCXCR4. CONCLUSION: CXCL16/CXCR6 axis may be another independent chemokine factor playing a significant role in the metastasis of prostate cancer.

[Effects of occupational stress on serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of occupational stress on serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2 and IL-4. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 200 workers from the refrigerator assembly line in Henan province in China. Psychosocial work conditions were measured by using the job demand-control model, the effort-reward imbalance model questionnaires and occupational stress measurement scale. Serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, and IL-4 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay or immunoradiometric assay method respectively. RESULTS: Serum TNF-α concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher affective balance level and control groups [(1.947 ± 0.173) and (2.029 ± 0.240) fmol/ml] (P < 0.05). Serum IL-1ß concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher effort level and control groups [(0.133 ± 0.034) and (0.118 ± 0.031) ng/ml] (P < 0.05). Serum IL-2 concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher role ambiguity level [(1.658 ± 0.376) and (1.491 ± 0.033) ng/ml] and control groups (P < 0.05), as well as between workers with higher role conflict level and control groups [(1.774 ± 0.311) and (1.589 ± 0.380) ng/ml] (P < 0.05), between workers with higher daily life stress level and control groups [(1.759 ± 0.361) and (1.606 ± 0.381) ng/ml] (P < 0.05). Serum IL-4 concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher reward level and control groups [(1.449 ± 0.025) and (1.466 ± 0.041) pg/ml] (P < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that affective balance was the predictor of serum TNF-α (R(2) = 0.029). Effort and mental health were the predictors of serum IL-1ß (R(2) was 0.029 and 0.055, respectively). Role conflict, daily life stress and role ambiguity were the predictors of serum IL-2 (R(2) was 0.040, 0.078 and 0.104, respectively). Reward was the predictor of serum IL-4 (R(2) = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Unhealthy psychological stress factor might be induce a marked increase in the concentrations of serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, as well as IL-4.