Changes of serum miR-221 and miR-145 levels with papillary thyroid carcinoma and their relationship with invasive activity.

This study aimed to investigate the expression of miR-221 and miR-145 in papillary thyroid carcinoma, and the effect of miR-221 and miR-145 on the invasion ability of thyroid cancer cells and its mechanism. For this purpose, 120 patients with thyroid nodules were divided into the observation group (PTC) of 43 cases and the control group (benign nodules) of 42 cases according to postoperative pathological diagnosis. Total RNA was extracted from serum samples of all patients, and the expression levels of miRNA-145 and miR-221 were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The expression of two kinds of miRNAs in the groups was compared, and their correlation was analyzed. The results showed that the expression of miRNA-145 in thyroid cancer tissues was lower than that in paired adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.001). The expression of miRNA-221 in thyroid cancer tissues was higher than that in paired adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.001). The proliferation and migration ability of miRNA-145 cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The expression of miRNA-221 was up-regulated, and the proliferation and migration ability of cells was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). High expression of miRNA-145 can inhibit cell proliferation and migration and promote apoptosis, while high expression of miRNA-221 will promote cell proliferation and migration and enhance the invasion ability of cancer cells. In general, the expression of miRNA-22l in serum of PTC patients is significantly up-regulated, while the expression level of miR-145 is down-regulated, which can be used as effective indicators to judge the biological activity of the tumor, and the combined detection of the two can significantly enhance the diagnostic value of PTC. Upregulation of miR-145 inhibits PTC cell proliferation; arrests cell cycle and promotes apoptosis miR-145 may play an important role as a tumor suppressor gene.

Alterations in degree centrality and cognitive function in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy.

The goal of this study was to determine the presence or absence of persistent functional impairments in specific brain regions in breast cancer patients during the recovery period after chemotherapy. We calculated degree centrality (DC) and explored the correlation between brain changes and cognitive scores in 29 female patients with breast cancer who had completed chemotherapy within 1-6 years (C + group) and in 28 age-matched patients with breast cancer who did not receive chemotherapy (C- group). All patients underwent rs-fMRI and cognitive testing. Differences in brain functional activity were explored using DC parameters. Correlations between brain features and cognitive scores were analyzed via correlation analysis. Compared with the C- group, the C + group obtained significantly lower motor and cognitive subscores on the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions and four subscale scores of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the C + group exhibited a significantly higher DC z-score (zDC) in the right superior temporal gyrus and left postcentral gyrus (P < 0.01, FWE-corrected), and a lower zDC in the left caudate nucleus (P < 0.01, FWE-corrected). We found a positive correlation between digit symbol test (DST) scores and zDC values in the right superior temporal gyrus (r = 0.709, P < 0.001), and a negative correlation between DST scores and zDC values in the right angular gyrus (r = -0.784, P < 0.001) and left superior parietal gyrus (r = -0.739, P < 0.001). Chemotherapy can cause abnormal brain activity and cognitive decline in patients with breast cancer, and these effects are likely to persist. DC can be used as an imaging marker for chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 improves intestinal immune function and diminishes bacterial translocation in a mouse model of parenteral nutrition.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is associated with increased infectious risks due to impaired intestinal immunity. Although glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) enhances the gut barrier function, it is uncertain whether it improves mucosal immunologic barrier function. We hypothesized that injecting the PN mouse model with GLP-2 improved innate and acquired immunity, and prevented bacterial translocation. Forty-eight hours after venous cannulation, male Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomly divided into 3 groups based on their diet: chow with saline (n = 10), PN (n = 9), or PN + GLP-2 (30 µg bid per mouse, n = 10) provided for 5 days. Compared with chow, PN reduced interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels (P < .05, respectively), whereas, compared with PN alone, GLP-2 injection increased IL-4 and IL-13 levels (P < .05, respectively). Compared with chow, PN considerably suppressed, whereas GLP-2 improved, secretory phospholipase A2 and cryptdin-4 expression. PN, compared with chow, considerably decreased lysozyme and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor levels, whereas, compared with PN, GLP-2 significantly increased these protein levels (P < .01, respectively). In tissue and luminal samples, compared with chow, PN reduced secretory immunoglobulin A levels (P < .05), whereas, compared with PN alone, GLP-2 increased secretory immunoglobulin A levels (P < .05). Functionally, more bacterial translocation was observed in the PN group compared with the chow group (P < .001), and GLP-2 injection decreased bacterial translocation to chow levels (P < .05). In summary, GLP-2 treatment may improve intestinal innate and acquired immunity, and prevent bacterial translocation in mice on total parenteral nutrition.

Partial enteral nutrition increases intestinal sIgA levels in mice undergoing parenteral nutrition in a dose-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Partial enteral nutrition (PEN) protects parenteral nutrition (PN) induced gut mucosal immunity impairment. However, the gastrointestinal function of most patients with PN is too poor to tolerate full dosage of PEN and no guidelines recommend PEN dose. We aimed to identify an optimal PEN dose and to understand the protective mechanism. METHODS: Mice were assigned to groups with total parenteral nutrition (TPN), total enteral nutrition (TEN), or various degrees of PEN with PN. Additionally, AS1517499 was used to inhibit STAT6. Five days after treatment, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels of luminal washing fluid and JAK1-STAT6 signalling in ileum tissue of different groups were assessed. RESULTS: We found that TPN lowered luminal sIgA and down-regulated pIgR, phosphorylated JAK1 and STAT6, IL-4 and IL-13 as well relative to TEN. Moreover, 40% EN were lowest dose that reversed these detrimental consequences of PN to an equivalent level as TEN. The rescue of pIgR and luminal sIgA expression was decreased when the JAK1-STAT6 pathway was inhibited. CONCLUSION: We conclude that 40% EN is the optimal PEN dose that reverses PN-induced impairment of gut mucosal immunity. Additionally, we hypothesise that this benefit involves activation of the JAK1-STAT6 pathway.

Whole Grain Intake Reduces Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Mounting evidence from epidemiology studies suggests that whole grain intake may reduce pancreatic cancer risk, but convincing evidence is scarce. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between whole grain intake and pancreatic cancer risk. Relevant observational studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases for the period from January 1980 to July 2015, with no restrictions. We calculated the summary odds ratios (ORs) for pancreatic cancer using random-effects model meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was analyzed using the I statistic. A total of 8 studies regarding whole grain intake were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled OR of pancreatic cancer for those with high versus low whole grain intake was 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.91; P = 0.002). There was no significant heterogeneity across these studies (I²â€Š= 11.7%; Pheterogeneity = 0.339). In the subgroup analysis by geographic area, the summary ORs of developing pancreatic cancer were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.53-0.79; P < 0.001; I ²= 0%; Pheterogeneity = 0.482) in the United States (n = 4) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.63-1.43; P = 0.803; I ²= 45.6%; Pheterogeneity = 0.175) in Europe (n = 2). In the subgroup analysis by type of whole grain, the summary ORs were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.60-0.87; P = .001; I²â€Š= 0; Pheterogeneity = 0.876) for grains (n = 4) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.27-2.02; P = 0.554; I²â€Š= 86.3%; Pheterogeneity = 0.007) for wheat (n = 2). A high intake of whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. Because of the absent of more cohort studies, further prospective studies need to be conducted to ensure conclusions that are more robust.

GLP-2 Prevents Intestinal Mucosal Atrophy and Improves Tissue Antioxidant Capacity in a Mouse Model of Total Parenteral Nutrition.

We investigated the effects of exogenous glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) on mucosal atrophy and intestinal antioxidant capacity in a mouse model of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Male mice (6-8 weeks old) were divided into three groups (n = 8 for each group): a control group fed a standard laboratory chow diet, and experimental TPN (received standard TPN solution) and TPN + GLP-2 groups (received TPN supplemented with 60 µg/day of GLP-2 for 5 days). Mice in the TPN group had lower body weight and reduced intestinal length, villus height, and crypt depth compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). GLP-2 supplementation increased all parameters compared to TPN only (all p < 0.05). Intestinal total superoxide dismutase activity and reduced-glutathione level in the TPN + GLP-2 group were also higher relative to the TPN group (all p < 0.05). GLP-2 administration significantly upregulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and increased glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) abundance. Compared with the control and TPN + GLP-2 groups, intestinal cleaved caspase-3 was increased in the TPN group (all p < 0.05). This study shows GLP-2 reduces TPN-associated intestinal atrophy and improves tissue antioxidant capacity. This effect may be dependent on enhanced epithelial cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and upregulated GRP78 expression.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome caused by surgery and radiation therapy for a brain tumor: A case report.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is defined as an obstruction of the third part of duodenum due to compression by the superior mesenteric artery. Although traumatic brain injury is a risk factor for SMAS, few cases of SMAS resulting from brain surgery have been reported. SMAS has been observed to occur following neurosurgical surgery in pediatric patients but, to the best of our knowledge, no such cases have been reported in adults. The present study reports the case of a 21-year-old female patient who developed SMAS after persistent vomiting and prolonged weight loss following cerebellar tumor resection and cranial irradiation. The SMAS was confirmed by computed tomography and resolved following successful nutritional management.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Colorectal Resection Within Fast Track Programs: An Update Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials.

The objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic colorectal surgery by comparing open operation within fast track (FT) programs. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Chinese Biological Medicine Database were searched to identify all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laparoscopic with open colorectal resection within FT programs. A total of seven RCTs were finally included, enrolling 714 patients with colorectal cancer: 373 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery and FT programs (laparoscopic/FT group) and 341 patients received open operation and FT programs (open/FT group). Postoperative hospital stay (weighted mean difference (WMD): 0.66; 95% CI: 0.27 - 1.04; P < 0.05), total hospital stay (WMD: 1.46; 95% CI: 0.40 - 2.51; P < 0.05) and overall complications (RR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.12 - 1.54; P < 0.05) were significantly lower in laparoscopic/FT group than in open/FT group. However, no statistically significant differences on mortality (risk ratio (RR): 2.26; 95% CI: 0.62 - 8.22; P = 0.21), overall surgical complications (RR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.94 - 1.51; P = 0.15) and readmission rates (RR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.79 - 2.22; P = 0.28) were found between both groups. The laparoscopic colorectal surgery combined with FT programs shows high-level evidence on shortening postoperative and total hospital stay, reducing overall complications without compromising patients' safety.