FAM201A, a long noncoding RNA potentially associated with atrial fibrillation identified by ceRNA network analyses and WGCNA.

BACKGROUND: Being the most common arrhythmia in clinic, atrial fibrillation (AF) causes various comorbidities to patients such as heart failure and stroke. LncRNAs were reported involved in pathogenesis of AF, yet, little is known about AF-associated lncRNAs. The present study aims to explore lncRNAs associated with AF susceptibility based on competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). METHODS: GSE41177 and GSE79768 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis was performed using GSE41177. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), mRNAs (DEmRNAs) between AF patients and patients with sinus rhythm (SR) were identified from GSE41177 using R software. Then, the ceRNA network was constructed based on DElncRNAs, the predicted target miRNAs and DEmRNAs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed using GSE79768 to validate the AF-related lncRNAs identified from GSE41177. LncRNA modules and crucial lncRNAs relevant to AF and were identified. RESULTS: In summary, 18 DElncRNAs and 350 DEmRNAs were found between AF patients and SR patients. A total of 5 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 21 mRNAs were contained in the final ceRNA network. Taking into consideration both the ceRNA theory and inference scores from the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) database, the ceRNA axis FAM201A-miR-33a-3p-RAC3 was identified as mostly relevant to AF susceptibility. FAM201A (Gene significance, GS = - 0.62; Module membership, MM = 0.75) was also proved in the blue module, which was identified most highly relevant with AF by WGCNA. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that decreased expression of FAM201A might be associated with susceptibility of AF. Working as the ceRNA to regulate RAC3 might be one function of FAM201A in AF susceptibility, which requires further exploration in future research.

Synaptic repair and vision restoration in advanced degenerating eyes by transplantation of retinal progenitor cells.

Stem cell transplantation shows enormous potential for treatment of incurable retinal degeneration (RD). To determine if and how grafts connect with the neural circuits of the advanced degenerative retina (ADR) and improve vision, we perform calcium imaging of GCaMP5-positive grafts in retinal slices. The organoid-derived C-Kit+/SSEA1- (C-Kit+) retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) become synaptically organized and build spontaneously active synaptic networks in three major layers of ADR. Light stimulation of the host photoreceptors elicits distinct neuronal responses throughout the graft RPCs. The graft RPCs and their differentiated offspring cells in inner nuclear layer synchronize their activities with the host cells and exhibit presynaptic calcium flux patterns that resemble intact retinal neurons. Once graft-to-host network is established, progressive vision loss is stabilized while control eyes continually lose vision. Therefore, transplantation of organoid-derived C-Kit+ RPCs can form functional synaptic networks within ADR and it holds promising avenue for advanced RD treatment.

Interaction between mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 5178 C > A and clinical risk factors on the susceptibility of essential hypertension in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial genotype 5178 cytosine/adenine (5178 C > A) within the NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 gene (ND2) was proved to associate with longevity and predispose resistance to adult-onset diseases. This study aimed to confirm the interactive effects between ND 25178 C > A and clinical risk factors on the susceptibility of essential hypertension in Chinese general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relationship between the ND2 5178 C > A variation and the risk of hypertension was investigated in 817 hypertensives and 821 matched normotensives. The interactive effects between ND2 5178 C > A and clinical risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: The ND2 5178 A allele was more frequent in normotensives than in hypertensives (32.64% vs. 24.24%; adjusted OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.49-0.79, P = 1.3 × 10- 4). After stratification, the significant association between ND2 5178 C > A and hypertension was found only in current smokers (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.31-0.62), but not in non-current smokers (p <  0.01 for interaction). Smoking status (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.06) and high triglycerides (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10-2.24) were found independently associated with hypertension only in carriers of 5178 C allele but not in carriers of 5178 A allele. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ND2 5178 A allele could confer a lower risk for essential hypertension in Chinese by the interaction with smoking status. The higher risk of hypertension imposed by smoking and high TG may be altered by ND2 5178 A allele.

A novel strategy of vascular reconstruction after radical resection of an inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Vascular reconstruction after resection of a inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma remains a major challenge. In this study we describe a case of successful vascular reconstruction using a novel approach. METHODS: A patient underwent the surgical resection of an IVC tumor. The caudal stump of the IVC was then anastomosed to an 18-mm Dacron graft with bilateral 8-mm arms, which were anastomosed to the bilateral renal veins, respectively. RESULTS: Complete resolution of abdominal pain was achieved and the patient did well throughout the 12-month follow-up. No recurrent clinical symptoms were observed. Renal function was well maintained. CONCLUSIONS: This novel vascular reconstruction approach may be a feasible, effective surgical strategy for preservation of renal function for IVC leiomyosarcoma.