G-quadruplex structures in FGFR3 promoter negatively regulate its gene expression and DNA replication.

FGFR3 activating mutations and abnormal expression are linked to tumor development. However, the current state of research on FGFR3 gene expression regulation is relatively insufficient. In this study, we have reported that the FGFR3 promoter's positive strand contains several G-tracts and most likely forms a G-quadruplex (G4) structure. Circular dichroism investigations revealed that oligonucleotides from this region exhibit G-quadruplex-like molar ellipticity. We further validated the G4 structure of the FGFR3 promoter using biochemical and cellular molecular biology techniques. The G-quadruplex mutation enhanced the transcriptional activity of the FGFR3 promoter and DNA replication, suggesting that the G4 structure inhibits its expression. Furthermore, we conducted a preliminary screen for helicases associated with FGFR3 expression and explored their regulatory effects on FGFR3 gene transcription. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of curcumin on the stability of the G4 structure of the FGFR3 promoter and its regulatory effect on FGFR3 expression.

Development of a prognostic risk model of uveal melanoma based on N7-methylguanosine-related regulators.

BACKGROUND: Uveal melanoma (UVM) stands as the predominant type of primary intraocular malignancy among adults. The clinical significance of N7-methylguanosine (m7G), a prevalent RNA modifications, in UVM remains unclear. METHODS: Primary information from 80 UVM patients were analyzed as the training set, incorporating clinical information, mutation annotations and mRNA expression obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) website. The validation set was carried out using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database GSE22138 and GSE84976. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression of univariate analyses were subjected to identify m7G-related regulators as prognostic genes. RESULT: A prognostic risk model comprising EIF4E2, NUDT16, SNUPN and WDR4 was established through Cox regression of LASSO. Evaluation of the model's predictability for UVM patients' prognosis by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves in the training set, demonstrated excellent performance Area Under the Curve (AUC) > 0.75. The high-risk prognosis within the TCGA cohort exhibit a notable worse outcome. Additionally, an independent correlation between the risk score and overall survival (OS) among UVM patients were identified. External validation of this model was carried out using the validation sets (GSE22138 and GSE84976). Immune-related analysis revealed that patients with high score of m7G-related risk model exhibited elevated level of immune infiltration and immune checkpoint gene expression. CONCLUSION: We have developed a risk prediction model based on four m7G-related regulators, facilitating effective estimate UVM patients' survival by clinicians. Our findings shed novel light on essential role of m7G-related regulators in UVM and suggest potential novel targets for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of UVM.

Role of ADP ribosylation factor guanylate kinase 1 in the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the influence of ASAP1 (ADP ribosylation factor guanylate kinase 1) on the malignant behavior of gastric cancer (GC) cells and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved in cancer development and progression. Methods: We assessed the impact of ASAP1 overexpression and knockdown on GC cell malignancy using CCK8, colony formation, flow cytometry (Annexin V/propidium iodide), Transwell migration, invasion, and scratch assays. Western blot analysis was used to assess the effects of ASAP1 on angiogenesis, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), apoptotic proteins, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, as well as AKT and p-AKT. The influence of ASAP1 knockdown was also evaluated in nude mice bearing BGC823 cell-derived tumors. Results: Our findings revealed that ASAP1 was significantly overexpressed in GC cells, enhancing their proliferation, invasion, and migration, while reducing apoptosis. Conversely, ASAP1 knockdown reversed these effects, markedly increasing the expression of cleaved-caspase 3 (Casp3), PARP, and the epithelial marker E-cadherin, and significantly decreasing MMP2, MMP9, VEGFA, and mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin and vimentin. Additionally, it reduced AKT, and p-AKT levels (P < 0.01). Tumor growth in nude mice was suppressed following ASAP1 knockdown. Conclusion: The overexpression of ASAP1 significantly promotes malignant behaviors in GC cells, whereas its knockdown diminishes these effects. This modulation is potentially through the downregulation of VEGFA, leading to reduced angiogenesis, Cleaved-Casp3 and Cleaved-PARP overexpression, and a decrease in MMPs, EMT, AKT, and p-AKT activity.

Role and mechanism of NCAPD3 in promoting malignant behaviors in gastric cancer.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major malignancies threatening human lives and health. Non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3 (NCAPD3) plays a crucial role in the occurrence of many diseases. However, its role in GC remains unexplored. Materials and Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, clinical samples, and cell lines were used to analyze NCAPD3 expression in GC. NCAPD3 was overexpressed and inhibited by lentiviral vectors and the CRISPR/Cas9 system, respectively. The biological functions of NCAPD3 were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Gene microarray, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) were performed to establish the potential mechanisms. Results: NCAPD3 was highly expressed in GC and was associated with a poor prognosis. NCAPD3 upregulation significantly promoted the malignant biological behaviors of gastric cancer cell, while NCAPD3 inhibition exerted a opposite effect. NCAPD3 loss can directly inhibit CCND1 and ESR1 expression to downregulate the expression of downstream targets CDK6 and IRS1 and inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Moreover, NCAPD3 loss activates IRF7 and DDIT3 to regulate apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Conclusion: Our study revealed that NCAPD3 silencing attenuates malignant phenotypes of GC and that it is a potential target for GC treatment.

Associations among neighborhood walkability, metal exposure, and sex steroid hormone levels: Results from Hangzhou Birth Cohort Study â ¡.

BACKGROUND: Neighborhood walkability may influence maternal-fetal exposure to environmental hazards and maternal-fetal health (e.g., fetal growth restriction, reproductive toxicity). However, few studies have explored the association between neighborhood walkability and hormones in pregnant women. METHODS: We included 533 pregnant women from the Hangzhou Birth Cohort Study II (HBCS-II) with testosterone (TTE) and estradiol (E2) measured for analysis. Neighborhood walkability was evaluated by calculating a walkability index based on geo-coded addresses. Placental metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). TTE and E2 levels in umbilical cord blood were measured using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Linear regression model was used to estimate the relationship between the walkability index, placental metals, and sex steroid hormones. Effect modification was also assessed to estimate the effect of placental metals on the associations of neighborhood walkability with TTE and E2. RESULTS: Neighborhood walkability was significantly linked to increased E2 levels (P trend=0.023). Compared with participants at the first quintile (Q1) of walkability index, those at the third quintiles (Q3) had lower chromium (Cr) levels (ß = -0.212, 95% CI = -0.421 to -0.003). Arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), tin (Sn), and vanadium (V) were linked to decreased TTE levels, and cadmium (Cd) was linked to increased TTE levels. No metal was significantly associated with E2 levels in trend analysis. In the analysis of effect modification, the associations of neighborhood walkability with TTE and E2 were significantly modified by Mn (P = 0.005) and Cu (P = 0.049) respectively. CONCLUSION: Neighborhood walkability could be a favorable factor for E2 production during pregnancy, which may be inhibited by maternal exposure to heavy metals.

Current status and progress of research on the ADP-dependent glucokinase gene.

ADP-dependent glucokinase (ADPGK) produces glucose-6-phosphate with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) as the phosphate group donor, in contrast to ATP-dependent hexokinases (HKs). Originally found in archaea, ADPGK is involved in glycolysis. However, its biological function in most eukaryotic organisms is still unclear, and the molecular mechanism of action requires further investigation. This paper provides a concise overview of ADPGK's origin, biological function and clinical application. It aims to furnish scientific information for the diagnosis and treatment of human metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and malignant tumours, and to suggest new strategies for the development of targeted drugs.

Knockdown of NCAPD3 inhibits the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer by regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3 (NCAPD3) is associated with carcinogenesis of various cancers. Nevertheless, the biological role of NCAPD3 in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to assess NCAPD3 expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The ability of cell proliferation, invasion, and migration was evaluated by CCK-8 assays, EdU assays, Transwell assays, and scratch wound healing assays. Flow cytometry was performed to verify the cell cycle and apoptosis. RNA-sequence and rescue experiment were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of NCAPD3 was significantly elevated in NSCLC tissues. High NCAPD3 expression in NSCLC patients was substantially associated with a worse prognosis. Functionally, knockdown of NCAPD3 resulted in cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cells as well as a significant inhibition of proliferation, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis suggested that NCAPD3 contributes to NSCLC carcinogenesis by regulating PI3K/Akt/FOXO4 pathway. Insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1), an activator of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, could reverse NCAPD3 silence-mediated proliferation inhibition and apoptosis in NSCLC cells. CONCLUSION: NCAPD3 suppresses apoptosis and promotes cell proliferation via the PI3K/Akt/FOXO4 signaling pathway, suggesting a potential use for NCAPD3 inhibitors as NSCLC therapeutics.

Targeting JUNB to modulate M2 macrophage polarization in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex disorder affecting pregnant women, leading to significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the cellular dynamics and molecular mechanisms underlying PE is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate the cellular landscape of the placenta in PE, identifying 11 distinct cell subpopulations, with macrophages playing a pivotal role in mediating cell-cell communication. Specifically, the transcription factor JUNB was found to be a key gene in macrophages from PE samples, influencing the interaction between macrophages and both epithelial and endothelial cells. Functional experiments indicated that interference with JUNB expression promoted macrophage polarization towards an M2 phenotype, which facilitated trophoblast invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, JUNB regulated the MIIP/PI3K/AKT pathway, as evidenced by gene expression analysis following JUNB knockdown. The study further demonstrated that targeting JUNB could activate the PI3K/AKT pathway by transcriptionally activating MIIP, thus promoting M2 polarization and potentially delaying the onset of PE. These findings present new insights into the pathogenesis of PE and suggest a novel therapeutic approach by modulating macrophage polarization.

Association of interleukin-6, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase with venous thromboembolism in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequntly accompanied by venous thromboembolism (VTE), and its mechanism may be related to the abnormal inflammation and immune status of COVID-19 patients. It has been proved that interleukin-6 (IL-6), ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may play an important role in the occurrence of VTE in COVID-19 infection. But whether they can server as predictors for VTE in COVID-19 is still unclear. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare IL-6, ferritin and LDH in VTE and non-VTE COVID-19 patients in order to shed light on the prevention and treatment of VTE. METHODS: Related literatures were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANGFANG. COVID-19 patients were divided into VTE group and non-VTE group. Meta-analysis was then conducted to compare levels of IL-6, ferritin and LDH between the two groups. RESULTS: We finally included and analyzed 17 literatures from January 2019 to October 2022. There was a total of 7,035 COVID-19 patients, with a weighted mean age of 60.01 years. Males accounted for 62.64% and 61.34% patients were in intensive care unit (ICU). Weighted mean difference (WMD) of IL-6, ferritin and LDH was 31.15 (95% CI: 9.82, 52.49), 257.02 (95% CI: 51.70, 462.33) and 41.79 (95% CI: -19.38, 102.96), respectively. The above results indicated that than compared with non-VTE group, VTE group had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and ferritin but similar LDH. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis pointed out that elevated levels of IL-6 and ferritin were significantly possitive associated with VTE, thus could be used as biological predictive indicators of VTE among COVID-19 patients. However, no association was found between level of LDH and VTE. Therefore, close monitoring of changes in IL-6 and ferritin concentrations is of great value in assisting clinicans to rapidly identify thrombotic complications among COVID-19 patients, hence facilitating the timely effective managment. Further studies are required in terms of the clinical role of cytokines in the occurrence of VTE among COVID-19 infection, with more reliable systematic controls and interventional trials.

FAK mediates hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation by modulating mitochondrial transcription termination factor 1/cyclin D1.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of FAK-dependent hypoxia-induced proliferation on human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs). Primary HPASMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro under normal and hypoxia conditions to assess cell proliferation with cell counting kit-8. FAK and mitochondrial transcription termination factor 1 (mTERF1) were silenced with siRNA, mRNA, and protein levels of FAK, mTERF1, and cyclin D1 were determined. HPASMC proliferation increased under hypoxia compared to normal conditions. Knocking down FAK or mTERF1 with siRNA led to decreased cell proliferation under both normal and hypoxia conditions. FAK knockdown led to the reduction of both mTERF1 and cyclin D1 expressions under the hypoxia conditions, whereas mTERF1 knockdown led to the downregulation of cyclin D1 expression but not FAK expression under the same condition. However, under normal conditions, knocking down either FAK or mTERF1 had no impact on cyclin D1 expression. These results suggested that FAK may regulate the mTERF1/cyclin D1 signaling pathway to modulate cell proliferation in hypoxia.

Pressure injury risk factors in adult orthopaedic surgical patients: a cross-sectional study and random forest.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most important risk factors for predicting pressure injury (PI) occurrence in adult orthopaedic surgical patients based on investigation data, thereby identifying at-risk patients and facilitating formulation of an effective patient care strategy. METHOD: Patients were assessed with an instrument designed by the authors specifically for this study in a cross-sectional investigation following the STROBE checklist. The random forest method was adopted to select the most important risk factors and predict occurrence of PIs. RESULTS: A dataset of 27 risk factors from 1701 patients was obtained. A subset of the 15 most important risk factors was identified. The random forest method had a high prediction accuracy of 0.9733 compared with 0.9281 calculated with a logistic model. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that the selected 15 risk factors, such as activity ability, friction/shear force, skin type and anaesthesia score, performed very well in predicting the occurrence of PIs in adult orthopaedic surgical patients.

TP53INP2 modulates the malignant progression of colorectal cancer by reducing the inactive form of ß-catenin.

TP53INP2 (tumor protein p53-inducible nuclear protein 2), known as an autophagy protein, is essential for regulating transcription and starvation-induced autophagy, which plays a crucial role in the oncogenesis and progression of various cancers. The present study aims to investigate the expression pattern, function and prognostic value of TP53INP2 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we report that low expression of TP53INP2 correlates with poor survival in CRC patients. TP53INP2 was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent tissues. As the malignancy of CRC progresses, the expression level of TP53INP2 gradually decreased. Knockdown of TP53INP2 promoted CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth in mice. Mechanistically, TP53INP2 deficiency decreased phosphorylation of ß-catenin on S33, S37, and T41, resulting in increased accumulation of ß-catenin and enhanced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Moreover, we further demonstrated that TP53INP2 sequestered TIM50, thereby inhibiting its activation of ß-catenin. Taken together, our findings indicate that the downregulation of TP53INP2 promotes CRC progression by activating ß-catenin and suggest that TP53INP2 may be a candidate therapeutic target for CRC.

Mannose-Binding Lectin 2 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Multi-Omics Analysis and Experimental Validation.

Mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2), a member of the multimeric lectin family, is crucial in immune regulation and tumor development. MBL2 gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk and prognosis of various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its functional role in HCC remains largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify whether MBL2 is a key regulator and a potential therapeutic target for HCC. A bioinformatics analysis revealed close relationships among MBL2 downregulation, the tumor-associated proliferation and metastasis pathway, and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments. Lower expression of MBL2 in HCC patients was linked to an unfavorable prognosis. A cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell migration assay, and wound healing assay further confirmed that the overexpression of MBL2 could directly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, MBL2 expression was regulated by miR-34c-3p, as confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay, thereby demonstrating tumor progression in HCC cells. Thus, our study offers the first comprehensive confirmation of the role of MBL2 in the development of HCC through multi-omics analysis and experimental validation. Furthermore, miR-34c-3p was found to be an upstream mechanism of the downregulation of MBL2 expression and could be a promising therapeutic target, expanding treatment options for patients with HCC.

Clinical features and prognosis of advanced intra- and extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas.

Objective: We examined the clinical features and prognosis of advanced intra- and extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) to offer additional guidance for the clinical treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is a type of advanced intrapulmonary NEC (IPNECs). Materials and Methods: The clinical data and survival of 123 patients with advanced IPNECs and extrapulmonary NECs (EPNECs) were obtained. We retrospectively examined the corresponding clinical diagnosis and treatment and investigated the significant factors influencing the survival prognosis of patients with NECs. Results: There were 90 cases of IPNECs (including 81 cases of SCLC), and 33 cases of EPNECs. The median overall survival (OS) of IPNECs was significantly longer than that of the EPNECs in the gastrointestinal tract and in the other regions (P < 0.05). The median OS of patients with other IPNECs was longer than that of patients with SCLC (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, liver metastasis, number of cycles of first-line chemotherapy, and chest radiotherapy were risk factors influencing OS in patients with NECs (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The survival of IPNECs was significantly longer than that of EPNECs in the gastrointestinal tract and other regions. Nevertheless, patients with advanced NECs who were older and had liver metastases had a poorer prognosis. Multidisciplinary treatments including multicycle chemotherapy and a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy should function significantly in extending the survival of NECs.

Long-term prognostic analysis of children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma based on therapeutic response to initial radioiodine therapy.

Background: The clinical features and prognosis of children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (caDTC) are different from that of adults. Postoperative radioiodine therapy (RIT) was recommended for some intermediate and high risk caDTC patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognosis of pediatric caDTC patients with different responses to initial RIT and to explore the related influencing factors. Methods: All subjects were assigned to no clinical evidence of disease (NED) group, biochemical persistent disease (BPD) group, or structural/functional persistent disease (S/FPD) group based on the therapeutic response to initial RIT. Then, disease status was evaluated in all three groups at the last follow-up using ATA guidelines. Meanwhile, disease-free survival (DFS) for NED group and the progression-free survival (PFS) for the BPD and S/FPD groups were also assessed. Results: 117 subjects were divided into NED group (n=29), BPD group (n=48) and S/FPD group (n=34) after initial RIT. At the last follow-up, excellent response (ER), indeterminate response (IDR), biochemically incomplete response (BIR) and structurally incomplete response (SIR) rates were 93.10%, 6.90%, 0% and 0% in NED group; 29.17%, 25.00%, 43.75% and 2.08% in BPD group; and 11.77%, 2.94%, 0%, and 85.29% in S/FPD group. The 5-year DFS rate in NED group was 95.5%. The 5-year PFS rates in BPD and S/FPD groups were 79.2% and 48.6%, respectively. For children with structural or functional lesions, longer PFS were found in male children with 131I-avid lesions, and post-operative stimulated serum thyroglobulin (sti-Tg) < 149.80 ng/ml. Conclusion: The response to initial RIT could be helpful for defining subsequent treatment and follow-up strategies for caDTC patients. Post-operative sti-Tg and 131I-avidity of lesions are correlated with PFS.

Shikonin prevents mice from heat stroke-induced death via suppressing a trigger IL-17A on the inflammatory and oxidative pathways.

Heat stroke (HS) is the deadliest disease. Due to the complex pathogenesis of HS, lack of effective therapeutic drugs for clinical treatment. Shikonin (SK) is the main active compound of Radix Arnebiae, which was evaluated on the HS model (temperature: (41 ± 0.5) ℃, relative humidity: (60 ± 5) %) via pathological and biochemical approaches in vivo and in vitro. Upon the dose of 10 mg.kg-1, SK delays the rising rate of core temperature, prolongs the survival time of mice, and improves organ injury and coagulation function markedly. Serum HS biomarkers interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were decreased significantly by SK, which contribute to liver and lung protection in the models. Three pathways' responses to heat-stress were found to have a close connection with the IL-17 pathway via RNA sequencing and network analysis. WB and IHC results showed that the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in the SK group was down-regulated (P < 0.05). The expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2/Nrf2) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were up-regulated (P < 0.05). Additional administration of recombinant IL-17A protein on the HS model up-regulated the expression level of NF- κB p65 in the liver and lung tissue, additional intraperitoneal injection of IL-17A antibody in mice has a synergistic effect with SK in inhibiting tissue inflammatory response and protecting HS. In summary, SK was proved an effective compound for fulfilling the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capacity of the HS model by reducing the production and inhibiting the expression of IL-17A.

Highly expressed miR-210 in the peripheral blood is closely associated with asphyxiated neonates.

Background: In the present study, we aimed to detect microRNA-210 (miR-210) expression in the peripheral blood of neonates with asphyxia and determine the correlation between miR-210 and clinical manifestations and indicators related to pathological changes. Further, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of the potential target genes of miR-210 to examine their related diseases and network interactions. Methods: In total, 27 neonates with asphyxia were included in the asphyxia group and 26 healthy neonates were included in the normal group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure miR-210 expression in the peripheral blood. Furthermore, the correlation between miR-210 expression and asphyxia-related clinical indicators was determined, and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of miR-210 was conducted. Moreover, GO and KEGG analyses were conducted to identify the target genes of miR-210. Lastly, the association between miR-210 target genes and autism and epilepsy was elucidated and network interaction analysis was performed to determine the involvement of the target genes of miR-210 in neurological or cardiovascular diseases. Results: miR-210 was highly expressed in the peripheral blood of neonates with asphyxia. Furthermore, the mode of normal delivery, cord potential of hydrogen, and Apgar scores were elevated in these neonates. Additionally, we identified 142 miR-210 target genes, which were associated with both neurodevelopmental and cardiovascular diseases. These genes were associated with the metabolic, cancer, and phosphatidylinositol3-kinase/serine/threonine kinase and mitogen-activated kinase-like protein pathways. Furthermore, 102 miR-210 target genes were associated with autism and epilepsy. Conclusions: High miR-210 expression in the peripheral blood of neonates with asphyxia may be associated with anoxic cerebral injury. The miR-210 target genes are associated with neurodevelopmental and cardiovascular diseases and autism and epilepsy.

Prenatal diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex: Echocardiography, cranial magnetic resonance, and genetic testing of 40 cases with fetal cardiac tumors.

Objective: To explore the relationship between Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and cardiac tumors at our institution over the past five years and to evaluate the value of imaging technologies and genetic testing in the prenatal diagnosis of TSC. Methods: Fetal echocardiography (FE) was performed in the whole population between 2016 and 2020. Fetuses detected with cardiac tumor(s) were included. Fetal cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gene mutation tests were further examined. Those who declined genetic testing were excluded in the final analysis. Results: A total of 40 fetuses were included in our study. There were 27 cases performed cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the rest of 13 cases refused. Among 10 fetuses with cranial lesions detected by MRI, all of them were eventually diagnosed with TSC. And for 17 fetuses without cranial lesions, none of them were identified with a pathogenic variation in gene TSC1/2. The prevalence of TSC was significantly higher in the multiple tumors group than in the solitary group (9/20 vs. 2/20, P = 0.034). 11 fetuses had TSC1 (n = 3) or TSC2 (n = 8) causative or suspected causative mutations, of which 9 were sporadic mutations and 2 were familial mutations. Conclusion: Fetal cranial MRI should be recommended to evaluate brain lesions, and genetic mutation should be examined, if possible, especially for those with multiple heart tumors. When typical cardiac tumors and cranial lesions are detected, the diagnosis of TSC can almost be made even without genetic mutation results.

Oxidative stress mediates the associations between phthalate exposures and thyroid cancer/benign nodule risk.

Epidemiological studies have suggested that phthalate exposures are associated with increased risks of thyroid cancer and benign nodule, while the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we explored the mediation effects of oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers in the associations between phthalate exposures and the risks of thyroid cancer and benign nodule. Urine samples collected from 143 thyroid cancer, 136 nodule patients, and 141 healthy controls were analyzed for 8 phthalate metabolites and 3 OS biomarkers [8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA), and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α)]. Multivariable linear or logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of OS biomarkers with phthalate metabolite concentrations and the risks of thyroid cancer and nodule. The mediation role of OS biomarkers was also investigated. Urinary monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monomethyl phthalate (MMP), mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) were positively associated with at least 2 OS biomarkers (all P-values<0.01), and part of these positive associations varied in different subgroups. All 3 OS biomarkers were positively associated with the risks of thyroid nodule and cancer (P-values<0.001). The mediation analysis showed that OS biomarkers significantly mediated the associations between urinary MEHOP concentration and nodule, as well as between urinary MMP, MEHP, and MEHHP concentrations and cancer and nodule, with the estimated proportions of mediation ranging from 15.8% to 85.6%. Our results suggest that OS is a potential mediating mechanism through which phthalate exposures induce thyroid carcinogenesis and nodular formation.