LINC01133 regulates MARCKS expression via sponging miR-30d-5p to promote the development of lung squamous cell carcinoma.

LncRNAs are vital regulators for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). However, the detailed role that LINC01133 plays in LUSC is unclear. This work sought to explore the potential function of LINC01133.Levels of LINC01133, miR-30d-5p, and MARCKS were separately tested in both tissues and cells using qRT-PCR. Proliferation was assessed through MTT experiment and apoptosis was detected upon flow cytometry. Transwell experiments were implemented to evaluate migratory and invasive abilities. The interaction between two genes was affirmed through luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down experiment. Western blotting measured the protein level of MARCKS. Animal models were established and tissues were taken for IHC analysis of MARCKS and Ki67.LINC01133 was elevated in LUSC and its downregulation could suppress proliferation, migration and invasion but induced apoptosis. LINC01133 interacted with and regulated the binding of miR-30d-5p to MARCKS. LINC01133/miR-30d-5p axis mediated proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in LUSC cells, as well as modulated tumor growth in animal models. LINC01133 interacted with miR-30d-5p to modulate MARCKS expression, contributes to promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumor growth in vivo. These findings could provide possible therapeutic targets in view of LUSC treatment in the future.

Pancancer analysis of the correlations of HS6ST2 with prognosis, tumor immunity, and drug resistance.

HS6ST2 has ability to encodes a member of the heparan sulfate (HS) sulfotransferase gene family, which catalyze the transfer of sulfate to HS and a crucial regulator of cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. Although mounting evidence supports a vital role for HS6ST2 in tumorigenesis of some cancers, no pan-cancer analysis of HS6ST2 has been reported. Therefore, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of HS6ST2 in 33 cancer types and investigate its potential immune function. Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Cancer Cell Lines Encyclopedia, Genotype Tissue Expression, and GSCA, we used a range of bioinformatics approaches to explore the potential carcinogenic role of HS6ST2, analysis of HS6ST2 and prognosis, DNA methylation, RNA methylation, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and immune cell infiltration in different tumors. The results show that HS6ST2 was highly expressed in most cancers but lower in Breast invasive carcinoma, Kidney Chromophobe, Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, and Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma. Moreover, HS6ST2 is positively or negatively associated with prognosis in different cancers. HS6ST2 expression was not only associated with MSI in 5 cancer types and associated with TMB in 10 cancer types, and it's significantly correlated with DNA methylation in 13 types of cancer, but it's correlated with RNA methylation related genes in most cancer. HS6ST2 expression was correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune-related genes, tumor immune microenvironment, and drug resistance in various cancers. Eventually, HS6ST2 was validated in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Our study reveals that HS6ST2 can function as a prognostic marker in various malignant tumors because of its role in tumorigenesis and tumor immunity.

A giant gastric stromal tumor with dizziness as the main complaint: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Small gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are often asymptomatic. However, large tumors can cause symptoms like abdominal pain and GI bleeding. We experienced a unique case where a giant GIST was incidentally found by CT scanning during emergency treatment for dizziness. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 61-year-old man presented temporary dizziness after exercising three days ago before his admission. Enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a large circular mass in the right upper abdominal cavity, with a maximum cross-sectional size of approximately 132 mm × 155 mm. Biopsy and genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of GIST. The patient underwent successful radical surgery and was discharged at 12th post-operative day without any complications. The patient now is taking imatinib as an adjuvant targeted therapy. DISCUSSION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract with diverse clinical presentations according to their sites and sizes. As in this case, the patient's primary complaint was dizziness, which is uncommon for GISTs. Initial workup, including three-dimensional rebuilding of the enhanced CT scanning and biopsy, was given before surgery. Finally, despite the tumor's large size and attachment to adjacent structures, R0 resection was accomplished without intraoperative rupture. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of healthcare providers vigilant in identifying GISTs with unusual symptoms in emergency situations. A systematic and comprehensive examination can be and should be performed to confirm diagnosis and determine the feasibility of R0 resection. By sharing this unique case, we aim to enhance the understanding of GIST and increase awareness among clinicians about their varied presentations.

Over-expression of USP15/MMP3 predict poor prognosis and promote growth, migration in non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Aberrant ubiquitin modifications caused by an imbalance in the activities of ubiquitinases and de-ubiquitinases are emerging as important mechanisms underlying non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. The deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15) has been identified as an important factor in oncogenesis and a potential therapeutic target. However, the expression profile and function of USP15 in NSCLC remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the expression pattern and the potential biological functions of USP15 in NSCLC both in cells and animal models. Our data revealed that USP15 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells compared with normal counterpart. We subsequently knocked down USP15 expression in two NSCLC cell lines, which significantly suppressed cell proliferation. In addition, knocking down USP15 expression reduced NSCLC cell migration and invasion according to the results from Matrigel-Transwell analysis. NSCLC animal model results showed that USP15 knockdown also reduced NSCLC size. Biochemical analysis revealed that USP15 knockdown inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 and MMP9 expression. Furthermore, high levels of USP15 and MMP3 expression were associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC. In conclusion, the results from the present study suggest that the high expression of USP15 promotes NSCLC tumorigenesis. Therefore, it is proposed that USP15 and MMPs may represent novel biomarkers for NSCLC progression and prognosis.

OPA1 supports mitochondrial dynamics and immune evasion to CD8+ T cell in lung adenocarcinoma.

Background: Mitochondrial fusion and fission were identified to play key roles during multiple biology process. Thus, we aim to investigate the roles of OPA1 in mitochondria fusion and immune evasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Methods: The transcriptional activation of genes related to mitochondrial dynamics was determined by using multi-omics data in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We elucidated the molecular mechanism and roles of OPA1 promoting lung cancer through single-cell sequencing and molecular biological experiments. Results: Here, we found that copy number amplification of OPA1 and MFN1 were co-occurring and synergistically activated in tumor epithelial cells in lung cancer tissues. Both of OPA1 and MFN1 were highly expressed in LUAD tumor tissues and OPA1 high expression was associated with poor prognosis. In terms of mechanism, the damaged mitochondria activated the apoptotic signaling pathways, inducing cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. More interestingly, OPA1 deficiency damaged mitochondrial dynamics and further blocked the respiratory function to increase the sensitivity of tumor epithelial to CD8+ T cells in non-small cell lung cancer. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the high co-occurrence of copy number amplification and co-expression of OPA1 and MFN1 in LUAD tissue, and further revealed the contribution of OPA1 in maintaining the mitochondria respiratory function and the ability of immune evasion to CD8+ T cells of LUAD.

Construction and validation of a prognostic model of pyroptosis related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Pyroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. We are interested in determining the prognostic value of pyroptosis-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we searched the original transcriptome data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified the related expressed genes by co-expression analysis. Differentially expressed genes were identified by using univariate analysis, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate analysis to screen for genes related to prognosis of HCC. Ultimately, we established a prognostic model for five genes, namely GSDME, DHX9, TREM2, SQSTM1 and GLMN. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate of HCC patients with high risk score was significantly lower than that of HCC patients with low risk score, and this signal could be used as an independent prognostic indicator of HCC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the accuracy of this prognostic signal, and was further verified in a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (GSE14520) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. In addition, nomograms based on the five identified prognostic genes were established and verified internally in TCGA cohort. Additionally, we also analyzed the gene mutations of the model genes and the correlation between immune cells of the model genes. In summary, this study identified for the first time a 5-gene prognostic signature associated with pyroptosis, which can be used as a promising prognostic biomarker and provide some potentially useful therapeutic targets for HCC.

Predictive features of central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Roles of active surveillance in over-treatment.

Background: Low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) without clinically evident lymph nodes, extrathyroidal expansions, and distant metastases may be candidates for active monitoring. Objective: The purpose of this research is to identify risk factors for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) metastasis to central cervical lymph nodes (CLNM) and to discuss the viability of an active surveillance strategy to minimize unnecessary therapy for patients. Methods: This single-center retrospective study was conducted on the data and medical records of the patients who were diagnosed with PTMC and underwent surgery at the Baotou Cancer Hospital, China, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. Both lobectomy and complete thyroid resections were performed, and central lymph node dissections (CLND) were used in all patients. Comparisons and analyses were conducted on the preoperative ultrasound (US) characteristics, the post-operation pathological results, and lymph node metastasis. Results: We analyzed 172 patients with PTMC with average age 48.32 ± 10.59 years old, with 31 males and 142 females. US testing showed 74 (43.0%) patients had suspicious lymph nodes; 31 (41.9%) had capsular invasion and 52 (30.2%) patients were confirmed to have CLNM. Based on logistic regression analysis, central lymph node metastasis was shown to be more common in individuals with PTMC who were older than 45 years old, male, and had tumors that lacked micro-calcification on US imaging. Postoperative pathology assessments suggested that 58 cases (33.7%) were more suitable candidates for active surveillance cohorts. Conclusions: While active surveillance might benefit many PTMC patients, treatments for the patients should also encompass occult lymph node metastasis, especially in patients with over 45 years old, male, tumor without micro-calcification in the US imaging. Furthermore, the prediction of lymph nodes in the central cervical via the preoperative US and the PTMC risk stratification accuracy need to be improved. Our findings showed about 30% of the patients with PTMC had no active surveillance high-risk factors but required surgical treatment. Fear of cancer in the PTMC patients, although informed of the details, is still the main reason for choosing surgical treatment over active surveillance.

Effect of different surgical approaches on the prognosis of patients with postoperative radiotherapy for stage IIB-IVA esophageal squamous cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and clinical significance of different thoracic surgical approaches for patients with stage IIB-IVA esophageal squamous cell carcinoma on the survival and prognosis of postoperative radiotherapy patients. METHODS: One hundred thirty-two patients with stage IIB-IVA esophageal squamous cancer who received radiotherapy after surgery were screened for baseline characteristics and survival analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve for the follow-up data, and the log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival rate between the two groups. The Cox regression model was used for multivariate survival analysis. RESULT: For stage IIB-IVA esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the results of multivariate analysis showed that different surgical methods and clinical staging were independent factors affecting the survival and prognosis of patients after radiotherapy. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with advanced esophageal cancer through the left chest approach were 84.2%, 61.4%, and 36.8% respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with advanced esophageal cancer through the right chest approach were 73.3%, 40.0%, and 21.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in the 1-year survival rate (P = 0.135) between the two surgical procedures. The 3-year survival rate (P < 0.05) and the 5-year survival rate (P < 0.05) were significantly different. CONCLUSION: For patients with stage IIB-IVA esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy after surgery, the long-term survival prognosis of patients after the left thoracic approach is significantly higher than that of the right thoracic approach.

Novel application of a thyroid gland flap in repairing a mucosal defect to prevent pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy: a case report.

Background: Resection of pharyngeal or laryngeal tumors often results in mucosal defects. Which may lead to excessive suture line tension and pharyngocutaneous fistula. The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula formation after total laryngectomy is relatively common. In order to reduce the tension of the suture line, a variety of flaps were introduced to repair the defect. Every flap has some defects. For example, the free skin flap may require microvascular anastomosis technology and relatively increase the operation time. The pectoralis major or latissimus dorsi skin flap needs to increase the incision outside the neck region. Therefore, it is very important to design the optimal personalized repair method for specific patients. In this case, in order to minimize the trauma and quickly complete defect repairing, we introduced an innovative application of a pedicled regional flap. To the best of our knowledge, the application of thyroid gland flap (TGF) in this case has not been reported. Meanwhile, it also provides a new option for cervical defect repairing. Case Description: In this case report, a 78-year-old male patient complained of "hoarseness for 3 months and dyspnea for 1 week", and was confirmed as having laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. He underwent total laryngectomy under general anesthesia. After total laryngectomy, the pharyngeal mucosal defect observed was about 2.0 cm × 2.0 cm. Due to the patient's advanced age and relative weakness, a TGF application from the same incision was used to prevent pharyngocutaneous fistula formation following total laryngectomy. The treatment was successful without any associated complications. Conclusions: In conclusion, a TGF application can be used to repair defects in the neck in selectively suitable cases. The TGF preserving the superior pole vessel can be safely used in mucosal decompression after total laryngectomy.

NUF2 Is a Potential Immunological and Prognostic Marker for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Globally, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent tumors. Various studies have investigated its etiology, but the molecular mechanism of NSCLC has not been elucidated. Methods: The GSE19804, GSE118370, GSE19188, GSE27262, and GSE33532 microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for the identification of genes involved in NSCLC development as well as progression. Then, the identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to functional enrichment analyses. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built after which module analysis was conducted via the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) and Cytoscape. There were 562 DEGs: 98 downregulated genes and 464 upregulated. These DEGs were established to be enriched in p53 signaling pathway, transendothelial leukocyte migration, cell adhesion molecules, contractions of vascular smooth muscles, coagulation and complement cascades, and axon guidance. Assessment of tumor immunity was performed to determine the roles of hub genes. Results: There were 562 dysregulated genes, while 12 genes were hub genes. NUF2 was established to be a candidate immunotherapeutic target with potential clinical implications. The 12 hub genes were highly enriched in the p53 signaling pathway, the cell cycle, progesterone-associated oocyte maturation, cellular senescence, and oocyte meiosis. Survival analysis showed that NUF2 is associated with NSCLC occurrence, invasion, and recurrence. Conclusion: The NUF2 gene discovered in this study helps us clarify the pathomechanisms of NSCLC occurrence as well as progression and provides a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Deep Learning-Based Cervical Spine Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Disc Nucleus Resection for the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy.

In the past 10 years, the technology of percutaneous spine endoscopy has been continuously developed. The indications have expanded from simple lumbar disc herniation to various degenerative diseases of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Traditional surgery for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy includes anterior cervical decompression surgery, anterior cervical decompression plus fusion surgery, and posterior limited fenestration surgery. This article mainly studies the treatment of cervical spondylosis caused by radiculopathy caused by the nucleus resection of the posterior cervical spine percutaneous spinal endoscopy based on deep learning. In the PPECD group, the height of the intervertebral cavity was measured before the operation and during the final follow-up, and the height change of the intervertebral cavity was evaluated. The relative angle and relative displacement of the sagittal plane of the operation segment in the PPECD group were measured, and the stability was evaluated. Using the cervical spine X-ray Kelvin degeneration evaluation criteria, before and during the final follow-up operation, the degeneration of the adjacent segments of the two groups was evaluated. A retrospective analysis of 26 cases of cervical radiculopathy that met the criteria for diagnosis, inclusion, and exclusion was reviewed. Among them, 11 cases were treated with PPECD surgery; 15 cases were treated with ACDF surgery. According to the evaluation method of Odom, the excellent rate and the good rate of the two groups were compared. According to the location of the lesion, the nerve detection or dull tip device is exposed under the armpit or shoulder of the nerve root, and the protruding nucleus pulposus tissue is explored and removed, and annulus fibrosus is performed as needed. After hemostasis was detected, the surgical instruments were removed and the surgical incision was completely sutured. Before the operation and 3 months after the operation, the final follow-up made no significant difference in the overall average height of the intervertebral cavity (F = 2.586, P > 0.05). The results show that posterior foramen expansion is an effective surgical method for the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, but surgical adaptation requires strict management. In order to achieve satisfactory results, appropriate cases must be selected.

Low-pressure Pneumoperitoneum With Abdominal Wall Lifting Versus Standard Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the treatment results of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with abdominal wall lifting (AWL+LP, 6 mm Hg) versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SP, 12 mm Hg) during laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), using propensity score matching (PSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 362 patients, 123 in the AWL+LP group and 239 in the SP group, who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD from January 2010 to December 2017. Perioperative and prognostic outcomes were compared after PSM with 1:1 match. RESULTS: After PSM, 107 matched pairs were obtained. Compared with the SP group at 30 and 60 minutes after pneumoperitoneal initiation, the AWL+LP group showed significantly lower end-tidal carbon dioxide value (P<0.001, <0.001, respectively), lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide value (P<0.001, 0.016, respectively) and significantly higher pH value (P<0.001, <0.001, respectively). However, postoperative shoulder pain, abdominal pain, and arrhythmia in the AWL+LP group were less than those in SP group (P=0.01, 0.017, 0.005, respectively). There was no significant difference in operative time (106.54±27.80 vs. 107.38±24.78 min), blood loss [15 mL (interquartile range: 12.5 to 20 mL) vs.15 mL (interquartile range: 10 to 20 mL)], length of stay (4 vs. 4 d), the wound ecchymosis [2 (1.87%) vs. 3 (2.80%)] and rates of recurrence [8 (7.48%) vs. 5 (4.67%)] between AWL+LP group and SP group. CONCLUSION: AWL+LP resulted in comparable perioperative and prognostic outcomes with less impact on changes in cardiorespiratory function compared with SP approaches of laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD.

Regional pedicled flaps in prevention and repair of pharyngocutaneous fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a common complication after laryngopharyngeal surgery. It presents incredible difficulties to both doctors and patients and can lead to prolonged hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the pros and cons of the pedicled skin flap in the prevention and repair of PCF and put forward the authors' views and experience about the selection and application of flaps for the treatment of PCF. METHODS: A literature review of pedicled flap application in PCF was carried out. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of the characteristics of the pedicled flap in PCF treatment, the advantages and disadvantages are compared. RESULTS: In the literature, the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is the most widely used regional pedicled flap for PCF. Many other flaps can be used to prevent and treat PCF. Each kind of pedicled flap has advantages and limitations. This plays a role in the individualized selection and design of PCF to maximize the benefits of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Taking unity of function, aesthetics, and proficiency of operators into account, choosing the appropriate flap to repair PCF can reduce the occurrence rate of PCF and improve the patient's quality of life.

LINC00665 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by activating the TGF-ß pathway in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Accumulating studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNA plays a vital role in cancer progression. A previous study reported that LINC00665 was overexpressed and acted as a key tumor promoter in lung cancer, but the role of LINC00665 in gastric cancer (GC) remained uncharacterized. Thus, this study aimed to explore the mechanism of LINC00665 in GC. METHODS: LINC00665 expression was explored using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the expression and prognostic value of LINC00665 in GC from Gene Expression Omnibus databases and the TCGA dataset. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was then conducted to verify the LINC00665 expression in GC tissues and cell lines. The effects of LINC00665 on cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and cell cycle in GC were evaluated using the CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays. In vitro validation was also performed. RESULTS: LINC00665 overexpression was found in GC, and LINC00665 upregulation was significantly related to poor overall survival and disease-free survival. LINC00665 expression was associated with tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. Univariate and multivariate analyses proved that LINC00665 could be an independent prognostic biomarker in GC. LINC00665 knockdown subsequently inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in GC cell lines; promoted cell apoptosis; and arrested GC cell lines in the G0/G1 phase. Western blot analysis indicated that LINC00665 silencing inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition and decreased the expression levels of TGF-ß1, Smad2, and α-SMA. CONCLUSION: LINC00665 can be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for GC patients, and LINC00665 promotes GC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by activating the TGF-ß signal pathway.

LINC00518 Promotes Cell Proliferation by Regulating the Cell Cycle of Lung Adenocarcinoma Through miR-185-3p Targeting MECP2.

Previous studies have shown that long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 00518 (LINC00518) are essential for the cell growth and metastasis of human cancer. However, the role of LINC00518 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still unknown. This research put emphasis on the function of LINC00518 on the cell growth of LUAD. The lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression were measured by using qRT-PCR. Protein levels were measured by using Western blotting. CCK-8, colony formation assays and transwell assay were performed to evaluate the cell proliferation ability and invasion. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assays were chosen to confirm the mechanism of LINC00518 in LUAD. We found that LINC00518 was highly expressed in LUAD specimens and the high-expression was negatively correlated with the overall survival rates. This finding was also proved in the LUAD cell lines. Through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we proved that LICN00518 promoted the cell growth of LUAD by regulating the cell cycle. Moreover, LICN00518 upregulated the expression of MECP2 by mutagenesis of miR-185-3p. The results suggested that LICN00518 could be used as a survival indicator and potential therapeutic target for LUAD patients.

LncRNA MTX2-6 Suppresses Cell Proliferation by Acting as ceRNA of miR-574-5p to Accumulate SMAD4 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been one of the key causes of cancer deaths worldwide. It has been found that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is related to the generation and progression of various cancers (including ESCC). However, there are still many lncRNAs related to ESCC whose functions and molecular mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we first reported that lncRNA MTX2-6 was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. The decreased expression of MTX2-6 is closely related to larger tumor and worse prognosis of ESCC patients. Through a series of functional experiments, we detected that overexpressed MTX2-6 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Further studies showed that MTX2-6 exerts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by binding miR-574-5p and elevates the expression of SMAD4 in ESCC. In summary, our results clarify the tumor suppressor roles of MTX2-6/miR-574-5p/SMAD4 axis in the progression of ESCC and provide emerging therapeutic targets for ESCC patients.

Comparison Between Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy and Fenestration in the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic and prognostic effects of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression (PTED) for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred eighty-eight patients with DLSS were randomly divided into the fenestration and the PTED group for decompression treatment. Operative time, incision length, amount of blood loss, length of hospitalization, and rates of complications in the 2 groups were compared. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the first postoperative day. All patients were assessed preoperatively and the treatment effects at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (JOA) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The modified MacNab criteria were used to assess patient satisfaction 1 year after surgery at the last follow-up. RESULTS Patients who underwent PTED had shorter incisions, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays than those in the fenestration group, but operative times and complication rates were similar in the 2 groups. Moreover, CT scanning and MRI revealed similar treatment effects in the 2 groups. Compared with preoperative status, improvements in VAS, ODI, and JOA scores occurred at different times after surgery in the 2 groups. In particular, all 3 scores in the PTED group were higher than those in the fenestration group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences in MacNab scores between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS PTED is safer and more effective than traditional fenestration for management of DLSS.

Identification of Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Pseudogenes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Pseudogene-miRNA-mRNA Competitive Network.

BACKGROUND It is widely known that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high rates of morbidity and mortality. A large number of studies have indicated that pseudogenes have an important effect on the carcinogenesis of HCC. Pseudogenes can play a role through the ceRNA network. There have been numerous studies on lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. However, the pseudogene-miRNA-mRNA network in HCC has rarely been researched or reported on. MATERIAL AND METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was researched and differences between selected genes were studied. A pseudogene-miRNA-mRNA network was then constructed and clustering of pseudogenes was studied. The diagnostic value of the selected pseudogenes, their functions, and pathways were investigated using available databases to understand their possible pathogenic mechanism in HCC. The protein-protein interaction network of target genes was found and the top 10 hub genes were identified. Expression of hub genes in HCC tissues was then detected by RT-qPCR. RESULTS By analyzing the gene difference and clinical data of HCC, we constructed a ceRNA network composed of 4 pseudogenes, 8 miRNAs, and 30 mRNAs. The pseudogenes AP000769.1, KRT16P1, KRT16P3, and RPLP0P2 were all correlated with the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. Functional analyses through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and the Gene Ontology databases indicated that pseudogenes can affect the physiological process of HCC through the p53 pathway. The top 10 hub genes identified were all highly expressed in HCC tissues and affected the patient survival rate. CONCLUSIONS In this study, 4 pseudogenes related to the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer were found through the construction of a ceRNA network. These 4 pseudogenes might constitute new therapeutic targets for liver cancer patients.

Prognostic Value and Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of MSTO2P in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Study Based on Bioinformatics, Clinical Analysis and in vitro Validation.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating studies have shown that pseudogenes could become key regulators in human cancers. Misato family member 2, pseudogene (MSTO2P) is overexpressed in lung and gastric cancer and affects the biological functions of tumor cells. However, the role of MSTO2P in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unreported. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the diagnostic and prognostic value of MSTO2P in HCC, to investigate the effects of MSTO2P on the biological functions of HCC cells, and to explore the potential mechanisms of MSTO2P in HCC. METHODS: Relevant data on HCC were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the Cancer Genome Atlas database and used to analyze MSTO2P expression and the role of MSTO2P in HCC prognosis. MSTO2P in HCC cell lines was knocked down by shRNA to study the effects of MSTO2P on cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and invasion in HCC. Expressions of the main proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC were examined via Western blot analysis. RESULTS: MSTO2P had significant diagnostic and prognostic value in HCC. MSTO2P was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells, and MSTO2P increased HCC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. MSTO2P knockdown also increased E-cadherin expression and decreased N-cadherin and Vimentin expression. Additionally, MSTO2P increased the expressions of proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, including PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR. CONCLUSION: MSTO2P might be used as a potential target for diagnosing and curing HCC. MSTO2P may affect HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and invasion through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

The Long Non-Coding RNA SBF2-AS1 Exerts Oncogenic Functions In Gastric Cancer By Targeting The miR-302b-3p/E2F Transcription Factor 3 Axis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies show that the long non-coding RNA, SBF2-AS1, plays a critical role in cancer progression, but the role of SBF2-AS1 in gastric cancer has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of SBF2-AS1 in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: A meta-analysis, based on the gene expression omnibus database and TCGA dataset was performed to explore the prognostic value of SBF2-AS1 in GC. RT-PCR was also conducted to investigate the clinicopathologic value of SBF2-AS1 in GC. The effect of SBF2-AS1 in GC cell lines was conducted by gain or loss-of-function assays, and the SBF2-AS1 target gene was confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics. RESULTS: SBF2-AS1 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines, and SBF2-AS1 overexpression indicated poor overall survival and could serve as an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, knockdown of SBF2-AS1 inhibited cell growth, invasion, and metastasis, promoted apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest. Luciferase reporter and gain- or loss-of-function assays indicated that SBF2-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous (ceRNA) for microRNA (miR)-302b-3p, which blocked the inhibitory effect of miR-302b-3p on the E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3). CONCLUSION: SBF2-AS1 could be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in GC, and SBF2-AS1 accelerates tumor progression via the miR-302b-3p/E2F3 axis.