[Association between unhealthy lifestyles and hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in old adults in China].

Objective: To analyze the individual and cumulative effects of unhealthy lifestyle on the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in old adults in China, and find out the critical lifestyle in the network. Methods: Based on the baseline data of Yunnan Behavior and Disease Surveillance Cohort in 2021, a total of 16 763 older adults aged ≥60 years were included in our study. The unhealthy lifestyle factors including smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating habit, lower physical activity level, abnormal BMI and abnormal waist circumference. We calculated the unhealthy lifestyle score by using the cumulative exposures of each participant. Multiple logistic regression and mixed graphical models were used to describe the association between unhealthy lifestyle and the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Results: The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were 57.0%, 11.5% and 37.0%, respectively. Most of the unhealthy lifestyles included in the study were risk factors for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia, and the risks of disease increased with the increase of the unhealthy lifestyle score. The participants with the highest score (score: 6) had significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (OR=3.99, 95%CI: 1.81-8.80), diabetes (OR=4.64, 95%CI: 1.64-13.15) and dyslipidemia (OR=4.26, 95%CI: 2.08-8.73) compared with those with lowest score (score: 0). In the network constructed by mixed graphical model, abnormal waist circumference (bridge strength=0.81) and hypertension (bridge strength=0.55) were vital bridge nodes connecting unhealthy lifestyle and hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Conclusions: The unhealthy lifestyle score was associated with risks for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Abnormal waist circumference was the key factor for chronic diseases in old adults.

[Association between unhealthy lifestyles and hyperuricemia in occupational population and modification effect of hypertension and dyslipidemia].

Objective: To understand the relationship between unhealthy lifestyle and hyperuricemia, as well as the modification effects of hypertension and dyslipidemia in occupational population and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of hyperuricemia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, based on baseline data from the Southwest Occupational Population Cohort from China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd., which included the population in 28 prefectures from Sichuan Province and Guizhou Province, and 33 districts (counties) from Chongqing Municipality between October and December 2021. This study collected the information about the demographics characteristics, lifestyles, and prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases of the study subjects through questionnaire, physical measurement and laboratory biochemical test. The unhealthy lifestyle score was scored based on smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary patterns, physical activity, and low weight or overweight, with higher scores being associated with more unhealthy lifestyles. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between unhealthy lifestyle score, smoking, alcohol consumption, other factors and hyperuricemia, and the stratified analysis was used to explore the modification effect of hypertension and other diseases on the relationship between unhealthy lifestyle and hyperuricemia. Results: A total of 11 748 participants were included in this study, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was 34.4%. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that current/previous smoking, current/previous alcohol consumption and BMI abnormality were risk factors for hyperuricemia, and the unhealthy lifestyle score showed a "cumulative" effect on the risk for hyperuricemia, with higher score increasing the risk of hyperuricemia, and the OR increased from 1.64 (95%CI: 1.34-2.00) to 2.89 (95%CI: 2.39-3.50). Stratified analysis showed that unhealthy lifestyles had a greater impact on the risk for hyperuricemia in people with hypertension and dyslipidemia. Conclusions: The coexistence of multiple unhealthy lifestyles might increase the risk of hyperuricemia, and this effect was stronger in participants with hypertension and dyslipidemia. Timely correction of unhealthy lifestyles, and control of hypertension and dyslipidemia might reduce the risk for hyperuricemia.

[Association between unhealthy lifestyles and diabetic dyslipidemia in occupational population and network analysis].

Objective: To understand the influence of unhealthy lifestyle on diabetic dyslipidemia and the key influencing factors in occupational population and provided scientific evidence for the prevention of diabetic dyslipidemia. Methods: Based on baseline data and follow-up data of Southwest Occupational Population Cohort from China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. during 2021. Diabetic dyslipidemia was defined as diabetes plus one or more forms of dyslipidemia, and unhealthy lifestyle factors included smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy dietary patterns, low physical activity, and abnormal BMI. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between unhealthy lifestyle scores and diabetic dyslipidemia, network analysis was used to find and explore the key lifestyles influencing glycolipid metabolism. Results: A total of 25 631 subjects were included. People with unhealthy lifestyle score 2 and 3 were 1.93 (95%CI: 1.31-2.86) times and 2.37 (95%CI: 1.60-3.50) times more likely to have diabetes with ≥1 forms of dyslipidemia than those with scores of 0; People with unhealthy lifestyle score 1, 2 and 3 were 1.98 (95%CI: 1.08-3.61) times, 2.87 (95%CI: 1.60-5.14) times and 3.95 (95%CI: 2.22-7.06) times more likely to have diabetes with ≥2 forms of dyslipidemia than those with score 0. Network analysis found that abnormal BMI and HDL-C were the "bridge nodes" that link unhealthy lifestyles with diabetic dyslipidemia. Conclusion: The higher the score of unhealthy lifestyle, the higher the risk for diabetic dyslipidemia, abnormal BMI and HDL-C are key factors influencing the association between unhealthy lifestyle and diabetic dyslipidemia.

[The association between baseline TPOAb and/or TgAb positivity and thyroid immune-related adverse events in patients with malignancies following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors].

Objective: To investigate the association between positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and/or anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and the occurrence of thyroid immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients with malignant tumors who treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: A case-control study. A total of 116 patients with malignant tumor who received ICIs treatment and underwent thyroid function evaluation at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2017 to April 2023 were enrolled retrospectively, including 77 males and 39 females, with a median age of (M(Q1, Q3)) 63.0 (55.0, 70.0) years. The patients were divided into the euthyroid group (n=58) and the thyroid irAEs group (n=58) according to whether thyroid irAEs occurred after ICIs treatment. The clinical characteristics and baseline anti-thyroid antibodies associated with the occurrence of thyroid irAEs after ICIs treatment in patients with malignant tumors were evaluated. Variables with statistical significance in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors for thyroid irAEs in patients with malignant tumors who received ICIs treatment. Results: In irAEs group, therewore 4 (3.4%) cases of clinical thyrotoxicosis, 23(19.8%) cases of subclinical thyrotoxicosis, 23 (19.8%) cases of clinical hypothyroidism, and 8(6.9%) cases of subclinical hypothyroidism. The positive rate of anti-thyroid antibodies at baseline in the thyrioid irAEs group was higher than that in the euthyroid group［16/58（27.6%）vs 3/58（5.2%），P=0.001］. After at least one course of ICIs treatment, the incidence of thyroid irAEs in patients with positive anti-thyroid antibodies at baseline was 84.2% (16/19), whereas it was 43.3% (42/97) in patients with negative anti-thyroid antibodies(P=0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR=2.812, 95%CI:1.257-6.293), baseline thyroid autoantibodies were positive (OR=6.984, 95%CI: 1.909-25.547), baseline TgAb positivity (OR=8.909, 95%CI: 1.923-41.280), and baseline TPOAb positivity (OR=7.304, 95%CI: 1.555-34.308) were associated with thyroid irAEs (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that baseline TgAb positivity (OR=7.637, 95%CI: 1.617-36.072) was a risk factor for thyroid irAEs (P=0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of thyroid irAEs is higher in patients who are positive for baseline TPOAb and/or TgAb compared to those who are negative for TPOAb and TgAb. Patients with positive TgAb at baseline are at high risk of developing thyroid irAEs.

[Correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 11 level and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) level and coronary artery lesions in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the predictive efficacy of nomogram risk prediction model based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors on the occurrence of STEMI. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of the 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of People's Liberation Army of China from 2016 to 2018 were selected and divided into control group and STEMI group. The demographic data, blood lipid level, laboratory indicators of blood and GDF11 level were collected. Logistic regression analysis screened out independent correlated factors for the occurrence of STEMI. Spearman correlation analysis clarified the correlation of each indicator with the SYNTAX or Gensini scores. A nomogram risk prediction model for the risk of STEMI occurrence and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the prediction efficiency of each model. Results: A total of 367 patients were enrolled, divided into control group (n=172) and STEMI group (n=195), age (66.5±11.8), male 222 (60.49%). The serum GDF11 level of STEMI group was significantly lower than that of the control group (36.20 (16.60, 70.75) µg/L vs. 85.00 (53.93, 117.10) µg/L, P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed serum GDF11(OR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99) and traditional independent risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A1/B were independent correlate factors for the occurrence of STEMI (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum GDF11 was negatively correlated with SYNTAX score and Gensini score (P<0.05). The nomogram model constructed by serum GDF11 combined with traditional independent risk factors (AUC=0.85, 95%CI: 0.81-0.89) had better predictive value for the occurrence of STEMI than the traditional nomogram model constructed by independent risk factors(AUC=0.80, 95%CI:0.75-0.84) or serum GDF11 (AUC=0.76, 95%CI: 0.72-0.81), all P<0.01. Conclusions: Serum GDF11 is an independent correlate factor in the occurrence of STEMI and is negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with STEMI. The nomogram model constructed based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors can be a good predictor for the occurrence of STEMI.

[The application of nasal mucosal flaps in frontal drill out procedures].

Objective: To summarize the follow-up outcomes of frontal drill out procedures (draf Ⅱb, extended draf Ⅱb and draf Ⅲ) using mucosal flaps, and discuss the surgical indications of different mucosal flaps and their potential benefits to the opening of the frontal neo-ostium. Methods: A total of 48 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis or frontal mucoceles treated by draf Ⅱb, extended draf Ⅱb and draf Ⅲ between 2013 and 2019 in Beijing TongRen Hospital were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four patients who were treated with mucosal flaps were considered as mucosal flap group (including 19 males and 5 females, aging from 19 to 71 years), and the other 24 patients who didn't have neo-ostium reconstruction were considered as control group (including 18 males and 6 females, aging from 21 to 63 years). The frontal neo-ostium crosssectional area was measured with osiriX® 7 days and 1 year postoperatively. Lund-Kennedy score (LKS) was also completed to analyze the difference of therapeutic effect between mucosal flap group and control group. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The postoperative follow-up time was 18 to 102 months. The postoperative epithelialization time in the mucosal flap group and the control group was (2.5±0.9) months and (3.0±0.7) months (Mean±SD), respectively, with statistically significant (t=1.97, P=0.024). At the end of follow-up, 23 cases (95.8%) had well opened frontal neo-ostium, 1 case (4.2%) was re-stenosed, and there was no revision surgery in the mucosal flap group. In the control group, 16 cases (66.7%) had well opened frontal neo-ostium, 8 cases (33.3%) were re-stenosed, 4 cases (16.7%) had revision surgery. The mucosal flap group had much fewer stenosis cases than control group (χ2=4.92, P=0.027). The neo-ostium area in the mucosal flap group and the control group was reduced by (0.87±0.58) cm2 and (1.54±1.15) cm2 1 year after operation respectively, with statistically significant (t=1.72, P=0.046). There was no case of frontal sinus atresia and no surgical complication in both groups. The two-factor repeated measurement analysis of variance after surgery showed that the average LKS of the mucosal flap group was 0.78 points lower than that of the control group. In other words, the influence of grafting technique on LKS was statistically significant (F=5.33, P=0.035). Conclusions: The application of mucosal flaps to cover the denuded bone during frontal drill out procedures can prohibit mucosal scar and new bone formation, and significantly reduce the stenosis rate of frontal neo-ostium.

[Current status and prospects of anti-angiogenic small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the therapy of soft tissue sarcoma].

Chemotherapy is the main systemic treatment for patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma, and immunotherapy is only effective for some special subtypes. Anti-angiogenic small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors represented by pazopanib and anlotinib are the main drugs of targeted therapy. They have been clearly recommended as the second-line treatment of non-specific soft tissue sarcoma in guidelines. In recent years, in addition to second-line monotherapy in patients with advanced sarcoma, some studies have been carried out in second-line combination therapy, maintenance therapy, first-line therapy and neoadjuvant therapy. This article briefly reviews the application status and prospect of anti-angiogenic small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced soft tissue sarcoma.

[Retrospective study on the efficacy and safety of low dose apatinib in reversing chemotherapy resistance in sarcoma].

Objective: To explore whether apatinib can reverse the chemotherapy resistance of patients with advanced sarcoma. Methods: The clinical data of advanced sarcoma patients after chemotherapy who received the original chemotherapy regimen combined with low-dose apatinib in Cancer Center of Union Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from May 2018 to November 2021 were collected retrospectively to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this regimen. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary end points were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AE). The patients were grouped according to the diagnosis: osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma and undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma. And the benefits of combination treatment was investigated with the stratified analysis of best outcome of combined therapy, lines of chemotherapy received, best response and PFS of original chemotherapy. Results: A total of 30 patients were included in this study, including 20 males and 10 females. The mean age was (25.6±14.7) years. There were 9 cases of osteosarcoma, 11 cases of soft tissue sarcoma and 10 cases of undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma. No patient achieved complete response, 8 patients (26.7%) achieved partial response, 19 patients (63.3%) achieved disease stability, the ORR was 26.7%(8/30), and the DCR was 90.0%(27/30). The median PFS and OS were 4.1 and 13.1 months respectively. Among the three different subtypes of sarcoma, the ORR of osteosarcoma was 44.4% (4/9), the median PFS was 4.1 months, and the median OS was not yet achieved; the ORR of undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma was 40% (4/10), the median PFS was 6.4 months, and the median OS was 10.9 months; No response was observed in soft tissue sarcoma, and the median PFS and median OS was 3.5 and 7.3 months respectively. Patients who achieved objective response had better PFS than patients with stable disease (12.8 vs 3.8 months, P=0.015), and patients with PFS≥ 6 months of original chemotherapy had better PFS benefits (12.7 vs 2.7 months, P<0.001). However, the number of original chemotherapy lines and the best response of original chemotherapy had no significant effect on the PFS of this combination regimen. In terms of safety, the related toxicity of apatinib was no more than grade 2, and the grade 4 chemotherapy-related adverse reactions was mainly hematological toxicity, of which 2 patients interrupted treatment because of febrile neutropenia. Conclusion: Low dose apatinib is effective in reversing chemotherapy resistance of osteosarcoma and undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma with acceptable adverse reactions.

[High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy can reduce occurrence of hypoxia in elderly patients during anesthesia recovery].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy in elderly patients during anesthesia recovery. METHOD: A total of 178 elderly patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgeries were randomly assigned into HFNC oxygen therapy group (group H) or nasal cannula oxygen therapy group (group N), with 89 patients in each group.All the patients were admitted in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after the surgery for recovery following the routine procedure.After trachea extubation, the patients in group H received HFNC oxygen therapy and those in group N had nasal cannula oxygen therapy.In both groups, arterial blood gas analysis was performed at 10 min after oxygen inhalation and the respiratory parameters were recorded.During oxygen inhalation, the occurrence and frequency of hypoxia (oxygen saturation < 90%), trachea reintubation and adverse events (unplanned admission to ICU, vomiting, aspiration, etc.) were recorded. RESULTS: All the patients recovered safely from anesthesia in the PACU and subsequently received routine care, and only 1 patient in group N required trachea reintubation.Compared with those in group N, that patients in group H had a significantly lower incidence of hypoxia (3.4% vs 11.2%, P=0.044), a higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen (161.96±51.21 vs 114.35±43.60 mmHg, P < 0.001), and a higher oxygenation index(398.76±231.86 vs 324.10±194.16, P=0.021).The mean respiratory rate, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide and blood oxygen saturation were all comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: HFNC oxygen therapy during anesthesia recovery is safe and effective in elderly patients and can reduce the occurrence of hypoxia after tracheal extubation and improve arterial partial pressure of oxygen and oxygenation.

[Influence of female age on the fresh cycle live birth rate of different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols in poor ovarian response patients].

Objective: To investigate the influence of age on the fresh cycle live birth rate in patients with poor ovarian response in different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups. Methods: The clinical data of 3 342 patients in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2014 to November 2018 were retrospectively collected, including early-follicular phase long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long protocol group (1 375 cases), mid-luteal phase short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group (1 161 cases) and GnRH antagonist protocol group (806 cases); each group was divided into 4 subgroups according to age: ≤30 years, 31－35 years, 36－40 years and >40 years, the pregnancy outcomes in each age subgroup were analyzed under different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols. Results: In early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group, the final live birth rates of each age subgroup were 39.4% (228/579), 36.1% (135/374), 16.6% (48/290) and 3.0% (4/132); in mid-luteal phase short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group, live birth rates of each age subgroup were 32.1% (99/308), 20.8% (55/264), 13.0% (45/346) and 7.0% (17/243); in GnRH antagonist protocol group, live birth rates of each age subgroup were 22.8% (26/114), 16.3% (25/153), 11.2% (31/278), and 3.8% (10/261); the live birth rate of each group decreased significantly with the increase of age (all P<0.01). When the age≤35 years old, the fresh cycle live birth rate of the early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group was significantly better than those of the other two groups (all P<0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis of age and live birth rate of the three controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups showed age was the independent influence factor (OR=0.898, 95%CI: 0.873-0.916, P<0.01; OR=0.926, 95%CI: 0.890-0.996, P<0.01; OR=0.901, 95%CI: 0.863-0.960, P<0.01). Conclusions: Age is an independent influencing factor for the prediction of fresh cycle live birth rate in low ovarian response patients. No matter which controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol is adopted, the final live birth rate decreases significantly with the increase of women's age. In addition, the early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol has the highest fresh cycle live birth rate among all controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups.

Three-field versus two-field lymphadenectomy in transthoracic oesophagectomy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: short-term outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The benefit and harm of three-field lymphadenectomy for oesophageal cancer are still unknown. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and morbidity and mortality between three- and two-field lymphadenectomy in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Between March 2013 and November 2016, patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle or distal oesophagus were assigned randomly to open oesophagectomy with three-field (cervical-thoracic-abdominal) or two-field (thoracic-abdominal) lymphadenectomy. No chemo(radio) therapy was given before surgery. This paper reports on the secondary outcomes of the study: pathology and surgical complications. RESULTS: Some 400 patients were randomized, 200 in each group. A median of 37 (i.q.r. 30-49) lymph nodes were dissected in the three-field group, compared with 24 (18-30) in the two-field group (P < 0·001). Some 43 of 200 patients (21·5 per cent) in the three-field group had cervical lymph node metastasis. More patients in the three-field group had pN3 disease: 21 of 200 (10·5 per cent) versus 10 of 200 (5·0 per cent) (P = 0·040). The rate and severity of postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups, except that six patients in the three-field arm needed reintubation compared with none in the two-field group (3·0 versus 0 per cent; P = 0·030). The 90-day mortality rate was 0 per cent in the three-field group and 0·5 per cent (1 patient) in the two-field group (P = 1·000). CONCLUSION: Oesophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy increased the number of lymph nodes dissected and led to stage migration owing to a 21·5 per cent rate of cervical lymph node metastasis. Postoperative complications were largely comparable between two- and three-field lymphadenectomy. Registration number: NCT01807936 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

ANTECEDENTES: El beneficio y los daños potenciales de la linfadenectomía en tres campos (three-field, 3-FLD) en el cáncer de esófago aún se desconoce. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la supervivencia global y la morbilidad y mortalidad entre la linfadenectomía en tres campos (3-FLD) y la linfadenectomía en dos campos (two-field lymphadenectomy, 2-FLD) en pacientes con carcinoma escamoso de esófago. MÉTODOS: Entre marzo de 2013 y noviembre de 2016, pacientes con carcinoma escamoso del tercio medio y distal del esófago fueron asignados de forma aleatoria a esofaguectomía abierta con linfadenectomía 3-FLD (cervical-torácica-abdominal) o 2-FLD (torácica-abdominal). No se administró quimioterapia o quimiorradioterapia antes de la cirugía. Este estudio describe los resultados secundarios: datos de la anatomía patología y complicaciones quirúrgicas. RESULTADOS: Se aleatorizaron un total de 400 pacientes a linfadenectomía 3-FLD y 2-FLD (200 pacientes en cada grupo). En el grupo de 3-FLD se disecaron una mediana (rango) de 37 (30-49) ganglios linfáticos en comparación con 24 (18-30) en el grupo de 2-FLD (P < 0,001). Un total de 43 de 200 (21,5%) pacientes en el grupo 3-FLD presentaron metástasis en los ganglios linfáticos (lymph node metastasis, LNM) cervicales. Más pacientes en el grupo 3-FLD presentaron un estadio de la enfermedad pN3 en comparación con el grupo 2-FLD: 21 de 200 (10,5%) versus 10 de 200 (5,0%), P = 0,040). La tasa y gravedad de las complicaciones postoperatorias fue comparable en ambos grupos, aparte de 6 pacientes en la rama 3-FLD que necesitaron reintubación (3,0%) en comparación con ninguno en el grupo 2-FLD (P = 0,030). La mortalidad a los 90 días fue del 0% en 3-FLD y del 0,5% (1 paciente en el grupo 2-FLD (P = 1,000). CONCLUSIÓN: La esofaguectomía con 3-FLD aumenta el número de ganglios linfáticos y conduce a una migración del estadio debido a la tasa de LNM cervicales del 21,5%. Las complicaciones postoperatorias fueron similares entre las linfadenectomías 3-FLD y 2-FLD.

LINC00702 accelerates the progression of ovarian cancer through interacting with EZH2 to inhibit the transcription of KLF2.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of LINC00702 in the progression of ovarian cancer (OC) and the potential mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression level of LINC00702 in OC tissues and matched normal tissues was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). LINC00702 level in OC cell lines was determined as well. The potential influences of LINC00702 on cellular behaviors of A2780 and HEY cells were evaluated. The subcellular distribution of LINC00702 in A2780 cells was examined. Through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, the interaction among LINC00702, EZH2, and KLF2 was verified. The rescue experiments were conducted to elucidate the biological function of LINC00702/KLF2 axis in the progression of OC. RESULTS: LINC00702 was upregulated in OC tissues and cell lines. Its level was much higher in OC with worse tumor stage and larger tumor size. The knockdown of LINC00702 attenuated the proliferative ability of A2780 and HEY cells. LINC00702 was mainly distributed in the cell nucleus. The knockdown of LINC00702 or EZH2 downregulated the KLF2 level in the OC cells. The transfection of LINC00702 markedly reduced the occupancy of KLF2 promoter on EZH2 and H3K27me3 relative to IgG. Finally, the knockdown of KLF2 could reverse the regulatory effect of LINC00702 in the proliferative ability of A2780 cells. CONCLUSIONS: LINC00702 is upregulated in OC. It accelerates the progression of OC via interacting with EZH2 to inhibit the transcription of KLF2.

[Prevalence and risk factors of aortic valve calcification among the elderly residents of Wuxi city, Jiangsu province].

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of aortic valve calcification among the elderly (≥65 years old) resident of Wuxi city, Jiangsu province. Methods: The household registration population aged ≥65 years old in Wuxi city was selected as the research subject by stratified sampling method from August 2017 to December 2018. Echocardiography was performed to assess the aortic valve calcification, and the participants were divided into calcification group and non-calcification group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related risk factors of aortic valve calcification. Results: The age of the respondents was (73.6±7.1) years old, of which 48.8% (461 cases) were males.The prevalence rate of aortic valve calcification was 22.0% (208/944) in the elderly (≥ 65 years old) residents in Wuxi city. The prevalence rate in 65-69 years old, 70-74 years old, 75-79 years old, 80-84 years old and ≥85 years old was 16.7% (58/347),16.7% (41/245),16.2% (26/161),23.3% (24/103), and 67.0% (59/88),respectively. There were significant differences in age, weight, abdominal circumference, hip circumference, high-salt diets, exercise, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and carotid atherosclerosis between the non-calcified group (736 cases) and the calcified group (208 cases) (P<0.01 or 0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.077, 95%CI 1.053-1.101, P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.697, 95%CI 1.174-2.453, P=0.005), and coronary heart disease (OR=1.964, 95%CI 1.378-2.799, P<0.001) were the risk factors of aortic valve calcification. Conclusions: The prevalence of aortic valve calcification in the elderly (≥65 years old) residents in Wuxi city of Jiangsu province increases with aging. Age, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease are the risk factors of aortic valve calcification in this population cohort.

Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis).

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome-wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.

Xanthine dehydrogenase downregulation promotes TGFß signaling and cancer stem cell-related gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), a rate-limiting enzyme involved in purine metabolism, has an essential role in inflammatory cascades. Researchers have known for decades that XDH activity is decreased in some cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of XDH in cancer pathogenesis has not been fully explored. In this study, we showed that low XDH mRNA levels were correlated with higher tumor stages and poorer prognoses in patients with HCC. Knocking down or inhibiting XDH promoted migration and invasion but not proliferation of HCC cells. The abovementioned phenotypic changes are dependent on increases in epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker gene expression and transforming growth factor-ß-Smad2/3 signaling activity in HCC. XDH overexpression suppressed HCC cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the expression and activity of XDH were associated with the expression of CSC-related genes, such as CD44 or CD133, in HCC cells. These data suggest that downregulated XDH expression may be a useful clinical indicator and contribute to the development and progression of HCC.

Nox1 promotes colon cancer cell metastasis via activation of the ADAM17 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by endogenous metabolic enzymes are involved in a variety of pathology processes, including cancer. In particular, superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1), a member of Nox enzyme family, is highly expressed in the colon tissue and has been implicated in physiological and pathophysiological states of colon cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of Nox1 in the regulation of colon cancer progression remains largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro scratch wound healing and invasion assays were used to compare the migration and invasion abilities of HT29 cells in which Nox1 protein levels were manipulated. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression of key proteins of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Immunoprecipitation assay was performed to detect the interaction between Nox1 and ADAM17. RESULTS: Nox1 overexpression promoted colon cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion through the EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. At the molecular level, Nox1 regulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) converting enzyme (TACE)/a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 17 (ADAM17). Furthermore, Nox1 interacted with and stabilized ADAM17 from ubiquitin-mediated degradation, leading to the activation of the ADAM17 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Nox1 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by modulating the stability of ADAM17.