Prognostic implications of preoperative, postoperative, and dynamic changes of alpha-fetoprotein and des-gamma (γ)-carboxy prothrombin expression pattern for hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection: a multicenter observational study.

Background: The utility of pre- and post-operative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma (γ)-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) expression patterns and their dynamic changes as predictors of the outcome of hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yet to be well elucidated. Methods: From a multicenter database, AFP and DCP data during the week prior to surgery and the first post-discharge outpatient visit (within 1-2 months after surgery) were collected from patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy. AFP-DCP expression patterns were categorized according to the number of positive tumor markers (AFP ≥ 20ng/mL, DCP ≥ 40mAU/mL), including double-negative, single-positive, and double-positive. Changes in the AFP-DCP expression patterns were delineated based on variations in the number of positive tumor markers when comparing pre- and post-operative patterns. Results: Preoperatively, 53 patients (8.3%), 337 patients (52.8%), and 248 patients (38.9%) exhibited double-negative, single-positive, and double-positive AFP-DCP expression patterns, respectively. Postoperatively, 463 patients (72.6%), 130 patients (20.4%), and 45 patients (7.0%) showed double-negative, single-positive, and double-positive AFP-DCP expression patterns, respectively. Survival analysis showed a progressive decrease in recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) as the number of postoperative positive tumor markers increased (both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative AFP-DCP expression pattern, but not preoperative AFP-DCP expression pattern, was an independent risk factor for RFS and OS. Further analysis showed that for patients with positive preoperative markers, prognosis gradually improves as positive markers decrease postoperatively. In particular, when all postoperative markers turned negative, the prognosis was consistent with that of preoperative double-negative patients, regardless of the initial number of positive markers. Conclusions: AFP-DCP expression patterns, particularly postoperative patterns, serve as vital sources of information for prognostic evaluation following hepatectomy for HCC. Moreover, changes in AFP-DCP expression patterns from pre- to post-operation enable dynamic prognostic risk stratification postoperatively, aiding the development of individualized follow-up strategies.

Perioperative safety, oncologic outcome, and risk factors of salvage liver resection for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma converted by transarterial chemoembolization plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor and anti-PD-1 antibody: a retrospective multicenter study of 83 patients.

BACKGROUND: To assess the perioperative safety, oncological outcomes, and determinants influencing the oncological outcomes of salvage liver resection for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rendered resectable through transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and anti-PD-1 antibodies (α-PD-1). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 83 consecutive patients across six tertiary hospitals who underwent salvage liver resection for initially unresectable HCC following conversion by TACE combined with TKIs and α-PD-1, emphasizing perioperative and oncological outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to discern independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: The median operative duration was 200 min, with a median blood loss of 400 ml. Intraoperative blood transfusions were necessitated for 27 patients. The overall perioperative complication rate was 48.2%, with a major complication rate of 16.9%. One patient died during the perioperative period due to postoperative liver failure. During the median follow-up period of 15.1 months, 24 patients experienced recurrence, with early and intrahepatic recurrence being the most common. Seven patients died during follow-up. Median RFS was 25.4 months, with 1- and 2-year RFS rates of 68.2% and 61.8%, respectively. Median overall survival was not reached, with 1- and 2-year overall survival rates of 92.2% and 87.3%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that pathological complete response (pCR) and intraoperative blood transfusion served as independent prognostic determinants for postoperative RFS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that salvage liver resection may be an effective and feasible treatment option for patients with unresectable HCC who achieve resectability after conversion therapy with TACE, TKIs, and α-PD-1. The perioperative safety of salvage liver resection for these patients was manageable and acceptable. However, further research, particularly prospective comparative studies, is needed to better evaluate the potential benefits of salvage liver resection in this patient population.

Compare the clinical value of two minimally invasive approaches to locating radial nerve in the posterior humeral approach.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical value between locating radial nerve (RN) guided by Color Doppler ultrasonography and posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve (PACN) in the posterior humeral approach. METHODS: The five fresh adult cadavers (ten upper arms) were selected to compare the two methods of locating the RN in the posterior humeral approach (guided by ultrasound and PACN) by measuring the operation time, the length of incision, and the area of subcutaneous free. And the comparison between the two groups was statistically analyzed by paired t-test. RESULTS: The results of this study demonstrated that the length of incision and the area of subcutaneous free in the ultrasound group were smaller than that in the PACN group (P < 0.05), while the operation time was just the opposite (P < 0.05). However, after excluding the time of ultrasound location, the operation time in the ultrasound group was shorter than that in the PANC group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The RN can be quickly and safely exposed by both methods. The ultrasound approach requires a long learning curve, but is more minimally invasive and can help determine whether the intraoperative nerve is compressed by the plate. And the PACN method requires a longer incision and a wider area of subcutaneous free, while specialized equipment and professional training for surgeons are not required. In a word, these two methods have advantages and disadvantages, so they should be selected based on the exact situation.

Preliminary clinical application of multimodal imaging combined with frameless robotic stereotactic biopsy in the diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of multimodal imaging combined with frameless robotic stereotactic biopsy in the diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 8 patients who were considered suspected cases of PCNSL by multimodal imaging techniques. The final pathologic diagnosis were determined by the frameless robotic stereotactic biopsy. The postoperative related complications and pathological results were analyzed. Results: All patients underwent biopsies under general anesthesia with an average surgery time of 29.5 ± 4.5 min. The final pathological diagnostic accordant rate with the preoperative ones was 100%, and the pathologic examination of our patients showed features of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. During the surgery, one patient suffered intratumoral hemorrhage without leading to serious cerebral edema, and conservative treatment was given. There was no death occurring during the study, and there were no significant differences in the Karnofsky Performance Scale Scores of all patients before and after surgery. Finally, they were transferred to the hematology department for standardized chemoradiotherapy according to the pathological results of PCNSL. Conclusion: This study shows that it may play a vital role in the early diagnosis of PCNSL with the technique of multimodal imaging. The technique of frameless robotic stereotactic biopsy for obtaining the pathology outcomes in suspected PCNSL patients has the advantages of safety, efficiency, and minimally invasiveness.

Meteorin links the bone marrow hypoxic state to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell mobilization.

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are supported and regulated by niche cells in the bone marrow with an important characterization of physiological hypoxia. However, how hypoxia regulates HSPCs is still unclear. Here, we find that meteorin (Metrn) from hypoxic macrophages restrains HSPC mobilization. Hypoxia-induced factor 1α and Yin Yang 1 induce the high expression of Metrn in macrophages, and macrophage-specific Metrn knockout increases HSPC mobilization through modulating HSPC proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, Metrn interacts with its receptor 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2b (Htr2b) to regulate the reactive oxygen species levels in HSPCs through targeting phospholipase C signaling. The reactive oxygen species levels are reduced in HSPCs of macrophage-specific Metrn knockout mice with activated phospholipase C signaling. Targeting the Metrn/Htr2b axis could therefore be a potential strategy to improve HSPC mobilization for stem cell-based therapy.

Clinical Study on a Modified Hematoma Puncture Drainage Treatment in Patients with Hypertensive Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of a modified hematoma puncture drainage treatment through the burr hole lateral to Kocher's point from the frontal lobe in patients with hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhage. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in the retrospective study. The volume of hematoma in those patients was between 25 and 35 mL, and the Glasgow Coma Scale scores were between 9 and 11; they were divided into a hematoma puncture drainage treatment group and a traditional conservative treatment group. The volume of remaining hematoma, neurological function defect scores, and life quality after treatment, duration of hospitalization, and cost of hospitalization were analyzed in these 2 groups. RESULTS: The volume of remaining hematoma was significantly less in the drainage group than that in the traditional group on the first day and the third day after treatment (P < 0.05). Posttreatment neurological function defect scores in the drainage group were statistically lower than those in the traditional group (P < 0.05). The duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter and the cost of hospitalization was also significantly less in the drainage group than that in the traditional group (P < 0.05). The Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale and Barthel Index scores were significantly higher in the drainage group than those in the traditional group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the complication rates (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The modified hematoma puncture drainage treatment represents an effective and safe way to treat hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhage.

Two paralogs of CXCR4 in the Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonica) are involved in the immune response of B lymphocytes.

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family, plays an important role in host immune responses. Within the teleost lineage, there are two paralogs of CXCR4; however, the role of CXCR4 in teleost B cells is poorly understood. In this study, we determined the cDNA sequences of the two CXCR4 paralogs from the Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonica; LjCXCR4a and LjCXCR4b). Sequence and phylogenetic tree analyses revealed that LjCXCR4a and LjCXCR4b are most closely related to CXCR4a and CXCR4b, respectively, in the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). CXCR4 transcripts were mainly expressed in the gills, and their expression in different tissues was altered upon infection with Vibrio harveyi. LjCXCR4a and LjCXCR4b protein levels were upregulated in infected B cells. Knockdown of LjCXCR4a and LjCXCR4b in B cells by RNA interference, the phagocytic activity of B cells was not affected. Furthermore, knockdown of LjCXCR4a, not of LjCXCR4b, was observed to inhibit LjIgM expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated B cells. In addition, knockdown of LjCXCR4a, not of LjCXCR4b, was found to reduce reactive oxygen species levels in B cells. Our results indicate that LjCXCR4a and LjCXCR4b modulate the immune response of Japanese sea bass B cells against bacterial infection, albeit via different pathways.

Matrix metalloproteinase-25 from Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) is involved in pro-inflammatory responses.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are highly expressed in leukocytes and macrophages, which play a role in the innate immune response. Here, the cDNA sequence of MMP25 from Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) (LjMMP25) was identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LjMMP25 was most closely related to large yellow croaker MMP25. Multiple sequence alignment of LjMMP25 with MMP25 sequences from other teleosts revealed that regions of known functional importance were highly conserved. Expression analysis revealed that LjMMP25 was highly expressed in the head kidney and widely expressed in other tissues including gill, spleen, and liver. LjMMP25 was found to regulate inflammatory cytokine production and promote phagocytosis and bacterial killing in monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ). Furthermore, LjMMP25 regulated the inflammatory response by modulating NF-κB signaling. These findings reveal new information about the role of LjMMP25 in regulating pro-inflammatory responses in this species.

Two ACTH analogs exert differential effects on monocytes/macrophages function regulation in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis).

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a bioactive peptide of the family of melanocortins, is generated from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). So far, the research on the specific functions of ACTH in the immune system of teleosts is limited. We determined two complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of POMC in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), termed PaPOMC-A and PaPOMC-B. PaPOMCs transcripts occurred in all examined tissues, and their expression in immune tissues changed following experimental infection with Vibrio anguillarum. PaACTH-B, but not PaACTH-A, suppressed the phagocytosis of monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ). Two isoforms of PaACTH increased the bactericidal capacity of MO/MФ. PaACTH-A increased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, while PaACTH-B decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in MO/MФ. Compared with PaACTH-B treatment, the PaACTH-A treatment improved survival rate and reduced the bacterial load in V. anguillarum-infected ayu through interleukin (IL)-10. Our results indicate that the two PaACTH isoforms exert different effects in the host defense against bacterial infection.

Pollution monitoring, risk assessment and target remediation of heavy metals in rice from a five-year investigation in Western Fujian region, China.

Recently, rice contamination by heavy metals (HMs) has become a severe problem. Taking the Western Fujian region as an example in this study, a total of 1311 rice samples containing eight HMs were collected from 2015 to 2019, then used to explore their pollution characteristics, health risks, and Spatio-temporal variations, finally derive the target remediation areas of the key pollutants. The results showed that average concentrations of all the HMs had not reached the limits of the National Standards of Food Safety, but pollution indexes of As (0.783) and Cu (0.665) were at accumulation level (>0.6), which posed high pollution risks. Furthermore, locations of higher HMs concentrations coincided with those of higher pollution estimation probabilities. The non-carcinogenic risk (4.150, 2.434) and carcinogenic risk (4.96 × 10-3, 2.92 × 10-3) for children and adults cannot be negligible, As and Cd were the largest contributors. Children were more susceptible than adults due to the metal concentrations and rice intake rate. The spatio-temporal changes indicated that a decreasing trend in average concentrations of HMs (except Cr), but As (0.37%-0.88%) contents increased in the west and northeast parts, and so did Cd (1.92%-5.11%) in the central region during monitoring. For the target remediation, particular regions in the western and eastern were used as risky areas of As and Cd, respectively. Our results will provide theoretical support for the pollution management of HMs in rice.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α involved in macrophage regulation in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) under hypoxia.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays a critical role in immune and inflammatory responses and is important in controlling a variety of processes in monocytes and macrophages. However, the role of HIF-1α in the teleost immune system remains less known. In this study, we cloned the cDNA sequence of HIF-1α from the ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis, PaHIF-1α). Sequence and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that PaHIF-1α clustered within the fish HIF-1α tree and was closely related to that of Northern pike (Esox lucius). PaHIF-1α was expressed in all tested tissues and expression increased in liver, head kidney, and body kidney upon Vibrio anguillarum infection. PaHIF-1α was found to regulate the expression of cytokines in ayu monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ). PaHIF-1α mediated hypoxia-induced enhancement of MO/MФ phagocytic and bactericidal activities to enhance host defenses. Compared with the control, intermittent hypoxia further increased the expression of PaHIF-1α mRNA, improved the survival rate, and reduced the bacterial load of V. anguillarum-infected ayu. Therefore, PaHIF-1α may play a predominant role in the modulation of ayu MO/MФ function.

Two transcription factors PU.1a and PU.1b have different functions in the immune system of teleost ayu.

Transcription factor PU.1 is a regulator of macrophage function, however, the specific function of PU.1 in teleost monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ) remains unknown. We determined the cDNA sequence of two PU.1 genes from ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis; PaPU.1a and PaPU.1b). Sequence comparisons showed that PaPU.1 were most closely related to the PU.1 of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax). The PU.1 transcripts were mainly expressed in the spleen, and their expression was altered in various tissues upon infection with Vibrio anguillarum. PaPU.1a and PaPU.1b proteins were upregulated in MO/MФ, after infection. RNA interference was employed to knockdown PaPU.1a and PaPU.1b to investigate their function in MO/MФ. The expression of inflammatory cytokines was regulated by PaPU.1a, but not PaPU.1b, in ayu MO/MФ upon V. anguillarum infection. Both PaPU.1a and PaPU.1b knockdown lowered the phagocytic activity of MO/MФ. Furthermore, PaPU.1b knockdown attenuated MO/MФ bacterial killing capability. Our results indicate that two PaPU.1 genes differentially modulate the immune response in ayu MO/MФ against bacterial infection.

[Experimental study on the inhibition of Formononetin on the differentiation of osteoclasts induced by RANKL].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the in vitro study model of osteoclasts induced by RANKL, to elaborate the effect of formononetin (FO) , an effective component of Caulis Spatholobi, on the differentiation and function of bone marrow mononuclear macrophages (BMMs) into osteoclasts, and to explore the molecular mechanism of its inhibition. METHODS: The BMMs in femur and tibia were isolated from 20 clean C57/BL6 mice of 4 to 6 weeks old, 10 males and 10 females, each weighing (20± 2) g. The BMMs in femur and tibia were cultured and proliferated in vitro with α-MEM medium. BMMs were cultured with MCSF and different concentrations of anthocyanin (5 to 50 µm) respectively for 4 days, and CCK8 of cell proliferation and toxicity was detected. BMMs in good growth condition were added to M-CSF and RANKL to induce osteoclast differentiation in turn. There was no special treatment in the control group. DMSO was added to the control group with DMSO solvent. Each observation group was added with different concentrations of awnasin (1 to 20 µm) . After 6 days of culture, the osteoclasts were counted and statistically analyzed. The expression of NFATc1, c-Fos and ERK, the key transcription factors in osteoclast differentiation, were detected by Western blot, RNA was extracted at 4 days, and the activity of ctsk, trap, MMP9 and Car2 were detected by real time PCR. RESULTS: CCK8 test results showed that awnstein could inhibit the activity of BMMs in a dose-dependent manner, and had no significant toxic effect on the growth of bmms within the safe concentration range of ≤20 µM (P= 0.278>0.05) . The results of trap staining showed that awnstein could inhibit osteoclast production in a dose-dependent manner in the concentration range of (1 to 20 µM) , especially in 10 µM (P=0.000<0.05) . Western blot showed that 10 µ m could significantly inhibit the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos, but not the expression of ERK. In terms of osteoclast function, the expression of ctsk (P=0.000<0.05) , trap (P=0.000<0.05) , MMP9 (P=0.000<0.05) and Car2 (P=0.000<0.05) related to osteoclast function were detected by real time PCR. CONCLUSION: The effective component of Caulis Spatholobi can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of primary mononuclear macrophages into osteoclasts, and down regulate the expression of osteoclast bone resorption related proteins and genes, which may be one of the mechanisms of its prevention and treatment of bone destruction and collapse in osteonecrosis of femoral head.

Hamartoma of the breast in a man: A rare case report.

RATIONALE: Mammary hamartoma is a rare benign breast tumor, composed of ducts, lobules, fibers, and adipose tissue. We describe a mammary hamartoma in a man; this is the fourth case being reported in the literature. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 30-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of a painless mass in his right breast. DIAGNOSIS: Ultrasound imaging and mammography revealed a lesion, approximately 2.0 cm × 2.0 cm in size, in the right breast, which was considered to be either a lipomyoma or an adenoma fibrosum. INTERVENTIONS: The mass was surgically resected. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mammary hamartoma. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged from the hospital after surgery. There was no sign of reoccurrence during a 1-year follow-up period. LESSONS: At present, mammary hamartoma is considered to be a benign lesion, usually treated by surgical resection. Some reports have suggested a possible association between a hamartoma and the development of breast malignancy. The pathology and biology of an association between a mammary hamartoma and malignancy have not been defined to date.

The Upregulation of Trophinin-Associated Protein (TROAP) Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose: Trophinin-associated protein (TROAP) is a cytoplasmic protein that plays a significant role in the processes of embryo transplantation and microtubule regulation. However, the relevant survival analysis and cancer progression analysis have not yet been reported. Methods: Eighteen matched pairs of tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples were evaluated to detect the TROAP mRNA level. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the TROAP expression in 108 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent surgical resection. Meanwhile, data from the TCGA database was statistically evaluated. Results: In the present study, we detected a significant increase in the TROAP mRNA level in tumor tissues when compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. Moreover, the upregulation of TROAP was associated with increased serum AFP and GGT; the greater the tumor number was, the larger the tumor size, differentiation grade, and cancer embolus in clinical analysis. In HCC patients, elevated TROAP expression in the primary tumor was positively related to clinical severity, such as poor overall survival and disease-free survival. In addition, both univariate and multivariate survival analysis validated that TROAP expression was a promising independent risk factor for overall survival and disease-free survival in HCC patients. Furthermore, the results derived from the analysis of data from the TCGA database were consistent with previous results. Altogether, our results show that TROAP is a novel crucial regulator of HCC progression and is a potential therapeutic biomarker for HCC patients. Conclusions: Elevated TROAP expression predicted a poor prognosis, and TROAP may serve as a potential biomarker for application in oncotherapy.

Microfold Cells Actively Translocate Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Initiate Infection.

The prevailing paradigm is that tuberculosis infection is initiated when patrolling alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells within the terminal alveolus ingest inhaled Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). However, definitive data for this model are lacking. Among the epithelial cells of the upper airway, a specialized epithelial cell known as a microfold cell (M cell) overlies various components of mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue. Here, using multiple mouse models, we show that Mtb invades via M cells to initiate infection. Intranasal Mtb infection in mice lacking M cells either genetically or by antibody depletion resulted in reduced invasion and dissemination to draining lymph nodes. M cell-depleted mice infected via aerosol also had delayed dissemination to lymph nodes and reduced mortality. Translocation of Mtb across two M cell transwell models was rapid and transcellular. Thus, M cell translocation is a vital entry mechanism that contributes to the pathogenesis of Mtb.

[Effects of Jisuikang on Nogo-NgR gene expression in spinal cord rats with injury].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Jisuikang (Chinese characters) on Nogo-NgR gene expression, and to explore the protective effects and mechanism of Jisuikang (Chinese characters) on spinal cord injury in rats. METHODS: One hundred eighty female rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups(30 rats per group). Sham group: T10 lamina was resected only and spinal cord was untreated. Model group: spine cord injury (SCI) was created with a modified impinger of Allen's by impacting on the T10 spinal cord. Prednisolone group: Prednisolone (0.06 g/kg) was given by intragastric administration at a time interval of 24 hours after operation. The Jisuikang (Chinese characters) high, moderate and low dose groups: Jisuikang (Chinese characters) was supplied with different dose (50 g/kg, 25 g/kg, 12.5 g/kg) by intragastric administration in rats after operation,for the first time at 30 min after surgery. Animals were killed 3, 7, 14 days after surgery. The expression levels of Nogo-A and NgR were observed by Western Blot and Real-time PCR. RESULTS: The expression of Nogo-A and NgR was at the basic level at all time points in sham group. Compared with model group, the protein expression levels of Nogo-A and NgR in sham, prednisolone, Jisuikang (Chinese characters) moderate dose groups were statistically significant at all time points (P < 0.05). No difference was found in Jisuikang (Chinese characters) high and low dose groups (P > 0.05). Three days after surgery, the mRNA levels of Nogo-A and NgR in treatment group were significantly lower than that in model group (P < 0.01); 7 days after surgery,Nogo-A and NgR mRNA expression were dramatically upregulated and peaked; 14 days after operation, the expression was decreased, but still significantly higher than that in other treatment groups (P < 0.01). Prednisolone and Jisuikang (Chinese characters) moderate dose groups showed the most significant effects among all groups,but there was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The decoction Jisuikang (Chinese characters) can promote the nerve cell regeneration by regulating Nogo-A and NgR gene expression, activating Nogo- NgR signaling pathways after acute spinal cord injury.

Differential expression of microRNAs in postoperative radiotherapy sensitive and resistant patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor and more resistant to radiotherapy. However, hetero-radiosensitivity occurs in different patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the initiation and progression of a multitude of tumors. The study aims to examine the different microRNAs expression profiles of postoperative radiotherapy sensitive and resistant patients with GBM, to make an inquiry about their potential role and discover a certain set of radio-sensitivity markers. Three paired samples from six GBM patients who had only been treated with postoperative radiotherapy were selected, and then, they were divided into radiotherapy sensitive group and resistant group according to their overall survivals, local recurrence rates, and Karnofsky Performance Scale scores. Expression profiles of miRNAs in these two groups were determined by the method of microarray assay. Comparing with resistant patients, 13 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 10 miRNAs were greatly downregulated in sensitive group. Among them, four miRNAs were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. The differentially expressed miRNAs and their putative target genes were revealed by bioformatic analysis to play a role in cell signaling, proliferation, aging, and death. High-enrichment pathway analysis identified that some classical pathways participated in numerous metabolic processes, especially in cell cycle regulation, such as mTOR, MAPK, TGF-beta, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Our research will contribute to identifying clinical diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in the treatment of GBM by postoperative radiotherapy.

[Study on mRNA and protein expressions of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp2b1) in rats with high fat diet and overstrain induced Pi deficiency syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore roles of mRNA and protein expressions of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp2b1) of rats with high fat diet and overstrain induced Pi deficiency syndrome in the transporting of damp turbidity. METHODS: Totally 24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the normal group, the overstrain group, and the high fat diet group, 8 in each group. After successful modeling, one piece of tissues such as spleen, kidney, liver, lung, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine was taken from each rat. Rats of the overstrain group were bonded by specially made bondage cylinder, 3 h each time on odd days, and forced to swim in cold water (10 +/- 1) degrees C for 7 min on even days alternatively for twelve weeks. Rats in the model group and the normal group were fed with standard routine granular forage for 12 weeks. Rats in the high fat diet group were fed with high fat forage for twelve weeks. All rats drank and ate freely. The mRNA and protein expressions of oatp2b1 were detected in the seven tissues using RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of oatp2b1 in liver and kidney tissues of rats in the high fat diet group was higher when compared with that of the normal group and the overstrain group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the normal group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > spleen > larger intestine > small intestine > kidney > stomach. The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the overstrain group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > larger intestine > spleen > kidney > stomach > small intestine. The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the high fat diet group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > spleen > small intestine > kidney > larger intestine > stomach. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the lung tissue was sequenced from high to low as the overstrain group > the normal group > the high fat diet group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the spleen tissue was sequenced from high to low as the high fat diet group > the normal group > the overstrain group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the kidney tissue was sequenced from high to low as the normal group > the overstrain group > the high fat diet group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the liver tissue was sequenced from high to low as the normal group > the high fat diet group > the overstrain group (P > 0.05). Of them, the oatp2b1 protein expressed extremely less in the stomach, large intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the normal group was sequenced from high to low as lung >spleen > liver, kidney > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the overstrain group was sequenced from high to low as lung > spleen > kidney > liver > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the high fat diet group was sequenced from high to low as spleen > lung > kidney > liver > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. However, there was no statistical significance among the three groups by pair-wise comparison (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kidney and liver might play important roles in the transportation and transformation of damp under the state of Pi deficiency syndrome. Oatp2b1 may be one of the material bases involved in the transportation and transformation of damp turbidity. Pi's function of governing transportation and transformation of damp might not only include the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, but also include partial liver and kidney functions.

MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were associated with bladder cancer risk and disease progression: a meta-analysis.

Epidemiological studies have investigated that functional polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may play an essential role in bladder carcinogenesis, but the association between these single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene and the susceptibility of bladder cancer (BC) was inconsistent in previous studies. The objective of this current study was to conduct an update analysis investigating the association between three polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene and the risk of BC. We performed a meta-analysis of 13 publications involving an association between BC and MTHFR gene three polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C, and G1793A). We assessed the strength of the association, using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). On one hand, we found that the C677T polymorphism was associated with increased BC risk among Asians, however, with decreased BC risk among a mixed population. Interestingly, BC patients who carried the T-allele (TT+TC) had a higher percentage than the individuals who carried the CC genotype (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.13-1.69, p=0.002). On the other hand, the A1298C polymorphism may increase BC risk among Asians and Africans, but played a decreased association among Europeans. Results from the current update analysis suggested that the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene were associated with BC risk and disease progression.