EZH2 immunoexpression in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma and clinicopathological features

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the EZH2 protein and describe the clinical and microscopic characteristics of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The study included 16 ACC cases and 12 PA. All ACC and PA cases were positive for EZH2 and the ACC samples showed significantly higher EZH2 expression. The clinical and microscopic covariates were described in relation to EZH2 staining in ACC samples. The highest mean values of EZH2 were observed in cases with local metastasis, recurrence, perineural invasion, and predominantly cribriform growth pattern without solid areas. EZH2 is a potential marker of malignancy.

Role of Histone Methyltransferase in Fibrosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Fibrosis， a tumor-like lesion between benign tissue and malignant tumor， mostly occurs in the liver， kidney， heart， lung， bone marrow and other organs and tissues. It can affect almost every organ and eventually induce multiple organ failure and cancers， seriously endangering human life. It will be of great importance to prevent cancer if the disease can be opportunely blocked in the fibrotic stage. The pathogenesis of fibrosis is still not completely clear. It is of great clinical significance to study the occurrence， development， and mechanism of fibrosis as well as to screen new therapeutic targets. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 （EZH2） is mainly located in the nucleus and involved in the formation of the polycomb repressive complex 2. EZH2 is a methyltransferase which makes the lysine on position 27 of histone H3 （H3K27me3） undergo trimethyl modification induces gene silencing through classical or nonclassical actions， so as to inhibit or activate transcription. EZH2 plays a critical role in cell growth， proliferation， differentiation， and apoptosis， which is regulated by different targets and signaling pathways. EZH2 regulates the transformation of myofibroblasts and participates in the fibrosis of multiple organs. Recent studies have shown that EZH2 plays a role in fibrosis-related pathophysiological processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition， oxidative stress， and inflammation. EZH2 as the target of fibrosis， EZH2 inhibitors， and EZH2-related traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） formula and active compounds have gradually become hot research directions. EZH2 may be a powerful target for organ fibrosis. Exploring the structure， function， and distribution of EZH2， the role of EZH2 in fibrosis， the EZH2 inhibitors， and TCM formulas and active components targeting EZH2 has great meanings. This paper reviews the research progress in EZH2 and fibrosis， providing new ideas for the diagnosis， treatment， and drug development of fibrosis.

Effects of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and mucin 1 expressions on treatment response in breast cancer

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. In the treatment of these patients, pathological complete response is defined as the absence of invasive cancer in breast or lymph node tissue after the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and mucin 1 expressions with pathological complete response in patients with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 151 patients were included in the study. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and mucin 1 expressions were evaluated in the biopsy materials pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy surgical material, and their relationship with pathological complete response was investigated. RESULTS: The pathological complete response rates were significantly higher among the hormone receptor-negative patients, those with a high Ki-67 score, and patients with HER2-positive. Higher pathological complete response rates were obtained from patients with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression positivity pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression was found to be completely negative in materials with pathological complete response; that is, in breast tissues considered to be tumor-free. While there was no significant relationship between mucin 1 expression and pathological complete response pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mucin 1 expression was determined to significantly differ between the tissues with and without pathological complete response among the surgical materials examined. CONCLUSION: In our study investigating the relationship between enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and mucin 1 expression and pathological complete response in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we found that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression could be used as a predictive marker for pathological complete response. However, mucin 1 expression was not associated with pathological complete response.

Increased Hes1 expression to regulate differentiation of liver epithelial progenitor cells into cholangiocytes / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To use hairy enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) to regulate the differentiation of liver epithelial progenitor cells (LEPCs) into cholangiocytes. 【Methods】 The vectors, pTet-on and pTRE2hyg-Hes1, were transfected into LEPCs. The expression of Hes1 was induced by doxycycline (DOX) with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 μg/mL). The expressions of Hes1, molecular markers of hepatocyte and cholangiocyte, glutathione synthetase (Gss), keratin 19 (Krt19) and hepatic nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) in LEPCs were verified by Western blotting, RT-PCR, Real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. 【Results】 The expression of Hes1 in LEPCs transfected by pTet-on/pTRE2hyg-Hes1 was increased by 11.21 fold when induced by DOX at 10 ug/mL, which drove the LEPCs to differentiate into biliary epithelial cells. With increasing expression of Hes1, cholangiocyte markers, Krt19 and HNF1β, were significantly upregulated, while the hepatocyte marker, Gss, was obviously downregulated. 【Conclusion】 DOX at 10 μg/mL may induce a suitably up-regulated expression of Hes1 in LEPCs double-transfected by pTet-on and pTRE2hyg-Hes1, and the suitable high-expression rather than over-expression of Hes1 can regulate LEPCs to differentiate into cholangiocytes.

Mechanism of HES1 regulating herceptin resistance in gastric cancer cells by ferroptosis / 药学学报

Drug resistance of cancer cells is the main causes of chemotherapy failure, and gene mutation or function loss is key factor to induce drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1) is up-regulated in herceptin-resistant gastric cancer cells, and inhibition of its activity can reverse its resistance while the potential mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 to establish HES1 knock-out cell line (△HES1/NCI N87R) to investigate the functions of HES1 in herceptin resistance of NCI N87R cells and its potential mechanisms. We investigated proteomics profiling of △HES1/NCI N87R cells based on quantitative proteomics. Gene ontology analysis was conducted by GeneSet Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Metascape database, and pathway enrichment analysis was done using GeneAnalytics database. The selected molecules were quantified by Western blot and some pathways were verified by using inhibitors. The results showed that the resistance to herceptin of △HES1/NCI N87R cells decreased compared to NCI N87R cells. Proteomic data demonstrated that the expression of 1 263 genes changed significantly in △HES1/NCI N87R cells, among which 761 genes were up-regulated while 502 ones down-regulated comparing with NCI N87R cells. Pathway analysis showed that ferroptosis, fatty acid β-oxidation, autophagy and glutathione metabolism, etc. exhibited notable changes in △HES1/NCI N87R cells. The functional studies showed that the levels of iron ion and malondialdehyde increased, and glutathione decreased in △HES1/NCI N87R cells. It was further found that Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, could reverse the expression of pTP53, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in △HES1/NCI N87R cell, and reduce the sensitivity of △HES1/NCI N87R cells to herceptin. It is suggested that HES1 regulated the resistance of NCI N87R cells to herceptin through TP53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, and targeting TP53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signal axis mediated by HES1 is a potential strategy to reverse herceptin resistance in gastric cancer.

Effect of Compound Phyllanthus urinaria Ⅱ on Growth and Expression of miR-122 and IGF-1R of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep3B Cells in Nude Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanism of the compound Phyllanthus urinaria Ⅱ （CPU Ⅱ）on the growth of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B2.1-7 （Short for Hep3R） cells in nude mice. MethodAfter the establishment of a xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells in mice， the model mice were randomly divided into a model group， a high-dose CPU Ⅱ group （57.5 g·kg-1）， a low-dose CPU Ⅱ group （28.75 g·kg-1）， and a 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） group （0.025 g·kg-1）， with eight mice in each group. The mice in the high- and low-dose CPU Ⅱ groups were treated with drugs by gavage， once per day， and those in the model group were treated with the same volume of normal saline. The mice in the 5-FU group were treated by 5-FU by intraperitoneal injection， once every other day. After 28 days of administration， mice were sacrificed， and transplanted tumors were collected. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） of tumor tissues. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling （TUNEL） was used to detect cell apoptosis of tumor tissues. The mRNA expression of miR-122 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor （IGF-1R） in tumor tissues was detected by Real-time quantitative PCR （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α （C/EBPα）， hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α （HNF-4α）， and IGF-1R in tumor tissues was detected by Western blot. ResultThe tumor suppression rates of the high- and low-dose CPU Ⅱ groups and the 5-FU group were 74.90%， 63.62%， and 64.15%， respectively. Compared with the model group， the CPU Ⅱ groups and the 5-FU group showed reduced weight （P<0.01） and volume of tumors （P<0.01）， decreased PCNA positive cells， shallow staining， increased apoptosis cells of transplanted tumor tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased expression of mRNA expression of miR-122 （P<0.01）， down-regulated mRNA expression of IGF-1R （P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein expression of C/EBPα and HNF-4α in nude mouse transplanted tumor tissues （P<0.01）. The expression of IGF-1R protein in the high-dose CPU Ⅱ group was down-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the low-dose CPU Ⅱ group， the high-dose CPU Ⅱ group showed increased apoptotic cells （P<0.01）， up-regulated mRNA expression of miR-122 （P<0.01）， and increased expression of C/EBPα and HNF-4α proteins （P<0.01）. ConclusionCPU Ⅱ has an obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells in nude mice. The mechanism of action is related to enhancing the expression of transcription factors HNF-4α and C/EBPα， thereby promoting the expression of miR-122 and inhibiting the expression of its target gene IGF-1R.

Effect of Modified Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang on Stress-related IRE1α/CHOP Pathway of Sciatic Nerve Endoplasmic Reticulum in Diabetes Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of modified Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang （MHGW） on endoplasmic reticulum stress in the sciatic nerve of diabetes rats based on the pathways of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α （IRE1α） and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein （CHOP）. MethodSixty rats were fed on a high-sugar and high-fat diet for six weeks， followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 35 mg·kg-1. Random blood glucose levels were measured three days later and rats with a sustained blood glucose level ≥ 16.7 mmol·L-1 were included in study （n=48）. The rats were randomly divided into a model group， an α-lipoic acid group （0.026 8 g·kg-1·d-1）， a high-dose MHGW group （2.5 g·kg-1·d-1）， and a low-dose MHGW group （1.25 g·kg-1·d-1）. Another 10 rats were assigned to the normal group. The intervention lasted for 16 weeks. After 16 weeks， the sciatic nerve structure of the rats in each group was observed under light microscopy using Luxol fast blue （LFB） staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve. Chemiluminescence method was employed to measure the serum reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels. Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to evaluate the expression of p-IRE1α protein， IRE1α mRNA， CHOP protein， and CHOP mRNA in the sciatic nerve of the rats. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed elevated serum ROS levels （P<0.01）. In contrast， the serum ROS levels were significantly reduced in the treatment groups compared with those in the model group （P<0.01）. The sciatic nerve of the model group showed pathological changes compared with that in the normal group， while the treatment groups exhibited improvement in sciatic nerve pathology compared with the model group. The protein expression of p-IRE1α and CHOP in the sciatic nerve significantly increased in the model group as compared with that in the normal group （P<0.01）. However， the treatment groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expression of p-IRE1α and CHOP in the sciatic nerve compared with the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， compared with the normal group， the model group showed upregulated mRNA expression of IRE1α and CHOP in the sciatic nerve （P<0.01）， while the treatment groups exhibited a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of IRE1α and CHOP compared with the model group （P<0.01）. ConclusionMHGW can alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell apoptosis and improve the structure and function of the sciatic nerve in diabetes rats by inhibiting the expression of IRE1α/CHOP pathway-related proteins and mRNA， thereby preventing and treating peripheral neuropathy in diabetes.

Effect of histone methylase EZH2 on proliferation and apoptosis of hypertrophic myocardial cells of AC16 / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of the effect of the histone methylase zeste gene enhancer homolog 2 (EZH2) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human hypertrophic cardiomyocytes AC16.Methods:The AC16 hypertrophic cardiomyocyte model was constructed by adding angiotensin Ⅱ to the AC16 cell culture medium. The cells were divided into four groups, including the blank control group, the angiotensin Ⅱ group, the empty vector + angiotensin Ⅱ group, and the EZH2 overexpression + angiotensin Ⅱ group. The expression levels of EZH2 and brain natriuretic peptide ( BNP) genes were measured using fluorescent quantitative PCR. The EZH2, trimethylation of lysine at position 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3), and BNP proteins expression were detected by Western Blot. The MTS method was used to detect the proliferation of AC16 cell. The Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method was used to detect the apoptosis of AC16 cell. Results:Compared with the blank control group, the expression levels of EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the angiotensin Ⅱ group were decreased, the expression level of BNP was increased, cell proliferation was decreased, and apoptosis was increased (all P < 0.001). Compared with the empty vector + angiotensin Ⅱ group, the expression levels of EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the EZH2 overexpression + angiotensin Ⅱ group were increased, the expression level of BNP was decreased, the cell proliferation level was increased, and the apoptosis level was decreased (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the angiotensin Ⅱ group and the empty vector + angiotensin Ⅱ group (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Histone methylase EZH2 has an effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of AC16 cell, providing a reference for the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy and revealing the exact pathogenesis of myocardial hypertrophy.

Progress of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in hematological tumors / 白血病·淋巴瘤

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase, which is widely studied in histone methylation modification. It can promote epigenetic gene silencing and mediate the occurrence of tumors through a variety of regulatory mechanisms. The gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations of EZH2 have been confirmed in many cancers. At present, with the extensive attention paid to the regulatory role of EZH2 in epigenetic mechanism, the exact way in which EZH2 imbalance affects the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies remains to be clarified. This article reviews the pathogenetic role of EZH2 in hematological tumors, and hope to find new targets for the prevention and treatment of hematological tumors.

Study on the role and mechanism of osteogenesis induced by advanced platelet-rich fibrin and β-tricalcium phosphate complex / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate the role and mechanism of bone formation caused by the ratio of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in rabbit femur defect model, which provides a new idea for clinical treatment of bone defect.@*Methods @#Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were divided into model group, 1∶1 complex group (A-PRF∶β-TCP=1∶1), 2∶1 complex group (A-PRF∶β- TCP=2∶1) and 4∶1 complex group (A-PRF∶β- TCP=4∶1）, with 6 rabbits in each group. Femoral defect models were constructed in each group. In the composite group, the bone defect was filled with composite material, while in the model group, no material was filled. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and specimens were collected. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.SP) and trabecular number (Tb.N) in femoral defect tissue were measured by micro-CT and photographed. Hematoxylin - eosin staining was used to detect the pathological changes of new bone tissue. The morphological changes of the new bone tissue were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Determination of phospho-mitogen activated protein kinase p38 (p-p38MAPK), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and phospho-cysteine aspartic protease-3 (p-Caspase3) in newborn femur by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and p38MAPK were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of OPG, BMP-2, RANKL, p-p38MAPK and p-Caspase3 protein in the new bone tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry. @*Results @#In the model group, bone formation in the femoral defect area was slow and osteogenic quality was poor. Compared with the model group, the bone formation and neocapillaries of femoral defect area in the complex group was good, BMD, BV.TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N were increased, and Tb.Sp were decreased, the expressions of p-p38MAPK, CHOP and p-Caspase3 were decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of OPG and BMP-2 were increased. The mRNA expression of RANKL and p38MAPK was decreased. Apoptosis in new bone tissue of each group showed the lowest apoptosis rate in samples of the 2∶1 complex group (P<0.05); A-PRF: β-TCP=2∶1 ratio has the best osteogenic effect. @*Conclusion@#The complex composed of A-PRF and β-TCP can promote the expression of OPG, inhibit the expression of RANKL and phosphorylation of p38MAPK, reduce the apoptosis of new bone tissue cells, and promote osteogenic differentiation.

A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE IMPORTANCE OF FASTING LIPID PROFILE ESTIMATION AS THE PART OF INITIAL EVALUATION OF HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS BEFORE STARTING HAART

BACKGROUND:-There is evidence that ART is associated with lipodystrophy syndrome, a disturbance of lipid metabolism characterised by insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and fat maldistribution, metabolic bone disease (osteopenia and/or osteoporosis), and lactic acidosis. ART- associated dyslipidaemia is characterized by elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein 2(LDL-c), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and Apo lipoprotein B (apoB) and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) constituting an atherogenic lipid 1pro?le . In this study 143 young patients who were attending the Antiretroviral Therapy Plus MATERIAL AND METHODS:- Centre & Medicine Wards, ACSR GMC NELLORE were included randomly. 5ml Sample preparation and Biochemical assay :- of venous blood sample was collected by venipuncture from 12 hours overnight fast and centrifuged at 3000 cycles per minute and serum was separated for lipid pro?le measurement within one hour of blood collection. The serum levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL and TG were measured using AU480 BECKMANS random access fully automated auto analyzer at Biochemistry laboratory, ACSR GMC, NELLORE. TC, LDL and TC/HDL lipid pro?les are signi?cant. F-Signi?cant values are RESULTS;- <0.05, reject null hypothesis. It means that the difference among the lipid pro?les of TC, LDL and TC/HDL in the study group is statistically signi?cant with respect to regimen groups. HDL, TG and VLDL lipid pro?les are not signi?cant. F-Signi?cant values are >0.05, no evidence to reject null hypothesis. It means that the no signi?cant difference among the lipid pro?les of HDL, TG, and VLDL in the study group is not statistically signi?cant with respect to regimen groups. Signi?cant CONCLUSIONS:- metabolic and morphological alterations occur in HIV infected patients especially in patients on HAART. The patients on HAART had an elevated Castelli Index I, indicating an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in this population. There is need to assess lipid pro?les at baseline before initiation of HAART treatment and lipid pro?le monitoring during therapy to monitor any rising trends. New medications with more lipid friendly pro?les within existing drugs such as darunavir (PI), etravirine (NNRTI), new classes of drugs such as integrase inhibitors (raltegravir) and CCR5 inhibitors (maraviroc) can be used to avoid dyslipidaemia

Development and optimization of metoclopramide containing polymeric patches: impact of permeation enhancers

Abstract The study is aimed to develop a monolithic controlled matrix transdermal patches containing Metoclopramide as a model drug by solvent casting method. Eudragit L100, Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30, and Methylcellulose were used in different ratios and Polyethylene glycol 400 added as a plasticizer. Resulting patches were evaluated for their physicochemical characters like organoleptic characters, weight variation, folding endurance, thickness, swelling index, flatness, drug content, swelling index, percentage erosion, moisture content, water vapor transmission rate and moisture uptake. Formed patches were also evaluated through Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results of SEM unveiled smooth surface of drug-loaded patches. In-vitro dissolution studies were conducted by using dissolution medium phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4. Effect of natural permeation enhancers was elucidated on two optimized formulations (Z4 and Z9). Different concentrations (5%-10 %) of permeation enhancers i.e. Olive oil, Castor oil and Eucalyptus oil were evaluated on Franz diffusion cell using excised abdominal rat skin. Z4-O2 (Olive oil 10%) had enhanced sustain effect and flux value (310.72) close to the desired flux value. Z4-O2 followed Higuchi release model (R2= 0.9833) with non-fickian diffusion release mechanism (n=0.612)

Major molecular events of reactivation of human cytomegalovirus after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 器官移植

Immune deficiency of the host caused by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the initial factor of reactivation of latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The risk factors of reactivation of HCMV in allo-HSCT recipients consist of the serological status of HCMV in donors and recipients, the matching degree of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and pretreatment patterns, etc. The reactivation of HCMV is associated with the expression of a series of viral cleavage and proliferation proteins induced by the overexpression of major immediate early promoter/enhancer (MIEP) in the viral genome. In this article, the risk factors of reactivation of HCMV after allo-HSCT, the molecular changes related to maintaining latent infection of HCMV, the key role of MIEP overexpression in reactivation of HCMV, and the molecular pathways involved in reactivation of HCMV after allo-HSCT were reviewed and the major molecular events of reactivation of HCMV after allo-HSCT were elucidated, aiming to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of cytomegaloviral disease (CMVD) after allo-HSCT.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression and its association with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:The clinicopathological data of 106 DLBCL patients with detailed follow-up data in Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital from January 2009 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 30 cases (28%) of germinal center B cell-1ike (GCB) and 76 cases (72%) of non-GCB; and 11 cases of reactive lymph nodes were selected as the control group. EnVision method was used to detect the expressions of EZH2 and c-myc. The correlation of the expressions of EZH2 and c-myc proteins was analyzed, and the association of EZH2 protein with clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients was also analyzed.Results:The positive expression rates of EZH2 and c-myc proteins were 78.3% (83/106) and 48.1% (51/106), respectively, and neither was expressed in the control group. The positive expression rate of EZH2 protein in non-GCB was higher than that in GCB ( P < 0.01). The expression of EZH2 was correlated with clinical staging, serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level and international prognostic index (IPI) score (all P < 0.01). EZH2 expression was positively correlated with the c-myc protein expression in GCB ( r = 0.74, P < 0.001). Moreover, OS and PFS of EZH2 negative in DLBCL were better than those of EZH2 positive (all P < 0.001). Conclusions:EZH2 overexpression is correlated with advanced clinical staging, increased serum LDH level, high IPI score and non-GCB phenotype. The high expression of EZH2 may be related to the high expression of c-myc, suggesting the poor prognosis of patients with DLBCL.

Effects of LEF1 and CTNNB1 on cycle arrest, apoptosis and radiation resistance of esophageal carcinoma cells / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the expression level of lymphocyte enhancer-binding factor 1(LEF1) and CTNNB1 and the cycle arrest, apoptosis and radiation resistance of esophageal cancer cells and unravel the related mechanisms.Methods:Recombinantplasmids and empty plasmids expressing LEF1 and CTNNB1were constructed and transfected into esophageal cancer cells. RT-PCR assay was used to detect the transfection efficiency of the plasmids. Clone formation assay, CCK8 assay, cell cycle test by flow cytometry, apoptosis test by flow cytometry and Western blot were performed to detect the differences in theradioresistance, proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells before and after transfection.Results:The survival rate of clonal colony cells in the pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6-CTNNB1 group was significantly better than those in other groups ( P<0.05). The proliferation of clonal colony cellsat 72 h, 96 h and 120 h in the pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6-CTNNB1 group was significantly better than those in the pGEX+ pCMV6, pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6 and pCMV6-CTNNB1+ pGEX groups (all P<0.05). The percentage of G 2 phase arrest cells in the pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6-CTNNB1 group was significantly higher than those in the other groups (all P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of esophageal cancer cells in the pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6-CTNNB1 group was significantly lower compared with those in the pGEX+ pCMV6, pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6 and pCMV6-CTNNB1+ pGEX groups (all P<0.05). The expression levels of Bax and Caspase 3 proteins in the pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6-CTNNB1 group were significantly lower than those in the pGEX+ pCMV6, pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6 and pCMV6-CTNNB1+ pGEX groups (all P<0.05). The expression level of Bcl-2 protein in the pGEX-LEF1+ pCMV6-CTNNB1 group was significantly higher compared with those in the other groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion:LEF1 and CTNNB1 can regulate the proliferation and G 2 phase arrest of esophageal cancer cells after radiation intervention by mediating the Wnt signaling pathway, and improve the radiation resistance of esophageal cancer cells by inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Research progress on molecular mechanism of transcription factor C/EBPβ in lung diseases / 中华危重病急救医学

CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), as a nuclear transcription factor necessary for the development of liver, airway epithelium, and adipose tissue, plays a vital role in physiological processes related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. However, the up-regulation of C/EBPβ activates signal pathways related to inflammatory response, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation and invasion, immune response, and angiogenesis by regulating a series of downstream genes transcription promotes the development of lung diseases. Therefore, targeting C/EBPβ may be a potential treatment strategy for lung diseases. This paper summarizes the regulatory effects of C/EBPβ and related signaling pathways in lung infection, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer to provide a theoretical basis for the precision medicine of lung diseases.

Role of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β in acute cerebral ischemia / 国际脑血管病杂志

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), a transcriptional factor of the basic-leucine zipper family, can regulate the transcription activity of downstream target genes. After acute cerebral ischemia, the activity of C/EBPβ changes, and participates in the process of cerebral ischemia injury by regulating neuronal apoptosis and inflammation. This article reviews the molecular biological characteristics of C/EBPβ and its expression changes and role in acute cerebral ischemia, providing a basis for developing new neuroprotective drugs for acute cerebral ischemia using C/EBPβ as therapeutic target.

Effect of Bufei Yishen Prescription on Airway Mucus Hypersecretion and Notch3 and HES1 Expression in Lung Tissues of Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Bufei Yishen prescription on airway mucus hypersecretion and Notch signaling pathway related protein Notch3 and enhancer of split homologue 1 （HES1） in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） and to explore its action mechanism. MethodForty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into the control group， model group， Bufei Yishen prescription group， and aminophylline （APL） group，with 12 rats in each group. The stable COPD rat model was established via cigarette smoking exposure combined with Klebsiella bacterial infection for 12 weeks， and the corresponding drugs （3.7 g·kg-1·d-1 Bufei Yishen prescription and 54 mg·kg-1·d-1 APL） were administered by gavage during the next eight weeks. After the last administration at week 20， the lung tissue was sampled for observing the pathological changes and the rat lung function was detected. The tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and mucoprotein 5AC （MUC5AC） in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch3， HES1， and MUC5AC in lung tissues were assayed. ResultCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited significantly weakened pulmonary function （P<0.05，P<0.01）， reduced average number of alveoli （P<0.01）， elevated mean linear intercept （P<0.01）， and up-regulated TNF-α， IL-6， and MUC5AC in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and Notch3， HES1， and MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression in lung tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Bufei Yishen prescription and APL remarkably enhanced pulmonary function， alleviated its pathological injury （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and down-regulated TNF-α， IL-6， and MUC5AC in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch3， HES1， and MUC5AC in lung tissues （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mechanism of Bufei Yishen prescription in inhibiting airway mucus hypersecretion of COPD rats was related to its regulation of Notch3 and HES1.

Advances in the study of peptide drugs in oral drug delivery system / 药学学报

Peptide drugs exhibit an irreplaceable role in clinics due to their high specificity, efficiency and low toxicity. At present, more than 80 peptide drugs have been approved for marketing with global sales exceeding $50 billion in 2019. However, with large molecular weights, high hydrophilicity and instability in digestive tract, oral peptide drugs encounter substantial physiological barriers leading to low oral bioavailability. Therefore, peptide drugs are mostly administered by parenteral routes. Although parenteral delivery of peptide drugs achieves high bioavailability, this is associated with inconvenience and discomfort, even causing severe side effects compared with the oral route possessing a high degree of patient compliance. Therefore, numerous studies concentrate on novel strategies to improve the oral bioavailability of peptide drugs. Some delivery technologies such as Eligen™ and Axcess™ have been successfully applied to the oral dosage form of therapeutic peptides and have accelerated relevant oral formulations for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and clinical treatment. In this review, we focus on the oral peptide delivery, mainly summarizing the progress of recent strategies used to overcome oral barriers and the commercialization applications of related patents, which could facilitate the research and development (R&D) of clinical applications of oral delivery techniques for peptide drugs.

Formulation development of anti-rheumatoid gel of Saraca asoca (Roxb. ) De Wilde hydroalcoholic extract containing eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil as penetration enhancer

Abstract In the present research investigation, various concentrations of hydro-alcoholic extract of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde (family: Caesalpinaceae) dried bark and carbopol polymer at different temperature ranges were optimized for the preparation of gel formulation. Natural penetration enhancers, v.i.z., eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil were incorporated separately in the extract based gel formulations to study the rate of drug permeation across egg membrane, using franz diffusion cell. In vitro anti-arthritis potential of the formulations was also studied using inhibition of albumin denaturation, antiproteinase activity and membrane stabilization method. As per the results of current study, it is established that S. asoca dried bark hydroalcoholic extract based gel prepared using peppermint oil as penetration enhancer exhibited good permeation rate of 8.48% at the end of 3 h. The percentage inhibition of proteins by antiproteinase method at concentration of 50 µg/ml was 50.01±1.00% which was close to 53.92±0.99% as shown by the standard drug, Diclofenac. Also, the percent protein inhibition determined using membrane stabilization method was found to be 49.70±1.00%, however, it was 63.32±0.94% for the standard drug, Diclofenac. Hence, it is concluded that peppermint oil may act as a good candidate for the preparation of potent anti-rheumatic gel preparations.