Effects of rosmarinic acid and doxorubicine on an ovarian adenocarsinoma cell line (OVCAR3) via the EGFR pathway

Purpose: We aimed to reveal the effects of rosmarinic acid (RA), which has come to the forefront with its antitumor and antioxidant properties in many studies recently in the ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line, on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) signaling pathway in the presence of doxorubicin (DOX). Methods: Ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line (OVCAR3) and human skin keratinocyte cell line human skin keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) were used as control. (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was applied to determine the effect of RA and DOX on the proliferation of OVCAR3 and HaCaT cells. Bcl2 expression and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and western blot analysis were performed to determine the expression levels of the markers. Results: It was determined that RA (IC50 = 437.6 µM) and DOX (IC50 = 0.08 µM) have the ability to inhibit the proliferation of OVCAR3 cells and induce apoptosis in a 72-hour time and dose-dependent manner. Western blot showed that the expression level of Bcl-2 and EGFR in OVCAR3 cells was down-regulated by RA and DOX. Conclusions: Apoptosis in OVCAR3 cells can potentially be induced by RA via the EGFR pathway, and RA may be a potent agent for cancer therapy.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal the mechanism of resveratrol in oral squamous cell carcinoma treatment / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To explore the molecular mechanism of resveratrol (RES) in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) through the use of biological information methods such as network pharmacology and molecular docking and to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical application of RES in the treatment of OSCC.@*Methods@#The Swiss Target Prediction(http://www.swisstargetprediction.ch), SEA (http://sea.bkslab.org)database, and Pharm mapper database(http://lilab-ecust.cn) were used to retrieve RES-related targets, and the DISGENET (www.disgenet.org), OMIM (https://omim.org) and GeneCards (https://www.genecards.org) databases were used to screen OSCC disease targets. The intersection of drugs and disease targets was determined, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a "drug-diseasetarget pathway" network. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database was used to construct a target protein interaction network, and the DAVID database was used for enrichment analysis of key proteins. Finally, molecular docking validation of key proteins was performed using AutoDock and PyMOL. The enrichment analysis and molecular docking results were integrated to predict the possible molecular mechanisms of RES treatment in OSCC; western blot was used to determine the effect of resveratrol at different concentrations (50, 100) μmol/L on the expression of Src tyrosine kinase (SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptor gene 1 (ESR1), and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway proteins in OSCC HSC-3 cells.@*Results@#A total of 243 targets of RES drugs and 6 094 targets of OSCC were identified. A total of 116 potential common targets were obtained by intersecting drugs with disease targets. These potential targets mainly participate in biological processes such as in vivo protein self-phosphorylation, peptide tyrosine phosphorylation, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, and positive regulation of RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcription, and they interfere with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to exert anti-OSCC effects. The docking results of resveratrol with OSCC molecules indicated that key targets, such as EGFR, ESR1, and SRC, have good binding activity. The results of cell-based experiments showed that resveratrol inhibited the protein expression of SRC, EGFR, ESR1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in HSC-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner.@*Conclusion@#RES can inhibit the expression of its targets EGFR, ESR1, SRC, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in OSCC cells.

Ozonoterapia como apoyo en el tratamiento de la úlcera del pie diabético. Presentación de un caso

Una de las complicaciones más comunes de la diabetes mellitus es la úlcera del pie diabético, como una fuente importante de morbilidad y mortalidad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 43 años, con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, de siete años de evolución, remitida desde el Cuerpo de Guardia del Policlínico Universitario Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy, de Abreus, con el diagnóstico de pie diabético neuroinfeccioso complicado con un absceso. Se realizó drenaje del absceso, modificación del tratamiento con insulina y desbridamiento de la lesión. Además, se indicó antibiótico y Heberprot-P®. Ante la ausencia de evolución satisfactoria, se realizó nuevo desbridamiento, con amputación de tercer y cuarto dedos del pie izquierdo; se retomó el tratamiento inicial, eta vez combinado con ozonoterapia vía local y rectal. A partir de la semana 18 la paciente evolucionó favorablemente, con presencia de buena granulación, desaparición gradual del dolor y aceleración del proceso de cicatrización completa de la lesión, además de conseguir un control metabólico eficiente. El caso descrito confirma la eficacia y seguridad del uso combinado del Heberprot-P® y la terapia con ozono.

One of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot ulcer, as an important source of morbidity and mortality. The case of a 43-years-old patient with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, of seven years of evolution, referred from the Emergency Department of the Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy University Polyclinic, Abreus, with the diagnosis of neuroinfectious diabetic foot complicated with an abscess is presented. Drainage of the abscess, modification of insulin treatment, and debridement of the lesion were performed. In addition, antibiotics and Heberprot-P® were indicated. In the absence of satisfactory evolution, new debridement was performed, with amputation of the third and fourth toes of the left foot; the initial treatment was resumed, this time combined with local and rectal ozone therapy. From week 18 on, the patient progressed favorably, with the presence of good granulation, gradual disappearance of pain and acceleration of the complete healing process of the lesion, in addition to achieving efficient metabolic control. The described case confirms the efficacy and safety of the Heberprot-P® combined use and ozone therapy.

Heberprot-P® en el tratamiento de trauma vascular distal / Heberprot-P® in the treatment of distal vascular trauma

Introducción: Los traumatismos constituyen causa frecuente de consulta. Entre sus localizaciones más comunes se encuentran las extremidades inferiores. El Heberprot-P® resulta un factor de crecimiento epidérmico que se ha utilizado durante más de una década para la cicatrización de las úlceras del pie diabético con excelentes resultados. Ampliar su utilización a otras patologías, incluso de etiología traumática, permitiría expandir las posibilidades terapéuticas para la cicatrización de las heridas. Objetivo: Exponer el resultado de la aplicación del Heberprot-P® en una amputación transtarsiana en un paciente portador de un trauma vascular distal. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 23 años con antecedentes de salud. Luego de traumatismo por accidente de tránsito presentó fractura de huesos del metatarso y la sección total de la arteria pedia del pie izquierdo, lo cual provocó una gangrena húmeda de la extremidad. Por este motivo se realizó una amputación transtarsiana del pie. Se usó el Heberprot-P® como terapia para acortar el tiempo de cicatrización. Conclusiones: El Heberprot-P® resultó útil para la evolución de la herida como consecuencia de un trauma vascular, al evitar una amputación mayor, acelerar el proceso de cicatrización y conservar una extremidad funcional, lo que demostró que puede constituir una terapia eficaz para las heridas de difícil cicatrización, independientemente de su etiología(AU)

Introduction: Trauma is a frequent cause of consultation. Among its most common locations are the lower extremities. Heberprot-P® is an epidermal growth factor that has been used for more than a decade for the healing of diabetic foot ulcers with excellent results. Extending its use to other pathologies, including traumatic etiology ones, would expand the therapeutic possibilities for wound healing. Objective: To present the result of the application of Heberprot-P® in a Chopart´s amputation in a patient with distal vascular trauma. Case presentation: A 23-year-old male patient with a health history. After trauma from a traffic accident, he presented a fracture of the bones of the metatarsus and the whole section of the left foot´s pedis artery, which caused a wet gangrene of the extremity. For this reason, a Chopart´s amputation of the foot was performed. Heberprot-P® was used as therapy to shorten healing time. Conclusions: Heberprot-P® was useful for wound evolution as a result of vascular trauma, avoiding major amputation, accelerating the healing process and preserving a functional limb, which showed that it can be an effective therapy for wounds that are difficult to heal, regardless of their etiology(AU)

Investigation the Effect of Human Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor on Rotator Cuff Healing: An Experimental Model / Investigação do efeito do fator de crescimento epidérmico recombinante humano na cicatrização do manguito rotador: Um modelo experimental

Abstract Objective To investigate the effectiveness of human recombinant epidermal growth factor in the healing of rotator cuff tear in the rabbit shoulder. Methods Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) were experimentally created on both shoulders of 20 New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were divided into the following groups: RCT (sham group; n = 5), RCT + EGF (EGF group; n = 5), RCT + transosseous repair (repair group; n = 5), and RCT + EGF + transosseous repair (combined repair + EGF group; n = 5). All rabbits were then observed for 3 weeks, and biopsies were taken from the right shoulders in the third week. After three more weeks of observation, all rabbits were sacrificed, and a biopsy removed from their left shoulders. All biopsy material was stained with haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and vascularity, cellularity, the proportion of fibers and the number of fibrocartilage cells were evaluated under light microscope. Results The highest collagen amount and the most regular collagen sequence was detected in the combined repair + EGF group. The repair group and the EGF group showed higher fibroblastic activity and capillary formation when compared with the sham group, but the highest fibroblastic activity and capillary formation with highest vascularity was detected in the combined repair + EGF group (p < 0.001). EGF seems to improve wound healing in the repair of RCT. The EGF application alone, even without repair surgery, seems to be beneficial to RCT healing. Conclusion In addition to rotator cuff tear repair, application of human recombinant epidermal growth factor has an effect on rotator cuff healing in rabbit shoulders.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a eficácia do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGF) recombinante humano na cicatrização da lesão do manguito rotador no ombro de coelhos. Métodos As rupturas do manguito rotador (RMRs) foram criadas experimentalmente em ambos os ombros de 20 coelhos Nova Zelândia. Os coelhos foram divididos nos seguintes grupos: RMR (grupo controle; n = 5), RMR + EGF (grupo EGF; n = 5), RMR + reparo transósseo (grupo reparo; n = 5) e RMR + EGF + reparo transósseo (grupo reparo combinado+ EGF; n = 5). Todos os coelhos foram observados por 3 semanas, e amostras de biópsias foram coletadas do ombro direito na 3ª semana. Após mais 3 semanas de observação, todos os coelhos foram submetidos à eutanásia, e uma amostra de biópsia foi coletada dos ombros esquerdos. Todo o material de biópsia foi corado com hematoxilina e eosina (H&E) para avaliação de vascularidade, celularidade, proporção de fibras e número de células fibrocartilaginosas à microscopia óptica. Resultados O grupo reparo combinado + EGF apresentou a maior quantidade e a sequência mais regular de colágeno. O grupo reparo e o grupo EGF apresentaram maior atividade fibroblástica e formação capilar em comparação ao grupo controle, mas a maior atividade fibroblástica e a formação capilar com maior vascularidade foram detectadas no grupo reparo combinado + EGF (p < 0,001). O EGF parece melhorar a cicatrização da ferida no reparo da RMR. A aplicação isolada de EGF, mesmo sem cirurgia reparadora, parece melhorar a cicatrização da RMR. Conclusão Além do reparo da RMR, a aplicação de EGF recombinante humano auxilia a cicatrização do manguito rotador dos ombros de coelhos.

Expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu in gallbladder carcinoma in North Indian population

Background: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) although rare is most frequent malignant neoplasm of biliary tract system and sixth most common malignancy of digestive tract. GBC is more common in females and there are studies which show expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 neu (HER2/neu) in GBC suggesting possible molecules for targeted therapy, but results are inconsistent. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out expression of ER, PR, and HER2/neu in GBC in North Indian population and their possible association with clinicopathological features. Materials and Methods: A total 59 resected cases of GBC diagnosed by histopathological examination were included in the study. Expression of ER, PR, and HER2/neu was accessed by immunohistochemistry method and correlated with various clinicopathological features. Results: ER expression was absent in all GBC cases. PR expression was present in only one case. Positive expression of HER2/neu was present in 13 (22%) cases, in which 12 cases were of conventional adenocarcinoma and one case was of papillary adenocarcinoma. Well and moderately differentiated tumor had significantly higher HER2/neu expression as compared to poorly differentiated tumors (P = 0.001). Pre-obese patients had significantly higher HER2/neu expression as compared to non-obese patients (P = 0.008). Conclusion: In our study, there was no expression of estrogen and PR in GBC in North Indian population. Although small in number, there is a subset of patients who overexpress HER2/neu receptor that may benefit from targeted therapy.

Diagnostic value of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI quantitative parameters for preoperative staging of gastric cancer and its relationship with prognostic factors / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) quantitative parameters for preoperative staging of gastric cancer and its relationship with prognostic factors.Methods:The clinical data of 98 patients with gastric cancer from March 2021 to March 2022 in Guangyuan First People′s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent DCE-MRI examination, MRI features were observed, and the DCE-MRI quantitative parameters were recorded, including the transport constant (K trans), volume fraction (V e) and rate constant (K ep). The expression levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric cancer tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry methods. The correlation between DCE-MRI quantitative parameters and T stage, HER2, EGFR of gastric cancer was analyzed by Spearman method; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnosis value of DCE-MRI quantitative parameters in T staging of gastric cancer. Results:Among 98 patients with gastric cancer, T 1 to T 2 staging was in 50 cases, T 3 to T 4 staging was in 48 cases; HER2 positive expression in gastric cancer tissue was in 35 cases, negative expression was in 63 cases; EGFR positive expression in gastric cancer tissue was in 43 cases, negative expression was in 55 cases. The K trans and V e in patients with T 3 to T 4 staging were significantly higher than those in patients with T 1 to T 2 staging: (0.25 ± 0.04) min -1 vs. (0.19 ± 0.03) min -1 and 0.45 ± 0.11 vs. 0.39 ± 0.09, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); there was no statistical difference in K ep between the two ( P>0.05). The K trans and V e in patients with HER2 positive expression were significantly higher than those in patients with HER2 negative expression: (0.27 ± 0.06) min -1 vs. (0.19 ± 0.03) min -1 and 0.49 ± 0.13 vs. 0.38 ± 0.08, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); there was no statistical difference in K ep between the two ( P>0.05). The K trans and V e in patients with EGFR positive expression were significantly higher than those in patients with EGFR negative expression: (0.28 ± 0.07) min -1 vs. (0.17 ± 0.04) min -1 and 0.50 ± 0.14 vs. 0.36 ± 0.08, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); there was no statistical difference in K ep between the two ( P>0.05). Spearman analysis result showed that the K trans was positively correlated with gastric cancer T stage, and the expression of HER2, EGFR in gastric cancer tissue ( r = 0.539, 0.612 and 0.640; P<0.01), the V e was positively correlated with gastric cancer T stage, and the expression of HER2, EGFR in gastric cancer tissue ( r = 0.462, 0.551 and 0.583; P<0.01), while there was no correlated between K ep and gastric cancer T stage and the expression of HER2, EGFR in gastric cancer tissue ( P>0.05). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve of K trans combined with V e in diagnosis the T 3 to T 4 staging of gastric cancer was 0.929, with a specificity of 81.25% and a specificity of 92.00%. Conclusions:The DCE-MRI quantitative parameters K trans and V e have certain value in the diagnosis of gastric cancer T staging, and they are closely related to the expression of prognostic factors HER2 and EGFR.

Inhibitory effect of GALNT2 gene knockdown on apoptosis of human retinal vascular endothelial cells in high glucose culture and its mechanism / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminaminyltransferase 2 (GALNT2) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRCECs) cultured in high glucose and its possible mechanism.Methods:The small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting GALNT2 gene was constructed to interfere with the lentiviral vector and infect HRCECs.HRCECs were divided into blank control group, model group, NC-shGALNT2 group and shGALNT2 group, which were cultured in medium containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose, 25 mmol/L glucose, shGALNT2 negative control virus 25 mmol/L glucose and shGALNT2 knockdown virus 25 mmol/L glucose for 24 hours, respectively.The relative expression of GALNT2 mRNA in the four groups was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The relative expression levels of GALNT2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR) and phosphorylated EGFR (p-EGFR) were detected by Western blot.The proliferative values of HRCECs were detected by cell counting kit-8 method.The apoptosis rate of different groups was detected by flow cytometry. Results:The relative expression levels of GALNT2 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in model group than in blank control group, and were significantly lower in shGALNT2 group than in blank control group (all at P<0.05). The cell proliferation value was significantly lower in model group than in blank control group, and was significantly higher in shGALNT2 than in model group and NC-shGALNT2 group (all at P<0.05). The apoptosis rates of blank control group, model group, NC-shGALNT2 group and shGALNT2 group were (4.73±0.26)%, (8.66±0.25)%, (9.26±1.12)% and (5.47±0.18)%, respectively, with a significant overall difference ( F=342.921, P<0.001). The apoptosis rate was significantly higher in model group than in blank control group, and was significantly lower in shGALNT2 group than in model group and NC-shGALNT2 group (all at P<0.05). The relative expression level of EGFR protein was significantly higher and the relative expression level of p-EGFR protein was significantly lower in model group than in blank control group (all at P<0.05). The relative expression of p-EGFR protein was significantly higher in shGALNT2 group than in model group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Knocking down GALNT2 can improve the proliferative ability of HRCECs under high glucose culture and reduce apoptosis, which may be related to the activation of EGFR signaling pathway.

Expression and drug resistance of EGFR in targeted therapy of non-small cell lung cancer / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality. Epidermal growth factor receptor is expressed in the majority of non-small cell lung cancer tumor cells, making it possible to give these patients more precise and targeted therapies. The mechanisms of abnormal EGFR regulation are closely related to the efficacy of targeted therapy and the occurrence of drug resistance. Therefore, this review will review the expression mechanism of EGFR in NSCLC and the acquired drug resistance of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor after treatment of NSCLC.

Effect of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on survival and risk factors in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer (HR+/HER2-BC) and the impact of NAFLD on the survival of patients.Methods:54 HR+BC patients were enrolled in this study. The liver fat accumulation was examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patients were divided into two groups: non-NAFLD and NAFLD. Student's t test or Fisher's test was used to analyze the clinical indicators of the two groups. Logistic univariate and multivariate tests were used to analyze the clinical risk factors related to NAFLD. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to further analyze the sensitivity of clinical risk factors to predict the diagnosis of NAFLD. The Disease-free survival (DFS) and Overall survival (OS) of the two groups were analyzed by Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. Results:There were 22 NAFLD patients and 32 non-NAFLD patients diagnosed by MRI. Student's t test or Fisher's test showed that BMI, waist circumference, AST, ALT, GGT, TG, LDL and HDL were statistically different between the two groups (all P<0.05). Logistic univariate and multivariate analysis showed that AST ( OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10, P=0.007), GGT ( OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09, P=0.038), TG ( OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, P=0.011) and HDL ( OR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12, P=0.037) were the risk factors associated with NAFLD. ROC curve analysis showed that the combination of AST, GGT, TG and HDL had high sensitivity in predicting NAFLD (AUC=0.869, P<0.05). There was no difference in DFS ( HR=1.830, 95% CI: 0.983-3.409, P=0.057) or OS ( HR=2.482, 95% CI: 0.761-8.093, P=0.132) between the two groups. Conclusion:AST, GGT, TG and HDL are the independent risk factors for NAFLD in HR+BC patients during treatment, but concurrent NAFLD has no significant effect on DFS or OS.

Precision therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -positive breast cancer is prone to metastasis and has a poor prognosis. In the context of the booming development of anti-HER2 targeted therapy, HER2-positive breast cancer has reduced recurrence and metastasis and improved prognosis. However, there are still some HER2-positive breast cancer patients who cannot benefit from anti-HER2-targeted therapy and continue to develop recurrent metastasis. Neoadjuvant therapy, surgical treatment, and the full range of adjuvant and palliative therapies enable HER2-positive breast cancer to benefit from them. Scholars from home and abroad have explored the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and have achieved some results. In this article, we review the current status and development of HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.

Immunotherapy for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer after EGFR-TKI acquired resistance / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) -mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was previously regarded as a cold tumor according to tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) . However, recent studies have found that EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) treatment can transform the host immunity from immunosuppressive to immunosupportive state, bringing new hope for immunotherapy. There are four main therapeutic strategies for patients after EGFR-TKIs acquired resistance: immunotherapy alone (Im) , immunotherapy plus chemotherapy (Im+C) , immunotherapy plus antiangiogenic drugs (Im+A) , and immunotherapy combined with antiangiogenic drugs and chemotherapy (Im+A+C) . Among them, the efficacy of Im is extremely limited, being significantly lower than that of chemotherapy alone, while there is still scarce evidence for the efficacy of Im+A with few clinical studies. The combination of Im+C and Im+A+C shows better efficacy than chemotherapy alone. Im+A+C has a superior clinical outcome to Im+C. Additionally, the EGFR L858R mutation subgroup benefits more from Im+C than the EGFR 19 del mutation subgroup. The T790M-negative subgroup has a greater benefit from Im+A+C than the T790M-positive subgroup. In general, the strategy of combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy and/or an antiangiogenic drug represents a novel and promising method for treating EGFR-mutant NSCLC after EGFR-TKI failure.

Clinical efficacy of osimertinib and icotinib in first-line treatment of EGFR-positive metastatic NSCLC / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the real-world efficacy of osimertinib and icotinib in metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 151 newly-diagnosed patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) -positive advanced NSCLC in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from March 2018 to May 2022. The patients were divided into osimertinib group ( n=53) and icotinib group ( n=98) according to treatment method. The objective response rate (ORR) , disease control rate (DCR) , progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. The factors influencing prognosis were analyzed by using Cox regression models. Subgroup analysis was performed according to metastatic site and EGFR mutation type. Results:ORR was 56.6% (30/53) and 59.2% (58/98) for patients in the osimertinib group and icotinib group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.09, P=0.759) . DCR was 83.0% (44/53) and 91.8% (90/98) for patients in the osimertinib group and icotinib group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=2.68, P=0.102) . The median PFS was 11.7 months and 11.8 months for patients in the osimertinib group and icotinib group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.06, P=0.802) . The median OS was not reached for patients in both the osimertinib group and icotinib group, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2<0.01, P=0.969) . The results of multivariate analysis showed that adrenal metastases ( HR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.04-3.41, P=0.036) was an independent prognostic factor for PFS. Gender ( HR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.08-4.58, P=0.031) and adrenal metastases ( HR=4.87, 95% CI: 1.76-13.46, P=0.002) were independent prognostic factors for OS. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that in patients with pleural metastases (median PFS: 11.7 months vs. 9.3 months, median OS: not reached vs. not reached) , adrenal metastases (median PFS: 8.7 months vs. 5.6 months, median OS: 20.0 months vs. 15.3 months) , 19DEL mutations (median PFS: 14.5 months vs. 13.3 months, median OS: not reached vs. 40.7 months) , the osimertinib group tended to have better survival outcomes. Conversely, in patients with contralateral lung metastases (median PFS: 8.3 months vs. 11.2 months, median OS: not reached vs. 40.7 months) , bone metastases (median PFS: 11.7 months vs. 11.8 months, median OS: not reached vs. 34.5 months) , liver metastases (median PFS: 8.7 months vs. 9.1 months, median OS: not reached vs. 23.8 months) , brain metastases (median PFS: 11.7 months vs. 15.3 months, median OS: 22.4 months vs. 35.3 months) and 21L858R mutations (median PFS: 9.5 months vs. 10.0 months, median OS: 22.4 months vs. not reached) , the icotinib group tended to have better survival outcomes, but with no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05) . Conclusion:Both osimertinib and icotinib have good therapeutic efficacy in patients with EGFR-positive advanced NSCLC, thus can be used as first-line treatment options.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of patients with HER2 positive gastric cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation of human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) with clinicopathological characteristics and its postoperative prognostic value in patients with gastric cancer.Methods:The clinicopathological data of 543 patients with gastric cancer who underwent open radical gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed in the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department of Jiangyin People′s Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from June 2011 to December 2016, including 404 males and 139 females, aged from 26 to 84 years old. According to the results of HER2 immunohistochemical staining, gastric cancer patients were divided into HER2 0+ group ( n=427), HER2 1+ group ( n=56), HER2 2+ group ( n=29) and HER2 3+ group ( n=31), and the differences in clinicopathological indicators of the four groups were compared. Furthermore, HER2 0+ and 1+ gastric cancer patients were classified as HER2-negative group( n=26), and HER2 3+ as HER2-positive group( n=26). Propensity score matching method was used to balance the basic data variables related to prognosis of the two groups, and Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cox risk regression model was used to analyze the risk factors associated with postoperative survival in patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer. Results:The overexpression rate of HER2 in gastric cancer patients was 5.7% (31/543). The expression level of HER2 was significantly correlated with gender ( χ2=8.30, P=0.040), tumor longitudinal location ( χ2=22.86, P=0.029) and histological differentiation ( χ2=13.27, P=0.004). There was no significant correlation between median survival time and HER2 expression level( χ2=5.44, P=0.142). After propensity score matching, the median survival time of gastric cancer in the HER2-positive group was 23 months. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that ABO blood group ( HR: 1.619, 95% CI: 1.081-2.423, P=0.019) was an independent risk factor for prognosis of HER2-positive gastric cancer. Conclusion:The expression of HER2 is higher in men, cardia fundus and high and medium differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma, but there is no significant correlation between the expression level of HER2 and the median survival time of gastric cancer. ABO blood group may be an independent risk factor for the survival of HER2-positive gastric cancer.

Analysis of the synergistic effect of triptolide combined with gefitinib on EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the synergistic effect of triptolide （TPL） combined with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor （EGFR-TKI） gefitinib on EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） cells and its potential mechanism. METHODS Human NSCLC cell lines H1975 （EGFR T790M/L858R mutated drug-resistant cell lines） and H1299 （EGFR wild-type non-drug-resistant cell lines） were cultured in vitro. MTT method was used to detect cell activity， and the effect of combined medication was evaluated by the combination index （CI）. The H1975 cells were divided into blank group， low- concentration and high-concentration groups of TPL （5 nmol/L or 15 nmol/L）， gefitinib group （2 μmol/L）， low-concentration and high-concentration groups of TPL+gefitinib （5 nmol/L TPL+2 μmol/L gefitinib， 15 nmol/L TPL+2 μmol/L gefitinib）. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of H1975 cells and the distribution of the cell cycle. Molecular docking studies were used to predict the binding ability of TPL to EGFR. The expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） pathway and autophagy-related proteins [microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3α （MAP1LC3A）， MAP1LC3B] in H1975 cells were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS TPL had a strong inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H1975 and H1299 cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Forty-eight hours treatment of 5 or 15 nmol/L TPL combined with gefitinib had a synergistic inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H1975 cells （CI＜1）， while there was no synergistic inhibitory effect on H1299 cells （CI＞1）. Compared with the blank group， the apoptosis rate and the proportion of H1975 cells at G0/G1 phase were increased significantly in administration groups， while the proportions of cells at S phase and G2/M phase （except for several TPL groups） were decreased significantly， and the combination group had better effects （P＜0.05）. Molecular docking studies showed that the hydroxyl radical of TPL could form hydrogen bonds with the Thr854 residue of the product encoded by EGFR T790M/L858R mutation. Compared with the blank group， the expressions of pathway-related proteins were down-regulated significantly in administration groups， while those of autophagy-related proteins were up-regulated significantly， and the combination group had better effects （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS TPL combined with gefitinib can synergically inhibit the proliferation activity of EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells， the mechanism of which may be related to the down-regulation of PI3K/Akt/ mTOR pathway and induction of autophagy.

Clinicopathological features and prognosis of breast cancer with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 low expression / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#There is an increasing interest in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) low expression breast cancer with the result of novel anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates for breast cancer. HER2 low expression breast cancer is expected to become a new type of breast cancer. This study analyzed and compared the clinicopathological features and survival data of breast cancer with HER2 low expression group [immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or IHC 2+, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) negative] and HER2 zero expression group (IHC 0), in order to explore the difference in clinical biology of HER2 low expression breast cancers.@*METHODS@#Among 1 250 female patients with primary non-metastatic breast cancer admitted to the Breast Disease Center of Peking University First Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017, 969 cases were HER2 negative (IHC 0, 1+, 2+, and FISH was not amplified). The clinicopathologic features and prognosis of the patients with HER2 low expression (IHC 1+ or 2+, and unamplified by FISH) and HER2 zero expression (IHC 0) were analyzed. Disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier curve, and survival differences were compared by Log-rank test. Cox regression analysis of univariate and multivariate prognostic factors. Bilateral test was used, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.@*RESULTS@#In the 969 patients with HER2 negative breast cancer, 606 had HER2 low expression (62.54%) and 363 had HER2 zero expression (37.46%). Compared with breast cancer with HER2 zero expression, those with HER2 low expression had higher N stage (P=0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.044), the proportion of non-specific histological types was higher (82.7% vs. 79.1%, P=0.009), the histological grade was higher (P=0.048), and the positive rate of hormone receptor was higher (83.2% vs. 75.2%, P=0.003). The percentage of Ki-67 value index >30% was lower (30.4% vs. 36.6%, P=0.044). There was no significant difference in DFS and OS between the two groups (P>0.05). In the 969 cases, 777 were hormone receptor positive and 192 were hormone receptor negative (triple negative cancer). Among the 777 cases with hormone receptor positive, 504 (64.9%) were HER2 low expression, and 273 (35.1%) were HER2 zero expression. Compared with breast cancer with HER2 zero expression group, the HER2 low expression group had a younger age (P=0.016), a higher proportion of premenopausal patients (P=0.029), more lymph node involvement (P=0.002), and a higher total TNM stage (P=0.031), and less frequent histological types of lobular and mucinous carcinoma (3.6% vs. 7.3%, 4.8% vs. 10.6%, P=0.001). There was no difference in DFS and OS between HER2 low expression and zero expression (P>0.05). Among 192 patients with hormone receptor negative, there were 102 cases (53.1%) with HER2 low expression and 90 cases (46.9%) with HER2 zero expression. Compared with the HER2 zero expression groups, HER2 low expression group was older (P=0.001), the proportion of premenopausal patients was low (P=0.029), the histological grade was lower (P < 0.001), the Ki-67 value index was lower (P < 0.001), and androgen receptor positive rate was higher (58.8% vs. 34.4%, P < 0.001). DFS was better than HER2 zero expression group (P=0.038), but there was no difference in OS between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#HER2 low expression breast cancer accounts for about half of all breast cancers, and the incidence is much higher than that of HER2 positive breast cancer. Its clinicopathologic features are heterogeneous, and the status of hormone receptor expression has an impact on the clinical biology of this group.

Characteristics and Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of HER-2-Positive Breast Cancer： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 （HER-2）-positive breast cancer has higher predilection to metastasize and invade other organs， leading to poor prognosis. The anti-HER-2 drugs， such as trastuzumab， pertuzumab， and trastuzumab emtansinehas， can remarkably prolong the disease free survival （DFS） of patients. However， frequent multidrug resistance， tumor recurrence and metastasis， and adverse reactions such as cardiotoxicity and gastrointestinal discomfort caused by adjuvant therapy are still challenges for the treatment of HER-2-positive breast cancer. The understanding of breast cancer in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has a long history. In thousands of years of inheritance and innovation， a standardized treatment system with TCM characteristics has been gradually formed， which shows unique advantages and significant curative effects in breast cancer treatment. The treatment principles of ''treatment based on syndrome differentiation''， ''treatment based on stages and types''， ''treatment according to individual conditions''， and ''treatment of different viscera and viscera based on the toxin and pathogen'' are closely related to the precise treatment concept. In view of the challenges in the treatment of HER-2-positive breast cancer， such as multidrug resistance， tumor recurrence and metastasis， cardiotoxicity， and gastrointestinal discomfort， this paper summarizes the characteristics of TCM in reversing the multidrug resistance， inhibiting tumor recurrence and metastasis， prolonging DFS， improving prognosis， reducing adverse reactions caused by adjuvant therapy， and improving the quality of life after breast cancer surgery according to the principles of reinforcing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogen， and treatment based on syndrome differentiation. This article is expected to serve as a reference for TCM treatment of HER-2 positive breast cancer.

Anti-tumor Activity of Chinese Medicine Based on EGFR Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In China， malignant tumors have become the main cause of death. In the past half century， the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors have been on the rise， posing a threat to health of patients， and the burden of cancer has been increasing. At the moment， malignant tumors are mainly treated by surgery， radiotherapy， and cytotoxic drugs， which， however， have limitations and induce great adverse reactions. As biological technology and the research on tumor microenvironment， immunology， cell biology， and molecular biology advance， high-efficiency low-toxicity targeted therapy has attracted wide attention in the treatment of tumors. Epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） plays an important role in many cellular processes such as cell proliferation， survival， differentiation， migration， inflammation， and stromal homeostasis. EGFR promotes tumor growth， proliferation， and metastasis in a variety of ways. Chinese medicine has unique efficacy in the comprehensive treatment of malignant tumors. Through multiple components， multiple targets， and multiple pathways， it enhances the efficacy， reduces toxicity， prolongs life， and improves life quality in the treatment of tumors. Many Chinese medicines and their active components exert anti-tumor effect by inhibiting the EGFR signal transduction pathway. Through targeted inhibition of EGFR， Chinese medicine can promote the apoptosis and autophagy of tumor cells， suppress the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells， and delay the progression of tumors. Thus， EGFR is a potential target for suppressing tumor. This paper summarizes the relationship between EGFR signal transduction pathway and tumor occurrence and development and analyzes the anti-tumor action mode and possible mechanisms of Chinese medicine and the active components by regulating EGFR signaling pathway， which is expected to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Pathological Types,Expression of Mismatch Repair Protein,Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2,and Pan-TRK,and Eostein-Barr Virus Infection in Patients With Colorectal Cancer Resected in Tibet / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To study the pathological types,expression of mismatch repair protein,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2),and Pan-TRK,and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection in patients with colorectal cancer resected in Tibet. Methods A total of 79 patients with colorectal cancer resected in Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital from December 2013 to July 2021 were enrolled in this study.The clinical and pathological data of the patients were collected.The expression of mismatch repair protein,HER2,and Pan-TRK was detected by immunohistochemical(IHC)staining,and detection of HER2 gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)in the patients with HER2 IHC results of 2+ or above.EBV was detected by in situ hybridization with EBV-encoded small RNA. Results A total of 79 colorectal cancer patients were included in this study,with the male-to-female ratio of 1.26:1 and the mean age of(57.06±12.74)years(24-83 years).Among them,4 patients received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy.Colonic cancer and rectal cancer occurred in 57(57/79,72.15%,including 31 and 26 in the right colon and left colon,respectively)and 22(22/79,27.85%)patients,respectively.The maximum diameter of tumor varied within the range of 1-20 cm,with the mean of(6.61±3.33)cm.Among the 79 colorectal cancer patients,75(75/79,94.94%)patients showed adenocarcinoma.Lymph node metastasis occurred in 12(12/21,57.14%)out of the 21 patients with severe tumor budding,13(13/23,56.52%)out of the 23 patients with moderate tumor budding,and 2(2/31,6.45%)out of the 31 patients with mild tumor budding,respectively.The lymph node metastasis rate showed differences between the patients with severe/moderate tumor budding and the patients with mild tumor budding(all P<0.001).The IHC staining showed that mismatch repair protein was negative in 10(10/65,15.38%)patients,including 5 patients with both MSH2 and MSH6 negative,4 patients with both MLH1 and PMS2 negative,and 1 patient with MSH6 negative.Pan-TRK was negative in 65 patients.The IHC results of HER2 showed 0 or 1+ in 60 patients and 2+ in 5 patients.FISH showed no positive signal in the 5 patients with HER2 IHC results of 2+.The detection with EBV-encoded small RNA showed positive result in 1(1/65,1.54%)patient. Conclusions Non-specific adenocarcinoma of the right colon is the most common in the patients with colorectal cancer resected in Tibet,and 15% of the patients showed mismatch repair protein defects.EBV-associated colorectal carcer is rare,Pan-TRK expression and HER2 gene amplification are seldom.The colorectal cancer patients with moderate and severe tumor budding are more likely to have lymph node metastasis.

Clinical Significance of Thrombospondin Type 1 Domain-Containing 7A and Neural Epidermal Growth Factor-Like 1 Protein in M-Type Phospholipase A2 Receptor-Negative Membranous Nephropathy / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) and neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL1) in phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R)-negative membranous nephropathy (MN). Methods A total of 116 PLA2R-negative MN patients treated in Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from 2014 to 2021 were enrolled in this study.Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect THSD7A and NELL1 in the renal tissue.The pathological characteristics,treatment,and prognosis were compared between positive and negative groups. Results The 116 PLA2R-negative MN patients included 23 THSD7A-positive patients and 9 NELL1-positive patients.One patient was tested positive for both proteins.The THSD7A-positive group showed higher positive rate of IgG4 (P=0.010),more obvious glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening (P=0.034),and higher proportion of stage Ⅱ MN and lower proportion of stage I MN (P=0.002) than the THSD7A-negative group.The NELL1-positive group had lower positive rates of C1q and IgG2 (P=0.029,P=0.001),less obvious GBM thickening (P<0.001),more extensive inflammatory cell infiltration (P=0.033),lower proportion of deposits on multi-locations (P=0.001),and lower proportion of atypical MN (P=0.010) than the NELL1-negative group.One patient with THSD7A-positive MN was diagnosed with colon cancer,while none of the NELL1-positive patients had malignancy.Survival analysis suggested that THSD7A-positive MN had worse composite remission (either complete remission or partial remission) of nephrotic syndrome than the negative group (P=0.016),whereas NELL1-positive MN exhibited better composite remission of nephrotic syndrome than the negative group (P=0.015).The MN patients only positive for NELL1 showed better composite remission of nephrotic syndrome than the MN patients only positive for THSD7A (P<0.001). Conclusions THSD7A- and NELL1-positive MN is more likely to be primary MN,and there is no significant malignancy indication.However,it might have a predictive value for the prognosis of MN.