Involvement of lncRNAs in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma: Main functions, regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications (Review).

Even under aerobic conditions, tumor cells can reprogram their metabolism to preferentially metabolize glucose into lactic acid. This abnormal metabolic pattern, known as the 'Warburg' effect or aerobic glycolysis, promotes cancer progression. Long non­coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs that are >200 nucleotides in length and do not have protein­coding capabilities. However, these RNAs play a key role in tumor development. There is increasing evidence to indicate that lncRNAs regulate glucose metabolism in tumor cells by affecting metabolic enzymes and some signaling pathways, thereby regulating the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, it is crucial to understand which lncRNAs play a regulatory role in HCC glycolysis and to determine the related molecular mechanisms. The present review summarized and discussed the functions of lncRNAs, focusing on the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in the process of glycolysis in HCC. In addition, the present review suggests the importance of lncRNAs as future therapeutic targets for antitumor cell metabolism.

Nomogram for Predicting Postoperative Pulmonary Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Inflammatory Markers.

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty surrounds the usefulness of inflammatory markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients for predicting postoperative pulmonary metastasis (PM). The purpose of this study was to assess the predictive value of inflammatory markers as well as to create a new nomogram model for predicting PM. METHODS: Cox regression was utilized to identify independent prognostic variables and to create a nomogram that predicted PM for comparison with a validation cohort and other prediction systems. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 1109 cases with HCC were included. RESULTS: The systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were independent risk factors for PM, with a concordance index of .78 (95% CI: .74-.81) for the nomogram. The areas under the curve of the nomograms for PM predicted at 1-, 3-, and 5-year were .82 (95% CI: .77-.87), .82 (95% CI: .78-.87) and .81 (95% CI: .75-.86), respectively, which were better than those of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer and China liver cancer stage. Decision curve analyses demonstrated a broader range of nomogram threshold probabilities. CONCLUSION: A nomogram based on SIRI and APRI can accurately predict postoperative PM in HCC.

Novel Long Noncoding RNAs, LINC01093 and MYLK-AS1, Serve as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers or Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal human malignancies worldwide. In this research, we aimed to identify long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis. lncRNA expression profiles were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. The differentially expressed lncRNAs between HCC and adjacent tissues were analyzed with bioinformatic tools. Four lncRNAs with area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve >0.9 were selected from both datasets. Univariate and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to obtain LINC01093, MYLK-AS1, and MCM3AP-AS1 as the optimal diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Finally, qPCR confirmed that LINC01093 and MYLK-AS1 were significantly differentially expressed in HCC and adjacent normal tissues. In general, we demonstrated that novel lncRNAs, LINC01093 and MYLK-AS1, could be used as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC.

Macrophage polarization-associated lnc-Ma301 interacts with caprin-1 to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through the Akt/Erk1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes migration, invasion, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The molecular mechanisms behind EMT and metastasis in HCC remain unclear. METHODS: Microarray analysis was used to identify lncRNAs expression during polarization of U937 macrophages from M2 to M1 phenotype. The expression of the identified lncRNA was compared between clinical samples of HCC tissues or adjacent normal tissues, as well as between HCC and normal liver cell lines. lnc-Ma301 was overexpressed or knocked-down in HCC cell lines, and the effects were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Interactions among lnc-Ma301 and its potential downstream targets caprin-1 were investigated in HCC cell lines. Effects of lnc-Ma301 over- and underexpression on the Akt/Erk1 signaling pathways were examined. RESULTS: Microarray analyses identified lnc-Ma301 as one of the most overexpressed long non-coding RNAs during polarization of U937 macrophages from M2 to M1 phenotype. Lnc-Ma301 showed lower expression in HCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, and lower expression was associated with worse prognosis. Activation of lnc-Ma301 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and EMT in HCC cell cultures, and it inhibited lung metastasis of HCC tumors in mice. Mechanistic studies suggested that lnc-Ma301 interacts with caprin-1 to inhibit HCC metastasis and EMT through Akt/Erk1 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Lnc-Ma301 may help regulate onset and metastasis of HCC.

Combination of serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 and antithrombin-III is a promising non-invasion biomarker for discrimination of AFP-negative HCC versus liver cirrhosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: α-fetoprotein is often used in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are currently less efficient and highly specific biomarkers to distinguish AFP-negative HCC from liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were treated in our hospitals. iTRAQ coupled with mass spectrometry was used to identify candidate serum proteins in a discovery set (n = 36) including AFP-negative HCC and LC patients. After Western blot detection, potential serum biomarkers were confirmed using ELISA in a validation set (n = 90). The diagnostic performance of the selected proteins was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: PON1 and ATIII were selected as target proteins and were significantly higher in LC than those in AFP-negative HCC patients as validated by Western blot and ELISA, which was consistent with the result of iTRAQ. The AUC was 0.848 as PON1 and ATIII were combined (sensitivity: 80.0%; specificity: 73.3%), and performed much better than that of a single biomarker. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PON1 and ATIII have the potential to serve as effective biomarkers for distinguishing AFP-negative HCC from cirrhosis.

The potential mechanism of miR-130b on promotion of the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting Notch-Dll1.

Introduction: This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory role and molecular regulation mechanism of miR-130b gene in the process of invasion and metastasis of hepatocarcinoma, and provide a theoretical basis for seeking of effective prevention and treatment of new targets for hepatocellular carcinoma.Materials and methods: The expression level of miR-130b gene in hepatocarcinoma tissues was determined by qRT-PCR. The biological function and mechanism of miR-130b gene were verified by cell and animal models, and the target gene was verified by double luciferase assay.Results: In the liver cancer tissues of patients with metastasis, the expression level of miR-130b gene was increased, and the difference was significantly significant (p < 0.05). Evaluation of independent risk factors for overall survival showed significant difference (p < 0.01). Up-regulation of miR-130b in MHCC97L- subpopulation cells significantly enhanced the invasion and migration ability, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The invasion and migration ability of MHCC97H + subpopulation cells with increased expression of miR-130b was significantly decreased, and the difference was notably significant (p < 0.05). When the expression of miR-130b in MHCC97H + subpopulation cells was inhibited, the expressions of Notch-Dll1 and SOX2, Nanog and E2F3 proteins in transplanted tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in other groups (p < 0.05). When miR-130b in MHCC97L- subpopulation cells was up-regulated, the expressions of Notch-Dll1 and Bcl-2, CCND1, Nanog and MET proteins in transplanted tumor tissues were significantly increased than those in other groups (p < 0.05). The prediction results of bioinformatics data suggest that the target gene of miR-130b may be Notch-Dll1 gene. The experiment of luciferase reporter gene confirmed that miR-130b gene can be inhibited and contains fluorescent reporter gene with complementary binding site, lost activity.Conclusion: The miR-130b gene can inhibit the protein expression of Notch-Dll1, and it can promote the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells.

Relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor -2578C > a gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several reports were published on the relationship between the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -2578C > A gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk; however, the results are debatable. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between VEGF -2578C > A gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk. METHODS: The associated literatures were identified on the 1st of September 2018 from CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) and PubMed. RESULT: A total of 14 reports were recruited into our meta-analysis to assess the association between VEGF -2578C > A gene polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility. There was a marked association between VEGF -2578C > A A allele / CC genotype and lung cancer risk in overall and Asian populations (overall populations: A allele: OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.46, P = 0.003; CC genotype: OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95, P = 0.02; Asians: A allele: OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.15-1.55, P = 0.0002; CC genotype: OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.93, P = 0.01). However, VEGF -2578C > A gene polymorphism was not associated with the risk of lung cancer in Caucasians. CONCLUSION: VEGF -2578C > A A allele / CC genotype is associated with the lung cancer susceptibility in Asians and in overall populations.

Effect of lncRNA­BC200 on proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

In recent years, the important role of long non­â€‹coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of liver cancer has received increasing attention. The abnormal expression level of long non­coding RNAs has been associated with the occurrence and development of liver cancer. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in the development and progression of liver cancer are not fully understood. The present study aimed to clarify the function and molecular mechanism of lncRNA brain cytoplasmic 200 (BC200) in liver cancer. In the present study, it was found that BC200 expression level was higher in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues than that in adjacent tissues. Cell function was examined by constructing BC200 knockout (KO) and BC200­overexpression in vitro models. It was found that BC200 affected the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. Interestingly, it was found that BC200 affected the expression of c­Myc protein but did not affect the mRNA expression level of c­MYC. BC200 KO cells exhibited a reduced protein expression level of Bax protein and an increased protein expression level of Bcl­xL. Conversely, BC200 overexpression reduced the expression of Bcl­xL protein and increased the expression of Bax protein. Importantly, it was found that BC200 affected the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. In conclusion, the present results suggested that lncRNA BC200 may play an important role in liver cancer.

Effects of Sub-Acute Manganese Exposure on Thyroid Hormone and Glutamine (Gln)/Glutamate (Glu)-γ- Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Cycle in Serum of Rats.

Excessive manganese (Mn) exposure may adversely affect the central nervous system, and cause an extrapyramidal disorder known as manganism. The glutamine (Gln)/glutamate (Glu)-γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) cycle and thyroid hormone system may be involved in Mn-induced neurotoxicity. However, the effect of Mn on the Gln/Glu-GABA cycle in the serum has not been reported. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of sub-acute Mn exposure on the Gln/Glu-GABA cycle and thyroid hormones levels in the serum of rats, as well as their relationship. The results showed that sub-acute Mn exposure increased serum Mn levels with a correlation coefficient of 0.733. Furthermore, interruption of the Glu/Gln-GABA cycle in serum was found in Mn-exposed rats, as well as thyroid hormone disorder in the serum via increasing serum Glu levels, and decreasing serum Gln, GABA, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Additionally, results of partial correlation showed that there was a close relationship between serum Mn levels and the detected indicators accompanied with a positive association between GABA and T3 levels, as well as Gln and T4 levels in the serum of Mn-exposed rats. Unexpectedly, there was no significant correlation between serum Glu and the serum T3 and T4 levels. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that both the Glu/Gln-GABA cycle and thyroid hormone system in the serum may play a potential role in Mn-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Thyroid hormone levels, T3 and T4, have a closer relationship with GABA and Gln levels, respectively, in the serum of rats.

A Novel Animal Model of Induced Breast Precancerous Lesion in Tree Shrew.

Chinese tree shrew, an animal exhibited closer evolutionary relationship with humans compared to rodents, is getting increasingly attentions as an appealing experimental animal model for human diseases. However, a high-efficiency and stable method to establish tree shrew breast precancerous lesions model has not been clearly elucidated. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the way of establishing breast precancerous model in tree shrew and investigate the pathologic characteristics of induced breast precancerous lesions. The results indicated that 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) could induce breast lesions in tree shrews. However, comparing to DMBA alone, an addition of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to DMBA critically increased the rate of induced breast lesion in tree shrews. Half of induced breast lesions were intraductal papilloma and the others were atypical ductal hyperplasia. Induced lesions showed positive expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR) and cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), but negative expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her-2). The expression of B cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) was significantly higher and the expression of B cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein (Bax) was significantly lower in the precancerous lesions (atypical ductal hyperplasia) compared to benign tumor (intraductal papilloma). These results suggest that DMBA is able to induce breast lesions in tree shrews. Combination of DMBA and MPA may be more effective to establish breast precancerous lesion tree shrew models. Tree shrew might be a promising animal model for studying the tumorogenesis of breast cancer.

Association of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha gene polymorphism with renal cell carcinoma susceptibility.

AIM OF STUDY: Association between hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) gene polymorphism and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) susceptibility is still being conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the relationship between HIF-1α C1772T (rs11549465)/G1790A (rs11549467) gene polymorphism and RCC risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of July 1, 2015, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. RESULTS: Five investigations were identified, and the meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between HIF-1α gene polymorphism and RCC risk. There was a marked association between HIF-1α C1772T TT genotype and RCC susceptibility, and the association between HIF-1α C1772T T allele/CC genotype and RCC risk was not found in overall populations (T: odds ratios [OR] =1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-1.54, P = 0.84; TT: OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 1.60-2.34, P = 0.01; CC: OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.68-2.07, P = 0.55). Furthermore, a marked association between HIF-1α G1790A AA genotype and RCC susceptibility was found, and the association between HIF-1α G1790A A allele/GG genotype and RCC risk was not found in overall populations (A: OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.60-3.92, P = 0.38; AA: OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.38-6.92, P = 0.006; GG: OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.20-2.03, P = 0.44). CONCLUSION: HIF-1α C1772T TT genotype and HIF-1α G1790A AA genotype were associated with RCC susceptibility. However, more investigations are required to further clarify the association.

Comfort level discussion for prosthetic sockets with different fabricating processing conditions.

BACKGROUND: In the past, manufacture of prosthetic socket by using traditional handmade method not only consumed research time but also required a special assembly approach. Recently, reverse engineering and rapid prototype technology have grown up explosively, and thus, provide a choice to fabricate prosthetic socket. METHODS: Application 3D computer aided design and manufacturing (computer-aided design/computer-aided engineering) tools approach the surface shape stump data is digitized and can be easily modified and reused. Collocation investigates gait parameters of prosthetic socket, and interface stress between stump and socket with different processing conditions. Meanwhile, questionnaire was utilized to survey satisfaction rating scale, comfort level, of subjects using this kind of artificial device. RESULTS: The main outcome of current research including gait parameters, stress interface and satisfaction rating scale those would be an informative reference for further studies in design and manufacture as well as clinical applications of prosthetic sockets. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that, regardless of the method used for socket fabrication, most stress was concentrated in tibia end pressure-relief area. This caused discomfort in the area of tibia end to the participant wearing prosthesis. This discomfort was most evident in case when the prosthetic socket was fabricated using RE and RP.

Serum ferritin and primary lung cancer.

Existing research yields conflicting results regarding the relation between iron deficiency and high serum ferritin (SF) levels in primary lung cancer patients. We investigated the concentrations of SF, hemoglobin (Hb) and transferrin (TRF) in 569 male primary lung cancer patients and 252 female primary lung cancer patients. We grouped the subjects according to gender, smoking status, menopausal status, pathological type, stage, and TNM stage. The levels of SF and TRF were correlated with T stage in male patients (p<0.01). The levels of SF and TRF were correlated with menopausal status in female patients (p<0.01). Hb was correlated with smoking status, pathological type, stage, and TNM stages in male patients(p<0.01), but in female patients, Hb was not correlated with these grouping factors(p>0.05). The levels of SF may be regulated by different mechanisms and may be of different physiological significance in different populations.

Sodium p-Aminosalicylic Acid Reverses Sub-Chronic Manganese-Induced Impairments of Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Rats, but Fails to Restore γ-Aminobutyric Acid Levels.

Excessive manganese (Mn) exposure is not only a health risk for occupational workers, but also for the general population. Sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na) has been successfully used in the treatment of manganism, but the involved molecular mechanisms have yet to be determined. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PAS-Na on sub-chronic Mn exposure-induced impairments of spatial learning and memory, and determine the possible involvements of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in vivo. Sprague-Dawley male rats received daily intraperitoneal injections MnCl2 (as 6.55 mg/kg Mn body weight, five days per week for 12 weeks), followed by daily subcutaneous injections of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg PAS-Na for an additional six weeks. Mn exposure significantly impaired spatial learning and memory ability, as noted in the Morris water maze test, and the following PAS-Na treatment successfully restored these adverse effects to levels indistinguishable from controls. Unexpectedly, PAS-Na failed to recover the Mn-induced decrease in the overall GABA levels, although PAS-Na treatment reversed Mn-induced alterations in the enzyme activities directly responsible for the synthesis and degradation of GABA (glutamate decarboxylase and GABA-transaminase, respectively). Moreover, Mn exposure caused an increase of GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) and decrease of GABA A receptor (GABAA) in transcriptional levels, which could be reverted by the highest dose of 300 mg/kg PAS-Na treatment. In conclusion, the GABA metabolism was interrupted by sub-chronic Mn exposure. However, the PAS-Na treatment mediated protection from sub-chronic Mn exposure-induced neurotoxicity, which may not be dependent on the GABA metabolism.

Sodium P-Aminosalicylic Acid Improved Manganese-Induced Learning and Memory Dysfunction via Restoring the Ultrastructural Alterations and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Metabolism Imbalance in the Basal Ganglia.

Excessive intake of manganese (Mn) may cause neurotoxicity. Sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na) has been used successfully in the treatment of Mn-induced neurotoxicity. The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is related with learning and memory abilities. However, the mechanism of PAS-Na on improving Mn-induced behavioral deficits is unclear. The current study was aimed to investigate the effects of PAS-Na on Mn-induced behavioral deficits and the involvement of ultrastructural alterations and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in the basal ganglia of rats. Sprague-Dawley rats received daily intraperitoneally injections of 15 mg/kg MnCl2.4H2O, 5d/week for 4 weeks, followed by a daily back subcutaneously (sc.) dose of PAS-Na (100 and 200 mg/kg), 5 days/week for another 3 or 6 weeks. Mn exposure for 4 weeks and then ceased Mn exposure for 3 or 6 weeks impaired spatial learning and memory abilities, and these effects were long-lasting. Moreover, Mn exposure caused ultrastructural alterations in the basal ganglia expressed as swollen neuronal with increasing the electron density in the protrusions structure and fuzzed the interval of neuropil, together with swollen, focal hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of astrocytes. Additionally, the results also indicated that Mn exposure increased Glu/GABA values as by feedback loops controlling GAT-1, GABAA mRNA and GABAA protein expression through decreasing GABA transporter 1(GAT-1) and GABA A receptor (GABAA) mRNA expression, and increasing GABAA protein expression in the basal ganglia. But Mn exposure had no effects on GAT-1 protein expression. PAS-Na treatment for 3 or 6 weeks effectively restored the above-mentioned adverse effects induced by Mn. In conclusion, these findings suggest the involvement of GABA metabolism and ultrastructural alterations of basal ganglia in PAS-Na's protective effects on the spatial learning and memory abilities.

The ERCC1-4533/8092, TNF-α 238/308 polymorphisms and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Guangxi Zhuang populations of China: Case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1)-4533/8092, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-238/308 polymorphisms, and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Guangxi Zhuang population of China. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to detect the ERCC1-4533/8092 and TNF-α-238/308 polymorphisms in 88 cases with HCC and 82 cases of normal control. RESULTS: There were no differences in the frequency distribution of ERCC1-4533 and TNF-α-238 polymorphisms in the HCC group and the control group (P > 0.05). The genotype frequency distributions of the ERCC1-8092 and TNF-α-308 in the HCC group and the control group were different (P < 0.05). Compared with ERCC1-8092 CC genotype, ERCC1-C8092 CA/AA genotype had higher risk of HCC (CA/AA vs CC; odds ratio 3.51, 95% confidence interval 1.03-12.016). Compared with TNF-α-308 GG genotype, TNF-α-308 GA/AA genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC (GA/AA vs GG; odds ratio 3.84, 95% confidence interval 1.011-14.57). CONCLUSION: The genetic polymorphisms of ERCC1-8092 and TNF-α-308 are associated with the risk of HCC in Guangxi Zhuang population of China.

Sodium para-aminosalicylate protected cultured basal ganglia astrocytes from manganese-induced DNA damages and alteration of amino acid neurotransmitter levels.

Sodium para-aminosalicylate (PAS-Na) was first applied successfully in clinical treatment of two manganism patients with good prognosis. However, the mechanism of how PAS-Na protects against Mn-induced neurotoxicity is still elusive. The current study was conducted to explore the effects of PAS-Na on Mn-induced basal ganglia astrocyte injury, and the involvement of amino acid neurotransmitter in vitro. Basal ganglia astrocytes were exposed to 500 µM manganese chloride (MnCl2) for 24 hr, following by 50, 150, or 450 µM PAS-Na treatment for another 24 hr. MnCl2 significantly decreased viability of astrocytes and induced DNA damages via increasing the percentage of tail DNA and Olive tail moment of DNA. Moreover, Mn interrupted amino acid neurotransmitters by decreasing Gln levels and increasing Glu, Gly levels. In contrast, PAS-Na treatment reversed the aforementioned Mn-induced toxic effects on basal ganglia astrocytes. Taken together, our results demonstrated that excessive Mn exposure may induce toxic effects on basal ganglia astrocytes, while PAS-Na could protect basal ganglia astrocytes from Mn-induced neurotoxicity.

Distinct response of the hepatic transcriptome to Aflatoxin B1 induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis and resistance in rats.

Aflatoxin is a natural potent carcinogen and a major cause of liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinogenesis remain largely unexplored. In this study, we profiled global gene expression in liver tissues of rats that developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) administration and those that were AFB1-resistant, as well as rats without AFB1 exposure as a control. AFB1 exposure resulted in extensive perturbation in gene expression with different functions in HCC and AFB1 resistance (AR) samples. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC sample were enriched for cell proliferation, cell adhesion and vasculature development that largely contribute to carcinogenesis. Anti-apoptosis genes were up-regulated in HCC sample whereas apoptosis-induction genes were up-regulated in AR sample. AFB1 exposure also caused extensive alteration in expression level of lncRNAs. Among all the 4511 annotated lncRNAs, half of them were highly expressed only in HCC sample and up-regulated a group of protein-coding genes with cancer-related functions: apoptosis regulation, DNA repair, and cell cycle. Intriguingly, these genes were down-regulated by lncRNAs highly expressed in AR sample. Collectively, apoptosis is the critical biological process for carcinogenesis in response to AFB1 exposure through changes in expression level of both protein-coding and lncRNA genes.

Potential signal pathway between all-trans retinoic acid and LMX1B in hypoxia-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an active metabolite of vitamin A, exerts various effects on physiological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and inflammation. LMX1B, a developmental LIM-homeodomain transcription factor, is widely expressed in vertebrate embryos, and it takes part in the development of diverse structures such as limbs, kidneys, eyes, brains, etc. Renal tubular epithelial cell culture was performed, and mRNA and protein expression of some factors were detected. We recently demonstrated that ATRA up-regulated the LMX1B, and down-regulated the transforming growth factor-ß1, collagen IV and fibronectin in a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H-R) injury system in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC). In conclusion, ATRA acts as a positive regulator of LMX1B in H-R RTEC.