Interstitial lung abnormality in COPD is inversely associated with the comorbidity of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) has been recognized as a pertinent factor in the development and prognosis of various pulmonary conditions. However, its correlation with co-morbidities remains understudied. The current study endeavors to elucidate the association between ILA and both clinical features and co-morbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A retrospective cohort comprising 1131 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COPD was examined in this observational study. Patients were dichotomously classified based on the presence or absence of ILA, and subsequent analyses scrutinized disparities in demographic, clinical, and laboratory profiles, alongside co-morbid conditions, between the two subgroups. RESULTS: Of the 1131 COPD patients, 165 (14.6%) exhibited ILA. No statistically significant differences were discerned between COPD patients with and without ILA concerning demographic, clinical, or laboratory parameters, except for levels of circulating fibrinogen and procalcitonin. Nevertheless, a notable discrepancy emerged in the prevalence of multiple co-morbidities. Relative to COPD patients devoid of ILA, those presenting with ILA manifested a diminished prevalence of lung cancer (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.83, p = 0.006), particularly of the lung adenocarcinoma (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.71, p = 0.005). Additionally, the presence of ILA in COPD was positively associated with heart failure (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.04-3.00, p = 0.040) and cancers other than lung cancer (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.16-4.39, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the presence of ILA is associated with co-morbidities of COPD, particularly lung cancer.

Chinese never smokers with adenocarcinoma of the lung are younger and have fewer lymph node metastases than smokers.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancers arising in never smokers have been suggested to be substantially different from lung cancers in smokers at an epidemiological, genetic and molecular level. Focusing on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we characterized lung cancer patients in China looking for demographic and clinical differences between the smoking and never-smoking subgroups. METHODS: In total, 891 patients with NSCLC, including 841 with adenocarcinoma and 50 with squamous cell carcinoma, were recruited in this study. Association of smoking status with demographic and clinical features of NSCLC was determined, and risk factors for lymph node metastasis and TNM stage were evaluated using Multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In patients with adenocarcinoma, never smokers showed a younger age at diagnosis (54.2 ± 12.7vs. 59.3 ± 9.4, padjusted<0.001), a lower risk for lymph node metastasis than smokers (7,6% vs. 19.5%, padjusted<0.001) and less severe disease as indicated by lower percentages of patients with TNM stage of III or IV (5.5% vs. 14.7%, padjusted<0.001 ). By contrast, these associations were not observed in 50 patients with squamous cell carcinoma. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking status was a risk factor for lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.39-5.31, p = 0.004) but not for TNM stage (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.09-14.43, p = 0.896) in adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that lung adenocarcinoma in never smokers significantly differ from those in smokers regarding both age at diagnosis and risk of lymph node metastasis, supporting the notion that they are distinct entries with different etiology and pathogenesis.

Optimal margins for early stage peripheral lung adenocarcinoma resection.

BACKGROUND: A pathologically confirmed negative margin is required when performing sublobar resection in patients with early stage peripheral lung adenocarcinoma. However, the optimal margin distance to ensure complete tumor resection while preserving healthy lung tissue remains unknown. We aimed to establish a reliable distance range for negative margins. METHODS: A total of 52 intraoperative para-cancer tissue specimens from patients with peripheral lung adenocarcinoma with pathological tumors ≤2 cm in size were examined. Depending on the distance from the tumor edge (D), the para-cancer tissues were divided into the following five groups: D < 0.5 cm (group I); 0.5 cm ≤ D < 1.0 cm (group II); 1.0 cm ≤ D < 1.5 cm (group III); 1.5 cm ≤ D < 2.0 cm (group IV); and D ≥ 2.0 cm (group V). During pathological examination of the specimens under a microscope, the presence of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia or more severe lesions was considered unsafe, whereas the presence of normal lung tissue or benign hyperplasia was considered safe. RESULTS: Group V, in which the margin was the farthest from the tumor edge, was the safest. There were significant safety differences in between groups I and V (χ2 = 26.217, P < 0.001). Significant safety differences also existed between groups II and V (χ2 = 9.420, P < 0.005). There were no significant safety differences between group III or IV and group V (P = 0.207; P = 0.610). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that when performing sublobar resection in patients with early stage peripheral lung adenocarcinoma with pathological tumor sizes ≤2 cm, the resection margin distance should be ≥1 cm to ensure a negative margin.

Translation regulatory long non-coding RNA 1 negatively regulates cell radiosensitivity via the miR-22-3p/SP1 axis in non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occupies 85% of lung cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) can regulate the radiosensitivity of cancers. This study explored the mechanism of lncRNA TRERNA1 in the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. METHODS: LncRNA TRERNA1 level in NSCLC cell lines was determined. NSCLC cell radiation tolerance was measured. TRERNA1 expression was silenced or overexpressed in A549/HCC827 cells with the highest/lowest radiation tolerance, respectively. The contents of γ-H2AX and SA-ß-gal in NSCLC cells after radiation induction were detected. The targeted binding of TRERNA1 to miR-22-3p and miR-22-3p to SP1 were verified by dual-luciferase assay. SP1 expression were detected. Functional rescue experiments were implemented to confirm the roles of miR-22-3p and SP1 in the regulatory mechanism of TRERNA1. RESULTS: TRERNA1 was upregulated in NSCLC cells. TRERNA1 silencing enhanced radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. TRERNA1 silencing elevated the contents of γ-H2AX and SA-ß-gal in A549 cells after radiation induction, while TRERNA1 overexpression showed an opposite trend in HCC827 cells. There were targeting relationships between TRERNA1 and miR-22-3p, and miR-22-3p and SP1. miR-22-3p repression or SP1 overexpression abolished the effects of TRERNA1 silencing. CONCLUSION: TRERNA1 silencing enhanced radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells via the miR-22-3p/SP1 axis. This study may offer new targets for NSCLC treatment.

[Relationship between AKAP95, cyclin E1, cyclin D1, and clinicopathological parameters in lung cancer tissue].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between expression of A-kinase anchoring protein 95 (AKAP95) and protein expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissue. METHODS: Fifty-one cases of lung cancer were included in the study. The protein expression of AKAP95, cyclin E1, and cyclin D1 were measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The protein expression of cyclin E1 in lung cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (positive rate: 75.56%vs 20%, P < 0.01); its expression showed no relationship with histopathological type, lymph node metastasis, and cellular differentiation (P > 0.05). The protein expression of cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissues was higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (positive rate: 69.39% vs 14.29%); its expression showed a significant relationship with histopathological type (P < 0.05). The expression of AKAP95 was correlated with the protein expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissues (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 are highly expressed in lung cancer tissue, suggesting that they play an important role in the development and progression of lung cancer. The protein expression of cyclin E1 has no relationship with cellular differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and histopathological type of lung cancer, and the protein expression of cyclin D1 has a significant relationship with histopathological type. The expression of AKAP95 is correlated with the protein expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissue.

Comparison of two methods for CT-guided pulmonary nodule location before thoracoscopic surgery.

Introduction: Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization can shorten the time of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and accurately aid in pulmonary nodule removal. Aim: To discuss the application value and safety of 2 kinds of breast localization needles and anchor localization needles in clinical practice for pulmonary nodules under CT guidance before VATS. Material and methods: We retrospectively studied 215 patients with 247 pulmonary nodules, who underwent CT-guided pulmonary nodule location before VATS. The 2 kinds of localization needles were randomly used, and we collected and analysed the clinical data. Results: We used breast and anchor localization needles in 27.9% and 72.1% of cases, respectively. Differences were observed in puncture localization time, detachment rate, and visual analogue scale (VAS). The detachment rate (0%) and positioning time (median: 12 min) were less in the anchor than in the breast localization needle group (8.7% and median: 13 min, respectively). The median VAS was approximately 2 and 5 in the anchor and breast localization needle groups, respectively. Surgical pathology revealed that 155 (62.8%) pulmonary nodules were malignant while 92 (37.2%) were benign. The primary distinction in surgical procedures is the higher proportion of segmental resections in the middle and inner band group (19.3%) compared to the periphery band group (4.2%). Conclusions: Unlike breast localization needles, anchor localization needles can reduce pain and discomfort after positioning, and they are not easy to decouple. These 2 needles are safe for CT-guided localization, which can shorten the time of VATS and accurately aid in pulmonary nodule removal.

Shenlingcao oral liquid for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low quality of life (QoL) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection is a major global health issue. High-quality evidence for the effectiveness of Shenlingcao oral liquid (SOL) as a complementary treatment in this patients is lacking at present. PURPOSE: To determine whether complementary SOL treatment in NSCLC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy would yield greater improvements in QoL than chemotherapy alone. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of stages IIA-IIIA NSCLC patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy in seven hospitals. METHODS: Using stratified blocks, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive SOL combined with conventional chemotherapy or conventional chemotherapy alone. The primary outcome was the change in global QoL from baseline to the fourth chemotherapy cycle, and intention-to-treat analysis was applied with a mixed-effect model. Secondary outcomes were functional QoL, symptoms, and performance status scores at the 6-month follow-up. Missing data were handled with multiple imputation and a pattern-mixture model. RESULTS: Among 516 randomized patients, 446 (86.43%) completed the study. After the fourth chemotherapy cycle, in comparison with the control group, patients receiving SOL showed a lower reduction in mean global QoL (-2.76 vs. -14.11; mean difference [MD], 11.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.28 to 14.41), greater improvement in physical function (MD, 11.61; 95% CI, 8.57 to 14.65), role function (MD, 10.15; 95% CI, 5.75 to 14.54), and emotional function (MD, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.85 to 7.57), and greater improvements in lung cancer-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and appetite loss) and performance status during the 6-month follow-up period (treatment main effect, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SOL treatment for NSCLC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve QoL and performance status within 6 months after radical resection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03712969.

[Expression of A-kinase anchor protein 95, cyclin E2, and connexin 43 in lung cancer tissue, clinical significance of their expression, and their expression correlation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of A-kinase anchor protein 95 (AKAP95), cyclin E(2), and connexin 43 (Cx43) in lung cancer tissue, the clinical significance of their expression, and the expression correlation among the three proteins. METHODS: Fifty-one samples of lung cancer tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry to measure the expression of AKAP95, cyclin E2, and Cx43. RESULTS: The positive rate of AKAP95 expression in lung cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissue (82.35% vs 33.33%, P < 0.05); AKAP95 expression was associated with the cell differentiation and histopathological type of lung cancer (P < 0.05). The positive rate of cyclin E(2) expression in lung cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissue (43.14% vs 13.33%, P < 0.05); cyclin E(2) expression was associated with the lymph node metastasis and histopathological type of lung cancer (P < 0.05). The positive rate of Cx43 expression in lung cancer tissue was lower than that in paracancerous tissue (60.78% vs 80.00%); Cx43 expression was associated with the cell differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and histopathological type of lung cancer (P < 0.05). There was correlation between each two of AKAP95 expression, cyclin E(2) expression, and Cx43 expression in lung cancer tissue. CONCLUSION: High expression of AKAP95 and cyclin E(2) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of lung cancer. AKAP95 expression is associated with the cell differentiation and histopathological type of lung cancer, and cyclin E2 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis and histopathological type. There is correlation between each two of AKAP95 expression, cyclin E(2) expression, and Cx43 expression in lung cancer tissue.

18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in the Evaluation of Ground-Glass Opacity Nodule.

ABSTRACT: A 50-year-old woman with a newly detected pulmonary ground-glass opacity (GGO) nodule underwent PET/CT to determine the likelihood of malignancy. This patient was enrolled in the prospective study (NCT04588064) to determine the effectiveness of 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT for characterization of the GGO nodule. On PET/CT images, minimal 18F-FDG uptake but intense 68Ga-FAPI uptake was observed in this GGO nodule. This patient subsequently underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of invasive adenocarcinoma. This case presented an example where 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT showed higher tracer uptake than 18F-FDG in the malignant GGO nodule.

LINC01140 promotes the progression and tumor immune escape in lung cancer by sponging multiple microRNAs.

BACKGROUND: Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1140 (LINC01140), a long non-coding RNA, is highly expressed in various cancers; however, its biological functions in lung cancer (LC) progression and immune escape are still unclear. METHODS: Here, to elucidate LINC01140 function, 79 paired LC and paracancerous tissues were collected. LINC01140 expression levels were determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization and qPCR analysis. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell assays were performed. The interaction between microRNAs (miRNAs) and LINC01140 was confirmed using an RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine secretion levels were determined by ELISA. CIK cytotoxicity was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release. Besides, xenograft tumor mouse models were used to unveil the in vivo function of LINC01140. RESULTS: We found that LINC01140 was highly expressed in human LC tissues and cell lines. High LINC01140 levels were associated with poor survival in patients with LC. LINC01140 upregulation promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells through direct interaction with miR-33a-5p and miR-33b-5p, thereby contributing to c-Myc expression and also inhibited cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis. In subcutaneous tumor xenograft mice, LINC01140 knockdown markedly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Additionally, LINC01140 directly repressed miR-377-3 p and miR-155-5 p expression levels, resulting in the upregulation of their common downstream target programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a crucial target in LC immunotherapy. Notably, we proved that LINC01140 knockdown, along with CIK administration, suppressed the growth of subcutaneous LC xenografts by decreasing PD-L1 expression in severe combined immunodeficient mice. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, LINC01140 overexpression protects c-Myc and PD-L1 mRNA from miRNA-mediated inhibition and contributes to the proliferation, migration, invasion, and immune escape of LC cells. These results provide a theoretical basis that LINC01140 is a promising target for LC treatment.

Aetiology and pathogenesis of paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders.

Paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders (PAD) represent a group of autoimmune diseases associated with neoplasms. As a consequence of a remote autoimmunity-mediated effect, PAD are found in multiple organs or tissues, including the skin, blood and nervous system. Compared with non-paraneoplastic autoimmune diseases, PAD have different aetiologies, pathologies, disease symptoms and treatment responses. There are two main origins of autoimmunity in PAD: neoplasm-mediated dysregulated homeostasis in immune cells/organs and in autoantigens. Pathologically, PAD are mediated predominantly by either autoantibodies or autoreactive T-cells. In the past decade, significant progress has been achieved in increasing our understanding of the aetiology and pathology of PAD. In this review article, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in this field.

LncRNA-ATB Promotes Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Targeting the miR-200a/ß-Catenin Pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is associated with high morbidity and mortality, is prone to cisplatin resistance, resulting in poor patient prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have complex biological functions in a variety of tumors. Elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms between lncRNA and cisplatin resistance in LUAD is expected to enable identification of new targets for drug development. METHODS: Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay and cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry analysis. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine the interaction between lncRNA and MicroRNA. Gene expression was evaluated by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Long non-coding RNA activated by TGF-ß (lncRNA-ATB) was shown to be significantly up-regulated in A549 cells resistant to cisplatin/cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) (cis-DDP) (A549/CDDP cells), compared with corresponding levels in parental A549 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA-ATB significantly elevated cisplatin resistance in LUAD cell lines (A549 and H1975 cells), and this was associated with activation of apoptosis-related genes. Conversely, silencing of lncRNA-ATB decreased cisplatin resistance in LUAD cells. Mechanistically, lncRNA-ATB increased expression of ß-catenin by directly binding to MicroRNA-200a (miR-200a), thereby promoting cell survival and cisplatin resistance. Transfection with a miR-200a mimic or treatment with the ß-catenin downstream pathway inhibitor IWR-1 could reverse the phenotypes induced by lncRNA-ATB overexpression. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study revealed that lncRNA-ATB is dramatically up-regulated in cisplatin-resistant LUAD cell lines, and that lncRNA-ATB facilitates cell survival by targeting the miR-200a/ß-catenin pathway in these cells.

Development of an effective microsatellite marker system to determine the genetic structure of Meriones meridianus populations.

Understanding the genetic quality of the gerbil, Meriones meridianus, plays an important role in the study of medical biology. However, no effective system has been established for evaluating a population's genetic diversity to date. In the present study, we established a set of reasonable evaluative systems based on microsatellite markers of the Mongolian gerbil by using the method of cross-amplification of species. Following electrophoresis analysis, short tandem repeat (STR) scanning, and sequencing, 11 microsatellite loci were identified by matching the criteria characteristics and were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of two stocks of Meriones meridianus: Meriones meridianus jei Wang, 1964 (M. m. jei) and Meriones meridianus cryptorhinus Blanford, 1875 (M. m. cryptorhinus) from Xinjiang, China. The microsatellite loci screened were highly polymorphic and were suitable for genetic quality control of Meriones meridianus. In addition, the quality of the non-bred M. m. jei and M. m. cryptorhinus strains in our study is sufficient for them to be promising stocks in the future for the farmed animal industry.

Computed tomography-guided preoperative semi-rigid hook-wire localization of small pulmonary nodules: 74 cases report.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the success rate, utility, practicality and results of pre-operative CT (computed tomography)-guided semi-rigid single hook-wire placement and the pathology results of small pulmonary nodules (SPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients with 81 small pulmonary nodules underwent CT-guided semi-rigid single hook wire localization consecutively between 2016 and 2017 were reviewed. VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) resection of lung tissue containing each pulmonary nodule and were performed in the direction of hook wire. The success rate and utility of the localization, hook wire related complications, the histopathology of SPN are analyzed. RESULTS: The semi-rigid hook wire was performed successfully in all 81 small pulmonary nodules within mean time of 10 min (8-13 min, SD: 1.58 min). Compared with solid nodules, GGOs (ground-glass opacity) were more frequently malignant (p < 0.05), with an OR (odds ratio) 8.59 (95%CI, 0.967, 412.845). Of the pure GGOs, 9 (25%) nodules were classified as AIS, 10 (27.8%) nodules were classified as MIA and 22 (57.9%) of the mGGOs were lung cancer. According to multivariate analysis, the malignant hazard was as high as 6.533-fold higher in nodules with a size larger than 10 mm compared with those smaller than 10 mm. GGOs with tiny blood vessels showed a statistically significant correlation with malignancy. Surprisingly, no statistically significant difference in the incidence of lung cancer in age. No major complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules using semi-rigid single hook wire was found to be practical and safe, which allows for proper diagnosis. Incidental small pulmonary nodule, especially GGO larger than 10 mm needs to be taken seriously.

[Application of Thoracic Surgery Structured Electronic Medical Record Based on Standard Vocabulary].

As an important carrier in the information construction of modern hospitals, electronic medical record is becoming more and more refined and intelligent. This paper introduces the standardized and structured electronic medical record system of thoracic surgecal department and puts forward the effect evaluation and prospect. 
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MicroRNA-30a suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer by targeting Myb-related protein B.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. A growing body of evidence indicates that microRNA (miR) have important and diverse roles in the proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis of human cancer cells. In the present study, the molecular regulation mechanism of miR-30a and its potential target, Myb-related protein B (MYBL2) was investigated in NSCLC. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that miR-30a was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). MYBL2 has a putative miR-30a target site in its 3'untranslated region according to previous data, prediction databases and TargetScan software. In the present study, a negative correlation was demonstrated between miR-30a and MYBL2 expression in NSCLC. Direct interaction between miR-30a and MYBL2 was also confirmed via a dual-luciferase reporter assay. miR-30a overexpression inhibited the growth of A549 and H460 cells via MTT and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays, whereas miR-30a downregulation promoted cell proliferation. In addition, miR-30a overexpression not only increased cell apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest in A549 and H460 cell lines, but also attenuated tumor growth, and mRNA and protein expression levels of MYBL2. The present findings suggest that miR-30a may suppress NSCLC by targeting MYBL2.

Semi-rigid single hook localization the best method for localizing ground glass opacities during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: re-aerated swine lung experimental and primary clinical results.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of currently available preoperative localization methods, including semi-rigid single hook-wire, double-thorn hook-wire, and microcoil, in localizing the pulmonary nodules, thus to select the best technology to assist video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for small ground glass opacities (GGO). METHODS: Preoperative CT-guided localizing techniques including semi-rigid single hook-wire, double-thorn hook-wire and microcoil were used in re-aerated fresh swine lung for location experiments. The advantages and drawbacks of the three positioning technologies were compared, and then the most optimal technique was used in patients with GGO. Technical success and post-operative complications were used as primary endpoints. RESULTS: All three localizing techniques were successfully performed in the re-aerated fresh swine lung. The median tractive force of semi-rigid single hook wire, double-thorn hook wire and microcoil were 6.5, 4.85 and 0.2 N, which measured by a spring dynamometer. The wound sizes in the superficial pleura, caused by unplugging the needles, were 2 mm in double-thorn hook wire, 1 mm in semi-rigid single hook and 1 mm in microcoil, respectively. In patients with GGOs, the semi-rigid hook wires localizations were successfully performed, without any complication that need to be intervened. Dislodgement was reported in one patient before VATS. No major complications related to the preoperative hook wire localization and VATS were observed. CONCLUSIONS: We found from our localization experiments in the swine lung that, among the commonly used three localization methods, semi-rigid hook wire showed the best operability and practicability than double-thorn hook wire and microcoil. Preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules with single semi-rigid hook wire system shows a high success rate, acceptable utility and especially low dislodgement in VATS.

Repurposing the anti-malarial drug dihydroartemisinin suppresses metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer via inhibiting NF-κB/GLUT1 axis.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive malignancy and long-term survival remains unsatisfactory for patients with metastatic and recurrent disease. Repurposing the anti-malarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been proved to possess potent antitumor effect on various cancers. However, the effects of DHA in preventing the invasion of NSCLC cells have not been studied. In the present study, we determined the inhibitory effects of DHA on invasion and migration and the possible mechanisms involved using A549 and H1975 cells. DHA inhibited in vitro migration and invasion of NSCLC cells even in low concentration with little cytotoxicity. Additionally, low concentration DHA also inhibited Warburg effect in NSCLC cells. Mechanically, DHA negatively regulates NF-κB signaling to inhibit the GLUT1 translocation. Blocking the NF-κB signaling largely abolishes the inhibitory effects of DHA on the translocation of GLUT1 to the plasma membrane and the Warburg effect. Furthermore, GLUT1 knockdown significantly decreased the inhibition of invasion, and migration by DHA. Our results suggested that DHA can inhibit metastasis of NSCLC by targeting glucose metabolism via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway and DHA may deserve further investigation in NSCLC treatment.

AKAP95 promotes cell cycle progression via interactions with cyclin E and low molecular weight cyclin E.

AKAP95 in lung cancer tissues showed higher expression than in paracancerous tissues. AKAP95 can bind with cyclin D and cyclin E during G1/S cell cycle transition, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To identify the mechanism of AKAP95 in cell cycle progression, we performed AKAP95 transfection and silencing in A549 cells, examined AKAP95, cyclin E1 and cyclin E2 expression, and the interactions of AKAP95 with cyclins E1 and E2. Results showed that over-expression of AKAP95 promoted cell growth and AKAP95 bound cyclin E1 and E2, low molecular weight cyclin E1 (LWM-E1) and LWM-E2. Additionally AKAP95 bound cyclin E1 and LMW-E2 in the nucleus during G1/S transition, bound LMW-E1 during G1, S and G2/M, and bound cyclin E2 mainly on the nuclear membrane during interphase. Cyclin E2 and LMW-E2 were also detected. AKAP95 over-expression increased cyclin E1 and LMW-E2 expression but decreased cyclin E2 levels. Unlike cyclin E1 and LMW-E2 that were nuclear located during the G1, S and G1/S phases, cyclin E2 and LMW-E1 were expressed in all cell cycle phases, with cyclin E2 present in the cytoplasm and nuclear membrane, with traces in the nucleus. LMW-E1 was present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. The 20 kDa form of LMW-E1 showed only cytoplasmic expression, while the 40 kDa form was nuclear expressed. The expression of AKAP95, cyclin E1, LMW-E1 and -E2, might be regulated by cAMP. We conclude that AKAP95 might promote cell cycle progression by interacting with cyclin E1 and LMW-E2. LMW-E2, but not cyclin E2, might be involved in G1/S transition. The binding of AKAP95 and LMW-E1 was found throughout cell cycle.