Integrin-α5 promoted the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma and modulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Integrin-α5 (ITGA5) gene has been reported to be critical for the progression of several cancers. However, the effects of ITGA5 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. METHODS: We firstly used bioinformatics methods to analyze the ITGA5 gene expression based on the public dataset. HO1-N-1 and SCC-9 cells with silenced ITGA5 were constructed using siRNA. Then, we determined the biological functions of ITGA5 in OSCC cells using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and transwell assays. The expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, ERK and pERK were determined by western blot. RESULTS: Our results revealed that ITGA5 expression was up-regulated in OSCC. The biological experiments further confirmed that ITGA5 expression was higher in OSCC cell lines. Moreover, we found that knockdown of ITGA5 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells. The expression of phosphorylated-(p) PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK obviously decreased after knockdown of ITGA5 in OSCC cells. CONCLUSION: In summary, ITGA5 could promote the progression of OSCC via activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and it can be regarded as a potential biomarker for OSCC treatment.

The Ex Vivo Time of Fresh Autologous Cartilage Before Transplantation and Cartilage Absorption Degree.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the relationship between the time of autogenous cartilage in vitro and the degree of absorption in animal experiments. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the time of cartilage in vitro: 1-hour group, 2-hour group, and 3-hour group. A volume of ear cartilage was taken and transplanted into the back, according to the group. After 1 month, the volume was taken out and remeasured. Then, these were compared by scanning electron microscopy and hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: The cartilage bulk absorption level of different groups is different (P < 0.05). There was statistical significance when the 3-hour group was compared with the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). This shows that cartilage volume absorption level becomes higher after 3 hours. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that before and after transplantation, the arrangement of collagen fibers and the gap between these fibers changed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that there were some morphological changes in chondrocytes, and the degree of chondrocyte apoptosis increased with time, which was accompanied by granulation tissue formation. In addition, the cartilage tissue survived after transplantation. CONCLUSION: The change in cartilage volume was more obvious after 3 hours of autogenous fresh cartilage transplantation, when compared with that of the first 2 hours. The longer the time of light microscopy was, the longer the apoptosis of cartilage cells, the more serious the destruction of collagen fibers and the cartilage matrix, and the greater the absorption of cartilage and the new chondrocytes.

The efficacy of polidocanol sclerotherapy in mucocele of the minor salivary gland.

OBJECTIVES: Mucocele of the minor salivary gland is usually caused when the duct is injured, mucus leaks into the tissue space and the mucous gland are obstructed, which lead to cystic lesion formation and dilatation. Currently, there are multiple therapeutic methods available with various outcomes. This study aims to provide clinical evidence of polidocanol sclerotherapy for the treatment of mucocele of the minor salivary gland. METHODS: In this study, we injected polidocanol into 112 patients who were diagnosed with mucocele of the minor salivary gland and evaluated the treatment efficacy and safety systematically. RESULTS: Of the 122 cases, 102 cases were cured, eight cases showed remarkable remission, and two cases had partial remission. No recurrence was found during follow-up, and none of the cases showed an invalid effect, resulting in a total cure rate of 91.07%. No severe side effects were observed during treatment or the follow-up period. No significant difference in efficacy between different genders was found (P = 0.490). Polidocanol sclerotherapy for mucocele on the lower lip was more effective compared to mucocele on the inferior surface of the lingual apex (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Polidocanol sclerotherapy showed satisfying curative effects for mucocele of the minor salivary gland without causing side effects of anesthesia, trauma, or severe pain.

[Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a meta analysis].

PURPOSE: To determine the prognostic role of high PD-L1 in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Electronic databases, such as PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library, were searched to identify studies evaluating PD-L1 expression and overall survival (OS) in these patients. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies that involved 1595 patients were included. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) 1.02 (95%CI= 0.93-1.11,P=0.71) indicated that the association between PD-L1 expression and overall survival (OS) was not significant. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) indicated that PD-L1 expression was associated with gender (OR=0.64, 95%CI=0.48-0.85, P=0.002), differentiation (OR=0.58, 95%CI=0.37-0.90, P=0.01) and HPV infection (OR=1.91, 95%CI=1.13-3.23, P=0.02). However, PD-L1 had no correlation with tumour size, and lymph node status. CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1 expression may not be an independent predictor of prognosis of patients with OSCC. Well-designed large cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Inhibition of autophagy augments apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma under nutrient depletion.

There has been little research conducted regarding autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Given the prevalence of oral cancers which are OSCC and the severe side effects of current treatments, there is a pressing need to develop effective alternative therapies. In this study, we have endeavored to explore the biological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line KB cells, in particular with regard to the role played by autophagy in their survival. Autophagy was activated by nutrient depletion via culturing cells in Earle's balanced salts (EBSS) and was measured via indices relating to Beclin 1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (MAPLC3, LC3), p62, and Green fluorescent protein-light chain 3 plasmid transfection (GFP-LC3). Cell death and apoptosis induced by nutrient depletion was measured using both MTT assay and flow cytometry (FCM). Compared to initial levels at 0 h, Beclin 1 density in EBSS-treated cells was found to have increased at 6, 12, and 18 h in a time-dependent manner and was found to have subsequently declined at 24 and 48 h. p62 levels, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, and GFP-LC3 levels increased at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h in a time-dependent manner. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was found to inhibit autophagy and the expression of Beclin 1 and significantly enhanced nutrient depletion-induced apoptosis and death. We concluded that nutrient depletion enhances OSCC cell autophagy in time-course patterns and that the inhibition of autophagy augments apoptosis in OSCC cells. We also deduced that Beclin 1 takes part in the development and progression of autophagy, potentially playing an important role in the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in OSCC cells. These findings suggest that nutrient depletion may be an effective way to explore autophagy and that autophagy inhibitors should be investigated as a potential novel agent for the adjuvant treatment of human OSCC.