MicroRNA-125b exerts antitumor functions in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the STAT3 pathway.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNA-125b (miR-125b) is downregulated in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). However, its function in CSCC has yet to be extensively explored. Here, we analyze the relationship between signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and miR-125b in CSCC. METHODS: Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR were used to determine the expression of the miR-125b-STAT3 axis in human CSCC tissues and cell lines. The direct regulatory effect of miR-125b on STAT3 expression was assessed using a luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. The MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to determine the role of the miR-125b-STAT3 axis in CSCC cell proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS: MiR-125b expression levels were significantly lower in CSCC cell lines and tissues than in normal cell lines and tissues. STAT3 was identified as the direct target of miR-125b. Upregulation of miR-125b and downregulation of STAT3 suppressed cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Cyclin D1 and Bcl2 were identified as the downstream targets of the miR-125-STAT3 axis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that miR-125b acts as a tumor suppressor in CSCC by targeting the STAT3 pathway. This observation increases our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CSCC. Therapies aimed at activating miR-125b or inhibiting STAT3 signaling should be explored as potential treatments for CSCC.

[Effects of warming-needle therapy on gene expression pathways in the patient with knee osteoarthritis of deficiency-cold syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of warming-needle therapy in treatment of knee osteoarthritis of deficiency-cold syndrome. METHODS: Eight cases of knee osteoarthritis of deficiency-cold syndrome were selected and treated with warming-needle therapy at Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6) , Zosanli (ST 36), etc.. The gene expression profiles before and after treatment in 4 cases who showed better therapeutic effect were compared. Taking ratio < 0.5 or ratio > 2.0 as differentially expression gene and obtaining differentially expression pathway (P < 0.5, n>3) by http://www. DAVID 2006. RESULTS: Two cases were clinically cured, 4 cases were markedly effective, 1 case was effective and 1 case was ineffective. With help of the microarray, 449 differentially expression genes, and 10 differentially expression pathways were obtained including 2 energy metabolism pathways (oxidative phosphorylation, ATP synthetase), 4 cell signal transduction pathways (insulin signal pathway, Toll-like receptor signal pathway, JAK-STAT signal pathway, and MAPK signal pathway) and cell apoptosis pathway. CONCLUSION: Warming-needle therapy is an effective therapy for knee osteoarthritis with deficiency-cold syndrome , which is possibly involved in the control and regulation of many gene expression by various signal transduction pathways.