G6PD-NF-κB-HGF Signal in Gastric Cancer-Associated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells by Upregulating the Expression of HK2.

Background: Tumor-associated stromal cells have been widely recognized for their tumor-promoting capability involving paracrine signaling. However, the underlying mechanism and the effects of the molecules in the glycolysis pathway in gastric cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (GCMSCs) and gastric cancer cells on tumor progression remain unclear. Methods: The expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in GCMSCs and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of HGF derived from GCMSCs on the proliferation, metastasis, and HK2 expression of gastric cancer cells was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The effects of G6PD on the production of HGF in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were analyzed by immunoblotting. Results: HGF derived from GCMSCs promoted glycolysis, proliferation, and metastasis of gastric cancer by upregulating c-Myc-HK2 signal. The progression of the disease induced by GCMSCs decelerated in the absence of HK2. The expression of G6PD activated NF-κB signaling and stimulated the production of HGF in GCMSCs. Blocking HGF derived from GCMSCs decreased proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells in vivo. Conclusions: GCMSCs highly expressed G6PD and facilitated the progression of gastric cancer through the G6PD-NF-κB-HGF axis coordinates. Blocking HGF derived from GCMSCs is a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Ornithodoros (Ornithodoros) huajianensis sp. nov. (Acari, argasidae), a new tick species from the Mongolian marmot (Marmota bobak sibirica), Gansu province in China.

A new argasid species, belonging to the subgenus Ornithodoros, namely, Ornithodoros (Ornithodoros) huajianensis was described for the first time based on the females, males and nymphs. The morphological features of each stage in the life cycle are unique, making identification easy, but are similar to other species of the subgenus Ornithodoros. The new species was diagnosed by the broad rectangular tongue and triangular tongue-shaped posterior lip in the male genital apron, a shallow camerostome with definite folds and smaller mammillae with single seta mixed with larger ones in nymph and adults. The new species had been collected from the Mongolian marmots Marmota bobak sibirica in Huajian village, Gulang county, Gansu province, China. Data on the phylogenic position, hosts and geographic distribution are also provided.

Preliminary investigation of ixodid ticks in Jiangxi Province of Eastern China.

In recent years, a large effort has been made for tick surveys for public health importance around China, especially after outbreaks of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) occurred in humans in 2009. In this paper, the preliminary species composition and population distribution of ticks in Jiangxi Province of Eastern China is reported. Ticks were collected in three habitats (grassland, shrubs and woodland) and from nine host groups in 12 sampling sites throughout Jiangxi Province between 2011 and 2018. Six tick species including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Haemaphysalis yeni, Haemaphysalis kitaoka, Ixodes sinensis and Dermacentor auratus were collected from the vegetation. Haemaphysalis longicornis was most abundant tick species, accounting for 90.6% of the total ticks. Haemaphysalis yeni and H. kitaoka were newly recorded tick species in Jiangxi Province. Tick presence was remarkably greater in grassland (89.4%) than in woodland (9.4%) and shrubs (1.2%), and nymphs (68.2%) and larvae (19.1%) were more frequently found than adult females (6.6%) and males (6.0%). On hosts, a total of 1513 ticks, from 13 species and four genera, were collected. These were H. longicornis, Haemaphysalis campanulata, Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis phasiana, H. yeni, H. kitaoka, Haemaphysalis hystricis, R. sanguineus (s.l.), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus microplus, Ixodes granulatus, I. sinensis and Amblyomma testudinarium. Amblyomma testudinarium was a newly recorded tick species in Jiangxi Province. Based on this investigation, H. longicornis was the most frequently collected species (30.5%) and widely distributed tick species of the total collection ticks (in 11 sampling sites). Haemaphysalislongicornis had a broad host range and its presence (hosts with at least one tick) was significantly greater on Lepus sinensis (33.3%) than on Canis familiaris (2.3%) (χ2 = 23.68, p = 0.0013). In addition, the number of H. longicornis collected on L. sinensis (64.0%) was higher than on other host groups. Of all ticks collected on hosts, different developmental stages were obtained, which included 347 larvae (22.9%), 249 nymphs (16.5%), 404 adult males (26.7%) and 513 females (33.9%) and sex distribution was relatively uniform. These data indicate that a broad range of tick species is widely distributed throughout Jiangxi Province in Eastern China.

Description of Haemaphysalis (Alloceraea) Kolonini sp. nov., a new species in subgenus Alloceraea Schulze (Ixodidae: Haemaphysalis) in China.

Southeastern Asia has been postulated as probably the original sites of genus Haemaphysalis, where numerous structurally advanced haemaphysalids now occur. Because of its phylogenetic and biological interest, we report the discovery of a structurally primitive new species Haemaphysalis (A.) kolonini belonging to subgenus Alloceraea from Baoshan and Weixi cities, Yunnan province, southwestern China. Both the morphological and phylogenic characteristics of the species support congruently to erect Hae. (A.) kolonini as a new species. The male and female adults of Haemaphysalis (A.) kolonini are respectively described and illustrated. Taxonomic discussion and keys to Alloceraea species in China are also provided to be able to distinguish species that are close morphologically.

Enhanced gastric cancer growth potential of mesenchymal stem cells derived from gastric cancer tissues educated by CD4+ T cells.

OBJECTIVES: Gastric cancer mesenchymal stem cells (GC-MSCs) can promote the development of tumour growth. The tumour-promoting role of tumour-associated MSCs and T cells has been demonstrated. T cells as the major immune cells may influence and induce a pro-tumour phenotype in MSCs. This study focused on whether CD4+ T cells can affect GC-MSCs to promote gastric cancer growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CD4+ T cells upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in GC-MSCs through the phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT3) signalling pathway was confirmed by immunofluorescence, western blotting and RT-PCR. Migration of GC cells was detected by Transwell migration assay, and apoptosis of GC cells was measured by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide double staining. CD4+ T cell-primed GC-MSCs promoted GC growth in a subcutaneously transplanted tumour model in BALB/c nu/nu mice. RESULTS: Gastric cancer mesenchymal stem cells stimulated by activated CD4+ T cells promoted migration of GC cells and enhanced GC growth potential in BALB/c nu/nu xenografts. PD-L1 upregulation of GC-MSCs stimulated by CD4+ T cells was mediated through the p-STAT3 signalling pathway. CD4+ T cells-primed GC-MSCs have greater GC volume and growth rate-promoting role than GC-MSCs, with cancer cell-intrinsic PD-1/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling activation. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that GC-MSCs are plastic. The immunophenotype of GC-MSCs stimulated by CD4+ T cells has major changes that may influence tumour cell growth. This research was based on the interaction between tumour cells, MSCs and immune cells, providing a new understanding of the development and immunotherapy of GC.

The genus Ixodes (Acari: Ixodidae) in China with three new record species.

Total 24 valid species belongs to 6 subgenera in genus Ixodes had been documented in China. Of them, Eschatocephalus (2 species), Scaphixodes (2 species); Partipalpiger (1 species), Pholeoixodes (3 species) Ixodiopsis (1 species) and the largest subgenus Ixodes (15 species) were involved. Fortunately, we found another 3 new record species, namely I. (Ixodes) apronophorus Schulze, 1924, I. (Ixodes)pavlovskyi Pomerantzav, 1946 and I. (Trichotoixodes) frontalis (Panzer, 1798), from the specimens deposited in medical entomology gallery of China, which increase a new subgenus Trichotoixodes to the tick fauna in China. In the present paper, the taxonomy characteristics of the new record species were described briefly based on the specimens examined and keys to the genus Ixodes were also updated.

Safety evaluation of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cell.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Mounting evidence shows that non-cell-based transplantation of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has more potential protective and reparative effects than MSCs have. However, whether it is safe to transplant MSC exosomes into tissues is still not clear. In this study, we evaluated the safety of transplantation of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord MSCs (hucMSC exosomes). METHODS: hucMSC exosomes were incubated with the cardiac blood from a healthy rabbit, and hemolysis was observed. For analysis of vascular and muscle stimulation, pyrogen, systemic anaphylaxis and hematology indexes, hucMSC exosomes were given to rabbits, guinea pigs and rats. The histological changes in the vascular and muscle sites of injection in rabbits were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Allergy symptoms in guinea pigs and rectal temperature of rabbits were observed and recorded. To study safety in vivo, hucMSC exosomes were infused intravenously into rats with acute myocardial infarction. Rats' weight was measured and tail vein blood was collected to evaluate liver and renal function. RESULTS: hucMSC exosomes had a protective effect on weight loss and had no adverse effects on liver or renal function. Other detections, such as hemolysis, vascular and muscle stimulation, systemic anaphylaxis, pyrogen and hematology indexes, also showed that hucMSC exosomes were applicable. CONCLUSIONS: hucMSC exosomes are well tolerated in animal models. This study provides evidence for the safety of intravenous infusion in future clinical therapy.

High throughput biotechnology in traditional fermented food industry.

Traditional fermented food is not only the staple food for most of developing countries but also the key healthy food for developed countries. As the healthy function of these foods are gradually discovered, more and more high throughput biotechnologies are being used to promote the old and new industry. As a result, the microflora, manufacturing processes and product healthy function of these foods were pushed forward either in the respect of profundity or extensiveness nowadays. The application and progress of the high throughput biotechnologies into traditional fermented food industries were different from each other, which was reviewed and detailed by the catalogues of fermented milk products (yogurt, cheese), fermented sausages, fermented vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut), fermented cereals (sourdough) and fermented beans (tempeh, natto). Given the further promotion by high throughput biotechnologies, the middle and/or down-stream process of traditional fermented foods would be optimized and the process of industrialization of local traditional fermented food having many functional factors but in small quantity would be accelerated. The article presents some promising patents on traditional fermented food industry.

Babesia microti-like rodent parasites isolated from Ixodes persulcatus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Heilongjiang Province, China.

A Babesia microti-like rodent parasite was isolated from the tick, Ixodes persulcatus, collected from the northern forest area of Heilongjiang province, China. The collected I. persulcatus were allowed to feed on specific pathogen-free SCID mice and red blood cells from the mice were used to isolate Babesia spp. with the microareophilous stationary-phase culture technique. Paired and tetrad forms of merozoites were observed by light microscope in red blood cells of SCID mice. In vitro growth of the parasites was also achieved in mice erythrocytes, which indicated the presence of Babesia spp. in I. persulactus. To further identify the Babesia species, polymerase chain reaction screening and subsequent sequencing of nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA (nss-rRNA) was employed. The results indicate that the observed parasites might be an isolate strain responsible for human babesiosis -B. microti - which has 99.3% identity with that of B. microti isolate RcM5201 (AB112050) from Mishan in Heilongjiang and Kobe isolates from Japan. In addition, the infection rate of B. microti in I. persulcatus ticks in the region was 3.6-4.0% in adult females and no infection in males. Though the infection rate is low, the high attack frequency of tick species on local residents indicates the risk of human babesiosis in the region and the necessity of precautionary measures.

Ixodes sinensis: competence as a vector to transmit the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia garinii.

In order to determine the principal vectors of Lyme disease in South China, the capability of Ixodes sinensis to transmit Lyme disease spirochetes transstadially was estimated in the laboratory. Results suggest that I. sinensis can acquire active Lyme disease spirochetes by feeding on infected mice of Kunming strains (KM), and the positive rates of larvae and nymph I. sinensis infected were 94.0% and 92.0%, respectively. I. sinensis maintained active spirochetes during blood digestion and molting periods; the subsequent questing tick stages were also found to be infected and infectious to naive KM mice, which resulted in more than 66.7% spirochete-positive KM mice. I. sinensis can transmit the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia garinii from infected KM mice to naive KM mice during larvae-nymph and nymph-adult periods. Therefore, I. sinensis might be considered as a competent vector of Lyme disease in South China.

Ability of Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis concinna and Dermacentor silvarum ticks to acquire and transstadially transmit Borrelia garinii.

In China, the ability of Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis concinna and Dermacentor silvarum to transmit Borrelia spirochetes was determined under laboratory conditions. Results showed that all three tick species can acquire spirochetes by feeding on infected mice. However, the capability of the three species to maintain spirochetes was different. Only I. persulcatus is able to maintain spirochetes alive during molting, and subsequent tick stages transmitted the infection to naive mice. In H. concinna and D. silvarum ticks, spirochetes could not survive after the digestion period of blood and after the molting process was finished, spirochetes were no longer detected. Contrary to H. concinna and D. silvarum, I. persulcatus should be considered the principal vector of Lyme disease in north China.