Fitness and Hard Seededness of F2 and F3 Descendants of Hybridization between Herbicide-Resistant Glycine max and G. soja.

The commercial cultivation of herbicide-resistant (HR) transgenic soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) raises great concern that transgenes may introgress into wild soybeans (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.) via pollen-mediated gene flow, which could increase the ecological risks of transgenic weed populations and threaten the genetic diversity of wild soybean. To assess the fitness of hybrids derived from transgenic HR soybean and wild soybean, the F2 and F3 descendants of crosses of the HR soybean line T14R1251-70 and two wild soybeans (LNTL and JLBC, which were collected from LiaoNing TieLing and JiLin BaiCheng, respectively), were planted along with their parents in wasteland or farmland soil, with or without weed competition. The fitness of F2 and F3 was significantly increased compared to the wild soybeans under all test conditions, and they also showed a greater competitive ability against weeds. Seeds produced by F2 and F3 were superficially similar to wild soybeans in having a hard seed coat; however, closer morphological examination revealed that the hard-seededness was lower due to the seed coat structure, specifically the presence of thicker hourglass cells in seed coat layers and lower Ca content in palisade epidermis. Hybrid descendants containing the cp4-epsps HR allele were able to complete their life cycle and produce a large number of seeds in the test conditions, which suggests that they would be able to survive in the soil beyond a single growing season, germinate, and grow under suitable conditions. Our findings indicate that the hybrid descendants of HR soybean and wild soybean may pose potential ecological risks in regions of soybean cultivation where wild soybean occurs.

Improved long-term outcomes after innovative preoperative evaluation and conception of precise surgery for gallbladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional visualization preoperative evaluation (3D-VPE) and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) have been suggested to improve outcomes of cancer surgery in patients, yet little is known regarding their clinical benefit in patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC). We hypothesized that the combination of 3D-VPE and ERAS would improve the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for GBC. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if 3D-VPE and ERAS can improve the outcomes and overall survival in patients with GBC, establishing a novel patient management strategy for GBC. METHODS: A total of 227 patients with GBC were recruited and divided into two groups: those who received traditional treatment between January 2000 and December 2010 (n = 86; the control group) and those who underwent 3D-VPE and ERAS between January 2011 and December 2017 (n = 141). Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to assess the relationship among disease stages, lymph node invasion, and cell differentiation between the two groups. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate patient survival in these groups. RESULTS: Patients who underwent 3D-VPE and ERAS showed a significantly higher R0 resection rate (67.4% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.001) and dissected lymph node number (26.6 ± 12.6 vs. 16.3 ± 7.6 p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The median survival was 27.4 months, and the 1- and 3-year survival rates were 84.4% and 29.8%, respectively, in patients who received combined management; in the control cohort, the median survival was 12.7 months, and the 1- and 3-year survival rates were 53.5% and 15.1%, respectively. In addition, some postoperative complications and risk factors were diminished relative to the traditionally treated patients. CONCLUSION: The implementation of 3D-VPE and ERAS can significantly improve the prognosis and outcomes of patients with GBC and should be considered for wide use in clinical practice.

Preoperative pancreatic CT value is related to pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective study.

Background: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the main complication in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Computed tomography (CT) value can reflect pancreatic tissue characteristics which is related to PF. This study was designed to study the relationship between the preoperative CT value and pancreatic fistula. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and medical data of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2017 to 2021. The pancreatic CT value and the CT value ratios of the pancreas and abdominal aorta (PCT/ACT) were measured and compared between the PF group and non-PF group. The values in different PF severity groups were compared using variance analysis. A cut-off value was selected by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Single-factor and multiple-factor analysis were performed to evaluate Correlation between PF and CT. Results: One hundred and twenty-seven cases were included in this study. The PCT/ACT in the PF group was significantly lower than that in the non-PF group (P<0.001), and the PCT/ACT value was correlatively lower in the severe PF group than in the mild PF group (P=0.008). A cutoff value of 0.99 was selected by ROC curves analysis. Further multifactor analysis identified PCT/ACT <0.99 to be an independent preoperative predictor [odds ratio (OR): 11.3, P<0.01]. Conclusions: The preoperative pancreatic CT value can indirectly reflect the histological condition of the pancreas and thus may related to postoperative PF after pancreaticoduodenectomy and provide useful information for surgeons in deciding upon the pancreaticojejunostomy method.

Colonoscopy-induced acute appendicitis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is widely used for examination, diagnosis, and treatment because of its low incidence of associated complications. Post-colonoscopy appendicitis (PCA) is very rare and is easily misdiagnosed as electrocoagulation syndrome or colon perforation. Therefore, clinicians should pay close attention to this complication. CASE SUMMARY: A 47-year-old female patient underwent a colonoscopy for a systematic physical examination, and the procedure was uneventful with normal endoscopic and histologic findings. However, the bowel preparation was suboptimal (Boston 2-3-2). After the examination, the patient experienced pain in the lower abdomen, which progressively worsened. Computed tomography of the lower abdomen and pelvis revealed appendiceal calcular obstruction and appendicitis. As the patient refused surgery, she was managed with antibiotics and recovered well. CONCLUSION: In the current literature, the definition of PCA remains unclear. However, abdominal pain after colonoscopy should be differentiated from acute appendicitis.

Modified FOLFIRINOX for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gallbladder cancer, a comparison with GEMOX regimen.

BACKGROUND: The first-line chemotherapy regimen for advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) is gemcitabine plus platinum (GP), despite its efficacy is limited. The current investigation is a retrospective study to compare the safety and efficacy between the modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) and gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX) as the first-line chemotherapy for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic GBC. METHODS: The data of patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic GBC, who were treated with mFOLFIRINOX or GEMOX as the first-line therapy between April 2014 and April 2018 at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, were retrieved. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical characteristics, survival outcomes and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients (n=25 in mFOLFIRINOX, n=19 in GEMOX) were included. There were no significant differences between groups in baseline characteristics. The median progression free survival (mPFS) was 5.0 months in the mFOLFIRINOX group and 2.5 months in the GEMOX group [P=0.021; hazard ratio (HR), 0.499; 95% CI, 0.266 to 0.937]. The median overall survival (mOS) was 9.5 months in the mFOLFIRINOX group and 7.0 months in the GEMOX group (P=0.019; HR, 0.471; 95% CI, 0.239 to 0.929). Disease control rate (DCR) was 76.0% in the mFOLFIRINOX group and 47.4% in the GEMOX group (P=0.051). The rate of grade 3-4 adverse events was 48% in the mFOLFIRINOX group and 36.8% in the GEMOX group (P=0.459). The incidence of grade 3-4 neutropenia and diarrhea were more common in the mFOLFIRINOX group, while the incidence of grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy were more common in the GEMOX group. CONCLUSIONS: mFOLFIRINOX might improve the poor prognosis of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic GBC, and the results need to be further verified by prospective clinical studies.

Fitness of F1 hybrids between 10 maternal wild soybean populations and transgenic soybean.

The releasing of transgenic soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) into farming systems raises concerns that transgenes might escape from the soybeans via pollen into their endemic wild relatives, the wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.). The fitness of F1 hybrids obtained from 10 wild soybean populations collected from China and transgenic glyphosate-resistant soybean was measured without weed competition, as well as one JLBC-1 F1 hybrid under weed competition. All crossed seeds emerged at a lower rate from 13.33-63.33%. Compared with those of their wild progenitors, most F1 hybrids were shorter, smaller, and with decreased aboveground dry biomass, pod number, and 100-seed weight. All F1 hybrids had lower pollen viability and filled seeds per plant. Finally, the composite fitness of nine F1 hybrids was significantly lower. One exceptional F1 hybrid was IMBT F1, in which the composite fitness was 1.28, which was similar to that of its wild progenitor due to the similarities in pod number, increased aboveground dry biomass, and 100-seed weight. Under weed competition, plant height, aboveground dry biomass, pod number per plant, filled seed number per plant, and 100-seed weight of JLBC-1 F1 were lower than those of the wild progenitor JLBC-1. JLBC-1 F1 hybrids produced 60 filled seeds per plant. Therefore, F1 hybrids could emerge and produce offspring. Thus, effective measures should be taken to prevent gene flow from transgenic soybean to wild soybean to avoid the production F1 hybrids when releasing transgenic soybean in fields in the future.

LncRNA-HGBC stabilized by HuR promotes gallbladder cancer progression by regulating miR-502-3p/SET/AKT axis.

BACKGROUNDS: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential factors that regulate tumor development and metastasis via diverse molecular mechanisms in a broad type of cancers. However, the pathological roles of lncRNAs in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remain largely unknown. Here we discovered a novel lncRNA termed lncRNA Highly expressed in GBC (lncRNA-HGBC) which was upregulated in GBC tissue and aimed to investigate its role and regulatory mechanism in the development and progression of GBC. METHODS: The expression level of lncRNA-HGBC in GBC tissue and different cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The full length of lncRNA-HGBC was obtained by 5' and 3' rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE). Cellular localization of lncRNA-HGBC was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays and subcellular fractionation assay. In vitro and in vivo assays were preformed to explore the biological effects of lncRNA-HGBC in GBC cells. RNA pull-down assay, mass spectrometry, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to identify lncRNA-HGBC-interacting proteins. Dual luciferase reporter assays, AGO2-RIP, and MS2-RIP assays were performed to verify the interaction between lncRNA-HGBC and miR-502-3p. RESULTS: We found that lncRNA-HGBC was upregulated in GBC and its upregulation could predict poor survival. Overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA-HGBC in GBC cell lines resulted in increased or decreased, respectively, cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in xenografted tumors. LncRNA-HGBC specifically bound to RNA binding protein Hu Antigen R (HuR) that in turn stabilized lncRNA-HGBC. LncRNA-HGBC functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA to bind to miR-502-3p that inhibits target gene SET. Overexpression, knockdown or mutation of lncRNA-HGBC altered the inhibitory effects of miR-502-3p on SET expression and downstream activation of AKT. Clinically, lncRNA-HGBC expression was negatively correlated with miR-502-3p, but positively correlated with SET and HuR in GBC tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that lncRNA-HGBC promotes GBC metastasis via activation of the miR-502-3p-SET-AKT cascade, pointing to lncRNA-HGBC as a new prognostic predictor and a therapeutic target.

Application of single balloon enteroscopy-assisted therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis: Experience of multi-disciplinary collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis is one of the most complicated approaches for reconstructing the gastrointestinal tract, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically challenging in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis. The optimal endoscopic strategies for such cases remain unknown. AIM: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of single balloon enteroscopy-assisted (SBE-assisted) therapeutic ERCP in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis based on multi-disciplinary collaboration between endoscopists and surgeons as well as report the experience from China. METHODS: This is a single center retrospective study. All of the SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP procedures were performed by the collaboration between endoscopists and surgeons. The operation time, success rate, and complication rate were calculated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients received a total of 64 SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP procedures, with successful scope intubation in 60 (93.8%) cases and successful diagnosis in 59 (92.2%). All successfully diagnosed cases received successful therapy. None of the cases had perforation or bleeding during or after operation, and no post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred. CONCLUSION: Based on multi-disciplinary collaboration, SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis is relatively safe and effective and has a high success rate.

MicroRNA-30a-5p inhibits gallbladder cancer cell proliferation, migration and metastasis by targeting E2F7.

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), the most common malignant tumour of the bile duct, is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) is an important tumour suppressor that participates in many aspects of carcinogenesis and cancer development. However, the role of miR-30a-5p in GBC development remains to be determined, as do the mechanisms underlying its effects in GBC. Using samples collected from 42 subjects with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), we showed decreased miR-30a-5p expression in the primary lesions vs. non-tumour adjacent tissues (NATs). Decreased miR-30a-5p was associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Inhibiting miR-30a-5p expression in 2 representative GBC cell lines (GBC-SD and NOZ) increased cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, as well as ß-catenin nuclear translocation, vice versa. In nude mice, NOZ cells transfected with miR-30a-5p mimics grew slower (vs. miR-NC) upon subcutaneous inoculation, and had lower rate of hepatic metastasis upon spleen inoculation. Dual luciferase assay confirmed that E2F transcription factor 7 (E2F7) was a direct target of miR-30a-5p and antagonized the effects induced by miR-30a-5p downregulation in GBC cells. MiR-30a-5p attenuates the EMT and metastasis in GBC cells by targeting E2F7, suggesting miR-30a-5p is a tumour suppressor that may serve as a novel potential prognostic biomarker or molecular therapeutic target for GBC.

MYBL2 is a Potential Prognostic Marker that Promotes Cell Proliferation in Gallbladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive and highly lethal biliary tract malignancy, with extremely poor prognosis. In the present study, we analyzed the potential involvement of MYBL2, a member of the Myb transcription factor family, in the carcinogenesis of human GBC. METHODS: MYBL2 expression levels were measured in GBC and cholecystitis tissue specimens using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. The effects of MYBL2 on cell proliferation and DNA synthesis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (CCK-8), colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) retention assay, flow cytometry analysis, western blot, and a xenograft model of GBC cells in nude mice. RESULTS: MYBL2 expression was increased in GBC tissues and associated with histological differentiation, tumour invasion, clinical stage and unfavourable overall survival in GBC patients. The downregulation of MYBL2 expression resulted in the inhibition of GBC cell proliferation, and DNA replication in vitro, and the growth of xenografted tumours in nude mice. Conversely, MYBL2 overexpression resulted in the opposite effects. CONCLUSIONS: MYBL2 overexpression promotes GBC cell proliferation through the regulation of the cell cycle at the S and G2/M phase transitions. Thus, MYBL2 could serve as a potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in GBC patients.

Casticin induces apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in gallbladder cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Casticin, the flavonoid extracted from Vitex rotundifolia L, exerts various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of casticin in human gallbladder cancer cells. METHODS: Human NOZ and SGC996 cells were used to perform the experiments. CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to evaluate cell viability. Cell cycle analyses and annexin V/PI staining assay for apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the changes in protein expression, and the effect of casticin treatment in vivo was experimented with xenografted tumors. RESULTS: In this study, we found that casticin significantly inhibited gallbladder cancer cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Casticin also induced G0/G1 arrest and mitochondrial-related apoptosis by upregulating Bax, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase expression, and by downregulating Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, casticin induced cycle arrest and apoptosis by upregulating p27 and downregulating cyclinD1/cyclin-dependent kinase4 and phosphorylated protein kinase B. In vivo, casticin inhibited tumor growth. CONCLUSION: Casticin induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in gallbladder cancer, suggesting that casticin might represent a novel and effective agent against gallbladder cancer.

Dietary supplementation of probiotic Bacillus PC465 isolated from the gut of Fenneropenaeus chinensis improves the health status and resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei against white spot syndrome virus.

This study conducted a 30-day feeding trial and a subsequent 20-day anti-virus infection trial to determine the effects of probiotic Bacillus PC465 on the growth, health status, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimp samples were fed with three practical diets prepared from shrimp feed containing varying probiotic doses [0 (control), 10(7), and 10(9) CFU g(-1)]. Probiotic supplementation significantly increased the weight gain and survival of L. vannamei (p < 0.05). The effect of 10(9) CFU g(-1) on the growth rate was higher than that of 10(7) CFU g(-1). Compared with those in the control group, the activities of digestive enzymes, such as amylase, protease, and lipase, in the shrimp mid-gut significantly increased in the probiotic-fed groups on days 15 and 30, except lipase on day 30. The influence of 10(9) CFU g(-1) on enzyme activities was also greater than that of 10(7) CFU g(-1). Scanning electron microscopy revealed folds and large ravines across the interior surface of the mid-gut, and the number of these folds and ravines increased significantly after the probiotic was administered. The probiotic treatment significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the transcription of penaeidin 3a (Pen-3a), peroxinectin, C-type lectin 3 (Lec-3), and thioredoxin (Trx) in the hemocytes of L. vannamei. Likewise, probiotic treatment increased the transcription of hemocyanin in the hepatopancreas of L. vannamei. The probiotic treatment also significantly increased the transcription of prophenoloxidase (proPO) but decreased the transcription of crustin in hemocytes. By contrast, the same treatment failed to increase the transcription of Ras-related protein (Rab-6) in hemocytes. The number of species and biomass of Bacillus in the mid-gut were higher in the probiotic-fed group than in the control group. The total biomass of microbes was higher in the shrimp fed with 10(7) CFU g(-1) than in the shrimp fed with 10(9) CFU g(-1) and the control group on days 15 and 30 post-feeding. In two white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infections, the weight gain, survival, and WSSV copies within the gills of the probiotic-treated shrimp significantly differed (p < 0.05) from those of the control group. Relatively efficient protection was associated with probiotic feeding. Results suggested that Bacillus PC465 feeding improves the growth performance, survival, digestion, and nutrient absorption of L. vannamei. Probiotic treatment also enhances the microbial structures in the gut, promotes the immune status of shrimp, and provides protection against viral infection. The supplementation with 10(9) CFU g(-1) can also improve the growth and survival of L. vannamei.

PI3K/Akt pathway contributes to neuroprotective effect of Tongxinluo against focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tongxinluo (TXL), a compound prescription, is formulated according to the collateral disease doctrine of traditional Chinese medicine, and is widely used for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases in China. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of TXL on focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats by attenuating its brain damage and neuronal apoptosis, and to assess the potential role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway in this protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), cerebral ischemia and reperfusion plus TXL (1.6g/kg/day) (TXL1.6), TXL1.6 plus LY294002 and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (TXL1.6+LY294002), TXL1.6 plus DMSO (TXL1.6+vehicle). Prior to the grouping, TXL1.6 was selected to be the optimal dose of TXL by evaluating the neurological deficits score of five group rats (Sham, I/R, TXL0.4, TXL0.8 and TXL1.6, n=30) at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after reperfusion. Rats, being subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90min followed by 24h reperfusion, were the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion models. At 24h after reperfusion, cerebral infarct area was measured via tetrazolium staining and neuronal damage was showed by Nissl staining. The double staining of Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and immunofluorescence labeling with NeuN, was performed to evaluate neuronal apoptosis. Proteins involved in PI3K/Akt pathway were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The results showed that TXL markedly improved neurological function, reduced cerebral infarct area, decreased neuronal damage, and significantly attenuated neuronal apoptosis, while these effects were eliminated by inhibition of PI3K/Akt with LY294002. We also found that TXL up-regulated the expression levels of p-PDK1, p-Akt, p-c-Raf, p-BAD and down-regulated Cleaved caspase 3 expression notably, which were partially reversed by LY294002. Additionally, the increment of p-PTEN level on which LY294002 had little effect was also detected in response to TXL treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that TXL provided neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and neuronal apoptosis, and this effect was mediated partly by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Association between rs4938723 functional polymorphism in the promoter region of miR-34b/c gene and cancer risk.

Genetic polymorphism of miR-34b/c gene is a candidate factor for attributing predisposition to carcinoma. However, results of mounting studies, concerning association of miR-34b/c gene rs4938723 with risk of cancer, present contradictory results. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to systematically assessment the possible association between them. The overall results of meta-analysis indicate a significant association was only observed between rs4938723 and cancer risk in genotype model (P(h)=0.203, OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.01-1.70 for CT vs. TT). After stratifying by ethnicity and cancer type, genotype CT of rs4938723 was significantly association with an increased cancer risk in Asian population (P(h)=0.187, OR=1.10, 95%CI=1.01-1.20), allele C and genotype CT were significantly positive associated with hepatocellular cancer (P(h)=0.113, OR=1.11, 95%CI=1.01-1.23 for C vs. T; P(h)=0.121, OR=1.19, 95%CI=1.03-1.37 for CT vs. TT), but rs4938723 was negative associated with risk of colorectal cancer (P(h)=0.342, OR=0.66, 95%CI=0.47-0.92 for CC vs. TT; P(h)=0.519, OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.49-0.93 for CC vs. CT/TT; P(h)=0.443, OR=0.71, 95%CI=0.51-0.99 for CC/TT vs. CT). These findings suggested that rs4938723 was a susceptible locus only for hepatocellular cancer and colorectal cancer.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction () reduces infarct volume and enhances estradiol and estradiol receptor concentration in ovariectomized rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (, BYHWD) on estradiol (E2) and estradiol receptor (ER) in serum and brain in ovariectomized rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). METHODS: Adult female rats were ovariectomized and focal cerebral ischemic was induced by MCAO. Rats were randomly divided into normal, ovariectomy (OVX), MCAO, OVX+MCAO, OVX+MCAO+E2, and OVX+MCAO+BYHWD group. Rats were administered BYHWD 5 g/kg daily, estradiol valerate 500 µg/kg per day or distilled water for 7 consecutive days. Neuronal function and infarct volume were measured on day 7 after artery occlusion, and E2 and ER concentration in serum and brain were checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: BYHWD significantly improved the neurological behavior, reduced the infarction volume, increased E2 concentration in serum and brain, and increased ER concentration in the brain in ovariectomized rats after MCAO. CONCLUSION: The neuroprotective effects of BYHWD are associated with estrogen and its receptor.

HIF-1α and GLUT1 gene expression is associated with chemoresistance of acute myeloid leukemia.

AIMS: Much evidence suggests that increased glucose metabolism in tumor cells might contribute to the development of acquired chemoresistance. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully clear. Therefore, we investigated a possible correlation of mRNA expression of HIF-1α and GLUT1 with chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: Bone marrow samples were obtained from newly diagnosed and relapsed AML (M3 exclusion) cases. RNA interference with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to stably silence GLUT1 or HIF-1α gene expression in an AML cell line and HIF-1α and GLUT1 mRNA expression was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR). RESULTS: High levels of HIF-1α and GLUT1 were associated with poor responsiveness to chemotherapy in AML. Down-regulation of the expression of GLUT1 by RNA interference obviously sensitized drug-resistant HL-60/ADR cells to adriamycin (ADR) in vitro, comparable with RNA interference for the HIF-1α gene. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that over-expression of HIF-1α and GLUT1 might play a role in the chemoresistance of AML. GLUT1 might be a potential target to reverse such drug resistance.

Brush biopsy with DNA-image cytometry: a useful and noninvasive method for monitoring malignant transformation of potentially malignant oral disorders.

Oral and pharyngeal cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, the 5-year survival rate has not yet increased. A key factor in rates not having improved is the lack of early detection. This study was undertaken to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of brush biopsy with DNA-image cytometry (a noninvasive method) for potentially malignant oral disorders compared with tissue biopsy pathology in China. Exfoliative cells were obtained using a cytobrush cell collector from oral mucosa of 52 subjects, followed by scalpel biopsy from the same region. Nuclear DNA contents (ploidy) were measured after Feulgen restaining, using an automated DNA image cytometer. Exfoliative cytology with DNA-image cytometry and histopathological diagnosis were performed separately at different institutions. Histological investigation was considered the gold standard. We reported that the sensitivity of DNA aneuploidy for the detection of cancer cells in potentially malignant oral disorders was 86.36 %, its specificity was 90.00 %, its positive predictive value was 86.36 %, and its negative predictive value was 90.00 %. Brush biopsy with DNA-image cytometry is a useful method for monitoring potentially malignant oral disorders.

[Effect of hepatitis B virus X protein on suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 expression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hepatitis B virus-encoded X protein (HBx) on the expression of host-encoded suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) and to explore the possibility of an underlying mechanism involving modulation of CpG island methylation in the SOCS-1 gene promoter. METHODS: The immortalized human derived non-tumor liver cell line QSG7701 was transfected with a recombinant HBx plasmid (pcDNA-X) or an empty vector control plasmid (pcDNA3.0) and stably transfected clones were selected by G418 resistance screening. Untransfected cells served as negative controls. Expression of SOCS-1 mRNA and protein was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. The methylation status of SOCS-1 was detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The significance of intergroup differences was analyzed by one-way ANOVA or pairwise comparison with post-hoc LSD test. RESULTS: SOCS-1 mRNA level was significantly lower in the pcDNA-X/QSG7701 cells compared to that in the pcDNA3.0/QSG7701 and untransfected cells (0.3249+/-0.0536 vs. 1.0543+/-0.1937 and 1.00; F = 19.6, P = 0.042). SOCS-1 protein level was similarly lower in the pcDNA-X/QSG7701 cells (0.1496+/-0.0106 vs. 0.1984+/-0.0438 and 0.2152+/-0.0816; F = 19.4, P = 0.048). The SOCS-1 promoter region showed methylation only in the pcDNA-X/QSG7701 cells. CONCLUSION: HBx-expressing human hepatocytes have down-regulated SOCS-1 expression, both at the mRNA and protein levels, and this effect corresponds to increased methylation in the SOCS-1 promoter region harboring CpG islands.

[Expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in oral squamous cell carcinomas of tongue: correlation with the clinicopathologic features and patient prognosis].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (OSCCT) and investigate the relationship of these markers with clinicopathologic features and patient prognosis. METHODS: Quantitative immunohistochemistry analysis was used to examine E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression in lesions of 30 OSCCT patients. The relationship between the expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin and clinicopathological features was analyzed. RESULTS: The decreased expression of E-cadherin was observed in 19 of 30 (63%) tumours from patients who eventually developed a recurrent tumour and was also associated with recurrence (P=0.007). The expression of E-cadherin was associated with survival (P=0.018) and an independent prognostic factor in univariate analysis. There was no correlation between the expression level of E-cadherin and sex, age, histological differentiation, tumour size, clinical stage, or lymph node metastasis. The high expression of beta-catenin was observed in 18 of 30 (60%) tumours. No correlation between beta-catenin expression and clinicopathological features was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The absence or reduced expression of E-cadherin was closely associated with recurrence and survival in OSCCT patients. The aberrant expression of E-cadherin may provide a useful prognostic marker in OSCCT.