Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of NOX4 as a biomarker for pan-cancer prognosis and immune infiltration.

BACKGROUND: NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) has been proven to be associated with the prognosis of tumors in multiple cancers and can serve as a potential immunotherapy target to provide new treatment options for various tumors. In this study, our aim is to conduct an in-depth investigation of NOX4 across a range of cancer types to determine the relationship between NOX4 and tumors. METHODS: Utilizing large-scale transcriptomic and clinical data from public databases, a systematic examination of NOX4 expression patterns was performed in pan-cancer cohorts. Survival analysis, methylation analysis, and correlation studies were employed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic significance of NOX4 in diverse cancer types. Additionally, an exploration of the relationship between NOX4 expression and immune infiltration across various tumors was conducted. RESULTS: The analyses unveiled a consistent upregulation of NOX4 expression in multiple cancer types relative to normal tissues, indicating its potential as a universal cancer biomarker. Elevated NOX4 expression significantly correlated with poor overall survival in several cancers. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a robust correlation between NOX4 expression and immune cell infiltration, signifying its involvement in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS: This study imparts valuable insights into the potential applications of NOX4 in cancer research, highlighting its significance as a multifaceted biomarker with diagnostic, prognostic, and immunomodulatory implications across diverse malignancies.

Tissue-derived exosome proteomics identifies promising diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a fatal digestive disease with a poor prognosis and frequent lymphatic metastases. Nevertheless, reliable biomarkers for EC diagnosis are currently unavailable. Accordingly, we have performed a comparative proteomics analysis on cancer and paracancer tissue-derived exosomes from eight pairs of EC patients using label-free quantification proteomics profiling and have analyzed the differentially expressed proteins through bioinformatics. Furthermore, nano-flow cytometry (NanoFCM) was used to validate the candidate proteins from plasma-derived exosomes in 122 EC patients. Of the 803 differentially expressed proteins discovered in cancer and paracancer tissue-derived exosomes, 686 were up-regulated and 117 were down-regulated. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) was identified as an up-regulated candidate for further investigation, and its high expression in cancer tissues of EC patients was validated using immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and western blot analyses. In addition, plasma-derived exosome NanoFCM data from 122 EC patients concurred with our proteomic analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity values for CD54 were 0.702, 66.13%, and 71.31%, respectively, for EC diagnosis. Small interference (si)RNA was employed to silence the CD54 gene in EC cells. A series of assays, including cell counting kit-8, adhesion, wound healing, and Matrigel invasion, were performed to investigate EC viability, adhesive, migratory, and invasive abilities, respectively. The results showed that CD54 promoted EC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Collectively, tissue-derived exosomal proteomics strongly demonstrates that CD54 is a promising biomarker for EC diagnosis and a key molecule for EC development.

A pan-cancer analysis to determine the prognostic analysis and immune infiltration of HSPA5.

BACKGROUND: Heat shock 70kDa protein 5 (HSPA5), also known as GRP78, is widely expressed in most malignant cells and has been shown to have a significant role in the spread of most malignancies by transferring them to the cell membrane. High-level HSPA5 may serve as an independent prognostic marker for various malignancies due to its ability to accelerate tumor growth and migration, inhibit cell apoptosis and closely connect to prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to examine HSPA5 using pan-cancer research, which might result in the discovery of novel cancer treatment targets. METHOD: The GTEx and TCGA databases have both provided evidence of the expression of various amounts of HSPA5 in various tissues. The Clinical Proteomics Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) evaluated the levels of HSPA5 protein expression, while qPCR investigations also evaluated the expression of HSPA5 mRNA in certain tumors. HSPA5 was studied using the Kaplan-Meier method to examine how it influences overall survival and disease-free survival in malignancies. GEPIA2 was used to investigate the correlation between HSPA5 expression and the clinical stage of cancer. The tumor-immune system interaction database (TISIDB) examined the expression of HSPA5 in association with molecular and tumor immune subtypes. The co-expressed genes of HSPA5 were extracted from the STRING database, and the top 5 co-expressed genes of HSPA5 in 33 cancers were identified using the TIMER database. Further research examined the relationship between tumor mutations and HSPA5. Microsatellite Instability (MSI) and Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) were the primary areas of interest. The association between HSPA5 mRNA expression and immune infiltration was also explored using the TIMER database. Additionally, through the Linkedomics database, we examined the enrichment of GO and KEGG for HSPA5 in glioblastoma. Finally, the Cluster Analyzer tool was used to carry out a GSEA functional enrichment investigation. RESULTS: HSPA5 mRNA expression was found to be greater in all 23 tumor tissues than in the equivalent normal tissues, and high HSPA5 expression appeared to be strongly related to a poor prognosis in the majority of cancers, as observed by survival plots. In the tumour clinical stage display map, HSPA5 showed differential expression in most tumours. HSPA5 is strongly associated with Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI). Cancer-associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) infiltration was strongly associated with HSPA5, as were nine immunological subtypes of malignancy and seven molecular subtypes of malignancy. According to the results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, HSPA5 in GBM is mostly involved in neutrophil-mediated immunological and collagen metabolic activities. Additionally, GSEA enrichment analyses of HSPA5 and associated genes demonstrated a substantial link between HSPA5 and the immunological milieu of tumors, cell division and nervous system regulation. By using qPCR, we were able to further corroborate the enhanced expression in the GBM, COAD, LUAD and CESC cell lines. CONCLUSION: Our bioinformatics research leads us to hypothesize that HSPA5 may be involved in immune infiltration as well as tumor growth and progression. Additionally, it was found that differentially expressed HSPA5 is linked to a poor prognosis for cancer, with the neurological system, the tumor immunological microenvironment and cytokinesis being potential contributing factors. As a result, HSPA5 mRNA and the associated protein might be used as therapeutic targets and possible prognostic markers for a range of malignancies.

Kavain ablates the radio-resistance of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma by targeting LITAF/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforma (GBM) is the most malignant intrinsic tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), with high morbidity of 3.19/100,000 per year and a poor 5-year survival rate (< 5%) worldwide. Numerous studies have indicated that GBM shows remarkable radioresistance and aggressive recurrence. However, the mechanisms to endow GBM cells with radioresistance are complex and unclear. METHODS: Cell growth curve and colony formation assays were used to analyze the radioresistance of GBM. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting experiments were carried out to analyze protein expression and interaction. RESULTS: In the present study, we found that LITAF, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α factor, is up-regulated both in mRNA and protein in GBM tumors. Meanwhile, we observed that high LITAF expression contributes to radioresistance of GBM cell lines (including U87, U251, DK, and AM38 cells), indicated by knockout or knockdown of LITAF in cells sensitizing them to radiation treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that kavain, an active constituent of Piper methysticum Forst., effectively ablates GSC-like cells' (such as CD133 + U87, U251, DK, and AM38 populations) radioresistance in a LITAF-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: In mechanism, our results indicated that 1) the elevation of LITAF in GBM cells activates the NF-κB pathway to promote mesenchymal transition, and 2) kavain disturbs STAT6B/LITAF protein interaction and then expels LITAF from the nucleus. Therefore, we consider that kavain may be a potential candidate to develop an irradiation therapy adjuvant for GBM.

Ginkgetin Promotes M2 Polarization of Microglia and Exert Neuroprotection in Ischemic Stroke via Modulation of PPARγ Pathway.

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of acute cerebral infarction, which may aggravate brain injury and hinder neuro-repair. Microglia are innate immune cells in the brain. Ginkgetin has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory effects of ginkgetin on microglia polarization in brain ischemia. Oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) cellular model and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model was used in this study. We first observed the dynamic process of microglia polarization in ischemic stroke, and then investigated the effect of ginkgetin treatment on microglia polarization. Finally, we studied the role of PPARγ signaling pathway and the blocking effect of PPARγ antagonist GW9662 in this process. OGD and cerebral ischemia polarized microglia mainly to M1 type. However, ginkgetin treatment converted microglia from M1 type to M2 type, inhibited neuroinflammation, and exerted neuronal protective effects. PPARγ signaling pathway was activated during this process. The above effects could be blocked by GW9662. Ginkgetin can promote M2 polarization of microglia through PPARγ signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting neuroinflammation and promoting recovery of neurological functions in ischemic stroke.

Circular RNA circ SET domain containing 2 (circSETD2) inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion in vivo and in vitro.

Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality rates. However, a reliable prognostic signature has not yet been confirmed. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in the development and prognosis of numerous malignancies as well as liver cancer. Therefore, identifying abnormally expressed circRNAs in liver cancer tissue is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. This study found that circular RNA circ SET domain containing 2 (circSETD2) is abnormally expressed in liver cancer tissues, but the role and molecular mechanismsin the occurrence and development of liver cancer are still unclear. The expression level of circSETD2 was evaluated through Quantitative Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in cancerous liver tissues (30 cases), liver cancer cell lines and para-cancerous tissues. Knockdown and overexpression circSETD2 lentiviral vector was constructed and applied to transfect hepatoma cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay were used to examine the effects of circSETD2 overexpression or knockdown on liver cancer migration, invasion, cell cycle and cell proliferation. The tumourigenicity in vivo was utilized to assess the effect of circSETD2 on the proliferation of liver cancer cells. circSETD2 expression is lower in cell lines and liver cancer tissues. circSETD2 knockdown can considerably increase liver cancer cells' invasion, proliferation and colony formation. While In vitro and in vivo, circSETD2 overexpression shows opposite effect. Western blot showed that circSETD2 knockdown can considerably promote E-cadherin expression and inhibit Vimentin, N-cadherin, matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) and MMP-2 expression. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanisms of liver cancer progression and will guide future development of therapeutic strategies against the disease by targeting circ-SETD2.

Evidence for acupotomology in the management of cervical radiculopathy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) describes compression or stimulation secondary to the cervical nerve root, 1 or 2 types of upper limb pain, and/or with neck. In clinical practice, both acupotomology and acupuncture are very widely and popular for the management of CR. So, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy, safety of acupotomology in the treatment of CR. METHODS: We will search the following databases from inception to the September 2019 : MEDLINE(PubMed), Web of Science(Thomson Reuters), Cochrane Library, Embase (Ovid, Elsevier), SinoMed, Clinical Trials. gov, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and VIP database. We will apply no language restrictions. We will not use a randomized controlled trial filter in EMBASE, as the set of intervention terms will limit the results sufficiently. The randomised controlled trials of acupotomology versus acupuncture for CR; two independent researchers will use the bias risk tool provided by the Cochrane Collaboration to evaluate the quality of the literature using RevMan 5.3 software (Copenhagen, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide a synthesis of existing evidence-based medical evidence for acupotomology/ acupotomy/needle knife in the treatment of CR. CONCLUSION: The conclusions of this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of acupotomology/ acupotomy/needle knife for CR and further guide clinical decision-making. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is based on literature and therefore does not require ethical approval or patient consent. The study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020172274.

Acupotomy combined with massage for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is a clinical syndrome of radial neck and shoulder pain. Both Massage and Acupotomy have been widely used in the treatment of CSR, in China and achieved satisfied efficacy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupotomy combined with massage in the treatment of CSR. METHODS: The following electronic databases will be searched: PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Library, Embase, SinoMed, Clinical Trials. gov, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, and VIP database. Two review authors independently search databases from their respective inception dates to September 2019 to identify potentially eligible studies. Cochrane Handbook 5.1 risk of bias assessment tool will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. The Review Manager 5.3 will be used for all statistical analysis of the final included study. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide a synthesis of existing evidences for the treatment of acupotomy combined with massage on CSR, especially in improving visual analog scale and symptom score. CONCLUSION: This study will summarize the current evidence of acupotomy combined with massage for the treatment of CSR. This study can further guide the promotion and clinical decisions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval and patient consent are not required because this study is a literature-based study. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020171825.

Baduanjin exercise for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is one of the most common public health concerns in the world. Baduanjin is very widely and popularly practiced for the management of CSR. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of Baduanjin exercise for patients with CSR. METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wan Fang database, and VIP databases were searched from inception to July 2019 to identify potentially eligible studies. The methodological quality of the included studies using the risk bias assessment tool of Cochrane. All statistical analysis are conducted with Revman 5.3. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide a synthesis of existing evidences for the treatment of Baduanjin on CSR. CONCLUSION: The conclusions of this study will provide evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin for CSR, which can further guide the promotion and clinical decisions. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020149659.

3D Vertically Aligned BNNS Network with Long-Range Continuous Channels for Achieving a Highly Thermally Conductive Composite.

Construction of a three-dimensional (3D) vertically aligned filler network in a polymer matrix has been believed to be an effective method to attain a large through-plane thermal conductivity enhancement at relatively low filler loading. However, it is still a challenge to construct a vertically aligned filler network composed of many long-range continuous pore channels in a polymer matrix for the high-flux heat-conduction. To address this problem, herein, nanofibrillated cellulose (NFCs) assisted unidirectional freeze-drying of a boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) slurry was used to prepare a novel epoxy composite containing a 3D vertically aligned BNNS network with long-range continuous pore channels. The vertically aligned and nacre-mimetic channels make the composite possess a high through-plane thermal conductivity of 1.56 W m-1 K-1 at an extremely low BNNSs loading of 4.4 vol %, and a significant thermal conductivity enhancement efficiency of 167.3 per 1 vol % filler. Therefore, we think this work is expected to give a significant insight into the preparation of polymer composite with high heat-conduction efficiency to address the heat dissipation of modern electronics.

Highly Thermally Conductive Fluorinated Graphene Films with Superior Electrical Insulation and Mechanical Flexibility.

Graphene-based heat-spreading films have captured high attention in academic study and commercial applications because of their extremely high thermal conductivity and desired flexibility. However, the electrical conductivity limits their utilizations in many electronic fields. Herein, to address this problem, fluorinated graphene (F-graphene) that is exfoliated from commercial fluorinated graphite was first used to prepare the flexible free-standing composite film via vacuum filtration of uniform poly(vinyl alcohol)-assisted F-graphene suspension. The well-organized alignment of F-graphene lamellas makes the composite film show an ultrahigh in-plane thermal conductivity of 61.3 W m-1 K-1 at 93 wt % F-graphene. Despite at such high filler loading, the fabricated F-graphene film still possesses a superior electrical insulation property. Therefore, these results suggest that F-graphene, as the novel thermally conductive filler, demonstrates fascinating characters in the preparation of a thermally conductive yet electrically insulating nanocomposite.

Fluorinated Carbon Nanotube/Nanofibrillated Cellulose Composite Film with Enhanced Toughness, Superior Thermal Conductivity, and Electrical Insulation.

Recently, graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) promise considerable application potentials in the highly efficient thermal management of high-power devices because of their superb thermal conductivity (TC). However, the high electrical conductivity hampers their use in some fields where electrical insulating components are always required. Herein, to coordinate the thermal and electrical conductivity of CNT, fluorinated CNT (FCNT) was first used as a thermally conductive filler to prepare composite film with nanofibrillated celluloses (NFCs) via facile vacuum-assisted filtration. The obtained composite film shows a well-organized layered structure of the building blocks along the planar direction. Moreover, the one-dimensional structure of NFCs and the strong interaction of NFCs and FCNTs ensure sufficient connection between FCNT themselves and the reduced interfacial thermal resistance of NFCs/FCNTs, so that efficient heat transfer pathways can be well reserved, leading to simultaneous accessibility of high in-plane TC of 14.1 W m-1 K-1 and favorable electrical insulation property at an FCNT content of 35 wt %. Despite such a high FCNT loading, the strong interaction between NFCs and FCNTs enables the composite film to possess enhanced toughness, reliable mechanical strength, and flexibility. Therefore, we think that these outstanding comprehensive properties guarantee that the prepared composite film has promising applications in heat dissipation of next-generation portable and collapsible electronic devices.

Aqueous Phase Exfoliation of Two-Dimensional Materials Assisted by Thermoresponsive Polymeric Ionic Liquid and Their Applications in Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels and Highly Thermally Conductive Films.

With the increasing attention for various two-dimensional (2D) materials in recent years, developing a universal, facile, and eco-friendly method to exfoliate them into single- and few-layered nanosheets is becoming more and more urgent. Herein, we use a thermoresponsive polymeric ionic liquid (TRPIL) as a universal polymer surfactant to assist the high-efficiency exfoliation of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), graphite, and hexagonal boron nitride in an aqueous medium through consecutive sonication. In this case, the reliable interaction between 2D materials and the TRPIL would facilitate the exfoliation and simultaneously achieve a noncovalent functionalization of the exfoliated nanosheets. Interestingly, the dispersion stability of exfoliated nanosheet suspensions can be reversibly tuned by temperature because of the thermoresponsive phase transition behavior of the TRPIL. As a proof of potential applications, a temperature and photo-dual-responsive TRPIL/MoS2 coloring hydrogel with robust mechanical property and an artificial nacre-like BN nanosheet film with high thermal conductivity were fabricated.

Reduced circulating microRNA-203 predicts poor prognosis for glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development and progression of various types of cancer including glioblastoma (GBM). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and prognostic significance of serum miR-203 in patients with GBM. METHODS: miR-203 extracted from cell culture medium and serum samples was detected by real-time PCR. The correlation between serum miR-203 expression as well as clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival was determined. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-203 was remarkably reduced in the GBM cells and their culture medium. Serum miR-203 expression was significantly decreased in GBM patients compared with low grade glioma (LGG) patients and healthy controls. In addition, serum miR-203 discriminated GBM patients from LGG patients and healthy subjects. Chi-squared analysis showed that a significant correlation was found between low serum miR-203 expression and larger tumor size as well as lower Karnofsky Performance Scale scores. Patients with lower serum miR-203 suffered poorer overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis indicated that low miR-203 expression is an independent prognostic factor for poor OS in GBM patients. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that serum miR-203 expression might serve as a potential prognostic indicator of GBM.

Preparation of Highly Thermally Conductive Polymer Composite at Low Filler Content via a Self-Assembly Process between Polystyrene Microspheres and Boron Nitride Nanosheets.

Rational distribution and orientation of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are very significant for a polymer/BNNS composite to obtain a high thermal conductivity at low filler content. In this paper, a high-performance thermal interface material based on exfoliated BNNSs and polystyrene (PS) microspheres was fabricated by latex blending and subsequent compression molding. In this case, BNNSs and PS microspheres first self-assembled to form the complex microspheres via strong electrostatic interactions between them. The as-prepared complex microspheres were further hot-pressed around the glass transition temperature, which brought the selective distribution of BNNSs at the interface of the deformed PS microspheres. As a consequence, a polymer composite with homogeneous dispersion and high in-plane orientation of BNNSs in PS matrix was obtained. Benefitted from this unique structure, the resultant composite exhibits a significant thermal conductivity enhancement of 8.0 W m-1 K-1 at a low filler content of 13.4 vol %. This facile method provides a new strategy to design and fabricate highly thermally conductive composites.

Growth of 3D hierarchical porous NiO@carbon nanoflakes on graphene sheets for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Nickel oxide (NiO) as one of the anode electrode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has attracted considerable research attention. However, the poor electron conductivity and bad capacity retention performance greatly hinder its wide application. Herein, we prepared a novel three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous graphene@NiO@carbon composite via a simple solvothermal process, in which the graphene sheets were uniformly wrapped by porous NiO@carbon nanoflakes. In this case, nickelocene was creatively used as the precursor for both NiO and amorphous carbon, while graphene oxide sheets were employed as a template for the two-dimensional nanostructure and the conductive graphene backbone. The resultant composites possess high surface area (196 m(2) g(-1)) and large pore volume (0.46 cm(3) g(-1)). When it is applied as an anode for LIBs, the carbon outer-layer can effectively suppress the large volume change and serious aggregation of NiO nanoparticles during the charge-discharge process. Therefore, the graphene@NiO@carbon composites show a high reversible capacity of 1042 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 200 mA g(-1), an excellent rate performance and long cycle life. We believe that our method provides a new route for the fabrication of novel transition metal oxide composites.

Co-expression of midkine and pleiotrophin predicts poor survival in human glioma.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether co-expression of midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) has prognostic relevance in human gliomas. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of MK and PTN proteins in 168 patients with gliomas. The levels of MK and PTN mRNA in glioma tissues and paratumor tissues were evaluated in 45 paired cases by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess prognostic significance. The expression levels of MK and PTN proteins in glioma tissue were both significantly higher (both p<0.001) than those in paratumor tissues on immunohistochemistry analysis, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. Additionally, the overexpression of either MK or PTN was significantly associated with the World Health Organization Grade (p=0.001 and 0.034, respectively), low Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score (p=0.022 and 0.001, respectively), time to recurrence (p=0.043 and 0.011, respectively) and poor overall survival (p=0.018 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis revealed that increased expressions of MK and PTN were both independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival (p=0.030 and 0.022, respectively). Furthermore, the co-expression of MK and PTN was more significantly (p=0.003) associated with adverse prognosis in patients with gliomas than the respective expression of MK or PTN alone. To our knowledge, these findings are the first to indicate that the co-expression of MK and PTN is significantly correlated with prognosis in glioma patients, suggesting that the co-expression of these proteins may be used as both an early diagnostic and independent prognostic marker.

Activation of protease-activated receptor 2 reduces glioblastoma cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of glioma is unclear. The disturbance of the apoptosis process plays a critical role in glioma growth. Factors regulating the apoptosis process are to be further understood. This study aims to investigate the role of protease activated receptor-2 (PAR2) in regulation the apoptosis process in glioma cells. RESULTS: The results showed that U87 cells and human glioma tissue expressed PAR2. Exposure to tryptase, or the PAR2 active peptide, increased STAT3 phosphorylation in the radiated U87 cells, reduced U87 cell apoptosis, suppressed the expression of p53 in U87 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of PAR2 can reduce the radiated U87 cell apoptosis via modulating the expression of p53. The results implicate that PAR2 may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of glioma.