Low expression of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist correlates with poor prognosis via promoting proliferation and migration and inhibiting apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers are biochemical indicators that can identify changes in the structure or function of systems, organs, or cells and can be used to monitor a wide range of biological processes, including cancer. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) is an important inflammatory suppressor gene and tumor biomarker. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of IL1RA, its probable carcinogenic activity, and its diagnostic targets in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). RESULTS: We discovered that IL1RA was expressed at a low level in OSCC tumor tissues compared to normal epithelial tissues and that the expression declined gradually from epithelial hyperplasia through dysplasia to carcinoma in situ and invasive OSCC. Low IL1RA expression was associated not only with poor survival but also with various clinicopathological markers such as increased infiltration, recurrence, and fatalities. Following cellular phenotyping investigations in OSCC cells overexpressing IL1RA, we discovered that recovering IL1RA expression decreased OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and increased apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our investigation highlighted the possible involvement of low-expression IL1RA in OSCC cells in promoting invasive as well as metastatic and inhibiting apoptosis, as well as the efficacy of IL1RA-focused monitoring in the early detection and treatment of OSCC.

Inhibition mechanism of crude lipopeptide from Bacillus subtilis against Aeromonas veronii growth, biofilm formation, and spoilage of channel catfish flesh.

Aeromonas veronii is associated with food spoilage and some human diseases, such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic septicemia or asymptomatic and even death. This research investigated the mechanism of the growth, biofilm formation, virulence, stress resistance, and spoilage potential of Bacillus subtilis lipopeptide against Aeromonas veronii. Lipopeptides suppressed the transmembrane transport of Aeromonas veronii by changing the cell membrane's permeability, the structure of membrane proteins, and Na+/K+-ATPase. Lipopeptide significantly reduced the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) by 86.03% and 56.12%, respectively, ultimately slowing Aeromonas veronii growth. Lipopeptides also restrained biofilm formation by inhibiting Aeromonas veronii motivation and extracellular polysaccharide secretion. Lipopeptides downregulated gene transcriptional levels related to the virulence and stress tolerance of Aeromonas veronii. Furthermore, lipopeptides treatment resulted in a considerable decrease in the extracellular protease activity of Aeromonas veronii, which restrained the decomposing of channel catfish flesh. This research provides new insights into lipopeptides for controlling Aeromonas veronii and improving food safety.

In vitro human gut microbiota fermentation of litchi pulp polysaccharides as affected by Lactobacillus pre-treatment.

In this study, litchi polysaccharides were obtained from unfermented or fermented pulp by Lactobacillus fermentum (denoted as LP and LPF, respectively). The differences between LP and LPF in the colonic fermentation characteristics and modulatory of gut microbiota growth and metabolism were investigated with an in vitro fecal fermentation model. Results revealed that the strategies of gut bacteria metabolizing LP and LPF were different and LPF with lower molecular weight (Mw) was readily utilized by bacteria. The monosaccharide utilization sequence of each polysaccharide was Ara > Gla > GalA > GlcA ≈ Glu ≈ Man. Moreover, LPF promoted stronger proliferation of Bifidobacterium, Megamonas, Prevotella, and Bacteroides and higher SCFAs production (especially acetic and butyric acids) than LP. Correlation analysis further revealed that Mw could represent an essential structural feature of polysaccharides associated with its microbiota-regulating effect. Overall, Lactobacillus fermentation pre-treatment of litchi pulp promoted the fermentation characteristics and prebiotic activities of its polysaccharide.

Effect of Novel Processing Techniques on the Carotenoid Release during the Production of Red Guava Juice.

Red guava, distinguished by its elevated lycopene content, emerges as a promising natural source of carotenoids. This study systematically evaluates the impact of diverse processing techniques on the efficient release of carotenoids. The primary objective is to facilitate the transfer of carotenoids into the juice fraction, yielding carotenoid-enriched juice seamlessly integrable into aqueous-based food matrices. The untreated guava puree exhibited a modest release of carotenoids, with only 66.26% of ß-carotene and 57.08% of lycopene reaching the juice. Contrastly, both high-pressure homogenization (HPH) at 25 MPa and enzyme (EM) treatment significantly enhanced carotenoid release efficiency (p < 0.05), while high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 400 MPa and pulsed electric field (PEF) of 4 kV/cm did not (p > 0.05). Notably, HPH demonstrated the most substantial release effect, with ß-carotene and lycopene reaching 90.78% and 73.85%, respectively. However, the stability of EM-treated samples was relatively poor, evident in a zeta-potential value of -6.51 mV observed in the juice. Correlation analysis highlighted the interactions between pectin and carotenoids likely a key factor influencing the stable dissolution or dispersion of carotenoids in the aqueous phase. The findings underscore HPH as a potent tool for obtaining carotenoid-enriched guava juice, positioning it as a desirable ingredient for clean-label foods.

Enhancing activity of food protein-derived peptides: An overview of pretreatment, preparation, and modification methods.

Food protein-derived peptides have garnered considerable attention due to their potential bioactivities and functional properties. However, the limited activity poses a challenge in effective utilization aspects. To overcome this hurdle, various methods have been explored to enhance the activity of these peptides. This comprehensive review offers an extensive overview of pretreatment, preparation methods, and modification strategies employed to augment the activity of food protein-derived peptides. Additionally, it encompasses a discussion on the current status and future prospects of bioactive peptide applications. The review also addresses the standardization of mass production processes and safety considerations for bioactive peptides while examining the future challenges and opportunities associated with these compounds. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable guide for researchers in the food industry, offering insights and recommendations to optimize the production process of bioactive peptides.

Modulation effect of black rice dietary fiber on the metabolism and fermentation of cyanidin-3-glucoside in an in vitro human colonic model.

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a great source of anthocyanins and dietary fiber and possesses various health-promoting properties. The modulating effect of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from black rice on the fermentation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G) in an in vitro human colonic model, together with the possible microbiota-mediated mechanisms, was investigated. The combined Cy3G and IDF fermentation can promote the biotransformation of Cy3G into phenolic compounds such as cyanidin and protocatechuic acid with stronger antioxidant activities and increase the total production of SCFAs during the fermentation of Cy3G. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the addition of IDF modulated the microbiota structure and bloomed Bacteroidota and Prevotellaceae-related genera, which were positively correlated with metabolites of Cy3G, thus potentially regulating the microbial metabolism of Cy3G. The work is of great significance for elucidating the material basis of the health benefits of black rice.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist: a promising cytokine against human squamous cell carcinomas.

Inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, is closely linked to tumor development. As essential chronic inflammatory cytokines, the interleukin family plays a key role in inflammatory infections and malignancies. The interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL1RA), as a naturally occurring receptor antagonist, is the first discovered and can compete with IL-1 in binding to the receptor. Recent studies have revealed the association of the polymorphisms in IL1RA with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), cervical squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and bronchus squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we reviewed the antitumor potential of IL1RA as an IL-1-targeted inhibitor.

Composition, processing, and quality control of whole flaxseed products used to fortify foods.

Whole flaxseed (flour) as a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and phytochemicals with excellent nutritional and functional attributes has been used to enrich foods for health promotion and disease prevention. However, several limitations and contemporary challenges still impact the development of whole flaxseed (flour)-enriched products on the global market, such as naturally occurring antinutritional factors and entrapment of nutrients within food matrix. Whole flaxseed (flour) with different existing forms could variably alter the techno-functional performance of food matrix, and ultimately affect the edible qualities of fortified food products. The potential interaction mechanism between the subject and object components in fortified products has not been elucidated yet. Hence, in this paper, the physical structure and component changes of flaxseed (flour) by pretreatments coupled with their potential influences on the edible qualities of multiple fortified food products were summarized and analyzed. In addition, several typical food products, including baked, noodle, and dairy products were preferentially selected to investigate the potential influencing mechanisms of flaxseed (flour) on different substrate components. In particular, the altered balance between water absorption of flaxseed protein/gum polysaccharides and the interruption of gluten network, lipid lubrication, lipid-amylose complexes, syneresis, and so forth, were thoroughly elucidated. The overall impact of incorporating whole flaxseed (flour) on the quality and nutritional attributes of fortified food products, coupled with the possible solutions against negative influences are aimed. This paper could provide useful information for expanding the application of whole flaxseed (flour) based on the optimal edible and nutritional properties of fortified food products.

Molecular mechanism of epicatechin gallate binding with carboxymethyl ß-glucan and its effect on antibacterial activity.

The non-covalent binding between flavanols and polysaccharides has impacts on their bioactivities, but the binding mechanism is less understood. This work aimed to unveil the non-covalent interactions between epicatechin gallate (ECG) and anionic carboxymethyl Poria cocos polysaccharide (CMPN) at the structural and molecular level based on the synergistic antibacterial effect between them. The results suggested that there was hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction between ECG and CMPN, which was also supported by the results of molecular dynamics simulations. The resulting changes in physicochemical properties enhanced the antibacterial activity of the ECG-CMPN mixture. More specifically, through two-dimensional Fourier transform infrared correlation spectrum (2D-FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analysis, COO- in CMPN carboxymethyl and CO in ECG galloyl had the highest response priority and binding strength in the interaction, allowing us to conclude the critical functional groups that affect the non-covalent interactions of polysaccharide and flavanols and their bioactivities.

Variation in characterization and probiotic activities of polysaccharides from litchi pulp fermented for different times.

This study investigated the chemical structures and probiotic potential of different polysaccharides (LPs) extracted from the litchi pulp that fermented with Lactobacillus fermentum for different times (i.e., 0-72 h corresponding to LP-0 through LP-72, respectively). Fermentation times affected the yields, total sugar contents, uronic acid contents, molecular weights, and monosaccharide compositions of LPs. The LPs yields and uronic acid contents exhibited irregular trends in association with fermentation time, while total sugar contents decreased, and the molecular weights increased. Particularly, LP-6 contained the highest extraction yields (2.67%), lowest uronic acid contents, and smallest average Mw (104 kDa) (p < 0.05). Moreover, analysis of the monosaccharide composition in the fermented LPs indicated that the proportions of glucose decreased, while arabinose and galacturonic acid proportions increased relative to unfermented LP-0. Further, LP-6 demonstrated the highest growth for Bifidobacterium compared to LP-0, while the other fermentation time led to comparable or worse probiotic promoting activities. These results suggest that lactic acid bacteria fermentation alters the physicochemical properties of litchi polysaccharides, such that suitable fermentation time can enhance their probiotic activities.

Insight into the Influence of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation on the Variations in Flavor of Chickpea Milk.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of fermentation on the levels of free amino acids (FAAs) and variations of volatile odorants in four groups of chickpea milk. Electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data were subjected to mutual validation. W2S and W3S sensors of E-nose were sensitive to volatile constituents in the four groups of unfermented and fermented specimens. After fermentation, the levels of FAAs in the four groups of specimens decreased to varying degrees. Additionally, there were remarkable differences in the types and contents of volatile odor substances in all specimens before and after fermentation. The principal component analysis findings based on E-nose identified the changes of volatile odorants in all specimens before and after fermentation. GC-MS identified 35 and 55 volatile flavor substances in unfermented and fermented specimens, respectively. The varieties of volatile odor substances in fermented chickpea milk (FCM) with papain treatment plus yam addition (38) were more than those in FCM (24), indicating that the coupled treatment of enzymolysis and yam addition could enrich the volatile odorants in fermented specimens. After probiotic fermentation, the contents of off-flavor substances decreased to a certain extent, and key aroma substances such as 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-butanedione, and heptyl formate were detected. These results demonstrated that lactic acid bacterial fermentation on the basis of enzymolysis and yam addition could be utilized as a feasible approach to improve the flavor of plant-based products adopting chickpea as the original ingredient.

Structures, physicochemical properties, and hypoglycemic activities of soluble dietary fibers from white and black glutinous rice bran: A comparative study.

To extend the applications of glutinous rice bran, a by-product of the glutinous rice processing industry, soluble dietary fibers (SDF) isolated from Chinese white (WSDF) and black (BSDF) glutinous rice bran were compared for their structures, physicochemical properties, and hypoglycemic activities in this study. Results showed that BSDF had higher glucose content while lower rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, and mannose contents, similar molecular weight, and a particular presence of anthocyanin compared to WSDF. Owing to the smaller particle size, higher viscosity, and more abundant network structures, BSDF had higher glucose adsorption capacity and retarding glucose diffusion ability than WSDF. The evaluations in vitro kinetics showed that addition of BSDF in starch led to a smaller glucose absorption rate constant and expected glucose index than WSDF, although BSDF showed lower α-amylase inhibitory ability. Interactions between the SDF and α-amylase, which were mediated by van der Waals force and hydrogen bond (WSDF-α-amylase) and hydrophobic interaction (BSDF-α-amylase), induced partial transformation of α-amylase from α-helix and ß-sheet to ß-turn and random coil. In summary, both WSDF and BSDF could be used as natural food additives for the reduction of postprandial blood glucose level and the enhancement of antioxidant activity in food products, while BSDF may show better efficacy.

Determination of 14 Isoflavone Isomers in Natto by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Antioxidation and Antiglycation Profiles.

Natto is a famous traditional fermented food, but the influence of the fermentation process on the content and composition of soybean isoflavones and nutritional value is still unclear. In the present study, the variation in soybean isoflavones during fermentation by Bacillus subtilis natto was revealed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS (Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry) analysis. After 24 h of fermentation, the total isoflavone content in natto increased by 1.62 times compared with fresh soybean, and the content of aglycones was 3.07 times that of raw beans. More importantly, among 14 isoflavone isomers identified in natto, the isomers of daidzin, genistin, and succinyl genistin were detected for the first time, which might be due to the result of isomerase and succinylase and other corresponding enzymes' action in Bacillus subtilis. In addition, natto isoflavones performed great antioxidant activity than its monomer components (glycosides daidzin and genistin, aglycones genistein and daidzein), except for genistein. Moreover, natto isoflavone and its aglycones (especially genistein) performed great inhibitory activity against AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) in three in vitro models. The mechanism test showed that genistein could form adducts (UPLC-Q-TOF-ESI-MS/MS analysis) with methylglyoxal. These findings demonstrated that soybean fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto had a significant influence on the isoflavone profiles and its bioactivity.

Phenolic profiles and bioactivities of different milling fractions of rice bran from black rice.

Phytochemicals are unevenly distributed in grain kernels and concentrated in bran fractions. However, their specific distribution in the grain bran, especially colored grains, is not clarified. This study divided rice bran from black rice into five fractions by stepwise milling to obtain BF1(outermost layer) to BF5 (the innermost layer). Each fraction accounted for approximately 2% of the whole kernel. The total content of phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and anthocyanins (TAC) of five fractions significantly decreased from BF1 to BF5. The TPC, TFC and TAC of BF1 contribute 25.7%, 28.2%, 28.4% to the total of five fractions, respectively. HPLC analysis showed that the contents of most anthocyanin and phenolic acids compounds decreased from BF1 to BF5. Together with α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of BF1, the antioxidant activity was higher than those of other fractions. These results can guide the moderate processing of black rice and the utilization of its bran.

Evaluation of intraoral optical scanning accuracy for fine structure reconstruction and occlusal records of inlay/onlay preparations.

AIM: The present study aimed to determine the impact of different degrees of salivary contamination and variations in occlusal force during intraoral scanning of inlay/onlay cavities on the accuracy of fine structure reconstruction and occlusal records. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital data of inlay/onlay models, collected using an intraoral scanner, were divided into 40 groups according to the restoration type (onlay or inlay), salivary contamination level (none, completely dry; mild, moist but not visually completely apparent; moderate, half-filled cavity; severe, filled-up cavity), and simulated occlusal force (0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 kg). The acquired 120 datasets were used to measure the average interocclusal space and cavity buccolingual internal angle. RESULTS: Salivary contamination and occlusal force did affect the occlusal contact (P < 0.001), but restoration type did not (P > 0.05). An interaction was found between inlay type and salivary contamination (P < 0.001), but not between occlusal force and salivary contamination (P > 0.05). Salivary contamination also affected the accuracy of fine structure reconstruction (P < 0.001), but restoration type did not (P > 0.05), and no interaction was found between the two factors (P > 0.05). The difference in the measured internal angle increased with the increase in salivary contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral optical scanning of inlay/onlay preparations was reliable for recording occlusal contact but showed uncertainty in cavity fine structure reconstruction when moderate or severe salivary contamination was present in the cavity. Nevertheless, a moist cavity surface with no visually apparent salivary contamination is acceptable. (Int J Comput Dent 2022;25(3):257-265; doi: 10.3290/j.ijcd.b2599691).

Improved bond performances of self-etch adhesives to enamel through increased MDP-Ca salt formation via phosphoric acid pre-etching.

OBJECTIVES: The chemical affinity between 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) is an important factor in the enamel bonding provided by MDP-based self-etch (SE) adhesives, besides microinterlocking mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate how phosphoric acid pre-etching affects MDP-Ca salt formation in the application of MDP-based SE adhesives. METHODS: Single Bond Universal (SBU), All Bond Universal (ABU), Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CBQ), and a MDP-based all-in-one adhesive (EXP) were used in both SE and etch-and-rinse (ER) modes, along with Clearfil SE Bond and untreated enamel (UE) as controls. The MDP-Ca salts produced with or without etching were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Zeta potential, contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy measurements were employed to elucidate the mechanism behind the changes in MDP/HAp chemical affinity upon pre-etching. RESULTS: The percentage of MDP-Ca salt in EXP_ER (73.13%) was higher than that in EXP_SE (43.27%). Characteristic CH2 (1130, 1441, 2853, and 2909 cm-1), CC (1641 cm-1), and CO (1718 cm-1) bands were observed in the Raman spectra of EXP_ER. Pre-etching increased the negative zeta potential of the enamel surface compared to that of UE (P < 0.001). The contact angles of MDP-based adhesives applied to pre-etched enamel were significantly lower than those of the self-etched surface (P < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The increased MDP-Ca salt formation is a significant advantage of phosphoric acid pre-etching, improving the MDP/HAp chemical affinity in addition to increasing surface wettability.

Metabolites of Procyanidins From Litchi Chinensis Pericarp With Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Effect and Antioxidant Activity.

Procyanidins from litchi pericarp (LPPC) has been evidenced to possess strong antioxidant activities in vivo that is possibly correlated with their intestinal metabolites. However, the xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect of LPPC and its metabolites was less concerned. In this study, three oligomeric procyanidins and eight metabolic phenolic acids were identified in the urine of rats administrated with LPPC by high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Data indicated that all the metabolites excreted were significantly increased by the treatment of 300 mg/kg body weight of LPPC (P < 0.05), revealing considerable 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals activities of scavenging. Moreover, phenolic metabolites involving epicatechin, A-type dimer, A-type trimer, caffeic acid, and shikimic acid exhibited greater xanthine oxidase inhibition effects compared with other metabolites, with an inhibitory rate higher than 50% at the concentration 200 µg/ml. The IC50 value of these five phenols were 58.43 ± 1.86, 68.37 ± 3.50, 74.87 ± 1.30, 95.67 ± 3.82, and 96.17 ± 1.64 µg/ml, respectively. As a whole, this work suggests that the xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity of LPPC-derived metabolites as one of the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of LPPC against hyperuricemia or gout.

Diabetes diminishes a typical metabolite of litchi pericarp oligomeric procyanidins (LPOPC) in urine mediated by imbalanced gut microbiota.

Animal studies and clinical trials have shown that dietary polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications, but how diabetes regulates the metabolism of polyphenol has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects of diabetes on litchi pericarp oligomeric procyanidin (LPOPC) dynamic metabolism and its major static metabolites in urine. First, a high-fat and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model was established. In the diabetic rat model, elevated fasting blood glucose, severely impaired glucose tolerance test, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in serum and the liver were observed. Subsequently, 200 mg per kg body weight of LPOPC was administrated to control and diabetic SD rats, and the gastrointestinal tract was collected at 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h. The results showed that the retention time of LPOPC was not changed in our diabetic rat model. However, the gut microbiota were significantly altered, with elevated Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia abundance in diabetic rats and decreased short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. Interestingly, after one dose of 300 mg per kg body weight LPOPC, the total antioxidant capacity of urine in diabetic rats significantly decreased. We then tested the static metabolites of LPOPC, demonstrating that epicatechin had not changed in urine in diabetic rats, but that shikimic acid was significantly reduced in urine in diabetic rats. The changes in shikimic acid may be due to the alteration of gut microbiota and elevated ROS levels in serum.

Fabrication and characterization of whey protein isolates- lotus seedpod proanthocyanin conjugate: Its potential application in oxidizable emulsions.

Emulsified ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid have expanding application in different food matrix with improved water solubility while still prone to oxidation. Lotus seedpod proanthocyanidin (LSPC) was grafted to whey protein isolate (WPI) to create nature-derived antioxidant emulsifiers. 1HNMR, SDS-PAGE and multiple spectrometry showed that the structure of protein was changed after grafting. DPPH and FRAP measurements showed that WPI-LSPC conjugate (90.53 ± 1.48% of DPPH scavenging, 691.85 ± 4.54 µg/mL for FRAP assay) possessed a much better antioxidant ability than WPI (17.06 ± 3.34% of DPPH scavenging, 10.43 ± 0.26 µg/mL for FRAP assay). Ultrasonic emulsification and DSC experiments showed that WPI-LSPC conjugate were more effective at forming and stabilizing the flaxseed oil emulsions than pure WPI, with higher thermostability. Likewise, low levels of primary and secondary oxidation products were formed for the conjugate than the pure protein in O/W systems after storage, again suggesting WPI-LSPC could be used as fine antioxidant emulsifiers in oxidizing delivery systems.

Overexpression of membranal SLC3A2 regulates the proliferation of oral squamous cancer cells and affects the prognosis of oral cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer in oral and maxillofacial tissue. This study aimed to investigate the expression of SLC3A2 in human OSCC tissues and its regulatory roles in OSCC. METHODS: The expression of SLC3A2 in human OSCC tissues was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cells were evaluated after knockdown of SLC3A2. RESULTS: The expression of SLC3A2 in OSCC was higher than that in normal oral epithelial cells. SLC3A2 had higher expression levels in OSCC tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues. Upregulation of SLC3A2 was associated with advanced stages and poor survival of OSCC patients. In vitro experiments showed that knocking down of SLC3A2 was associated with reduced migration, invasion, and proliferation, but increased apoptosis of OSCC cells. CONCLUSION: SLC3A2 exerted a harmful effect on OSCC patients by increasing migration, invasion and proliferation, and decreasing apoptosis.