Circular RNA Sec61 subunit alpha isoform 1 by competitive absorption of microRNA-513a-5p mediates peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 expression and promotes the malignant phenotype of non-small cell lung cancer.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are functional RNAs in the development and metabolism of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therein, this paper particularly elucidated the circRNA SEC61 subunit alpha isoform 1 (circSEC61A1) in NSCLC has not been fully elucidated. Clinical analysis of circSEC61A1 expression was performed on specimens collected from 51 patients with primary NSCLC, together with patients' survival. Cell experiments were performed after interfering with circSEC61A1, microRNA (miR)-513a-5p, and peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (PEX5) expression, respectively, and cell malignant phenotypes and aerobic glycolysis were evaluated, as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Xenografts experiments studied the performance of circSEC61A1 in vivo. The downstream molecules of circSEC61A1 were searched. Our data demonstrated that circSEC61A1 was upregulated in NSCLC patients, showing an association with poorer survival outcomes. In cell experiments, circSEC61A1 overexpression promoted NSCLC malignant phenotypes, glycolysis, EMT, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activation, whereas circSEC61A1 underexpression did the opposite. Knockdown of circSEC61A1 limited tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, circSEC61A1 could regulate PEX5 expression through competitive absorption of miR-513a-5p. Generally, circSEC61A1 is a potential biomarker for NSCLC, and circSEC61A1 serves tumor-promoting action in the progression of NSCLC.

miRNA-103 promotes chondrocyte apoptosis by down-regulation of Sphingosine kinase-1 and ameliorates PI3K/AKT pathway in osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of miRNA-103 on chondrocyte apoptosis and molecular mechanisms in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. METHODS: The cell proliferation, apoptosis, and recovery ability were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and wound healing assays. The interaction of miRNA-103 and Sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1) were determined by using luciferase reporter assay. The expression of mRNA and proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. OA rat model was established by surgery stimulation. RESULTS: miRNA-103 expression was significantly increased in the cartilage of OA patients and surgery-induced OA rat models. miRNA-103 transfection into primary rat chondrocytes reduced SPHK1 expression, induced apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, and impeded scratch assay wound closure. Moreover, expression of total AKT, and p-AKT were significantly reduced in miRNA-103-overexpressing chondrocytes while SPHK1 up-regulation increased the expression of phosphatidylinsitol-3-kinase (PI3K) and p-AKT, and reversed the proliferation suppression induced by the miRNA-103 mimic. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies suggest that miRNA-103 contributes to chondrocyte apoptosis, promoting OA progression by down-regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway through the reduction in SPHK1 activity.

Concurrent apatinib and local radiation therapy for advanced gastric cancer: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Apatinib is a novel anti-angiogenic agent targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, which is effective in patients with chemotherapy-refractory gastric cancer. There are no reports of concurrent apatinib with local radiation therapy in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES:: we present the first published report of a 70-year-old male patient with advanced gastric cancer who received concurrent apatinib and local radiation therapy after failure of oxaliplatin and S-1 chemotherapy. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The patient received concurrent apatinib and local radiation therapy and was followed up 7 months after therapy without disease progress, 14 months later indicated extensive metastasis and this patient died of pulmonary infection. LESSONS: Elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer may benefit from concurrent apatinib with local radiation therapy when chemotherapy is not tolerated or successful. Further studies are needed to investigate the clinical outcomes and toxicities associated with concurrent apatinib and radiation therapy in gastric cancer.