STMN1 as a novel prognostic biomarker in HCC correlating with immune infiltrates and methylation.

BACKGROUND: Upregulation of Stathmin 1 (STMN1), a cytoplasmic phosphoprotein that controls the dynamics of cellular microtubules, is linked to malignant behavior and poor prognosis in a range of malignancies. However, little research has been done on STMN1's potential role in HCC as a single factor in DNA methylation, m6A, or immunological modulation. RESULTS: STMN1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, where it is related to clinicopathological parameters and affects the prognosis of HCC patients. STMN1 overexpression plays an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Meanwhile, methylation of 7 CpG sites of STMN1 in HCC was correlated with prognosis, and STMN1 expression was closely related to m6A modification. In addition, STMN1 expression is associated with immune cell infiltration, immune molecules, and immune checkpoints in HCC. CONCLUSION: STMN1 has a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and prediction. STMN1 is implicated not just in the onset and course but also in the immunological modulation of the disease. DNA methylation and m6A are both linked to STMN1. Therefore, STMN1 could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC, as well as a target for immunotherapy.

[Study on the presence of hepatitis B virus in first-trimester villi in pregnant women with hepatitis B surface antigen positive].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in first-trimester villi cells from pregnant women carrying HBsAg. METHODS: Immunohistochemical streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex (SABC) staining with monoclonal HBsAg, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and PCR, in situ hybridization were used for detection of HBV infection markers in villi. Positive villi ultramicrostructures were observed with transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: HBV was detected in 8 of 25 villi of HBsAg positive pregnant women, the positive rate was 32%. HBsAg was located in the decidual cell, trophoblastic cell and villous mesenchymal cell. HBV analog was detected in rough endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblastic cell. CONCLUSIONS: HBV may infect villous cells in first-trimester pregnancy. It would be impossible for HBV to transmit the desmosomes.