[Considerations for the development of adult vaccination in China].

Adult vaccination is an important component of the life-course immunization for all. Strengthening adult vaccination in China contributes to shrinking immunization gaps between regions and groups, enhancing the overall immunity of our population, and promoting health equity and social prosperity. Chinese adults bear the heavy burden of vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal diseases and shingles, and have low coverage of vaccines against those diseases, so it is necessary to make efforts to improve adult vaccination development. This article focuses on elaborating the values of adult vaccination, introducing the current status of adult vaccination abroad, and analyzing the challenges and existing foundations for China to provide adult vaccination, and makes suggestions for the building and development of adult vaccination.

[Current status of vaccination services for adults in urban and rural areas of nine provinces in China from 2019 to 2021].

Objective: To understand the current situation of vaccination services for adults in China, explore how to establish a stable and efficient vaccination service system for adults, and provide reference for formulating corresponding policies. Methods: The vaccination information systems of nine provinces in China were used to obtain information on urban and rural vaccination of influenza vaccine, 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23), and human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) from 2019 to 2021. The indicator, vaccination rate/full vaccination rate, was used for statistical description. Results: The vaccination rate/full vaccination rate of the three vaccines in eastern China was generally higher than that in central and western China. The vaccination rate/full vaccination rate in urban areas was generally higher than that in rural areas. From 2019 to 2021, the vaccination rates of influenza vaccine among people aged 60 years and above in urban and rural areas were 2.96%, 6.29%, 6.14% and 1.29%, 2.58%, 2.94%, respectively. The vaccination rates of the PPV23 among people aged 60 years and above in urban and rural areas increased year by year, with rates of 0.38%, 1.05%, 1.15% and 0.14%, 0.49%, 0.59%, respectively. From 2019 to 2021, the HPV coverage of female adults aged 27-45 years in urban and rural areas increased year by year, with rates of 0.46%, 0.93%, 1.88% and 0.17%, 0.40%, 1.08%, respectively. Conclusion: The vaccination rates of influenza vaccine,PPV23 vaccine and HPV vaccine for adults in China are relatively low, with higher rates in the eastern region than in the central and western regions, and higher rates in urban areas than in rural areas. It is recommended to formulate corresponding health and economic policies and explore a suitable vaccination service system for adults in China to improve vaccination rates.

[Thoughts and suggestions on co-administration of seasonal influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine].

In the context of the global pandemic of COVID-19, the epidemic intensity, epidemic characteristics and infection risk of influenza have presented new features. COVID-19 and influenza have simultaneously emerged in many regions of the world. COVID-19 and influenza are similar in terms of transmission mode, clinical symptoms and other aspects. There are also similarities in the mechanism of influenza virus and novel coronavirus on cells. At the same time, it is feasible and significant to do a good job in the prevention and control of COVID-19 and influenza. This paper discusses the relevant strategies and measures for the joint prevention and control of influenza and novel coronavirus from the aspects of influenza vaccination to prevent co-infection, simultaneous vaccination of influenza vaccine and novel coronavirus vaccine, etc., and puts forward corresponding thoughts and suggestions, in order to provide scientific support for the formulation of strategies on seasonal influenza vaccine and novel coronavirus vaccination.

[Application of neuroendoscopy combined with fluorescence angiography in anterior circulation aneurysm clipping].

Objective: To explore the value of neuroendoscopy combined with fluorescence angiography in anterior circulation aneurysm clipping. Methods: A total of 15 patients with anterior circulation aneurysm from Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between October 2018 and January 2019 were enrolled. Neuroendoscopy combined with indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGA) was used to determine the shape of the aneurysm, the specific location of the aneurysm neck and its relationship with the aneurysm-bearing artery during anterior circulation aneurysm clipping. Meanwhile, Neuroendoscopy combined with ICGA can be employed to observe whether there was stenosis and incomplete clamping of the aneurysm-bearing artery after clipping the aneurysm, and whether there was misclamping of the perforating branches hidden under the posterior wall of the aneurysm. Results: The success rate of aneurysm clipping in 15 cases was 15/15. After aneurysm clipping, ICGA and neuroendoscopy were performed. The residual aneurysm neck was detected in 3 cases, and the position of aneurysm clip was adjusted or aneurysm clips were added. In one case, the anterior choroidal aneurysm was found to be mistakenly clipped. After adjusting the aneurysm clip, ICGA and neuroendoscopy showed that the anterior choroidal artery was normal. In another case, the A1 segment aneurysm was clipped. ICGA and neuroendoscopy found that the perforating branch blood vessels were mistakenly clipped. After the adjustment of the aneurysm clip, the blood vessels recovered their patency. There were no surgical-related deaths, disability and coma cases in the study. Conclusions: During aneurysm clipping, neuroendoscopy combined with ICGA can reduce cerebral vasospasm, decrease the misclipping rate of perforation of blood vessels, and avoid residual neck of aneurysm, stenosis or occlusion of aneurysm-bearing artery by using neuroendoscopy to observe whether misclipping of the perforating branch vessels exist and whether the aneurysm is clipped. Therefore, it can reduce postoperative complications.

[Interaction between PSF and cytokeratin 18 mediates PSF relocation to cell membrane and maintains chemosensitivity of myeloid leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the chaperone of polypyrimidine tractor-binding protein-associated splicing factor (PSF) in myeloid leukemia cells, and to explore the mechanism and redistributive pattern to cell surface of PSF in chemo-sensitive HL60 cells and resistant HL60/DOX cells. METHODS: The eukaryotic expression vector of PSF was transfected with liposomes transiently, then flow cytometry was used to detect the expression level of PSF on the cell surface 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after vector transfections. We constructed a chimeric expression vector, streptavidin binding peptide (SBP)-PSF, meanwhile this vector was transfected and made SBP-PSF fusion protein overexpress. In addition, we used streptavidin magnetic beads to precipitate the cellular chaperonin of PSF and then identified its chaperonin by mass spectrometry (MS). Lentiviral vectors containing cytokeratin18 (K18) interference sequences were transfected into 293T cells to prepare lentivirus. HL60 and HL60/DOX cells were infected with lentivirus to obtain stable interfering K18 cell lines. Next, flow cytometry was used to test the membrane relocation level of PSF. Together, these methods confirmed the similar or different mechanisms of the PSF redistributing to membrane synergistically mediated by K18 in HL60 and HL60/DOX cells. RESULTS: The expression of membrane relocated PSF was detected every day for three days (at the end of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h) after transient overexpression. The expressing rate of PSF on the cell surface was 22.4%±3.5%, 37.9%±6.0%, 58.3%±8.8%, respectively in sensitive HL60 cells, while that was 4.7%±0.5%, 3.9%±0.6%, 2.9%±0.6% , respectively in resistant HL60/DOX cells. The difference of expressing rate on each day was significant, P<0.01. We identified K18 detected by co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrum assay which was the cellular chaperone of PSF. We found that K18 knockdown decreased the PSF expression level which redistributed on cell surface from 48.9%±5.4% to 6.2%±1.0% in sensitive HL60 cells, and from 9.11%±1.2% to 2.21%±0.51% in resistant HL60/DOX cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: K18 is the intracellular chaperonin of PSF. The interaction of PSF and K18 mediates its redistribution to cell membrane in sensitive cells. While in resistant cells, PSF failed to relocate at the cell surface and accumulated in cells, which mediated resistance to chemotherapeutics.

[Association study of genetic variations in SLCO1B3 gene with prognosis in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of TA regimen].

Objective: To assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLCO1B3 gene with prognosis of breast cancer (BC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of TA regimen (taxane and antharcycline drugs). Methods: 439 female BC patients were recruited and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of TA regimen. A blood sample (2 ml) of peripheral blood was collected from each patient before chemotherapy. Tagging SNPs (tag-SNPs) were selected. We investigated the association of tag-SNPs with prognosis, by Sequenom Mass ARRAY system platform, characterizing tag-SNPs. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for progression or death were calculated by multivariable-adjusted Cox regression model. Results: Seven tag-SNPs (rs11045689, rs200104106, rs3764006, rs3834935, rs4149117, rs7305323 and rs73241801) were selected for study. Compared with individuals carrying the rs11045689 GG genotype, individuals carrying rs11045689 AA genotype performed worse PFS and OS, with the HR (95% CI) for progression being 1.39 (1.11~1.75) and the HR (95% CI) for death being 1.38 (1.04~1.83). Compared with individuals carrying the rs73241801 CC genotype, individuals carrying rs73241801 TT genotype performed better OS (P=0.041), with the HR (95% CI) for death being 0.65 (0.44~0.94). The number of risk allele was significantly associated with PFS (P=0.012) and OS (P=0.017) of BC patients by accumulation analysis. Compared with individuals carrying one or less than one risk allele, individuals carrying four risk alleles performed worse PFS and OS, with the HR (95% CI) for progression being 1.37 (1.09~1.72) and the HR (95% CI) for death being 1.36 (1.02~1.81). Conclusion: The variations of rs11045689 and rs73241801 in SLCO1B3 gene were significantly associated with prognosis of BC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of TA regimen, which might serve as biomarkers for predicting prognosis of BC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 109 patients with crayfish-related rhabdomyolysis].

A total of 109 in patients with crayfish-related rhabdomyolysis were enrolled in our hospital from July to August 2016,including 31.2%(34/109)males and 68.8% (75/109)females.The number of home-cooked crayfish accounted for 60.6% (66/109). Main symptom was back pain 96.3% (105/109). The misdiagnosis rate was 15.6% (17/109). On day 1, 2, 3 after admission and the day before discharge,serum creatine kinase were 1 175(446, 2 258)IU/L,3 710(2 137, 8 875)IU/L,1 899(1 063, 4 595)IU/L and 317(152, 532)IU/L,respectively(P<0.001).Serum myoglobin were (603±484)µg/L,(313±284)µg/L,(104±74)µg/L and (55±20)µg/L,respectively(F=39.1, P<0.001).Females were more susceptible to crayfish-related rhabdomyolysis. Home-cooked crayfish is prone to induce rhabdomyolysis and easily to be misdiagnosed. Creatine kinase and myoglobin showed characteristic dynamic changes.

[Role of TNF-α in vascular remodeling in rats with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension].

Objective: To analyze the relationship between TNF-α and pulmonary vascular remodeling in order to explore the pathogenesis of CTEPH. Methods: Autologous blood clots were repeatedly injected into the left jugular vein of rats to establish the CTEPH model. Then mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), histopathology, the plasma level of TNF-α, and the expressions of mRNA and protein of TNF-α in pulmonary artery were measured. Results: In the experiment group, the mPAP and vessel wall area/total area (WA/TA) ratio gradually increased as emblism extended, and increased significantly compared with the sham operation group. The plasma TNF-α concentration in the experimental group increased significantly (P<0.05). The TNF-α proteins expressed in pulmonary artery in the 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week subgroups of experimental group increased significantly compared with the sham operation group (1.62±0.08 vs 0.85±0.12, P<0.05; 1.85±0.08 vs 0.89±0.13, P<0.05; 1.37±0.12 vs 0.91±0.15, P<0.05, respectively). Immunohistochemical results showed that TNF-α expression was higher in pulmonary artery endothelial cells of the experimental group compared with the sham operation group. The expression of pulmonary artery TNF-α protein was positively related with mPAP (r=0.605, P<0.01), and with WA/TA (r=0.629, P<0.01). The expression of serum TNF-α was positively related with that of pulmonary artery TNF-α protein (r=0.721, P<0.01). Conclusion: A rat model of CTEPH can be established by repeatedly introducing autologous blood clots into the pulmonary artery with injecting TXA. Thrombosis induced higher expression of TNF-α in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells, and released into the blood. TNF-α may play an important role in the development of CTEPH, especially by contributing to vascular remodeling and PH.

P2X7 receptor in the hippocampus is involved in gp120-induced cognitive dysfunction.

To investigate the role of the P2X7 receptor in learning and memory dysfunction induced by HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 (gp120), we established HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD) animal models by intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of gp120 in rats. We observed gp120-induced cognitive dysfunction in the radial arm water maze test. Results showed that rats in the gp120 groups had longer escape latencies and more errors compared to those in the control group. For example, the average trial time in the 50-ng/day-gp120 group on day eight (16.57 ± 1.71 s, N = 90) was significantly longer than that of control rats (9.93 ± 0.68 s, N = 90). The relative expression of P2X7 mRNA in the control, 50-, 70-, and 100-ng/day-gp120 groups were 0.43 ± 0.06, 0.48 ± 0.07, 0.83 ± 0.05, and 0.84 ± 0.10, respectively; relative P2X7 protein expression in those groups was 0.63 ± 0.07, 1.08 ± 0.06, 0.90 ± 0.07, and 1.03 ± 0.11, respectively. According to immunohistochemistry analysis, the staining intensity values for P2X7 protein expression in the control, 50-, 70-, and 100-ng/d-gp120 groups were 0.88 ± 0.07, 1.41 ± 0.12, 1.28 ± 0.13, and 1.31 ± 0.10, respectively. The above results showed that the expression of P2X7 increased significantly in the hippocampus of gp120 rats compared to that of the control group. These results suggest that ICV infusion of gp120 can successfully mimic HAD in rats, and P2X7 may be involved in gp120-induced cognitive dysfunction. This could provide a theoretical foundation and potential drug target for research and treatment of ADC.

[Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided or neurostimulator-guided bilateral axillary brachial plexus block].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of bilateral axillary brachial plexus block under the guidance of ultrasound or neurostimulator. Methods: From February 2012 to April 2014, 120 patients undergoing bilateral hand/forearm surgery in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were enrolled and anaesthetized with bilateral axillary brachial plexus block. All patients were divided into two groups randomly using random number table: the ultrasound-guided group (group U, n=60) and the neurostimulator-guidedgroup (group N, n=60). The block was performed with 0.5% ropivacaine. Patients' age, sex and operation duration were recorded. Moreover, success rate, performance time, onset of sensor and motor block, performance pain, patient satisfaction degree and the incidence of related complications were also documented. Venous samples were collected at selected time points and the total and the plasma concentrations of ropivacaine were analyzed with HPLC. Results: The performance time, the onset of sensor block and the onset of motor block of group U were (8.2±1.5), (14.2± 2.2)and (24.0±3.5)min respectively, which were markedly shorter than those in group N( (14.6±3.9), (19.9±3.8), (28.8±4.2)min, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant(t=11.74, 10.09, 6.73, respectively, all P<0.01). The performance pain score of group N was (25.5± 13.2), which was obviously more serious than group U (31.7± 11.2) and a significant statistical difference was detected (t=2.856, P<0.05). The patient satisfaction degree of group U was 95.0%, which was significantly higher than group N (83.3%) and a markedly statistical difference was detected (χ(2)=4.227, P<0.05). Fifty min after performance, the total plasma concentration of ropivacaine of group U was(1.76±0.48)mg/L, which was significantly lower than group N (1.88±0.53)mg/L and a significant statistical difference was detected (t=2.43, P<0.05), while no significant differences were detected at the other time points between two groups (P>0.05). No analgesic was superadded and no other anesthesia methods were applied. No complications were detected perioperatively. Conclusions: The bilateral axillary brachial plexus block under the guidance of ultrasound or neurostimulator are both effective and safe for bilateral hand/forearm surgery. However, the ultrasound-guided block may be more clinically beneficial because of its shorter performance time, rapid onset and higher patient satisfaction degree.

Co-expression network analysis prioritizes signaling pathways regulating liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

The liver has extraordinary powers of regeneration following partial hepatectomy (PH). Changes in gene expression levels play a key role in cell proliferation and differentiation during liver regeneration (LR). To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying LR, this study was designed to assess the time-dependent changes in rat hepatic gene expression. We obtained a gene expression profile of rat LR with high temporal resolution. We then constructed gene co-expression networks of regenerating liver tissue and identified 13 LR-specific modules from 1772 differentially expressed genes, and prioritized signaling pathways that regulated LR after PH. The results indicated that adipocytokine signaling, histone acetylation, and IL-6-related pathways play an important role in LR. Co-expression network analysis provides novel insight into understanding the molecular mechanisms behind LR.

Expression profiles of genes associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and their roles in liver regeneration.

Mitochondria are closely associated with cell survival, and it is of interest to determine whether apoptosis pathways, which are mediated by mitochondria, are involved in liver regeneration (LR). To identify the mechanisms underlying mitochondria-mediated apoptosis during rat LR, we used the Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array to investigate changes in gene expression. Next, we searched the GO and NCBI databases for genes associated with apoptosis mediated by mitochondria, and QIAGEN and KEGG databases for any related signaling pathways. The expression profile function (Et) was then used to calculate the activity level of known signaling pathways associated with apoptosis. The results revealed the expression of 436 genes associated with apoptosis signaling pathways, among which 152 were confirmed to be primarily related to LR. Overall, 99, 136, 95, and 91 genes were first expressed during the initiation [0.5-4 h after partial hepatectomy (PH)], G0/G1 transition (4-6 h after PH), cell proliferation (6-66 h after PH), and redifferentiation and structural reconstruction (66-144 h after PH) phases, demonstrating that LR-related genes were primarily induced in the initiation phase, and were then expressed across multiple phases. Analysis using the gene synergy formula (Et) showed that caspase-dependent and DNA fragment-related/unrelated pathways induced apoptosis in the early and late periods of LR, and the caspase-independent and DNA fragment-related/unrelated pathways almost in the whole process. Therefore, these results show that several apoptosis pathways regulate LR in rat.

Expression profiles of the apoptosis signaling pathway mediated by death receptor and endoplasmic reticulum in rat liver regeneration.

The death receptor and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are closely related to cell apoptosis, and it is worth studying whether the apoptosis pathways mediated by them are involved in liver regeneration. To understand the mechanism underlying death receptor- and ER-mediated apoptosis during rat liver regeneration, we used the Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array to determine the changes in gene expression. We then searched the gene ontology (GO) and NCBI databases for genes associated with cell apoptosis mediated by the death receptor and ER. QIAGEN and KEGG databases were used for the related signaling pathways. We used the expression profile function to calculate the activity levels of the known apoptosis signaling pathways. The results of our study showed that the initial gene expression numbers in initiation, G0/G1 transition, cell proliferation, and redifferentiation and structural reconstruction phases were 32, 25, 44, and 29, respectively. This demonstrates that liver regeneration-related genes primarily start their expression in the initiation phase and work differently in each phase. By calculation and analysis using the gene synergy formula, it was suggested that the apoptosis signaling pathways [FAS, death receptor 3 (DR3), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), and ER] induced cell apoptosis in whole liver regeneration and anti-apoptosis pathways (DR3 and TNFR2) restrained apoptosis in the early phase of liver regeneration. In summary, these apoptosis pathways coordinated and regulated quality and quantity of the regenerating liver cells.

Proteome analysis of the liver in the Chinese fire-bellied newt Cynops orientalis.

The Chinese fire-bellied newt, Cynops orientalis, belonging to Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae is a species endemic to China. The liver, which is an important digestive gland and the largest amphibian organ, has various functions, including detoxification, glycogen storage, protein synthesis, and hormone production. However, the newt liver has rarely been studied at the molecular level. We performed histomorphology and high-throughput proteomic analysis of the Chinese fire-bellied newt liver, using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. The H&E staining showed that the newt liver nuclei are large and round, are located in the lateral cytoplasm, and contain a large quantity of lipid droplets. Melanins were abundantly present throughout the hepatic parenchyma. The proteome analysis showed a total of 545 proteins detected in the newt liver. Furthermore, a gene ontology analysis suggested that these proteins were associated with metabolism, immune response, cellular homeostasis, etc. Among these, proteins with metabolic functions were found to be the most abundant and highly expressed. This supports the role of the liver as the metabolic center. The proteomic results provide new insights into the aspects of the liver proteomes of the Chinese fire-bellied newt. The identification of a more global liver proteome in the newt may provide a basis for characterizing and comparing the liver proteomes from other amphibian species.

Branches of the NF-κB signaling pathway regulate proliferation of oval cells in rat liver regeneration.

The NF-kB (nuclear factor kB) pathway is involved in the proliferation of many cell types. To explore the mechanism of the NF-kB signaling pathway underlying the oval cell proliferation during rat liver regeneration, the Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array was used to detect expression changes of NF-kB signaling pathway-related genes in oval cells. The results revealed that the expression levels of many genes in the NF-kB pathway were significantly changed. This included 48 known genes and 16 homologous genes, as well as 370 genes and 85 homologous genes related to cell proliferation. To further understand the biological significance of these changes, an expression profile function was used to analyze the potential biological processes. The results showed that the NF-kB pathway promoted oval cell proliferation mainly through three signaling branches; the tumor necrosis factor alpha branch (TNF-a pathway), the growth factor branch, and the chemokine branch. An integrated statistics method was used to define the key genes in the NF-kB pathway. Seven genes were identified to play vital roles in the NF-kB pathway. To confirm these results, the protein content, including two key genes (TNF and FGF11) and two non-key genes (CCL2 and TNFRSF12A), were analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. The results were generally consistent with those of the array data. To conclude, three branches and seven key genes were involved in the NF-kB signaling pathway that regulates oval cell proliferation during rat liver regeneration.

Protective effects of naringin against gp120-induced injury mediated by P2X7 receptors in BV2 microglial cells.

This study was aimed at exploring the effects of P2X7 receptors on gp120-induced injury and naringin's protective effects against gp120-induced injury in BV2 microglia. BV2 microglia injury model was established by gp120 treatment and MTS assay was used to verify whether naringin has a cell-protective effect against gp120-induced injury. Changes in P2X7 receptor expression were assayed using RT-PCR, qPCR, and western blot. Results showed that the ODs of the Ctrl, gp120, gp120+naringin, and gp120+BBG groups were 0.91 ± 0.10, 0.71 ± 0.09, 0.83 ± 0.10, and 0.83 ± 0.10, respectively. Compared to the control group, the gp120 group showed a significantly decreased cell survival rate. Cell survival rates of the gp120+naringin group increased significantly compared to those of the gp120 group, while no difference was observed when compared to the gp120+BBG group. The relative P2X7 mRNA expression levels in the Ctrl, gp120, gp120+naringin, and gp120+BBG groups were 0.73 ± 0.06, 1.05 ± 0.06, 0.78 ± 0.05, and 0.81 ± 0.04, respectively. The corresponding P2X7 protein expression levels were 0.46 ± 0.04, 0.79 ± 0.04, 0.38 ± 0.07, and 0.42 ± 0.06. P2X7 mRNA and protein expression in the gp120 group increased significantly compared to those in the control group, and declined in the gp120+naringin group compared to those in the gp120 group. Therefore, P2X7 receptors might be involved in gp120-induced injury in BV2 microglia, and naringin might play a protective role by inhibiting the up-regulated expression of P2X7 receptors.

[Expression and regulatory mechanism of S100A14 in breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of S100A14 in breast cancer tissue, and the EGF and S100A14 feedback regulatory mechanism. METHODS: S100A14 mRNA level in 52 cases of of breast cancer and adjacent normal tissue was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. S100A14 protein in 21 cases of breast cancer and adjacent normal tissue was detected by Western blot. S100A14 mRNA after EGF treatment was detected by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. The levels of S100A14, p-ERK and t-ERK were detected by Western blot. Knocking down S100A14 expression was performed by siRNA technology. RESULTS: The levels of S100A14 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in breast cancer tissues (P<0.05 for both). The high expression of S100A14 was related with the recurrence of breast cancer patients (P= 0.038). S100A14 mRNA level was significantly up-regulated in the MDA-MB-453 cells (1.50±0.11) and MCF-7 cells (1.40±0.03) after 1 ng/mL EGF treatment, and 1.66±0.08 and 1.71±0.17 in the MDA-MB-453 cells after 10 ng/mL EGF treatment, significantly higher than that of the control group (1.00±0.09 and 1.00±0.03) (P<0.05 for both). In the TD47 cells, the S100A14 mRNA levels in the control, 1 ng/ml EGF and 10 ng/ml EGF + U0126 treatment groups were 1.00±0.04, 1.56±0.04 and 1.00±0.10, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of S100A14 mRNA and protein is promoted by EGF through p-ERK signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. There may be a feedback loop between EGF and S100A14.

[SPINK3: A novel growth factor that promotes rat liver regeneration].

Serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 3 (SPINK3) is a trypsin inhibitor, and also a growth factor that has an identical structure to epidermal growth factor (EGF), which could combine with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to promote cell proliferation. To shed light on the role and regulation mechanism of SPINK3 in rat liver regeneration (LR), Rat Genome 230 2.0 assay was used to detect the expression profiles of LR genes after partial hepatectomy (PH). The results showed that Spink3 was significantly up-regulated at 2-24 h and 72-168 h after PH. In the present study, RT-PCR and immunoblotting were used to validate the assay results. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis 9.0 (IPA) software was used to build the SPINK3 signaling regulating LR and analyze the possible mechanism. And then the expression of cell proliferation-associated gene Ccna2 was examined by RT-PCR in normal rat liver cell line BRL-3A in which Spink3 was overexpressed. The results showed that Ccna2 was significantly up-regulated in BRL-3A in which Spink3 was over-expressed. SPINK3 combining with EGFR accelerated cell proliferation during rat liver regeneration via P38, PKC, JAK-STAT and AKT pathways. Thus, SPINK3 was likely to promote hepatocytes proliferation in LR through P38, PKC, JAK-STAT and AKT.

Role of death receptors in the regulation of hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis during rat liver regeneration.

The balance between hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis is critical for liver homeostasis during liver regeneration. We created a rat liver regeneration model by partial hepatectomy (PH) to investigate the overall mechanism that regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocytes. The Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array was used to investigate changes in the expression levels of genes associated with the known proliferation or apoptosis signaling pathways. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis 9.0 was used to determine interactions among these signaling pathways. The results revealed that the expression levels of multiple key genes in three death receptor (DR) pathways, Fas/FasL, TNFR/TNFα, and DR6, were significantly altered in hepatocytes after PH. The expression level of the gene encoding DR6 increased by over 100-fold, whereas the levels of the genes encoding Fas, FasL, and TNFα were increased by 2-4-fold 12 h after PH. Fas/FasL, TNFR/TNFα, and DR6 are known to participate in numerous cellular events including cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our results suggest that the DR6 pathway plays a major role in the regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis, whereas Fas/FasL and TNFR/TNFα pathways may have roles in coordinating signaling activities between proliferation and apoptosis.

MicroRNA-21 promotes proliferation of rat hepatocyte BRL-3A by targeting FASLG.

Rat liver regeneration (RLR) induced by partial hepatectomy involves cell proliferation regulated by numerous factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNA high-throughput sequencing has been established and used to analyze miRNA expression profiles. This study showed that 39 miRNAs were related to RLR through the analysis of miRNA high-throughput sequencing. Their role toward rat normal hepatocyte line BRL-3A was studied by gain- and loss-of-function analyses, and one of them, microRNA-21 (miR-21), obviously upregulated and promoted BRL-3A cell proliferation. Using bioinformatics to search for miR-21 targets revealed that Fas ligand (FASLG) is one of miR-21's target genes. A dual-luciferase report assay and Western blot assay showed that miR-21 directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region of FASLG and inhibited the expression of FASLG, which suggests that miR-21 promoted BRL-3A cell proliferation by reducing FASLG expression.