miR-874 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation by targeting SPAG9.

BACKGROUND: microRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Although aberrant miR-874 expression has been reported in various human cancers, its role in GC remains obscure. METHODS: miR-874 expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in 62 matched GC and adjacent normal tissues, as well as in GC cell lines and immortalized human gastric epithelial cells. CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were used to assess the role of miR-874 in GC cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, to determine the effects of miR-874 on GC cell proliferation and apoptosis in vivo, BALB/c nude mice were injected with GC cells transfected with a miR-874 mimic. The role of miR-874 in SPAG9 expression was assessed by luciferase assay, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: miR-874 was downregulated in GC cell lines and tissues. miR-874 overexpression in GC cells led to inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Moreover, SPAG9 was identified as a direct miR-874 target, the expression of which was suppressed by miR-874. SPAG9 overexpression markedly promoted GC cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: miR-874 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in GC cells. SPAG9 downregulation was crucial for the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-874. Hence, the miR-874/SPAG9 axis could serve as a novel therapeutic target in GC.

Intestinal malrotation complicated with gastric cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal malrotation is a congenital defect of embryonic development caused by various teratogenic factors. In this condition, the intestinal tube, along with the superior mesenteric artery serving as the axis for the counterclockwise movement, is incomplete or abnormally rotated due to incomplete attachment of the mesentery and abnormal intestinal tube position. Such a case is usually asymptomatic and thus difficult to detect. Therefore, similar variant malformations are only found during an operation required for other abdominal diseases. CASE SUMMARY: An elderly male patient was admitted to the hospital due to gastric cancer. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast revealed that the ascending and descending colon were parallel on the right side of the abdominal cavity, while the sigmoid colon extended into the right iliac fossa, allowing the diagnosis of congenital midgut malrotation. Following thorough preoperative preparation, the patient underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy to treat his gastric cancer. Intraoperatively, an exploration of the abdominal cavity uncovered the absence of the transverse colon. The distal colon at the hepatic flexure, along with the ascending colon, extended into the right iliac fossa, where it continued as the sigmoid colon. As planned, the laparoscopic radical gastrectomy was performed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital 7 d after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic intestinal malrotation is best detected by CT, requiring no treatment but possibly interfering with the treatment of other diseases.

Colonic tubular duplication combined with congenital megacolon: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Colonic duplication refers to a spherical or tubular cavity which shows similar properties with the native colon and is attached to the mesenteric side of the alimentary tract. It is the rarest in alimentary tract duplications. Based upon anatomic feature, colonic duplications can be classified as spherical (cystic) or tubular, with the latter being less common (approximately 20%). Symptoms of colonic duplication are dependent on the duplication site and extent, and patient age, etc. Usually, patients with colonic duplication manifest typical intestinal obstruction, potentially accompanied by recurrent dark or bright red bloody stool, varying degrees of anemia-related symptoms, and body wasting. CASE SUMMARY: A young male patient was admitted to our hospital due to recurrent abdominal pain. No definite diagnosis was achieved by computed tomography (CT) or electronic colonoscopy, and the bowel preparation efficacy was suboptimal. Hirschsprung disease was suspected, and thus laparoscopic exploration was performed. An approximately 60-cm-long inverted duplicated colon with severe edema and dilation was identified. It originated from the mesenteric side of the transverse colon and ended in the terminal part of the descending colon with a blind end. The parallel native colon had a thickened colonic wall, became stiff, and was poor in peristalsis. The patient then underwent subtotal colectomy and was discharged 7 d after the surgery. From 3 mo post-surgery to date, the patient had regular bowel movement once daily and a steady increase in body weight. CONCLUSION: Tubular colonic duplication is a rare type of alimentary tract duplication that can be detected by ultrasonography, CT, or magnetic resonance imaging based on the actual clinical situation. Surgical resection of aberrant colon (including the duplicated colonic segment and other potentially involved colonic segments) is the only approach to cure this medical condition.