Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes.Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation.A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion,secretion,and regeneration of gastrointestinal(GI)cells.However,the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial.This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases,in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

Identification of a three-gene prognostic signature for radioresistant esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is causing a high mortality rate due to the lack of efficient early prognosis markers and suitable therapeutic regimens.The prognostic role of genes responsible for the acquisition of radioresistance in ESCC has not been fully elucidated.AIM To establish a prognostic model by studying gene expression patterns pertinent to radioresistance in ESCC patients.METHODS Datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases.The edgeR,a Bioconductor package,was used to analyze mRNA expression between different groups.We screened genes specifically responsible for radioresistance to estimate overall survival.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to confirm whether the expression of those genes correlated with each other.Genes contributing to radioresistance and overall survival were assessed by the multivariate Cox regression model through the calculation ofβi and risk score using the following formula:∑^(n)_(i=1)βi×PSI.RESULTS We identified three prognostic mRNAs(cathepsin S[CTSS],cluster of differentiation 180[CD180],and SLP adapter and CSK-interacting membrane protein[SCIMP])indicative of radioresistance.The expression of the three identified mRNAs was related to each other(r>0.70 and P<0.05).As to 1-year and 3-year overall survival prediction,the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve of the signature consisting of the three mRNAs was 0.716 and 0.841,respectively.When stratifying patients based on the risk score derived from the signature,the high-risk group exhibited a higher death risk and shorter survival time than the low-risk group(P<0.0001).Overall survival of the low-risk patients was significantly better than that of the highrisk patients(P=0.018).CONCLUSION We have developed a novel three-gene prognostic signature consisting of CTSS,CD180,and SCIMO for ESCC,which may facilitate the prediction of early prognosis of this malignancy.

Identifying sex-specific injury predictors as a key factor in maintaining optimal physical activity levels

BACKGROUND Optimal physical activity is known to reduce cardiovascular,respiratory and endocrine system diseases and,as a consequence,improve quality of life.An important risk factor for reinjuries during normal exercise is the initial connective tissue pathology.The variety of clinical dysplastic manifestations significantly complicate the timely diagnosis of this comorbidity.AIM To establish pathognomonic sex-specific dysplasia phenotypes that indicate a particular sensitivity to physical exertion.METHODS The study involved 117 participants with recurrent musculoskeletal injuries that occurred during normal exercise.There were 67 women(57.26%)and 50 men(42.74%),which made it possible to compare the presence of the identified signs between sexes.A validated questionnaire was used to screen their connective tissue status.RESULTS Ranking the most commonly revealed dysplasia signs depending on their clinical significance made it possible to establish pathognomonic sex-specific phenotypes that indicated a particular susceptibility to injuries.Individualized programs of optimal physical activity are necessary for men with chest deformities,flat-valgus feet,dolichostenomelia,arachnodactylia,hemorrhoids,abdominal muscle diastasis and recurrent hernias.In women,special sensitivity to physical exertion was associated with a combination of signs such as asthenic body,joint hypermobility,overly soft auricles,thin hyperelastic skin,atrophic striae,telangiectasias and varicose veins.Of particular importance were universal signs such as gothic palate,scoliosis,kyphosis,leg deformities,temporomandibular joint crunching,and moderate to high myopia.CONCLUSION Participants’connective tissue condition should be considered when designing optimal physical activity programs.Identifying the established sex-specific dysplasia phenotypes will allow timely optimization of training loads,thus reducing the risk of injury.