Transient receptor potential channels as predictive marker and potential indicator of chemoresistance in colon cancer

Transient receptor potential(TRP)channels are strongly associated with colon cancer development and progression.This study leveraged a multivariate Cox regression model on publicly available datasets to construct a TRP channels-associated gene signature,with further validation of signature in real world samples from our hospital treated patient samples.Kaplan-Meier(K-M)survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were employed to evaluate this gene signature’s predictive accuracy and robustness in both training and testing cohorts,respectively.Additionally,the study utilized the CIBERSORT algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis to explore the signature’s immune infiltration landscape and underlying functional implications.The support vector machine algorithm was applied to evaluate the signature’s potential in predicting chemotherapy outcomes.The findings unveiled a novel three TRP channels-related gene signature(MCOLN1,TRPM5,and TRPV4)in colon adenocarcinoma(COAD).The ROC and K-M survival curves in the training dataset(AUC=0.761;p=1.58e-05)and testing dataset(AUC=0.699;p=0.004)showed the signature’s robust predictive capability for the overall survival of COAD patients.Analysis of the immune infiltration landscape associated with the signature revealed higher immune infiltration,especially an increased presence of M2 macrophages,in high-risk group patients compared to their low-risk counterparts.High-risk score patients also exhibited potential responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy,evident through increased CD86 and PD-1 expression profiles.Moreover,the TRPM5 gene within the signature was highly expressed in the chemoresistance group(p=0.00095)and associated with poor prognosis(p=0.036)in COAD patients,highlighting its role as a hub gene of chemoresistance.Ultimately,this signature emerged as an independent prognosis factor for COAD patients(p=6.48e-06)and expression of model gene are validated by public data and real-world patients.Overall,this bioinformatics study provides valuable insights into the prognostic implications and potential chemotherapy resistance mechanisms associated with TRPs-related genes in colon cancer.

Clinical efficacy of Gamma Knife® combined with transarterial chemoembolization and immunotherapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer

BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife®combined with transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)and immunotherapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife®combined with TACE and immune-targeted therapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer.METHODS Clinical data from 51 patients with primary liver cancer admitted to our hospital between May 2018 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected.All patients underwent Gamma Knife®treatment combined with TACE and immunotherapy.The clinical efficacy,changes in liver function,overall survival(OS),and progression-free survival(PFS)of patients with different treatment responses were evaluated,and adverse reactions were recorded.RESULTS The last follow-up for this study was conducted on October 31,2023.Clinical evaluation of the 51 patients with primary liver cancer revealed a partial response(PR)in 27 patients,accounting for 52.94%(27/51);stable disease(SD)in 16 patients,accounting for 31.37%(16/51);and progressive disease(PD)in 8 patients,accounting for 15.69%(8/51).The objective response rate was 52.94%,and the disease control rate was 84.31%.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and alpha-fetoprotein isoform levels decreased after treatment compared with pretreatment(all P=0.000).The median OS was 26 months[95%confidence interval(95%CI):19.946-32.054]in the PR group and 19 months(95%CI:14.156-23.125)in the SD+PD group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.015).The median PFS was 20 months(95%CI:18.441-34.559)in the PR group and 12 months(95%CI:8.745-13.425)in the SD+PD group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.002).Common adverse reactions during treatment included nausea and vomiting(39.22%),thrombocytopenia(27.45%),and leukopenia(25.49%),with no treatment-related deaths reported.CONCLUSION Gamma Knife®combined with TACE and immune-targeted therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of primary liver cancer and has a good effect on improving the clinical benefit rate and liver function of patients.

Beware of the serious harm of veterinary drug poisoning:a case report

Veterinary drugs are substances(including pharmaceutical feed additives)used to prevent,treat,and diagnose diseases or regulate the physiological functions of animals.Veterinary drug poisoning in humans is relatively rare both in China and the rest of the world.Here,we report a case of death from veterinary drug poisoning from avermectin-closantel.Avermectin-closantel is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug,which has high efficacy against a variety of trematodes and nematodes.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of takotsubo syndrome patients in single center

Takotsubo syndrome(TTS)is a clinical syndr-ome that frequently occurs in postmenopausal women,mostly induced by stress factors.It is characterized by chest pain,ST-segment elevation,and/or T-wave changes in electrocardiogram,along with my-ocardial troponin elevation.[1]TTS can be easily misdia-gnosed as myocardial infarction,and improper treatme-nt may lead to serious consequences.There are few re-ports and research on this disease.[2]

Ruxolitinib improves the inflammatory microenvironment,restores glutamate homeostasis,and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury

The inflammatory microenvironment and neurotoxicity can hinder neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Ruxolitinib,a JAK-STAT inhibitor,exhibits effectiveness in autoimmune diseases,arthritis,and managing inflammatory cytokine storms.Although studies have shown the neuroprotective potential of ruxolitinib in neurological trauma,the exact mechanism by which it enhances functional recovery after spinal cord injury,particularly its effect on astrocytes,remains unclear.To address this gap,we established a mouse model of T10 spinal cord contusion and found that ruxolitinib effectively improved hindlimb motor function and reduced the area of spinal cord injury.Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that ruxolitinib alleviated inflammation and immune response after spinal cord injury,restored EAAT2 expression,reduced glutamate levels,and alleviated excitatory toxicity.Furthermore,ruxolitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 in the injured spinal cord and decreased the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor kappa-B and the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.Additionally,in glutamate-induced excitotoxicity astrocytes,ruxolitinib restored EAAT2 expression and increased glutamate uptake by inhibiting the activation of STAT3,thereby reducing glutamate-induced neurotoxicity,calcium influx,oxidative stress,and cell apoptosis,and increasing the complexity of dendritic branching.Collectively,these results indicate that ruxolitinib restores glutamate homeostasis by rescuing the expression of EAAT2 in astrocytes,reduces neurotoxicity,and effectively alleviates inflammatory and immune responses after spinal cord injury,thereby promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Perioperative advantages of modified laparoscopic vs open splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection

AIM: To investigate perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing modified laparoscopic splenectomy or open splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection for portal hypertension.

Insights of stem cell-based endogenous repair of intervertebral disc degeneration

Low back pain has become more prevalent in recent years,causing enormous economic burden for society and government.Common therapies used in clinics including conservative treatment and surgery can only relieve pain.Subsequent cell-based treatment such as mesenchymal stem cell transplantation poses problems such as short duration of therapeutic effect and tumorigenesis.Recently,the discovery and identification of stem cell niche and stem/progenitor cells in intervertebral disc bring increased attention to endogenous repair strategy.Therefore,we review the studies involving endogenous repair strategy and present the characteristics and current status of this treatment.Meanwhile,we also discuss the strategy and perspective of endogenous repair strategy in future.

Expression and significance of mi R-654-5p and mi R-376b-3p in patients with colon cancer

BACKGROUND The relationship between micro RNAs,such as miR-654-5 p and miR-376 b-3 p,and the prognosis of colon cancer has not been studied until now.AIM To evaluate the expression levels of miR-654-5 p and miR-376 b-3 p and their clinical significance in colon cancer.METHODS RT-q PCR was performed to evaluate miR-654-5 p and miR-376 b-3 p expression in34 pairs of colon cancer and adjacent noncancerous tissues.Subsequently,the association of miR-654-5 p and miR-376 b-3 p expression with clinical factors or the survival of patients suffering from colon cancer was determined by using The Cancer Genome Atlas.RESULTS miR-654-5 p was upregulated and miR-376 b-3 p was downregulated in colon cancer tissues compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues(P<0.001).Increased miR-654-5 p and decreased miR-376 b-3 p expression levels weresignificantly associated with metastasis and clinical stage.Moreover,a univariate analysis demonstrated that colon cancer patients with high miR-654-5 p or low miR-376 b-3 p expression(P=0.044 and 0.007,respectively)had a poor overall survival rate.A multivariate analysis identified high miR-654-5 p expression and low miR-376 b-3 p expression as independent predictors of poor survival in colon cancer patients.CONCLUSION Upregulated miR-654-5 p and downregulated miR-376 b-3 p may be associated with tumour progression in colon cancer,and these micro RNAs may serve as independent prognostic markers for colon cancer.

Effects of Warm Needling at Zusanli(ST 36)on NO and IL-2 Levels in the Middle-Aged and Old People

42 middle-aged and old people at the age between 55-70 years were selected and given the warm needling at Zusanli (ST 36), and their IL-2 and NO contents of peripheral blood before and after acupuncture were determined. The results showed that IL-2 and NO contents increased significantly after the warm needling (P<0.01).

Imaging of hemorrhagic primary central nervous system lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND A primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL)presenting with massive hemorrhage is a rare occurrence that is difficult to distinguish from a high-grade glioblastoma.Comprehensive descriptions of the imaging characteristics of such tumors have not yet been reported.Herein,we reported a case of a PCNSL with massive hemorrhage by presenting the imaging features of computed tomography(CT)imaging and structural and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old man presented with headache lasting for 10 d.CT of the brain showed a round,heterogeneous,high-density lesion with surrounding edema in the right temporal lobe.For further diagnosis,a series of MRI examinations of the brain were subsequently performed,and a hemorrhagic lesion with ring-like enhancement was determined.The whole lesion was relatively hypoperfused on arterial spin labeling images.Surgical resection of the lesion and histopathological examination confirmed that the lesion was a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with massive hemorrhage.CONCLUSION PCNSLs with hemorrhage occur very rarely,and structural and perfusion MRI examinations are requested exceedingly rarely.This case provided insight into some characteristics of a hemorrhagic lymphoma on CT and MRI examinations.Perfusion MRI examination may be useful for the differential diagnosis of PCNSLs and other brain tumors.

PRIMARY CELL CULTURE FOR EMBRYONIC CARDIAC MYOCYTES OF MEXICAN AXOLOTL AND DISTRIBUTION OF DESMIN AND VIMENTIN

Desmin and vimentin are major components of intermediate filament proteins in cardiac myocytes. We developed a primary cell culture method for cardiac myocytes of axolotl embryos. Cardiac myocytes of embryonic stage 39 were cultured for 1-14 days. Myocytes showed spontaneous contractions (15-30 beats/min) after 48-72 hours in culture, round shape and large irregular projections. Desmin and vimentin were observed in the cultured myocytes by means of immunofluorescent staining in combination with immunofluorescent microscopy. Immunofluorescent staining of the cultured cardiac myocytes after different lengths of time in culture(3,6,9 days) showed that vimentin staining was stronger than desmin staining during the early stages of culture (3 days). The myocytes exhibited various forms of staining, including parallel lines and interconnected networks. Some lines showed regular striation; most of the myofibrils were arranged in parallel arrays along the cell's long axis. Both desmin and vimentin in the cell appeared to encirele the Z lines and to link myofibrils laterally at the Z lines.

Study on the Analgesic Effect and Mechanism of Zhitong Capsule (止痛胶囊) in Adjuvant Arthritis Rats

Objective: To observe the analgesic effect of Zhitong Capsule (止痛胶囊, ZTC) and study its mechanism in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats. Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups with 8 rats in each group. On the first day, except to those in the normal group that were treated with normal saline, the same amount of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) was given through intradermal injection into the right hind paw to all the rats in the other groups. From the 17th day of the modeling on, the rats in groups of ZTC were administered daily through gastrogavage with a dose of 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg respectively, while equal volume of normal saline was given to those in the normal group and model group, and an equal volume of aspirin (ASA) solution was given to rats in the ASA group through gastrogavage for 10 days, once per day, and on the 27th day, the analgesic effect of ZTC was measured with heat withdraw method. The activities and contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxides (LPO) in serum were observed by spectrophotometry, and the level of beta-endorphin (β-EP) in hypothalamus were determined by the assay of immunohistochemistry. Results: ZTC showed significant effects on enhancing the pain threshold and at the same time it increased the activities of SOD and reduced the contents of LPO in serum. ZTC could also increase the level of β-EP in hypothalamus. Conclusion: ZTC has analgesic effect and its mechanism is probably related with its effect in inhibiting the level of oxygen free radicals in serum and increasing the level of β-EP of hypothalamus in rats.KEY WORD Zhitong Capsule, adjuvant arthritis, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxides, β-endorphin

Growth-inhibitory effects of MOB2 on human hepatic carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721

AIM:To investigate the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of the gene MOB2 on human hepatic carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721.METHODS:The full-length cDNA of the MOB2 gene was amplified from human umbilical vein endothelial cells.The correct full-length MOB2 cDNA was subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C1.After lipofection of the MOB2 gene into cancer cells,the levels of MOB2 protein in the cancer cells were detected by immunoblotting.To transfect the recombined plasmid vector pEGFP-CI-MOB2 into SMMC-7721 cells,the cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle'sMedium with 10% fetal calf serum and glutamine,and then mixed with liposomes,Lipofectamine 2000 and the plasmid vector pEGFP-CI-MOB2.RESULTS:We observed the growth and proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells containing pEGFP-CI-MOB2 and analyzed their apoptosis and growth cycle phases by flow cytometry.We successfully transfected the recombined plasmid vector pEGFP-CI-MOB2 into SMMC-7721 cells and screened for a single clone cell containing MOB2.After transfection,MOB2 enhanced growth suppression,induced apoptosis,increased the ratio of G0/G1,significantly inhibited the advance of cell cycle phase,and arrested cells in G0/G1 phase.CONCLUSION:MOB2 overexpression induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth of human hepatic cancer cells,which may be useful in gene therapy for hepatic carcinoma.

Effects of CpG-ODNs on phenotype and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells in chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To study the effects of synthetic nonmethylated CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides(CpG-ODNs) ,either alone or combined with recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) polypeptide,on the phenotype,function,and intracellular signaling pathways of monocyte-derived dendritic cells(DCs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB) .METHODS:Peripheral blood monocytes isolated from CHB patients and healthy volunteers were induced to be dendritic cells by recombinant human granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor and interleukin-4.The DCs were then treated with CpG-ODNs,CpGODNs/HBsAg,or tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αfor 18 h.The expression of surface molecules including HLA-DR,CD86,and CD1a in DCs were detected by flow cytometry,and the expression of signal transducers and activators of transcription(STAT1,3,4,5,6) and suppressors of cell signaling(SOCS1,3) were determined by Western blotting assay.In addition,the capacity of DCs to stimulate allogeneic T lymphocytes and the amount of IL-12p70 released from DCs were measured.RESULTS:In the DCs derived from patients with CHB,treatment with TNF-α,CpG-ODNs,or CpG-ODNs/HBsAg,as compared to the vector control,significantly increased the expression of HLA-DR,stimulated the release of IL-12p70,and enhanced the capacity of DCs to stimulate allogenic T lymphocytes.The expressions of STAT1/4/6 and SOCS1/3,but not STAT3/5,were upregulated by TNF-α,CpG-ODNs,and CpG-ODNs/HBsAg.In addition,the expression of CD1a was upregulated only in the presence of both CpG-ODNs and HBsAg.CONCLUSION:The treatment with CpG-ODNs,either alone or combined with HBsAg,has a remarkable stimulatory effect on the impaired phenotype and function of DCs in CHB,possibly by regulating the expression of STAT1,4,6 and SOCS1,3.

Effect of hypoxia on migration, invasion and adhesion to endothelium of human pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells

Objective： To evaluate the effect of hypoxia on migration, invasion and adhesion to endothelium of human pulmo- nary adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Methods： Wound-healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to study the effect of hypoxia on migration and invasion of A549 cells, and A549 cells were added to a monolayer of human umbilical vein endo-thelial cells （HUVECs） to test the ability to adhere to endothelium. Immunofluorescence assay and luciferase reporter gene assay were also used to evaluate the effect of hypoxia on distribution of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and actin, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 （HIF-1）-dependent transcription, respectively. Results： Hypoxia facilitated A549 cell migration, invasion, and A549 cell-endothelial cells adhesion, and modulated the distribution of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and actin cytoskeleton rearrange-ment, and up-regulated HIF-l-dependent reporter gene expression in A549 cells. Conclusion： Promotion ofA549 cell migration, invasion, and adhesion on endothelium by hypoxia might be modulated through its up-regulating HIF-l-dependent gene expression, which then induced the redistribution of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and the actin cytoskeletal reorganization.

Evaluation of three-incision esophagectomy:Review of 1226 patients

Objective:The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical effect and the prospect of the three-incision (right thoracotomy, midline laparotomy and left cervical incisions) esophagectomy for the treatment of esophageal carcinoma.Meth-ods:We reviewed our experience with 1226 patients undergoing three-incision esophagectomy for middle and upper esopha-geal carcinoma.Results:Anastomotic leak rates were determined for the entire group.The overall leak rate was 8.5% (104 patients).Overall hospital mortality was 0.24% (3 patients).No patient died as a result of anastomotic leakage.Conclusion:The three-incision technique can radically remove carcinoma and perform a complete lymphadenectomy.Although the cervical anastomotic leak rate is slightly high, the management of this complication is relatively easy and the satisfactory results can be achieved.

Application Value of Moxibustion Combined with Acupoint Application in Patients with Abdominal Distension after Gynecological Surgery

Objective:To explore the application value of moxibustion and acupoint application in the treatment of postoperative abdominal distention in patients undergoing gynecological surgery.Methods:Seventy-two patients who underwent gynecological surgery in our hospital from May 2020 to May 2021 were randomly divided into two groups.Group A was treated with moxibustion and acupoint application,and group B was treated with routine treatment.The incidence of postoperative abdominal distention,therapeutic effect of abdominal distention,defecation time,exhaust time,recovery time of bowel sounds and the changes of patients’quality of life were analyzed.Results:The incidence of abdominal distension in group A was 22.22%,which was lower than 41.47%in group B(P<0.05).The therapeutic effect of abdominal distension in group A was 87.50%,which was higher than 66.67%in group B(P<0.05).The recovery time of first defecation,first exhaust and bowel sound in group A was shorter than that in group B(P<0.05).All postoperative quality of life scores of group A were higher than that of group B(P<0.05).Conclusion:On the basis of routine postoperative intervention,moxibustion and acupoint application can reduce the risk of postoperative abdominal distention,reduce the degree of abdominal distention,promote the recovery of intestinal function,shorten the first postoperative exhaust and defecation time,and then improve the quality of life of patients.

PSC-induced Galectin-1 Promotes the Malignant Behavior of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background Galectin-1 is aβ-galactoside-binding protein overexpressed in the pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs)of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),while its expression is typically low in pancreatic cancer cells(PCCs).The point at which galectin-1 expression in PCCs increases,and its association with PDAC progression,have been unclear.Methods Galectin-1 expression in PDAC and metastatic lymph nodes was investigated using an immunohistochemical assay.PANC-1 PCC cells were co-cultured with PSCs expressing different levels of galectin-1.Subsequently,galectin-1 was overexpressed in PANC-1 cells using recombinant lentiviruses,and their proliferation,invasion,anchorage-independent growth,and in vivo tumorigenicity were evaluated.Results There was intermediate galectin-1 expression in PCCs,and it was positively associated with galectin-1 expression in PSCs in the PDAC tissues.Galectin-1 was strongly expressed in the metastatic lymph nodes.In the co-culture,high galectin-1 expression in the PSCs increased the galectin-1 expression in the PANC-1 cells.The galectin-1 overexpression in the PANC-1 cells enhanced their clone formation ability,proliferation,and invasion,increased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and BCL-2,and decreased Bax expression,promoting the establishment and growth of tumors.Conclusion High galectin-1 expression in PSCs induces galectin-1 expression in PCCs and subsequently promotes the malignant biological behavior of PDAC.

Magnolol and 5-fluorouracil synergy inhibition of metastasis of cervical cancer cells by targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EMT pathways

Objective: This study is designed to investigate the mode of action of the synergistic effect of 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) and magnolol against cervical cancer.Methods: Network pharmacological approach was applied to predict the molecular mechanism of 5-FU combined with magnolol against cervical cancer. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, immunofluorescence staining, adhesion assay, wound healing mobility assay, cell migration and invasion assay and Western blot analysis were conducted to validate the results of in silico study.Results: Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway was identified as the key pathway in silico study. The experimental results showed that 5-FU combined with magnolol strongly inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, induced the morphological change of HeLa cells by down-regulating the expression of a-actinin, tensin-2 and vinculin. Moreover, magnolol enhanced inhibitory effect of 5-FU on the cell adhesion, migration and invasion. The phosphorylation of AKT and PI3K and the expression of mTOR were strongly inhibited by the combination of 5-FU and magnolol. Moreover, the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was upregulated and the expression of Snail, Slug and vimentin was down-regulated by the 5-FU together with magnolol.Conclusion: Taken together, this study suggests that 5-FU combined with magnolol exerts a synergistic anti-cervical cancer effect by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) signaling pathways.