Increased Midkine and Estrogen Receptor-β Expression in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective： Midkine （MK）, a new member of the heparin-binding growth factor family, has been found recently to have a high expression level in many tumor specimens including lung carcinoma. Estrogens may be involved in lung carcinogenesis, and estrogen receptors, mainly estrogen receptor-β （ER-β）, are present and functional in normal lung and tumor cell lines and tissues. In addition, estrogens and growth factors may promote the progression of human non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. Previously, we have immunohistochemically demonstrated that MK and ER-β proteins were overexpressed in NSCLC and their expression levels were both significantly negatively correlated with the pathological classification. The purpose of this study was to further verify their expression and its correlation with NSCLC. Methods： Taking NSCLC tissues and their corresponding paraneoplastic and normal lung as research objects, we further examined the expression of MK and ER-β by meas of RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and Western blot analyses at the levels of messenger RNA （mRNA） and protein, respectively. Results： The increased MK and ER-β mRNA expression was found in NSCLC by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses. Furthermore, Western blot analysis also displayed increased expression of MK and ER-β proteins in NSCLC. Finally, their correlation analysis at the levels of mRNA and protein expression in NSCLC demonstrated that MK protein level was significantly correlated to estrogen receptor-β （P〈0.01, rs=0.535）; in spite of their correlation at the mRNA level, there was no remarkable difference between MK and ER-β （P〉0.05, rs=0.178）. Conclusion： All these results in the present study confirmed that MK and ER-β were overexpressed in human NSCLC.

Current medical treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Approximately 80% of breast cancers(BC) are estrogen receptor(ER)-positive and thus endocrine therapy(ET) should be considered complementary to surgery in the majority of patients. The advantages of oophorectomy, adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy in women with advanced BC have been demonstrated many years ago, and currently ET consist of(1) ovarian function suppression(OFS), usually obtained using gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonists(Gn RHa);(2) selective estrogen receptor modulators or down-regulators(SERMs or SERDs); and(3) aromatase inhibitors(AIs), or a combination of two or more drugs. For patients aged less than 50 years and ER+ BC, there is no conclusive evidence that the combination of OFS and SERMs(i.e., tamoxifen) or chemotherapy is superior to OFS alone. Tamoxifen users exhibit a reduced risk of BC, both invasive and in situ, especially during the first 5 years of therapy, and extending the treatment to 10 years further reduced the risk of recurrences. SERDs(i.e., fulvestrant) are especially useful in the neoadjuvant treatment of advanced BC, alone or in combination with either cytotoxic agents or AIs. There are two types of AIs: type Ⅰ are permanent steroidal inhibitors of aromatase, while type Ⅱ are reversible nonsteroidal inhibitors. Several studies demonstrated the superiority of the third-generation AIs(i.e., anastrozole and letrozole) compared with tamoxifen, and adjuvant therapy with AIs reduces the recurrence risk especially in patients with advanced BC. Unfortunately, some cancers are or became ET-resistant, and thus other drugs have been suggested in combination with SERMs or AIs, including cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors(palbociclib) and mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) inhibitors, such as everolimus. Further studies are required to confirm their real usefulness.

Tumor biology in estrogen receptor-positive,human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2-negative breast cancer:Mind the menopausal status

Breast cancer is not one disease,but can be categorized into four major molecular subtypes according to hormone receptor [estrogen receptor(ER) and progesterone receptor(Pg R)] and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2(HER2) expression status. Ki67 labeling index and/or multigene assays are used to classify ERpositive,HER2-negative breast cancer into luminal A and luminal B(HER2-negative) subtypes. To date,most studies analyzing predictive or prognostic factors in ER-positive breast cancer have been performed in postmenopausal women,mainly using patients and samples in adjuvant aromatase inhibitor trials. In contrast,even the clinical roles of Pg R and Ki67 have been little analyzed so far in premenopausal women. Pg R is one of the estrogen-responsive genes,and it has been reported that plasma estradiol levels are related to expression levels of estrogen-responsive genes including PGR in ER-positive breast cancer. In this article,biological differences,especially differences in expression of Pg R and Ki67 in ER-positive breast cancer between pre- and postmenopausal women are discussed. Clinical roles of Pg R and Ki67 in ER-positive breast cancer differ between pre- and postmenopausal women. We suggest that the mechanisms of development and estrogen-dependent growth of ER-positive breast cancer might differ according to menopausal status.

Adjuvant tamoxifen switched to exemestane treatment in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer:A pragmatic,multicenter,and prospective clinical trial in China

Objective:This post-approval safety study assessed the efficacy and safety of exemestane after 2-3 years of tamoxifen treatment among postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive(ER+)early breast cancer in China.Methods:Enrolled patients had received 2-3 years of tamoxifen and were then switched to exemestane for completion of 5 consecutive years of adjuvant endocrine therapy.The primary endpoint was the time from enrollment to the first occurrence of locoregional/distant recurrence of the primary breast cancer,appearance of a second primary or contralateral breast cancer,or death due to any cause.Other endpoints included the proportion of patients experiencing each event,incidence rate per annum,relationships between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status and time to event,and relationship between disease history variables and time to event.Results:Overall,558 patients were included in the full analysis set:397(71.1%)completed the study,20experienced an event,and 141 discontinued[47 owing to an adverse event(AE);37 no longer willing to participate].Median duration of treatment was 29.5(range,0.1-57.7)months.Median time to event was not reached.Eventfree survival probability at 36 months was 91.4%(95%CI,87.7%-95.1%).The event incidence over the total exposure time of exemestane therapy was 3.5 events/100 person-years(20/565).Multivariate analysis showed an association between tumor,lymph node,and metastasis stage at initial diagnosis and time to event[hazard ratio:1.532(95%CI,1.129-2.080);P=0.006].Most AEs were grade 1 or 2 in severity,with arthralgia(7.7%)being the most common treatment-related AE.Conclusions:This study supports the efficacy and safety of exemestane in postmenopausal Chinese women with ER+breast cancer previously treated with adjuvant tamoxifen for 2-3 years.No new safety signals were identified in the Chinese population.

Isoflavone genistein protects high glucose-induced human aortic endothelial cell apoptosis through estrogen receptor-mediated pathway

Objective The aim of this study was to determine if isoflavone genistien has protective effects against high glucose-induced cell apoptosis in human aortic endlthelial cells, and investigate the possible mechanism for this protection. Methods Human aortic endothelial cells subjected to normal (5mmol/L) or high glucose (25mmol/L) were treated with genistein at 0, 50, 100nmol/L. Parallel experiments were performed with 100nM 17b-estradiol, and also in the presence and absence of the pure anti-estrogen ICI-182,780 (100nmol/L). The effects on cell apoptotic DNA fragmentation were determined using cell death ELISA, and the effects on cellular proliferation were determined using tritiated thymidine incorporation assay. Estrogen receptor expression was detected by Taqman quantitative PCR. Results Genistein at 100nmol/L significantly reduced high glucose-induced DNA fragmentation, and reversed cell DNA synthesis inhibition (P <0.001) after 24 hours' incubation. The effect of genistein was completely blocked by ICI-182,780 administration. Estrogen receptor beta, but not alpha was found to be expressed in these cells. Conclusion Isoflavone genistein shows protection against high glucose-induced cell damage through estrogen receptor beta, reducing apoptotic DNA damage and protecting from the inhibition of cell proliferation.

Estrogen weakens muscle endurance via estrogen receptor-MAPK mediated orosomucoid suppression

Gender differences in fatigue,manifesting as female more prone to feel exhausted with lower muscle endurance,still remains unclear mechanism.Here,we investigated whether orosomucoid,an endogenous anti-fatigue protein which can enhance muscle endurance,is involved in this regulation.Female rats showed lower muscle endurance,and this gender difference was disappeared in orosomucoid 1-deficient mice.Female rats also displayed weaker orosomucoid induction in serum,liver and muscle in response to fatigue when compared to male ones.Ovariectomy in female rats results in elevated orosomucoid level and increased swimming time which was reversed by estrogen replenishment,while exogenous estrogen treatment both in male or female mice produced opposite effects.In vitro C2C12 muscle and Chang liver cells,estrogen decreased orosomucoid expression and its promoter activity,and this effect was abolished when estrogen receptor or MAPK was blocked.Thus,estrogen negatively regulates orosomucoid expression,which is responsible for the weaker muscle endurance in females.

Does local vaginal estrogen after tension-free transobturator vaginal tape reduce overactive bladder symptoms in postmenopausal women? A prospective randomized, controlled study

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical estrogen after transvaginal tension-free vaginal tape-obturator(TVT-O)in the treatment of de novo overactive bladder symptoms that appear after surgery.Methods:This is a prospective randomized controlled study performed in the Urology and Gynecology Departments,Kasr Al Ainy Hospital,Cairo University,Cairo,Egypt.Two hundred and ten postmenopausal females presenting during the period between January 2017 and November 2020 with stress urinary incontinence were included in the study.Patients were divided into two groups,105 patients in Group A(treatment group)and 105 patients in Group B(control group).Patients in Group A underwent transvaginal TVT-O followed by local vaginal estrogen treatment for 6 months,while patients in Group B underwent transvaginal TVT-O only.The study included any postmenopausal female with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence.All patients had to fulfill a 3-day bladder diary,overactive bladder symptoms score,urine analysis,urodynamic study,and post-voiding residual urine measurement by abdominal ultrasound preoperatively and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.Results:At 6-month follow-up,daytime frequency was reduced to 8%in Group A(increased to 21%in Group B)with a statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.009).At 6-month follow-up,nocturia was 8%in Group A(11%in Group B)with no statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.469).There was a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards to urinary urgency at 6-month follow-up(p=0.024).There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative wound healing events as regards to cure,hyperemia,gapping,and wound infection 1 week after intervention between both groups(p=0.008).No local or systemic side-effects were reported from local estrogen use.Conclusion:Local vaginal estrogen treatment given to postmenopausal patients after midurethral sling procedures can reduce the symptoms of daytime frequency and urinary urgency.Long-term follow-up is needed.

Estrogen and oxytocin involvement in social preference in male mice:a study using a novel long-term social preference paradigm with aromatase,estrogen receptor-αand estrogen receptor-β,oxytocin,and oxytocin receptor knockout male mice

Certain aspects of social behavior help animals make adaptive decisions during encounters with other animals.When mice choose to approach another conspecific,the motivation and preference behind the interaction is not well understood.Estrogen and oxytocin are known to influence a wide array of social behaviors,including social motivation and social preference.The present study investigated the effects of estrogen and oxytocin on social preference using aromatase(ArKO),estrogen receptor(ER)α(αERKO),ERβ(βERKO),oxytocin(OTKO),oxytocin receptor(OTRKO)knockout and their respective wild-type(WT)male mice.Mice were presented with gonadally-intact versus castrated male(IC),intact male versus ovariectomized female(IF),or intact male versus empty cage(IE)stimuli sets for 5 days.ArWT showed no preference for either stimuli in IC and IF and intact male preference in IE,but ArKO mice preferred a castrated male or an ovariectomized female,or had no preference for either stimulus in IC,IF and IE stimuli sets,respectively,suggesting reduced intact male preference.αandβWT mice preferred a castrated male,showed no preference,and preferred an intact male in IC,IF and IE,respectively.αERKO mice displayed similar modified social preference patterns as ArKO,whereas the social preference ofβERKO mice remained similar toβWT.OTWT preferred a castrated male whereas OTKO,OTRWT and OTRKO mice failed to show any preference in IC and none showed preference for either stimuli in IF.Collectively,these findings suggest that estrogen regulates social preference in male mice and that impaired social preference in oxytocin-deficient mice may be due to severe deficits in social recognition.

Anticancer efficacy of 3-(4-isopropyl)benzylidene-8-ethoxy,6-methyl,chroman-4-one(SBL-060),a novel,dual,estrogen receptor-Akt kinase inhibitor in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Estrogen receptor(ER)αis expressed in a subset of patient-derived acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cells,whereas Akt is predominantly expressed in most types of AML.Targeting AML with dual inhibitors is a novel approach to combat the disease.Herein,we examined a novel small molecule,3-(4-isopropyl)benzylidene-8-ethoxy,6-methyl,chroman-4-one(SBL-060),capable of targeting AML cells by inhibiting ERαand Akt kinase.The chemical properties of SBL-060 were identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(^(1)H-NMR),^(13)C-NMR,and mass spectroscopy.In silico docking was performed using an automated protocol with AutoDock-VINA.THP-1 and HL-60 cell lines were differentiated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.ERαinhibition was assessed using ELISA.The MTT assay assessed cell viability.Flow cytometry was performed for cell cycle,apoptosis,and p-Akt analyses.Chemical analysis identified the compound as 3-(4-isopropyl)benzylidene-8-ethoxy,6-methyl,chroman-4-one,which showed high binding efficacy toward ER,with aΔG_(binding) score of−7.4 kcal/mol.SBL-060 inhibited ERα,exhibiting IC50 values of 448 and 374.3 nM in THP-1 and HL-60 cells,respectively.Regarding inhibited cell proliferation,GI50 values of SBL-060 were 244.1 and 189.9 nM for THP-1 and HL-60 cells,respectively.In addition,a dose-dependent increase in sub G_(0)/G_(1) phase cell cycle arrest and total apoptosis was observed after treatment with SBL-060 in both cell types.SBL-060 also dose-dependently increased the p-Akt-positive populations in both THP-1 and HL-60 cells.Our results indicate that SBL-060 has excellent efficacy against differentiated AML cell types by inhibiting ER and Akt kinase,warranting further preclinical evaluations.

ESTROGEN RECEPTOR-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER CELLS TRANSFECTED WITH ESTROGEN RECEPTOR EXHIBIT DECREASED TUMOUR PROGRESSION AND SENSITIVITY TO GROWTH INHIBITION BY ESTROGEN

Breast cancer containing estrogen receptors (ER ) are responslve to antiestrogen treatment and have a better prognosis compared with ER-negative tumors. The loss of estrogen receptors appears to be associated with a progression to less clifferentiated cells. We transfected the human ER into the ER-negative breast cancer cell line MDA MD 231 cells. We found that expresslon of adequate ER is strong associated with the ability of human breast cancer cell growth inhibition and progression. Compared with nontransfected or mock-trans fected cells, ER-transfected cells exhibited growth slower, forming smaller colonles in soft agar and growth inhibited by estrogen and tamoxifen. Therefore reactivation or transfection of the estrogen receptor gene can be considered as therapeutic approaches to hormone-independent breast cancer.

Intricate roles of estrogen and estrogen receptors in digestive system cancers:a systematic review

Gender disparities are evident across different types of digestive system cancers,which are typically characterized by a lower incidence and mortality rate in females compared to males.This finding suggests a potential protective role of female steroid hormones,particularly estrogen,in the development of these cancers.Estrogen is a well-known sex hormone that not only regulates the reproductive system but also exerts diverse effects on non-reproductive organs mediated through interactions with estrogen receptors(ERs),including the classic(ERαand ERβ)and non-traditional ERs[G protein-coupled estrogen receptor(GPER)].Recent advances have contributed to our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying ERs in digestive system cancers.In this comprehensive review we summarize the current understanding of the intricate roles played by estrogen and ERs in the major types of digestive system cancers,including hepatocellular,pancreatic,esophageal,gastric,and colorectal carcinoma.Furthermore,we discuss the potential molecular mechanisms underlying ERα,ERβ,and GPER effects,and propose perspectives on innovative therapies and preventive measures targeting the pathways regulated by estrogen and ERs.The roles of estrogen and ERs in digestive system cancers are complicated and depend on the cell type and tissue involved.Additionally,deciphering the intricate roles of estrogen,ERs,and the associated signaling pathways may guide the discovery of novel and tailored therapeutic and preventive strategies for digestive system cancers,eventually improving the care and clinical outcomes for the substantial number of individuals worldwide affected by these malignancies.

Clinicopathological Features and Long-Term Prognostic Role of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 Low Expression in Chinese Patients with Early Breast Cancer:A Single-Institution Study

Objective This study aimed to comprehensively analyze and compare the clinicopathological features and prognosis of Chinese patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-low early breast cancer(BC)and HER2-IHC0 BC.Methods Patients diagnosed with HER2-negative BC(N=999)at our institution between January2011 and December 2015 formed our study population.Clinicopathological characteristics,association between estrogen receptor(ER)expression and HER2-low,and evolution of HER2 immunohistochemical(IHC)score were assessed.Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the long-term survival outcomes(5-year follow-up)between the HER2-IHC0 and HER2-low groups.Results HER2-low BC group tended to demonstrate high expression of ER and more progesterone receptor(PgR)positivity than HER2-IHC0 BC group(P<0.001).The rate of HER2-low status increased with increasing ER expression levels(Mantel-Haenszelχ^(2)test,P<0.001,Pearson’s R=0.159,P<0.001).Survival analysis revealed a significantly longer overall survival(OS)in HER2-low BC group than in HER2-IHC0 group(P=0.007)in the whole cohort and the hormone receptor(HR)-negative group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of disease-free survival(DFS).The discordance rate of HER2 IHC scores between primary and metastatic sites was 36.84%.Conclusion HER2-low BC may not be regarded as a unique BC group in this population-based study due to similar clinicopathological features and prognostic roles.

Inetetamab combined with tegafur as second-line treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive gastric cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2(HER-2)plays a vital role in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis.However,the prognosis of HER2-positive gastric cancer is poor.Inetetamab,a novel anti-HER2 targeting drug independently developed in China,exhibits more potent antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity than trastuzumab,which is administered as the first-line treatment for HER2-positive gastric cancer in combination with chemotherapy.In this case,the efficacy and safety of inetetamab combined with tegafur was investigated as a second-line treatment for HER2-positive gastric cancer.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old male patient with HER2-positive gastric cancer presented with abdominal distension,poor appetite,and fatigue two years after receiving six cycles of oxaliplatin combined with tegafur as first-line treatment after surgery,followed by tegafur monotherapy for six months.The patient was diagnosed with postoperative recurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma.He received 17 cycles of a combination of inetetamab,an innovative domestically developed anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody,and tegafur chemotherapy as the second-line treatment(inetetamab 200 mg on day 1,every 3 wk combined with tegafur twice daily on days 1–14,every 3 wk).Evaluation of the efficacy of the second-line treatment revealed that the patient achieved a stable condition and progression-free survival of 17 months.He tolerated the treatment well without exhibiting any grade 3-4 adverse events.CONCLUSION Inetetamab combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive gastric cancer demonstrates significant survival benefits and acceptable safety.

Estrogen restores disordered lipid metabolism in visceral fat of prediabetic mice

BACKGROUND Visceral obesity is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and young adults and is commonly recognized as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.Estrogen[17β-estradiol(E2)]is known to offer protection against obesity via diverse me-chanisms,while its specific effects on visceral adipose tissue(VAT)remain to be fully elucidated.AIM To investigate the impact of E2 on the gene expression profile within VAT of a mouse model of prediabetes.METHODS Metabolic parameters were collected,encompassing body weight,weights of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues(VAT and SAT),random blood glucose levels,glucose tolerance,insulin tolerance,and overall body composition.The gene expression profiles of VAT were quantified utilizing the Whole Mouse Genome Oligo Microarray and subsequently analyzed through Agilent Feature Extraction software.Functional and pathway analyses were conducted employing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses,respectively.RESULTS Feeding a high-fat diet(HFD)moderately increased the weights of both VAT and SAT,but this increase was mitigated by the protective effect of endogenous E2.Conversely,ovariectomy(OVX)led to a significant increase in VAT weight and the VAT/SAT weight ratio,and this increase was also reversed with E2 treatment.Notably,OVX diminished the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism compared to HFD feeding alone,signaling a widespread reduction in lipid metabolic activity,which was completely counteracted by E2 adminis-tration.This study provides a comprehensive insight into E2's local and direct protective effects against visceral adiposity in VAT at the gene level.CONCLUSION In conclusion,the present study demonstrated that the HFD-induced over-nutritional challenge disrupted the gene expression profile of visceral fat,leading to a universally decreased lipid metabolic status in E2 deficient mice.E2 treatment effectively reversed this condition,shedding light on the mechanistic role and therapeutic potential of E2 in combating visceral obesity.

Comprehensive Analysis of Estrogen Receptor 1 Dysregulation in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Prognosis and Therapeutic Targeting - A Secondary Publication

The study investigates the expression pattern and regulatory mechanisms of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Utilizing UALCAN and GEPIA2 databases, significant down-regulation of ESR1 expression is observed in LIHC samples compared to normal controls, indicating its potential role in tumor progression. Further analysis reveals consistent down-regulation across different clinical variables including patient age, gender, race, and various stages of LIHC, affirming the regulatory role of ESR1 in tumor development and progression. Additionally, promoter methylation analysis demonstrates hypermethylation of ESR1 in LIHC samples, negatively correlating with its expression. This association persists across different clinical parameters, emphasizing the inverse relationship between ESR1 methylation and expression levels. Survival analysis indicates that up- regulation of ESR1 is associated with better overall survival, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker in LIHC. Furthermore, genetic mutation analysis using cBioPortal reveals a spectrum of alterations in ESR1, including amplification, missense mutation, deep deletion, splice mutation, and truncating mutation, highlighting the genetic complexity of ESR1 in LIHC. These findings collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of ESR1 dysregulation in LIHC and its clinical implications as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker.

Changes of Estrogen in Serum and Estrogen Receptor β in the Relevant Brain Regions Following Mating Behavior of the Male Mandarin Vole Microtus mandarinus

In order to investigate the estrogen and estrogen receptor β changes after mating behavior of male mandarin vole （Microtus mandarinus）, the radioimmunoassay （RIA） and immunohistochemistry methods were used to investigate changes of the serum estrogen （E） concentrations, estrogen immunoreactive neurons （E-IRs） and estrogen receptor β immunoreactive neurons （ERβ-IRs） in the relevant brain regions following mating behavior. Fifteen sexually matured male voles were randomly divided into three groups and treated differently： （1） control group： voles were exposed to clean hard-wood shavings （n=5）, （2） exposure group： voles were exposed to the soiled bedding for more than 24h on which estrous females had been placed （n=5）, and （3） mating group： voles were placed with an estrous female for more than 24h （n=5）. The results showed circulating serum E concentrations were significantly higher in the mating group than in the exposure group and the control group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group. E-IRs and ERβ-IRs were detected in the following brain regions related to mating behavior： the arcuate nucleus （ARC）, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis （BST）, lateral septal nucleus （LS）, medial amygdaloid nucleus （ME）, medial preoptic area （MPO） and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus （VMH）. The results showed that there were significantly more E-IRs in the six brain regions in the mating group than in the control group and the exposure group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group except for LS. There was no significant difference in ERβ-IRs in the six brain regions among the three groups, and there were some lighter -stained ERβ-IRs in these brain regions. The results suggested that estrogen affect mating activity of male mandarin voles, but ERβ might not play an important role in mating behavior of male mandarin voles. Instead, it might be through other receptors.

鱼类性别可塑性的分子机制

鱼类性别具有高度的可塑性,具体表现为天然性逆转、原发性逆转和次发性逆转。近年来,一系列研究都证明鱼类性别可塑性与雌激素密切相关。一旦阻断性腺雌激素的合成,无论是未分化还是已分化卵巢都将性逆转为精巢。鱼类的性别决定通路基因缺失诱导的性逆转也与雌激素相关。重要的是,发现生殖细胞的可塑性依赖于foxl3和dmrt1的同时存在,缺失其中一个都不能通过改变雌激素水平从而诱导性逆转。因此,foxl3和dmrt1是生殖细胞响应雌激素的关键基因。另外,表观遗传调控基因kdm6bb通过选择性剪接介导温度诱导的性逆转。这些研究增进了我们对鱼类性别可塑性分子机制的认识。

绝经后女性体质量指数与内侧单髁置换后疗效的关系

背景:单髁置换后随访中,部分患者出现膝关节疼痛活动受限,其中绝经后肥胖女性最为多见;体质量指数作为衡量身体肥胖程度的重要指标,是否与单髁置换后疗效有关,肥胖是否会影响术后膝关节功能,值得进一步研究。目的:评价绝经后肥胖女性患者行内侧单髁置换后的临床疗效,明确体质量指数对单髁置换后患者生活质量的影响。方法:纳入新疆医科大学第四临床医学院2017年1月至2019年1月因内侧膝关节疼痛并初次行内侧单髁置换的女性绝经患者;根据标准共纳入270例,按照术前体质量指数分为4组:正常组42例(体质量指数18.5-22.9 kg/m^(2)),超重组58例(体质量指数23.0-24.9 kg/m2),肥胖组122例(体质量指数25.0-29.9 kg/m^(2)),重度肥胖组48例(体质量指数≥30 kg/m^(2))。分别比较各组术前、术后及末次随访美国特种外科医院膝关节评分、安大略省西部和麦克马斯特大学骨关节炎指数评分、膝关节活动度、目测类比评分及髋膝踝角;随访并记录患者术后假体使用时间、失效或翻修原因,计算并比较各组假体的有效使用率,采用生存曲线对假体有效使用率进行统计学分析。结果与结论:(1)各组患者间术后随访时间、膝关节活动度、目测类比评分、髋膝踝角比较差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);(2)术后末次随访各组间美国特种外科医院膝关节评分、安大略省西部和麦克马斯特大学骨关节炎指数评分均较术前显著改善(P<0.05),且各组间比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.05),对于美国特种外科医院膝关节评分重度肥胖组改善效果最差;(3)各组术后即刻与末次随访髋膝踝角对比发现,除正常组外(P>0.05),其余各组2个时间点之间差异均有显著性意义(P<0.05);(4)正常、超重、肥胖及重度肥胖组假体有效使用率依次为100%,95%,94%和94%,组间比较差异无显著性意义(χ^(2)=2.532,P=0.469);(5)提示绝经后肥胖女性患者体质量指数值对内侧单髁假体有效使用率无显著影响;肥胖是影响患者术后膝关节功能评分及假体有效使用率的重要因素,单髁置换前后应适当控制体质量,同时女性体质量指数≥30 kg/m^(2)不是单髁置换的最佳适应证,建议行单髁置换的女性患者应将体质量指数控制在30 kg/m^(2)以下。

卵形鲳鲹促性腺激素β亚基的克隆鉴定及其受雌二醇的调控

促性腺激素(GtH,gonadotropin hormone)是垂体合成和分泌的一类重要糖蛋白激素,包括促卵泡生成素(Fsh,follicle stimulating hormone)和促黄体生成素(Lh,luteinizing hormone),在促进性腺发育和成熟过程中发挥重要作用。本研究成功克隆了卵形鲳鲹(Trachinotus ovatus)fshβ和lhβ基因的开放阅读框(ORF,open reading frame)序列,fshβORF长度为363 bp,lhβORF长度为447 bp。通过荧光定量PCR技术(qPCR,quantitative realtime PCR)检测,发现fshβ和lhβ基因在卵形鲳鲹的下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴(HPG,hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis)显著表达,在垂体中的表达水平最高,其次是下丘脑和性腺。此外,通过体外实验评估17β-雌二醇(E2,17β-estradiol)对卵形鲳鲹垂体组织中fshβ和lhβ基因表达的影响。结果显示,10μmol/L E2处理6 h后,GtHβ亚基基因的表达被极显著抑制。最后,使用雌激素受体(ER,estrogen receptor)拮抗剂体外孵育卵形鲳鲹垂体组织,发现广谱性拮抗剂Fulvestrant、ERβ拮抗剂Cyclofenil和ERα拮抗剂MPP(MPP dihydrochloride)均能够消除E2对GtHβ亚基基因表达的抑制作用。综上所述,研究结果表明E2对卵形鲳鲹GtH的分泌具有负反馈调节作用,为卵形鲳鲹生殖调控机制提供了有价值的见解。

Effect of Estrogen and Antiestrogen on Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity of Endometrial Carcinoma Cell Line

Objective: To study the effect of estrogen and tamoxifen on chemotherapeutic sensitivity in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cells.Methods: DNA fragmentation as the criteria for apoptotic cell death was used to evaluate the value of estrogen, tamoxifen and adriamycin in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cells. DNA fragmentation was measured with the cell death ELISA.Results: Adriamycin and tamoxifen could induce apoptosis in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cell. The cell apoptosis level was decreased with the increasing of 17-β-estradiol concentration (P<0.001) and was inversely proportional to 17-β-estradiol concentration (IgM) (P<0.01). The cell apoptosis level was increased with the increasing of tamoxifen concentration (P<0.01) and was also directly proportional to tamoxifen concentration (IgM). Furthermore, the cell apoptosis level was increased significantly after treated with both tamoxifen and adriamycin.Conclusion: Estrogen may block apoptosis induced by adriamycin in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cell. Tamoxifen can increase the sensitivity of endometrial carcinoma cell to adriamycin. Tamoxifen combined with chemotherapeutic drug may be of significant therapeutic benefit in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma. Key words endometrial carcinoma - estrogen - tamoxifen - adriamycin - cell apoptosis