Humanβ-defensin-1 affects the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and autophagy in colon cancer cells through long noncoding RNA TCONS_00014506

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate and high mortality.Humanβ-defensin-1(hBD-1)may play an integral function in the innate immune system,contributing to the recognition and destruction of cancer cells.Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)are involved in the process of cell differentiation and growth.AIM To investigate the effect of hBD-1 on the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway and autophagy in human colon cancer SW620 cells.METHODS CCK8 assay was utilized for the detection of cell proliferation and determination of the optimal drug concentration.Colony formation assay was employed to assess the effect of hBD-1 on SW620 cell proliferation.Bioinformatics was used to screen potentially biologically significant lncRNAs related to the mTOR pathway.Additionally,p-mTOR(Ser2448),Beclin1,and LC3II/I expression levels in SW620 cells were assessed through Western blot analysis.RESULTS hBD-1 inhibited the proliferative ability of SW620 cells,as evidenced by the reduction in the colony formation capacity of SW620 cells upon exposure to hBD-1.hBD-1 decreased the expression of p-mTOR(Ser2448)protein and increased the expression of Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein.Furthermore,bioinformatics analysis identified seven lncRNAs(2 upregulated and 5 downregulated)related to the mTOR pathway.The lncRNA TCONS_00014506 was ultimately selected.Following the inhibition of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506,exposure to hBD-1 inhibited p-mTOR(Ser2448)and promoted Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein expression.CONCLUSION hBD-1 inhibits the mTOR pathway and promotes autophagy by upregulating the expression of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506 in SW620 cells.

Development of RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay for rapid and reliable detection of human bocavirus 1

Human bocavirus(HBoV)1 is considered an important pathogen that mainly affects infants aged 6–24 months,but preventing viral transmission in resource-limited regions through rapid and affordable on-site diagnosis of individuals with early infection of HBoV1 remains somewhat challenging.Herein,we present a novel faster,lower cost,reliable method for the detection of HBoV1,which integrates a recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)assay with the CRISPR/Cas12a system,designated the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence system can specifically detect target gene levels as low as 0.5 copies of HBoV1 plasmid DNA per microliter within 40 min at 37℃without the need for sophisticated instruments.The method also demonstrates excellent specificity without cross-reactivity to non-target pathogens.Furthermore,the method was appraised using 28 clinical samples,and displayed high accuracy with positive and negative predictive agreement of 90.9%and 100%,respectively.Therefore,our proposed rapid and sensitive HBoV1 detection method,the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay,shows promising potential for early on-site diagnosis of HBoV1 infection in the fields of public health and health care.The established RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay is rapid and reliable method for human bocavirus 1 detection.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay can be completed within 40 min with robust specificity and sensitivity of 0.5 copies/μl.

Establishment of a humanized ST6GAL1 mouse model for influenza research

Background:This study aimed to construct and characterize a humanized influenza mouse model expressing hST6GAL1.Methods:Humanized fragments,consisting of the endothelial cell-specific K18 promoter,human ST6GAL1-encoding gene,and luciferase gene,were microinjected into the fertilized eggs of mice.The manipulated embryos were transferred into the oviducts of pseudopregnant female mice.The offspring were identified using PCR.Mice exhibiting elevated expression of the hST6GAL1 gene were selectively bred for propagation,and in vivo analysis was performed for screening.Expression of the humanized gene was tested by performing immunohistochemical(IHC)analysis.Hematologic and biochemical analyses using the whole blood and serum of humanized hST6GAL1 mice were performed.Results:Successful integration of the human ST6GAL1 gene into the mouse genome led to the overexpression of human SiaT ST6GAL1.Seven mice were identified as carrying copies of the humanized gene,and the in vivo analysis indicated that hST6GAL1gene expression in positive mice mirrored influenza virus infection characteristics.The IHC results revealed that hST6GAL1 was expressed in the lungs of humanized mice.Moreover,the hematologic and biochemical parameters of the positive mice were within the normal range.Conclusion:A humanized influenza mouse model expressing the hST6GAL1 gene was successfully established and characterized.

MicroRNA-298 determines the radio-resistance of colorectal cancer cells by directly targeting human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy stands as a promising therapeutic modality for colorectal cancer(CRC);yet,the formidable challenge posed by radio-resistance significantly undermines its efficacy in achieving CRC remission.AIM To elucidate the role played by microRNA-298(miR-298)in CRC radio-resistance.METHODS To establish a radio-resistant CRC cell line,HT-29 cells underwent exposure to 5 gray ionizing radiation that was followed by a 7-d recovery period.The quantification of miR-298 levels within CRC cells was conducted through quantitative RT-PCR,and protein expression determination was realized through Western blotting.Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and proliferation by clonogenic assay.Radio-induced apoptosis was discerned through flow cytometry analysis.RESULTS We observed a marked upregulation of miR-298 in radio-resistant CRC cells.MiR-298 emerged as a key determinant of cell survival following radiation exposure,as its overexpression led to a notable reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis.Intriguingly,miR-298 expression exhibited a strong correlation with CRC cell viability.Further investigation unveiled human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A(DYRK1A)as miR-298’s direct target.CONCLUSION Taken together,our findings underline the role played by miR-298 in bolstering radio-resistance in CRC cells by means of DYRK1A downregulation,thereby positioning miR-298 as a promising candidate for mitigating radioresistance in CRC.

Subclinical hepatitis E virus genotype 1 infection:The concept of“dynamic human reservoir”

Hepatitis E virus(HEV)is hyperendemic in South Asia and Africa accounting for half of total Global HEV burden.There are eight genotypes of HEV.Among them,the four common ones known to infect humans,genotypes 1 and 2 are prevalent in the developing world and genotypes 3 and 4 are causing challenge in the industrialized world.Asymptomatic HEV viremia in the general population,especially among blood donors,has been reported in the literature worldwide.The clinical implications related to this asymptomatic viremia are unclear and need further exploration.Detection of viremia due to HEV genotype 1 infection,apparently among healthy blood donors is also reported without much knowledge about its infection rate.Similarly,while HEV genotype 3 is known to be transmitted via blood transfusion in humans and has been subjected to screening in many European nations,instances of transmission have also been documented albeit without significant clinical consequences.Epidemiology of HEV genotype 1 in endemic areas often show waxing and waning pattern.Occasional sporadic occurrence of HEV infection interrupted by outbreaks have been frequently seen.In absence of known animal reservoir,where HEV exists in between outbreak is a mystery that needs further exploration.However,occurrence of asymptomatic HEV viremia due to HEV genotype 1 during epidemiologically quiescent period may explain that this phenomenon may act as a dynamic reservoir.Since HEV genotype 1 infection cannot cause chronicity,subclinical transient infection and transmission of virus might be the reason it sustains in interepidemic period.This might be the similar phenomenon with SARS COVID-19 corona virus infection which is circulating worldwide in distinct phases with peaks and plateaus despite vaccination against it.In view of existing evidence,we propose the concept of“Dynamic Human Reservoir.”Quiescent subclinical infection of HEV without any clinical consequences and subsequent transmission may contribute to the existence of the virus in a community.The potential for transmitting HEV infection by asymptomatic HEV infected individuals by fecal shedding of virus has not been reported in literature.This missing link may be a key to Pandora's box in understanding epidemiology of HEV infection in genotype 1 predominant region.

Regulation role of miR-204 on SIRT1/VEGF in metabolic memory induced by high glucose in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM:To examine the regulatory role of microRNA-204(miR-204)on silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)under highglucose-induced metabolic memory in human retinal pigment epithelial(hRPE)cells.METHODS:Cells were cultured with either normal(5 mmol/L)or high D-glucose(25 mmol/L)concentrations for 8d to establish control and high-glucose groups,respectively.To induce metabolic memory,cells were cultured with 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d followed by culture with 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d.In addition,exposed in 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d and then transfected with 100 nmol/L miR-204 control,miR-204 inhibitor or miR-204 mimic in 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d.Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used to detect miR-204 mRNA levels.SIRT1 and VEGF protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemical and Western blot.Flow cytometry was used to investigate apoptosis rate.RESULTS:It was found that high glucose promoted miR-204 and VEGF expression,and inhibited SIRT1 activity,even after the return to normal glucose culture conditions.Upregulation of miR-204 promoted apoptosis inhibiting SIRT1 and increasing VEGF expression.However,downregulation of miR-204 produced the opposite effects.CONCLUSION:The study identifies that miR-204 is the upstream target of SIRT1and VEGF,and that miR-204 can protect hRPE cells from the damage caused by metabolic memory through increasing SIRT1 and inhibiting VEGF expression.

SIRT1 inhibits apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells through suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress in vitro and in vivo

AIM:To explore the effect of silent information regulator factor 2-related enzyme 1(SIRT1)on modulating apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs)and alleviating lens opacification of rats through suppressing endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress.METHODS:HLECs(SRA01/04)were treated with varying concentrations of tunicamycin(TM)for 24h,and the expression of SIRT1 and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunofluorescence.Cell morphology and proliferation was evaluated using an inverted microscope and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,respectively.In the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model,which underwent siRNA transfection for SIRT1 knockdown and SRT1720 treatment for its activation,the expression levels of SIRT1,CHOP,glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78),and activating transcription factor 4(ATF4)were examined.The potential reversal of SIRT1 knockdown effects by 4-phenyl butyric acid(4-PBA;an ER stress inhibitor)was investigated.In vivo,age-related cataract(ARC)rat models were induced by sodium selenite injection,and the protective role of SIRT1,activated by SRT1720 intraperitoneal injections,was evaluated through morphology observation,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,Western blotting,and RT-PCR.RESULTS:SIRT1 expression was downregulated in TMinduced SRA01/04 cells.Besides,in SRA01/04 cells,both cell apoptosis and CHOP expression increased with the rising doses of TM.ER stress was stimulated by TM,as evidenced by the increased GRP78 and ATF4 in the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model.Inhibition of SIRT1 by siRNA knockdown increased ER stress activation,whereas SRT1720 treatment had opposite results.4-PBA partly reverse the adverse effect of SIRT1 knockdown on apoptosis.In vivo,SRT1720 attenuated the lens opacification and weakened the ER stress activation in ARC rat models.CONCLUSION:SIRT1 plays a protective role against TM-induced apoptosis in HLECs and slows the progression of cataract in rats by inhibiting ER stress.These findings suggest a novel strategy for cataract treatment focused on targeting ER stress,highlighting the therapeutic potential of SIRT1 modulation in ARC development.

Effect of acetyl L-carnitine on human retinal pigment epithelium-19 cells in hypoxic conditions

AIM:To investigate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine(ALCAR)on cell viability,morphological integrity,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression in human retinal pigment epithelium(ARPE-19)cells using a hypoxic model.METHODS:In the first set of experiments,the optimal CoCl_(2) dose was determined by exposing ARPE-19 cell cultures to different concentrations.To evaluate the effect of ALCAR on cell viability,five groups of ARPE-19 cell culture were established that included a control group,a sham group(200μM CoCl_(2)),and groups that received 1,10 and 100 mM doses of ALCAR combined with 200μM CoCl_(2),respectively.The cell viability was measured by MTT assay.The morphological characteristics of cells were observed by an inverted phase contrast microscope.The levels of VEGF and HIF-1α secretion by ARPE-19 cells were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)assay.RESULTS:ARPE-19 cells were exposed to different doses of CoCl_(2) in order to create a hypoxia model.Nevertheless,when exposed to a concentration of 200μM CoCl_(2),a notable decrease in viability to 83% was noted.ALCAR was found to increase the cell viability at 1 mM and 10 mM concentrations,while the highest concentration(100 mM)did not have an added effect.The cell viability was found to be significantly higher in the groups treated with a concentration of 1 mM and 10 mM ALCAR compared to the Sham group(P=0.041,P=0.019,respectively).The cell viability and morphology remained unaffected by the greatest dose of ALCAR(100 mM).The administration of 10 mM ALCAR demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the levels of VEGF and HIF-1α compared with the Sham group(P=0.013,P=0.033,respectively).CONCLUSION:The findings from the current study indicate that ALCAR could represent a viable therapeutic option with the potential to open up novel treatment pathways for retinal diseases,particular relevance for age-related macular degeneration(AMD).However,to fully elucidate ALCAR’s application potential in retinal diseases,additional investigation is necessary to clearly define the exact mechanisms involved.

MicroRNA-451 from Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Inhibits Alveolar Macrophage Autophagy via Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway to Attenuate Burn-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Objective Our previous studies established that microRNA(miR)-451 from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(hUC-MSC-Exos)alleviates acute lung injury(ALI).This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which miR-451 in hUC-MSC-Exos reduces ALI by modulating macrophage autophagy.Methods Exosomes were isolated from hUC-MSCs.Severe burn-induced ALI rat models were treated with hUC-MSC-Exos carrying the miR-451 inhibitor.Hematoxylin-eosin staining evaluated inflammatory injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay measured lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1βlevels.qRT-PCR detected miR-451 and tuberous sclerosis complex 1(TSC1)expressions.The regulatory role of miR-451 on TSC1 was determined using a dual-luciferase reporter system.Western blotting determined TSC1 and proteins related to the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway and autophagy.Immunofluorescence analysis was conducted to examine exosomes phagocytosis in alveolar macrophages and autophagy level.Results hUC-MSC-Exos with miR-451 inhibitor reduced burn-induced ALI and promoted macrophage autophagy.MiR-451 could be transferred from hUC-MSCs to alveolar macrophages via exosomes and directly targeted TSC1.Inhibiting miR-451 in hUC-MSC-Exos elevated TSC1 expression and inactivated the mTOR pathway in alveolar macrophages.Silencing TSC1 activated mTOR signaling and inhibited autophagy,while TSC1 knockdown reversed the autophagy from the miR-451 inhibitor-induced.Conclusion miR-451 from hUC-MSC exosomes improves ALI by suppressing alveolar macrophage autophagy through modulation of the TSC1/mTOR pathway,providing a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI.

过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞促进小鼠皮肤创面愈合

背景:神经调节蛋白1具有促进细胞增殖、分化以及血管生长等特性。人羊膜间充质干细胞是组织工程领域重要的种子细胞,已被证实参与组织修复及再生过程。目的:构建过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞,探究其增殖、迁移能力以及对创面愈合的影响。方法:(1)体外分离培养人羊膜间充质干细胞并对其进行鉴定;(2)构建神经调节蛋白1过表达慢病毒,将人羊膜间充质干细胞分为空载组、神经调节蛋白1组、对照组,分别转染空载慢病毒、过表达神经调节蛋白1慢病毒,对照组不进行转染;(3)EdU实验检测各组细胞增殖能力,Transwell实验检测各组细胞迁移能力;(4)构建C57BL/6小鼠创面损伤模型,随机分成对照组、空载组和神经调节蛋白1组,每组8只,分别在创面局部多点均匀注射1 mL转染空载慢病毒或转染过表达神经调节蛋白1慢病毒的人羊膜间充质干细胞,对照组注射等量的生理盐水;(5)造模后1,7,14 d观察创面愈合情况,苏木精-伊红染色观察创面愈合组织学变化,免疫组化观察创面CD31的表达。结果与结论:(1)成功构建过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞,细胞内神经调节蛋白1的mRNA、蛋白表达较空载组明显上调(P<0.05);(2)过表达神经调节蛋白1促进了人羊膜间充质干细胞的迁移(P<0.01)和增殖(P<0.05);(3)过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞促进了小鼠创面愈合(P<0.05)和创面的血管生成(P<0.05)。结果表明,过表达神经调节蛋白1提高了人羊膜间充质干细胞的增殖和迁移能力,以及增强了促进创面愈合和创面血管生成的能力。

NRG1、HER3在前列腺癌组织中的表达及其与临床病理特征和预后的关系

目的研究前列腺癌(PC)组织中神经调节蛋白1(NRG1)、人表皮生长因子受体3(HER3)表达与临床病理特征及预后的关系。方法选取2015年2月—2020年2月吉林省人民医院泌尿外科诊治PC患者96例,免疫组织化学检测组织中NRG1、HER3表达;Kaplan-Meier曲线(Log-Rank检验)比较不同NRG1、HER3表达对PC患者预后的影响;COX回归分析PC患者预后的影响因素。结果PC癌组织中NRG1、HER3阳性率分别为78.13%(75/96)、75.00%(72/96),高于癌旁组织6.25%(6/96)、8.33%(8/96)(χ^(2)/P=101.670/<0.001,87.771/<0.001)。TNM分期Ⅲ期、Gleason评分>7分及术前PSA水平≥20μg/L患者癌组织中NRG1、HER3阳性率大于TNM分期Ⅰ~Ⅱ期、Gleason评分≤7分及术前PSA水平<20μg/L(χ^(2)/P=6.181/0.013,8.533/0.003;7.731/0.005,6.769/0.009;6.508/0.011,7.376/0.007)。NRG1阳性组、HER3阳性组3年累积无进展生存率分别低于NRG1阴性组、HER3阴性组(χ^(2)/P=4.267/0.039,5.499/0.019)。TNM分期Ⅲ期、Gleason评分>7分、术前PSA≥20μg/L、NRG1阳性,HER3阳性是影响PC患者预后的独立危险因素[OR(95%CI)=1.448(1.118~1.875),1.401(1.138~1.724),1.353(1.059~1.728),1.338(1.057~1.692),1.293(1.014~1.649)]。结论PC癌组织中NRG1、HER3表达升高,与PC不良临床病理特征相关,是新的评估PC预后的肿瘤标志物。

HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析方法验证

目的 验证实验室自建人类免疫缺陷病毒1型(HIV-1)整合酶基因序列分析方法。该方法可用于评估HIV-1整合酶区段基因型耐药水平。方法 根据世界卫生组织自建基因序列分析方法验证的建议,从20份HIV-1阳性样本中提取RNA,扩增HIV-1整合酶区基因片段,并测序。通过与病毒质量保证(VQA)共识进行比对,评估实验室自建的HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析方案的准确性,通过扩增成功率评估其灵敏度,通过同一样本的重复检测结果评估其精密度和重现性。结果 20份样本与VQA共识的核苷酸一致率均>98%;10个高病毒载量(>10 000拷贝·mL^(-1))样本和5个低病毒载量(1 000~5 000拷贝·mL^(-1))样本的扩增成功率均为100%;4个样本的同批次5复孔和5个样本5次检测的结果均符合90%的样本配对比较核苷酸一致率>98%的要求。结论 该HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析方法的准确性、灵敏度、精密度和重现性均符合要求,适用于HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析。

过表达CASP1诱导人急性髓系白血病细胞THP-1的G_(0)/G_(1)细胞周期阻滞和NLRP3炎性小体介导的焦亡

目的:探讨半胱天冬酶1(Caspase1,CASP1)对人急性髓系白血病(acute myeloid leukemia,AML)细胞THP-1的细胞周期和细胞焦亡的影响。方法:培养THP-1细胞,将细胞分为对照组(正常培养的THP-1细胞),pcDNA3.1-null组(过表达CASP1的阴性对照,用5.0μg/mL的pcDNA3.1-null质粒转染THP-1细胞24h)、pcDNA3.1-CASP1组(过表达CASP1,用5.0μg/mL的pcDNA3.1-CASP1质粒转染THP-1细胞24h)。用CCK-8法检测各组细胞的增殖活力。用流式细胞术检测各组细胞凋亡和周期的变化。用qRT-PCR法检测细胞中CASP1、白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-1β,IL-18的mRNA表达水平。用Western blot法检测细胞增殖相关蛋白Ki67、增殖细胞核抗原(proliferating cell nuclear antigen,PCNA),细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclin D1)、NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(Nod-like receptor heat protein domain associated protein 3,NLRP3)、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白((apoptosis-associated speck-like protein,ASC)、CASP1、切割半胱天冬酶1(cleaved-caspase 1,cleaved-CASP1)、IL-1β,IL-18、cleaved-Gasdermin D的相对表达水平。结果:与对照组比,pcDNA3.1-null组的细胞增殖活力、细胞凋亡、细胞周期变化均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与对照组比,pcDNA3.1-CASP1组的细胞凋亡变化无统计学意义(P>0.05),细胞的增殖活力减少,G_(0)/G_(1)细胞周期被阻滞,Ki67、PCNA、cyclin D1的相对表达水平均减少(P<0.05),NLRP3、ASC、CASP1、cleaved-CASP1、IL-1β,IL-18、cleaved-Gasdermin D的相对表达水平均增加(P<0.05)。与pcDNA3.1-null组比,pcDNA3.1-CASP1组的细胞凋亡变化无统计学意义(P>0.05),细胞的增殖活力减少,G_(0)/G_(1)细胞周期被阻滞,Ki67、PCNA、cyclin D1的相对表达水平均减少(P<0.05),NLRP3、ASC、CASP1、cleaved-CASP1、IL-1β,IL-18、cleaved-Gasdermin D(30 kDA)的相对表达水平均增加(P<0.05)。结论:过表达CASP1诱导AML细胞THP-1的G_(0)/G_(1)细胞周期阻滞和NLRP3炎性小体介导的焦亡。

四氢嘧啶对HaCaT细胞活力及AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达的影响

目的研究四氢嘧啶(Ectoine)对人角质形成细胞(HaCaT)的细胞活力、细胞凋亡率和细胞活性氧(ROS)的影响,并分析水通道蛋白3(AQP3)、紧密连接蛋白-1(Claudin-1)、闭锁连接蛋白(ZO-1)的表达水平。方法设置Ectoine浓度实验组和空白对照组,培养HaCaT细胞(24 h),采用CCK8法检测HaCaT细胞的细胞活力,甄选最佳的Ectoine作用浓度。用Western Blot法检测HaCaT细胞的AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达水平;用流式细胞仪检测HaCaT细胞的凋亡率及胞内ROS水平。结果CCK8法检测结果显示,0.10%Ectoine组、0.20%Ectoine组、0.30%Ectoine组的HaCaT细胞活力均高于120%,其中0.20%Ectoine组最高(146.92%±7.67%)。Ectoine浓度实验组相对于空白对照组,HaCaT细胞的AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达水平明显升高(P<0.05),且细胞凋亡率和胞内ROS水平均明显降低(P<0.05)。结论Ectoine可提高HaCaT细胞的细胞活力,降低凋亡率和胞内ROS水平,上调AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达水平。Ectoine可能与相关保湿蛋白的表达相关,对HaCaT细胞具有一定的保护作用。

中晚期宫颈癌患者血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平变化及其与化疗效果的关系

目的 分析中晚期宫颈癌患者血清人附睾蛋白4(HE4)、胸苷激酶1(TK1)、双皮质素样激酶1(DCLK1)变化及其与化疗效果的关系。方法 收集2020年1月至2023年1月于郑州大学第一附属医院接受化疗的215例中晚期宫颈癌患者的病历资料,根据纳入患者的化疗效果将其分为良好组和不良组,其中良好组疗效评估结果为完全缓解(CR)与部分缓解(PR),共173例,不良组疗效评估结果为稳定(SD)与进展(PD),共42例。比较两组血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平等临床资料,分析中晚期宫颈癌患者血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平与化疗效果的关系。结果 良好组临床分期为Ⅱ期比例、高分化比例、无淋巴结转移比例均高于不良组,肿瘤最大直径以及血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平均低于不良组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);经logistic多因素分析显示,肿瘤的临床分期达到Ⅳ期、分化程度为中低分化、淋巴结转移以及血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平升高均为影响中晚期宫颈癌患者化疗效果的独立因素(P<0.05);经Spearman相关性分析显示,中晚期宫颈癌患者临床分期、淋巴结转移以及血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平与其化疗效果成负相关,分化程度与其化疗效果成正相关(P<0.05)。结论 中晚期宫颈癌患者临床分期越晚、分化程度越差、临床转移以及HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平越高,越不利于患者的化疗,上述指标对其预后均具有一定预测价值。

The expression and significance of CATSPER1 in human testis and ejaculated spermatozoa

Aim： To investigate the distribution of cation channel of sperm 1 （CATSPER1） protein and the presence of CATSPER1 mRNA in human testis and ejaculated spermatozoa. The influence of anti-human CATSPER1 antibody upon human sperm motility was used to evaluate the function of human CATSPER1 and to estimate its possible use as a target for immunocontraception. Methods： Human ejaculated sperm from normozoospermic donors （n = 12） and liquid nitrogen frozen human testis were used for the study of mRNA and protein expression of CATSPER1 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Spermatozoa from normozoospermic donors （n = 12） were individually processed using a swim-up procedure and were then incubated with CATSPER1 antibody at final concentrations of 20, 4 and 0.8 μg/mL. After 1, 2 and 6 h incubation, progressive motility and fast progressive motility were measured by means of computer-assisted semen analysis. Results： CATSPER1 transcript was detected in both human testis and each human ejaculated semen sample. CATSPER1 protein expressed in the membrane of spermatid and was localized in the principal piece of the sperm tail. The application of CATSPER1 antibody at all concentrations significantly inhibited both progressive motility and fast progressive motility after 1, 2 and 6 h incubation, and significant dose-dependent changes were observed. Conclusion： CATSPER1 is meiotically and post-meiotically expressed in human testis tissue. CATSPER1 mRNA in human ejaculated spermatozoa could be a more feasible target for study and infertility screening than testis biopsy. In addition, our results suggest that human CATSPER1 could be a possible target for immunocontraception.

Protective effect of recombinant human IL-1Ra on CCl_4-induced acute liver injury in mice

AIM: To evaluate the effects of positive regulation of recombinant human interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1Ra) on hepatic tissue recovery in acute liver injury in mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ). METHODS: Acute liver damage was induced by injecting 8-wk-old mice with CCl 4 1 mL/kg (1:3 dilution in corn oil) intraperitoneally (ip). Survival after liver failure was assessed by injecting 8-wk-old mice with a lethal dose of CCl 4 2.6 mL/kg (1:1 dilution in corn oil) ip. Mice were subcutaneously injected with 1 mg/kg recombinant human IL-1Ra twice a day after CCl 4 treatment for 5 d. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were determined with a commercial assay kit. Serum IL-1β, IL-1Ra levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine liver IL-1β, IL-1Ra and IL-6 expression during CCl 4-induced acute liver injury. Liver sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. A histology-injury grading system was used to evaluate the degree of necrosis after acute liver injury. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining was used to evaluate the role of rhIL-1Ra in promoting hepatocyte proliferation. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed a higher level of IL-6 mRNA expression and reduced serum AST and ALT levels in the livers of the rhIL-1Ra-treated group at the early phase of CCl 4-induced acute liver injury. Histological examination indicated a decrease in centrilobular necrotic areas in mice treated with rhIL-1Ra, and a novel role of rhIL-1Ra in promoting hepatocyte proliferation was also supported by an increase of PCNA staining. All these results, accompanied by a strong survival benefit in rhIL-1Ra-treated vs PBS-treated groups, demonstrated that rhIL-1Ra administration ameliorated the histological damage and accelerated the regeneration and recovery process of the liver. CONCLUSION: rhIL-1Ra could be further developed as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute liver injury because of its ability to reduce hepatocellular damage and facilitate liver regeneration.

TET1 knockdown inhibits the odontogenic differentiation potential of human dental pulp cells

Human dental pulp cells （hDPCs） possess the capacity to differentiate into odontoblast-like cells and generate reparative dentin in response to exogenous stimuli or injury. Ten-eleven translocation 1 （TET1） is a novel DNA methyldioxygenase that plays an important role in the promotion of DNA demethylation and transcriptional regulation in several cell lines. However, the role of TET1 in the biological functions of hDPCs is unknown. To investigate the effect of TET1 on the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation potential of hDPCs, a recombinant shRNA lentiviral vector was used to knock down TET1 expression in hDPCs. Following TET1 knockdown, TET1 was significantly downregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels. Proliferation of the hDPCs was suppressed in the TET1 knockdown groups. Alkaline phosphatase activity, the formation of mineralized nodules, and the expression levels of DSPP and DMP1 were all reduced in the TETl-knockdown hDPCs undergoing odontogenic differentiation. Based on these results, we concluded that TET1 knockdown can prevent the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs, which suggests that TET1 may play an important role in dental pulp repair and regeneration.

基于ox-LDL/LOX-1信号通路探讨脂质代谢紊乱促进肺癌进展中的机制

目的基于氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)/人凝集素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1(LOX-1)信号通路探讨脂质代谢紊乱促进肺癌进展的机制。方法收集81个已鉴定的具有成对相邻非癌组织(离肿瘤至少5 cm)的肺腺癌组织,使用免疫组织化学检测LOX-1表达。肺腺癌细胞系(A549、H1299细胞)中过表达LOX-1。用Transwell测定细胞侵袭能力。用不同浓度oxLDL处理细胞,并检测细胞中LOX-1表达情况。结果在包含原发性人肺癌和匹配的邻近非癌组织中,肿瘤中LOX-1染色比非癌组织样品明显增强(中值H分数99.4 vs.16.2,P<0.001)。高LOX-1表达与低生存显著相关(P<0.001)。与无淋巴结转移的患者相比,发生淋巴结转移患者的癌组织具有更高的LOX-1水平(中值H分数83.2 vs.121.1,P<0.01)。LOX-1过表达显著促进肺癌细胞的侵袭转移细胞数(P<0.01)。此外,LOX-1是ox-LDL诱导的肺癌细胞转移所必需的功能靶点。伊他替尼抑制LOX-1过表达的A549在体外的转移能力。结论LOX-1的表达随着oxLDL水平的升高而增加,并且LOX-1的表达上调促进了肺癌细胞的转移,其作用机制可能与激活Janus激酶/转录因子激活子(JAK1/STAT6)信号通路有关。

Expression of dectin-1 during fungus infection in human corneal epithelial cells

AIM: To evaluate the expression of dendritic cell-associated C-type lectin-1(dectin-1) in human corneal epithelial(HCE) cells infected by fungus. · METHODS: A total of 20 cases of healthy donor corneas were group A,and 20 patients(20 eyes) suffered from fungal keratitis(FK) composed group B. Real-time qPCR and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect dectin-1 expression in corneal epithelium of both groups. HCE cells were cultured with aspergillus fumigatus(AF) antigens in vitro. The expression of dectin-1 mRNA was measured by real-time qPCR at the stimulation of 0,4,8 and 24h separately. Dectin-1 protein was detected by immunocytochemistry at 0 and 24h separately. ·RESULTS: Dectin-1 expressed in corneal epithelium of normal persons and FK patients. Vitro cellular experiment showed that the expression of dectin-1 mRNA in HCE cells began to increase after stimulation of AF antigens at 4h,and dectin-1 protein expression increased after stimulation at 24h. · CONCLUSION: Dectin-1 expressed in corneal epithelium of normal persons. AF antigens stimulation can elevate the expression of dectin-1 in HCE cells in vitro.