Long noncoding RNA steroid receptor RNA activator 1 inhibits proliferation and glycolysis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The clinical effects and detailed roles of long non-coding RNA(LncRNA)steroid receptor RNA activator 1(SRA1)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)remain ambiguous.In the present study,the complementary sites between lncRNA SRA1,miRNA-363-5p,and phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase(LHPP)predicted via bioinformatics analysis stimulated us to hypothesize that miRNA-363-5p/LHPP axis might be required for SRA1-mediated ESCC progression.AIM To investigate the molecular events of SRA1 in the malignant behavior in ESCC.METHODS Thirty-eight ESCC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were acquired.SRA1 expression was detected in ESCC tissues and cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Cell counting Kit-8 assay,transwell invasion assay,glycolysis assay,and xenograft tumor model were performed to address the malignant biological behaviors of ESCC cells after the introduction of SRA1.The t-test and theχ2 test were used for comparison between groups.Survival curve analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.RESULTS SRA1 downregulation was identified in ESCC.ESCC patients exhibiting a low SRA1 expression faced shorter overall survival than those with a high SRA1 expression.The introduction of SRA1 inhibited cell proliferation,glucose uptake,and lactate production in ESCC.In vivo,the growth of ESCC was hindered by SRA1 overexpression.Then,SRA1 overexpresses the LHPP by inhibiting miRNA-363-5p.Lastly,the introduction of small interfering RNA si-LHPP or miRNA-363-5p mimic could abrogate the inhibition roles triggered by SRA1.CONCLUSION SRA1 inhibits the oncogenicity of ESCC via miRNA-363-5p/LHPP axis.The SRA1/miRNA-363-5p/LHPP pathway may be a therapeutic target for ESCC.

Diagnostic Value of the Padua Score Combined with Thrombotic Biomarker Tissue Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (tPAI-1) Detection for the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Pulmonary Heart Disease

This study explores the diagnostic value of combining the Padua score with the thrombotic biomarker tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(tPAI-1)for assessing the risk of deep vein thrombosis(DVT)in patients with pulmonary heart disease.These patients often exhibit symptoms similar to venous thrombosis,such as dyspnea and bilateral lower limb swelling,complicating differential diagnosis.The Padua Prediction Score assesses the risk of venous thromboembolism(VTE)in hospitalized patients,while tPAI-1,a key fibrinolytic system inhibitor,indicates a hypercoagulable state.Clinical data from hospitalized patients with cor pulmonale were retrospectively analyzed.ROC curves compared the diagnostic value of the Padua score,tPAI-1 levels,and their combined model for predicting DVT risk.Results showed that tPAI-1 levels were significantly higher in DVT patients compared to non-DVT patients.The Padua score demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.61%and a specificity of 55.26%at a cutoff value of 3.The combined model had a significantly higher AUC than the Padua score alone,indicating better discriminatory ability in diagnosing DVT risk.The combination of the Padua score and tPAI-1 detection significantly improves the accuracy of diagnosing DVT risk in patients with pulmonary heart disease,reducing missed and incorrect diagnoses.This study provides a comprehensive assessment tool for clinicians,enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cor pulmonale complicated by DVT.Future research should validate these findings in larger samples and explore additional thrombotic biomarkers to optimize the predictive model.

Headgear-activator矫治器治疗安氏Ⅱ~1类错的软组织改变

目的:研究Headgear-activator矫治器治疗安氏Ⅱ1类下颌后缩患者软组织侧貌的改变。方法:选择生长发育高峰期的50例安氏Ⅱ1类错患者,分为Headgear-activator矫治器治疗组与对照组,对2组患者治疗前、后拍摄X线头颅定位侧位片,测量所得角度和线距,采用SPSS11.0软件包分别计算均值和标准差,利用配对t检验比较测量指标的变化。结果:鼻唇角、颏唇沟角、Z角增大,H角、上唇和下唇突角、上唇颏突角减小,与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:Headgear-activator矫治器治疗可使软组织颏部前移,上、下唇凸度明显减小,从而改善下颌后缩患者的软组织侧貌。

Head-gear Activator治疗骨性Ⅱ~1类错颌面软、硬组织改变的研究

目的 :通过对Head - gearActivator治疗早期骨性Ⅱ1类错病例矫治前后的X线头影进行测量 ,分析该矫治器对颌骨、牙齿、面型及软组织侧貌的影响。材料与方法 :选择 10名替牙期或恒牙早期的安氏Ⅱ1类错畸形的病例 ,男性 4人 ,女性 6人 ,平均年龄为 11岁。矫治器的设计是参照Graber和VanBeek的设计 ,平均治疗时间为 10 .2个月。选择 33个测量项目进行治疗前后头影测量 ,并运用SAS统计软件对测量结果进行统计分析。结果 :SNA减小 1.17° ,SNB增大 1.16° ,ANB减小 2 .3° :overjet明显减小 6 .0 7°,上下切牙突度减小 ,上前牙舌倾 ,下前牙唇倾 ;全面高及前后下面高均有显著增加 ;面型角和H角减小。说明颌骨、牙齿、面型及软组织侧貌等方面均有明显变化。结论 :Head -gearActivator能有效地达到控制上下颌矢状及垂直方向生长的目的 ,对改善软、硬组织面型。

蠲痹汤含药血清调控线粒体自噬抑制白细胞介素1β诱导的关节软骨细胞损伤

背景:软骨细胞线粒体自噬的缺陷会引起细胞凋亡和基质消失等软骨细胞退行性病变的变化。目的:探讨蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β诱导的大鼠膝关节软骨细胞炎症反应和凋亡的影响及可能作用机制。方法:50只雄性SD大鼠随机给予生理盐水、蠲痹汤低、中、高剂量(1.24,2.48,4.96 g/kg)、塞来昔布(阳性药物),连续灌胃2周后获得含药血清。①分离软骨细胞,将其随机分为对照组、白细胞介素1β组、蠲痹汤低、中、高剂量含药血清组及阳性药物血清组。CCK-8法检测细胞存活率、免疫荧光双染检测线粒体自噬水平、免疫荧光检测磷酸化腺苷酸激活蛋白激酶水平、Western blot检测PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin通路相关蛋白和裂解的半胱氨酸蛋白酶蛋白3表达、ELISA检测炎症因子水平;②分别采用PTEN诱导激酶1 siRNA和Compound C进行干预,探究AMPK/PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin通路在蠲痹汤含药血清调控线粒体自噬中的作用。结果与结论:①与对照组比较,白细胞介素1β组软骨细胞存活率、Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达、磷酸化腺苷酸激活蛋白激酶、PTEN诱导激酶1、Parkin和微管相关蛋白1轻链3蛋白水平以及线粒体自噬水平明显降低(P<0.05),而裂解的半胱氨酸蛋白酶蛋白3蛋白水平、白细胞介素6、白细胞介素8和肿瘤坏死因子α水平显著升高(P<0.05);与白细胞介素1β组比较,蠲痹汤各剂量含药血清组和阳性药物血清组上述各项指标呈现相反的变化(P<0.05);②PTEN诱导激酶1 siRNA可显著抑制蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β处理软骨细胞线粒体自噬的影响,降低蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β诱导的软骨细胞炎症与凋亡的保护作用;Compound C逆转了蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β处理软骨细胞中PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin信号通路的影响。结论:蠲痹汤含药血清通过影响线粒体自噬水平来抑制软骨细胞炎症和凋亡,从而减轻白细胞介素1β诱导的软骨细胞退化,其机制可能与调控AMPK/PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin通路有关。

三阴性乳腺癌中KIAA1522表达和作用研究

目的分析三阴乳腺癌(TNBC)中KIAA1522激活对Wnt信号通路及促进肿瘤细胞转移的机制影响。方法该研究于2021年1月至2022年10月进行,收集唐山市人民医院手术治疗的三阴乳腺癌36例,TNBC癌组织依据有淋巴结转移(转移组)和无淋巴结转移(未转移组)分为两组,采用蛋白质印迹法和实时荧光定量逆转录PCR(RT-qPCR)法分别检测各组KIAA1522、含IQ模序的GTP酶活化蛋白1(IQGAP1)、β连环素(β-catenin)的蛋白及mRNA相对表达水平,免疫共沉淀法检测KIAA1522、IQGAP1分别与β-catenin的相互作用情况。结果转移组中KIAA1522、IQGAP1、β-catenin蛋白相对表达量(0.37±0.05、0.28±0.02、1.50±0.08)均高于未转移组(0.27±0.05、0.25±0.05、1.05±0.02)(P<0.05)。转移组中KIAA1522、IQGAP-1 mRNA相对表达量(0.95±0.03、1.08±0.10)高于未转移组(0.73±0.05、0.99±0.12)(P<0.05),两者呈正相关关系(r=0.55,P<0.05),β-catenin mRNA在二组中的相对表达量差异无统计学意义。免疫共沉淀显示在TNBC癌组织中KIAA1522蛋白与β-catenin蛋白无相互作用,而IQGAP1蛋白与β-catenin蛋白相互共沉淀。结论KIAA1522激活Wnt信号通路,促进TNBC肿瘤细胞的转移,机制可能与上调IQGAP1 mRNA,过表达的IQGAP1促进β-catenin蛋白累积并结合成蛋白复合物有关。

Activator与MBT直丝弓矫治器双期矫治安氏Ⅱ^1类错[牙合]畸形的临床应用

目的:探讨Activator矫治器与滑动直丝弓矫治器(MBT appliance)双期矫治安氏Ⅱ1类错牙合畸形的临床效果。方法:选择17例混合牙列期以下颌后缩为主的安氏Ⅱ1类错牙合患者,Ⅰ期采用Activator矫治器,Ⅱ期采用MBT直丝弓矫治器。每位患者均拍摄矫治前、后头颅定位侧位片、曲面断层片,以X线头影测量方法评价疗效。结果:硬组织主要测量项目的变化:SNB角增加2.9°,ANB角减小2.9°,下中切牙切缘至鼻根点与下齿槽座点连线的垂直距离L1-NB(mm)减小3.5°,下颌体长度Go-Gn(mm)增加3.0mm,前面高N-Me(mm)增加5.6mm;软组织主要测量项目的变化:鼻唇角Cm-Sn-UL增大7.2°,颏唇沟角Li B'Pg'增大12.1°,面凸角Ns-Sn-Pos减小2.0°,上唇-审美平面Ls-E(mm)减小1.6mm,下唇-审美平面Li-E(mm)增大2.1mm。治疗结束时磨牙和尖牙均为安氏Ⅰ类关系,前牙覆盖明显减小,侧面型有所改善。结论:安氏Ⅱ1类错牙合患者在替牙期采用双期矫治能改善其面部侧貌,显著改善上下颌骨骨性关系。Activator能有效促进下颌生长。

Overexpression of hepatic plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 mRNA in rabbits with fatty liver

INTRODUCTIONPlasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 ( PAI-I ), an approximately Mr 50000 glycoprotein, is the major physiological inhibitor of plasminogen activators. It is not only the priming factor for atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis[1-3] , but also participates in the genesis of chronic hepatitis and liver fibrosis[4-11] . However, there has been no available report yet about the research of hepatic PAl-1 gene expression in hyperlipidemia and fatty liver. The present study aimed to explore the change of hepatic PAl-1 mRNA and its plasma activity by means of animal model.

Dynamic changes of activator protein 1 and collagen I expression in the sclera of myopia guinea pigs

AIM: To investigate the dynamic changes of activator protein 1(AP1) and collagen I expression in the sclera of form-deprivation myopic model in guinea pigs. METHODS: A form-deprivation myopic model in guinea pigs were established with the left eye covered for 2 to 6 wk(FDM group). Normal control group(n=25) were untreated. Changes in refractive power and axial length(AL) were measured and recorded at different time points. Expressions of AP1 and collagen 1 of the sclera were measured with Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The relationship between AP1 and collagen I levels was analyzed. RESULTS: After 0, 2, 4, 6 wk, and 4/-1 wk of form-deprivation, the diopter in the FDM group was gradually changed(2.08±0.31,-1.23±0.68,-4.17±0.58,-7.07±0.55, and-2.67±0.59 D, respectively, P<0.05), and the AL was gradually increased(5.90±0.38, 6.62±0.37, 7.30±0.35, 7.99±0.31, and 6.97±0.32 mm, respectively, P<0.05). With the prolongation of covered time, the protein expressions of AP1 and collagen I in the FDM group were gradually down-regulated(all P<0.05);the mRNA expressions of them were also gradually down-regulated(all P<0.05);and there was positive correlation between them. The control group had no obvious change in each index(all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: AP1 may be an important transcription factor involved in the regulation of collagen I synthesis and degradation during myopic scleral remodeling.

Expression of serine protease SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 in normal and malignant tissues of gastrointestinal tract

AIM： To provide the expression profile of serine protease SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 （HAI-1） in normal and malignant tissues of gastrointestinal tract at mRNA level for further study on their correlations with tumor progression and metastasis. METHODS： Total RNAs were prepared from 37 samples of colorectal cancer tissues, 40 samples of gastric cancer tissues, and their adjacent normal tissues. The expression of SNC19/matriptase and HAI-1 in these samples was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as internal standard, and the clinical significance for the correlation with clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. RESULTS： In gastric cancer tissues the expression of HAI-1 and SNC19/matriptase was significantly lower than that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues （Z = -3.280, P= 0.006; Z= -4.651, P= 0.000）. HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference between normal and malignant tissues （P〉0.05）. Analysis of clinicopathological parameters showed decreased expression of HAI-1 and HAI-1：SNC19/ matriptase ratio associated with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ gastric tumors as compared to stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ ones （Z= -2.140, P= 0.031; Z = -2.155, P = 0.031）, and with lymph node-positive gastric cancer tissues as compared to lymph node-negative ones （Z = -2.081, P = 0.036; Z= -2.686, P = 0.006）. The expression of SNC19/matriptase had no relationship with stages and lymph node metastasis （P〉0.05）. The expression of HAI-1 and HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio increased in well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues, but there was no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. The difference of SNC19/matriptase expression was not significant in gastric cancer tissues of different histological differentiation status （P〉0.05）. In colorectal cancer tissues, the expression of HAI-1 and SNC19/matriptase was also markedly lower than that in their adjacent normal tissues （Z= -3.100, P = 0.002; Z= -2.731, P = 0.006）, whereas HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference. Decreased expression of HAI-1 was associated with increased invasive depth and lymph node metastasis, but there was no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. The difference of SNC19/matriptase expression and HAI-1： SNC19/matriptase ratio was not significant in different stages and different lymph node metastasis status （P〉0.05）. The expression of SNC19/matriptase, HAI-1 or HAI-1： SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference in colorectal cancer tissues of different histological differentiation status （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： The expressions of SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor HAI-1 are decreased in gastrointestinal cancer tissues compared to their normal counterparts, and the decreased expression of HAI-1 may correlate with invasion and lymph node metastasis. The possible mechanisms involved need to be further investigated.

Activator protein-1 involved in growth inhibition by RASSF1A gene in the human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC7901

AIM:To investigate the role of Ras association domain family protein 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) in gastric tumorigenesis. METHODS:Through over-expression of RASSF1A gene in the SGC7901 cell line which was induced by a lipofectamine-mediated gene transfer approach. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS:Compared with the control clones, cells over- expressing RASSF1A exhibited significant inhibition of cell growth with G1 cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. The over-expression of RASSF1A significantly inhibited AP-1 activity in SGC7901 cells (0.981±0.011 vs 0.354±0.053, P<0.001). In addition, both Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry demonstrated that RASSF1A down-regulated the expression of c-Fos (0.975± 0.02 vs 0.095±0.024, P<0.001) but not c-Jun. CONCLUSION: Over-expression of RASSF1A inhibits the growth of SGC7901 cells by negatively regulating the AP-1 activity, the latter in turn negatively signals cell proliferation.

Role of Activator Protein-1 in the Transcription of Interleukin-5 Gene Regulated by Protein Kinase C Signal in Asthmatic Human TLymphocytes

Summary: In order to explore the role of activator protein-1 (AP-1) in the transcription of interleukin-5 (IL-5) gene regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) signal in peripheral blood T lymphocytes from asthmatic patient, T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from peripheral blood of each asthmatic patient. The T lymphocytes were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (blank control), group B (treated with PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)), Group C (treated with PMA and AP-1 cis-element decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (decoy ODNs)), and group D (treated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs). The ODNs were transfected into the T cells of group C and D by cation liposome respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to assess IL-5 mRNA expression, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) for the activation of AP-1. The results showed that the activation of AP-1 (88 003.58±1 626.57) and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (0.8300±0.0294) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly higher than these in blank control (20 888.47±1103.56 and 0.3050±0.0208, respectively, P< 0.01), while the indexes (23 219.83±1 024.86 and 0.3425±0.0171 respectively) of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 decoy ODNs were significantly inhibited, as compared with group B (P< 0.01). The indexes (87 107.41±1 342.92 and 0.8225±0.0222, respectively) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs did not exhibit significant changes, as compared with group B (P>0.05). The significant positive correlation was found between the activation of AP-1 and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (P< 0.01). It was concluded that AP-1 might participate in the signal transduction of PKC-triggered transcription of IL-5 gene in asthmatic T lymphocytes. This suggests the activation of PKC/AP-1 signal transduction cascade of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Association of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G promoter polymorphism with recurrent cerebral infarction in China’s North Jiangsu Province

BACKGROUND： Many international studies have shown that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 （PAl-l） 4G/5G promoter polymorphism does not increase the risk for cerebral infarction. OBJECTIVE： Using PCR methodology and agarose electrophoresis to detect PAI-1 4G/5G promoter polymorphism in patients with recurrent cerebral infarction in the North Jiangsu Province of China, and to compare results with healthy subjects and patients with first-occurrence cerebral infarction in the same region. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Non-randomized, concurrent, control trial. A total of 122 cerebral infarction patients were admitted to Xuzhou Medical College Hospital＇s Department of Neurology and Xuzhou Central Hospital＇s Department of Neurology between July 2003 and August 2006. PARTICIPANTS： The patients consisted of 63 males and 59 females, aged （62 ± 10） years. They were divided into first-occurrence （n = 58） and recurrence （n = 64） groups. In addition, 50 healthy subjects that underwent physical examination in the outpatient department, including 26 males and 24 females, aged （60 ±12） years, were selected as controls. METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： PAl-1 4G/5G promoter polymorphism was detected and analyzed using PCR methodology and agarose electrophoresis. RESULTS： Significant differences were determined in terms of genotypic frequency and allele frequency of PAI-1 4G/5G promoter polymorphism, in patients with first-occurrence or recurrent cerebral infarction, when compared with healthy subjects （P 〈 0.05）. There was, however, no significant difference between the first-occurrence and recurrence groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： PAl- 1 4G/5G promoter polymorphism is genetic risk factor for cerebral infarction in China. However, it may be associated with recurrence of cerebral infarction in patients from the North Jiangsu Province of China.

Headgear-Activator矫治器治疗青少年安氏Ⅱ类1分类错牙合疗效的Meta分析

目的安氏Ⅱ类1分类错牙合是临床上常见的错牙合畸形,评价Headgear-Activator功能矫治器治疗青少年下颌后缩错牙合畸形的有效性,从而更加真实,准确的评价该种矫治器的有效性。方法计算机检索PubMed(1950-01/2010-08)、Embase(1966-01/2010-08)、中文科技期刊数据库(VIP)(1989-01/2010-08)、中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI)(1979-01/2010-08),万方数据库,CBM文章库,以及手工检索并辅以文章追溯的方法收集国内、国外学者10年内公开发表的有关Headgear-Activator在安氏Ⅱ类1分类错牙合矫治中疗效的文献。运用Meta分析技术对其治疗前后的患者进行综合定量分析,根据资料异质性检验,采用随机效应模型,计算合并加权平均数差及其95%CI,使用Rev-man5.0进行数据处理。结果共纳入6篇文献,共纳入患者138例,资料异质性检验显示SNA,SNB,ANB,PP-SN,MP-SN的异质性检验Ⅰ2≥50%,具有异质性,采用随机效应模型。Meta分析结果显示,SNA,SNB,ANB,PP-SN,MP-SN合并加权平均数差及95%CI均不包括0,具有显著性意义。结论提示,Headgear-Activator在安氏Ⅱ类1分类错牙合矫治中有一定的作用。

THE INCREASE IN PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR TYPE-1 EXPRESSION BY STIMULATION OF ACTIVATORS FOR PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTORS IN HUMAN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Objective.To investigate the effect of peroxis ome proliferator-activated recept ors(PPARs )activators on plasminogen activator inhibitor ty pe-1(PAI-1)expression in human umbilical vein e ndothelial cells and the possi-ble mechanism.Methods.Human umbilical vein endothelial ce lls(HUVECs )were obtained from normal fetus,and cul-tured conventionally.Then the HUVECs were exposed to test agents(linolenic acid,linoleic acid,oleic acid,stearic acid and prostaglandin J 2 respectively)in varying concentrations with fresh media.RT -PCR and ELISA were applied to determine the expression of PPARs and PAI-1in HUVECs.Results.PPARα,PPARδand PPARγmRNA were detected by using RT-PCR in HUVECs.Treatment of HUVECs with PPARαand PPARγactivators---linolenic acid,linoleic acid,oleic acid and prostaglandin J 2 respectively,but not with stearic a cid could augment PAI-I mRNA expression and protein secretion in a concentration-dependent manner.However,the mRNA expressions of 3subclasses of PPAR with their activators in HUVECs were not changed compared w ith controls.Conclusion.HUVECs express PPARs.PPARs activators may increase PAI-1expression in ECs,but the underlying mechanism remains uncle ar.Although PPARs expression was not enhanced after stimulated by their activators in ECs,the role of functionally active PPARs in regulating PA I-1expression in ECs needs to be further investigated by using transient gen e transfection assay.

A small-molecule activator of ULK1 that induces cytoprotective autophagy for Parkinson disease treatment

OBJECTIVE To discover a small-molecule activator of ULK1 for Parkinson disease treatment and exploreits potential mechanisms.METHODS Candidate ULK1 activator was found by using structure-based design and high-through put screening,then modified by chemical synthesis and screened by kinase and autophgic activities.The amino acid residues that key to the activation site of the best candidate ULK1 activator(BL-918) were determined by site-directed mutagenesis,as well as in vitro kinase assay,ADP-Glo kinase assay and surface plasmon resonance(SPR) analysis.The mechanisms of BL-918 induced cytoprotective autophagy were investigated by electron microscopy,fluorescence microscopy,Western blotting,co-immunoprecipitation assay,si RNA and GFP-LC3 plasmid transfections.The therapeutic effect of BL-918 was determined by MPTP-mouse model,including behavioral tests,the levels of dopamine and its derivatives,as well as immunofluorescence and Western blotting.The toxicity of BL-918 was assessed by blood sample analysis and hematoxylin-eosin staining.RESULTS We discovered a small molecule(BL-918) as a potent activator of ULK1 by structure-based drug design.Subsequently,some key amino acid residues(Arg18,Lys50,Asn86 and Tyr89) were found to be crucial to the binding pocket between ULK1 and BL-918,by site-directed mutagenesis.Moreover,we found that BL-918 could induce autophagy via the ULK complex in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.Intriguingly,this activator displayed a cytoprotective effect on MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells,as well as protected against MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and loss of dopaminergic neurons by targeting ULK1-modulated autophagy in mouse models of PD.CONCLUSION We discovered a novel ULK1 activator(BL-918) that potently activated ULK1.This activator could induce cytoprotective autophagy via the ULK1 complex in SH-SY5Y cells,and also exerted its neuroprotective effects by targeting ULK1-modulated autophagy in a MPTP-induced PD mouse model,which may serve as a candidate drug for future PD therapy.

Down-regulated expressions of PPAR_γ and its coactivator PGC-1 are related to gastric carcinogenesis and Lauren's classification in gastric carcinoma

Objective： To explore the relationship between peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma （PPARγ） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 （PGC-1） expression in gastric carcinoma （GC）, and analyze their correlations with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of patients. Methods：The two-step immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of PPARγ and PGC-1 in 179 cases of GC, and 108 cases of matched normal gastric mucosa. Besides, 16 cases of fresh GC specimens and corresponding normal gastric mucosa were detected for PGC-1 expression with Western blotting. Results： The positive rates of PPART and PGC-1 expression were significantly lower in GC （54.75%, 49.16%） than in normal gastric mucosa （70.37%, 71.30%）, respectively （P〈0.05）. The decreased expression of PGC-1 in GC was confirmed ha our Western blot analysis （P=0.004）. PPAR7 and PGC-1 expressions were related to Lauren＇s types ofGC （P〈0.05）. Positive correlation was found between PPART and PGC-1 expression in GC （rk=0.422, P〈0.001）. The survival time of PPART negative and positive patients was 36.6±3.0 vs. 38.5_＋2.7 months, and no statistical difference was found between the 5-year survival rates of two groups （34.4% vs. 44.1%, P=0.522, log-rank test）; the survival time of PGC-1 negative and positive patients was 36.2±2.8 vs. 39.9±2.9 months, while no statistical difference was found between the 5-year survival rates of the two groups （32.0% vs. 48.2%, P=0.462, log-rank test） Conclusions＇. Decreased expression of PPARγand PGC-1 in GC was related to the Lauren＇s classification. Their expressions in GC were positively correlated, indicating that their fimctions in gastric carcinogenesis may be closely related.

Genetic and Metabolic Determinants of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in Tunisian Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background: PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) is a powerful regulator of fibrinolysis and plasma level is high in type 2 diabetes and cardio-vascular disease, which is determined by genetic polymorphisms in PAI-1 gene and environmental factors. The aim of the study was to examine the determinants of plasma PAI-1 Ag level among type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: 491 Tunisian type 2 diabetes patients had clinical evaluation (weight, high, BMI, Waist Circumference), laboratory investigations including FBG Hb1Ac, cholesterol, triglyceride;HDL-cholesterol was done;plasma PAI-1 antigen level was done with ELISA;&minus;675 4G/5G and &minus;844 G/A polymorphisms of PAI-1 gene was done by PCR-ASA and PCR-RFLP respectively. Results: The mean age for our patients was 58.3 ± 10.5 years;sex-ratio = 0.92;mean PAI-1 level was 34.6 ± 21.3 ng/ml. We didn’t find correlation between PAI-1 level and BMI, but we have found significant correlation between PAI-1 and waist circumference (p = 0.032), most enhanced in men (P = 0.002), T2D patients who have FBG > 11 mmol/l had PAI-1 Ag level higher than those who have FBG P = 0.034), but no difference found between T2D with high Hb1Ac > 8% and those with Hb1Ac < 8%, significant correlation was seen between PAI-1 level and LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.05), high correlation between PAI-1 Ag level and &minus;675 4G/5G polymorphism genotype was seen, 4G/4G carriers had the highest PAI-1 level, 4G/5G had intermediary level and 5G/5G had the lowest level (P &minus;844G/A polymorphism genotypes. Using multiple variable linear regression analysis, the independent factor associated with plasma PAI-1 level was &minus;675 4G/5G polymorphism (regression coefficient β = 4.6, P Conclusion: the present study identifies &minus;675 4G/5G not &minus;844 G/A polymorphism of PAI gene as the principal determinant of plasma PAI-1 level in Tunisian T2D patients, the android fat distribution, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia play a modest role in this variation.

Expression and prognostic value of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in node-negative breast cancer

Objective： To investigate the expressions of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 （PAl-1）, C-erbB-2, VEGF and Ki-67 by immunohistostaining and then to evaluate the prognostic value of PAl-1 in node-negative breast cancer. Methods： The study included a retrospective series of 62 female patients with axillary lymph node-negative breast cancer. Expressions of PAl-1, C-erbB-2, VEGF and Ki-67 were determined by immunohistostaining on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections from these patients after a median follow-up of 69 months （range 22-117 months）. Correlations with well known clinicopathologic factors were assessed and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Results： High PAl-1 level was positively associated with high histologic grade of the tumors. Disease-free survival （DFS） was significantly shorter for the patients with moderate to intensive expression of PAl-1 than for those with negative （χ^2 = 25.46, P 〈 0.001; χ^2 = 23.07, P 〈 0.001） to mild expression （χ^2 = 19.75, P 〈 0.001; χ^2 = 17.40, P 〈 0.001）. Although on univariate analysis of the prognostic factors, tumor size, location of primary tumor and age as well as expressions of PAl-1, VEGF and Ki-67 were all significantly prognostic factors for DFS （P 〈 0.05）, PAl-1 was the only independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis （P 〈 0.0001; hazard ratio [HR], 4.041; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.928-8.468）. Conclusion： These results of the current study indicate that intermediate or high expression of PAl-1 represents a strong and independent unfavorable prognostic factor for the development of recurrence or metastases in axillary node-negative breast cancer.

Hepatitis C Virus non-structural 5A abrogates signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 nuclear translocation induced by IFN-α through dephosphorylation

AIM： To study the effect of Hepatitis C virus nonstructural 5A （HCV NSSA） on IFNα induced signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 （STAT1） phosphorylation and nuclear translocation.METHODS： Expression of STAT1 Tyr701 phosphorylation at different time points was confirmed by Western blot, and the time point when p-STAT1 expressed most, was taken as the IFN induction time for further studies. Immunocytochemistry was used to confirm the successful transient transfection of NS5A expression plasmid. Immunofluorescene was performed to observe if there was any difference in IFNα-induced STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation between HCV NSSA-expressed and non-HCV NSSA-expressed cells. Western blot was used to compare the phosphorylated STAT1 protein of the cells.RESULTS： Expression of HCV NS5A was found in the cytoplasm of pCNS5A-transfected Huh7 cells, but not in the PRC/ CMV transfected or non-transfected cells, STAT1 Tyr701 phosphorylation was found strongest in 30 min of IFN induction, STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear import were much less in the presence of HCV NS5A protein in contrast to pRC/CMV-transfected and non-transfected cells under fluorescent microscopy, which was further confirmed by Western blot.CONCLUSION： HCV NSSA expression plasmid is successfully transfected into Huh7 cells and HCV NS5A protein is expressed in the cytoplasm of the cells. IFN-α is able to induce STAT1 phosphrylation and nuclear translocation, and this effect is inhibited by HCV NS5A protein, which might be another possible resistance mechanism to interferon alpha therapy.