Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 Gly388Arg polymorphism in Chinese gastric cancer patients

AIM: To investigate the contribution of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) Gly388Arg polymorphism as a genetic risk factor for gastric cancer (GC) and to investigate any associations between this polymorphism and clinicopathological parameters and survival. METHODS: Tumors and matched adjacent non-cancer tissues were collected from 304 GC patients, and 5 mL of venous blood was collected from 62 GC patients and 392 ageand sex-matched healthy controls without cancer history from the same ethnic population. DNA was extracted, and direct sequencing analyses were performed to genotype the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism in all the samples. Differences in the genotype frequencies of the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism between GC patients and healthy controls were estimated using the χ 2 test. Binary logistic regression was used for all analysis variables to estimate risk as the ORs with 95%CIs. The relationships between the FGFR4 genotype and clinicopathological parameters were tested with the χ 2 test. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method, the log-rank test, and the Cox regression model were applied to evaluate the effect of the FGFR4 genotype on the overall survival of patients with GC. RESULTS: In the present GC cohort, 118 patients (38.8%) were homozygous for the Gly388 allele, 124 patients (40.8%) were heterozygous, and 62 patients (20.4%) were homozygous for the Arg388 allele. The frequencies of the Gly/Gly, Gly/Arg, and Arg/Arg genotypes in the healthy controls were 33.6%, 48.0%, and 18.4%, respectively. The distributions of genotypes (χ 2 = 3.589, P = 0.166) and alleles (χ 2 = 0.342, P = 0.559) of the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism were not different between the GC patients and the healthy controls. Although we observed no correlation between the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism and clinicopathological parameters or survival in the total cohort of GC patients, the presence of the Arg388 allele was associated with shorter survival time in patients with GC if the tumor was small (log rank χ 2 = 5.449, P = 0.020), well differentiated (log rank χ 2 = 12.798, P = 0.000), T1 or T2 stage (log rank χ 2 = 4.745, P = 0.029), without lymph node involvement (log rank χ 2 = 6.647, P = 0.010), and at an early clinical stage (log rank χ 2 = 4.615, P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism is not a risk factor for GC cancer initiation but that it is a useful prognostic marker for GC patients when the tumor is relatively small, well differentiated, or at an early clinical stage.

TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1 AND SMAD4 SIGNALING PATHWAY DOWN-REGULATES RENAL EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX DEGRADATION IN DIABETIC RATS

Objective To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-131 （TGF-β1）/Smad4 pathway in development of renal fibrosis in streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic nephropathy （DN） rats and explore its possible mechanism. Methods Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were divided into 5 groups： group A （ normal control）, group B [ diabetes mellitus （DM） 2 weeks ], group C （ DM 4 weeks）, group D （ DM 8 weeks）, and group E （ DM 16 weeks）. Except for the normal control group, other groups were induced DM by single injection of STZ （55 mg/kg） respectively. Blood glucose level, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein were examined. Expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney were detected using immunohistochemical technique, Western blot, and real-time PCR. mRNA expressions of stromelysin-1 （ MMP-3 ）, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （ TIMP-1 ）, and collagen Ⅲ in kidney were also detected by real-time PCR. Results The levels of blood glucose, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein in rats of group B, C, D, and E were higher than those of the control group. With the progression of renal fibrosis, the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney of diabetic rats elevated. In addition, the renal MMP-3 mRNA expression diminished in diabetic rats, while TIMP-1 and collagen Ⅲ mRNA increased. Conclusions In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the TGF-β1/Smad4 appears to play an important role in renal fibrosis of DN. The increased expression of TGF-β1 and Smad4 might result in the transcriptional regulation of downstream target genes of TGF-β1/Smad4 pathway, which contributes to the progression of renal fibrosis in diabetic rats.

Distribution and localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 in rat brain and nerve cells during neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation

The present study explored the distribution and localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 and its potential receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-3, in adult rat brain in vivo and in nerve cells during differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the distribution of fibroblast growth factor-8 in adult rat brain in vivo. Localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 in cells during neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation in vitro was detected by immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the effect of an anti-fibroblast growth factor-8 antibody on neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and expansion in vitro. Results from this study confirmed that fibroblast growth factor-8 was mainly distributed in adult midbrain, namely the substantia nigra, compact part, dorsal tier, substantia nigra and reticular part, but was not detected in the forebrain comprising the caudate putamen and striatum. Unusual results were obtained in retrosplenial locations of adult rat brain. We found that fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 were distributed on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of nerve cells using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. We considered that the distribution of fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 in neural cells corresponded to the characteristics of fibroblast growth factor-8, a secretory factor. Addition of an anti-fibroblast growth factor-8 antibody to cultures significantly affected the rate of expansion and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells. In contrast, addition of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-8 to differentiation medium promoted neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and increased the final yields of dopaminergic neurons and total neurons. Our study may help delineate the important roles of fibroblast growth factor-8 in brain activities and neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation.

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activates ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 in tumor-induced osteomalacia

Tumor-induced osteomalacia （TIO） is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 （FGF23） by non-malignant mesenchymal tumors causes phosphate wasting and bone fractures. Recent studies have implicated the hypoxia-inducible factor-la （HIF-la） in other phosphate wasting disorders caused by elevated FGF23, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemia. Here we provide evidence that HIF-la mediates aberrant FGF23 in TIO by transcriptionally activating its promoter. Immunohistochemical studies in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors resected from patients with documented TIO showed that HIF-la and FGF23 were co-localized in spindle- shaped cells adjacent to blood vessels. Cultured tumor tissue produced high levels of intact FGF23 and demonstrated increased expression of HIF-la protein. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 cells with a HIF-la expression construct induced the activity of a FGF23 reporter construct. Prior treatment of tumor organ cultures with HIF-la inhibitors decreased HIF-la and FGF23 protein accumulation and inhibited HIF-la-induced luciferase reporter activity in transfected cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed binding to a HIF-la consensus sequence within the proximal FGF23 promoter, which was eliminated by treatment with a HIF-la inhibitor. These results show for the first time that HIF-la is a direct transcriptional activator of FGF23 and suggest that upregulation of HIF-la activity in TIO contributes to the aberrant FGF23 production in these patients.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 protein expression and clinicopathological features in gastric cancer

AIM:To investigate fibroblast growth factor receptor4(FGFR4)protein expression in Chinese patients with resectable gastric cancer(GC)and the association with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.who underwent curative surgical procedures were enrolled in this study.The protein expression of FGFR4 in formalin-fixed,paraffin-embedded(FFPE)GC tissues was determined by immunohistochemical(IHC)analysis.Patient clinicopathological data and survival information were also collected andχ2 statistical analysis was performed to analyze FGFR4 protein expression in the subgroups with differing clinicopathological characteristics including;gender,age,tumor location,differentiation,tumor-node-metastasis stage,macroscopic type,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases,distant metastasis,neural invasion and vascular invasion.Furthermore,some common molecular markers of GC in our cancer center,including p53,p27,topoisomeraseⅡα(TopoⅡα)were also determined by IHC and their association with FGFR4 protein expression evaluated.The probability of survival for different subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves plotted using the log rank test.RESULTS:Seventy seven cases(44%)were found to have high expression of FGFR4 protein.Significantly different FGFR4 expression was observed between gastric cancers with differing expression of TopoⅡα(log rankχ2=9.4760,P=0.0236).No significant differences were observed between subgroups defined by any of the other clinicopathological characteristics.The median survival time of the FGFR4 high expression(77 cases)and low expression groups(98 cases)was27 mo and 39 mo,respectively.The five-year survival rates and median survival times of gastric cancers with high FGFR4 expression were worse than those with low expression(30.8%vs 39.2%,27 mo vs 39 mo),respectively,however,no significant difference was observed in survival time(log rankχ2=1.0477,P=0.3060).Survival analysis revealed that high expression of FGFR4 was a predictor of poor outcome in GC patients if the tumor was small(less than or equal to 3cm in size)(log rankχ2=5.5033,P=0.0190),well dif-ferentiated(log rankχ2=7.9757,P=0.0047),and of T1 or T2 stage invasion depth(log rankχ2=4.8827,P=0.0271).CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that high tumor expression of FGFR4 protein is not an independent risk factor for GC cancer initiation,but is a useful prognostic marker for GC patients when the tumor is relatively small,well differentiated,or in the early stages of invasion.

Local inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases reduced M2 macrophage activity and impeded recovery in spinal cord transected rats after treatment with fibroblast growth factor-1 and nerve grafts

Alternatively activated macrophages （M2 macrophages） promote central nervous system regeneration. Our previous study demonstrated that treatment with peripheral nerve grafts and fibroblast growth factor-1 recruited more M2 macrophages and improved partial functional recovery in spinal cord transected rats. The migration of macrophages is matrix metalloproteinase （MMP） dependent. We used a general inhibitor of MMPs to influence macrophage migration, and we examined the migration of macrophage populations and changes in spinal function. Rat spinal cords were completely transected at Ts, and 5 mm of spinal cord was removed （group T）. In group R, spinal cord-transected rats received treatment with fibroblast grow th factor- 1 and peripheral nerve grafts. In group RG, rats received the same treatment as group R with the addition of 200 μM GM6001 （an MMP inhibitor） to the fibrin mix. We found that MMP-9, but not MMP- 2, was upregulated in the graft area of rats in group R. Local application of the MMP inhibitor resulted in a reduction in the ratio of arginase-1 （M2 macrophage subset）/inducible nitric oxide synthase-postive cells. When the MMP inhibitor was applied at 8 weeks postoperation, the partial functional recovery observed in group R was lost. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the nerve graft. These results suggested that the arginase-1 positive population in spinal cord transected rats is a migratory cell population rather than the phenotypic conversion of early iNOS^＋ cells and that the migration of the arginase-1^＋ population could be regulated locally. Simultaneous application of MMP in- hibitors or promotion of MMP activity for spinal cord injury needs to be considered if the coadministered treatment involves M2 recruitment.

Significance of serum fibroblast growth factor-23 and miR-208b in pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation and their relationship with prognosis

BACKGROUND The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation are increasing each year,and this condition is one of the most common clinical arrhythmias.AIM To investigate the levels and significance of serum fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF-23)and miR-208 b in patients with atrial fibrillation and their relationship with prognosis.METHODS From May 2018 to October 2019,240 patients with atrial fibrillation were selected as an observation group,including 134 with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 106 with persistent atrial fibrillation;150 patients with healthy sinus rhythm were selected as a control group.The serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in the two groups were measured.In the observation group,cardiac parameters were determined by echocardiography.RESULTS The serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in the observation group were 210.20±89.60 ng/mL and 5.30±1.22 ng/mL,which were significantly higher than the corresponding values in the control group(P<0.05).In the observation group,the serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were 234.22±70.05 ng/mL and 5.83±1.00 ng/mL,which were significantly higher than the corresponding values in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(P<0.05).The left atrial dimension(LAD)of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation was 38.81±5.11 mm,which was significantly higher than that of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(P>0.05).The serum levels of FGF-23and miR-208 b were positively correlated with the LAD(r=0.411 and 0.382,P<0.05).In the observation group,the serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in patients with a major cardiovascular event(MACE)were 243.30±72.29 ng/mL and 6.12±1.12 ng/mL,which were significantly higher than the corresponding values in patients without a MACE(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b are increased in patients with atrial fibrillation and are related to the type of disease,cardiac parameters,and prognosis.

Fibroblast growth factor 9 promotes kidney cell proliferation via WNT signaling-mediated activation of ANXA4

Fibroblast growth factors(FGFs)play pivotal roles in cell migration and proliferation.However,the identity of the FGF that plays a dominant role in kidney cell proliferation remains unclear.Therefore,in this study,we investigated the dominant FGF among all FGFs.To this end,RNA-sequencing,qRT-PCR,western blotting,and ChIP assays were performed.FGF9 showed the highest expression among all FGFs,and its overexpression significantly promoted proliferation in the mouse kidney cell line C57BL/6 and increased JNK and AKT phosphorylation levels.Further,RNA-seq analysis identified 365 upregulated and 276 downregulated genes in FGF9-overexpressed cells.These differentially expressed genes were classified primarily into 20 biological pathways and were enriched in 31 gene ontology terms.qRT-PCR revealed that the expression of WNT and NF-κB signaling genes,as well as ANXA4 expression patterns,correlated with the RNA-seq data,while FGF9-overexpressed cells accumulated moreβ-catenin,a key WNT signaling protein,compared to control cells.Moreover,downregulation of the gene that encodesβ-catenin or ANXA4 inhibited C57BL/6 cell proliferation.Additionally,the expression of ANXA4 was lower in CTNNB1-knockdown cells than in the control group.Additionally,the ChIP assay revealed that a transcription factor complex containing TCF4 andβ-catenin directly binds to the ANXA4 promoter.Taken together,these results suggest a role of FGF9 in the regulation of kidney cell migration.These findings may prove useful in the development of future therapies.

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

Expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 protein in the hippocampus in rats exhibiting chronic stress-induced depression

There is evidence that the expression of members of the fibroblast growth factor （FGF） protein family is altered in post-mortem brains of humans suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined whether the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 （FGF2） and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 （FGFR1） protein is altered following chronic stress in an animal model. Rats were exposed to 35 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress, and then tested using open-field and sucrose consumption tests. Compared with the control group, rats in the chronic stress group exhibited obvious depressive-like behaviors, including anhedonia, anxiety and decreased mobility. The results of western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a downregulation of the expression of FGF2 and FGFR1 in the hippocampus of rats, particularly in the CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus. This decreased expression is in accord with the results of post-mortem studies in humans with major depressive disorder. These findings suggest that FGF2 and FGFR1 proteins participate in the pathophysiology of depressive-like behavior, and may play an important role in the mechanism of chronic stress-induced depression.

TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β AND FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR INDUCE LENS EPITHELIAL EXPLANT METAPLASIA:IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF SUBCAPSULAR OPACIFICATION

Objective. This study was to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor-β(TGFβ) and fi- broblast growth factor (FGF) in the subcapsular opacification formation of the lens. Methods. Lens epithelial explants from 10-day-old rats were cultured with TGFβ1 or TGFβ2 in the presence of FGF for 5 days, then were examined by light and electron microscopy, and by immunolocal- ization of smooth muscle(α-sm) actin and type I collagen. Results. In TGFβ/FGF-treated explants,extensive proliferation occured, with formation of spindle and star-shaped cells. These cells showed ultrastructure and biochemical features of fibroblast or myofibroblast. Prominent Golgi apparatus and rough endoplaic reticulum were observed in some cells. Intracellular micro- filaments with cytoplasmic dense babies and membrane associated dense bodies, features of smooth muscle cells, were also observed. Some cells showed reactivity to -sin actin antibody. TGFβ/FGF-treated ex- plants were strongly stained with type I collagen antibody. Condusion. In the presence of FGF, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 induced lens epithelial cell (LEC ) proliferation and transformation into fibroblast or myofibroblast-like cells, with producing of abundant collagen matrix in the explants. The changes are similar to the metaplasia that occurrs in subcapsular opacification of the lens. The findings suggest that TGFβ and FGF plays a role in the pathogenesis of subcapsular opacification of the lens.

RNA interference affects tumorigenicity and expression of insulin-like growth factor-1,insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor,and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 in rat C6 glioma cells

BACKGROUND： Human gliomas are more likely to express basic fibroblast growth factor-2 （FGF-2） insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1）, and IGF-1 receptor （IGF-1R） than normal brain tissue. These factors activate signal transduction systems of Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akl, which promote glioma growth. OBJECTIVE： To utilize RNA interference （RNAi） technique to down-regulate FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R gene expression, and to investigate the effects of these genes on rat C6 glioma cells, as well as the feasibility of RNAi for treating glioma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This neurooncological, randomized, controlled, in vivo and in vitro experiment, which used RNAi methodology, was performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences between August 2005 and February 2008. MATERIALS： Rat C6 cell lines were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cellular Biology Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences. Small interfering RNA （siRNA） was synthesized by Shanghai GenePharma. Anti-IGF-1, anti-IGF-1R, anti-FGF-2, anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG G1-HRP antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Four to six week-old BALB/c nude mice were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS： C6 glioma cells were transfected with siRNA, which was chemically synthesized in vitro to correspond to endogenous FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R genes. The inhibition ratio of targeting mRNA expression was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. C6 glioma cell proliferation was observed using a growth curve C6 glioma cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. C6 glioma cell growth regression was observed by transwell migration assay. In addition, nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models were used in this study. For studying the anti-tumor effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1R siRNA, two blank control groups, with six mice each, were set up： A （2.5 μg siRNA was injected one week after C6 cells were inoculated, Le., when tumor volume reached 8 mm × 8 mm） and B （siRNA was injected at the same time with C6 cells were inoculated. To study the effects of FGF-2 siRNA, the groups consisted of a blank control group, negative control group, 2.6 μg siRNA group, 4 μg siRNA group, and 5.3 μg siRNA group, with six mice each. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： mRNA and protein inhibition ratio of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1 R; C6 glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle growth arrest; C6 glioma cell growth regression and subcutaneous tumorigenicity rates. RESULTS： All siRNA constructs proved to be effective. After 48 hours, transfection of 200 nmol/L siRNA resulted in a FGF-2 or IGF-1R gene inhibition ratio 〉 80% and an IGF-1 gene inhibition ratio of approximately 70%. Protein expression levels for FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R decreased in a dose-dependent manner following siRNA transfection, with an inhibition rate 〉 85%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. C6 glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis rates increased in proportion to siRNA. The apoptosis rate of C6 glioma cells induced by FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R siRNA was 39.96%, 15.07% and 22.47%, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. Transfection of 200 nmol/L IGF or IGF-1R siRNA for 48 hours suppressed C6 glioma cell migration. At 30 days after intratumoral injection of 2.6, 4, and 5.3 tJg FGF-2 siRNA, tumor growth regression rate of FGF-2 siRNA was 56%, 67%, and 86%, respectively. The tumor growth regression rate was 71.88% and 45.71%, respectively, when IGF-1 or IGF-1R siRNA was intratumorally injected 1 week after C6 glioma cell transplantation. When IGF-1 or IGF-1 R siRNA was intratumorally injected during C6 glioma cell transplantation, the tumor growth regression rate was 78.13% and 74.29%, respectively. CONCLUSION： siRNA transfection downregulated gene expression of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R In addition, siRNA treatment markedly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, growth, and migration, and concomitantly reduced subcutaneous tumorigenicity.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 single nucleotide polymorphism Gly388Arg in head and neck carcinomas

BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) is considered to be a progressive disease resulting from alterations in multiple genes regulating cell proliferation and differentiation like receptor tyrosine kinases(RTKs) and members of the fibroblast growth factor receptors(FGFR)-family. Singlenucleotide polymorphism(SNP) Arg388 of the FGFR4 is associated with a reduced overall survival in patients with cancers of various types. We speculate that FGFR4 expression and SNP is associated with worse survival in patients with HSNCC.AIM To investigate the potential clinical significance of FGFR4 Arg388 in the context of tumors arising in HNSCC, a comprehensive analysis of FGFR4 receptor expression and genotype in tumor tissues and correlated results with patients' clinical data in a large cohort of patients with HNSCC was conducted.METHODS Surgical specimens from 284 patients with HNSCC were retrieved from the Institute of Pathology at the Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Germany.Specimens were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP). The expression of FGFR4 was analyzed in 284 surgical specimens of HNSCC using immunohistochemstry. FGFR4 polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP.Patients' clinical data with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were statistically evaluated with a special emphasis on survival analysis employing Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression analysis.RESULTS Concerning the invasive tumor areas the intensity of the FGFR4 expression was evaluated in a four-grade system: no expression, low expression, intermediate and high expression. FGFR4 expression was scored as "high"(+++) in 74(26%),"intermediate"(++) in 103(36.3%), and "low"(+) in 107(36.7%) cases. Analyzing the FGFR4 mutation it was found in 96 tumors(33.8%), 84 of them(29.6%) having a heterozygous and 12(4.2%) homozygous mutated Arg388 allele. The overall frequency concerning the mutant alleles demonstrated 65% vs 34% mutated alleles in general. FGFR4 Arg388 was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage(P < 0.004), local metastasis(P < 0.0001) and reduced disease-free survival(P < 0.01). Furthermore, increased expression of FGFR4 correlated significantly with worse overall survival(P < 0.003).CONCLUSION In conclusion, the FGFR4 Arg388 genotype and protein expression of FGFR4 impacts tumor progression in patients with HNSCC and may present a useful target within a multimodal therapeutic intervention.

血清LncRNA FAF、ITIH4在慢性心力衰竭患者中的表达意义及对预后的预测价值

目的探讨血清长链非编码RNA(LncRNA)FAF、间α胰蛋白酶抑制因子重链4(ITIH4)在慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者中的表达意义及对预后的预测价值。方法选择2020年1月—2022年1月安徽医科大学第二附属医院急诊内科收治的CHF患者187例为CHF组,再根据NYHA心功能分级分为Ⅱ级亚组65例,Ⅲ级亚组77例,Ⅳ级亚组45例。于同期招募健康志愿者103例为健康对照组。2组受试者均检测血清LncRNA FAF表达和ITIH4水平,CHF患者出院后随访12个月,统计随访期间主要不良心血管事件(MACE)发生率;多因素Logistic回归分析影响CHF患者发生MACE的因素;受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析LncRNA FAF、ITIH4预测CHF患者发生MACE的价值。结果CHF组血清LncRNA FAF表达、ITIH4水平低于健康对照组(t/P=24.469/<0.001、35.196/<0.001)。血清LncRNA FAF表达、ITIH4水平Ⅳ级亚组低于Ⅲ级亚组低于Ⅱ级亚组(F/P=91.653/<0.001、102.345/<0.001)。MACE亚组血清LncRNA FAF表达,ITIH4水平低于非MACE亚组(t/P=13.556/<0.001、6.293/<0.001)。NYHAⅣ级、高水平NT-proBNP是CHF患者发生MACE的危险因素[OR(95%CI)=4.627(2.245~9.538)、2.284(1.505~3.468)],高表达LncRNA FAF、高水平ITIH4是保护因素[OR(95%CI)=0.599(0.425~0.844)、0.666(0.478~0.928)]。LncRNA FAF、ITIH4及二者联合预测CHF患者发生MACE的曲线下面积为0.796、0.801、0.896,二者联合预测曲线下面积高于单独预测(Z=2.453、2.404,均P<0.001)。结论CHF患者血清LncRNA FAF表达和ITIH4水平均降低,且与不良预后有关,联合LncRNA FAF和ITIH4可预测CHF患者预后不良风险。

血清成纤维细胞生长因子21和脂肪酸结合蛋白4检测对急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者经皮冠状动脉介入治疗术后心力衰竭的预测价值

目的探究血清成纤维细胞生长因子21(FGF21)和脂肪酸结合蛋白4(FABP4)检测对急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死(STEMI)患者经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)术后心力衰竭的预测价值。方法选取2020年9月至2022年9月内蒙古医科大学附属医院接诊的113例STEMI患者为研究对象,依据PCI术后1年是否发生心力衰竭(心衰),将其分为心衰组(n=32)和非心衰组(n=81)。应用ELISA法测定血清FGF21、FABP4表达水平,比较两组血清FGF21、FABP4水平,多因素logistic回归分析影响STEMI患者PCI术后发生心力衰竭的相关因素,ROC曲线评估血清FGF21、FABP4水平对STEMI患者PCI术后心力衰竭发生的预测价值。结果心衰组心率次数、C反应蛋白(CRP)、心肌肌钙蛋白(cTnI)、N末端B型利钠肽原(BNP)、利尿剂使用比例均显著高于非心衰组,左心室射血分数(LVEF)显著低于非心衰组(P<0.05)。心衰组血清FGF21、FABP4表达水平均明显高于非心衰组[(228.37±33.07)ng/L比(185.68±25.52)ng/L、(34.26±5.51)ng/ml比(26.87±4.67)ng/ml,t=7.345、7.195,P<0.05]。血清FGF21(95%CI 1.371~8.191)、FABP4(95%CI 1.176~4.090)及发病到至导丝通过时间(95%CI 1.058~8.157)是影响STEMI患者PCI术后发生心力衰竭的危险因素(OR>1,P<0.05),LVEF(95%CI 0.473~0.913)是保护因素(OR<1,P<0.05)。血清FGF21、FABP4单独及二者联合预测STEMI患者PCI术后发生心力衰竭的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.828、0.856、0.934,二者联合优于单一(Z二者联合-FGF21=1.971、Z二者联合-FABP4=2.417,P=0.048、P=0.015)。结论STEMI患者PCI术后发生心力衰竭血清FGF21、FABP4水平均明显升高,二者联合对STEMI患者PCI术后发生心力衰竭的风险具有更高的预测价值。

Growth factor-and cytokine-driven pathways governing liver stemness and differentiation

Liver is unique in its capacity to regenerate in response to injury or tissue loss. Hepatocytes and other liver cells are able to proliferate and repopulate the liver. However, when this response is impaired, the contribution of hepatic progenitors becomes very relevant. Here, we present an update of recent studies on growth factors and cytokine-driven intracellular pathways that govern liver stem/pro-genitor cell expansion and differentiation, and the rel-evance of these signals in liver development, regeneration and carcinogenesis. Tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, in particular, c-Met, epidermal growth factor receptors or fibroblast growth factor receptors, contribute to prolifera-tion, survival and differentiation of liver stem/progenitor cells. Different evidence suggests a dual role for the trans-forming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway in liver stemness and differentiation. On the one hand, TGF-βmediates progression of differentiation from a progenitor stage, but on the other hand, it contributes to the expan-sion of liver stem cells. Hedgehog family ligands are nec-essary to promote hepatoblast proliferation but need to be shut off to permit subsequent hepatoblast differentiation. In the same line, the Wnt family and β-catenin/T-cell fac-tor pathway is clearly involved in the maintenance of liver stemness phenotype, and its repression is necessary for liver differentiation during development. Collectively, data indicate that liver stem/progenitor cells follow their own rules and regulations. The same signals that are essential for their activation, expansion and differentiation are good candidates to contribute, under adequate conditions, to the paradigm of transformation from a pro-regenerative to a pro-tumorigenic role. From a clinical perspective, this is a fundamental issue for liver stem/progenitor cell-based therapies.

Bcl6 Suppresses Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Function via Directly Binding to Smad4

Bcl6,a critical pro-oncogene of human B-cell lymphomas,can promote tumor progress.Previous studies have found that Bcl6 participates in hypoxia injury in cardiomyocytes.However,the effect of Bcl6 on cardiac fibroblasts is still unclear.The aim of this study was to elucidate the functional role of Bcl6 in cardiac fibroblast activation and function.The neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were isolated and cultured.First,transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) was used to stimulate fibroblast activation.A decreased expression level of Bcl6 was observed in fibroblasts after stimulation with TGFβ1.Then,cells were transfected with adenovirus Bcl6 to overexpress Bcl6.The results showed that Bcl6 overexpression induced decreased proliferation and reduced activation of fibroblasts which were stimulated with TGFβ1.It was found that activated smad2 and smad3 were not changed by overexpressing Bcl6,but smad4 was decreased.Furthermore,co-immunoprecipitation results showed that Bcl6 directly bound to smad4,and induced down-regulation of smad4.At last,smad4 activator could counteract the anti-fibroblast effects of Bcl6.In conclusion,Bcl6 may negatively regulate cardiac fibroblast activation and function by directly binding to smad4.

Mechanisms by which fibroblast growth factor 20 improves motor performance in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Genome-wide studies have reported that Parkinson’s disease is associated with abnormal expression of various growth factors. In this study, male C57 BL/6 mice aged 10 weeks were used to establish Parkinson’s disease models using an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. 28 days later, 10 or 100 ng fibroblast growth factor 20 was injected intracerebroventricularly. The electrophysiological changes in the mouse hippocampus were recorded using a full-cell patch clamp. Expression of Kv4.2 in the substantia nigra was analyzed using a western blot assay. Serum malondialdehyde levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The motor coordination of mice was evaluated using the rotarod test. The results showed that fibroblast growth factor 20 decreased A-type potassium current in neurons of the substantia nigra, increased long-term potentiation amplitude in the hippocampus, and downregulated Kv4.2 expression. A high dose of fibroblast growth factor 20 reduced serum malondialdehyde levels and enhanced the motor coordination of mice. These findings confirm that fibroblast growth factor 20 has a therapeutic effect on the toxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, and its mechanism of action is associated with the inhibition of A-type K+ currents and Kv4.2 expression. All animal procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China in 2017(approval No. KYLL-2017-0012).

Hsa_circRNA_102610 upregulation in Crohn’s disease promotes transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition via sponging of hsa-miR-130a-3p

BACKGROUND The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease,a chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder that includes Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis,is rising.Circular RNAs are considered valuable diagnostic biomarkers for CD.Current evidence supports the views that epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)plays an important role in CD pathogenesis,and that hsa-miR-130a-3p can inhibit transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced EMT.Our previous study revealed that hsa_circRNA_102610 was upregulated in CD patients.Moreover,we predicted an interaction between hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p.Thus,we hypothesized that hsa_circRNA_102610 may play roles in the proliferation and EMT of intestinal epithelial cells by sponging hsa-miR-130a-3p to participate in the pathogenesis of CD.AIM To explore the mechanism of hsa_circRNA_102610 in the pathogenesis of CD.METHODS The relative expression levels of hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p in patients were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.The proliferation of human intestinal epithelial cells(HIECs)and normal-derived colon mucosa cell line 460(NCM460)cells was detected by cell counting kit-8,5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine staining and cell cycle assays following overexpression or downregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610.Cell proliferation assays were performed as described above in a rescue experiment with hsa-miR-130a-3p mimics.The interaction of hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p was verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter assays.The relative expression levels of CyclinD1,mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4(SMAD4),E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by western blotting following hsa_circRNA_102610 overexpression,TGF-β1-induced EMT or hsa-miR-130a-3p mimic transfection(in rescue experiments).RESULTS Upregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610 was determined to be positively correlated with elevated fecal calprotectin levels in CD(r=0.359,P=0.007)by Pearson correlation analysis.Hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted the proliferation of HIECs and NCM460 cells,while hsa-miR-130a-3p reversed the cell proliferationpromoting effects of hsa_circRNA_102610.Fluorescence in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter assays showed that hsa_circRNA_102610 directly bound hsa-miR-130a-3p in NCM460 and 293T cells.An inverse correlation between downregulation of hsa-miR-130a-3p and upregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610 in CD patients was observed(r=-0.290,P=0.024)by Pearson correlation analysis.Moreover,overexpression of hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted SMAD4 and CyclinD1 protein expression validated by western-blotting.Furthermore,overexpression of hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted TGF-β1 induced EMT in HIECs and NCM460 cells via targeting of hsa-miR-130a-3p,with increased expression of Vimentin and N-cadherin and decreased expression of E-cadherin.CONCLUSION Hsa_circRNA_102610 upregulation in CD patients could promote the proliferation and EMT of intestinal epithelial cells via sponging of hsa-miR-130a-3p.

β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者血清FABP4,FGF19水平表达及与预后的关系

目的研究β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血(beta-thalassaemia,β-TM)患者血清脂肪酸结合蛋白4(fatty acidbindingprotein 4,FABP4)、纤维细胞生长因子19(fibroblast growth factor 19,FGF19)表达及其与预后的关系。方法选取2018年1月~2020年8月重庆大学附属黔江医院诊治的112例β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者为病例组,选取同期体检的60例健康人为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测血清FABP4和FGF19水平。Logistic回归模型分析β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者预后影响因素。受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清FABP4和FGF19对β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者预后的预测价值。结果病例组患者血清FABP4(67.13±11.35μg/L)水平高于对照组(22.01±4.16μg/L),血清FGF19(104.24±21.46 ng/L)水平低于对照组(218.01±36.79 ng/L),差异均具有统计学意义(t=29.708,25.620,均P<0.05)。轻型组、中间型组及重型组患者血清FABP4水平(54.20±12.63μg/L,66.83±10.5μg/L,79.72±11.05μg/L)依次升高,而FGF19水平(122.53±22.36 ng/L,103.16±20.37 ng/L,86.53±18.14 ng/L)依次降低,差异具有统计学意义(F=39.701,24.231,均P<0.05)。相比于生存组,死亡组患者血清FGF19(62.80±22.09 ng/L vs 110.16±20.69 ng/L),血红蛋白、杂合子基因型比例(βCD17/βN,βCD41-42/βN)较低,而血清FABP4(116.69±12.30 ng/L vs 60.05±10.17 ng/L),铁蛋白及心脏增大比例较高,差异具有统计学意义(t/χ^(2)=4.436~18.981,均P<0.05)。FGF19(OR=0.634,95%CI:0.451~0.891)是β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者预后的独立保护因素(P<0.001),血清FABP4(OR=1.840,95%CI:1.193~2.838)为预后独立危险因素(P<0.001)。血清FABP4,FGF19联合对β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者预后评估的曲线下面积(95%CI)为0.897(0.853~0.951),大于单指标检测0.842(0.801~0.879)和0.814(0.762~0.858),差异具有统计学意义(Z=4.864,5.270,P=0.002,0.001)。结论β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者血清FABP4升高,FGF19降低。血清FABP4,FGF19联合检测对β-珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血患者预后具有较高的预测价值。