Identification of hub genes associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus:A pilot bioinformatics study

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is related to various extragastric diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,the possible mechanisms connecting H.pylori infection and T2DM remain unknown.AIM To explore potential molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.METHODS We extracted gene expression arrays from three online datasets(GSE60427,GSE27411 and GSE115601).Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)commonly present in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM were identified.Hub genes were validated using human gastric biopsy samples.Correlations between hub genes and immune cell infiltration,miRNAs,and transcription factors(TFs)were further analyzed.RESULTS A total of 67 DEGs were commonly presented in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM.Five significantly upregulated hub genes,including TLR4,ITGAM,C5AR1,FCER1G,and FCGR2A,were finally identified,all of which are closely related to immune cell infiltration.The gene-miRNA analysis detected 13 miRNAs with at least two gene cross-links.TF-gene interaction networks showed that TLR4 was coregulated by 26 TFs,the largest number of TFs among the 5 hub genes.CONCLUSION We identified five hub genes that may have molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of H.pylori-induced onset of T2DM.

应用Minigene剪接变异体分析技术诊断PMM2基因非经典剪接位点新变异的致病性

目的:研究Minigene剪接变异体分析技术在诊断磷酸甘露糖变位酶2(PMM2)相关先天性糖基化障碍(PMM2-CDG)中的价值,探讨磷酸甘露糖变位酶2(PMM2)基因剪接位点新变异对其转录产物的影响。方法:通过对1例PMM2-CDG患儿进行高通量测序查找可能的遗传学病因,利用Minigene剪接变异体分析技术,研究PMM2基因新剪接位点变异的致病性。根据美国医学遗传学与基因组学学会(ACMG)指南,判断新变异的致病性。结果:遗传学分析发现患儿系PMM2基因母源性c.691G>A(p.Val231Met)变异和父源性c.447+5G>A变异复合杂合子。Minigene剪接变异体分析发现:变异c.447+5G>A导致PMM2基因转录产物形成r.348_447del转录本,为致病性PMM2基因变异。患儿的临床特征为皮肤巩膜黄染,血清总胆红素、非结合胆红素和总胆汁酸明显升高,白蛋白明显降低,甲胎蛋白、铁蛋白和促甲状腺素等升高,对症支持治疗效果欠佳。结论:Minigene剪接变异体分析可为PMM2-CDG确诊和家系遗传咨询提供新的分子标记物,扩展了PMM2基因变异谱,为该病的临床诊治提供新的参考依据。

Vanillylacetone attenuates cadmium chloride-induced hippocampal damage and memory loss through upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 gene and protein expression

Memory loss and dementia are major public health concerns with a substantial economic burden.Oxidative stress has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hippocampal damage-induced memory impairment.To investigate whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound vanillyla cetone(zingerone) can protect against hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by cadmium chloride(CdCl_(2)) administration in rats,we explo red the potential involvement of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signaling pathway,which is known to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation.Sixty healt hy male Wistar rats were divided into five groups:vehicle-treated(control),vanillylacetone,CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2)+ brusatol(a selective pharmacological N rf2inhibitor) groups.Vanillylacetone effectively attenuated CdCl_(2)-induced damage in the dental gyrus of the hippocampus and improved the memory function assessed by the Morris Water Maze test.Additionally,vanillylacetone markedly decreased the hippocampal tissue levels of inflammatory biomarkers(interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,intracellular cell adhesive molecules) and apoptosis biomarkers(Bax and cleaved caspase-3).The control and CdCl_(2)-treated groups treated with va nillylacetone showed reduced generation of reactive oxygen species,decreased malondialdehyde levels,and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities,along with significant elevation of nuclear Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression in hippocampal tissue.All the protective effects of vanillylacetone we re substantially blocked by the co-administration of brusatol(a selective N rf2 inhibitor).Va nillylacetone mitigated hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by CdCl_(2),at least in part, by activating the nuclear transcription factor Nrf2.Additionally,vanillylacetone exerted its potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions.

To Analyze the Sensitivity of RT-PCR Assays Employing S Gene Target Failure with Whole Genome Sequencing Data during Third Wave by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant

Introduction: Omicron is a highly divergent variant of concern (VOCs) of a severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2. It carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein hence;it is more transmissible in the community by immune evasion mechanisms. Due to mutation within S gene, most Omicron variants have reported S gene target failure (SGTF) with some commercially available PCR kits. Such diagnostic features can be used as markers to screen Omicron. However, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is the only gold standard approach to confirm novel microorganisms at genetically level as similar mutations can also be found in other variants that are circulating at low frequencies worldwide. This Retrospective study is aimed to assess RT-PCR sensitivity in the detection of S gene target failure in comparison with whole genome sequencing to detect variants of Omicron. Methods: We have analysed retrospective data of SARS-CoV-2 positive RT-PCR samples for S gene target failure (SGTF) with TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Combo Kit (ThermoFisher) and combined with sequencing technologies to study the emerged pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variants during third wave at the tertiary care centre, Surat. Results: From the first day of December 2021 till the end of February 2022, a total of 321,803 diagnostic RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed, of which 20,566 positive cases were reported at our tertiary care centre with an average cumulative positivity of 6.39% over a period of three months. In the month of December 21 samples characterized by the SGTF (70/129) were suggestive of being infected by the Omicron variant and identified as Omicron (B.1.1.529 lineage) when sequence. In the month of January, we analysed a subset of samples (n = 618) with SGTF (24%) and without SGTF (76%) with Ct values Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it took almost more than 15 days to diagnose infection and identify pathogen by sequencing technology. In contrast to that molecular assay provided quick identification with the help of SGTF phenomenon within 5 hours of duration. This strategy helps scientists and health policymakers for the quick isolation and identification of clusters. That ultimately results in a decreased transmission of pathogen among the community.

Transglutaminase 2 serves as a pathogenic hub gene of KRAS mutant colon cancer based on integrated analysis

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is acknowledged as one of the most common malignancies worldwide,ranking third in United States regarding incidence and mortality.Notably,approximately 40%of colon cancer cases harbor oncogenic KRAS mutations,resulting in the continuous activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.AIM To investigate the key pathogenic genes in KRAS mutant colon cancer holds considerable importance.METHODS Weighted gene co-expression network analysis,in combination with additional bioinformatics analysis,were conducted to screen the key factors driving the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.Meanwhile,various in vitro experiments were also conducted to explore the biological function of transglutaminase 2(TGM2).RESULTS Integrated analysis demonstrated that TGM2 acted as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival.Immunohistochemical analysis on tissue microarrays revealed that TGM2 was associated with an elevated probability of perineural invasion in patients with KRAS mutant colon cancer.Additionally,biological roles of the key gene TGM2 was also assessed,suggesting that the downregulation of TGM2 attenuated the proliferation,invasion,and migration of the KRAS mutant colon cancer cell line.CONCLUSION This study underscores the potential significance of TGM2 in the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.This insight not only offers a theoretical foundation for therapeutic approaches but also highlights the need for additional clinical trials and fundamental research to support our preliminary findings.

Investigating the effect of rubiadin cytotoxicity and expression of BAX and BCL2 genes on HepG2 liver cancer cell line

Background:Rubiadin is a type of anthraquinone compound that can be found in Rubiaceae plants,such as Ronas.Nonetheless,only limited research has been done to explore the potential anticancer properties of rubiadin on liver cancer cells.Thus,the objective of the present study is to examine how rubiadin affects the viability of liver cancer cells as well as normal cells.Methods:HepG2 and AGO cell lines were assigned into controls(not exposed to rubiadin)and groups with exposure to rubiadin with 12.5,6.25,3.125,1.56,0.78,and 0.39μg/mL concentrations.3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to measure cell viability,and one-way analysis of variance was used for data analysis.Results:The viability of liver cancer cells was significantly reduced when exposed to 12.5,6.25,3.125,and 1.56μg/mL concentrations(P<0.01).An IC50 of 44.73μg/mL was reported.Furthermore,the BAX gene’s relative expression(P<0.05)was significantly increased and the BCL2 gene expression(P<0.05)was significantly reduced.The average ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL2 increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion:This research showed that rubiadin decreases cell viability by increasing the ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL2.In addition rubiadin has no cytotoxic effect on normal cells.

Association of Haplotypes in Exon 4 of KLK2 Gene with Raised Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen

The standard diagnostic modalities for Prostate Cancer (PC) include serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) assay, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and histological examination of prostate biopsy. They are limited by low predictive potential and inability to predict which patients are at risk of developing metastatic disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the exon 4 of the KLK2 gene of subjects for changes in its nucleotide sequences (SNPs) and determine the correlation of these changes with serum PSA in an Igbo population of Nigeria. One hundred male subjects aged 40 years and above, who gave their consent, were used for the study. Their PSA determinations were done using ELISA technique while genetic studies were carried out using real-time PCR. tPSA, fPSA, and % fPSA of the subjects ranged between 0.8% - 18.30%, 0.10% - 1.60% and 0.0% - 0.7% respectively. Of the 100 subjects, 28 subjects had tPSA levels above 4.0 ng/ml with a mean of 7.10 (±3.30) ng/ml. Those with tPSA less than 4 ng/ml had a mean of 1.87 (±0.85) ng/m. 15 subjects showed SNPs with a mean tPSA of 6.87 (±4.82) ng/ml while the remaining 85 subjects without SNPs had a mean of 1.86 (±0.80) ng/ml. Results from direct DNA sequencing showed 11 SNPs. Ten subjects are curated in SNP database while one is uncurated. The Chi-square test showed significant association (p = 0.00) between tPSA levels and SNPs mutation (X2 = 17.35, p = 0.00). A Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated that the positional arrangement of the SNP mutations had no effect on PSA-total or free-values (H (10) = 10.92, p = 0.28;H (10) = 10.07, p = 0.38 respectively). Two SNPs: rs6072 and rs74478031 were associated with elevated PSA levels (p < 0.05). Their presence, therefore, has the potential to serve, in conjunction with raised PSA, as biomarkers of prostate cancer in the study population.

Co-existing squamous cell carcinoma and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia(CMML),a rare clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms,has a generally poor prognosis,and easily progresses to acute myeloid leukemia.The simultaneous incidence of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors is extremely low,and CMML coinciding with lung malignancies is even rarer.Here,we report a case of CMML,with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations,combined with non-small cell lung cancer(lung squamous cell carcinoma).CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old male,suffering from toothache accompanied by coughing,sputum,and bloody sputum for three months,was given a blood test after experiencing continuous bleeding resulting from a tooth extraction at a local hospital.Based on morphological results,the patient was diagnosed with CMML and bronchoscopy was performed in situ to confirm the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the lower lobe of the lung.After receiving azacitidine,programmed cell death protein 1,and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs,the patient developed severe myelosuppression and eventually fatal leukocyte stasis and dyspnea.CONCLUSION During the treatment and observation of CMML and be vigilant of the growth of multiple primary malignant tumors.

Manual acupuncture at the SJ5(Waiguan) acupoint shows neuroprotective effects by regulating expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2

Acupuncture at the SJ5（Waiguan） acupoint has neuroprotective effects in cerebral infarction, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed gene expression in healthy rat cerebellum using a pathway-focused DNA microarray to screen 113 genes associated with 18 signal transduction pathways. After 20 minutes of acupuncture at SJ5, the expression of Bcl-2 and Birc1 b m RNA was markedly increased. This was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription PCR. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed that Bcl-2 protein expression remained high in the cerebellum until at least 2 hours after cessation of acupuncture. These findings indicate that acupuncture at SJ5 exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2.

Bcl-2 GENE REARRANGEMENT DETERMINED BY PCR AS AMEAN TO DETECT MINIMAL RESIDUAL DISEASE INMALIGNANT LYMPHOMAS

Objective: To develop a sensitive method to detect minimal residual disease and to elucidate the significance of bcl-2 gene rearrangement in diagnosis and treatment of malignant lymphoma. Methods: Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect bcl-2 gene rearrangement and using serial dilution method to define the sensitivity of PCR. Results: In 9 different malignant lymphoma cell lines, Su-DHL-4 and Su-DHL-6 were shown bcl-2(MBR)/JH rearrangement, the sensitivity of PCR was 1:105. In 16 patients with follicular lymphoma, the peripheral blood and bone marrow were PCR positive in 4 cases both at initial diagnosis and after complete remission. Conclusion: Detection of bcl-2 gene rearrangement by PCR provides a sensitive and specific assay of minimal residual disease. It is helpful to improve staging of disease, prognosis and evaluation of the treatment results.

Increasingβ-hexosaminidase A activity using genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells

GM2 gangliosidoses are a group of autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorde rs.These diseases result from a deficiency of lysosomal enzymeβ-hexosaminidase A(HexA),which is responsible for GM2 ganglioside degradation.HexA deficiency causes the accumulation of GM2-gangliosides mainly in the nervous system cells,leading to severe progressive neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.To date,there is no treatment for these diseases.Cell-mediated gene therapy is considered a promising treatment for GM2 gangliosidoses.This study aimed to evaluate the ability of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs-HEXA-HEXB)to restore HexA deficiency in Tay-Sachs disease patient cells,as well as to analyze the functionality and biodistribution of MSCs in vivo.The effectiveness of HexA deficiency cross-correction was shown in mutant MSCs upon intera ction with MSCs-HEXA-HEXB.The results also showed that the MSCs-HEXA-HEXB express the functionally active HexA enzyme,detectable in vivo,and intravenous injection of the cells does not cause an immune response in animals.These data suggest that genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells have the potentials to treat GM2 gangliosidoses.

Unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neuropathology and behavioral deficits in parkinsonian rats withα-synucleinopathy

Parkinsonism by unilateral,intranigralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside administration in rats is distinguished in that theα-synuclein insult begins unilaterally but spreads bilaterally and increases in severity over time,thus replicating several clinical features of Parkinson’s disease,a typicalα-synucleinopathy.As Nurr1 repressesα-synuclein,we evaluated whether unilateral transfected of rNurr1-V5 transgene via neurotensin-polyplex to the substantia nigra on day 30 after unilateralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside lesion could affect bilateral neuropathology and sensorimotor deficits on day 30 post-transfection.This study found that rNurr1-V5 expression but not that of the green fluorescent protein(the negative control)reducedβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside-induced neuropathology.Accordingly,a bilateral increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells and arborization occurred in the substantia nigra and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive ramifications in the striatum.In addition,tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells displayed less senescence markerβ-galactosidase and more neuron-cytoskeleton markerβIII-tubulin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.A significant decrease in activated microglia(positive to ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1)and neurotoxic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and complement component 3)and increased neurotrophic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein A10)also occurred in the substantia nigra.These effects followed the bilateral reduction inα-synuclein aggregates in the nigrostriatal system,improving sensorimotor behavior.Our results show that unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neurodegeneration(senescence and loss of neuron-cytoskeleton and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells),neuroinflammation(activated microglia,neurotoxic astrocytes),α-synuclein aggregation,and sensorimotor deficits.Increased neurotrophic astrocytes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor can mediate the rNurr1-V5 effect,supporting its potential clinical use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Transduction of Fas gene or Bcl-2 antisense RNA sensitizes cultured drug resistant gastric cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs

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The Alzheimer's disease-associated gene TREML2 modulates inflammation by regulating microglia polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-like 2(TREML2)is a newly identified susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease(AD).It encodes a microglial inflammation-associated receptor.To date,the potential role of mic roglial TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD remains unclear.In this study,APP/PS1 mice were used to investigate the dynamic changes of TREML2 levels in brain during AD progression.In addition,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)stimulation of primary microglia as well as a lentivirus-mediated TREML2 overexpression and knockdown were employed to explore the role of TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD.Our res ults show that TREML2 levels gradually increased in the brains of AP P/PS1 mice during disease progression.LPS stimulation of primary microglia led to the release of inflammato ry cytokines including interleukin-1β,inte rleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-a in the culture medium.The LPS-induced mic roglial release of inflammatory cytokines was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and was attenuated by TREML2 knoc kdown.LPS increased the levels of mic roglial M1-type polarization marker inducible nitric oxide synthase.This effect was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and ameliorated by TREML2 knockdown.Furthermore,the levels of microglial M2-type polarization markers CD206 and ARG1 in the primary microglia were reduced by TREML2 overexpression and elevated by TREML2 knockdown.LPS stimulation increased the levels of NLRP3 in primary microglia.The LPS-induced increase in NLRP3 was further elevated by TREML2 overexpression and alleviated by TREML2 knockdown.In summary,this study provides the first evidence that TREML2 modulates inflammation by regulating microglial polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.These findings reveal the mechanisms by which TREML2 regulates microglial inflammation and suggest that TREML2 inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.

Relationship between GCKR gene rs780094 polymorphism and type 2 diabetes with albuminuria

BACKGROUND Diabetic kidney disease is one of the common complications of type 2 diabetes(T2D).There are no typical symptoms in the early stage,and the disease will progress to moderate and late stage when albuminuria reaches a high level.Treatment is difficult and the prognosis is poor.At present,the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease is still unclear,and it is believed that it is associated with genetic and environmental factors.AIM To explore the relationship between the glucokinase regulatory protein(GCKR)gene rs780094 polymorphism and T2D with albuminuria.METHODS We selected 252 patients(126 males and 126 females)with T2D admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to October 2020,and 66 healthy people(44 females and 22 males).According to the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio,the subjects were divided into group I(control),group II(T2D with normoalbuminuria),group III(T2D with microalbuminuria),and group IV(T2D with macroalbuminuria).Additionly,the subjects were divided into group M(normal group)or group N(albuminuria group)according to whether they developed albuminuria.We detected the GCKR gene rs780094 polymorphism(C/T)of all subjects,and measured the correlation between GCKR gene rs780094 polymorphism(C/T)and T2D with albuminuria.RESULTS Gene distribution and genotype distribution among groups I-IV accorded with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.Genotype frequency was significantly different among the four groups (P = 0.048, χ^(2)= 7.906). T allele frequency in groups II, III, and IV was significantly higherthan that in group I. Logistic regression analysis of the risk factors for T2D with albuminuria showed that the CT +TT genotype (odds ratio = 1.710, 95% confidence interval: 1.172-2.493) was a risk factor.CONCLUSION CT + TT genotype is a risk factor for T2D with albuminuria. In the future, we can assess the risk of individualscarrying susceptible genes to delay the onset of T2D.

Altered Oncogene Activity Contributes to Compensation for Antisense Suppression of Bcl-2 and Tumor Resistance

Antisense oligonucleotides (oligos) have targeted growth regulatory proteins in prostate cancer models. To identify compensatory alterations in the expression of non-targeted genes we evaluate mono- and bispecific oligos targeting and equally suppressing the expression of the apoptosis inhibitory protein bcl-2. Bcl-2 is chosen because oligos directed towards it have entered clinical trials to restore apoptosis in cancer patients. Treated LNCaP cells compensate for the diminished bcl-2 by suppressing caspase-3 (an apoptosis promoter) while enhancing expression of AKT-1 (another apoptosis inhibitor), androgen receptor (AR) and its (p300 and IL-6) coactivators. Additional proteins are enhanced including PD-1, its ligand PD-L1 (immune checkpoint blockade markers) and fas-ligand, which activate apoptosis through the signal transduction, along with suppressor protein p53, polymerase transcription mediator MED-12 and signal transducer STAT-3. These alterations in expression may contribute to a greatly enhanced expression of the proliferation marker KI-67. This suggests that therapeutic approaches to restore apoptosis through suppression of bcl-2 lead to an altered expression in non-targeted genes involving apoptosis, androgen sensitivity, transcriptional activity and immune responsiveness, leads to an increase in proliferation (and a more androgen driven aggressive phenotype). In this study we evaluate the expression of two oncogenes (v-myc and K-ras) and find a large and significant enhancement of v-myc activity, which is produced by oligos targeting bcl-2 at the 5’ position. For K-ras, although significant suppression is produced by the bispecific targeting bcl-2 at the 3’ position, the percent change is relatively small compared with other compensatory alterations we have measured, and much less than in v-myc. Therefore, for the two oncogenes being evaluated, only increased v-myc activity is probably large enough to contribute to increased tumor aggressiveness in compensation for bcl-2 suppression.

Prognostic value of BCL2 and TP53 genetic alterations for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP

Objective:Limited data about the prognostic significance of BCL2 mutations and BCL2 copy number variations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)are available.This study aimed to comprehensively describe BCL2 genetic alterations in DLBCL patients,and examine correlation of BCL2,TP53 and other genetic alterations with outcomes in patients treated with R-CHOP.Methods:Probe capture-based high-resolution sequencing was performed on 191 patients diagnosed with de novo DLBCL.MYC,BCL2,and BCL6 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:The presence of BCL2 alterations significantly correlated with poor progression-free survival(PFS)(5-year PFS:13.7%vs.40.8%;P=0.003)and overall survival(OS)(5-year OS:34.0%vs.70.9%;P=0.036).Importantly,patients who harbored BCL2 gain/amplifications(BCL2GA/AMP)also had a remarkably inferior 5-year PFS(11.1%vs.38.3%;P<0.001)and OS(22.1%vs.69.6%;P=0.009).In contrast,neither BCL2 mutations nor BCL2 translocations were significantly prognostic for survival.Multivariable analyses showed that the presence of BCL2 alterations,especially BCL2GA/AMP,TP53 mutations,and International Prognostic Index(IPI)were significantly associated with inferior PFS and OS.Novel prognostic models for OS were constructed based on 3 risk factors,including BCL2 alterations(Model 1)or BCL2GA/AMP(Model 2),TP53 mutations,and IPI,to stratify patients into 4 risk groups with different survival outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP,BCL2 alterations,especially BCL2GA/AMP and TP53 mutations were significantly associated with inferior outcomes,which were independent of the IPI.The novel prognostic models we proposed predicted outcomes for DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP,but further validation of the prognostic models is still warranted.

Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution and Expression Analyses of GA2ox Gene Family in Brassica napus L.

Gibberellin 2-oxidases(GA2ox)are important enzymes that maintain the balance of bioactive GAs in plants.GA2ox genes have been identified and characterized in many plants,but these genes were not investigated in Brassica napus.Here,we identified 31 GA2ox genes in B.napus and 15 of these BnaGA2ox genes were distributed in the A and C subgenomes.Subcellular localization predictions suggested that all BnaGA2ox proteins were localized in the cytoplasm,and gene structure analysis showed that the BnaGA2ox genes contained 2–4 exons.Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BnGA2ox family proteins in monocotyledons and dicotyledons can be divided into four groups,including two C_(19)-GA2ox and two C_(20)-GA2ox clades.Group 4 is a C_(20)-GA2ox Class discovered recently.Most BnaGA2ox genes had a syntenic relationship with AtGA2ox genes.BnaGA2ox genes in the C subgenome had experienced stronger selection pressure than genes in the A subgenome.BnaGA2ox genes were highly expressed in specific tissues such as those involved in growth and development,and most of them were mainly involved in abiotic responses,regulation of phytohormones and growth and development.Our study provided a valuable evolutionary analysis of GA2ox genes in monocotyledons and dicotyledons,as well as an insight into the biological functions of GA2ox family genes in B.napus.

Expression of the bcl-2 gene and its significance in human pancreatic carcinoma

Objective: To elucidate the expression of the bcl-2 gene in association with both biological characteristics of hu- man primary pancreatic carcinoma and patient's prog- nosis. Methods: The s-p immunohistochemistry assay was used to detect the expression of the bcl-2 gene on para- ffin-embedded sections from 97 cases of primary pan- creatic carcinoma, 32 cases of pancreatitis, and 21 ca- ses of normal pancreas. Results: Among the 97 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 70 (72.2%) showed positive staining for the bcl-2 pro- tein. In the 32 cases of pancreatitis, 3 (9.4%) showed positive immunostaining for the bcl-2, and in the nor- mal pancreas cases, 1 (4.8%) showed positive immu- nostaining for the bcl-2. However, the positive staining rates of the bcl-2 protein were lower in tumor tissue from the patients with metastases and tumor-node-me- tastasis (TNM) stages Ⅲ, Ⅳ than in those from those with non-metastases, well differentiation, non-invasion and TNM stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ. The patients with positive im- munostaining of bcl-2 have a longer postoperative sur- vival than those with negative staining. Conclusions: Pancreatic carcinoma expressed a high positivity for bcl-2. Findings suggested that the overex- pression of bcl-2 is related to the carcinogenesis and progression of human pancreatic carcinoma. Bcl-2 might be one of the parameters in terms of biological characteristics and good prognosis in patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

Roles of the Apolipoprotein E Gene and Its Polymorphisms in the Etiopathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Atherosclerotic Complication in Senegalese Females

Lipid metabolism disorders would be among the components responsible for the risk of the onset of T2DM and its vascular complications. Apolipoprotein E plays an important role in lipid metabolism. We studied the involvement of the APOE gene in the onset of T2DM and its vascular complications. Clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed in each participant. APOE genotypes were identified by PCR-RFLP. Arterial stiffness was studied using a pOpmetre® which evaluates the pulse wave velocity (ft-PWV). Endothelial dysfunction was studied using an EndoPAT2000® which measures endothelium-dependent vasodilation (RHI). In control subjects, the ε3 allele was associated with an increase in fasting blood glucose (r = 2.36, p = 0.018), and a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels (r = −2.17, p = 0.03), and ε4 was associated with an increase in total cholesterol (r = 2.59, p = 0.01), LDL cholesterol (r = 2.84, p = 0.004), and No-HDL cholesterol (r = 2.74, p = 0.006). In type 2 diabetes subjects, the ε2 was associated with a decrease in diastolic blood pressure (r = −2.25, p = 0.02). The ε3 was associated with a decrease in ft-PWV (r = −2.26, p = 0.024) while the ε4 was associated with an increase in ft-PWV (r = 2.52, p = 0.012). Carrying the ε2ε3 genotype would have in 99% a limited risk of developing T2DM, and in event of T2DM, only 1 to 2% would have a significant risk of developing atherosclerosis, which would be severe in 17%. Of the ε2ε4 genotype, 93% had a limited or even possible risk of developing T2DM, the remaining 7% had a very high risk of developing T2DM. Diabetics carrying ε2ε4 had in 7% very high risk of developing atherosclerosis. The latter had a 20% very high risk of being very severe. Subjects carrying the ε3ε4 genotype had a 67% possible or even probable risk of developing T2DM and in the event of diabetes, there was in 34% very high risk of developing atherosclerosis which will not have even the time to evolve towards severity. For subjects carrying the ε3ε3, the risk of developing T2DM and athérosclerosis was higher than that of the ε2ε3, and ε2ε4 genotypes but lower than that ε3ε4 genotype. The physio-pathological role of the APOE gene and the impacts of its polymorphisms are important in the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus.