SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 accelerates diabetic macular edema progression by WNT inhibitory factor 1

BACKGROUND Diabetic macular edema(DME)is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.Tight junction disruption of the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cells has been reported to induce DME development.SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(SMURF)1 was associated with the tight junctions of cells.However,the mechanism of SMURF1 in the DME process remains unclear.AIM To investigate the role of SMURF1 in RPE cell tight junction during DME.METHODS ARPE-19 cells treated with high glucose(HG)and desferrioxamine mesylate(DFX)for establishment of the DME cell model.DME mice models were constructed by streptozotocin induction.The trans-epithelial electrical resistance and permeability of RPE cells were analyzed.The expressions of tight junction-related and autophagy-related proteins were determined.The interaction between insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2(IGF2BP2)and SMURF1 mRNA was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation(RIP).SMURF1 N6-methyladenosine(m6A)level was detected by methylated RIP.RESULTS SMURF1 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)were upregulated in DME.SMURF1 knockdown reduced HG/DFX-induced autophagy,which protected RPE cell tight junctions and ameliorated retinal damage in DME mice.SMURF1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin-VEGF signaling pathway by promoting WNT inhibitory factor(WIF)1 ubiquitination and degradation.IGF2BP2 upregulated SMURF1 expression in an m6A modification-dependent manner.CONCLUSION M6A-modified SMURF1 promoted WIF1 ubiquitination and degradation,which activated autophagy to inhibit RPE cell tight junctions,ultimately promoting DME progression.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibits ferroptosis following spinal cord injury by regulating heme oxygenase-1

Interfering with the ferroptosis pathway is a new strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Fibroblast growth factor 21 can inhibit ferro ptosis and promote neurofunctional recovery,while heme oxygenase-1 is a regulator of iron and reactive oxygen species homeostasis.The relationship between heme oxygenase-1and ferroptosis remains controve rsial.In this study,we used a spinal co rd injury rat model to show that the levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 in spinal co rd tissue decreased after spinal cord injury.In addition,there was a significant aggravation of ferroptosis and a rapid increase in heme oxygenase-1 expression after spinal cord injury.Furthe r,heme oxygenase-1 aggravated fe rroptosis after spinal cord injury,while fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibited fe rroptosis by downregulating heme oxygenase-1.Thus,the activation of fibroblast growth factor 21 may provide a potential treatment for spinal co rd injury.These findings could provide a new potential mechanistic explanation for fibroblast growth factor 21 in the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor in Glioblastoma Multiforme:a systematic review going beyond pathologic implications

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)is an aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by extensive heterogeneity and vascular proliferation.Hypoxic conditions in the tissue microenvironment are considered a pivotal player leading tumor progression.Specifically,hypoxia is known to activate inducible factors,such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha(HIF-1α),which in turn can stimulate tumor neo-angiogenesis through activation of various downward mediators,such as the vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Here,we aimed to explore the role of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes alone and in combination with other prognostic markers or clinical and image analysis data,as potential biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.We performed a systematic review(Medline/Embase,and Pubmed database search was completed by 16th of April 2024 by two independent teams;PRISMA 2020).We evaluated methods of immunoassays,cell viability,or animal or patient survival methods of the retrieved studies to assess unbiased data.We used inclusion criteria,such as the evaluation of GBM prognosis based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression,other biomarkers or clinical and imaging manifestations in GBM related to HIF-1α/VEGF expression,application of immunoassays for protein expression,and evaluation of the effectiveness of GBM therapeutic strategies based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression.We used exclusion criteria,such as data not reporting both HIF-1αand VEGF or prognosis.We included 50 studies investigating in total 1319 GBM human specimens,18 different cell lines or GBM-derived stem cells,and 6 different animal models,to identify the association of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes,and with other prognostic factors,clinical and macroscopic data in GBM prognosis and therapeutic approaches.We found that increased HIF-1α/VEGF expression in GBM correlates with oncogenic factors,such as miR-210-3p,Oct4,AKT,COX-2,PDGF-C,PLDO3,M2 polarization,or ALK,leading to unfavorable survival.Reduced HIF-1α/VEGF expression correlates with FIH-1,ADNP,or STAT1 upregulation,as well as with clinical manifestations,like epileptogenicity,and a favorable prognosis of GBM.Based on our data,HIF-1αor VEGF immunophenotypes may be a useful tool to clarify MRI-PET imaging data distinguishing between GBM tumor progression and pseudoprogression.Finally,HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes can reflect GBM treatment efficacy,including combined first-line treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors,thimerosal,or an active metabolite of irinotecan,as well as STAT3 inhibitors alone,and resulting in a favorable tumor prognosis and patient survival.These data were supported by a combination of variable methods used to evaluate HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes.Data limitations may include the use of less sensitive detection methods in some cases.Overall,our data support HIF-1α/VEGF’s role as biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 targets IGF1R signaling transduction to facilitate metastasis and imatinib resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)are typical gastrointestinal tract neoplasms.Imatinib is the first-line therapy for GIST patients.Drug resistance limits the long-term effectiveness of imatinib.The regulatory effect of insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)has been confirmed in various cancers and is related to resistance to chemotherapy and a worse prognosis.AIM To further investigate the mechanism of IGF2 specific to GISTs.METHODS IGF2 was screened and analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO:GSE225819)data.After IGF2 knockdown or overexpression by transfection,the phenotypes(proliferation,migration,invasion,apoptosis)of GIST cells were characterized by cell counting kit 8,Transwell,and flow cytometry assays.We used western blotting to evaluate pathway-associated and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-associated proteins.We injected transfected cells into nude mice to establish a tumor xenograft model and observed the occurrence and metastasis of GIST.RESULTS Data from the GEO indicated that IGF2 expression is high in GISTs,associated with liver metastasis,and closely related to drug resistance.GIST cells with high expression of IGF2 had increased proliferation and migration,invasiveness and EMT.Knockdown of IGF2 significantly inhibited those activities.In addition,OEIGF2 promoted GIST metastasis in vivo in nude mice.IGF2 activated IGF1R signaling in GIST cells,and IGF2/IGF1R-mediated glycolysis was required for GIST with liver metastasis.GIST cells with IGF2 knockdown were sensitive to imatinib treatment when IGF2 overexpression significantly raised imatinib resistance.Moreover,2-deoxy-D-glucose(a glycolysis inhibitor)treatment reversed IGF2 overexpressionmediated imatinib resistance in GISTs.CONCLUSION IGF2 targeting of IGF1R signaling inhibited metastasis and decreased imatinib resistance by driving glycolysis in GISTs.

Transforming growth factor-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in senile acute myeloid leukemia and correlation with prognosis

BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia(AML)is a disease in which immature hematopoietic cells accumulate in the bone marrow and continuously expand,inhibiting hematopoiesis.The treatment and prognosis of this disease have always been unsatisfactory.AIM To investigate the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGFβ1)expression and prognosis in older adults with AML.METHODS This study enrolled 80 patients with AML(AML group),including 36 with complete response(AML-CR),23 with partial response(AML-PR),and 21 with no response(AML-NR).The expression levels of VEGF and TGFβ1 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow mononuclear cells isolated from 56 healthy controls.Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess overall survival(OS)and progression-or disease-free survival(DFS).Prognostic risk factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTS The AML group showed a VEGF level of 2.68±0.16.VEGF expression was lower in patients with AML-CR than those with AML-PR or AML-NR(P<0.05).TGFβ1 expression in the AML group was 0.33±0.05.Patients with AML-CR showed a higher TGFβ1 expression than those with AML-PR or AML-NR(P<0.05).VEGF and TGFβ1 expression in patients with AML was significantly correlated with the counts of leukocytes,platelets,hemoglobin,and peripheral blood immature cells(P<0.05);Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with high TGFβ1 expression had better OS and DFS than those with low TGFβ1 expression(P<0.05),whereas patients with low VEGF levels showed better OS and DFS than those with high VEGF levels(P<0.05).VEGF,TGFβ1,and platelet count were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model as independent risk factors for OS(P<0.05),while VEGF,TGFβ1,and white blood cell count were independent risk factors for DFS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Decreased VEGF expression and increased TGFβ1 expression in patients with AML provide valuable references for determining and individualizing clinical treatment strategies.

Concomitant epidermal growth factor receptor mutation/c-ros oncogene 1 rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutation and c-ros oncogene 1(ROS1)rearrangement are key genetic alterations and predictive tumor markers for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and are typically considered to be mutually exc-lusive.EGFR/ROS1 co-mutation is a rare event,and the standard treatment appr-oach for such cases is still equivocal.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with lung adenocar-cinoma,with concomitant EGFR L858R mutation and ROS1 rearrangement.The patient received two cycles of chemotherapy after surgery,but the disease prog-ressed.Following 1-month treatment with gefitinib,the disease progressed again.However,after switching to crizotinib,the lesion became stable.Currently,crizotinib has been administered for over 53 months with a remarkable treatment effect.CONCLUSION The efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and crizotinib was vastly different in this NSCLC patient with EGFR/ROS1 co-mutation.This report will aid future treatment of such patients.

Molecular Tissue Engineering: Applications for Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Proliferation by Transforming Growth Factor β_1 Gene Transfer

The effect of transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF β 1 ) gene transfection on the proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC S ) and the mechanism was investigated to provide basis for accelerating articular cartilage repairing using molecular tissue engineering technology. TGF β 1 gene at different doses was transduced into the rat bone marrow derived MSCs to examine the effects of TGF β 1 gene transfection on MSCs DNA synthesis, cell cycle kinetics and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The results showed that 3 μl lipofectamine mediated 1 μg TGF β 1 gene transfection could effectively promote the proliferation of MSCs best; Under this condition (DNA/Lipofectamine=1μg/3μl), flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase in the 3 H incorporation, DNA content in S phase and the expression of PCNA. Transfection of gene encoding TGF β 1 could induce the cells at G0/G1 phase to S1 phase, modulate the replication of DNA through the enhancement of the PCNA expression, increase the content of DNA at S1 phase and promote the proliferation of MSCs. This new molecular tissue engineering approach could be of potential benefit to enhance the repair of damaged articular cartilage, especially those caused by degenerative joint diseases.

Osteogenic Potential of Cultured Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Transfected with Transforming Growth Factor β_1 Gene in vitro

To study the osteogenic potential of cultured bone marrow stromal cells transfected with transforming growth factor β 1 gene in vitro , cultured BMSCs were transfected with the complexes of pcDNA 3 TGF β 1 and Lipofectamine Reagent in vitro . The cell proliferation was detected by MTT method and the morphological features of transfected BMSCs was observed. ALP stains and PNP method were used to measure ALP activity. In addition, the collagen type Ⅰ propeptides and mineralized matrixes were examined by immunohistochemical staining and tetracycline fluorescence labeling respectively. The morphological and biological characters of the transfected BMSCs were similar to those of osteoblasts and the cell proliferation was promoted. The cell layer displayed strong positive reaction for ALP stains and immunohistochemical staining. ALP activity and collagen type Ⅰ expression increased remarkably after transfection. Mineralized matrixes formed earlier and more in transfected BMSCs as compared with control group. It is concluded that transfecting with TGF β 1 gene could promote the osteogenic potential of cultured BMSCs.

Effects of Nerve Growth Factor on NMDA Receptor 1 and Neuronal Nitric Oxide Production after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Objective:To explore the protective mechanisms of nerve growth factor (NGF) on spinal cord injury (SCI) and provide theoretical basis for its clinical application. Methods: The SCI of Wistar rats was done by Allens weight dropping way by a 10 g×2.5 cm impact on the posterior of spinal cord T 8. NGF (3 g/L, 20 μl) or normal saline was injected through catheter into subarachnoid space 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after SCI. The expression of N-methyl-D-asparate receptor 1 (NMDAR 1) and neuronal constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ncNOS) mRNA in rat spinal cord was detected by in situ hybridization. Results: Abnormal expression of NMDAR 1 and ncNOS mRNA appeared in spinal ventral horn motorneuron in injured rats, as compared with that in control group. The expression of NMDAR 1 and ncNOS mRNA in NGF group was significantly lower than that in saline group (P<0.01). Conclusion: NGF can protect spinal cord against injury in vivo. One of the mechanisms is that NGF can prohibit NMDAR 1 and nitric oxide (NO) production after spinal cord injury.

lncRNA-BBOX1-2通过调控成纤维细胞生长因子受体1促进胃癌的发生和发展

目的探讨长链非编码RNA(long non-coding RNA,lncRNA)BBOX1-2通过调控成纤维细胞生长因子受体1(fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,FGFR1)对胃癌的发生发展机制的影响。方法回顾性选取2017年4月至2019年1月于上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院卢湾分院接受胃癌根治术30例病人肿瘤组织及癌旁相应正常组织作为研究对象,采用实时定量PCT(real-time PCR,RT-PCR)检测lncRNA-BBOX1-2和FGFR1表达;si-linc-BBOX1-2转染SGC-7901细胞后,通过蛋白质印迹法/细胞存活率分析(MTT)、细胞迁移和侵袭(Transwell)实验、细胞划痕、平板克隆一系列生物学功能实验,检测肿瘤细胞生物学功能及FGFR1表达的变化。结果胃癌组织中的lncRNA-BBOX1-2(3.68±0.58比1.15±0.11)和FGFR1(4.26±0.71比1.19±0.18)表达显著高于癌旁正常组织(P<0.05);si-linc-BBOX1-2转染SGC-7901细胞后,FGFR1表达下调,细胞活力、迁移、侵袭和生存能力明显下降。结论LincRNA-BBOX1-2可通过调控FGFR1的表达介导胃癌细胞的增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭,可能为胃癌的治疗提供了新的靶点和潜在的生物学标志物。

血清NGF、VILIP-1水平与癫痫共患注意力缺陷多动障碍患儿认知功能的相关性分析

目的分析癫痫共患注意力缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)患儿血清神经生长因子(NGF)、视锥蛋白样蛋白-1(VILIP-1)水平及其与认知功能的相关性。方法选择2020年12月至2023年11月河北省儿童医院癫痫共患ADHD患儿95例作为癫痫+ADHD组,单纯癫痫患儿95例作为癫痫组,同一时期来河北省妇幼保健中心体检的健康儿童95例作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血清NGF、VILIP-1水平;对癫痫+ADHD组、癫痫组患儿行联合型瑞文测验(CRT)、事件相关电位P300检测和韦氏儿童智力量表第四版(WISC-IV)检测;血清NGF、VILIP-1水平与癫痫共患ADHD患儿认知功能的相关性采用Spearman相关性分析。结果癫痫+ADHD组、癫痫组血清NGF、VILIP-1水平高于对照组(P<0.05);癫痫+ADHD组血清NGF、VILIP-1水平高于癫痫组(P<0.05)。癫痫+ADHD组类同比较、系列关系、比较推理、抽象推理、知觉辨别、智商数低于癫痫组(P<0.05)。癫痫+ADHD组P300潜伏期高于癫痫组,P300波幅低于癫痫组(P<0.05)。癫痫+ADHD组患儿言语理解、知觉推理、工作记忆、加工速度、总智商(FSIQ)均低于癫痫组(P<0.05)。血清NGF、VILIP-1水平与癫痫共患ADHD患儿类同比较、系列关系、比较推理、抽象推理、知觉辨别、智商数、P300波幅、言语理解、知觉推理、工作记忆、加工速度、FSIQ均呈负相关(P<0.05),与P300潜伏期呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论癫痫共患ADHD患儿血清NGF、VILIP-1水平升高,均与患儿认知功能相关。

心房颤动伴二尖瓣反流病人血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平与心房颤动类型、反流程度的关系

目的:分析心房颤动(AF)伴二尖瓣反流(MR)病人血清瞬时受体电位通道1(TRPC1)、生长分化因子-15(GDF-15)水平与心房颤动类型、反流程度的关系。方法:选取2020年2月—2022年2月我院收治的112例AF伴FMR病人作为研究组,同期选取103名健康体检者作为对照组。根据研究组心房颤动类型分为永久性心房颤动组(32例)、持续性心房颤动组(41例)和阵发性心房颤动组(39例);根据二尖瓣反流程度分为轻度MR组(44例)、中度MR组(42例)和重度MR组(26例)。所有研究对象均进行二维超声心动图检查,测量左房内径(LAD)、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左室射血分数(LVEF);采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测各组血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平。Logistic回归分析诊断AF伴FMR病人的影响因素。结果:与对照组比较,研究组LAD、LVEDD、LVESD及血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平均升高,LVEF降低(P<0.001)。与阵发性心房颤动组比较,持续性心房颤动组和永久性心房颤动组LAD、LVEDD、LVESD及血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平均升高,LVEF降低(P<0.05);与持续性心房颤动组比较,永久性心房颤动组LAD、LVEDD、LVESD及血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平均升高,LVEF降低(P<0.05)。与轻度MR组比较,中度MR组和重度MR组LAD、LVEDD、LVESD及血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平均升高,LVEF降低(P<0.05);与中度反流组比较,重度反流组LAD、LVEDD、LVESD及血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平均升高,LVEF降低(P<0.05)。TRPC1、GDF-15是病人发生AF伴MR的危险因素(P<0.01)。结论:AF伴MR病人血清TRPC1、GDF-15水平升高,与AF类型和MR程度有关。

OIP5-AS1通过VEGF165调控ADSCs-Exos分泌促进创面愈合的研究

目的探讨敲低Opa相互作用蛋白5-反义转录物1(opa-interactingprotein 5 antisense RNA 1,OIP5-AS1)的脂肪间充质干细胞外泌体(exosomes derived from ADSCs,ADSCs-Exos)在创面愈合中的作用机制。方法选取2024年2月至6月期间在延安大学附属医院接受选择性吸脂或手术整形的10例人体正常皮下脂肪组织,从中分离脂肪间充质干细胞(adipose-derived stem cell,ADSCs),提取外泌体,并鉴定外泌体标志蛋白肿瘤易感基因101(tumor susceptibility gene 101,TSG101)和CD9的表达。使用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应测定OIP5-AS1的表达。采用H_(2)O_(2)处理人永生化表皮细胞HaCaT,构建体外皮肤损伤模型。MTT法和流式细胞术检测细胞活力和凋亡。采用t检验、方差分析进行统计比较。结果ADSCs-Exos增加H2O2处理的HaCaT细胞活力,抑制细胞凋亡(t=4.358、5.654,均P<0.05)。与ADSCs相比,OIP5-AS1在ADSCs-Exos中表达显著上调(t=4.125,P<0.01),且敲低OIP5-AS1抑制了ADSCs-Exos对创面愈合的修复作用(t=3.367、6.674,均P<0.05)。敲低OIP5-AS1后抑制了血管内皮生长因子165(vascular endothelial growth factor 165,VEGF165)的表达(t=3.105,P<0.01),VEGF165过表达可部分逆转敲低OIP5-AS1对创面愈合的抑制作用(t=3.327、5.544,均P<0.05)。结论敲低OIP5-AS1的ADSC-Exos通过调控VEGF165的表达影响创面愈合过程,为皮肤创面愈合的治疗提供新靶点。

血清半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3和可溶性血管内皮生长因子受体-1水平与突发性耳聋患者病情及预后的关系分析

目的探讨血清半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)、可溶性血管内皮生长因子受体-1(sFIt-1)水平与突发性耳聋患者病情及预后的关系。方法选取2022年1月至2024年1月陕西省人民医院收治的78例突发性耳聋患者作为研究组。男46例,女32例;年龄32~76(47.92±4.65)岁;体重指数20.37~27.94(24.57±3.24)kg/m^(2)。另外,选取同期38例体检健康志愿者作为参照组,男21例,女17例,年龄34~63(48.23±4.81)岁;体重指数19.86~22.51(20.87±2.39)kg/m^(2)。采用纯音测听检查评估突发性耳聋患者病情,并根据严重程度进行分组,重度组16例[纯音平均听阈(PTA)>60 dBHL]、中度组39例(PTA>40~60 dBHL)、轻度组23例(PTA 20~40 dBHL)。所有患者均给予激素、营养神经等治疗,10 d为1个疗程,10 d后评估患者预后。根据预后情况将治疗后突发性耳聋患者分为预后良好组(57例)和预后不良组(21例)。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测受试者血清Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平。收集受试者一般资料,包括性别、年龄、体重指数、病程、临床症状、耳聋部位、听力损失程度、基础疾病等。采用独立样本t检验、重复测量方差分析和χ2检验进行统计学分析。采用Spearman秩相关系数进行相关性分析。采用多因素logistic回归分析突发性耳聋患者预后的影响因素。采用受试者操作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平对突发性耳聋患者预后的预测效能。结果研究组血清Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平均高于参照组[(17.27±3.14)ng/L比(6.63±1.67)ng/L、(157.82±13.47)ng/L比(81.67±10.63)ng/L](均P<0.05)。重度、中度组Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平均高于轻度组,重度组上述指标均高于中度组(均P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析显示,突发性耳聋患者血清Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平与病情严重程度呈正相关(r=0.881、0.841,均P<0.05)。预后不良组和预后良好组年龄、听力损伤程度、血清Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,听力损失程度(OR:0.009,95%CI:0.000~0.209)、年龄(OR:1.165,95%CI:1.049~1.293)、血清Caspase-3(OR:1.546,95%CI:1.183~2.022)、sFIt-1(OR:1.058,95%CI:1.015~1.104)水平均是突发性耳聋患者预后的影响因素(均P<0.05)。ROC分析结果显示,血清Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平联合预测的曲线下面积(AUC)大于血清Caspase-3、sFIt-1水平单独预测。其中联合预测灵敏度66.67%,特异度87.72%,AUC为0.819(0.712~0.925);Caspase-3灵敏度52.38%,特异度82.46%,AUC为0.721(0.593~0.849);sFIt-1灵敏度52.38%,特异度84.21%,AUC为0.703(0.573~0.832)。结论血清Caspase-3、sFlt-1水平升高可反映突发性耳聋患者病情严重程度,二者联合检测可更准确评估患者预后情况。

Roles of fibroblast growth factors in the treatment of diabetes

Diabetes affects about 422 million people worldwide,causing 1.5 million deaths each year.However,the incidence of diabetes is increasing,including several types of diabetes.Type 1 diabetes(5%-10%of diabetic cases)and type 2 diabetes(90%-95%of diabetic cases)are the main types of diabetes in the clinic.Accumulating evidence shows that the fibroblast growth factor(FGF)family plays important roles in many metabolic disorders,including type 1 and type 2 diabetes.FGF consists of 23 family members(FGF-1-23)in humans.Here,we review current findings of FGFs in the treatment of diabetes and management of diabetic complications.Some FGFs(e.g.,FGF-15,FGF-19,and FGF-21)have been broadly investigated in preclinical studies for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes,and their therapeutic roles in diabetes are currently under investigation in clinical trials.Overall,the roles of FGFs in diabetes and diabetic complications are involved in numerous processes.First,FGF intervention can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance and reduce the levels of fasting blood glucose and triglycerides by regulating lipolysis in adipose tissues and hepatic glucose production.Second,modulation of FGF expression can inhibit renal and cardiac fibrosis by regulating the expression of extracellular matrix components,promote diabetic wound healing process and bone repair,and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration.Finally,FGFs can regulate the activation of glucoseexcited neurons and the expression of thermogenic genes.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of galectin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in gastric cancer

AIM: To evaluate the expression of galectin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gastric cancer and investigate their relationships with clinicopathologic factors and prognostic significance. METHODS: Galectin-1 and VEGF were immunohistochemically investigated in tumor samples obtained from 214 gastric cancer patients with all tumor stages. Immunohistochemical analyses for galectin-1 and VEGF expression were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of surgical specimens. The relationship between the expression and staining intensity of galectin-1 and VEGF, clinicopathologic variables, and patient survival were analyzed. All patients underwent follow-up until cancer-related death or more than five years after tumor resection. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that 138 of 214 gastric cancer samples (64.5%) were positive for galectin-1, and 116 out of 214 gastric cancer samples (54.2%) were positive for VEGF. There was a significant association between galectin-1 and VEGF expression; VEGF was detected in 60.1% of galectin-1-positive samples and 43.4% of galectin-1-negative samples (P < 0.05). Galectin-1 expression was associated with tumor size, tumor location, stage, lymph node metastases, and VEGF expression (all P < 0.05). VEGF expression was related to tumor size, stage, and lymph node metastases (all P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate was 56.6% for galectin-1-positive patients and 69.2% for galectin-1-negative patients, and the prognosis for galectin-1-positive patients was significantly poorer compared with galectin-1-negative patients (χ 2 = 13.880, P = 0.000). The 5-year survival rates for VEGF-positive and VEGF-negative patients were 53.4% and 70.5%, respectively (χ2 = 4.619, P = 0.032). The overall survival rate of patients with both galectin-1 and VEGF overexpression in gastric cancer tissue samples was significantly poorer than other groups (both P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Galectin-1 expression was positively associated with VEGF expression. Both galectin-1 and VEGF can serve as independent prognostic indicators of poor survival for gastric cancer after gastrectomy.

Roles of Smad3 and Smad7 in rat pancreatic stellate cells activated by transforming growth factor-beta 1

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a major role in promoting pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a critical mediator of this process. This study aimed to determine the expression of the Smad3 and Smad7 genes in the process of PSC activation, and explore the mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: The expressions of Smad3 and Smad7 in PSCs before and after TGF-beta 1 treatment were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Smad3 expression was detected in PSCs after treatment with 5 ng/ml of TGF-beta 1 for 24 hours. RESULTS: Smad7 expression was decreased in TGF-beta 1 -activated PSCs (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. When TGF-beta 1 concentration reached 10 ng/ml, the expression of p-Smad3, Smad3, and Smad7 was inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta 1 promotes the expression of Smad3 and inhibits the expression of Smad7 during the activation of PSCs. In contrast, high-dose TGF-beta 1 downregulates the expression of Smad3 in completely activated PSCs.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 promotes cell proliferation via activation of AKT and is directly targeted by microRNA-494 in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1(IGF2BP1)plays critical roles in the genesis and development of human cancers.AIM To investigate the clinical significance and role of IGF2BP1 in pancreatic cancer.METHODS Expression levels of IGF2BP1 and microRNA-494(miR-494)were mined based on Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and validated in both clinical samples and cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.The relationship between IGF2BP1 expression and clinicopathological factors of pancreatic cancer patients was analyzed.The effect and mechanism of IGF2BP1 on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation were investigated in vitro and in vivo.Analyses were performed to explore underlying mechanisms of IGF2BP1 upregulation in pancreatic cancer and assays were carried out to verify the posttranscriptional regulation of IGF2BP1 by miR-494.RESULTS We found that IGF2BP1 was upregulated and associated with a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.We showed that downregulation of IGF2BP1 inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo via the AKT signaling pathway.Mechanistically,we showed that the frequent upregulation of IGF2BP1 was attributed to the downregulation of miR-494 expression in pancreatic cancer.Furthermore,we discovered that reexpression of miR-494 could partially abrogate the oncogenic role of IGF2BP1.CONCLUSION Our results revealed that upregulated IGF2BP1 promotes the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells via the AKT signaling pathway and confirmed that the activation of IGF2BP1 is partly due to the silencing of miR-494.

Upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor 1α mRNA is associated with elevated vascular endothelial growth factor expression and excessive angiogenesis and predicts a poor prognosis in gastric carcinoma

AIM： To investigate the implication of the hypoxia inducible factor HIF-1α mRNA in gastric carcinoma and its relation to the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） protein, tumor angiogenesis invasion/metastasis and the patient＇s survival. METHODS： In situ hybridization was used to examine expression of HIF-1α mRNA, and immunohistochemical staining was used to examine expression of VEGF protein and CD34 in 118 specimens from patients with gastric carcinoma. RESULTS： The positive rates of HIF-1α mRNA and VEGF protein were 49.15% and 55.92%, respectively. Positive expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF in stage T3-T4 tumors and those with vessel invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were dramatically stronger than stage T1-T2 cases and those without vessel invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. The mean microvascular density （MVD） in stage T3-T4 tumors and those with vessel invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis was significantly higher than stage T1-T2 tumors and those without vessel invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. The mean MVD in tumors with positive HIF-1α and VEGF expression was significantly higher than that in tumors with negative HIF-1α and VEGF expression. The expression of HIF- 1α was positively correlated with VEGF protein. There were positive correlations between MVD and expression of HIF-1α and VEGF. The mean survival time and the S-year survival rate in cases with positive expression HIF-1α and VEGF and MVD value ≥ 41.5/0.72 mm^2 were significantly lower than those with negative expression of HIF-1α and VEGF and MVD value 〈 41.5/0.72 mm^2. CONCLUSION： Overexpression of HIF-1α is found in gastric carcinoma. HIF-1α may induce the angiogenesis in gastric carcinoma by upregulating the transcription of VEGF gene, and take part in tumor invasion and metastasis. They can be used as prognostic markers of gastric cancer in clinical practice.

Effect of matrine on transforming growth factor β1 and hepatocyte growth factor in rat liver fibrosis model

Objective:To observe the preventive and control effect of matrine on transforming growth factor(TCF- β1) and hepatocyte.growth factor(HCF) of liver fibrosis tissue in rals.Methods:A total of48 SD rats were randomly divided into A,B,C,D groups with 12 in each,group A as the normal control group and groups B.C,D as liver fibrosis models using composite modulus method with carbon tetrachloride(CCL_4).Group B was the model group,group C adopted γ— interferon lavage therapy in the second day of modeling,and group D adopted matrine lavage treatment,at 4 and8 weeks after treatment.Six rats were executed for detection of TGF- β1 and HGF,liver tissue histology and comparison fibrosis degree changes of rat liver tissue between groups.Results:Croups B,C,D showed a more significantly increased TCF- β1 at each time point compared with group A(P<0.05);Group B showed a more significantly increased TGF- β1 than groups C and D at weeks 4 and 8(P<0.05);group D showed a lowest level of TGF-β1,followed by groups C and B.HGF of group B decreased more significantly than A group at weeks 4 and 8(P<0.05);HGF of groups C and D was significantly elevated at 4 and 8 weeks than groups A and B(P<0.05),in which the group D showed the highest level of HGF.According to tissue histologic observation,rat liver tissue structure of group A was clear and normal,tissue structure of group B was destroyed with obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia and fatty change of hepatic cells;groups C and D showed a slighter liver tissue damage,cell necrosis and connective tissue hyperplasia in collect abbacy than group B with a trend of obvious improvement.Conclusions:Matrine can reduce TGF- β1expression and enhance the activity of HGF,so as to realize the inhibition effect on liver fibrosis in rats.