Clinicopathological Features and Long-Term Prognostic Role of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 Low Expression in Chinese Patients with Early Breast Cancer:A Single-Institution Study

Objective This study aimed to comprehensively analyze and compare the clinicopathological features and prognosis of Chinese patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-low early breast cancer(BC)and HER2-IHC0 BC.Methods Patients diagnosed with HER2-negative BC(N=999)at our institution between January2011 and December 2015 formed our study population.Clinicopathological characteristics,association between estrogen receptor(ER)expression and HER2-low,and evolution of HER2 immunohistochemical(IHC)score were assessed.Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the long-term survival outcomes(5-year follow-up)between the HER2-IHC0 and HER2-low groups.Results HER2-low BC group tended to demonstrate high expression of ER and more progesterone receptor(PgR)positivity than HER2-IHC0 BC group(P<0.001).The rate of HER2-low status increased with increasing ER expression levels(Mantel-Haenszelχ^(2)test,P<0.001,Pearson’s R=0.159,P<0.001).Survival analysis revealed a significantly longer overall survival(OS)in HER2-low BC group than in HER2-IHC0 group(P=0.007)in the whole cohort and the hormone receptor(HR)-negative group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of disease-free survival(DFS).The discordance rate of HER2 IHC scores between primary and metastatic sites was 36.84%.Conclusion HER2-low BC may not be regarded as a unique BC group in this population-based study due to similar clinicopathological features and prognostic roles.

Effect of small interference RNA on expression of the Skp2 in human chondrocytes cell

Objective:To study the inhibitory effect of siRNA mediated by expression vectors on Skp2 expression in human chondrocytes.Method:Three Skp2 sequences siRNA-59,siRNA-318 and siRNA-504 were designed as target sites using online siRNA design tools.Skp2 siRNA expression vectors were successfully constructed in vitro by gene recombination technology,and the influence of recombinant plasmid transfection on Skp2 mRNA expression was detected.DNA electrophoresis was used to verify the results.Results:The sequence of Skp2 interference was correct by sequence analysis.The expression of Skp2 mRNA in siRNA-59,siRNA-318,siRNA-504 transfection group was significantly lower than that in no-load group and NC group(P<0.05),the inhibition rates of Skp2 mRNA in siRNA-59,siRNA-318 and siRNA-504 were respectively 60%,41%and 64%,and the siRNA-504 transfection group had the highest inhibition rate.Conclusion:The siRNA eukaryotic expression vector of Skp2 gene was constructed successfully which effectively inhibit Skp2 mRNA expression in human chondrocytes cell,and can provide strong evidence for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

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.

Eukaryotic expression, purification and activity characterization of human soluble DSG2 extracellular domain protein

Objective:To construct a secretory eukaryotic expression vector of DSG2 fused with the Fc region of the human IgG,to validate its expression in 293T cells,and to purify the secretory protein with biological activity.Methods:The DSG2 extracellular domain fragment gene(DSG2ex),was amplified by PCR,and was inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pCMV3-IgG1 to construct the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid-pCMV3-DSG2ex-IgG1.The successfully constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid was transfected into 293T cells to express and secrete DSG2 extracellular domain protein.The targeted protein was purified from the cell culture supernatant by Protein A affinity chromatography and confirmed by Western Blotting and ELISA.Results:The pCMV3-DSG2ex-IgG1 eukaryotic expression plasmid was successfully constructed.The highest protein expression level was obtained with 293T cells after 96 h of transfection.The relative molecular mass of the purified product was between 100 and 130 kDa was estimated by SDS-PAGE,which was consistent with the expectation.The yield of the purified protein reached 0.8 mg/ml with a purity over 90%.The purified DSG2 extracellular domain protein with IgG1 tag was recognized by IgG monoclonal antibodies by Western blotting.Moreover,the ELISA results showed that the prepared DSG2 extracellular domain protein had significant binding activity to human type 55 adenovirus Fiber Knob protein(HAdV-55).Conclusion:A simple and efficient method for eukaryotic expression and purification of human soluble DSG2 extracellular domain protein was successfully established,and biologically active DSG2 extracellular domain protein was purified,which laid the foundation for the later study of its protein function and anti-adenovirus drugs.

赤眼鳟LGP2序列结构、组织表达及与MDA5互作特征

为探究赤眼鳟遗传学和生理学实验室蛋白2(laboratory of genetics and physiology 2,LGP2)的功能特征及抗草鱼呼肠孤病毒(grass carp reovirus,GCRV)育种参考潜力,实验克隆获得了2940 bp的赤眼鳟lgp2(Sclgp2)全长cDNA和721 bp的5′端上游序列。Sclgp2 cDNA编码680个氨基酸,包含DEXDc(DExD/H-box helicase domain)、HELICc(helicase superfamily C-terminal domain)和CTD(C-terminal regulatory domain)结构域;其5′端上游序列含有MafB(muscle aponeurosis fibromatosis B)和IRF3(interferon regulatory factor 3)等转录因子结合位点。不同物种LGP2的功能结构域、磷酸化修饰位点数具有相似性,同时也存在结构域排布位置及序列的差异。赤眼鳟和草鱼lgp2 cDNA序列比较初步发现2个位于RNA结合功能区的GCRV抗性关联位点。系统进化分析显示,赤眼鳟LGP2先与草鱼、鲫和青鱼聚在一起,再与鲤科鱼类等聚为一大支。荧光定量表达分析显示,赤眼鳟脾脏中sclgp2表达水平显著高于其他组织,肌肉、心脏中表达量次之,而肠中表达量最低。GCRV感染后,肝脏中ifn1表达水平在24~72 h显著下降,其他组织sclgp2和ifn1表达水平未有显著变化。相关性分析结果显示,赤眼鳟肌肉sclgp2与ifn1表达水平呈极显著正相关(0.999)。酵母双杂交互作检测发现,赤眼鳟LGP2与MDA5存在弱相互作用,而其DEXDc(1~201 aa)、HELICc(390~476 aa)以及CTD(553~668 aa)结构域与MDA5无互作。该研究成功获得了sclgp2全长cDNA及5′端上游序列,明确了其序列结构、免疫表达及与MDA5的互作特征,为赤眼鳟LGP2免疫功能属性研究奠定了基础,并为草鱼抗GCRV育种提供了参考。

血清IL-2、sST2表达与特发性膜性肾病免疫抑制剂治疗反应性的相关性

目的探讨特发性膜性肾病患者血清白介素-2(IL-2)、可溶性生长刺激表达基因2蛋白(sST2)表达水平与免疫抑制剂治疗反应性的相关性。方法选取2020年1月至2022年10月于医院接受免疫抑制剂治疗的135例特发性膜性肾病患者,于入院时检测患者血清IL-2、sST2,并于治疗完成后测定24 h尿蛋白定量,依据患者治疗反应性分为缓解组与未缓解组。对比两组患者一般资料及入院时血清IL-2、sST2水平,采用点二列相关性分析血清IL-2、sST2水平与特发性膜性肾病免疫抑制剂治疗反应性的关系,并绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估血清IL-2、sST2水平预测特发性膜性肾病免疫抑制剂治疗反应性的价值。结果135例特发性膜性肾病患者中共有132例完成规律治疗,经免疫抑制剂治疗6个月后,101例患者疾病缓解,纳入缓解组,其余31例患者纳入未缓解组。未缓解组年龄、入院时肾功能分级、疾病分期、血清IL-2、sST2水平均高于缓解组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);点二列相关性分析显示,血清IL-2、sST2水平与特发性膜性肾病免疫抑制剂治疗反应性不良风险呈正相关(r 1=0.428,P 1<0.001;r 2=0.344,P 2<0.001);绘制ROC曲线,结果显示,血清IL-2、sST2预测特发性膜性肾病免疫抑制剂治疗反应性不良的曲线下面积均>0.7,具有一定预测价值,且联合预测价值更高。结论血清IL-2、sST2表达水平与特发性膜性肾病患者免疫抑制剂治疗反应性密切相关,二者表达水平越高,治疗反应性越差,且联合检测可作为预测特发性膜性肾病患者免疫抑制剂治疗反应性的敏感指标。

老年舒张性心力衰竭合并肌少症患者可溶性生长刺激表达基因2蛋白、肌红蛋白、白细胞介素-6水平与心功能的相关性

目的 探讨老年舒张性心力衰竭(DHF)合并肌少症患者外周血可溶性生长刺激表达基因2蛋白(sST2)、肌红蛋白(Myo)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)水平与心功能的相关性。方法 将122例DHF患者根据有无肌少症分为DHF合并肌少症组60例和DHF组62例,另将健康体检者58例、单纯肌少症患者60例分别纳入对照组、单纯肌少症组,检测各组外周血sST2、Myo、IL-6水平和心功能指标[左室射血分数(LVEF)、心排血量(CO)、心率(HR)、每搏输出量(SV)和心脏指数(CI)]。采用Pearson相关分析法分析sST2、Myo、IL-6与各心功能指标的相关性。绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,分析sST2、Myo、IL-6单独及联合诊断DHF合并肌少症的效能。结果 与对照组、单纯肌少症组相比,DHF组、DHF合并肌少症组sST2、Myo、IL-6水平和HR均升高,LVEF、CO、SV和CI均降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与DHF组相比,DHF合并肌少症组sST2、Myo、IL-6水平和HR均升高,LVEF、CO、SV和CI均降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。sST2、Myo、IL-6均分别与LVEF、CO、SV、CI呈负相关(P<0.001),均与HR呈正相关(P<0.001);sST2、Myo、IL-6、LVEF、SV是DHF合并肌少症的独立影响因素(P<0.05);sST2、Myo、IL-6联合诊断DHF合并肌少症的曲线下面积为0.936,诊断效能优于三者单独检测。结论 老年DHF合并肌少症患者外周血sST2、Myo、IL-6水平显著升高,且sST2、Myo、IL-6均与心功能指标显著相关,三者联合检测对DHF合并肌少症的诊断效能较高。

CXCR4 MFAP2 KLF4在分化型甲状腺癌中的表达及对预后的预测价值研究

目的:研究趋化因子4受体(CXCR4)、微纤维相关蛋白2(MFAP2)、Krüppel样因子4(KLF4)在分化型甲状腺癌(DTC)中的表达及对预后的预测价值。方法:选择我院2019年7月至2020年7月收治的113例DTC患者,术中留取其肿瘤组织及癌旁正常组织。采用蛋白免疫印迹法检测DTC组织及癌旁正常组织中CXCR4、MFAP2、KLF4表达水平,分析CXCR4、MFAP2、KLF4表达水平与DTC临床病理特征的关系。对DTC患者进行3年随访,统计3年总生存情况,比较死亡组与存活组CXCR4、MFAP2、KLF4表达水平,采用ROC曲线分析CXCR4、MFAP2、KLF4对DTC预后的预测价值,采用Cox回归模型进行DTC预后单因素和多因素分析。结果:与癌旁正常组织比较,DTC组织CXCR4、MFAP2蛋白表达量显著升高(P<0.05),KLF4蛋白表达量显著降低(P<0.05)。TNM分期Ⅲ期、发生淋巴结转移、肿瘤低分化者CXCR4、MFAP2蛋白表达量显著高于TNM分期Ⅰ+Ⅱ期、未发生淋巴结转移、肿瘤中高分化者(P<0.05),TNM分期Ⅲ期、发生淋巴结转移、肿瘤低分化者KLF4蛋白表达量显著低于TNM分期Ⅰ+Ⅱ期、未发生淋巴结转移、肿瘤中高分化者(P<0.05)。113例DTC患者随访3年期间失访8例,最终获得随访者105例。死亡组患者CXCR4、MFAP2蛋白表达量显著高于存活组(P<0.05),KLF4蛋白表达量显著低于存活组(P<0.05)。绘制ROC曲线发现,CXCR4、MFAP2、KLF4单独或联合预测DTC预后的AUC(95%CI)分别为0.692(0.562~0.823)、0.729(0.590~0.869)、0.766(0.622~0.910)、0.832(0.690~0.975),联合预测的效能显著优于单项检测(P<0.05)。Cox回归分析显示,淋巴结转移、TNM分期Ⅲ期、肿瘤低分化、CXCR4表达升高、MFAP2表达升高、KLF4表达降低是DTC预后的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论:分化型甲状腺癌患者肿瘤组织中CXCR4、MFAP2呈高表达,KLF4呈低表达,其表达水平与淋巴结转移、肿瘤分化程度、TNM分期及3年总生存率相关,三者联合检测有助于预测分化型甲状腺癌预后。

急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清长链非编码RNA母系表达基因3和Zeste同源物增强子-2表达与神经功能损伤的相关性分析

目的探讨长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)母系表达基因3(MEG3)与Zeste同源物增强子-2(EZH2)在急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)患者血清中的表达水平及其与神经功能损伤之间的关系。方法选取延安市人民医院2021年1月至2022年11月收治的92例AIS患者为脑卒中组,92例健康体检者为对照组,根据NIHSS评分将脑卒中组患者分为致残性损伤组19例,非致残性损伤组73例。采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应、酶联免疫吸附法分别检测血清lncRNAMEG3、EZH2水平。采用Spearman相关分析法进行AIS患者血清lncRNAMEG3、EZH2表达水平与美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分之间的相关性分析;采用多因素Logistic回归分析AIS患者合并神经功能致残性损伤的影响因素,并绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清lncRNA MEG3、EZH2水平对AIS患者合并神经功能致残性损伤的诊断价值。结果脑卒中组患者血清lncRNA MEG3、EZH2表达水平均高于对照组(t=11.817、11.542,P<0.05)。Spearman相关分析显示,AIS患者血清lncRNA MEG3、EZH2水平与NIHSS评分均呈正相关(r=0.540、0.603,P<0.01)。致残性损伤组体质量指数、吸烟史占比、甘油三酯、总胆固醇、同型半胱氨酸、发病-到院时间(ODT)、lncRNAMEG3、EZH2水平均高于非致残性损伤组(t/χ2=2.103、5.050、9.121、5.585、2.276、5.448、4.638、4.682,P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,甘油三酯、总胆固醇、lncRNA MEG3、EZH2以及ODT均是AIS患者合并神经功能致残性损伤的影响因素(OR=4.853、4.277、2.674、3.052、3.901,P<0.05)。lncRNA MEG3、EZH2联合诊断AIS患者合并神经功能致残性损伤的曲线下面积(AUC)大于lncRNAMEG3以及EZH2单独诊断的AUC(Z=2.626、2.954,P<0.01),敏感度、特异度分别为94.74%、82.15%。结论AIS患者血清lncRNA MEG3、EZH2水平均上升,与AIS患者神经功能损伤程度均正相关,可用作AIS患者合并神经功能致残性损伤的诊断指标,且联合诊断效果更好。

结肠癌组织中CXCR2的临床表达意义

目的探讨结肠癌组织内CXC趋化因子受体2(CXCR2)的临床表达意义。方法选取73例结肠癌患者作为研究对象,所有患者均于手术中采集肿瘤组织及癌旁组织,开展免疫组织化学法检测组织中CXCR2表达。比较肿瘤组织与癌旁组织内CXCR2表达差异;分析不同CXCR2表达患者年龄、性别、体质量指数、肿瘤分期、淋巴结转移、分化程度、肿瘤直径等基础资料间差异;随访3年,比较不同CXCR2表达患者远期肿瘤复发转移情况。结果肿瘤组织TIM-3阳性表达率高于癌旁组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。肿瘤分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、有淋巴结转移、低分化程度、肿瘤直径≥3 cm患者TIM-3表达阳性率高于肿瘤分期Ⅰ~Ⅱ期、无淋巴结转移、中高分化程度、肿瘤直径<3 cm患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。随访3年,73例患者复发转移率为35.62%(26/73);CXCR2阳性表达组复发转移率高于CXCR2阴性表达组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论CXCR2在结肠癌组织内阳性表达率较高,与肿瘤分期、肿瘤直径、分化程度密切相关,且CXCR2阳性表达患者易伴有淋巴结转移,预后更差,可作为评估肿瘤侵袭及预后的重要参考指标。

HER-2低表达与HER-2阴性早期乳腺癌临床与病理特征及NACT效果对比

目的 探讨人表皮生长因子受体-2(HER-2)低表达与HER-2阴性早期乳腺癌临床与病理特征及新辅助化疗(NACT)效果的差异性。方法 收集2018年1月—2022年7月于我院行NACT及手术治疗的137例早期乳腺癌患者的临床资料行回顾性分析,根据化疗前HER-2状态分为HER-2低表达组(HER2-low组,n=94)和HER-2阴性组(HER2-zero组,n=43),并进一步依据激素受体状态(HR+/-)分为HR+/HER2-low组(n=74)、HR+/HER2-zero组(n=28)、HR-/HER2-low组(n=20)、HR-/HER2-zero组(n=15)四个亚组;对比分析两组及亚组间的年龄、BMI、月经状态、分子亚型、组织学分级,TNM分期、化疗方案和周期、手术方式,NACT前后雌孕激素受体和Ki-67状态,NACT后靶病灶客观缓解率和腋窝淋巴结缩小比例,术后腋窝淋巴结病理状态和病理M&P分级,组间及亚组间pCR率等。结果 HER2-low组患病率显著高于HER2-zero组(P<0.05);HER2-low组与HER2-zero组一般资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);HER2-low组雌激素受体阳性率和Ki-67<35%的比例显著高于HER2-zero组,而在靶病灶客观缓解率(ORR)和HR-亚组中的pCR率显著降低,同时对比发现HR-/HER2-low亚组具有较高的组织学分级和较低的Ki-67<35%状态,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);HER2-low组与HER2-zero组在腋窝淋巴结缩小比例、术后腋窝淋巴结病理状态及组间pCR率等其他预后指标方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 HER-2低表达较HER-2阴性早期乳腺癌患病率高,且具有较高的雌激素受体阳性率和较低的Ki-67状态,缩瘤效果较差,并在激素受体阴性亚组中的pCR率显著降低,同时发现低pCR率与较高的组织学等级和较低的Ki-67状态相关。

Correlation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in gastric cancer

AIM:To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) gene amplification and protein expression in Chinese patients with resectable gastric cancer and the association with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.METHODS:One hundred and ninety-seven gastric cancer patients who underwent curative surgery procedures were enrolled into this study.HER2 gene amplification and protein expression were examined using fluorescence in-situ hybridization(FISH) and immunohistochemistry(IHC) analysis on formalin-fixed paraffinembedded gastric cancer samples from all patients.For scoring,Hofmann's HER2 gastric cancer scoring system was adopted.All cases showing IHC3+ or FISH positiv-ity were defined as HER2 positive.Patient clinicopathological data and survival information were collected.Finally,χ 2 statistical analysis was performed to analyze the HER2 positivity rate amongst the subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics including;gender,age,tumor location,Lauren classification,differentiation,TNM staging,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.The probability of survival for different subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves plotted using log rank inspection.RESULTS:According to Hofmann's HER2 gastric cancer scoring criteria,31 cases(15.74%) were identified as HER2 gene amplified and 19 cases(9.64%) were scored as strongly positive for HER2 membrane staining(3+),25 cases(12.69%) were moderately positive(2+) and 153 cases(77.66%) were HER2 negative(0/1+).The concordance rate between IHC and FISH analyses was 88.83%(175/197).Thirty-six cases were defined as positive for HER2 gene amplification and/or protein expression,with 24 of these cases being eligible for Herceptin treatment according to United States recommendations,and 29 of these cases eligible according to EU recommendations.Highly consistent results were detected between IHC3+,IHC0/1 and FISH(73.68% and 95.42%),but low consistency was observed between IHC2+ and FISH(40.00%).The positivity rates in intestinal type and well-differentiated gastric cancer were higher than those in diffuse/mixed type and poorly-differentiated gastric cancer respectively(28.57% vs 13.43%,P = 0.0103;37.25% vs 11.64%,P < 0.0001),but were not correlated with gender,age,tumor location or TNM stage,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.In poorly-differentiated gastric cancer patients,those without lymph node metastasis showed a higher HER2 positivity rate than those with lymph node metastasis(26.47% vs 7.14%,P = 0.0021).This association was not present in thosepatients with well-differentiated gastric cancer(28.57% vs 43.33%,P = 0.2832).Within our patient cohort,26 cases were lost to follow-up.The median survival time for the remaining 171 patients was 18 mo.The median survival times of the HER2 positive and negative groups were 17 and 18.5 mo respectively.Overall survival was not significantly different between HER2-positive and negative groups(χ 2 = 0.9157,P = 0.3386),but in patients presenting well-differentiated tumors,the overall survival of the HER2-positive group was significantly worse than that of the HER2-negative group(P = 0.0123).In contrast,patients with poorly differentiated and diffuse/mixed subtype gastric cancers showed no significant differences in overall survival associated with HER2.Furthermore,the median survival time of the HER2 positive group did not show any statistically significant differences when compared to the subgroups of gender,age,tumor location,TNM classification,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.CONCLUSION:Patients with intestinal type gastric cancer(GC),well-differentiated GC and poorly-differentiated GC without lymph node metastasis,may all represent suitable candidates for targeted therapy using Herceptin.

Expression of bcl-2 protein in gastric carcinoma and its significance

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TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms influence m RNA and protein expression in colorectal cancer

AIM: To evaluate the effect of promoter region polymorphisms of toll-like receptor(TLR)2-196 to-174 del and TLR4-1607T/C(rs10759932) on m RNA and protein expression in tumor tissue and of TLR4+896A/G(rs4986790) on colorectal cancer(CRC) risk.METHODS: The TLR2-196 to-174 del polymorphism was investigated using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and the TLR4-1607T/C and TLR4+896A/G by PCR-restriction fragment length p o l y m o r p h i s m( R F L P). W e g e n o t y p e d 4 3 4 D N A samples from 194 CRC patients and 240 healthy individuals. The m RNA relative quantification(RQ) was performed in 40 tumor tissue samples by quantitative PCR Taq Man assay, using specific probes for TLR2 and TLR4 genes, and ACTB and GAPDH reference geneswere used as endogenous controls. Protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry with specific primary antibodies.RESULTS: No association was found for TLR4-1607T/C and TLR4+896A/G by three statistical models(logadditive, dominant and recessive). However, based on dominant and log-additive models, the polymorphic variant TLR2-196 to-174 del was associated with increased CRC risk [dominant: odds ratio(OR) = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.03-2.89; P = 0.038 and log-additive: OR =1.59, 95%CI: 1.02-2.48; P = 0.039]. TLR2 m RNA expression was increased in tumor tissue(RQ = 2.36) when compared to adjacent normal tissue(RQ = 1; P < 0.0001), whereas the TLR4 m RNA showed a basal expression(RQ = 0.74 vs RQ = 1, P = 0.452). Immunohistochemistry analysis of TLR2 and TLR4 protein expression was concordant with the findings of m RNA expression. In addition, the TLR2-196 to-174 del variant carriers showed m RNA relative expression 2.19 times higher than wild-genotype carriers. The TLR2 protein expression was also higher for the TLR2-196 to-174 del variant carriers [117 ± 10 arbitrary unit(a.u.) vs 95 ± 4 a.u., P = 0.03]. However, for the TLR4-1607T/C polymorphism no significant difference was found for both m RNA(P = 0.56) and protein expression(P = 0.26).CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that TLR2-196 to-174 del polymorphism increases TLR2 m RNA expression and is associated with higher CRC risk, indicating an important role in CRC genetic susceptibility.

Prognostic value of programmed death.1, programmed death-ligand 1, programmed death-ligand 2 expression, and CD8(+) T cell density in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes from patients with stage T1.4N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma

Background: Anti-programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1(PD-1/PD-L1) immunotherapy has been proved to be effective on gastric cancer in ongoing clinical trials. However, the value of PD-L1 in predicting responses of patients with gastric cancer to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy is controversial. Some studies suggested that intra-and inter-tumoral heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression might explain the controversy.This study aimed to analyze the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD-1 as well as CD8(+) T-cell density in primary tumors and lymph nodes from patients with stage T1-4 N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma to explore the heterogeneity of PD-1 signaling pathway molecules.Methods: In primary tumors and metastatic as well as non-metastatic lymph nodes from patients with stage T1-4 N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma, we detected PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression with immunohistochemistry. CD8(+)T-cell density in primary tumors and PD-1 expression on CD8(+)T cells were detected with immunofluorescence. Univariate analysis was used to determine the prognostic values of them. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify independent risk factors that affect patients' overall survival and disease-free survival.Results: Among 119 eligible patients who had undergone surgical resection, the positive rate of PD-L1 was higher in metastatic lymph nodes than in primary tumors(45.4% vs. 38.7%, P = 0.005); the positive rate of PD-1 on CD8(+)T cells was significantly higher in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes than in tumor-free lymph nodes(both P < 0.001). The intensity of PD-1 expression on CD8(+) T cells in primary tumors and in metastatic lymph nodes were stronger than that in tumor-free lymph nodes from the same patient. Beside, the positive rate of PD-L2 did not show any differences between primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes. In multivariate analysis, PD-L1 expression,PD-L2 expression, a low density of CD8(+) T cells in primary tumors, and PD-1 expression on CD8(+) T cells in primary tumors were associated with poor prognosis.Conclusion: The expression of PD-L1 is heterogeneous in primary tumors and in metastatic lymph nodes from patients with stageT1-4 N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma, which might explain the inconsistent results in assessing the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in previous studies.

Increased expression of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric cancer

AIM:To explore the alteration of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 protein expression in gastric cancer and to assess its prognostic values.METHODS:Three hundred and five consecutive cases of gastric cancer were enrolled into this study.SHP-2 expression was carried out in 305 gastric cancer specimens,of which 83 were paired adjacent normal gastric mucus samples,using a tissue microarray immunohistochemical method.Correlations were analyzed between expression levels of SHP-2 protein and tumor parameters or clinical outcomes.Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) immunoglobulin G was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate prognostic values by compassion of the expression levels of SHP-2 and disease-specific survivals in patients.RESULTS:SHP-2 staining was found diffuse mainly in the cytoplasm and the weak staining was also observed in the nucleus in gastric mucosa cells.Thirty-two point five percent of normal epithelial specimen and 62.6% of gastric cancer specimen were identified to stain with SHP-2 antibody positively(P < 0.001).Though SHP-2 staining intensities were stronger in the H.pylori(+) group than in the H.pylori(-) group,no statistically significant difference was found in the expression levels of SHP-2 between H.pylori(+) and H.pylori(-) gastric cancer(P = 0.40).The SHP-2 expression in gastric cancer was not significantly associated with cancer stages,lymph node metastases,and distant metastasis of the tumors(P = 0.34,P = 0.17,P = 0.52).Multivariate analysis demonstrated no correlation between SHP-2 expression and disease-free survival(P = 0.86).CONCLUSION:Increased expression of SHP-2 protein in gastric cancer specimen suggesting the aberrant upregulation of SHP-2 protein might play an important role in the gastric carcinogenesis.

髓系细胞触发受体2及其信号通路在恶性肿瘤中作用的研究进展

髓系细胞触发受体2(triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells,TREM2)属于免疫球蛋白超家族成员,是一种跨膜受体,主要在髓系细胞和小胶质细胞中表达。TREM2与相应配体结合后,通过胞内接头蛋白DAP12/DAP10激活下游信号通路,起到重要的免疫信号传递作用。TREM2参与调节多种生物学过程,包括细胞吞噬、炎症反应和代谢过程等,在多种疾病的发生发展中发挥重要作用。近年研究表明,TREM2在恶性肿瘤的发生和发展过程中扮演重要角色。除了调控肿瘤细胞自身的生物学行为外,TREM2还能够调节肿瘤微环境内免疫细胞的活性和功能,参与抑制性免疫微环境的形成。本文着重概述TREM2对不同类型恶性肿瘤的调控作用,并对未来TREM2的靶向治疗相关研究进行展望,旨在为肿瘤防治领域的研究提供新的思路和观点。

Expression and antioxidation of Nrf2/ARE pathway in traumatic brain injury

Objective:To explore the expression of Nrf2/ARE pathway in hindbrain tissue after the traumatic brain injury（TBI） and its anli-oxidative stress effect in the secondary nerve injury.Methods: The mice with Nrf2 gene knockout were used for the establishment of brain injury model.The experimental animals were divided into four groups:(Nrf2+/+) sham-operation group,(Nrf2+/+) brain injury group,（Nrf2T） sham-operation group and(Nrf2-/-) brain injury group.The specimen 24 h after cerebral trauma was selected.Then RT-PCR method was adopted to detect the expression of Nrf2 mRNA in brain;Western blotting method was adopted to detect the levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 proteins in brain;EUSA method was adopted to detect the oxidative stress indicators: protein carbonyls,4-hydroxy-2-nonenal（4-HNE） and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine（8-OHdG）. ResuHs:The Nrf2 mRNA and protein of Nrf2-/- mice were not expressed,and the diflerence of the relative amount of Nrf2 mRNA between Nrf2+/+ TBI group and Nrf2+/+ sham-operation group was not statistically significant（P】0.05）;the level of Nrf2 protein in Nrf2+/+ TBI group increased significantly compared with the Nrf2+/+ sham-operation group（P【0.01）;in the sham-operation groups,the levels of HO-1 and NQO1 proteins of Nrf2-/- mice decreased obviously compared with the Nrf2+/+ mice（P【0.01）;after brain injury,the levels of HO-1 and NQO1 proteins of Nrf2+/+ mice increased obviously compared with the corresponding sham-operation group（P【0.01）;the levels of HO-1 and NQOl proteins of Nrf2-/- mice in TBI group had no obvious change compared with the corresponding sham-operation group（P】0.05）;there was only a little amount of expression of protein carbonyls,4-HNE and 8-OHdG proteins in brain tissues in the Nrf2-/+ and Nrf2-/- shamoperation groups,and the difference was not statistically significant（P】0.05）;after brain injury, the three oxidative stress indicators were significantly up-regulated in the Nrf2+/+ and Nrf2-/- groups,and the up-regulation of the latter group was more significant（P【0.01）.Conclusions: After TBI the Nrf2/ARE pathway is activated and the activity of Nrf2 transcription regulation increases.However,the regulation dose not occur in the gene transcription level and only could increase the Nrf2 protein level,while the mRNA expression level has no obvious change.The nerve cell protective effect of Nrf2/ARE pathway in TBI achieves through inhibiting the oxidative stress injuries.

Effects of L-Tetrahydropalmatine on the Expressions of bcl-2 and bax in Rat after Acute Global Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion

To investigate the effects of L-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) on the expressions of bcl-2, bax and neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, 60 Wistars rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham-operation group (group S, n = 20), ischemic-reperfusion group treated with saline (group I, n=20) and ischemia-reperfusion group treated with L-THP (group T, n=20) .The rat model of global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion was induced by Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion method. The expression of bcl-2 and bax mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The number of apoptotic neurons was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. Compared with group S, the expression of bcl-2 and bax mRNA in group I was increased significantly (P<0.01), and the number of apoptotic neurons increased either (P< 0.01). After L-THP treatment, the expression of bcl-2 mRNA was up-regulated (P<0.01) and that of bax mRNA was down-regulated (P<0.01); the number of apoptotic neurons was decreased (P<0.01). Our results indicated that bcl-2 may suppress apoptosis and bax promote apoptosis after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. L-THP could ameliorate cerebral ischemia and reperfusion damage by reducing the apoptosis through regulating bcl-2 and bax.

Porcine Interleukin-2 Expression in Insect Cells and Its Enhancement of Pig Immunity to Swine Influenza Virus Inactivated Vaccine

Mature porcine interleukin-2 （pIL-2） gene was amplified by PCR from the plasmid pGEM-T-pIL2 and cloned into the baculovirus pFastBacTM Dual vector of the Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system under the control of the PH promoter. Recombinant plL-2 （rpIL-2） expressed in Sf9 insect cells was detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunofluorescence assay. Western blot analysis confirmed that the rpIL-2 protein had a molecular mass of 20 kDa, which was larger than the molecular mass of the mature protein predicted based on its peptide sequence. The rpIL-2 protein induced in vitro proliferation of ConA-stimulated porcine splenocytes and enhanced in vivo protective immune responses induced by vaccinating the pigs with inactivated oil emulsion vaccine against swine influenza virus. The results showed that the rpIL-2 expressed in Sf9 insect cells has immunoenhancement effects; the finding lays the foundation for the preparation of a specific recombinant IL-2 protein and the development of a novel immune adjuvant of vaccines against various infectious porcine pathogens to increase the immunoprotective efficacy of vaccines.