Activin A receptor type 1C single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk in Chinese population

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)superfamily plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis.Activin A receptor type 1C(ACVR1C)is a TGF-βtype I receptor that is involved in tumorigenesis through binding to dif-ferent ligands.AIM To evaluate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of ACVR1C and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)in Chinese Han population.METHODS In this hospital-based cohort study,1043 ESCC patients and 1143 healthy controls were enrolled.Five SNPs(rs4664229,rs4556933,rs77886248,rs77263459,rs6734630)of ACVR1C were assessed by the ligation detection reaction method.Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test,genetic model analysis,stratified analysis,linkage disequi-librium test,and haplotype analysis were conducted.RESULTS Participants carrying ACVR1C rs4556933 GA mutant had significantly decreased risk of ESCC,and those with rs77886248 TA mutant were related with higher risk,especially in older male smokers.In the haplotype analysis,ACVR1C Trs4664229Ars4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 increased risk of ESCC,while Trs4664229Grs4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 was associated with lower susceptibility to ESCC.CONCLUSION ACVR1C rs4556933 and rs77886248 SNPs were associated with the susceptibility to ESCC,which could provide a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of ESCC in Chinese Han population.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology,cognition,and behavior in APP/PS1 mice

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease,gamma-glutamyl transferase 5(GGT5)expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells.However,the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,as well as the underlying mechanism.We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer’s disease(Aβ_(1-42)-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells),as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model.Additionally,injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits.Interestingly,increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-βin the brains of APP/PS1 mice.This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression ofβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B.Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.

Plantamajoside improves type 2 diabetes mellitus pancreaticβ-cell damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress through Dnajc1 up-regulation

BACKGROUND Plantamajoside(PMS)has shown potential in mitigating cell damage caused by high glucose(HG)levels.Despite this,the precise therapeutic effects of PMS on type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and the underlying regulatory mechanisms require further exploration.AIM To investigate PMS therapeutic effects on T2DM in mice and elucidate its mechanisms of action through in vivo and in vitro experiments.METHODS An in vitro damage model of MIN6 cells was established using HG and palmitic acid(PA).PMS's protective effect on cell damage was assessed.Next,transcriptomics was employed to examine how PMS treatment affects gene expression of MIN6 cells.Furthermore,the effect of PMS on protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and apoptosis pathways was validated.A T2DM mouse model was used to validate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of PMS in vivo.RESULTS PMS intervention ameliorated cell injury in HG+PA-induced MIN6 cell damage.Transcriptomic analysis revealed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and apoptosis pathways were enriched in cells treated with PMS,with significant downregulation of the gene Dnajc1.Further validation indicated that PMS significantly inhibited the expression of apoptosis-related factors(Bax,CytC)and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)-related factors[ATF6,XBP1,Ddit3(CHOP),GRP78],while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and Dnajc1.Additionally,the inhibitory effects of PMS on ERS and apoptosis were abolished upon Dnajc1 silencing.Furthermore,in vivo experiments demonstrated that PMS intervention effectively improved pancreatic damage,suppressed the expression of apoptosis-related factors(Bax,CytC),and ERS-related factors[ATF6,XBP1,Ddit3(CHOP),GRP78],while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and Dnajc1 in a T2DM model mice.CONCLUSION PMS intervention could alleviate pancreatic tissue damage effectively.The mechanism of action involves Dnajc1 activation,which subsequently inhibits apoptosis and ERS,ameliorating damage to pancreaticβ-cells.

Programmed cell death receptor 1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

This editorial discusses Christodoulidis et al's article,which appeared in the most recent edition.The clinical trials have demonstrated the programmed cell death receptor 1(PD-1)inhibitor Pembrolizumab involved combination therapy can improve the efficacy of advanced gastric cancer(AGC).Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy can enhance its sensitivity,and further eliminate tumor cells that develop resistance to chemotherapy.The combination of Pembrolizumab and Trastuzumab targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 showed improved prognosis.The overall toxic effects of Pembrolizumab are significantly lower than traditional chemotherapy,and the safety is controllable.PD-1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab sheds a light on the treatment of AGC and brings new hope to the clinical practice.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis induced by the anti-programmed cell death-1 inhibitor tislelizumab:A case report

BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are a new class of antitumor agents.They enhance antitumor effects by blocking inhibitory receptors and related ligands expressed on T cells.ICIs also modulate regular immune cell activity,affecting the immune system and causing immune-related adverse events.The renal system is sometimes affected by these adverse events.Currently,the literature on ICIs-related glomerular injuries is scarce.CASE SUMMARY We present a patient who developed granulomatosis with polyangiitis(GPA)3 weeks after treatment with the anti-programmed cell death-1 inhibitor,tislel-izumab.The patient experienced proteinuria,hematuria,and acute kidney injury without pulmonary hemorrhage and tested positive for anti-neutrophil cyto-plasmic antibody(ANCA)-cytoplasmic type.Renal biopsy confirmed ANCA-associated vasculitis,and GPA was finally diagnosed.The patient received pulse treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide,and renal function improved.After self-discontinuation of the drug,the disease recurred,and the original treatment regimen was continued.However,the patient’s renal function continued to deteriorate.CONCLUSION Glucocorticoids plus cyclophosphamide are effective for treating GPA induced by tislelizumab.However,follow-up and patient education are needed.

PD-L1单抗加强紫杉醇联合香菇多糖体外抗人乳腺癌MDA-MB-231作用

目的 探讨程序性细胞死亡-配体1(PD-L1)单抗、紫杉醇(PTX)联合香菇多糖(LNT)体外对人乳腺癌细胞(MDA-MB-231)的作用。方法 将MDA-MB-231、人外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)和MDA-MB-231+PBMC共培养,随机分为对照组、PTX组、LNT组、MPDL3280A(PD-L1单抗)组、PTX+LNT组和PTX+LNT+MPDL3280A组。采用CCK8检测细胞的活性;流式细胞术检测MHC-I和PD-L1的表达;ELISA试剂盒检测IFN-γ和TNF-α的含量。结果 与对照组相比,PTX组、MPDL3280A组、PTX+LNT组及PTX+LNT+MPDL3280A组显著抑制MDA-MB-231的活性(P<0.01);LNT组和PTX+LNT+MPDL3280A组显著促进PBMC的免疫作用(P<0.05,P<0.01);PTX+LNT+MPDL3280A组显著抑制MDA-MB-231+PBMC共培养MDA-MB-231的活性(0.56±0.16 vs. 0.39±0.13,P<0.05);LNT显著促进MDA-MB-231上PD-L1的表达和PBMC分泌IFN-γ(P<0.05)。结论 PD-L1单抗通过阻断PD-L1与PD-1之间的作用,提高免疫,促进PTX联合LNT的体外抗三阴性乳腺癌作用。

DADS下调DJ-1通过PTEN/Akt通路抑制人胃癌MGC803细胞侵袭与上皮-间质转化

目的:探讨二烯丙基二硫(diallyl disulfide,DADS)下调DJ-1通过PTEN/Akt通路抑制人胃癌MGC803细胞侵袭与上皮-间质转化的作用。方法:实验分为MGC803组、空载体组、DJ-1过表达组、MGC803+DADS组、空载体+DADS组、DJ-1过表达+DADS组。MTT、平板克隆、细胞划痕和侵袭实验检测DADS对MGC803细胞增殖、克隆形成、迁移与侵袭的影响;相差显微镜观察DADS对MGC803细胞形态学的影响;qRT-PCR、Western blot与免疫荧光检测DJ-1、PTEN、p-Akt、Snail、Vimentin、E-cadherin、MMP-9与TIMP-3表达。结果:MTT显示,24 h、48 h和72 h后,DADS处理后,各组细胞的增殖率分别较处理前下降(P<0.05)。平板克隆显示,DADS处理后,克隆形成数较处理前各组减少(P<0.05)。划痕实验显示,24 h时,DADS处理后的划痕距离,分别较处理前各组增加(P<0.05)。迁移实验显示,DADS处理后,各组的迁移细胞较处理前各组减少(P<0.05)。侵袭实验显示,DADS处理后,侵袭细胞较处理前减少(P<0.05)。DADS处理后,DJ-1表达较处理前下降(P<0.05),PTEN表达较处理前上调(P<0.05),免疫荧光与上述结果一致。DADS处理后,各组p-Akt表达下调(P<0.05)。相差显微镜显示,DADS处理后,MGC803组与DJ-1过表达组异型性下降,Snail、Vimentin与MMP-9表达下调,E-cadherin与TIMP-3表达上调(P<0.05)。结论:DADS下调DJ-1可负调控PTEN/Akt通路抑制人胃癌MGC803细胞侵袭与上皮-间质转化。

Neural stem cell-derived exosomes regulate cell proliferation,migration,and cell death of brain microvascular endothelial cells via the miR-9/Hes1 axis under hypoxia

Background:Our previous study found that mouse embryonic neural stem cell(NSC)-derived exosomes(EXOs)regulated NSC differentiation via the miR-9/Hes1 axis.However,the effects of EXOs on brain microvascular endothelial cell(BMEC)dysfunction via the miR-9/Hes1 axis remain unknown.Therefore,the current study aimed to determine the effects of EXOs on BMEC proliferation,migration,and death via the miR-9/Hes1 axis.Methods:Immunofluorescence,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,cell counting kit-8 assay,wound healing assay,calcein-acetoxymethyl/propidium iodide staining,and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to determine the role and mechanism of EXOs on BMECs.Results:EXOs promoted BMEC proliferation and migration and reduced cell death under hypoxic conditions.The overexpression of miR-9 promoted BMEC prolifera-tion and migration and reduced cell death under hypoxic conditions.Moreover,miR-9 downregulation inhibited BMEC proliferation and migration and also promoted cell death.Hes1 silencing ameliorated the effect of amtagomiR-9 on BMEC proliferation and migration and cell death.Hyperemic structures were observed in the regions of the hippocampus and cortex in hypoxia-induced mice.Meanwhile,EXO treatment improved cerebrovascular alterations.Conclusion:NSC-derived EXOs can promote BMEC proliferation and migra-tion and reduce cell death via the miR-9/Hes1 axis under hypoxic conditions.Therefore,EXO therapeutic strategies could be considered for hypoxia-induced vascular injury.

Efficacy and predictive factors of transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibition for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)for unresectable hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC)have rarely been evaluated and it is unknown which factors are related to efficacy.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and independent predictive factors of TACE combined with lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable HCC.METHODS This study retrospectively enrolled patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment between March 2019 and April 2022.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were determined.The objective response rate(ORR)and disease control rate(DCR)were evaluated in accordance with the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.Additionally,the prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome were assessed.RESULTS One hundred and two patients were enrolled with a median follow-up duration of 12.63 months.The median OS was 26.43 months(95%CI:17.00-35.87),and the median PFS was 10.07 months(95%CI:8.50-11.65).The ORR and DCR were 61.76%and 81.37%,respectively.The patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification(BCLC)B stage,early neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)response(decrease),or early alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)response(decrease>20%)had superior OS and PFS than their counterparts.CONCLUSION This study showed that TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment was well tolerated with encouraging efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC.The patients with BCLC B-stage disease with early NLR response(decrease)and early AFP response(decrease>20%)may achieve better clinical outcomes with this triple therapy.

多激酶抑制剂联合PD-1抑制剂在肝胆管结石合并胆管癌患者中的疗效与安全性研究

目的探讨酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(TKI)联合程序性死亡蛋白-1(PD-1)抑制剂在肝胆管结石合并胆管癌患者中的疗效与安全性。方法研究选取了2021年2月至2024年2月期间在南阳市中心医院接受治疗的81例肝胆管结石合并胆管癌患者,根据治疗方式分为观察组(TKI联合PD-1抑制剂治疗)39例和对照组(TKI单独治疗)42例。比较两组患者的一般资料(性别、年龄、病程、主要症状、肝功能分级、肿瘤分期及TKI使用情况)、疗效评估,以及不良反应发生情况,结果两组患者一般资料(性别比例、年龄、病程、主要症状、肝功能分级、肿瘤分期及TKI使用情况)比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组患者的疾病控制率明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),但两组客观缓解率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者的不良反应(肝功能异常、皮疹、血小板减少、恶心呕吐、免疫性肝损伤、中性粒细胞减少、白细胞减少)发生情况比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论TKI联合PD-1抑制剂在治疗肝胆管结石合并胆管癌患者中具有一定疗效,疾病控制率较优,且安全性较好,不会额外增加不良反应。

Small extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate spinal cord injury via miR-146a-5p-mediated regulation of macrophage polarization

Spinal cord injury is a disabling condition with limited treatment options.Multiple studies have provided evidence suggesting that small extracellular vesicles(SEVs)secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)help mediate the beneficial effects conferred by MSC transplantation following spinal cord injury.Strikingly,hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived SEVs(HSEVs)exhibit increased therapeutic potency.We thus explored the role of HSEVs in macrophage immune regulation after spinal cord injury in rats and their significance in spinal cord repair.SEVs or HSEVs were isolated from bone marrow MSC supernatants by density gradient ultracentrifugation.HSEV administration to rats via tail vein injection after spinal cord injury reduced the lesion area and attenuated spinal cord inflammation.HSEVs regulate macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype in vivo and in vitro.Micro RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses of SEVs and HSEVs revealed that mi R-146a-5p is a potent mediator of macrophage polarization that targets interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1.Reducing mi R-146a-5p expression in HSEVs partially attenuated macrophage polarization.Our data suggest that HSEVs attenuate spinal cord inflammation and injury in rats by transporting mi R-146a-5p,which alters macrophage polarization.This study provides new insights into the application of HSEVs as a therapeutic tool for spinal cord injury.

Prohibitin 1 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway in vitro

BACKGROUND Prohibitin 1(PHB1)has been identified as an antiproliferative protein that is highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed,and it participates in a variety of essential cellular functions,including apoptosis,cell cycle regulation,prolifera-tion,and survival.Emerging evidence indicates that PHB1 may play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,the role of PHB1 in HCC is controversial.AIM To investigate the effects of PHB1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human HCC cells and the relevant mechanisms in vitro.METHODS HCC patients and healthy individuals were enrolled in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria;then,PHB1 levels in the sera and liver tissues of these participates were determined using ELISA,RT-PCR,and immunohistoche-mistry.Human HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with the pEGFP-PHB1 plasmid and PHB1-specific shRNA(shRNA-PHB1)for 24-72 h.Cell prolif-eration was analysed with an MTT assay.Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analysed using flow cytometry(FACS).The mRNA and protein expression levels of the cell cycle-related molecules p21,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1,and CDK2 and the cell apoptosis-related molecules cytochrome C(Cyt C),p53,Bcl-2,Bax,caspase 3,and caspase 9 were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.RESULTS Decreased levels of PHB1 were found in the sera and liver tissues of HCC patients compared to those of healthy individuals,and decreased PHB1 was positively correlated with low differentiation,TNM stage III-IV,and alpha-fetoprotein≥400μg/L.Overexpression of PHB1 significantly inhibited human HCC cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner.FACS revealed that the overexpression of PHB1 arrested HCC cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and induced apoptosis.The proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase was significantly increased and the proportion of cells in the S phase was decreased in HepG2 cells that were transfected with pEGFP-PHB1 compared with untreated control and empty vector-transfected cells.The percentage of apoptotic HepG2 cells that were transfected with pEGFP-PHB1 was 15.41%±1.06%,which was significantly greater than that of apoptotic control cells(3.65%±0.85%,P<0.01)and empty vector-transfected cells(4.21%±0.52%,P<0.01).Similar results were obtained with SMMC-7721 cells.Furthermore,the mRNA and protein expression levels of p53,p21,Bax,caspase 3,and caspase 9 were increased while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Cyclin A2,Cy-clin E1,CDK2,and Bcl-2 were decreased when PHB1 was overexpressed in human HCC cells.However,when PHB1 was upregulated in human HCC cells,Cyt C expression levels were increased in the cytosol and decreased in the mitochondria,which indicated that Cyt C had been released into the cytosol.Conversely,these effects were reversed when PHB1 was knocked down.CONCLUSION PHB1 inhibits human HCC cell viability by arresting the cell cycle and inducing cell apoptosis via activation of the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway.

Ginsenoside Rb1 induces hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis to alleviate liver fibrosis via the BECN1/SLC7A11 axis

Liver fibrosis is primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),a process associated with ferroptosis.Ginsenoside Rb1(GRb1),a major active component extracted from Panax ginseng,inhibits HSC activation.However,the potential role of GRb1 in mediating HSC ferroptosis remains unclear.This study examined the effect of GRb1 on liver fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro,using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and primary HSCs,LX-2 cells.The findings revealed that GRb1 effectively inactivated HSCs in vitro,reducing alpha-smooth muscle actin(a-SMA)and type I collagen(Col1A1)levels.Moreover,GRb1 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo.From a mechanistic standpoint,the ferroptosis pathway appeared to be central to the antifibrotic effects of GRb1.Specifically,GRb1 promoted HSC ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro,characterized by increased glutathione depletion,malondialdehyde production,iron overload,and accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Intriguingly,GRb1 increased Beclin 1(BECN1)levels and decreased the System Xc-key subunit SLC7A11.Further experiments showed that BECN1 silencing inhibited GRb1-induced effects on HSC ferroptosis and mitigated the reduction of SLC7A11 caused by GRb1.Moreover,BECN1 could directly interact with SLC7A11,initiating HSC ferroptosis.In conclusion,the suppression of BECN1 counteracted the effects of GRb1 on HSC inactivation both in vivo and in vitro.Overall,this study highlights the novel role of GRb1 in inducing HSC ferroptosis and promoting HSC inactivation,at least partly through its modulation of BECN1 and SLC7A11.

Crosstalk among Oxidative Stress,Autophagy,and Apoptosis in the Protective Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells:A Mixed Computational and Experimental Study

Objective Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were found to shift from their usually inactive state to an active state in ischemic stroke (IS) and cause neuronal damage. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1),a component derived from medicinal plants,is known for its pharmacological benefits in IS,but its protective effects on BMECs have yet to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of GRb1 on BMECs. Methods An in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Bulk RNA-sequencing data were analyzed by using the Human Autophagy Database and various bioinformatic tools,including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA),Gene Ontology (GO) classification and enrichment analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis,protein-protein interaction network analysis,and molecular docking. Experimental validation was also performed to ensure the reliability of our findings. Results Rb1 had a protective effect on BMECs subjected to OGD/R injury. Specifically,GRb1 was found to modulate the interplay between oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy in BMECs. Key targets such as sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62),autophagy related 5 (ATG5),and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) were identified,highlighting their potential roles in mediating the protective effects of GRb1 against IS-induced damage. Conclusion GRbl protects BMECs against OGD/R injury by influencing oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy. The identification of SQSTM1/p62,ATG5,and HIF-1α as promising targets further supports the potential of GRb1 as a therapeutic agent for IS,providing a foundation for future research into its mechanisms and applications in IS treatment.

TM9SF1 promotes bladder cancer cell growth and infiltration

BACKGROUND Bladder cancer(BC)is the most common urological tumor.It has a high recur-rence rate,displays tutor heterogeneity,and resists chemotherapy.Furthermore,the long-term survival rate of BC patients has remained unchanged for decades,which seriously affects the quality of patient survival.To improve the survival rate and prognosis of BC patients,it is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of BC development and progression and identify targets for treatment and intervention.Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1(TM9SF1),also known as MP70 and HMP70,is a member of a family of nine transmembrane superfamily proteins,which was first identified in 1997.TM9SF1 can be expressed in BC,but its biological function and mechanism in BC are not clear.AIM To investigate the biological function and mechanism of TM9SF1 in BC.Overexpression of TM9SF1 increased the in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells by promoting the entry of BC cells into the G2/M phase.Silencing of TM9SF1 inhibited in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells and blocked BC cells in the G1 phase.CONCLUSION TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in BC.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on hematopoietic stem cells in treating aplastic anemia in mice via MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA,specifically its protective effects,while elucidating the mechanism at play.METHODS We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide(CTX)in C57 mice,followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d.The invest-igation included examining the bone marrow,thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Moreover,orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations.Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice.Additionally,the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.RESULTS Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow’s structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells,establishing a model of AA.Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice.In comparison to the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX.Furthermore,it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle.Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression,primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway,which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA,highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.

Efficacy of chemotherapy containing bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer according to programmed cell death ligand 1

BACKGROUND Bevacizumab,an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)monoclonal antibody,inhibits angiogenesis and reduces tumor growth.Serum VEGF-C,lactate dehydrogenase,and inflammatory markers have been reported as predictive markers related to bevacizumab treatment.Programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1)could act upon VEGF receptor 2 to induce cancer cell angiogenesis and metastasis.AIM To investigate the efficacy of bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(CRC)according to the expression of PD-L1.METHODS This analysis included CRC patients who received bevacizumab plus FOLFOX or FOLFIRI as first-line therapy between June 24,2014 and February 28,2022,at Samsung Medical Center(Seoul,South Korea).Analysis of patient data included evaluation of PD-L1 expression by the combined positive score(CPS).We analyzed the efficacy of bevacizumab according to PD-L1 expression status in patients with CRC.RESULTS A total of 124 patients was included in this analysis.Almost all patients were treated with bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI or FOLFOX as the first-line chemotherapy.While 77%of patients received FOLFOX,23%received FOLFIRI as backbone first-line chemotherapy.The numbers of patients with a PD-L1 CPS of 1 or more,5 or more,or 10 or more were 105(85%),64(52%),and 32(26%),respectively.The results showed no significant difference in progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)with bevacizumab treatment between patients with PDL1 CPS less than 1 and those with PD-L1 CPS of 1 or more(PD-L1<1%vs PD-L1≥1%;PFS:P=0.93,OS:P=0.33),between patients with PD-L1 CPS less than 5 and of 5 or more(PD-L1<5%vs PD-L1≥5%;PFS:P=0.409,OS:P=0.746),and between patients with PD-L1 CPS less than 10 and of 10 or more(PD-L1<10%vs PD-L1≥10%;PFS:P=0.529,OS:P=0.568).CONCLUSION Chemotherapy containing bevacizumab can be considered as first-line therapy in metastatic CRC irrespective of PD-L1 expression.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomeloaded miR-129-5p targets high-mobility group box 1 attenuates neurological-impairment after diabetic cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Diabetic intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)is a serious complication of diabetes.The role and mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)-derived exosomes(BMSC-exo)in neuroinflammation post-ICH in patients with diabetes are unknown.In this study,we investigated the regulation of BMSC-exo on hyperglycemia-induced neuroinflammation.AIM To study the mechanism of BMSC-exo on nerve function damage after diabetes complicated with cerebral hemorrhage.METHODS BMSC-exo were isolated from mouse BMSC media.This was followed by transfection with microRNA-129-5p(miR-129-5p).BMSC-exo or miR-129-5poverexpressing BMSC-exo were intravitreally injected into a diabetes mouse model with ICH for in vivo analyses and were cocultured with high glucoseaffected BV2 cells for in vitro analyses.The dual luciferase test and RNA immunoprecipitation test verified the targeted binding relationship between miR-129-5p and high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1).Quantitative polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to assess the levels of some inflammation factors,such as HMGB1,interleukin 6,interleukin 1β,toll-like receptor 4,and tumor necrosis factorα.Brain water content,neural function deficit score,and Evans blue were used to measure the neural function of mice.RESULTS Our findings indicated that BMSC-exo can promote neuroinflammation and functional recovery.MicroRNA chip analysis of BMSC-exo identified miR-129-5p as the specific microRNA with a protective role in neuroinflammation.Overexpression of miR-129-5p in BMSC-exo reduced the inflammatory response and neurological impairment in comorbid diabetes and ICH cases.Furthermore,we found that miR-129-5p had a targeted binding relationship with HMGB1 mRNA.CONCLUSION We demonstrated that BMSC-exo can reduce the inflammatory response after ICH with diabetes,thereby improving the neurological function of the brain.

Ultrafine ordered L1_(2)-Pt-Co-Mn ternary intermetallic nanoparticles as high-performance oxygen-reduction electrocatalysts for practical fuel cells

The long-range periodically ordered atomic structures in intermetallic nanoparticles(INPs)can significantly enhance both the electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical stability toward the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)compared to the disordered atomic structures in ordinary solid-solution alloy NPs.Accordingly,through a facile and scalable synthetic method,a series of carbon-supported ultrafine Pt_3Co_(x)Mn_(1-x)ternary INPs are prepared in this work,which possess the"skin-like"ultrathin Pt shells,the ordered L1_(2) atomic structure,and the high-even dispersion on supports(L1_(2)-Pt_3Co_(x)Mn_(1-x)/~SPt INPs/C).Electrochemical results present that the composition-optimized L1_(2)-Pt_3Co_(0.7)Mn_(0.3)/~SPt INPs/C exhibits the highest electrocata lytic activity among the series,which are also much better than those of the pristine ultrafine Pt/C.Besides,it also has a greatly enhanced electrochemical stability.In addition,the effects of annealing temperature and time are further investigated.More importantly,such superior ORR electrocatalytic performance of L1_(2)-Pt_3Co_(0.7)Mn_(0.3)/~SPt INPs/C are also well demonstrated in practical fuel cells.Physicochemical characterization analyses further reveal the major origins of the greatly enhanced ORR electrocata lytic performance:the Pt-Co-Mn alloy-induced geometric and ligand effects as well as the extremely high L1_(2) atomic-ordering degree.This work not only successfully develops a highly active and stable ordered ternary intermetallic ORR electrocatalyst,but also elucidates the corresponding"structure-function"relationship,which can be further applied in designing other intermetallic(electro)catalysts.

Present and prospect of transarterial chemoembolization combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor and PD-1 inhibitor for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

In this editorial,we comment on the article(World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024;16:1236-1247),which is a retrospective study of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI)and programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Herein,we focus specifically on the mechanisms of this triple therapy,administration sequence and selection of each medication,and implications for future clinical trials.Based on the interaction mechanisms between medications,the triple therapy of TACE+TKI+PD-1 is proposed to complement the deficiency of each monotherapy,and achieve synergistic antitumor effects.Although this triple therapy has been evaluated by several retrospective trials,it is still controversial whether the triple therapy achieves better clinical benefits,due to the flawed study design and heterogeneity in medications.In addition,the administration sequence,which may greatly affect the clinical benefit,needs to be fully considered at clinical decision-making for obtaining better prognosis.We hope that this editorial could contribute to the design and optimization of future trials.