Thymoquinone affects hypoxia-inducible factor-1αexpression in pancreatic cancer cells via HSP90 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer(PC)is associated with some of the worst prognoses of all major cancers.Thymoquinone(TQ)has a long history in traditional medical practice and is known for its anti-cancer,anti-inflammatory,anti-fibrosis and antioxidant pharmacological activities.Recent studies on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and PC have shown that HIF-1αaffects the occurrence and development of PC in many aspects.In addition,TQ could inhibit the development of renal cancer by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α.Therefore,we speculate whether TQ affects HIF-1αexpression in PC cells and explore the mechanism.AIM To elucidate the effect of TQ in PC cells and the regulatory mechanism of HIF-1αexpression.METHODS Cell counting kit-8 assay,Transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of TQ on the proliferative activity,migration and invasion ability and apoptosis of PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic duct epithelial(hTERTHPNE)cells.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression of HIF-1αmRNA and protein in PC cells.The effects of TQ on the HIF-1αprotein initial expression pathway and ubiquitination degradation in PANC-1 cells were examined by western blot assay and co-immunoprecipitation.RESULTS TQ significantly inhibited proliferative activity,migration,and invasion ability and promoted apoptosis of PANC-1 cells;however,no significant effects on hTERT-HPNE cells were observed.TQ significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1αin PANC-1,AsPC-1,and BxPC-3 cells.TQ significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF-1αinitial expression pathway(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)related proteins,and promoted the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein in PANC-1 cells.TQ had no effect on the hydroxylation and von Hippel Lindau protein mediated ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein but affected the stability of the HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1αand HSP90,thus promoting its ubiquitination degradation.CONCLUSION The regulatory mechanism of TQ on HIF-1αprotein expression in PC cells was mainly to promote the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1αand HSP90;Secondly,TQ reduced the initial expression of HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Diagnostic value evaluation of trefoil factors family 3 for the early detection of colorectal cancer

AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of trefoil factor family 3(TFF3) for the early detection of colorectal cancer(CC). METHODS Serum TFF3 and carcino-embryonic antigen(CEA) were detected in 527 individuals, including 115 healthy control(HC), 198 colorectal adenoma(CA), and 214 CC individuals in the training group. RESULTS Serum TFF3 showed no significant correlation with age, gender, or tumor location but showed significant correlation with the tumor stage. Serum TFF3 in the CC group was significantly higher than in the HC or CA group. The AUC values of TFF3 for discriminating between HC and CC and between CA and CC were 0.930(0.903, 0.958) and 0.834(0.796, 0.873). A multivariate model combining TFF3 and CEA was built. Compared to TFF3 or CEA alone, the multivariate model showed significant improvement(P < 0.001). For discriminating between HC and CC, HC and early stage CC, HC and advanced stage CC, CA and CC, CA and early stage CC, and CA and advanced stage CC in the training group, the sensitivities were 92.99%, 91.46%, 93.18%, 73.83%, 76.83%, and 81.82%, and the specificities were 91.30%, 91.30%, 93.91%, 88.38%, 77.27%, and 88.38%, respectively. After validation, the sensitivities were 89.39%, 85.71%, 90.79%, 72.73%, 71.43%, and 78.95%, and the specificities were 87.85%, 87.85%, 2.52%, 87.85%, 80.77%, and 87.50%, respectively. CONCLUSION The multivariate diagnostic model that included TFF3 and CEA showed significant improvement over the conventional biomarker CEA and might provide a potential method for the early detection of CC.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha mediates protection of DL-3-n-butylphthalide in brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury

Studies have demonstrated that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can significantly alleviate oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells at least partly associated with its enhancement on oxygen glucose deprivation-induced hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression.In this study,we hypothesized that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can protect against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury of newborn rat brain microvascular endothelial cells by means of upregulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression.MTT assay and Hoechst staining results showed that DL-3-n-butylphthalide protected brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner.Western blot and immunofluorescent staining results further confirmed that the protective effect was related to upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α.Real-time RT-PCR reaction results showed that DL-3-n-butylphthalide reduced apoptosis by inhibiting downregulation of pro-apoptotic gene caspase-3 mRNA expression and upregulation of apoptosis-executive protease bcl-2 mRNA expression;however,DL-3-n-butylphthalide had no protective effects on brain microvascular endothelial cells after knockdown of hypoxia inducible factor-1α by small interfering RNA.These findings suggest that DL-3-n-butylphthalide can protect brain microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen glucose deprivation-induced injury by upregulating bcl-2 expression and downregulating caspase-3 expression though hypoxia inducible factor-1α pathway.

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt and Nuclear Factor-κB Are Involved in Staphylococcus Aureus-induced Apoptosis in U937 Cells

Objective To explore the mechanisms involved in Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） invading human monocytic U937 cells. Methods S. aureus were added to U937 cells at multiplicity of infections （MOI） of 20：1 for 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively. Cell apoptosis was analyzed with Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate （FITC）/propidium iodide （PI） flow cytometry analysis. Akt and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） activities were detected by Western blotting. Results Infection of U937 cells with S. aureus induced rapid cell death in a time-dependent manner, and the cells displayed characteristic features of apoptosis. S. aureus-induced apoptosis was associated with a prominent downregulation of activated （phosphorylated） Akt and NF-κB. The inhibition of phosphorylated Akt by LY294002 led to the inhibition of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of Akt with LY294002 caused further increase in apoptosis of U937 cells. Conclusions S. aureus can stimulate the apoptosis of U937 ceils. S. aureus induces apoptosis of U937 cells by inhibiting Akt-regulated NF-κB.

Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB p56 in lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids(ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56(NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group(P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.

Chondrogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells by transforming growth factor-β3 and bone morphogenetic protein-6 in a normal healthy impacted third molar

The periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cell is regarded as a source of adult stem cells due to its multipotency.However, the proof of chondrogenic potential of the cells is scarce.Therefore,we investigated the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-p3 and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)-6.After isolation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) from human periodontal ligament,the cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium(DMEM) with 20%fetal bovine serum(FBS).A mechanical force initiated chondrogenic differentiation of the cells.For chondrogenic differentiation,10μg·LTGF-β3 or 100μg·LBMP-6 and the combination treating group for synergistic effect of the growth factors.We analyzed the PDLSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and chondrogenesis were evaluated by glycosaminoglycans assay,histology,immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis.PDLSCs showed mesenchymal stem cell properties proved by FACS analysis.Glycosaminoglycans contents were increased 217%by TGF-β3 and 220%by BMP-6. The synergetic effect of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 were shown up to 281%compared to control.The combination treatment increased Sox9, aggrecan and collagen II expression compared with not only controls,but also TGF-P3 or BMP-6 single treatment dramatically.The histological analysis also indicated the chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in our conditions.The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of the dental stem cell as a valuable cell source for chondrogenesis,which may be applicable for regeneration of cartilage and bone fracture in the field of cell therapy.

Low-temperature 3D-printed collagen/chitosan scaffolds loaded with exosomes derived from neural stem cells pretreated with insulin growth factor-1 enhance neural regeneration after traumatic brain injury

There are various clinical treatments for traumatic brain injury,including surgery,drug therapy,and rehabilitation therapy;howeve r,the therapeutic effects are limited.Scaffolds combined with exosomes represent a promising but challenging method for improving the repair of traumatic brain injury.In this study,we determined the ability of a novel 3D-printed collagen/chitosan scaffold loaded with exosomes derived from neural stem cells pretreated with insulin-like growth factor-1(3D-CC-INEXOS) to improve traumatic brain injury repair and functional recove ry after traumatic brain injury in rats.Composite scaffolds comprising collagen,chitosan,and exosomes derived from neural stem cells pretreated with insulin-like growth fa ctor-1(INEXOS) continuously released exosomes for 2weeks.Transplantation of 3D-CC-INExos scaffolds significantly improved motor and cognitive functions in a rat traumatic brain injury model,as assessed by the Morris water maze test and modified neurological seve rity scores.In addition,immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that3D-CC-INExos implantation significantly improved the recove ry of damaged nerve tissue in the injured area.In conclusion,this study suggests that transplanted3D-CC-INExos scaffolds might provide a potential strategy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and lay a solid foundation for clinical translation.

Interplay between micro RNA-17-5p, insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ through binding protein-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of microR NA on insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) and hence on insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ) bioavailability in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Bioinformatic analysis was performed using microrna.org, DIANA lab and Segal lab softwares. Total RNA was extracted from 23 HCC and 10 healthy liver tissues using mir Vana mi RNA Isolation Kit. microR NA-17-5p(miR-17-5p) expression was mimicked and antagonized in Hu H-7 cell lines using Hi Per Fect Transfection Reagent, then total RNA was extracted using Biozol reagent then reverse transcribed into cD NA followed by quantification of mi R-17-5p and IGFBP-3 expression using Taq Man real-time quantitative PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the binding of miR-17-5p to the 3'UTR of IGFBP-3. Free IGF-Ⅱ protein was measured in transfected Hu H-7 cells using IGF-Ⅱ ELISA kit. RESULTS: Bioinformatic analysis revealed IGFBP-3 as a potential target for miR-17-5p. Screening of miR-17-5p and IGFBP-3 revealed a moderate negative correlation in HCC patients, where mi R-17-5p was extensively underexpressed in HCC tissues(P = 0.0012), while IGFBP-3 showed significant upregulation in the same set of patients(P = 0.0041) compared to healthy donors. Forcing mi R-17-5p expression in Hu H-7 cell lines showed a significant downregulation of IGFBP-3 mR NA expression(P = 0.0267) and a significant increase in free IGF-Ⅱ protein(P = 0.0339) compared to mock untransfected cells using unpaired t-test. Luciferase assay validated IGFBP-3 as a direct target of mi R-17-5p; luciferase activity was inhibited by 27.5% in cells co-transfected with miR-17-5p mimics and the construct harboring the wild-type binding region 2 of IGFBP-3 compared to cells transfected with this construct alone(P = 0.0474).CONCLUSION: These data suggest that regulating IGF-Ⅱ bioavailability and hence HCC progression can be achieved through targeting IGFBP-3 via manipulating the expression of miR NAs.

血清血管细胞黏附因子1和三叶因子3水平与晚期非小细胞肺癌化疗效果及预后的关系

目的研究血管细胞黏附因子1(VCAM1)、三叶因子3(TFF3)水平与晚期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者化疗效果及预后的关系。方法选取2019年2月至2021年2月江苏省肿瘤医院收治的112例接受铂类化疗初治的晚期NSCLC患者为观察组,另选取同期体检健康的70例受试者为对照组。检测受试者血清VCAM1、TFF3水平。根据化疗结束后的效果,将观察组患者分为化疗有效组和化疗无效组。随访1年,比较不同血清VCAM1、TFF3表达水平晚期NSCLC患者生存预后差异。采用多因素Cox回归模型分析影响晚期NSCLC患者生存预后的因素。结果观察组血清VCAM1、TFF3水平均高于对照组[(227±24)μg/L比(79±13)μg/L、(1.59±0.37)μg/L比(0.47±0.14)μg/L],差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。晚期NSCLC患者血清VCAM1、TFF3水平与肿瘤分化程度及TNM分期有关(均P<0.05)。化疗无效组患者血清VCAM1、TFF3水平均高于化疗有效组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。VCAM1高表达组1年总体生存率为26.9%(14/52),VCAM1低表达组为55.0%(33/60),组间比较差异有统计学意义(Log-rankχ^(2)=12.181,P<0.001)。TFF3高表达组1年总体生存率为27.8%(15/54),TFF3低表达组为55.2%(32/58),组间比较差异有统计学意义(Log-rankχ^(2)=14.146,P<0.001)。多因素Cox回归分析结果显示,肿瘤低分化程度、TNM分期Ⅳ期、VCAM1高表达、TFF3高表达是晚期NSCLC患者不良预后的独立危险因素(均P<0.001)。结论晚期NSCLC患者血清VCAM1、TFF3水平升高,二者与不良临床病理特征、化疗效果有关。

Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-αon Resistin Expression in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Its Mechanism

Summary: In order to investigate the effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) on resistin expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and further explore its mechanisms, the differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated with 0, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL TNFα respectively for 24 h, and then the expression of resistin was determined. The differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated with 100 ng/mL TNFα for 3, 6, 24 h respectively, and then the expression of resistin mRNA was analyzed. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes. The cells were randomly divided into 4 groups for culture. In the control group, no drugs were added. Cells of TNFα group were treated with 100 ng/mL TNFα. In Ro-31-8220 group, 5 μmol/L protein kinase C inhibitor Ro-31-8220 was added. With TNFα+Ro-31-8220 group, 100 ng/mL TNFα were added 1 h after the addition of 5 μmol/L Ro-31-8220. All adipocytes were cultured for 24 h. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were employed to detect the expression of resistin gene. Our results showed that resistin protein and mRNA in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were inhibited by TNFα at different concentrations (P<0.01), and the inhibitory effect increased with the concentration (P<0.01). At the same concentrations, the inhibitory effect increased with time (P<0.01). Ro-31-8220 could inhibit its expression and the inhibitive effect remained unchanged with addition of TNFα(P>0.05). It was concluded that TNFα could inhibit the expression of resistin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The mechanism may be that the expression of resistin is partly controlled by protein kinase C signal conduction pathway.

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

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

急性胰腺炎患者血清TFF3、NF⁃κB水平与预后的关系

目的分析急性胰腺炎(AP)患者血清三叶因子家族肽3(TFF3)、核转录因子⁃κB(NF⁃κB)表达水平,并探讨二者与预后的关系。方法选取2018年3月至2019年9月于西安交通大学第一附属医院进行治疗的急性胰腺炎(AP)患者243例作为研究对象,依据AP患者严重程度分为轻症AP(MAP组,n=120)、中重症AP(MSAP组,n=67)和重症AP(SAP组,n=56),收集并整理入组患者基本资料,并检测各组血清中TFF3、NF⁃κB表达水平。根据生存情况将患者分为预后良好组和预后不良组。采用Pearson法分析AP患者血清TFF3、NF⁃κB表达水平与临床指标的相关性;采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清TFF3、NF⁃κB对AP患者预后的预测价值。结果血清TC、TG、LDL⁃C及TNF⁃α、CRP水平、APACHEⅡ评分以及血清TFF3、NF⁃κB水平:MAP组<MSAP组<SAP组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);经Pearson法相关性分析,AP患者血清TFF3、NF⁃κB表达水平与TC、TG、LDL⁃C、TNF⁃α、CRP及APACHEⅡ评分均呈正相关(P<0.05)。ROC分析结果显示,血清TFF3预测AP患者预后的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.804(95%CI:0.729~0.878),血清NF⁃κB预测AP患者预后的AUC为0.715(95%CI:0.627~0.803),联合检测预测AP患者预后的AUC为0.828(95%CI:0.756~0.899)。结论随着AP患者严重程度增加,血清TFF3、NF⁃κB水平升高,两指标对AP患者预后评估具有一定预测价值,推测二者可能参与AP的发生发展。

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses transforming growth factor-beta signaling by interacting with the transforming growth factor-beta typeⅡreceptor

AIM: To investigate the(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) binding to transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) type Ⅱ receptor(TGFRⅡ).METHODS: The expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) was used as a marker for fibrotic change inhuman lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. The α-SMA expression level was determined by western blotting and immunohistological analysis. We examined whether the anti-fibrotic effects of EGCG on MRC-5 cells was dependent on antioxidant mechanism by using edaravone and N-acetylcysteine(NAC). The suppression effects of EGCG on Smad2/3 activation were studied by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The binding of EGCG to recombinant TGFRⅡ protein was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography.RESULTS: When MRC-5 cells were treated with TGF-β, EGCG decreased the expression of α-SMA in a dose dependent manner, whereas catechin did not influence the α-SMA expression in the cells. Except for EGCG, antioxidant compounds(e.g., edaravone and NAC) had no effects on the TGF-β-induced α-SMA expression. Nuclear localization of phosphorylated Smad2/3 was observed after TGF-β treatment; however, EGCG treatment attenuated the nuclear transportation of Smad2/3 in the presence or absence of TGF-β. After a TGFRⅡ expression vector was introduced into COS-7 cells, cell lysates were untreated or treated with EGCG or catechin. The immunoprecipitation experiments using the lysates showed that EGCG dose-dependently bound to TGFRⅡ and that catechin did not at all. Affinity chromatography study indicated that EGCG would bind to TGFRⅡ.CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that EGCG interacts with TGFRⅡ and inhibits the expression of α-SMA via the TGF-β-Smad2/3 pathway in human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells.

TFF3在结直肠癌发生发展中的价值

三叶因子3(trefoil factor 3,TFF3)作为三叶因子家族的成员之一,广泛存在于机体的黏膜上皮细胞中。在生理情况下,TFF3具有保护黏膜的功能。但当机体发生溃疡、炎症和恶性病变时,TFF3的表达水平会随着病理过程的进展而异常改变。特别是在结直肠癌中,TFF3的异常表达参与了多种生物学过程的调控,包括促进细胞的侵袭和转移、抑制细胞凋亡、调控EMT过程以及影响细胞自噬等。此外,TFF3作为一种分泌性多肽,能被检测到存在于血清中,并且在结直肠癌患者中明显升高,因此,作为一种新型生物标志物检测TFF3的表达水平在结直肠癌的诊断和预后评估中具有重要价值。

Apigenin ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in C57BL/6J mice by inactivating STAT3 and NF-κB

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease featured by patches on the skin.It is caused by malfunction of immune cells and keratinocytes with inflammation as one of its key features.Apigenin(API)is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.Therefore,we speculated that API can ameliorate psoriasis,and determined its effect on the development of psoriasis by using imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model.Our results showed that API attenuated IMQ-induced phenotypic changes,such as erythema,scaling and epidermal thickening,and improved splenic hyperplasia.Abnormal differentiation of immune cells was restored in API-treated mice.Mechanistically,we revealed that API is a key regulator of signal transducer activator of transcription 3(STAT3).API regulated immune responses by reducing interleukin-23(IL-23)/STAT3/IL-17A axis.Moreover,it suppressed IMQ-caused cell hyperproliferation by inactivating STAT3 through regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway.Furthermore,API reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines through inactivation of NF-κB.Taken together,our study demonstrates that API can ameliorate psoriasis and may be considered as a strategy for psoriasis treatment.

TFF3对恶性肿瘤发生发展作用的研究进展

TFF3是一类小分子多肽,是三叶肽家族的成员之一。在哺乳动物体内具有调控黏膜保护与修复、肿瘤抑制、信号传导及调节细胞凋亡等作用。近年来,TFF3在肿瘤的研究中日益受到关注,本文将对TFF3的分子结构、生理功能及在肿瘤发生发展中的作用进行综述。

Changes of insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in cerebrospinal fluid of children with tuberculous meningitis

BACKGROUND： Recent studies have found that insulin-like growth factors （IGFs） and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 （IGFBP-3） have stronger neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. But whether their levels in cerebrospinal fluid could be used as an auxiliary indicator in differentially diagnosing tuberculous meningitis and viral encephalitis is not yet clear. OBJECTIVE： To explore the changes of insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ （IGF-Ⅱ ） and IGFBP-3 in cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） of children with tuberculous meningitis and the significance of the changes. DESIGN： A non-randomized concurrent controlled study. SETTING： Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College. PARTICIPANTS： Thirty children with tuberculous meningitis （14 males and 16 females） were selected from the Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from January 2005 to December 2006. Tuberculous meningitis was diagnosed according to their clinical manifestations, the history of close contact with tuberculosis, typical cerebrospinal fluid changes of tuberculous meningitis, positive tuberculosis antibody and effective antituberculosis treatment. There were 30 children （13 males and 17 females） with viral encephalitis, and viral encephalitis was diagnosed according to epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, conventional and biochemical changes of cerebrospinal fluid, and negative bacteriology judgment. Meanwhile, 30 children （13 males and 17 females） without infectious and central nervous system disease were selected as the control group. Informed consent was obtained from the parents of all the enrolled children. METHODS： ①The lumbar puncture operation was implemented immediately to obtain cerebrospinal fluid （3 mL）. The contents of IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 were detected with immunoradiometric assay. The concentrations of glucose and protein in cerebrospinal fluid were determined with a dry-chemical method. The number of white blood cells was counted by Fushi Method. ②The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of the contents of IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 in cerebrospinal fluid with the leucocyte counting and the concentrations of glucose and protein in cerebrospinal fluid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The contents of IGF- Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 in cerebrospinal fluid, and their correlation with the leucocyte counting and the concentrations of glucose and protein in cerebrospinal fluid. RESULTS： ①Contents of IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 in cerebrospinal fluid： The contents of IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 in cerebrospinal fluid in the tuberculous meningitis group were significantly higher than those in the encephalitis virus group and control group （P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in the contents of IGF- Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 in cerebrospinal fluid between the viral encephalitis group and control group （P 〉 0.05）. ②Correlation： The IGF- Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 contents in cerebrospinal fluid were positively correlated with the protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid （r =0.821, 0.855, P 〈 0.01）, but negatively with the glucose （r =0.742, - 0.605, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION- ①IGFs and IGVBPs are involved in the pathophysiological process of tuberculous meningitis, as well as the glucose and protein metabolism in cerebrospinal fluid. ②The IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 contents in cerebrospinal fluid can be used as the auxiliary indicators to differentially diagnose tuberculous meningitis and viral enceohalitis.

血清DcR3、Bmi-1、TFF3对宫颈癌的诊断价值

目的探讨宫颈癌患者血清诱骗受体3(DcR3)、Bmi-1、三叶因子3(TFF3)表达水平及诊断价值。方法选取2019年8月至2023年8月在该院住院的98例初诊宫颈癌患者作为宫颈癌组。另选取同期于该院就诊的74例宫颈良性病变患者和62例健康体检者分别作为良性病变组和健康对照组,收集并整理所有研究对象的临床资料。采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测血清DcR3、TFF3表达水平。采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应检测Bmi-1表达水平。绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估血清Bmi-1、DcR3、TFF3单独及三者联合检测对宫颈癌的诊断价值。结果与健康对照组比较,良性病变组、宫颈癌组血清DcR3、Bmi-1、TFF3表达水平均明显升高,且宫颈癌组血清DcR3、Bmi-1、TFF3表达水平均明显高于良性病变组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。不同年龄、病理组织类型宫颈癌患者血清Bmi-1、DcR3、TFF3表达水平比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。不同国际妇产科联盟分期、组织分化程度、淋巴结转移宫颈癌患者血清Bmi-1、DcR3、TFF3表达水平比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,血清DcR3、Bmi-1、TFF3水平单独及三者联合检测诊断宫颈癌的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.829、0.851、0.841、0.918,三者联合检测优于各自单独检测的AUC(Z_(三者联合-DcR3)=2.641,P=0.008,Z_(三者联合-Bmi-1)=2.201,P=0.028,Z_(三者联合-TFF3)=2.971,P=0.003)。结论宫颈癌患者血清中DcR3、Bmi-1、TFF3水平明显升高,三者联合检测诊断宫颈癌的临床价值较高。

MSCT扫描联合血清TFF3、sB7-H4对食管癌的术前分期评估中的价值分析

目的探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)扫描联合血清三叶因子3(TFF3)、可溶性B7-H4蛋白(sB7-H4)在食管癌患者术前分期评估中的临床价值。方法选取2022年8月~2023年9月本院确诊的116例食管癌患者为研究对象,患者均进行MSCT扫描检查,并依据术后病理结果进行分期。采用ELISA法检测血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平,绘制ROC曲线分析血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平对食管癌术前分期的评估价值。结果食管癌患者T分期中T1~T2、T3、T4血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平依次升高,N分期中N0、N1、N2血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平依次升高(P<0.05)。血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平评估T分期中T1~T2与T3的AUC分别为0.758、0.827,截断值分别为10.35 ng/mL、41.89μg/L;评估T分期中T3与T4的AUC分别为0.752、0.812,截断值分别为14.41 ng/mL、48.75μg/L。血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平评估N分期中N0与N1的AUC分别为0.827、0.853,截断值分别为10.94 ng/mL、42.38μg/L;评估N分期中N1与N2的AUC分别为0.825、0.805,截断值分别为15.03 ng/mL、50.19μg/L。MSCT扫描评估食管癌患者T分期的总诊断正确率为84.48%,N分期的总诊断正确率为83.62%。MSCT扫描联合血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平评估食管癌患者T分期的总诊断正确率为94.83%,高于MSCT扫描单独评估(P<0.05);N分期的总诊断正确率为93.97%,高于MSCT扫描单独评估(P<0.05)。结论MSCT扫描联合血清TFF3、sB7-H4水平,可有效提高评估食管癌患者分期的诊断正确率,应用价值较高。

宫颈癌患者淋巴结转移的危险因素分析及血清TFF3、AIF-1、S100-A11、DKK1预测价值分析

目的 探讨宫颈癌患者淋巴结转移的危险因素分析及血清三叶因子3(trefoil factor 3,TFF3)、同种异体移植物炎性因子-1(allograft inflammatory factor-1,AIF-1)、S100钙结合蛋白-A11(S100 calcium-binding protein-A11,S100-A11)、Wnt通路抑制因子Dickkopf-1(Wnt pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-1,DKK1)的预测价值。方法 选择2021年1月—2023年1月本院收治的71例宫颈癌患者作为研究对象,根据患者有无盆腔淋巴结转移分为淋巴结转移阳性组(28例)和淋巴结转移阴性组(43例)两组。收集两组患者临床病理特征,并检测血清TFF3、AIF-1、S100-A11、DKK1水平。结果 单因素分析显示,FIGO分期、宫旁浸润、肌层浸润、血清TFF3、S100-A11、DKK1是患者发生宫颈癌淋巴结转移的影响因素(P<0.05)。与年龄、分化程度、肿瘤大小、组织学类型、脉管浸润及血清AIF-1无关(P>0.05);Logistic多元回归分析显示,FIGO分期、宫旁浸润、肌层浸润及血清TFF3是影响宫颈癌淋巴结转移的独立因素(P<0.05);ROC曲线分析显示,TFF3对淋巴结转移有中等预测价值(AUC=0.649),明显大于机会参考线下面积(P<0.05)。而AIF-1、S100-A11、DKK1对淋巴结转移无预测价值(AUC分别为0.477、0.517、0.524),与机会参考线下面积比较无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 FIGO分期高、宫旁浸润、肌层浸润、血清TFF3异常升高是宫颈癌淋巴结转移的危险因素,血清TFF3有望成为预测宫颈癌淋巴结转移的新标志物;血清AIF-1、S100-A11、DKK1对宫颈癌淋巴结转移的预测效能不理想。