Knockdown of HE4 suppresses tumor growth and invasiveness in lung adenocarcinoma through regulation of EGFR signaling

It has been shown that the high expression of human epididymis protein 4(HE4)in most lung cancers is related to the poor prognosis of patients,but the mechanism of pathological transformation of HE4 in lung cancer is still unclear.The current study is expected to clarify the function and mechanism of HE4 in the occurrence and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD).Immunoblotting evaluated HE4 expression in lung cancer cell lines and biopsies,and through analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)dataset.Frequent HE4 overexpression was demonstrated in LUAD,but not in lung squamous cell carcinoma(LUSC),indicating that HE4 can serve as a biomarker to distinguish between LUAD and LUSC.HE4 knockdown significantly inhibited cell growth,colony formation,wound healing,and invasion,and blocked the G1-phase of the cell cycle in LUAD cell lines through inactivation of the EGFR signaling downstream including PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MAPK pathways.The first-line EGFR inhibitor gefitinib and HE4 shRNA had no synergistic inhibitory effect on the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells,while the third-line EGFR inhibitor osimertinib showed additive anti-proliferative effects.Moreover,we provided evidence that HE4 regulated EGFR expression by transcription regulation and protein interaction in LUAD.Our findings suggest that HE4 positively modulates the EGFR signaling pathway to promote growth and invasiveness in LUAD and highlight that targeting HE4 could be a novel strategy for LUAD treatment.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 Gly388Arg polymorphism in Chinese gastric cancer patients

AIM: To investigate the contribution of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) Gly388Arg polymorphism as a genetic risk factor for gastric cancer (GC) and to investigate any associations between this polymorphism and clinicopathological parameters and survival. METHODS: Tumors and matched adjacent non-cancer tissues were collected from 304 GC patients, and 5 mL of venous blood was collected from 62 GC patients and 392 ageand sex-matched healthy controls without cancer history from the same ethnic population. DNA was extracted, and direct sequencing analyses were performed to genotype the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism in all the samples. Differences in the genotype frequencies of the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism between GC patients and healthy controls were estimated using the χ 2 test. Binary logistic regression was used for all analysis variables to estimate risk as the ORs with 95%CIs. The relationships between the FGFR4 genotype and clinicopathological parameters were tested with the χ 2 test. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method, the log-rank test, and the Cox regression model were applied to evaluate the effect of the FGFR4 genotype on the overall survival of patients with GC. RESULTS: In the present GC cohort, 118 patients (38.8%) were homozygous for the Gly388 allele, 124 patients (40.8%) were heterozygous, and 62 patients (20.4%) were homozygous for the Arg388 allele. The frequencies of the Gly/Gly, Gly/Arg, and Arg/Arg genotypes in the healthy controls were 33.6%, 48.0%, and 18.4%, respectively. The distributions of genotypes (χ 2 = 3.589, P = 0.166) and alleles (χ 2 = 0.342, P = 0.559) of the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism were not different between the GC patients and the healthy controls. Although we observed no correlation between the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism and clinicopathological parameters or survival in the total cohort of GC patients, the presence of the Arg388 allele was associated with shorter survival time in patients with GC if the tumor was small (log rank χ 2 = 5.449, P = 0.020), well differentiated (log rank χ 2 = 12.798, P = 0.000), T1 or T2 stage (log rank χ 2 = 4.745, P = 0.029), without lymph node involvement (log rank χ 2 = 6.647, P = 0.010), and at an early clinical stage (log rank χ 2 = 4.615, P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism is not a risk factor for GC cancer initiation but that it is a useful prognostic marker for GC patients when the tumor is relatively small, well differentiated, or at an early clinical stage.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 protein expression and clinicopathological features in gastric cancer

AIM:To investigate fibroblast growth factor receptor4(FGFR4)protein expression in Chinese patients with resectable gastric cancer(GC)and the association with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.who underwent curative surgical procedures were enrolled in this study.The protein expression of FGFR4 in formalin-fixed,paraffin-embedded(FFPE)GC tissues was determined by immunohistochemical(IHC)analysis.Patient clinicopathological data and survival information were also collected andχ2 statistical analysis was performed to analyze FGFR4 protein expression in the subgroups with differing clinicopathological characteristics including;gender,age,tumor location,differentiation,tumor-node-metastasis stage,macroscopic type,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases,distant metastasis,neural invasion and vascular invasion.Furthermore,some common molecular markers of GC in our cancer center,including p53,p27,topoisomeraseⅡα(TopoⅡα)were also determined by IHC and their association with FGFR4 protein expression evaluated.The probability of survival for different subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves plotted using the log rank test.RESULTS:Seventy seven cases(44%)were found to have high expression of FGFR4 protein.Significantly different FGFR4 expression was observed between gastric cancers with differing expression of TopoⅡα(log rankχ2=9.4760,P=0.0236).No significant differences were observed between subgroups defined by any of the other clinicopathological characteristics.The median survival time of the FGFR4 high expression(77 cases)and low expression groups(98 cases)was27 mo and 39 mo,respectively.The five-year survival rates and median survival times of gastric cancers with high FGFR4 expression were worse than those with low expression(30.8%vs 39.2%,27 mo vs 39 mo),respectively,however,no significant difference was observed in survival time(log rankχ2=1.0477,P=0.3060).Survival analysis revealed that high expression of FGFR4 was a predictor of poor outcome in GC patients if the tumor was small(less than or equal to 3cm in size)(log rankχ2=5.5033,P=0.0190),well dif-ferentiated(log rankχ2=7.9757,P=0.0047),and of T1 or T2 stage invasion depth(log rankχ2=4.8827,P=0.0271).CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that high tumor expression of FGFR4 protein is not an independent risk factor for GC cancer initiation,but is a useful prognostic marker for GC patients when the tumor is relatively small,well differentiated,or in the early stages of invasion.

Transforming growth factor-β and toll-like receptor-4 polymorphisms are not associated with fibrosis in haemochromatosis

AIM:To investigate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the progression of hepatic fibrosis in hereditary haemochromatosis.METHODS:A cohort of 245 well-characterised C282Y homozygous patients with haemochromatosis was studied,with all subjects having liver biopsy data and DNA available for testing.This study assessed the association of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in a total of six genes including toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β),oxoguanine DNA glycosylase,monocyte chemoattractant protein 1,chemokine C-C motif receptor 2 and interleukin-10 with liver disease severity.Genotyping was performed using high resolution melt analysis and sequencing.The results were analysed in relation to the stage of hepatic fibrosis in multivariate analysis incorporating other cofactors including alcohol consumption and hepatic iron concentration.RESULTS:There were significant associations between the cofactors of male gender(P=0.0001),increasing age(P=0.006),alcohol consumption(P=0.0001),steatosis(P=0.03),hepatic iron concentration(P<0.0001)and the presence of hepatic fibrosis.Of the candidate gene polymorphisms studied,none showed a significant association with hepatic fibrosis in univariate or multivariate analysis incorporating cofactors.We also specifically studied patients with hepatic iron loading above threshold levels for cirrhosis and compared the genetic polymorphisms between those with no fibrosis vs cirrhosis however there was no significant effect from any of the candidate genes studied.Importantly,in this large,well characterised cohort of patients there was no association between SNPs for TGF-βor TLR4and the presence of fibrosis,cirrhosis or increasing fibrosis stage in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION:In our large,well characterised group of haemochromatosis subjects we did not demonstrate any relationship between candidate gene polymorphisms and hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Direct interaction between Rab5a and Rab4a enhanced epidermal growth factor-stimulated proliferation of gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide.Although targeted therapies such as antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 have been widely used in the treatment of metastatic cancer,the overall outcomes are poor.Therefore,elucidation of the mechanism underlying cancer progression is important to improve prognosis.Overexpression of the Rab5a gene has been confirmed to correlate with tumorigenesis of many cancers,but the mechanism underling,especially of GC,is still unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of Rab5a overexpression on the tumorigenesis of GC.METHODS First,the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a in primary tumorous tissues of GC patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed.Then we constructed HGC-27 cell lines overexpressing green fluorescent protein-Rab5a or red fluorescent protein-Rab4a and investigated the interaction between Rab5a or Rab4a using Western blotting,co-immunoprecipitation,confocal microscopy,and colocalization analysis.Finally,epidermal growth factor-stimulated proliferation of these cell lines was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay.RESULTS Compared with normal gastric tissues,the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a increased progressively both in paracancerous tissues and in advanced cancerous tissues.Epidermal growth factor could promote the proliferation of HGC-27 cells,especially Rab5a-overexpressing HGC-27 cells.Notably,Rab5a and Rab4a cooverexpression promoted the proliferation of HGC-27 cells to the greatest extent.Further analysis identified a direct interaction between Rab5a and Rab4a in HGC-27 cells.CONCLUSION Co-overexpression of Rab5a and Rab4a in GC may promote the endosomal recycling of epidermal growth factor receptor,which in turn contributes to poor prognosis and tumor progression in GC patients.Inhibition of Rab5a or Rab4a expression might be a promising therapy for refractory GC.

Relationship between molecular changes in epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)mutations in lung adenocarcinoma

Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)and their impact on the prognosis and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.Methods A total of 158 cases of lung adenocarcinoma reported between January 2007 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.These tumors were resected using radical pneumonectomy and underwent pathology-based diagnosis at our institution(Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital,Hohhot,China).The tissue sections were evaluated using the updated World Health Organization classification of lung adenocarcinomas(2015 version),with each histological component recorded in 5%increments.The histological subtypes were classified,and any surviving cases were followed up.The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and direct DNA sequencing were used to evaluate mutations in exons 18,19,20,and 21 in the EGFR gene,and the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene-ALK variant(EML4-ALK)fusions were detected using sequencing.Results Our cohort included 25 patients with pre-invasive adenocarcinoma,13 patients with lepidic,66 patients with acinar,13 patients with papillary,and 25 patients with solid infiltrative adenocarcinoma with the remaining cases presenting with a variety of pathological subtypes.The prognosis of each histological subtype was different with the 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival(OS)of pre-invasion adenocarcinoma at 100%;the 5-year OS of lepidic,acinar,and papillary adenocarcinoma patients was only 84.6%,72.7%,and 76.9%,respectively.The 5-year OS of solid and mucinous adenocarcinomas were 32.0%and 36.4%,respectively.EGFR mutation was detected in 69 cases with a mutation rate of 43.7%and majority of these mutations were found in exons 19(50.6%)and 21(37.9%),with women and non-smokers shown to experience a higher mutation rate(P<0.05).However,histological subtype analysis showed that EGFR mutations were primarily found in adenocarcinomas.Most of these mutations were found in lepidic(53.8%)or acinar adenocarcinomas(50.0%),whereas these mutations were rare in both solid(28.0%)and mucinous adenocarcinoma(27.2%).The fusion mutation rate in the EML4-ALK gene was 5.69%,and was most common in young,nonsmoking patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The prognosis of patients in each lung adenocarcinoma subtype is different,and these outcomes are likely related to mutations in the EGFR and EML4-ALK genes.EGFR mutation rates are higher in lepidic and acinar adenocarcinomas,whereas EML4-ALK gene fusion mutations are more common in solid and mucinous adenocarcinoma.EGFR mutations are more common in female and non-smoking patients,whereas EML4-ALK fusions are more common in young,non-smoking patients.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR AND C-erbB-2 ONCOGENE PRODUCT IN DEVELOPING HUMAN PLACENTA

Cytologic locailzation of epidermai growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and C-erbB2oncogene product in normal developing placenta ovas studied by avidin/biotin immunoperoxidase techniques.Both proteins were predominantly expressed in the villous syncytiotrophoblasts but not in the cytotrophoblasts.The immunoreactive intensity for EGF-R decreased with the development of pregnancy.Concerning the intermediate trophoblasts in cell islands and cell columns,both proteins were more easily detected in the cells distal to the villous stroma than in the juxtastromal cells.These findings suggest that EGF-R and C-erbB-2 may play a significant role in the induction and regulation of differentiated trophoblast function

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 single nucleotide polymorphism Gly388Arg in head and neck carcinomas

BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) is considered to be a progressive disease resulting from alterations in multiple genes regulating cell proliferation and differentiation like receptor tyrosine kinases(RTKs) and members of the fibroblast growth factor receptors(FGFR)-family. Singlenucleotide polymorphism(SNP) Arg388 of the FGFR4 is associated with a reduced overall survival in patients with cancers of various types. We speculate that FGFR4 expression and SNP is associated with worse survival in patients with HSNCC.AIM To investigate the potential clinical significance of FGFR4 Arg388 in the context of tumors arising in HNSCC, a comprehensive analysis of FGFR4 receptor expression and genotype in tumor tissues and correlated results with patients' clinical data in a large cohort of patients with HNSCC was conducted.METHODS Surgical specimens from 284 patients with HNSCC were retrieved from the Institute of Pathology at the Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Germany.Specimens were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP). The expression of FGFR4 was analyzed in 284 surgical specimens of HNSCC using immunohistochemstry. FGFR4 polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP.Patients' clinical data with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were statistically evaluated with a special emphasis on survival analysis employing Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression analysis.RESULTS Concerning the invasive tumor areas the intensity of the FGFR4 expression was evaluated in a four-grade system: no expression, low expression, intermediate and high expression. FGFR4 expression was scored as "high"(+++) in 74(26%),"intermediate"(++) in 103(36.3%), and "low"(+) in 107(36.7%) cases. Analyzing the FGFR4 mutation it was found in 96 tumors(33.8%), 84 of them(29.6%) having a heterozygous and 12(4.2%) homozygous mutated Arg388 allele. The overall frequency concerning the mutant alleles demonstrated 65% vs 34% mutated alleles in general. FGFR4 Arg388 was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage(P < 0.004), local metastasis(P < 0.0001) and reduced disease-free survival(P < 0.01). Furthermore, increased expression of FGFR4 correlated significantly with worse overall survival(P < 0.003).CONCLUSION In conclusion, the FGFR4 Arg388 genotype and protein expression of FGFR4 impacts tumor progression in patients with HNSCC and may present a useful target within a multimodal therapeutic intervention.

血清转化生长因子β1、白细胞介素-6、Toll样受体-4、核转录因子κB联合评估非小细胞肺癌放射性肺炎病情严重程度的价值

目的探讨血清转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、Toll样受体-4(TLR-4)和核转录因子κB(NF-κB)联合评估非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)放射性肺炎(RP)病情严重程度的价值。方法选取104例NSCLC放疗后继发RP患者作为研究组,另选取52例NSCLC放疗后未继发RP患者作为对照组。比较2组患者放疗前后血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB水平。比较研究组不同程度RP患者放疗前后血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB水平,分析各血清指标单独及联合评估NSCLC放疗后RP病情程度的价值。结果放疗结束后,研究组患者血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB水平均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);放疗结束后,随着RP病情程度的增加,研究组患者血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB水平呈升高趋势,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析结果显示,放疗结束后血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB水平评估1级RP的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.787、0.718、0.783、0.801,评估≥2级RP的AUC分别为0.729、0.740、0.793、0.825;血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB阳性表达患者发生≥2级RP的风险分别是阴性表达患者的2.473、2.275、2.610、5.267倍(P<0.05);血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB联合评估≥2级RP的AUC为0.939,敏感度为76.00%,特异度为97.47%。结论NSCLC患者放疗结束后血清TGF-β1、IL-6、TLR-4、NF-κB水平均与RP病情严重程度呈正相关,四者联合评估≥2级RP的价值显著,可为临床控制RP病情提供参考依据。

高频彩超联合血清LAG-3 FGFR-4对甲状腺癌的诊断价值

目的:探讨血清淋巴细胞活化基因-3(LAG-3)、成纤维生长因子受体4(FGFR-4)在甲状腺癌(TC)中的表达,并联合高频彩超对TC的诊断价值。方法:选取2020年12月至2023年12月期间在本院收治的203例甲状腺病变患者为研究对象,根据病理学检查结果将其分为TC患者作为TC组(n=108),甲状腺良性病变患者为非TC组(n=95)。采用ELISA法测定血清LAG-3、FGFR-4表达水平;ROC曲线分析血清LAG-3、FGFR-4对TC的诊断效能;四格表法分析高频彩超联合血清LAG-3、FGFR-4水平对TC的诊断效能。结果:与甲状腺未分化癌相比,甲状腺乳头状癌、甲状腺滤泡状癌、甲状腺髓样癌血清LAG-3水平显著升高,血清FGFR-4水平显著降低(P<0.05)。与非TC组相比,TC组血清LAG-3水平显著降低,血清FGFR-4水平显著升高(P<0.05)。TC组PSV、RI水平显著高于非TC组(P<0.05)。高频彩超联合血清LAG-3、FGFR-4诊断TC的准确率为86.70%,敏感度为96.30%,特异度为75.79%。其中,三项联合诊断的敏感度高于高频彩超、血清LAG-3、FGFR-4单独诊断(P<0.05)。结论:TC患者的血清LAG-3水平显著降低,血清FGFR-4水平显著升高,高频彩超联合血清LAG-3、FGFR-4对TC具有更高的诊断效能。

The potential mechanism of Isodon suzhouensis against COVID-19 via EGFR/TLR4 pathways

Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)has brought the new challenges to scientific research.Isodon suzhouensis has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress effects,which is considered as a potential treatment for COVID-19.The possibility for the treatment of COVID-19 with I.suzhouensis and its potential mechanism of action were explored by employing molecular docking and network pharmacology.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to screen drug targets,and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced RAW264.7 and NR8383 cells inflammation model was used for experimental verification.Collectively a total of 209 possible linkages against 18 chemical components from I.suzhouensis and 1194 COVID-19 related targets were selected.Among these,164 common targets were obtained from the intersection of I.suzhouensis and COVID-19.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enriched 582 function targets and 87 target proteins pathways,respectively.The results from molecular docking studies revealed that rutin,vitexin,isoquercitrin and quercetin had significant binding ability with 3 chymotrypsin like protease(3CLpro)and angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2).In vitro studies showed that I.suzhouensis extract(ISE)may inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and the expression level of downstream proinflammatory factors by inhibiting the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS.In addition,ISE was able to inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in NR8383 cells exposed to LPS.Overall,the network pharmacology and in vitro studies conclude that active components from I.suzhouensis have strong therapeutic potential against COVID-19 through multi-target,multi-pathway dimensions and can be a promising candidate against COVID-19.

孕妇血清成纤维细胞生长因子4和成纤维细胞生长因子受体4水平与妊娠期糖尿病发生风险的相关性研究

目的探讨血清成纤维细胞生长因子4(FGF4)、成纤维细胞生长因子受体4(FGFR4)水平与妊娠期糖尿病发生风险的相关性。方法选取2019年1月至2021年1月宁德师范学院附属宁德市医院收治的妊娠期糖尿病病人94例为研究组,另外选取同期在该院定期进行产检的健康孕妇94例为对照组。收集病人的一般临床资料,酶联免疫吸附测定检测血清FGF4和FGFR4水平,血糖分析仪检测糖代谢指标水平。采用Pearson法分析血清FGF4与FGFR4的相关性及二者与糖代谢指标的相关性,多因素logistic回归分析妊娠期糖尿病发生的影响因素;受试者操作特征曲线(ROC曲线)分析血清FGF4和FGFR4对妊娠期糖尿病发生的预测价值。结果研究组血清FGF4(186.45±34.87)ng/L高于对照组(149.83±29.90)ng/L(P<0.05);研究组血清FGFR4(194.28±41.59)ng/L高于对照组(168.92±37.55)ng/L(P<0.05)。研究组病人空腹血糖、餐后2 h血糖(2 hPG)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、空腹胰岛素(FINS)与胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)均显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析发现,妊娠期糖尿病病人血清FGF4与FGFR4水平呈正相关(P<0.05),血清FGF4、FGFR4与空腹血糖、2 hPG、HbA1c、FINS及HOMA-IR均呈正相关(P<0.05)。logistic回归分析结果显示,FGF4、FGFR4、空腹血糖和HOMA-IR是妊娠期糖尿病发生的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。血清FGF4、FGFR4单独及联合预测妊娠期糖尿病发生的AUC分别为0.80、0.75和0.88,灵敏度分别为85.11%、61.70%和82.98%,特异度分别为60.64%、77.66%和80.85%;二者联合的预测效能显著优于FGF4、FGFR4各自单独预测(Z_(FGF4-联合)=3.33、Z_(FGFR4-联合)=4.37,P<0.05)。结论妊娠期糖尿病病人血清FGF4和FGFR4水平高表达,与糖代谢指标均呈正相关,对妊娠期糖尿病病人具有一定的预测价值,临床应用价值较大。

血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125检测对分化型甲状腺癌的诊断价值

目的探究血清成纤维生长因子受体4(FGFR-4)、嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子(CCL11)、糖类抗原(CA125)检测对分化型甲状腺癌的诊断价值。方法选取2019年2月至2023年2月来我院治疗的133例确诊为分化型甲状腺癌的患者为观察组,选同期来我院治疗的108例甲状腺良性病变患者为良性病变组,另选取同期来我院体检的120例健康者为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)测定血清FGFR-4、CCL11水平,采用电化学发光法测定CA125水平;受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125水平对分化型甲状腺癌的诊断价值。结果甲状腺癌组和良性病变组患者血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125水平与对照组相比均显著升高,且甲状腺癌组与良性病变组相比均显著升高(P<0.05);甲状腺癌组患者手术后血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125水平均显著下降(P<0.05);血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125水平在低分化、有淋巴结转移、III+IV期患者中的水平显著升高(P<0.05);血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125诊断分化型甲状腺癌的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.793、0.808、0.647,3项联合诊断的AUC为0.867,3项联合诊断优于各个指标单独诊断(Z_(二者联合vs FGFR-4)=2.334、Z_(二者联合vs CCL11)=1.966、Z_(二者联合vs CA125)=5.132,P=0.020、0.048、0.000)。结论分化型甲状腺癌患者血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125水平均上调,且血清FGFR-4、CCL11、CA125水平与分化程度、淋巴结转移情况以及TNM分期有关,3项联合诊断分化型甲状腺癌具有更高的诊断价值。

甲状腺乳头状癌患者组织中表皮生长因子受体、维生素D受体、溴结构域蛋白4表达水平及其临床意义

目的:探究甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)患者组织中表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)、维生素D受体(VDR)、溴结构域蛋白4(BRD4)的表达水平和其临床意义。方法:选取2022年2月—2024年3月广州医科大学附属妇女儿童医疗中心增城院区收治的PTC患者54例作为研究对象,取患者的癌组织及癌旁正常组织,采用免疫组织化学技术检测组织中EGFR、VDR和BRD4蛋白表达水平,并分析EGFR、VDR、BRD4阳性表达与临床病理特征的关系。结果:PTC患者癌组织中EGFR、VDR及BRD4蛋白表达阳性率均高于癌旁正常组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。不同临床病理特征的EGFR阳性表达情况比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);瘤体>1 cm、TNM分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期者VDR阳性率高于瘤体≤1 cm、TNM分期Ⅰ~Ⅱ期者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);瘤体>1 cm、有淋巴结转移、TNM分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期者BRD4阳性率高于瘤体≤1 cm、无淋巴结转移、TNM分期Ⅰ~Ⅱ期者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。EGFR蛋白表达与VDR、BRD4蛋白表达呈正相关(r=0.462、0.513,P<0.001);VDR蛋白与BRD4蛋白表达呈正相关(r=0.407,P<0.001)。结论:EGFR、VDR和BRD4在PTC患者组织中呈显著高表达,与PTC的形成及临床病理特征有一定相关性,可作为治疗PTC的监测指标。

miR-203-5p靶向调控ERBB4基因参与子宫内膜癌细胞凋亡

目的探究microRNA-203-5p(miR-203-5p)靶向调控H编码人表皮生长因子受体4的癌基因(oncogene encoding human epidermal growth factor receptor 4,ERBB4)对子宫内膜癌小鼠细胞凋亡的影响和作用机制。方法随机选取18只SPF级雄性C57/BL6小鼠,依据随机数字表法将其分为常规组和模型组,构建子宫内膜癌小鼠模型;TargetScan预测miR-203-5p靶基因;构建ERBB4的siRNA表达载体;免疫组化检测ERBB4表达情况;将传代培养后取对数期细胞用于实验,将细胞分为Blank组、Negative control (NC)组、miR-203-5p mimic组、miR-203-5p inhibitor组、si-ERBB4组、miR-203-5p mimic+si-ERBB4组;采用MTT法测定各组细胞的增殖情况;采用流式细胞术检测各组细胞凋亡情况;采用RT-PCR法和western blot法测定相关mRNA和蛋白表达量。结果 miR-203-5p靶向ERBB4;miR-203-5p在子宫内膜癌小鼠子宫内膜组织中为低表达,ERBB4为高表达;与Blank组相比,miR-203-5p mimic+si-ERBB4组细胞凋亡率上升且增殖明显抑制,miR-203-5p inhibitor组结果相反;与Blank组相比,miR-203-5p表达在miR-203-5p mimic组和miR-203-5p mimic+si-ERBB4组中上升,在miR-203-5p inhibitor组中结果相反;与Blank组相比,在miR-203-5p inhibitor组中bcl-2表达上升而bax、Caspase-3下降,在miR-203-5p mimic组、si-ERBB4组和miR-203-5p mimic+si-ERBB4组中结果相反;与Blank组相比,ERBB4 mRNA及蛋白表达在miR-203-5p mimic组、si-ERBB4组和miR-203-5p mimic+si-ERBB4组下降。结论 miR-203-5p在子宫内膜癌小鼠子宫内膜组织中低表达,ERBB4高表达。诱导miR-203-5p表达,可以通过靶向下调ERBB4基因,上调bax、Caspase-3表达并下调bcl-2表达,从而抑制其细胞侵袭,诱导其发生凋亡。

不同分子分型乳腺癌中FGFR4和CD44蛋白的表达及临床意义

目的探讨成纤维细胞生长因子受体4(FGFR4)和白细胞表面蛋白CD44在乳腺癌四种分子分型中的表达情况及其临床意义。方法收集120例仅经手术切除的乳腺癌病例标本制成的组织蜡块,四种分子分型各30例;用免疫组化染色法(SP法)检测上述标本中FGFR4和CD44的表达情况,探讨两者在乳腺癌不同分子分型中的表达差异。结果乳腺癌分子分型与肿瘤大小、组织学分级、淋巴结转移及TNM分期之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);不同分子分型患者年龄分布差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。FGFR4在Luminal A型、Luminal B型、Her-2过表达型及基底细胞型乳腺癌中的阳性率分别为53.3%(16/30)、50.0%(15/30)、83.3%(25/30)及83.3%(25/30),CD44的阳性表达率分别为43.3%(13/30)、40.0%(12/30)、73.3%(22/30)及80.0%(24/30)。FGFR4和CD44在乳腺癌四种分子分型的表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);其中FGFR4在Her-2过表达型乳腺癌和基底细胞型乳腺癌的表达高于Luminal B型乳腺癌(P<0.008),CD44在基底细胞型乳腺癌的表达高于Luminal A型、Luminal B型(P<0.008)。结论FGFR4和CD44在Her-2过表达型和基底细胞型乳腺癌中的表达较高,提示它们可能影响乳腺癌的分子表型。

桃红四物汤对创伤性股骨头坏死大鼠组织形态学及VEGFR2、Dll4表达的影响

目的 通过观察桃红四物汤对创伤性股骨头坏死大鼠血管内皮细胞生长因子受体2(vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, VEGFR2)、Delta样配体4(Delta-like 4, Dll4)蛋白表达的影响,探究其防治创伤性股骨头坏死的作用机制。方法 将44只大鼠采用随机数字表法分为正常组(10只)和造模组(34只)。造模组行创伤性股骨头坏死造模;8周后从正常组和造模组分别随机取2只进行对比检测造模是否成功。将造模成功的剩余32只大鼠按随机数字表法分为模型组及桃红四物汤低、中、高剂量组,每组8只;加上正常组剩余大鼠8只,共计5组。正常组和模型组予以生理盐水灌胃;桃红四物汤低、中、高剂量组分别予以9、18、36 g/kg桃红四物汤灌胃。持续4周后采集股骨头标本,采用micro-CT观察股骨头组织形态学,光镜下检测空骨陷窝率,免疫组织化学法测定VEGFR2和Dll4的蛋白表达水平。结果 与正常组对比,其余4组大鼠股骨头均有不同程度的骨质破坏、软骨面塌陷及空骨陷窝率升高(P<0.05);模型组和桃红四物汤低剂量组VEGFR2蛋白表达均下降(P<0.05);桃红四物汤中、高剂量组Dll4蛋白表达明显增加(P<0.05)。与模型组对比,桃红四物汤中、高剂量组大鼠股骨头软骨形态改善,组织空骨陷窝率下降(P<0.05);桃红四物汤低、中、高剂量组VEGFR2蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05);桃红四物汤中、高剂量组Dll4蛋白表达升高(P<0.05)。结论 桃红四物汤能有效降低创伤性股骨头坏死骨组织空骨陷窝、改善组织形态,可能与增加VEGFR2、Dll4蛋白的表达、激活VEGF/Notch信号通路有关。

Overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4 in human gastric cancers

AIM: To clarify the expression and role of Ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) in gastric cancer in relation to clinicopathological characteristics and the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and ephrin ligands. METHODS: Eleven gastric carcinoma cell lines, 24 paired surgical fresh specimens of gastric adenocarcinoma and adjacent nontumor tissue, 74 conventional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, and 55 specimens spotted on tissue microarray (TMA) were analyzed. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and cell growth assays were performed. RESULTS: Overexpression of EphA4 mRNA expres-sion was observed in 8 (73%) of 11 gastric cancer cell lines and 10 (42%) of 24 gastric cancer tissues. Over-expression of EphA4, analyzed by immunohistochemistry, was observed in 62 (48%) of 129 gastric cancer tissues. EphA4 overexpression, at the protein level, was significantly associated with depth of invasion and recurrence. EphA4 overexpression was also correlated with FGFR1 overexpression. Patients with EphA4-positive cancer had significantly shorter overall survival periods than did those with EphA4-negative cancer (P = 0.0008). The mRNAs for ephrin ligands were coexpressed in various combinations in gastric cancer cell lines and cancer tissues. Downregulation of EphA4 expression by siRNA in EphA4-overexpressing gastric cancer cell lines resulted in a significant decrease in cell growth. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that overexpres-sion of EphA4 plays a role in gastric cancer.

TGF-β1 treated murine dendritic cells are maturation resistant and down-regulate Toll-like receptor 4 expression

Objective: To explore the effects of transforming growth factor (51 (TGF-β1) on dendritic cells (DC). Methods: Murine bone marrow cells were cultured with GM-CSF and TGF-β1 to develop TGF-β1-treated DC (TGFβ-DC). Then they were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Their phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). The allogeneic stimulating capacity of DC was measured by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) using BrdU ELISA method and IL-12p70 protein was detected by ELISA. The expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was analyzed by semi quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and FCM. Results: Compared to immature DC (imDC) cultured by GM-CSF alone, the TGFβ-DC express lower CD80, CD86,I-Ab and CD40. The TGFβ-DC were resistant to maturation with LPS. Maturation resistance was evident from a failure to up-regulate co-stimulatory molecules (CMs), to stimulate larger T cells proliferation and to enhance secretion of IL-12p70. We also found that TGF-β1 could down-regulate TLR4 expression on TGFβ-DC. Conclusion: TGFβ-DC are resistant to maturation stimulus (LPS) and might have some correlation with the down-modulation of TLR4 expression.

ERBB4通过靶向调控miR-193a-3p调节TP53INP1的表达

目的:探究表皮生长因子受体4(ERBB4)与TP53诱导核蛋白1(TP53INP1)在肺腺癌中的表达作用关系,并揭示ERBB4的表达对肺腺癌预后的影响。方法:通过实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测肺腺癌组织和细胞中ERBB4和TP53INP1的mRNA表达;通过Western印迹检测ERBB4和TP53INP1的蛋白表达;通过萤光素酶报告基因检测验证ERBB4和TP53INP1均是miR-193a-3p的靶基因;通过Kaplan-Meier Plotter分析平台分别检测TP53INP1和ERBB4基因在肺腺癌中的总生存期。结果:ERBB4和TP53INP1在肺腺癌组织和细胞中的mRNA表达分别显著低于癌旁组织和正常肺上皮细胞,P值均<0.05;ERBB4和TP53INP1表达越高,肺腺癌患者的整体生存期(OS)就越长;ERBB4和TP53INP1的mRNA表达显著正相关;转染ERBB4 siRNA后,转染组(si-ERBB4)ERBB4、TP53INP1蛋白表达均明显降低,P值均<0.05;ERBB4过表达(oe-ERBB4)使ERBB4、TP53INP1蛋白表达均明显增加,P值均<0.05;经萤光素酶报告基因检测验证,ERBB4和TP53INP1均是miR-193a-3p的靶基因;ERBB4通过靶向调控miR-193a-3p来调节TP53INP1的表达。结论:ERBB4和TP53INP1在肺腺癌组织或细胞中均低表达,两基因表达呈正相关,ERBB4可以通过靶向调控miR-193a-3p来调节TP53INP1的表达,且ERBB4和TP53INP1表达越高,肺腺癌的预后效果就越好。ERBB4或TP53INP1表达可以作为肺腺癌患者预后指标。