Humanβ-defensin-1 affects the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and autophagy in colon cancer cells through long noncoding RNA TCONS_00014506

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate and high mortality.Humanβ-defensin-1(hBD-1)may play an integral function in the innate immune system,contributing to the recognition and destruction of cancer cells.Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)are involved in the process of cell differentiation and growth.AIM To investigate the effect of hBD-1 on the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway and autophagy in human colon cancer SW620 cells.METHODS CCK8 assay was utilized for the detection of cell proliferation and determination of the optimal drug concentration.Colony formation assay was employed to assess the effect of hBD-1 on SW620 cell proliferation.Bioinformatics was used to screen potentially biologically significant lncRNAs related to the mTOR pathway.Additionally,p-mTOR(Ser2448),Beclin1,and LC3II/I expression levels in SW620 cells were assessed through Western blot analysis.RESULTS hBD-1 inhibited the proliferative ability of SW620 cells,as evidenced by the reduction in the colony formation capacity of SW620 cells upon exposure to hBD-1.hBD-1 decreased the expression of p-mTOR(Ser2448)protein and increased the expression of Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein.Furthermore,bioinformatics analysis identified seven lncRNAs(2 upregulated and 5 downregulated)related to the mTOR pathway.The lncRNA TCONS_00014506 was ultimately selected.Following the inhibition of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506,exposure to hBD-1 inhibited p-mTOR(Ser2448)and promoted Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein expression.CONCLUSION hBD-1 inhibits the mTOR pathway and promotes autophagy by upregulating the expression of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506 in SW620 cells.

Development of RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay for rapid and reliable detection of human bocavirus 1

Human bocavirus(HBoV)1 is considered an important pathogen that mainly affects infants aged 6–24 months,but preventing viral transmission in resource-limited regions through rapid and affordable on-site diagnosis of individuals with early infection of HBoV1 remains somewhat challenging.Herein,we present a novel faster,lower cost,reliable method for the detection of HBoV1,which integrates a recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)assay with the CRISPR/Cas12a system,designated the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence system can specifically detect target gene levels as low as 0.5 copies of HBoV1 plasmid DNA per microliter within 40 min at 37℃without the need for sophisticated instruments.The method also demonstrates excellent specificity without cross-reactivity to non-target pathogens.Furthermore,the method was appraised using 28 clinical samples,and displayed high accuracy with positive and negative predictive agreement of 90.9%and 100%,respectively.Therefore,our proposed rapid and sensitive HBoV1 detection method,the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay,shows promising potential for early on-site diagnosis of HBoV1 infection in the fields of public health and health care.The established RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay is rapid and reliable method for human bocavirus 1 detection.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay can be completed within 40 min with robust specificity and sensitivity of 0.5 copies/μl.

Establishment of a humanized ST6GAL1 mouse model for influenza research

Background:This study aimed to construct and characterize a humanized influenza mouse model expressing hST6GAL1.Methods:Humanized fragments,consisting of the endothelial cell-specific K18 promoter,human ST6GAL1-encoding gene,and luciferase gene,were microinjected into the fertilized eggs of mice.The manipulated embryos were transferred into the oviducts of pseudopregnant female mice.The offspring were identified using PCR.Mice exhibiting elevated expression of the hST6GAL1 gene were selectively bred for propagation,and in vivo analysis was performed for screening.Expression of the humanized gene was tested by performing immunohistochemical(IHC)analysis.Hematologic and biochemical analyses using the whole blood and serum of humanized hST6GAL1 mice were performed.Results:Successful integration of the human ST6GAL1 gene into the mouse genome led to the overexpression of human SiaT ST6GAL1.Seven mice were identified as carrying copies of the humanized gene,and the in vivo analysis indicated that hST6GAL1gene expression in positive mice mirrored influenza virus infection characteristics.The IHC results revealed that hST6GAL1 was expressed in the lungs of humanized mice.Moreover,the hematologic and biochemical parameters of the positive mice were within the normal range.Conclusion:A humanized influenza mouse model expressing the hST6GAL1 gene was successfully established and characterized.

MicroRNA-298 determines the radio-resistance of colorectal cancer cells by directly targeting human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy stands as a promising therapeutic modality for colorectal cancer(CRC);yet,the formidable challenge posed by radio-resistance significantly undermines its efficacy in achieving CRC remission.AIM To elucidate the role played by microRNA-298(miR-298)in CRC radio-resistance.METHODS To establish a radio-resistant CRC cell line,HT-29 cells underwent exposure to 5 gray ionizing radiation that was followed by a 7-d recovery period.The quantification of miR-298 levels within CRC cells was conducted through quantitative RT-PCR,and protein expression determination was realized through Western blotting.Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and proliferation by clonogenic assay.Radio-induced apoptosis was discerned through flow cytometry analysis.RESULTS We observed a marked upregulation of miR-298 in radio-resistant CRC cells.MiR-298 emerged as a key determinant of cell survival following radiation exposure,as its overexpression led to a notable reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis.Intriguingly,miR-298 expression exhibited a strong correlation with CRC cell viability.Further investigation unveiled human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A(DYRK1A)as miR-298’s direct target.CONCLUSION Taken together,our findings underline the role played by miR-298 in bolstering radio-resistance in CRC cells by means of DYRK1A downregulation,thereby positioning miR-298 as a promising candidate for mitigating radioresistance in CRC.

Subclinical hepatitis E virus genotype 1 infection:The concept of“dynamic human reservoir”

Hepatitis E virus(HEV)is hyperendemic in South Asia and Africa accounting for half of total Global HEV burden.There are eight genotypes of HEV.Among them,the four common ones known to infect humans,genotypes 1 and 2 are prevalent in the developing world and genotypes 3 and 4 are causing challenge in the industrialized world.Asymptomatic HEV viremia in the general population,especially among blood donors,has been reported in the literature worldwide.The clinical implications related to this asymptomatic viremia are unclear and need further exploration.Detection of viremia due to HEV genotype 1 infection,apparently among healthy blood donors is also reported without much knowledge about its infection rate.Similarly,while HEV genotype 3 is known to be transmitted via blood transfusion in humans and has been subjected to screening in many European nations,instances of transmission have also been documented albeit without significant clinical consequences.Epidemiology of HEV genotype 1 in endemic areas often show waxing and waning pattern.Occasional sporadic occurrence of HEV infection interrupted by outbreaks have been frequently seen.In absence of known animal reservoir,where HEV exists in between outbreak is a mystery that needs further exploration.However,occurrence of asymptomatic HEV viremia due to HEV genotype 1 during epidemiologically quiescent period may explain that this phenomenon may act as a dynamic reservoir.Since HEV genotype 1 infection cannot cause chronicity,subclinical transient infection and transmission of virus might be the reason it sustains in interepidemic period.This might be the similar phenomenon with SARS COVID-19 corona virus infection which is circulating worldwide in distinct phases with peaks and plateaus despite vaccination against it.In view of existing evidence,we propose the concept of“Dynamic Human Reservoir.”Quiescent subclinical infection of HEV without any clinical consequences and subsequent transmission may contribute to the existence of the virus in a community.The potential for transmitting HEV infection by asymptomatic HEV infected individuals by fecal shedding of virus has not been reported in literature.This missing link may be a key to Pandora's box in understanding epidemiology of HEV infection in genotype 1 predominant region.

Regulation role of miR-204 on SIRT1/VEGF in metabolic memory induced by high glucose in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM:To examine the regulatory role of microRNA-204(miR-204)on silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)under highglucose-induced metabolic memory in human retinal pigment epithelial(hRPE)cells.METHODS:Cells were cultured with either normal(5 mmol/L)or high D-glucose(25 mmol/L)concentrations for 8d to establish control and high-glucose groups,respectively.To induce metabolic memory,cells were cultured with 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d followed by culture with 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d.In addition,exposed in 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d and then transfected with 100 nmol/L miR-204 control,miR-204 inhibitor or miR-204 mimic in 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d.Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used to detect miR-204 mRNA levels.SIRT1 and VEGF protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemical and Western blot.Flow cytometry was used to investigate apoptosis rate.RESULTS:It was found that high glucose promoted miR-204 and VEGF expression,and inhibited SIRT1 activity,even after the return to normal glucose culture conditions.Upregulation of miR-204 promoted apoptosis inhibiting SIRT1 and increasing VEGF expression.However,downregulation of miR-204 produced the opposite effects.CONCLUSION:The study identifies that miR-204 is the upstream target of SIRT1and VEGF,and that miR-204 can protect hRPE cells from the damage caused by metabolic memory through increasing SIRT1 and inhibiting VEGF expression.

SIRT1 inhibits apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells through suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress in vitro and in vivo

AIM:To explore the effect of silent information regulator factor 2-related enzyme 1(SIRT1)on modulating apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs)and alleviating lens opacification of rats through suppressing endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress.METHODS:HLECs(SRA01/04)were treated with varying concentrations of tunicamycin(TM)for 24h,and the expression of SIRT1 and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunofluorescence.Cell morphology and proliferation was evaluated using an inverted microscope and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,respectively.In the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model,which underwent siRNA transfection for SIRT1 knockdown and SRT1720 treatment for its activation,the expression levels of SIRT1,CHOP,glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78),and activating transcription factor 4(ATF4)were examined.The potential reversal of SIRT1 knockdown effects by 4-phenyl butyric acid(4-PBA;an ER stress inhibitor)was investigated.In vivo,age-related cataract(ARC)rat models were induced by sodium selenite injection,and the protective role of SIRT1,activated by SRT1720 intraperitoneal injections,was evaluated through morphology observation,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,Western blotting,and RT-PCR.RESULTS:SIRT1 expression was downregulated in TMinduced SRA01/04 cells.Besides,in SRA01/04 cells,both cell apoptosis and CHOP expression increased with the rising doses of TM.ER stress was stimulated by TM,as evidenced by the increased GRP78 and ATF4 in the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model.Inhibition of SIRT1 by siRNA knockdown increased ER stress activation,whereas SRT1720 treatment had opposite results.4-PBA partly reverse the adverse effect of SIRT1 knockdown on apoptosis.In vivo,SRT1720 attenuated the lens opacification and weakened the ER stress activation in ARC rat models.CONCLUSION:SIRT1 plays a protective role against TM-induced apoptosis in HLECs and slows the progression of cataract in rats by inhibiting ER stress.These findings suggest a novel strategy for cataract treatment focused on targeting ER stress,highlighting the therapeutic potential of SIRT1 modulation in ARC development.

Effect of acetyl L-carnitine on human retinal pigment epithelium-19 cells in hypoxic conditions

AIM:To investigate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine(ALCAR)on cell viability,morphological integrity,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression in human retinal pigment epithelium(ARPE-19)cells using a hypoxic model.METHODS:In the first set of experiments,the optimal CoCl_(2) dose was determined by exposing ARPE-19 cell cultures to different concentrations.To evaluate the effect of ALCAR on cell viability,five groups of ARPE-19 cell culture were established that included a control group,a sham group(200μM CoCl_(2)),and groups that received 1,10 and 100 mM doses of ALCAR combined with 200μM CoCl_(2),respectively.The cell viability was measured by MTT assay.The morphological characteristics of cells were observed by an inverted phase contrast microscope.The levels of VEGF and HIF-1α secretion by ARPE-19 cells were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)assay.RESULTS:ARPE-19 cells were exposed to different doses of CoCl_(2) in order to create a hypoxia model.Nevertheless,when exposed to a concentration of 200μM CoCl_(2),a notable decrease in viability to 83% was noted.ALCAR was found to increase the cell viability at 1 mM and 10 mM concentrations,while the highest concentration(100 mM)did not have an added effect.The cell viability was found to be significantly higher in the groups treated with a concentration of 1 mM and 10 mM ALCAR compared to the Sham group(P=0.041,P=0.019,respectively).The cell viability and morphology remained unaffected by the greatest dose of ALCAR(100 mM).The administration of 10 mM ALCAR demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the levels of VEGF and HIF-1α compared with the Sham group(P=0.013,P=0.033,respectively).CONCLUSION:The findings from the current study indicate that ALCAR could represent a viable therapeutic option with the potential to open up novel treatment pathways for retinal diseases,particular relevance for age-related macular degeneration(AMD).However,to fully elucidate ALCAR’s application potential in retinal diseases,additional investigation is necessary to clearly define the exact mechanisms involved.

MicroRNA-451 from Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Inhibits Alveolar Macrophage Autophagy via Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway to Attenuate Burn-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Objective Our previous studies established that microRNA(miR)-451 from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(hUC-MSC-Exos)alleviates acute lung injury(ALI).This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which miR-451 in hUC-MSC-Exos reduces ALI by modulating macrophage autophagy.Methods Exosomes were isolated from hUC-MSCs.Severe burn-induced ALI rat models were treated with hUC-MSC-Exos carrying the miR-451 inhibitor.Hematoxylin-eosin staining evaluated inflammatory injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay measured lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1βlevels.qRT-PCR detected miR-451 and tuberous sclerosis complex 1(TSC1)expressions.The regulatory role of miR-451 on TSC1 was determined using a dual-luciferase reporter system.Western blotting determined TSC1 and proteins related to the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway and autophagy.Immunofluorescence analysis was conducted to examine exosomes phagocytosis in alveolar macrophages and autophagy level.Results hUC-MSC-Exos with miR-451 inhibitor reduced burn-induced ALI and promoted macrophage autophagy.MiR-451 could be transferred from hUC-MSCs to alveolar macrophages via exosomes and directly targeted TSC1.Inhibiting miR-451 in hUC-MSC-Exos elevated TSC1 expression and inactivated the mTOR pathway in alveolar macrophages.Silencing TSC1 activated mTOR signaling and inhibited autophagy,while TSC1 knockdown reversed the autophagy from the miR-451 inhibitor-induced.Conclusion miR-451 from hUC-MSC exosomes improves ALI by suppressing alveolar macrophage autophagy through modulation of the TSC1/mTOR pathway,providing a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI.

NRG1、HER3在前列腺癌组织中的表达及其与临床病理特征和预后的关系

目的研究前列腺癌(PC)组织中神经调节蛋白1(NRG1)、人表皮生长因子受体3(HER3)表达与临床病理特征及预后的关系。方法选取2015年2月—2020年2月吉林省人民医院泌尿外科诊治PC患者96例,免疫组织化学检测组织中NRG1、HER3表达;Kaplan-Meier曲线(Log-Rank检验)比较不同NRG1、HER3表达对PC患者预后的影响;COX回归分析PC患者预后的影响因素。结果PC癌组织中NRG1、HER3阳性率分别为78.13%(75/96)、75.00%(72/96),高于癌旁组织6.25%(6/96)、8.33%(8/96)(χ^(2)/P=101.670/<0.001,87.771/<0.001)。TNM分期Ⅲ期、Gleason评分>7分及术前PSA水平≥20μg/L患者癌组织中NRG1、HER3阳性率大于TNM分期Ⅰ~Ⅱ期、Gleason评分≤7分及术前PSA水平<20μg/L(χ^(2)/P=6.181/0.013,8.533/0.003;7.731/0.005,6.769/0.009;6.508/0.011,7.376/0.007)。NRG1阳性组、HER3阳性组3年累积无进展生存率分别低于NRG1阴性组、HER3阴性组(χ^(2)/P=4.267/0.039,5.499/0.019)。TNM分期Ⅲ期、Gleason评分>7分、术前PSA≥20μg/L、NRG1阳性,HER3阳性是影响PC患者预后的独立危险因素[OR(95%CI)=1.448(1.118~1.875),1.401(1.138~1.724),1.353(1.059~1.728),1.338(1.057~1.692),1.293(1.014~1.649)]。结论PC癌组织中NRG1、HER3表达升高,与PC不良临床病理特征相关,是新的评估PC预后的肿瘤标志物。

人Delta-like1^ext-Fc融合蛋白毕赤酵母表达载体的构建及表达

目的:构建人Delta-like1ext-Fc融合蛋白毕赤酵母表达载体PIC-hDll1ext-Fc,并在毕赤酵母GS115中表达。方法:以pEF-BOSneo-hdll1ext-Fc为模板PCR扩增人Delta-like1胞外段。通过DNA重组构建毕赤酵母表达载体PIC-hDll1ext-Fc。用MD平板筛选重组子,G418筛选高拷贝转化子,经甲醇诱导表达后,SDS-PAGE、Western blot分析表达蛋白。结果:hDll1基因的胞外段被有效地扩增。序列分析表明,所构建的含hDll1ext-Fc融合基因的质粒与设计相同,融合蛋白hDll1ext-Fc得到正确表达。结论:成功地扩增了人Delta-like1胞外段,构建了hDll1ext-Fc融合基因的毕赤酵母表达载体PIC-hDll1ext-Fc,并在毕赤酵母中正确表达,为进一步研究奠定了实验基础。

HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析方法验证

目的 验证实验室自建人类免疫缺陷病毒1型(HIV-1)整合酶基因序列分析方法。该方法可用于评估HIV-1整合酶区段基因型耐药水平。方法 根据世界卫生组织自建基因序列分析方法验证的建议,从20份HIV-1阳性样本中提取RNA,扩增HIV-1整合酶区基因片段,并测序。通过与病毒质量保证(VQA)共识进行比对,评估实验室自建的HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析方案的准确性,通过扩增成功率评估其灵敏度,通过同一样本的重复检测结果评估其精密度和重现性。结果 20份样本与VQA共识的核苷酸一致率均>98%;10个高病毒载量(>10 000拷贝·mL^(-1))样本和5个低病毒载量(1 000~5 000拷贝·mL^(-1))样本的扩增成功率均为100%;4个样本的同批次5复孔和5个样本5次检测的结果均符合90%的样本配对比较核苷酸一致率>98%的要求。结论 该HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析方法的准确性、灵敏度、精密度和重现性均符合要求,适用于HIV-1整合酶基因序列分析。

四氢嘧啶对HaCaT细胞活力及AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达的影响

目的研究四氢嘧啶(Ectoine)对人角质形成细胞(HaCaT)的细胞活力、细胞凋亡率和细胞活性氧(ROS)的影响,并分析水通道蛋白3(AQP3)、紧密连接蛋白-1(Claudin-1)、闭锁连接蛋白(ZO-1)的表达水平。方法设置Ectoine浓度实验组和空白对照组,培养HaCaT细胞(24 h),采用CCK8法检测HaCaT细胞的细胞活力,甄选最佳的Ectoine作用浓度。用Western Blot法检测HaCaT细胞的AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达水平;用流式细胞仪检测HaCaT细胞的凋亡率及胞内ROS水平。结果CCK8法检测结果显示,0.10%Ectoine组、0.20%Ectoine组、0.30%Ectoine组的HaCaT细胞活力均高于120%,其中0.20%Ectoine组最高(146.92%±7.67%)。Ectoine浓度实验组相对于空白对照组,HaCaT细胞的AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达水平明显升高(P<0.05),且细胞凋亡率和胞内ROS水平均明显降低(P<0.05)。结论Ectoine可提高HaCaT细胞的细胞活力,降低凋亡率和胞内ROS水平,上调AQP3、Claudin-1、ZO-1表达水平。Ectoine可能与相关保湿蛋白的表达相关,对HaCaT细胞具有一定的保护作用。

中晚期宫颈癌患者血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平变化及其与化疗效果的关系

目的 分析中晚期宫颈癌患者血清人附睾蛋白4(HE4)、胸苷激酶1(TK1)、双皮质素样激酶1(DCLK1)变化及其与化疗效果的关系。方法 收集2020年1月至2023年1月于郑州大学第一附属医院接受化疗的215例中晚期宫颈癌患者的病历资料,根据纳入患者的化疗效果将其分为良好组和不良组,其中良好组疗效评估结果为完全缓解(CR)与部分缓解(PR),共173例,不良组疗效评估结果为稳定(SD)与进展(PD),共42例。比较两组血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平等临床资料,分析中晚期宫颈癌患者血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平与化疗效果的关系。结果 良好组临床分期为Ⅱ期比例、高分化比例、无淋巴结转移比例均高于不良组,肿瘤最大直径以及血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平均低于不良组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);经logistic多因素分析显示,肿瘤的临床分期达到Ⅳ期、分化程度为中低分化、淋巴结转移以及血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平升高均为影响中晚期宫颈癌患者化疗效果的独立因素(P<0.05);经Spearman相关性分析显示,中晚期宫颈癌患者临床分期、淋巴结转移以及血清HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平与其化疗效果成负相关,分化程度与其化疗效果成正相关(P<0.05)。结论 中晚期宫颈癌患者临床分期越晚、分化程度越差、临床转移以及HE4、TK1、DCLK1水平越高,越不利于患者的化疗,上述指标对其预后均具有一定预测价值。

基于ox-LDL/LOX-1信号通路探讨脂质代谢紊乱促进肺癌进展中的机制

目的基于氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)/人凝集素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1(LOX-1)信号通路探讨脂质代谢紊乱促进肺癌进展的机制。方法收集81个已鉴定的具有成对相邻非癌组织(离肿瘤至少5 cm)的肺腺癌组织,使用免疫组织化学检测LOX-1表达。肺腺癌细胞系(A549、H1299细胞)中过表达LOX-1。用Transwell测定细胞侵袭能力。用不同浓度oxLDL处理细胞,并检测细胞中LOX-1表达情况。结果在包含原发性人肺癌和匹配的邻近非癌组织中,肿瘤中LOX-1染色比非癌组织样品明显增强(中值H分数99.4 vs.16.2,P<0.001)。高LOX-1表达与低生存显著相关(P<0.001)。与无淋巴结转移的患者相比,发生淋巴结转移患者的癌组织具有更高的LOX-1水平(中值H分数83.2 vs.121.1,P<0.01)。LOX-1过表达显著促进肺癌细胞的侵袭转移细胞数(P<0.01)。此外,LOX-1是ox-LDL诱导的肺癌细胞转移所必需的功能靶点。伊他替尼抑制LOX-1过表达的A549在体外的转移能力。结论LOX-1的表达随着oxLDL水平的升高而增加,并且LOX-1的表达上调促进了肺癌细胞的转移,其作用机制可能与激活Janus激酶/转录因子激活子(JAK1/STAT6)信号通路有关。

乌苏酸对人胰腺癌细胞PANC-1增殖和凋亡的影响

目的探讨乌苏酸对人胰腺癌细胞PANC-1增殖、凋亡的影响。方法以1.25,2.5,5,10,25,50μmol/L乌苏酸培养PANC-1细胞24,48,72 h,采用四氮唑盐(MTT)法测定细胞活性。实验分为对照1组(等体积二甲基亚砜)及乌苏酸低、中、高剂量组(5,10,20μmol/L乌苏酸),显微镜下观察细胞形态,采用Western blot法检测磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K),磷酸化的蛋白激酶B(p-Akt),磷酸化哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(p-m TOR),活化半胱氨酸蛋白酶3(Cleaved Caspase-3),B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2关联X蛋白(Bax)的蛋白表达水平,采用细胞集落形成实验观察细胞增殖情况。实验分为对照2组(等体积二甲基亚砜)和乌苏酸组(10μmol/L乌苏酸),采用细胞划痕实验观察细胞培养48,72 h的迁移情况。利用分子对接实验模拟乌苏酸与PI3K和Akt2的相互作用。结果随着乌苏酸浓度的升高,PANC-1细胞活性逐渐减弱,24,48,72 h时的半数抑制浓度(IC50)分别为7.89,6.26,5.06μmol/L。与对照1组比较,乌苏酸各剂量组细胞逐渐失去原有形态,且随着浓度的增加,变形细胞数目随之增加,且细胞边界模糊不清;细胞数量显著减少(P<0.05);乌苏酸各剂量组细胞Cleaved Caspase-3、Bax蛋白的表达水平均显著升高,乌苏酸中、高剂量组细胞Bcl-2蛋白表达水平显著降低,乌苏酸各剂量组细胞p-m TOR,中、高剂量组细胞p-Akt,高剂量组细胞PI3K蛋白表达水平均显著降低(P<0.05)。与对照2组比较,乌苏酸组细胞48 h,72 h的迁移距离缩短。乌苏酸的乌苏烷型三萜类结构可进入PI3K与Akt2中的三磷酸腺苷(ATP)结合位点竞争性结合疏水口袋,从而影响PI3K和Akt2与ATP的结合,抑制其激活。结论乌苏酸可通过抑制PI3K/Akt/m TOR信号通路的激活而抑制PANC-1细胞的增殖,促进其凋亡。

黄芪甲苷经由miR-125a-5p/NLRP1轴减轻椎间盘突出髓核细胞损伤

目的在白介素-1β(IL-1β)诱导退变的人髓核细胞中,探究黄芪甲苷对miR-125a-5p及其靶基因介导的信号通路的作用,揭示黄芪甲苷(astragaloside IV,AS-IV)对髓核细胞增殖、凋亡以及炎症反应的影响。方法实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测miR-125a-5p和核苷酸寡聚化结构域(NOD)样受体蛋白1(nucleotide oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor protein 1,NLRP1)在椎间盘突出患者髓核组织中的表达,用IL-1β诱导髓核细胞退变,在20、50和80μg·mL^(-1)黄芪甲苷干预浓度下检测miR-125a-5p和NLRP1的表达,在IL-1β和80μg·mL^(-1)黄芪甲苷处理的髓核细胞中单独或共同转染miR-125a-5p模拟物和NLRP1过表达质粒,然后分别检测细胞增殖、凋亡和炎症因子分泌情况,蛋白质免疫印迹(Western blot)检测细胞中信号通路相关蛋白p56和p38的磷酸化水平。结果椎间盘突出(lumbar disc herniation,LDH)患者的髓核组织中miR-125a-5p表达下调,NLRP1表达上调。黄芪甲苷促进IL-1β处理的髓核细胞中miR-125a-5p表达,减少NLRP1表达以及p56和p38蛋白的磷酸化水平。黄芪甲苷促进髓核细胞增殖,减少凋亡和炎症反应。结论黄芪甲苷通过上调miR-125a-5p表达,抑制NLRP1的表达和NF-κB/MAPK信号通路,减少IL-1β诱导的髓核细胞损伤。

IL-1β通过激活ERK1/2信号通路抑制人脐带间充质干细胞CD200表达抑制巨噬细胞M2极化

目的探究白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)调控人脐带间充质干细胞CD200表达及其对巨噬细胞极化的影响及作用机制。方法无血清培养基分离培养获得人脐带间充质干细胞(hUC-MSC),形态学观察及流式细胞术检测CD73、CD90、CD105、CD14、CD34、CD45、人类白细胞抗原DR(HLA-DR)的表达,确定间充质干细胞属性;20 ng/mL IL-1β处理hUC-MSC 24 h,流式细胞术检测CD200阳性细胞率,实时定量PCR和Western blot法检测CD200 mRNA和蛋白表达水平;佛波酯(PMA)诱导THP-1巨噬细胞活化,并与IL-1β处理感染CD200过表达慢病毒的hUC-MSC共培养,流式细胞术检测CD11c和CD206阳性细胞比例;IL-1β联合细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(ERK1/2)特异性抑制剂PD98059处理hUC-MSC,Western blot法检测细胞丝裂原激活蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号分子与CD200的表达。结果IL-1β显著下调hUC-MSC CD200蛋白表达与CD200阳性细胞率;过表达CD200显著上调hUC-MSC CD200表达,且CD200过表达hUC-MSC提高巨噬细胞CD206阳性细胞比率;IL-1β激活hUC-MSC的ERK1/2信号通路,PD98059上调IL-1β处理后hUC-MSC中CD200的蛋白表达。结论IL-1β通过激活ERK1/2信号通路抑制CD200的表达,进而抑制hUC-MSC对巨噬细胞向M2型极化的促进作用。

血清HE4、CA125、TK1水平在卵巢癌患者中的相关性分析

目的探讨人附睾蛋白4(HE4)、糖类抗原125(CA125)和胸苷激酶1(TK1)联合检测在卵巢癌患者中的相关性。方法选择2022年1月—2023年11月本院收治的通过影像及病理活检被明确诊断为卵巢癌的53例患者(卵巢癌组)和良性肿瘤的29例患者(良性对照组)作为研究对象;另选同期健康管理中心接受体检的100名健康妇女作为健康对照组。采用化学发光法检测血清中HE4、CA125和免疫印迹法检测TK1水平,分别比较三组及卵巢癌不同分期血清HE4、CA125、TK1的水平以及ROC曲线对血清HE4、CA125、TK1及联合检测对卵巢癌诊断效能的价值分析。结果卵巢癌患者血清中HE4、CA125、TK1水平均明显高于良性对照组和健康对照组(P<0.05);卵巢癌组中Ⅲ~Ⅳ期患者血清中HE4、CA125、TK1水平均明显高于Ⅰ~Ⅱ期患者(P<0.05),TK1水平在卵巢癌分组中差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);经ROC曲线分析发现,血清中HE4、CA125、TK1联合检测对卵巢癌诊断效能优于三项单独检测。结论卵巢癌患者血清中HE4、CA125、TK1的水平异常表达,且HE4、CA125、TK1三者联合检测的诊断价值效能明显优于单独检测,有助于提高临床对卵巢癌早期筛查的准确率以及协助卵巢癌患者预后的评估,以期提高患者的生存率。

斑马鱼Notch信号通路配体基因delta-like4对smad基因的调控作用

为研究斑马鱼(Danio rerio)的Notch信号通路配体delta-like 4(dll4)对smad基因(smad1和smad7)的调控作用,利用qRT-PCR方法检测受精后2 d(day post fertilization,dpf)的斑马鱼dll4纯合突变体smad家族中smad1和smad7的表达变化,利用生物信息学软件预测smad1和smad7启动子序列的转录结合位点和CpG岛;采用同源重组的方法,构建p3×Flag-CMV-dll4真核表达载体及pGL3-smad1-Luc和pGL3-smad7-Luc报告基因载体,并通过双荧光素酶试验检测dll4对smad1和smad7的调控活性;分别转染两种启动子报告基因载体到HEK293T细胞,共转染启动子报告基因载体与真核表达载体到HEK293T细胞。结果表明:dll4纯合突变体斑马鱼中smad1和smad7表达量均显著下调(P<0.0001);两种基因启动子均包含HNF-3、GATA-1和Oct-1等转录因子结合位点,只有smad7启动子存在CpG岛;报告基因pGL3-smad1-Luc和pGL3-smad7-Luc的活性分别为对照组的7.3倍和142.7倍,两种报告基因与p3×Flag-CMV-dll4表达载体共转后,转录活性均升高,分别为对照组的2.8倍和2.2倍,说明p3×Flag-CMV-dll4可以促进pGL3-smad1-Luc和pGL3-smad7-Luc的转录表达活性。研究表明,斑马鱼Notch信号通路配体基因dll4可通过smad基因家族在血管生成中发挥调控作用,为损伤血管的修复和肿瘤血管生成提供特异的生物学靶点。