Membrane-bound mucins and mucin terminal glycans expression in idiopathic or Helicobacter pylori, NSAID associated peptic ulcers

AIM:To determine the expression of membrane-bound mucins and glycan side chain sialic acids in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-associated,non-steroidal inflammatory drug(NSAID)-associated and idiopathic-gastric ulcers.METHODS:We studied a cohort of randomly selected patients with H.pylori(group 1,n=30),NSAID(group 2,n=18),combined H.pylori and NSAID associated gastric ulcers(group 3,n=24),and patients with idiopathic gastric ulcers(group 4,n=20).Immunohistochemistry for MUC1,MUC4,MUC17,and staining for Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin and Sambucus nigra agglutinin(SNA)lectins was performed on sections from the ulcer margins.RESULTS:Staining intensity of MUC17 was higher in H.pylori ulcers(group 1)than in idiopathic ulcers(group4),11.05±3.67 vs 6.93±4.00 for foveola cells,and10.29±4.67 vs 8.00±3.48 for gland cells,respectively(P<0.0001).In contrast,MUC1 expression was higher in group 4 compared group 1,9.89±4.17 vs 2.93±5.13 in foveola cells and 7.63±4.60 vs 2.57±4.50 for glands,respectively(P<0.0001).SNA lectin staining was increased in group 4,in parallel to elevated MUC1expression,indicating more abundantα2-6 sialylation in that group.CONCLUSION:Cytoplasmic MUC17 staining was sig-nificantly decreased in the cases with idiopathic ulcer.The opposite was observed for both MUC1 and SNA lectin.This observation may reflect important pathogenic mechanisms,since different mucins with altered sialylation patterns may differ in their protection efficiency against acid and pepsin.

Interactions of Human T Cell Immunoglobin Mucins with Apoptotic Cells

T cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM) family plays a key role in regulating immune re-sponses.In this study,the interactions of human TIM family with apoptotic cells were evaluated in order to provide a foundation for further study on the roles of human TIM genes in apoptosis.Nine kinds of pEGFP-N1 eukaryotic expression vectors containing different lengths of the three members of human TIM genes for the expression of TIM-EGFP and the vectors for the expression of TIM-Fc fusion pro-teins were constructed.It was found that human TIM proteins could recognize and bind to apoptotic cells directly,but not to viable cells.The interactions of sTIM-1-EGFP,sTIM-3-EGFP and sTIM-4-EGFP with apoptotic cells were blocked by TIM-1-Ig,TIM-3-Ig and TIM-4-Ig fusion proteins respectively.In addition,human TIM proteins mediated the recognition of apoptotic cells and bound to apoptotic cells directly via the IgV domains.In conclusion,the TIM family may play a key role in the regulation of apoptosis.Our data also suggest that human TIM proteins probably serve as novel proteins for the detection of the early cellular apoptosis.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MUCINS AND CEA IN GLOBOID DYSPLASTIC CELLS OF HUMAN STOMACH AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH SIGNET RING CELL CARCINOMA

Fourty-three cases of globoid dysplasia and signet ring cell carcinoma were stained by mucin and CEA (ABC method). It was found that there were three kinds of mucins (neutral, sialo and sulphomucin in both globoid dysplastic cells and signet ring cells. The percentages of the three kinds of mucins seen in the two kinds of cells were not much different. It was indicated that the altered mucins in the gastric epithelial cells must be a sign of dedifferentiation of the cells and the results of malfunction. The globoid dysplasia type I mainly contained neutral mucin, whereas type II, the acid mucin was predominant, especially the sulphomucin. The CEA positive reaction became stronger as the atypia being remarkable, and the characteristics of distribution of CEA positive particles were similar in the two kinds of cells namely, randomly or disorderly in the cells. Based on the analysis of the results, a conclusion can be made that the variety of mucins in globoid dysplastic cells can be used as a reference

QUALITATIVE STUDY OF SIALOMUCINS CHANGES DURING N－METHYL－N－NITROSOUREA－INDUCED C OLONIC CARCINOGENESIS IN MICE

ＱＵＡＬＩＴＡＴＩＶＥＳＴＵＤＹＯＦＳＩＡＬＯＭＵＣＩＮＳＣＨＡＮＧＥＳＤＵＲＩＮＧＮ－ＭＥＴＨＹＬ－Ｎ－ＮＩＴＲＯＳＯＵＲＥＡ－ＩＮＤＵＣＥＤＣＯＬＯＮＩＣＣＡＲＣＩＮＯＧＥＮＥＳＩＳＩＮＭＩＣＥＷａｎｇＱｉａｎｇ王强；ＷａｎｇＹｕａｎｈｅ王元和；...

D-Psicose intake exacerbates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through alteration in the gut microbiota and dysfunction of mucosal barrier

D-Psicose,as a low-calorie rare sugar,has attracted a lot of attention in recent years for alternating to sucrose.The anti-obesity effect of D-psicose has been extensively confirmed in previous studies,however,the impact of D-psicose on colitis remains vague.Here,we firstly evaluated the effect of the D-psicose prophylactic intervention on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice.The pathological symptoms,inflammatory cytokines levels,gut microbiota composition,short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)production and colonic barrier integrity were comprehensively evaluated.The results confirmed that D-psicose intervention aggravated colitis,characterized by the exacerbation of colon shortening,increase of colonic inflammatory infiltration,and marked exaltation of disease activity indices and IL-6,IL-1βand TNF-αlevels.Further,the dysfunction of gut microbiota was identified in the psicose group.The abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was significantly up-regulated while the abundance of probiotics Akkermansia and Lactobacillus were significantly down-regulated in the psicose group compared to the model group.Moreover,the production of SCFAs was suppressed in the psicose group,accompanied by a decrease in the level of mucin 2(Muc-2).Collectively,the underlying mechanism of the exacerbation of colitis by D-psicose intervention might be attributed to microbiota dysfunction accompanied by the reduction of SCFAs,which leads to the damage of the mucosal barrier and the intensifi cation of inflammatory invasion.

Establishment of a cholangiocarcinoma risk evaluation model based on mucin expression levels

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)is a highly malignant cancer,characterized by frequent mucin overexpression.MUC1 has been identified as a critical oncogene in the progression of CCA.However,the comprehensive understanding of how the mucin family influences CCA progression and prognosis is still incomplete.AIM To investigate the functions of mucins on the progression of CCA and to establish a risk evaluation formula for stratifying CCA patients.METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing data from 14 CCA samples were employed for elucidating the roles of mucins,complemented by bioinformatic analyses.Subse-quent validations were conducted through spatial transcriptomics and immuno-histochemistry.The construction of a risk evaluation model utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm,which was further confirmed by independent cohorts and diverse data types.RESULTS CCA tumor cells with elevated levels of MUC1 and MUC4 showed activated nucleotide metabolic pathways and increased invasiveness.MUC5AC-high cells were found to promote CCA progression through WNT signaling.MUC5B-high cells exhibited robust cellular oxidation activities,leading to resistance against antitumoral treatments.MUC13-high cells were observed to secret chemokines,recruiting and transforming macrophages into the M2-polarized state,thereby suppressing antitumor immunity.MUC16-high cells were found to promote tumor progression through interleukin-1/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling upon interaction with neutrophils.Utilizing the expression levels of these mucins,a risk factor evaluation formula for CCA was developed and validated across multiple cohorts.CCA samples with higher risk factors exhibited stronger metastatic potential,chemotherapy resistance,and poorer prognosis.CONCLUSION Our study elucidates the functional mechanisms through which mucins contribute to CCA development,and provides tools for risk stratification in CCA.

Asymptomatic low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm:A case report

BACKGROUND Low-grade appendiceal neoplasms(LAMN)are characterized by low incidence and atypical clinical presentations,often leading to misdiagnosis as acute or chronic appendicitis before surgery.The primary diagnostic tool for LAMN is abdominal computed tomography(CT)imaging.Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of LAMN management,necessitating en bloc tumor excision to minimize the risk of iatrogenic rupture.Laparoscopy,known for its minimal invasiveness,reduced postoperative discomfort,and expedited recovery,is a safe and reliable approach for LAMN treatment.Despite the possibility of pseudomyxoma peritonei development,appendectomy and partial appendectomy generally result in negative tumor margins and favorable outcomes,which can be attributed to the disease’s slow growth and lower malignancy.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a pelvic spaceoccupying lesion detected 1 mo prior.Physical examination showed a soft abdomen without tenderness or rebound and no palpable masses.No shifting dullness was noted,and digital rectal examination revealed no palpable mass.Enteroscopy revealed a raised,smooth-surfaced mass measuring 3.0 cm in the cecum.Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed a markedly thickened and dilated appendix with visible cystic shadows.Laparoscopic surgery was performed and revealed a significantly dilated appendix,leading to laparoscopic resection of the appendix and part of the cecum.Post-surgical pathologic analysis confirmed LAMN.The patient received symptomatic and supportive post-operative care and was discharged on postoperative day 4 without complications such as abdominal bleeding,intestinal obstruction,or incision infection.No tumor recurrence was observed during a 7-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSION LAMN is a rare disease that lacks specific clinical manifestations.Abdominal CT plays a crucial role in diagnosing LAMN,and laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Mucinous neoplasm of the appendix:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms(AMNs),although not classified as rare,are relatively uncommon tumors most often discovered incidentally during colorectal surgery.Accurate identification of AMNs is difficult due to non-specific sym-ptoms,overlapping tumor markers with other conditions,and the potential for misdiagnosis.This underscores the urgent need for precision in diagnosis to pre-vent severe complications.CASE SUMMARY This case report describes the unexpected discovery and treatment of a low-grade AMN(LAMN)in a 74-year-old man undergoing laparoscopic hemicolectomy for transverse colon adenocarcinoma(AC).Preoperatively,non-specific gastroin-testinal symptoms and elevated tumor markers masked the presence of AMN.The tumor,presumed to be an AMN peritoneal cyst intraoperatively,was con-firmed as LAMN through histopathological examination.The neoplasm exhibited mucin accumulation and a distinct immunohistochemical profile:Positive for Ho-meobox protein CDX-2,Cytokeratin 20,special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2,and Mucin 2 but negative for cytokeratin 7 and Paired box gene 8.This profile aids in distinguishing appendiceal and ovarian mucinous tumors.Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated,and the patient initiated adjuvant chemotherapy for the colon AC.CONCLUSION This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of AMNs,emphasizing the need for vigilant identification to avert potential complications,such as pseudomyxoma peritonei.

The Influence of Aerial Exposure on Sea Anemones Aulactinia veratra Mucin Genes Expression Using the RNA Sequencing

Mucin genes are the main component of mucus. The sea anemone species, Aulactinia veratra (Phylum Cnidaria) contains different types of mucin genes. In the intertidal zone, A. veratra is found to be exposed to air during the low tide and produces large quantities of mucus as an external covering. The relation between low tide and mucus secretion is still unclear, and what is the role of mucin during arial exposure is not yet investigated. This study hypothesised that the mucin genes in A. veratra would have significantly high expression in response to aerial exposure. Therefore, the aim of current study was to examine and analyses the response of A. veratra mucins in response to an experiment involving three hours of aerial exposure. To achieve this, aim the RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were used to examine the expression profile of A. veratra mucin genes in response to aerial exposure. The generated results have shown that, Mucin4-like and mucin5B-like were up-regulated in response to the three hours of aerial exposure in A. veratra. This finding shows a significant role of mucin5B-like and mucin4-like genes in response to air stress at low tide. The data generated from this study could be used in conjunction with future mucin gene studies of sea anemones and other cnidarians to compare A. veratra mucin gene expression results across time, and to extend our understanding of mucin stress response in this phylum.

miRNAs-MUC 13调控体系中与仔猪腹泻有关的基因与通路

为研究microRNAs-Mucin 13(miRNAs-MUC 13)调控体系中与仔猪腹泻相关的分子调控机制,对miRNAs-MUC 13调控体系中与仔猪腹泻有关的基因与通路进行了发掘与验证。用NCBI的blastn工具比对了小鼠MUC 13基因和猪基因库中的核酸序列,发现两者的相似性在74%~87%,同源性较高。以小鼠为模型,选择miRDB、mirTarBase、TargetScan数据库预测调控MUC 13基因的miRNA序列,通过StarBase数据库预测这些miRNA序列的靶基因,得到36个靶基因交集。用Cytoscape软件围绕MUC 13和这36个靶基因构建仔猪腹泻基因互作网络,该网络包含19个筛选到的靶基因,基于MCOMD算法分析获得4个分子复合物集团。通过DAVID平台对这4个分子复合物进行基因和通路富集分析,结果发现,靶基因SRF和STAG 2及其参与的有关通路与仔猪腹泻相关。以大肠埃希菌200和仔猪肠上皮细胞系(IPEC-1)作为试验材料,通过体外细胞试验设计仔猪腹泻模型进行验证,实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测结果显示,试验组MUC 13、SRF、IL-6、MAPK、STAG 2、NF-κB、TLR 7等基因的表达量均显著(P<0.05)高于对照组,由此推测,SRF与STAG 2基因在miRNAs-MUC 13调控体系中分别通过MAPK、IL6、Toll-like受体信号通路参与仔猪腹泻调控。围绕miRNAs-MUC 13调控体系发掘了4个分子复合物集团和2个核心基因(SRF和STAG 2)并进行了试验验证,这为靶向治疗仔猪腹泻提供了理论参考和科学依据。

中华蜜蜂肠粘蛋白AcMucin5AC-1的鉴定和定位分析

【目的】本研究旨在鉴定中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana肠粘蛋白AcMucin5AC-1的结构、分布及对中肠的影响,为解析蜜蜂中肠的生理功能提供理论依据。【方法】利用生物信息学比较分析中华蜜蜂AcMucin5AC蛋白的序列特征;利用RT-qPCR检测AcMucin 5 AC-1在中华蜜蜂4日龄幼虫中肠和表皮以及2日龄幼虫感染中华蜜蜂囊状幼虫病毒(Chinese sacbrood virus,CSBV)后0,12,24,48和72 h时中肠中的表达量。通过原核表达系统对中华蜜蜂AcMucin5AC-1进行表达,亲和层析柱纯化重组蛋白并制备相应多克隆抗体;Western blot检测AcMucin5AC-1在中华蜜蜂健康3-6日龄幼虫中以及4日龄幼虫中肠、表皮和围食膜中的表达,应用间接免疫荧光试验分析AcMucin5AC-1在中华蜜蜂4日龄幼虫中的定位。通过饲喂法利用RNAi沉默中华蜜蜂2日龄幼虫AcMucin 5 AC-1后12,24,48和72 h时分析RNAi干扰效率,利用苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,HE)染色法探究RNAi干扰2日幼虫AcMucin 5 AC-1后24,48和72 h时对中华蜜蜂幼虫整体组织形态的影响。【结果】中华蜜蜂基因组中有8个AcMucin5AC基因,其氨基酸序列均含有粘蛋白结构域。RT-qPCR检测结果表明,AcMucin 5 AC-1在中华蜜蜂4日龄幼虫中肠中表达量较表皮中的高,且在感染CSBV病毒的12和72 h时的2日龄幼虫中肠中比对照组显著下调。成功获得约50 kD的重组蛋白AcMucin5AC-1和多克隆抗体,Western blot结果显示在中华蜜蜂3-6日龄幼虫以及4日龄幼虫中肠、表皮和围食膜的总蛋白中均能检测到AcMucin5AC-1。间接免疫荧光试验结果表明AcMucin5AC-1主要定位在4日龄幼虫中肠和围食膜。RNAi效率检测结果表明,2.0μg/头ds AcMucin 5 AC-1干扰24 h时中华蜜蜂AcMucin 5 AC-1较ds EGFP对照组表达量下调92%。HE染色检测结果表明,在AcMucin 5 AC-1的RNAi后72 h时中华蜜蜂幼虫整个肠腔的细胞间的致密程度减弱,形态结构紊乱。【结论】中华蜜蜂AcMucin5AC-1是位于幼虫的中肠和围食膜的粘蛋白,AcMucin 5 AC-1的下调影响中华蜜蜂幼虫中肠的形态,暗示该基因在幼虫中肠发育过程中可能发挥重要作用。

Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes between gallbladder mucinous adenocarcinoma and gallbladder adenocarcinoma:A propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND Gallbladder mucinous adenocarcinoma(GBMAC)is a rare subtype of gallbladder adenocarcinoma(GBAC),with limited knowledge of its survival outcomes from small case series and single-center retrospective analysis.AIM To compare the clinicopathological characteristics of GBMAC with typical GBAC and its prognostic factors to gain insights into this field.METHODS This study was conducted using data from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database,including cases of GBMAC and typical GBAC diagnosed from 2010 to 2017.The Pearson chi-square test or Fisher exact test was used to examine the differences in clinicopathological features between these two cohorts.In addition,propensity score matching(PSM)analysis was performed to balance the selection biases.Univariate and multivariate Cox hazards regression analyses were performed to determine independent prognostic factors for cancer-speci
c survival(CSS)and overall survival(OS).The Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to assess the OS and CSS of GBMAC and typical GBAC patients.RESULTS The clinicopathological and demographic characteristics of GBMAC were different from typical GBAC.They included a larger proportion of patients with unmarried status,advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC)stage,higher T stage,higher N1 stage rate and lower N0 and N2 stage rates(P<0.05).Multivariate analyses demonstrated that surgery[OS:Hazard ratio(HR)=2.27,P=0.0037;CSS:HR=2.05,P=0.0151],chemotherapy(OS:HR=6.41,P<0.001;CSS:HR=5.24,P<0.001)and advanced AJCC stage(OS:Stage IV:HR=28.99,P=0.0046;CSS:Stage III:HR=12.31,P=0.015;stage IV:HR=32.69,P=0.0015)were independent prognostic indicators for OS and CSS of GBMAC patients.Furthermore,after PSM analysis,there was no significant difference between GBMAC and matched typical GBAC patients regarding OS(P=0.82)and CSS(P=0.69).CONCLUSION The biological behaviors of GBMAC are aggressive and significantly different from that of typical GBAC.However,they show similar survival prognoses.Surgery,chemotherapy,and lower AJCC stage were associated with better survival outcomes.Further research is needed in the future to verify these results.

Reoperation for heterochronic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas after bile duct neoplasm resection:A case report

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)of the pancreas have similar pathological manifestations.However,they often develop separately and it is rare for both to occur together.Patients presenting with heterochronic IPMN after IPNB are prone to be misdiagnosed with tumor recurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old male patient was admitted 8.5 years after IPNB carcinoma and 4 years after the discovery of a pancreatic tumor.A left hepatic bile duct tumor with distal bile duct dilatation was found 8.5 years ago by the computed tomography;therefore,a left hepatectomy was performed.The postoperative pathological diagnosis was malignant IPNB with negative cutting edge and pathological stage T1N0M0.Magnetic resonance imaging 4 years ago showed cystic lesions in the pancreatic head with pancreatic duct dilatation,and carcinoembryonic antigen continued to increase.Positron emission tomography showed a maximum standard uptake value of 11.8 in the soft tissue mass in the pancreatic head,and a malignant tumor was considered.Radical pancreatoduodenectomy was performed.Postoperative pathological diagnosis was pancreatic head IPMN with negative cutting edge,pancreaticobiliary type,stage T3N0M0.He was discharged 15 d after the operation.Follow-up for 6 mo showed no tumor recurrence,and quality of life was good.CONCLUSION IPNB and IPMN are precancerous lesions with similar pathological characteristics and require active surgery and long-term follow-up.

Xylanase improves the intestinal barrier function of Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)fed with soybean(Glycine max)meal

Background Soybean(Glycine max)meal is one of the important protein sources for fish,but the non-starch polysaccharides(NSP)in soybean meal impair the intestinal barrier function.Here we aimed to investigate whether xylanase can alleviate the adverse effects on the gut barrier induced by soybean meal in Nile tilapia and to explore the possible mechanism.Results Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)(4.09±0.02 g)were fed with two diets including SM(soybean meal)and SMC(soybean meal+3,000 U/kg xylanase)for 8 weeks.We characterized the effects of xylanase on the gut barrier,and the transcriptome analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism.Dietary xylanase improved intestinal morphology and decreased the concentration of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in serum.The results of transcriptome and Western blotting showed that dietary xylanase up-regulated the expression level of mucin2(MUC2)which may be related to the inhibition of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(perk)/activating transcription factor 4(atf4)signaling pathways.Microbiome analysis showed that addition of xylanase in soybean meal altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased the concentration of butyric acid in the gut.Notably,dietary sodium butyrate was supplemented into the soybean meal diet to feed Nile tilapia,and the data verified that sodium butyrate mirrored the beneficial effects of xylanase.Conclusions Collectively,supplementation of xylanase in soybean meal altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased the content of butyric acid which can repress the perk/atf4 signaling pathway and increase the expression of muc2 to enhance the gut barrier function of Nile tilapia.The present study reveals the mechanism by which xylanase improves the intestinal barrier,and it also provides a theoretical basis for the application of xylanase in aquaculture.

Effects of diquafosol sodium in povidone iodine-induced dry eye model

AIM:To investigate the effects of diquafosol sodium(DQS)for dry eye model induced with povidone-iodine(PI)solution.METHODS:Ten Sprague Dawley rats as the control group.Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were used to establish the dry eye model with stimulation of 10 g/L PI for 14d,then divided rats into three groups:dry eye group with no treatment(DED group,n=10);phosphate buffer saline treated group(PBS group,n=10);diquafosol treated group(DQS group,n=10).Clinical changes were observed by tear production test,fluorescein staining,tear breakup time(TBUT)test,corneal confocal microscope and ocular surface comprehensive analyzer.Eyeballs were collected on day 10 of treatment for hematoxylin-eosin(HE),periodic acid-Schiff(PAS),and alcian blue staining.TUNEL assay,polymorphonuclear(PMN)and mucin 1(MUC1)immunofluorescence were performed and corneal ultrastructural changes were detected by electron microscopy.RESULTS:Compared with DED and PBS groups,tear production(7.26±0.440 vs 4.07±0.474 mm;7.26±0.440 vs 3.74±0.280 mm;all P<0.01)and TBUT(7.37±0.383s vs 1.49±0.260s;7.37±0.383s vs 1.42±0.437s;all P<0.01)were significantly increased in DQS group.HE,PAS,and alcian blue staining and MUC1 immunofluorescence showed mucins and conjunctival goblet cells density(8.45±0.718 vs 5.21±0.813 cells/0.1 mm^(2);8.45±0.718 vs 5.36±0.615 cells/0.1 mm^(2);all P<0.01)increased in DQS group.Confocal microscopy,PMN immunofluorescence and TUNEL staining showed inflammatory infiltration and corneal epithelial cells apoptosis decreased in DQS group.The increased number of microvilli in corneal epithelial and the recovered cell junction were observed in DQS group.CONCLUSION:PI instillation can induce goblet cells and mucin loss,epithelial cell apoptosis and inflammation,which are consistent with the pathological manifestations of dry eye.Diquafosol can repair the ocular surface damage caused by PI,reduce corneal inflammation,inhibit corneal epithelial cell apoptosis,promote mucin secretion and maintain tear film stability.

Malignancy risk factors and prognostic variables of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms(MCNs)represent one of the precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,and their detection has been facilitated by advances in preoperative imaging.Due primarily to the rarity of MCNs,however,there is limited knowledge regarding the prognostic variables and high-risk factors for malignant transformation.A more comprehensive and nuanced approach is necessary to fill this gap and provide a basis for improved treatment decisions and patient outcomes.AIM To investigate the high-risk factors associated with malignant MCNs and to explore the prognostic factors of MCN with associated invasive carcinoma(MCNAIC).METHODS All cases of resected MCNs from a single high-volume institution between January 2012 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.Only cases with ovarian-type stroma verified by progesterone receptor staining were included.Preoperative features,histological findings and postoperative course were documented.Multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate variables related to malignancy.Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier curve,and the prognostic factors were assessed to evaluate the postoperative course of patients with MCN-AIC.RESULTS Among the 48 patients,36 had benign MCNs,and 12 had malignant MCNs(1 high-grade atypical hyperplasia and 11 MCN-AIC).Age,tumour size,presence of solid components or mural nodules and pancreatic duct dilatation were identified as independent risk factors associated with malignancy.The follow-up period ranged from 12 mo to 120 mo,with a median overall survival of 58.2 mo.Only three patients with MCN-AIC died,and the 5-year survival rate was 70.1%.All 11 cases of MCN-AIC were stage I,and extracapsular invasion was identified as a prognostic factor for poorer outcomes.CONCLUSION The risk factors independently associated with malignant transformation of MCNs included age,tumour size,presence of solid components or mural nodules,and pancreatic duct dilatation.Our study also revealed that encapsulated invasion was a favourable prognostic factor in MCN-AIC patients.

Insights on the molecular mechanism of neuroprotection exerted by edible bird’s nest and its bioactive constituents

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with the accumulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.Edible bird’s nest(EBN)is a glycoprotein(sialylated mucin glycopeptides)found to be beneficial against neurodegenerative diseases.Antioxidative,anti-inflammatory,and anti-apoptotic properties of EBN in preserving neuronal cells were widely researched using in vitro and in vivo models.Functional effects of EBN are often linked to its great number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory glycopeptides.Bioactive compounds in EBN,especially sialic acid,add value to neurotrophic potential of EBN and contribute to neuronal repair and protection.Various studies reporting the neuroprotective effects of EBN,their molecular mechanisms,and neuroactive composition were gathered in this review to provide better insights on the neuroprotective effects of EBN.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm originating from a jejunal heterotopic pancreas:A case report

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)is a rare pancreatic tumor and has the potential to become malignant.Surgery is the most effective treatment at present,but there is no consensus on the site of resection.Heterotopic pancreas occurs in the gastrointestinal tract,especially the stomach and duodenum but is asymptomatic and rare.We report a case of ectopic pancreas with IPMN located in the jejunum.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old male patient suffered from severe pain,nausea and vomiting due to a traffic accident and sought emergency treatment at our hospital.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the whole abdomen suggested splenic congestion,which was considered to be splenic rupture.Emergency laparotomy was performed,and the ruptured spleen was removed during the operation.Unexpectedly,a cauliflower-like mass of about 2.5 cm×2.5 cm in size was incidentally found about 80 cm from the ligament of Treitz during the operation.A partial small bowel resection was performed,and postoperative pathology confirmed the small bowel mass as heterotopic pancreas with low-grade IPMN.CONCLUSION Ectopic pancreas occurs in the jejunum and is pathologically confirmed as IPMN after surgical resection.

Local recurrence after successful endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal mucinous mucosal adenocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colorectum is a rare histological subtype characterized by an abundant mucinous component.Mucinous tumors are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage,which indicates an aggressive subtype.However,few case reports have been published,and little information is available concerning genetic alterations in mucinous adenocarcinoma.CASE SUMMARY A 76-year-old man underwent en bloc endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for the management of a type 0-Is+IIa lesion.Histological examination revealed an intramucosal mucinous adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma and well-to-moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma.Three years after the ESD,local recurrence was detected by an endoscopic examination,revealing a new 0-Is+IIa lesion with a phenotype similar to the previously resected lesion.Re-ESD was chosen for the management of the recurrent tumor,and the histological examination showed positive tumor infiltration at the vertical margin.Additional surgical resection was performed for the curative treatment.Genetic analysis showed pathogenic alterations in RNF43 and TP53 in the adenoma and an additional SMAD4 alteration in the carcinoma.CONCLUSION This mucinous mucosal adenocarcinoma case was suggested to have an aggressive phenotype and a careful and close follow-up are required.

Malignant transformation of pulmonary bronchiolar adenoma into mucinous adenocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Bronchiolar adenoma(BA)and ciliated muconodular papillary tumor are rare tumors that have bilayered cell proliferation and continuous expression of p40 and CK5/6 in the basal cell layer.Diagnosis is difficult because of the limited knowledge of these tumors and their morphological similarities to malignant tumors,including invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma,especially based on the histopathology of intraoperative frozen sections.These tumors are now considered to be benign neoplasms,with malignant transformation reported in only a few cases.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman presented with a 17.0 mm×7.0 mm nodule in the lower lobe of the left lung.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry of a surgical specimen were performed.The tumor consisted of a BA area and a mucinous adenocarcinoma(MA)area.In the BA area,the tumor had a bilayered structure of luminal cells and basal cells.The basal cells were positive for CK5/6 and p40,but the MA area was negative for these biomarkers.The Ki-67 proliferation index was low(1%-2%).The patient was diagnosed with BA accompanied by MA,and had a favorable outcome.CONCLUSION The present study indicated that BA may be carcinogenic,and suggests that clinicians should be aware of its potential for malignant transformation.