The Clinical and Prognostic Implications of Pluripotent Stem Cell Markers Expression and Their Correlation with the WNT signal pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the expression of SOX2, SOX9, p53, and β-catenin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters of prognostic importance. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients were enrolled in this study. All patients had full clinical and follow-up data and available paraffin blocks. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed and correlated with clinicopathological factors and patient survival. Results: We detected the positive expression of SOX2, SOX9, p53, and β-catenin in 76%, 50.7%, 50.7%, and 77.9% of HCC specimens respectively. All studied markers showed a significant increase in the expression in tumor tissue specimens compared to non-tumor tissue. Both SOX2 and SOX9 expressions were significantly associated with adverse prognostic factors in HCC. Significant positive correlations were found between SOX2 and SOX9 and both p53 and β-catenin expression (r= 0.528, 0.485 and; r = 0.253, 0.327, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both of them). Regarding survival, we found that HCC patients with positive SOX2 and SOX9 expressions had significantly shorter overall survival (p=0.0001, each). Additionally, larger tumor size, tumor grade, high stage, tumor multiplicity, presence of cirrhosis, tumor necrosis, high p53 expression, and positive β-catenin expression were independent predictors of worse survival. A multivariate Cox analysis revealed that tumor grade, stage, p53, and SOX2 expression were independent predictors of unfavorable prognosis in overall survival (p=0.0001, p=0.0001,p=0.033; and p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings might provide an insight into SOX2 and SOX9’s role in HCC and suggest that SOX2 might be targeted for HCC therapy.     

Visfatin as a therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: The rising prevalence of musculoskeletal pathologies in developed countries has caused a dramatic impact on social welfare. Amidst these musculoskeletal pathologies is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that mostly affects the synovium. RA metabolic-associated alterations, including distorted adipokine production, enhance RA inflammatory environment. Among the altered adipokines, visfatin is particularly involved in RA inflammation and catabolism and stands out as an essential enzyme linked to critical cell features.

Areas covered: We discuss the potential mechanism supporting the contribution of visfatin to RA and the association between RA and obesity. We discuss the repurposing of cancer-tested drugs to inhibit visfatin in the context of RA. Additionally, we address the possibility of combining these drugs with current RA therapy. Finally, we explore the future of visfatin as an RA biomarker or therapeutic target.

Expert opinion: Inhibition of visfatin has become an interesting therapeutic approach for RA pathology. Such a feat has already been attained in oncology using small molecule inhibitors, which suggest that a similar course of action would be worth pursuing in the RA context. Visfatin will become an important biomarker and therapeutic target for RA.     

The relationships among monocyte subsets,miRNAs and inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) causes irreversible myocardial damage and release of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines and miRNAs. We aimed to investigate changes in the levels of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10), miRNAs profiles (miR-146 and miR-155) and distribution of different monocyte subsets (CD14++CD16-, CD14++CD16+, CD14+CD16++) in the acute and post-healing phases of AMI.

托珠单抗在新型冠状病毒肺炎的应用研究探讨

2019年12月以来,新型冠状病毒肺炎(Coronavirus Disease 2019,COVID-19)在武汉暴发并蔓延至全国,给整个社会带来巨大的挑战。部分COVID-19感染者早期发病并不十分凶险,但后期会突然加速进展,病人很快进入多脏器功能衰竭的状态,李兰娟院士等提出了"细胞因子风暴"概念。但目前并没有特效药物,认为IL-6是诱发细胞因子风暴的重要通路,本文结合相关文献的复习和分析,旨在综述IL-6受体阻断剂托珠单抗在新型冠状病毒肺炎危重患者使用的可行性。     

清热化瘀汤对急性脑出血患者血清hs-CRP、血浆S100β蛋白和NSE的影响

目的:探究清热化瘀汤联合依达拉奉对急性脑出血患者血清超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、血浆S100β蛋白和神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)的影响。方法:选择2017年5月—2019年5月在我院神经内科就诊符合纳入标准的80例急性脑出血患者,随机分为联合组(40例)和依达拉奉组(40例),两组均给予基础治疗和依达拉奉静脉滴注治疗,联合组则在此基础上加用清热化瘀汤。观察并比较两组的临床疗效、神经功能缺损程度评分(NIHSS)、格拉斯哥昏迷评分(GCS)、hs-CRP、S100β蛋白和NSE水平及脑血肿量。结果:联合组的总有效率为95%(38/40),显著高于依达拉奉组的总有效率75%(30/40)(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组NIHSS评分降低,GCS评分升高,且联合组NIHSS评分明显低于依达拉奉组(P<0.05),GCS评分高于依达拉奉组(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组hs-CRP、S100β蛋白和NSE水平及均脑血肿量均低于治疗前,且联合组hs-CRP、S100β蛋白和NSE水平及脑血肿量明显低于依达拉奉组(P<0.05)。结论:清热化瘀汤联合依达拉奉对急性脑出血患者具有良好的疗效,可显著改善其神经缺损,降低hs-CRP、S100β蛋白和NSE水平及脑血肿量。     

基于BGP、TGF-β1的表达探究蛇床子素对去卵巢致骨质疏松大鼠的作用

目的观察蛇床子素对去卵巢致骨质疏松大鼠的影响。方法选取3月龄雌性SD大鼠30只,随机分为蛇床子素组(A组)、模型对照组(B组)、假手术组(C组),各10只。A、B 2组摘除卵巢构建去势大鼠骨质疏松模型,C组仅进行手术、不摘除卵巢。造模成功后,分别给予相应药物灌胃,连续给药12周,处死。然后测量骨密度,检测治疗后血清BGP、TGF-β1、钙指标。结果B组大鼠股骨骨密度较C组明显降低(P<0.05);经12周治疗,A组股骨骨密度较B组明显升高(P<0.05)。与C组比较,B组大鼠血清中BGP含量升高、TGF-β1降低(P<0.05);与B组比较,A组大鼠血清中BGP降低、TGF-β1含量升高(P<0.05)。与C组比较,B组大鼠血清Ca水平明显降低(P<0.05);与B组比较,A组大鼠血清Ca水平明显升高(P<0.05)。差异均有统计学意义。结论蛇床子素能够有效通过调节大鼠体内激素分泌改善去卵巢大鼠的骨代谢异常,提高骨密度,对骨质疏松症起到一定的防治作用。     

Assessment of heavy metals by ICP-OES and their impact on insulin stimulating hormone and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) have recently emerged as major health concerns owing to their strong association with diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to investigate the heavy metals exposure towards incidence of DM at various enzymatic and hormonal levels. Additionally, association of As and Cd with Zinc (Zn, essential metal) was also evaluated. Spot urine samples were collected to assess As, Cd and Zn through ICP-OES. Serum was analyzed by assay method for fasting blood glucose, liver and renal function biomarkers. ELISA was performed to investigate the impact of heavy metals on HbA1c, α-amylase, DPP-IV, IGF-1, leptin, GSH, MDA, SOD, HDL, FFA, TG and interleukin (IL)-6. Association of heavy metals with DM was measured by odds ratio (OR) and level of significance was assessed by Chi-squared test. Unpaired student's t-test was used to compare DM-associated risk factors in heavy metals-exposed and unexposed participants. As and Cd were detectable in 75.4% and 83% participants with mean concentration of 75.5 ppb and 54.5 ppb, respectively. For As exposure, OR in the third quartile was maximum ie 1.34 (95% CI, 0.80 to 2.23), however the result was not statistically significant (P > .05). For Cd exposure, OR in the fourth quartile was considerably high, 1.62 (95% CI, 1.00 to 2.61), with a significant probability value (P < .05). Urinary Cd was negatively associated with Zn. As and Cd exposure increases the incidence of DM in the general population. Impaired hormonal and enzymatic levels in diabetic and non-diabetic exposed participants reflect the multiple organ damage by heavy metal exposure.     

不同TGF-β表达量的hAMSCs尾静脉移植对异种周围神经移植小鼠坐骨神经功能的影响

目的探讨不同转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)表达量的人羊膜间充质干细胞(hAMSCs)尾静脉移植对异种周围神经移植小鼠坐骨神经功能的恢复作用。方法从健康剖宫产产妇志愿捐献的新鲜羊膜中分离出hAMSCs,并进行纯化及鉴定。构建上调和下调TGF-β表达的慢病毒质粒,并转染纯化的hAMSCs,构建出稳定的上调或下调TGF-β表达的hAMSCs。分离并剪去C57BL/6小鼠的部分坐骨神经,将SD大鼠的坐骨神经分离剪取并移植至小鼠的坐骨神经缺损处,构建出异种周围神经移植小鼠模型。将模型小鼠按随机数字表分为对照组、未修饰的hAMSCs治疗组、高表达TGF-β的hAMSCs治疗组、低表达TGF-β的hAMSCs治疗组,每组10只。各组于造模前1 d分别经尾静脉注射磷酸盐缓冲液或相应的hAMSCs重悬液进行移植治疗。于治疗后第14天时采用DigGait步态分析系统评估各组小鼠的坐骨神经功能恢复情况。结果治疗后第14天时,高表达TGF-β的hAMSCs治疗组小鼠的坐骨神经功能指数(-25.820±0.286)明显高于低表达TGF-β的hAMSCs治疗组(-33.413±0.920)和未修饰的hAMSCs治疗组(-30.755±0.421),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论高表达TGF-β的hAMSCs尾静脉移植能够更有效地改善异种周围神经移植小鼠的坐骨神经功能,其可能成为周围神经损伤治疗的新突破口。     

The effects of grass pollen allergoid immunotherapy on clinical and immunological parameters in children with allergic rhinitis

Allergoid immunotherapy is a new form of allergen immunotherapy allowing safe administration of high allergen doses. There is limited information on the effects of allergoid immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis. To investigate the immunological and clinical effects of allergoid immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen allergy. Children with allergic rhinitis were assigned to allergoid immunotherapy (n = 27) or control (n = 26, no immunotherapy) groups. Children in the immunotherapy group received seven injections of grass pollen allergoid immunotherapy before grass pollen season and continued to receive maintenance immunotherapy for 27 months. All patients were offered a pharmacotherapy regimen to be used on demand during the pollen seasons. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between the immunotherapy and control groups. The rhinoconjunctivitis symptom-medication score and asthma symptom score were lower in the immunotherapy group after 1 yr of maintenance immunotherapy (p < 0.01 for both). Skin test reactivity and nasal reactivity as determined by nasal provocation testing for grass pollen were significantly decreased after 1 yr of immunotherapy (p < 0.001 for both). The seasonal increase in bronchial reactivity and nasal lavage eosinophil cationic protein levels were prevented after the first year of immunotherapy (p < 0.05 for both). The seasonal increase in immunoglobulin (Ig)E decreased (p < 0.05) and grass-specific IgG, IgG(1) and IgG(4) increased significantly already at the end of the seven-injection build-up therapy (p < 0.001, for all). Interleukin (IL)-4 levels in the culture supernatants showed a steady decline from baseline at first and second year of immunotherapy (p < 0.001) but remained unchanged in the control group. Allergoid immunotherapy is an effective method in the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in children and prevents the seasonal increase in bronchial hyper-reactivity. Changes in specific IgE and IgG levels and decreased IL-4 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants may account for the observed clinical effects.