Mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam contact

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mast cell markers toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase and presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam. Nineteen specimens of OLP, OLLC, and healthy oral mucosa were selected. Mononuclear inflammatory cells were analyzed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using toluidine blue, anti-c-kit and anti-tryptase reagents, and the results were quantified in areas A and B of connective tissue. Mast cells of all OLP and OLLC samples were positive for toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase. The density of toluidine blue+, c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells was higher in tissue with OLP and OLLC compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). No difference was noted in mast cells density between OLP and OLLC (p > 0.05). The density of tryptase+ mast cells was higher in the subepithelial region (area A) than the region below it (Area B) in OLLC (p = 0.047). The mononuclear inflammatory cell density was higher in OLLC compared to OLP, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). A positive statistical correlation was found between mononuclear immune cells and density of c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells in OLP (r = 0.943 and r = 0.886, respectively). Our data demonstrate that the etiopathogenesis process of OLP and OLLC modulates the expansion and degranulation of mast cells; mast cells density, however, was similar between OLP and OLLC. The distribution of mast cells appears to vary along the lamina propria.

The association of BRAF V600E gene mutation with proliferative activity and histopathological characteristics of congenital melanocytic nevi in children

Abstract Background: A lot of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) carry the somatic mutation in the oncogene BRAF V600E. But the detailed histopathologic characteristics and the proliferative activity of CMN with BRAF V600E gene mutation have not been systematically documented. Objective: To identify the proliferative activity and histopathological features correlating them with BRAF V600E gene mutation status in CMN. Methods: CMN were retrospectively identified from the laboratory reporting system. Mutations were determined by Sanger sequencing. The CMN were divided into a mutant group and control group according to whether there was BRAF gene mutation and were strictly matched according to gender, age, nevus size, and location. Histopathological analysis, analysis of Ki67 expression by immunohistochemistry and laser confocal fluorescence microscopy were performed. Results: The differences in Ki67 index, the depth of nevus cell involvement and the number of nevus cell nests between the mutant group and the control group was statistically significant, with p-values of 0.041, 0.002 and 0.007, respectively. Compared with BRAFV600E negative nevi, BRAF V600E positive nevi often exhibited predominantly nested intraepidermal melanocytes, and larger junctional nests, but the difference in this datasets were not statistically significant. The number of nests (p = 0.001) was positively correlated with the proportion of Ki67 positive cells. Study limitations: A small sample of patients were included and there was no follow-up. Conclusions: BRAF V600E gene mutations were associated with high proliferative activity and distinct histopathological features in congenital melanocytic nevi.

Significance of BRAF V600E mutation in prediction of the efficacy of apatinib for radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the significance of B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation in the prediction of response to apatinib treatment in advanced radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC). Methods:Twenty patients (10 males, 10 females, age: 51.5(46.3, 65.0) years) with advanced RAIR-DTC from Peking Union Medical College Hospital between March 2016 and March 2023 were retrospectively enrolled, and all patients were treated with apatinib and underwent genetic sequencing (including BRAF V600E and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter). The serological and imaging data, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) data were collected during apatinib treatment. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log-rank test) was performed, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the differences of duration of response (DOR) between mutation group and wild-type group. Then univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted. Results:The PFS (35.3 vs 9.2 months, χ2=7.53, P=0.006) and DOR (25.8(7.4, 35.2) vs 8.2(2.5, 13.4) months, U=23.00, P=0.046) of the BRAF V600E mutation group were longer than those of the wild-type group. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the BRAF V600E mutation group had better PFS benefit (hazard ratio ( HR)=0.22 (95% CI: 0.06-0.72), P=0.013), and the risk of disease progression or death in patients with lung metastasis and bone or brain metastasis was 3.06(95% CI: 1.10-8.54, P=0.033) times higher than that in patients with lung metastasis alone. Further, multivariate cox regression analysis showed that only BRAF V600E mutation was an independent predictor of PFS ( HR=0.23 (95% CI: 0.07-0.80), P=0.021), suggesting that RAIR-DTC patients with BRAF V600E mutation might have better efficacy of apatinib. There was no significant difference in PFS ( χ2=1.34, P=0.247) and OS ( χ2=0.19, P=0.664) between TERT promoter mutation group and wild-type group. Conclusion:RAIR-DTC patients with BRAF V600E mutation have longer PFS and DOR after apatinib treatment than those with BRAF V600E wild-type, suggesting that BRAF V600E may be a potential biomarker to guide tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and help to refine TKI treatment indications.

Diagnostic value of BRAF V600E mutation detection in BSRTC categories Ⅰ and Ⅲ thyroid nodules / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation detection in the differentiating malignant from benign with Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (BSRTC) categories Ⅰ and Ⅲ nodules. Methods:From January 2019 to December 2020, a total of 264 nodules from 263 patients (79 males, 184 females; median age 46 years) were retrospectively enrolled and all patients underwent BRAF V600E mutation detection, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and thyroid nodulectomy in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School. Thirteen nodules of 12 patients had repeat aspirate samples and 51 nodules were examined with multiple genes assay in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues. Taken the postoperative histopathological results as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficiency of BRAF V600E mutation was analyzed by comparing the results of multiple genes assay and BRAF V600E mutation detection of repeated puncture samples. Results:Of 264 nodules, 230 were malignant (papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)) and 34 were benign, with BSRTC categories Ⅰ (nondiagnostic) and Ⅲ (follicular lesion) nodules of 58 and 206. The sensitivities of BRAF V600E mutation detection in BSRTC categories Ⅰ and Ⅲ nodules were 77.1%(37/48) and 78.0%(142/182), the specificities were 9/10 and 91.7%(22/24), the positive predictive values were 97.4%(37/38) and 98.6%(142/144), the negative predictive values were 45.0%(9/20) and 35.5%(22/62), and the accuracy rates were 79.3%(46/58) and 79.6%(164/206). The diagnostic concordance of BRAF V600E mutation detection was 90.2%(46/51) in the preoperative and postoperative samples of 51 nodules with preoperative BRAF V600E wild type but postoperative pathology confirmed as PTC and was 11/13 in repeat puncture samples. Conclusion:BRAF V600E mutation detection is an effective diagnostic method for BSRTC categories Ⅰ and Ⅲ nodules.

Mechanism of Bcl-2 BH4 selective inhibitor BDA-366 on NK/T cell lymphoma cells / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect and killing mechanism of Bcl-2 BH4 selective inhibitor BDA-366 on NK/T cell lymphoma (NK/TCL) .Methods:Human NK cell leukemia cell line YT and human NK/TCL cell line NK92 cells were treated with 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50 μmol/L BDA-366. CCK-8 assay was used to calculate the half inhibitory concentration (IC 50) value of BDA-366 on these cells. The apoptosis levels of cells in control group and IC 50 BDA-366 treated group were detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins in cells of control group and 1/2 IC 50, IC 50, 2× IC 50 BDA-366 treated groups. TMRE and Fluo-3 fluorescent probe were used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential of control group and IC 50 BDA-366 treated group, and the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration of control group, IC 50, 2× IC 50 BDA-366 treated groups. NOD-SCID mice in control group and 10 mg/kg BDA-366 intraperitoneal injection group were weighed and HE staining was performed to evaluate the toxicity of BDA-366 in vivo. Results:The IC 50 of BDA-366 for YT and NK92 cells were 0.065 and 0.086 μmol/L respectively. The apoptosis rates of YT cells in the control group and 0.065 μmol/L BDA-366 group were (6.62±1.59) % and (34.60±3.06) % respectively. The apoptosis rates of NK92 cells in the control group and 0.086 μmol/L BDA-366 group were (5.57±0.88) % and (29.18±0.90) % respectively, both with statistically significant differences ( t=14.05, P<0.001; t=32.58, P<0.001). The relative expression of Bax in NK92 cells of the control group, 0.043, 0.086 and 0.172 μmol/L BDA-366 groups were 0.85±0.00, 1.26±0.04, 1.51±0.18, 1.15±0.10 ( F=20.70, P<0.001), the relative expression of Bax in BDA-366 groups were higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of TMRE of YT cells in the control group and 0.065 μmol/L BDA-366 group were 8 372.00±330.47 and 6 419.67±311.34, and that of NK92 cells in the control group and 0.086 μmol/L BDA-366 group were 9 169.00±535.72 and 7 311.67±295.52 respectively, and there were statistically significant differences ( t=7.45, P=0.002; t=5.26, P=0.006). In YT cells, the intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations of 0.065 and 0.130 μmol/L BDA-366 groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (5 791.67±220.45, 6 729.33±585.39, 4 874.67±112.61, F=19.16, P=0.003) ( P=0.039; P=0.002). In NK92 cells, the intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations of 0.086 and 0.172 μmol/L BDA-366 groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (4 553.67±17.62, 4 740.33±254.50, 4 185.67±17.67, F=10.96, P=0.010) ( P=0.039; P=0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in body weight change on day 12 compared with day 0 of NOD-SCID mice between BDA-366 group and control group [ (3.18±0.01) g vs. (2.73±0.58) g, t=0.60, P=0.570], and HE staining showed no abnormal morphology of heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney in BDA-366 group. Conclusion:BDA-366 promotes NK/TCL cells apoptosis in vitro, but does not cause weight loss and morphological changes of organs by HE staining in vivo. The inhibitory effect of BDA-366 on NK/TCL cells may be achieved by increasing Bax expression, inducing Ca 2+ release and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.

Distribución mutación BRAFsegún carac-terísticas epidemiológicas e histopatológicas en cáncer papilar de tiroides. Un estudio observacional de centro único / BRAFmutation distribution according to epidemiological and histopathological characteristics in papillary thyroid cancer patients. A single-center observational study

Introducción: El cáncer de tiroides se posiciona como una de las neoplasias más prevalentes en Ecuador, manifestándose típicamente en la cuarta década de vida, con una mayor inciden-cia en mujeres. El subtipo histológico predominante es el papilar (CPT), y diversos estudios han evidenciado que hasta un 80% de los casos de CPT presentan la mutación BRAF. Esta mutación se ha asociado con factores de pronóstico desfavorable, como la presencia de me-tástasis ganglionares, estadíos tumorales avanzados, extensión extratiroidea y característi-cas histológicas agresivas. Además, se ha observado una relación con una mayor tasa de recurrencia y una respuesta reducida al tratamiento con yodo. Ante este contexto, esta inves-tigación se propone analizar la distribución de la mutación BRAF según características epide-miológicas e histopatológicas en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer papilar de tiroides en Ecuador. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio se llevó a cabo de manera descriptiva y retrospectiva, abarcando a pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer papilar de tiroides a quienes se les practicó el análisis genético para la detección de la mutación BRAF. La muestra incluyó 106 historias clínicas que cumplían con los criterios de selección establecidos Resultados: La evaluación de las historias clínicas reveló la presencia de la mutación BRAF en el 75% de los casos. Este porcentaje fue más elevado en mujeres, individuos mayores de 45 años y residentes en áreas urbanas. Respecto a la ocupación, la mayoría de los pacientes se dedicaba a labores de limpieza y no presentaban antecedentes personales de exposición a radiación ionizante ni antecedentes oncológicos familiares. El 84% se encontraba en la etapa clínica I, y en su mayoría, la neoplasia estaba localizada en el lóbulo tiroideo derecho.Conclusión:Este análisis subraya la imperiosa necesidad de identificar los factores de riesgo vinculados con la aparición del carcinoma papilar de tiroides en la población ecuatoriana. Los resultados indican una prevalencia significativa de la mutación BRAF, lo que subraya su rele-vancia comomarcador pronóstico en esta enfermedad. Estos hallazgos pueden contribuir a una mejor comprensión de la epidemiología y la patogenia del cáncer de tiroides, así como a la mejora de las estrategias de prevención y tratamiento en el ámbito local.

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is positioned as one of the most prevalent neoplasms in Ecuador, typically manifesting in the fourth decade of life, with a higher incidence in women. The pre-dominant histological subtype is papillary carcinoma (PTC), and various studies presentshown that up to 80% of PTC cases present the BRAF mutation. This mutation has been as-sociated with unfavorable prognostic factors, such as the presence of lymph node metasta-ses, advanced tumor stages, extrathyroidal extension, and aggressive histologicalfeatures. Additionally, a correlationhas been observed with a higher recurrence rate and a reduced re-sponse toiodine treatment. Given this context, this research aims to analyze the distribution of the BRAF mutation according to epidemiological and histopathological characteristics in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in Ecuador. Materials and methods: This retrospective descriptive study involved the analysis of genetic data from 106 medical records of patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer who under-went BRAF mutation detection. The sample was selected based on established criteria. Results: Evaluation of medical records revealed the presence of the BRAF mutation in 75% of cases. This percentage was higher in women, individuals over 45 years of age, and residents in urban areas. Regarding occupation, most patients were dedicated to cleaning work and had no personal history of exposure to ionizing radiation orafamily history of cancer.Additionally, 84% of the patients were in clinical stage I and the neoplasmswerelocated in the right thyroid lobe.Conclusion: This analysis highlights the urgent need to identify risk factors linked to the ap-pearance of papillary thyroid carcinoma in the Ecuadorian population. The results indicate a significant prevalence of the BRAF mutation, underlining its relevance as a prognostic marker in this disease. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of thyroid cancerleadingtoimprovementsinprevention and treatment strategies at the local level.

BRAF and NRAS prognostic values in conjunctival melanoma: analysis and literature review / Análise do valor prognóstico dos marcadores BRAF e NRAS no melanoma da conjuntiva e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT Purpose: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare and aggressive tumor with a propensity for regional and distant metastases. This study aimed to analyze BRAF/NRAS markers in conjunctival melanoma and their relationship with tumor recurrences and patient prognosis. Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-center study included consecutive patients with an anatomopathological diagnosis of conjunctival melanoma, registered between January 1992 and December 2019. BRAF/NRAS mutations were analyzed using cobas®4800 kit (Roche®) in samples obtained by excisional or map biopsy. Additionally, the presence of other associated precancerous or tumor lesions was assessed. Results: A total of 12 patients with positive histological samples for conjunctival melanoma were included (7 women, 5 men), with a mean age at diagnosis of 60 years and a mean evolution time of 6.38 ± 3.4 years. BRAF V600E mutation was observed in three biopsies (25%), similar to NRAS Q61X (25%). Recurrences occurred in all patients with positive BRAF or NRAS mutation, and five of these patients developed systemic dissemination (83.33%). Moreover, four of six patients with mutated BRAF or NRAS (66.66%) had histopathological findings of tumor or precancerous lesions. Conclusions: BRAF and NRAS mutations may be risk factors for recurrence and shorter survival in conjunctival melanoma, which would make these patients candidates for targeted therapies and comprehensive and individualized follow-up. All these data warrant standardized prospective studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: O melanoma da conjuntiva é um tumor raro e agressivo, com propensão à disseminação metastática regional e distante. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar os marcadores BRAF e NRAS no melanoma da conjuntiva e sua relação com recidivas tumorais e com o prognóstico do paciente. Métodos: Este foi um estudo retrospectivo, observacional e unicêntrico de pacientes consecutivos com diagnóstico anatomopatológico de melanoma da conjuntiva feito entre janeiro de 1992 e dezembro de 2019. As mutações BRAF e NRAS foram analisadas com o kit cobas® 4800 (Roche®) em amostras obtidas através de biópsia excisional ou por mapa. Além disso, foi avaliada a presença de lesões pré-cancerosas ou tumorais associadas. Resultados: Foram incluídos 12 pacientes com amostras histológicas positivas para melanoma da conjuntiva (7 mulheres e 5 homens), com idade média ao diagnóstico de 60 anos e tempo médio de evolução de 6,38 ± 3,4 anos. A mutação BRAF V600E foi encontrada em 3 biópsias (25%), bem como a NRAS Q61X (25%). Ocorreram recidivas em todos os pacientes positivos para mutações de BRAF ou NRAS e 5 desses pacientes desenvolveram disseminação sistêmica (83,33%). Além disso, 4 dos 6 pacientes com BRAF ou NRAS mutante (66,66%) apresentaram achados histopatológicos de lesões tumorais ou pré-cancerosas. Conclusões: As mutações BRAF e NRAS podem ser fatores de risco para recorrência e menor sobrevida no melanoma da conjuntiva, o que tornaria esses pacientes candidatos a terapias direcionadas e a um acompanhamento mais abrangente e individualizado. Todos esses dados justificam mais estudos prospectivos padronizados.

Effect of astragaloside IV on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson′s disease / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of astragaloside IV on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson′s disease.Methods:Forty-five SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8 weeks, weighing 19-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), Parkinson′s disease group (group PD) and astragaloside IV group (group A). The mouse model of Parkinson′s disease was developed by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 30 mg/kg everyday for 7 consecutive days.Astragaloside 20 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected everyday at 30 min before MPTP injection for 7 consecutive days before the model was prepared in group A, and the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C. Behavior was measured at 1 day interval after completion of administration.The mice were then sacrificed, and the substantia nigra of the brain tissue were obtained for determination of the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH), phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with C group, the total distance of movement and latency of falling were significantly shortened, the hanging score was decreased, the step width was increased, the expression of TH, p-PI3K, p-Akt and BDNF in substantia nigra was down-regulated, and the expression of GFAP was up-regulated in PD group and A group ( P<0.05). Compared with PD group, the total distance of movement and the latency to fall were significantly prolonged, the hanging score was increased, the step width was reduced, and the expression of TH, p-PI3K, p-Akt and BDNF in the substantia nigra was up-regulated, and the expression of GFAP was down-regulated in group A ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which astragaloside IV improves motor dysfunction is related to the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, up-regulation of BDNF expression and inhibition of astrocyte activation in mice with Parkinson′s disease.

Clinical significance of telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation in radioactive iodine refractory papillary thyroid cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To evaluate the influence of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation on radioiodine uptake status of radioactive iodine refractory papillary thyroid cancer (RAIR-PTC) and radioiodine therapy response by analyzing the mutation frequency of TERT promoter in RAIR-PTC.Methods:A total of 37 patients with RAIR-PTC (15 males, 22 females, age (49.8±16.1) years) and 40 PTC patients with effective radioiodine therapy (13 males, 27 females, age (39.8±10.9) years) between January 2005 and June 2020 in JiangYuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. TERT promoter mutation and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation of patients were observed. The differences across genotype patterns on radioiodine uptake status and therapy response were compared. The Fisher′s exact test and independent-sample t test were used for data analysis. Results:The incidence rate of TERT promoter mutation in the RAIR-PTC group was 40.54% (15/37, all C228T), which was significantly higher than that in the effective radioiodine therapy group (0, 0/40; P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found for the mutation rate of BRAF V600E between the RAIR group (64.86%, 24/37) and the effective radioiodine therapy group (72.50%, 29/40; P=0.858). Patients with TERT promoter mutation were older ( t=3.76, P=0.001) and the non-intake rate of radioiodine in distant metastases of those patients was higher ( P=0.037). Furthermore, 2/3 of patients who received targeted therapies and 3/4 deaths had TERT promoter mutation. Among 35 patients with negative thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), 11/14 of patients with TERT mutation had a rising stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg), while the percentage of the non-TERT mutation group was 57.1% (12/21; P=0.357). Conclusion:The TERT promoter mutation rate is significantly increased in RAIR-PTC patients and can serve as a prognostic predictor in RAIR.

Glucagon like peptide-1 mediated PI3K/Akt pathway antagonizes advanced oxidized protein products induced apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the protective mechanism of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway in glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) antagonizing the apoptosis of gestational trophoblasts (HTR-8/SVneo) induced by advanced oxidized protein products (AOPP).Methods:Pregnant trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo were cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into control group, AOPP group, GLP-1 group, AOPP + GLP-1 group and AOPP + GLP-1 + LY294002 group. The control group was cultured in 1640 medium; AOPP group was stimulated with 200 μg/ml AOPP; GLP-1 group was stimulated with 50-100 nmol/L GLP-1 for 1 h; AOPP + GLP-1 group was stimulated with 200 μg/ml AOPP for 48 hours, and then GLP-1 (50-100 nmol/L) was added for 1 hour; In AOPP + GLP-1 + LY294002 group, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 was added on the basis of the intervention of AOPP + GLP-1 group. The expression of PI3K/Akt pathway related protein p-Akt was detected by Western blot. Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit (CCK-8). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of apoptosis promoter protease caspase-9 and caspase-3, and the contents of apoptosis related proteins Bcl-2, Bax and Cyto-c. Results:After AOPP stimulation, the expression of p-Akt in AOPP group was lower than that in control group ( P<0.05); After 50 and 100 nmol/L GLP-1 intervention, the expression of p-Akt in AOPP + GLP-1 group was significantly higher than that in AOPP group (all P<0.05). After 24 and 48 hours of 100 nmol/L GLP-1 intervention, the expression of p-Akt in AOPP + GLP-1 group was significantly higher than that in AOPP group (all P<0.05). After AOPP stimulation, the cell viability of AOPP group was lower than that of control group ( P<0.05); After GLP-1 intervention, the cell viability of AOPP + GLP-1 group was significantly higher than that of AOPP group ( P<0.05). After adding PI3K inhibitor LY294002, the cell viability of AOPP + GLP-1 + LY294002 group was significantly lower than that of AOPP + GLP-1 group ( P<0.05). The results of ELISA showed that the contents of apoptosis promoter protein caspase-3, caspase-9, apoptosis related protein Bax and Cyto-c in AOPP group were higher than those in control group (all P<0.05), and the content of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 was lower than that in control group ( P<0.05); After GLP-1 intervention, the contents of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax and Cyto-c in AOPP + GLP-1 group were significantly lower than those in AOPP group ( P<0.05), and the content of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 was higher than that in AOPP group ( P<0.05). After treatment with PI3K inhibitor LY294002, the contents of Bcl-2 in AOPP + GLP-1 + LY294002 group were lower than those in AOPP + GLP-1 group, and the contents of Bax and Cyto-c were higher than those in AOPP + GLP-1 group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:GLP-1 may mediate PI3K / Akt pathway to antagonize the apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo induced by AOPP.

Effect of C-KIT gene mutation on the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia associated with core-binding factor in children: a Meta-analysis / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To systematically evaluate the relationship between C-KIT gene mutation and the prognosis of childhood core-binding factor-related acute myeloid leukemia (CBF-AML).Methods:The PubMed database was searched with "KIT" "Acute Myeloid Leukemia" and "Children"; the Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), VIP database and Wanfang database were also searched with "KIT" "Acute Myeloid Leukemia" and "Children", and the search time was from the establishment of the database to October 1, 2020. After strict screening, the literature was included in the analysis; according to the presence or absence of genetic changes, the included cases was divided into C-KIT mutation group and wild group, and the complete remission (CR) rate, event-free survival (EFS) rate, and overall survival (OS) rate of the two groups were analyzed.Results:Six articles were collected, including 4 articles in English and 2 articles in Chinese, with a total of 667 patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the EFS rate between the C-KIT mutation group and wild group in children with CBF-AML ( HR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.47-3.89, P = 0.001); there was no significant difference in the CR rate and OS rate ( OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.48-1.80, P = 0.830; HR = 1.92, 95% CI 0.96-3.83, P = 0.065) between the two groups. Conclusions:C-KIT gene mutation may be a risk factor for poor prognosis in children with CBF-AML.

Correlation between RAS and BRAF V600E gene mutations and clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the correlation between KRAS, NRAS and BRAF V600E gene mutations and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with colorectal cancer.Methods:Specimens from 217 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection and were pathologically confirmed in Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected, and the clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. The mutation status of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF V600E genes were detected in the paraffin specimens of surgically-resected tissues by direct sequencing. The mutation rates of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF V600E were compared among patients with different clinicopathological characteristics.Results:The mutation rates of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF V600E in 217 patients with colorectal cancer were 48.4% (105/217), 4.1% (9/217) and 3.7% (8/217), of which 1 patient (0.5%) had both KRAS and NRAS mutations. NRAS gene mutation was not correlated with gender, age, tumor size, tumor location, pathological type, degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, TNM stage, hemangioma thrombus/nerve invasion (all P>0.05); KRAS mutation rate in patients ≥ 60 year old was higher than that in patients < 60 year old [55.3% (63/114) vs. 40.8% (42/103), χ2 = 4.55, P = 0.033),and there was no correlation between KRAS gene mutation and other clinicopathological features (all P > 0.05); the mutation rate of BRAF V600E gene in colorectal cancerpatients with distant metastasis was higher than that in patients without distant metastasis [16.7% (4/24) vs. 2.1% (4/193), P = 0.006], and there was no correlation between BRAF V600E gene mutation and other clinicopathological features (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Older colorectal cancer patients may be prone to KRAS gene mutation, and the BRAF V600E gene mutation rate is higher in patients with distant metastasis, and there is no correlation between NRAS gene mutation and clinicopathological characteristics.

Enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester: primer caso pediátrico reportado en Colombia / Erdheim-Chester disease: First pediatric case report in Colombia

Resumen | La enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester es una condición extremadamente rara en la edad pediátrica. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 12 años con diagnóstico histológico y radiológico de enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester multisistémica y mutación en el gen BRAF, que requirió tratamiento con dabrafenib. Hasta el momento, se han reportado 22 casos pediátricos en el mundo y este es el segundo en Latinoamérica. Se observó el hallazgo radiológico denominado signo oscuro paraselar, descrito hasta ahora en pacientes con hipofisitis autoinmunitaria para diferenciarlos de aquellos con adenomas hipofisarios. Este reporte contribuye a la literatura médica en dos aspectos fundamentales: las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad y su diagnóstico en la población pediátrica.

Abstract | The Erdheim-Chester's disease is extremely rare in children. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl with histological and radiological diagnosis of this disease and mutation of the BRAF gene, who developed multisystemic compromise requiring treatment with dabrafenib. We identified 22 reports of this condition among children worldwide and this is the second pediatric case in Latin America. Diagnostic imaging is critical to confirm Erdheim-Chester disease and for the surgical planning of the biopsy. Additionally, we identified the parasellar dark sign, which has previously been reported on lymphocytic hypophysitis. This report contributes to the current practice as it shows the clinical presentation and the diagnostic workout of this disease in pediatrics.

La vía canónica PI3K/AKT/mTOR y sus alteraciones en cáncer / The PI3K/AKT/mTOR canonical pathway and its alterations in cancer

RESUMEN La vía PI3K/AKT/mTOR participa en múltiples procesos celulares fundamentales para la célula. Algunas mutaciones genéticas de los componentes de esta vía se han asociado a diversas enfermedades humanas: las más importantes son los carcinomas de mama, tiroides y endometrio, el glioblastoma multiforme, el cáncer de próstata y los linfomas. La vía canónica PI3K/AKT/mTOR se ha estudiado ampliamente en los últimos años. Sin embargo, el conocimiento de la complejidad de sus componentes principales y su interrelación con los elementos de otras vías va en aumento. Por ello, es importantes actualizar cada cierto tiempo la información disponible para la comprensión de este mecanismo. Así mismo, se están y se han desarrollado numerosos ensayos con medicinas selectivas en búsqueda de un tratamiento más inteligente para las enfermedades asociadas a alteraciones de esta vía. Por tanto, realizamos una revisión de esta vía de transducción con el objetivo de tener una visión cercana de su funcionamiento, sus alteraciones y enumerar algunas moléculas promisorias para ser utilizadas en futuros tratamientos.

ABSTRACT The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in multiple cellular processes which are essential for the cells. Some genetic mutations of the components of this pathway have been associated with various human diseases, the most important of which are breast, thyroid and endometrium carcinomas; glioblastoma multiforme; prostate cancer and lymphomas. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR canonical pathway has been extensively studied in recent years. However, as the complexity of its main components and their correlation with the components of other pathways are increasing, it is important to update from time to time the available information to understand this mechanism. Furthermore, many trials have been conducted with selective medicines aimed to look for a more intelligent treatment for diseases associated with alterations in this pathway. Therefore, we review this transduction pathway to take a close look at its functioning and alterations, and to list some promising molecules for future treatments.

Terapias dirigidas con inhibidores del braf en gliomas pediátricos de alto y bajo grado con la mutación brafv600e. Experiencia del hospital Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan / Targeted therapies with BRAF inhibitors for pediatric low- and high-grade gliomas with BRAF v600e mutation. Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Hospital experience

Resumen La mutación puntual V600E del gen BRAF juega un papel fundamental en la tumorigénesis de muchos gliomas. La inhibición de su producto forma parte de terapias innovadoras emergentes en los últimos años. Conocer el rol de estos tratamientos resulta imprescindible. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir la respuesta clínico-radiológica en niños con gliomas BRAF V600E mutado tratados con inhibidores BRAF. Para ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes menores de 16 años con gliomas BRAF V600E mu tado que recibieron vemurafenib o dabrafenib en el Hospital Garrahan. Trece pacientes tratados en los últimos 7 años fueron incluidos: 9 gliomas de bajo grado y 4 de alto grado. La mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue 8.6 años (0.89-14.04) y del comienzo del inhibidor 11.62 años (3.64-15.42). Inicialmente, todos habían realizado tratamiento quirúrgico, y 12/13 recibieron previamente otra terapia: 11 quimioterapia (eventualmente hasta 4 líneas distintas) y 4 radioterapia. Con la terapia dirigida, 10 pacientes tuvieron una disminución tumoral mayor o igual al 25%, quedando evidenciada en 7 niños la mejor respuesta dentro de los 6 meses del inicio. Hubo 4 progresados intratratamiento (todos alto grado), y 2 progresados prontamente luego de suspender el inhibidor (ambos bajo grado). Cinco presentaron efectos adversos grado 3-4, con recuperación ad-integrum. Se describe una buena y sostenida respuesta clínico-radiológica, con tolerancia aceptable, en pacientes con gliomas de bajo grado BRAF V600E mutado tratados con inhibidores BRAF V600E . En contraste, la respuesta en pacientes con gliomas de alto grado fue intermedia y de poca duración, con progresión tumoral precoz.

Abstract The BRAF V600E point mutation plays a key role in the tumorigenesis of many gliomas. Inhibiting its product is part of the innovative therapies emerging in recent years. Knowing the role of these treatments is essential. The aim of this experience was to describe the clinical-radiological response of pediatric BRAF V600E mutated gliomas treated with BRAF inhibitors. To this end, a descriptive and retrospective study was performed in patients under 16 years of age with BRAF V600E gliomas, who received vemurafenib or dabrafenib at Hospital Garrahan. Thirteen patients treated in the last 7 years were included: 9 were low-grade and 4 high-grade gliomas. The median age at diagnosis was 8.6 years (0.89-14.04) and at start of targeted therapy was 11.62 years (3.64-15.42). All patients had previously a surgical procedure, and 12/13 had received another therapy prior BRAF inhibition: 11 chemotherapy (in one case, up to 4 different protocols) and 4 radiotherapy. Under targeted therapy, tumour response was obtained in 10 patients (size reduction equal to or greater than 25%), and best response was observed in the first 6 months of treatment in 7 children. Four patients progressed under treatment (all high-grade gliomas) and 2 progressed shortly after stopping the inhibitor (both low-grade gliomas). Five patients had grade 3-4 toxicity, with subsequent full recovery. A good and sustained clinical-radiological response, with acceptable tolerance, is described in patients with BRAF V600E mutated low-grade gliomas treated with BRAF V600E inhibitors. In contrast, the response in patients with high-grade gliomas was intermediate and of short duration, with early tumour progression.

Role of heat-shock proteins in infection of human adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 by tumor-adapted rotavirus isolates / Papel de las proteínas de choque térmico en la infección de la línea celular de adenocarcinoma humano MCF-7 por aislados de rotavirus adaptados a tumores

Abstract Background: Viruses are being used as alternative and complementary tools for treating cancers. Oncolytic viruses exhibit tumor tropism, ability to enhance anti-tumor immunity and ability to be used in combination with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We have recently selected some rotavirus isolates which are adapted to efficiently infect and kill tumor cell lines. Aim: We tested five tumor cell-adapted rotavirus isolates for their ability to infect the human adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7. Methods: Cell surface membrane-associated proteins mediating virus particle attachment were characterized using ELISA, immunoprecipitation, FACS analysis, and antibody blocking. Results: It was found that heat shock proteins (HSPs) such as Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60, and Hsp40 are expressed on the cell surface forming complexes with protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), integrin β3, and heat shock cognate protein 70 (Hsc70) in lipid raft microdomains. Interaction of rotavirus isolates with these cellular proteins was further confirmed by a competition assay and an inhibition assay involving the HSPs tested. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the tumor cell-adapted rotavirus isolates studied here offer a promising tool for killing tumor cells, thus encouraging further research into this topic, including animal models.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los virus se utilizan como herramientas alternativas y complementarias para el tratamiento del cáncer. Los virus oncolíticos exhiben tropismo por tumores, capacidad para intensificar la inmunidad antitumoral y la capacidad para utilizarse en combinación con quimioterapia y radioterapia convencionales. Recientemente, hemos seleccionado algunos aislamientos de rotavirus que están adaptados para infectar y eliminar de manera eficiente líneas de células tumorales. Objetivo: Se ensayaron cinco aislamientos de rotavirus adaptados a células tumorales para determinar su capacidad para infectar la línea celular de adenocarcinoma humano MCF-7. Métodos: Las proteínas asociadas a la membrana de la superficie celular que median la unión de partículas de virus se caracterizaron mediante ELISA, inmunoprecipitación, análisis FACS y bloqueo de anticuerpos. Resultados: Se encontró que las proteínas de choque térmico (HSPs) como Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60 y Hsp40 se expresan en la superficie celular formando complejos con la proteína disulfuro isomerasa (PDI), la integrina β3 y la proteína análoga de choque térmico 70 (Hsc70) en microdominios lipídicos (rafts). La interacción de los aislamientos de rotavirus con estas proteínas celulares se confirmó adicionalmente mediante un ensayo de competición y un ensayo de inhibición que incluía las HSP ensayadas. Conclusión: Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que los aislamientos de rotavirus adaptados a las células tumorales estudiados aquí ofrecen una herramienta prometedora para eliminar las células tumorales, lo que estimula más investigaciones sobre este tema, incluidos los modelos animales.

MiR-26a promotes angiogenesis in rats with cerebral ischemia through PI3K/Akt pathway / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of miR-26a mediated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway on angiogenesis in rats with cerebral ischemia.Methods:A total of 100 male SD rats were divided into sham operation group, model group, miR-NC group, and miR-26a group according to the random number table method. The miR-NC group and the miR-26a group were injected with 5 μl miR-26a simulant negative control and miR-26a simulant into the lateral ventricle respectively. The sham operation group and the model group were injected with the same amount of normal saline respectively. The middle cerebral artery occlusion model was induced by the modified intraluminal suture method. In the sham operation group, the thread was only inserted without ligation. Five rats in each group were injected intraperitoneally with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) daily for 7 days. Rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) cultured and transfected in vitro were divided into control group, oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) group, miR-NC group, and miR-26a group. The dual luciferase experiment verified the regulatory effect of miR-26a on the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). Longa score was used to detecte the neurological damage of rats. The volume of cerebral infarction was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) staining, annexin Ⅴ fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining and tubule formation experiment were used to detect the proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis of BMECs, respectively. Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the miR-26a expression of ischemic brain tissue and BMECs. Immunofluorescence double labeling method (BrdU/von Willebrand factor [vWF]) was used to detect the proliferation of rat vascular endothelial cells. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), PTEN, PI3K and Akt protein in ischemic brain tissue.Results:Bioinformatics and dual luciferase experiments verified the targeted regulation of PTEN by miR-26a. Compared with the sham operation group, the expression of miR-26a, VEGF, bFGF, Ang-2, PI3K, AKT and the number of BrdU + /VWF + cells in ischemic brain tissue in the model group and miR-NC group increased, while the expression of PTEN decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the effect of various indexes in the miR-26a group was more significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the proliferation and angiogenesis of BMECs in the OGD group and the miR-NC group were significantly increased, and the apoptosis was significantly reduced (all P<0.05). Compared with the OGD group, the effect of various indexes in the miR-26a group was more significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion:miR-26a can mediate the targeted inhibition of PTEN expression, up-regulate angiogenesis related factors (VEGF, bFGF and Ang-2), and promote vascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis in rats with cerebral infarction by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Clinical features and prognosis analysis of acute myeloid leukemia patients with DEK-CAN-positive / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with DEK-CAN-positive.Methods:The clinical data of 6 AML patients with DEK-CAN-positive admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2014 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Their clinical features, treatment and outcomes were summarized.Results:All 6 patients were female with a median age of 29 years (4-64 years). Among 6 cases, 5 cases were primary granulocytic leukemia partially differentiated (M 2) and 1 case was acute monocyte leukemia (M 5). There were 5 patients with elevated count of white blood cells in peripheral blood, and 1 patient had bone marrow dysplasia, and 2 patients had basophilia. Immunophenotypic analysis showed that all 6 patients were positive for CD34, CD13, CD38 and CD33. Fusion gene detection showed that DEK-CAN was positive and NPM1 mutations were negative in 6 patients; FLT3-ITD mutation was detected in 3 patients and WT1 mutation was detected in 2 patients. Chromosomal karyotyping showed that 2 cases had no split phase and 4 cases carried t(6;9). Follow-up details were available for 6 patients, only 1 patient achieved complete remission after the first course of induction chemotherapy, and the remaining 5 patients had no complete remission after the first course of chemotherapy, and died of complications in a short time. Conclusion:AML patients with DEK-CAN-positive have a very poor prognosis, low primary induced remission rate and high mortality.

Correlation of c-MET and CXCR4 proteins and microvessel density with liver metastasis in colorectal cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To explore the correlation of c-MET and CXCR4 proteins and microvessel density (MVD) with liver metastasis in colorectal cancer tissues.Methods:A total of 40 colorectal cancer tissue samples and 10 paracancerous (5 cm from the edge of the tumor) normal colorectal tissue samples were collected from March 2015 to December 2020 in Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital. Among 40 patients with colorectal cancer, 15 patients had liver metastasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect c-MET protein, CXCR4 protein and CD34-labeled MVD in various tissues, and the relationships between them and liver metastasis and between the three were analyzed.Results:The positive rates of c-MET protein [72.5% (29/40) vs. 30.0% (3/10)], CXCR4 protein [47.5% (19/40) vs. 10.0% (1/10)] and MVD (20.1±5.2 vs. 11.5±4.3) in colorectal cancer tissues were higher than those in paracancerous tissues, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The positive rates of c-MET protein [86.7% (13/15) vs. 64.0% (16/25)] and CXCR4 protein [66.7% (10/15) vs. 36.0% (9/25)] in colorectal cancer liver metastasis group were significantly higher than those in non-liver metastasis group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). MVD in colorectal cancer liver metastasis group was significantly higher than that in non-liver metastasis group (21.5±5.3 vs. 12.4±5.7), and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). In colorectal cancer tissues, c-MET protein expression was positively correlated with CXCR4 protein expression ( r = 0.568, P < 0.05), and MVD in c-MET-positive patients or CXCR4-positive patients was higher than that in negative ones (both P < 0.05). Conclusions:The c-MET protein, CXCR4 protein and MVD may play important roles in the liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. The three indicators can provide a certain reference for the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.