Casticin Attenuates Stemness in Cervical Cancer Stem-Like Cells by Regulating Activity and Expression of DNMT1 / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore whether casticin (CAS) suppresses stemness in cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) obtained from human cervical cancer (CCSLCs) and the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#Spheres from HeLa and CaSki cells were used as CCSLCs. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) activity and mRNA levels, self-renewal capability (Nanog and Sox2), and cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and CD44), were detected by a colorimetric DNMT activity/inhibition assay kit, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, sphere and colony formation assays, and immunoblot, respectively. Knockdown and overexpression of DNMT1 by transfection with shRNA and cDNA, respectively, were performed to explore the mechanism for action of CAS (0, 10, 30, and 100 nmol/L).@*RESULTS@#DNMT1 activity was increased in CCSLCs compared with HeLa and CaSki cells (P<0.05). In addition, HeLa-derived CCSLCs transfected with DNMT1 shRNA showed reduced sphere and colony formation abilities, and lower CD133, CD44, Nanog and Sox2 protein expressions (P<0.05). Conversely, overexpression of DNMT1 in HeLa cells exhibited the oppositive effects. Furthermore, CAS significantly reduced DNMT1 activity and transcription levels as well as stemness in HeLa-derived CCSLCs (P<0.05). Interestingly, DNMT1 knockdown enhanced the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness. As expected, DNMT1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness in HeLa cells.@*CONCLUSION@#CAS effectively inhibits stemness in CCSLCs through suppression of DNMT1 activation, suggesting that CAS acts as a promising preventive and therapeutic candidate in cervical cancer.

Effect of MiR-96 on Cell Invasion and Apoptosis in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia via Regulating MYB / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the relationship of the expression of transcription factor MYB targeted regulation by miR-96 to cell invasion and apoptosis in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML).@*METHODS@#A total of 65 children with AML in The 928 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Forces from January 2017 to November 2019 were selected, including 35 cases diagnosed as primary AML and 30 cases as complete remission AML. Thirty children with immune thrombocytopenia were selected as control group. The clinical characteristics were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The levels of miR-96 and MYB in peripheral blood samples were detected by qRT-PCR and compared between the two groups. The miR-96 mimics and its negative control (NC), inhibitor-miR-96 and its NC transfected HL60 cells induced by liposome (Lipofectamine 2000), respectively, Then the expression levels of MYB were detected with Western blot and compared among four HL60 cell groups. The invasion ability of four HL60 cell groups were detected with Transwell assay. The cell proliferation ability of four HL60 cell groups were detected with MTT at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, respectively. The apoptosis rates of four HL60 cell groups were detected with flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#Compared with control group, the level of miR-96 in AML children were higher, but MYB lower (P0.05). The promotion of over-expression level of miR-96 on the invasion ability of HL 60 cells was confirmed by Transwell assay. MTT assay showed that miR-96 could promote the proliferation of HL60 cells, inhibit the apoptosis of HL60 cells, and the effect was time-dependent manner (r=0.804). The inhibition of miR-96 on HL60 cells apoptosis was also confirmed with flow cytometry.@*CONCLUSION@#MiR-96 has significant negative effect on invasion and apoptosis of AML cells by targeting regulation MYB, and it might be a potential novel strategy for pediatric AML treatment.

Effect of extract and components of Berberis wilsonae on improving ability of learning memory and anti-oxidant in mice / 中草药

Objective To determine the content of total alkaloids and their components in roots, stems, and leaves of Berberis wilsonae, and investigate the effects of their extracts and components on the improvement of learning and memory ability and anti-oxidant activity of mice. Methods In this study, the total alkaloid content of roots, stems, leaves, and roots, stem extracts and components of B. wilsonae was determined by acid dye colorimetry. The HPLC method and conditions were established for determination jateorhizine, palmatine, and berberine. The memory impairment mice model was established with scopolamine, and the root and stem extracts and components of B. wilsonae were ig administrated for 30 d. Jumping platform test and water maze test were used to detect the effect of roots and stem extracts and components on learning and memory, and the levels of MDA and T-SOD in serum was determinated by kit method. Results The results showed that the latency of the mice in step-down test was significantly prolonged (P < 0.01), and the reduction of the number of errors was also significant (P < 0.01). To a certain extent, the place navigation time in water maze was shortened (P < 0.01), and the number of errors was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Extracts and components can significantly increase the level of T-SOD (P < 0.05, 0.01) in mice, and reduce the level of MDA significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion The extracts and components of B. wilsonae had a certain effect on the improvement of learning and memory ability of mice, and the anti-oxidant capacity in vivo was also improved.

Correlation between tumor-associated macrophages and the occurrence and development of Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Xinjiang / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the correlation between tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)and the occurrence and progression of Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods We collected 200 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),cancer adjacent normal(CAN)tissues and clinical pathological data of the specimens.CD68 was used as the TAM marker,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)counts were used to detect the distribution of TAMs and quantify the density of TAMs in tumor nest/epithelial and surrounding stroma.At the same time,by combining with clinical pathological data and the patients' prognosis,we analyzed whether the high density of TAMs distribution was associated with the occurrence and development of Kazakh ESCC and the patients' poor prognosis.Results ① The density of TAMs in the tumor nests and stroma was significantly higher than that in CAN tissues(P＜0.05).② The density of TAMs in tumor nest had a significant positive correlation with lymph node metastasis and clinical pathological stage(advanced)in Kazakh ESCC(P＜ 0.05),and this correlation was more evident between the density of TAMs in tumor stroma and lymph node metastasis and clinical pathological stage (advanced)(P＜0.001).③ The survival analysis found that the high density of CD 68-positive TAMs in cancer nest showed a positive correlation with poor prognosis of ESCC(P＜0.05).Conclusion High density of TAMs can promote the occurrence and development of Kazakh ESCC in Xinjiang and can be used as a poor prognostic factor for ESCC in Kazakh population.

Changes of Brain Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study in Hemorrhagic Shock: An Experimental Study on a Rabbit Model / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of cerebral metabolism in rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(PMRS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used for construction of the model of acute hemorrhagic anemia. 1H-MRS was performed before and at the time-peint of 30, 90, and 180 min after hemorrhagic shock. The concentrations of NAA, Cr, Cho, Lac, and NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios were estimated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hemorrhagic shock was associated with significant reductions in red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit, pH, and PaCO, and elevations of blood lactate and PaO. The ratios of NAA/Cr at 30 min, 90 min and 180 min after shock were (1.50±0.09), (1.37±0.09) and (1.27±0.10), respectively, which were significantly lower than those before shock (2.11±0.16) (P <0.05) (1.16±0.05) and (0.97±0.04) at 30 min and 90 min after shock, respectively, which were significantly lower than those pre-shock (1.38±0.08) (P <0.05). The ratis of Cho/Cr at 30 min and 90 min were (1.16±0.05) and (0.97±0.04), respectively, which were significantly lower than those before shock (1.38±0.08) (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MRS can noninvasively and dynamically detect brean metabolic changes in early hemorrhagic shock, and has positive significance for early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of hemorrhagic shock.</p>

Therapeutic effect of different doses of atorvastatin on patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy and its influence on blood lipids and cardiac diastolic function / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective: To explore therapeutic effect of different doses of atorvastatin on patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and its influence on levels of blood lipids, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), advanced glycosylation end product (AGEs) and cardiac diastolic function. Methods: A total of 96 DCM patients treated in our hospital were selected, randomly and equally divided into routine dose group (received atorvastatin of routine dose, 20mg/d) and double dose group (received atorvastatin of double dose, 40mg/d), and both groups were treated for four weeks. Levels of blood glucose, blood lipids, HbA1c, AGEs and cardiac diastolic function were measured and compared between two groups before and after treatment, and clinical therapeutic effect and safety were assessed. Results: After treatment, total effective rate of double dose group was significantly higher than that of routine dose group (91. 67％ vs. 72. 92％, P=0. 032); compared with routine treatment group after treatment, there were significant reductions in levels of blood glucose, blood lipids [except high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], HbA1c [(7. 58±1. 47) ％ vs. (6. 18±1. 35) ％], AGEs [(12. 45±2. 36) μg/ml vs. (7. 62±1. 54) μg/ml]and mitral early diastolic peak flow velocity/early mitral annulus diastolic peak velocity [E/Ea: (7. 54±1. 36) vs. (5. 27± 1. 09)], and significant rise in HDL-C level and mitral early diastolic peak flow velocity/mitral late diastolic peak flow velocity [E/A: (1. 25±0. 32) vs. (1. 57±0. 41)] in double dose group, P=0. 001 all. There was no significant difference in incidence rate of adverse reactions between two groups, P=0. 712. Conclusion: In DCM patients, double dose atorvastatin can more effectively regulate blood lipid level, reduce serum levels of HbA1c and AGEs, and improve cardiac diastolic function with more significant therapeutic effect.

Primary intermediate hemangioendothelioma of bone: a study of 5 cases / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the radiologic and pathologic features of primary intermediate hemangioendothelioma of the bone.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five cases of primary intermediate hemangioendothelioma of bone encountered in the past three years were enrolled into the study. The clinical, radiologic, pathologic and immunohistochemical features of the tumors were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients included 3 children with Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and 2 elderly with retiform hemangioendothelioma. Four of the cases affected long bones and the remaining case affected the clavicle. One case showed multifocal involvement of the humerus. Radiologically, the tumors showed borderline to low-grade bony destruction, with various degrees of cortical defect. Intralesional or perilesional bone formation was demonstrated in 4 cases and radial spicules were seen in 1 case. The histopathologic features of primary intermediate hemangioendothelioma of bone were similar to those of soft tissue, except for the presence of reactive bone formation. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD31 (5/5), CD34 (5/5), vimentin (5/5) and smooth muscle actin (3/5) but negative for cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Primary intermediate hemangioendothelioma of bone is a distinct entity and similar histologic classification applies as in its soft tissue counterparts. Comparison of the biologic behavior requires long-term follow-up studies.</p>

Cigarette smoking and primary liver cancer risk: a nested case-control study in Shanghai / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and risk of primary liver cancer (PLC) among middle-aged and elderly men in urban Shanghai.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A nested case-control study was conducted based on a cohort of 18,244 men who were 45-64 years of age in 1986-1989 and had no history of cancer at recruitment in Shanghai. As of 31 Dec 2000, a total of 213 incident cases of PLC were identified. 1094 matched controls were randomly selected among the cohort subjects who were free of cancer and alive at the time of cancer diagnosis of the index case. The matching criteria were date of birth (within 2 years), date of biospsy specimen collection (within 1 month), and neighborhood of residence at recruitment. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After controlling for potential confounders, cigarette smoking (ever vs. never) was associated with risk of PLC (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.28-2.86). Risk of PLC increased with increasing number of cigarettes smoked per day, as well as duration of cigarette smoking, pack-years of cigarettes consumed over lifetime and earlier age started smoking. The ORs were 2.16 (95% CI = 1.37-3.40), 2.14 (95% CI = 1.18-3.87), 2.12 (95% CI = 1.21-3.74) and 2.57 (95% CI = 1.50-4.40) for men who smoked 20 cigarettes or more daily, smoked for 40 or more years, consumed more than 37 pack-years of cigarettes, and began smoking before 20 years of age, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study confirms that cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for primary liver cancer among males in Shanghai.</p>

A prospective cohort study on body mass index and mortality among middle-aged and elderly men in urban Shanghai / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality as well as the effect of age on it among middle-aged and elderly men in urban area of Shanghai.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 18,244 male subjects aged 45-64 years resided in urban area of Shanghai were enrolled in the study during January 1, 1986 through September 30, 1989, and were actively followed under annual visits. 'Cox proportional hazards model' was used to estimate the relative risks (RR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By the end of the follow-up process in 2002, a total number of 235,762 person-years was accumulated in the cohort, with an average of 12.9 years per subject. A total number of 3365 deaths including 1381 from cancer and 1165 from cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases (CVD), was identified during the follow-up period. Compared with those under normal BMI (BMI 18.5-23.9), the RRs of death for all causes of death among groups at low BMI (BMI < 18.5), overweight (BMI 24-27.9) and obesity (BMI > or = 28) were 1.20, 1.12 and 1.61, respectively, among non-smokers after adjustment for age, alcohol consumption and level of education. After excluding the numbers observed during the first 5 years of follow-up, the corresponding RRs became 1.01, 1.12, and 1.75, respectively. The risk of deaths from colon cancer or CVD increased along with the increase of BMI, while the risk of non-cancer and non-CVD deaths, mostly deaths from infectious diseases, increased significantly in the group of low BMI. Among those aged > or = 55 years at baseline survey, the risk for all causes of death increased more significantly with those having obesity. However, among those who were younger than 55 years of age, no significant correlation between BMI and overall mortality was noticed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A positive relationship between obesity and total mortality was observed in the middle-aged and elderly men in urban Shanghai. The association was more obvious among the elderly while the risk of deaths from colon cancer or CVD rose along with the increase of BMI. The risk of death from infectious disease increased significantly in the group with low BMI.</p>

Cigarette smoking and cancer mortality: a prospective cohort study in urban males in Shanghai / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between cigarette smoking and cancer mortality in urban men in Shanghai and its impact when smoking habit changed during the follow-up period.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 18 244 male residents aged 45 to 64 years in urban Shanghai were enrolled in the study during January 1, 1986 through September 30, 1989, and was actively followed up on annual visits. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate relative risks (RR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By the end of follow-up program in 2002, 235 762 person-years, averaged 12.9 years per subject in the cohort was reached. 3365 deaths including 1381 cancer deaths were registered during the follow-up period. The mortality rates for cancers of lung, stomach, liver, pancreas, esophagus, head and neck etc. increased significantly among smokers. Compared with data of nonsmokers at the baseline survey, the adjusted RR was 1.49 for all-causes mortality among current smokers at the baseline survey. After excluding subjects who changed their smoking habit during the follow-up period, the RR became 1.78 compared with lifelong-nonsmokers. The corresponding RRs rose from 2.05 to 2.58 for all cancer deaths and from 6.40 to 8.77 for lung cancer deaths. The age-adjusted all-causes and cancer death rates among current smokers at the baseline survey were 1695.6 and 782.0 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. After exclusion of those with smoking habit changed during the follow-up period, the rates among persistent smokers were 2353.7 and 1144.6 per 100 000 person-years, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cigarette smoking is an important predictor for risk of all-causes of death as well as for cancer deaths. The change of smoking habit during the follow-up period could result in underestimating the deleterious effect of cigarette smoking on health.</p>