Quantum receiver enhanced by adaptive learning.

Quantum receivers aim to effectively navigate the vast quantum-state space to endow quantum information processing capabilities unmatched by classical receivers. To date, only a handful of quantum receivers have been constructed to tackle the problem of discriminating coherent states. Quantum receivers designed by analytical approaches, however, are incapable of effectively adapting to diverse environmental conditions, resulting in their quickly diminishing performance as the operational complexities increase. Here, we present a general architecture, dubbed the quantum receiver enhanced by adaptive learning, to adapt quantum receiver structures to diverse operational conditions. The adaptively learned quantum receiver is experimentally implemented in a hardware platform with record-high efficiency. Combining the architecture and the experimental advances, the error rate is reduced up to 40% over the standard quantum limit in two coherent-state encoding schemes.

Circular RNA Controls Tumor Occurrence and Development via Cell Cycle Regulation.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the occurrence and development of various diseases through different mechanisms, such as by acting as a microRNA (miRNA) sponge, interacting with RNA-binding proteins, and regulating gene transcription and protein translation. For example, the abnormal expression of specific circRNAs in tumor cells can alter key regulatory factors and the cell cycle network, resulting in cell cycle disorders and the development and metastasis of tumors. Here, we summarize the mechanisms involved in the circRNA-mediated processes that lead to uncontrolled cell cycle and tumor cell proliferation. Extensive studies investigating the abnormal expression of circRNAs in different cancer types have been conducted. The unique characteristics of circRNAs and their ability to regulate the cell cycle through diverse mechanisms is extremely valuable in tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Our review may assist in further understanding the circRNA-mediated regulation of the cell cycle in tumors and provide insights for research on circRNA-based therapeutic strategies and biological diagnosis for cancer.

Demonstration of Entanglement-Enhanced Covert Sensing.

The laws of quantum physics endow superior performance and security for information processing: quantum sensing harnesses nonclassical resources to enable measurement precision unmatched by classical sensing, whereas quantum cryptography aims to unconditionally protect the secrecy of the processed information. Here, we present the theory and experiment for entanglement-enhanced covert sensing, a paradigm that simultaneously offers high measurement precision and data integrity by concealing the probe signal in an ambient noise background so that the execution of the protocol is undetectable with a high probability. We show that entanglement offers a performance boost in estimating the imparted phase by a probed object, as compared to a classical protocol at the same covertness level. The implemented entanglement-enhanced covert sensing protocol operates close to the fundamental quantum limit by virtue of its near-optimum entanglement source and quantum receiver. Our work is expected to create ample opportunities for quantum information processing at unprecedented security and performance levels.

Identification of a novel lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA network associated with prognosis of breast cancer.

Recently, the effects of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) on molecular biological mechanism of cancer have aroused great interest. In this study, long noncoding RNA-microRNA-messenger RNA (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) ceRNA network was screened and constructed based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and its efficacy in predicting the prognosis of breast cancer patients was evaluated. The RNA-sequencing, miRNA-sequencing, and corresponding clinical information were downloaded from the TCGA database, and differentially expressed genes were screened after data searching. The similarity between two groups of genes was analyzed by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Next, the interaction among lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA was predicted followed construction of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. Finally, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen prognostic factors to construct prognostic risk model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of this model in predicting the prognosis of breast cancer patients. In total 5056 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 712 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 9878 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in breast cancer tissues. WGCNA predicted that 823 lncRNAs and 1813 mRNAs were closely related to breast cancer. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network involved in breast cancer was constructed based on 27 lncRNA, 14 miRNAs, and 4 mRNAs. ZC3H12B, HRH1, TMEM132C, and PAG were the possible independent risk factors for the prognosis of breast cancer patients with the area under the signal characteristic curve under ROC curve of 0.609. This study suggested that the prognosis risk model based on ZC3H12B, HRH1, TMEM132C, and PAG1 accurately predicted the prognosis of breast cancer patients.

Circular RNA regulates the onset and progression of cancer through the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

The rapid increase in cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide is a major challenge for public health providers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis and identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic methods. Circular RNA (circRNA) is characterized by a stable structure and tissue-specific expression; these features are useful in medical research and clinical applications. In recent years, with the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the potential use of circRNA in cancer prognosis and treatment has been extensively explored. Abnormal circRNA expression interferes with specific signaling pathways such as the MAPK pathway; this phenomenon may provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. The present article discusses the research progress on the regulatory roles of MAPK/ERK pathway-related circRNA molecules in the development and progression of different types of tumors. This review may provide insight into the development of circRNA-based cancer management strategies.

The Emerging Role of Circ-SHPRH in Cancer.

PURPOSE: Circ-SHPRH is a circular RNA that can regulate the expression of target genes by sponging microRNAs (miRNAs) or translating tumor suppressor proteins. Recent studies have suggested that circ-SHPRH may play a role in the development of tumors and cancers. Hence, this paper aimed to review the biological characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and potential clinical significance of circ-SHPRH in a variety of tumors and to evaluate its potential as a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. METHODS: Numerous experiments were performed regarding the abnormal expression of circ-SHPRH in a variety of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, osteosarcoma, colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, retinoblastoma, and glioblastoma. RESULTS: Upregulation of circ-SHPRH reportedly inhibits tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, leading to the inhibition of tumor development. The clinicopathological parameters and the functional characteristics of circ-SHPRH in multiple human tumors and cancers were summarized. Circ-SHPRH functions as a tumor suppressor gene and has great potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for different types of cancer.

Entanglement-Assisted Communication Surpassing the Ultimate Classical Capacity.

Entanglement underpins a variety of quantum-enhanced communication, sensing, and computing capabilities. Entanglement-assisted communication (EACOMM) leverages entanglement preshared by communicating parties to boost the rate of classical information transmission. Pioneering theory works showed that EACOMM can enable a communication rate well beyond the ultimate classical capacity of optical communications, but an experimental demonstration of any EACOMM advantage remains elusive. In this Letter we report the implementation of EACOMM surpassing the classical capacity over lossy and noisy bosonic channels. We construct a high-efficiency entanglement source and a phase-conjugate quantum receiver to reap the benefit of preshared entanglement, despite entanglement being broken by channel loss and noise. We show that EACOMM beats the Holevo-Schumacher-Westmoreland capacity of classical communication by up to 16.3%, when both protocols are subject to the same power constraint at the transmitter. As a practical performance benchmark, we implement a classical communication protocol with the identical characteristics for the encoded signal, showing that EACOMM can reduce the bit-error rate by up to 69% over the same bosonic channel. Our work opens a route to provable quantum advantages in a wide range of quantum information processing tasks.

A Circular RNA Derived from Golgi Glycoprotein 1 mRNA Regulates KRAS Expression and Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Targeting microRNA-622.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct class of non-coding RNAs that have attracted substantial research attention in recent years. We identified a novel circRNA derived from golgi glycoprotein 1 mRNA (circ_GLG1), the role of which is unknown in colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to explore the potential roles and mechanisms of circ_GLG1 in CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to quantify circ_GLG1 expression in 40 pairs of CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues as well as CRC cell lines. DLD1 CRC cells were transfected with a small-interfering RNA against circ_GLG1, after which cell proliferation, viability, invasion, and migration were measured through cell counting kit-8 colony-formation, transwell, and wound-healing assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore the binding sites among circ_GLG1, miR-622, and Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) transcripts. KRAS protein expression was detected using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Circ_GLG1 expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Knocking down circ_GLG1 in DLD1 cells inhibited tumor cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration, and these effects were reversed by co-transfecting an miR-622 inhibitor. Circ_GLG1 promoted KRAS expression at both the mRNA and protein levels by acting as an miR-622 sponge. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-622 interacted with circ_GLG1 and KRAS mRNA. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the role of the circ_GLG1-miR-622-KRAS axis in CRC. Moreover, our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanism of circ_GLG1 in CRC and suggest potential new biomarkers for diagnosing this disease.

Non-Coding RNAs in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying DLBCL have not been fully elucidated, and approximately 40% of patients who undergo standard chemoimmunotherapy still present with primary refractory disease or relapse. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a group of biomolecules functioning at the RNA level, are increasingly recognized as vital components of molecular biology. With the development of RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology, accumulating evidence shows that ncRNAs are important mediators of diverse biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. They are also considered promising biomarkers and better candidates than proteins and genes for the early recognition of disease onset, as they are associated with relative stability, specificity, and reproducibility. In this review, we provide the first comprehensive description of the current knowledge regarding three groups of ncRNAs-microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)-focusing on their characteristics, molecular functions, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic potential in DLBCL. This review provides an exhaustive account for researchers to explore novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of DLBCL and therapeutic targets.

Efficacy of High Specific Volume Polysaccharide - A New Type of Dietary Fiber - On Molecular Mechanism of Intestinal Water Metabolism in Rats With Constipation.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a new type of dietary fiber - high specific volume polysaccharide (HSVP) - on fecal properties, serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) concentration, intestinal flora count, and expression of the VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signaling pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS Compound diphenoxylate was used in 48 healthy Wistar rats to establish a constipation model. Rats were divided into a normal control group, a constipation model group, an HSVP low-dose group, an HSVP medium-dose group, an HSVP high-dose group, and a fructose control group. We used colony count method, ELISA, WB, and RT-PCR to determine fecal moisture content, fecal hardness, fecal passage time, serum VIP concentration, number of intestinal bacteria, and VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signal pathway protein expression. RESULTS The constipation model was established successfully. HSVP (the medium dose was 10% and the high dose was 15%) improved fecal moisture content, reduced hardness, shortened fecal emptying time, increased intestinal bacteria, reduced serum VIP concentration, downregulated cAMP and PKAm RNA transcription, reduced protein expression, and reduced intestinal AQP3 expression. CONCLUSIONS HSVP improved constipation, increased the number of intestinal bacteria, and elevated expression of the VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signaling pathway. The mechanism of HSVP in regulating intestinal water metabolism in constipated rats may occur through the VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signaling pathway, and be closely related to changes in intestinal bacteria. The important role of the brain-gut-microbiome axis in the pathogenesis of constipation has been confirmed in this study.

Emerging roles of circular RNAs in colorectal cancer.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered class of endogenous non-coding RNAs. Owing to the development of high-throughput sequencing, researchers have identified thousands of circRNAs. Emerging evidence suggests that circRNAs are involved in various tumor cell processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Because of their high stability and abundance, tissue-specific expression, and easy detection, circRNAs are considered ideal biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. An increasing number of studies have recently demonstrated that circRNAs are closely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of CRC is vital. In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding human circRNAs related to CRC and present an overview of the potential clinical implications of circRNAs with respect to CRC.

Fisher linear discriminant analysis for classification and prediction of genomic susceptibility to stomach and colorectal cancers based on six STR loci in a northern Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The aim of this study was to verify whether the genotype of six short tandem repeat (STR) loci including AR, Bat-25, D5S346, ER1, ER2, and FGA is associated with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) and to develop a model that allows early diagnosis and prediction of inherited genomic susceptibility to GC and CRC. METHODS: Alleles of six STR loci were determined using the peripheral blood of six colon cancer patients, five rectal cancer patients, eight GC patients, and 30 healthy controls. Fisher linear discriminant analysis (FDA) was used to establish the discriminant formula to distinguish GC and CRC patients from healthy controls. Leave-one-out cross validation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to validate the accuracy of the formula. The relationship between the STR status and immunohistochemical (IHC) and tumor markers was analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis. RESULTS: D5S346 was confirmed as a GC- and CRC-related STR locus. For the first time, we established a discriminant formula on the basis of the six STR loci, which was used to estimate the risk coefficient of suffering from GC and CRC. The model was statistically significant (Wilks' lambda = 0.471, χ2 = 30.488, df = 13, and p = 0.004). The results of leave-one-out cross validation showed that the sensitivity of the formula was 73.7% and the specificity was 76.7%. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.926, with a sensitivity of 73.7% and a specificity of 93.3%. The STR status was shown to have a certain relationship with the expression of some IHC markers and the level of some tumor markers. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study complement clinical diagnostic criteria and present markers for early prediction of GC and CRC. This approach will aid in improving risk awareness of susceptible individuals and contribute to reducing the incidence of GC and CRC by prevention and early detection.

Current Status of Functional Studies on Circular RNAs in Bladder Cancer and their Potential Role as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers: A Review.

d_abstr_R Worldwide, bladder cancer represents the ninth most common malignancy and is the 13th cause of cancer-associated death. Although surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy has improved patient outcomes, the prognosis remains poor for most patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The exact mechanisms and critical regulators of bladder cancer remain unknown. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct type of endogenous non-coding RNA. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs participate in many processes, including proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis in multiple types of malignancy, including bladder cancer. Some circRNAs are dysregulated in bladder cancer and play essential roles in cancer progression. Importantly, some circRNAs may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for bladder cancer. This review aims to summarize the findings from recent studies that have focused on the roles of human circRNAs in bladder cancer and discusses the clinical roles for circRNAs, including their potential roles as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers.

Identification of Key Genes and Circular RNAs in Human Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND Globally, gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common source of cancer-associated mortality. The aim of this study was to identify key genes and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in GC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy and to further explore the potential molecular mechanisms of GC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and circRNAs (DE circRNAs) between GC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were identified from 3 mRNA and 3 circRNA expression profiles. Functional analyses were performed, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. The significant modules and key genes in the PPI networks were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of these key genes. Potential miRNA-binding sites of the DE circRNAs and target genes of these miRNAs were predicted and used to construct DE circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. RESULTS A total of 196 upregulated and 311 downregulated genes were identified in GC. The results of functional analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in a variety of functions and pathways, including extracellular matrix-related pathways. Ten hub genes (COL1A1, COL3A1, COL1A2, COL5A2, FN1, THBS1, COL5A1, SPARC, COL18A1, and COL11A1) were identified via PPI network analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 7 of these were associated with a poor overall survival in GC patients. Furthermore, we identified 2 DE circRNAs, hsa_circ_0000332 and hsa_circ_0021087. To reveal the potential molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in GC, DE circRNA-microRNA-mRNA networks were constructed. CONCLUSIONS Key candidate genes and circRNAs were identified, and novel PPI and circRNA-microRNA-mRNA networks in GC were constructed. These may provide useful information for the exploration of potential biomarkers and targets for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of GC.

Primary nasal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with synchronous pulmonary involvement: A case report.

RATIONALE: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most commonly occurring type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which may be found at various extranodal sites. The nose is not a common site for DLBCL as compared with natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, and synchronous pulmonary involvement is even rarer. We report a case of primary nasal DLBCL who presented with a mass in the left lower lobe, mimicking primary lung carcinoma. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 62-year-old Chinese female visited the Ear-Nose-Throat Department of our hospital with nasal congestion and rhinorrhea for 2 months. DIAGNOSIS: Computed tomography scan revealed a mass with soft tissue density in the left vestibule and nasal cavity. Histopathological examination revealed a large number of lymphoma cells, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of DLBCL. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with 6 cycles of R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab). OUTCOMES: The treatment was well tolerated and led to complete remission for the patient. There was no sign of relapse over the 3-year close follow-up LESSONS:: DLBCL can be present at various extranodal sites and clinicians irrespective of their specialty must be vigilant for the synchronous mode of presentation of such lesions. Immunohistochemical techniques play a vital role in the diagnosis, because clinical characteristics may be misleading.

MicroRNA-related transcription factor regulatory networks in human colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an extremely common gastrointestinal malignancy. The present study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) associated with tumor development. METHODS: Three miRNA profile datasets were integrated and analyzed to elucidate the potential key candidate miRNAs in CRC. The starBase database was used to identify the potential targets of common differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Transcriptional Regulatory Element Database and Transcriptional Regulatory Relationships Unraveled by Sentence-based Text databases were used to identify cancer-related TFs and the TF-regulated target genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery (DAVID) database, and the miRNA-TF-gene networks were constructed by Cytoscape. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of genes and miRNAs. RESULTS: In total, 14 DEMs were found in CRC. By bioinformatics analysis, 5 DEMs (miR-145, miR-497, miR-30a, miR-31, and miR-20a) and 8 TFs (ELK4 (ETS-family transcription factor), myeloblastosis proto-oncogene like (MYBL)1, MYBL2, CEBPA, PPARA, PPARD, PPARG, and endothelial PAS domain protein (EPAS1)) appeared to be associated with CRC and were therefore used to construct miRNA-TF-gene networks. From the networks, we found that miR-20a might play the most important role as an miRNA in the networks. By qRT-PCR, we demonstrated that miR-20a was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues. We also performed qRT-PCR to identify the expression of miR-20a-related TFs (PPARA, PPARD, PPARG, EPAS1). Three of them, PPARA, PPARG, and EPAS1, were downregulated in CRC tissues, with statistically significant differences, while the downregulation of PPARD in CRC tissues was not significantly different. Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched pathway. Two main elements of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated agonist of cell death, were demonstrated to be downregulated in CRC. CONCLUSION: The present study identified hub miRNAs and miRNA-related TF regulatory networks in CRC, which might be potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Quantum communication based on two-mode entangled state with quantum noise locking method.

The two-mode entangled state is an important basic non-classical state and it has been used in many quantum communication projects. We propose a new quantum communication scheme with a two-mode entangled state which can transmit signals encoded by a thermal-state light field. Also, instead of locking several phases in the whole process, we use only one locking servo system at the final stage. The locking error signal comes from the measured quantum variances by using the quantum noise locking method. A proof-of-principle derivation shows that it is very convenient to achieve the secure condition against individual attacks. It would be utilized in practical quantum information process.

Targeted gene therapy of the HSV-TK/hIL-12 fusion gene controlled by the hSLPI gene promoter of human non-small cell lung cancer in vitro.

The incidence of lung cancer and lung cancer-associated mortality have markedly increased worldwide, and gene-targeted therapy has emerged as a promising treatment strategy. The present study aimed to explore the targeted antitumor effect of the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase/human interleukin-12 (HSV-TK/hIL-12) fusion gene regulated by the human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (hSLPI) promoter of human non-small cell lung cancer (hNSCLC). There were four recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors: pcDNA3.1-CMV-TK, pcDNA3.1-CMV-TK/hIL-12, pcDNA3.1-phSLP-TK and pcDNA3.1-phSLP-TK/hIL-12. These were constructed and transfected into the A549, SPC-A1 and HepG2 cell lines in vitro. The expression of the HSV-TK/hIL-12 fusion gene was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the content of hIL-12 was measured using an ELISA. The antitumor effect of the fusion gene on the A549, SPC-A1 and HepG2 cell lines was determined using an MTT assay. Analysis of the experimental data demonstrated that genes regulated by the cytomegalovirus promoter were expressed at the same level in three different tumor cell lines. Genes regulated by the hSLPI promoter were expressed in the A549 and SPC-A1 cell lines, but not in the HepG2 cell line. Coincidentally, the hIL-12 expression levels were similar to those observed in previous RT-PCR findings. In the Pcmv-TK/Pcmv-TK-hIL-12 group for all three cell lines, as well as in the PSLPI-TK/PSLPI-TK-hIL-12 group for the A549 and SPC-A1 cell lines, the cell survival rate declined significantly and the fusion gene transfection group indicated a lower cell survival rate, when compared with single gene transfection group. The present study indicated that the fusion gene regulated by the hSLPI promoter had a targeted antitumor effect on hNSCLC, and that the combined suicide gene and immune gene therapy had a stronger antitumor effect, compared with single gene therapy.

Ginkgo Biloba L. Extract Reduces H2O2-Induced Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cytotoxicity by Regulating Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathways and Oxidative Stress.

BACKGROUND The oxidative stress environment of pathological tissue has an adverse effect on the survival of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation. Ginkgo biloba L. extract (EGB) has a potent antioxidant effect. In this research, we assessed the protective effects of EGB and EGB-Containing Serum (EGB CS) on BMSCs against injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). MATERIAL AND METHODS BMSCs were pretreated with EGB or EGB CS and treated with H2O2. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was utilized to detect cell viability. The DCFH-DA Fluorescent Kit method was used to detect intracellular ROS level. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and (CAT) were determined. The Hoechst staining assay and qRT-PCR assay were utilized to evaluate the effect of EGB on cell apoptosis. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway were detected by western blot analysis. RESULTS Compared to the H2O2 group, the number of apoptotic cells in the EGB and EGB CS pretreated groups significantly decreased. The mRNA expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was also decreased. EGB and EGB CS can reduce the production of ROS in BMSCs exposed to H2O2. SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were significantly higher compared with those with H2O2 group. Furthermore, EGB or EGB CS pretreatment decreased the protein levels of p-p38MAPK and p-JNK in BMSCs compared to the H2O2 group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that EGB and EGB CS have protective effect on BMSCs against oxidative stress injury and increase the survival rate of BMSCs transplantation by regulating p38MAPK and JNK signaling.

MicroRNA-374b reduces the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells by regulation of LRH-1/Wnt signaling.

Deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) has been suggested as a critical event in colon cancer development and progression. Recent studies have suggested that miR-374b is a novel cancer-related miRNA involved in several cancer types. Thus far, very little is known about the role of miR-374b in colon cancer; therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the potential role of miR-374b in colon cancer. Here, we showed that miR-374b expression was significantly downregulated in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-374b inhibited the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells, while miR-374b suppression promoted colon cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) was identified as a target of miR-374b in colon cancer cells. Both the mRNA and protein expression of LRH-1 were regulated by miR-374b. In addition, an inverse correlation between LRH-1 mRNA and miR-374b expression was evidenced in colon cancer specimens. Notably, overexpression of miR-374b also downregulated the Wnt signaling in colon cancer cells. Furthermore, restoration of LRH-1 expression significantly abolished the antitumor effect of miR-374b in colon cancer cells. These findings suggest that miR-374b inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and invasion through downregulation of LRH-1 expression. Inhibiting LRH-1 by miR-374b may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colon cancer.