Phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation of Lycium species in China based on the chloroplast genomes.

BACKGROUND: Lycium is an economically and ecologically important genus of shrubs, consisting of approximately 70 species distributed worldwide, 15 of which are located in China. Despite the economic and ecological importance of Lycium, its phylogeny, interspecific relationships, and evolutionary history remain relatively unknown. In this study, we constructed a phylogeny and estimated divergence time based on the chloroplast genomes (CPGs) of 15 species, including subspecies, of the genus Lycium from China. RESULTS: We sequenced and annotated 15 CPGs in this study. Comparative analysis of these genomes from these Lycium species revealed a typical quadripartite structure, with a total sequence length ranging from 154,890 to 155,677 base pairs (bp). The CPGs was highly conserved and moderately differentiated. Through annotation, we identified a total of 128-132 genes. Analysis of the boundaries of inverted repeat (IR) regions showed consistent positioning: the junctions of the IRb/LSC region were located in rps19 in all Lycium species, IRb/SSC between the ycf1 and ndhF genes, and SSC/IRa within the ycf1 gene. Sequence variation in the SSC region exceeded that in the IR region. We did not detect major expansions or contractions in the IR region or rearrangements or insertions in the CPGs of the 15 Lycium species. Comparative analyses revealed five hotspot regions in the CPG: trnR(UCU), atpF-atpH, ycf3-trnS(GGA), trnS(GGA), and trnL-UAG, which could potentially serve as molecular markers. In addition, phylogenetic tree construction based on the CPG indicated that the 15 Lycium species formed a monophyletic group and were divided into two typical subbranches and three minor branches. Molecular dating suggested that Lycium diverged from its sister genus approximately 17.7 million years ago (Mya) and species diversification within the Lycium species of China primarily occurred during the recent Pliocene epoch. CONCLUSION: The divergence time estimation presented in this study will facilitate future research on Lycium, aid in species differentiation, and facilitate diverse investigations into this economically and ecologically important genus.

Integrative metabolome and transcriptome analyses reveal the differences in flavonoid and terpenoid synthesis between Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) leaves and roots.

Licorice from Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots is used in foods and medicines. Although we are aware that licorice roots and leaves have distinct material compositions, the specific reasons for these differences remain unknown. Comparison of the metabolomes and transcriptomes between the leaves and roots revealed flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins were significantly different. Isoflavones were enriched in roots because of upregulation of genes encoding chalcone isomerase and flavone synthase, which are involved in isoflavone synthesis. Six triterpenoid saponins were significantly enriched only in the roots. The leaves did not accumulate glycyrrhetinic acid because of low expression levels of genes involved in its synthesis. A gene encoding a UDP glycosyltransferase, which likely catalyzes the key step in the transformation of glycyrrhetinic acid to glycyrrhizin, was screened. Our results provide information about the differences in flavonoid and triterpenoid synthesis between roots and leaves, and highlight targets for genetic engineering. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01467-y.

Fruit development and ripening orchestrating the biosynthesis and regulation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in goji berry.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are the primary bioactive components in fruits of L. barbarum, commonly known as goji berry. Despite significant progress in understanding the chemical structures and health benefits of LBPs, the biosynthesis and regulation of LBPs in goji berry remains largely unknown. In this study, physiological indicators, including LBPs, were monitored in goji berry during fruit development and ripening (FDR), suggesting that pectin might be the major component of LBPs with increased content reaching 235.8 mg/g DW. Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis show that 6410 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 2052 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified with overrepresentation of flavonoids and polysaccharides-related gene ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that LBPs coexpress with genes involved in pectin biosynthesis (LbGALS3, LbGATL5, LbQUA1, LbGAUT1/4/7, LbRGGAT1, LbRRT1/7, and LbRHM2), modification (LbSBT1.7), and regulation (LbAP2, LbGL2 LbTLP2, LbERF4, and LbTTG2), as well as with novel transcription factors (LbSPL9 and LbRIN homologs) and glycosyltransferases. Transgenic hairy roots overexpressing LbRIN validated that LbRIN modulate the expression of WGCNA-predicted regulators, including LbERF4, LbTTG2, and LbSPL9. These findings suggest that the biosynthesis and regulation of LBPs is conserved partially to those in Arabidopsis pectin. Taken together, this study provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis and regulation of LBPs, which can facilitate future studies on synthetic biology applications and genetic improvement of LBPs.

Effect of Compound Lactic Acid Bacteria Capsules on the Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Patients with Depression and Diabetes: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective: The objective is to explore the clinical effect of compound lactic acid bacteria capsules on the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with depression and diabetes. Methods: From January 2020 to January 2021, 60 SIBO patients with depression and diabetes in our hospital were selected and randomized into observation group (compound lactic acid bacteria capsules combined with escitalopram) and control group (Escitalopram) according to the odd and even numbers, 30 cases in each group. The two groups were compared in terms of SAS, SDS, levels of inflammatory factors, immune function, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), treatment effect, and the incidence of adverse reactions. Results: Both self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores in both groups showed a decline after treatment (P < 0.05), and the reduction was more significant in the observation group (t = 10.047, 17.862, all P ≤ 0.001). Both IL-2 and TNF-α in both groups showed a decline after treatment (P < 0.05), and the reduction was more greater in the observation group in relative to the control group (P < 0.05). CD3+ and CD+4 in both groups showed an increase after treatment (P < 0.05), and the increase was more greater in the observation group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the FPG levels of patients in both groups showed a decline (P < 0.05), and the reduction of FPG levels was more significant in the observation group than that in the control group (t = 3.948, P ≤ 0.001). The control group experienced a remarkably higher incidence of adverse reactions. Conclusion: The compound lactic acid bacteria capsule is a boon for SIBO patients with depression and diabetes. It can mitigate depression symptoms, improve immune function, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, and lower the FPG levels, along with fewer adverse reactions and robust effects.

Effect of Modified Xianglian Pingwei Powder plus Glutathione and Levofloxacin Hydrochloride on Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Positive Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

Liver cirrhosis is a common chronic disease in China. The effect of modified Xianglian Pingwei powder plus Western medicine in the treatment of liver cirrhosis and positive small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is promising. Totally, 100 patients with liver cirrhosis and positive intestinal bacterial overgrowth in Cangzhou Central Hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were enrolled and randomized via the random number table method at a ratio of 1 : 1 into the study group and control group. The control group received glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride, and the study group received Xianglian Pingwei powder plus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels of the two groups were decreased after treatment with lower results in the study group. Xianglian Pingwei powder plus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride was associated with a significantly lower positive rate of small intestine bacterial growth, serum endotoxin level, and peripheral blood toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TRL4 levels versus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride. The combined medication achieved a higher efficacy (90.00%) versus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride (66.00%). The two groups experienced similar safety. Xianglian Pingwei powder plus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride achieved significant benefits of clinical efficacy with a high safety profile in patients with liver cirrhosis versus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride.

Integrative Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Salt Stress Orchestrating the Accumulation of Specialized Metabolites in Lycium barbarum L. Fruit.

Salt stress seriously affects yield and quality of crops. The fruit of Lycium barbarum (LBF) is extensively used as functional food due to its rich nutrient components. It remains unclear how salt stress influences the quality of LBF. In this study, we identified 71 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 1396 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among ripe LBF with and without 300 mM of NaCl treatment. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the metabolomic changes caused by salt stress were strongly related to oxidoreductases; hydrolases; and modifying enzymes, in particular, acyltransferases, methyltransferases and glycosyltransferases. Further analysis revealed that salt stress facilitated flavonoid glycosylation and carotenoid esterification by boosting the expression of structural genes in the biosynthetic pathways. These results suggested that salt stress prompts the modification of flavonoids and carotenoids to alleviate ROS damage, which in turn improves the quality of LBF. Our results lay a solid foundation for uncovering the underlying molecular mechanism of salt stress orchestrating LBF quality, and the candidate genes identified will be a valuable gene resource for genetic improvement of L. barbarum.

Osteopontin, GLUT1 and Ki-67 expression in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: prognostic implications.

BACKGROUND: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common primary peritoneal neoplasm. The only universally recognised pathological prognostic factor is histopathological subtype. Prognostic markers based on patient features and clinical stages have been disappointing. AIMS: To assess the prognostic role of several clinicopathological features in a retrospective cohort of 60 patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. METHODS: Sixty patients were centrally collected and were immunohistochemically analysed for the expression of osteopontin (OPN), GLUT1 and Ki-67. Labelling was assessed by two pathologists. Complete clinical information and follow-up were obtained from patients' records. RESULTS: OPN expression was identified in 52 (86.6%) of 60 specimens, and GLUT1 in 39 (65%) of 60 specimens. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that a lower peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI), tumour-directed treatment (chemotherapy or surgery alone or in any combination), lower Ki-67, GLUT1 and lower OPN expression had a statistically significant positive effect on overall survival (OS). PCI (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.032 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000-1.067); P = 0.054) and tumour-directed treatment (HR = 0.211 (95% CI: 0.104-0.430); P < 0.001), Ki-67 (HR = 22.326 (95% CI: 3.523-141.498); P = 0.003) and OPN (HR = 7.268 (95% CI: 1.771-29.811); P = 0.009) retained independent prognostic significance in the multivariate analysis, all with a positive effect on OS with the exception of GLUT1. CONCLUSIONS: OPN, Ki-67, treatment and PCI were independent indicators for OS, and a higher level of OPN expression correlated significantly with poorer OS.

Survivin expression as an independent predictor of overall survival in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) is an incurable cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure and characterised by poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the prognostic and predictive value of CD146 and survivin expression in MPeM. Diagnostic biopsies from 60 patients with MPeM were collected and analysed for CD146, survivin and Ki-67 expression using immunohistochemistry. Complete clinical and follow-up information was obtained from patients' records. CD146 was expressed in 31/60 MPeM specimens and survivin in 34/60 specimens, with both expression levels being significantly associated with the Ki-67 labelling index (Ki-67LI). Kaplan-Meier and univariate Cox regression analyses revealed that a lower peritoneal cancer index (PCI), tumour-directed treatment, stage I, lower Ki-67LI and lower CD146 and survivin expression had a statistically positive effect on overall survival (OS). Cox regression analysis revealed that PCI [hazard ratio (HR)=1.99; 95% CI, 1.04-3.83; P=0.038], survivin (HR=1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10; P=0.034) and treatment protocol including intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HR=0.28; 95% CI, 0.14-0.57; P=0.013) and systemic chemotherapy (HR=0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.42; P=0.013) retained independent prognostic significance for OS. All of these were included in the nomogram. Calibration curves showed good agreement between nomogram-predicted and observed survival. The C-index of the nomogram for predicting OS was 0.77. A lower PCI, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy and a lower level of survivin were powerful prognostic markers in patients with MPeM. The proposed nomogram provides individual survival prediction for patients with MPeM.

ß-elemene suppresses the malignant behavior of esophageal cancer cells by regulating the phosphorylation of AKT.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is a digestive tract malignancy, ranking sixth among the world's deadliest tumor incidence. However, the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer is complex and the prognosis remains poor. Therefore, in-depth study of the pathogenesis and developing effective treatments are of great value for esophageal cancer. ß-elemene is a natural monomeric compound derived from the Chinese herbal Curcuma wenyujin. ß-elemene has been reported to have anti-tumor effects and used as an adjunct to clinical therapy for multiple cancers. This study aims to explore the effects of ß-elemene on esophageal cancer and its related molecular mechanisms. METHODS: TE-1 and KYSE-150 cells were used to evaluate the activity of ß-elemene on esophageal cancerin vitro and in vivo. Western blot was performed for protein expression assessment. CCK8 assay and cell cycle analysis were used for proliferation testing. Flow cytometry was performed for apoptosis detection. Wound healing assay was subjected to assess the migration ability. Transwell chamber assay was applied to assess the invasion ability. HE staining, TUNEL staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the changes in tumor tissues. RESULTS: We found that ß-elemene treatment suppressed proliferation, as well as induced apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. In addition, ß-elemene inhibited the migration and invasion ability of esophageal cancer cells. Furthermore, ß-elemene exerted its effects against esophageal cancer by specifically regulating AKT signaling, thereby controlling the expression of PD-L1. CONCLUSION: ß-elemene inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal cancer cells by regulating the phosphorylation of AKT.

The Value of COX-2, NF-κB, and Blood Routine Indexes in the Prognosis of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate differences in blood routine indexes and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) and their relationship with clinical prognosis. METHODS: We investigated changes in blood routine indexes between the MPeM patients and healthy subjects and detected the expression of COX-2 and NF-κB in peritoneal tissues by a streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry method. Potential prognostic factors were analyzed including age, gender, white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), absolute platelet count (APC), absolute monocyte count (AMC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), COX-2, and NF-κB. Cox regression model analysis established independent factors for the survival prognosis of the patients. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, AMC, MXD%, ANC, neutrophilic granulocyte percentage (NEUT%), APC, NLR, MLR, and PLR were markedly increased (p < 0.05) in the MPeM group. The positivity rates for COX-2 and NF-κB expression were 59.4 and 44.9%, respectively. Single factor analyses indicated that PLR, NLR, MLR, COX-2, and NF-κB were factors that affected the overall survival of MPeM patients, but multivariate analyses identified MLR and COX-2 as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: High blood levels of MLR and COX-2 are adverse prognostic factors for patients with MPeM.

Significance of EGFR and PTEN Expression and PLR and NLR for Predicting the Prognosis of Epithelioid Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of EGFR and PTEN in tissues and measure the serum platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to evaluate the prognostic factors of patients with epithelioid malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM). METHODS: 33 patients of pathologically diagnosed epithelioid MPeM tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry to detect EGFR and PTEN; the PLR and NLR were determined by using a routine blood test. We analyzed the relationships of these markers to age, sex, asbestos exposure, elevated platelet count, ascites, and clinical stage. RESULTS: EGFR and PTEN expressions were positive in 22 (66.67%) and 7 (21.21%) epithelioid MPeM patients, respectively. However, these two markers as well as PLR and NLR were not significantly associated with age, sex, asbestos exposure, elevated platelet counts, ascites, and clinical stage (P > 0.05). The correlation between EGFR and PTEN was negative (r = -0.577, P < 0.001), but the correlation between NLR and PLR was positive (r = 0.456, P = 0.008). The median survival of all patients was 6 months. In univariate analysis, PTEN (P < 0.001), PLR (P = 0.014), and NLR (P = 0.015) affected the overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that PTEN and PLR were validated as predictive for overall survival of epithelioid MPeM (HR = 0.070, P = 0.001, and HR = 3.379, P = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: On the basis of these results, it is suggested that PTEN and PLR are risk factors for the prognosis of epithelioid MPeM, which may be targets for selective therapies and improve the outcomes of patients with epithelioid MPeM.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Epimedium brevicornu (Berberidaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Epimedium brevicornu, a common medicinal plant is widely distributed in South China. The plastome is 156,947 bp in length, with one large single-copy region of 88,535 bp, one small single-copy region of 17,012 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 27,700 bp. It contains 132 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA, and 38 transfer RNA. Phylogenetic tree shows that this species is a sister to Epimedium acuminatum. The published plastome of E. brevicornu provides important insight into conservation and restoration efforts for E. brevicornu.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Buddleja alternifolia (Buddleiaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Buddleja alternifolia, a perennial garden plant and common medicinal plant is widely distributed in west China. The plastome is 154,357 bp in length, with one large single copy region of 85,406 bp, one small single copy region of 18,071 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,440 bp. It contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA, and 37 transfer RNA. Phylogenetic tree shows that B. alternifolia formed one clade with Buddleja colvilei and Buddleja sessilifolia. The published plastome of B. alternifolia provides significant insight for elucidating the phylogenetic relationship of taxa genus Buddleja.

Long non­coding RNA Fer­1­like family member 4 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation by regulating PTEN in vitro and in vivo.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of long non­coding RNA Fer­1­like family member 4 (FER1L4) in the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through the regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression. Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of FER1L4 and PTEN mRNA in HCC tissues, and western blotting was performed to measure the protein expression level of PTEN; MTT and colony formation assays were performed to detect the cell proliferative ability. Furthermore, nude mice were injected with transfected HCC cells and the tumor volume and weight were measured. The results indicated that FER1L4 was expressed at a low level in human HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Functional studies indicated that FER1L4 may inhibit the proliferative ability of HCC cells. In addition, PTEN was highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with normal adjacent tissues and was positively associated with FER1L4. In addition, it was demonstrated that FER1L4 inhibited the proliferative ability of HCC cells in vitro, and silencing FER1L4 expression by small interfering RNAs promoted the growth of HCC tumors in vivo. Therefore, FER1L4 may be a potent therapeutic target for HCC.

Prognostic Significance of Blood, Serum, and Ascites Parameters in Patients with Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma or Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

To determine effects of the biochemical and cytological properties of blood, serum, and ascites on survival of patients with malignant peritoneal effusion (MPeE), including malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), we conducted a retrospective study of patients with MPeE and healthy controls. Potential prognostic factors were identified as follows: age, sex, blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), serum parameters, ascites parameters, serum-ascites albumin gradient, and the ascites-serum LDH ratio. Compared to those of the control group, serum albumin levels were significantly lower, and the NLR and serum LDH levels were significantly higher in the MPeE group. Overall survival (OS) was longer in patients with MPeM compared to that in patients with PC. Compared with patients in the MPeM, patients with PC had higher NLRs, ascites glucose levels, serum-ascites albumin gradients, and serum LDH levels. In contrast, their ascites albumin levels and ascites-serum LDH ratios were lower. Univariate analyses indicated that the NLR, serum LDH levels, ascites LDH levels, ascites coenocyte levels, and the ascites coenocyte-to-monocyte ratios affected the OS. Multivariate analyses identified only serum and ascites LDH levels as independent prognostic factors.

Analysis of prognostic factors of patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to find out independent prognostic factors for patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM). METHODS: Patients with pathologically proven MPeM were retrospectively reviewed. Potential prognostic factors were analyzed, including age, gender, asbestos exposure, body mass index (BMI), treatment, and laboratory results, such as blood routine examination and liver functions. The influences of various risk factors on the prognoses were analyzed by univariate analysis. A Cox regression model analysis established independent factors for the survival prognosis of the patients. RESULTS: Seventy MPeM patients, including 33 patients who received intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cisplatin, 14 patients who received systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin + pemetrexed, and 21 untreated patients were included in this study. The 1-year survival was 32.9%, the 2-year survival was 10%, and the 3-year survival was 2.9%. The median age of MPeM was 62 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 1:0.56. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that treatment, albumin (ALB), and blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were independent factors that affected the overall survival (OS) of MPeM patients. CONCLUSION: High blood NLR and hypoalbuminemia are adverse prognostic factors for MPeM patients. Systemic chemotherapy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy can prolong the survival period.

Pretreatment Controlling Nutritional Status Score and Lactate Dehydrogenase as Predictive Markers of Survival in Patients with Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and ascites fluid lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and prognosis in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM). METHODS: A total of 125 patients with MPeM were selected for the study using a pathological screening method. Once the diagnosis is established, before the treatment their clinical characteristics and nutritional evaluations were recorded including CONUT score and ascites LDH level. The associations between CONUT, ascites LDH, and other clinicopathological features including body mass index, asbestos exposure, pathological type, and treatment method were analyzed. Prognostic parameters predicting overall survival (OS) were analyzed by Cox regression. RESULTS: High CONUT score, high ascites LDH level were positively associated with poor prognosis in patients with MPeM according to univariate analyses (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), and CONUT score and ascites LDH were independent predictors of a poor prognosis according to multivariate analysis. When the CONUT score is greater than 3 and the ascites LHD is greater than 474 IU/l, it indicates a poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: CONUT score and ascites LDH are important factors influencing the prognosis of MPeM patients and should thus be considered in clinical applications.

MiR-30a Decreases Multidrug Resistance (MDR) of Gastric Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of chemotherapy for gastric cancer is largely limited by either intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between miR-30a dysregulation and multidrug resistance (MDR) in gastric cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 20 patients with advanced gastric cancer. Chemosensitivity was assessed after completion of the chemotherapy. SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/DDP cells were transfected for miR-30a overexpression or knockdown. Then, MTT assay was performed to assess the IC50 of DPP and 5-FU in SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/DDP cells. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect DPP- and 5-FU-induced cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess EMT of the cells. RESULTS MiR-30a was significantly downregulated in the chemoresistant tissues. In both SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/DDP cells, miR-30a overexpression decreased the expression of P-gp, a MDR-related protein. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that miR-30a inhibition increased chemoresistance, while miR-30a overexpression decreased chemoresistance in gastric cancer cells. Both Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining confirmed that miR-30a inhibition decreased E-cadherin but increased N-cadherin in SGC-7901 cells, while miR-30a overexpression increased E-cadherin but decreased N-cadherin in SGC-7901 cells. CONCLUSIONS MiR-30a can decrease multidrug resistance (MDR) of gastric cancer cells. It is also an important miRNA modulating EMT of the cancer cells.

Malignant Peritoneum Mesothelioma with Hepatic Involvement: A Single Institution Experience in 5 Patients and Review of the Literature.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with invasion of the liver is an invariably fatal disease. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma cases with liver involvement. The clinical presentation, computed tomography images, and immunohistochemical and histopathological features of 5 patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and liver involvement were evaluated. The diagnosis was established by imaging and immune profiles of the tumours. A review of 8 cases with primary or invading malignant mesothelioma in liver is presented. All 5 mesothelioma cases were asbestos-related. CT images of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with the liver involvement typically showed that the lesion grew inside the liver along the capsule and was possibly accompanied by capsule breakthrough and extrahepatic infiltration. The tumours exhibited a common epithelioid appearance in all 5 patients and most cases revealed positive Cal, CK, and MC with negative CEA and HeP. Different from our findings, the review of literature revealed that most malignant mesothelioma of liver was due to primary intrahepatic malignant mesothelioma. Finally, we concluded that the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma cases with liver invasion is reliably achieved by the history of asbestos exposure, the characteristic CT imaging, and immune profiles of the tumours.

CT differentiation of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) have similar imaging in computer tomography (CT). We aimed to distinguish them. METHODS: Computer tomography findings were evaluated in 48 DMPM and 47 PC for the peritoneal, mesenteric, omentum, lymph nodes, viscera infiltration, ascites and pleural plaques. RESULTS: Two groups had no difference in terms of thickness, clinical manifestation, diameter of lymph nodes, ascites, and viscera infiltration. But they showed differences in the following: Ratio of asbestos exposure in DMPM group was higher. Smooth and irregular peritoneal thickening were more seen in DMPM group; peritoneal nodules were more commonly detected in PC group. Forty-eight cases of peritoneum in DMPM showed mild enhanced, while 14 patients in PC showed severe enhanced. Nodular type of omentum was more common in PC group than in DMPM group; omental cake was more commonly detected in DMPM group. Mesentery involvement was more commonly seen in DMPM group. Location of enlarged lymph nodes in cardiophrenic region was more frequently identified in DMPM, whereas location of enlarged lymph nodes in retroperitoneal region was more frequently identified in PC. Lymph nodes fusion was more frequently visualized in PC. Fixation of the intestinal wall was more common in DMPM. Pleural plaque was more common in DMPM. PC had distant metastasis except primary foci and peritoneum. In PC, tumor origins were ovary in 10, digestive system in 21, breast in one. CONCLUSION: Using a combination of CT findings may increase our ability to distinguish PC from DMPM.