S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A8 Functions as a Tumor-Promoting Factor in Renal Cell Carcinoma via Activating NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), arising from the renal tubular epithelium, is one of the most common types of genitourinary malignancies. Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE100666), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) was highly expressed in RCC tissues. S100A8, an inflammatory regulatory factor, has emerged as an important mediator associated with the occurrence and development of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to identify the key genes and investigate the main signaling pathways in RCC. Human RCC samples and corresponding adjacent normal tissues were collected in our hospital. The expression of S100A8 in human RCC samples was detected using western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. S100A8 overexpression or knockdown was mediated by using Lipofectamine 3000 in human renal cell carcinoma cell line 786-O and ACHN cells. Basic experiments, including MTT and cell apoptosis assays, were utilized for investigating the function of S100A8 in RCC. Furthermore, the levels of inflammation were also evaluated in 786-O and ACHN cells. RESULTS: In the current study, we found that downregulation of S100A8 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in 786-O and ACHN RCC cells. Of note, S100A8 silencing downregulated the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, thereby decreasing the levels of TNF-α, cleaved caspase1, and MMP9. By contrast, S100A8 upregulation could increase these expressions. CONCLUSION: Overall, S100A8 knockdown restrained RCC malignant biological properties, which was associated with the deactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This present study demonstrates new insights that S100A8 may be a potential therapeutic target in RCC.

Screening of rpsL mutations in streptomycin resistance gene of 104 strains of Yersinia pestis strains in south area of Qinghai Province by TaqMan-MGB fluorescent probe / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the current status of streptomycin resistance of Yersinia pestis caused by point mutations of rpsL gene in Qinghai, so as to provide theoretical basis for precise clinical medication and prevention of drug resistance of human plague outbreak in South area of Qinghai Province in the future. Methods A total of 104 representative strains of Yersinia pestis collected from plague patients, vector insects and intermediate hosts in South area of Qinghai Province from 1957 to 2009 were screened, isolated and cultured by Hiss agar plates. The DNA of representative Yersinia pestis was extracted by sodium dodecyl sulfate lysis and phenol-chloroform method. The primers forward primer and reverse primer and TaqMan-MGB probes probe1 [FAM] and probe2 [VIC] were designed for the rpsL gene of streptomycin resistance gene in China. Real-time PCR with TaqMan-MGB fluorescent probe was used to detect the mutations of rpsL gene in streptomycin resistance locus of 104 strains of Yersinia pestis in South area of Qinghai Province. Results The FAM test results of 104 strains in South area of Qinghai Province were positive, corresponding to the detection of rpsL (128 : A ), RFU peak >1 000,negative <200. VIC test results of all tested strains were negative, corresponding to the detection of rpsL (128:G), RFU peak <200, positive >1 000. That is, no strains with rpsL gene mutation related to streptomycin resistance were found in the 104 strains of Yersinia pestis in Qingnan Province. Conclusion This study provides basic data on the distribution of streptomycin resistance of Yersinia pestis in South area of Qinghai Province, and lays a foundation for preventing the occurrence of drug resistance and clinical treatment of Yersinia pestis in South area of Qinghai Province.

Research on the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats genotyping of Yersinia pestis in the natural plague foci of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To investigate the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genotypes and regional distribution of Yersinia pestis strains in the natural plague foci of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province (referred to as "Hainan prefecture") and provide a scientific basis for plague prevention and control in this area. Methods　A total of 36 representative Yersinia pestis strains, which were isolated from different host animals and insect vectors from 1954 to 2009 in Hainan Prefecture, were selected as experimental subjects. The DNAs were extracted using the traditional sodium dodecyl sulfate decomposition and phenol-chloroform method. Three pairs of CRISPR primers (YPa, Ypb, YPc) were used for PCR amplification, sequencing and analysis of the DNA of the tested strains, respectively, as a means to identify the CRISPR genotypes of Yersinia pestis in Hainan Prefecture. Results　A total of 17 spacers were observed among 36 strains of Yersinia pestis, including 9 of YPa, 5 of YPb and 3 of YPc. All strains were divided into 5 CRISPR gene clusters (Cb2, Cb4 ', Ca7, Ca7 ', Ca35 ') and 6 genotypes (G1, G9, G22, G22-A1 ', G26-A1 ', G26-A1 'A4 -). The G26-a1 ' was the main genotype, which was distributed in Gonghe, Guide and Xinghai County, and the G22 is the second type, which was distributed in Gonghe and Guide County. Conclusions　The genetic polymorphism of CRISPR loci of Yersinia pestis strains in Hainan was high, and the regional distribution characteristics of Yersinia pestis strains with different genotypes were significant.

[Gene polymorphisms of estrogen receptor α correlated with hypospadias in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of the polymorphisms of the gene of estrogen receptor α 1 (ESR1) with the risk of hypospadias in children of Northeast China. METHODS: This study included 95 hypospadias patients aged 3.2±0.6 years and 105 children aged 3.1±0.7 years as normal controls. Using PCR and gene sequencing, we determined the genotypes of the polymorphisms of ESR1 rs2077647 and rs6932902 in the two groups of subjects. RESULTS: The results of PCR and gene sequencing showed statistically significant differences in the genotype and allele frequency distribution of the polymorphisms rs2077647 (χ2 = 8.552) and rs6932902 (χ2 = 16.251) (P<0.05) in the hypospadias and control groups. The hypospadias patients, in comparison with the normal controls, exhibited a markedly higher frequency of the SNP C allele in rs2077647 (OR = 1.410 ï¼»1.130－1.759ï¼½, P<0.05), but a remarkably lower frequency of the SNP G allele in rs6932902 (OR = 2.263 ï¼»1.503－3.408ï¼½, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The rs2077647 and rs6932902 polymorphisms of the ESR1 gene are associated with the risk of hypospadias, and so is its haplotype in children in Northeast China.