POU2F2-mediated upregulation of lncRNA PTPRG-AS1 inhibits ferroptosis in breast cancer via miR-376c-3p/SLC7A11 axis.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of BC with high rates of mortality. The mechanism of PTPRG-AS1 in ferroptosis of TNBC was investigated. Methods: Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to measure intermolecular relationships. MTT and colony formation assays detected cell viability and proliferation. Kits detected Fe2+ and reactive oxygen species levels. The role of PTPRG-AS1 in tumor growth was analyzed in vivo. Results: PTPRG-AS1 was increased in TNBC tissues and cells. PTPRG-AS1 silencing increased the reduction of glutathione and GPX4, increased Fe2+ and reactive oxygen species in erastin-treated cells and inhibited proliferation. POU2F2 transcriptionally upregulated PTPRG-AS1. PTPRG-AS1 targeted miR-376c-3p to upregulate SLC7A11. PTPRG-AS1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: POU2F2 transcriptionally activates PTPRG-AS1 to modulate ferroptosis and proliferation by miR-376c-3p/SLC7A11, promoting TNBC.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a kind of breast cancer with high recurrence and low survival rates. Activation of the ferroptosis pathway can inhibit BC proliferation and distant metastasis. Therefore, identifying effective biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in TNBC is important for its earlier detection and therapy. PTPRG-AS1 is a new type of lncRNA discovered in recent years that is increased in various diseases and is related to prognosis. In the present study, the authors found that POU2F2 promoted PTPRG-AS1 transcription. PTPRG-AS1 knockdown activated ferroptosis in TNBC and inhibited proliferation. Mechanistically, PTPRG-AS1 targeted miR-376c-3p to upregulate SLC7A11, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and promoting TNBC development. These results indicate that PTPRG-AS1 is a possible therapeutic target in TNBC.

Circulating miR-221 expression level and prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using serum miR-221 as a noninvasive prognostic biomarker for cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). MATERIAL/METHODS: We measured the expression levels of miR-221 in serum samples from 72 CMM patients and 54 healthy controls by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The differences between the survival curves were tested by using the log-rank test. The COX proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the joint effects of several variables on survival. RESULTS: The serum miR-221 levels were significantly higher in patients with CMM than in healthy controls (p<0.0001). Patients with high serum miR-221 levels had a significantly lower 5-year OS rate (22.1% vs. 54.6%; P=0.018) and RFS rate (12.5% vs. 45.2%; P=0.008) than those with low serum miR-221 level. In a multivariate Cox model, we found that miR-221 expression was an independent predictor of poor 5-year OS (hazards ratio [HR]=3.189, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.782-6.777, P=0.007) and 5-year DFS (HR=2.119, CI=1.962-8.552, P=0.01) in CMM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that serum miR-221 expression level has prognostic value in patients with CMM.

Multivariate analysis of molecular indicators for postoperative liver metastasis in colorectal cancer cases.

AIMS: To explore the relationship between various molecular makers and liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHOD: Using immunohistochemistry, protein expression of CEA, nm23, c-met, MMP2, COX- 2, VEGF, EGFR, and CD44 was assessed in 80 CRC cases. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to analyze the relationship between these indicators and CRC liver metastasis. RESULTS: There were significant differences in expression of CEA, MMP2, CD44, VEGF and EGFR between the liver metastasis and non metastasis groups (P < 0.05); no significant differences were noted for nm23, c-met, and COX-2 expression. Logistic regression analysis showed that only CEA, VEGF, and EGFR entered into the regression equation, and had significant correlations with CRC liver metastasis (α inclusion= 0.10, α elimination = 0.15, R2 = 0.718). CONCLUSIONS: Combination detection of CEA, VEGF, and EGFR may be an effective means to predict CRC liver metastasis. Nm23, c-met, MMP2, COX-2, and CD44, in contrast, are not suitable as prognostic markers.

[Comparative study on long-term results of laparoscopic and open radical resection for colorectal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term results of laparoscopic and open radical resection for colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: Two hundred and fifteen patients with colorectal cancer from January 1996 to September 2000 were non-randomly divided into laparoscopic and open operation groups. Local recurrence, distant metastasis, 5-year survival rate and long-term postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Eighty-seven cases received laparoscopic resection and 128 cases received open operation. There were no statistical differences in age, sex and tumor stage between the two groups (P > 0.05). The 5-year-survival rate was 70% in open operation group, and 78% in laparoscopic group (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidences of local recurrence, distant metastasis, incision seeding, and incision hernia between the two groups (P > 0.05). The complication rate of postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction was significantly lower in laparoscopic group than that in open operation group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results of laparoscopic resection are similar to those of open resection for colorectal carcinoma, but laparoscopic surgery has less long-term complications.