Medicine's scientific contributions

Objective To investigate miR-183-5p targeting to forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and its corresponding effect on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Methods NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 60 patients with NSCLC adenocarcinoma were obtained via pathological biopsy or intraoperative resection. Several cell lines were cultured in vitro, including the human normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B and human NSCLC cell lines A549, SPCA-1, PC-9, and 95-D. miR-183-5p and FOXO1 mRNA expression in tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR; the corresponding correlations in NSCLC tissues were analyzed using the Pearson test, and the relationship between miR-183-5p expression and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. The miR-183-5p-mediated regulation of FOXO1 was verified by bioinformatics prediction alongside double luciferase, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and pull-down experiments. A549 cells were divided into control, anti-miR-NC, anti-miR-183-5p, miR-NC, miR-183-5p, miR-183-5p+pcDNA3.1, and miR-183-5p+pcDNA3.1-FOXO1 groups. Cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution were detected using an MTT assay, clone formation assay, Transwell assay, scratch test, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of EMT-related proteins in the cells was analyzed by western blotting. The effect of miR-185-3p silencing on the development of transplanted tumors was detected by analyzing tumor formation in nude mice. Results miR-183-5p expression was significantly higher in NSCLC tissues and cells than in adjacent normal tissues, whereas FOXO1 mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated. There was a significant negative correlation between miR-183-5p and FOXO1 mRNA in NSCLC tissues (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of miR-183-5p was significantly correlated with tumor size, tumor differentiation, and tumor-node-metastasis stage in patients with NSCLC (P < 0.05). miR-183-5p targeted and inhibited FOXO1 expression. Compared to the anti-miR-NC group, the cell proliferation, scratch healing rate, N-cadherin and vimentin protein expression, and the proportion of S phase cells were significantly lower in the anti-miR-183-5p group, whereas the protein expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin and the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells were significantly higher; additionally, the frequency of colony formation and invasion were significantly lower in the anti-miR-183-5p group (P < 0.05). Compared to the miR-NC group, the cell proliferation, scratch healing rate, N-cadherin and vimentin protein expression, and the proportion of S phase cells in the miR-183-5p group were significantly higher, whereas the E-cadherin and α-catenin protein expression and the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells were significantly lower; furthermore, the frequency of colony formation and invasion were significantly higher in the miR-183-5p group (P < 0.05). Compared with the miR-183-5p+pcDNA3.1 group, the OD value, scratch healing rate, N-cadherin and vimentin protein expression, and the proportion of S phase cells were significantly lower in the miR-183-5p+pcDNA3.1-FOXO1 group, whereas E-cadherin and α-catenin protein expression and the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells were significantly higher; additionally, the frequency of colony formation and invasion was significantly lower in the miR-183-5p+pcDNA3.1-FOXO1 group (P < 0.05). Overall, silencing miR-185-3p inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors and promoted FOXO1 expression. Conclusion Overexpression of miR-183-5p can inhibit apoptosis and promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, of NSCLC cells by down-regulating FOXO1 expression. Abstract Downloaded from http://journals.lww.com/otm by BhDMf5ePHKav1zEoum1tQfN4a+kJLhEZgbsIHo4XMi0hCywCX1AWn YQp/IlQrHD3i3D0OdRyi7TvSFl4Cf3VC4/OAVpDDa8K2+Ya6H515kE= on 06/13/2024

Objective This meta-analysis explored whether the expression of actin filament-associated protein 1 antisense RNA 1 (AFAP1-AS1) is related to the prognosis and clinicopathological features of patients with cancer. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the prognostic value based on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were used to determine the relationships between AFAP1-AS1 and clinicopathological features, such as large tumor size (LTS), high tumor stage (HTS), poor histological grade (PHG), lymph node metastasis (LNM), and distant metastasis (DM). Results Thirty-five eligible articles and 3433 cases were analyzed. High AFAP1-AS1 expression, compared to low AFAP1-AS1 expression, correlated with significantly shorter OS (HR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.97-2.34, P < 0.001), DFS (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.19-1.57, P < 0.001), and PFS (HR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.56-2.50, P < 0.001) in patients with cancer. In various cancers, elevated AFAP1-AS1 expression was significantly associated with LTS (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 2.16-3.53, P < 0.001), HTS (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.83-2.71, P < 0.001), and PHG (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.08-1.79, P = 0.01) but not LNM (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.88-2.85, P = 0.12) or DM (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 0.90-3.66, P = 0.10). Conclusion High AFAP1-AS1 expression was associated with prognostic and clinicopathological features, suggesting that AFAP1-AS1 is a prognostic biomarker for human cancers. Abstract Cancer is an important factor that affects human health and is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to recent epidemiological statistics, there are an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10.0 million cancer deaths worldwide each year [1]. Global cancer cases are expected to reach 28.4 million cases in 2040, an increase of 47% compared to that in 2020, which may further increase the economic burden [1]. With advancements in medicine and science, cancer deaths have decreased; however, the five-year survival rate is still inadequate. Although many studies have focused on biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, the results have not been optimistic. Therefore, new prognostic biomarkers are needed to drive cancer development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are transcriptional regulatory factors that operate in cis or trans, are defined as transcripts that do not encode proteins of more than 200 nucleotides [2]. lncRNAs are associated

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a potentially fatal clinical complication of chest radiotherapy (RT). RIHD is detrimental to the long-term health of post-RT survivors and limits the dose and intensity of RT required to effectively kill tumor cells. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, non-coding, single-stranded, small molecular RNAs that regulate gene expression and participate in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and disease development. MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) has become one of the most intensively studied miRNAs in the fields of cancer and cardiovascular disease in recent years. miRNA-21 plays an important role in RIHD progression. This article reviews the origin and function of miRNA-21 in the cardiovascular system and its role in RIHD pathogenesis. In addition, the potential role of miRNA-21 as a new target for predicting and treating RIHD is also discussed. Abstract Despite the increased overall survival rate in patients receiving radiation therapy, its side effects and sequelae have become major obstacles to the patients' quality of life in long-term survival, and radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is one of these vital detrimental factors [1]

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common hepatobiliary cancer, and its incidence has increased significantly in recent years. CCA has poor prognosis owing to the limited diagnosis and treatment options. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which comprises immune cells, cytokines, and chemokines, plays a significant role in cancer progression, the evasion of immune surveillance, and therapeutic responses. Immunotherapeutic strategies targeting the TIME offer the potential for the recognition and eradication of CCA. This review discusses the cellular and molecular components of the TIME in CCA and immunotherapeutic strategies targeting it. Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a malignant tumor originating from the biliary duct, has poor prognosis because of limited diagnostic and treatment options [1, 2]. Current treatment options for CCA include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, delayed diagnosis, high recurrence rates, and a lack of effective systemic therapies compromise the prognosis [3]. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is a multifaceted system comprising immune cells, cytokines, and chemokines that actively interact with neoplastic cells. These intricate interactions critically affect cancer progression, the evasion of immune surveillance, and responses to therapeutic interventions [4]. By modulating host immunity to recognize and eradicate malignant cells, immunotherapy targeting the TIME is a potential therapeutic strategy against several cancers, including CCA [5]. Cellular and molecular components of TIME in CCA Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their roles in promoting tumor growth and metastasis TAMs are abundant in the CCA tumor microenvironment and contribute to tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis by secreting growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. These key TIME components contribute to disease progression [6]. They also suppress T cells and promote the expansion of immunosuppressive Downloaded from

Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a security assessment of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy using lobaplatin for advanced colorectal cancer. Methods From February 2015 to February 2016, 143 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery in our department were selected prospectively. All patients were randomly screened and enrolled into the intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) (74 cases) and control (69 cases) groups, depending on the distribution of cases in the random table. In the trial group, patients were administered 40 mg lobaplatin by intraperitoneal implantation intraoperatively, together with intravenous chemotherapy post-operatively using a typical FOLFOX strategy with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin. In the control group, only FOLFOX was administered. Bowel function recovery time, adverse reactions and complications, and pre-and post-chemotherapy laboratory examinations were compared. In addition, a 5-year-long follow-up was performed. Results Recovery times of bowel function were 73.5 ± 9.7 h and 74.8 ± 10.3 h respectively, and the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Wound fat liquefaction was observed in five cases in both groups (6.8% vs. 7.2%, P > 0.05). The outcomes of nausea and vomiting (57 cases, 77.0% vs. 50 cases, 72.5%), constipation (43 cases, 58.1% vs. 36 cases, 52.2%), and diarrhea (5 cases, 6.8% vs. 5 cases, 7.2%) were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Indices of white blood cell count, blood platelet count, and hepatorenal function were not significantly different (all P>0.05) neither post-operatively nor post-chemotherapy. The 5-year survival rate was not significantly different between the groups (58.1% vs. 56.5%, P > 0.05). Conclusion Intraoperative chemotherapy with lobaplatin for advanced colorectal cancer is safe and tolerable. Abstract Chemotherapy can be divided into systemic and loco-regional therapies, based on the method of administration.

Objective Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies among elderly males. However, effective prognostic biomarkers are currently lacking. Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify patients at high risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR). Methods In our study, RNA sequencing and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset to serve as the training and internal validation sets. The GSE84042 dataset was used as the external validation set. Batch effects were removed and normalized for the two datasets using "sva" package. Univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were successively performed to identify the redox-related gene (RRG) signature. After performing univariate Cox, LASSO Cox, and multivariate Cox regression analyses, a signature consisting of seven RRGs was established to predict BCR of patients with PCa, which included TP53, ADH5, SRRT, SLC24A2, COL1A1, CSF3R, and TEX19. Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed good performance for the prognostic signature in the training and validation datasets. Results Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed that the RRG signature was an independent prognostic factor for BCR of patients with PCa. Thereafter, the nomogram results revealed that it was able to predict BCR of patients with PCa with high efficiency. Conclusion This study identified an independent prognostic signature and established a nomogram to predict BCR in PCa. This signature can be used to identify patients with PCa with a high risk of BCR, and personalized treatment can be applied. Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed urogenital cancers in the elderly (age > 65 years) [1] and has the second highest male cancer-related mortality rate in the United States, accounting for approximately 20% of newly diagnosed cases in 2019 [2]. With advances in diagnosis and therapy, the clinical survival of patients with PCa has significantly increased. However, 20%-30% of patients experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) without clinical or radiographic metastases [3]. Without secondary treatment, the interval time from BCR to clinical progression is approximately 5-8 years, and 32%-45% of patients die of PCa within 15 years [4]. Therefore, a prognostic signature that can predict BCR-free survival is of tremendous clinical value. Redox (reduction and oxidation) reactions are a series of reactions that transfer electrons between molecules. Redox reactions occur extensively throughout the body in response to both endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Redox reactions have important physiological functions such as transcriptional regulation, direct Downloaded from

Introduction flora is abundant and diverse, and it has an indispensable role in human digestion, metabolism, defense, and immunity. The intestinal flora is involved in the development and progression of many diseases [1]. Inflammatory diseases (e.g., enteritis and pancreatitis), metabolic diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity), and psychiatric diseases (e.g., depression and Alzheimer's disease) are closely related to changes in the intestinal flora [2-4]. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and poses a serious risk to human health. Evidence suggests that intestinal flora composition is strongly associated with primary HCC, and that the intestinal microbiota plays a key role in promoting the progression of liver disease and HCC development. At present, in the diagnosis and treatment of liver-related diseases, most clinicians do not

Cancer-related cachexia is highly prevalent in patients with advanced cancer, affecting approximately 50%-80% of patients and seriously interfering with active therapy, quality of life, and survival time. There are currently no effective treatments for cachexia. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are required. In recent years, advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying cachexia have been made, and new drugs have been developed to combat cachexia muscle wasting and weight loss due to cancer. In this systematic review, we discuss these novel targets and drug treatments. Abstract Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial and irreversible syndrome often associated with dysfunction, such as decreased appetite, loss of body mass, muscle wasting, and deterioration of nutritional status. It is characterized by loss of skeletal and visceral muscle mass, with or without body fat loss, which cannot be entirely reversed by conventional nutritional support [1]. The pathogenesis of cancer-related cachexia is complex, involving endocrine metabolic disorders caused by tumors, muscle wasting, abnormal energy metabolism mediated by cytokines, and anorexia regulated by the hypothalamus [2-3]. Approximately 50%

Editorial Board (sorted by Chinese phonetic family name): Hanxiang An (Xiang'an Affiliated Thrombocytopenia and liver injury are serious clinical problems in patients with cancer. The etiology of thrombocytopenia in patients with cancer and liver injury (TCLI) is complicated. Managing cancer therapy-induced thrombocytopenia has gradually become standardized, and managing liver injury-associated thrombocytopenia has become more effective with the approval and marketing of relevant drugs. However, the optimal strategy for managing thrombocytopenia in patients with cancer and liver injury remains unclear, and the superposition of thrombocytopenia and liver injury further increases the difficulty of cancer treatment. Therefore, the Committee of Cancer Support Therapy of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association has organized experts to analyze and discuss relevant literature to form a Chinese expert consensus on managing thrombocytopenia in patients with cancer and liver injury (2022 Edition) to guide clinical practice.

Objective This study aimed to explore the feasibility of enhancing image quality in computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and reducing radiation dose using the nonlinear blending (NLB) technique of dual-energy CT. Methods A total of 61 patients scheduled for CTPA were enrolled, and 30 patients underwent dual-energy scanning. Nonlinear blending images (NLB group) and three groups of linear blending images (LB group, 80 kV group, and 140 kV group) were reconstructed after scanning; 31 patients underwent single-energy scanning (120 kV group). The CT values and standard deviations of the pulmonary trunk, left and right pulmonary arteries, and ipsilateral back muscle at the bifurcation level of the left and right pulmonary arteries were measured. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the five groups were calculated. The subjective image quality of the five groups was assessed. The radiation doses of the dual-and single-energy groups were recorded and calculated. Results The CNR and SNR values of blood vessels in the NLB group were significantly higher than those in the LB, 140 kV, and 80 kV groups (CNR of pulmonary artery trunk: t = 3.50, 4.06, 7.17, all P < 0.05; SNR of pulmonary trunk: t = 3.76, 4.71, 6.92, all P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the CNR and SNR values between the NLB group and 120 kV group (P > 0.05). The effective radiation dose of the dual-energy group was lower than that of the single-energy group (t =-4.52, P < 0.05). The subjective scores of images in the NLB group were the highest (4.28 ± 0.74). Conclusion The NLB technique of dual-energy CT can improve the image quality of CTPA and reduce the radiation dose, providing more reliable imaging data for the clinical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Abstract Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an accurate and reliable noninvasive imaging method for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) [1]. In this study, an intelligent tracking method of segmented injection of contrast agent is adopted, which can not only avoid the poor image quality caused by the difference in individual cycles when using the empirical value method but also reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dosage by the low-dose test method. The image quality can also be improved using reconstruction technology [2]. The non-linear blending (NLB) technique of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) can improve image quality by changing the calculation method of the CT value, preserving the enhancement degree of blood vessels, and reducing soft tissue noise [3]. The NLB technique has been used to improve the image quality of cranial vessels [4-5] , abdominal vessels [6] , and pulmonary nodules [7]. However, there are few studies on the application of this technique to pulmonary arteries. Patients with PE often require multiple examinations with short intervals, and the quality of CTPA images is easily affected by circulatory differences in contrast agents in different individuals. Therefore, the study of NLB technology is of great clinical significance in improving the CTPA image quality and reducing the radiation dose.