Tim-3 Expression by Peripheral Natural Killer Cells and Natural Killer T Cells Increases in Patients with Lung Cancer - Reduction after Surgical Resection

Xu, Li-Yun,Chen, Dong-Dong,He, Jian-Ying,Lu, Chang-Chang,Liu, Xiao-Guang,Le, Han-Bo,Wang, Chao-Ye,Zhang, Yong-Kui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate Tim-3 expression on peripheral CD3-CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells and CD3+CD56+ natural killer T (NKT) cells in lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods: We analyzed Tim-3+CD3-CD56+ cells, Tim-3+CD3-$CD56^{dim}$ cells, Tim-3+CD3-$CD56^{bright}$ cells, and Tim-3+CD3+CD56+ cells in fresh peripheral blood from 79 lung cancer cases preoperatively and 53 healthy controls by flow cytometry. Postoperative blood samples were also analyzed from 21 members of the lung cancer patient cohort. Results: It was showed that expression of Tim-3 was significantly increased on CD3-CD56+ cells, CD3-$CD56^{dim}$ cells and CD3+CD56+ cells in lung cancer patients as compared to healthy controls (p=0.03, p=0.03 and p=0.04, respectively). When analyzing Tim-3 expression with cancer progression, results revealed more elevated Tim-3 expression in CD3-CD56+ cells, CD3-$CD56^{dim}$ cells and CD3+CD56+ cells in cases with advanced stages (III/IV) than those with stage I and II (p=0.02, p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively). In addition, Tim-3 expression was significantly reduced on after surgical resection of the primary tumor (p<0.01). Conclusions: Tim-3 expression in natural killer cells from fresh peripheral blood may provide a useful indicator of disease progression of lung cancer. Furthermore, it was indicated that Tim-3 might be as a therapeutic target.

Prognostic Significance of Overexpression of EZH2 and H3k27me3 Proteins in Gastric Cancer

He, Long-Jun,Cai, Mu-Yan,Xu, Guo-Liang,Li, Jian-Jun,Weng, Zi-Jin,Xu, Da-Zhi,Luo, Guang-Yu,Zhu, Sen-Lin,Xie, Dan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) methyl transferase and histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) protein can repress gene transcription, and their aberrant expression has been observed in various human cancers. This study determined their expression levels in gastric cancer tissues with reference to clinicopathological features and patient survival. We collected 117 gastric cancer and corresponding normal tissues for immunohistochemistry analysis. In gastric cancers, 82/117 (70.1%) were positive for EZH2 and 66/117 (56.4%) for H3K27me3 proteins in contrast to only 5.41% and 7.25% of normal gastric mucosa specimens, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival data showed the average overall and disease-free survival of EZH2 high expression patients was 25.2 and 20.2 months, respectively, shorter than that with EZH2 low expression (40.5 and 35.9 months). The average overall survival and disease-free survival of high H3K27me3 expression patients was 23.4 and 17.4 months, shorter than without H3K27me3 expression (37.6 and 34.5 months). The average overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with both EZH2 and H3K27me3 expression was 18.8 and 12.9 months, respectively, shorter than that with either alone (34.7 and 31.2 months) or with low levels of both (43.9 and 39.9 months). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that H3K27me3 and EZH2 expression, tumor size differentiation and clinical stage were all independent prognostic factors for predicting patient survival. This study demonstrated that detection of both EZH2 and H3K27me3 proteins can predict poor survival of gastric cancer patients, superior to single protein detection. In addition, H3K27me3 and EZH2 protein expression could predict lymph node metastasis.

Comparing Outcomes of Banana-Shaped and Straight Cages in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Guang-Xun Lin,Li-Ru He,Jin-Niang Nan,Wen-Bin Xu,Keyi Xiao,Zhiqiang Que,Shang-Wun Jhang,Chien-Min Chen,Ming-Tao Zhu,Gang Rui 대한척추신경외과학회 2024 Neurospine Vol.21 No.1

Objective: This meta-analysis aims to refine the understanding of the optimal choice between different cage shapes in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) by systematically comparing perioperative data, radiological outcomes, clinical results, and complications associated with banana-shaped and straight bullet cages. Methods: A meticulous literature search encompassing PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China Knowledge Network, and Wanfang Data was executed up to October 5, 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies comparing banana-shaped and straight bullet cages in TLIF. The quality of included studies was assessed using appropriate tools such as the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for nonrandomized studies. Rigorous evaluations were performed for radiographic outcomes, including disc height (DH), segmental lordosis (SL), lumbar lordosis (LL), subsidence, and fusion rates. Clinical outcomes were meticulously evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and complications. Results: The analysis incorporated 7 studies, involving 573 patients (297 with banana-shaped cages, 276 with straight cages), all with NOS ratings exceeding 5 stars. No statistically significant differences were observed in operative time, blood loss, or hospitalization between the 2 cage shapes. Banana-shaped cages exhibited greater changes in DH (p = 0.001), SL (p = 0.02), and LL (p = 0.01). Despite statistically higher changes in ODI for straight cages (26.33, p < 0.0001), the actual value remained similar to banana-shaped cages (26.15). Both cage types demonstrated similar efficacy in VAS, complication rates, subsidence, and fusion rates. Conclusion: Although banana-shaped cages can excel in restoring DH, SL, and LL, straight bullet cages can provide comparable functional improvements, pain relief, and complication rates.

Ce3+ triggers fenton-like processes in neutral solutions for effective catechol degradation

Xing Chen,Xu Liu,Hai-Bo Wang,Kang-Ping Cui,Rohan Weerasooriya,Shi-Long He,Guang-Hong Li,Jun Pan,Kai Zhou 대한환경공학회 2022 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.27 No.1

Classical Fenton and Fenton-like processes destruct organic pollutants in water non-selectively to complete mineralization. However, the usage of classical Fenton or Fenton-like processes is often limited due to the narrow operational pH window, sludge accumulation, inefficient H₂O₂ and efficiency decline. To overcome these constraints, in this study, we used a homogeneous Fe<SUP>3+</SUP>-Ce<SUP>3+</SUP>-H₂O₂ Fenton-like process to degrade catechol at different experimental conditions. At pH 7, almost 97% of 10 mM catechol can be destructed within 60 min while the degradation by Classical Fenton or Fe<SUP>3+</SUP>-H₂O₂ Fenton-like process only 36.2% and 23.7%. The resultant solution after the degradation contains only traces of cerium ions. The sludge created by the process was extensively characterized by FTIR and XPS spectroscopy to elucidate the fate of cerium ions. Electron spin resonance (ESR) data confirmed •OH as the major free radical in Fe<SUP>3+</SUP>-Ce<SUP>3+</SUP>-H₂O₂ process. Our Fenton-like process widens the optimal pH values to neutral condition.

Utrecht Interstitial Applicator Shifts and DVH Parameter Changes in 3D CT-based HDR Brachytherapy of Cervical Cancer

Shi, Dan,He, Ming-Yuan,Zhao, Zhi-Peng,Wu, Ning,Zhao, Hong-Fu,Xu, Zhi-Jian,Cheng, Guang-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.9

Background: For brachytherapy of cervical cancer, applicator shifts can not be avoided. The present investigation concerned Utrecht interstitial applicator shifts and their effects on organ movement and DVH parameters during 3D CT-based HDR brachytherapy of cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: After the applicator being implanted, CT imaging was achieved for oncologist contouring CTVhr, CTVir, and OAR, including bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon and small intestines. After the treatment, CT imaging was repeated to determine applicator shifts and OARs movements. Two CT images were matched by pelvic structures. In both imaging results, we defined the tandem by the tip and the base as the marker point, and evaluated applicator shift, including X, Y and Z. Based on the repeated CT imaging, oncologist contoured the target volume and OARs again. We combined the treatment plan with the repeated CT imaging and evaluated the change range for the doses of CTVhr D90, D2cc of OARs. Results: The average applicator shift was -0.16 mm to 0.10 mm for X, 1.49 mm to 2.14 mm for Y, and 1.9 mm to 2.3 mm for Z. The change of average physical doses and EQD2 values in Gy${\alpha}/{\beta}$ range for CTVhr D90 decreased by 2.55 % and 3.5 %, bladder D2cc decreased by 5.94 % and 8.77 %, rectum D2cc decreased by 2.94 % and 4 %, sigmoid colon D2cc decreased by 3.38 % and 3.72 %, and small intestines D2cc increased by 3.72 % and 10.94 %. Conclusions: Applicator shifts and DVH parameter changes induced the total dose inaccurately and could not be ignored. The doses of target volume and OARs varied inevitably.

Smads, p38 and ERK1,2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1,2 mesenchymal stem cells

( Dao Jing Xu ),( Ying Ze Zhao ),( Jin Wang ),( Juan Wen He ),( Ya Guang Weng ),( Jin Yong Luo ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2012 BMB Reports Vol.45 No.4

Although previous studies have demonstrated that BMP9 is highly capable of inducing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, the molecular mechanism involved remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we showed that BMP9 simultaneously promotes the activation of Smad1/5/8, p38 and ERK1/2 in C3H10T1/2 cells. Knockdown of Smad4 with RNA interference reduced nuclear translocation of Smad1/5/8, and disrupted BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation was blocked by p38 inhibitor SB203580, whereas enhanced by ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. SB203580 decreased BMP9-activated Smads singling, and yet PD98059 stimulated Smads singling in C3H10T1/2 cells. The effects of inhibitor were reproduced with adenovirus expressing siRNA targeted p38 and ERK1/2, respectively. Taken together, our findings revealed that Smads, p38 and ERK1/2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. Also, it is noteworthy that p38 and ERK1/2 may play opposing regulatory roles in mediating BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. [BMB reports 2012; 45(4): 247-252]

Cytokeratin 15 is an Effective Indicator for Progression and Malignancy of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Shen, Yu-Hong,Xu, Cui-Ping,Shi, Zhi-Meng,Zhang, Yan-Jiao,Qiao, Ya-Guang,Zhao, He-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.9

Purpose: To compare the expression level of CK 15 in normal esophageal and esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and analyse possible functions of CK15 in occurrence and development. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to compare CK14, CK15 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression levels in ESCCs. Expression level of CK15 was also assessed by Western blotting. In addition, levels of CK15, cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA21-1) and PCNA were detected in serum by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence methods. Relationships between clinicopathological parameters and CK14 and CK15 expression were then analyzed. Results: According to immunohistochemistry, in esophageal and intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) tissues, the expression of CK14, CK15 and PCNA localized to basal layer of the epithelium. CK14 and CK15 levels were higher in normal esophageal squamous epithelial tissue than in SIN and ESCC, and greater in highly differentiated than poorly differentiated carcinoma tissue. By Western blotting, we found more pronounced expression of CK15 in normal esophageal tissue, compared with carcinoma tissue. The specificity of changed CK15 and CYFRA21-1 expression was respectively 90.0% and 96.7% in serum of ESCC patients. Joint detection could improve the sensitivity of esophageal carcinoma diagnosis. Relationships between CK14, CK15 expression and clinical parameters were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Postoperative survival in patients of CK14, CK15 positive expression was longer than with negative expression ($x^2=4.35$, P=0.037; $x^2=9.852$, P=0.002). Conclusions: CK15 expression decreased in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue and serum of esophageal squamous carcinoma patients. We infer that CK15 may play an important role for the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. In the future, CK15 may be used for the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic evaluation of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma.

Development of AFLP and SCAR Markers Linked to a Recessive Genic Male Sterile Gene (Bnms3) in Rapeseed for Marker-assisted Selection

Gui Chun Wang,Jun Ping He,Deng Feng Hong,Yan Zhou Xie,Zheng Hua Xu,Ping Wu Liu,Guang Sheng Yang 한국유전학회 2007 Genes & Genomics Vol.29 No.4

9012AB is a recessive genic male sterility (RGMS) line in rapeseed, of which the male sterility is controlled by two pairs of recessive duplicate male sterile genes (Bnms3 and Bnms4) interacting with a recessive epistatic suppressor gene (esp). The recessive homozygosity at the esp locus (espesp) can suppress the expression of the recessive male sterility trait in homozygous plants (Bnms3Bnms3Bnms4Bnms4) and result in fertility restoration. A F2 population of 188 plants, derived from self-pollinated progenies of a 9012 AB fertile plants (BnMs3Bnms3Bnms4Bnms4EspEsp), was conducted to identify molecular markers linked to the recessive male sterility gene (Bnms3). By amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) assay combining with bulked segregant analysis (BSA), 13 markers linked to Bnms3 were identified. Linkage analysis indicated that 13 AFLP markers were tightly linked to the Bnms3 gene with a genetic distance varying from 1.3 cM to 7.1 cM. Among them, one marker was co-dominant marker, 6 markers were in coupling phase with Bnms3, and the others were in repulsion phase with Bnms3 gene, One AFLP marker with a genetic distance of 1.4cM was further converted into a SCAR marker successfully, which have been applied in marker-assisted selection of RGMS lines and their temporary maintainers effectively.

MiR-214 Regulates the Human Hair Follicle Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation by Targeting EZH2 and Wnt/b- Catenin Signaling Way In Vitro

Ke-Tao Du,Jia-Qin Deng,Xu-Guang He,Zhao-ping Liu,Cheng Peng,Mingsheng Zhang 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2018 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.15 No.3

miR-214 plays a major role in the self-renewal of skin tissue. However, whether miR-214 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of human hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) is unknown. Primary HFSCs were isolated from human scalp skin tissue, cultured, and identified using flow cytometry. An miR-214 mimic and inhibitor were constructed for transfection into HFSCs. The MTS and colony formation assays examined cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence detected the localization and expression levels of TCF4, b-catenin, and differentiation markers. Luciferase reporter and TOP/FOP Flash assays investigated whether miR-214 targeted EZH2 and regulated the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway. Western blot determined the expression levels of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), Wnt/b-catenin signaling-related proteins, and HFSC differentiation markers in cells subjected to miR-214 transfection. miR-214 expression was remarkably decreased during the proliferation and differentiation of HFSCs into transit-amplifying (TA) cells. Downregulation of miR- 214 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of HFSCs. Overexpression of miR-214 led to decreased expression of EZH2, b-catenin, and TCF-4, whereas downregulation of miR-214 resulted in increased expression of EZH2, b-catenin, and TCF-4 as well as TA differentiation markers. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that inhibiting miR-214 triggered the entry of b-catenin and TCF-4 into the nucleus. The luciferase reporter and TOP/FOP Flash assays demonstrated that miR- 214 directly targets EZH2 and affects Wnt/b-catenin signaling. The miR-214/EZH2/b-catenin axis could be considered a candidate target in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for HFSCs.

A Discovery of Low Hydraulic Resistance Channel Along Meridians

Wei-Bo Zhang,Yu-Ying Tian,Hong Li,Jia-He Tian,Ming-Fu Luo,Fa-Liang Xu,Guang-Jun Wang,Tao Huang,Yi-Hui Xu,Rui-Hong Wang 사단법인약침학회 2008 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.1 No.1

A hydro-mechanic model was put forward to study the fundamental nature of acupuncture meridians. The basic state of low hydraulic resistance was tested on humans and mini pigs using three methods. The first, a modified Guyton’s method, proved that there was lower hydraulic resistance on meridians compared with nonmeridians. The second scanning method involved a single pressure transducer that can find the lowest resistance point in tissue, and the third method used two transducers and provided a more stable measurement. Using the latter method, low hydraulic resistance points were found very close to low impedance points along meridians. The transmission of artificial interstitial fluid pressure waves was measured to examine their connection to the low resistance points, with the result that a good connection between the points was confirmed. This means the points form channels along the meridians that we refer to as low hydraulic resistance channels. The channel was imaged through isotopic tracing and a migration of isotope 99mTe could be found along the channel. The layer of the channel was detected by injecting Alcian blue and the track was found beneath the skin. All of the above experiments suggest the existence of a new type of channel in living tissues that has not yet been described in modern science, but coincides quite well with the Qi channel theory of traditional Chinese medicine. A hydro-mechanic model was put forward to study the fundamental nature of acupuncture meridians. The basic state of low hydraulic resistance was tested on humans and mini pigs using three methods. The first, a modified Guyton’s method, proved that there was lower hydraulic resistance on meridians compared with nonmeridians. The second scanning method involved a single pressure transducer that can find the lowest resistance point in tissue, and the third method used two transducers and provided a more stable measurement. Using the latter method, low hydraulic resistance points were found very close to low impedance points along meridians. The transmission of artificial interstitial fluid pressure waves was measured to examine their connection to the low resistance points, with the result that a good connection between the points was confirmed. This means the points form channels along the meridians that we refer to as low hydraulic resistance channels. The channel was imaged through isotopic tracing and a migration of isotope 99mTe could be found along the channel. The layer of the channel was detected by injecting Alcian blue and the track was found beneath the skin. All of the above experiments suggest the existence of a new type of channel in living tissues that has not yet been described in modern science, but coincides quite well with the Qi channel theory of traditional Chinese medicine.