1.Exercise Ameliorates Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Anxiety via PVN CRH Neurons
Jing CHEN ; Cong-Cong CHEN ; Kai-Na ZHANG ; Yu-Lin LAI ; Yang ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):501-512
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced anxiety-like behavior. And whether exercise relieves chronic restraint stress-induced anxiety through PVN CRH neurons. MethodsTwenty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control (Ctrl) group and chronic restraint stress (CRS) group. The open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) were used to evaluate anxiety-like behavior of the mice. Food intake was recorded after CRS. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label the expression of c-Fos expression in PVN and calculate the co-expression of c-Fos and CRH neurons. We used chemogenetic activation of PVN CRH neurons to observed the anxiety-like behavior. 8-week treadmill training (10-16 m/min, 60 min/d, 6 d/week) were used to explore the role of exercise in ameliorating CRS-induced anxiety behavior and how PVN CRH neurons involved in it. ResultsCompared with Ctrl group, CRS group exhibited significant anxiety-like behavior. In OFT, the mice in CRS groups spent less time in center area (P<0.001). In EPM, the time in open arm in CRS group were significantly decreased (P<0.001). Besides, food intake was also suppressed in CRS group compared with Ctrl group (P<0.05). Compared with Ctrl group, CRS significantly increase c-Fos expression in PVN and most of CRH neurons co-express c-Fos (P<0.001). Chemogenetic activation of PVN CRH neurons induced anxiety-like behavior (P<0.05) and inhibited feeding behavior (P<0.01). Exercise relieves chronic restraint stress-induced anxiety (P<0.001) and relieved the anorexia caused by chronic restraint stress (P<0.05). Aerobic exercise inhibited the CRS labeled c-Fos in PVN CRH neurons (P<0.001). Furthermore, ablation of PVN CRH neurons attenuated CRS induced anxiety-like behavior. ConclusionCRS activated PVN CRH neurons, induced anxiety-like behavior and reduced food intake. 8-week exercise attenuated CRS-induced anxiety-like behavior through inhibiting PVN CRH neuron. Ablation of CRH PVN neurons ameliorated CRS-induced anxiety-like behavior. These finding reveals a potential neural mechanism of exercise-relieving CRS-induced anxiety-like behavior. This provides a new idea and theoretical basis for the treatment of anxiety and related mental disorders.
2.Efficacy of Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya Pills with Different Proportions of Goat Horn Replacing Antelope Horn on Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats
Tengjian WANG ; Wanlu ZHAO ; Yang YU ; Yan LIU ; Kun CAO ; Zheyuan LIN ; Yue WU ; Lilan LUO ; Weizhi LAI ; Zhaohuan LOU ; Qiaoyan ZHANG ; Quanlong ZHANG ; Luping QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):68-78
ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal ratio of goat horn replacing antelope horn in Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills and the blood pressure-lowering mechanism of this medicine. MethodsThe blood pressure-lowering efficacy of Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills with varying proportions of goat horn replacing antelope horn was evaluated on spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). In this experiment, 50 SHR rats were randomly grouped as follows: model (n=8), captopril (0.01 g·kg-1) (n=6), low-dose blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.342 g·kg-1) (n=6), high-dose blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.684 g·kg-1) (n=6), low-dose antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.378 g·kg-1) (n=6), high-dose antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.756 g·kg-1) (n=6), low-dose goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.378 g·kg-1) (n=6), and high-dose goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.756 g·kg-1) (n=6). Additionally, 8 WKY rats were used as the normal group. Drugs were administered by gavage for 4 weeks while an equal volume of distilled water was administered for the normal and model groups. Blood pressure was measured before administration, 3 h post administration, and biweekly thereafter. In the experiment for Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills with goat horn replacing antelope horn in different proportions, 48 SHR rats were randomly grouped as follows: model, blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.684 g·kg-1), antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.756 g·kg-1), 2× goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.824 g·kg-1), 4× goat horn Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (0.969 g·kg-1), and 6× goat horn Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills (1.112 g·kg-1). The normal group included 8 WKY rats, and the normal group and model group received an equal volume of distilled water. The treatment lasted for 2 weeks, and blood pressure was recorded at various time points (pre-administration, 3 h post administration, and on days 4, 7, 10, and 14 of administration). Serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ), renin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological changes in the heart, kidney, and thoracic aorta were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein levels of ACE2, angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R), and angiotensinogen (AGT) in the kidney tissue were determined by Western blot, while the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the thoracic aorta tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the model group, all treatment groups showed lowered blood pressure (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 6× goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills group showed consistent blood pressure-lowering effect with the antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills group. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed elevated serum levels of ACE, Ang Ⅱ, renin, and IL-6, while the elevations were declined in the Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological changes in the heart, kidney, and thoracic aorta were alleviated in all the treatment groups, with the 6× goat horn- and antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups exhibited the best effect. Western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that all the treatment groups exhibited down-regulated protein levels of AT1R, AGT, NF-κB p65, and TLR4 and up-regulated protein levels of ACE2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) compared with model group, with the 6×goat horn- and antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups showcasing the best effect. ConclusionReplacing antelope horn with 6×goat horn in Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills can achieve consistent blood pressure-lowering effect with the original prescription. The prescription may exert the effect by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.
3.Effect of salidroside on ischemic brain injury in rats
Qing-Qing WU ; Hui-Lin WU ; Bin-Bin ZHOU ; Zheng-Shuang YU ; Ze-Lin YANG ; Wen-Fang LAI ; Gui-Zhu HONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(5):873-880
Aim To study the permeability of salidro-side(Sal)to the blood brain barrier(BBB)by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ioniza-tion tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-ESI-MS-MS),and to explore the target and mechanism of Sal in the treatment of ischemic stroke(IS)by network pharma-cology,molecular docking technique and animal exper-iment.Methods UPLC-ESI-MS/MS was used to study the BBB penetration of Sal.Multiple databases were used to predict the target of Sal and the disease target of IS,GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed and verified by molecular docking technique and animal experiments.Results After Sal adminis-tration to normal rats and MCAO rats,Sal prototype and the metabolite tyrosol were detected in plasma and brain tissue of rats.A total of 191 targets were identi-fied by network pharmacology,the enrichment analysis of GO mainly involved in the biological processes of proteolysis and positive regulation of cell migration,and the analysis of KEGG pathway suggested that PI3K-Akt,MAPK,FOXO and other signaling path-ways played a key role in the treatment of IS by Sal The results of molecular docking showed that Sal had good binding ability with the core target of docking,and the results of animal experiments showed that Sal could significantly improve the neurologic impairment of MCAO rats,the number of Nissl-positive cells in is-chemic side significantly increased,and the expression of VEGF,EGFR and IGF1 increased,while the ex-pression of IL-6 and MMP9 was inhibited.Conclu-sions Sal is able to penetrate the BBB and enter the central nervous system for its pharmacological effects.Network pharmacology predicts the core targets of Sal in the treatment of IS,including VEGFA,EGFR,IL-6,MMP9,IGF1,CASP3,ALB,SRC.The effects of Sal on some core targets can be verified by animal ex-periments,to provide a reference for further study of the mechanism of Sal in the treatment of IS.
4.Screening and bioinformatics analysis of SNP in PPARGC1B gene of Sichuan Yak
Xuanxu CHEN ; Xinyi JIANG ; Jinghao PENG ; Jing LI ; Fengshuai MIAO ; Zhihui ZHAO ; Haibin YU ; Weizhong LAI ; Ping JIANG ; Ziwei LIN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(10):2179-2189
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma,coactivator 1 beta,PPARGC1B)gene is an intranuclear receptor transcription fac-tor responsible for regulating the expression of target genes.To comprehend the characteristics and mutations of the PPARGC1B gene within the Sichuan yak population,the SNP loci of the PPARGC1B gene were identified through direct sequencing of PCR products.Additionally,the cod-ing region of the PPARGC1B gene was obtained via PCR amplification and sequencing.Bioinforma-tics analyses were conducted to predict protein-coding and mRNA secondary structure.This study identified four exon SNP mutation sites(E9-189A→C,E9-387G→A,E9-542C→T,and E9-554T→C)based on the single nucleotide polymorphism analysis of the PPARGC1B gene in Sichuan yaks.Notably,the E9-387G→A and E9-554T→C loci exhibited significant correlations with shear force and backfat thickness in Sichuan yaks.Subsequently,bioinformatics analysis of the four mutation sites revealed that the PPARGC1B protein is an acidic,unstable,non-transmembrane,and non-secretory hydrophilic protein with a coiled helix structure.It lacks a signal peptide and transmembrane region,predominantly functions in the nucleus,and features 106 phosphorylation sites,one glycosylation site,and one conserved RRM structure.The secondary structure comprises mainly α-helix and random coils.Although the protein structure of the PPARGC1B gene remained unchanged post-mutation,there were significant differences in mRNA secondary structure.These findings suggest that the polymorphic loci of the PPARGC1B gene in Sichuan yaks could serve as a theoretical basis for enhancing meat quality traits through molecular biological methods,presen-ting practical applications in breeding.
5.Intermittent Metabolic Switching and Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Vismitha RAJEEV ; Nishat I. TABASSUM ; David Y. FANN ; Christopher P. CHEN ; Mitchell K.P. LAI ; Thiruma V. ARUMUGAM
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(2):92-107
Intermittent fasting (IF), a dietary pattern alternating between eating and fasting periods within a 24-hour cycle, has garnered recognition for its potential to enhance both healthspan and lifespan in animal models and humans. It also shows promise in alleviating age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) spans a severity range from mild cognitive deficits to severe cognitive deficits and loss of function in vascular dementia. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion has emerged as a significant contributor to VCI, instigating vascular pathologies such as microbleeds, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, neuronal loss, and white matter lesions. Preclinical studies in rodents strongly suggest that IF has the potential to attenuate pathological mechanisms, including excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death pathways in VCI models.Hence, this supports evaluating IF in clinical trials for both existing and at-risk VCI patients. This review compiles existing data supporting IF’s potential in treating VCI-related vascular and neuronal pathologies, emphasizing the mechanisms by which IF may mitigate these issues. Hence providing a comprehensive overview of the available data supporting IF’s potential in treating VCI by emphasizing the underlying mechanisms that make IF a promising intervention for VCI.
6.Implementation path of medical and preventive integration of chronic diseases in county medical community from the perspective of collaborative symbiosis
Xu LI ; Xiaoling LIN ; Qunfang HUANG ; Jingchun CHEN ; Sihong LAI ; Chi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(8):571-577
Objective:To explore the influencing factors and implementation paths of medical and preventive integration of chronic disease in county medical communities (CMCs), providing references for further promoting the integration of medical and prevention and improving the collaborative mechanism of medical and prevention.Methods:From October to November 2023, based on the principle of geographically balanced sampling, medical staff from 6 leading hospitals and 18 other member units of 6 CMCs in Zhejiang Province were selected as survey subjects. A self-designed survey questionnaire was conducted, mainly including the development and evaluation of chronic disease medical and preventive integration services in CMCs. The service development was designed according to the collaborative symbiosis management model, including 4 dimensions of collaborative symbiosis scenarios, willingness, ability, and process, as well as 11 secondary elements. Using secondary elements as the conditional variables and the integration effect of chronic disease medical and prevention as the outcome variable, a qualitative comparative analysis method was used to explore the relationship between multiple conditional variables and their combinations with high integration effect of chronic disease medical and prevention.Results:571 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 96.62%. The consistency of a single secondary element(including conditional non sets) on the high effectiveness of medical and preventive integration was less than 0.9, which cannot constitute a necessary condition for explaining the outcome variable. The configuration analysis results showed that the consistency of the condition combination formed by the interaction of multiple secondary elements was 0.835-0.845, indicating that the condition combination of multiple elements constituted a sufficient non necessary condition for the high integration effect of chronic disease medical and prevention. The configuration path for achieving high integration of medical and preventive effects could be divided into four categories, among which the feature of scenario-process dominance was to create a perfect service scenario and service process as the main focus; The characteristic of the willingness-process dominant type was to stimulate the service willingness of medical staff and improve the service process as the leading factor; The characteristic of the scenario-willingness-ability dominant type was to create a comprehensive service scenario, stimulate the service willingness of medical staff, and enhance service capabilities as the main focus; The characteristic of the willingness-ability-process dominant type was to stimulate the service willingness of medical staff, enhance service capabilities, and improve the service process as the dominant factor. In addition, the four types of configuration paths mentioned above all covered the two secondary elements of endogenous dynamics and professional competence, with a total coverage of 0.626 and a total consistency of 0.821.Conclusions:The configuration path formed through the interaction of multiple elements can effectively achieve the integration of chronic disease medical and prevention. The CMCs should choose the appropriate configuration path based on the actual situation. In addition, special attention should be paid to the endogenous motivation and professional capacity building of medical staff.
7.Analysis on Quality Difference of Chuanxiong Chatiao San and Chuanxiong Chatiao Granules Based on Anti-platelet Aggregation Activity and Fingerprint
Zhijian LAI ; Jinjin ZHANG ; Huanzhao LIN ; Jiajia XIAO ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Guangmou ZHANG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(9):1420-1427
Objective To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Chuanxiong Chatiao San(CXCTS)and Chuanxiong Chatiao Granules(CXCTG),and to compare their quality difference by using HPLC fingerprint in combination with anti-platelet aggregation activity in vitro.This study explores the material basis of anti-platelet aggregation activity of CXCTS and CXCTG to provide a reference for the quality control and clinical application.Methods HPLC fingerprint for 20 batches of CXCTS and seven batches of CXCTG were established,and systematic clustering analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.00 statistical software.In addition,the in vitro anti-platelet aggregation activity was determined.The relationship between HPLC fingerprint spectrums and anti-platelet aggregation activity was analyzed by using SIMCA P-14.0 statistical software for partial least squares analysis(PLS).The markers of quality difference of CXCTS and CXCTG were screened.Results A total of 26 common peaks in the fingerprint and 16 components were identified.Systematic clustering analysis showed that CXCTS and CXCTG were clustered into two categories.There were significantly differences in HPLC fingerprint and anti-platelet aggregation activity between CXCTS and CXCTG.Combining correlation coefficient and VIP value,we confirmed 17 common peaks,which showed positive correlation with anti-platelet aggregation activity and the VIP values were greater than one.The effective fractions of anti-platelet aggregation activity were screened out.Among the above-mentioned fractions,hesperidin,rosmarinic acid,buddleoside,pulegone,coniferyl ferulate,(Z)-ligustilide,notopterol,imperatorin,isoimperatorin,peak 7,9,12,14,6,17,19,and 23 were picked out as the quality difference markers.Conclusion HPLC fingerprint spectrum of CXCTS and CXCTG was established in this study.The established method can detect multiple active components in both formulations.There was significant difference between CXCTS and CXCTG on the content of active ingredients and anti-platelet aggregation activity.The former is of higher quality than the latter.This study can provide reference for the quality control and clinical application of CXCTS and CXCTG.
8.Clinical characteristics of 11 patients with Vibrio vulnificus infection and the establishment of a rapid diagnosis procedure for this disease
Weipeng LIN ; Xu MU ; Shenghua CHEN ; Chunjing HE ; Hanhua LI ; Chuanwei SUN ; Huining BIAN ; Wen LAI ; Zhifeng HUANG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2024;40(3):266-272
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with Vibrio vulnificus infection, share diagnosis and treatment experience, and establish a rapid diagnosis procedure for this disease. Methods:This study was a retrospective case series study. From January 2009 to November 2022, 11 patients with Vibrio vulnificus infection who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Burns and Wound Repair of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University. The gender, age, time of onset of illness, time of admission, time of diagnosis, route of infection, underlying diseases, affected limbs, clinical manifestations and signs on admission, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, procalcitonin, albumin, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and blood sodium levels on admission, culture results and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) results of pathogenic bacteria and the Vibrio vulnificus drug susceptibility test results during hospitalization, treatment methods, length of hospital stay, and outcomes of all patients were recorded. Comparative analysis was conducted on the admission time and diagnosis time of patients with and without a history of exposure to seawater/marine products, as well as the fatality ratio and amputation of limbs/digits ratio of patients with and without early adequate antibiotic treatment. For the survived patients with hand involvement, the hand function was assessed using Brunnstrom staging at the last follow-up. Based on patients' clinical characteristics and treatment conditions, a rapid diagnosis procedure for Vibrio vulnificus infection was established. Results:There were 7 males and 4 females among the patients, aged (56±17) years. Most of the patients developed symptoms in summer and autumn. The admission time was 3.00 (1.00, 4.00) d after the onset of illness, and the diagnosis time was 4.00 (2.00, 8.00) d after the onset of illness. There were 7 and 4 patients with and without a history of contact with seawater/marine products, respectively, and the admission time of these two types of patients was similar ( P>0.05). The diagnosis time of patients with a history of contact with seawater/marine products was 2.00 (2.00, 5.00) d after the onset of illness, which was significantly shorter than 9.00 (4.25, 13.00) d after the onset of illness for patients without a history of contact with seawater/marine products ( Z=-2.01, P<0.05). Totally 10 patients had underlying diseases. The affected limbs were right-hand in 8 cases, left-hand in 1 case, and lower limb in 2 cases. On admission, a total of 9 patients had fever; 11 patients had pain at the infected site, and redness and swelling of the affected limb, and 9 patients each had ecchymosis/necrosis and blisters/blood blisters; 6 patients suffered from shock, and 2 patients developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. On admission, there were 8 patients with abnormal white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and albumin levels, 10 patients with abnormal CRP, procalcitonin, and NT-proBNP levels, 5 patients with abnormal creatinine and blood sodium levels, and fewer patients with abnormal platelet count, ALT, and AST levels. During hospitalization, 4 of the 11 wound tissue/exudation samples had positive pathogenic bacterial culture results, and the result reporting time was 5.00 (5.00, 5.00) d; 4 of the 9 blood specimens had positive pathogenic bacterial culture results, and the result reporting time was 3.50 (1.25, 5.00) d; the mNGS results of 7 wound tissue/exudation or blood samples were all positive, and the result reporting time was 1.00 (1.00, 2.00) d. The three strains of Vibrio vulnificus detected were sensitive to 10 commonly used clinical antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and amikacin, etc. A total of 10 patients received surgical treatment, 4 of whom had amputation of limbs/digits; all patients received anti-infection treatment. The length of hospital stay of 11 patients was (26±11) d, of whom 9 patients were cured and 2 patients died. Compared with that of the 6 patients who did not receive early adequate antibiotic treatment, the 5 patients who received early adequate antibiotic treatment had no significant changes in the fatality ratio or amputation of limbs/digits ratio ( P>0.05). In 3 months to 2 years after surgery, the hand function of 8 patients was assessed, with results showing 4 cases of disabled hands, 2 cases of incompletely disabled hands, and 2 cases of recovered hands. When a patient had clinical symptoms of limb redness and swelling and a history of contact with seawater/marine products or a pre-examination triage RiCH score of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis ≥1, the etiological testing should be initiated immediately to quickly diagnose Vibrio vulnificus infection. Conclusions:Vibrio vulnificus infection occurs most frequently in summer and autumn, with clinical manifestations and laboratory test results showing obvious infection characteristics, and may be accompanied by damage to multiple organ functions. Both the fatality and disability ratios are high and have a great impact on the function of the affected limbs. Early diagnosis is difficult and treatment is easily delayed, but mNGS could facilitate rapid detection. For patients with red and swollen limbs accompanied by a history of contact with seawater/marine products or with a pre-examination triage RiCH score of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis ≥1, the etiological testing should be initiated immediately to quickly diagnose Vibrio vulnificus infection.
9.Interaction analysis of mismatch repair protein and adverse clinicopathological features on prognosis of colon cancer
Kexuan LI ; Fuqiang ZHAO ; Qingbin WU ; Junling ZHANG ; Shuangling LUO ; Shidong HU ; Bin WU ; Heli LI ; Guole LIN ; Huizhong QIU ; Junyang LU ; Lai XU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaohui DU ; Liang KANG ; Xin WANG ; Ziqiang WANG ; Qian LIU ; Yi XIAO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(6):826-835
Objective:To investigate the interactive effect of mismatch repair (MMR) protein status and adverse clinicopathological features on prognosis of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ colon cancer.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 1 650 patients with colon cancer of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ who were admitted to 7 hospitals in China from January 2016 to December 2017 were collected. There were 963 males and 687 females, aged 62(53,71)years. Patients were classified as 230 cases of MMR deficiency (dMMR) and 1 420 cases of MMR proficiency (pMMR) based on their MMR protein status. Observation indicators: (1) comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between patients of different MMR protein status; (2) analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of dMMR; (3) analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of pMMR; (4) interaction analysis of MMR and adverse clinicopathological features on survival outcomes. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. The random forest interpolation method was used for missing values in data interpolation. Univariate analysis was conducted using the COX proportional risk regression model, and multivariate analysis was conducted using the COX stepwise regression with forward method. The coefficient of multiplication interaction effect was obtained using the interaction term coefficient of COX proportional risk regression model. Evaluation of additive interaction effects was conducted using the relative excess risk due to interaction ( RERI). Results:(1) Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between patients of different MMR protein status. There were significant differences in age, T staging, the number of lymph node harvest, the number of lymph node harvest <12, high grade tumor between patients of dMMR and pMMR ( P<0.05). (2) Analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of dMMR. Results of multivariate analysis showed that T staging, N staging, the number of lymph node harvest <12 were independent factors affecting the disease-free survival (DFS) of colon cancer patients of dMMR ( hazard ratio=3.548, 2.589, 6.702, 95% confidence interval as 1.460-8.620, 1.064-6.301, 1.886-23.813, P<0.05). Age and N staging were independent factors affecting the overall survival (OS) of colon cancer patients of dMMR ( hazard ratio=1.073, 10.684, 95% confidence interval as 1.021-1.126, 2.311-49.404, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of pMMR. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age, T staging, N staging, vascular tumor thrombus were independent factors affecting the DFS of colon cancer patients of pMMR ( hazard ratio=1.018, 2.214, 2.598, 1.549, 95% confidence interval as 1.006-1.030, 1.618-3.030, 1.921-3.513, 1.118-2.147, P<0.05). Age, T staging, N staging, high grade tumor were independent factors affecting the OS of colon cancer patients of pMMR ( hazard ratio=1.036, 2.080, 2.591, 1.615, 95% confidence interval as 1.020-1.052, 1.407-3.075, 1.791-3.748, 1.114-2.341, P<0.05). (4) Interaction analysis of MMR and adverse clinicopathological features on survival outcomes. Results of interaction analysis showed that the multiplication interaction effect between the number of lymph node harvest <12 and MMR protein status was significant on DFS of colon cancer patients ( hazard ratio=3.923, 95% confidence interval as 1.057-14.555, P<0.05). The additive interaction effects between age and MMR protein status, between high grade tumor and MMR protein status were significant on OS of colon cancer patients ( RERI=-0.033, -1.304, 95% confidence interval as -0.049 to -0.018, -2.462 to -0.146). Conclusions:There is an interaction between the MMR protein status and the adverse clinicopathological features (the number of lymph node harvest <12, high grade tumor) on prognosis of colon cancer patients of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ. In patients of dMMR, the number of lymph node harvest <12 has a stronger predictive effect on poor prognosis. In patients of pMMR, the high grade tumor has a stronger predictive effect on poor prognosis.
10.Comparison of immediate germline sequencing and multi-step screening for Lynch syndrome detection in high-risk endometrial and colorectal cancer patients
An-Shine CHAO ; Angel CHAO ; Chyong-Huey LAI ; Chiao-Yun LIN ; Lan-Yan YANG ; Shih-Cheng CHANG ; Ren-Chin WU
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(1):e5-
Objective:
Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome with a significantly increased risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Current standard practice involves universal screening for LS in patients with newly diagnosed colorectal or endometrial cancer using a multi-step screening protocol (MSP). However, MSP may not always accurately identify LS cases. To address this limitation, we compared the diagnostic performance of immediate germline sequencing (IGS) with MSP in a high-risk group.
Methods:
A total of 31 Taiwanese women with synchronous or metachronous endometrial and colorectal malignancies underwent MSP which included immunohistochemical staining of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, MLH1 promoter hypermethylation analysis, and germline sequencing to identify pathogenic variants. All patients who were excluded during MSP received germline sequencing for MMR genes to simulate IGS for the detection of LS.
Results:
Our findings indicate that IGS surpassed MSP in terms of diagnostic yield (29.0% vs.19.4%, respectively) and sensitivity (90% vs. 60%, respectively). Specifically, IGS successfully identified nine LS cases, which is 50% more than the number detected through MSP.Additionally, germline methylation analysis revealed one more LS case with constitutional MLH1 promoter hypermethylation, bringing the total LS cases to ten (32.3%). Intriguingly, we observed no significant differences in clinical characteristics or overall survival between patients with and without LS in our cohort.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that IGS may potentially offer a more effective approach compared to MSP in identifying LS among high-risk patients. This advantage is evident when patients have been pre-selected utilizing specific clinical criteria.

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