OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignant tumor of head and neck. Screening of target genes for malignant tumor therapy is one of the focuses of cancer research, with proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor gene as the breakthrough. It has become an urgent need to find the target gene related to the treatment and prognosis of LSCC.This study aims to explore the role of Lin28B and C-myc in LSCC by detecting the expressions of these two proteins and analyze the correlation between the expression of Lin28B and C-myc and clinicopathological features and prognosis of LSCC. METHODS: We detected the expression of Lin28B and C-myc proteins in 102 specimens of LSCC and 90 specimens of adjacent tissues by immunochemistry, and analyzed the correlation between Lin28B and C-myc protein expressions in LSCC as well as the correlation between the expressions of the two proteins and the clinicopathological features of LSCC. At the same time, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relation between Lin28B and C-myc protein levels with the postoperative survival rate of LSCC patients. RESULTS: The protein levels of Lin28B and C-myc in the LSCC tissnes were significantly higher than those in the adjacent tissues (both P<0.05),and there was a positive correlation between the expression of Lin28B and C-myc in LSCC (r＝0.476, P<0.05). The expression of Lin28B protein was closely related to age, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, tumor size, and pathological differentiation of LSCC patients (all P<0.05). while the expression of C-myc protein was closely related to lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, tumor size, and pathological differentiation of LSCC patients (all P<0.05). A relevant survival analysis showed that in patients with higher level of Lin28B (P＝0.001) or C-myc protein (P<0.001), the postoperative survival rate was relatively low. CONCLUSIONS Lin28B and C-myc proteins are highly expressed in LSCC with a positive correlation. Furthermore, they are closely related to lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, tumor size, pathological differentiation and prognosis, suggesting that both Lin28B and C-myc might be involved in the occurrence and development of LSCC.
Humans ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/metabolism* ; Laryngeal Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism* ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a globally prevalent and highly lethal tumor. Despite extensive efforts, the underlying mechanisms of LC remain inadequately understood. This study aims to conduct an innovative bioinformatic analysis to identify hub genes that could potentially serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in LC. METHODS: We acquired a dataset consisting of 117 LC patient samples, 16 746 LC gene RNA sequencing data points, and 9 clinical features from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database in the United States. We employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct multiple co-expression gene modules. Subsequently, we assessed the correlations between these co-expression modules and clinical features to validate their associations. We also explored the interplay between modules to identify pivotal genes within disease pathways. Finally, we used the Kaplan-Meier plotter to validate the correlation between enriched genes and LC prognosis. RESULTS: WGCNA analysis led to the creation of a total of 16 co-expression gene modules related to LC. Four of these modules (designated as the yellow, magenta, black, and brown modules) exhibited significant correlations with 3 clinical features: The age of initial pathological diagnosis, cancer status, and pathological N stage. Specifically, the yellow and magenta gene modules displayed negative correlations with the age of pathological diagnosis (r=-0.23, P<0.05; r=-0.33, P<0.05), while the black and brown gene modules demonstrated negative associations with cancer status (r=-0.39, P<0.05; r=-0.50, P<0.05). The brown gene module displayed a positive correlation with pathological N stage. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified 77 items, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified 30 related signaling pathways, including the calcium signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, neuro active ligand-receptor interaction, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, etc. Consequently, central genes within these modules that were significantly linked to the overall survival rate of LC patients were identified. Central genes included CHRNB4, FOXL2, KCNG1, LOC440173, ADAMTS15, BMP2, FAP, and KIAA1644. CONCLUSIONS This study, utilizing WGCNA and subsequent validation, pinpointed 8 genes with potential as gene biomarkers for LC. These findings offer valuable references for the clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of LC.
Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Rosaniline Dyes ; Biomarkers ; Adipocytes ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Gene Expression Profiling

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sputum ubiquitin ligase (Cbl-b) gene known-down on the cytotoxicity of H9 T lymphocytes against human laryngeal squamous cancer Hep-2 cells and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: CD4 T lymphocytes isolated from 12 patients with laryngeal squamous carcinoma and 12 healthy individuals were examined for Cbl-b mRNA expressions using RT-PCR. H9 T lymphocytes cultured in 96-well plates were transfected with Cbl-b siRNA via liposomes followed by treatment with an anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody, with H9 T lymphocytes transfected with a scrambled sequence as the negative control. The expressions of Cbl-b mRNA and protein in the cells were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The killing effect of the treated T lymphocytes against Hep-2 cells was assessed using the cell counting kit (CCK-8). The positive expression rates of CD69 and CD25 on the surface of H9 T lymphocytes were determined using flow cytometry, and the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) in the culture supernatants of H9 T lymphocytes were detected with ELISA. RESULTS: The CD4 T lymphocytes from patients with laryngeal squamous carcinoma showed significantly increased Cbl-b mRNA level compared with those from healthy individuals ( < 0.05). Transfection of H9 T lymphocytes with Cbl-b siRNA significantly reduced the expression levels of Cbl-b mRNA and protein ( < 0.05), which were not significantly affected by subsequent treatment of the cells with the anti-IL-2 antibody (>0.05). At different target-effector ratios, the Cbl-b siRNA-transfected cells showed significantly higher Hep-2 cell killing rates and higher positivity rates of CD69 and CD25 expressions than the blank and negative control cells and the cells with both Cbl-b siRNA transfection and anti-IL-2 treatment ( < 0.05). Cbl-b silencing in H9 T lymphocytes resulted in significantly increased levels of IL-2 and INF-γ in the supernatant as compared with those in the blank and negative control groups ( < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cbl-b gene silencing effectively enhances the killing effect of H9 T lymphocytes against Hep-2 cells probably as the result of enhanced IL-2 secretion and T lymphocyte activation.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; therapy ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; therapy ; Lymphocyte Activation ; RNA, Small Interfering ; T-Lymphocytes

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of -260C>T and -651C>T genetic variants in the promoter region of CD14 on the susceptibility to laryngeal cancer.

METHODSA total of 163 patients with laryngeal cancer and 326 healthy subjects as controls were included. Genotypes of CD14 -260C>T (rs2569190) and -651C>T (rs5744455) variants were determined by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated with logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSCompared with CD14 -651CC genotype carriers, -651TT genotype carriers had the increased risk of laryngeal cancer with the OR (95%CI) of 5.79 (2.38-14.11). When the -651TT genotype carriers were stratified by smoking status, the OR (95%CI) for laryngeal cancer was 8.64 (1.88-39.77) in nonsmokers and 4.74 (1.69-13.25) in smokers; the OR (95%CI) was 5.40 (1.10-26.45) in the light smokers and 4.30 (1.10-16.75) in the hevey smokers. When the -651TT genotype carriers were stratified by drinking status, the OR (95%CI) for laryngeal cancer was 6.48 (2.81-14.95) in nondrinkers and 2.01 (0.65-6.26) in drinkers. There was no significant difference in CD14 -260C>T genotype distribution between patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONPolymorphisms of -651C>T in CD14 promoter contribute to the susceptibility to laryngeal cancer in Chinese population.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Case-Control Studies ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors ; genetics ; Odds Ratio ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic

PURPOSE: Tumor-associated microRNAs have been detected in cancer, though whether plasma microRNA-155 (miR-155) could be a potential biomarker for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) prognosis is unclear. We aimed to determine how miR-155 can be used to predict the clinical characteristics of patients with LSCC and correctly diagnose them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected tissue samples and peripheral blood samples before and after treatment from 280 LSCC cases and 560 controls. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR was employed in this study to compare the relative expression of miR-155. RESULTS: A total of 280 LSCC patients and 560 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. The miR-155 level was more up-regulated in LSCC tissue than in the non-tumor tissues (13.6+/-2.4 vs. 3.1+/-0.80, p<0.001). Additionally, a significantly higher miR-155 level in plasma samples from LSCC patients than in those of the controls (8.9+/-1.25 vs. 1.8+/-0.8, p<0.001) was reported. Tissue miR-155 showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.933, with a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 89.2%. The AUC for plasma miR-155 was 0.757, with a sensitivity of 58.4% and a specificity of 69.5%. When early LSCC in TNM I stage was considered, tissue miR-155 showed an area under the curve of 0.804, with a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 87.3%. CONCLUSION: The expression of tissue and plasma miR-155 were significantly up-regulated in patients with LSCC. Our work will serve as a basis for further investigation, preferably large-scale validation in clinical trials.
Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor/blood/*genetics ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood/diagnosis/*genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms/blood/diagnosis/*genetics ; Male ; MicroRNAs/*blood ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Up-Regulation

To investigate the effect of silencing DJ-1 on xenografted human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) Hep-2 cells in nude mice.Xenograft model of human LSCC was established by subcutaneous transplantation of Hep-2 cells in 24 nude mice. The LSCC-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (=8 in each):DJ-1 siRNA low dose group and DJ-1 siRNA high dose group were injected in tumors with 20 μg of DJ-1 siRNA or 40 μg of DJ-1 siRNA in 50 μL, respectively; control group was injected with 5% glucose solution in 50 μL, twice a week for 3 weeks. The weight and size of tumors were measured before injection. The animals were sacrificed 48 h after the final treatment, and the tumors were harvested and weighed. The apoptosis and proliferation of tumor cells were determined; the expressions of Caspase-3 and Ki-67 in tumor specimens were detected with immunohistochemistry. The expression of DJ-1, PTEN, survivin mRNA and protein in tumor tissues were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.Tumor weight in low dose group[(0.66±0.15)g] and high dose group[(0.48±0.11)g] were significantly lower than that in control group[(0.83±0.16)g, all<0.05]. The inhibition rates of low dose group and high dose group were (20.48±0.18)% and (42.16±0.13)%, respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of Caspase-3 was increased and Ki-67 was reduced in tumor specimens, compared with the control group (all<0.05). RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that in low dose group and high dose group the mRNA and protein expression of DJ-1 and survivin significantly decreased (all<0.05), while PTEN mRNA and protein content increased (all<0.05).High dose DJ-1 siRNA can inhibit the tumor growth in human LSCC xenograft nude mouse model, which indicates that down-regulating DJ-1 and survivin, and up-regulating PTEN expression may lead to blockage of PI3K-PKB/Akt signaling pathway and promoting tumor cell apoptosis.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; chemistry ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Caspase 3 ; analysis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; chemistry ; drug effects ; physiology ; transplantation ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Down-Regulation ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; chemistry ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Heterografts ; drug effects ; physiology ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; analysis ; drug effects ; Ki-67 Antigen ; analysis ; drug effects ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; chemistry ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Mice, Nude ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; analysis ; drug effects ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; drug effects ; Protein Deglycase DJ-1 ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; drug effects ; RNA Interference ; physiology ; RNA, Messenger ; pharmacology ; RNA, Small Interfering ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of SMG-1, ATM and P53 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and their correlation with the clinicopathological features and outcomes of the patients.

METHODSSixty-three specimens of surgically resected LSCC tissues and 30 specimens of adjacent normal tissue were examined for the expressions of ATM, SMG-1 and P53 using immunohistochemistry. The correlation of ATM, SMG-1 and P53 expressions with the clinicopathological factors and their interactions were analyzed.

RESULTSThe positive expression rates of SMG-1, ATM and P53 in LSCC were 36.5% (23/63) , 41.3% (26/63) and 57.1% (36/63) respectively, significantly different from those in the adjacent tissue (73.3%, 83.3% and 20.0%, respectively; P<0.05). The expression of SMG-1 in LSCC was positively correlated with the pathological grade and T stage of the tumors (P<0.05), and ATM and P53 were not related to the clinicopathological factors (P>0.05). The 5-year survival rate of patients negative for SMG-1 expression was significantly higher than that of SMG-1-positive patients (P<0.05). The expression of SMG-1 was negatively correlated with that of P53 (r=-0.476, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSMG-1, ATM and P53 are closely related to the occurrence of LSCC. SMG-1 expression is an important factor associated with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of LSCC patients, and may play an important role in the development of LSCC by regulating P53 expression.

Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of combined inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the enhancement of chemosensitivity of the model of human laryngeal squamous cacinoma in nude mice. METHOD: Model nude mice were divided into six groups randomly: control group(A) , cisplatin group(B) , cisplatin and AG490 group(C) , cisplatin and HIF-1α⁻/⁻ group (D), cisplatin combined AG490 and HIF-1α⁻/⁻ group (E), HIF-1α⁻/⁻ group (F) (only in calculating tumor inhibition rate). 3mg/kg cisplatin was administered by peritoneal injection for 3 days. Then cisplatin and 10 mg/kg AG490 were administered every other day for 12 days. The expression of Ki67 and HIF-1α was detected by immunocytochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of p-STAT3. RESULT: The expression of HIF-1α in group C and group D were lower than that in group B, and there were significant difference respectively (t₁ = 2.782, t₂ = 3.873, P < 0.05); The expression of HIF-1α in group E was lower than that in group C and group D respectively, and there were significant difference respectively (t₁ = 6.140, t₂ = 3.667, P < 0.01). The expression level of p-STAT3 in group C was markedly lower compared with that in group B, and there were significant difference between them (t = 17.840, P < 0.01); There were no difference between the expression level of p-STAT3 in group D and that in group B (t = 0.038, P > 0.05); The expression level of p-STAT3 in group E was significantly lower compared with that in group C and group D respectively (P < 0.01). Tumor inhibition rate of group E was higher than that in group B, group C , as well as group D respectively and there were significant difference respectively (t₁ = 5.509, P < 0.01; t₂ = 3.422, P < 0.05; t₃ = 2.718, P < 0.05 ). Ki67 index of group E was lower than that in group B, group C as well as group D respectively and there were significant difference respectively(t₁ = 8.307, P < 0.01; t₂ = 3.736, P < 0.05; t₃ = 4.524, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Combined inhibition of STAT3 and HIF-1α could enhance chemo-sensitivity in the model of human laryngeal squamous cacinoma in nude mice.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tyrphostins ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cells to cisplatin chemosensitivity after the interference of siRNA of β-catenin gene expression. METHOD: Using a small interference RNA (siRNA) technology interfere β-catenin gene of Hep-2 cells . The mRNA and protein levels of β-catenin in the Hep-2 cells of different groups were detected by qPCR and Western blot. It was divided into siRNA-β-catenin-Hep-2 siRNA group, β-catenin-Neg negative control group and blank control group. Cell proliferation inhibition rate of different concentrations of cisplatin on three groups was detected by MTT assay. Calculate the 50% inhibitory effective concentration IC50 value. Check the change of three groups of cells' apoptosis rate by flow cytometry after the same concentrations of cisplatin stimulation. RESULT: β-catenin-siRNA interference fragment can specifically reduce the expression levels of β-catenin mRNA and protein. qPCR illustrated the expression of mRNA in β-catenin-siR-NA-Hep-2 interference group decreased 70% (P < 0.05) compared with the control group, Western blot results showed that the β-catenin protein expression of interference group (0. 545 ± 0.111) decreased significantly compared with blank control group (1.507 ± 0.139) and negative control group (1.429 ± 0.089), P < 0.05. The IC50 calculation software showed that IC50 of cisplatin on β-catenin-siRNA IC50 interference group is (5.81 ± 0.46)μg/ml, the blank control group is (10.10 ± 1.01) μg/ml, the difference between the two groups has statistical signifi- cance (P < 0.01). Cell apoptosis rate of β-catenin-siRNA interference group was (26.15 ± 0.60)%, significantly higher than the control group (14.16 ± 0.05)%, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION To interfere the expression of β-catenin can effectively enhance the sensitivity of laryngeal cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin. It provides a theoretical support for the reduction of laryngeal cancer chemotherapy drug cisplatin dosage.
Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; RNA, Small Interfering ; beta Catenin ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate laryngopharyngeal reflux effect on expression of COX-2mRNA in glottis carcinoma lesion mucosa. METHOD: Forty cases with glottic laryngeal cancer were examined by electronic naspharyngeal laryngoscope and scored by the reflux symptom index (RSI) and the reflux finding score(RFS). Based on the scores, they were divided into two groups:glottic laryngeal cancer with positive reflux(20 cases) and glottic laryn geal cancer with negative reflux (20 cases). Ten cases with adjacent normal membrane were used as control group. The mRNA expression of CoX-2 from 40 patients was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULT: The expression of COX 2mRNA in tumor samples was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P < 0.05); the expression of COX-2mRNA in glottic laryngeal cancer with positive reflux was significantly higher than that in glottic laryngeal cancer with negative reflux (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Laryngopharyngeal reflux factors may increased expression glottic carcinoma of COX-2mRNA by tissue injury, inflammation and cell malig-
Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Glottis ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; complications ; metabolism ; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux ; complications ; metabolism ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction