OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical presentation and genetic etiology of a case with Xeroderma pigmentosum in conjunct with basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. METHODS: A male patient with Xeroderma pigmentosum treated at Xinxiang Central Hospital in October 2022 was selected as study subject. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of his family members. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: 2021-167). RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the patient has a solid soft tissue mass in the anterior and lower part of his right eyeball and a small nodule on the left nasal wing. Histopathological biopsy showed that the periocular tumor was basal cell carcinoma in conjunct with malignant melanoma, and the nasal wing tumor was basal cell carcinoma. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that he has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the XPC gene, namely c.2391delT (p.F797Lfs*11) and IVS1+1G>A, which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variants were rated as likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PM3) and pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP5), respectively. The c.2391delT variant was unreported previously. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that it could significantly affect the tertiary structure of XPC protein. CONCLUSION The c.2391delT(p.F797Lfs*11) and IVS1+1G>A compound heterozygous variants probably underlay the pathogenesis in this patient. The detection of the novel variant has enriched the mutational spectrum of the XPC gene.
Humans ; Male ; Xeroderma Pigmentosum/genetics* ; Basal Cell Carcinoma/genetics* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Melanoma/genetics* ; Mutation ; Skin Neoplasms/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Exome Sequencing ; Pedigree

Objective:To analyze the results of next generation sequencing (NGS) gene testing in liquid-based cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma cavity and evaluate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment.Methods:Liquid based cytological specimens of 222 cases of lung adenocarcinoma with cavity effusion and 201 cases of metastatic lymph node biopsy were collected. Specimens were obtained from the Cytology Laboratory of the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The collection period was from January 2018 to December 2022. The results of NGS gene detection were compared. The clinical efficacy of 91 patients treated with EGFR-TKI was evaluated, and the survival curve was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and other statistical methods.Results:The mutation rates of cancer-related genes detected by NGS were 82.0% (182/222) vs 79.1% (159/201), ( P=0.455) in liquid-based cytological specimens and histological specimens of metastatic lymph node biopsy, respectively. However, the mutation rate of EGFR T790M was significantly higher in cavity effusion than in lymph node biopsy specimens [12.2%(27/222)＞3.5%(7/201), P=0.001]. The results of gene mutation were identical in 10 of the 13 cases with cavity effusion and metastatic lymph node biopsy, and the agreement rate of EGFR was 84.6%(11/13). In 3 inconsistent cases, EGFR mutations were detected in 2 cavity effusion cases that were not detected by lymph node biopsy. Results of genetic analysis of fluid-based cytological samples of 91 patients with cavity effusion were evaluated after drug treatment with EGFR-TKI. The mean progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients was 11.4 months (95% CI: 9.9-12.9). The mean PFS of patients harboring EGFR mutation was 12.3 months (95% CI: 10.8-13.9), and the mean PFS of EGFR wild type was 4.1 months (95% CI: 2.1-6.2). Conclusions:The results of NGS gene detection in liquid-based cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma patients with cavity effusion show that the PFS time is similar to that of histological specimens after clinical treatment with EGFR-TKI, which proves the reliability of NGS gene detection results in liquid cytological specimens. NGS gene testing appears higher sensitivity in cavity liquid-based samples than in metastatic lymph node samples.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have overturned the traditional concept of the lung as a "sterile organ" revealing that pulmonary microbiota dysbiosis and abnormal surfactant proteins (SPs) expression are involved in the progression of silicosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between abnormal SPs expression and dysbiosis of lung microbiota in silica-induced lung fibrosis, providing insights into mechanisms of silicosis. METHODS: Lung pathology, SPs expression, and microbiota composition were evaluated in silica-exposed mice. A mouse model of antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion was established, and alveolar structure and SPs expression were assessed. The roles of the lung microbiota and SPs in silicosis progression were further evaluated in mice with antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion, both with and without silica exposure. RESULTS: Silica exposure induced lung inflammation and fibrosis, along with increased expression of SP-A expression. Antibiotics (Abx)-induced microbiota depletion elevated SP-A and SP-D expression. Furthermore, silica exposure altered lung microbiota composition, enriching potentially pathogenic taxa. However, antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion prior to silica exposure reduced silica-mediated lung fibrosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION Lung microbiota is associated with silica-induced lung injury. Overproduction of SP-A and SP-D, induced by Abx-induced microbiota depletion, may enhance the resistance of mouse lung tissue to silica-induced injury.
Animals ; Silicosis/prevention & control* ; Lung/metabolism* ; Mice ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Microbiota/drug effects* ; Silicon Dioxide/toxicity* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins/genetics*

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of death globally. HCM can precipitate heart failure (HF) by causing the cardiac tissue to weaken and stretch, thereby impairing its pumping efficiency. Moreover, HCM increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, which in turn elevates the likelihood of thrombus formation and stroke. Given these significant clinical ramifications, research into the etiology and pathogenesis of HCM is intensifying at multiple levels. In this review, we discuss and synthesize the latest findings on HCM pathogenesis, drawing on key experimental studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo. We also offer our insights and perspectives on these mechanisms, while highlighting the limitations of current research. Advancing fundamental research in this area is essential for developing effective therapeutic interventions and enhancing the clinical management of HCM.
Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Animals

Objective:To analyze the results of next generation sequencing (NGS) gene testing in liquid-based cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma cavity and evaluate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment.Methods:Liquid based cytological specimens of 222 cases of lung adenocarcinoma with cavity effusion and 201 cases of metastatic lymph node biopsy were collected. Specimens were obtained from the Cytology Laboratory of the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The collection period was from January 2018 to December 2022. The results of NGS gene detection were compared. The clinical efficacy of 91 patients treated with EGFR-TKI was evaluated, and the survival curve was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and other statistical methods.Results:The mutation rates of cancer-related genes detected by NGS were 82.0% (182/222) vs 79.1% (159/201), ( P=0.455) in liquid-based cytological specimens and histological specimens of metastatic lymph node biopsy, respectively. However, the mutation rate of EGFR T790M was significantly higher in cavity effusion than in lymph node biopsy specimens [12.2%(27/222)＞3.5%(7/201), P=0.001]. The results of gene mutation were identical in 10 of the 13 cases with cavity effusion and metastatic lymph node biopsy, and the agreement rate of EGFR was 84.6%(11/13). In 3 inconsistent cases, EGFR mutations were detected in 2 cavity effusion cases that were not detected by lymph node biopsy. Results of genetic analysis of fluid-based cytological samples of 91 patients with cavity effusion were evaluated after drug treatment with EGFR-TKI. The mean progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients was 11.4 months (95% CI: 9.9-12.9). The mean PFS of patients harboring EGFR mutation was 12.3 months (95% CI: 10.8-13.9), and the mean PFS of EGFR wild type was 4.1 months (95% CI: 2.1-6.2). Conclusions:The results of NGS gene detection in liquid-based cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma patients with cavity effusion show that the PFS time is similar to that of histological specimens after clinical treatment with EGFR-TKI, which proves the reliability of NGS gene detection results in liquid cytological specimens. NGS gene testing appears higher sensitivity in cavity liquid-based samples than in metastatic lymph node samples.

To investigate the expression and significance of cell surface receptor signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7) in normal intestinal tissues and intestinal inflammatory tissues of mice.

Objectives:To evaluate the clinical value of the Paris system for reporting urinary cytology (TPS) in the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (UC).Methods:A total of 1 744 cytological diagnostic records (from 751 cases) were collected retrospectively. All specimens were voided urines and histopathology as the gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary cytological diagnosis of UC and risk of high grade malignant (ROHM) in each diagnostic category were compared.Results:There were 360 cases with histopathology. The percentage of negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC) was 30.1% (226/751), atypical urothelial cells (AUC) was 29.8% (224/751), suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC) was 16.8% (126/751), high grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) was 21.2% (159/751), and non-urothelial malignancy (NUM) was 2.1% (16/751). The histpathologic ROHM corresponding to each cytological diagnosis category were 27.3% for NHGUC, 32.7% for AUC, 74.7% for SHGUC, 96.6% for HGUC and 100.0% for NUM, respectively. ROHM of SHGUC was significantly higher than that of AUC group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P＜0.001). ROHM of HGUC group was significantly higher than that of SHGUC group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P＜0.001). With SHGUC as the cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis of HGUC were 76.7% (165/215) and 85.7% (18/21), and with HGUC as the cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis of HGUC were 53.0% (114/215) and 100.0% (21/21), respectively. Conclusions:Urine cytology has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of HGUC. The malignant risk of TPS varies with different diagnosis category. The high malignant risk population in cancer hospital leads to the relatively high malignant proportion and ROHM in each diagnosis category. Urinary cytology TPS reporting system is helpful to clinical management and has good clinical application value.

Objectives:To evaluate the clinical value of the Paris system for reporting urinary cytology (TPS) in the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (UC).Methods:A total of 1 744 cytological diagnostic records (from 751 cases) were collected retrospectively. All specimens were voided urines and histopathology as the gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary cytological diagnosis of UC and risk of high grade malignant (ROHM) in each diagnostic category were compared.Results:There were 360 cases with histopathology. The percentage of negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC) was 30.1% (226/751), atypical urothelial cells (AUC) was 29.8% (224/751), suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC) was 16.8% (126/751), high grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) was 21.2% (159/751), and non-urothelial malignancy (NUM) was 2.1% (16/751). The histpathologic ROHM corresponding to each cytological diagnosis category were 27.3% for NHGUC, 32.7% for AUC, 74.7% for SHGUC, 96.6% for HGUC and 100.0% for NUM, respectively. ROHM of SHGUC was significantly higher than that of AUC group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P＜0.001). ROHM of HGUC group was significantly higher than that of SHGUC group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P＜0.001). With SHGUC as the cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis of HGUC were 76.7% (165/215) and 85.7% (18/21), and with HGUC as the cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis of HGUC were 53.0% (114/215) and 100.0% (21/21), respectively. Conclusions:Urine cytology has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of HGUC. The malignant risk of TPS varies with different diagnosis category. The high malignant risk population in cancer hospital leads to the relatively high malignant proportion and ROHM in each diagnosis category. Urinary cytology TPS reporting system is helpful to clinical management and has good clinical application value.

Objective To investigate the effects of tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium combined with oxaliplatin on gastric motility-related hormones, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in elderly patients with gastric cancer. Methods A total of 128 elderly patients with gastric cancer were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into control group (n=64) and observation group (n=64). The control group was treated with tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium, while the observation group received tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium combined with oxaliplatin. Gastric motility-related hormones [motilin (MTL) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)], MMP-2, MMP-9, tumor markers [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)], clinical efficacy and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed in both groups. The correlations of gastric motility-related hormones with the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and tumor markers were analyzed. Results After treatment, MTL levels in both groups were significantly lower, while VIP levels were significantly higher compared to before treatment. Additionally, the observation group had significantly lower MTL and higher VIP levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, CEA, CA125 and CA19-9 were significantly reduced in both groups compared to pretreatment levels, with the observation group showing significantly lower levels than the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 70.31%, which was significantly higher than the 53.13% in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). A negative correlation was observed between MTL and MMP-2, MMP-9, CEA, CA125 as well as CA19-9 (P < 0.05), while VIP showed a positive correlation with MMP-2, MMP-9, CEA, CA125 and CA19-9 (P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium and oxaliplatin is effective and safe for the treatment of elderly patients with gastric cancer. MTL, VIP, MMP-2, MMP-9, CEA, CA125 and CA19-9 are interrelated in the development of gastric cancer in elderly patients.