ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in the expression levels of Yes-associated protein 1 （YAP1） and human collagen type Ⅵ alpha 1 （COL6A1） in pancreatic cancer under hyperglycemic conditions and their association with prognosis. MethodsGEPIA database and R software were used to analyze the expression levels of YAP1 and COL6A1 and their correlation in pancreatic cancer， as well as their impact on the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The cBioPortal database was used to identify the co-expressed genes of YAP1 and COL6A1 in pancreatic cancer， and the gene ontology （GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） enrichment analyses were performed. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of YAP1 and COL6A1 in human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells cultured under hyperglycemic or normoglycemic conditions. A nude mouse model of pancreatic cancer with type 2 diabetes was established， and immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of YAP1 and COL6A1 in subcutaneous tumor tissue. Clinical specimens and data of 96 patients with pancreatic cancer were collected from January 2016 to January 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University， Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital and Wuming Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University. Among them， 48 patients with pancreatic cancer and diabetes were enrolled as study group， and 48 patients with pancreatic cancer alone were enrolled as control group； immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression levels of YAP1 and COL6A1 in tissue samples from both groups， and their association with clinical indicators and survival outcomes was analyzed. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups， and the chi-square test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups； the Pearson correlation analysis was used for normally distributed continuous variables， while the Spearman correlation analysis was used for discontinuous variables or non-normally distributed variables. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves， and the Log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rates. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses. ResultsBoth YAP1 and COL6A1 were highly expressed in pancreatic cancer， with a strong correlation between them （r=0.85， P<0.001）， and they were associated with the poor prognosis of patients （hazard ratio ［HR］=1.8 and 1.5， both P<0.05）. YAP1 and COL6A1 were significantly correlated with 219 and 122 genes， respectively （r=0.83 and 0.86， both P<0.05）， and the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that these genes affected the development and progression of pancreatic cancer through extracellular matrix-receptor interaction， the Hippo signaling pathway， and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot showed that there were significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression levels of YAP1 and COL6A1 in human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells under hyperglycemic conditions （mRNA expression： t=4.726 and 6.197， both P<0.05； protein expression： t=6.826 and 5.254， both P<0.05）. Immunohistochemistry showed that there were significant increases in the expression levels of YAP1 and COL6A1 in subcutaneous tumor tissue of nude mice， with a positive correlation between them （r=0.985， P<0.001）. For the clinical specimens of pancreatic cancer tissue， immunohistochemistry showed that there were significant increases in the positive expression levels of YAP1 and COL6A1 proteins in the study group， with a positive correlation between them （r=0.882， P<0.001）. The multivariate analysis of clinical data showed that lymph node metastasis （HR=0.083， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 0.030 — 0.231， P<0.05）， distant organ metastasis （HR=0.166， 95%CI： 0.065 — 0.420， P<0.05）， YAP1 expression level （HR=2.027， 95%CI： 1.065 — 3.857， P<0.05）， and COL6A1 expression level （HR=2.044， 95%CI： 1.019 — 4.099， P<0.05） were independent influencing factors for the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The survival analysis showed that the high YAP1 expression group had a significantly lower 2-year survival rate than the low YAP1 expression group （6.82% vs 25.00%， χ²=16.382， P<0.001）， and the high COL6A1 expression group had a significantly lower 2-year survival rate than the low COL6A1 expression group （14.58% vs 18.75%， χ²=4.579， P=0.032）. ConclusionThe hyperglycemic environment promotes the high expression of YAP1 and COL6A1 in pancreatic cancer， which is associated with poor prognosis in patients.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of IL-23/STAT3/Th17 axis in severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and the in-terventional effect of the Qingjie Huagong decoction(QJHGD).Methods:A rat model of SAP was established by injecting sodium tau-rocholate into the retrograde pancreatic duct.The blank group,model group,different doses of QJHGD administration groups and posi-tive group were set up respectively.HE staining was used to observe the pathology of pancreatic tissue.ELISA was used to detect serum lipase,α-amylase and inflammatory markers.By combining RT-qPCR,IHC,Western blot,and IF techniques,we elucidated the mechanism of QJHGD in protecting pancreatic tissue in SAP rats.Results:The levels of amylase,lipase,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-17,IL-23,TNF-α and TGF-β in the serum of SAP model rats in all dose groups of QJHGD were significantly reduced,and the effect was the best in medium dose group(P<0.05).The results of IHC and RT-qPCR revealed that the medium-and high-dose groups of QJHGD sig-nificantly reduced the expression of IL-23,STAT3,IL-17 protein and mRNA in the pancreatic tissue of this model(P<0.05).More-over,the Western blot results demonstrated that the expression of IL-23,STAT3,p-STAT3,and IL-17 proteins in SAP rats were sig-nificantly decreased in the medium-dose group of QJHGD(P<0.05);the IF assay indicated that Th17 cell differentiation in SAP rats was inhibited by all dose groups of QJHGD,with the most significant inhibition effect in the middle dose(P<0.05).Conclusion:QJH-GD regulates the activation of IL-23/STAT3/Th17 axis,thereby inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and exerting a protective effect on pancreatic tissue.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of IL-23/STAT3/Th17 axis in severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and the in-terventional effect of the Qingjie Huagong decoction(QJHGD).Methods:A rat model of SAP was established by injecting sodium tau-rocholate into the retrograde pancreatic duct.The blank group,model group,different doses of QJHGD administration groups and posi-tive group were set up respectively.HE staining was used to observe the pathology of pancreatic tissue.ELISA was used to detect serum lipase,α-amylase and inflammatory markers.By combining RT-qPCR,IHC,Western blot,and IF techniques,we elucidated the mechanism of QJHGD in protecting pancreatic tissue in SAP rats.Results:The levels of amylase,lipase,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-17,IL-23,TNF-α and TGF-β in the serum of SAP model rats in all dose groups of QJHGD were significantly reduced,and the effect was the best in medium dose group(P<0.05).The results of IHC and RT-qPCR revealed that the medium-and high-dose groups of QJHGD sig-nificantly reduced the expression of IL-23,STAT3,IL-17 protein and mRNA in the pancreatic tissue of this model(P<0.05).More-over,the Western blot results demonstrated that the expression of IL-23,STAT3,p-STAT3,and IL-17 proteins in SAP rats were sig-nificantly decreased in the medium-dose group of QJHGD(P<0.05);the IF assay indicated that Th17 cell differentiation in SAP rats was inhibited by all dose groups of QJHGD,with the most significant inhibition effect in the middle dose(P<0.05).Conclusion:QJH-GD regulates the activation of IL-23/STAT3/Th17 axis,thereby inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and exerting a protective effect on pancreatic tissue.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction （QJHGD） on a mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） and the mechanism of action of QJHGD against inflammatory response. MethodsA total of 36 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， Western medicine group （ulinastatin）， and low-， middle-， and high-dose QJHGD groups， with 6 mice in each group. All mice except those in the blank group were given 5% sodium taurocholate by retrograde pancreaticobiliary injection to establish a model of SAP. After modeling， the mice in the low-， middle-， and high-dose groups were given QJHGD （1， 2， and 4 g/kg， respectively） by gavage， and those in the Western medicine group were given intraperitoneal injection of ulinastatin （5×10⁴ U/kg）， for 7 days in total. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the pancreas； ELISA was used to measure the levels of α-amylase， lipase， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， interleukin-18 （IL-18）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in mice； RT-qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein3 （NLRP3）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） in pancreatic tissue； immunohistochemistry was used to measure the positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB in pancreatic tissue； Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group had diffuse destruction of pancreatic tissue structure， focal dilatation of pancreatic lobular septum， pancreatic acinar atrophy， and massive inflammatory cell infiltration， as well as significant increases in the content of α-amylase， lipase， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， and TNF-α （all P<0.05）， the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB （all P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6 （all P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the low-， middle-， and high-dose QJHGD groups and the Western medicine group had slightly tighter and more intact structure of pancreatic tissue， ordered arrangement of pancreatic acinar cells， a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration， and hemorrhagic foci of pancreatic lobules， as well as significant reductions in the content of α-amylase， lipase， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， and TNF-α （all P<0.05）， the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB （all P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6 （all P<0.05）. ConclusionQJHGD may exert a protective effect on the pancreatic tissue of SAP mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins， reducing the release of inflammatory mediators， and preventing the enhancement of inflammatory cascade response.

OBJECTIVE To explore the the reg ulation of intestinal flora and effects of Qingjie huagong decoction on intestinal mucosal barrier in severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）mode rats . METHODS SAP rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein and lipopolysaccharide.The survival state of rats in each group were observed.The levels of serum amylase ，interleukin 10（IL-10），IL-18 and IL- 1β in serum were all detected. The pathological changes of pancreatic and small intestinal tissue were observed. The expressions of Occludin，ZO-1 and HMGB1 were detected in small intestinal tissue of rats. The structure and relative abundance of intestinal microflora in rats were detected by 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing. RESULTS After the intervention of Qingjie huagong decoction ，abdominal distension symptoms of SAP model rats were significantly relieved ，and their mental state recovered better ；the levels of serum amylase and IL- 18 in serum were decreased significantly （P＜0.05），while the level of IL- 10 was increased significantly （P＜0.05）. The necrotic area of pancreatic tissue and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were reduced ， the degree of intestinal epithelial cell structural disorder was alleviated ，and the shedding of intestinal mucosal epithelium was reduced.The protein expression of HMGB 1 in small intestinal tissue was decreased significantly （P＜0.05），and the protein expression of Occludin and ZO- 1 were increased significantly . Results of 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing showed that Qingjie huagong decoction could increased the relative abundance of probiotics such as Bacteroidea and Lactobacillus in rat intestine ，reduced the colonization of harmful bacteria such as Firmicutes. CONCLUSIONS Qingjie huagong decoction can improve the intestinal barrier by up-regulating the expression of Occludin and ZO- 1 in small intestinal tissue and down-regulating the protein expression of HMGB 1. It can also adjust the relative abundances of different flora to protect the intestinal tract.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of TCM Qingjie Huagong Decoction combined with routine internal medicine in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis with cholelithiasis (bile duct stones) in the early stage.Methods:Thirty-two patients with severe acute pancreatitis combined with cholelithiasis in the first affiliated Hospital of GuangXi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected and randomly divided into two groups with 16 in each, both groups were treated for 14 days. Serum amylase (AMS) was detected by iodine-starch colorimetry, GOT and GPT were detected by continuous monitoring method, and CRP, IL-6 and procalcitonin (PCT) were detected by immune transmission turbidimetry. Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Score Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ), CT Severity Index Score (CTSI) and Modified Marshall Score were used to evaluate the severity of SAP. The recovery time of body temperature, the relief time of abdominal distension pain, the recovery time of bowel sounds and the total hospital stay were observed and recorded to evaluate the clinical effect.Results:The total effective rate was 93.8% (15/16) in the treatment group and 75.0% (12/16) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=8.19, P=0.042). After treatment, the level of AMS, WBC, CRP, PCT, AST, ALT and IL-6 in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group ( t values were 14.3, 7.24, 9.63, 5.48, 7.05, 7.33, 28.34, respectively, all Ps<0.05); After treatment, the time for body temperature to return to normal [(2.91±0.12)d vs. (3.78±0.38)d, t=8.76], the time for relief of abdominal distension pain [(4.77±0.68)d vs. (7.13±1.55)d, t=9.52], the time for recovery of bowel sounds [(3.90±1.80)d vs. (4.89±1.38)d, t=2.98] and the total hospital stay [(22.60±2.80)d vs. (30.37±3.89)d, t=7.88] in the treatment group were all significantly shorter than those in the control group ( P<0.01); APACHE Ⅱ, CTSI and the Modified Marshall Score in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group ( t values were 11.82, 12.72, 7.71, respectively, all Ps<0.01). Conclusion:Qingjie Huagong Decoction combined with ERCP and conventional western medicine therapy can reduce the level of inflammation in patients with cholelithiasis in the early stage of SAP, relieve clinical symptoms and improve clinical efficacy.

Background: Previous studies suggest that ghrelin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, but the mechanism is still unclear. Aims: To screen the differentially expressed genes in pancreatitis pancreatic acinar cells transfected with ghrelin miRNA by gene chip. Methods: Pancreatitis was induced by caerulin. AR42J cells were divided into ghrelin miRNA+caerulin group and negative control+caerulin group. AR42J cells were collected to extract RNA and synthesize ds-DNA, and was then hybridized with rat whole genome microarray for scanning and analyzing. Differentially expressed genes related to inflammation and calcium pathways were screened, and expressions of Bcl-2, caspase-8, caspase-12 were verified by RT-PCR. Results: For AR42J cells after intervention with ghrelin miRNA+caerulin, 2 938 differentially expressed genes were screened, including 1 435 up-regulated genes and 1 503 down-regulated genes. There were 60 differentially expressed genes involved in CAMP/Ca2+ signaling pathway and 199 differentially expressed genes involved in inflammation pathway. RT-PCR results showed that expressions of Bcl-2, caspase-12 were down-regulated and expression of caspase-8 was up-regulated in ghrelin miRNA+caerulin group, consistent with the results of gene chip. Conclusions: Gene chip can be used to screen the genes that play a key role in the process of pancreatitis pancreatic acinar cells transfected with ghrelin miRNA, and provide a theoretical basis and reference for the study of mechanism of endogenous ghrelin on pancreatitis pancreatic acinar cells.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the common complications after surgery.The pathogenesis of BCRL is unclear,and there is no definitely effective treatment for it.In this article we review the pathogenesis,risk factors and treatment of BCRL,propose the comprehensive strategies for prevention and treatment of BCRL.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between smoking status and carotid plaque in rural population residing in Eastern part of China.

METHODSBetween July and September of 2013, an epidemiological survey was carried out in residents aged 40 or above men who were enrolled randomly in rural areas of Anqing, Anhui province and Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. The data on epidemiological characteristics including smoking status, physical examination were collected using standardized protocol, and carotid ultrasonography was applied to examine the incidence of carotid plaque among never smokers, former smokers and current smokers. Logistic regress analysis was performed to determine the effect of smoking on carotid plaque.

RESULTSIn the study, a total of 625 male participants were included in the study. 51.4% (321 cases) were current smokers, 21.3% (133 cases) were former smokers, and 27.4% (171 cases) were never smokers. 32.0% (200/625) had carotid plaque. The incidence of carotid plaques was significantly higher in current smokers (35.2%, 113/321) than that in never smokers(23.4%,40/171) (χ(2) = 7.26, P = 0.007) and the incidence in former smokers (35.3%, 47/133) was also higher than that in never smokers (23.4%, 40/171) (χ(2) = 5.23, P = 0.022). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that current cigarette smoking is significantly associated with the increased risk of carotid plaque (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.13-2.98, P = 0.014) in comparison with never smokers, and there was an interaction between current smoking and age in association with carotid plaque. Compared with the young (≤60 years old) and never smoking group (8%, 3/40), prevalence of carotid plaque among the elderly (>70 years old) and smoking group (55%, 31/56) was significantly higher (OR = 8.06, 95% CI: 2.07-31.45) after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride high-density lipoprotein, body mass index, drinking and regional differences.

CONCLUSIONIt found that cigarette smoking was associated with increased risk of carotid plaque in rural elderly population residing in Eastern part of China.

Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Carotid Stenosis ; China ; Cholesterol ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, HDL ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Smoking ; Triglycerides

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between miR-124 rs531564 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to cervical cancer in Chinese Han women in Guangdong Province.

METHODSThe genotypes of miR-124 rs531564 polymorphism were determined using polymerase chain reaction-based ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) in 107 cervical cancer patients and 208 healthy female blood donors. The correlation between the polymorphism and the susceptibility to cervical cancer was evaluated using unconditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSThe incidence of HPV infection in the patients (93.1%) was much higher than that in the control subjects (16.8%, P<0.001), suggesting the importance of HPV infection as a critical risk factor for cervical cancer. The G allele of miR-124 rs531564 polymorphism in the cervical cancer patients was much less frequent than that in the controls (8.0% vs 15.1%, P=0.014), suggesting its possible role as a protective allele. Compared with those carrying CC genotype, individuals carrying the CG and GG genotypes showed a significantly reduced risk for cervical cancer (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.26-0.88, P=0.017), and this protective role of the G allele was more prominent in older women (≥45 years old) (OR=0.28, 95% CI=0.10-0.76, P=0.012).

CONCLUSIONmiR-124 rs531564 polymorphism may play a role in cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women, and G allele is associated with a reduced risk of cervical cancer.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; genetics