BACKGROUND: The thoracic small biopsy sampling procedure including transbronchial forceps lung biopsy (TBLB) and endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) can be accompanied by rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of sample material to provide immediate feedback for the proceduralist. The present study aims to investigate the supplemental effect of ROSE smear samples for lung cancer molecular test. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 308 patients admitted to our hospital from August 2020 to December 2022 undergoing diagnostic TBLB and EBUS-TBNA with ROSE and subsequently diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were analyzed. The matched formalin-fixed paraffin-embedding (FFPE) tissue section and ROSE smears for tumor cellularity were compared. DNA yields of smears were determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed on adequate smear samples. RESULTS: ROSE smear samples were enriched in tumor cells. Among 308 biopsy samples, 78 cases (25.3%) exhibited inadequate FFPE tissue sections, whereas 44 cases (14.3%) yielded adequate smear samples. Somatic mutations detected in the FFPE tissue section samples were also detected in the matching adequate smear sample. CONCLUSIONS ROSE smear samples of the thoracic small biopsies are beneficial supplemental materials for ancillary testing of lung cancer. Combined use of cytology smear samples with traditional FFPE section samples can enhance the detection rate of informative mutations in patients with advanced NSCLC. We recommend that the laboratory could further evaluate the ROSE cell smears of the patient when FFPE tissue sections are inadequate, and that adequate cell smears can be used as a supplemental source for the molecular testing of NSCLC.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology* ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Rapid On-site Evaluation ; Retrospective Studies ; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration/methods*

BACKGROUND: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is a technique used for simultaneous evaluation of biopsy specimens through rapid cytology staining. Diff-Quik (DQ) staining is the most commonly employed method for cytological rapid on-site evaluation (C-ROSE). However, the utilization of DQ staining for on-site cytological interpretation remains uncommon among pathologists in China, posing challenges to the implementation of C-ROSE. This study aims to assess the application of rapid hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and DQ staining for C-ROSE during percutaneous needle biopsy of peripheral lung cancer and evaluate the value of rapid HE staining in C-ROSE. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsies were conducted on 300 patients diagnosed with peripheral lung cancer. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups for C-ROSE using either rapid HE staining or DQ staining, and subsequently the two methods were compared and evaluated. RESULTS: The concordance rate between C-ROSE and histopathological diagnosis was 96.7%. The median staining time for rapid HE staining was 160 s, while that for DQ staining was 120 s, representing a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences observed in terms of total biopsy time, concordance rate with histopathology, cytology specimen peeling rate, and incidence of serious adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both staining methods comply with C-ROSE criteria in the biopsy setting of peripheral lung cancer. Rapid HE staining is more aligned with domestic clinical requirements and holds potential for further promotion and adoption in C-ROSE.
Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Rapid On-site Evaluation ; Biopsy, Needle/methods* ; Staining and Labeling

In contrast to the well-established genomic 5-methylcytosine (5mC), the existence of N⁶-methyladenine (6 mA) in eukaryotic genomes was discovered only recently. Initial studies found that it was actively regulated in cancer cells, suggesting its involvement in the process of carcinogenesis. However, the contribution of 6 mA in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) still remains uncharacterized. In this study, a pan-cancer type analysis was first performed, which revealed enhanced 6 mA metabolism in diverse cancer types. The study was then focused on the regulation of 6 mA metabolism, as well as its effects on TSCC cells. To these aspects, genome 6 mA level was found greatly increased in TSCC tissues and cultured cells. By knocking down 6 mA methylases N6AMT1 and METTL4, the level of genomic 6 mA was decreased in TSCC cells. This led to suppressed colony formation and cell migration. By contrast, knockdown of 6 mA demethylase ALKBH1 resulted in an increased 6 mA level, enhanced colony formation, and cell migration. Further study suggested that regulation of the NF-κB pathway might contribute to the enhanced migration of TSCC cells. Therefore, in the case of TSCC, we have shown that genomic 6 mA modification is involved in the proliferation and migration of cancer cells.
AlkB Homolog 1, Histone H2a Dioxygenase/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Site-Specific DNA-Methyltransferase (Adenine-Specific)/metabolism* ; Tongue Neoplasms/metabolism*

Metastasis is a major cause of therapeutic failure in ovarian cancer. To elucidate molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer metastasis, we previously established a metastatic xenograft mouse model using human ovarian carcinoma SK-OV-3 cells. Using gene expression profiling, we found that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor π subunit (GABRP) expression was upregulated (>4-fold) in metastatic tissues from our xenograft mice compared with SK-OV-3 cells. Importantly, GABRP knockdown diminished the migration and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells, and reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation while overexpression of GABRP exhibited significantly increased cell migration, invasion and ERK activation. Moreover, treatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 similarly suppressed the migration and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells, implying that GABRP promotes these cellular behaviors by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway. Using genome-wide DNA methylation profiling, we identified hypomethylated CpG sites in the GABRP promoter in metastatic tissues from the xenograft mice compared with SK-OV-3 cells. Treatment with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor demonstrated that methylation at −963 bp from the GABRP transcription start site (−963 CpG site) was critical for the epigenetic regulation of GABRP. Finally, we analyzed human ovarian cancer patient samples and showed DNA hypomethylation at the GABRP −963 CpG site in advanced stage, but not early-stage, primary tumors compared with their paired normal tissues. These findings suggest that GABRP enhances the aggressive phenotype of ovarian cancer cells, and that the DNA methylation status of the GABRP −963 CpG site may be useful for predicting the metastatic potential in ovarian cancer patients.
Animals ; Cell Movement ; DNA ; DNA Methylation ; Epigenomics* ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Methylation ; Mice ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Ovarian Neoplasms* ; Phenotype* ; Phosphotransferases ; Protein Kinases ; Transcription Initiation Site

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a very rare variant of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) which arises in reproductive age women with prior gestational history. Although abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of ETT, there are no reported pathognomonic symptoms of ETT because of its rarity. ETT is similar to placental site trophoblastic tumor in terms of its slow growing characteristic and microscopic findings. Therefore, it could be misdiagnosed as placental site trophoblastic tumor or other types of GTD. Unlike other types of GTD, primary treatment of ETT is surgical resection because of its chemo-resistant nature. Accordingly, immunohistochemical staining is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here, we report a case of a 42-year-old hysterectomized woman with pelvic masses who suffered from abdominal pain. Through laparotomy, tumors were resected completely and they were diagnosed as ETT through immunohistochemical stain. This report provides more evidence about its clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment including a brief review of the literature.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ; Humans ; Laparotomy ; Trophoblastic Neoplasms* ; Trophoblastic Tumor, Placental Site ; Trophoblasts* ; Uterine Hemorrhage

To explore the anti-tumor proliferation activity of human interleukin-29 (hIL-29) variant and based on bioinformatics analyzed data of hIL-29, a mutant gene hIL-29(mut33,35) was amplified by site-directed mutagenesis and megaprimer PCR. The hIL-29(mut33,35) was inserted into an eukaryotic expression plasmid pPIC9K and successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. A recombinant variant protein (rhIL-29(mut33,35)) was purified from the ferment supernatant of the engineering GS115. To observe the antineoplastic activity of the variant rhIL-29(mut33,35), a CCK-8 reagent was used to detect the anti-proliferation effect. Results show that it has strong anti-proliferation effect when acted on liver cancer cell BEL7402, colon cancer cell HCT8 and gastric cancer cell SGC7901. The inhibition ratios of the three tumor cells were (30.99 ± 1.58)%, (22.47 ± 1.37)% and (32.05 ± 2.02)%, respectively. In high dose group, the anti-proliferation effect of the rhIL-29(mut33,35) was stronger than that of wild type rhIL-29 (P < 0.01). This indicates the variant rhIL-29(mut33,35) has potential development value for medicine.
Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interleukins ; biosynthesis ; pharmacology ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Pichia ; Plasmids ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; pharmacology

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in the base excision repair (BER) pathway, which repairs oxidative base damage caused by endogenous and exogenous agents. APE1 acts as a reductive activator of many transcription factors (TFs) and has also been named redox effector factor 1, Ref-1. For example, APE1 activates activator protein-1, nuclear factor kappa B, hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha, paired box gene 8, signal transducer activator of transcription 3 and p53, which are involved in apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis and survival pathways. APE1/Ref-1 maintains cellular homeostasis (redox) via the activation of TFs that regulate various physiological processes and that crosstalk with redox balancing agents (for example, thioredoxin, catalase and superoxide dismutase) by controlling levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The efficiency of APE1/Ref-1's function(s) depends on pairwise interaction with participant protein(s), the functions regulated by APE1/Ref-1 include the BER pathway, TFs, energy metabolism, cytoskeletal elements and stress-dependent responses. Thus, APE1/Ref-1 acts as a 'hub-protein' that controls pathways that are important for cell survival. In this review, we will discuss APE1/Ref-1's versatile nature in various human etiologies, including neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases that have been linked with alterations in the expression, subcellular localization and activities of APE/Ref-1. APE1/Ref-1 can be targeted for therapeutic intervention using natural plant products that modulate the expression and functions of APE1/Ref-1. In addition, studies focusing on translational applications based on APE1/Ref-1-mediated therapeutic interventions are discussed.
Animals ; DNA Damage ; DNA Repair ; DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase/analysis/genetics/*metabolism ; Humans ; *Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods ; Neoplasms/*drug therapy/genetics/*metabolism ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/*drug therapy/genetics/*metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Protein Interaction Maps

Osteosarcoma is a genetically unstable malignancy that most frequently occurs in children and young adults. The lack of progress in managing this devastating disease in the clinic has prompted international researchers to collaborate to profile key genomic alterations that define osteosarcoma. A team of researchers and clinicians from China, Finland, and the United States investigated human osteosarcoma by integrating transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), high-density genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Sanger sequencing, cell culture, and molecular biological approaches. Systematic analysis of genetic/genomic alterations and further functional studies have led to several important findings, including novel rearrangement hotspots, osteosarcoma-specific LRP1-SNRNP25 and KCNMB4-CCND3 fusion genes, VEGF and Wnt signaling pathway alterations, deletion of the WWOX gene, and amplification of the APEX1 and RUNX2 genes. Importantly, these genetic events associate significantly with pathogenesis, prognosis, progression, and therapeutic activity in osteosarcoma, suggesting their potential impact on improved managements of human osteosarcoma. This international initiative provides opportunities for developing new treatment modalities to conquer osteosarcoma.
Adult ; Bone Neoplasms ; Child ; China ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase ; Genomics ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Osteosarcoma ; genetics ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo construct a colorectal cancer cell line stably expressing mir-101 and identify the target gene of mir-101.

METHODSQuantitative real-time PCR was used to detect mir-101 expression in colorectal cancer cell lines. The recombined lentiviral vector GV209-mir101 or the empty lentiviral vector GV209 was transfected into human colorectal cancer cells SW620. The recombinant psiCHECK-2-Rac1 vector containing RAC1 3'UTR was constructed, and site-directed mutagenesis of RAC1 3'UTR was induced to construct the psiCHECK-2-Rac1-Mut vector. In HEK293A and SW480 cells co-transfected with mir-101 inhibitors or negative control (NC) and these recombined vectors, luciferase activities was examined with a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTSSW620 cells transfected with GV209-mir101 lentivirus exhibited higher mir-101 expression level than cells transfected with GV209 lentivirus. Mir-101 inhibitors significantly increased the luciferase activities of RAC1 3'UTR. Overexpression of mir-101 increased the expression of RAC1 while inhibition of mir-101 suppressed RAC1 expression.

CONCLUSIONWe have successfully constructed a SW620 cell line stably overexpressing mir-101. mir-101 can suppress RAC1 gene expression by targeting the specific sequence of RAC1 3'UTR.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Lentivirus ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Buqi Tongluo Jiedu Recipe (BTJR) on HIC1 methylation of pancreatic cancer mouse model.

METHODSTotally 30 nude mice were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, and the treatment group, 10 in each group. The model was induced by cancer cell subcutaneous planting method. Mice in the treatment group were administered with BTJR (60 g crude drugs/kg, 3 mL/100 g) by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was given to those in the normal group and the model group by gastrogavage. All the intervention lasted for 14 successive days. The mice were sacrificed to death. Their tumor tissues were taken out. The HIC1 gene methylation level of each specimen was detected by nested methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (N-MSP) method.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the HIC1 gene methylation level was lower in the treatment group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model, the HIC1 gene methylation level was even lower in the normal group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBTJR could reduce HIC1 gene methylation degree of model mice, thus playing a role of molecular biologic effect in treating pancreatic cancer.

Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA Methylation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Transcription Initiation Site