Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

The seed kernel of Momordica cochinchinensis, i.e., Momordicae Semen, is used for medicinal purposes, but to date, no research has been reported on its chemical constituents. In this study, the chemical constituents of Momordicae Semen were investigated for the first time using silica gel column chromatography, semi-preparative HPLC, HR-MS, and NMR. As a result, eight compounds were isolated and identified as: p-hydroxybenzoic acid-7-O-trehaloside(mubeside A, 1), 2,6-dimethoxyphenol-O-β-D-apiosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucoside(mubeside B, 2), 1-O-p-methoxybenzoyl-1,4-benzenediol-4-O-β-D-apiosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucoside(mubeside C, 3), 1-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl-1,4-benzenediol-4-O-β-D-apiosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucoside(mubeside D, 4), gypsogenin-3-O-β-D-galactosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronoside(5), quillaic acid-3-O-β-D-galactosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronoside(6), violanthin(7), and kaempferitrin(8). Compounds 1-4 are new compounds, while compounds 5-8 were isolated from Momordicae Semen for the first time.
Glycosides/isolation & purification* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

OBJECTIVES: To develop an E-selectin-targeting nanomedicine delivery system that competitively inhibits E-selectin-neutrophil ligand binding to block neutrophil adhesion to vessels and suppress their recruitment to the lesion sites. METHODS: Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)-loaded liposomes (IEL-Lip/DOX) conjugated with E-selectin-affinity peptide IELLQARC were developed using a post-insertion method. Two formulations [2-1P: Mol(PC): Mol(DPI)=100:1; 2-3P: 100:3] were prepared and their modification density and in vitro release characteristics were determined. Their targeting efficacy was assessed in a cell model of LPS-induced inflammation, a mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI), a rat femoral artery model of physical injury-induced inflammation, and a zebrafish model of local inflammation. RESULTS: The prepared IEL-Lip/DOX 2-1P and 2-3P had peptide modification densities of 4.76 and 7.57 pmoL/cm², respectively. Compared with unmodified liposomes, IEL-Lip/DOX exhibited significantly reduced 48-h cumulative release rates at pH 5.5. In the inflammation cell model, IEL-Lip/DOX showed increased uptake by activated inflammatory endothelial cells, and 2-1P exhibited a higher trans-endothelial ability. In ALI mice, the fluorescence intensity of IEL-Lip/Cy5.5 increased significantly in lung tissues by 53.71% [Z-(2-1P)] and 93.41% [Z-(2-3P)], and 2-1P had an increased distribution by 24.19% in the inflammatory lung tissue compared to normal mouse lung tissue. In rat femoral artery models, 2-1P had greater injured/normal vessel fluorescence intensity contrast. In the zebrafish models, both 2-1P and 2-3P showed increased aggregation at the site of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This E-selectin-targeting nanomedicine delivery system efficiently targets activated inflammatory endothelial cells to increase drug concentration at the inflammatory site, which sheds light on new strategies for treating neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases and practicing the concept of "one drug for multiple diseases".
Animals ; Liposomes ; Rats ; Nanomedicine ; E-Selectin ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Mice ; Doxorubicin/analogs & derivatives* ; Zebrafish ; Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy*

Type B insulin resistance syndrome(TBIR)is a rare autoimmune disease caused by the presence of autoantibodies against insulin receptors in the human body,leading to severe refractory hyperglycemia or refractory hypoglycemia.This article reports a case of TBIR patient,summarizes and analyzes its epidemiological characteristics and diagnosis and treatment methods,providing a basis for clinical treatment.

Background and objective Both of lung cancer incidence and mortality rank first among all cancers in China.Previous lung cancer screening trials were mostly selective screening for high-risk groups such as smokers.Non-smoking women accounted for a considerable proportion of lung cancer cases in Asia.This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of community-based mass screening in Guangzhou and identify the high-risk factors for lung cancer.Methods Residents aged 40-74 years in Guangzhou were screened with low-dose computed tomography(LDCT)for lung cancer and the pulmonary nodules were classified and managed according to China National Lung Cancer Screening Guideline with Low-dose Computed Tomography(2018 version).The detection rate of positive nodules was calculated.Before the LDCT examination,residents were required to complete a"lung cancer risk factors questionnaire".The risk factors of the questionnaire were analyzed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)penalized Logistic regression analysis.Results A total of 6256 residents were included in this study.1228 positive nodules(19.63％)and 117 lung cancers were confirmed,including 6 cases of Tis,103 cases of stage Ⅰ(accounting for 88.03％of lung cancer).The results of LASSO penalized Logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥50 yr(OR=1.07,95％CI:1.06-1.07),history of cancer(OR=3.29,95％CI:3.22-3.37),textile industry(OR=1.10,95％CI:1.08-1.13),use coal for cooking in childhood(OR=1.14,95％CI:1.13-1.16)and food al-lergy(OR=1.10,95％CI:1.07-1.13)were risk factors of lung cancer for female in this district.Conclusion This study highlighted that numerous early stages of lung cancer cases were detected by LDCT,which could be applied to screen-ing of lung cancer in women.Besides,age ≥50 yr,personal history of cancer,textile industry and use coal for cooking in childhood are risk factors for women in this district,which suggested that it's high time to raise the awareness of early lung cancer screening in this group.

Objective To establish an animal model and evaluation system for lymph node metastasis of breast cancer.Methods A total of 60 female BALB/c mice(6～8 weeks old)were subjected,and then 6 models of lymph node metastasis(n=10)were constructed through injection at different parts in the mice with cell suspension of 4T1 breast cancer cells.Transgenic mice(n=5)of mouse mammary tumor virus-polyoma middle T antigen(MMTV-PyMT)were employed and served as model of spontaneous tumor metastasis.Then the advantages and disadvantages of different lymph node metastasis models were comprehensively evaluated from multiple aspects,such as operability,histomorphology and pathological detection,tumor growth rate and mouse survival.Results Among the 7 metastasis models,4 models of lymph node metastasis were successfully established.Among them,the PyMT mouse spontaneous tumorigenesis model showed the best clinical reproduction,with a tumorigenesis rate of up to 100％,but had a disadvantage of poor experimental standardization.The hind paw-popliteal lymph node model had the fastest lymph node metastasis,easy operation and high repeatability,and a tumorigenesis rate of 100％,indicating its suitable for lymph node metastasis related research.The thigh subcutaneous-inguinal lymph node model also successfully simulated lymph node metastasis,with simple operation and high repeatability,a tumorigenesis rate of up to 100％,but its metastasis time was slightly longer than the hind paw-popliteal lymph node model.The inguinal lymph node-contralateral lymph node model was also a successful lymph node metastasis model,but with difficult operation,only 50％tumor-bearing rate,and poor repeatability.Lymph node metastasis model was not successfully established in the other 3 tumor-bearing models(under the tongue-internal jugular scapular tongue muscle lymph node model,bone marrow-inguinal lymph node model and right upper back skin-axillary lymph node model)in a short time,with no tumor cells observed in the pathological sections.Conclusion Through the comprehensive comparison of multiple models,mouse hind paw-popliteal lymph node model is the most suitable for conducting related research.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the anxiety-like behavior induced by cystitis and its neurobio-logical mechanisms in the anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)by constructing a mouse model of cystitis.Methods:A cys-titis model was established using lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Anxiety-like behavior in mice was explored through the open field test,and single-nucleus RNA sequencing was used to analyze changes in gene expression of neurons in the ACC.Results:HE staining results indicated significant inflammatory responses in the bladders of LPS-treated mice,including extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells,tissue edema,and bladder epithelial shedding.The open field test showed that the time and distance of mice moving in the central area of the open field were significantly reduced,indica-ting obvious anxiety-like behavior.Quality control of single-nucleus sequencing data suggested good data quality.Di-mensionality reduction clustering of the top 2000 highly variable genes revealed seven different cell subpopulations in the ACC.Five major cell types were identified in the ACC,and neurons were further clustered into five different subpopula-tions,identifying two main cell types.Differential gene analysis indicated significant changes in gene expression in neu-rons,with functional enrichment in pathways related to synaptic dysfunction.Conclusion:Cystitis can induce changes in gene expression in specific cell subpopulations in the ACC,suggesting that neurons may play an important role in the anxiety-like behavior induced by cystitis.This provides a new perspective for understanding the relationship between cystitis and anxiety behavior and offers important experimental evidence for future exploration of the brain regions and molecular mechanisms underlying cystitis-induced anxiety behavior.