1.Molecular classification of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on hypoxia-related genes and clinical significance of STC2
ZHU Jianing ; WANG Tiantian ; ZHANG Rui ; SONG Hongquan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(5):345-358
Objective :
To construct a molecular classification system for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) utilizing hypoxia-related gene (HAG) expression profiles, and to comprehensively examine the clinicopathological significance and biological functions of the hypoxia gene stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) in HNSCC.
Methods :
Transcriptomic data and clinical information of 546 HNSCC samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and based on the expression profiles of 200 HRGs, HNSCC was classified subclasses using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). HNSCC was classified into three subclasses (C1, C2, and C3), and the molecular characteristics and prognostic differences of the subclasses were assessed by comparing the tumor mutation load, functional enrichment analysis, drug sensitivity, and clinical features among the subclasses. LASSO-Cox regression was used to screen prognosis-related genes and construct prognostic models. Using oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-related data in the TCGA database, we analyzed the expression differences of STC2 in OSCC and control samples, and detected the mRNA and protein expression of STC2 in oral squamous carcinoma samples using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. We knocked down STC2 in CAL-27 cells and verified the knockdown efficiency by qRT-PCR and Western blot. CCK-8 assay and cell scratch assay were used to assess the effect of STC2 on cell proliferation and migration ability.
Results:
Based on HRGs expression profiles, HNSCC was categorized into three subclasses (C1, C2, and C3). Subclass C1 had moderate hypoxic activity and good prognosis; subclass C2 had the highest hypoxic activity, poor prognosis, and poor sensitivity to CTLA-4 inhibitors (P<0.05); subclass C3 had the lowest hypoxic activity and moderate prognosis, and STC2 belonged to subclass C3. The frequency of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and tumor protein p53 (TP 53) mutations was higher in HNSCC. C1 genomic gain and deletion burden were significantly higher than C3 subclass (P<0.05) and C2 genomic gain than C3 subclass (P<0.05). The C2 subclass was significantly enriched in hypoxia-associated pathways, such as glycine metabolism and base excision repair (P<0.05). The C1, C2, and C3 subclasses were significantly positively correlated in terms of sex (male) (Cramer’s V=0.15), radiation exposure (Cramer’s V=0.12), medication (Cramer’s V=0.18), and pathological grading (G1/G2) (Cramer’s V=0.25) (P<0.05). Nine prognosis-related genes were screened by LASSO-Cox regression, among which high expression of STC2 was positively correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) in HNSCC patients (P<0.01). Bioinformatics analysis showed that STC2 mRNA expression was higher in OSCC than in normal controls (P<0.05). qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry confirmed that both mRNA and protein expression of STC2 were significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues and cells (P<0.01). In vitro experiments showed that STC2 expression was knocked down to approximately 80% in CAL-27 cells (P<0.001), and the STC2 knockdown group had a reduced value-added rate (P<0.001) and a reduced percentage of scratch closure (P<0.05) compared with the control group.
Conclusion
We successfully constructed a molecular typing system for HNSCC based on the expression profiles of HRGs and categorized HNSCC into three subclasses with significant prognostic differences, among which the C2 subclass had the highest hypoxic activity and the poorest prognosis. STC2 was highly expressed in HNSCC and suggested a poor prognosis, demonstrating that it may be a potential target for HNSCC treatment.
2.Obesity-related genes and genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer
Wenhui WU ; Shiyun DING ; Jingrao LI ; Ji ZHENG ; Jianing MAO ; Tianyi ZHU ; Yiling WU ; Ruoxin ZHANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):569-580
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of genetic variation of obesity-related biological pathways and gene-obesity interactions on the incidence of gastric cancer, so as to better understand the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and help identify high-risk populations for individualized prevention of gastric cancer. MethodsA case-control study based on the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank study (SSACB) was conducted on the cases with gastric cancer. A total of 267 cases with gastric cancer and 267 healthy controls matched 1∶1 by age and gender using propensity score were included in the study. After genome-wide genotyping, quality control and imputation, 19 250 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites from 115 genes in 4 obesity-related biological pathways were extracted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between these SNP sites and the risk of gastric cancer, and false positive report probability (FPRP) was used for multiple test correction.Data from Biobank Japan (BBJ) and FinnGen public accessible databases were used to validate significant SNP sites. For validated sites, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis and differentially expressed genes analysis were further performed. Additive and multiplicative interactions were used to evaluate the gene-obesity interactions on the incidence of gastric cancer. Additive interaction evaluation indicators included relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI), while multiplicative interaction evaluation indicators include ORGxE and Pinter. ResultsA total of 41 SNP sites were significantly associated with the onset of gastric cancer (Padj<0.05, FPRP0.1<0.1), among which 7 groups of haplotype blocks were formed. ACACB/ rs2268401 [SSACB: P=0.005, BBJ: P=0.049], HRAS/ rs12785860 (SSACB: P<0.001, FinnGen: P=0.045), and PTPN1/ rs6095985 (SSACB: P<0.001, FinnGen: P=0.023) were significantly associated with the risk of gastric cancer after validation in different populations. Among which, the G allele of HRAS/ rs12785860 was correlated with the downregulation of HRAS mRNA expression (P<0.001), and the expression level of HRAS in gastric cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). Additionaly, JAK1/rs11208559 showed a positive additive interaction with waist circumstance (WC) on the risk of gastric cancer [RERI=2.29(0.06~4.53), AP=0.57(0.23~0.90), SI=4.03(2.20~5.87)]. ConclusionObesity-related biological pathway SNP sites and their haplotypes are associated with the risk of gastric cancer, suggesting that genetic variations in obesity pathways may affect gastric cancer. The HRAS/ rs12785860 is significantly associated with downregulation of HRAS gene expression, which may serve as a potential genetic marker for gastric cancer. JAK1/rs11208559 interacts with obesity additively on the risk of gastric cancer. Individuals with GC+CC genotypes and pre-central or central obesity have an increased risk of gastric cancer, providing clues and evidences for individualized prevention of gastric cancer.
3.Oral Absorption and Labeling Techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine Polysaccharides: A Review
Weifeng ZHU ; Shuangyan DENG ; Hui OUYANG ; Wenjing YANG ; Jianing FU ; Huangqing WEI ; Qiong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):261-269
Polysaccharides are the important material basis of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and have various pharmacological activities such as immunomodulation, antitumor and anti-aging. Due to the large molecular weight of TCM polysaccharides, their structural analysis and oral absorption mechanism are facing technical challenges, and the current research on their structure-activity relationships has made some breakthroughs, while the research on their oral absorption mechanisms is relatively slow. In-depth study of the oral absorption mechanism of TCM polysaccharides is not only crucial for the interpretation of their action pathways and efficacy in vivo, but also helpful for the interpretation of their pharmacological effects, rational clinical applications and the discovery of new targets. In recent years, the application of fluorescent labeling and isotopic labeling methods has provided new technical means for the oral absorption studies of polysaccharides, which has promoted the development of oral absorption studies of TCM polysaccharides. In this paper, we reviewed the oral absorption pathways and labeling techniques of TCM polysaccharides, and concluded that they can be absorbed orally through transmembrane, cellular bypass, and M-cell-mediated transport, of which transmembrane pathway is the main absorption pathway, and summarized the labeling reactions of four fluorescent labeling and isotopic labeling methods with TCM polysaccharides, which can provide references for evaluating the absorption pathways of TCM polysaccharides, screening active TCM polysaccharides, establishing pharmacodynamic models and comprehensively elucidating the mechanism of TCM polysaccharides.
4.Clinical characteristics analysis of primary pancreatic lymphoma
Yinghao SUN ; Jianing LI ; Kun HE ; Liang ZHU ; Yunlu FENG ; Qiang WANG ; Qingwei JIANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Qiang XU ; Zheng WANG ; Jingya ZHOU ; Dong WU
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2024;24(1):52-56
Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics of primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) patients.Methods:Clinical features of 22 patients diagnosed as PPL admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to May 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The median age was 56.4±13.3 years. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 1.0 (1.0, 3.0) months. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (15/22), weight loss (14/22) and jaundice (10/22). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was observed in 15/20 (75%) patients. Only 2 (2/9, 22.2%) patients had increased CA199 levels and 2 (2/9, 22.2%) patients had increased CEA levels. The maximum tumor diameter was 5.0 (3.8, 6.9) cm. Contrast-enhanced CT mostly showed low enhancement lesions. Major pancreatic duct dilatation were rare on CT scan (4/20). Fifteen patients were confirmed by pancreatic pathology, of which 8 were obtained by surgery, 4 were obtained by CT or ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy, and 3 were obtained by EUS-FNA. The main pathological type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (14/22). 19 patients received chemotherapy, and 6 patients died with a median follow-up of 5.0 (1.5, 35.5) months.Conclusions:PPL is rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. Elevated LDH levels, normal tumor markers, and non-dilatation of main pancreatic duct are important diagnostic clues. It is important to obtain pathology by EUS-FNA and other methods for definite diagnosis.
5.Copper Deficiency Myeloneuropathy in a Patient With Wilson’s Disease
Yu WANG ; Zijun WEI ; Jianing MEI ; Xueyi HAN ; Hongping ZHAO ; Yulong ZHU ; Ping JIN ; Yunyun ZHANG
Journal of Movement Disorders 2024;17(1):123-126
6.Predictive value of labor progression angle, fetal head descent distance, and their change rate in the outcome of vaginal trial delivery of scarred uterus after cesarean section
Yijun WANG ; Danping SHEN ; Guofang YUAN ; Ping CHEN ; Yun SHI ; Feng ZHU ; Lin QIU ; Jianing WANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(20):103-107
Objective To investigate the predictive value of labor progress angle (AOP), fetal head descent distance (HPD) and their change rates in the outcome of vaginal trial of cesarean scar uterus. Methods A total of 170 pregnant women who underwent vaginal trial production of scar uterus after cesarean section were selected as study subjects, and were divided into successful group and failed group based on the trial production outcomes. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) and head-perineum distance (HPD) were measured by ultrasound during the active phase of the first stage of labor when the cervix dilated to 4 cm and at 1 hour after the cervix dilated to 4 cm, respectively. The AOP change rate and HPD change rate after 1 hour of progress were calculated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive efficacy of AOP, HPD and their change rates in the outcome of vaginal trial production of scar uterus after cesarean section. Delong test was used to compare the differences in area under curves (AUCs). Results Among 170 pregnant women with scarred uterus after cesarean section who were pregnant again, 139 cases (success group) were succeed in transvaginal delivery, while 31 cases failed trial delivery, and transferred to cesarean section (failure group). The AOP of the successful group was significantly larger than that of the failed group when the cervix was opened to 4 cm, and the HPD was significantly shorter than that of the failure group (
7.Pharmaceutical practice of clinical pharmacist participation in a patient with Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis
Yan WANG ; Shaohui ZHU ; Jianing YANG ; Xiaoshan CHEN ; Minhua ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2023;34(24):3060-3063
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the treatment of a patient with Epstein-Barr (EB) virus encephalitis. METHODS Clinical pharmacist participated in drug diagnosis and therapy for a patient with EB virus encephalitis. According to the physiological characteristics of the disease and the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic characteristics of antibiotics, clinical pharmacists suggested that the dose should be adjusted as ceftriaxone 2 g, q12 h+meropenem 2 g, q8 h. Based on the uncontrolled infection of the patient, pharmacists suggested that ceftriaxone should be stopped and vancomycin 1 million U and q12 h should be used as alternative therapy. According to the results of etiology, pharmacists suggested that acyclovir should be discontinued and replaced with ganciclovir 5 mg/kg, q12 h. The electrolyte disturbance of the patient may be adverse drug reactions caused by Mannitol injection, it was recommended to stop the drug. RESULTS The clinician followed the advice of the clinical pharmacists. After treatment, the patient improved and was discharged. CONCLUSIONS Clinical pharmacists can carry out pharmaceutical care for patients with EB virus encephalitis, assist physicians in optimizing the treatment plan of patients, and ensure the effectiveness and safety of drug treatment.
8.Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in a Child with Plexiform Neurofibroma Pressing the Urinary System
Jianing XU ; Yaxin GUO ; Shanshan WANG ; Lei YIN ; Jiaming ZHU ; Wen CHENG ; Hongkun JIANG ; Xinghua GAO ; Xuegang XU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2023;2(2):186-190
A 3-year-old male patient was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1) for two years. The patient has multiple neurofibromas in retroperitoneum, lumbococcygeal paravertebral, lumbosacral spinal canal, and foramina. Due to retroperitoneal mass compression, the child suffered from urological complications such as hydronephrosis, ureterdilation, neurogenic bladder, etc., which seriously affected the urination function and resulted in multiple surgical treatments. Currently, the patient has been treated with mitogen activates extracelluar signal-regulated kinases(MEK) inhibitor selumetinib targeted therapy, and has voluntarily urinated, and his general state is better than before medication. The diagnosis and treatment of this case reflects the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.
9.Necroptosis in inflammatory bowel disease: A potential effective target
Xiuyan LONG ; Ningxin ZHU ; Jianing QIU ; Xiaoyu YU ; Xixian RUAN ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Li TIAN
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2022;47(9):1289-1298
The morbidity of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is rising rapidly but no curative therapies to prevent its recurrence. Cell death is crucial to maintaining homeostasis. Necroptosis is a newly identified programmed cell death and its roles played in IBD need to be explored. Necroptosis is mediated by receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), which resulted in cell swelling, plasma membrane rupture, intracellular content leaking, and eventually cell death as well as the promotion of inflammation. Studies have found that inhibiting necroptosis alleviated IBD in animal models and IBD patients with an increased level of necroptosis in inflammatory tissues, indicating that necroptosis is related to the pathogenesis of IBD. However, due to the complexity in regulation of necroptosis and the involvement of multiple functions of relevant signaling molecules, the specific mechanism remains elusive. Necroptosis may play a vital regulatory role in the pathogenesis of IBD, which provides a new idea and method for further exploring the therapeutic target of IBD.
10.Constitutive androstane receptor induced-hepatomegaly and liver regeneration is partially
Yue GAO ; Shicheng FAN ; Hua LI ; Yiming JIANG ; Xinpeng YAO ; Shuguang ZHU ; Xiao YANG ; Ruimin WANG ; Jianing TIAN ; Frank J GONZALEZ ; Min HUANG ; Huichang BI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2021;11(3):727-737
The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR3I1) belongs to nuclear receptor superfamily. It was reported that CAR agonist TCPOBOP induces hepatomegaly but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a potent regulator of organ size. The aim of this study is to explore the role of YAP in CAR activation-induced hepatomegaly and liver regeneration. TCPOBOP-induced CAR activation on hepatomegaly and liver regeneration was evaluated in wild-type (WT) mice, liver-specific YAP-deficient mice, and partial hepatectomy (PHx) mice. The results demonstrate that TCPOBOP can increase the liver-to-body weight ratio in wild-type mice and PHx mice. Hepatocytes enlargement around central vein (CV) area was observed, meanwhile hepatocytes proliferation was promoted as evidenced by the increased number of KI67


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