Articles in press have been peer-reviewed and accepted, which are not yet assigned to volumes /issues, but are citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI).
Melanocytes derived from neural crest cells harbor the BRAFV600E mutation, which is the predominant driver of nevus formation in humans. This mutation leads to malignant cell proliferation and subsequent cell cycle arrest, culminating in oncogene-induced senescence and nevus development. Nevertheless, emerging evidence has highlighted the heterogeneity of cellular senescence markers in BRAFV600E-induced senescent melanocytes. Moreover, the capacity of melanocytes within nevi to regain their proliferative ability raises questions about the molecular mechanisms by which BRAFV600E, via the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, triggers nevus formation. This study provides an overview and discussion of the molecular mechanisms underpinning BRAFV600E-induced melanocyte nevus formation and the relevant animal models employed for their elucidation. It also highlights the significance of elucidating dynamic changes in cytoplasmic and nuclear substrates that interact with phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 and underscores the value of using targeted BRAFV600E animal models created through gene editing technologies.
2024, 37(6): 559-562.
doi: 10.3967/bes2024.108
Objective Genomic alterations and potential neoantigens for cervical cancer immunotherapy were identified in a cohort of Chinese patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Methods Whole-exome sequencing was used to identify genomic alterations and potential neoantigens for CSCC immunotherapy. RNA Sequencing was performed to analyze neoantigen expression. Results Systematic bioinformatics analysis showed that C>T/G>A transitions/transversions were dominant in CSCCs. Missense mutations were the most frequent types of somatic mutation in the coding sequence regions. Mutational signature analysis detected signature 2, signature 6, and signature 7 in CSCC samples. PIK3CA, FBXW7, and BICRA were identified as potential driver genes, with BICRA as a newly reported gene. Genomic variation profiling identified 4,960 potential neoantigens, of which 114 were listed in two neoantigen-related databases. Conclusion The present findings contribute to our understanding of the genomic characteristics of CSCC and provide a foundation for the development of new biotechnology methods for individualized immunotherapy in CSCC.
Objective Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant challenge for treatment efficacy. CD8+ T cells, which are pivotal immune cells, can be effectively analyzed for differential gene expression across diverse cell populations owing to rapid advancements in sequencing technology. By leveraging these genes, our objective was to develop a prognostic model that accurately predicts the prognosis of patients with TNBC and their responsiveness to immunotherapy. Methods Sample information and clinical data of TNBC were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas and METABRIC databases. In the initial stage, we identified 67 differentially expressed genes associated with immune response in CD8+ T cells. Subsequently, we narrowed our focus to three key genes, namely CXCL13, GBP2, and GZMB, which were used to construct a prognostic model. The accuracy of the model was assessed using the validation set data and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Furthermore, we employed various methods, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, immune infiltration, and correlation analyses with CD274 (PD-L1) to explore the model's predictive efficacy in immunotherapeutic responses. Additionally, we investigated the potential underlying biological pathways that contribute to divergent treatment responses. Results We successfully developed a model capable of predicting the prognosis of patients with TNBC. The areas under the curve (AUC) values for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival predictions were 0.618, 0.652, and 0.826, respectively. Employing this risk model, we stratified the samples into high- and low-risk groups. Through KEGG enrichment analysis, we observed that the high-risk group predominantly exhibited enrichment in metabolism-related pathways such as drug and chlorophyll metabolism, whereas the low-risk group demonstrated significant enrichment in cytokine pathways. Furthermore, immune landscape analysis revealed noteworthy variations between (PD-L1) expression and risk scores, indicating that our model effectively predicted the response of patients to immune-based treatments. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the potential of CXCL13, GBP2, and GZMB as prognostic indicators of clinical outcomes and immunotherapy responses in patients with TNBC. These findings provide valuable insights and novel avenues for developing immunotherapeutic approaches targeting TNBC.
Objective The effect of the functionally unknown gene C6orf120 on autoimmune hepatitis was investigated on C6orf120 knockout rats (C6orf120-/-) and THP-1 cells. Method Six–eight-week-old C6orf120-/- and wild-type (WT) SD rats were injected with Con A (16 mg/kg), and euthanized after 24 h. The sera, livers, and spleens were collected. THP-1 cells and the recombinant protein (rC6ORF120) were used to explore the mechanism in vitro. The frequency of M1 and M2 macrophages was analyzed using flow cytometry. Western blotting and PCR were used to detect macrophage polarization-associated factors. Results C6orf120 knockout attenuated Con A-induced autoimmune hepatitis. Flow cytometry indicated that the proportion of CD68+CD86+M1 macrophages from the liver and spleen in the C6orf120-/- rats decreased. C6orf120 knockout induced downregulation of CD86 protein and the mRNA levels of related inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the liver. C6orf120 knockout did not affect the polarization of THP-1 cells. However, rC6ORF120 promoted the THP-1 cells toward CD68+CD80+M1 macrophages and inhibited the CD68+CD206+M2 phenotype. Conclusion C6orf120 knockout alleviates Con A-induced autoimmune hepatitis by inhibiting macrophage polarization toward M1 macrophages and reducing the expression of related inflammatory factors in C6orf120-/- rats.
Objective Recent studies have indicated potential anti-inflammatory effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on asthma, which is often comorbid with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between the administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor-based agonists and the incidence of asthma in patients with T2DM and/or obesity. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrial.gov were systematically searched from inception to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of GLP-1 receptor-based agonists (GLP-1RA, GLP-1 based dual and triple receptor agonist) with reports of asthma events were included. Outcomes were computed as risk ratios (RR) using a fixed-effects model. Results Overall, 39 RCTs with a total of 85,755 participants were included. Compared to non-GLP-1 receptor-based agonist users, a trend of reduced risk of asthma was observed in patients with T2DM or obesity using GLP-1 receptor-based agonist treatments, although the difference was not statistically significant [RR = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68 to 1.24]. Further Subgroup analyses indicated that the use of light-molecular-weight GLP-1RAs might be associated with a reduced the risk of asthma when compared with non-users (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.99, P = 0.043). We also performed sensitivity analyses for participant characteristics, study design, drug structure, duration of action, and drug subtypes. However, no significant associations were observed. Conclusion Compared with non-users, a modest reduction in the incidence of asthma was observed in patients with T2DM or obesity using GLP-1 receptor-based agonist treatments. Further investigations are warranted to assess the association between GLP-1 receptor-based agonists and the risk of asthma.
Objective The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in SiO2-induced cardiac injury using a mouse model. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally instilled with SiO2 to create a silicosis model. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and deferoxamine (DFO) were used to suppress ferroptosis. Serum biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, histopathology, iron content, and the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins were assessed. Results SiO2 altered serum cardiac injury biomarkers, oxidative stress, iron accumulation, and ferroptosis markers in myocardial tissue. Fer-1 and DFO reduced lipid peroxidation and iron overload, and alleviated SiO2-induced mitochondrial damage and myocardial injury. SiO2 inhibited Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream antioxidant genes, while Fer-1 more potently reactivated Nrf2 compared to DFO. Conclusion Iron overload-induced ferroptosis contributes to SiO2-induced cardiac injury. Targeting ferroptosis by reducing iron accumulation or inhibiting lipid peroxidation protects against SiO2 cardiotoxicity, potentially via modulation of the Nrf2 pathway.
Objective Pertussis cases have increased markedly since 2018 in Guangxi. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibody levels and the infection status of pertussis in the resident population. Method A total of 10,215 serum samples from residents were collected from August–November 2018 and tested for anti-pertussis IgG and toxin IgG using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Of the collected samples, 1,833 (17.94%) tested positive for anti-pertussis IgG, with the median concentration of 16.06 IU/mL. Antibody level < 10 IU/mL accounted for more than 60% in children under 4 years of age, but declined with age, whereas the percentages of the other three levels (10–40, 40–50, and ≥ 50 IU/mL) increased almost with age (P < 0.001). Moreover, 7,924 samples were selected for anti-pertussis toxin IgG, of which 653 (8.24%) tested positive (≥ 40 IU/mL) with the median concentration of 5.89 IU/mL, and 204 participants (2.56%) had recent pertussis infection (≥ 100 IU/mL). Among the different age groups, the highest rates of positivity and recent infection were observed at 11–20 years of age, the lowest positivity rate at 5 years of age, and the lowest recent infection rate at 4 years of age (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion The survey results showed that all age groups in Guangxi lacked immunity against pertussis, which was one of the main factors contributing to the resurgence of pertussis in 2018. In addition, the prevalence of pertussis is relatively high in Guangxi, and its incidence is seriously underestimated, especially in adolescents and adults.
Objective To develop a highly sensitive and rapid nucleic acid detection method for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods We designed, developed, and manufactured an integrated disposable device for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction and detection. The precision of the liquid transfer and temperature control was tested. A comparison between our device and a commercial kit for SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction was performed using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The entire process, from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification, was evaluated. Results The precision of the syringe transfer volume was 19.2 ± 1.9 μL (set value was 20), 32.2 ± 1.6 (set value was 30), and 57.2 ± 3.5 (set value was 60). Temperature control in the amplification tube was measured at 60.0 ± 0.0 °C (set value was 60) and 95.1 ± 0.2 °C (set value was 95) respectively. SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction yield through the device was 7.10 × 106 copies/mL, while a commercial kit yielded 2.98 × 106 copies/mL. The mean time to complete the entire assay, from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification detection, was 36 min and 45 s. The detection limit for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was 250 copies/mL. Conclusion The integrated disposable devices may be used for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care test (POCT).
Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii or Tg), is an obligatory intracellular parasite with humans as its intermediate hosts. In recent years, significant correlations between T. gondii infection and schizophrenia have been reported, including the possible mediating mechanisms. Currently, mechanisms and hypotheses focus on central neurotransmitters, immunity, neuroinflammation, and epigenetics; however, the exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this article, we review the studies related to T. gondii infection and schizophrenia, particularly the latest research progress. Research on dopamine (DA) and other neurotransmitters, the blood-brain barrier, inflammatory factors, disease heterogeneity, and other confounders is also discussed. In addition, we also summarized the results of some new epidemiological investigations.
2015, 28(1): 57-71.
doi: 10.3967/bes2015.006
2022, 35(7): 573-603.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.079
2018, 31(2): 87-96.
doi: 10.3967/bes2018.011
2012, 25(3): 317-324.
doi: 10.3967/0895-3988.2012.03.010
2019, 32(8): 559-570.
doi: 10.3967/bes2019.074
2003, 16(3): 246-255.
2014, 27(8): 606-613.
doi: 10.3967/bes2014.093
2019, 32(9): 659-672.
doi: 10.3967/bes2019.085
2023, 36(8): 669-701.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.106
2018, 31(3): 208-214.
doi: 10.3967/bes2018.026
2018, 31(9): 637-644.
doi: 10.3967/bes2018.088
2016, 29(3): 212-218.
doi: 10.3967/bes2016.026
2019, 32(8): 578-591.
doi: 10.3967/bes2019.076
2022, 35(5): 381-392.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.054
2019, 32(6): 419-426.
doi: 10.3967/bes2019.057
2019, 32(10): 769-778.
doi: 10.3967/bes2019.096
2017, 30(5): 384-389.
doi: 10.3967/bes2017.051
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