Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Κυριακή 23 Οκτωβρίου 2022

Small extravesicular microRNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its potential as a liquid biopsy for early detection

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Abstract

Background

The objective was to assess secretion of small extracellular vesicular microRNA (exo-miRNA) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) according to human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and determine the translational potential as a liquid biopsy for early detection.

Methods

This study employed a combination of cell culture and case–control study design using archival pretreatment serum. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) were isolated from conditioned culture media and human serum samples via differential ultracentrifugation. miRNA-sequencing was performed on each sEV isolate.

Results

There were clear exo-miRNA profiles that distinguished HNSCC cell lines from nonpathologic oral epithelial control cells. While there was some overlap among profiles across all samples, there were apparent differences in exo-miRNA profiles according to HPV-status. Importantly, differential exo-miRNA profiles were also apparent in serum from early-stage HNSCC cases relative to cancer-free controls.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that exo-miRNA are highly dysregulated in HNSCC and support the potential of exo-miRNA as biomarkers for HNSCC.

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Expression of Glial Cell‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors Within Nucleus Ambiguus During Rat Development

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Expression of Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors Within Nucleus Ambiguus During Rat Development

In this paper, we show differences of Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF)receptors in the nucleus ambiguus during development from E14 to E20 and in the rat adulthood. We observed that there is timing of production of the different members of GDNF receptors in the motoneurons innervating the larynx and we try to establish differences between nucleus ambiguus and the other motor nuclei of the medulla oblongata such as facial and hypoglossus nuclei. These findings support the idea that GDNF may play a role during motor innervation of the rat larynx.


Objective

The nucleus ambiguus (NAmb) is a column of neurons in the medulla oblongata, involved in bulbar functions. Expression of Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) and its receptors (GDNFR) is observed within the cell bodies during reinnervation following recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Little is known regarding GDNFR expression in the formation of the NAmb and the laryngeal innervation during embryogenesis. Understanding the timing and pattern of GDNFR expression in embryogenesis versus after RLN injury may provide insights into therapeutic targets for regeneration after RLN injury.

Study Design

Laboratory experiment.

Methods

Rat brainstems at E14.5/E16.5/E18.5/E20.5/adult were stained for GDNFR: GFRα-1/GFRα-2/GFRα-3/Ret. Islet1 and choline acetyltransferase were used as cell body markers. Sections were observed using fluorescent microscopy and quantified through manual cell counting.

Results

Expression of GFRα-1, GFRα-3, and Ret was identified within the NAmb, hypoglossal, and facial nuclei of the adult medulla. During development, GFRα-1 immunoreactivity was seen at E20.5. GFRα-2 expression was not observed at any timepoint. GFRα-3 expression began at E16.5. Ret expression within nerve fibers in the NAmb were observed beginning at E14.5, but never in the cell bodies.

Conclusion

Embryonic GDNFR expression in the NAmb differs from that of the adult after RLN injury. The developing brainstem experienced upregulation at discrete timepoints with signaling sustained through adulthood. In contrast, adult RLN-transected rats experienced patterns of up and down regulation. GFRα-1 may contribute to muscle targeting and neuromuscular junction maturation, GFRα-3 may contribute to both, as well as axon guidance. It is likely that GDNF is functioning via a Ret-independent pathway.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2022

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human monkeypox (hMPXV) re‐emergence: host immunity status and current vaccines landscape

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Abstract

Monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus and the Poxviridae family. Orthopoxviruses are among the most intricate animal viruses. The pathogenicity of human monkeypox infection has been emphasized in response to its recent emergence in non-endemic countries and the threat of bioterrorism. It is always necessary to take appropriate precautions in exposure to emerging or re-emerging infections. Here, we focus on the current state of the human monkeypox infection outbreak, research & development of immunity responses and clinical interventions to prevent and treat human monkeypox virus and other human poxviruses.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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A minimally invasive method for titanium mesh fixation with resorbable sutures in guided bone regeneration: A retrospective study

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Abstract

Objectives

Titanium mesh has become a mainstream choice for guided bone regeneration (GBR) owing to its excellent space maintenance. However, the traditional fixation method using titanium screws impacts surgery efficiency and increases patient trauma. We report a novel method of fixing a titanium mesh using resorbable sutures. We assessed the feasibility of resorbable sutures for fixing a titanium mesh and whether it can serve as a stable, universal, and minimally invasive fixation method for a broader application of titanium meshes.

Methods

Patients undergoing GBR with a digital titanium mesh fixed using titanium screws (TS group) and resorbable sutures (RS group) were observed at different time points. The stability of the fixation methods was evaluated on parameters such as titanium mesh spatial displacement, bone augmentation, and bone resorption.

Results

A total of 36 patients were included in this study. The exposure rate of the titanium mesh in the TS group was 16.67%, while no exposure was noted in the RS group. There was no significant difference in the parameters of titanium mesh spatial displacement, bone augmentation, and bone resorption between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of resorbable sutures for fixing a titanium mesh can achieve similar results to traditional fixation using titanium screws. Although this new fixation method can improve the efficiency of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications, the long-term clinical effects require further follow-up investigation.

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Epigenetic upregulation of Schlafen11 renders WNT- and SHH- activated medulloblastomas sensitive to cisplatin

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Abstract
Background
Intensive chemotherapeutic regimens with craniospinal irradiation have greatly improved survival in medulloblastoma patients. However, survival markedly differs among molecular subgroups and their biomarkers are unknown. Through unbiased screening, we found Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11), which is known to improve response to DNA damaging agents in various cancers, to be one of the top prognostic markers in medulloblastomas. Hence, we explored the expression and functions of SLFN11 in medulloblastoma.
Methods
SLFN11 expression for each subgroup was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 98 medulloblastoma patient samples and by analyzing transcriptomic databases. We genetically or epigenetically modulated SLFN11 expression in medulloblastoma cell lines and determined cytotoxic response to the DNA damaging agents cisplatin and topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38 in vitro and in vivo.
Results
High SLFN11 expressing cases exhibited significantly longer survival than low expressing cases. SLFN11 was highly expressed in the WNT-activated subgroup and in a proportion of the SHH-activated subgroup. While WNT activation was not a direct cause of the high expression of SLFN11, a specific hypomethylation locus on the SLFN11 promoter was significantly correlated with high SLFN11 expression. Overexpression or deletion of SLFN11 made medulloblastoma cells sensitive and resistant to cisplatin and SN-38, respectively. Pharmacological upregulation of SLFN11 by the brain-penetrant histone deacetylase-inhibitor RG2833 markedly increased sensitivity to cisplatin and SN-38 in SLFN11-negative medulloblastoma cells. Intracranial xenograft studies also showed marked sensitivity to cisplatin by SLFN11-overexpression in medulloblastoma cells.
Conclusio ns
High SLFN11 expression is one factor which renders favorable outcomes in WNT-activated and a subset of SHH-activated medulloblastoma possibly through enhancing response to cisplatin.
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Do cone‐beam computed tomography low‐dose protocols affect the evaluation of the temporomandibular joint?

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Abstract

Background

There is no established acquisition protocol based on scientific evidence for the acquisition of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of acquisition protocols and jaw positioning on the diagnostic accuracy of TMJ condylar morphological alterations (CMA), dimension, position, and excursion.

Methods

Thirty-six TMJs on 18 dry skulls were imaged using a CBCT unit (OP300 Maxio, Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) at two exposure settings (4.5 and 6.3 mA), three voxel resolutions (0.085, 0.125 and 0.280 mm), three jaw positions (concentric, anteriorized and posteriorized) and three jaw excursions (normoexcursion, hyperexcursion and hypoexcursion). The macroscopic anatomy examination and high-resolution CBCT images were used as ground truth for CMA. Twenty-five TMJs had at least one CMA with 11 healthy TMJs serving as controls. Three experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists evaluated the parasagittal images for the presence of CMA, position, and excursion and measured dimensions. The area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Weighted Kappa (α=0.05) was used to determine intra- and inter-examiner reliability and comparisons between dependent variables analyzed by Analysis of Variance at an a prior level of significance of 0.05.

Results

The agreement of the evaluation of the position and excursion with the reference standard was high, independent of the protocol (range, 0.75-0.91). Various combinations of acquisition protocols and jaw position did not influence the CMA evaluation. Erosion was overdiagnosed in protocols with larger voxel sizes, and the detection of osteophytes greater in images with smaller voxel sizes. The anteroposterior dimension was greater in the open jaw position (p<0.05).

Conclusion

CBCT protocols using reduced radiation exposure from the CBCT machine evaluated in this study can be used to assess condylar morphology, dimension, position, and excursion, without compromising diagnostic performances for these parameters.

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Σάββατο 22 Οκτωβρίου 2022

The added value of skeletal surveys in the initial evaluation of children diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis in the era of staging 18F‐FDG PET/CT: A retrospective study

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Abstract

Objective

Currently, there is no consensus protocol on the initial staging evaluation for Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Our institutional protocol consists of a skeletal survey and a whole-body positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose integrated with computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) study. The utility of the PET/CT lies in its sensitivity in detecting osseous and extra-osseous lesions, and in determining the baseline metabolic activity of LCH lesions to assess treatment response. However, the added utility of the skeletal survey in staging LCH is unclear. Therefore, this study retrospectively assessed the added diagnostic value of skeletal surveys in patients with baseline PET/CTs for initial staging of LCH.

Methods

We retrospectively searched the medical records of all patients less than or equal to 18 years old at a large children's hospital (May 2013 to September 2021). The inclusion criteria were (a) biopsy-proven diagnosis of LCH and (b) initial staging PET/CT and skeletal survey performed less than or equal to 1 month apart. A blinded pediatric radiologist reviewed the skeletal surveys and another reviewed the PET/CTs in identifying LCH osseous lesions.

Results

Our study cohort consisted of 49 children with 86 LCH osseous lesions. In non-extremity locations, PET/CT identified 70/70 (100%) osseous lesions, while skeletal surveys detected 43/70 (61.4%) osseous lesions. In the extremities, PET/CT identified 13/16 (81.3%) osseous lesions, while skeletal surveys detected 15/16 (93.8%) osseous lesions.

Conclusion

Skeletal surveys increased the detection rate of osseous lesions in the extremities, but added no diagnostic value to the detection of osseous lesions in non-extremity locations. Therefore, we propose to abbreviate the skeletal survey to include only extremity radiographs.

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Knockdown of circGOLPH3 inhibits cell progression and glycolysis by targeting miR‐145‐5p/lysine demethylase 2A (KDM2A) axis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

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Abstract

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common head and neck malignancies. The aim of this study is to explore the role of circRNA Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) (circGOLPH3) in OSCC.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were performed to detect changes in the levels of circGOLPH3, microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p), and lysine demethylase 2A (KDM2A). The functions of circGOLPH3 were assessed using in vitro and in vivo assays. Dual-luciferase reporter assay detected the interaction of miR-145-5p with circGOLPH3 or KDM2A.

Results

circGOLPH3 expression was upregulated in OSCC. circGOLPH3 downregulation inhibited cell growth, metastasis, and glycolysis in vitro, and in vivo experiments revealed that circGOLPH3 inhibited tumor growth. In addition, circGOLPH3 bound to miR-145-5p and competitively inhibited KDM2A expression, thereby regulating OSCC cell behaviors as well as glycolysis.

Conclusion

circGOLPH3 exerted pro-oncogenic effects through the miR-145-5p/KDM2A axis to regulate OSCC cell behaviors.

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Streptococcus mutans dexA affects exopolysaccharides production and biofilm homeostasis

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Abstract

Objectives

: The study aimed to evaluate the role of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) dexA gene on biofilm structure and microecological distribution in multi-species biofilms.

Materials and Methods

: A multi-species biofilm model consisting of S. mutans and its dexA mutants, Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii) and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) was constructed, and bacterial growth, biofilm architecture and microbiota composition were determined to study the effect of the S. mutans dexA on multi-species biofilms.

Results

: Our results showed that either deletion or overexpression of S. mutans dexA had no effect on the planktonic growth of bacterium, while S. mutans dominated in the multi-species biofilms to form cariogenic biofilms. Furthermore, we revealed that the SmudexA+ group showed structural abnormality in the form of more fractures and blank areas. The morphology of the SmudexA group was sparser and more porous, with reduced and less agglomerated exopolysaccharides scaffold. Interestingly, the microbiota composition analysis provided new insights that the inhibition of S. gordonii and S. sanguinis was alleviated in the SmudexA group compared to the significantly suppressed condition in the other groups.

Conclusion

: In conclusion, deletion of S. mutans dexA gene re-modules biofilm structure and microbiota composition, thereby leading to decreased cariogenicity. Thus, the S. mutans dexA may be an important target for regulating the cariogenicity of dental plaque biofilms, expecting to be a probiotic for caries control.

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Brain‐specific loss of Abcg1 disturbs cholesterol metabolism and aggravates pyroptosis and neurological deficits after traumatic brain injury

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Brain-specific loss of Abcg1 disturbs cholesterol metabolism and aggravates pyroptosis and neurological deficits after traumatic brain injury

Brain-specific knockout of Abcg1 disturbs cholesterol metabolism and aggravates TBI.


Abstract

Based on accumulating evidence, cholesterol metabolism dysfunction has been suggested to contribute to the pathophysiological process of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and lead to neurological deficits. As a key transporter of cholesterol that efflux from cells, the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family exerts many beneficial effects on central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, there is no study regarding the effects and mechanisms of ABCG1 on TBI. As expected, TBI resulted in the different time-course changes of cholesterol metabolism-related molecules in the injured cortex. Considering ABCG1 is expressed in neuron and glia post-TBI, we generated nestin-specific Abcg1 knockout (Abcg1-KO) mice using the Cre/loxP recombination system. These Abcg1-KO mice showed reduced plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increased plasma lower-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels under the base condition. After TBI, these Abcg1-KO mice we re susceptible to cholesterol metabolism turbulence. Moreover, Abcg1-KO exacerbated TBI-induced pyroptosis, apoptosis, neuronal cell insult, brain edema, neurological deficits, and brain lesion volume. Importantly, we found that treating with retinoid X receptor (RXR, the upstream molecule of ABCG1) agonist, bexarotene, in Abcg1-KO mice partly rescued TBI-induced neuronal damages mentioned above and improved functional deficits versus vehicle-treated group. These data show that, in addition to regulating brain cholesterol metabolism, Abcg1 improves neurological deficits through inhibiting pyroptosis, apoptosis, neuronal cell insult, and brain edema. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that the cerebroprotection of Abcg1 on TBI partly relies on the activation of the RXRalpha/PPARgamma pathway, which provides a potential therapeutic target for treating TBI.

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