Background/Aims: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are rare neoplasms which arise from pancreatic islet cells. Recently, lncRNA MEG3 has been reported as a tumor suppressor in variety cancers. This study aimed to reveal the functional effects of MEG3 on pNETs which has not been uncovered previously. Methods: The expression of MEG3, miR-183, and BRI3 in BON1 cells were altered by transfection with their specific vectors/shRNA, or mimic/inhibitor. Thereafter, cell viability, apoptosis, the protein expressions of cell cycle related factors, and apoptosis associated factors, as well as cell migration and invasion were respectively assessed by typan blue staining, flow cytometry, western blotting, and transwell assay. Results: MEG3 was low expressed in BON1 and QGP-1 cells, when compared to three normal cell lines (HEK293, CCL-153, and EC-304). MEG3 overexpression decreased BON1 cells viability, invasion, migration, but significantly induced apoptosis. miR-183 was a direct target of MEG3, and miR-183 up-regulation abolished the anti-growth and anti-metastasis effects of MEG3 overexpression on BON1 cells. Moreover, BRI3 was a target of miR-183, and BRI3 exhibited a tumor-promoting role possibly via activation of p38/ERK/AKT and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in BON1 cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a tumor suppressive effect of MEG3 in BON1 cells that suppresses tumor cells growth and metastasis. A novel regulatory mechanism has been revealed that modulation of MEG3/miR-183/BRI3 axis may be pivotal in pNET.

ObjectiveData on dietary patterns in relation to the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a middle-aged Chinese population are sparse. The present study was performed to determine the major dietary patterns among a population aged 45–59 years and to evaluate their associations with MetS risk in China.DesignCross-sectional examination of the association between dietary patterns and MetS. Face-to-face interviews were used to assess dietary intake using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. OR and 95 % CI for MetS were calculated across quartiles of dietary pattern scores using multivariate logistic regression analysis models.SettingCity of Linyi, Shandong Province, China.SubjectsAdults (n 1918) aged 45–59 years.ResultsThree major dietary patterns were identified: traditional Chinese, animal food and high-energy. After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals in the highest quartile of the traditional Chinese pattern had a reduced risk of MetS relative to the lowest quartile (OR=0·72, 95 % CI 0·596, 0·952; P<0·05). Compared with those in the lowest quartile, individuals in the highest quartile of the animal food pattern had a greater risk of MetS (OR=1·28; 95 % CI 1·103, 1·697; P<0·05). No significant association was observed between the high-energy pattern and risk of MetS.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the traditional Chinese pattern was associated with a reduced risk, while the animal food pattern was associated with increased risk of MetS. Given the cross-sectional nature of our study, further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

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Besides the anti-angiogenic effects, TNP-470 can inhibit tumor growth by inhibiting the proliferation and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.

BackgroundWe specifically designed this study to determine the relationship between levels of IL-8 and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Material/MethodsA total of 149 diabetic patients at different stages of diabetic nephropathy and 72 matched controls were recruited in this study. A wide range of parameters were measured: IL-18 (by ELISA), urinary albumin excretion rates (UAER), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT, by pulse wave velocity [PWV]). All the diabetic patients were treated by alprostadil.ResultsELISA indicated that the level of IL-18 in the patient group was significantly higher compared with that in the control group. The level of IL-18 apparently increased in the higher cIMT group in T2DM patients. Serum IL-18 levels were positively correlated with cIMT in patients with T2DM, the level of IL-18 was negatively correlated with cIMT, and IL-18 levels were positively correlated to age. Moreover, IMT was positively correlated with hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and IL-18 levels were significantly associated with cIMT (all P<0.05).ConclusionsIL-18 levels were positively correlated with atherosclerotic burden in patients with T2DM and it may be considered as a significant therapeutic target.

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