Background/Aims: The function of BRAF V600E as a prognostic biomarker continues controversial by reason of conflicting results in the published articles. Methods: A systematical literature search for relevant articles was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Medline and Embase updated to August 5, 2015. The Chi-square test and I² were employed to examine statistical heterogeneity. Pooled ORs with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to assess the relationship between clinicopathological features and BRAF^V600E mutation. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity were also performed to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. Furthermore, publication bias was detected using the funnel plot and all statistical analyses were conducted by the software of R 3.12. Results: Of 25,241 cases with PTC, 15,290 (60.6%) were positive for BRAF mutation and 9,951 (39.4%) were tested negative for BRAF mutation. Negative status of BRAF^V600E mutation negative was significantly associated with gender (OR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.83-0.97) and concomitant hashimoto thyroiditis (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.43-0.64). By contrast, positive status of BRAF^V600E mutation was a significant predictor of multifocality (OR = 1.23; 95%CI = 1.14-1.32), extrathyroidal extension (OR = 2.23; 95%CI = 1.90-2.63), TNM stage (OR = 1.67; 95%CI = 1.53-1.81), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.67; 95%CI = 1.45-1.93), vascular invasion (OR = 1.47; 95%CI = 1.22-1.79) and recurrence/persistence (OR = 2.33; 95%CI = 1.71-3.18). However, there was no significant association between BRAF^V600E mutation and factors including age > 45 (OR = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.89-1.07), tumor size (OR = 0.84; 95%CI = 0.64-1.09) and distant metastasis (OR = 1.23; 95%CI = 0.67-2.27). Conclusion: This meta-analysis confirmed significant associations between BRAF^V600E mutation and female gender, multifocality, ETE, LNM, TNM stage, concomitant hashimoto thyroiditis, vascular invasion and recurrence/persistence, suggesting the predictive value of BRAF^V600Emutation for PTC prognosis.

To explore the mechanism of lnc SNHG20 in the regulation of proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells. mRNA levels of SNHG20, miR-495, and HER2 were detected by qRT-PCR. Protein level of HER2 was measured by Western blot. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were detected by CCK-8 assay, Boyden chamber assay, and Transwell assay. The combination between SNHG20 and miR-495 was confirmed by RNA pull down assay. The combination between miR-495 and HER2 was confirmed by luciferase report assays. We also established breast cancer-bearing mice model and analyzed tumor volumes. Our data showed SNHG20 expression was significantly upregulated, miR-495 expression was significantly downregulated, and HER2 expression was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Besides, SNHG20 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells. We also found SNHG20 negatively regulated miR-495, and miR-495 could negatively regulate HER2. Moreover, we discovered that SNHG20 regulated HER2 via miR-495. SNHG20 regulated proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells via miR-495/HER2. Finally, we confirmed the mechanism of SNHG20 in the regulation of proliferation, invasion, and migration in breast cancer-bearing mice model. SNHG20 regulates HER2 via miR-495 to promote proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells.

Background To investigate the efficacy of a PLGA-based nanobody complex in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and NIR-II imaging in A549 tumor hypoxic model. Method IR1048-MZ was firstly synthesized by conjugating a nitro imidazole group to IR1048. IR1048-MZ and Cat were then encapsulated in PLGA-SH solution. Anti-EGFR-Nanobody was also expressed and purified, and finally Anti-EGFR-Nanobody@PLGA-IR1048MZ-Cat (Nb@IC-NPs) nanobody complex was obtained based on the formation of desulfide bond between PLGA-SH and Anti-EGFR-Nanobody. Size distribution and morphology were characterized by TEM and DLS. Spectrum of Nb@IC-NPs towards NTR was measured by UV and fluorescence, while the particle’s selective response was studied using fluorescence. The uptake of Nb@IC-NPs in A549 cells was observed by flow cytometry and CLSM. In the meantime, its’ catalytic ability that decomposes H2O2 both extra-and intra-cellular was observed by fluorescence and CLSM. In vitro photodynamic toxicity of Nb@IC-NPs was examined by MTT, Live/Dead Cell Staining, Flow Cytometry and Apoptosis Assay. Tumor-bearing model was constructed to observe a semi-quantitative fluorescent distribution and the possibility of NIR-II fluorescence/photoacoustic (PA) imaging. Effect of Nb@IC-NPs on enhancing A549 tumor hypoxia and expression profile of HIF-1α was investigated in the presence of NIR. An A549 tumor metastasis model was also constructed to confirm the complex’ potential to destroy primary tumor, inhibit lung metastasis, and prolong mice’ survival. Lastly, impact of Nb@IC-NPs on mice’ main organs and blood indices was observed. Results Nb@IC-NPs was successfully fabricated with good homogeneity. The fluorescent absorbance of Nb@IC-NPs showed a linear relationship with the concentration of NTR, and a higher concentration of NTR corresponded to a stronger photoacoustic signal. In addition, Nb@IC-NPs showed a stable selectivity toward NTR. Our results also suggested a high efficient uptake of Nb@IC-NPs in A549 cells, which was more efficient than IC-NPs and IR1048-MZ alone. In vitro assays confirmed the effects of Nb@IC-NPs on catalytic O2 generation even in hypoxic cells. The cell viability was upregulated with the nanocomplex at the absence of the laser, whereas it was dramatically declined with laser treatment that excited at 980 nm. Nb@IC-NPs achieved tumor hypoxia NIR-II/PA imaging through assisting A549 gathering. When NIR was applied, Nb@IC-NPs can significantly relieve A549 cellular/tumor hypoxia by generating more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn helps lower the expression level of HIF-1α. In summary, Nb@IC-NPs based PDT can efficiently decimate A549 primary tumor, inhibit metastatic lung cancer, and prolong the lifespan of the mice under tolerable dosage. At last, in vivo toxicity tests of the nanocomplex showed its biosafety to the main organs and normal blood indices values. Conclusion Nb@IC-NPs improves tumor hypoxia through catalytic reaction and lowers the expression level of HIF-1α. It achieves tumor PA imaging through intensified NIR-II fluorescence signal that caused by response of the complex to the lesion’s nitroreductase (NTR). Nb@IC-NPs based PDT can efficiently kill A549 primary tumor, inhibit a lung metastasis, as well as prolong mice’ survival cycle.

The C allele of rs3789604 (PTPN22) was a significant risk factor for LD-associated hyperthyroidism in GD patients, whereas C allele of GPR174 rs3827440 and G allele of RNASET2 rs9355610 appeared to be a protective factor for this disease.

BackgroundThis study was specifically designed to develop a new 99mTc compound with 3-amino-4-[2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol)-ethylamino]-4-oxo-butyrate (5-ntm-asp) and to verify whether this compound is feasible to be a radiopharmaceutical for hypoxic tumors.Material/MethodsMetronidazole derivative 5-ntm-asp was synthesized and then radio-labeled by Na [99mTcO4], forming 99mTc-5-ntm-asp. Another two complexes of 99mTc-2- and 99mTc-5-nitroimidazole-iminodiacetic acid (99mTc-2-ntm-IDA and 99mTc-5-ntm-IDA) were also synthesized based on previous studies. Physicochemical properties (stability, lipophilicity, protein binding) of the compounds were compared, and we also assessed the accumulation status of the compounds within A549 cells under both hypoxic and aerobic conditions. Distribution of the complex was also studied in vivo using BALB/c nude mice that were injected with A549 cells.ResultsCompared with 99mTc-2-ntm-IDA and 99mTc-5-ntm-IDA, 99mTc-5-ntm-asp was more stable in both phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer and human plasma (P<0.05). Besides that, 99mTc-5-ntm-asp offered lower lipophilicity and protein-binding rate than the two complexes (P<0.05). During assessment of hypoxic uptake status and high hypoxic/aerobic ratio in mice injected with A549 cells, 99mTc-5-ntm-asp exhibited a more favorable profile than 9mTc-2-ntm-IDA and 99mTc-5-ntm-IDA, including uptake ratio of tumor/blood and uptake ratio of tumor/muscle.ConclusionsWith overall consideration of physicochemical properties and biological uptake behavior, it is feasible to use 99mTc-5-ntm-asp as an imaging agent for tumor hypoxia.