Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that are >200 nucleotides in length. Recent studies have identified a number of lncRNAs with critical roles in various biological processes including tumorigenesis. Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) is a lncRNA that has recently been reported to be involved in the progression of several human cancers. However, the biological function of ZFAS1 in breast cancer remains to be elucidated. In order to determine the effect of ZFAS1 in breast cancer cells, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to measure ZFAS1 expression in cells from breast cancer cell lines. In addition, gain-of-function experiments were performed in vitro to investigate the biological role of ZFAS1. The results revealed that ZFAS1 expression was significantly downregulated in breast cancer cell lines when compared with the levels in controls. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that ZFAS1 overexpression significantly suppressed cell proliferation by causing cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Further functional assays indicated that ZFAS1 overexpression inhibited cell migration and invasion by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These findings indicated that the lncRNA ZFAS1 may be a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, and thus, may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with breast cancer.

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Berberine is one of the main active constituents of Rhizoma coptidis, a traditional Chinese medicine, and has long been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of berberine on the intestinal mucosal barrier damage in a rat uremia model induced by the 5/6 kidney resection. Beginning at postoperative week 4, the uremia rats were treated with daily 150 mg/kg berberine by oral gavage for 6 weeks. To assess the intestinal mucosal barrier changes, blood samples were collected for measuring the serum D-lactate level, and terminal ileum tissue samples were used for analyses of intestinal permeability, myeloperoxidase activity, histopathology, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Berberine treatment resulted in significant decreases in the serum D-lactate level, intestinal permeability, intestinal myeloperoxidase activity, and intestinal mucosal and submucosal edema and inflammation, and the Chiu's scores assessed for intestinal mucosal injury. The intestinal MDA level was reduced and the intestinal SOD activity was increased following berberine treatment. In conclusion, berberine reduces intestinal mucosal barrier damage induced by uremia, which is most likely due to its anti-oxidative activity. It may be developed as a potential treatment for preserving intestinal mucosal barrier function in patients with uremia.