Abstract Introduction: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. Methods: The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5’end or 3’end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. Results: We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5’ end or 3’ end of TERC was not found. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the optimal timing of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Methods: KD patients were classified as the early group (day 1-4), conventional group (day 5-7), conventional group (day 8-10), and late group (after day 10). Differences among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Predictors of IVIG resistance and the optimal cut-off value were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in IVIG resistance among the 4 groups (p = 0.335). The sensitivity analysis also confirmed no difference in the IVIG resistance between those who started the initial IVIG ≤ day 7 of illness and those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness (p = 0.761). In addition, patients who received IVIG administration more than 7 days from the onset had a higher proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (p = 0.034) and longer length of hospitalization (p = 0.033) than those who started IVIG administration less than 7 days. The optimal cut-off value of initial IVIG administration time for predicting IVIG resistance was >7 days, with a sensitivity of 75.25% and specificity of 82.41%. Conclusions: IVIG therapy within 7 days of illness is found to be more effective for reducing the risk of coronary artery abnormalities than those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness. IVIG treatment within the 7 days of illness seems to be the optimal therapeutic window of IVIG. However, further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Abstract Background Early risk stratification with simple biomarkers is essential in patients with non-ST segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma big endothelin-1 (ET-1) level and the SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with NSTEMI. Methods A total of 766 patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography were recruited. Patients were divided into three groups: low SS (≤22), intermediate SS (23-32), and high SS (>32). Spearman correlation, smooth curve fitting, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to evaluate the association between plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There was a significant correlation between the big ET-1 and the SS (r=0.378, p<0.001). The smoothing curve indicated a positive correlation between the plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.695 (0.661-0.727) and the optimal cutoff of plasma big ET-1 level was 0.35pmol/l. Logistic regression showed that elevated big ET-1 was an independent predictor of intermediate-high SS in patients with NSTEMI, whether entered as a continuous variable [OR (95% CI): 1.110 (1.053-1.170), p<0.001] or as a categorical variable [OR (95% CI): 2.962 (2.073-4.233), p<0.001]. Conclusion In patients with NSTEMI, the plasma big ET-1 level was significantly correlated with the SS. Elevated plasma big ET-1 level was an independent predictor for intermediate-high SS.

Resumo Fundamento A estratificação de risco precoce com biomarcadores simples é essencial em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMSSST). Objetivo Este estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a associação entre nível de big endotelina-1 plasmática (ET-1) e o escore SYNTAX (SS) em pacientes com IAMSSST. Métodos Foram recrutados 766 pacientes com IAMSSST que passaram por angiografia coronária. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: SS baixo (≤22), SS intermediário (23-32), e SS alto (>32). A correlação de Spearman, o ajuste de curva suave, a regressão logística, e a análise de curva característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foram realizados para avaliar a associação entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. Um p-valor <0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Foi identificada uma correlação significativa entre a big ET-1 e o SS (r=0,378, p<0,001). A curva suavizada indicou uma correlação positiva entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. A análise de curva ROC demonstrou que a área sob a curva foi de 0,695 (0,661-0,727) e o ponto de corte ideal do nível de big ET-1 plasmática foi de 0,35 pmol/l. A regressão logística demonstrou que a big ET-1 elevada era um preditor independente de SS intermediário a alto em pacientes com IAMSSST, seja como variável contínua [RC (IC 95%: 1,110 (1,053-1,170), p<0,001] ou como variável categórica [RC (IC 95%: 2,962 (2,073-4,233), p<0,001]. Conclusão Em pacientes com IAMSSST, o nível de big ET-1 plasmática estava significativamente correlacionado ao SS. O nível de big ET-1 plasmática elevado foi um preditor independente para SS intermediário a alto.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the role of puerarin on renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism in renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) model. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with puerarin (50 or 100 mg/kg) per day for one week before renal I/R. The level of renal collagen deposition and interstitial fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The ferroptosis related factors and TLR4/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: Puerarin was observed to alleviate renal collagen deposition, interstitial fibrosis and the α-SMA expression induced by I/R. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) level were decreased in I/R and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe2+ level increased. However, puerarin reversed SOD, MDA, GSH and Fe2+ level changes induced by I/R and H/R. Besides, Western blot indicated that puerarin inhibited the expression of ferroptosis related factors in a dose-dependent manner, which further demonstrated that puerarin had the effect to attenuate ferroptosis. Moreover, the increased expression of TLR/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were observed in I/R and H/R group, but puerarin alleviated the elevated TLR/Nox4 expression. Conclusions: Our results suggested that puerarin inhibited oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by I/R and, thus, delayed the progression of renal fibrosis, providing a new target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the predictive value of maternal White Blood Cells (WBC), neutrophils, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) for diagnosing Histological Chorioamnionitis (HCA) among women with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) who underwent cervical cerclage. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among women with singleton pregnancy and PPROM, who underwent cervical cerclage during 2018-2020. Results: A total of 55 eligible women were included in the final analysis, including 36 (61.02%) cases with HCA and 19 (38.98%) without HCA. Women with HCA had higher WBC count (12.31 ± 2.80) × 109/L and neutrophil count (9.67 ± 2.90)×109/L than those without HCA (10.35 ± 2.53) × 109/L and 7.82 ± 2.82 × 109/L, respectively) (both p < 0.05). The cut-off value of WBC count at 10.15×109/L was found to be the most effective in identifying HCA, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.707 (95% CI: 0.56-0.86; p = 0.012), sensitivity of 86.11%, specificity of 57.90%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 79.49%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 68.75%, and Youden index of 0.44. The combination of WBC + neutrophil had a slightly higher (AUC = 0.711, 95% CI: 0.57–0.86; p = 0.011), specificity (68.42%), and PPV (81.25%), but lower sensitivity (72.22%), than the WBC count alone. A cut-off value of neutrophil at 7.46 × 109/L was effective in identifying HCA, with an AUC of 0.689 (95% CI: 0.53-0.84; p = 0.022). Discussion: Combination use of WBC+neutrophil was found to be the most accurate predictor of HCA among women with PPROM after surgery of cervical cerclage.

Abstract Adaptation of photoperiod-sensitive japonica rice varieties from long-day (LD) to short-day (SD) conditions is impeded by their extremely early flowering in response to photoperiod change, but the genetic factor underlying this is still elusive. We detected mutations in Hd1 in Zhenjing2400 through gene mapping and sequencing analysis. Genome resequencing of the varieties Zhenjing2400 and Jiahe218 identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the other flowering-related genes Ehd1, SDG725, OsCOL15, DTH2, and DTH7. We constructed recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Zhenjing2400 and Jiahe218, and selected homozygous lines with these six genes. We established that photoperiod insensitivity is caused by a defective Hd1 gene. In addition, the effect of Hd1 and Ehd1 on heading date was stronger than that of the other four genes. Measurements of agronomic traits and quality traits in homozygous lines demonstrated the superiority of the hd1 ehd1 genotype for eating quality and photoperiod-insensitive high yield. photoperiodsensitive sensitive longday long day LD (LD shortday short SD (SD change elusive Hd Zhenjing Zhenjing240 analysis Jiahe Jiahe21 SNPs (SNPs floweringrelated related Ehd SDG725 SDG OsCOL15 OsCOL DTH2 DTH DTH7 RILs (RILs addition hd ehd photoperiodinsensitive insensitive yield Zhenjing24 Jiahe2 SDG72 OsCOL1 Zhenjing2 SDG7

RESUMO Introdução A corrida pode promover a saúde, prevenir a obesidade, doenças cardiovasculares e cerebrovasculares entre outras doenças crônicas. Muitas pesquisas relatam os benefícios desse exercício de resistência aeróbica, mas pouco conhecimento há sobre os impactos da corrida na osteoartrite do joelho. Objetivo Observar e estudar o efeito clínico da corrida na melhora da dor e da função em pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho. Métodos Setenta casos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão foram selecionados e divididos aleatoriamente em grupos controle e observação. Os pacientes do grupo de observação receberam 8 semanas de exercício neuromuscular (NEMEX) e 8 semanas de treinamento de força muscular do quadríceps enquanto o grupo controle foi sujeitado a um protocolo de corrida. Os pacientes foram avaliados usando a Escala de Dor e o Índice de Osteoartrite das Universidades Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) após 1, 2, 4 e 8 semanas de tratamento. Resultados Após 1, 2, 4 e 8 semanas de tratamento, os escores de função WOMAC dos dois grupos melhoraram significativamente comparados ao encontrado antes do tratamento (P <0,05). Não houve diferença entre os dois grupos antes do tratamento e após 1, 2 semanas de tratamento. Após 4 e 8 semanas de tratamento, a função do grupo de observação foi melhor que a do grupo controle, a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (t= -4,287, -6,355, P<0,05). Conclusões Ambos os métodos de treinamento NEMEX e o treinamento de força muscular do quadríceps podem efetivamente melhorar o nível funcional dos pacientes, e o NEMEX melhora mais significativamente do que o treinamento de força muscular do quadríceps. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação de resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction Running can promote health prevent obesity, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases, among other chronic diseases. Much research reports the benefits of this aerobic resistance exercise, but little is known about the impacts of running on knee osteoarthritis. Objective To observe and study the clinical effect of running on pain and function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Seventy cases that met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly divided into control and observation groups. Patients in the observation group received eight weeks of neuromuscular exercise (NEMEX) and eight weeks of quadriceps muscle strength training while the control group was subjected to a running protocol. Patients were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Pain Scale and Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Results After 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment, the WOMAC function scores of the two groups significantly improved compared to that found before treatment (P < 0.05); There was no difference between the two groups before treatment and after 1, 2 weeks of treatment. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the function of the observation group was better than that of the control group; the difference was statistically significant (t= -4.287, -6.355, P<0.05). Conclusions NEMEX training methods and quadriceps muscle strength training can effectively improve patients’ functional level, but NEMEX improves more significantly than quadriceps muscle strength training. Evidence level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

RESUMEN Introducción La corrida puede promover la salud, prevenir la obesidad, enfermedades cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares, entre otras enfermedades crónicas. Muchas investigaciones informan los beneficios de este ejercicio de resistencia aeróbica, pero se sabe poco sobre los impactos de correr en la osteoartritis de rodilla. Objetivo Observar y estudiar el efecto clínico de la corrida sobre el dolor y la mejora funcional en pacientes con artrosis de rodilla. Métodos Setenta casos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión fueron seleccionados y divididos aleatoriamente en grupos de control y observación. Los pacientes del grupo de observación recibieron 8 semanas de ejercicio neuromuscular (NEMEX) y 8 semanas de entrenamiento de fuerza de los cuádriceps, mientras que el grupo de control se sometió a un protocolo de corrida. Los pacientes fueron evaluados utilizando la escala de dolor y el índice de osteoartritis de las universidades de Western Ontario y McMaster (WOMAC) después de 1, 2, 4 y 8 semanas de tratamiento. Resultados Después de 1, 2, 4 y 8 semanas de tratamiento, las puntuaciones de función WOMAC de los dos grupos mejoraron significativamente en comparación con las encontradas antes del tratamiento (P < 0,05). No hubo diferencia entre los dos grupos antes del tratamiento y después de 1, 2 semanas de tratamiento. Después de 4 y 8 semanas de tratamiento, la función del grupo de observación fue mejor que la del grupo control, la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (t= -4.287, -6.355, P<0.05). Conclusiones Tanto los métodos de entrenamiento NEMEX como el entrenamiento de la fuerza muscular del cuádriceps pueden mejorar eficazmente el nivel funcional de los pacientes, y NEMEX mejora de forma más significativa que el entrenamiento de la fuerza muscular del cuádriceps. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

ABSTRACT As a common problem in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, lodging will not only increase harvest costs and reduce rice production, but also affect rice taste seriously and reduce its commercial value. There is still a lack of systematic research on the effect of lodging resistance of rice after returning wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw to the field. The study evaluated the effects of continuous straw returning and different fertilizer input levels on the lodging resistance of rice stalks based on years of experiments, using a split zone design with two factors including full return of straw to the field and straw removal, and three fertilization levels (conventional fertilization, 50% of conventional fertilization and no fertilization) under each factor, for a total of six treatments. Results suggested that under the same level of chemical fertilizer application, treatments of straw returning significantly increased stalk flexural resistance up to 33.74% as well as decreased the lodging index by a maximum of 33.86% compared with straw removal. Decrease of chemical fertilizer application increased significantly stalk flexural resistance, while decreased significantly lodging index. Rice plant height, center of gravity height, internode length, stem wall thickness and internode dry weight were main factors that influence rice lodging resistance. Compared with straw removal, straw returning combined with chemical fertilizers applying could significantly increase rice yield up to 19.62%. The increase in rice yield increased the risk of rice lodging. The continuous return of straw to the field combined with the application of chemical fertilizers reduced the risk of rice lodging to a certain extent, and meanwhile it achieved successive annual increase in rice production, which has a good promotion prospect.

Abstract Diabetes is a worldwide metabolic diseases that requires adjustments in the blood glucose. Cornstarch is one kind of resistant starch, which helps to control postprandial glucose, and is a desired alternatives of carbohydrates for developing functional food. Herein, a cornstarch-based functional diet (CFD) was developed, and in this study we investigated the effects of CFD supplemented with tea polyphenols and EGCG on blood glucose and intestinal flora in diabetic mice. The results showed that diabetic mice had significant weight loss and serious hyperglycemia. The CFD or CFD supplemented with tea polyphenols and EGCG resulted in a trend toward reduced fasting blood glucose. Furthermore, diabetes had significant intestinal flora disturbance, with particularly increased levels of Bacteroidaceae, Helicobacteraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Rikenellaceae and Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis, and decreased Prevotellaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae. Interesting, CFD supplemented with EGCG significantly increased levels of Prevotellaceae and Coriobacteriaceae, and decreased Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacteraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis compared to controls. CFD supplemented with tea polyphenols significantly increased the Coriobacteriaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. The comprehensive analysis indicated that tea polyphenols and EGCG supplementation improved glucose metabolism, and reversed the sick changes of intestinal flora, suggesting they are two valuable additions to promote nutritional value of CFD.

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common type of sustained cardiac arrhythmia in humans and confers a significantly increased risk for thromboembolic stroke, congestive heart failure and premature death. Aggregating evidence emphasizes the predominant genetic defects underpinning AF and an increasing number of deleterious variations in more than 50 genes have been involved in the pathogenesis of AF. Nevertheless, the genetic basis underlying AF remains incompletely understood. In the current research, by whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing analysis in a family with autosomal-dominant AF and congenital patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a novel heterozygous variation in the PRRX1 gene encoding a homeobox transcription factor critical for cardiovascular development, NM_022716.4:c.373G>T;p.(Glu125*), was identified to be in co-segregation with AF and PDA in the whole family. The truncating variation was not detected in 306 unrelated healthy individuals employed as controls. Quantitative biological measurements with a reporter gene analysis system revealed that the Glu125*-mutant PRRX1 protein failed to transactivate its downstream target genes SHOX2 and ISL1, two genes that have been causally linked to AF. Conclusively, the present study firstly links PRRX1 loss-of-function variation to AF and PDA, suggesting that AF and PDA share a common abnormal developmental basis in a proportion of cases.

Abstract This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of neuronal axonal lesions caused by high glucose, and to investigate the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on neuronal axon damage with in vitro models. A rat model of type II diabetic encephalopathy was established, and the rats were treated with LBP for 10 weeks. Morris water maze experiment was used to detect spatial learning and memory ability. Neuronal axon lesions were measured by in vivo neuron tracing experiment. Immunohistochemistry and Western-blot technology were employed to detect protein localization and expression. Combined with in vitro primary neuron culture, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy was used to detect the effects of high glucose and LBP on neuronal axon transport. PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and an activator of insulin signaling pathway were used to investigate the possible molecular mechanism. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that in the hippocampus tissue of STZ-induced type II diabetic encephalopathy model rats, neuronal axons were damaged, accompanied by hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, which subsequently resulted in axonal transport damage and cognition dysfunction. LBP significantly reduced peripheral blood glucose and serum insulin levels in type II diabetic encephalopathy model rats, thereby alleviating peripheral insulin resistance. At the same time, LBP can significantly improve the learning and memory impairment and brain neuron axon pathology in model rats. LY294002 treatment can effectively block the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The phosphorylation level of Tau protein in the LY294002+ LBP treatment group is higher than that of the LBP intervention group, while the insulin treatment can effectively reverse the blocking effect of LY294002 on LBPs. LBP can reduce the phosphorylation level of Tau protein by up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway, with a protective effect on neuronal axon damage, thereby improving the cognitive function performance of type II diabetic encephalopathy model rats.

Abstract Background: Phospholipase C-like 1 (PLCL1), a protein that lacks catalytic activity, has similar structures to the PLC family. The aim of this research was to find the function and underlying mechanisms of PLCL1 in fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: In this study, we first analyzed the expression of PLCL1 in the synovial tissue of RA patients and K/BxN mice by immunohistochemical staining. Then silencing or overexpressing PLCL1 in FLS before stimulating by TNF-α. The levels of IL-6, IL-1β and CXCL8 in FLS and supernatants were detected by Western Blot (WB), Real-Time Quantitative PCR and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. We used INF39 to specifically inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, and detected the expression of NLRP3, Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-6 and IL-1β in FLS by WB. Result: When PLCL1 was silenced, the level of IL-6, IL-1β and CXCL8 were down-regulated. When PLCL1 was overexpressed, the level of IL-6, IL-1β and CXCL8 were unregulated. The previous results demonstrated that the mechanism of PLCL1 regulating inflammation in FLS was related to NLRP3 inflammasomes. INF39 could counteract the release of inflammatory cytokines caused by overexpression of PLCL1. Conclusion: Result showed that the function of PLCL1 in RA FLS might be related to the NLRP3 inflammasomes. We finally confirmed our hypothesis with the NLRP3 inhibitor INF39. Our results suggested that PLCL1 might promote the inflammatory response of RA FLS by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasomes.

Abstract Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) causes barrier impairment and bacterial influx. This study explored the protective effects of anisodamine hydrobromide (AH) on intestinal I/R injury caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after cardiac arrest (CA). After successful CPR, minipigs were randomly divided into two groups (n = 8): saline and AH (4 mg/kg), and then treated with saline or AH via central venous injection, respectively. The same procedures without ventricular fibrillation initiation were conducted in the Sham group (n = 8). Levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) were measured at different time points (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h) in serum and 6 h in gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs) after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to evaluate changes in the proportion of T-helper type 1 (Th1) and T-helper type 2 (Th2). Moreover, the positive culture rates of GALTs were examined to evaluate bacterial translocation. AH treatment markedly alleviated aberrant arterial blood gas and hemodynamics as well as intestinal macroscopic and morphological changes after CPR. Moreover, AH treatment significantly increased IFN-γ and decreased IL-4 in both serum and GALTs. Furthermore, AH treatment dramatically decreased positive bacterial growth in GALTs. AH treatment mitigated immunosuppression caused by intestinal I/R and protected the intestinal immune barrier against bacterial translocation, thereby reducing the risk of secondary intestinal infection.

ABSTRACT Background: The biomarker for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with essential hypertension (EH) remains an unmet clinical need. The microRNA-30 (miR-30) family has been associated with LVH in cellular and animal studies, but not in a clinical setting. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of circulating levels of miR-30 family as a biomarker for LVH in EH patients. Methods: A total of 239 EH patients and 239 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Circulating levels of miR-30 family members, namely, miR-30a, miR-30b, miR-30c-1, miR-30c-2, miR-30d, and miR-30e, were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Results: The circulating miR-30a, miR-30b, and miR-30e were significantly reduced in EH patients in contrast to controls. EH patients with LVH (EH-LVH) had substantially lower circulating miR-30b and miR-30e levels compared to EH patients without LVH (EH-nLVH). Moreover, the expression levels of miR-30b and miR-30e were positively related to LVMI, respectively. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that circulating miR-30e levels distinguished EH patients from controls, and EH-LVH from EH-nLVH patients. Logistic regression analysis identified the circulating miR-30e as a risk factor for LVH in EH patients. Conclusion: Circulating miR-30e level can be used as a biomarker in distinguishing EH-LVH from EH-nLVH. A further prospective study is warranted to validate this finding.

Severe blockage in myeloid differentiation is the hallmark of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Trdmt1 plays an important role in hematopoiesis. However, little is known about the function of Trdmt1 in AML cell differentiation. In the present study, Trdmt1 was up-regulated and miR-181a was down-regulated significantly during human leukemia HL-60 cell differentiation after TAT-CT3 fusion protein treatment. Accordingly, miR-181a overexpression in HL-60 cells inhibited granulocytic maturation. In addition, our “rescue” assay demonstrated that Trdmt1 3′-untranslated region promoted myeloid differentiation of HL-60 cells by sequestering miR-181a and up-regulating C/EBPα (a critical factor for normal myelopoiesis) via its competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity on miR-181a. These findings revealed an unrecognized role of Trdmt1 as a potential ceRNA for therapeutic targets in AML.