No abstract

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) following surgery significantly improves the survival rate of patients with rectal cancer. However, nCRT is associated with significant adverse symptoms and high medical costs. Therefore, it is important to investigate potential biomarkers for the prediction of the response to nCRT in patients with rectal cancer. The present study identified candidate biomarkers for predicting a complete response (CR) to nCRT in patients with rectal cancer and investigated the associated mechanisms. Microarray data (accession no. GSE29298) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs/miR) were screened between the pathological CR (pCR) group and no pCR (incomplete response) group. miRNA target genes were predicted using the miRWalk 2.0 online tool and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Furthermore, a miRNA co-regulatory network was constructed and disease-associated genes were predicted. The results demonstrated that a total of 36 upregulated and 5 downregulated miRNAs were identified between the two groups. Among these differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-548c-5p, miR-548d-5p and miR-663a were significantly associated with a CR to nCRT. The co-regulatory network and pathway analysis indicated that miR-548c-5p and miR-548d-5p may function together through stem cell pluripotency and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis signaling pathways. Furthermore, the prediction of disease-associated genes demonstrated that miR-548c-5p/miR-548d-5p and miR-663a may regulate genes associated with rectal cancer, including mutated in colorectal cancers (MCC) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), and colorectal neoplasms, including interleukin-6 signal transducer (IL6ST), cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2), marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI67), cadherin 7 (CDH7), calreticulin (CALR) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1). Therefore, miR-548c-5p, miR-548d-5p and miR-663a are promising candidate biomarkers for predicting a CR to nCRT. miR-548c-5p/miR-548d-5p may be associated with a CR by regulating IL6ST, CHEK2, MKI67 and MCC. In addition, it may function through the pluripotency of stem cells and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis signaling pathways. miR-663a may be associated with a CR to nCRT by targeting CDH7, CALR, APC and TGFβ1. Thus, the miRNA biomarkers investigated in the present study may represent novel therapeutic targets for the prediction and eventual improvement of the response to nCRT in patients with rectal cancer.

Background:The aim of this study is to compare microRNA expression patterns in different stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to discuss the significance of the application of microRNAs in the clinical treatment of CRC.Methods:The study used gene chip technology to analyze genetic sequences in CRC tissues and surrounding normal tissues at different cancer stages. The bioinformatics profiles of the target genes of the different microRNAs were analyzed to clarify the target gene-related pathways and their functions in the disease.Results:A total of 368 target genes with differential expression, including 275 upregulated and 93 downregulated genes, were screened from CRC patients in different stages of the disease. These microRNAs participated widely in the occurrence and development processes of CRC. The microRNA expression profiles obviously differed in tissues at different CRC stages.Conclusion:microRNA regulation of CRC samples can be used as a tool to control the occurrence and development of tumor cells.

Ultrasonography (US) is one of the most important methods for the management of thyroid nodules, which can be classified as solid, partially cystic, or cystic by composition. The various Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System classifications pay more attention to solid nodules and have reported pertinent US features associated with malignancy. However, the likelihood of malignancy of partially cystic thyroid nodules (PCTNs) is 3.3–17.6%, and few studies have systematically discussed the value of US in differentiating such entities. Therefore, we deemed it necessary to perform a systematic evaluation of US features in recognizing malignant PCTNs. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the value of US features in predicting malignant PCTNs. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to find studies that researched US features of PCTNs and that were published before June 2020. Review Manager 5.3 was used to summarize suspicious US features and calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios. MetaDiSc 1.4 was used to estimate receiver operating characteristic curves and calculate areas under the curves (AUCs). Our review included eight studies with a total of 2,004 PCTNs. Seven features were considered to be associated with malignancy. High specificity (>0.9) was found in nodules with a taller-than-wide shape, those that were spiculated/microlobulated or with an ill-defined margin, those with microcalcification, and a non-smooth rim. Among US features, eccentric configuration, microcalcification, and marked or mild hypoechogenicity were more reliable in predicting malignancy (AUC: 0.9592, 0.8504, and 0.8092, respectively). After meta-analysis, we recommend combining PCTN US features including an eccentric internal solid portion, marked or mild hypoechogenicity, and presence of microcalcification to better identify malignant nodules. More studies are needed to explore and improve the diagnostic value of US in PCTNs.