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Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and metastasis is the leading cause of death among patients with breast cancer. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway plays critical roles during breast cancer epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. SMAD2, a positive regulator of TGF-β signaling, promotes breast cancer metastasis through induction of EMT. Methods The expression of miR-190 and SMAD2 in breast cancer tissues, adjacent normal breast tissues and cell lines were determined by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels and localization were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. ChIP and dual-luciferase report assays were used to validate the regulation of ZEB1-miR-190-SMAD2 axis. The effect of miR-190 on breast cancer progression was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results miR-190 down-regulation is required for TGF-β-induced EMT. miR-190 suppresses breast cancer metastasis both in vitro and in vivo by targeting SMAD2. miR-190 expression is down-regulated and inversely correlates with SMAD2 in breast cancer samples, and its expression level was associated with outcome in patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, miR-190 is transcriptionally regulated by ZEB1. Conclusions Our data uncover the ZEB1-miR-190-SMAD2 axis and provide a mechanism to explain the TGF-β network in breast cancer metastasis.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and the main cause of cancer-associated mortality in females worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play vital roles in breast cancer development and progression; however, our understanding of most lncRNAs in breast cancer is still limited. In this study, we demonstrated that small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) promotes breast cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, and depletion of SNHG5 significantly led to cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase. Accumulating evidence has shown that many lncRNA transcripts could function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) by competitively binding common microRNAs (miRNAs). We found that SNHG5 acts as a sponge for miR-154-5p, reducing its ability to repress proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). SNHG5 promoted breast cancer proliferation and cell-cycle progression by upregulation of PCNA expression. Clinically, we observed an increased SNHG5 expression in breast cancer, whereas miR-154-5p was decreased in breast cancer tissues compared with the adjacent normal breast tissues. Furthermore, the SNHG5 expression was significantly negatively correlated with miR-154-5p expression. Taken together, our data uncover the SNHG5-miR-154-5p-PCNA axis and provide a novel mechanism to explain breast cancer proliferation. [Display omitted]

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and approximately 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive and express estrogen receptor-α (ERα) or/and progesterone receptor. Therapies targeting ERα have been successfully used in patients with ERα + breast cancer. However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to anti-estrogen therapy presents a major challenge. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates various processes that are important for cancer progression, and emerging evidences have shown a close interaction between Wnt/β-catenin and ERα signaling. miR-190 is also involved in ER signaling and our previous study indicated that miR-190 suppresses breast cancer metastasis. Methods The effect of miR-190 on breast cancer anti-estrogen sensitivity was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The protein expression levels and localization were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the regulation of the zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1/ ERα-miR-190-SRY-related high mobility group box 9 (ZEB1/ERα-miR-190-SOX9) axis. Results miR-190 increased the anti-estrogen sensitivity of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. miR-190 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting SOX9, and its expression inversely correlated with that of SOX9 in breast cancer samples. Furthermore, ERα and ZEB1 competitively regulated miR-190 expression. Conclusions Our data uncover the ZEB1/ERα-miR-190-SOX9 axis and suggest a mechanism by which the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in breast cancer anti-estrogen therapy.

Serum deprivation response (SDPR), a key substrate for protein kinase C, play a critical role in inducing membrane curvature and participate in the formation of caveolae. However, the function of SDPR in cancer development and progression is still not clear. Here, we found that SDPR is downregulated in human breast cancer. Overexpression of SDPR suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, while depletion of SDPR promotes cell proliferation and invasion in MCF10A cells. Subsequently, SDPR depletion induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like phenotype. Finally, knockdown of SDPR activates transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling by upregulation of TGF‐β1 expression. In conclusion, our results showed that SDPR inhibits breast cancer progression by blocking TGF‐β signaling. Serum deprivation response suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells. SDPR depletion induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition by activation of TGF‐β signaling. SDPR suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells. SDPR depletion induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition by activation of TGF‐β signaling.

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and approximately 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive and express estrogen receptor-α (ERα) or/and progesterone receptor. ERα has been identified to promote the growth of primary breast cancer, however, it can also antagonize signaling pathways that lead to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. miRNA alteration or dysfunction is involved in cancer development and progression. Although miR-1271 has identified as a tumor suppressor in various cancers, the role of miR-1271 in breast cancer is still limited. Methods The effect of miR-1271 on breast cancer progression was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The EMT-related protein expression levels and localization were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the regulation of ERα-miR-1271-SNAI2 feedback loop. Results miR-1271 suppresses breast cancer progression and EMT phenotype both in vitro and in vivo by targeting SNAI2. Estrogen reverses TGF-β-induced EMT in a miR-1271 dependent manner. Furthermore, ERα transactivates the miR-1271 expression and is also transcriptionally repressed by SNAI2. Conclusions Our data uncover the ERα-miR-1271-SNAI2 feedback loop and provide a mechanism to explain the TGF-β network in breast cancer progression.

Background: Radiotherapy is a practical locoregional treatment approach for women with breast cancer who show ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (ISLNM) on diagnosis. However, there is controversy around the role of supraclavicular lymph node dissection. Therefore, we aimed to study the significance of supraclavicular surgery based on radiotherapy. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 142 patients with breast cancer who presented with isolated ISLNM and received radiotherapy between the years 2000 and 2016. We also defined the effect of surgery on locoregional treatment of these patients by analyzing the prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: We observed that, of the 142 patients, 104 who received radiotherapy underwent supraclavicular lymph node dissection. Also, among the study group, the progesterone receptor (PR) status (P = 0.044) and the number of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) involved (P = 0.002) were significant independent predictors of RFS. Also, tumor size (P = 0.007), PR (P < 0.001), and number of ALNs (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of DMFS and were statistically significant. Also, PR was an independent prognostic factor of OS (P = 0.033), whereas the supraclavicular surgery was not an independent prognostic factor for RFS, DMFS, and OS. Furthermore, our study focused on 92 patients with negative estrogen receptors (ERs). The result showed that supraclavicular surgery was statistically significant for RFS (P = 0.023); no significant differences in DMFS and OS were found between patients who received supraclavicular surgery and those who did not. Conclusion: Radiotherapy may be the primary locoregional treatment approach for patients with breast cancer who present with newly diagnosed ISLNM. Additionally, supraclavicular surgery may be more appropriate for patients with negative ER who received radiotherapy.

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and approximately 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive and express estrogen receptor-[alpha] (ER[alpha]) or/and progesterone receptor. ER[alpha] has been identified to promote the growth of primary breast cancer, however, it can also antagonize signaling pathways that lead to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including transforming growth factor-[beta] (TGF-[beta]) signaling. miRNA alteration or dysfunction is involved in cancer development and progression. Although miR-1271 has identified as a tumor suppressor in various cancers, the role of miR-1271 in breast cancer is still limited. Methods The effect of miR-1271 on breast cancer progression was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The EMT-related protein expression levels and localization were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the regulation of ER[alpha]-miR-1271-SNAI2 feedback loop. Results miR-1271 suppresses breast cancer progression and EMT phenotype both in vitro and in vivo by targeting SNAI2. Estrogen reverses TGF-[beta]-induced EMT in a miR-1271 dependent manner. Furthermore, ER[alpha] transactivates the miR-1271 expression and is also transcriptionally repressed by SNAI2. Conclusions Our data uncover the ER[alpha]-miR-1271-SNAI2 feedback loop and provide a mechanism to explain the TGF-[beta] network in breast cancer progression. Keywords: Breast cancer, Transforming growth factor-[beta], Epithelial to mesenchymal transition, miR-1271, SNAI2, ER[alpha]

Objective Retinal neovascularization is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Chinese herbal medicines have unique therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of the Chinese medicinal herb Curcuma longa -derived extracellular vesicle-like particles (CL-EVLPs) in a mouse model of retinal neovascularization. Methods CL-EVLPs were extracted from fresh Curcuma longa rhizomes through differential centrifugation and sucrose density gradient centrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blot analysis of EVLP-associated protein markers. CL-EVLPs were administered to oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model mice via intravitreal injection. The therapeutic effects were evaluated using retinal flat mounts, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining. The underlying molecular mechanisms were explored through metabolomics, transcriptomics, and network pharmacology analyses, and the expression levels of relevant factors were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or western blotting. In vitro experiments were conducted using human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs) and BV2 microglia. Results CL-EVLPs exhibited typical EV-like characteristics, including a saucer‑ or cup‑shaped morphology, a mean diameter of 140.7 nm, and enrichment of the EV‑related protein ARF1. CL-EVLPs effectively inhibited neovascularization in the OIR model, as evidenced by reduced pathological neovascular tufts and avascular zones and decreased vascular permeability and tortuosity. Furthermore, CL-EVLPs significantly decreased ROS production in the retinas of OIR mice. Mechanistically, CL-EVLPs inhibited HIF-1α/VEGF/ERK signaling and activated the NRF2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. In vitro experiments confirmed that CL-EVLPs inhibited endothelial cell viability and alleviated oxidative stress in microglia. Integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics analyses proved that the cargo molecules of CL-EVLPs, such as curcumin and its derivatives, auraptene, and triptophenolide, exhibit regulatory antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and modulate multiple signaling pathways associated with retinal neovascular diseases. Conclusion CL-EVLPs effectively suppress retinal neovascularization by inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGFA/ERK axis and activating the NRF2/HO-1 pathway. This study suggests that CL-EVLPs, as a multitarget therapeutic strategy, hold promising clinical translational potential for the treatment of retinal neovascular diseases. Graphical abstract

Background Despite major primary health care (PHC) reforms in China with the 2009 launch of the National Essential Public Health Service Package, the country experiences many challenges in improving the management of non-communicable diseases in PHC facilities. “EMERALD” is a multifaceted implementation strategy to strengthen the management of hypertension and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in PHC facilities. The study aims to: (1) examine the effectiveness of EMERALD in improving hypertension and T2DM management; (2) evaluate the implementation of the interventions; and (3) use the study findings to model the long-term health economic impact of the interventions. Methods The EMERALD intervention components include: (1) empowerment for PHC providers through training and capacity building; (2) empowerment for patient communities through multi-media health education; and  (3) empowerment for local health administrators through health data monitoring and strengthening governance of local PHC programs. An interrupted time series design will be used to determine the effectiveness of the interventions based on routinely collected health data extracted from local health information systems. The primary effectiveness outcome is the guideline-recommended treatment rates for people with hypertension and T2DM. Secondary effectiveness outcomes include hypertension and T2DM diagnosis and control rates, and enrolment and adherence rates to the recommended care processes in the National Essential Public Health Service Package. A mixed-methods process evaluation will be conducted to evaluate the implementation of the interventions, including the reach of the target population, adequacy of adoption, level of implementation fidelity, and maintenance. Qualitative interviews with policy makers, health administrators, PHC providers, and patients with hypertension and/or T2DM will be conducted to further identify factors influencing the implementation. In addition, health economic modelling will be performed to explore the long-term incremental costs and benefits of the interventions. Discussion This study is expected to generate important evidence on the effectiveness, implementation, and health economic impact of complex PHC interventions to strengthen the primary care sector’s contribution to addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in China. Trial registration The study has been registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (Registration number ChiCTR2400082036, on March 19th 2024).

Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is characterized by unmineralized cartilage plugs in the proximal tibial growth plate and is clinically associated with lameness and impaired growth performance in broilers. This study investigated the protective effects of quercetin, a natural flavonoid compound, against thiram-induced TD in broilers. A total of 180 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to a control group, a TD group, and a quercetin (QUE) group. TD was induced in the TD and QUE groups by feeding a diet containing 100 mg/kg thiram from days 4 to 7. The QUE group additionally received 600 mg/kg quercetin from the end of the adaptation period until the end of the trial. Growth performance, clinical signs, oxidative stress parameters, growth plate vascularization, cartilage-related gene expression, and gut microbiota composition were evaluated. Compared with the control group, the TD group showed significant lameness, reduced growth performance, decreased serum ALP activity, T-AOC, and SOD levels, increased MDA levels, and reduced vascularization in the growth plate. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of antioxidant- and cartilage-related genes, including , , , and , was downregulated in the TD group, whereas quercetin supplementation upregulated the expression of these genes. Gut microbiota analysis further showed an increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and a decreased abundance of Proteobacteria in TD birds. Quercetin supplementation attenuated these negative changes, modulated the composition of the gut microbiota, and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, thereby improving intestinal health via the gut-bone axis and exerting a positive effect on the growth plate. These findings indicate that quercetin alleviates thiram-induced TD in broilers, possibly by reducing oxidative stress, regulating cartilage-related gene expression, and improving gut microbiota homeostasis. Quercetin may therefore have potential as a feed additive for the prevention of TD, although the precise mechanisms require further investigation.