Acinar Cells Research Articles

PANoptosis induced by inflammatory cytokines promotes salivary glands radiation injury.

Salivary glands are frequently damaged in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Whether PANoptosis, which is characterized by pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, occurs during radiation injury to the salivary glands and its role remain unclear. Radiation-induced injury models of mouse submandibular gland, as well as primary acinar cells and HSG cell lines were established to determine the presence of radiation-induced PANoptosis. Several programmed cell death inhibitors, PFTα, disulfiram, Nec-1 and zVAD, were used to compare the effects of different cell death pathway on radiation injury. The LEGENDplex™ Human Inflammation Panel was used to characterize the inflammatory landscape secreted by salivary gland cells after radiotherapy. Single 15Gy or 8Gy radiotherapy triggered PANoptosis in mouse submandibular gland or salivary gland cells. Compared to the suppression of pyroptosis, apoptosis, or necroptosis alone, the inhibition of PANoptosis is more effective in preventing radiation injury to the salivary glands (p < 0.0001). The levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines were significantly up-regulated in the supernatants of HSG cells within 48 h after IR. Neutralizing inflammatory cytokines are capable of inhibiting salivary glands PANoptosis. Inhibition of PANoptosis induced by inflammatory cytokines can effectively prevent radiation injury of salivary glands.

Inflammation and Acinar Cell Dual-Targeting Nanomedicines for Synergistic Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis via Ca2+ Homeostasis Regulation and Pancreas Autodigestion Inhibition.

Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is a life-threatening pancreatic inflammatory disease with a high mortality rate (∼40%). Existing pharmaceutical therapies in development or in clinical trials showed insufficient treatment efficacy due to their single molecular therapeutic target, poor water solubility, short half-life, limited pancreas-targeting specificity, etc. Herein, acid-responsive hollow mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles wrapped with neutrophil membranes and surface modified with the N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine moiety were developed for codelivering membrane-permeable calcium chelator BAPTA-AM (BA) and trypsin activity inhibitor gabexate mesylate (Ga). In the AP mouse model, the formulation exhibited efficient recruitment at the inflammatory endothelium, trans-endothelial migration, and precise acinar cell targeting, resulting in rapid pancreatic localization and higher accumulation. A single low dose of the formulation (BA: 200 μg kg-1, Ga: 0.75 mg kg-1) significantly reduced pancreas function indicators to close to normal levels at 24 h, effectively restored the cell redox status, reduced apoptotic cell proportion, and blocked the systemic inflammatory amplified cascade, resulting in a dramatic increase in the survival rate from 58.3 to even 100%. Mechanistically, the formulation inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress (IRE1/XBP1 and ATF4/CHOP axis) and restored impaired autophagy (Beclin-1/p62/LC3 axis), thereby preserving dying acinar cells and restoring the cellular "health status". This formulation provides an upstream therapeutic strategy with clinical translation prospects for AP management through synergistic ion homeostasis regulation and pancreatic autodigestion inhibition.

Anti-pancreatic cancer activity of cassane diterpenoids isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan mediated by autophagy activation via ROS/AMPK/mTORC1 pathway

Three undescribed cassane diterpenoids, caesalpanins D–F (1–3), and seven known ones were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan. Structures and absolute configurations of 1–3 were elucidated based on the extensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and ECD calculations. Structurally, compound 1 was the first example of 18-norcassane diterpenoid and 2 was a rare 20-norcassane diterpenoid having an unusual five-membered oxygen bridge between C-10/C-18. The anti-proliferative activity of 1, 3, and 4–10 against PANC-1 cells (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line) was evaluated, and phanginin H (4) was found to exhibit anti-cancer activity with IC50 value of 18.13 ± 0.63 μM. Compound 4 inhibited PANC-1 cell growth by arresting the cell cycle at G2/M phase via regulation of cyclin-dependent kinases, and the self-renewal and metastasis of PANC-1 cells by suppressing cancer cell stemness. Furthermore, compound 4 induced ROS generation and subsequently activated autophagy, which was demonstrated by the formation of autophagic vacuoles and dynamic change of autophagic flux. The induced ROS accumulation resulted in AMPK activation and subsequently regulation of mTORC1 activity and ULK phosphorylation, indicating that 4 triggered autophagy through ROS/AMPK/mTORC1 pathway. These findings suggested that 4 might potentially be an autophagy inducer for the therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Oncologic outcomes of the most prevalent major salivary gland cancers: retrospective cohort study from single center

BackgroundThe preoperative diagnosis of salivary gland cancer (SGC) is crucial for the application of appropriate treatment, particularly involving the extension of the resection.MethodsRetrospective search of medical database identified 116 patients treated surgically with malignant tumors of salivary gland between 2010 and 2020. Analysis included the demographical data, clinical course, type of surgical and adjuvant treatment, histology type and margin status, perivascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), metastatic lymph nodes (LN). Facial nerve function, recurrence-free and overall survival were evaluated. Adequate statistics were used for data analysis.ResultsThe final cohort included 63 SGC patients, with adenoid cystic carcinoma the most common pathological type (27%, n = 17), followed by adenocarcinoma (17.4% n = 11). T1 and T2 patients accounted for majority cases (n = 46). The lymph node metastases were confirmed with the histopathology in 31.7% (n = 20). Distant metastases were observed in 4.8% of cases (n = 3). 38% (n = 24) of SGC were treated selectively with surgery, 49.2% (n = 31) had postoperative radiotherapy and 15.9% (n = 10)—radio-chemotherapy. The final facial nerve function was impaired in 38% of patients. Mean overall survival (OS) for all patients was 108.7 (± 132.1) months, and was the most favorable for acinar cell carcinoma (118.9 ± 45.4) and the poorest for squamous cell carcinoma (44 ± 32). Cox regression analysis of disease-free survival and OS identified significant association only with patients’ age over 65 years, the hazard ratio of 7.955 and 6.486, respectively.ConclusionsThe efficacy of treatment modalities for SGC should be verified with regard to the histopathological type, but also the patients’ age should be taken into account.

Successful curative treatment for a ruptured pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma by radical resection following modified FOLFIRINOX: a case report and literature review.

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) is a rare pancreatic tumor type, and ruptured pancreatic tumors are rarer. Computed tomography (CT) in a 48-year-old man incidentally revealed a raptured pancreatic tail tumor. The patient was treated conservatively because he was asymptomatic, and his general condition was stable. After a detailed examination, the pancreatic tumor was diagnosed as raptured PACC. Considering the potential infiltration of tumor cells into the hematoma within the omental sac, our decision is to initiate chemotherapy as the primary course of action. A liquid biopsy was performed, and comprehensive genomic profiling of circulating tumor DNA showed a tumor BRCA2 mutation. Chemotherapy with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) was selected as the first treatment. After seven courses of mFFX, the primary tumor diminished remarkably. At this time, the radical resection was performed via distal pancreatectomy with simultaneous resection of the gastric wall and colon, which had adhered strongly to the tumor. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor had shrunk to less than 5% of its original size due to chemotherapy (Grade 3 of Evans Classification). Devising treatment strategies for ruptured pancreatic malignant tumors is challenging due to the worsening general condition caused by severe abdominal symptoms and intra-abdominal bleeding. In this context, this case-report documents a rare instance of raptured PACC with a tumor BRCA2 mutation that underwent radical resection following mFFX treatment.

Single-nucleus transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility analysis of musk gland development in Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii).

Musk secreted by male forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) musk glands is an invaluable component of medicine and perfume. Musk secretion depends on musk gland maturation; however, the mechanism of its development remains elusive. Herein, using single cell multiome ATAC + gene expression coupled with several bioinformatic analyses, a dynamic transcriptional cell atlas of musk gland development was revealed, and key genes and transcription factors affecting its development were determined. Twelve cell types, including two different types of acinar cells (Clusters 0 and 10) were identified. Single-nucleus RNA and single-nucleus ATAC sequencing analyses revealed that seven core target genes associated with musk secretion (Hsd17b2, Acacb, Lss, Vapa, Aldh16a1, Aldh7a1, and Sqle) were regulated by 12 core transcription factors (FOXO1, CUX2, RORA, RUNX1, KLF6, MGA, NFIC, FOXO3, ETV5, NR3C1, HSF4, and MITF) during the development of Cluster 0 acinar cells. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment showed significant changes in the pathways associated with musk secretion during acinar cell development. Gene set variation analysis also revealed that certain pathways associated with musk secretion were enriched in 6-year-old acinar cells. A gene co-expression network was constructed during acinar cell development to provide a precise understanding of the connections between transcription factors, genes, and pathways. Finally, intercellular communication analysis showed that intercellular communication is involved in musk gland development. This study provides crucial insights into the changes and key factors underlying musk gland development, which serve as valuable resources for studying musk secretion mechanisms and promoting the protection of this endangered species.

Effects of transmembrane serine protease 4 on the survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

The transmembrane serine protease 4 (TMPRSS4) gene is upregulated in various human cancers. However, its biological functions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remain unclear. We examined the expression of TMPRSS4 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery. The TMPRSS4 expression was immunohistochemically examined in 81 PDAC patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We analyzed the association between the TMPRSS4 expression and clinicopathological factors, the recurrence-free survival (RFS), and the overall survival (OS) and examined the effect of TMPRSS4 expression on cell migration and sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil. The expression rate of TMPRSS4 in the samples was 62.9% (51/81). The TMPRSS4 expression was not correlated with any clinicopathological feature. The five-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly lower in the TMPRSS4-positive group than in the TMPRSS4-negative group. On a multivariate analysis, TMPRSS4 positivity, poorly differentiated histology, and non-adjuvant chemotherapy predicted a poor OS, while TMPRSS4 positivity and poorly differentiated histology predicted a poor RFS. TMPRSS4-silenced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells showed higher sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil than did the control siRNA-transfected cells. TMPRSS4 can be considered a prognostic factor and therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

CGRP Released by Corneal Sensory Nerve Maintains Tear Secretion of the Lacrimal Gland.

This study aims to elucidate the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mediation and primary mechanism of corneal sensory nerves on tear production of the lacrimal gland. Mouse corneal denervation models were constructed through surgical axotomy, pharmacologic treatment with capsaicin or resiniferatoxin, and Trpv1-Cre/DTR mice with diphtheria toxin injection. The capsaicin-treated mice received subconjunctival injection of CGRP or substance P, while the normal C57BL/6J mice were administered with CGRP receptor antagonist BIBN-4096. Furthermore, double immunostaining of c-FOS+ and choline acetyltransferase was used to evaluate the activation of the superior salivatory nucleus (SSN). Mouse lacrimal glands were collected for transcriptomic sequencing and subsequent RNA and protein expression analysis. The corneal denervated mice exhibited a significant reduction in corneal sensitivity and tear secretion. In capsaicin-treated mice, tear secretion decreased to 2.5 ± 0.5mm compared to 6.3 ± 0.9mm in control mice (P < 0.0001). However, exogenous administration of CGRP in capsaicin-treated mice increased tear secretion from 2.6 ± 0.5mm to 4.5 ± 0.5mm (P = 0.0009), while BIBN-4096 treatment reduced tear secretion to 3.4 ± 0.5mm when compared to 7.3 ± 0.7mm in control mice (P = 0.0022). Furthermore, c-FOS+ cell number in the SSN increased by twofold (P = 0.0168) after CGRP administration compared with capsaicin-treated mice. In addition, the expressions of CCNA2, Ki67, PCNA, and CDK1 in acinar cells of the lacrimal gland were impaired by corneal denervation and alleviated by CGRP administration. CGRP released by corneal sensory nerves mediates tear secretion of the lacrimal gland, providing a new strategy for improving tear secretion in patients with neurotrophic keratitis.

Rhizoma Alismatis Decoction improved mitochondrial dysfunction to alleviate SASP by enhancing autophagy flux and apoptosis in hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder of the exocrine pancreas, especially hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis (HLAP) is the third leading cause of acute pancreatitis which is more severe with a greater incidence of persistent multiorgan failure. HLAP inflicts injury upon the organelles within the acinar cell, particularly mitochondria, the endolysosomal–autophagy system, and is accompanied by senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). RAD, only two consists of Rhizoma Alismatis and Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma, which is best known for its ability to anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which RAD alleviates HLAP remains obscure, necessitating further investigation. PurposeThe study aimed to assess the effects of the RAD on HLAP and to elucidate the underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro, offering a potential medicine for clinical treatment for HLAP. Study design and methodsC57BL/6 mice with hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis were induced by HFD and CER, then administrated with RAD. AR42J were stimulated by cerulein or conditioned medium and then cultured with RAD. Serums were analyzed to evaluate potential pancreas and liver damage. Furthermore, tissue samples were obtained for histological, and protein investigations by H&E, Oil red staining, and Western blot. In addition, western blot and immunofluorescent staining were utilized to estimate the effect of RAD on mitochondrial function, autophagy flux, and SASP. ResultsIn vivo, RAD considerably alleviated systemic inflammation while attenuating TC, TG, AMY, LPS, inflammatory cytokines, histopathology changes, oxidative damage, mitochondrial fission, and autophagy markers in HLAP mice. Impaired autophagy flux and mitochondrial dysfunction resulted in a significant enhancement of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the pancreas. RAD could reverse these changes. In vitro, RAD significantly restored mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative phosphorylation levels. RAD decreased Beclin-1 and LC3-II expression and increased LAMP-1 and Parkin-Pink expression, which showed that RAD significantly ameliorated HLAP-induced damage to the mitochondria function by suppressing mitochondrial oxidative damage and enhancing autophagy flux and mitophagy to remove the damaged mitochondria. In addition, we found that RAD could up-regulate the expression of BAX, and Bad and down-regulate the expression of p16, and p21, indicating that RAD could promote damaged cell apoptosis and alleviate SASP. ConclusionsThis study revealed that RAD ameliorates mitochondrial function to alleviate SASP through enhancing autophagy flux, mitophagy, and apoptosis which provided a molecular basis for the advancement and development of protection strategies against HLAP.

Multiparametric Characterization of the DSL-6A/C1 Pancreatic Cancer Model in Rats.

The DSL-6A/C1 murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor model was established in Lewis rats and characterized through a comprehensive multiparametric analysis to compare it to other preclinical tumor models and explore potential diagnostic and therapeutical targets. DSL-6A/C1 tumors were histologically analyzed to elucidate PDAC features. The tumor microenvironment was studied for immune cell prevalence. Multiparametric MRI and PET imaging were utilized to characterize tumors, and 68Ga-FAPI-46-targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), were used to validate the histological findings. The histology confirmed typical PDAC characteristics, such as malformed pancreatic ductal malignant cells and CAFs. Distinct immune landscapes were identified, revealing an increased presence of CD8+ T cells and a decreased CD4+ T cell fraction within the tumor microenvironment. PET imaging with 68Ga-FAPI tracers exhibited strong tracer uptake in tumor tissues. The MRI parameters indicated increasing intralesional necrosis over time and elevated contrast media uptake in vital tumor areas. We have demonstrated that the DSL-6A/C1 tumor model, particularly due to its high tumorigenicity, tumor size, and 68Ga-FAPI-46 sensitivity, is a suitable alternative to established small animal models for many forms of preclinical analyses and therapeutic studies of PDAC.

HP-MSCs attenuate severe acute pancreatitis in mice via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated acinar cell pyroptosis.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that is facilitated by pancreatic acinar cell death. The protective role of human placental mesenchymal stem cells (hP-MSCs) in SAP has been demonstrated in our previous studies. However, the underlying mechanisms of this therapy remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the regularity of acinar cell pyroptosis during SAP and investigated whether the protective effect of hP-MSCs was associated with the inhibition of acinar cell pyroptosis. A mouse model of SAP was established by the retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate (NaTC) solution in the pancreatic duct. For the hP-MSCs group, hP-MSCs were injected via the tail vein and were monitored in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the pyroptosis-associated ultramorphology of acinar cells. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were subsequently used to assess the localization and expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins in acinar cells. Systemic inflammation and local injury-associated parameters were evaluated. Acinar cell pyroptosis was observed during SAP, and the expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins initially increased, peaked at 24h, and subsequently showed a decreasing trend. hP-MSCs effectively attenuated systemic inflammation and local injury in the SAP model mice. Importantly, hP-MSCs decreased the expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins and the activity of the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in acinar cells. Our study demonstrates the regularity and important role of acinar cell pyroptosis during SAP. hP-MSCs attenuate inflammation and inhibit acinar cell pyroptosis via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby exerting a protective effect against SAP.

A case of acinar cell carcinoma originating from the accessory papilla of the duodenum

Case presentationA 61-year-old female was referred to our hospital with a neoplastic lesion in the duodenum. Computed tomography with contrast enhancement revealed a 10-mm tumor in the duodenum. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor-like lesion in the descending part of the duodenum. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a well-defined hypoechoic tumor. Biopsy and immunohistochemical findings including negative Synaptophysin and Chromogranin A staining and positive Trypsin and BCL10 staining suggested a carcinoma with acinar cell differentiation. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed, and the resected specimen had a 15-mm solid nodule in the submucosal layer of the duodenum. Pancreatogram of the resected specimen revealed a tumor localized in the accessory papilla region. In histopathological examination, the tumor was found in the submucosa of the duodenum with pancreatic tissue present nearby, and these were separated from the pancreatic parenchyma by the duodenal muscle layer. These findings led to a diagnosis of acinar cell carcinoma originating from the accessory papilla of the duodenum.ConclusionAcinar cell carcinoma originating from the accessory papilla of the duodenum is exceptionally rare, with no reported cases to date. The origin was considered to be pancreatic tissue located in the accessory papilla region.

Stromal Rigidity Stress Accelerates Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Progression and Chromosomal Instability via Nuclear Protein Tyrosine Kinase 2 Localization

Since the mechanotransduction by stromal stiffness stimulates the rupture and repair of the nuclear envelope in pancreatic progenitor cells, accumulated genomic aberrations are under selection in the tumor microenvironment. Analysis of cell growth, micronuclei, and γH2AX foci links to mechanotransduction pressure in vivo during serial orthotopic passages of mouse KrasLSL-G12D/+;Trp53flox/flox;Pdx1-Cre (KPC) cancer cells in the tumor and in migrating through the size-restricted 3μm micropores. To search for pancreatic cancer cell-of-origin, analysis of single-cell datasets revealed that the ECM shapes an alternate route of acinar-ductal transdifferentiation of acinar cells into a central hub of elegantly restrained TOP2A-overexpressing cancer cells that spread out as unique cancer clusters with copy number amplifications in MYC-PTK2 locus and PIK3CA. High-PTK2 expression is associated with 171 differentially methylated CpG loci, 319 differentially expressed genes, and poor overall survival in TCGA-PAAD patients. Abolished RGD-integrin signaling by disintegrin KG blocked the PTK2 phosphorylation, increased cancer apoptosis, decreased VAV1 expression, and prolonged overall survival in the KPC mice. Decreases of αSMA deposition in the CD248 knockout KPC mice remodel the tissue stroma and downregulated TOP2A expression in the epithelium. In summary, stromal stiffness induces the onset of cells-of-origin of cancer by ectopic TOP2A expression, and the genomic amplification of MYC-PTK2 locus via alternative transdifferentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells is the vulnerability useful for disintegrin KG treatment against cells-of-origin cancer.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the molecular changes of acute pancreatitis in experimental models

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis (AP) encompasses a spectrum of pancreatic inflammatory conditions, ranging from mild inflammation to severe pancreatic necrosis and multisystem organ failure. Given the challenges associated with obtaining human pancreatic samples, research on AP predominantly relies on animal models. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying AP using various AP models. AIM To investigate the shared molecular changes underlying the development of AP across varying severity levels. METHODS AP was induced in animal models through treatment with caerulein alone or in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, using Ptf1α to drive the specific expression of the hM3 promoter in pancreatic acinar cells transgenic C57BL/6J- hM3/Ptf1α(cre) mice were administered Clozapine N-oxide to induce AP. Subsequently, we conducted RNA sequencing of pancreatic tissues and validated the expression of significantly different genes using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. RESULTS Caerulein-induced AP showed severe inflammation and edema, which were exacerbated when combined with LPS and accompanied by partial pancreatic tissue necrosis. Compared with the control group, RNA sequencing analysis revealed 880 significantly differentially expressed genes in the caerulein model and 885 in the caerulein combined with the LPS model. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis indicated substantial enrichment of the TLR and NOD -like receptor signaling pathway, TLR signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway, alongside elevated levels of apoptosis-related pathways, such as apoptosis, P53 pathway, and phagosome pathway. The significantly elevated genes in the TLR and NOD -like receptor signaling pathways, as well as in the apoptosis pathway, were validated through quantitative real-time PCR experiments in animal models. Validation from the GEO database revealed that only MYD88 concurred in both mouse pancreatic tissue and human AP peripheral blood, while TLR1 , TLR7 , RIPK3 , and OAS2 genes exhibited marked elevation in human AP. The genes TUBA1A and GADD45A played significant roles in apoptosis within human AP. The transgenic mouse model hM3/Ptf1α(cre) successfully validated significant differential genes in the TLR and NOD -like receptor signaling pathways as well as the apoptosis pathway, indicating that these pathways represent shared pathological processes in AP across different models. CONCLUSION The TLR and NOD receptor signaling pathways play crucial roles in the inflammatory progression of AP, notably the MYD88 gene. Apoptosis holds a central position in the necrotic processes of AP, with TUBA1A and GADD45A genes exhibiting prominence in human AP.

The integration of single-cell and bulk RNA-seq atlas reveals ERS-mediated acinar cell damage in acute pancreatitis

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a clinically common acute abdominal disease, whose pathogenesis remains unclear. The severe patients usually have multiple complications and lack specific drugs, leading to a high mortality and poor outcome. Acinar cells are recognized as the initial site of AP. However, there are no precise single-cell transcriptomic profiles to decipher the landscape of acinar cells during AP, which are the missing pieces of jigsaw we aimed to complete in this study.MethodsA single-cell sequencing dataset was used to identify the cell types in pancreas of AP mice and to depict the transcriptomic maps in acinar cells. The pathways’ activities were evaluated by gene sets enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-cell gene sets variation analysis (GSVA). Pseudotime analysis was performed to describe the development trajectories of acinar cells. We also constructed the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and identified the hub genes. Another independent single-cell sequencing dataset of pancreas samples from AP mice and a bulk RNA sequencing dataset of peripheral blood samples from AP patients were also analyzed.ResultsIn this study, we identified genetic markers of each cell type in the pancreas of AP mice based on single-cell sequencing datasets and analyzed the transcription changes in acinar cells. We found that acinar cells featured acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM), as well as increased endocytosis and vesicle transport activity during AP. Notably, the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathways activated by accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in acinar cells could be pivotal for the development of AP.ConclusionWe deciphered the distinct roadmap of acinar cells in the early stage of AP at single-cell level. ERS and ERAD pathways are crucially important for acinar homeostasis and the pathogenesis of AP.

Comparison of serum and salivary creatinine levels in preterm neonates

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; In recent years, saliva has been frequently tested as an alternative biological sample for diagnosing various diseases. Various substances reach the saliva through endogenous synthesis in acinar cells or from plasma. Passive diffusion, transudation, diffusion, or selective transport are how these substances cross from plasma to saliva. There are a small number of studies in children and adults that have examined renal function and the ratio of serum and salivary creatinine. To date, no study has been conducted that examined the existence of this correlation in neonates. Our study aimed to examine whether there is a correlation between serum and salivary creatinine values in preterm infants.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; We conducted a prospective study that included 30 neonates, in whom serum and salivary creatinine levels were measured simultaneously in two-time spots.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The mean value of salivary to serum creatinine (sCr) ratio was 0.700. Salivary to sCr ratio was statistically significantly higher in newborns of gestational age (GA)&amp;lt;28 gestational weeks (mean value 0.825), compared to children with GA≥28 gestational weeks (mean value 0.566), student t-test; p=0.003. Logistic regression showed that the correlation between serum and salivary creatinine levels was more coherent in newborns with GA&amp;lt;28 weeks.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; In this study, it was examined for the first time whether there is a correlation between the values of serum and salivary creatinine in preterm infants. We found that the correlation between serum and salivary creatinine levels is strong in newborns with GA&amp;lt;28 weeks.

Clinical progression of parotid salivary gland sialadenosis based on the selected &lt;i&gt;H. pylori&lt;/i&gt; eradication therapy

Relevance. In approximately 50.82% of instances, sialadenosis of the parotid salivary gland (PSG) emerges as a sequel to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. This condition is characterized by diminished saliva production (hyposalivation) and enlargement (hypertrophy) of the gland. In Russia, the prevalence of GI diseases linked to acid-related issues and H. pylori infection (HP) is notably high. The therapeutic approach to this pathology focuses on the eradication of HP, employing various treatment strategies that incorporate the use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The efficacy of PPIs hinges on their ability to inhibit the proton pump, which is situated in the endothelial lining of the smooth muscle vessels, including those that encase the acinar cells of the PSG. An essential aspect of parotid secretion is its protective role, which is executed through the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) within the gland's ductal system. Therefore, exploring the clinical progression of PSG sialadenosis under eradication therapy regimens holds substantial significance.Materials and methods. Between 2021 and 2023, 80 patients with parotid salivary gland (PSG) sialadenosis and Helicobacter pylori stomach infection were studied. They were divided into treatment groups: Group I (25 patients, aged 45.81 ± 6.39 years) received quadruple therapy (standard-dose PPI, amoxicillin 1,000 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, and bismuthate tripotassium dicitrate 120 mg four times daily); Group II (55 patients, aged 47.79 ± 7.15 years) underwent standard triple therapy (double-dose PPI, amoxicillin 1,000 mg, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily). A control group consisted of 20 nearly healthy individuals (average age 26.46 ± 4.12 years). All subjects underwent comprehensive dental and PSG assessments, including questionnaires, sialometry, and measurement of (sIgA) levels in parotid secretion.Results. After eradication therapy, Group I patients treated with quadruple therapy exhibited a 1.2-fold reduction in PSG secretory function (p = 0.048) and a 1.2-fold decrease in sIgA concentration (p = 0.035) compared to initial levels. Group II patients receiving triple therapy demonstrated a significant 3.6-fold decline in PSG sialometry parameters (p = 0.002) and a 1.8-fold reduction in sIgA levels (p = 0.006) by the 14th day post-eradication, relative to pre-treatment figures. Conclusion. Therefore, patients with GI acid-related conditions linked to HP infection should be evaluated by a dentist for potential PSG sialadenosis. The presence of PSG sialadenosis in individuals with HP stomach infection warrants consideration in the selection and administration of eradication therapy.

Abstract LB235: Prrx1 regulates acinar cell plasticity via TGFβsignaling in pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia

Abstract Introduction: Acinar cells undergo de-differentiation after injury to a progenitor-like cell type with ductal characteristics termed acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). In the absence of oncogenic mutation, the ADM lesions resolve and reform the acinar compartment (we terms this as adaptive ADM). However, in the presence of oncogenic Kras mutations (we terms this as oncogenic ADM), acinar cells undergo neoplastic transformation after ADM and evolve to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), a well-known precursor of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Herein, we explore the role of the Paired-Related Homeobox1 transcriptional factor (Prrx1) in adaptive ADM and the relationship between Prrx1 and mutant Kras in oncogenic ADM. Methods: We generated tamoxifen-inducible Ptf1aCreERT;Rosa26YFP/YFP (abbreviated as Prrx1cWT) mice and bred in the Prrx1fl/fl allele to make (abbreviated Prrx1cKO ) mice and subjected them to caerulin (CCK analog) induced acute pancreatitis, a well-estabished model. We created a time course for both mouse genotypes subjected to acute pancreatitis for histological analysis. Quantification of ADM was performed through automated cell-counting of immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Then, we performed 3D ex vivo acinar cultures of Prrx1cWT and Prrx1cKO mice. We used an exogenous adenoviral vector to induce Cre expression and knock out Prrx1, using an empty vector as a control. Dissociated acinar cell cultures in collagen were utilized for the evaluation of TGFβ signaling by western blotting (WB). Additionally, we generated novel Pdx1-Cre;LSLKrasG12D/+;Prrx1fl/fl;Rosa26YFP/YFP (KCY Prrx1 KO) mice, in which mutant Kras is efficiently expressed and Prrx1 is deleted in a pancreas-specific manner. KCY Prrx1 WT and KO mice were sacrificed at 3 months and 5 months for histological analysis. Results: IF staining revealed that Prrx1cKO mice had fewer ADM lesions compared to Prrx1cWT mice at Day 3 post-caerulein. Ex vivo cultures demonstrated a substantial increase of cystic structures, which are representative of ADM in Prrx1cWT cultures compared to Prrx1cKO cultures. Additionally, using a novel nucleofection protocol, we demonstrated that overexpression of the Prrx1b isoform (associated with a progenitor cell state) leads to a notable increase in ADM. WB of acinar protein lysates from either Prrx1cWT or Prrx1cKO mice showed significant differences in TGFβ levels, and a &amp;gt;2-fold higher expression of phosphorylated SMAD2 in Prrx1cWT mice. IF staining also showed that KCY Prrx1 KO mice had fewer ADM lesions compared to Prrx1 WT mice at at the 5 months time point. Conclusions: Prrx1 can influence adaptive ADM formation. Moreover, Prrx1 can influence ADM formation in the presence of oncogenic KRAS. Our data suggest that Prrx1 facilitates PDAC progression through ADM formation. Citation Format: Noriyuki Nishiwaki, Kensuke Sugiura, Alina Li, Kensuke Suzuki, Jason R. Pitarresi, Rohit Chandwani, Anil K. Rustgi. Prrx1 regulates acinar cell plasticity via TGFβsignaling in pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB235.

Oral bacteria accelerate pancreatic cancer development in mice

ObjectiveEpidemiological studies highlight an association between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and oral carriage of the anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, a species highly linked to periodontal disease. We analysed the potential...

Abstract LB316: Endocrine pancreas alteration in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background: The pancreas is central to energy homeostasis, playing essential roles in digestion and regulation of blood glucose. Exocrine pancreas contains large amounts of of hydrolytic enzyme which is responsible for the digestion. Acinar cells, as well as ductal cells, represent the prime components of exocrine pancreas. They are both supposed to be the origin of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) and the researches focused on these exocrine cells, as well as other components in pancreatic cancer, are numerous. Islet cells are crucial for glucose homeostasis and their identity are proved to be altered significantly during diabetes by single-cell RNA-sequencing(scRNA-seq). However, the presence or extent of variation of islet cells in PDAC is not established yet. Moreover, due to the low proportion of endocrine cells in pancreas, it is hard to analyze the data of endocrine cells by using published scRNA-seq data of PDAC. As a consequence of this underrepresentation, the function of endocrine cells in PDAC remains unclear. Methods: We used scRNA-seq, multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), high-throughput spatial transcriptomic sequencing (Stereo-seq) to detect the alteration of endocrine pancreas in PDAC of human and mouse model. KPC mice (KrasLSL-G12Dp53LoxPPdx1-CreER) and pancreatic orthotopic transplantation mice were applied to verify the islet cell alteration in multiple stages of PDAC. We also performed islet isolation and purification to enhance the proportion of endocrine cells when preparing single-cell suspension. Cell co-culture experiments were used to determine the interaction between exocrine-endocrine compartments. Results: Through mIHC of islet cells in PDAC tissues and normal pancreas tissues of mice (KPC vs. C57BL/6J) as well as human (PDAC patients vs. healthy donors), we found the decreased proportions of inulin positive (INS+) cells and increased proportions of glucagon positive (GCG+) cells in PDAC tissues. Furthermore, the proportion of pancreatic polypeptide positive (PPY+) cells was significantly elevated in PDAC tissue in both human and murine. Then, we quantified the double-positive cells and found the proportions of INS+GCG+, INS+PPY+ and GCG+PPY+ were markedly increased in PDAC tissue. Additionally, through the experiments in mouse model, we found the islet cells altered gradually within the multiple stage of PDAC(normal-PanIN-PDAC). Finally, it was found that PDAC cells could induce the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α and β cells into GCG+PPY+ and INS+PPY+ double-positive cells, which further promoted PDAC proliferation in a paracrine-dependent manner and formed a reciprocal interaction. Conclusions: Our study systematically maps the alteration of pancreatic endocrine cells in PDAC and elucidates the potential interaction mechanisms between endocrine and exocrine cells during PDAC carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, it is suggested that pancreatic endocrine cells should be considered as an important component of the PDAC microenvironment. Citation Format: Yuan Chen, Xinpeng Yin, Ruiyuan Xu, Rexiati Ruze, Jianlu Song, Chenglin Hu, Chengcheng Wang, Yupei Zhao. Endocrine pancreas alteration in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB316.