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Given the metastasis-promoting effect of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-derived exosomes through activation of fibrotic premetastatic niches, targeting and intervening in premetastatic organs to inhibit distant metastasis have challenged researchers and clinicians. Herein, a self-biomimetic drug delivery system based on exosomes derived from PDAC (PF@PCCEs) was constructed to precisely deliver an antifibrotic drug (pirfenidone, PF) to fibrotic premetastatic organs. First, PDAC-derived exosomes were confirmed to remarkably promote liver fibrosis. Then the prepared PF@PCCEs were actively internalized by HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) and subsequently alleviated the activation of HSCs. Delivery of PF to the premetastatic liver affected the niche suitable for the colonization of circulating tumour cells, further suppressing liver metastasis of PDAC. Thus, the strategy for intervening in the formation of fibrotic premetastatic niches to inhibit liver metastasis of PDAC using PF@PCCEs might offer inspiration for the treatment of tumour metastasis.

The effects of adhesive layer on the multi-hit ballistic performance of ceramic/metal composite armors are studied by the experimental and numerical methods. The types (epoxy and polyurethane), bonding performance (bonding strength and failure displacement) and thickness, ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, of adhesive layer are systematically investigated for exploring the responses on the projectile, the ceramic and the backing plate. The results show that the epoxy targets exhibit slightly better single-hit ballistic performance than the polyurethane targets. The polyurethane targets display superior multi-hit ballistic performance. However, the residual penetration depth of the backing plate in the second penetration becomes larger owing the extensive damage in the surrounding ceramic tiles. The detached ceramic area decreases sharply with the increase of bonding strength and failure displacement. In addition, compared with the bonding strength, the failure displacement is more sensitive to the detachment of ceramic. The results show that with the increase of adhesive layer thickness, the time of ceramic unsupported by the backing plate becomes longer, making the ballistic performance of the ceramic poor. The adhesive layer thickness has contrary effects on the ballistic resistance and the damage area of ceramic. The optimal adhesive layer thickness with the better multi-hit ballistic performance is 2.0 mm.

Dietary interventions, including dietary ingredients, nutrients and probiotics, exert anti-inflammatory effects in ulcerative colitis (UC). Our previous study showed that Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk), a promising probiotic, could protect against colitis via the regulation of the immune response. However, whether it can restore aberrant tryptophan (Trp) metabolism during colitis remains unclear. In this study, untargeted serum metabolomics of patients with UC and colitis mice showed that Trp metabolism was activated, which was confirmed by quantification of Trp metabolites from a validation cohort and animal study. Integrative analysis of faecal metagenomes and serum metabolomes revealed significant associations between Akk and three Trp metabolites. Live Akk, pasteurised Akk and Amuc_1100 failed to restore the reduction in Trp metabolites involved in the serotonin pathway in colitis mice. However, live Akk, pasteurised Akk and Amuc_1100 increased kynurenine (Kyn) but decreased 2-picolinic acid (PIC) levels and the PIC/Kyn ratio without regulating any of the genes involved in Trp metabolism, suggesting that they could suppress the Kyn pathway (KP) independent of colon tissue. In addition, they could significantly restore the enrichment of Trp metabolism mediated by faecal microbiota. Specifically, live Akk, pasteurised Akk and Amuc_1100 could significantly offset the reduction in indoleacetic acid (IAA) levels. Pasteurised Akk significantly elevated the serum levels of indole acrylic acid (IA). In addition, live Akk, pasteurised Akk and Amuc_1100 could upregulate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) targeted genes, including CYP1A1, IL-10 and IL-22, suggesting that Akk could activate AhR signaling by regulating Trp metabolism, thereby attenuating colonic inflammation.

Submucosal glands (SMGs) present throughout human esophagus with clusters at either the upper third or lower third of the organ. SMGs tend to atrophy with age, and neoplasms arising in these glands are rare. In order to bring convenience to diagnosis, we summarize the histopathologic characteristics of all esophageal submucosal gland tumors (SGTs). Due to the morphological similarity, the nomenclature of salivary tumors is adopted for SGTs. However, there is great confusion about the definition and histogenesis of these tumors, especially the malignant subtypes. In the literature, esophageal mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma usually adjoin the surface squamous epithelium and coexist with intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In addition, the typical gene alterations of salivary tumors have not been reported in these SGTs. Therefore, we propose to apply stringent diagnostic criteria to esophageal SGTs so as to exclude mimickers that are SCCs with various degree of SMG differentiation.

Purpose. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from venous thromboembolic events, and the risk of thromboembolism increases along with disease activity. This study was conducted to discover novel thrombophilic markers using thromboelastography (TEG) and to evaluate the relation between the predisposing factors and the activity of disease in Chinese patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods. Thirty-four patients with CD, 29 patients with UC, and 53 healthy volunteers were enrolled into this study. Blood levels of R, K, α Angle, G, maximal amplitude (MA), and LY30 with TEG were determined. Results. Mean values of R, K, α Angle, G, and MA were significantly different in patients with CD and UC compared with the healthy individuals. Patients with active CD had different K, α Angle, G, and MA levels compared with patients in remission (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001). Levels of R, α Angle, G, and MA were also significantly different in active UC patients compared with those in remission (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001). Except for the G level in the CD group, differences in all TEG levels between healthy individuals and IBD patients in remission were not statistically significant. No statistical differences were observed in LY30 among patients with active phase, patients in remission, and the healthy individuals. Conclusion. Thrombophilic defects are common in Chinese patients with IBD, and TEG can be considered a new direction to anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis in IBD.

Background The transcription factor, E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3), has been proved to modulate metastasis in multiple human cancers. The present study was aimed to expound the function and specific mechanism of E2F3 in gastric cancer (GC) progression. Materials and methods The expression of E2F3, microRNA-152 (miR-152) and PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1) in GC cell lines was detected by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. The roles of E2F3 and miR-152 in GC metastasis were classified using gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays. The miRNAs directly targeting E2F3 were identified by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter experiment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was carried out to reveal the correlation between E2F3 and PLK1. Results E2F3 expression was frequently up-regulated in GC tissues, and its high expression might imply poor prognosis. Downregulation of E2F3 restrained GC migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, we proved that miR-152 was an upstream regulator of E2F3. Moreover, miR-152 reduced E2F3 expression by directly targeting its 3'-UTR, and then modulated GC metastasis via polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) mediated protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signals. Conclusion E2F3 plays a crucial role in GC progression and the newly discovered miR-152/E2F3/PLK1 axis provides a new underlying target for therapy of metastasis in GC patients.

The effect of projectile nose shape on the ballistic performance of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite was studied through experiments and simulations. Eight projectiles such as conical, flat, hemispherical, and ogival nose projectiles were used in this study. The deformation process, failure mechanisms, and the specific energy absorption (SEA) ability were systematically investigated for analyzing the ballistic responses on the projectile and the UHMWPE composite. The results showed that the projectile nose shape could invoke different penetration mechanisms on the composite. The sharper nose projectile tended to shear through the laminate, causing localized damage zone on the composite. For the blunt nose projectile penetration, the primary deformation features were the combination of shear plugging, tensile deformation, and large area delamination. The maximum value of specific energy absorption (SEA) was 290 J/(kg/m2) for the flat nose projectile penetration, about 3.8 times higher than that for the 30° conical nose projectile. Furthermore, a ballistic resistance analytical model was built based on the cavity expansion theory to predict the energy absorption ability of the UHMWPE composite. The model exhibited a good match between the ballistic resistance curves in simulations with the SEA ability of the UHMWPE composite in experiments.

Recently we have developed a novel non-electrode plasma electrolysis technique in order to rapidly prepare SiO2/SiC nano-coating onto carbon fiber. The surface and cross-sectional microstructures of the SiO2/SiC nano-coating were systematically investigated. The nano-coating was dense and roughly uniform, mainly composed of amorphous SiO2, where a small amount of SiC was distributed. A superior bonding was observed between the nano-coating and the fiber substrate. The cross-sectional TEM revealed ∼80 nm in the thickness for the coating. The SiO2/SiC nano-coating significantly reduced the oxidation rate with the burn-out temperature increasing from 880 °C to 1250 °C. It was proposed that the heat evolution, mechanical effect and plasma chemical reactions had a critical effect on the formation of the nano-coating. We believe that the novel non-electrode plasma electrolysis technique will find a wide range of applications in modifying the interface of carbon fiber reinforced composite materials.

Wire and arc additive remanufacturing (WAAR) technology has become a new solution for hot-forging dies repair and remanufacturing. In this study, a path generation method is proposed for WAAR of hot-forging dies. At first, a WAAR process of the hot-forging die is presented, and considering the characteristics of large welding heat input and complex 3D digital model, the hybrid path planning strategy is confirmed as an appropriate strategy for WAAR. The developed hybrid path generation method for WAAR consists of three main steps: determinate the direction of the scan line; divide and fill the internal area; and connect the sub-paths. the relatively optimal scanning direction is determined by calculating the length and inclination angle of each line segment in the contour lines, which reduces the possibility of sharp angles. The internal region is divided based on the location of the selected extreme points, and the path space is adjusted to avoid the occurrence of the underfilled phenomenon. At the stage of sub-paths connection, some criteria are proposed to reduce the number of sub-paths. At last, a planar deposition experiment and the WAAR process of four damaged hot-forging dies are carried out to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the routine method to treat gallbladder polyps. Nowadays, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided cholecystostomy as a bridge for per-oral transmural endoscopic resection of gallbladder polyps is introduced because preservation of gallbladder is increasingly getting attention. The aim of our study was to evaluate the approach in the treatment of patients with gallbladder polyps and symptomatic gallstones. EUS-guided cholecystostomy with the placement of a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) was performed for those patients with accompanying gallbladder polyps and symptomatic gallstones. Several days after the cholecystostomy with LAMS, a gastroscope was introduced into the gallbladder to remove gallbladder polyps. All patients were successfully performed with the procedures of EUS-guided cholecystoduodenostomy (n = 3) or cholecystogastrostomy (n = 1) and endoscopic resection of gallbladder polyps. One patient experienced severe peritonitis. During the follow-up at 3 months, 1 patient was performed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy because ultrasonography examination showed the reappeared gallstones. No stone recurrence was found in other patients. During the follow-up of 3 to 15 months, no polyp recurrence was found in all the patients. The approach is novel for performing EUS-guided gallbladder fistulization, which can subsequently allow procedures of per-oral transmural endoscopic resection of gallbladder polyps to avoid cholecystectomy in the patients with gallbladder polyps and gallstones. However, further studies are needed before clinical recommendation because of the complications and stone recurrence.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may have complications. Our study aimed to investigate the risk factors and prevention of post-ERCP cholangitis.We retrospectively analyzed 4234 cases undergone ERCP in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2008 to December 2013. Patient-related factors and procedure-related factors were analyzed to find the risk factors of post-ERCP cholangitis. The time point of post-ERCP cholangitis was also analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to define the independent risk factors of post-ERCP cholangitis.The success rate of ERCP was 96.8% (4099/4234). The overall complication rate was 9.4% (399/4234). Post-ERCP cholangitis occurred in 102 cases (2.4%, 102/4234). The most dangerous time of post-ERCP cholangitis was from 24 h-48 h after ERCP (45.1%, 46/102). Univariate analysis revealed that age, hypertension, diabetes, previous ERCP history, biliary stent insertion, pancreatography, endoscopic sphincterotomy, balloon dilation and hilar obstruction were risk factors of post-ERCP cholangitis (P 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that age, previous ERCP history and hilar obstruction were independent risk factors (P 0.05). While endoscopic stone extraction was the potential protective factor.Many risk factors are involved in post-ERCP cholangitis. Among them, old age, previous ERCP history and hilar obstruction were independently related to this post-ERCP complication.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) appears to be suitable for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), serving as a hybrid treatment that includes the advantages of a long unobstructed period and less invasiveness. Two patients each, described in this report, had an unresectable cancer and underwent endoscopic metal stent placement in the stenotic enteric segment of a malignant GOO, which resulted in frequent stent replacement. EUS-GE was then performed with a fully covered, self-expandable, lumen-apposing metal stent, which combined a cautery tip-equipped access catheter. The patients’ symptoms of nausea and vomiting were rapidly alleviated and did not recur during the follow-up period of 6 months. EUS-GE appears to be feasible after obstruction of a metal stent in a tumor segment. It may be a preferred alternative in patients with malignant GOO.

A novel room-temperature aqueous plasma electrolysis technique has been developed in order to prepared Al 2 O 3 nano-coating on each fiber within a carbon fiber bundle. The microstructure and formation mechanism of the Al 2 O 3 nano-coating were systematically investigated. The oxidation resistance and tensile strength of the Al 2 O 3 -coated carbon fiber was measured at elevated temperatures. It showed that the dense Al 2 O 3 nano-coating was relatively uniformly deposited with 80–120 nm in thickness. The Al 2 O 3 nano-coating effectively protected the carbon fiber, evidenced by the slower oxidation rate and significant increase of the burn-out temperature from 800 °C to 950 °C. Although the bare carbon fiber remained ∼25 wt.% after oxidation at 700 °C for 20 min, a full destruction was observed, evidenced by the ∼0 GPa of the tensile strength, compared to ∼1.3 GPa of the Al 2 O 3 -coated carbon fiber due to the effective protection from the Al 2 O 3 nano-coating. The formation mechanism of the Al 2 O 3 nano-coating on carbon fiber was schematically established mainly based on the physic-chemical effect in the cathodic plasma arc zone.

Rationale: Cancer recurrence and metastasis after liver transplantation (LT) is common in some hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The most common sites of extrahepatic metastases are lung, regional lymph node, adrenal gland, and bone. To our knowledge, HCC metastasis to the seminal vesicle after LT has not been reported in the literature. Patient concerns: A 56-year-old Asian man presented at hospital with a 9-year history of orthotopic LT because of HCC. The patient underwent surgery and radiotherapy for HCC metastasis to adrenal gland and 1 year later, chemotherapy for peritoneal metastasis. A few months later, the patient presented with computed tomography (CT) image showing masses in right lobe of liver, seminal vesicle, and space occupying mass between the spleen and stomach. Diagnoses: Combination of clinical and pathological features revealed the seminal vesicle mass as metastasis from HCC. Interventions: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for liver and seminal vesicle lesions was performed and the postoperative pathology revealed malignancy. Thus, the patient underwent surgery and the diagnosis of seminal vesicle metastasis of HCC was confirmed by pathology and immunohistochemical analysis. Outcomes: The patient died due to systemic failure. Lessons: Seminal vesicle metastasis from HCC after LT is rare and there is no consensus on its treatment. Further research into the pathogenesis and therapy of seminal vesicle from HCC after LT is needed to improve outcomes in the rare disease.

Background/objectives Pulmonary apoptosis is an important pathogenic mechanism of acute lung injury induced by many factors. This study aims to investigate whether the caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk has a protective effect against lung injury in the severe acute pancreatitis model (SAP) in rats. Methods Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Sham, SAP, and SAP + zVAD-fmk groups. The SAP model was established by injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Animals were sacrificed at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after operation and then HE staining analysis was performed to assess the lung injury. ELISA was used to detect the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in the lung tissues. Results Rats in SAP group showed obvious lung injury through pathologic examination. Pretreatment with zVAD-fmk significantly inhibited a post-SAP increase in the activation of MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and caspase-3, and decreased lung injury induced by SAP as determined by the pathologic score. Conclusion Our results suggest that apoptosis plays an important role in acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury (APALI), and inhibition of caspase activity may represent a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of APALI.

BACKGROUND: A few models have been proposed for the prediction of the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP), but many include factors that are not assessed routinely. Herein, we intend to develop and validate a predictive model for the occurrence of PEP. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from January 01, 2016 to May 16, 2019 (training set and internal test set) and from May 17, 2019 to December 25, 2019 (external test set) were retrospectively collected. The performance of the model was validated in the two validation cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 342 patients were included for the external test set, and 47 (13.7%) developed PEP. The variables included in the scoring system were gastrectomy history, high direct bilirubin (DBIL), high albumin (ALB), villous type of papillary orifice, nodular type of papillary orifice, pancreatic guidewire passages, precut sphincterotomy, and high operator experience. A total score >5 indicated high risk. In the external test set, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.718, the sensitivity was 0.723, and the specificity was 0.676. In the external test set, the probability of PEP was 6.1%, 17.0%, and 37.5% in patients with low (5) risk scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a scoring system for predicting the risk of PEP using routinely measured clinical variables. Its application in routine work warrants further investigation.

Human gastric cancer is a common malignant neoplasm of the digestive system and represents a threat to human health worldwide. The mechanisms underlying gastric cancer germination and development are not yet fully understood. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly cancer. However, few studies have focused on the mechanisms involving circRNAs in gastric cancer. Therefore the present study set out to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs in gastric cancer. Three specimens of gastric cancer and normal gastric tissue were selected and circRNA microarray analysis was performed to detect the differentially expressed circRNAs. The changes in circRNAs were confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. A total of 347 upregulated and 603 downregulated circRNAs (fold-change, >2.0) were identified in gastric cancer compared with the normal gastric tissue. A total of 20 selected circRNAs were dysregulated during gastric cancer, which suggests their potential role in gastric cancer. The present study identified circRNAs in the expression profile of human gastric cancer that were potentially involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms of its development.

Background The risk factors for post-ERCP cholecystitis (PEC) have not been characterized. Hence, this study aimed to identify the potential risk factors for PEC. Methods The medical records of 4238 patients undergoing the first ERCP in a single center from January 2012 to December 2016 were analyzed in this study. A multivariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors. Results This study included 2672 patients who met the enrollment criteria. Of these, 36 patients (incidence rate of 1.35%) developed PEC within 2 weeks of the procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified the following factors associated with PEC: history of acute pancreatitis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–5.23], history of chronic cholecystitis (OR = 8.47; 95% CI: 2.54–28.24), gallbladder opacification (OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.37–5.70), biliary duct metallic stent placement (OR = 3.66; 95% CI: 1.78–7.54), and high leukocyte count before ERCP (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04–1.17). The prediction model incorporating these factors demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.80–0.91). A prognostic nomogram was developed using the aforementioned variables to estimate the probability of PEC. Conclusions The risk factors, including the history of acute pancreatitis, history of chronic cholecystitis, gallbladder opacification, biliary duct metallic stent placement, and high leucocyte counts before ERCP, increased the occurrence of PEC and were positive predictors for PEC. The constructed nomogram was used to estimate the risk of PEC, guiding the implementation of prophylactic measures to prevent PEC in clinical practice.

In the paper, a uniform and continuous Al2O3/SiO2 composite coating was prepared on each fiber of carbon fiber fabric via room-temperature aqueous plasma electrolysis technique. The micromorphology and anti-oxidation property of the Al2O3/SiO2-coated carbon fiber fabric were systematically investigated. The dense and continuous Al2O3/SiO2 composite coating was uniformly deposited on each fiber of carbon fiber fabric. The thickness of coating was 120–150 nm. The Al2O3/SiO2 composite coating could protect the carbon fiber fabric from oxidation above 1000 °C. In addition, it could be seen 300 m carbon fiber fabric were coated continuously by high-quality Al2O3/SiO2 composite coating.

A high tensile ductility in-suit Ti46.8Zr19.5Nb11.7Cu5Be14.5Ag2.5 amorphous composite materials was prepared successfully by arc melting and injection casting into a water cooling copper mold. The composition and microstructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Cu Kα radiation and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed the fully developed dendritic structure of the β phase with green color was uniformly distributed in the amorphous matrix, while, the size and proportion of second phase were 30 μm and 78% respectively. Standard size of tensile specimen was designed to test its tensile mechanical properties. The occurrence of rare necking deformation in amorphous materials showed the Ti46.8Zr19.5Nb11.7Cu5Be14.5Ag2.5 amorphous composite materials possessed a good ductility ability. The fracture contained the fiber area, radiation area and shear lips. Large proportion dimple area showed the dendritic phase distributed uniformly played a great role in the process of deformation.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: To assess the short-term outcomes after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) plus endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) versus EPBD alone and appropriate balloon dilation time in EPBD alone. Materials and Methods: A total of 413 patients with common bile duct stones (CBDSs) were included in the EST plus EPBD group and 84 were in the EPBD alone group. We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy between EST plus EPBD and EPBD alone group. The patients in EPBD alone group were assigned to dilation time ≥5 minutes group (n=35) and time

Chlorogenic acid (ChA)—one of the most abundant polyphenol compounds in the human diet—exerts anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ChA on gut microbiota in ulcerative colitis (UC). Colitis was induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice, which were on a control diet or diet with ChA (1 mM). The histopathological changes and inflammation were evaluated. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ChA attenuated several effects of DSS-induced colitis, including weight loss, increased disease activity index, and improved mucosal damage. Moreover, ChA could significantly suppress the secretion of IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-6 and the colonic infiltration of F4/80+ macrophages, CD3+ T cells, and CD177+ neutrophils via inhibition of the active NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, ChA decreased the proportion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. ChA also enhanced a reduction in fecal microbiota diversity in DSS treated mice. Interestingly, ChA treatment markedly increased the proportion of the mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia in colitis mice. ChA acted as the intestine-modifying gut microbial community structure, resulting in a lower intestinal and systemic inflammation and also improving the course of the DSS-induced colitis, which is associated with a proportional increase in Akkermansia.

The Warburg effect is important in tumor growth. The human M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is a key enzyme that regulates aerobic glycolysis in tumor cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that PKM2 is a potential target for cancer therapy. The present study investigated the effects of pantoprazole (PPZ) treatment and PKM2 transfection on human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901 cells in vitro. The present study revealed that PPZ inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells, induced apoptosis and downregulated the expression of PKM2, which contributes to the current understanding of the functional association between PPZ and PKM2. In summary, PPZ may suppress tumor growth as a PKM2 protein inhibitor.