Objective We examined the Grp78, ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 expressions in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) tissue samples in vitro, we interfered the expression of Grp78 in SMMC-7721 cells to explore whether Grp78 is involved in ERK1/2 signal pathway. Methods The Grp78, ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and confirmed by Western blotting in 47 HCC tissue samples. The Grp78 expression in SMMC-7721 cells was interfered by plasmid transfection and siRNA, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and expression were determined by Western blotting. Results The Grp78 expression was significantly correlated with ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 in HCC tissue samples. Overexpression of Grp78 promoted ERK1/2 phosphorylation in SMMC-7721 cells and the increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited by Grp78 knockdown. Conclusion Grp78 is involved in the regulation of ERK1/2 signal pathway and might be a potential target for the comprehensive therapy of HCC.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunction of endothelial cells is independently associated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Correlation of dysfunction of endothelial cells to restenosis after stent implantation is not yet clearly determined.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of vascular endothelial dysfunction to restenosis after stent implantation. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A case control study was performed at the Department of Cardiology and Department of Heart Ultrasound, Sichuan People's Hospital from March 2005 to January 2007.PARTICIPANTS: After review, coronary angiography showed that 11 patients who occurred restenosis at the lesion region after stent implantation were included in a restenosis group, and an additional 15 patients who did not develop in-stent restenosis were included in a control group. Patients in the following conditions were excluded: over 70 years old, histories of long-term smoking, diabetes mellitus, multivessel disease, long coronary lesion and chronic total occlusion, heart failure (Killip's class Ⅲ or above), severe hepatic and/or renal insufficiency.METHODS: High-resolution ultrasound was used to assess the percentage of flow-mediated dilatation of brachial artery. Differences in endothelial function were compared between both groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasound parameter of the brachial artery in both groups; Partial correlation analysis on control variable including sex, age, blood lipid level, diseased region and stent type.RESULTS: No significant difference was found in basic diameter of brachial artery in both groups. During reactive hyperemia, inner diameter and its absolute variation of brachial artery were smaller in the restenosis group than in the control group (P<0.01). The percentage of brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation was lower in the restenosis group compared with the control group (P=0.013). The partial correlation coefficient between the percentage of flow-mediated dilatation of brachial artery and in-stent restenosis was 0.47 (P=0.04).CONCLUSION: The endothelial dysfunction significantly decreases in patients with restenosis compared with controls following stent implantation. There is a correlation between endothelial dysfunction and restenosis.

Objective To assess metabolic state in patients with Roux-y sigmoid neobladder.Methods The study comprised 33 patients(21 men and 12 women) with Roux-y sigmoid neobladder after oneological sur-gery.All enrolled patients were treated by the same protocol.Before and after withdrawing the catheter , serum e-lectrolytes, ereatinine and urea were analysed and used to assess the effect.Results All 33 patients were evalu-able.Before and after withdrawing the catheter , serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea were normal values and there was no signifcant difference(P >0.05).Three patients developed mild metabolic acidosis.Conclusions The Roux-y sigmoid neobladder is a feasible , safe and effective method for continent urinary diversion.This surgi-cal technique had no signifcant effect on metabolic state.