Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Smad7 gene modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( Smad7-BMSCs) to prevent hepatic fibrosis in vitro. Methods:Smad7-EGFP-BMSCs were established by isolating and purifying BMSCs of rats, and transfecting Ad-Smad7-EGFP. HSC-T6 were divided into Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D, which were respectively incubated with Smad7-EGFP-BMSCs, BMSCs, Smad7 plasmid and PBS for 72 hours. The level of Smad7and TGF-β1protein in the culture solution was determined by ELISA. The expression of mRNA and protein of Smad7,TGF-β1,Col Ⅰ and α-SMA in the hepatic stellate cells were respectively determined by Western blot and RT-PCR. Cellular apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Results:(1)The results of ELISA showed that the level of TGF-β1 protein decreased(P<0. 01) but the level of Smad7 protein increased (P<0. 01) in Group B,Group C and Group D compared with Group A;the level of TGF-β1 protein decreased(P<0. 01) but the level of Smad7 protein increased (P<0. 01) in Group D compared with Group B and Group C. (2)The results of Western blot and RT-PCR showed that the level of mRNA and protein of Smad7,TGF-β1,Col Ⅰ and α-SMA decreased(P<0. 01) but the level of mRNA and protein of Smad7 protein increased (P<0. 01) in Group B,Group C and Group D compared with Group A;the level of mRNA and protein of Smad7,TGF-β1,ColⅠandα-SMA decreased(P<0. 01) but the level of mRNA and protein of Smad7 protein increased (P<0. 01) in Group D compared with Group B and Group C. (3)The results of flow cytometry showed that the rate of cellular apoptosis de-creased(P<0. 01),but the level of Smad7 protein increased (P<0. 01) in Group B,Group C and Group D compared with Group A;the rate of cellular apoptosis decreased(P<0. 01)in Group D compared with Group B and Group C. Conclusion:Smad7-BMSCs can have the effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis by affecting TGF-β1 signal pathway and promoting cellular apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells.

To improve the diagnosis of concomitance of cancer and cyst in the same kidney, a retrospective review of the imaging results of 10 patients with cystic renal cancers confirmed by surgery and pathologic study was performed. Excretory urography showed an avascular mass suggestive of a cyst. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass with thinkened and irregular walls,but it was unable to distinguish between a complicated and an extensively necrotic cancer.On CT scans,irregular cystic wall and definite early enhancement in solid component were observed.In some of the patients,there were mural nodules,septum and calcification. Some scans may show an almost cystic appearance,but one or more CT scans always showed some dense neoplastic tissue.This study indicated irregular and thickened cystic wall and septum,mural nodules and early enhancement of solid component were the characteristic findings for the CT diagnosis.This suggestive CT pattern must be particularly searched for at the base of the cyst,but may also be present in the periphery of the cyst.