OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between the expressions of galectin-3 and E-cadherin and lymph node metastasis of colon cancer.

METHODSImmunohistochemistry was employed to examine the expressions of E-cadherin and galectin-3 in 37 colon cancer samples, among which 21 samples underwent RT-PCR for E-cadherin and galectin-3 mRNA expressions. The correlation of E-cadherin and galectin-3 expressions with lymph node metastasis of the tumor was analyzed.

RESULTSThe positivity rate of galectin-3 expression was 83.8% (31/37) in these samples. Of the tumor cases with lymph node metastasis, 94.7% (18/19) of the tumors were positive for galectin-3 expression, a rate significantly higher than that in non-metastatic cases. The positivity rate of E-cadherin expression was 59.5% (22/37) in the total cases, and 47.4% (9/19) in the metastatic cases, significantly lower than that in the non-metastatic cases.

CONCLUSIONGalectin-3 and E-cadherin expressions are associated with lymph node metastasis of colon cancer and may serve as potential prognostic indicators for colon cancer patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; genetics ; Cadherins ; genetics ; Colonic Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Galectin 3 ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the potential correlation between fluoride levels of urine and influencing factors in water-high-fluoride areas.Methods In 2010,based on plain area,mountainous area and mixed area (altitudes were 898,2 200,1 460 m,respectively),3 villages of water-high-fluoride areas were selected by purpose sampling;pupils' family members were selected as survey population by cluster sampling.Questionnaire was conducted to collect general information;fluoride contents in urine and drinking water were measured using ionselective electrode.A linear multiple regression was used to examine which factors affected urinary fluoride.Results Totally there were 968 people distributed in plain area (444),mixed area (368) and mountainous area (156),medians of urinary fluoride level were 0.71,1.59 and 1.67 mg/L,respectively,the difference was significant (F =203.90,P ＜0.01);medians of water fluoride level in the three different habitats were 0.50,1.00 and 3.50 mg/L,respectively,the difference was significant (F =331.98,P ＜ 0.01).Age,gender,fluoride contents in drinking waters and habitat explained 33.1％ of urinary fluoride variation.Male had higher urine fluoride than female,older age and higher level fluoride in drinking water contributed to higher fluoride level in urine,higher altitude contributed to higher urinary fluoride.Conclusion Once fluoride content in urine is used to estimate fluoride exposure level among people in high fluoride area,gender and age must be taken in consideration.