OBJECTIVETo investigate the significance of DARPP-32 protein expression in gastric carcinoma tissue and cell lines.

METHODSThe expression of DARPP-32 protein in normal gastric mucosa and gastric carcinoma tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using streptavidin-biotin complex technique. The expression in gastric carcinoma tissue and cell lines was evaluated by Western blotting.

RESULTSThe expression rate of DARPP-32 protein in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue (92.7%) was significantly higher than that in normal gastric mucosa (52.6%, P < 0.05). There was no significant association between DARPP-32 protein expression and degree of tumor differentiation, local invasion and distant metastasis. As compared with adjacent non-carcinomatous gastric mucosa, both DARPP-32 and its truncated isoform t-DARPP were overexpressed in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue (t = 2.45, P = 0.015); and t-DARPP overexpression was more frequently seen. Expression of DARPP-32 and t-DARPP could also be detected in human gastric cancer cell lines. The expression of DARPP-32 protein was obviously reduced in SGC7901 drug-resistant cell strains.

CONCLUSIONSDARPP-32 is overexpressed in gastric carcinoma. It may play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. The underlying signal pathways in neoplastic gastric epithelium may also be related to the multi-drug resistance property of gastric cancer cells.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; Aged ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein 32 ; Doxorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; metabolism ; Phosphoproteins ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Vincristine ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDBacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can activate immunological cells to secrete various proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathophysiological process of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) during infection. In recent years, it has been found that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can affect the activity of these immune cells and regulate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we report the possible protective effect of BMSCs pre-treatment in LPS-induced DIC rat model and the mechanism.

METHODSForty-eight adult male rats were divided into five experimental groups and one control group with eight animals in each group. In the treatment groups, 0, 1'10(6), 2'10(6), 3'10(6), and 5'10(6) of BMSCs were injected intravenously for 3 days before LPS injection, while the control group was treated with pure cell culture medium injection. Then, the LPS (3 mg/kg) was injected via the tail vein in the treatment groups, while the control group received 0.9% NaCl. Blood was withdrawn before and 4 and 8 hours after LPS administration. The following parameters were monitored: platelets (PLT), fibrinogen (Fib), D-dimer (D-D), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interferon-g (IFN-g), interleukin-1b (IL-1b), creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and endothelin (ET).

RESULTSCompared with the control group, a significant change of coagulation parameters were found in the experimental groups. The plasma level of the inflammatory mediator (TNF-a, IFN-g, IL-1b), organ indicator (Cr, ALT, and CK-MB), and ET in the experimental groups were much lower (P < 0.05) than that in the control group. Furthermore, some of these effects were dose-dependent; the statistical comparison of the plasma levels between the groups (from group 2 to group 5) showed a significant difference (P < 0.05), except the ALT and CK-MB levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPre-treatment with BMSCs can attenuate organ dysfunction and inhibit systemic intravascular coagulation effectively via the regulatory effect on immune cells and proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced DIC rat model.

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Blood Coagulation ; drug effects ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Creatinine ; metabolism ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

This study was aimed to explore the significance of the bone marrow biopsy for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Bone marrow smears and bone marrow biopsy originated from 279 cases of multiple myeloma were detected and compared in term of bone marrow hyperplasia, bone marrow plasma cell infiltration, proliferation mode, pathological changes in the bone marrow stroma and myelofibrosis. The results indicated that the levels of proliferation in bone marrow biopsy was significantly higher than that in bone marrow smears. Plasma cell proliferation mode in bone marrow biopsy was not completely consistent with the proportion of plasma cells in bone marrow smears. The myelofibrosis level displayed influence on the consistency of the proliferation between bone marrow smears and biopsies. It is concluded that as compared with bone marrow smears the bone marrow biopsy can more accurately reflect the levels of bone marrow hyperplasia and bone marrow plasma cell infiltration, proliferation mode and so on. Bone marrow biopsy is valuable for multiple myeloma diagnosis.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy ; methods ; Bone Marrow ; pathology ; Bone Marrow Examination ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo experimentally investigate direct intramuscular gene transfer of nanoparticles encoding vascular endothelial growth factor for the treatment of peripheral artery disease.

METHODSThe human VEGF(165) cDNA was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector PIRES2 under the control of cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer. The recombinant gene was transferred into a rabbit model of chronic hindlimb ischemia by naked plasmid and nanoparticle respectively. Ischemia was induced in the hindlimb of New Zealand White rabbits by ligation of the distal external iliac artery and complete excision of the femoral artery and all its branches. At day 7 postoperation animals received VEGF(165) plasmid (10 intramuscular) or nanoparticle-VEGF(165) (8 intramuscular). With RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry analysis, and angiography, the expression and biological effects of VEGF(165) gene in experimental animals were investigated.

RESULTSTwo weeks after initiation of therapy, angiography showed that the transfer of VEGF(165) gene stimulated the formation of focal neovessels and established collateral circulation. The adductor muscle of ischemic limbs was histologically examined at day 14. Capillary density was increased among VEGF(165)-transfected rabbits, especially Nano-VEGF(165)-treated animals (Naked VEGF(165) plasmid = 50.18 per mm(2), Nano-VEGF(165) = 81.22 per mm(2), Control = 29.54 per mm(2), P < 0.05). RT-PCR showed that the transcription and expression of VEGF(165) gene in experimental group were significantly higher than those of control groups.

CONCLUSIONSIntramuscular administration of VEGF(165) induces collateral artery augmentation in the rabbit model of chronic limb ischemia. Nanoparticle can act as a vector to transfect specific gene and it will benefit gene transfer.

Angiography ; Animals ; Capsules ; Chronic Disease ; Disease Models, Animal ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Hindlimb ; blood supply ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ischemia ; genetics ; therapy ; Male ; Nanotechnology ; Particle Size ; Rabbits ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Treatment Outcome ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo explore the experiences of aortic valve preservation and root reconstruction in patients with Marfan syndrome.

METHODSFrom July 2003 to Dec 2007, 22 patients with Marfan syndrome were treated by aortic valve preservation and root reconstruction. There were 12 male and 10 female, the age ranged from 10 to 57 years old with a mean of (28 +/- 10) years. The operation procedures included reimplantation technique in 9 patients, remodeling technique in 8 patients, and patch technique in 2 patients. In addition, reimplantation technique + total aorta replacement in 1 patient, remodeling technique + "aortic arch replacement + stent-elephant trunk" in 1 patient, patch technique + "aortic arch replacement + stent-elephant trunk" in 1 patient. The patients were followed-up by 17 to 64 months with a mean of (46 +/- 16) months.

RESULTSNo in-hospital and follow-up period death occurred. There was one reexploration for bleeding 1 d postoperative. No valve-related complication occurred during the follow-up. At the end of follow-up, no aortic regurgitation was demonstrate in 16 patients, but mild regurgitation in 4 patients, moderate regurgitation in 1 patient and severe regurgitation in 1 patient. Two patients with moderate and severe aortic regurgitation need reoperation 1 year postoperative.

CONCLUSIONThe early and mid-term results of aortic valve preservation and root reconstruction operations in Marfan syndrome were favorable.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aorta ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm ; etiology ; surgery ; Aortic Valve ; surgery ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Marfan Syndrome ; complications ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience of the application of total and subtotal aortic replacement on the one stage in the treatment of the patients with extensive aortic aneurysm and chronic Stanford type A dissecting aneurysm.

METHODSFrom February to November 2004, 8 patients (7 male and 1 female; ranging from 23 to 47 years old) underwent one-stage total or subtotal aortic replacement under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Two patients received subtotal aortic replacement (from the aortic valve to the abdominal aorta). Six patients underwent total aortic replacement (from the aortic valve to the aortic bifurcation), of which 3 patients had aortic valve replacement. Patients were with mid-sternotomy and thoracoabdominal incision. The ascending aorta was firstly replaced, following which the aortic arch was reconstructed. Finally, the thoracoabdominal aorta was fully replaced.

RESULTSThere was no operative or early postoperative death. One patient had cerebral infarction secondary to embolism. Spinal neurological deficits didn't occur. All 8 patients were alive and had good functional status 2 to 12 months after operation.

CONCLUSIONThe patients performed with one-stage total and subtotal aortic replacement achieves good results. It can eliminate the risk of remnant aneurysm rupture in staged total aortic replacement.

Adult ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo review the experience of various positions aortic replacement by four branch prosthesis vessel.

METHODSFrom August 2003 to May 2005, we finished aortic procedures with four branch prosthesis vessel for 142 patients, aged (44 +/- 12) (22-78) years, weighted (72 +/- 20) kg (49-130 kg). We performed ascending aorta and total aortic arch replacement for 85 cases during right axillary artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass and selected antegrade cerebral perfusion. 38 patients underwent one-stage total thoracoabdominal aortic replacement during deep hypothermic bypass and subsection circulatory arrest. 8 patients underwent one-stage total or subtotal aortic replacement during deep hypothermic bypass and selected antegrade cerebral perfusion and subsection circulatory arrest. We performed totally aortic arch replacement without utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic for 11 cases.

RESULTSThe mortality was 4.2%. Cerebral complications occurred in 16 (11.3%). 2 patients suffered from permanence spinal cord dysfunction. 4 patients suffered from temporary spinal cord dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONThe four branch vessel prosthesis can be used on aortic surgery dexterously. The approach may shorten she time of aortic arrest and arterial construction.

Adult ; Aged ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; mortality ; surgery ; Aneurysm, False ; mortality ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm ; mortality ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; standards ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; instrumentation ; methods ; Female ; Heart Arrest, Induced ; methods ; Humans ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo analyze the risk factors for hospital mortality after operations for type A aortic dissection.

METHODSTotally 766 consecutive patients (586 male and 180 female patient, aged (45±12) years, ranging from 16 to 78 years), who underwent surgery for type A aortic dissection from January 2001 to December 2010, were studied retrospectively. Preoperative and operation related clinic factors were analyzed by univariate analysis, followed by Logistic regression model, to identify the risk factors of hospital mortality.

RESULTSOverall, 37 patients (4.8%) died during hospitalization. On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for hospital mortality were male, acute status, renal dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, cardiopulmonary bypass time, duration of operation, volume of blood transfusion, re-operation for bleeding (χ2=4.008-27.093, P<0.05). On Logistic regression model, independent risk factors were acute status (OR=2.784, 95%CI: 1.166-6.649, P=0.021), renal dysfunction (OR=6.285, 95%CI: 1.738 - 22.723, P=0.005), cardiac dysfunction (OR=3.052, 95%CI: 1.083-8.606, P=0.035), re-operation for bleeding (OR=3.690, 95%CI: 1.262-10.791, P=0.017), volume of blood transfusion (OR=1.033, 95%CI: 1.008-1.058, P=0.010). Additionally, male (OR=0.387, 95%CI: 0.177-0.848, P=0.018) was protective factor, and alternatively, female was indeed one of the independent risk factors for hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONFemale, acute status, renal dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, re-operation for bleeding, volume of blood transfusion were independent risk factors for hospital mortality after operations for type A aortic dissection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; mortality ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; mortality ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis and treatment evaluation in patients with pretreatment or recurrent extranodular natural killer/T-cell lymphoma nasal type (ENTCL).

METHODS(18)F-FDG PET/CT images and clinical records of 35 cases (67 scans) of pathologically confirmed ENTCL treated in our hospital within the last 9 years were analyzed. The imaging characteristics of the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) and the non-aerodigestive tract (NUAT) lesions were analyzed. Lesion distribution, clinical stages, SUVmax and patient survival data were compared between pretreatment and recurrent cases.

RESULTSs All the ENTCL lesions were hypermetabolic. The UAT lesions involved mainly the nasal cavity and pharynx, while the NUAT lesions may involve the lymph nodes and all the organs. UAT lesions were more common in pretreatment cases while NUAT lesions tended to increase in recurrent cases. The SUVmax of pretreatment and recurrent lesions were 10.4∓4.4 and 9.6∓5.2, and showed no significant difference among patients with different lesion distribution patterns, clinical stages, or treatment history. The tumor remission rate evaluated by PET/CT were higher in cases with an initial diagnosis than in those with recurrence [(89.5% (17/19) vs 33.3% (5/15), P<0.005)]. Cox regression analysis revealed no significant differences in the survival rates among patients with different treatment history, clinical stages, lesion distribution patterns, or SUVmax levels (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION(18)F-FDG PET/CT can sensitively detect the pretreatment or recurrent lesions in ENTCL patients and helps in accurate tumor staging and curative effect evaluation.

Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell ; diagnostic imaging ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience of one-stage total and subtotal aortic replacement for aneurysm evolving the entire aorta and show the midterm results of the operation.

METHODSFrom February 2004 to July 2008, 22 patients (17 men and 5 women, age ranged from 19 to 47 years old) underwent one-stage total or subtotal aortic replacement under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Seven patients received subtotal aortic replacement (from the aortic valve to the abdominal aorta). Fifteen patients underwent total aortic replacement (from the aortic valve to the aortic bifurcation). Patients were opened with a mid-sternotomy and a thoracoabdominal incision. First, the ascending aorta was replaced; following which the aortic arch was reconstructed. Finally, the thoracoabdominal aorta was fully replaced.

RESULTSThirty-day mortality was 4.5% (1/22). One patient died of multiple organ failure 11 days postoperatively. Two patients had cerebral infarction secondary to embolism. Spinal neurological deficits didn't occur. Twenty-one patients survived the operation and were followed up for 3 to 56 months (35.0 +/- 16.9 months). There was no late death. One patient received aortic valve replacement due to aortic valve regurgitation one year after David and total aortic replacement.

CONCLUSIONOne-stage total and subtotal aortic replacement is an effective operation for aneurysm evolving the whole length of the aorta with acceptable mortality and morbidity. Midterm follow-up showed satisfactory results.

Adult ; Aorta ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult