Objective To explore the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit-1 (NMDAR1) in the ependymal cells of the third ventricle of rat. Methods The immunohistochemistry technique was used. Results (1)NMDAR1-immunoreaction (NMDAR1-IR) was strongly expressed in the ependymal cells of the third ventricle; (2)There was no significant sex difference in morphology and distribution of the NMDAR1-IR ependymal cells between male and female. Conclusion The present investigation provided the morphological evidence supporting that glutamate of CSF might regulate ependymal cells via NMDAR.

Objective To study the inhibitory effect and mechanism of citrusinol on proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2.Methods The inhibitory rate of HepG2 cells cultured in vitro was measured by MTT assay.The morphology and distribution of the ceils were observed by HE and acridine orange staining.The cell division cycle was detected by flow cytometry.The expression of F-actin protein was observed by fluorescent chromogenic method.Results Citrusinol could inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells,and the IC50 of the inhibitory rate was 76.46 μmol/L.Citrusinol could make the HepG2 cells shrink,arrest the cell division cycle to G2/M,and inhibit the expression of F-actin.Conclusion Citrusinol can prevent cell proliferation by arresting cell division cycle in G2/M phase and inhibiting the formation of cytoskeleton,thus inhibiting the growth of G2/M.

Objectives: To investigate the distribution of common pathogens and their antibiotic resistance from patiens with catheter related sepsis (CRS).Methods: Catheter bacteria cultrure and antibiotic sensitivity test were performed from 69 patiens with CRS.Results: The common pathogens in CRS were fungi (41.1%),Gram-positive cocci (35.6%)and Gram-negtive bacilli (23.3%). Non-C. albicans species were major pathogen (19/30 stranins).The most strains were staphylococcus epidermidis in Gram-positive cocci and the most of them were Methicillin resistant.No vancomycin resistant strains were found. The Gram negative bacilli were often resistant to third generation cephalosporens.Conclusions: The dorminant pathogens of CRS are fungi and gram positive cocci and we should pay more attention to pathogens of resistence to antibiotics. In order to control CRS, CVC must be used reasonably and shorten the duration of retention.

To investigate the effect of ursolic acid on the invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells co-cultured with macrophages, and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
 Methods: The migration and invasion ability of HCC cells in the co-culture system with or without ursolic acid intervention were evaluated by transwell assay. The levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin in HCC cells co-cultured with macrophages were detected by Western blot.
 Results: The migration and invasion ability and EMT were significantly enhanced when co-cultured with macrophages, and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased while N-cadherin and vimentin levels were significantly decreased. However, after ursolic acid treatment, the migration and invasion ability were significantly reduced, and the expression of E-cadherin was increased while N-cadherin and vimentin levels were decreased.
 Conclusion: Ursolic acid exerts inhibitory effect on the ability of migration, invasion, and EMT for HCC, which are enhanced by co-culturing with macrophages.
Cadherins ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Coculture Techniques ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Macrophages ; cytology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; pathology ; Triterpenes ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) on apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

METHODSA total of 136 patients with HCC underwent liver resection. One to five courses of TACE prior to liver resection were performed in 79 patients (TACE group), in which one to four courses of chemotherapy alone were performed in 11 patients (group A), one to five courses of chemotherapy combined with iodized oil were performed in 33 patients (group B), one to three courses of chemotherapy combined with iodized oil and gelatin sponge were performed in 23 patients group C) and one to three courses of chemotherapy combined with iodized oil, ethanol and gelatin sponge were performed in 12 patients (group D). The other 57 patients only received liver resection (non-TACE group). The extent of apoptosis was analyzed by transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax protein were detected by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSThe apoptotic index(AI) and level of Bax protein in HCC cells were significantly higher in groups A, B, C and D than those in the non-TACE group (P < 0.05). The level of Bcl-2 protein and ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax protein of HCC cells were significantly lower in Groups A, B, C and D than those in the non-TACE group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPreoperative TACE regimens may enhance apoptosis of HCC cells by up-regulating the expression of Bax protein and down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 protein and ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax protein expression.

Adult ; Aged ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; chemistry ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Ethanol ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Iodized Oil ; administration & dosage ; Liver Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; analysis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein

BACKGROUNDIt has been known that the expressions of β-catenin and T cell factor 4 (TCF-4) were associated with clinicopathological parameters in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between expressions of β-catenin and TCF-4 in NSCLC.

METHODSThe expression of β-catenin was detected with immunohistochemistry in 100 lung cancer samples; the relationship between abnormal located and preserved β-catenin with TCF-4 was investigated by immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation and hybridization in situ.

RESULTSThe levels of protein and mRNA were both significantly higher in NSCLC than in corresponding normal lung tissues. Aberrant cytoplasmic and/or nuclear expression of β-catenin were 78.74% (100/127) while aberrant nuclear expression was 37.01% (47/127). Aberrant nuclear β-catenin was significantly associated with differentiation (P=0.0008) and lymphatic metastasis (P=0.017). Positive TCF-4 expression (86.67%, 52/60) was normally seen in nucleus and cytoplasm of cancer cells. The intensity of TCF-4 expression was significantly higher in moderately and poorly differentiated lung cancers than that in well differentiated ones. In total 17 cases of β-catenin (+) and TCF-4 (+) patients, 13 cases were detected with the β-catenin/TCF-4 complex, 61.54% in nucleus and 38.46% in cytoplasm.

CONCLUSIONSThe abnormal mRNA and protein expressions of β-catenin are associated with malignant phenotype in NSCLC. TCF-4 expression is associated with poor differentiation in lung cancers. The β-catenin/TCF-4 complex exists widely in NSCLC.