Objective To investigate the changes of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) after partial hepatectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis and their relationship with liver regeneration. Methods Thirty-five patients with partial hepatectomy between June 2007 and August 2009 were enrolled,according to whether cirrhosis were divided into cirrhosis group (16 cases) and non-cirrhosis group (19 cases). Liver size were measured with angiographic computed tomography at 7,30,90 d after operation. Regeneration rate of remnant liver were calculated. The serum concentrations of HGF and VEGF were meaaured. Postoperative hepatic function and complications incidence rate were comparatively analyzed. Results Compared with non-cirrhosis group, the postoperative hepatic function of cirrhosis group suffered serious damage. In non-cirrhosis group, the remnant liver regeneration rate reached (63.6± 15.9)%, (79.4 ± 17.2)%, (97.2 ± 18.3)% at 7,30,90 d after operation,in cirrhosis group,it reached (41.7 ± 10.7)%, (55.7 ± 13.2)%, (76.6 ± 12.5)%, liver in non-cirrhosis group regenerated rapidly (P <0.05). After hepatectomy,the HGF levels in cirrhosis group increased significantly at 1,3,7 d than those in non-cirrhosis group(P ＜ 0.05), but the VEGF levels were lower. Conclusions Liver in the patients with cirrhosis regenerate slowly and it may be due to in part through a decrease in VEGF. Whether it may,when given therapeutically represent a strategy to optimize liver regeneration in problematic patients needs to be clarified.

Objective To explore the effect of hypoxia inducible factor-1α silencing by siRNA on proliferation, apoptosis and necrosis of human renal proximal epithelial cell ( HK-2 )under hypoxia. Methods CoCl2 was used to mimic hypoxia, and siRNA technique was used to silence HIF-1α. HK-2 cells were divided into five groups, including normal culture group,hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group, negative control group and HIF-1α siRNA group.MTT assay was used to detect the growth inhibition ratio of cells. TUNEL and caspase-3 quantity was used to detect apoptosis. LDH activity in supernatant was detected to evaluate cell necrosis.Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein of HIF-1α, HIF-2α,glucose transporter 1(Glut-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results (1) The transfection efficiency of siRNA was 95%-100%. Under normoxia, the efficiency of siRNA silencing HIF-1α gene reached to 70%, while under hypoxia, it was 97%. (2) The growth inhibition ratio of cells in HIF-1α siRNA group was significantly higher than that of other groups including hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group and negative control group (all P＜0.05). No significant difference was found in apoptotic ratio of the other four groups except normal culture group (P＞0.05). The LDH level in HIF-1α siRNA group was significantly higher than that of hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group and negative control group (P＜0.05). (3) The expression of HIF1α, Glut-1, VEGF mRNA and protein in HIF-1α siRNA group was significantly lower than that of hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group and negative control group (P＜0.05). No significant difference was observed on the level of HIF-2α mRNA and protein in the other four groups except normal culture group (P＞0.05). Conclusion HIF-1α gene silencing can inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of Glut-1 and VEGF, and can aggravate growth inhibition and necrosis of HK-2 cells under hypoxia.

Objective To investigate the location and expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) subunits in the remnant kidney of 5/6 nephrectomy rats. Methods Remnant kidneys were produced in adult male SD rats by 5/6 nephrectomy. The renal function and histopathological changes were evaluated at week 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 after operation. Tissues of remnant kidneys were collected to detect the location and expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α by immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting. The mRNA levels of HIF targeted genes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were determined by RTPCR. Results (1) 5/6 nephrectomy rats underwent one week of acute renal failure at first[Scr (122.8±22.1) μmol/L] and then developed compensative chronic renal failure [(66.0±3.7)-(66.4±8.4) μmol/L], but the level of Scr increased quickly after week 6 [(66.4±8.4)-(127.8±22.7) μmol/L],concomitantly with progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis in remnant kidney cortex. (2) In cortex, HIF-1α was expressed only in the atrophic and dilated tubular cells while HIF-2α was located in endothelial, interstitial fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells. The semiquantitative results of imunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed that HIF-1α and HIF-2α were both gradually up-regulated during the early stage of remnant kidney, peaked at week 4 and 6, and then gradually down-regulated. (3) The mRNA levels of HIF targeted genes VEGF and HO-1 transiently peeked at week 4 and 6, and then decreased gradually. Conclusions The increased stabilization of HIF-αprotein and transcription of HIF targeted genes at the early stage of this model is a compensation reaction towards hypoxia. The mechanism of decreased expression of HIF-α at the end stage of chronic kidney disease deserves further investigation.

Objective To summarize the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Methods From March 2003 to January 2008, a total of 16 cases of AIP were reviewed retrospectively. Results The ratio of male: female was 15:1, with a mean age of 61 years old (range:47-79 years old). Jaundice was the main clinical presentation in 81.2% patients. 68.8% patients presented with high serum gammaglobulin, while 66.7% with high serum IgG, 56.2% with elevated ESR, 50.0% with positive rheumatoid factor(RF), 43.7% with eosinophilia, 26.7% with positive antinuclear antigen(ANA),31.2% with elevated lipase, 18.7% with elevated amylase, and 25.0% with elevated CA19-9. 93.7%patients showed diffuse swelling of the pancreas on CT and/or endoscopic ultrasound. Stricture of the main pancreatic duct was seen in 100% patients. Distal common bile duct stricture was seen in 87.5%, while thickened wall of bile duct was seen in 50%. Histological findings of the pancreas EUS-FNA showed nonspecific results in one patient, while no tumor cell was detected in other 5 patients; lymphocytes infiltration was noted in 3 patients; pancreatic fibrosis was seen in 2 patients. 75.0% patients was found to have diabetes or abnormal sugar tolerance, enlargement of the celiac lymph nodes in 43.7%, splenic vein or inferior cava vein involvement in 42.9%, swelling of the maxillary glands in 18.7%, the lacrimal glands in 12%. Prednisone was given to 11 patients, among them 5 patients underwent endoscopic stent placement, and 10 patients responded well while 1 patient discontinued therapy due to intolerance. 2 patients underwent endoscopic stent placement alone and jaundice disappeared. 3 patients received conventional medical treatment. Steroid therapy exerted different effects on levels of the blood glucose, the enlarged maxillary and lacrimal glands improved after steroid therapy. Conclusions AIP occurred in middle aged and senior male predominantly, painless obstructive jaundice was the main clinical presentation, and patients may be accompanied with elevated levels of IgG, hypergammaglobulin, positive RF and ANA, diffuse or focal pancreatic enlargement, pancreatic duct stricture and distal common bile duct stricture. Stent placement could improve the symptoms, and steroid therapy was effective.

Objective To explore the effects of Dimethyloxalyl Glycine(DMOG)on isehemic acute renal failure(iARF)in mice and its relationship with activation of hypoxia inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α).Method Twenty five C57/BL male mice were divided into 5 groups randomly:control group,DMOG group,sham operation group,ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)group and DMOG pretreated group(DMOG+I/R).Ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced in mice by clamping both renal pedicles for 30 minutes.The expression of HIF-1α was determined by Western blot.Renal function was reflected by blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and serum creatinine(Scr).Morphologic changes were evaluated under light microscopy.Apoptosis in the kidney was detected by TUNEL staining.Expression of Vimentin,a marker of tubulointerstitial damage was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The elvated levels of of BUN((65.8±2.6) vs (13.6±0.7),P＜0.01],and Scr[(229.5±11.2) vs (6.5±0.8),P＜0.01]andwere found morphological injury were induced by the ischemic insult in I/R group.Administration of DMOG dramatically improved renal function[BUN,(26.3±6.5)vs(65.8±2.6);Scr,(27.0±14.1)vs(229.5±11.2),P＜0.01]associated with amelioration of tubulointerstital damage.In the DMOG treated group,the protein level of HIF-1α in the kidney of mile was also up-regulated significantly.Conclusions The protection against iARF in mice by DMOG administration is mediated by activation of HIF-1α.

Objective To construct a prokaryotic plasmid to express the testis development related gene 1 (TDRG1) recombinant protein and obtain anti-TDRG1 mAb by immunizing mice, and to identify the biological properties of the mAb. Methods The coding sequence of TDRG1 was amplified by RT-PCR from normal human testis tissue and cloned into the vector pET21, and then was expressed in the E. coli BL 21(DE3) to get TDRG1 recombinant protein. The purified TDRG1 recombinant protein was injected to immunize the BALB/C mice to develop anti-TDRG1 mAb. Splenocytes of the immunized mice were collected and fused with the mouse myeloma cell line Sp2/0 cells. The hybridoma cells that secreted anti-TDRG1 mAb were subcloned with limited dilution. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate titers and subtypes of mAb. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect specificity of mAb.Results The prokaryotic plasmid expressing the recombinant protein was constructed, and the TDRG1 recombinant protein was expressed and purified. Two hybridoma cell lines that secreted anti-TDRG1 mAb were obtained. The titer of the mAb in ascites was 1∶1.6×10~6, and the subtype of the mAb was IgG_1. Westem blot and immunohistochemistry analysis indicated the mAb showed specific combination with TDRG1 protein in human testes.Conclusion The TDRG1 recombinant protein is highly purified and has strong antigenicity. The anti-TDRG1 mAb is produced successfully.

Objective To identify the metabolic alterations in the prefrontal lobe in male patients with schizophrenia by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (~1H-MRS), and to study the relationship between metabolic alterations and executive function. Methods The study was conducted in 26 male schizophrenics with medicine-free for at least 7 days and 28 normal controls. A multi-voxel ~1H-MRS on the prefrontal lobe was performed in all the subjects within 24 hours of admission. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used to evaluate executive function. The NAA, Cho and Cr were measured and the ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and NAA/(Cho+Cr) were calculated. Results Compared with normal controls, the patients demonstrated significantly lower NAA/Cr ratio (t=2.93, P<0.01) in the left prefrontal lobe and poorer performance in WCST (P<0.05). The NAA/Cr ratio in the left prefrontal lobe was positively associated with the responses errors and the perseverative errors of WCST(r=0.45, P＜0.05; r=0.47, P＜0.05)and negatively associated with the categories completed and conceptual level responses(r=-0.54, P＜0.01; r=-0.56, P＜0.01). Conclusions Abnormalities in neuronal function and/or integrity are present in the left prefrontal lobe of male schizophrenics. The neuron damage in the left prefrontal lobe of male schizophrenic may be the primary cause of cognition dysfunction.

Objective To compare the differences between the schizophrenics with negative and positive symptoms on prefrontal lobe and thalamus by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS). Methods 58 negative subtype and 51 positive subtype schizophrenics were examined at prefrontal lobe and thalamus by multivoxel 1H-MRS before antipsychotic treatment The N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds ( Cho), and creatine compounds (Cr) were measured and the ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr were determined. Results On right thalamus,the NAA/Cr ratio in negative subtype patients ( 1.40 ± 0.29 ) demonstrated lower than that in positive subtype ( 1.62 ± 0.33 ), the same phenomenon were appeared on male, female, non-first-episode, with-medicine and without-medicine patients (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01 ). The Cho/Cr ratio on right thalamus in negative subtype of female,non-first-episode,without-medicine schizophrenics were lower than those in positive subtype (P ＜ 0.05 ).On left prefrontal lobe,left thalamus and right thalamus, the NAA/Cr ratios both in negative subtype and positive subtype schizophrenics were significantly negatively related with age of onset(P＜0. 05 or 0.01 ). In negative subtype schizophrenics,the Cho/Cr ratio on right thalamus was positively related with age of onset ( r = 0. 25, P ＜0.05 ). In negative subtype schizophrenics of non-first-episode, without-medicine, the correlation was negative between the NAA/Cr ratio and the course of disease( r= -0.48, -0.46, P＜0.05 ) ,and was positive between Cho/Cr ratio and the course of disease on right thalamus( r= 0.58,0.56, P＜ 0.01 ). Conlusion Compared with positive subtype schizophrenics,negative subtype schizophrenics have greater impairments on 1 H-MRS on right thalamus. The course of disease has greater effects on 1 H-MRS in negative subtype schizophrenics.

BACKGROUNDRecently chemoradiotherapy becomes a standard treatment of un-resectable advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) instead of radiotherapy alone. This study is to evaluate the clinical effect and toxicities of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage III NSCLC after 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy with cisplatin-based regimens.

METHODSNinety-two patients with stage III NSCLC were divided randomly into two groups: forty-seven patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy group), the other 45 patients received only radiotherapy (radiotherapy group). For both groups, the same radiation technic was given with the conventional fraction. The total dose was 60-65Gy/30-33Fr/6-6.5Wk. For the chemoradiotherapy group, the patients were also given with concurrent chemotherapy (navelbine 15-18mg/m² on the 1st and 8th day, cisplatin 60mg/m² on the 1st day).

RESULTSThe response rate in the chemoradiotherapy group was similar to that in the radiotherapy group (59.6% vs 51.5%, P > 0.05), but the complete response rate in the chemoradiotherapy group was significantly higher than that in the radiotherapy group (14.9% vs 6.7%, P < 0.05). The 1- and 2-year survival rates in the chemoradiotherapy group were similar to those in the radiotherapy group (65.9% and 42.5% vs 53.3% and 33.3%, P > 0.05). The 1- and 2-year local control rates in the chemoradiotherapy group were significantly higher than those in the radiotherapy group (63.8% and 53.2% vs 51.1% and 44.4%, P < 0.05). The incidences of grade III-IV radiation esophagitis and leukopenia in the chemoradiotherapy group were significantly higher than those in the radiotherapy group (21.2% and 12.7% vs 4.4% and 0, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSConcurrent chemoradiotherapy has the potential of improving the survival rate of stage III NSCLC, it can also increase the acute toxic effect, but all patients can tolerate this treatment regimen.

The laparoscopic approach is rapidly becoming the preferred method of treatment for patients with early gastric cancer due to advantages of minimally invasive surgery. As laparoscopic experience has accumulated, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with D2 lymphadenectomy has become a valuable alternative for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer. However, laparoscopic gastric surgery is demanding from a technical point of view, especially when a D2 lymphadenectomy is performed. Surgeons seeking to undertake LADG are concerned about unpredictable intraoperative bleeding that may occur during LADG. Comprehensive knowledge of the perigastric vascular anatomy is essential for LADG with D2 lymphadenectomy.
Gastroenterostomy ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Lymph Node Excision ; Stomach Neoplasms ; blood supply ; pathology ; surgery