The thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum(OLF)is usually located in the lower thoracic spine.Thoracic OLF has been widely recognized as a main cause of thoracic myelopathy.The pathogenesis of OLF is poorly understood.Because the thoracic OLF has many clinical manifestations and it is commonly combined with other spinal disorders,it is easy to be misdiagnosed or to be a delayed diagnosis.The surgical treatment of thoracic OLF has high risk and Serious complications.In this paper the pathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment of thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum in recent years are reviewed.

Objective To examine aortic dissection by using T1W/TFE sequence and to observe the imaging characteristics of aortic dissection in T1W/TFE sequence. Methods Twenty patients confirmed as aortic dissection by CT and ultrasound received MRI scanning of T1W/TFE sequence on inclined sagittal and SE sequence on transaxial at Philips Gyroscan 1.5 MR imager. The signal changes of aortic dissection in T1W/TFE sequence were observed. Results In T1W/TFE sequence, we observed not only an intimal flap, a double lumen and range of aortic dissection, but also the site of intimal tear and thrombus in the false lumen. Conclusion By using T1W/TFE sequence we obtained the high quality image of aortic dissection and high contrast of imaging. Combined with SE sequence , T1W/TFE sequence can provide reliable information for analyzing and curing aortic dissection in clinic.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Femur Head ; injuries ; Hip Dislocation ; complications ; Hip Fractures ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to clarify the significance of DNA methylation in the expression of runt-related transcription factor 3 (Runx3) gene.

METHODSReverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression level of Runx3 mRNA in paired samples of primary gastric cancer and corresponding non-cancerous gastric mucosa, taken from surgical specimens of 70 gastric cancer patients. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of Runx3 gene. The promoter methylation status of Runx3 gene was detected by methylation specific PCR (MSP). Furthermore, RT-PCR was used to mesure the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmtl) mRNA . The correlation of Runx3 expression and methylation with Dnmt1 mRNA expression was analyzed.

RESULTSThe mRNA expression level of Runx3 gene was significantly lower in gastric cancer than that in the matched normal gastric mucosa (0.5740 +/- 0.3580 vs. 1.7250 +/- 0.4080, P < 0.05), and the Runx3 protein expression level in gastric cancer was also significantly lower than that in the matched normal gastric mucosa (P < 0.05). Promoter hypermethylation of Runx3 gene was detected in 50.0% (28/56) of the gastric cancer samples, which resulted in a reduced expression of Runx3 mRNA. It was found that the mRNA expression level of Dnmt1 gene was significantly higher in the gastric cancer tissues with methylated Runx3 gene than that in the ones without. There was a significant correlation of Runx3 gene methylation with increased expression of Dnmtl mRNA (r = 0.64, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe promoter hypermethylation may be one of the predominant inactivation mechanisms of the runt-related transcription factor 3 gene, and may be associated with carcinogenesis of human gastric cancer. Reduced Runx3 expression in gastric cancer may be partially correlated with a high level of DNA methyltransferase 1.

Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Adult ; Aged ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; DNA Methylation ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of CXCR4 in acute leukemic cells and its clinical significance.

METHODBone marrow samples from 73 acute leukemia patients and leukemic cell lines were investigated by flow cytometry (FCM), the expression of SDF-1 in human marrow stromal cells and meninges were studied by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Adhesion, migration and invasion of U937, NB4 and K562 cells were studied in vitro.

RESULTSThe expression rates of CXCR4 in ALL and AML patients was 65.6% and 17.1%, respectively. And it was 0.2%, 41.0% and 52.0% in K562, U937 and NB4 cells, respectively. The extramedullary infiltration rates were 61.9% and 18.2% for CXCR4 positive and negative groups of ALL, respectively (P < 0.05); while in AML, the number of peripheral white blood cells in CXCR4 positive group was lower than that in CXCR4 negative group (P < 0.05). SDF-1alpha could enhance the adhesion, migration and invasion capacity of leukemic cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of CXCR4 in AL cells might be the molecular mechanism of extramedullary infiltration in leukemia.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Leukemic Infiltration ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Meninges ; metabolism ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; biosynthesis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; U937 Cells

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of the micronucleus (MN) formation in lymphocytes from patients with the malignant degrees of colorectal cancer.

METHODSThe MN test in capillary blood lymphocytes was conducted in 112 patients randomly selected from in-hospital patients before therapy. Experimental data were analyzed by SPSS (v.10.1) software.

RESULTSThe differences in the frequency of MN between 7 pathological types of colorectal cancers and controls were statistically significant (P<0.01). The frequency of MN increased with the decrease of the histological differentiation in colorectal cancer, and the statistically significant differences were seen between low differentiation group and the other differentiation groups in colorectal cancers.

CONCLUSIONThere is a significant correlation between MN formation and the malignant degrees of colorectal cancer, and MN formation will be a useful biomarker for the identification of malignant degrees of colorectal cancer before operation or for the screening of high risk subgroup.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; blood ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Micronucleus Tests ; methods ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of RRM1 and ERCC1 genes in tumor tissues and peripheral blood lymphocytes of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSTissue and peripheral blood samples were collected from 49 advanced NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine plus carboplatin. The expressions of RRM1 and ERCC1 mRNA in tumor tissue and peripheral lymphocytes were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The relationship of gene expression with clinical characteristics,chemotherapy response and prognosis was analyzed.

RESULTSThe RRM1 expression in tumor tissues was positively correlated with that in peripheral blood lymphocytes,while no significant correlation was observed between ERCC1 expression in tumor tissues and that in peripheral blood (rs=0.332 and 0.258; P=0.020 and 0.073, respectively). The expression of RRM1 and ERCC1 in tumor tissues peripheral lymphocytes was synchronous (rs=0.634 and 0.351; P<0.001 and 0.013, respectively). There was no significant correlation of gene expression with gender, age, smoking status, performance status, clinical stages and histological types of patients (P>0.05). Significant difference was found in response rate to chemotherapy (P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.05),median survival time (P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.05) and 1-year survival rate (P<0.01,<0.05,P<0.05) between patients with low RRM1 and ERCC1 expression levels in tumor tissues or low RRM1 expression levels in peripheral blood and those with high RRM1 and ERCC1 expression levels. The patients with low ERCC1 expression levels in tumor tissues gained higher 2-year survival rate (P<0.05). There was no correlation of the expression of ERCC1 in peripheral blood with the response to chemotherapy and prognosis (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of RRMI and ERCC1 genes in tumor tissues and RRM1 in peripheral blood lymphocytes is closely correlated with the response to chemotherapy and prognosis of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with gemcitabine plus carboplatin.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Endonucleases ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Prognosis ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo identify the ETV6 gene rearrangement in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and explore its relationship with prognosis and disease stages.

METHODSETV6 rearrangement in 58 MDS cases were detected by conventional cytogenetics and Split-signal FISH. RT-PCR was used to detect 9p24-12p13 balance translocation with special designed primers ETV6F1/F2 and JAK2R1/R2. The relationship between ETV6 rearrangement and prognosis and disease staging in MDS patients was analyzed.

RESULTSETV6 rearrangement were found in 4 (6.9%) of 58 cases, among which ETV6/JAK2 fusion was identified by RT-PCR in 1 (1.7%) case. The mean follow-up duration was 12 months. All 4 patients (100%) with rearrangement transformed into acute leukemia, with a median survival time (MS) of 7 months; while 10 patients (17%) in the non-translocation group transformed to acute leukemia, with a MS of 28 months. In addition, all 4 patients (100%) with rearrangement were in advanced stage of MDS( RAEB), while 17 cases (31.5%) in non-rearrangement group were in that stage.

CONCLUSIONSETV6 rearrangement has higher expression rate (6.9%), and is closely associated with disease stage and prognosis in MDS.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Female ; Gene Rearrangement ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; genetics ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets ; genetics ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of tributyrin (TB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, on the growth, differentiation and apoptosis of SHI-1 leukemia cells and explore its possible mechanism.

METHODCell proliferation and viability were determined by cell counting, trypan blue dye exclusion. Cell morphological analysis, Annexin binding, DNA electrophoresis, expression of CD11b and CD14, NBT reduction were performed to evaluate differentiation and apoptosis of SHI-1 cells. The level of acetylated histone H3 was detected by Western blot and p21(WAF1/CIP1) expression by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSTB inhibited the proliferation and viability of SHI-1 cells in a time-dose dependent manner. The morphology of SHI-1 cells cultured in the presence of 0.1 mmol/L TB for 72 hs was more mature with higher NBT positivity and up-regulated expressions of CD11b and CD14 than that of control group. Exposed to 0.5 - 1.0 mmol/L TB for 48 hs, SHI-1 cells exhibited the morphological hallmarks of apoptosis, the increasing of Annexin binding and the DNA ladder on gel electrophoresis. The level of acetylated histone H3 and p21(WAF1) mRNA extracted from SHI-1 cells were increased by the treatment of TB.

CONCLUSIONTB can inhibit proliferation, induce differentiation and apoptosis of SHI-1 cells. The mechanism may associate with its up-regulation of acetylated histone and the expression of p21(WAF1).

Acetylation ; drug effects ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; genetics ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors ; Histone Deacetylases ; metabolism ; Histones ; metabolism ; Humans ; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Triglycerides ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of leukemic cells on blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice with central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) by establishing mice CNSL model and an in vitro BBB model and explore the mechanism of leukemic cell infiltrating central nervous system (CNS).

METHODSAfter splenectomy, cytoxan intraperitoneal injection, and sublethal irradiation, 10 BALB/c nu/nu mice were transplanted intravenously with 1.2 × 10(7) of SHI-1 human monocytic leukemic cells. Mice were monitored for survival and clinical manifestation of nerve palsy. The leukemic cells engrafted were examined by RT-PCR, histopathology and bone marrow (BM) smears. Immunofluorescence analysis with laser scanning fluorescence confocal microscopy was used to determine the expression of fibrinogen and tight-junction protein ZO-1. An in vitro BBB model composed of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) was developed on a Matrigel-based insert. Different leukemic cell lines were seeded onto the upper compartment of transwell insert. After incubated for 24 h with BMVECs, cells that had migrated into the lower compartment were counted and analyzed.

RESULTS(1) Paralysis with or without sight loss was developed in half the mice 30-35 d after innoculated with SHI-1 cells. Leukemic cells infiltrates were observed in BM and in different part of brain tissues including brain parenchyma. The transcriptions of human MLL/AF6 fusion gene were also detected in BM and brain tissues in paralysis mice. The fibrinogen expression and ZO-1 disruption were detected in the infiltrated tissue. (2) After 24 h incubation with leukemic cells, the BMVECs sheets were disrupted and grew singly and ZO-1 expression was down-regulated markedly. SHI-1 cells showed more injurious to BMVECs and higher invasive rate \[(40.33 ± 1.53)% vs (11.83 ± 1.44)%, P < 0.05\] than HL-60 cells did.

CONCLUSIONOne of the mechanisms of leukemic cells infiltrates CNS in CNSL is injure to the BBB.

Animals ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; physiology ; Central Nervous System ; pathology ; Central Nervous System Neoplasms ; pathology ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Leukemia ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude