OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) promoters contribute to the development and progression of colorectal cancer in Chinese population.

METHODSthe PCR-based denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique respectively was applied to analyze the MMP-2 -1306C/T and MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphisms in normal group (126 individuals) and colorectal cancer group (126 cases). Genotype frequencies were compared between patients and matched controls, and the association of genotypes with clinical-pathological parameters was studied.

RESULTSThe frequency of the CC genotype in the MMP-2 gene polymorphism was significantly increased in colorectal cancer patients when compared with controls (P<0.05), and individuals with the CC genotype had an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those with CT+TT genotypes (OR: 1.959; 95%CI: 1.055-3.637). Significant correlation was found between the depth of tumor invasion and MMP-2 -1306C/T polymorphism in colorectal cancer patients. However, the genotype frequencies of MMP-9 -1562C/T in colorectal cancer patients were similar to those in control subjects.

CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that MMP-2 -1306 C/T polymorphism may be associated with genetic susceptibility to colorectal cancer and the invasive capability of colorectal cancer in Chinese patients. And it is easier for the CC genotype cancer to invade through bowel wall.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Statistics as Topic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effects of limited decomression, fixation, and fusion in treating degenerative scoliosis with spinal stennosis.

METHODSFrom June 2002 to January 2009, 26 patients of degenerative scoliosis with spinal stenosis were treated with limited decomression, fixation, and fusion. There were 6 males and 20 females with an average age of 61.3 years (ranged, 51 to 72 years). Course of disease of spinal stenosis was from 11 months to 6 years with an average of 36 months. X-ray, CT, MRI examination were performed preoperatively for all the cases and myelography was performed for 6 cases. Preoperative Cobb's angle,focal lordosis angle,the distance between C7 plumb line (C7PL) and upper edge of S1 vertebral body (SVA), and the distance between C7PL and center sacral vertical line (CSVL) were (22.0 +/- 10.1) degrees, (21.6 +/- 10.2) degrees, (7.6 +/- 6.4) cm, (6.8 +/- 5.6) cm respectively. Measured Cobb's angle, focal lordosis angle, SVA, CSVL after operation and final follow-up were compared with preoperative data. JOA score system were used to evaluate clinical effects.

RESULTSThe operative time All the patients were followed up from 1.3 to 5 years with an average of 2.5 years. Postoperative and final follow-up, Cobb's angle was (10.5 +/- 8.2) degrees, (8.8 +/- 5.2) degrees, respectively; focal lordosis angle was (25.4 +/- 14.2) degrees, (31.6 +/- 13.2) degrees, respectively; SVA was (0.6 +/- 3.3) cm, (-1.2 +/- 2.5) cm,respectively; CSVL was (2.8 +/- 1.3) cm, (1.6 +/- 1.2) cm, respectively. There was significant difference in data before and after operation. Preoperative, instantly postoperative, final follow-up, JOA score was 11.0 +/- 1.7, 22.4 +/- 2.4, 24.0 +/- 2.1, respectively; 13 cases obtained excellent results, 8 good, 3 fair, 2 poor. Loss of correction occurred in one case. No collapse of intervertebral space, nerve injury, breakage of fixation system were found.

CONCLUSIONSurgical treatment with limited decompression, pedicle screw fixation and fusion is effective method for degenerative scoliosis with spinal stenosis, individualized surgery design should be made according to clinical symptoms, signs and imaging features.

Aged ; Bone Screws ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Spinal Stenosis ; surgery

Nanocavity biomaterials with recognition specificity imprinted by using proteins as templates may successful serve as substitutes for antibodies, enzymes, and other native biological structures as well as cell bracket materials. It has numerous applications in biotechnology, medicine and so on. In this paper, the principle of template imprinting is introduced briefly, the specialty of template imprinting of proteins is analyzed, and the methods of template imprinting of proteins including protein entrapment, microbead surface imprinting, flat surface imprinting as well as the epitope are reviewed in details.
Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemical synthesis ; Biotechnology ; Genomic Imprinting ; Humans ; Macromolecular Substances ; Nanotechnology ; Peptides ; chemical synthesis ; Polymers ; Proteins ; chemical synthesis ; Templates, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo determine whether there was excessive risk of cancer among workers exposed to chrysotile fiber alone by applying a meta-analysis technique.

METHODSAll data meeting the criteria of cohort studies on cancer mortality among workers exposed only to chrysotile were incorporated into meta-analysis. Pooled standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for main cancer sites were calculated using two approaches of unweighted ratio and random effect model. The heterogeneity and its sources of the results were examined with a Q-statistic and Z-score test. The dose-response effect as reflected in the percentage of all deaths due to mesothelioma served as a proxy measure of chrysotile exposure.

RESULTSA cohort of twenty six workers exposed to chrysotile alone was summarized. The significantly elevated meta-SMRs for all deaths (1.27), all cancers (1.28), cancers of respiratory organs (2.51), cancers of lung (2.35) and cancers of stomach (1.24) were observed. The significantly elevated meta-SMRs for lung cancer within occupational strata were observed among textile workers (3.55), asbestos product manufacturers (3.30), miners and millers (2.24), cement product workers (1.22), and for stomach cancer among asbestos product manufacturers (1.49). Meta-SMRs for cancers at other sites were not significant. Meta-SMR for lung cancer showed an increasing trend with an elevated percentage of all deaths from mesothelioma, but no such trend for stomach cancer.

CONCLUSIONThere are excessive risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma among workers exposed to chrysotile fiber alone, and likely no convincing indication of an etiological association between chrysotile exposure and cancers at other sites.

Asbestos, Serpentine ; adverse effects ; Cohort Studies ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; etiology ; mortality ; Mesothelioma ; etiology ; mortality ; Neoplasms ; chemically induced ; mortality ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health ; Risk Assessment ; Stomach Neoplasms ; etiology ; mortality

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum thyrotrophin(TSH)and dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects. Methods An epidemiological study on diabetes and thyroid diseases was performed in Dadong community, Shenyang city, in 2007. 110 subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism(SCH)and 1 240 euthyroid subjects were enrolled in the study. Neither history of thyroid diseases nor administration of thyroid-related and lipid-regulating medicines were reported in these subjects. The levels of serum thyroid hormones, lipids, fasting plasma glucose(FPG), and insulin were determined. Results (1)Patients with SCH had significantly lower HDL-C levels than those who were euthyroid.(2)According to the guideline of treatment of adult dyslipidemia in China, the lipid profiles were each categorized. Mean TSH levels were higher in subjects in the dyslipidemia subclass than subjects in the normal subclass. The differences were significant in high LDL-C subclass in overweight individuals. In euthyroid overweight women, mean TSH levels were significantly higher in high LDL-C subclass. In the euthyroid population, TSH was positively associated with total cholesterol in overweight population. The association was not modified by the homestasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)values.(3)TSH was associated positively with serum triglycerides and negatively with serum HDL-C in women. TSH was positively associated with total cholesterol in overweight population and positively associated with total cholesterol and LDL-C in overweight women after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. Conclusion Raised serum TSH seems to be a risk factor of dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects, which is independent of insulin sensitivity.

OBJECTIVETo compare the positive rates and complications of ultrasound-guided transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed 156 cases of ultrasound-guided transrectal (n = 97) and transperineal (n = 59) prostate biopsy, and compared the positive rate and post-biopsy complications between the two approaches.

RESULTSThe positive rates in the transrectal and transperineal groups were 48.4% and 44.1%, respectively, with no significant difference between the two approaches according to different PSA levels (P >0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the transrectal and transperineal groups in the post-biopsy incidence rates of such complications as hematuria (54.6% vs 42.4%, P >0.05), lower urinary tract symptoms (17.5% vs 22.0%, P >0.05), dysuria (9.3% vs 6.8%, P >0.05), and acute urinary retention (7.2% vs 6.8%, P >0.05). However, the incidence rates of post-biopsy infection and rectal bleeding were remarkably higher (15.5% vs 3.4%, P<0.05 and 50.5% vs 3.4%, P >0.01) while that of perineal swelling markedly lower in the former than in the latter (3.1% vs 13.6%, P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONTransrectal and transperineal biopsies are both effective for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Since their complications vary, the choice between the two methods depends on the specific condition of the patient.

Biopsy, Needle ; adverse effects ; methods ; Hematuria ; etiology ; Humans ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; etiology ; Male ; Prostate ; pathology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; pathology ; Rectum ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography, Interventional ; methods ; Urination Disorders ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of open probability (Po) of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BK channel) in diabetic coronary smooth muscle cells and elucidate the underlying cellular electrophysiology mechanisms of coronary dysfunction.

METHODSRat coronary smooth muscle cells were isolated from control group and diabetic group. BK single channel currents were recorded by patch clamp technique in inside-out configuration. Open probabilities were calculated and compared between two groups. After exposure to DHS-1, a specific BK channel activator, Po at 0.2 and 1 µmol/L free Ca(2+) were compared between control and diabetic groups.

RESULTSIn the presence of 0.2 µmol/L free Ca(2+), the Po at baseline was significantly lower in diabetic rats than in control rats (0.0032 ± 0.0012 vs. 0.095 ± 0.036, P < 0.05). Cytoplasmic application of DSH-1 significantly increased the Po to 0.335 ± 0.096 (P < 0.05 vs. baseline) in control rats, whereas DSH-1 had no effect in diabetic rats (Po = 0.022 ± 0.018, P > 0.05 vs. baseline). In the presence of 1 µmol/L free Ca(2+), the Po at baseline was also significantly lower in diabetic rats than in control rats (0.210 ± 0.055 vs. 0.458 ± 0.077, P < 0.05). Cytoplasmic application of DHS-1 further robustly enhanced Po to 0.823 ± 0.019 (P < 0.05 vs. baseline) in control rats and to 0.446 ± 0.098 in diabetic rats (P < 0.05 vs. baseline of diabetic rats; P < 0.05 vs. control rats with DHS-1).

CONCLUSIONThe decrease of Po of BK single channel in coronary smooth muscle cells may be a potential cause for coronary dysfunction in diabetic rats.

Animals ; Coronary Vessels ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; physiopathology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; metabolism ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the tumor-suppressing effect of microRNA-218 (miR-218) in osteosarcoma (OS) and explore its molecular mechanism.

METHODSWe examined the expression levels of miR-218 in 68 pairs of OS and adjacent tissue samples using qRT-PCR. Cultured human OS cell line Saos-2 was transfected with miR-218 mimics or anti-miR-218 mimics, and the cell apoptosis was assessed using CCK-8 assay, annexin V-FITC staining and Western blotting. We also analyzed the potential functional targets of miR-218 in Saos-2 cells using luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTSThe expression level of miR-218 was lowered by at least 8 folds in OS tissues as compared with the adjacent tissues. In cultured Saos-2 cells, transfection with miR-218 mimics for 24, 36, and 48 h resulted in a significant reduction in the cell viability, while transfection with anti-miR-218 mimics significantly increased the cell viability. The cells transfected with miR-218 mimics showed an obviously enhanced expression of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (C-PARP) as compared with the cells transfected with anti-miR-218 mimics and the control cells. Flow cytometry demonstrated obviously increased apoptosis of the cells following miR-218 mimics transfection. We identified the oncogene B lymphoma mouse Moloney leukemia virus insertion region 1 (BMI-1) as a specific target of miR-218 in Saos-2 cells. BMI-1 expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in Saos-2 cells overexpressing miR-218 but increased in the cells with miR-218 knockdown as compared to the control cells. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-218 directly inhibited the expression of BMI-1 via binding to its 3'-UTR in OS cells.

CONCLUSIONmiR-218 can promote OS cell apoptosis and plays the role as a tumor suppressor by down-regulating BMI-1.

This study was aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of recombinant human interleukin-12 (rhIL-12) on monkey hematopoietic system, and to provide experimental evidence for future clinical prophylaxis and treatment for patients who suffered from acute radiation syndrome. In in vitro study, the effect of rhIL-12 in different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25, 125 and 625 ng/ml) on colony forming capacity of human or monkey bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells was examined in methylcellulose H4434 medium. In in vivo study, the acute radiation syndrome model was established in 11 Rhesus monkeys which received lethal total body irradiation by 6 Gy (60)Co γ in single time irradiation. The irradiated monkeys were randomly divided into 3 subgroups: control group (n = 4) which received subcutaneous PBS injection, rhIL-12 single-dose group (n = 3) which received subcutaneous single injection of rhIL-12 (4 µg/kg) at 2 h after irradiation, and multiple-dose group (n = 4) which received subcutaneous injection of rhIL-12 (1 µg/kg per injection) at 2 h, day 3, 6 and 9 after irradiation respectively. Peripheral blood cells were counted before and after irradiation every other day. The survival status of animals were observed daily. In vitro test results showed that different concentrations of rhIL-12 obviously promoted human and healthy monkeys' bone marrow mononuclear cells to form various hematopoietic progenitor cell colonies, especial CFU-E and CFU-GM. All animals in control group died within 22 d after lethal total body irradiation, average survival time was (20.3 ± 1.2) d. Only one monkey in multiple-dose group died due to anemia on day 17. All monkeys in single-dose group survived. Compared with control group, rhIL-12-administrated monkeys' white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, platelet and reticulocyte counts showed faster recovery from high dose radiation. It is concluded that the rhIL-12 treatment can promote the bone marrow hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell colony formation in vitro and protect lethally-irradiated monkeys. There is an obvious therapeutic effect of rhIL-12 on monkeys suffered from bone marrow failure caused by severe acute radiation exposure.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Humans ; Interleukin-12 ; pharmacology ; Macaca mulatta ; Radiation-Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; pharmacology

This study investigated the relationship between serum thyrotrophin levels and dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects. A total of 110 subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism and 1,240 euthyroid subjects enrolled in this study. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism had significantly lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels than those who were euthyroid. The lipid profiles were each categorized and mean thyrotrophin levels were higher in subjects in the dyslipidemia subclasses than subjects in the normal subclasses. Thyrotrophin was positively associated with serum triglyceride and negatively associated with serum HDL-C in women. Thyrotrophin was also positively associated with total cholesterol (TC) in the overweight population along with TC and LDL-C in overweight women. In the euthyroid population, thyrotrophin was positively associated with TC in the overweight population. In conclusion, serum thyrotrophin was correlated with dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects; the correlation was independent of insulin sensitivity.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cholesterol/blood ; Cholesterol, HDL/blood ; Dyslipidemias/*blood ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipids/blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thyrotropin/*blood ; Triglycerides/blood ; Young Adult