Objective To study the relation between Tiam1 gene(T lymphoma invasion/metastasis 1)and carcinomas of larynx metastasized to lymph node.Method Using reverse transcription polymerase chain (RT-PCR) mRNA overexpression of Tiam1 gene in 30 cases of carcinoma of larynx tissue,12 lymph nodes and 10 cases of normal larynx tissue was studied.Result The frequency of TIAM1 overexpression was 75% (6/8) in primary carcinomas of larynx with metastasis but only 18.7%(4/22) in those without metastasis(P=0.0072).Overexpression of TIAM1 in metastasized lymph nodes was observed in 100% (8/8) of lymph nodes with metastasis but in only 25%(1/4) of the lymph nodes without metastasis of carcinoma(P=0.0182).The frequency of TIAM1 overexpression was 33.3% (10/30) in primary carcinomas of larynx.Conclusion Our data suggest that the overexpression of the TIAM1 gene correlates with lymph node metastasis of carcinomas of larynx.

Obesity is increasing in an alarming rate worldwide, which causes higher risks of some diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Current therapeutic approaches, either pancreatic lipase inhibitors or appetite suppressors, are generally of limited effectiveness. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige cells dissipate fatty acids as heat to maintain body temperature, termed non-shivering thermogenesis; the activity and mass of BAT and beige cells are negatively correlated with overweight and obesity. The existence of BAT and beige cells in human adults provides an effective weight reduction therapy, a process likely to be amenable to pharmacological intervention. Herein, we combed through the physiology of thermogenesis and the role of BAT and beige cells in combating with obesity. We summarized the thermogenic regulators identified in the past decades, targeting G protein-coupled receptors, transient receptor potential channels, nuclear receptors and miscellaneous pathways. Advances in clinical trials were also presented. The main purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge from the biological importance of thermogenesis in energy homeostasis to the representative thermogenic regulators for treating obesity. Thermogenic regulators might have a large potential for further investigations to be developed as lead compounds in fighting obesity.