Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Maxillary Sinus ; Xanthogranuloma, Juvenile

?ig-h_3 was first identified as a transforming growth factor-beta1-inducible gene in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. It encodes for a secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, which is thought to act on cell attachment and ECM composition. Previous study showed that ?ig-h_3 were highly expressed in human hepatoma cell lines and lowly expressed in human normal hepatic cells. The present study aimed to transfect ?ig-h_3 into 7721 cells to investigate its effect on secretion of MMPs in the transfected human hepatoma cells. Full-length ?ig-h_3 gene,cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C_2. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into 7721 cells with Lipofectamine2000 and Gelatin-Zymography were adopted to detect the production of MMPs in the transfected cells. Results showed that ?ig-h_3/pEGFP-C_2 recombinant expression plasmid was successfully constructed and achieved high transfection efficiency. MMPs expression of the transfected cells was promoted significantly. These results suggest that overexpression of ?ig-h_3 promoted the production of MMPs, indicating that ?ig-h_3 may play roles in the invasive and metastatic processes of hepatoma.

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of CXCR4/SDF-1alpha axis in organ-specific metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by assessment of CXCR4 expression in NPC cells and SDF-1alpha expression in distant target organs of NPC.

METHODSThirty patients with NPC and fifteen normal subjects were recruited in this study. The expressions of CXCR4 in NPC and normal cases were identified by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), then the relationship between CXCR4 expression and clinicopathological factors was analyzed. IHC was also used to analyze the SDF-1alpha protein expression in normal cervical lymph nodes (including normal superior and inferior deep cervical lymph nodes), bone marrow, lung, liver, kidney and colon tissues of NPC patients (5 cases/each group).

RESULTSThe relative expression level of CXCR4 mRNA in NPC (0.71 +/- 0.22) was significantly higher than that of normal nasopharynx tissues (0.14 +/- 0.07, F = 27.94, P < 0.05). The relative expression level of CXCR4 protein in NPC (1.58 +/- 0.59) was significantly higher than that of normal nasopharynx tissues (0.51 +/- 0.22, F = 17.75, P < 0.05). The high expression levels of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in NPC were closely related to clinical stage, cervical lymph node metastasis and cancer cell differentiation (P < 0.05). SDF-1alpha protein was strongly expressed in normal superior deep cervical lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung and liver (2.35 +/- 0.67), but absent or very poor expression in inferior deep cervical lymph nodes, kidney and colon tissues (0.68 +/- 0.23), and the differences between them were statistically significant (t = 10.13, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCXCR4 is closely correlated to metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CXCR4/SDF-1alpha axis may play an important role in organ-specific metastasis of NPC.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEIn order to fully understand hepatitis c virus (HCV) genotype 3b, 1a, 2b and 6a infection in China, We built HCV 5'-noncoding region (5'-NCR) of different genotypes and subtypes.

METHODSThe classification HCV into variable genotypes (subtypes) was carried on by programs A, B and C A. Using a combination of three restriction endonuclease BHH' (BsrB I, Hae II, Hinf I) digestions at the same time. The distinct genotypes were classified into 5 groups: genotype 1 (1a, 1b), 6a, 2 (2a, 2b), genotype 3 (3a, 3b), genotype4 (4a). B. With regard to genotype 1, we could distinguish subtype 1a from 1b using BstU I digestion. C. Using restriction endonuclease Hae III, genotype 2a, 2b, 3b, 4a, 6a are differentiated respectively.

RESULTS(1) HCV genotype 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 6a are fully discriminated by comparison with the genotypes regular samples. (2) Of the 93 patients, HCV genotype distribution in China was 66.67% for 1b, 18.28% for 2a, 3.23% for 1b/2b, 3b, 2b respectively. 2.15% for 2a/2b, 1b/2a respectively. 1.08% for 1a.

CONCLUSIONThis research indicated that adoption of HCV 5'-NCR A B C restriction endonuclease digestions techniques, might be sensitive and efficient to detect HCV and discriminate HCV genotype (subtypes) 1a to 6a.

5' Untranslated Regions ; chemistry ; DNA Restriction Enzymes ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus ; classification ; genetics ; RNA, Viral ; analysis

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; complications ; pathology ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sarcoma, Kaposi ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; virology ; Stomach ; pathology ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; virology ; Vimentin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect and acute toxicity of concurrent radio-chemotherapy, by NVB and DDP, plus concurrent radiotherapy in comparison with chemotherapy alone in the treatment of inoperable locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LANSCLC).

METHODSSixty-four patients with inoperable LANSCLC were randomly divided by envelope method into two groups: concurrent radio-chemotherapy group (n = 33) and conventional chemotherapy group (n = 31). The patients in conventional chemotherapy group were treated by NP regimen (NVB + DDP): NVB 25 mg/m(2), d1, 8 and DDP 25-30 mg/m(2) d1-3. In the radio-chemotherapy group by NP regimen plus conventional radiotherapy by (60)Co: 64-68 Gy/2 Gy x 5/w x 6-7w.

RESULTSAll patients completed the treatment schedule. The overall response rate (CR + PR) in the radio-chemotherapy group was significantly higher than that in the conventional chemotherapy group: 81.8% vs 45.2%, (P < 0.01) with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 69.7% vs 38.7% (P < 0.05) and 39.4% vs 16.1% (P < 0.05). without any significant difference in the acute toxicity between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCompared with conventional chemotherapy (NVP and DDP), concurrent radio-chemotherapy (NVP and DDP plus concurrent radiotherapy) is more effective and tolerable for the inoperable locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents ; administration & dosage ; Vinblastine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives

During the screening of a traditional Chinese folk herb library against HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines, the EtOAc extract from the Tibetan medicine, Caragana tibetica (CT-EtOAc) exhibited potential anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (anti-HCC) activity. HPLC-based activity profiling was performed for targeted identification of anti-HCC activity from CT-EtOAc by MS-directed purification method. CT-EtOAc was separated by time-based fractionation for further anti-HCC bioassay by a semipreparative HPLC column (150 mm × 10 mm i.d., 5 μm) with a single injection of 5 mg. Bioassay-guided and ESIMS-directed large scale purification was performed with a single injection of 400 mg of CT-EtOAc by peak-based fractionation. A 1.4-mm heavy wall micro NMR tube with z-gradient was used to measure one and two dimensional NMR spectra for the minor or trace amounts of components of the extract. Two active compounds could be elucidated as naringenin chalcone (CT-1) and 3-hydroxy-8, 9-dimethoxypterocarpan (CT-2) relevant to anti-HCC effects for the EtOAc extract of C. tibetica rapidly and unambiguously by this protocol.
Acetates ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Caragana ; chemistry ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chalcones ; pharmacology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Plant Roots ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Shouwu-Huanjing Recipe(SWHJR) medicated serum on human sperm motility and fertility in vitro.

METHODSHuman sperm was co-cultured with SWHJR medicated serum in vitro. Human sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis(CASA). The acrosome reaction and the capability of penetrating zona-free hamster eggs were also observed.

RESULTSThe co-cultured SWHJR medicated serum significantly increased the sperm motion velocity(VAP, VCL, VSL) (P < 0.01), the amplitude of lateral head movement (ALH) and the beat frequency of flagellum(BCF), the density of progressive motility sperms (P < 0.05), the acrosome reaction rate(P < 0.001), the fertilization rate(FR) and the fertilization index (FI) in sperm penetration assay(SPA) test (P < 0.01). The stimulation of SWHJR medicated serum occurred in dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONSWHJR can improve human sperm motility and fertility.

Acrosome Reaction ; Animals ; Cricetinae ; Fertility ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mesocricetus ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects

Although gene therapy was regarded as a promising approach for glioma treatment, its therapeutic efficacy was often disappointing because of the lack of efficient drug delivery systems. Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been reported to have a tropism for brain tumors and thus could be used as delivery vehicles for glioma therapy. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to treat glioma by using MSCs as a vehicle for delivering replication-competent adenovirus. We firstly compared the infectivity of type 3, type 5, and type 35 fiber-modified adenoviruses in MSCs. We also determined suitable adenovirus titer in vitro and then used this titer to analyze the ability of MSCs to deliver replication-competent adenovirus into glioma in vivo. Our results indicated that type 35 fiber-modified adenovirus showed higher infectivity than did naked type 3 or type 5 fiber-modified adenovirus. MSCs carrying replication-competent adenovirus significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo compared with other control groups. In conclusion, MSCs are an effective vehicle that can successfully transport replication-competent adenovirus into glioma, making it a potential therapeutic strategy for treating malignant glioma.
Adenoviridae ; Animals ; Brain Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Genetic Vectors ; Glioma ; pathology ; therapy ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Oncolytic Virotherapy ; Random Allocation ; Virus Replication ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the reliability and validity of parent proxy-report scales of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) Generic Core Scales, the Chinese Version.

METHODS3493 school students aged 6-18 years were recruited using multistage cluster sampling method. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the above-mentioned PedsQL 4.0 scales. The internal consistency was assessed, using Cronbach's a coefficient, while its validity was tested through correlation analysis, t-test and exploratory factor analysis.

RESULTSThe internal consistency reliability for Total Scale Score (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90), Physical Health Summary Score (alpha= 0.81), and Psychosocial Health Summary Score (alpha= 0.89) were excellent. Six major factors were extracted by factor analysis which basically matched the designed structure of the original version accounting for nearly 66% of the variance. The total Scale Score significantly decreased by 3.5 to 13.3 (P < 0.05) in children and adolescents who had diseases including cold, skin hypersensitiveness, food allergy, courbature or arthralgia, breathlessness with a frequency of 6 times or more per year or had asthma as compared to those with lower frequency (< or = 5 times/y) of the diseases or without asthma. We found moderate to high correlations between items and the subscales. Correlation coefficients ranged between 0.45 to 0.84 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe reliability and validity of the parent proxy-report scales of PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales of the Chinese Version were as good as the original version. Our findings suggested that the scales could be applied to evaluate the health-related quality of life in childhood children in similar Chinese regions to Guangzhou.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child Welfare ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data ; China ; Humans ; Psychometrics ; methods ; Quality of Life ; Students ; Surveys and Questionnaires