A commonly used Chinese crude drug Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus has been shown to possess good anticancer activities and related properties such as antioxidation, nitrite scavenging, nitrosamine synthesis blocking and immune enhancement, and has been widely used as an effective auxiliary drug in the treatment of some malignant tumors. This paper systematically reviews the advances in the study of anticancer-related activities of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus's various components such as raw juice, extracts, saponins, volatile oil, polysaccharides, nitrogen compounds, etc.
Allium ; chemistry ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Oils, Volatile ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between pathological characteristics of target organs and excess evil syndrome in IgA nephropathy.

METHODSData were collected in multicenter cooperation. Totally 266 IgA nephropathy patients were typed into exogenous wind-heat affection syndrome (49 cases), lower energizer damp-heat syndrome (100 cases), damp-phlegm syndrome (43 cases), and blood stasis syndrome (74 cases). Meanwhile, percutaneous renal biopsy was performed in all patients for Hass classification, Oxford classification, Katafuchi integral, and Jiang's classification methods. The correlation between excess evil syndrome and pathological index was analyzed.

RESULTSFour syndrome types were correlated with their Hass levels (r = 0. 341, P <0. 01). Affection of exogenous wind-heat syndrome was correlated with segmental proliferation of endothelial cells and damaged active lesions of segmental capillary loops. Lower-energizer damp-heat syndrome was associated with Hass III level, destroying active lesions of capillary loops, segmental proliferation of endothelial cells, glomerular segmental lesions, focal interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells, focal interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Blood stasis syndrome was associated with Hass IV level, glomerular sclerosis, segmental glomerulosclerosis (S)/adhesion, mesangial hypercellularity (M), angiohyalinosis, multi-foci interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells, multi-foci interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Phlegm-damp syndrome had higher proportions of Hass I and III levels, but with no association with other pathological parameters.

CONCLUSIONSExcess evil syndrome was associated with partial pathological characteristics of IgA nephropathy. It could reflect pathological damage degree of target organs, activities, chronic lesions, and prognosis of IgA nephropathy to certain extent. Correlated pathological characteristics and its evolution could indicate excess evil syndrome types and their evolution rules.

Capillaries ; Fibrosis ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; pathology ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental ; Humans ; Kidney Glomerulus ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Prognosis ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (HMTC) and the sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (SMTC).

METHODSThe clinical data of 78 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma who underwent surgery in our hospital between July 1980 and May 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSOf these 78 patients, there were 23 HMTC cases and 55 SMTC cases. The HMTC group was significantly younger age of onset [(36.4±13.5) years vs. (46.6±11.2) years, P<0.01] and a lower pre/post-operative serum calcitonin levels [(850.4±110.20) ng/L vs. (1450.4±118.3) ng/L, P<0.01 and (410.8±133.2) ng/L vs. (1585.4±129.5) ng/L, P<0.01] than the SMTC group. In addition, the mean tumor diameter was also significantly smaller in the HMTC group (14.3 mm vs. 21.0 mm in SMTC group, P<0.05). Tumor multifocality was seen in a significantly higher proportion of HMTC cases compared with the SMTC cases (56.6% vs. 29.1%, P<0.05). The overall 10-year survival was 100% in HMTC group and 80.2% in SMTC group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONHMTC has a better prognosis than SMTC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age of Onset ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Medullary ; classification ; genetics ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine ; Female ; Genetic Diseases, Inborn ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; classification ; genetics ; pathology ; Young Adult

ABSTRACT:OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of connexin proteins (Cx), which form gap junctions (GJ), in progression and chemotherapeutic sensitivity of cervical cancer (CaCx). METHODS We analyze the expression of Cx26, Cx30, Cx32 and Cx43 in human specimens consisting of: Normal cervix (n=78), CaCx FIGO stage Ⅰ (n=148), CaCx FIGO stage Ⅱ (n=165). InCaCx cell lines, Hela- Cx32 (induced expression by doxycycline), C- 33A (endogenously express Cx32) and siHa (transiently transfected plasmid with Cx32), we detected the role of Cx32 against tostreptonigrin/cisplatin-induced apopotosisin presence or absence of functional GJ through using GJ inhibitors or low density cultural.Furtherly, we observed the relativity of Cx32 and EGFR expression in human specimens. Also, we detected the role of EGFR signaling pathway in the process of Cx32 anti-apoptosis through suppressed EGFR expression by inhibitors or siRNA sequences in cell lines. RESULTS We firstly demonstrated the expression of Cx32 was highly upregulated and accumulated in cytoplasm in the CaCx specimens, and the degree of upregulation correlated with advanced FIGO stages. Thus,in three human cervical cell lines, Cx32 was shown to suppress apoptosis when GJ formation is inhibited. No matter in cases of CaCx or cell lines, Cx32 expression was highly correlated with expression of EGFR and the EGFR pathway is an essential component of the Cx32-induced anti-apoptotic effect. CONCLUSION Cx32, traditionally tumor suppressive protein, was shown to be tumor protective against chemotherapy through EGFR pathway in a GJ-independent way.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between hemoglobin scavenger receptor (CD163) expression levels on monocytic surfaces and coronary atherosclerotic severity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as the roles of CD163 in inflammation and lipidperoxidation.

METHODSEighty-four patients were diagnosed as CHD according to the results of coronary angiography and ACC/AHA diagnostic criteria. The patients were divided into 3 groups: acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group (n = 30), unstable angina (UA) group (n = 30), stable angina (SA) group (n = 24). Another 20 patients with normal coronary artery served as control. Expression levels of CD163 on monocytes were detected by means of flow cytometry, and the results were shown as mean fluorescence intensity (mfi). All patients underwent coronary angiography and the results were further evaluated by Jenkins score. Serum CRP and LDL-C were also measured.

RESULTSThe expression levels of CD163 on monocytes in peripheral blood were significantly higher in CHD patients compared to controls (P < 0.01) in the order of AMI group [(84.4 +/- 6.9) mfi] > UA group [(64.1 +/- 5.5) mfi, P < 0.01 vs. AMI] > SA group [(46.7 +/- 6.5) mfi, P < 0.01 vs. AMI and UA] > control group [(22.0 +/- 6.1) mfi, P < 0.01 vs. AMI, UA and SA]. The expression levels of CD163 on monocytes in patients with CHD were positively correlated with Jenkins score (r = 0.9107, P < 0.01), CRP (r = 0.766, P < 0.01) and LDL-C (r = 0.749, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSExpression levels of CD163 was significantly increased in patients with CHD and positively correlated with coronary heart disease severity and serum CRP and LDL-C.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic ; metabolism ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Coronary Disease ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; metabolism ; Severity of Illness Index

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical efficiency of metallic stent implantation in combination with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus.

METHODS22 cases of HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombus were devided into 2 groups: 10 patients (group A) recieved stent implantation in combination with conformal radiation therapy, 12 patients (group B) recieved stent implantation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. The adverse reactions, and liver function before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The stent patency rate at 4, 6 and 12 months and the survival rate at 3, 6 and 12 months were followed up. Comparison of liver function was analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Comparison of stent patency rate curves and survival curves was analyzed by Log rank test.

RESULTSThe portal vein catheterization was successful in all the patients. The stents were successfully implanted by transhepatic portal vein approach, and portal vein stenosis was re-opened. There was no abdominal hemorrhage in all the patients, but there were symptoms of abdominalgia, fever, nausea, vomiting and flatulence of varying degrees after interventional operation, and these symptoms were relieved by symptomatic treatment in one week. All patients in group A completed the treatment. I-II degree gastrointestinal tract reactions occurred in 3 cases, I-II degree myelosuppression occurred in 2 cases, and they were all completely relieved after treatment. The stent patency rate at 4, 6 and 12 months was 90%, 70%, 30% in group A; and 50%, 25% , 16.7% in group B (P < 0.05). The survival rate at 3, 6 and 12 months was 100%, 80% , 30% in group A and 91.7%, 41.7%, 16.7% in group B (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONStent implantation combined with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy is a good treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus and causes less damage to liver.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Male ; Metals ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Portal Vein ; pathology ; Radiography ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Retrospective Studies ; Stents ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome ; Venous Thrombosis ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo validate those obtained immunogenic membrane antigens candidate of human pancreatic cancer in the performed research.

METHODSIn the pre-studies, serum IgG purified from clinically collected sera of pancreatic cancer patients underwent immunoblot with human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 membrane protein, totally obtained 9 positive protein spots. Number 5 and 6 positive dots of immunoblot were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and peptide mass fingerprinting matching. The candidate membrane antigens were further validated in cell lines by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. RNA of human normal pancreatic tissue and pancreatic cancer tissue was extracted respectively, different gene expression level of prohibitin 2 was studied by real-time PCR.

RESULTSNumber 5 and 6 positive dots were identified as prohibitin 2 and prohibitin. RT-PCR and real-time PCR all showed that gene of prohibitin 2 and prohibitin were expressed in the human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990, AsPc and P3 respectively, especially in P3 cell with highest expression (t = 7.442, P < 0.01). In addition, gene expression level of prohibitin 2 was significant higher in human pancreatic cancer than that of normal pancreatic tissue (t = 0.893, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSProhibitin 2 and prohibitin are both differently expressed in the pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990, AsPc and P3. Prohibitin 2 is obvious highly expressed in human pancreatic cancer tissue. Prohibitin 2 and prohibitin might be the candidate immunogenic membrane antigens of human pancreatic cancer.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Proteomics ; methods ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical usefulness, accuracy, and safety of tele-manipulation for frameless stereotactic surgery using the CAS-R-5 robot system.

METHODSWe prospectively evaluated 32 patients underwent tele-manipulation of frameless stereotactic operations from Sep. 2005 to Sep. 2006. Tele-manipulations were performed via a digital data network by a neurosurgeon in Beijing while the patients were located in Yan'an. The distance is 1300 kilometers away. The accuracy of location and improvement of symptom were observed after operation. The period of follow-up was from 3 to 14 months (the average was 12 months).

RESULTSThe surgical operations in 32 cases were successful. Remote fiducial registration was performed with a mean accuracy of 1. 50 mm and the standard difference were 0.32 mm between the planned and actual target. There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONSDiagnosis and treatment for intracranial disease by tele-manipulation frameless stereotactic surgeries are reliable and safe.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain ; pathology ; surgery ; Brain Diseases ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Retrospective Studies ; Robotics ; methods ; Stereotaxic Techniques ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: Important extracellular matrixes are reduced with the prolongation of duration of cyclic pressure in the endplate of the intervertebral disc. Meanwhile, the expression of Wnt-5a gene is significantly decreased. There is an important relationship between Wnt-5a gene and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of Wnt-5a gene under cyclic pressure in a rabbit model of IDD and to explore its role in IDD progress. METHODS: Lumbar intervertebral discs were removed from the 6-month-old New Zealand white rabbits to prepare IDD models and were then randomly divided into experimental (cyclic pressure ) and control (no intervention) groups. The morphological changes of intervertebral discs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and safranin O-fast green staining. The mRNA expression levels of proteoglycan, collagen type Ⅱ, and Wnt-5a were detected by real-time PCR. The protein expression level of Wnt-5a was detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The morphology of intervertebral discs cultured for 7 days in the experimental and control groups showed a certain change, but was still intact; expression levels of aggrecan, type Ⅱ collagen, Wnt-5a showed differences from the intervertebral discs cultured for 0 day. On day 14, the damage to the histomorphology was severer in the experimental group than the 0-day control group. The mRNA expression levels of proteoglycan, collagen type Ⅱ, and Wnt-5a were decreased in both groups, especially the experimental group, at 7 and14 days. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt-5a revealed the same change trend with time. To conclude, regulation of Wnt-5a expression may alter the process of endplate cartilage degeneration, and thus providing new ideas for the prevention and treatment of IDD.

OBJECTIVETo study the infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-I) and the morphological characteristics of the infected spermatogenic cells in the semen of infertile men.

METHODSWe washed and concentrated the spermatogenic cells obtained from 83 semen samples of infertile men, extracted DNA and then screened HCMV and HSV-II by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was used to detect the expression of correlative virus antigens of the positive semen cells, and the cytology smear was employed to observe the morphological changes of the spermatogenic cells under the microscope after cytology staining.

RESULTSOf all the semen samples, 8 were HCMV positive, 4 HSV-II positive, but none were both HCMV and HSV-II positive. HCMV late antigens were positively and HCMV early antigens negatively expressed in the spermatogenic cells of the 8 HCMV positive cases. In the 4 HSV-II positive cases, 3 were positively and 1 weakly positively expressed. In the semen of the 12 positive cases were found large numbers of immature spermatogenic cells, with different manifestations of apoptosis, such as chromatin pycnosis, vacuoles, damaged nuclear membrane, and apoptotic bodies, but without virus infection-induced specific morphological alteration. Sperm concentration of the positive group was significantly lower than that of the negative (P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSpermatogenic cells infected by HCMV and HSV-II may cause pathologic lesions and affect spermatogenesis. Morphologically, the infected spermatogenic cells may undergo some pathologic alteration, such as apoptosis. The rate of HCMV infection is higher among infertile males with pathologic cells in the semen.

Adult ; Antigens, Viral ; analysis ; Cytomegalovirus ; genetics ; immunology ; Cytomegalovirus Infections ; pathology ; virology ; DNA, Viral ; genetics ; Herpes Simplex ; pathology ; virology ; Herpesvirus 2, Human ; genetics ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infertility, Male ; pathology ; virology ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Semen ; cytology ; virology ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; virology