Objective To evaluate the effect of the esophagus invert stripping without opening the thoracic cavity on carci- noma in the inferior pharynx, cervical esophagus or the cardia. Method Eighteen patients with carcinoma in the inferior pharynx, cervical esophagus or the cardia were treated surgically with invert stripping of the exophagus without opening the thoracic cavity. Ten patients received antidromic esophagus invert stripping and the other 8 underwent orthodromic esophagus invert stripping. The esophagus of these patients were replaced with either the stomach (in 15 cases) or the colon (in 3 cases), and complete removal of the pharynx and larynx were performed in 2 cases, both of which received permanent fistulization. Result No death occurred during the operation and the complications included anastomotic leakage (2 cases), injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (2 cases), pulmonary infection (3 cases), and incision infection (1 case). The follow-up survey showed that the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 77%, 44% and 22%, respectively. Conclusions This surgical approach reduces the damage of the cardiopulmonary function, which can be meaningful for senior patients and those with cardiac or pulmonary problems. The carcinoma in the inferior pharynx or cervical part of the esophagus should be treated surgically to improve the survival rate, but this approach should be avoided in patients with carcinoma in thoracic part of the esophagus.

Objective To evaluate the effect of the esophagus invert stripping without opening the thoracic cavity on carci- noma in the inferior pharynx, cervical esophagus or the cardia. Method Eighteen patients with carcinoma in the inferior pharynx, cervical esophagus or the cardia were treated surgically with invert stripping of the exophagus without opening the thoracic cavity. Ten patients received antidromic esophagus invert stripping and the other 8 underwent orthodromic esophagus invert stripping. The esophagus of these patients were replaced with either the stomach (in 15 cases) or the colon (in 3 cases), and complete removal of the pharynx and larynx were performed in 2 cases, both of which received permanent fistulization. Result No death occurred during the operation and the complications included anastomotic leakage (2 cases), injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (2 cases), pulmonary infection (3 cases), and incision infection (1 case). The follow-up survey showed that the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 77%, 44% and 22%, respectively. Conclusions This surgical approach reduces the damage of the cardiopulmonary function, which can be meaningful for senior patients and those with cardiac or pulmonary problems. The carcinoma in the inferior pharynx or cervical part of the esophagus should be treated surgically to improve the survival rate, but this approach should be avoided in patients with carcinoma in thoracic part of the esophagus.

OBJECTIVETo study the gene expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TbetaR II) in pathological scar.

METHODSTwenty samples of pathological scar were collected from 20 burn or trauma patients hospitalized in the General Hospital of Ji'nan Military Command from 2007 to 2009. Twenty specimens of epidermal layer were obtained from the middle portion and the edge of pathological scars. Twenty normal skin specimens which were located more than 10 cm away from the lesion sites of 20 patients were collected as self-controls. Serum from 1-2 mL whole blood were obtained from each of the 20 patients for second self-control. Eight normal skin specimens from 8 patients without pathological scar, discarded from un-related operations, were also collected as negative-control. Positive expressions of TbetaR II in three different skin specimens were determined with biotin-streptavidin-peroxidase staining. Gene expressions of TbetaR II in all specimens were compared with PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and gene sequencing. Data were processed with Fisher's exact test.

RESULTSPositive expression of TbetaR II in pathological scar epidermis was lower than that in normal skin specimen of patients with pathological scar or normal skin specimen of patients without pathological scar, and TbetaR II was mainly located in the basal layer of epidermis. Positive expressions of TbetaR II were seldom found in acanthocytes, granular cells, and cuticle or even non-existing. No abnormality of TbetaR II was found in normal skin epidermis or serum samples of pathological scar patients or normal skin epidermis of patients without pathological scar. TbetaR II expressing in 8 specimens of epidermis of pathological scar showed abnormal electrophoresis pattern at poly A fragments hand and loss of one A base in DNA fragment (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONSThere may he abnormal gene expression of TbetaR II in pathological scar epidermis. Replantation of epidermis of scar may increase the risk of scar recurrence, while replantation of normal skin of patients with scar on wound may not increase the risk of scar recurrence.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cicatrix ; metabolism ; pathology ; Epidermis ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

In this research, the regulatory effects of T-lymphocytes on the expansion of hematopoietic cells in human bone marrow were studied. Anti-CD3 McAb and anti-CD8 McAb were used to eliminate the T-lymphocytes in bone marrow MNCs. Cell surface antigens were analysed by flow cytometry. Hematopoietic cells expanded with hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) in a liquid culture system and the number of CD34(+) cell, CFU-GM and CFU-GEMM were determined. After cultured with HGFs for 20 days the total number of cells expanded by 75.8, 79.6, 77.4 and 67.0 folds respectively in three experimental groups (anti-CD3 McAb, anti-CD8 McAb and anti-CD3 + anti-CD8 McAb) and control group (MNC of bone marrow). The number of CFU-GM in the four groups were 173.67 +/- 18.90, 165.33 +/- 26.58, 170.33 +/- 21.50 and 79.67 +/- 8.33 respectively. The number of CFU-GEMM in the four groups were 431.33 +/- 34.56, 370.33 +/- 42.10, 386.67 +/- 10.02 and 177.67 +/- 26.86 respectively. There were significant differences in the number of CFU-GM and CFU-GEMM between experimental groups and control group. The results showed that the T-lymphocytes in bone marrow could inhibit the expansion of hematopoietic cells in vitro and the formation of CFU-GM and CFU-GEMM. The regulatory mechanism was to be explored.

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anastrozole, a new generation aromatase inhibitor, on the lipid metabolism in postmenopausal Chinese women with early breast cancer, and observe the adverse reactions as well.

METHODSPostmenopausal women with early breast cancer patients took anastrozole 1 mg per day. The lipid profiles of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein were assessed before taking the drug, 3 months, 6 months after taking medication, and later once a year, until the end of medication or follow-up. Patients taking lipid-lowering drugs were excluded. The adverse reactions during the process of taking medication was followed-up by telephone.

RESULTSTwo hundred and eighty-five postmenopausal breast cancer patients took part in the trial from Jan. 2003 to Jun. 2009. All patients had completed primary surgery and demonstrated a postmenopausal status. ER or PR positivity was confirmed by histopathology. Taking the medication from a minimum of one year to a maximum of 5 years, with a median time of 3.61 years. During the medication time, anastrozole significantly increased the levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol after 6 months of treatment, continuing to 5 years, from (3.08 ± 0.90) mmol/L to (3.59 ± 0.59) mmol/L, with a maximal increase of 18.2% higher than that before medication. Anastrozole significantly increased the levels of total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol after 1 years of treatment. Anastrozole significantly reduced the levels of triglycerides after 1 years of treatment. Anastrozole showed no significant effect on serum lipids in the patients with pre-existing hyperlipidemia. A more significant effect on blood lipids was observed in patients aged ≥ 60-years than that in patients less than 60 years of age. The rate of other adverse events were similar to that reported in foreign patients.

CONCLUSIONSFor the postmenopausal patients with breast cancer, taking anastrozole may lead to an abnormal lipid metabolism. Anastrozole significantly increases the levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and significantly reduces the level of triglycerides. The rate of other adverse events were similar to that reported in foreign patients. it is suggested that the blood lipid levels should be regularly assessed in patients with long-term anastrozole treatment. The rate of other adverse events similar to that reported with foreign patients, and patients tolerate this treatment well.

Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal ; therapeutic use ; Aromatase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; blood ; complications ; Lipid Metabolism ; drug effects ; Lipids ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Nitriles ; therapeutic use ; Postmenopause ; Triazoles ; therapeutic use ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of curcumin (Cur) on radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE-2 and its mechanism.

METHODThe effect of curcumin on radiosensitivity was determined by the clone formation assay. The cell survival curve was fitted by Graph prism 6. 0. The changes in cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The differential expression of long non-coding RNA was detected by gene chip technology. Part of differentially expressed genes was verified by Real-time PCR.

RESULTAfter 10 micro mol L-1 Cur had worked for 24 h, its sensitization enhancement ratio was 1. 03, indicating that low concentration of curcumin could increase the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells; FCM displayed a significant increase of G2 phase cells and significant decrease of S phase cells in the Cur combined radiation group. In the Cur group, the GUCY2GP, H2BFXP, LINC00623 IncRNA were significantly up-regulated and ZRANB2-AS2 LOC100506835, FLJ36000 IncRNA were significantly down-regulated.

CONCLUSIONCur has radiosensitizing effect on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cells. Its mechanism may be related to the changes in the cell cycle distribution and the expression of long non-coding IncRNA.

Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; genetics ; Radiation Tolerance ; drug effects

Objective To verify the presence of functional subsets of natural killer cells based on the cytokine production. Methods NK cells were purified and cultured in complete RPMI1640 medium in the presence of either IFNγ+anti-IL-4(classical Thl polarization) or IL-4 +anti-IFNγy(classical Th2 polarization) for three days, and then were collected and detected for type Ⅰ/type Ⅱ cytokines by RT-PCR method. Results NK cells were purified from 15 healthy donors, over 70% purity of NK cells were determined by flow cytometry. NK cells in peripheral blood expressed high level of type Ⅰ cytokines, mainly IFNγ, but low level of type Ⅱ cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-13, IL-4 was not produced by NK cells. Cells cultured in IFNγ+ anti-IL-4 condition exhibited significantly increased level of IFNγ, unchanged IL-2, and de creased type Ⅱ cytokines. Cells grew in IL-4 + anti-IFNγcondition exhibited increased IL-10 and IL-13,and decreased IFNγ expressions. Conclusions Based on the cytokine production, NK cells may be divided into two functional subsets in the same manner as that of T lymphocytes(e.g. Th1/Th2): .NKh1 and NKh2. The biological characterization and phenotypic marker are under investigate.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in proliferation, invasiveness, clone sphere formation and chemosensitivity of human gastric cancer cell lines of KATO-III CD133(+) cells transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CD133 gene.

METHODSCD133(+) cells of KATO-III cell lines were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). CD133 siRNA was designed and synthesized, and then transfected into KATO-III CD133(+) cells. Cell fluorescence counting under confocal laser scanning microscope was used to determine the transfection efficiency after transfection with the CD133 FITC-siRNA. The knock-down effect of the CD133 gene and expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8), transwell chamber and colony sphere forming assay were performed to measure the variation of cell proliferative, invasive, colony formation viability and chemosensitivity to 5-FU after the above-mentioned treatment.

RESULTSThe transfection efficiency was (87.7±8.1)%. The CD133 mRNA and protein expression levels in the interference group were lower than those in negative control group. Twenty-four, 48 and 72 hours after transfection, cells proliferation activity was significantly inhibited in the interference group compared with negative control group, (all P<0.01). Seventy-two hours after transfection, compared with negative control group, cells proliferation activity was reduced by (52.1±8.0)%. The invasive cell number reduced (41.7±6.0 vs. 130.3±11.0, P<0.05) and clone formation rate decreased significantly [(24.3±4.3)% vs. (45.1±6.4)%, P<0.01] in the interference group. EMT-related gene E-cadherin protein expression increased, while the Snail and N-cadherin protein expression reduced in the interference group (all P<0.01). The cells sensitivity to 5-FU was significantly enhanced in the interference group, and the cell inhibition rate of 5-Fu was (62.4±3.3)%, higher than that in negative control group [(21.5±2.2)%, P<0.01].

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of CD133 gene plays an important role in cell proliferation, invasiveness, colony formation and resistance to chemotherapy of KATO-III CD133(+) gastric cancer cells. It suggests that CD133 can be used as one of surface markers for detection of gastric cancer stem cells. Inhibition of CD133 expression may be a promising way for gastric cancer biotherapy.

AC133 Antigen ; Antigens, CD ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Fluorouracil ; pharmacology ; Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Peptides ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection

Adenine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Creatinine ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organophosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Phosphorus ; blood ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDEsophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Prior studies had demonstrated potential synergistic antitumor activity of gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin. Therefore, we studied the efficacy and tolerability of such combination for esophageal cancer.

METHODSBetween October 2003 and October 2006, thirty-eight patients with metastatic or recurrent advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus were enrolled. The median number of treatment cycles per patient was 4 (range 1 - 7). Gemcitabine was given at 1000 mg/m(2) over 30 minutes on days 1, 8 and cisplatin 40 mg/m2 was given on days 1, 2 in an every 21-day cycle.

RESULTSThe median follow-up for all 38 patients was 76 months (range 11 - 88 months). The overall response rate was 42.1% (95%CI, 25.5% - 56.5%). Median progression-free survival and median survival for all patients were 4.1 months (95%CI, 3.0 - 5.7 months) and 10 months (95%CI, 7 - 12 months), respectively. Patients with a response had significantly longer median survival compared with the patients without a response (11 months vs. 7.5 months, P = 0.0069). Overall survival at 1 year was 36.8%, at 2 years was 10.5%, and at 5 years was 5.3%. The most common grade 3 - 4 toxicity for all patients was leucopenia (44.7%).

CONCLUSIONSThis cisplatin-gemcitabine regimen was manageable and had significant efficacy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with a response had improved survival time. Furthermore, a small number of the patients with metastatic esophageal cancer were still alive in 5 years with this regimen.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Cisplatin ; therapeutic use ; Deoxycytidine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Disease-Free Survival ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged