Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of ~(99)Tc~m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT scintigraphy combined Iocalizable CT in the localization of ectopic parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism.Methods Retrospective data of surgery,pathology and imaging were collected from 28 patients with hyperfunctioning ectopic parathyroid glands.All cases underwent CT studies.Twenty-five patients had ~(99)Tc~m-MIBI planar imaging first:SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT was performed for the patients with abnormal radionuclide foci immediately.The fusion images obtained after reconstruction showed the exact location of the ectopic foci.Operative histopathologic results were regarded as "gold standards".Presuming 4 parathyroid glands as normal findings,findings confirmed by operation and pathology were regarded as positive,otherwise negative.The results of CT and radionuclide imaging were compared by X~2-test of four-foId table.Results Twenty-eight ectopic parathyroid glands were found in 28 patients,all pathologically confirmed as adenomss.CT found 22 foci,of which 17 were true positive,5 false positive,11 false negative,and 79 true negative.~(99)Tc~m-MIBI SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT found 23 foci,no false positive,2 false negative,and 75 true negative.The results showed that the sensitivities were 61% (17/28),92%(23/25),specificities 94%(79/84),100%(75/75),accuracies 86%(96/112),98% (98/100),positive predictive values 77%(17/22),100%(23/23),and negative predictive values 88% (79190),97%(75/77),respectively,for CT and radionuclide imaging.~(99)Tc~m-MIBI SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT was therefore significantly higher than CT in sensitivity(X~2=6.98,P＜0.01),specificity (X~2=4.61,P＜0.05),accuracy (X~2=10.30,P＜0.01),positive predictive value(X~2=5.88,P＜0.05) and negative predictive value (X~2=5.36,P＜0.05).Conclusion ~(99)Tc~m-MIBI SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT is superior to CT alone in the localization of ectopic parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism,but false negative can be found in some patients.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between Akt and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) in cisplatin (CDDP)-induced apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells and the role of Akt in the molecular mechanism of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.

METHODSChemosensitive (OV2008 and A2780s) and chemoresistant (C13* and A2780cp) ovarian cancer cell lines were treated with CDDP and subcellular Smac contents were determined by Western blot. Smac siRNA and Smac N7 peptide were transfected into OV2008 and C13* cells, respectively. CDDP-induced apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. A2780s cells stably transfected with Akt2 (A2780s-AAkt2) and C13* cells transfected with Aktl/2 siRNA were treated with CDDP, and Smac content and apoptosis in the cells were determined to detect the changes of their chemoresistance to CDDP.

RESULTSCDDP induced mitochondrial Smac release and apoptosis in chemosensitive cells (P < 0.05), but not resistant cells (P > 0.05). Downregulation of Smac by Smac siRNA confer resistance in OV2008 cells and Smac N7 peptide sensitized C13* cells to CDDP treatment. Overexpression of Akt2 inhibited mitochondrial Smac release and downregulation of Akt by siRNA sensitized C13* cells to CDDP treatment.

CONCLUSIONSmac is required in CDDP-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells and overexpression of Akt inhibits mitochondrial Smac release. Akt is closely related to the chemoresistance of ovarian cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Cytoplasm ; metabolism ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Female ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mitochondria ; metabolism ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering

BACKGROUNDGastroesophageal reflux disease with extra-esophageal symptoms, especially those with respiratory distress was attracting more and more attention. The related mechanisms were still in controversy. The purpose of the work was to explore airway inflammation triggered by gastroesophageal reflux.

METHODSSixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were used as study group and 9 as control. In the study group, a plastic extender with a trumpet-shaped distal end was inserted into the lower esophagus to dilate the cardia, the pylorus was ligated. One ml of 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid was injected into the stomach. While a simple laparotomy was performed for control animals. All animals from two groups were sacrificed 24 hours after operation. Then tracheotomy was carried and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected in all animals. Cells in the fluid were counted and levels of interleukin (IL)-5, -6, -8 in it were measured.

RESULTSCompared with control group, the study group presented a neutrophil pattern of airway inflammation and an elevated concentration of IL-5, -6, -8 with no significant difference regarding eosinophil count.

CONCLUSIONThe gastroesophageal reflux-triggered airway inflammation is characterized by a neutrophilic airway inflammation which differed from that caused by asthma, and enhanced levels of IL-5, -6 and -8, which are similar to that caused by asthma.

Animals ; Asthma ; etiology ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; immunology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; complications ; Inflammation ; etiology ; Interleukin-5 ; analysis ; Interleukin-6 ; analysis ; Interleukin-8 ; analysis ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The present study investigated the contribution of endogenous heme oxygenase (HO)/carbon monoxide (CO) system to hypertension pathogenesis of rats. Zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bisglycol (ZnDPBG),an inhibitor of heme oxygenase (HO), was used to inhibit HO activity in vivo. It was found that the blood pressure of rats with HO inhibition was significantly elevated, and plasma levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline,endothelin, nitrate and nitrite were significantly increased. HO activity and HbCO formation within vascular smooth muscle tissues were significantly inhibited after administration of ZnDPBG. Furthermore, administration of exogenous CO into HO inhibiting rats led to MABP decrease, but injection of HO substrate, heme-Llysinate, had no effect on HO inhibition-induced hypertension. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, injection of exogenous CO resulted in a significant decrease of MABP, and heme-L-lystnate had a similar effect with exogenous CO. These data show that HO/CO system has an anti-hypertension biological action, suggesting that endogenous CO plays an important role in hypertension pathogenesis.

A sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture was used to study the role of endogenous carbon monoxide in hypotension pathogenesis of rats during septic shock. After administration of zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bisglycol (ZnDPBG),an inhibitor of heme oxygenase (HO),blood pressure (BP),HO activity and carbon monoxide (CO) release from vascular muscle tissue were measured. The results showed that BP of sepsis rats,including systolic and diastolic arterial BP,decreased significantly while HO activity and CO content were significantly increased. In contrast,after administration of ZnDPBG,BP of sepsis rats was significantly increased while the HO activity and CO production were significantly decreased. These findings suggest that HO activity and CO release within vascular musculature are increased during septic shock;inhibition of HO may elevate BP of rats during septic shock through a decrease of endogenous CO production. It is concluded that endogenous CO derived from vascular muscle cells plays an important role in regulating vascular tone,and the up-regulation of HO activity followed by subsequent CO production contributes to hypotension pathogenesis during septic shock.

OBJECTIVETo identify the clinical and pathological features of natural killer-like T-cell lymphoma/leukemia.

METHODSThe characteristics of natural killer-like T-cell lymphoma/leukemia was discussed with report a new case and review of literatures.

RESULTSA 16-year-old girl was referred to our hospital because of fever and disseminated cutaneous herpes and ulcer. Atypical lymphoid cells surrounded the dermal vessels with a CD3(+), CD8(+), CD4(-), CD5(-), CD10(-), CD19(-), CD57(-), CD56(+), perforin(+), granzyme B(+) immunophenotype and rearranged T-cell receptor-gamma gene implicated natural killer-like T cell origin. She was treated with prednisone and for several months. Then the patient developed progressive spleen enlargement with overt leukemia, which led to her eventual death.

CONCLUSIONSNatural killer-like T-cell lymphoma/leukemia is a rare disease with distinctive clinical, histopathologic, and immuno phenotypic characteristics. Current treatment modalities are ineffective for most of the patients.

Adolescent ; CD56 Antigen ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology ; pathology ; Leukemia, T-Cell ; immunology ; pathology ; Lymphoma, T-Cell ; immunology ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo probe into the clinical effect of needle-pricking therapy for treatment of polycystic ovarial syndrome.

METHODSOne hondred and twenty-one cases of polycystic ovarial syndrome were divided into a needle-pricking therapy group of 61 cases and a medication group of 60 cases with randomized and controlled method. The needle-pricking therapy group were treated by needle-pricking therapy at sacral plexus stimulating points on both sides of the spine and lateral points of Dazhui (CV 14), and the medication group by oral administration of domiphen and intramuscular injection of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Levels of hormones and symptoms in the patients before treatment, after treatment of 3 cycles and at the sixth cycle after treatment were investigated.

RESULTSAfter treatment of 3 cycles, the level of hormone and B type ultrasound examination were significantly improved in the two groups (P < 0.01). At the sixth cycle after treatment, the conditions of the patients in the medication group were returned to the original levels before treatment, while the conditions in the needle-pricking therapy group still kept at the post-therapeutic level, and their menstruation and ovulation restored to normal state, and the ovulation mucosa and the pregnancy rate were significantly higher than those in the medication group (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONNeedle-pricking therapy has obvious effect on polycystic ovarial syndrome, and has a good long-term therapeutic effect.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Ovulation ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate

OBJECTIVETo study the bone marrow microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and their clinical significance in patients with aplastic anemia (AA).

METHODSBone marrow biopsies in 51 newly diagnosed patients with AA were evaluated the MVD and VEGF expression by immunostaining with anti-factor VIII related antigen and VEGF monoclonal antibodies at regular time points after immunosuppressive therapy (IT).

RESULTSThe mean bone marrow MVD in AA group was 5.5 +/- 3.5, being significantly lower than that in normal control group (8.7 +/- 3.4, P < 0.05). MVDs of SAA and NSAA patients were 7.4 +/- 2.9 and 4.3 +/- 3.4, respectively, being significantly different (P < 0.01). The VEGF expression in AA group was significantly lower than that in control group [(6.7 +/- 8.4)% vs (14.7 +/- 6.1)%, P < 0.01], but there was no difference between SAA and NSAA. Bone marrow MVD and VEGF were significantly increased after IT in 22 responded AA patients.

CONCLUSIONBone marrow MVD and VEGF expression are low in AA patients which may be one of pathophysiologic mechanisms of bone marrow failure in AA. Proangiogenic and ameliorating microcirculation agents together with IT might accelerate the recovery of hematopoiesis in AA patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anemia, Aplastic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Bone Marrow ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microvessels ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the application of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosis of classic fever of unknown origin.

METHODSA total of 27 consecutive patients with classic fever of unknown origin (FUO) (19 men, 8 women; aged 24-82 y) underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans. The images were interpreted by visual inspection and semiquantitative analysis(standardized uptake value, SUV). Final diagnosis was based on histopathology or clinical follow-up.

RESULTSThe cause of FUO was confirmed by followed investigations in 21 of 27 cases after PET/CT scan, including 10 cases of infection, 4 of noninfectious inflammation, 4 of malignancies and 3 of miscellaneous disorders; and remaining 6 cases were still confirmed FUO. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 100.0 %, 83.3%, 83.3%, 100.0% and 96.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONFor patients with fever of unknown origin, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT can be a sensitive, reliable imaging modality. It is suggested that (18)F-FDG-PET/CT should be considered earlier in detecting the causes of FUO, which is difficultly diagnosed by conventional modalities.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fever of Unknown Origin ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the biological characteristics of dermal fibroblasts of the diabetic rats with deep partial thickness scald, and to explore its relationship with delayed wound healing due to diabetes.

METHODSSprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 g were randomly divided into control (NM, n=40) and STZ-induced diabetic (DM, n=50) groups, and then deep partial thickness scald involving 10% TBSA were reproduced in the two groups. Skin samples were harvested from the wounds on 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 post scald day (PSD) for the determination of certain histological characteristics.

RESULTSThe thickness of dermis layer in DM group before injury was obviously thinner than that in NM group (P < 0.01). There was an infiltration of a large amount of chronic inflammatory cells and increased content of cutaneous glucose in the dermal tissue in DM group (2.77 mg/g) compared with 0.85 mg/g in NM group, (P < 0.01). An accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was found in the dermal tissue in DM group. After the scalding, the percentage of fibroblasts in S phase and hydroxyproline synthesis in DM group was evidently lower than those in NM group. But the apoptosis rate of fibroblasts was much higher in DM group than that in NM group (P < 0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIt is found that the high contents of glucose and AGEs in diabetic skin exert untoward effects on biological characteristics of dermal fibroblast, probably constituting one of the underlying mechanisms of delay wound healing of scald in diabetic rats.

Animals ; Burns ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Glycation End Products, Advanced ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; metabolism ; pathology ; Wound Healing