OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in prostate cancer (PCa) and its clinical significance.

METHODSWe collected tissue samples from 63 cases of PCa, 46 cases of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and 58 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) adjacent to PCa and determined the expression of EpCAM in the epithelial and stromal cells by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe positive expression rates of EpCAM in the epithelial cells were significantly higher in PCa and PIN than in PCa-adjacent BPH (98. 4 and 97. 8 vs 51.7%, P <0. 01), and so was that in the stromal cells of PCa than in those of PCa-adjacent PIN (89.5 vs 50.0%, P <0.01). The expression of EpCAM.was remarkably higher in the stromal cells of bone metastasis than in those of non-bone metastasis tissue (100. 0 vs 40. 0%, P <0. 01) but showed no statistically significant differences between the highly and poorly differentiated PCa tissues (88.5 vs 91.9%, P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression level of EpCAM in the stromal cells of PCa is related to the occurrence, progression, and bone metastasis of the tumor, and therefore may be used as a marker in the early diagnosis of PCa as well as a predictor of bone metastasis of the tumor.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; metabolism ; Disease Progression ; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo establish a method of determining the residual epoxyethane in medical instruments.

METHODAn HP-5 capillary column (30 m x 0.32 mm x 0.25 microm), an FID detecter and an oven were used in the determination. The oven temperature was kept at 120 degrees C for 8 minutes, the example inlet temperature was kept at 200 degrees C, while the detecter temperature was kept at 250 degrees C.

RESULTThe method has a linear range between 5.1920-51.920 microg, (r = 0.997, n = 6). The average rate of recovery of the injecter is 103.3%. The average rate of recovery of the infusion devices is 81.04%.

CONCLUSIONThe method has been proved to be convenient, sensitive and accurate. It is suitable for the determination of residual organic solvents in medical instruments.

Chromatography, Gas ; methods ; Disposable Equipment ; Epoxy Compounds ; analysis ; Ethane ; analysis ; Solvents ; analysis

Objective To propose a new blood purification modality-hemodialysis with plasma- based dialysate (HD-PBD) plus high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) for patients with liver failure, and to evaluate the effect of this treatment on plasma cytokines.Methods Twelve patients with liver failure were included in this study.All patients received HD-PBD therapy in the first 6 hours,and then were treated with HVHF for 24 hours with the same filter (AV600).The levels of TNF-?,IL-1?, IL-6 and IL-8 in plasma before and after HD-PBD plus HVHF for 6 and 24 hours were examined respectively by ELISA,and changes of clinical parameters were observed at the same time point. Serum bilirubin,total bile acids (TBA),serum ammonia,blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) were detected before and after treatment.Arterial blood gas analysis and the concentration of electrolytes were monitored before and after treatment.Results (1)HD-PBD for 6 hours was more effective than HVHF for 24 hours in removal of serum bilirubin and TBA(P＜0.05). (2)Serum ammonia,BUN,Ser,arterial blood HCO_3~-,PCO_2,PO_2 and electrolytes did not show significant difference before and after HD-PBD (P＞0.05),but these parameters significantly changed before and after HVHF (P＜0.05).(3)The average level of serum bilirubin was sharply decreased after HVHF for 24 h following HD-PBD(P＜0.05).(4)After HD-PBD plus HVHF,there was a marked reduction of the plasma levels of TNF-?,IL-6 and IL-8.Conclusions HD-PBD plus HVHF,a newly proposed modality for patients with liver failure,can effectively decrease serum bilirubin,TBA,BUN,Scr,ammonia and cytokines,and adjust water-electrolyte as well as acid- alkali balance.It is a low-cost,safe,simple and convenient therapy.

Objective: To develop a new method for the determination of Jujubaside A in Semen Ziziphi Spinosae. Method: A RP-HPLC method was set up, using Hypersil-18 column, acetonitrile∶water(30∶70) as　mobile phase with a flow rate of　0.8　ml.min-1. Result: The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.076～0.456　mg.The average recovery was 93.5%.Conclusion:The method is appropriate for the determination of Jujubaside A.

The purpose of the present study was to explore whether substance P (SP) modulates the response mediated by GABAA receptors. Experiments were carried out on cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurons of rats. GABA-activated inward currents were recorded using the whole-cell-patch-clamp techique. The majority of the neurons examined (66/92, 72%) were sensitive to both GABA and SP. When the neurons were treated with SP prior to application of GABA, the GABA-activated current (IGABA) was inhibited markedly, which was concentration-dependent and could be blocked by spantide, an NK1 receptor antagonist. With 10－8, 10－7, 10－6 and 10－5 mol/L SP, IGABA was inhibited by 18%, 24.8%, 25.9% and 28% respectively. Intracellular application of H7, a potent inhibitor of PKC, abolished inhibition of IGABA by SP, suggesting that the inhibition of IGABA by SP may be a result of intracellular phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor.

OBJECTIVETo detect the hepatic tissue and serum level of TGFbeta1 in patients with viral hepatitis, in order to clarify their relationship of the starting, developing of hepatic fibrosis.

METHODSThis study included 92 patients with viral hepatitis. Liver puncture was performed in 31 patients. Hepatic collagen staining (Masson's three colors) and TGFbeta1 immunohistochemistry staining of the liver tissue specimens were performed, morphometric quantitative measurements of hepatic histological collagen and TGFbeta1 were made. The serum level of TGFFbeta1 was detected by ELISA.

RESULTSThe surface density of hepatic TGFbeta1 increased linearly with the elevation of fibrosis stage (P < 0.05), there were no significant differences between every two groups of G1, G2, G3 and G4 (P > 0.005). There was a closely positive correlation between the levels of TGFbeta1 in hepatic tissue and serum, the coefficient was 0.896 (P < 0.01). The levels of TGFbeta1 in tissue and serum both had positive correlation with hepatic collagen, coefficients were 0.863 and 0.667 (P < 0.001). The level of TGFbeta1 in tissue and serum both had positive correlation with serum levels of PCIII, HA, LN, CIV (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSThere was a closely relationship between the levels of TGFbeta1 in hepatic tissue and serum and liver fibrosis. The detection of TGFbeta1 in liver and serum are more sensitive than HA, LN, CIV in early period of hepatic fibrosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Collagen ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Liver ; chemistry ; Liver Cirrhosis ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis ; blood ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

This study was aimed to explore the expression level and correlation of MCL-1 and miR-29a in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) tissue. Maxvision immunohistochemistry technique and real time fluorescent quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression level of MCL-1 and miR-29a in tissue of 20 patients with ENKTCL and 10 patients with proliferative lymphadenitis, respectively. The results showed that the expression of MCL-1 protein were higher in patients with ENKTCL than that in patients with proliferative lymphadenitis, but there were no significant correlation between MCL-1 overexpression and age, sex, Ann Arbor stage and International Prognostic Index (IPI), respectively. Correlation analysis indicated that there was significant negative correlation between miR-29a expression and MCL-1 expression (r = -0.59, P = 0.016). It is concluded that miR-29a may target MCL-1 gene, regulate its expression, then participate in tumorigenesis and development of ENKTCL.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein ; genetics ; Young Adult

This study was aimed to investigate the clinico-pathological features, diagnosis and treatment of the 8p11 (eight p11) myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS). Morphological changes of cells were evaluated by bone marrow smear and biopsy. The cell immunophenotypes were analysed by flow cytometry. Karyotypes were determined by conventional cytogenetic method, and bcr/abl fusion gene was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicated that EMS was a relatively rare disease characterized by the occurrence of a bcr/abl-negative myeloproliferative disorder and a T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL). Bone marrow examination showed myeloid hyperplasia or myeloproliferative neoplasm, often accompanied by eosinophilia. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping showed increased myelomonoblasts; cytogenetic analysis showed a translocation at the 8p11 locus; RT-PCR demonstrated non bcr/abl fusion gene. At the molecular level, all cases carried a chromosomal abnormality involving the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) at chromosome 8p11. Up to now, 11 partner genes have been identified and associated with FGFR1 rearrangements. The most common partner is ZNF198 on chromosome 13q11-12. Majority of patients terminate in acute myeloid leukemia which is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Currently, the only curative option appears to be allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In conclusion, EMS is myeloid and lymphoid neoplasm, associates with FGFR1 rearrangements. It is usually misdiagnosed as T-LBL, atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) or chronic myelogenous-monocytic leukemia (CMML). Timely cytogenetic and molecular biological examination is vital in order to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
Bone Marrow Cells ; pathology ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myeloproliferative Disorders ; pathology ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; pathology ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo identify the localization of hair follicles stem cell (HFSC) in different stages of hair and explore the differentiating capacity of HFSC into epidermis in vitro.

METHODSHFSC were detected by K19 immunostaining in normal human skin. Then, the isolated HFSC through enzyme digestion were seeded on dermal equivalent (DE) and cultured between the air-liquid interfaces for 14 days. Skin-equivalents was harvested and used for evaluation.

RESULTSHFSC mainly located in outer root sheet in hair follicle and human anagen hair follicles containing two distinct reservoirs for K19-positive cells located in the bulge and bulb of the follicle. These two reservoirs fused in line of outer root sheets during the catagen-telogen transition phase and individualized again in the newly forming anagen hair follicle. Based on DE, growing HFSC built a multilayered and confined epidermis.

CONCLUSIONHFSC located in outer root sheets can promote hair cycle and differentiate into epidermis in vitro.

Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Epidermis ; cytology ; Hair Follicle ; cytology ; Humans ; Stem Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between the polymorphism in the DNA methyltransferase-3B (DNMT3B) gene promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-149C→T (rs2424913) and-579G→T(rs1569686) and the genetic susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Jiangsu population.

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from the leukocyte cell of blood samples collected from 544 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (including 280 cases of colon cancer and 264 cases of rectal cancer) since January 2009 and July 2010, in a hospital, Jiangsu Province. The same samples were collected from the other 533 control subjects. Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing analysis were employed to assess the polymorphism of DNMT3B gene promoter-149C→T and-579G→T.

RESULTSFor DNMT3B-149C→T, no significant deviation was observed in the genotype distributions of polymorphisms between CRC cases (TT: 98.90% (538/544); CT: 1.10% (6/544)) and controls (TT: 97.75% (521/533); CT: 2.25% (12/533)) (χ(2) = 2.07, P = 0.15). The CC genotype was not detected in either patients or control subjects. The DNMT3B-149CT genotype was not associated with the risk of CRC (adjusted OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.18 - 1.30). For DNMT3B-579G→T, the genotype distributions of polymorphisms in CRC patients (TT: 90.07% (490/544); GT: 9.19% (50/544); GG: 0.74% (4/544)) were significantly different from those in control group (TT: 81.80% (436/533); GT: 17.82% (95/533); GG: 0.38% (2/533)) (χ(2) = 15.49, P < 0.05). The results showed that the-579 G allele could significantly decrease the risk of CRC (adjusted OR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.35 - 0.72) in comparison with the -579 TT genotype. In addition, stratification analysis showed that for DNMT3B-579G→T, the genotype distributions of polymorphisms in colon cancer (TT: 92.50% (259/280); GT: 7.50% (21/280)) were significantly different from those in the controls (TT: 81.80% (436/533); GT: 17.82% (95/533); GG: 0.38% (2/533)) (χ(2) = 13.53, P < 0.05); and similar result was found in rectal cancer (TT: 87.50% (231/264); GT: 10.98% (29/264); GG: 1.52% (4/264)) and controls (TT: 81.80% (436/533); GT: 17.82% (95/533); GG: 0.38% (2/533)) (χ(2) = 5.64, P = 0.018). G allele carriers could decrease the risk of colon cancer (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.23 - 0.63), and the risk of rectal cancer (adjusted OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.42 - 0.99). However, for DNMT3B-149C→T , there were no significant deviation in the genotype distributions of polymorphisms between colon cancer (TT: 98.57% (276/280); CT: 1.43% (4/280)) and controls (TT: 97.75% (521/533); CT: 2.25% (12/533)) (χ(2) = 0.82, P = 0.366); and there was no significant deviation between rectal cancer (TT: 99.24% (262/264); CT: 0.76% (2/264)) and controls (TT: 97.75% (521/533); CT: 2.25% (12/533)) either (χ(2) = 1.89, P = 0.169).

CONCLUSIONOur research demonstrates that the-579 G allele is a potential protective factor for the occurrence of CRC, however, the polymorphism of DNMT3B-149 gene shows no close correlation with the occurrence and development of CRC among Chinese population.

Aged ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide