Objective To probe CT grading criteria of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer.Methods Retrieved articles in CNKI and PubMed about value of CT in preoperative assessment of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer last ten years.Results Multislice helical CT is considered the best imaging method to assess the invaded peripancreatic vessels in pancreatic cancer.There are different CT criteria of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer based on extension of hypodense tumor and its relation to blood vessels,on the degree of circumferential contiguity of tumor to vessel,on the degree of lumen stenosis,and on the degree of contiguity between tumor and vessels combined vascular caliber.Conclusion CT grading criteria are not uniform,each one has defects.

Retinoid acid and its derivatives have shown promising perspective in clinical use and lab research on the leukemia and other solid tumor cells.Some of these compounds have a stronger apoptotic potential,a lower level of cytotoxicity and a better pharmacokinetic profile than all-trans retinoic acid.The apoptosis pathways induced by these compounds are different from traditional p53-dependent pathway which recruited by many chemotherapeutics.Due to its specific molecular mechanism,these compounds could induce apoptosis in retinoic acid-resistant or multi-drug-resistant tumor cells.This paper reviews the current research on apoptosis induced by analogues of retinoid acid.

Objective To investigate the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its clinical significance. Methods The study included 36 patients with CAD and 10 non-coronary heart disease patients as the control. The concentrations of serum VEGF in the coronary veins and the aorta were measured by an enzyme-linked immunsorbent assay (ELISA). Total mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and were cultured in M199 medium supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum. After 7 days culture, attached cells were collected. The effect of VEGF on the migration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were assayed with modified Boyden chamber assay. Results The serum VEGF levels of stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients (208.46?44.74 ?g/L) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (267.29?93.99 ?g/L) were much higher than that of the controls group (120.77?26.25 ?g/L,P

BACKGROUND:The type B synoviocytes induced by transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) have the potential to differentiate into chondrocyte,which can remain the phenotype in vitro. However,whether the transfected cell combined with scaffold can form cartilage tissues need further research. OBJECTIVE:Rabbit type B synoviocytes was transfected by liposome method in vitro,combined the cells with Pluronic-F127,and then implanted into nude mouse to construct tissue engineering cartilage. Additionally,to explore the feasibility of synoviocytes differentiate into chondrocytes.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:The randomized animal experiment of cytology observation. The experiment was performed at the Medical Research Center,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between April 2007 and May 2008.MATERIALS:Healthy New Zealand white rabbits,aged 3 months,and 12 BALB/c nude mice,aged 4 weeks,weighted 20 g.METHODS:The synovial membrane tissues were taken out from the rabbit knee,isolated by enzyme digestion,and then transfected. The positive cloning was screened by G418,and the expression of TGF-β1 and collagen Ⅱ was detected. The Pluronic-F127 was dissolved at 4℃ and prepared fluid with concentration of 30%. The fluid was mixed with cells. At the same time,there were 2 groups as the control group:chondrocytes with Pluronic-F127,and synoviocytes transfeced by pcDNA3.1(+)and Pluronic-F127. The cell density was 5x1010/L. Each compound (0.2 mL) was injected into the subcutaneous of the nude mouse back. Rats were sacrificed at weeks 4,6 and 8 to harvest samples.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Cell growth curve;phenotype change of the cells after transfection;histological observation of the tissue in the subcutaneous of the nude mouse back. RESULTS:Cell growth curve demonstrated that the living activity of the transfected cells was temporary decreased,which returned into normal level at days 6,7 after transfection. At day 4 after transfection,TGF β1 were positive expressed,and at day 7,the collagen Ⅱ staining were positive. The compounds in the subcutaneous of the nude mouse back formed immature chondroid tissues at week 4,which turned to mature chondroid tissue at week 8,and the collagen Ⅱ staining were positive.CONCLUSION:The transfected synoviocytes can express the phenotype of chondrocytes in vitro,and form chondrocyte-likecells. The transfected synoviocytes with Pluronic-F127 can form chondroid tissues in nude mice.

Objective To evaluate the value of plain and dual-phasic enhanced 16-slice CT in the diagnosis and preoperative TNM staging of the gastric carcinoma,and to discuss the relationship between image signs and pathologic findings.Methods Fifty-three cases of the gastric carcinoma confirmed histopathologically underwent 16-slice CT examination.The scan protocol included plain scanning,the arterial phase and portal venous phase scanning.The manifestation of the three series images and multiplanar reconstruction(MPR) images were analyzed.Results ①The accuracies of 16-slice CT for the T stage,the N stage and the M stage of the gastric carcinoma were 83.02%,80.00% and 92.45% respectively.②The overall accuracy of 16-slice CT for judging TNM stage was 84.91%.Conclusion The plain scan and dual phase enhanced scans of 16-slice CT,especially the thin slice and MPR with proper windows technique are helpful for the diagnosis of gastric carcinoma and the TNM stage,which is useful for the selection of the operative project and the therapy plan.

Objective To study the spiral CT features of gastrointestinal invasion by carcinoma of gallbladder. Methods Eight patients with surgical-pathologically documented gastrointestinal invasion by carcinoma of gallbladder were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent plain and contrast-enhanced dual-phase scanning of the abdomen. Oral contrast medium (1.2% Angiografin) was used to fill the gastrointestinal tract before CT scanning. Results There were 2 cases of gastric antrum invasion, 6 duodenal invasion and 3 colonic invasion according to the surgical and pathological findings. Spiral CT correctly diagnosed 2 gastric invasion and 4 duodenal invasion based on several imaging features, like blurring of fat plane, focal wall thickening and luminal narrowing of involved gastrointestinal segments, and mass formation. However CT was unable to diagnose the 3 cases of hepatic flexure of colon invasion. Conclusion CT is valuable for diagnosing upper gastrointestinal tract invasion by carcinoma of gallbladder, yet the diagnosis of hepatic flexure of colon invasion is still difficult.

Objective To investigate the features of gallbladder carcinoma in two-phase spiral CT, and to analysis the values of two-phase spiral CT for the differential diagnosis between gallbladder carcinoma and chronic cholecystitis. Methods The two-phase spiral CT manifestations of 30 cases of gallbladder carcinoma, proved by surgery and pathology, and 30 cases of chronic cholecystitis were analyzed. Results According to the CT findings, the gallbladder carcinoma was categorized into 3 types: intraluminal mass of gallbladder in 6 out of 30 (20.0%), thickening of the gallbladder wall in 11 (33.7%), and mass replacing the normal gallbladder in 13(43.4%). The most common enhancement patterns of the wall in gallbladder carcinoma were hyperattenuation during the arterial phase, while isoattenuation with the adjacent hepatic parenchyma during the venous phase; or hyperattenuation during both phases. The most common enhancement pattern of the wall in chronic cholecystitis was isoattenuation during both phases, with clear hypoattenuation linear shadow in the gallbladder fossa. Other ancillary features of gallbladder carcinomas included: infiltration of the adjacent parenchyma, local lymphadenopathy and intrahepatic metastasis. Conclusion Two-phase spiral CT scan can identify the features of the gallbladder carcinoma and is helpful for the differential diagnosis of these two different disease entities.

AIM: To study the changes of brain - derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) expression in gene modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSC) .
●METHODS:BMSC were divided into blank control group ( without transfected BMSC ) , negative control group ( empty vector without BDNF gene transfected BMSC) and experimental group ( BDNF gene transfected BMSC) . The expression of BDNF mRNA in BMSC was measured by Realtime PCR, and the expression of BDNF in BMSC was measured by ELlSA.
●RESULTS:The BDNF mRNA expressions of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8-generation BMSC cells in the experimental group were higher than those in the blank control group and negative control group. The differences were statistically significant (P3: F=491. 788, P<0. 05; P4: F=380. 112, P<0. 05;P5:F=1854. 929, P<0. 05; P6: F=224. 540, P<0. 05;P7:F=619. 155, P<0. 05; P8: F=10. 092, P<0. 05). As the BMSC cells in the experimental group passaging, the BDNF mRNA expressions in the experimental group decreased. The difference of BDNF mRNA expression among different passage cells was statistically significant (F=298. 603, P<0. 05). The BDNF secretion of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8-generation BMSC cells in the experimental group were higher than those in the blank control group and negative control group. The differences were statistically significant (P3: F=520. 609, P<0. 05; P4: F=734. 520, P<0. 05;P5:F=152. 847, P<0. 05;P6:F=80. 372, P<0. 05; P7:F=96. 083, P<0. 05;P8:F=38. 532, P<0. 05). As the BMSC cells in the experimental group passaging, the BDNF secretion decreased. The difference of BDNF secretion among different passage cells was statistically significant (F=230. 084, P<0. 05).
●CONCLUSION:Long-term expression of BDNF in BMSC can be enhanced by genetic engineering.

Objective:To explore the protective effect of emodin on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury and its mechanism.Methods:A total of 40 male BALB/c mice were randomly (random number) divided into 5 groups ( n=8 in each group): the control group, the emodin group, the D-GalN/LPS group, the emodin+D-GalN/LPS group and the 3-MA+emodin+D-GalN/LPS group. D-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (10 μg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected to induce acute liver injury in mice. Autophagy inhibitor 3-MA (15 mg/kg) and/or emodin (20 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected 30 min before the liver injury model. The animals were sacrificed under anaesthesia 6 h after D-GalN/LPS challenge, blood samples and liver tissues were collected. The levels of alanineaminotransferase (ALT) and aspartateaminotransferase (AST) in serum, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of liver tissues were determined by colorimetric quantitative method; the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA; the expression of LC3-II and Beclin 1 in the liver tissues were evaluated by Western blot; the pathological changes of liver was evaluated by HE staining. Animal survival rate was also analyzed. The one-way ANOVA was use to compare quantitative data, SNK- q test was used for pairwise comparison between two groups, and Games-Howell test was used when homogeneity of variance were not met. Results:Compared with the control group, the levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6 and MPO activity [(2 476.80 ± 263.14) U/L, (271.71 ± 47.15) U/L, (537.92 ± 89.35) pg/mL, (169.74 ± 25.52) pg/mL, and (1.37 ± 0.22) U/mg] were obviously increased in the D-GalN/LPS group ( P<0.05). Compared with the D-GalN/LPS group, the levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6 and MPO activity [(1 248.01 ± 380.70) U/L, (142.59 ± 34.63) U/L, (288.91 ± 67.21) pg/mL, (61.83 ± 13.64) pg/mL, and (0.80 ± 0.21) U/mg] were obviously decreased in the emodin+ D-GalN/LPS group ( P<0.05). Compared with the D-GalN/LPS group, the histopathological abnormalities in liver tissue were significantly alleviated and the survival rate of mice was improved in the emodin+ D-GalN/LPS group. Compared with the control group, the expression of LC3-II and Beclin1 was decreased in the liver tissue in the D-GalN/LPS group, while compared with the D-GalN/LPS group, the expression of LC3-II and Beclin1 was increased in the emodin+ D-GalN/LPS group. With co-administration of 3-MA, the protective effects of emodin in acute liver injury were reversed, the levels of AST, ALT, TNF-α, IL-6, and MPO [(2 398.78 ± 233.57) U/L, (242.79 ± 43.46) U/L, (505.07 ± 67.89) pg/mL, (151.46 ± 14.11) pg/mL, and (1.27 ± 0.15) U/mg] were increased, and the pathological damage of liver tissue was aggravated. Conclusions:Emodin alleviates D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury in mice, which may be related to the activation of protein LC3-II, Beclin1 and restored autophagy.

Objective To investigate the experimental methods of transferring the synoviocytes with the reconstructed pcDNA3.1-TGF-β1 gene by the liposomes and study the feasibility of self-induction of synoviocytes to the chondrocytes in vitro so as to provide a scientific and experimental basis for the further gene enhanced tissue engineering research in articular cartilage repair.Methods Synoviocytes were cultivate in vitro and purified to construct the eucaryotic expression plasmid carrying the recombinant rabbit TGF-β1 gene.By means of Lipofectamine 2000,the synoviocytes were transfected with pcDNA3.1-TGF-β1 (experimental group) and with pcDNA3.1 ( + ) blank plasmid (control group).The synoviocytes free from transfection was set as blank group.After 48 hours of transfection,the cells were screened by G418.Representative sections from among the positive clones were used for RT-PCR assay of instant expression of TGF-β1.The other sections were used for immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies to TGF β1.Screening of cells by G418 was continued for 12 days of cell counting and drawing the growth curve.The antigens of TGF-β1 and collagen Ⅱ were examined every week three weeks after transfection.All images were processed by using analysis instrument (Image-Pro Plus V6.0).Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS 13.0 software package.The difference between groups was tested by using variance ( ANOVA) analysis.Results The transfection efficiency in experimental group was 18% ,with temporary decreased living activity of the transfected cells shown by growth curve.The cell population decreased to 3.6 × 104/ml four days after transfection.After 72 hours of transfection,the positive fragment of TGF-β1 was detected by RT-PCR assay,and immunohistochemical staining of antibiotics to TGF-β1 showed positive particles only in the experimental group.After three weeks of tranfection,the immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies to TGF-β1 and type Ⅱ collagen showed that there were positive particles in the transfected cells in the experimental group,with no positive particle in the control and blank groups.According to the results of Image-Pro Plus V6.0,PU value of anti-TGF-β1 was (19.04±1.26) seven days after transfection,while that of control and blank groups were (4.07 ± 0.65)and (3.23 ±0.56) respectively,with statistical difference (P<0.05).PU value of anti-type Ⅱ collagen in experimental group,control group and blank group was (13.74 ± 1.27),(4.62 ±0.56) and (3.93 ± 0.38) 14 days after transfection,with statistical difference ( P < 0.05).Conclusions Transfection of the rabbit articular synoviocytes with the reconstructed pcDNA3.1-TGF-β1 gene can be successfully accomplished by using Lipofectamine 2000 method.The transfected synoviocytes can express TGF-β1 and excrete type Ⅱ collagen,have chondrogenic potential when transfected by pcDNA3.1-TGF-β1 gene and can be used as candidate cells for repair of articular cartilage.