OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) in stage Ⅱ DNA mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) and mismatch repair- proficient (pMMR) colorectal cancers and explore their clinical significance. METHODS: We collected fresh stage Ⅱ colon cancer tissues with different MMR status detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The differentially expressed mRNAs between dMMR and pMMR tumors were identified by Affymetrix Human oeLncRNA gene chip, and the expression of SFRP4 in these cancer tissues and in colorectal cancer cell lines were detected using Western blotting and real- time quantitative PCR. The apoptosis rates of HCT116 cells with and without siRNA- mediated transient SFRP4 knockdown were determined using flow cytometry. We further investigated the expression pattern of Ki-67 and its correlation with SFRP4 expression. RESULTS: Compared with pMMR colon cancer tissues or cells, both dMMR colon cancer tissues (=0.014) and cells (=0.0079) showed significantly increased expression of SFRP4, which was in negative correlation with Ki-67 (=0.041). In HCT116 cells, transient SFRP4 knockdown resulted in decreased cell apoptosis, including both early apoptosis (=0.003) and late apoptosis (=0.024). CONCLUSIONS Up-regulation of SFRP4 in dMMR stage Ⅱ colon cancer promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of the cancer cells, and may improve the prognosis of dMMR colon cancer.
Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Colon ; metabolism ; pathology ; Colonic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; DNA Mismatch Repair ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; HCT116 Cells ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to observe the correlation of mTOR and VEGF gene with nephropathy indicators in diabetic rats. Methods Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were divided into diabetes mellitus group(DM=28)and control group(NDM=20). Diabetic models were produced by injection of streptozotocin. In the courses of 12,16,20 and 24 weeks,the histology scores(HS)and glomerular basement membrane(GBM)thickness were collected. The protein and mRNA expressions of the gene of mTOR,VEGF and VEGFR2 were observed by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-Q-PCR)by SYBR Green. And the standardized cycle of threshold(SCt)was regarded as the indicators of the mRNA expression. Results HS and GBM thickness were significantly higher in DM rats than those in NDM rats,especially in DM rats of the courses of 20 and 24 weeks(P < 0.01). IHC scores of VEGF and VEGFR2 were higher in total DM rats and were positively correlated with each other. There were positive correlations between HS with VEGF and VEGFR2 in total DM rats(P < 0.05). SCts of VEGF and VEGFR2 were significantly higher and were positively correlated with each other in total DM rats(P < 0.01). SCt of VEGF and GBM thickness showed positive correlation in total DM rats. SCt of VEGF was highest in the course of 12w DM rats. SCt of VEGFR2 gradually decreased following by the diabetic course,and was lowest in the course of 24w. There were no significantly differences in IHC scores and SCt of mTOR between DM and NDM rats. But the IHC scores of mTOR,VEGF and VEGFR2 were positively correlated with each other and with HS in total DM rats(P < 0.05). Conclusion HS and GBM thickness were higher in diabetic rats,especially in the course of 24w,which could reflect the injury of nephropathy. The protein and mRNA of VEGF and VEGFR2 were high expressed in kidney of DM rats and increased with the increasing of diabetic course. The mRNA expression of VEGF was positively correlated with GBM thickness of in diabetic nephropathy(DN). The protein expressions of mTOR,VEGF and VEGFR2 might have synergistic effects in DN of DM rats. But the results could not exclude the influences of different courses,sample size and experimental conditions.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of chemotherapy on survival of patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods:MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were supplemented by information from trial registers. RCT (randomized clinical trial) for chemotherapy of old generation and best supportive care in inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma was selected. Best supportive care may include some non-cytotoxic drug,such as tamoxifen,octreotide and so on. A quantitative meta-analysis using updated information basing on inclusion and exclusion criterion from all available RCT was carried out by two reviewers. The meta-analysis was based on 6 months survival rate and 1 year survival rate. Result:There was no significant improvement for chemotherapy of old generation in 6 months survival rate and 1 year survival rate as compared with best supportive care. Conclusions:There is no convincing evidence that inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma patients will benefit from chemotherapy. A large number of randomized controlled clinical studies should be performed to confirm the efficacy of chemotherapy.

To optimize the extraction technology of the total saponins in Dipsaci Radix, the extraction efficiency of total saponins was investigated with respecting to three variables including time, ethanol concentration and liquid-to-solid ratio. On the basis of a series of one-factor-at-a-time experiments, a polynomial regression model equation was fitted by the combined use of central composite experimental design and regression analysis. By analyzing the regression model using response surface analysis, the optimum extraction conditions of total saponins from Dipsaci Radix were identified as follows: 7 times of 55% alcohol, refluxing 3 times, 2.8 hours every time, and the extraction efficiency of total saponins was up to 0.201 1 g·g-1 and the asperosaponin Ⅵ was up to 0.015 4 g·g-1 under the optimized conditions. Confirmatory experiment indicated the good prediction ability of the established model and provided the basis for further development and utilization of Dipsaci Radix.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the level of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in whole blood among general population from 8 provinces in China, and to analyze the characteristics of distribution among different regions.

METHODSThis cross-sectional study was performed in 8 provinces from eastern, middle and western China between 2009 and 2010, including 13 110 subjects from 24 regions, and the blood and urine samples were collected. The ICP-MS was applied to test the content of ICP-MS in blood samples, and the results were used to analyze the characteristics of contents and distributions of Zn and Cu among population from different ages, genders and regions groups.

RESULTSTotally, the mean (95%CI) contents of Cu and Zn in blood were 795 (791-799)µg/L and 3 996(3 976-4 015) µg/L, respectively. The characteristics of distribution of Cu content were as followed, the content of males were lower than it of females (male:767 µg/L; female: 822 µg/L, t = -13.302, P < 0.01). The contents of blood Cu in groups of people aging 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were separately 860(853-868), 758(748-769), 734(728-734), 782(774-790), 811(795-827) and 820(815-826) µg/L. The differences showed statistical significance (F = 78.77, P < 0.01). The blood Cu content of people in eastern China (800µg/L) were also significantly higher than it in middle (774 µg/L)and western China (782 µg/L) (F = 10.94, P < 0.01). Distribution of blood Zn content showed characteristics as follows: the Zn content was higher in males than in females (male 4 085 µg/L and female 3 908 µg/L, t = 8.78, P < 0.01). The contents of blood Zn in groups of people aging 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were separately 3 306 (3 261-3 350), 3 888 (3 839-3 937), 3 948 (3 902-3 994), 4 272(4 228-4 315), 4 231(4 180-4 281) and 4 250 (4 205-4 294)µg/L, which showed significant statistical differences (F = 233.68, P < 0.01). The blood Zn content of people in eastern China (3 938 µg/L) were significantly lower than it in middle (4 237 µg/L)and western China (4 105 µg/L) (F = 53.16, P < 0.01). In addition, the study also compared the relation between content of Cu and Zn and the frequency of eating seafood. The results found that the frequency of eating seafood could influence the content of Cu and Zn (Cu: F = 13.54, P < 0.01; Zn: F = 200.20, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe contents and distributions of Cu and Zn in blood differs among people from different groups in ages, genders and regions. The baseline data of this study provided reliable scientific evidence for further research.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Copper ; blood ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Zinc ; blood

OBJECTIVETo assess the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons monohydroxy metabolites in urine of general population in China among 8 provinces, provide the baseline of the metabolites in the general population.

METHODSFrom 2009 to 2010, 18 120 subjects of general population aged 6-60 years old were recruited from 24 areas among 8 provinces in east, west and central areas of China mainland by cluster random sampling. The information of the living environment and health condition were collected by questionnaire and spot urine samples were collected, 4 680 urine samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and monohydroxy metabolites distribution in urine among groups of gender and ages were analysed.

RESULTSGeometric means (GM) of 2-naphthol, 1-naphthol, 3-phenanthrol and 1-hydroxypyrene concentration in urine (95%CI) were 1.85 (1.75-1.95), 1.55 (1.50-1.61), 0.57 (0.54-0.59) and 0.82 (0.78-0.85) µg/L, respectively;and median are 2.44, <0.50, 0.72 and 0.90 µg/L, respectively. The concentration between male and female were significantly different (P < 0.01), and the concentration among the groups of population were significantly different (P < 0.01), the GM of 2-naphthol among the groups of population aged 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were 1.60, 1.56, 1.69, 2.23, 1.91 and 1.86 µg/L (χ(2) = 17.90, P < 0.01), the GM of 1-naphthol in the groups were 1.30, 1.16, 1.53, 1.68, 1.80 and 1.52 µg/L (χ(2) = 76.22, P < 0.01), the GM of 3-phenanthrol in the groups were 0.78, 0.76, 0.55, 0.42, 0.50 and 0.99 µg/L (χ(2) = 66.48, P < 0.01), the GM of 1-hydroxypyrene in the groups were 0.77,0.64, 1.00, 0.84, 0.84 and 0.57 µg/L (χ(2) = 51.48, P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe distribution of monohydroxy metabolites levels in urine of general population were different, it provided a basic data for the further study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons biomonitoring in the population.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Naphthols ; urine ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ; urine ; Pyrenes ; urine ; Sentinel Surveillance ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluated the levels of arsenic (As) in blood and urine among general population in China and analyze its influencing factors.

METHODSA total of 18 120 subjects from general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland from 2009 to 2010, by cluster random sampling method. Blood samples and urine samples were collected, the information of the life-style was collected by questionnaire.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied to test the As level in the samples, and the distribution of As in blood and urine for different ages, genders, areas and life habits were then analyzed.

RESULTSThe geometric mean (GM) of blood As concentration among general population was 2.33 µg/L;the GM of blood As in male (2.35 µg/L) was higher than and female (2.30 µg/L) (Z = -1.42, P < 0.05); from eastern, central to western China, the blood As level were 2.94, 1.30 and 0.98 µg/L (χ(2) = 643.22, P < 0.05) , respectively; the GM in smokers (2.84 µg/L) was higher than non-smokers (2.27) (Z = -6.28, P < 0.05) ;the seafood consumer had a higher blood As level (2.59 µg/L) than people not consuming seafood (1.47 µg/L) (Z = -23.68, P < 0.05). The urine As level of the whole population was 13.72 µg/L;while its GM in male (14.10 µg/L) was higher than female (13.33 µg/L) (Z = -3.94, P < 0.05); the values from eastern, central to western China were 14.14, 16.02 and 9.57 µg/L (χ(2) = 353.89, P < 0.05), respectively;the level in smokers (16.06 µg/L) was higher than nonsmokers (13.70 µg/L) (Z = -2.63, P < 0.05); the level in seafood consumers (14.82 µg/L) was higher than people not consuming seafood (10.99 µg/L) (Z = -3.20, P < 0.05). The blood As level had a positive correlation with urine As level (correlation coefficient:0.285, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe As level in blood and urine varied by gender and area among general population in China, and related to life-styles. There was a positive correlation between As level in blood and that in urine.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arsenic ; blood ; urine ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sentinel Surveillance ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in blood and urine among general population in China, and thereby analyze their prevalent features.

METHODSA total of 18 120 subjects from general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland from 2009 to 2010, by cluster random sampling method. The blood samples and urine samples of these people were collected. The questionnaire survey was used to collect the information of the living environment and health conditions.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied to test the Pb and Cd levels in the samples, and the distribution of Pb and Cd in blood and urine for different ages, genders, areas and life habits were then analyzed.

RESULTSAmong the general population in China, the geometric mean (GM) of blood Pb concentration was 34.9 µg/L; the GM of blood Pb in male and female groups were 40.1 and 30.4 µg/L (Z = -28.05, P < 0.05), respectively; the GM from eastern, central and western China were 31.2, 38.8 and 58.9 µg/L (χ(2) = 1 483.33, P < 0.05) , respectively. The GM of urine Pb of the whole population was 1.05 µg/L;while the GM in male and female groups were 1.06 µg/L and 1.05 µg/L (Z = -0.73, P > 0.05) , respectively;the values from eastern, central and western China were 0.76, 2.85 and 3.22 µg/L (χ(2) = 1 982.11, P < 0.05), respectively. The GM of blood Cd concentration among general population was 0.49 µg/L; and the values in male and female group were 0.60 and 0.41 µg/L (Z = -11.79, P < 0.05) , respectively; the GM from eastern, central and western China were 0.45, 0.65 and 0.67 µg/L (χ(2) = 69.87, P < 0.05), respectively; the GM of urine Cd concentration of the whole population was 0.28 µg/L, while the GM in male and female groups were 0.29 and 0.28 µg/L (Z = -3.86, P < 0.05), respectively; the values from eastern, central and western China were 0.29,0.42 and 0.18 µg/L (χ(2) = 402.76, P < 0.05), respectively. the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for Cd in blood and Cd in urine was 0.22, for Pb in blood and Pb in urine was 0.21. Both the correlations were statistic significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe Pb and Cd levels in blood and urine were relatively higher among general population in China varying by gender and area. There were positive correlations between Pb and Cd levels in blood and those in urine.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cadmium ; blood ; urine ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Lead ; blood ; urine ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sentinel Surveillance ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluated the manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) levels in blood and urine among general population in China, and thereby to analyze their prevalent features.

METHODSFrom 2009 to 2010, a total of 18 120 subjects of general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland, by cluster random sampling method. The information about their living environment and health status were collected by questionnaire, and their blood and urine samples were also collected.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to test the Mn, Co and Mo levels of blood and urine samples, and the Mn, Co, Mo distribution in blood and urine among groups of population in different ages and genders were then analyzed.

RESULTSAmong general population in China, the geometric mean (GM) of Mn concentration in blood was 8.98 µg/L. The Mn concentration in blood among males and females were separately 8.14 µg/L and 9.88 µg/L (Z = -18.84, P < 0.01). The GM of Mn concentration in urine was 0.63 µg/L. The Mn concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.62 µg/L and 0.63 µg/L (Z = -0.67, P > 0.05). The geometric mean (GM) of Co concentration in blood was 0.194 µg/L. The Co concentration in blood among males and females were separately 0.166 µg/L and 0.225 µg/L (Z = -23.04, P < 0.01). The GM of Co concentration in urine was 0.282 µg/L. The Co concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.260 µg/L and 0.307 µg/L (Z = -7.35, P < 0.01). The GM of Mo concentration in blood was 0.25 µg/L. The Mo concentration in blood among male and female group were separately 0.27 µg/L and 0.23 µg/L (Z = -5.03, P < 0.01). The GM of Mo concentration in urine was 27.7 µg/L. The Mo concentration in urine among males and females were 29.8 µg/L and 25.6 µg/L (Z = -6.31, P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe Mn, Co and Mo levels in blood and urine varied by gender and area among general population in China, the study provided basic data evidence for the following Mn, Co and Mo biological monitoring studies in near future.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cobalt ; Environmental Exposure ; Environmental Monitoring ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Manganese ; Middle Aged ; Molybdenum

ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-term effect and side effects of ICE regimen treating the patients with relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL). MethodsTwenty-five patients with relapsed and refractory NHL were treated with ICE regimen. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. ResultsThe total effective rate was 76.0％ for 25 patients,The response rate(PR) was 60.0％. The main side effects were marrow suppression including of leucopenia and thrombocytopenia,no patients dead for toxic reactions of chemotherapy. ConclusionICE regimen was a safe and effective salvage regimen for the patients with relapsed and refractory NHL.