Background Nonylphenol (NP) is a typical phenolic endocrine disruptor, and there are significant differences in NP concentration in different regions and water types. Objective To investigate the concentration of NP in three types (river, lake, and reservoir) of water sources in Hubei Province, and assess its ecological risk and population health risk. Methods Fifteen sampling points were set up at four river water sources (Liangtingshan Waterworks, Baishazhou Waterworks, Dijiao Waterworks, and Zongguan Waterworks), one lake water source (Liangzi Lake), and one reservoir water source (Fushui Reservoir). Water samples were collected from the 15 sampling points in June 2019 (wet season), October 2019 (level season), and December 2019 (dry season), respectively. The NP concentration in water samples was detected using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the differences in NP concentration among groups were compared using variance analysis. The ecological risk and the health risk of NP were evaluated using risk quotient (RQ) and non-carcinogenic risk index (NCRI), respectively. Results The detection rate of NP was 100%, with an average concentration of (18.10±15.00) ng·L⁻¹ (5.45-92.71 ng·L⁻¹). The average concentrations of NP during the level, wet, and dry seasons were (11.52±5.31) ng·L⁻¹, (23.86±22.08) ng·L⁻¹, and (18.93±9.51) ng·L⁻¹, respectively, and the maximum concentrations were 24.62 ng·L⁻¹, 92.71 ng·L⁻¹, and 42.38 ng·L⁻¹, respectively. The variance analysis showed no statistical difference in the NP concentration in the samples from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in different periods (P>0.05). Only the water samples from the water source serving the Zongguan Waterworks showed an RQ (0.19) greater than 0.1 during the wet season, indicating a moderate risk. The RQ values of other water samples were all less than 0.1, indicating an overall relatively low ecological risk. The highest NCRI values during the level, wet, and dry seasons were 0.1459, 0.5492, and 0.2511, respectively, all less than 1, indicating an acceptable health risk level. Conclusion The NP concentrations in all water sources in this study are at a relatively low level, which poses an acceptable risk level to human health.

Objective: To investigate the awareness of air pollution protection knowledge and its influencing factors among primary school students in Shennongjia Forest District, Hubei Province, so as to provide insights into targeting implementation of health education on air pollution protection knowledge. Methods: Students in Grade 3 to 5 in Shennongjia Shiyan primary school were enrolled by stratified cluster sampling method, and students' demographic features and awareness of air pollution protection knowledge were investigated using the Investigation on the Effects of Air Pollution Health Protection of Pupils (Volume A). Factors affecting the awareness of air pollution protection knowledge among primary school students were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 897 questionnaires were allocated, and 877 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 97.77%. The respondents included 446 men (50.86%) and 431 women (49.14%), 301 third grade students (34.32%), 284 fourth grade students (32.38%), and 292 fifth grade students (33.30%), and had a mean age of (10.32±0.93) years. The overall awareness of air pollution protection was 55.76%, and the awareness rates of basic concepts, basic knowledge, and basic behaviors and skills were 42.99%, 53.48% and 57.24%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age (OR=1.453, 95%CI: 1.053-2.005), living with parents (OR=2.638, 95%CI: 1.571-4.429), mother's educational level (below primary school, OR=0.270, 95%CI: 0.084-0.862; primary school, OR=0.169, 95%CI: 0.069-0.416; junior high school, OR=0.309, 95%CI: 0.138-0.691; high school, OR=0.352, 95%CI: 0.160-0.773) and average annual family income (50 000 to 100 000 Yuan, OR=1.629, 95%CI: 1.162-2.282; 100 000 to 150 000 Yuan, OR=1.802, 95%CI: 1.101-2.948; ≥150 000 Yuan, OR=1.939, 95%CI: 1.065-3.529) as factors affecting the awareness of air pollution protection knowledge among primary school students. Conclusion The awareness of air pollution protection knowledge is 55.76% among primary school students in Shennongjia Forest District, and is affected by age, mother's educational level, average annual family income and living with parents.

Objective To observe the effects of minimally invasive puncture and drainage combined with urokinase on the severity of cerebral edema,serum malondialdehyde(MDA),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)after cerebral hemorrhage.Methods A total of 82 patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(HICH)admitted to our hospital were retrospectively enrolled between January 2020 and September 2022.According to different treatment methods,they were divided into two groups:observation group(44 cases,control group combined with UK)and control group(38 cases,control treatment).The cerebral edema volume,nerve function[National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)]and serological indexes(MDA,MMP-9,ICAM-1)in both groups were observed.The occurrence of postoperative complications was recorded.The prognosis[scores of Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS)and activity of daily living scale(ADL),death]in the two groups was compared at 3 months after surgery.Results At 14d after surgery,peripheral cerebral edema volume in the observation group was smaller than that in the control group[(14.76±2.39)ml vs(16.87±2.24)ml,P＜0.05],NIHSS score was lower than that in the control group[(11.12±1.96)points vs(11.96±1.65)points,P＜0.05].The levels of serum MDA,MMP-9 and ICAM-1 in the observation group were(8.65±1.16)nmol/ml,(96.17±19.34)ng/ml and(624.31±32.76)μg/ml,respectively,which were lower than those in the control group[(16.14±2.16)nmol/ml,(120.47±21.32)ng/ml,(661.24±35.21)μg/ml,P＜0.05].There was no significant difference in incidence of postoperative complications between the observation group and the control group(9.09％vs 18.42％,P＞0.05).There was no death in either group within 3 months after surgery.At 3 months after surgery,GOS and ADL scores in the observation group were(4.03±0.92)points and(71.21±12.65)points,which were higher than those in the control group[(3.52±1.12)points,(62.98±15.58)points,P＜0.05].Conclusion The control combined with UK can effectively control cerebral edema,down-regulate MDA,MMP-9 and ICAM-1 levels,protect nerve function and improve prognosis in HICH patients.

Foreign body reactions induced by macrophages often cause delay or failure of wound healing in the application of tissue engineering scaffolds. This study explores the application of nanosilver (NAg) to reduce foreign body reactions during scaffold transplantation. An NAg hybrid collagen-chitosan scaffold (NAg-CCS) was prepared using the freeze-drying method. The NAg-CCS was implanted on the back of rats to evaluate the effects on foreign body reactions. Skin tissue samples were collected for histological and immunological evaluation at variable intervals. Miniature pigs were used to assess the effects of NAg on skin wound healing. The wounds were photographed, and tissue samples were collected for molecular biological analysis at different time points post-transplantation. NAg-CCS has a porous structure and the results showed that it could release NAg constantly for two weeks. The NAg-CCS group rarely developed a foreign body reaction, while the blank-CCS group showed granulomas or necrosis in the subcutaneous grafting experiment. Both matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were reduced significantly in the NAg-CCS group. The NAg-CCS group had higher interleukin (IL)-10 and lower IL-6 than the blank CCS group. In the wound healing study, M1 macrophage activation and inflammatory-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-6, and interferon-‍γ (IFN-‍γ)) were inhibited by NAg. In contrast, M2 macrophage activation and proinflammatory proteins (arginase-1, major histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II), and found in inflammatory zone-1 (FIZZ-1)) were promoted, and this was responsible for suppressing the foreign body responses and accelerating wound healing. In conclusion, dermal scaffolds containing NAg suppressed the foreign body reaction by regulating macrophages and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, thereby promoting wound healing.
Animals ; Rats ; Swine ; Interleukin-6 ; Macrophage Activation ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; Wound Healing ; Foreign-Body Reaction ; Foreign Bodies ; Chitosan

Objective To investigate the pollution characteristics and potential health risks of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in Qingshan District, Wuhan. Methods The PM_2.5 samples were collected in Qingshan District of Wuhan for 7 days every and each month from the year 2016 to 2017. The components were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The potential health risks were assessed based on the standard method recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Results The average annual mass concentration of PM_2.5 was 60.06 μg/m³, exceeding the ambient air quality standard of China. The average annual mass concentration of 4 water-soluble anions and cations was 17.80 μg/m³, accounting for 31.40% of PM_2.5. The sum of NO₃^- and SO₄^2- accounted for more than 70% of the total ions with an average ratio of 0.72, and the source was mainly the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. The average annual mass concentration of 12 metal elements in PM_2.5 was 0.27 μg/m³, with the main elements being Al, Pb, and Mn. The average concentration of As and Cr exceeded the annual average limit of ambient air quality standards. The annual average concentration of 16 types of PAHs was 15.72 ng/m³, of which the average BaP concentration was 1.32 ng/m³ in 2016, which was higher than the second-level limit in China, and 0.63 ng/m³ in 2017, which was lower than the limit. The risk assessment results showed that the percentile distribution of chronic non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects of both PAHs and As was relatively high, while Mn had certain chronic non-carcinogenic health risks, and Cr and Cd had certain carcinogenic risks. Conclusion In recent years, the air quality pollution in Qingshan District of Wuhan had been reduced, but it was still higher than the secondary air quality standard of China. The chronic non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects of some elements in PM_2.5 exceeded acceptable levels, , which should be further emphasized.

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of astaxanthin on acute kidney injury in rats with full-thickness burns.Methods:Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats of 8 to 10 weeks were divided into sham injury group, simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group according to the random number table, with 8 rats in each group. The back skin of rats in sham injury group were immersed in warm water of 20 ℃ for 15 s to simulate burn injury, and the back skin of rats in the other 5 groups were immersed in boiled water of 100 ℃ for 15 s to inflict full-thickness burn of 30% total body surface area. Fluid resuscitation was performed in rats in the 5 groups except of sham injury group immediately and 6 h after injury. At 30 min after injury, the rats in sham injury group and simple burn group were injected with 1 mL/kg normal saline via tail vein, rats in burn+ vehicle group were injected with 1 mL/kg astaxanthin solvent via tail vein, and rats in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were respectively injected with 5, 10, 20 mg/kg astaxanthin solution of 5, 10, 20 mg/mL via tail vein. The renal tissue was collected at post injury hour (PIH) 48, and hematoxylin eosin staining was used for histopathological observation and renal tubular injury score. At PIH 48, the venous blood was collected for detecting serum creatinine level through blood biochemical analyzer, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The renal tissue was collected to detect the mRNA expressions of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, and the protein expressions of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-кB) p65, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were detected by Western blotting. Besides, the expression of HO-1 in renal tissue was detected by immunofluorescence method. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis H test, Dunn-Sidák correction, one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni method. Results:(1) At PIH 48, there were no inflammatory cell infiltrating and degeneration or necrosis of cells in renal tissue of rats in sham injury group, and the structure of renal tubules was intact. The renal tubules of burn rats in each group showed injury manifestation of separation between epithelial cell and basement membrane, and vacuole cells and lysate protein aggregation. The injury degree of renal tissue of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group was obviously decreased compared with that in simple burn group. (2) At PIH 48, compared with that of sham injury group, the renal tubular damage scores of rats in simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group and burn+ vehicle group, the renal tubular damage scores of rats in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with that of burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, the renal tubular damage score of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group was significantly decreased ( P<0.01). (3) At PIH 48, the level of serum creatinine of rats in sham injury group was (2.42±0.06) mg/L, which was significantly lower than (6.11±0.11), (6.48±0.08), (5.79±0.09), (4.03±0.12) mg/L of simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). The level of BUN of rats was (21.9±1.3) mmol/L in sham injury group, significantly lower than (32.1±7.4) mmol/L of simple burn group and (30.2±4.8) mmol/L of burn+ vehicle group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 48, compared with those of simple burn group and burn+ vehicle group, the levels of serum creatinine and BUN of (16.0±2.9) mmol/L in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, serum creatinine of (3.02±0.08) mg/L and BUN of (14.5±2.9) mmol/L in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group, and serum creatinine of (22.8±5.5) mmol/L of rats in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 48, compared with those of burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, the levels of serum creatinine and BUN of burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group and serum creatinine of burn+ medium-dose group were obviously decreased ( P<0.05 or P< 0.01). (4) At PIH 48, compared with those of sham injury group, the mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1β, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats in simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ medium dose astaxanthin group, and the mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were obviously increased ( P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group and burn+ vehicle group, the mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1β, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats were significantly decreased in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group ( P<0.01). Compared with those of burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, the mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1β, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats were significantly decreased in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group ( P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1β, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased compared with those of burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group ( P<0.01). (5) At PIH 48 h, compared with those of sham injury group, the protein expressions of TLR4 and p-NF-кB p65 in renal tissue of rats in simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were obviously increased ( P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group, the protein expressions of TLR4 and p-NF-кB p65 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.01). (6) The results of Western blotting combined with immunofluorescence method showed that compared with that of sham injury group, the protein expression of HO-1 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly increased at PIH 48 ( P<0.01), and the protein expression of HO-1 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group was significantly increased compared with that of simple burn group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Astaxanthin can attenuate the structural damage and functional decline of renal tissue and regulate the release of injury-related inflammatory factors, thus to protect the rats from acute kidney injury after burn. The HO-1/TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway is the main regulatory mechanism of astaxanthin to achieve anti-inflammation-based renoprotection.

Gastrodin is a phenolic glycoside that has been demonstrated to provide neuroprotection in preclinical models of central nervous system disease, but its effect in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear. In this study, we showed that intraperitoneal administration of gastrodin (100 mg/kg per day) significantly attenuated the SAH-induced neurological deficit, brain edema, and increased blood-brain barrier permeability in rats. Meanwhile, gastrodin treatment significantly reduced the SAH-induced elevation of glutamate concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid and the intracellular Ca overload. Moreover, gastrodin suppressed the SAH-induced microglial activation, astrocyte activation, and neuronal apoptosis. Mechanistically, gastrodin significantly reduced the oxidative stress and inflammatory response, up-regulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, phospho-Akt and B-cell lymphoma 2, and down-regulated the expression of BCL2-associated X protein and cleaved caspase-3. Our results suggested that the administration of gastrodin provides neuroprotection against early brain injury after experimental SAH.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Astrocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Benzyl Alcohols ; administration & dosage ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Brain Edema ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Glucosides ; administration & dosage ; Glutamic Acid ; metabolism ; Male ; Microglia ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Neuroprotective Agents ; administration & dosage ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; complications ; metabolism ; prevention & control

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrogen on mitochondrial fusion during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in aged rats.Methods One hundred and fifty pathogen-free healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 18 months old,weighing 400-500 g,were divided into 5 groups (n=30 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),sham operation group (group S),group I/R,normal saline group (group NS) and hydrogen-rich saline group (group H).Group C received no treatment.The anterior descending branch was only exposed but not ligated in group S.Myocardial I/R was induced by occlusion of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 30 rmin followed by reperfusion in I/R,NS and H groups.Hydrogen-rich saline 1 ml/100 g was injected intraperitoneally at 5 min before reperfusion in group H,while normal saline 1 ml/100 g was injected intraperitoneally at 5 min before reperfusion in group NS.The rats were sacrificed at 12 and 24 h of reperfusion,and hearts were removed for examination of the pathological changes and for determination of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes (by TUNEL) and expression of Mfn1 and Mfn2 protein and mRNA in myocardial tissues (by Western blot or real-time polymerase chain reaction).The apoptosis index was calculated.Results Compared with C and S groups,the apoptosis index of cardiomyocytes was significantly increased and the expression of Mfn1 and Mfn2 protein and mRNA in myocardial tissues was down-regulated at 12 and 24 h of reperfusion in I/R,NS and H groups (P＜0.05).Compared with NS and I/R groups,the apoptosis index of cardiomyocytes was significantly decreased and the expression of Mfn1 and Mfn2 protein and mRNA in myocardial tissues was up-regulated at 12 and 24 h of reperfusion in group H (P＜0.05).The pathological changes of myocardial tissues were significantly attenuated in group H when compared with group I/R.Conclusion The mechanism by which hydrogen attenuates myocardial I/R injury is related to promoting mitochondrial fusion and inhibiting apoptosis in cardiomyocytes of aged rats.

OBJECTIVETo compare the short-term outcomes between transrectal specimen extraction during laparoscopic sigmoid radical resection and conventional laparoscopy-assisted sigmoid radical resection.

METHODSSixteen patients(transrectal specimen extraction group,4 females and 12 males), who were planned to undergo laparoscopically assisted sigmoid radical resection with BMI<28 kg/mand were evaluated as T1-T3 tumor by iconography without distant metastasis, were selected to undergo transrectal specimen extraction during laparoscopic sigmoid radical resection from December 2015 to April 2016 in the Department of Anorectal Surgery of Changhai Hospital. The procedure of specimen extraction was as follows: Perineal anal expansion was performed. The rectum was cut in rectal distal ligature within the abdominal cavity. Telescope cover was placed through Trocar hole in right low abdomen and rectal stump was pulled out of the body through the anus to form an access tunnel. Planned resected bowel was placed in the tunnel and the specimen was dissociated and removed completely from anus. Each patient in transrectal specimen extraction group was individually matched with two patients who underwent laparoscopically assisted sigmoid radical resection by gender, age, BMI and date of surgery. The perioperative outcomes and pathological evaluation of surgical specimen of two groups were retrospectively collected and compared.

RESULTSThe differences of baseline data (gender, age, BMI, distance from tumor to anal verge measured by colonoscopy and clinical tumor category) between two groups were not significant (all P>0.05). Compared to laparoscopy-assisted group, transrectal specimen extraction group presented longer operation time [(140.6±8.3) minutes vs. (122.2±26.2) minutes, t=-3.629, P=0.001], and more blood loss[(43.8±9.2) ml vs. (35.3±10.2) ml, t=-2.795, P=0.008], but shorter time to first flatus [(43.1±8.3) hours vs. (52.0±11.4) hours, t=2.756, P=0.008] and lower pain score at operative day and the first postoperative day (3.8±0.8 vs. 4.8±1.1, t=3.558, P=0.001; 2.6±0.6 vs. 3.8±0.8, t=5.165, P=0.000). The case ratio of additional analgesia [6.3%(1/16) ns. 18.8%(6/32)], postoperative hospital stay [(6.8±3.4) days vs. (5.6±0.8) days] and postoperative morbidity of complication [12.5%(2/16) vs. 9.4%(3/32)] were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Within postoperative 30-day follow-up, transrectal specimen extraction group had ileus in one patient and anastomotic leakage in one patient, and laparoscopy-assisted group had fat necrosis of assisted incision in two patients and gastric retention in one patient. There were also no significant differences in specimen length[(18.2±4.8) cm vs. (19.8±5.7) cm, P>0.05], tumor size [(4.0±1.2) cm vs. (4.4±1.5) cm, P>0.05] and number of harvested lymph node (14.6±2.6 vs. 16.0±3.0, P>0.05] between two groups. During follow-up of 7-10(mean 9) months of transrectal specimen extraction group and 2-16 (mean 7) months of laparoscopically assisted group, no tumor local relapse and distant metastasis were found in the both groups.

CONCLUSIONAs compared to laparoscopy-assisted sigmoid radical resection, transrectal specimen extraction laparoscopic sigmoid radical resection has better short-term efficacy, meanwhile they have comparable oncologic clearance.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between tumor regression grade (TRG) and lymph node regression grade (LRG) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer and its clinical implication.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 176 rectal cancer patients undergoing radical excision after neoadjuvant CRT from January 2005 to December 2013 in our department were retrospectively analyzed.

INCLUSION CRITERIA(1) Radiology indicated locally advanced low rectal cancer and patients had strong desire to preserve the sphincter before neoadjuvant CRT; (2) there was no definite metastatic lesion before neoadjuvant CRT; (3) patients received whole course of neoadjuvant CRT (regular radiotherapy plus synchronous fluorouracil-like drugs chemotherapy); (4) patients underwent radical operation after neoadjuvant CRT. Patients with short-course CRT and emergency surgery were excluded. TRG and LRG of postoperative specimens (including tumor and lymph nodes) were carried out based on the percentage of the fibrosis and the cancer residue. No cancer residue was defined as TRG1 and LRG1; rare cancer cell residue as TRG2 and LRG2; fibrosis growth over residual cancer as TRG3 and LRG3; residual cancer growth over fibrosis as TRG4 and LRG4; absence of regressive changes as TRG5 and LRG5; and normal lymph nodes as LRG0. Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between TRG and LRG.

RESULTSOf 176 patients, 111 were men and 65 were women. The mean age was (53.9±13.0) years. The number of patients with stage I(, II(, and III( before operation was 10, 49 and 62 while other 55 patients were unknown. Transabdominal low anterior resection (LAR) was performed in 118 cases and abdominal-perineal resection(APR) in 47 cases following the principle of total mesorectal excision (TME). Postoperative pathology of specimens revealed that the number of patients from TRG1 to TRG5 was 19 (10.8%), 25 (14.2%), 66 (37.5%), 47 (26.7%), 19 (10.8%), and from LRG0 to LRG5 was 35 (19.9%), 68 (38.6%), 10 (5.7%), 14 (8.0%), 15(8.5%), 34 (19.3%), respectively. TRG was correlated to LRG (P=0.005) while the Spearman correlation coefficient was only 0.24. The analysis of subgroup without LRG1 also showed that TRG was correlated to LRG(P=0.0005) and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.40.

CONCLUSIONSTRG can not represent LRG. Therefore, both TRG and LRG should be assessed when evaluating the response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant CRT.