Application of T2~*-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of breast tumors

Objective:To study the diagnostic value of T2*-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging in breast tumors.Methods: We analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)information along with the pathological and immunohistochemistry re- sults.Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 28 patients with breast tumor.The time to signal intensity curves were generated according to the T2*-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging.The curve’s maximal signal intensity drop rate and maximal signal intensity decrease time were analyzed and compared with the pathological diagnoses after surgery.Results: Malignant breast lesions showed higher maximal signal intensity drop rate(44.69%±17.07 vs.17.22%±7.49,P<0.001) than benign lesions,but there was no significant difference of maximal signal decrease time between those two lesions(23.94 s±4.92 vs.20.02 s±6.83,P>0.05).Conclusion:The T2*-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging has enough sensitivity and specificity in breast tumor diagnosis.

CD4^(+)CD25^(+)but not CD4^(+)Foxp3^(+) T cells as a regulatory subset in primary biliary cirrhosis

Increasing evidence indicates a role for regulatory T cells(Tregs)in the immune response and in autoimmune diseases,but the role of Tregs and cytokines in autoimmune hepatic diseases remains largely unclear and controversial,especially in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC).This study was undertaken to investigate Tregs and different cytokines in the liver and peripheral blood of PBC patients.We found that these patients demonstrated a reduction of CD4^(+)CD25^(+) T cells but elevated CD4^(+)Foxp3^(+) T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)and CD41 T cells.The percentage of CD4^(+)CD25^(+) T cells in PBMCs was negatively correlated with elevated plasma interferon(IFN)-c levels.A liver-specific analysis showed that the frequency of Foxp31 Tregs,transforming growth factor(TGF)-b1 and IFN-c were increased in PBC patients.Our findings suggest that an imbalance between CD4^(+)CD25^(+) Tregs and cytotoxic cytokines plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PBC while the role of Foxp3 needs further investigation.