Hepatitis C virus core proteins derived from different quasispecies of genotype 1b inhibit the growth of Chang liver cells

AIM: To investigate the influence of different quasispecies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b core protein on growth of Chang liver cells. METHODS: Three eukaryotic expression plasmids (pEGFP-N1/core) that contained different quasispecies truncated core proteins of HCV genotype 1b were constructed. These were derived from tumor (T) and non- tumor (NT) tissues of a patient infected with HCV and C191 (HCV-J6). The core protein expression plasmids were transiently transfected into Chang liver cells. At different times, the cell cycle and apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation was assayed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. RESULTS: The proportion of S-phase Chang liver cells transfected with pEGFP-N1/core was significantly lower than that of cells transfected with blank plasmid at three different times after transfection (all P < 0.05). The proliferation ratio of cells transfected with pEGFP-N1/corewas significantly lower than that of cells transfected with blank plasmid. Among three different quasispecies, T, NT and C191 core expression cells, there was no significant difference in the proportion of S- and G0/G1-phase cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells was highest for T (T > NT > C191), and apoptosis was increased in cells transfected with pEGFP-N1/core as the transfection time increased (72 h > 48 h > 24 h). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HCV genotype 1b core protein induces apoptosis, and inhibits cell- cycle progression and proliferation of Chang liver cells. Different quasispecies core proteins of HCV genotype 1b might have some differences in the pathogenesis of HCV persistent infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Primary pulmonary malignant melanoma diagnosed with percutaneous biopsy tissue:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary malignant melanoma of the lung (PMML) is a rare and highly malignanttumor with a poor prognosis. Here, we report a PMML case diagnosed bycomputed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous biopsy, describe itspathological features and review relevant literature to improve our understandingof this tumor.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old Chinese female presented with productive cough for 7 mo. A chestCT scan showed a large and space-occupying lesion in Lingual lobe. Positronemission tomography-CT revealed multiple nodules located in the superior lobeapicoposterior segment of her left lung. Brain magnetic resonance imagingshowed numerous enhancing nodules, suggesting brain metastasis. AbdominalCT scan did not show any abnormalities. By CT-guided percutaneous biopsy, fourpieces of gray and taupe tissues (1 cm length and 0.1 mm in diameter) wereobtained. After pathologic examination, the tumor was found to consist ofepidermal and nested small round cells, fibrosis and thin-walled blood vessels.The finding was suggestive of malignant melanoma. To confirm the diagnosis,pathological morphology and immunophenotypic features of the biopsyspecimens were observed. The patient denied any history of skin tumors. Noabnormal lesions were detected in other sites of the body. Molecular testing waspositive for wild-type EGFR and KIT gene mutations. Finally, the clinical andpathological findings suggested PMML.CONCLUSION PMML is very rare, and the percutaneous biopsy tissue is limited. Therefore,comprehensive consideration of histology, immunohistochemistry, imaging, andclinical information is important for the diagnosis of PMML.

Analysis of the correlation between HBV replication markers and HBV markers and liver function in patients with hepatitis B

Objective:To investigate the correlation between HBV replication markers and HBV markers and liver function in patients with hepatitis B.Methods: A total of 273 cases of chronic hepatitis B patients in our hospital as the hepatitis B group, select 60 healthy people as control group, group monitoring of hepatitis B virus replication index (serum HBV-DNA), HBV serum markers, and monitor the liver function index of the two groups of subjects, analysis of the relationship between serum HBV-DNA level and hepatitis B markers and liver function. Results: HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+), HBcAb (+), the positive rate of HBV-DNA was 100%, HBsAg (+), HBeAb (+), ABcAb (+), the positive rate of HBV-DNA was 47.58%, HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+), HBeAb (+), HBcAb (+) group, the positive rate of HBV-DNA was 69.44%, HBsAg (+), HBcAb (+) group, positive rate of HBV-DNA was 13.64%. The positive rate of HBV-DNA in the greater Sanyang group was significantly higher than that of the other three groups. With the increase of HBV-DNA load, the serum levels of ALT and AST increased significantly, the difference was statistically significant, but there was no significant change in serum CHE level.Conclusion: for hepatitis B patients serum HBV-DNA level in patients with regular monitoring and evaluation of the virus replication, but the HBV-DNA and the degree of liver injury and prognosis of patients with no obvious correlation, also need to pay attention to monitor liver function index of patients, thus accurate assessment and Analysis on the development of the patient's condition.