Proliferating cell nuclear antigen clamp associated factor,a potential proto-oncogene with increased expression in malignant gastrointestinal tumors

Gastrointestinal(GI)cancers,including malignancies in the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs of digestion,represent the leading cause of death worldwide due to the poor prognosis of most GI cancers.An investigation into the potential molecular targets of prediction,diagnosis,prognosis,and therapy in GI cancers is urgently required.Proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)clamp associated factor(PCLAF),which plays an essential role in cell proliferation,apoptosis,and cell cycle regulation by binding to PCNA,is a potential molecular target of GI cancers as it contributes to a series of malignant properties,including tumorigenesis,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,migration,and invasion.Furthermore,PCLAF is an underlying plasma prediction target in colorectal cancer and liver cancer.In addition to GI cancers,PCLAF is also involved in other types of cancers and autoimmune diseases.Several pivotal pathways,including the Rb/E2F pathway,NF-κB pathway,and p53-p21 cascade,are implicated in PCLAF-mediated diseases.PCLAF also contributes to some diseases through dysregulation of the p53 pathway,WNT signal pathway,MEK/ERK pathway,and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal cascade.This review mainly describes in detail the role of PCLAF in physiological status and GI cancers.The signaling pathways involved in PCLAF are also summarized.Suppression of the interaction of PCLAF/PCNA or the expression of PCLAF might be potential biological therapeutic strategies for GI cancers.

In vitro and in vivo analyses of a genetically-restricted antigen specific factor from mixed cell cultures of macrophage, T and B lymphocytes

An immunostimulatory factor was identified to be secreted by antigen-pulsed maorophages. This factor was able to induce the generation of antigen specific T helper lymphocytes in vitro as well as in vivo. Further in vitro experiments testing for the genetic restriction of this factor indicated that it is a genetically-restricted antigen specific factor (ASF). The Cunningham plaque assay was used to quantify the generation of T helper lymphocytes by measuring the number of plaque forming cells after sequential incubations of antigen-pulsed maorophages with T lymphocytes, and then spleen cells, and finally the TNP-coated sheep red blood cells.

Lymphangioma of the small bowel mesentery: A case report and review of the literature

Lymphangioma is a rare benign condition characterized by proliferation of lymphatic spaces. It is usually found in the head and neck of affected children. Lymphangioma of the small-bowel mesentery is rare, having been reported for less than 1% of all lymphangiomas. Importantly, it can cause fatal complications such as volvulus or involvement of the main branch of the mesenteric arteries, requiring emergency surgery. Moreover, the gross and histopathologic findings may resemble benign multicystic mesothelioma and lymphangiomyoma. Immunohistochemical study for factor Ⅷ-related antigen, D2-40, calretinin and human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45) are essential for diagnosis. Factor Ⅷ-related antigen and D2-40 are positive in lymphangioma but negative in benign multicystic mesothelioma. HMB-45 shows positive study in the smooth-muscle cells around the lymphatic spaces of the lymphangiomyoma. We report a case of smallbowel volvulus induced by mesenteric lymphangioma in a 2-year-and-9-mo-old boy who presented with rapid abdominal distension and vomiting. The abdominal computed tomography scan showed a multiseptated mass at the right lower quadrant with a whirllike small-bowel dilatation, suggestive of a mesenteric cyst with midgut volvulus. The intraoperative findings revealed a huge, lobulated, yellowish pink, cystic mass measuring 20 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm, that was originated from the small bowel mesentery with small-bowel volvulus and small-bowel dilatation. Cut surface of the mass revealed multicystic spaces containing a milky white fluid. The patient underwent tumor removal with small-bowel resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Microscopic examination revealed that the cystic walls were lined with flat endothelial cells and comprised of smooth muscle in the walls. The flat endothelial cells were positive for factor Ⅷ-related antigen and D2-40 but negative for calretinin. HMB-45 showed negative study in the smooth-muscle cells around the lymphatic spaces. Thus, the diagnosis was lymphangioma of the small bowel mesentery with associated small bowel volvulus.

Effect of calycosin on left ventricular ejection fraction and angiogenesis in rat models with myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE:To evaluated the effect of calycosin on left ventricular ejection fraction and angiogenesis.METHODS:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into calycosin-treated groups(0.5,1,2,and 4 mg/kg qd),a dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO),or a sham-operated control group.The myocardial ischaemia(Ml) model was intraperitoneally administered calycosin for 28 days.The survival rates and left ventricular ejection fractions(LVEF)were compared between groups.The expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and cluster of differentiation 31(CD31) in ischaemic myocardium were also measured and compared.RESULTS:The construction of MI model resulted in a LVEF reduction of 50% compared with the sham-control.After 28 days,the LVEF value was 10% higher when calycosin(4 mg/kg) was administered compared with the DMSO group.The expression of VEGF and CD31 showed a dose-dependent manner when calycosin was administrated.The calycosin-treated(4 mg/kg) group displayed a twofold increase in VEGF expression at both the mRNA and protein levels compared with the DMSO group.In addition,CD31 expression in the microvascular increased 1.5-fold in the 4 mg/kg calycosin-treated group.CONCLUSION:Calycosin improved left ventricular ejection fraction in the MI rat models,induced VEGF expression in the ischaemic myocardium,increased CD31 expression and promoted angiogenesis.

Effect of Lichong Decoction on expression of IGF-I and proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA in rat model of uterine leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of Lichong Decoction(Lichong Decoction for strengthening anti-pathogenic Qi and eliminating blood stasis) on the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) mRNA in a rat model of uterine leiomyoma.METHODS:Fifty female Wistar rats were randomized into a normal control group,model group,Lichong Decoction group,Guizhifuling Capsule(Capsule containing Cassia Twig and Poria) group,and Mifepristone group.The uterine leiomyoma model was established by peritoneal injections of exogenous estrogen and progesterone hormone.The ultrastructural changes in cells of rat uterine tissues were observed with transmission electron microscopy,and the expression of IGF-I and PCNA mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.RESULTS:Following treatment,cells in the Lichong Decoction group appeared to be arranged normally,the cellular morphology were almost in a normal state,hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the chondriosome was reduced,collagen fibers were arranged in a regular manner,without obvious hyperplasia,and the expression of IGF-I and PCNA mRNA was significantly decreased compared with the model group(P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS:The effect of Lichong Decoction on uterine leiomyoma is related to its function in reducing the expression of IGF-I and PCNA mRNA.