Epigenetic inactivation of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM： To investigate the expression and methylation status of the secreted frizzled-related protein 2 （SFRP2） in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC） and ex- plore its role in ESCC carcinogenesis.METHODS： Seven ESCC cell lines （KYSE 30, KYSE150, KYSE410, KYSE510, EC109, EC9706 and TE-1） and one immortalized human esophageal epithelial cell line （Het- 1A）, 20 ESCC tissue samples and 20 paired adjacent non-tumor esophageal epithelial tissues were analyzed in this study. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） was employed to investigate the expression of SFRP2 in cell lines, primary ESCC tumor tissue, and paired adjacent normal tissue. Methylation status was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing. The correlation between expres- sion and promoter methylation of the SFRP2 gene was confirmed with treatment of 5-aza-2＇-deoxycytidine. To assess the potential role of SFRP2 in ESCC, we es-tablished stable SFRP2-transfected cells and examined them with regard to cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis and cell cycle in vivo and in vitro.RESULTS： SFRP2 mRNA was expressed in the im- mortalized normal esophageal epithelial cell line but not in seven ESCC cell lines. By methylation-specific PCR, complete methylation was detected in three cell lines with silenced SFRP2 expression, and extensive methylation was observed in the other four ESCC cell lines. 5-aza-2＇-deoxycytidine could restore the expres- sion of SFRP2 mRNA in the three ESCC cell lines lack- ing SFRP2 expression. SFRP2 mRNA expression was obviously lower in primary ESCC tissue than in adjacent normal tissue （0.939 ± 0.398 vs 1.51 ± 0.399, P 〈 0.01）. SFRP2 methylation was higher in tumor tissue than in paired normal tissue （95% vs 65%, P 〈 0.05）. The DNA methylation status of the SFRP2 correlated inversely with the SFRP2 expression. To assess the potential role of SFRP2 in ESCC, we established stable SFRP2 transfectants and control counterparts by in- troducing pcDNA3.1/v5 hisA -SFRP2 or pcDNA3.1/v5 hisA -empty vector into KYSE30 cells lacking SFRP2 expression. After transfection, the forced-expression of SFRP2 was confirmed by the RT-PCR. In comparison with the control groups, stably-expressed SFRP2 in KYSE 30 cells significantly reduced colony formation in vitro （47.17% 4± 15.61% vs 17% ：1： 3.6%, P = 0.031） and tumor growth in nude mice （917.86：1：249.35 mm3 vs 337.23 ± 124.43 mm3, P 〈 0.05）. Using flow cytom- etry analysis, we found a significantly higher number of early apoptotic cells in SFRP2-transfected cells than in the control cells （P = 0.025）. The mean cell number in the S and G2-M phases of the cell cycle was also significantly lower in SFRP2-transfected KYSE30 cells compared with mock transfected counterparts. CONCLUSION： Silencing of SFRP2 expression through promoter hypermethylation may be a factor in ESCC carcinogenesis through loss of its tumor-suppressive activity.

Expression of the EphA2 Gene in Esophageal Carcinoma Tissues

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship of the EphA2 gene with the occurrence, invasion and metastasis of esophageal carcinoma. METHODS The expression of EphA2 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and the EphA2 protein was estimated by immunohistochemistry (SP method) in both esophageal cancerous tissues and normal epithelial tissues. RESULTS The expression of EphA2 mRNA showed no difference between esophageal cancerous tissues and normal epithelium, and there appeared to be no correlation with differentiation of the cancerous tissues, the depth of infiltration or lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). However, the expression of the EphA2 protein was significantly higher in cancerous tissues compared to normal epithelial tissues (P<0.05). The expression of the EphA2 protein in a deeper invasive group and in a group with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher compared to a superficially invasive group and a group without lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Its expression did not appear to be correlated with differentiation of cancerous tissues (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The occurrence of esophagus carcinoma and the formation of invasion and metastasis may be related to overexpression of the EphA2 protein but not to the level of mRNA, a finding which may due to up-regulation at the translation level or by increased protein stability.

Relationship between HER-2 overexpression and brain metastasis in esophageal cancer patients

AIM:To study if HER-2 overexpression by locally advanced esophageal cancers increase the chance of brain metastasis following esophagectomy.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between 2000 and 2010.Data analyzed consisted of demographic and clinical variables.The brain metastasis tissue was assayed for HER-2 overexpression utilizing the FDA approved DAKO Hercept Test.RESULTS:One hundred and forty two patients were reviewed.Median age was 64 years(36-86 years).Eighty eight patients(62%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.Pathological complete and partial responses were achieved in 17(19%) and 71(81%) patients.Cancer relapsed in 43/142(30%) patients.The brain was the first site of relapse in 9/43 patients(21%,95% CI:10%-36%).HER-2 immunohistochemistry testing of the brain metastasis tissue showed that 5/9(56%) cases overexpressed HER-2(3+ staining).CONCLUSION:HER-2 overexpression might be associated with increased risk of brain metastasis in esophageal cancer patients following esophagectomy.Further studies will be required to validate this observation.

Polymorphisms of alcohol dehydrogenase-2 and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 and esophageal cancer risk in Southeast Chinese males

AIM： To evaluate the impact of alcohol dehydrogenase-2 （ADH2） and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 （ALDH2） polymorphisms on esophageal cancer susceptibility in Southeast Chinese males.METHODS： Two hundred and twenty-one esophageal cancer patients and 292 healthy controls from Taixing city in Jiangsu Province were enrolled in this study. ADH2 and ALDH2 genotypes were examined by polymerase chain reaction and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios （OR） and 95% confidence interval （CI）.RESULTS： The ADH G allele carriers were more susceptible to esophageal cancer, but no association was found between ADH2 genotypes and risk of esophageal cancer when disregarding alcohol drinking status. Regardless of ADH2 genotype, ALDH2G/A or A/A carriers had significantly increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, with homozygous individuals showing higher esophageal cancer risk than those who were heterozygous. A significant interaction between ALDH2 and drinking was detected regarding esophageal cancer risk; the OR was 3.05 （95% CI： 2.49-6.25）. Compared with non-drinkers carrying both ALDH2 G/G and ADH2 A/A, drinkers carrying both ALDH2 A allele and ADH2 G allele showed a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer （OR = 8.36, 95% CI： 2.98-23.46）.CONCLUSION： Both ADH2 G allele and ALDH2 A allele significantly increase the risk of esophageal cancer development in Southeast Chinese males. ALDH2 A allele significantly increases the risk of esophageal cancer development especially in alcohol drinkers. Alcohol drinkers carrying both ADH2 G allele and ALDH2 A allele have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Comprehensive multi-omics analysis identified core molecular processes in esophageal cancer and revealed GNGT2 as a potential prognostic marker

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is one of the most poorly diagnosed and fatal cancers in the world.Although a series of studies on esophageal cancer have been reported,the molecular pathogenesis of the disease remains elusive.AIM To investigate comprehensively the molecular process of esophageal cancer.METHODS Differential expression analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in different stages of esophageal cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas data.Exacting gene interaction modules were generated,and hub genes in the module interaction network were found.Further,through survival analysis,methylation analysis,pivot analysis,and enrichment analysis,some important molecules and related functions/pathways were identified to elucidate potential mechanisms in esophageal cancer.RESULTS A total of 7457 DEGs and 14 gene interaction modules were identified.These module genes were significantly involved in the positive regulation of protein transport,gastric acid secretion,insulin-like growth factor receptor binding,and other biological processes as well as p53 signaling pathway,epidermal growth factor signaling pathway,and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway.Transcription factors(including hypoxia inducible factor 1A)and noncoding RNAs(including colorectal differentially expressed and hsa-miR-330-3p)that significantly regulate dysfunction modules were identified.Survival analysis showed that G protein subunit gamma transducin 2(GNGT2)was closely related to survival of esophageal cancer.DEGs with strong methylation regulation ability were identified,including SST and SH3GL2.Furthermore,the expression of GNGT2 was evaluated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction,and the results showed that GNGT2 expression was significantly upregulated in esophageal cancer patient samples and cell lines.Moreover,cell counting kit-8 assay revealed that GNGT2 could promote the proliferation of esophageal cancer cell lines.CONCLUSION This study not only revealed the potential regulatory factors involved in the development of esophageal cancer but also deepens our understanding of its underlying mechanism.

ECRG2 enhances the anti-cancer effects of cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant esophageal cancer cells via upregulation of p53 and downregulation of PNCA

AIM To explore the anti-tumor effects of esophageal cancerrelated gene 2(ECRG2) in combination with cisplatin(DDP) in DDP-resistant esophageal cancer cells(EC9706/DDP).METHODS A drug-resistant cell model was established, with EC9706/DDP cells being treated with ECRG2 and/or DDP. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay. The rate of cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The mR NA expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), metallothionein(MT), and p53 were determined by RT-PCR and PCNA, while MT and p53 protein expression levels were determined by western blotting.RESULTS The anti-proliferative effect of ECRG2 in combination with DDP was superior when compared to ECRG2 or DDP alone. The inhibition rate for the combination reached its peak(51.33%) at 96 h. The early apoptotic rates of the control, ECRG2 alone, DDP alone, and ECRG2 plus DDP groups were 5.71% ± 0.27%, 12.68% ± 0.61%, 14.15% ± 0.87%, and 27.96% ±0.36%, respectively. Although all treatment groups were significantly different from the control group(P < 0.05), the combination treatment of ECRG2 plus DDP performed significantly better when compared to either ECRG2 or DDP alone(P < 0.05). The combination of ECRG2 and DDP significantly upregulated p53 m RNA and protein levels and downregulated PCNA m RNA and protein levels compared to ECRG2 or DDP alone(P < 0.05). However, no changes were seen in the expression of MT mR NA or protein.CONCLUSION ECRG2 in combination with DDP can inhibit viability and induce apoptosis in esophageal cancer DDP-resistant cells, possibly via upregulation of p53 expression and downregulation of PCNA expression. These findings suggest that the combination of ECRG2 and DDP may be a promising strategy for the clinical treatment of esophageal cancers that are resistant to DDP.

Potential functions of esophageal cancer-related gene-4 in the cardiovascular system

Esophageal cancer-related gene-4(Ecrg4)is cloned from the normal epithelium of the esophagus.It is constitutively expressed in quiescent epithelial cells and downregulated during tumorigenesis,and Ecrg4 expression levels are inversely correlated with the malignant phenotype of tumor cells,validating that Ecrg4 is a real tumor suppressor gene.Unlike other tumor suppressor genes that usually encode membrane or intracellular proteins,Ecrg4 encodes a 148-amino acid pre-pro-peptide that is tethered on the cell surface in epithelial cells,specialized epithelial cells,and human leukocytes,where it can be processed tissue dependently into several small peptides upon cell activation.Ecrg4 is expressed in a wide variety of other cells/tissues,including cardiomyocytes and conduction system of the heart,,the glomus cells of the carotid body,adrenal glands,choroid plexus,and leukocytes among others,where it exerts distinct functions,such as promoting/suppressing inflammation,inducing neuron senescence,stimulating the hypothalamus--pituitary--adrenal axis,maintaining the stemness of stem cells,participating in the rhythm and rate control of the heart,and possibly gauging the responsiveness of the cardiovascular system(CVS)to hypoxia,in addition to tumor suppression.Here,we briefly review the latest discoveries on Ecrg4 and its underlying molecular mechanisms as a tumor suppressor and focus on the emerging roles of Ecrg4 in the CVS.

食管癌组织Survivin表达及其与Bcl-2表达相关性研究

目的:研究Survivin在食管癌发生、发展中的作用及其与预后、Bcl-2表达的关系。方法:应用免疫组化SP法检测Sur-vivin和Bcl-2在30例正常食管黏膜组织、106例食管癌组织中的表达。结果:Survivin在食管癌组织中的阳性表达显著高于正常食管黏膜组织,P=0.000;食管癌浸润浆膜层组的Survivin阳性表达明显高于浸润肌层组,P=0.013;食管癌伴淋巴结转移组的Survivin阳性率显著高于无淋巴结转移组,P=0.011;Bcl-2阳性组的Survivin阳性表达明显高于Bcl-2阴性组,P=0.000;Sur-vivin阴性表达的食管癌病例术后5年生存率显著高于Survivin阳性表达的食管癌病例,P=0.043。结论:Survivin可作为食管癌的诊断标志,检测食管癌组织中Survivin的表达可作为判断食管癌转移及预后的参考指标。在食管癌组织中Survivin的表达与Bcl-2的表达密切相关,Survivin和Bcl-2在食管癌的发生、发展过程中起协调作用。

bcl-2核酶与Bax在诱导食管癌细胞凋亡中的协同作用

为了同时调节二种凋亡相关蛋白的表达诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡 ,探索肿瘤基因治疗的可能性 ,同时转入可诱导表达的特异性切割 bcl- 2的核酶基因及 bax基因 ,间接免疫荧光标记法检测 Bcl- 2及Bax蛋白的表达量 ,用 TUNEL、流式细胞术及琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测细胞凋亡 .共转染后 Bcl- 2蛋白表达下降 ,同时 Bax蛋白表达升高 ,导致 30 %左右细胞凋亡 ,并可使细胞对紫杉醇的敏感度增加近4倍 ,使紫杉醇有效作用时间缩短近一倍 .同时调节二个凋亡相关基因可导致细胞凋亡 ,并能有效促进化疗药物诱导的凋亡 .同时校正多个基因的异常表达 ,比仅仅改变单个基因可更有效地达到治疗肿瘤的目的 .

miR-92b通过调控EZH2基因的表达抑制食管癌细胞Eca109的增殖和侵袭

目的:探讨食管癌(esophageal carcinoma,EC)细胞中miR-92b对组蛋白甲基转移酶zeste同源物增强子2(enhancer of zeste homolog 2,EZH2)基因表达的调控作用,以及对EC细胞增殖和侵袭能力的影响。方法:选取河北医科大学第四医院科研中心保存的2016年1月至2017年1月15例EC患者手术癌组织标本,通过生物信息学软件预测分析对EZH2可能调控的miRNAs,将预测的miRNAs mimic分别转染人EC细胞Eca109后,采用实时荧光定量PCR、Western blotting和双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证miRNAs对EZH2基因的靶向调控作用。同时将EZH2过表达质粒共转染至Eca109,然后采用CCK-8法、流式细胞术和Transwell细胞侵袭及迁移实验分别检测miRNAs和EZH2表达变化对EC细胞增殖、凋亡、侵袭和迁移的影响。结果:转染miR-92b的Eca109细胞中EZH2 mRNA与mimic-NC相比明显降低(P<0.01),转染miR-92b的Eca109细胞中EZH2蛋白表达水平明显低于转染mimic-NC组(0.525±0.052 vs 0.689±0.026,P<0.01)。生物信息学软件分析显示,miR-92b、let-7a及miR-25可与EZH2基因3’端非翻译区的结合位点相结合,但仅有miR-92b可以调控EZH2基因的表达,且miR-92b表达与EZH2 mRNA表达成负相关(P<0.01)。miR-92b mimic转染后EZH2 mRNA、蛋白及荧光素酶报告基因活性均明显下调(均P<0.01),对Eca109细胞凋亡无明显影响(P>0.05);miR-92b mimic转染能抑制ECa109细胞的增殖和侵袭及迁移能力(P<0.01)。而EC细胞转染EZH2过表达质粒后,miR-92b mimic对ECa109细胞增殖和侵袭及迁移能力的抑制作用明显减弱(P<0.01)。结论:miR-92b可抑制ECa109细胞的增殖和侵袭及迁移能力,其作用机制可能与靶向调控抑癌基因EZH2的表达有关。

蛋白酶激活受体-2基因靶向shRNA表达质粒的构建及转染食管癌细胞致沉默效应的研究

目的:构建靶向蛋白酶激活受体-2(PAR-2)基因的shRNA表达质粒,建立PAR-2基因沉默的食管癌EC109稳定细胞株。方法:针对人PAR-2的mRNA序列,设计并体外合成编码shRNA的两条特异性寡核苷酸序列,分别插入pGFP-V-RS质粒中构建2个shRNA表达质粒(PAR-2shRNA-1、PAR-2shRNA-2),经过鉴定,然后将表达质粒转染至食管癌细胞EC109中,经嘌呤霉素筛选,获得稳定干扰的细胞株,运用RT-PCR和WesternBlot检测PAR-2的表达。结果:PAR-2shRNA-1转染人食管癌细胞EC109后,PAR-2基因表达在mRNA和蛋白质水平都受到显著抑制,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:成功构建针对PAR-2基因的shRNA表达质粒,转染食管癌细胞EC109,能有效抑制该细胞株PAR-2基因的表达。

Bcl-2基因在食管癌中的表达与食管癌危险因素的关系

目的 探讨Bcl- 2基因在食管癌中的表达与食管癌危险因素间的相关性。方法 应用分子流行病学方法 ,研究分析Bcl- 2基因在食管鳞癌中的表达及其意义。结果 分析表明 :饮酒、吃新鲜蔬菜少、吃肉蛋鱼少是食管癌Bcl- 2基因阳性表达的危险因素 ,OR值分别为 2 5 83、2 2 34和 4 0 30。未发现食管癌家族史Bcl- 2基因异常表达之间存在联系。食管鳞癌Bcl- 2基因阳性表达率为 62 4% ( 78/1 2 5 ) ,癌旁非典型增生阳性表达率为 5 6 3% ( 9/1 6) ,两组比较无显著性差异 (P >0 0 5 )。高分化鳞癌Bcl- 2阳性表达率显著高于中、低分化组 (P <0 0 5 )。结论 饮酒和营养缺乏引起的食管癌变中Bcl- 2基因可能起着重要作用 ;Bcl- 2基因异常表达可能是食管癌早期发生阶段和判断食管癌恶性程度的一个重要分子生物学标志。

MTHFR基因1298A→C多态与新疆哈萨克族食管癌风险关系的研究

目的:探讨亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因1298A→C多态及其和生活习惯相互作用与新疆哈萨克族食管癌风险的关系。方法:收集经组织病理学确诊的哈萨克族食管鳞癌新发病例88例外周血液标本,提取DNA;72名健康哈萨克族人群作为对照,同时调查每个研究对象的吸烟、饮酒情况。用PCR-RFLP技术检测研究对象的MTHFR1298A→C基因多态性。结果:病例组MTHFR1298AA、AC和CC基因型分别为63.64%、34.09%和2.27%,与对照组的72.22%、27.78%和0相比差异无统计学意义,χ2MH=2.57,P=0.276。MTHFR1298AA、MTHFR1298AC基因型与哈萨克族食管癌的发生无显著相关性,P>0.05。病例组与对照组1298C等位基因频率分别为0.19和0.14,两组间差异无统计学意义,P>0.05。与携带MTH-FR1298AA基因型的不吸烟者相比,携带MTH-FR1298C等位基因且有吸烟习惯者的性别、年龄以及饮酒习惯调整OR值为2.353(95%CI为0.892～6.210)。与携带MTHFR1298AA基因型的不饮酒或不常饮酒者相比,携带MTHFR1298C等位基因并伴有经常饮酒的习惯者发生食管癌的危险性也显著增高,其性别、年龄以及饮酒习惯调整OR值为1.860(95%CI为0.585～5.915)。结论:叶酸摄入不足是新疆哈萨克族食管癌的危险因素;MTHFR1298AC和CC基因型对吸烟、饮酒习惯增加食管癌发生风险作用有放大效应。

顺铂增强食管癌相关基因2蛋白对人食管癌EC9706细胞的增殖抑制和凋亡诱导作用

目的:探讨食管癌相关基因2(esophageal cancer-related gene 2,ECRG2)蛋白联合顺铂(cisplatin,DDP)化疗对人食管癌EC9706细胞增殖和凋亡的影响。方法:采用MTT法分别检测单用ECRG2蛋白和ECRG2蛋白联合顺铂对EC9706细胞增殖的影响;采用Hoechst 33258染色法检测二者对EC9706细胞凋亡的影响;Westernblotting检测二者对EC9706细胞中p53蛋白表达的影响。结果:MTT结果显示,ECRG2蛋白可抑制EC9706细胞增殖,ECRG2蛋白和DDP联用后抑制细胞增殖作用增强,且在一定浓度范围内呈时间、剂量依赖关系。Hoechst33258染色显示,ECRG2蛋白和DDP联合作用24 h后EC9706细胞凋亡数目多于单用ECRG2蛋白。Western blot-ting结果提示ECRG2蛋白和DDP联合用药较单用ECRG2蛋白明显上调p53蛋白的表达。结论:DDP可增强ECRG2蛋白对人食管癌EC9706细胞的增殖抑制和凋亡诱导作用,其增强诱导EC9706细胞凋亡的机制可能与上调p53蛋白的表达有关。

长链非编码RNA 91H对食管鳞癌组织中IGF2表达的调控作用及机制研究

目的探索长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)91H对食管鳞癌(ESCC)组织中胰岛素样生长因子2(IGF2)异常表达的调控机制,评价其在ESCC发生、发展中的作用。方法收集232例ESCC患者癌组织和癌旁组织标本以及食管鳞癌细胞系TE-1和Eca-109,用实时荧光定量PCR及免疫荧光法检测其91H和IGF2的表达水平,亚硫酸氢盐修饰后测序法(BSP)检测印记基因H19调控区域(ICR)的甲基化程度。结果肿瘤患者浸润程度越深、肿瘤等级和TNM分期越高,91H的表达量越低而IGF2表达量越高(P<0.05),用91H RNA干扰后,TE-1细胞IGF2 mRNA的表达水平为4.91±1.68,明显高于阴性对照组1.38±0.61(P<0.05);Eca-109细胞IGF2 mRNA的表达水平为3.62±1.44,明显高于阴性对照组1.75±1.00(P<0.05);经5-aza-CdR去甲基化处理后,细胞甲基化程度越低,91H表达水平越高(P<0.05)。结论 lncRNA 91H的表达与H19 ICR区甲基化程度密切相关,其对IGF2表达起抑制作用,提示lncRNA 91H可作为一个新的遗传学标志物。

COX-2基因多态性与Hp感染在食管癌发生发展过程中的作用

目的探讨环氧合酶-2(COX-2)基因多态性与幽门螺杆菌(Hp)感染在食管癌发生发展过程中的作用。方法选取2015年5月-2018年5月肥城市人民医院治疗的食管鳞癌患者114例(观察组),同时选取健康人群342例作为对照组,采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性检测COX2 765基因多态性,采用Giemsa染色检测Hp感染。结果观察组COX-2 765基因GC基因型和C等位基因比例分别为28.07%和14.04%,均明显高于对照组(P<0.05);观察组Hp感染率为17.54%,明显低于对照组(P<0.05);不同临床病理特征患者COX-2 765基因GC型比例比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);中低分化患者Hp感染率为2.63%,明显低于高分化患者(P<0.05); GC型食管癌患者Hp感染率为3.13%,明显高于GG型食管癌患者(P<0.05)。结论 COX-2 765基因多态性与食管癌遗传易感性有关,Hp感染与食管癌分化程度有关,COX-2 765基因多态性与Hp感染可能存在交互作用,值得进一步研究。

新疆哈萨克族和汉族食管癌组织ECRG2基因遗传多态性与易感性的关系

目的:研究食管癌相关基因2(ECRG2)短串联重复序列(STR)多态性与新疆哈萨克族和汉族食管癌易感性的关系。方法:新疆地区食管癌哈萨克族94例,汉族84例;人群对照哈萨克族100例,汉族53例,采用聚合酶链反应单链构象多态性分析(PCR-SSCP)技术检测研究对象的ECRG2 STR基因型。结果:ECRG2 STR呈多态性,可分为3种类型:TCA3/TCA3,TCA4/TCA4和TCA3/TCA4.3种基因型在有转移的食管癌中分布为58.8%,7.8%和33.3%,在无转移的食管癌中分布为14.2%,40.9%和44.9%,两者相比有显著差异(x^2=40.74,v=2,P<0.01,),携带TCA3/TCA3基因型个体更容易发生转移。汉族人群中,携带TCA3/TCA3基因型个体患食管癌的风险比TCA4/TCA4基因型个体高3.25倍(95%的可信区间为1.25-8.45);在哈萨克族人群中,携带TCA3/TCA3基因型个体患食管癌的风险比TCA4/TCA4基因型个体高4.06倍(95%的可信区间为1.69-9.74).结论:携带ECRG2基因TCA3/TCA3基因型个体与TCA4/TCA4基因型个体比较,增加了患食管癌和发生转移的风险。

BRF2基因在食管鳞状细胞癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的:检测TFIIB相关因子2(TFIIB-related factor 2,BRF2)基因在人食管鳞状细胞组织、癌旁组织及正常食管组织中的表达,分析BRF2在食管鳞状细胞癌发生、发展及预后中的意义。方法:选取2007年1月至2008年1月在山东大学齐鲁医院胸外科行手术治疗的食管鳞状细胞患者74例,应用RT-PCR和免疫组化方法检测食管鳞状细胞组织、癌旁组织和正常食管组织中BRF2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结果:食管鳞状细胞癌及其癌旁组织中BRF2 mRNA表达水平明显高于正常食管组织。食管鳞状细胞组织、癌旁组织和正常食管组织中BRF2蛋白表达阳性率分别为54.5%、32.5%和7.5%,癌组织、癌旁组织中BRF2蛋白的阳性率均显著高于正常食管组织(P<0.05)。随着食管鳞状细胞分化程度升高,BRF2蛋白阳性率显著下降,Ⅲ期和Ⅳ期食管鳞状细胞组织中BRF2蛋白阳性率明显高于Ⅰ期和Ⅱ期(72.7%,73.3%vs 35.7%,34.8%,P<0.05),且生存3年以下的食管鳞状细胞癌患者BRF2表达明显高于3年以上者(69.2%vs 38.2%,P<0.05),吸烟患者预后BRF2蛋白阳性率明显高于非吸烟患者(61.1%vs 30.4%,P<0.05)。结论:食管鳞状细胞癌组织高表达BRF2蛋白,BRF2 mRNA和蛋白与患者不良预后相关,可能作为食管鳞状细胞预后判断的参考指标之一。

食管癌组织中Survivin和Bcl-2的表达与血管新生的关系

目的:探讨Survivin和Bcl-2基因的表达及其MVD测定在食管癌组织中的意义。方法:采用免疫组化方法检测61例食管鳞癌手术切除标本及癌旁组织的Survivin、Bcl-2和MVD。结果:食管鳞癌组织Survivin阳性表达率为60·7%(37/61),Bcl-2为65·6%(40/61),MVD值为(42·1±13·3)/HP。Survivin表达与淋巴结转移相关,P=0·0206;Bcl-2表达与肿瘤分化程度(P<0·01)和淋巴结转移(P=0·0316)相关。Survivin和Bcl-2的表达存在显著正相关,P<0·01。MVD与食管癌的淋巴转移和临床TNM分期密切相关,P<0·01。Survivin阳性组MVD高于阴性组,食管癌的Survivin表达与MVD密切相关,r=0·4052,P=0·0016。结论:Survivin和Bcl-2的表达以及MVD的测定可以作为判断食管癌恶性潜能的重要生物学指标。

Bcl-2、miR-451和Th17细胞在食管癌中的诊断价值及其与复发的关系

目的探讨Bcl-2、miR-451、Th17细胞在食管癌中的诊断价值及其与复发的关系。方法选取101例食管癌患者作为研究组,95例健康体检者作为对照组。分析两组临床病理特征与各外周血指标水平之间的相关性,ROC曲线分析各外周血指标诊断价值,多元线性回归分析各指标与肿瘤复发的关系。结果研究组外周血Bcl-2、miR-451和Th17细胞水平均高于对照组(均P<0.05);分化程度、临床分期、肿瘤直径、淋巴结转移与外周血Bcl-2、miR-451和Th17细胞水平呈正相关(均P<0.05)。复发患者外周血Bcl-2、miR-451和Th17细胞水平均高于未复发患者(均P<0.05);控制分化程度、临床分期、肿瘤大小、淋巴结转移等其他因素后,外周血Bcl-2、miR-451和Th17细胞水平与复发显著相关(均P<0.05)。结论食管癌患者外周血Bcl-2、miR-451和Th17细胞异常表达且表达水平与分化程度、临床分期及复发等密切相关,联合检测可为临床诊断、预后评估提供客观依据。