TGF-β-regulated different iron metabolism processes in the development and cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer

The impact of different iron metabolism processes(DIMP)on ovarian cancer remains unclear.In this study,we employed various gene chips and databases to investigate the role of DIMP in the initiation and development of ovarian cancer.cBioPortal was used to determine mutations in DIMP-associated genes in ovarian cancer.Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to examine the influence of DIMP on the prognosis of ovarian cancer.By analyzing 1669 serous ovarian cancer cases,we identified a range of mutations in iron metabolism genes,notably in those coding for the transferrin receptor(19%),melanotransferrin(19%),and ceruloplasmin(10%)in the iron import process,and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase(9%),hepcidin antimicrobial peptide(9%),metal regulatory transcription factor 1(8%),and bone morphogenetic protein 6(8%)in the iron regulation process.Compared to the unaltered group,the group with gene alterations exhibited a higher tumor mutation burden count(43 vs.54)and more advanced histologic grade(78.19%vs.87.90%).Compared to the normal ovarian counterparts,a reduction in expression was observed in 9 out of the 14 genes involved in iron utilization and 4 out of the 5 genes involved in iron export in ovarian cancer;in contrast,an increase in expression was observed in 2 out of the 3 genes involved in iron storage in ovarian cancer.Furthermore,in cisplatin-resistant cells compared to cisplatin-sensitive ones,the expression of all genes in iron storage and 13 out of 14 genes in iron import was decreased,while that of 8 out of the 10 genes in iron utilization was increased.In addition,survival curve analysis indicated that a higher expression in the majority of genes in the iron import process(12/21),or a reduced expression in most genes in the iron export process(4/5)correlated with poor progression-free survival.Additionally,TGF-βcould regulate the expression of most iron metabolism-associated genes;particularly,expression of genes involved in the iron storage process(2/2)was inhibited after TGF-β1 or TGF-β2 treatment.In conclusion,DIMP plays multifaceted roles in the initiation,chemo-resistance,and prognosis of ovarian cancer.Therapeutically targeting DIMP may pave the way for more tailored treatment approaches for ovarian cancer.

Immune pathway through endometriosis to ovarian cancer

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease,defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity.This disease is one of the main gynecological diseases,affecting around 10%-15%women and girls of reproductive age,being a common gynecologic disorder.Although endometriosis is a benign disease,it shares several characteristics with invasive cancer.Studies support that it has been linked with an increased chance of developing endometrial ovarian cancer,representing an earlier stage of neoplastic processes.This is particularly true for women with clear cell carcinoma,low-grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid.However,the carcinogenic pathways between both pathologies remain poorly understood.Current studies suggest a connection between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers(EAOCs)via pathways associated with oxidative stress,inflammation,and hyperestrogenism.This article aims to review current data on the molecular events linked to the development of EAOCs from endometriosis,specifically focusing on the complex relationship between the immune response to endometriosis and cancer,including the molecular mechanisms and their ramifications.Examining recent developments in immunotherapy and their potential to boost the effectiveness of future treatments.

妇科常见恶性肿瘤全专结合管理专家共识

为提升妇科恶性肿瘤患者的全程健康管理质量,充分发挥基层医疗卫生机构在妇科恶性肿瘤患者筛查、早期识别、干预及康复中的作用,首都医科大学肿瘤学系妇科肿瘤学组联合全科医学、营养学、心理学、康复医学、护理学、卫生统计学等专家,基于基层医疗机构现状,结合循证医学证据、妇科恶性肿瘤管理相关指南等,制定了本共识。妇科常见恶性肿瘤患者全专结合管理应该以妇科医生和全科医生为核心,联合肿瘤、康复等多学科团队,从妇科恶性肿瘤的预防、筛查、随访、转诊、心理疏导、运动康复、营养管理、延续护理、健康教育以及社会功能恢复等方面进行综合管理,致力于延长患者生存期和提高患者生存质量。

上皮性卵巢癌患者淋巴结转移预测模型的构建:基于^(18)F-氟代脱氧葡萄糖正电子发射计算机体层摄影-CT影像组学技术

背景术前准确评估上皮性卵巢癌患者淋巴结转移情况对于制订治疗方案、评估预后等具有重要意义,影像组学技术已被作为多种癌症术前预测淋巴结转移情况的无创手段,但关于其在妇科癌症领域应用效果的研究报道较少。目的采用基于^(18)F-氟代脱氧葡萄糖正电子发射计算机体层摄影-CT(^(18)F-FDG PET/CT)的影像组学技术构建上皮性卵巢癌患者淋巴结转移预测模型。方法选取2020年9月—2022年12月在中南大学湘雅二医院妇科住院的上皮性卵巢癌患者98例,根据其淋巴结转移情况分为淋巴结转移组65例与非淋巴结转移组33例,同时按照7∶3比例进行随机抽样后分为训练集68例与验证集30例。分析所有患者临床特征,以淋巴结转移情况作为结果标签进行模型构建。结果本研究上皮性卵巢癌患者淋巴结转移率为66.3%(65/98)。淋巴结转移组与非淋巴结转移组患者人附睾蛋白4(HE4)水平、原发灶位置比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,HE4水平、原发灶位置、影像组学评分(Radscore)是上皮性卵巢癌患者淋巴结转移的预测因素(P<0.05)。以HE4水平、原发灶位置构建临床预测模型,以HE4水平、原发灶位置、Radscore构建联合预测模型。Delong's检验结果显示,联合预测模型预测训练集中上皮性卵巢癌患者淋巴结转移受试者工作特征曲线下面积(AUC)为0.80(95%CI=0.70~0.90),高于临床预测模型的0.73(95%CI=0.61~0.85,P=0.042);校准曲线显示,联合预测模型通过校准度检验(P=0.990),具有良好的区分能力;决策曲线(DCA)分析结果显示,临床预测模型、联合预测模型的预测效能良好,但联合预测模型的净效益较高。结论采用基于^(18)F-FDG PET/CT的影像组学技术成功构建了上皮性卵巢癌患者淋巴结转移的联合预测模型,且模型稳健性较高、区分能力良好、净效益较高,可为临床医生制订患者个体化治疗方案、评估患者预后等提供参考。

The Relationship between Methylation and Expression Defect of Tumor Suppressor Gene p16INK4A in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Objective： To evaluate the expression of p16INK4A gene in ovarian cancer and analyze the relation between this alteration and the promoter methylation of p16INK4A DNA. Methods： Seven ovarian cancer cell lines and eighteen ovarian cancer specimens were selected for the study. Genomic DNA and RNA were extracted from fresh tissues and cell lines, DNA was treated with sodium bisulfite and then analyzed with methylation-specific PCR （MSP） to detect p16INK4A methylation. The expression of p16INK4A mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. In addition, the proliferation of methylated cell lines before and after treatment of demethylating agent 5-Aza-2＇-deoxycytidine （5-ADC） was examined with 3-（4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay in vivo. Results： Compared with the control, the expression of p16INK4A mRNA decreased significantly or absolutely defaulted in 10 of 18 （55.56%） ovarian cancer specimens and 71.4% （5/7） ovarian cancer cell lines （P〈0.05）, and the expression of p16INK4A protein also decreased （P〈0.05）. The decrease of p16INK4A was due, in part, to p16INK4A methylation, which was found in the first exon of three cell lines and six ovarian cancer specimens and the rate was 42.86% and 33.33% in ovarian cancer cell lines and specimens respectively. All the methylated cells and tissues showed expression defect of p16INK4A, but the treatment of 5-ADC reactivated the expression of p16INK4A in methylated cells and decreased the proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion： The expression defect of p16INK4A gene possibly has an important role in the development of ovarian cancer, and this alteration is due, in part, to the methylation of the first exon in p16INK4A.

卵巢癌组织CLDN10、三结构域蛋白59表达及其临床意义

目的分析卵巢癌组织紧密连接蛋白10(CLDN10)、三结构域蛋白59(TRIM59)表达及其临床意义。方法该研究选取2017年2月至2019年2月在鹤壁市人民医院接受手术的112例卵巢癌病人术中切除的卵巢癌组织及癌旁组织。采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测CLDN10、TRIM59 mRNA表达;采用免疫组织化学法检测CLDN10、TRIM59蛋白表达;采用Pearson法分析CLDN10、TRIM59的相关性;CLDN10、TRIM59与预后的关系采用Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析;卵巢癌病人预后的危险因素采用Cox回归分析。结果与癌旁组织相比,卵巢癌组织中CLDN10 mRNA表达水平(0.62±0.14比1.00±0.23)及蛋白阳性表达率(39.29%比63.39%)明显降低(P<0.05),TRIM59 mRNA表达水平(1.64±0.32比1.01±0.25)及蛋白阳性表达率(64.29%比38.39%)明显升高(P<0.05)。根据Pearson相关性分析得知,卵巢癌组织中CLDN10、TRIM59 mRNA表达水平呈负相关(P<0.05)。卵巢癌组织中CLDN10、TRIM59表达与国际妇产科联盟(FIGO分期)、分化程度、淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05)。根据Kaplan-Meier法得知,卵巢癌组织中CLDN10阳性表达病人3年生存率高于阴性表达病人(P<0.05);卵巢癌组织中TRIM59阳性表达病人3年阳性生存率低于阴性表达病人(P<0.05)。根据Cox回归分析表明,CLDN10阴性、TRIM59阳性是影响卵巢癌病人预后的危险因素[HR=2.15,95%CI:(1.15,4.00);HR=3.55,95%CI:(1.55,8.10)]。结论卵巢癌组织中CLDN10阴性、TRIM59阳性是卵巢癌预后的危险因素,二者有可能作为有价值的预后标志物。

Effect of WFDC 2 silencing on the proliferation,motility and invasion of human serous ovarian cancer cells in vitro

Objective:To investigate effect and possible mechanisms of silencing human WFDC2（HE4） gene on biological behavior changes as cell proliferation,apoplosis,movement and invasion of human serous ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3.Methods:Lentiviral WFDC2 gene sequence of small interfering siRNA was stablely transfected into SKOV3 identified by Q-PCR and western-blot. Obtained SKOV3 stable strains with silenced HE4 were measured by proliferation,apoplosis, migration,and invasion.Results:Gene sequencing showed that the oligonucleotides were successfully inserted into the expected site.After silencing HE4 in the SKOV3,proliferation was significandy inhibited（P【0.05）.G0/G1 phase was arrested by the cell cycle（P【0.01） and capacity of the migration and invasion decreased significandy（P【0.01）.Slight early apoptosis ratio and no change of late apoplosis were found without change of Caspase-3 or Bcl-2 protein.Proteins involed in ERK pathway as phosphorylated protein as p-EGFR,p- ERK decreased and protease protein involved in tissue remoding as matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9,MMP-2 and cathepsin B decreased compared with control group.Conclusions:HE4 gene plays an important role in regulating proliferation,apoptosis,migration,invasion of serous ovarian cancer cells by ERK pathway and protease system.Its role in apoptosis needs to be further explored,and it may be a potential target for serous ovarian cancer.

Identification of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs in human ovarian cancer cells with different metastatic potentials

Objective： To identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs （lncRNAs） involved in the metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods： An in vitro invasion assay was performed to validate the invasive capability of SKOV3 and SKOV3.ip1 cell lines. Total R.NA was then extracted, and microarray analysis was performed. Moreover, nine lncRNAs were selected for validation using RT-qPCR. Results： Compared with the SKOV3 cells, the SKOV3.ip1 cells significantly improved in the in vitro invasive activity. Of the 4,956 lncRNAs detected in the microarra~ 583 and 578 lncRNAs were upregulated and downregulated, respectivel~ in SKOV3.ip1 cells, compared with the parental SKOV3 cells. Seven of the analyzed lncRNAs （MALAT1, H19, UCA1, CCAT1, LOC645249, LOC100128881, and LOC100292680） confirmed the deregulation found by microarray analysis. Conclusion： LncRNAs clusters were differentially expressed in ovarian cancer cells with varying metastatic potentials. This result indicates that some lncRNAs might exert a partial or key role in epithelial ovarian cancer metastasis. Further studies should be conducted to determine the roles of these lncRNAs in ovarian cancer metastasis.

Multimodality imaging of ovarian cystic lesions: Review with an imaging based algorithmic approach

Ovarian cystic masses include a spectrum of benign, borderline and high grade malignant neoplasms. Imaging plays a crucial role in characterization and pretreatment planning of incidentally detected or suspected adnexal masses, as diagnosis of ovarian malignancy at an early stage is correlated with a better prognosis. Knowledge of differential diagnosis, imaging features, management trends and an algorithmic approach of such lesions is important for optimal clinical management. This article illustrates a multi-modality approach in the diagnosis of a spectrum of ovarian cystic masses and also proposes an algorithmic approach for the diagnosis of these lesions.

EFFECTS OF MUTATION AND EXPRESSION OF PTEN GENEmRNA ON TUMORIGENESIS AND PROGRESSION OFEPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER

Objective To investigate the mutation and expression of tumor suppressor gene-PTEN mRNA and explore their roles in tumorigenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. Methods Mutated exon 5 of PTEN gene was examined in normal ovary(n = 5), ovarian cyst (n =5), ovarian borderline tumor (n = 9), epithelial ovarian cancer(n = 60), and ovarian cancer cell line (n = 1)by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). mRNA expression of PTEN gene was evaluated in corresponding tissues and cell line by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The mutation and mRNA expression of PTEN gene were compared with clini-copathological features of ovarian cancer. Results Mutated exon 5 of PTEN gene was detected only in 5(7.1%)cases of epithelial ovarian cancer. mRNA expression level of PTEN gene in ovarian borderline tumor or ovarian cancer was lower than that in normal ovary or ovarian cyst(P < 0.05). The level of PTEN gene mRNA expression was negatively correlated with clinicopathological staging of ovarian cancer, whereas positively correlated with histological differentiation (P < 0.05). mRNA expression level of PTEN gene in ovarian endometrioid cancer was significantly lower than that in ovarian serous or mucinous cancer (P < 0.05=. Conclusions Mutation of PTEN gene occurs in ovarian cancer. Down-regulated expression of PTEN is probably an important molecular event in tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer. Abnormal expression of PTEN gene is involved in progression of ovarian cancer. Reduced expression of PTEN gene is closely associated with tumorigenesis and pathobiological behaviors of ovarian endometrioid cancer.

Advances in circulating microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal malignant gynecological tumors. More than 70% of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at advanced stage. The 5-year survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer is less than 30% because of the lack of effective biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment. MicroRNA （miR） is a class of small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression primarily through post-transcriptional repression. Many studies on tissue miR in ovarian cancer have been carried out and show great potential in clinical practice. However, tissue samples are not easily available because sampling causes injur）n Researchers have started to focus on plasma/serum miR, assuming that blood samples may replace tissue samples in miR research in the future. Plasma/serum miR research is still in its early stages. Studies on its function in the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer have achieved some progress, but plasma/serum miR profiling for prognosis and personalized treatment of ovarian cancer remains unknown. A thorough understanding of the function of plasma/serum miR in ovarian cancer will facilitate early diagnosis and improve treatment for ovarian cancer.

Relationship between the Expression of Connexin43 and Bystander Effect of Suicide Gene Therapy in Ovarian Cancer

The relationship of connexin43 (Cx43) and bystander effect in ovarian tumor cells in herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) gene therapy in vitro was explored and the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on the expression of Cx43 and bystander effect investigated. The Cx43 expression was detected by flowcytometry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence in two ovarian tumor cell lines OVCAR3, CaOV3 before and after RA treatment. Bystander effect was determined by the cells growth inhibitory rate with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium. Following exposure to ganciclovir, there was much greater bystander killing in OVCAR3 than that in CaOV3 (P<0.05). The expression of Cx43 was detected in OVCAR3 by flowcytometry and Western blot, but it could not be detected in CaOV3. The expression of Cx43 in both cell lines could be induced by RA. Immunofluoresence staining showed that Cx43 protein of OVCAR3 was located on membrane surface, whereas CaOV3 in cytoplasm. RA could not change the location of Cx43 protein in both cell lines. There is relationship between Cx43 expression and HSV-TK/GCV bystander effect. HSV-TK/GCV bystander effect can be enhanced by RA in ovarian cancer.

Mechanism of drug resistance and reversal with ligustra-zine and cyclosporin A in cisplatin--inducedhuman epithelial ovarian cancer resistant cell line 3Ao/cDDP

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of resistance and reversal effect of ligustrazine and cyclosporin A in cisplatin--induced multidrug resistance ovarian cancer cell line 3Ao/cDDP. Methods: Using the corresponding dose calculated from clinical chemotherapy at 30 mg cisplatin per cycle, we established 3Ao/cDDP with 3Ao exposed at regular intervals and repeatedly to high-level concentration of cisplatin at 10 mg/ml for 24 hours each time. Expressions of LRP, MRP, P-gp, GSTp and TopoII were quantitatively detected with FCM. For drug resistance reversal, cyclosporin A and ligustrazine were administered singly or in combination at the maximal dose without cytotoxicity. Inhibition rates were determined by MTT assay. Results: 3Ao/cDDP was established after 4.5 months, with resistance factor 1.6 which was similar to clinical resistance degree. Low expression levels of MRP and P-gp were found in both 3Ao and 3Ao/cDDP (P>0.05), and LRP and GSTp expression levels in 3Ao/cDDP were significantly higher than those in 3Ao (P<0.005 and P<0.05, respectively), and TopoII in 3Ao/cDDP was significantly lower vs 3Ao (P<0.05). The inhibition rate of cDDP was 20.807±0.015%, cDDP plus ligustrazine 27.421±0.07% (P>0.05 vs cDDP), cDDP plus cyclosporin A 49.635±0.021% (P<0.01 vs cDDP), and cDDP plus ligustrazine and cyclosporin A 58.861±0.014% (P<0.01 vs cDDP). Conclusions: 3Ao/cDDP, induced by cisplatin and established by imitating the characteristics of clinical chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer, was an ideal model for investigation of cisplatin resistance in vitro. Cisplatin resistance in 3Ao/cDDP could be accounted for by higher LRP, GSTp and lower TopoII expression and was not associated with MRP or P-gp. Ligustrazine had no significant reversal effect on cisplatin resistance, but cyclosporin A could reverse the resistance effectively.

Cloning of WWOX Gene and Its Growth-inhibiting Effects on Ovarian Cancer Cells

The growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase(WWOX) gene on ovarian cancer cell line A2780 were investigated.The full length cDNA of human WWOX gene was amplified from normal human ovary tissues.The correct cDNA of full length WWOX was subcloned into eukaryocytic expression vector pCMV.After introduction of WWOX gene into cancer cells with liposome,the WWOX mRNA and protein level in the cancer cells were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunoblotting.The growth activities of cancer cells were detected by Trypan blue staining.The clone formation assay in soft agar was employed to observe the proliferation of the cancer cells.Apoptosis was examined by DNA ladder and acridine orange-ethidium bromide fluorescent staining.The results showed that 72 h after WWOX gene transfection,the WWOX expression was increased significantly(P<0.01).The growth of ovarian cancer cells was decreased by 16.41% to 38.49%(P<0.01).The clone formation abilities were reduced(P<0.01).Some cancer cells presented the characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis with obvious ladder bands on electrophoresis.The apoptosis rate was(20.7±6.0)%(P<0.01).It was concluded that over-expression of WWOX gene could induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer cells,which might be potentially useful in the gene therapy of ovarian cancers.

LOSS OF HETEROZYGOSITY ON CHROMOSOME 17p13.3 IN OVARIAN CANCER AND CERVICAL CANCER

Objective: To identify the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 17p13 3 in ovarian cancer and cervical cancer Methods: The frequency of LOH on chromosome 17p13 3 in DNA samples from 24 ovarian cancers, 9 cervical cancers, and 13 non malignant gynecological diseases were determined respectively, using Southern blot method with probe PYNZ 22 Results: LOH on 17p13 3 was found in 12 of 24 (50 0%) ovarian cancers (including a borderline mucinous cystadenoma), 4 of 9 (44 4%) cervical carcinomas, and 1 of 13 (7 7%) non malignant gynecological diseases, which was cervical intraepithelial neoplasm III (CIN III) ( P< 0 01) Conclusion: These results show that LOH on 17p13 3 is associated with ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, suggesting that detection of LOH on 17p13 3 may be helpful to understand the molecular pathogenesis of ovarian cancer and cervical cancer

Accuracy of Intraoperative Frozen Section in the Diagnosis of Ovarian Neoplasms

Objective: The aim of the work is to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section in the diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms in Zagazig University. Design: A prospective cross sectional cohort study. Method: This study was performed between March 2011 and March 2012, on 50 patients presented with ovarian mass. Gross examination of the tumor removed was done by inspection and palpation. The specimen was then cut with a sharp knife into two halves. The most appropriate area thought to be representative of lesion was chosen. The number of sections frozen was depended on the type and size of the tumor. Seven to eight μm sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The specimens were then fixed in formalin. Paraffin blocks of the sections were processed in the routine way and sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E). The diagnosis obtained by intraoperative frozen section based on cellularity and cell morphology was compared with final histopathological diagnosis in terms of diagnostic sensitivity, to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Assessment of the overall accuracy of the intraoperative diagnosis was classified as concordant or discordant. Results: There was no statisticaly significant differencre in the studied patients as regard the clinical data, macroscopic and intraoperative picture, while there was statisticaly significat association as regard the laterality of the ovarian masses. The validity of frozen section in the diagnosis of benign tumour was 100% with 100% accuracy, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, while sensitivity & negative prediction for borderline tumour and specificity & positive prediction of malignant tumour were 100%, specifecity for borderline tumours was 95% while the positive predictive value was 33.3% with 96% accuracy for both malignant and borderline tumours. Conclusion: Intraoperative frozen section is accurate for rapid diagnosis of ovarian tumors. It can help surgeons avoid under-treatment or overtreatment of patients. Our study was designed prospectively using a small number of patients. The door is open to larger studies using a larger number of patients to be performed in order to substantiate our results.

EZH2 Contributes to Anoikis Resistance and Promotes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis by Regulating m6A

Objective:Histone modification has a significant effect on gene expression.Enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2)contributes to the epigenetic silencing of target chromatin through its roles as a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme.The development of anoikis resistance in tumor cells is considered to be a critical step in the metastatic process of primary malignant tumors.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of anoikis resistance in ovarian adenocarcinoma peritoneal metastasis.Methods:In addition to examining EZH2 protein expression in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues,we established a model of ovarian cancer cell anoikis and a xenograft tumor model in nude mice.Anoikis resistance and ovarian cancer progression were tested after EZH2 and N6-methyladenosine(m6A)levels were modified.Results:EZH2 expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues than in normal ovarian tissues.Reducing the level of EZH2 decreased the level of m6A and ovarian cancer cell anoikis resistance in vitro and inhibited ovarian cancer progression in vivo.M6a regulation altered the effect of EZH2 on anoikis resistance.Conclusion:Our results indicate that EZH2 contributes to anoikis resistance and promotes ovarian adenocarcinoma abdominal metastasis by m6A modification.Our findings imply the potential of the clinical application of m6A and EZH2 for patients with ovarian cancer.

Establishment and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of ovarian metastasis in gastric cancer: Based on a large cohort

BACKGROUND Ovarian metastasis is a special type of distant metastasis unique to female patients with gastric cancer.The pathogenesis of ovarian metastasis is incompletely understood,and the treatment options are controversial.Few studies have predicted the risk of ovarian metastasis.It is not clear which type of gastric cancer is more likely to metastasize to the ovary.A prediction model based on risk factors is needed to improve the rate of detection and diagnosis.AIM To analyze risk factors of ovarian metastasis in female patients with gastric cancer and establish a nomogram to predict the probability of occurrence based on different clinicopathological features.METHODS A retrospective cohort of 1696 female patients with gastric cancer between January 2006 and December 2017 were included in a single center,and patients with distant metastasis other than ovary and peritoneum metastasis were excluded.Potential risk factors for ovarian metastasis were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression.Independent risk factors were chosen to construct a nomogram which received internal validation.RESULTS Ovarian metastasis occurred in 83 of 1696 female patients.Univariate analysis showed that age,Lauren type,whether the primary lesion contained signet-ring cells,vascular tumor emboli,T stage,N stage,the expression of estrogen receptor,the expression of progesterone receptor,serum carbohydrate antigen 125 and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were risk factors for ovarian metastasis of gastric cancer(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that age<50 years,Lauren typing of non-intestinal,gastric cancer lesions containing signet-ring cell components,N stage>N2,positive expression of estrogen receptor,serum carbohydrate antigen 125>35 U/mL,and a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio>2.16 were independent risk factors(all P<0.05).The independent risk factors were constructed into a nomogram model using R language software.The consistency index after continuous correction was 0.840[95%confidence interval:(0.7740.906)].After the internal self-sampling(Bootstrap)test,the calibration curve of the model was obtained with an average absolute error of 0.007.The receiver operating characteristic curve of the obtained model was drawn.The area under the curve was 0.867,the maximal Youden index was 0.613,the corresponding sensitivity was 0.794,and the specificity was 0.819.CONCLUSION The nomogram model performed well in the prediction of ovarian metastasis.Attention should be paid to the possibility of ovarian metastasis in high-risk populations during re-examination,to ensure early detection and treatment.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors

Objective： To explore the role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C （VEGF-C） in the process of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in epithelial ovarian tumors. Methods： In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF-C were performed in 30 epithelial ovarian carcinomas, 9 borderline tumors and 26 benign tumors. Endothelial cells were immunostained with anti-VEGFR-3 pAb and anti-CD31 mAb, and VEGFR-3 positive vessels and microvessel density （MVD） were assessed by image analysis. Results： VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression were detected in cytoplasm of carcinoma cells. VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression in ovarian epithelial carcinomas were significantly higher than those in borderline tumors and benign tumors （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. In ovarian epithelial carcinomas, VEGF-C protein expression, VEGFR-3 positive vessels and MVD were significantly higher in the cases of clinical stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ and with lymph node metastasis than those of clinical stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and without lymph node metastasis respectively （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. VEGFR-3 positive vessels and MVD were significantly higher in VEGF-C protein positive tumors than negative tumors （P〈0.05）. VEGFR-3 positive vessels was significantly correlated with MVD（P〈0.01）. Conclusion： VEGF-C might play a role in lymphatic metastasis via lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian tumors, and VBEGF-C could be used as a biologic marker of metastasis in ovarian epithelial tumors.

Gynecologic oncologists involvement on ovarian cancer standard of care receipt and survival

AIM： To examine the infuence of gynecologic oncolo-gists （GO） in the United States on surgical/chemothe-rapeutic standard of care （SOC）, and how this translates into improved survival among women with ovarian cancer （OC）.METHODS： Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result （SEER）-Medicare data were used to identify 11688 OC patients （1992-2006）. Only Medicare recipients with an initial surgical procedure code （n = 6714） were included. Physician specialty was identified by linking SEER-Medicare to the American Medical Association Masterfile. SOC was defined by a panel of GOs. Mul-tivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of receiving surgical/chemotherapeutic SOC and proportional hazards modeling to estimate the effect of SOC treatment and physician specialty on survival. RESULTS： About 34% received surgery from a GO and 25% received the overall SOC. One-third of women had a GO involved sometime during their care. Women receiving surgery from a GO vs non-GO had 2.35 times the odds of receiving the surgical SOC and 1.25 times the odds of receiving chemotherapeutic SOC （P 〈 0.01）. Risk of mortality was greater among women not receiving surgical SOC compared to those who did [hazard ratio = 1.22 （95%CI： 1.12-1.33）, P 〈 0.01], and also was higher among women seen by non-GOs vs GOs （for surgical treatment） after adjusting for covariates. Median survival time was 14 mo longer for women receiving combined SOC. CONCLUSION： A survival advantage associated with receiving surgical SOC and overall treatment by a GO is supported. Persistent survival differences, particularly among those not receiving the SOC, require further investigation.