Melatonin and Doxorubicin synergistically induce cell apoptosis in human hepatoma cell lines

AIM:To investigate whether Melatonin has synergistic effects with Doxorubicin in the growth-inhibition and apoptosis-induction of human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and Bel-7402.METHODS:The synergism of Melatonin and Doxorubicin inhibited the cell growth and induced cell apoptosis in human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and Bel-7402.Cell viability was analyzed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay.Cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL method and flow cytometry.Apoptosis-related protein Bax,Bcl-2 and caspase-3 expressions were measured by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS:Treatment with Melatonin(10 -8 -10 -5 mol/L) alone had a dose-related inhibitory effect on cell proliferation but no cytotoxic effect on hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and Bel-7402.Interestingly,when combined with Doxorubicin,Melatonin significantly increased the effects of cell growth inhibition and cell apoptosis.Furthermore,TUNEL staining and flow cytometry revealed that cooperative apoptosis induction was associated with decreased expression of Bcl-2 as well as increased expression of Bax and Caspase3.CONCLUSION:The synergism of Melatonin and Doxorubicin inhibits hepatoma cell growth and induces cell apoptosis.

CT volume measurement for prognostic evaluation of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE

AIM:To analyze the value of computed tomography(CT) volume measurements for evaluation of the survival rate of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).METHODS:One hundred and sixty-six unresectable HCC patients after TACE were involved in this retrospective study.Hepatic CT scan was performed for all patients before and 4 wk to 2 mo after TACE to def ine the morphologic features of HCC including its largest diameter,volume,product of the greatest axial dimension,tumor to liver volume ratio(TTLVR),and tumor shrinkage ratio.Clinical variables used in the study included gender,age,pattern of tumor growth,number of lesions,Child-Pugh classif ication of liver function,repeated TACE times,pre-or post-treatment α-fetoprotein(AFP) level,portal vein cancerous thrombus,tumor metastasis,degree of lipiodol retention within the tumor,and percutaneous ethanol injection.The correlation between survival time and clinical variables of patients or lesions was analyzed by combining morphologic features with the corresponding clinical and general data as input.A Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze prognostic factors.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival time.In? uence of the parameters on prognosis was analyzed by the log-rank test.RESULTS:The overall 6,12,24,36 and 60 mo cumulative survival rates were 78.92%,49.85%,23.82%,15.60% and 8.92%,respectively.The median survival time was 12 mo.Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only 4 parameters were the independent prognostic factors including TTLVR(χ2 = 14.328,P < 0.001),portal vein cancerous thrombus(χ2 = 5.643,P = 0.018),repeated TACE times(χ2 = 8.746,P = 0.003),and post-treatment serum AFP level(χ2 = 5.416,P = 0.020).When the TTLVR value was less than 70%,the survival time was inversely correlated with the TTLVR value.CONCLUSION:CT volume measurement technique can predict the prognosis of unresectable HCC patients after TACE.

Chemokines and hepatocellular carcinoma

Chemokines play a paramount role in tumor progres-sion. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, chemokines and their receptors play an intricate role. Currently, chemokines and their receptors such as the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis, CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis and the CCL20-CCR6 axis have received much research attention. Although a large number of studies show that these axes are strongly associated with HCC, the exact mechanism by which these axes promote the growth and progression of HCC remains unknown. In this paper, several chemokines and their receptor interactions in HCC progression, growth and metastasis and immune response to HCC are reviewed.

Association of NOD1 (CARD4) insertion/deletion polymorphism with susceptibility to IBD: A meta-analysis

AIM: To find evidences about whether NOD1/CARD4 insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with inflammatory bowel disease by meta-analysis. METHODS: We surveyed the studies on the association of NOD1/CARD4 insertion/deletion polymorphism with inflammatory bowel disease in PubMed. Meta-analysis was performed for genotypes GG/T vs T/T, GG/GG vs T/T, GG/T + GG/GG vs T/T, GG/GG vs T/T + GG/T, and GG allele vs T allele in a fixed/random effect model. RESULTS: We identified 8 studies (6439 cases and 4798 controls) in Caucasian populations using PubMed search. We found no association between NOD1/CARD4 insertion/deletion polymorphism and inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Stratification of cases by age showed that NOD1/CARD4 insertion/deletion polymorphism was associated with inflammatory bowel disease in younger age group at onset (< 40 years) (GG vs T: OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.93, P = 0.02; GG/T + GG/GG vs T/T: OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59-0.85, P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates an association between NOD1/CARD4 insertion/deletion polymorphism and inflammatory bowel disease in the younger age group at onset (< 40 years) in Caucasian populations.

The usage of the whole palate flap in maxillofacial surgery

To study the clinical effects,the merits and shortcomings of the hard palate flap in repairing postoperative defects of oral soft tissue.Methods The whole-palate flap pedicled with the unilateral greater palatine artery was used to repair 25 cases of oral soft tissue defects.Results Of the 25 cases,22 flaps survived completely and 2 flaps survived partially.The postoperative appearance and functions were satisfactory.Conclusion Compared with other flaps,the hard palate flap is easier to harvest and use.It has reliable blood supply and does not harm the patients’ appearance and function.It is one of the most desirable methods for repairing the oral soft tissue defect.4 refs.

Microsurgical treatment of neurilemmoma in upper cervical spinal canal:59 cases report

Objective To explore surgical techniques and curative effects of microsurgical treatment for neuriemmoma in upper cervical spinal canal. Methods Form Jan. 2004 to Nov. 2007. 59 cases of schwannoma was resected through microoperation, the operation was conducted through a posteromedial approach,using German Laika microscope resection

Measurements and significance of serum gastrin,plasma motilin and serum beta-endorphin in patients with severe burns

To investigate the changes and significance of serum gastrin (GAS),betaendorphin (beta-EP) and plasma motilin (MTL) in patients with severe burns.Methods Blood samples were gotten according to different timepoints from 32 admitted burned patients,and then serum GAS,beta-EP and plasma MTL were determined by radio-immuno assay (RIA).Results In patients with severe burns,serum GAS decreased significantly in early period.And at the timepoint of 8 h,it reached the lowest level.But during 9-24 h it elevated for a while,and then it reached a relatively stable level.MTL reached the highest level at the timepoint of 2 h after burning.Then at the shock stage,it was comparatively lower.And at the timepoint of 8 h after burning,it reached the lowest level,then raised persistently after reabsorption,but still lower than the normal level.At the early stage after burning,beta-EP raised,then reached the highest level at 8 h after burning.GAS and MTL decreased and beta-EP increased significantly with the increase of the burned area.However,when the burned area was over 70% of the total body surface area,there was no relationship between then.Conclusion Blood GAS,MTL and beta-EP have represented regular changes in patients with severe burns at the early stage after burning.And the painstimulus and shock are effective factors.7 refs,3 tabs.

Methylation of MGMT,DAPK,THBS1 and RIZ1 genes in hepatocellular carcinoma

To study the methylation of MGMT,DAPK,THBS1 and RIZ1 genes in hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods Methylation-specific PCR was adopted to investigate the promoter methylation of these genes in 40 cases of HCC and 2 normal liver tissues.The relationship between the frequency of methylation of the genes and clinical data was analyzed.Results Normal liver has no genes methylation.In patients with HCC,the frequency of methylation in MGMT,DAPK,THBS1 and RIZ1 was 15%,77.5%,37.5% and 30%,respectively.Methylation of at least one gene could be detected in 87.5% HCC patients.In the non-tumor liver tissues,the frequency of methylation in MGMT,DAPK,THBS1 and RIZ1 were detected in 5%,77.5%,27.5% and 5%,respectively.Mthylation of RIZ1 was more frequent in HCC than in non-tumor liver tissues (χ2=8.658,P<0.05).HCC patients with methylation of two genes were younger than those with only one (t=2.389,P<0.05).HCC patients with methylation of THBS1 were younger than those without (t=3.047,P<0.05).Conclusion Methylation of multiple genes is a common event in HCC.5 refs,1 fig.3 tabs.

Expression of Nanog in brain tumor ste cells

Objective To detect the expression of Nanog in glioma cell line U87 and the relationship with BTSCs. Methods BTSCs were isolated from glioma cell line U87 andcultured in simplified serum-free neural stem cell medium by nanosphere suspension culture method spheres,and purified continuously through the monoclonal formation experiment. The immunofluorescence staining of cells was employed

Prevalence rate and influencing factors of restless leg syndrome in maintenance hemodialysis patients in Anhui province

Objective To explore the prevalence rate of restless leg syndrome(RLS)and its related influencing factors in patients with maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)in Anhui province.Methods It was a cross-sectional study,including regular MHD patients in blood purification centers of 27 hospitals in southern,central and northern Anhui province from January to March 2020.

The effect of anhedonia,childhood abuse and depression on suicidal ideation of adolescents:a moderated mediating model

Objective To explore the effects of anhedonia,childhood abuse,and depression on suicidal ideation,and the mediating role of anhedonia in adolescents.Methods A total of 7431 middle school students were invited to participate in the study.

Efficacy of digital multi-dimensional parent-child training for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:a controlled clinical study

Objective To explore whether digital multidimensional parent-child training combined with medication is more effective than medication alone in treating symptoms and social function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods In this pre-post parallel controlled study from October 2020 to August 2022.

Effects of homocysteine on cerebral perfusion and cognitive function in patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease

Objective To investigate the effect of homocysteine(Hcy) on cerebral perfusion and cognitive function in patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease(aCSVD).Methods A total of 117 patients with aCSVD who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2020 to September 2022 were enrolled and divided into the aCSVD cognitive impairment group (aCSVD-CI,n=57) and aCSVD noncognitive impairment group (aCSVD-NCI,n=60)according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score.

Prognostic value of growth differentiation factor 15 and hepatocyte growth factor in 5-year mortality for patients with chronic heart failure

Objective To evaluate the value of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in mortality prediction for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) during a 5-year follow-up.Methods This prospective case-control study enrolled 141 CHF patients hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between August 2015 and September 2017.

Resistance genotype,capsular serotype and virulence gene of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae in Anhui Province

Chaohu 238000.Chin J Infect 2019;37(7):408-413.Objective To investigate the resistance genotype,capsular serotype and virulence gene of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae(HMVKP).Methods A total of 698 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae(non-repetitive strains)were collected from 35 hospitals of Anhui in September 2017.A total of 78 HM VKP strains were isolated and screened,and the phenotypes of hypermucoviscosity were identified by slime test.The minimum inhibitory concentrations(MIC)of 17 antibiotics drugs were determined by agar dilution method.The resistance related genes,serotype and virulence gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).

Cathepsin L mediates glomerular endothelial cell injury by cleavaging complement C3 in trichloroethylene-sensitized mice

Objective To observe the expressions of complement3(C3)and endothelial cell injury-associated proteins before and after cathepsin L(CTSL)blockade in renal injury of trichloroethylene(TCE)-sensitized mice.Methods In June 2018,41 SPF female BALB/c mice were divided respectively into blank control group(n=5),vehicle control group(n=5),TCE group(n=15)and TCE+CTSLi group(n=16)to establish trichloroethylene-sensitized mice model by pretreating the mice with intraperitoneal injection of CTSL inhibitor(CTSLi)and using TCE for the first and last challenge.

Epidemiological investigation on the prevalence of anemia and the standardized rate of hemoglobin in patients with maintenance hemodialysis in Anhui province

Objective To explore the prevalence of anemia,percentage of patients with hemoglobin(Hb)reaching the guideline target,and its impact factors in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients in Anhui Province.Methods Two thousand six hundred and one cases of MHD patients were investigated in hemodialysis centers of 26 hospitals in southern,northern and central Anhui

Typical endoscopic appearance accurately predicts sporadic fundic gland polyps： a retrospective study of 47 771 endoscopies

Sporadic fundic gland polyps （FGPs） account for 0.8%- 1.9% of all gastric polyps and are observed in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy （EGD） in whom they account for more than 50% of all gastric polyps. The prevalence is increasing in recent years possibly due to decreased Helicobacter pylori （1t. pylori） infection rate and long-term proton pump inhibitor use. Generally, sporadic FGPs are assumed to be benign polyps with no risk of malignant transformation. We evaluated the feasibility of predicting sporadic FGPs based on typical endoscopic appearance in a large database of 47 771 endoscopies.

Expression analysis of ETS1 gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells with systemic lupus erythematosus by real-time reverse transcription PCR

To the editor： Systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） is a prototypic autoimmune disease with complex genetic inheritance.l In recent years, genome-wide association studies （GWAS） had further provided novel insights into the genetics background of SLE by identifying multiple susceptibility genes in different ethnic populations.