Significance and prognostic value of lysosomal enzyme activities measured in surgically operated adenocarcinomas of the gastroesophageal junction and squamous cell carcinomas of the lower third of esophagus

AIM: To establish whether there are fundamental differences in the biochemistries of adenocarcinomas of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and the squamous cell carcinomas of the lower third of the esophagus (LTE).METHODS: Between February 1, 1997 and February 1,2000, we obtained tissue samples at the moment of resection from 54 patients for biochemical analysis. The full set of data could be comprehensively analyzed in 47 of 54 patients' samples (81%). Of these, 29 were adenocarcinomas of the GEJ Siewert type Ⅰ (n = 8), type Ⅱ (n = 12), type Ⅲ (n = 9), and 18 presented as squamous cell carcinomas of the LTE. We evaluated the mean values of 11-lysosomal enzyme and 1-cytosol protease activities of the tumorous and surrounding mucosae as well as their relative activities, measured as the ratio of activity in tumor and normal tissues from the same patient.These data were further analyzed to establish the correlation with tumor localization, TNM stage (lymph-node involvement), histological type (papillary, signet-ring cell,tubular), state of differentiation (good, moderate, poor),and survival (≤24 or ≥24 mo).RESULTS: In adenocarcinomas, the activity of α-mannosidase (AMAN), cathepsin B (CB) and dipeptidyl-peptidase Ⅰ (DPP Ⅰ) increased significantly as compared to the normal gastric mucosa. In squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus, we also found a significant difference in the activity of cathepsin L and tripeptidyl-peptidase I in addition to these three. There was a statistical correlation of AMAN,CB, and DPP Ⅰ activity between the level of differentiation of adenocarcinomas of the GEJ and lymph node involvement,because tumors with no lymph node metastases histologically confirmed as well-differentiated, showed a significantly lower activity. The differences in CB and DPP Ⅰ activity correlated well with the differences in survival rates, since the CB and DPP Ⅰ values of those who died within 24 mo following surgical intervention were significantly higher than of those who survived for 2 years or more.CONCLUSION: Adenocarcinomas of the GEJ form a homogenous group from a tumor-biochemical aspect,and differ from the biochemical characteristics of squamous cell carcinomas of the LTE on many points.When adenocarcinomas of the GEJs are examined at the preoperative phase, the ratio of the performed AMAN,CB, and DPP Ⅰ enzymatic activity of the tissue sample from the tumor and adjacent intact mucosa within 2 cm of the tumor may have a prognostic value even in the preoperative examination period, and may indicate that ranking of these patients into the neo-adjuvant treatment group should be considered.

The Pharmacodynamic Study of Qin Bing Eye Drop on Photokeratoconjunctivitis

Background: Qin Bing eye drop is prepared with cortex fraxini and borneol. It has been commonly used to relieve the symptoms of photokeratoconjunctivitis (PKC), chronic conjunctivitis and keratitis for more than forty years. However, the origins of cortex fraxini are various, which may result in the unstable quality. Methods: The animal model of PKC was established using rabbit’s eyes exposure to Ultraviolet (UV);levofloxaxin drop, normal saline, Qin Bing eye drops made of herbs from Hebei province and Shanxi province were respectively instilled to both eyes of rabbits;the symptoms of rabbits’ eyes were observed at different time points and scores based on weights were recorded;the recovery rates of different groups were evaluated. Results: The scores of both eyes for all rabbits were above 9 points, indicating animal models for PKC were successful;the average recovery rates of therapeutic groups, including Qin Bing eye drop groups, were higher than untreated group at different time points;the slopes of recovery rate in Qin Bing eye drop (Hebei) were above Shanxi. Conclusion: PKD animal model can be established successfully;Qin Bing eye drop groups promoted the symptoms of PKD recovering quicker than untreated group. Furthermore, Qin Bing eye drop made of herbs from province Hebei had better effects than Shanxi, which was consistent with chemical results. This indicated that chemical constituents of herbs were able to reflect the effects to a certain extent.