Chronic hepatitis B serum promotes apoptotic damage in human renal tubular cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro and to study the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN). METHODS: The levels of serum TGF-β1 were measured by specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and HBV DNA was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 44 patients with CHB ,and 20 healthy persons as the control. The normal human kidney proximal tubular cell (HK-2) was cultured together with the sera of healthy persons, CHB patients with HBV-DNA nega-tive(20 cases) and HBV-DNA positive (24 cases) for up to 72 h. Apoptosis and Fas expression of the HK-2 were detected by flow cytometer. RESULTS: The apoptosis rate and Fas expression of HK-2 cells were significantly higher in HBV DNA positive serum group 19.01±5.85% and 17.58±8.35%, HBV DNA negative serum group 8.12±2.80% and 6.96±2.76% than those in control group 4.25±0.65% and 2.33±1.09%, respectively (P < 0.01). The apoptosis rate and Fas expression of HK-2 in HBV DNA positive serum group was significantly higher than those in HBV DNA negative serum (P < 0.01). Apoptosis rate of HK-2 cells in HBV DNA positive serum group was positively correlated with the level of HBV-DNA (r = 0.657). The level of serum TGF-β1 in CHB group was 163.05±91.35μg/L, significantly higher as compared with 81.40±40.75μg/L in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The serum of patients with chronic hepatitis B promotes apoptotic damage in human renal tubular cells by triggering a pathway of Fas up-regula-tion. HBV and TGF-β1 may play important roles in the mechanism of hepatitis B virus associated glomerulone-phritis.     

Changes of serum p53 antibodies and clinical significance of radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM： To explore the relationship between serum p53 antibodies （p53-Abs） and clinicopathological characteristics and therapeutic effect in patients with esophageal carcinoma （EC）, and to investigate sequential changing regularity of serum pS3-Abs after radiotherapy.
METHODS： The serum pS3-Ab levels were detected in 46 EC patients and 30 healthy adults by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The blood samples were collected on the day before radiotherapy and on the administration of an irradiation dose of 20 Gy/10 f/12 d, 40 Gy/20 f/24 d and 60 Gy/30 f/36 d after radiotherapy.
RESULTS： The level and positive rate of serum pS3-Abs in EC patients were significantly higher than those in normal individuals （P 〈 0.05）. Serum anti-p53 antibodies were positive in 18 of 46 EC patients （39.1%）. The positive rate of pS3-Abs in EC was related to histological grade, disease stage and lymph node metastasis （P 〈 0.05）, but it was not significantly related to sex, age and to the size and site of tumor. The level and positive rate of p53-Abs had significant differences between before radiotherapy and after administration of an irradiation dose of 40 Gy/20 f/24 d and 60 Gy/30 f/36 d （P 〈 0.05 orP 〈 0.01）. The positive rate of p53-Abs in EC patients with effect was significantly lower than that in those without effect after radiotherapy （P 〈 0.0001）.
CONCLUSION： Detection of serum p53-Abs is helpful to the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma. Monitoring for sequential change of serum p53-Abs before and after radiotherapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma is also useful to evaluate the response to the treatment and prognosis of the patients.     

慢性肾脏病患者游离脂肪酸与细胞因子及颈动脉病变的关系

Objective To investigate the serum level of free fatty acid (FFA) and explore its relationship with cytokines and atherosclerosis (AS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods The serum level of FFA was determined with enzymatic colorimetry.IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNFα were determined with ELISA.High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured with immunoturbidimetry.Prevalence of atherosclerosis was detected with carotid ultrasonography.We evaluated the relationship between serum levels of FFA and IL-1β,IL-6, TNFα, hsCRP as well as the renal function in 130 adult patients with CKD, stratified according to the GFR ( based on the National Kidney Foundation/Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiatives) and in 58 hemodialytic (HD) patients.The relationship between FFA level and cardiac geometry incidence in CKD patients was analyzed with logistic regression model.Results The serum level of FFA was significantly higher in CKD patients as compared with that in the healthy controls [(492.63 ± 143.59)vs (302.65 ± 142.18) μ mol/L, P ＜ 0.01], even in the early stage of CKD.The level of FFA increased with the progression of renal dysfunction.In the non-dialytic CKD group, the level of FFA was negatively related to GFR and positively related to the proteinuria (P ＜ 0.05), while in the HD group, it was positively correlated with dialysis duration ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The serum levels of FFA were higher in CKD patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis than those in patients without ( P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ).However, in both groups with impairment of renal function, the levels of FFA were positively correlated with hsCRP, IL-1 β, IL-6,TNFα and TG( all P ＜ 0.05 ).A positive correlation between the level of FFA and the clinical manifestations such as carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT) and AS was also found.A negative correlation was found between the level of FFA and the serum level of albumin and GFR( P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Serum levels of FFA are significantly higher either in non-dialytic CKD or in HD patients and it is related with hsCRP, IL-1 β, IL-6, TNFα as well as carotid artery atherosclerosis, indicating that FFA is an independent risk factor of AS in CKD.     

慢性肾脏病患者游离脂肪酸与细胞因子及颈动脉病变的关系

Objective To investigate the serum level of free fatty acid (FFA) and explore its relationship with cytokines and atherosclerosis (AS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods The serum level of FFA was determined with enzymatic colorimetry.IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNFα were determined with ELISA.High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured with immunoturbidimetry.Prevalence of atherosclerosis was detected with carotid ultrasonography.We evaluated the relationship between serum levels of FFA and IL-1β,IL-6, TNFα, hsCRP as well as the renal function in 130 adult patients with CKD, stratified according to the GFR ( based on the National Kidney Foundation/Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiatives) and in 58 hemodialytic (HD) patients.The relationship between FFA level and cardiac geometry incidence in CKD patients was analyzed with logistic regression model.Results The serum level of FFA was significantly higher in CKD patients as compared with that in the healthy controls [(492.63 ± 143.59)vs (302.65 ± 142.18) μ mol/L, P ＜ 0.01], even in the early stage of CKD.The level of FFA increased with the progression of renal dysfunction.In the non-dialytic CKD group, the level of FFA was negatively related to GFR and positively related to the proteinuria (P ＜ 0.05), while in the HD group, it was positively correlated with dialysis duration ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The serum levels of FFA were higher in CKD patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis than those in patients without ( P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ).However, in both groups with impairment of renal function, the levels of FFA were positively correlated with hsCRP, IL-1 β, IL-6,TNFα and TG( all P ＜ 0.05 ).A positive correlation between the level of FFA and the clinical manifestations such as carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT) and AS was also found.A negative correlation was found between the level of FFA and the serum level of albumin and GFR( P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Serum levels of FFA are significantly higher either in non-dialytic CKD or in HD patients and it is related with hsCRP, IL-1 β, IL-6, TNFα as well as carotid artery atherosclerosis, indicating that FFA is an independent risk factor of AS in CKD.     

Effects of autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor in hepatitis virus myocarditis on action potential and L-type Ca~(2 ) currents

AIM:To investigate the effects of autoantibodies againstβ_1-adrenoceptor in hepatitis virus myocarditis on actionpotential and L-type Ca~(2 ) currents.METHODS:Fifteen samples of autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor positive sera of patients with hepatitis virusmyocarditis were obtained and IgGs were purified by octanoicacid extraction.Binding of autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor to guinea pig cardiac myocytes was examinedby immunofluorescence.Using the patch clamp technique,the effects on the action potential and I_(ca-L) of guinea pig cardiacmyocytes caused by autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptorin the absence and presence of metoprolol were investigated.Cell toxicity was examined by observing cell morphologyand permeability of cardiac myocytes to trypan blue.RESULTS:The specific binding of autoantibodies againstβ_1-adrenoceptor to guinea pig cardiomyocytes was observed.Autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor diluted at 1:80prolonged APO_(20),APD_(50)and APD_(90) by 39.2%,29.1% and15.2% respectively,and only by 7.2%,5.3% and 4.1%correspondingly in the presence of 1 μmol/L metoprolol.Autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor diluted at 1:80,1:100 and 1:120 significantly increased the I_(ca-l) peak currentamplitude at 0 mV by 55.87±4.39%,46.33±5.01% and29.29±4.97% in a concentration-dependent manner.Incontrast,after blocking of β_1-adrenoceptors (1 μmol/Lmetoprolol),autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor dilutedat 1:80 induced a slight increase of I_(ca-L) peak amplitude onlyby 6.81±1.61%.A large number of cardiac myocytes exposedto high concentrations of autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor (1:80 and 1:100) were turned into roundedcells highly permeable to trypan blue.CONCLUSION:Autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor mayresult in arrhythmias and/or impairment of myocardiums inHVM,which would be mediated by the enhancement of I_(ca-L.     

Association of VCAM-1 overexpression with oncogenesis,tumor angiogenesis and metastasis of gastric carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and oncogenesis,tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in gastric carcinoma,and to evaluate the clinical significance of serum VCAM-1levels in gastric cancer.METHODS: Specimens from 41 patients with gastric cancer, 8 patients with benign gastric ulcer, and 10 healthy subjects were detected for the expression of VCAM-1 by immunohistochemistry. Microvessel density (MVD) was measured by counting the endothelial cells immunostained with the monoclonal antibody CD34 at x200 magnification.Serum VCAM-1 concentrations were measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in the 41 gastric cancer patients before surgery, and at 7 days after surgery as well as in 25 healthy controls. The association between preoperative serum VCAM-1 levels and clinicopathological features, and their changes following surgery was evaluated. Tn addition, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was also examined.RESULTS: Of the 41 gastric cancer tissues, 31 (75.6 %)were VCAM-1 positive. The VCAM-1 positive gastric cancers were more invasive and classified in the more advanced stage than the VCAM-1 negative ones. The VCAM-1 positive cancers were associated with more lymph node metastases than VCAM-1-negative ones (P＜0.05). The expression of VCAM-1 was detected in tissues of two of the eight patients with gastric ulcer and two of the 10 healthy controls. The expression of VCAM-1 in gastric cancer patients was significantly more frequent than that in the healthy controls and ulcer group (both P＜0.05). MVD in VCAM-1 expressing tissues was higher than that in VCAM-1 negative tissues (t=2.13,P＜0.05). Serum VCAM-1 levels in gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than those in controls (t=3.4, P＜0.05). There was a significant association between serum VCAM-1 levels and disease stage, as well as invasion depth of the tumor and the presence of distant metastases.The concentrations of serum CEA in gastric cancer were higher than normal controls. Both serum VCAM-1 and CEA levels decreased significantly after radical resection of the primary tumor (P＜0.05). Furthermore, the serum levels of VCAM-1 were positively correlated with the expression of VCAM-1 in the tumor tissue (r=-0.85, P＜0.05).CONCLUSION: The expression of VCAM-1 is closely related to oncogenesis, tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in gastric carcinoma. Serum VCAM-1 level in gastric cancer patients is significantly increased compared with normal controls, which decreases significantly after radical resection of the primary tumor. The serum concentration of VCAM-1 may be considered as an effective marker of tumor burden of gastric cancer. Moreover, overexpression of VCAM-1 in gastric cancer tissue is likely a major source of serum VCAM-1.     

Autoantibodies against α_1 adrenergic receptor related with cardiac remodeling in hypertensive patients by clinical observation

Objective To investigate the effects of autoantibodies against a adrenergic receptor on cardiac remodeling in patients with hypertension. Methods Five hundred and fifty three patients with hypertension in our hospital were selected. The autoantibodies againstα1 adrenergic receptor in sera of donor were detected by ELISA, and the Results of echocardiography were recorded. By     

Serum transforming growth factor-β1 level reflects disease status in patients with esophageal carcinoma after radiotherapy

AIM To evaluate the relationship between changes in serum transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) level and curative effect of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with esophageal carcinoma.METHODS Ninety patients with histologically confirmed esophageal carcinoma were enrolled. Serum samples for TGFβ1 analysis were obtained before and at the end of RT. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum TGFβ1 level. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between disease status and changes in serum TGFβ1 level.RESULTS Serum TGFβ1 level in patients with esophageal carcinoma before RT was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P ＜ 0.001). At the end of RT, serum TGFβ1 level was decreased in 67.82% (59/87) of the patients. The overall survival rate at 1,3 and 5 years was 48.28% (42/87), 19.54% (17/87)and 12.64% (11/87), respectively. Main causes of death were local failure and regional lymph node metastasis.In patients whose serum TGFβ1 level decreased after RT,the survival rate at 1, 3 and 5 years was 61.02% (36/59),28.81% (17/59) and 18.64% (11/59), respectively. The survival rate at 1 year was 17.86% (5/28) in patients whose serum TGFβ1 level increased after RT, and all died within 18 mo (P ＜ 0.01).CONCLUSION Serum TGFβ1 level may be a useful marker for monitoring disease status after RT in patients with esophageal carcinoma.     

Measurement of circulating levels of VEGF-A, -C, and -D and their receptors, VEGFR-1 and -2 in gastric adenocarcinoma

AIM： TO analyze the serum levels and prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） -A, -C, and -D, and their receptors, VEGFR-1 and -2 in gastric adenocarcinomas. METHODS： The serum levels of VEGF family members were measured in 76 control subjects and 76 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. These measurements were correlated with clinco-pathological features and survival rates. RESULTS： The serum levels of VEGF-A and its receptor, VEGFR-1, were significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer than in healthy donors （t = 2.3, P = 0.02 and t = 4.2, P 〈 0.0001, respectively）. In contrast, the serum levels of VEGF-D were significantly higher in control subjects than in patients （t = 2.9, P = 0.004）. There was no significant difference in serum levels of VEGF-C and VEGFR-2 between patients and controls. VEGF-C was associated with advanced tumor stage and presence of metastasis. VEGFR-1 was associated with metastasis, advanced overall stage,tumor differentiation and survival. VEGFR-2 levels were associated with poor tumor differentiation. There was no significant prognostic value for any of the VEGF family members or their receptors except for VEGFR-1 where high levels were associated with a poor overall survival. CONCLUSION： Serum VEGF levels vary significantly in the same cohort of patients with variable clinicopathological features and prognostic values. The simultaneous measurement of VEGF receptors levels in sera may overcome the limitations of a single biomarker assay.     

Prognostic significance of cell infiltrations of immunosurveillance in colorectal cancer

AIM: To determine whether the mast cell (MCs) and tumor-associated macrophage (TAMs) counts have any correlation with clinical outcome in colorectal cancer, and to investigate whether MCs undergo phenotypic changes in colorectal cancer. METHODS: The MC and TAM counts were determined immunohistochemically in 60 patients with colorectal cancer and the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis rate, distant metastasis rates, and survival rates were compared between patients with low (less than the mean number of positive cells) and high (more than the mean number of positive cells) cell counts. RESULTS: Both patients with a low MC count and patients with a low TAM count had significantly deeper depth of invasion than those with a high MC count and those with a high TAM count (P<0.01 and P<0.01 respectively). Patients with a high MC count and patients with a high TAM count were significantly higher showing significantly lower rates of lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis than those with a low MC count and those with a low TAM count. There were significant positive correlation between MC counts and TAM counts (r= 0.852, P<0.01). In both cancerous tissue and normal colorectal tissue, the predominant MC phenotype was MCTC. The 5-year survival rate estimated was significantly lower in both patients with a low MC count and patients with a low TAM count than in those with a high MC count and those with a high TAM count (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: There appears to be a direct relationship between the number of MCs and clinical outcome in patients with colorectal cancer, even though MCs exhibited no significant phenotypic changes. TAM count is of value to predict the clinical outcome or prognosis. It is more beneficial for estimating biological character of colorectal carcinoma to combine MC and TAM counts.     

Dynamic changes of HBV DNA in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronic hepatitis patients after lamivudine treatment

AIM: To study the dynamic changes of hepatits B virus (HBV) DNA in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients after lamivudine therapy. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with chronic HBV infection were included in this study. All patients were confirmed to have the following conditions: above 16 years of age, elevated serum alanine amonotransferase (ALT), positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), positive HBV DNA in serum and PBMCs, negative antibodies against HAV, HCV, HDV, HEV. Other possible causes of chronic liver damages, such as drugs, alcohol and autoimmune diseases were excluded. Seventy-two cases were randomly divided into lamivudine treatment group (n=42) and control group (n=30). HBV DNA was detected both in serum and in PBMCs by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), during and after lamivudine treatment. RESULTS: In the treatment group, HBV DNA became negative both in serum and in PBNIC, of 38 and 25 out of 42 cases respectively during the 48 wk oflamivudine treatment, the negative rate was 90.5% and 59.5% respectively. In the control group, the negative rate was 23.3% and 16.7% respectively. It was statistically significant at 12, 24 and 48 wk as compared with the control group (P < 0.005). The average conversion period of HBV DNA was 6 wk (2-8 wk) in serum and 16 wk (8-24 wk) in PBMC. CONCLUSION: Lamivudine has remarkable inhibitory effects on HBV replication both in serum and in PBMCs. The inhibitory effect on HBV DNA in PBMCs is weaker than that in serum.     

Detection of HBsAg, HBcAg, and HBV DNA in ovarian tissues from patients with HBV infection

AIM: To investigate the presence of HBsAg, HBcAg, and HBV DNA in ovarian tissues from patients with HBV infection. METHODS: HBsAg and HBcAg were examined in ovarian biopsy tissues from 26 patients with HBV infection by immunocytochemistry, and HBV DNA was detected in ovarian tissues by PCR. RESULTS: HBsAg and HBcAg were present with the same positive rate of 34.6% (9/26). The total positive rate was 46.2% (12/26). HBsAg and HBcAg were positive in 6 (23.1%) of the 26 patients. Brown positive particles were diffusely distributed in ovarian cells. The positive rate of HBV DNA was 58.3% (7/12). CONCLUSION: HBsAg, HBcAg, and HBV DNA can be detected in ovarian tissues from patients with HBV infection. The presence of HBsAg and HBcAg in ovarian tissues does not correlate with the HBV markers in serum.     

Autoantibodies and hepatitis C virus genotypes in chronic hepatitis C patients in Estonia

AIM: To determine the prevalence of several autoantibodies in chronic hepatitis C patients, and to find out whether the pattern of autoantibodies was associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes. METHODS: Sera from 90 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C were investigated on the presence of anti-nuclear (ANA), anti-mitochondrial (AMA), anti-smooth muscle (SMA), anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 (LKMA1), anti-parietal cell (PCA), anti-thyroid microsomal (TMA), and anti-reticulin (ARA) autoantibodies. The autoantibodies were identified by indirect immunofluorescence. HCV genotypes were determined by a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the amplified 5' noncoding genome region. RESULTS: Forty-six (51.1%) patients were positive for at least one autoantibody. Various antibodies were presented as follows: ANA in 13 (14.4%) patients, SMA in 39 (43.3%), TMA in 2 (2.2%), and ARA in 1 (1.1%) patients. In 9 cases, sera were positive for two autoantibodies (ANA and SMA). AMA, PCA and LKMAI were not detected in the observed sera. HCV genotypes were distributed as follows: 1b in 66 (73.3%) patients, 3a in 18 (20.0%), and 2a in 6 (6.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of ANA and SMA can be found in chronic hepatitis C patients. Autoantibodies are present at low titre (1:10) in most of the cases. Distribution of the autoantibodies show no differences in the sex groups and between patients infected with different HCV genotypes.     

Correlation of integrin β3 mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression profiles with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric carcinoma

AIM: To investigate integrin 133 mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression in gastric carcinoma, and its correlation with microvascular density, growth-pattern, invasion, metastasis and prognosis. METHODS: In situ hybridization(ISH) of integrin β3 mRNA and immunohistochemistry of VEGF and CD34 protein were performed on samples from 118 patients with gastric cancer. RESULTS: The positive rate of integrin 133 mRNA in non- tumor gastric mucosa (20%) was significantly lower than that of the gastric cancer tissue (52.5%, x2 = 10.20, P ＜ 0.01). In patients of infiltrating type, stage T3-T4, vessel invasion, lymphatic metastasis, hepatic or peritoneal metastasis, the positive expression rates of integrin β3 mRNA were significantly higher than those in patients of expanding type (P ＜ 0.01), stage T1-T2 (P ＜ 0.01), non-vessel invasion (P ＜ 0.01), without lymphatic metastasis (P ＜ 0.01), without hepatic and peritoneal metastasis (P ＜ 0.01), respectively. In patients of infiltrating type, stage T3-T4, vessel invasion, lymphatic metastasis, hepatic or peritoneal metastasis, the positive expression rates of VEGF protein were significantly higher than those in patients of expanding type (P ＜ 0.01), stage T1-T2 (P ＜ 0.01), non-vessel invasion (P ＜ 0.01), without lymphatic metastasis (P ＜ 0.01), without hepatic and peritoneal metastasis (P ＜ 0.01), respectively. In patients of infiltrating type, stage T3-T4, vessel invasion, lymphatic metastasis, hepatic or peritoneal metastasis, the mean MVD were significantly higher than those in patients of expanding type (P ＜ 0.01), stage T1-T2 (P ＜ 0.01), non-vessel invasion (P ＜ 0.01), without lymphatic metastasis (P ＜ 0.01), without hepatic and peritoneal metastasis (P ＜ 0.01), respectively. It was found that the positive expression rate of integrin β3 mRNA was positively related to that of VEGF protein (P ＜ 0.01) and MVD (P ＜ 0.05), meanwhile the positive expression rate of VEGF protein was positively related to NVD (P ＜ 0.05). The mean survival period in patients with positive expression of integrin β3 mRNA and VEGF, and MVD ≥ 54.9/mm2 was significantly shorter than that in patients with negative expression of integrin β3 mRNA (P ＜ 0.05) and VEGF (P ＜ 0.01), and MVD ＜ 54.9/mm2 (P ＜ 0.01). Five-year survival rate in patients with positive expression of integrin β3 mRNA and VEGF, and MVD ≥ 54.9/mm2 was significantly lower than those with negative expression of integrin β3 mRNA (P ＜ 0.05), VEGF (P ＜ 0.05), and NVD ＜ 54.9/mm2 (P ＜ 0.01). CONCLUSION: Integrin β3 and VEGF expression can synergistically enhance tumor angiogenesis, and may play a crucial role in invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma. Therefore, they may be prognostic biomarkers and novel molecular therapeutic targets.     

Expression of interferon-alpha／beta receptor protein in liver of patients with hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver disease

ABM: To study the expression of interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-α/β) receptor protein in liver of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease and its clinical significance. METHODS: A total of 181 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease included 56 with HCV-related liver cirrhosis (LC) and 125 with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). CHC patients were treated with five megaunits of interferon-α1b six times weekly for the first 2 weeks and then every other day for 22 wk. The patients were divided into interferon (IFN) treatment-responsive and non-responsive groups, but 36 patients lost follow-up shortly after receiving the treatment. The expression of IFN-α/β receptor (IFN-α/βR) protein in liver of all patients was determined with immunofluorescence. RESULTS: In liver of patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease, the expression of IFN-α/βR protein in liver cell membrane was stronger than that in cytoplasm and more obvious in the surroundings of portal vein than in the surroundings of central vein. Moreover, it was poorly distributed in hepatic lobules. The weak positive, positive and strong positive expression of IFN-α/βR were 40% (50/125), 28% (35/125), 32% (40/125), respectively in CHC group, and 91.1% (51/56), 5.35% (3/56), and 3.56% (2/56), respectively in LC group. The positive and strong positive rates were higher in CHC group than in LC group (P<0.01). In IFN treatment responsive group, 27.8% (10/36) showed weak positive expression; 72.2% (26/36) showed positive or strong positive expression. In the non-responsive group, 71.7% (38/53) showed weak positive expression; 28.3% (15/53) showed positive or strong positive expression. The expression of IFN-α/βR protein in liver was more obvious in IFN treatment responsive group than in non-responsive group. CONCLUSION: Expression of IFN-α/βR protein in liver of patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease is likely involved in the response to IFN treatment.     

不同亚型卒中患者血清基质金属蛋白酶-2含量及其意义

Objective To investigate the change of serum matix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) level and its significance in patients with acute ischemic stroke of different subtypes. Methods Seventy-seven patients with acute ischemic stroke were classified into large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (n =29, 37. 66% ), small artery occlusion (SAO, lacunar infarction) (n =23, 29.87%), cardioembolism (CE) (n = 13,16. 88%), stroke of undemonstrated etiology (SUE) (n = 7, 9.09% ), and stroke of other demonstrated etiology (SOE) (n = 5, 6. 49%) according to the TOAST criteria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum MMP-2 in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 24 hours and 7 days, and they were compared with 42 controls. Results The serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours and 7 days of the onset of symptoms in the acute ischemic stroke group according to the TOAST criteria were 189. 55 ±24.79 and 307.46 ±84. 16 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than 159.76 ± 10. 32 ng/ml in the control group (all P <0.05). Among all the TOAST subtypes, SOE and SUE were not analyzed because of the small numbers of cases; among other subtypes, the serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours of the onset of symptoms in the LAA, SAO and CE groups were 218. 60 ± 13.42,175.21 ±9.92, and 167.26 ±9.7 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0. 05); at day 7 of the onset of symptoms they were 404.75 ± 10. 30, 293.18 ± 10.91, and 211.81 ±11.14 ng/ml respectively, and they were also significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Among those, the LAA group was increased significantly (P < 0. 01). Conclusions The serum MMP-2 levels were increased in patients with acute cerebral infarction. "l'ne changes of the serum MMP-2 levels in each TOAST subtype group were different. The LAA group increased most significantly, which supported the different views of the etiology of cerebral infarction subtypes. The serum MMP-2 plays an important role in the process of cerebral infarction of the LAA type.     

不同亚型卒中患者血清基质金属蛋白酶-2含量及其意义

Objective To investigate the change of serum matix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) level and its significance in patients with acute ischemic stroke of different subtypes. Methods Seventy-seven patients with acute ischemic stroke were classified into large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (n =29, 37. 66% ), small artery occlusion (SAO, lacunar infarction) (n =23, 29.87%), cardioembolism (CE) (n = 13,16. 88%), stroke of undemonstrated etiology (SUE) (n = 7, 9.09% ), and stroke of other demonstrated etiology (SOE) (n = 5, 6. 49%) according to the TOAST criteria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum MMP-2 in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 24 hours and 7 days, and they were compared with 42 controls. Results The serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours and 7 days of the onset of symptoms in the acute ischemic stroke group according to the TOAST criteria were 189. 55 ±24.79 and 307.46 ±84. 16 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than 159.76 ± 10. 32 ng/ml in the control group (all P <0.05). Among all the TOAST subtypes, SOE and SUE were not analyzed because of the small numbers of cases; among other subtypes, the serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours of the onset of symptoms in the LAA, SAO and CE groups were 218. 60 ± 13.42,175.21 ±9.92, and 167.26 ±9.7 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0. 05); at day 7 of the onset of symptoms they were 404.75 ± 10. 30, 293.18 ± 10.91, and 211.81 ±11.14 ng/ml respectively, and they were also significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Among those, the LAA group was increased significantly (P < 0. 01). Conclusions The serum MMP-2 levels were increased in patients with acute cerebral infarction. "l'ne changes of the serum MMP-2 levels in each TOAST subtype group were different. The LAA group increased most significantly, which supported the different views of the etiology of cerebral infarction subtypes. The serum MMP-2 plays an important role in the process of cerebral infarction of the LAA type.     

不同亚型卒中患者血清基质金属蛋白酶-2含量及其意义

Objective To investigate the change of serum matix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) level and its significance in patients with acute ischemic stroke of different subtypes. Methods Seventy-seven patients with acute ischemic stroke were classified into large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (n =29, 37. 66% ), small artery occlusion (SAO, lacunar infarction) (n =23, 29.87%), cardioembolism (CE) (n = 13,16. 88%), stroke of undemonstrated etiology (SUE) (n = 7, 9.09% ), and stroke of other demonstrated etiology (SOE) (n = 5, 6. 49%) according to the TOAST criteria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum MMP-2 in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 24 hours and 7 days, and they were compared with 42 controls. Results The serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours and 7 days of the onset of symptoms in the acute ischemic stroke group according to the TOAST criteria were 189. 55 ±24.79 and 307.46 ±84. 16 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than 159.76 ± 10. 32 ng/ml in the control group (all P <0.05). Among all the TOAST subtypes, SOE and SUE were not analyzed because of the small numbers of cases; among other subtypes, the serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours of the onset of symptoms in the LAA, SAO and CE groups were 218. 60 ± 13.42,175.21 ±9.92, and 167.26 ±9.7 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0. 05); at day 7 of the onset of symptoms they were 404.75 ± 10. 30, 293.18 ± 10.91, and 211.81 ±11.14 ng/ml respectively, and they were also significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Among those, the LAA group was increased significantly (P < 0. 01). Conclusions The serum MMP-2 levels were increased in patients with acute cerebral infarction. "l'ne changes of the serum MMP-2 levels in each TOAST subtype group were different. The LAA group increased most significantly, which supported the different views of the etiology of cerebral infarction subtypes. The serum MMP-2 plays an important role in the process of cerebral infarction of the LAA type.     

Thrombocytosis： A paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients manifest a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes. Thrombocytosis was reported in children with hepatoblastoma. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and dinical significance of thrombocytosis in HCC patients and its relationships with serum thrombopoietin (TPO).METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, biochemical and image data of 1 154 HCC patients. In addition, we measured platelet count and serum TPO in HCC patients with and without thrombocytosis, in patients with cirrhosis,chronic hepatitis and healthy subjects in a Eoss-sedJonal study.RESULTS: Thirty-one (2.7%) of 1 154 HCC patients had thrombocytosis (platelet count ≥400 K/mm^3). HCC patients with thrombocytosis were significantly younger, had a higher serum α-fetoprotein, higher rate of main portal vein thrombosis, larger tumor volume, shorter survival, and were less likely to receive therapy than HCC patients without thrombocytosis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that tumor volumes ≥30% and serum α-fetoprotein≥ 140 000 ng/mL could significantly predict thrombocytosis.HCC patients with thrombocytosis had a significantly higher mean serum TPO than those without, as well as patients with cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and healthy subjects.Platelet count and serum TPO dropped significantly after tumor resection in HCC patients with thrombocytosis and re-elevated after tumor recurred. Furthermore, the expression of TPO mRNA was found to be more in tumor tissues than in non-tumor tissues of liver in an HCC patient with thrombocytosis.CONCLUSION: Thrombocytosis is a paraneoplastic syndrome of HCC patients due to the overproduction of TPO by HCC.It is frequently associated with a large tumor volume and high serum α-fetoprotein.     

不同亚型卒中患者血清基质金属蛋白酶-2含量及其意义

Objective To investigate the change of serum matix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) level and its significance in patients with acute ischemic stroke of different subtypes. Methods Seventy-seven patients with acute ischemic stroke were classified into large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (n =29, 37. 66% ), small artery occlusion (SAO, lacunar infarction) (n =23, 29.87%), cardioembolism (CE) (n = 13,16. 88%), stroke of undemonstrated etiology (SUE) (n = 7, 9.09% ), and stroke of other demonstrated etiology (SOE) (n = 5, 6. 49%) according to the TOAST criteria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum MMP-2 in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 24 hours and 7 days, and they were compared with 42 controls. Results The serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours and 7 days of the onset of symptoms in the acute ischemic stroke group according to the TOAST criteria were 189. 55 ±24.79 and 307.46 ±84. 16 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than 159.76 ± 10. 32 ng/ml in the control group (all P <0.05). Among all the TOAST subtypes, SOE and SUE were not analyzed because of the small numbers of cases; among other subtypes, the serum MMP-2 levels at 24 hours of the onset of symptoms in the LAA, SAO and CE groups were 218. 60 ± 13.42,175.21 ±9.92, and 167.26 ±9.7 ng/ml respectively, and they were all significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0. 05); at day 7 of the onset of symptoms they were 404.75 ± 10. 30, 293.18 ± 10.91, and 211.81 ±11.14 ng/ml respectively, and they were also significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Among those, the LAA group was increased significantly (P < 0. 01). Conclusions The serum MMP-2 levels were increased in patients with acute cerebral infarction. "l'ne changes of the serum MMP-2 levels in each TOAST subtype group were different. The LAA group increased most significantly, which supported the different views of the etiology of cerebral infarction subtypes. The serum MMP-2 plays an important role in the process of cerebral infarction of the LAA type.