Melatonin enhances thapsigargin-induced apoptosis through reactive oxygen species-mediated upregulation of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein in human renal cancer cells

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has differentiated the effects on apoptosis in normal and cancer cells. The mechanisms that account for the opposite effects on these cells are not adequately understood. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of melatonin and thapsigargin (TG) on apoptosis of renal cancer cells. Cotreatment with melatonin (1mm) and TG (50nm) induced approximately 10-fold expression levels of CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins homologous protein (CHOP) compared with that of TG (50nm) alone. Downregulation of CHOP expression using small interfering RNAs markedly attenuated melatonin plus TG-mediated apoptosis. In addition, cotreatment with TG- and melatonin-induced CHOP upregulation likely relates to melatonin's antioxidant capacity because we proved that this CHOP upregulation is melatonin receptor independent. Our results collectively demonstrate that the upregulation of CHOP contributes to the enhancing effect of melatonin plus TG on apoptosis in cancer cells.     

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with del(9)(q34);SET-NUP214 rearrangement

SET-NUP214 rearrangement is a recently recognized recurrent chromosomal translocation mostly observed in T-ALL. In order to characterize this rare entity, we performed phenotypic and genetic characterization of SET-NUP214 rearrangement through an investigation of a series of 40 consecutive samples of adult T-ALL that was selected among 229 adult ALL cases during 4 years in a single institution. Four cases (10%) of SET-NUP214 translocation were identified in our study. In all cases, diagnosis of T-ALL was established according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, and clonal TCR rearrangements were found. The immunophenotypic markers were indicative of the precursor nature of T lymphoblasts, and they expressed one or both of the myeloid-associated antigens (CD13, CD33). Conventional cytogenetic analysis revealed complex chromosomal aberrations in all four SET-NUP214 rearranged cases and del(12)(p13)/ETV6 was frequently involved. Array-CGH demonstrated additional genomic imbalances in addition to deletion 9q34. The genomic breakpoint sequencing identified breakpoints at SET intron 7 and NUP214 intron 17, and random nucleotide addition was found in two cases at the site of rearrangement. Our independently derived data set from a single institution confirms previous findings of SET-NUP214 rearrangement, indicates the relatively high incidence of SET-NUP214 rearrangement in adult T-ALLs, and also demonstrates comprehensive clinical, phenotypic, and genetic characteristics of this entity. Also, our report on genomic breakpoints demonstrates the homogeneity in the localization of the genomic breakpoints at 9q34. Concurrent chromosomal aberrations identified in this study should provide further areas of interest in investigation of SET-NUP214-mediated leukemogenesis.     

Current status, crisis and trends in Chinese dental technicians

Background: Chinese dental technicians play a significant role in the globalised market of dental prosthesis fabrication, but this subject has not been investigated in detail. The demand for dental prostheses increases as individuals pay increasing attention to their oral health. Therefore, it is important to investigate the status of Chinese dental technicians. Objective: To evaluate the current status of Chinese dental technicians. Methods: Dental technicians’ resumés, which reveal information regarding dental technician manpower, degrees, working age and salary, etc., were analysed and compared with those abroad. We also estimated the future demands of dental technician manpower, and discussed some potential solutions. Results: There are fewer dental technicians in China than in other developed countries; they are also of a lower standard. Male technicians outnumber females. The education level of technicians is insufficient, and the education programme is still in its exploratory stage. Conclusions: The development of dental technician teams in China represents both an opportunity and a challenge. It is important to move forward from the current situation to yield long‐term development. This article provides information on the Chinese dental technology industry, identifies the problems and offers solutions for its development.