RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The models for assessing liver function, mainly the Child-Pugh (CP), albuminbilirubin (ALBI), and platelet-ALBI (PALBI) classifications, have been validated for use in estimating the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, thrombocytopenia is a common finding and may influence the prognostic value of the three models in HCC. AIM: To investigate and compare the prognostic performance of the above three models in thrombocytopenic HCC patients. METHODS: A total of 135 patients with thrombocytopenic HCC who underwent radical surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative scores on the CP, ALBI and PALBI classifications were estimated accordingly. Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests and Cox regression models were used to explore the significant factors associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: The preoperative platelet counts were significantly different among the CP, ALBI and PALBI groups. After a median follow-up of 28 mo, 39.3% (53/135) of the patients experienced postoperative recurrence, and 36.3% (49/135) died. Univariate analysis suggested that α-fetoprotein levels, tumor size, vascular invasion, and ALBI grade were significant predictors of OS and RFS. According to the multivariate Cox regression model, ALBI was identified as an independent prognostic factor. However, CP and PALBI grades were not statistically significant prognostic indicators. CONCLUSION: The ALBI grade, rather than CP or PALBI grade, is a significant prognostic indicator for thrombocytopenic HCC patients.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor of the bile duct epithelium, including intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal CCA based on anatomical location. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-like 2 (HSDL2) belongs to the SDR subfamily of oxidoreductases, and it is involved in glioma oncogenesis, as it can promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of HSDL2 in the process of CCA. METHODS: HSDL2 expression levels were observed in CCA and adjacent (normal control) tissues by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was carried out. In vitro, we overexpressed HSDL2 in RBE cells (a human CCA cell line) using a stable lentivirus-mediated transduction strategy. We then used quantitative real-time-PCR and Western blotting methods to detect the efficiency of HSDL2 overexpression. Cell proliferation was assessed using a Celigo Image Cytometer, MTT assays, and the expression of PCNA. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry analysis, caspase3/7 activity, and the expression of the apoptotic markers BCL-2 and BAX. RESULTS: We observed a downregulation of HSDL2 in CCA tissues based on The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus data analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that HSDL2 could be an excellent efficacy biomarker for CCA. In vitro, HSDL2 overexpression largely suppressed the proliferation of RBE cells. In addition, apoptosis was induced by HSDL2 overexpression. CONCLUSION: The results of the data analysis indicated that, compared with adjacent tissues, HSDL2 was downregulated in CCA tissues, and overexpressing HSDL2 in CCA cells suppressed growth and proliferation, which involved activating apoptosis. This helps to understand the underlying HSDL2-related molecular mechanisms in the process of CCA.
RESUMEN
We report a rare case of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the common bile duct (CBD). The patient is a 56-year-old female who presented to our department with symptoms of fever but without jaundice. A preoperative examination showed a tumor in the CBD. The tumor volume was almost 5.5 × 4.5 × 4 cm3, which is the biggest NET in the CBD reported on PubMed. The imaging results (computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were not consistent with CBD adenocarcinoma. The tumor appeared to oppress the growth of the CBD rather than originate in the bile duct wall; combined with the low blood bilirubin index and lack of jaundice symptoms, the preoperative diagnosis was not clear. We performed a radical resection of the cholangiocarcinoma. The patient recovered well before going home. The pathology was NET (Grade 2). The patient showed no recurrence to date, without intravenous chemotherapy (8 months).
