MTF2 Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Transcriptionally Activating Snail.

BACKGROUND: Metal regulatory transcription factor 2 (MTF2) has been previously reported as a protein binding to the metal response element of the mouse metallothionein promoter, which is involved in chromosome inactivation and pluripotency. However, the function of MTF2 in tumor formation and progression has not yet been completely elucidated. METHODS: The expression of MTF2 and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue microarray of 240 specimens. The role of MTF2 on HCC progression was determined using MTT, crystal violet, and transwell assays. Tumor growth was monitored in a xenograft model, and intrahepatic metastasis models were established. RESULTS: The expression of MTF2 was increased in HCC and strongly associated with the clinical characteristics and prognosis. Forced expression of MTF2 in HCC cells significantly promoted cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro. In contrast, downregulation of MTF2 inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro. Moreover, knock down of MTF2 suppressed tumorigenesis and intrahepatic metastasis of HCC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, MTF2 overexpression may promote growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes of HCC cells by facilitating Snail transcription. CONCLUSION: MTF2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by regulating Snail transcription, providing a potential therapeutic candidate for patients with HCC.

Surgical treatment of incidental gallbladder cancer discovered during or following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) and their long-term survival remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term prognosis of patients with IGBC diagnosed during or after LC. METHODS: Between January 2002 and January 2012, a total of 7,582 consecutive patients underwent LC for presumed gallbladder benign disease in the Chinese PLA General Hospital, China. Among them, 69 patients (0.91%) were diagnosed to have IGBC. Their medical records, imaging data, surgery records, pathological findings, and survival data were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Median age was 61 years (range: 34-83). After a median follow-up period of 61 months, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients were 89.9, 78.3, and 76.8%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates of patients with T1a, T1b, T2, and T3 stages were 95.5, 93.8, 69.2, and 44.4%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates in simple LC (n = 45), converted to open extended cholecystectomy (n = 16), and radical second resection (n = 8) groups were 91.1, 37.5, and 75.0%, respectively. Local port-site tumor recurrence was identified in one patient. Prognostic factors including depth of invasion, lymph node status, vascular or neural invasion, tumor differentiation, extent of resection, bile spillage, and type of surgery were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Simple LC is appropriate for T1a patients with clear margin and unbroken gallbladder, whereas extended radical resection is recommended for patients with T1b or more advanced IGBC. An intact surgical specimen and the use of plastic retrieval bags are important to reduce the risk of port-site recurrences and disease relapse. Early diagnosis, meticulous perioperative assessment, and precise surgery are essential factors to obtain good results in IGBC treatment.

Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to manage post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the causes, diagnosis and treatment of post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhages (PPHs). METHODS: A database of 703 pancreaticoduodenectomy patients in our institution (January 2008-July 2013) was analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: PPHs occurred in 62 patients of which, 38 had clear causes and 15 died because of uncontrolled bleeding and multiple organ failure. Pancreatic fistula and abdominal infection rates were significantly higher in the PPH group compared to the group who did not experience hemorrhages (P < 0.05) but did not significantly increase the mortality of PPH patients. Hemostasis was attempted by endotherapy in 7 patients and was successful in 4 (57.1 %). Angioembolization was performed in 12 patients and was successful in 10 (83.3 %) and relaparotomy in 24 patients successful in 13 (54.2 %). All deceased patients belonged to International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery clinical grade C and sentinel bleeding occurred in 60 % of PPH mortalities (9/15) (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Pancreatic fistulae and abdominal infections are associated with PPH. Control of early mild upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages could be attempted by endotherapy, but angiography with intervention or surgical treatments were always required for delayed bleeding. The mortality in cases with sentinel bleedings was obviously increased.

An end-to-end anastomosis model of guinea pig bile duct: A 6-mo observation.

AIM: To establish the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) model of guinea pig bile duct and evaluate the healing process of bile duct. METHODS: Thirty-two male guinea pigs were randomly divided into control group, 2-, 3-, and 6-mo groups after establishment of EEA model. Histological, immunohistochemical and serologic tests as well as measurement of bile contents were performed. The bile duct diameter and the diameter ratio (DR) were measured to assess the formation of relative stricture. RESULTS: Acute and chronic inflammatory reactions occurred throughout the healing process of bile duct. Serology test and bile content measurement showed no formation of persistent stricture in 6-mo group. The DR revealed a transient formation of relative stricture in 2-mo group in comparation to control group (2.94 ± 0.17 vs 1.89 ± 0.27, P = 0.004). However, this relative stricture was released in 6-mo group (2.14 ± 0.18, P = 0.440). CONCLUSION: A simple and reliable EEA model of guinea pig bile duct can be established with a good reproducibility and a satisfactory survival rate.