[Arterial spin labeling in assessment of interstitial fibrosis in renal allografts].

Objective: To explore the feasibility and application value of arterial spin labeling (ASL) in evaluating the degree of renal fibrosis after kidney transplantation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Renal transplant recipients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from December 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled. All participants underwent ASL scan, and the values of renal cortical renal blood flow (RBF) were measured through post-processing software. The participants were divided into different groups according to the Banff interstitial fibrosis score (ci score) of the transplanted kidneys, and then relevant indicators were compared. One-way analysis of variance was conducted to compare the differences in renal cortical RBF among the groups. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to investigate the association between renal cortical RBF and ci score of the transplanted kidney. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic effectiveness of renal cortical RBF and laboratory indicators for distinguishing varying degrees of fibrosis in transplanted kidneys. The Delong test was utilized to compare the area under the curve (AUC). Results: A total of 60 patients (42 males and 18 females) were included in the study, with a mean age of (44.6±10.8) years. All patients were divided into 4 groups: ci0 group (ci score=0, 11 cases), ci1 group (ci score=1, 21 cases), ci2 group (ci score=2, 20 cases), and ci3 group (ci score=3, 8 cases). With an increase in the degree of fibrosis in the transplanted kidney, there was a corresponding decrease in the renal cortical RBF value. The differences in renal cortical RBF values among the 4 groups were statistically significant[ci0 group: (214.9±28.5) ml·(100 g)-1·min-1; ci1 group: (181.7±29.3) ml·(100 g)-1·min-1; ci2 group: (158.8±39.2) ml·(100 g)-1·min-1; ci3 group: (123.1±27.2) ml·(100 g)-1·min-1; F=14.02, P<0.001]. The renal cortical RBF was moderately negatively correlated with the ci score (r=-0.644, P<0.001). The AUC for discriminating between ci0 and ci1-3 of renal cortical RBF and 24-hour urine protein was 0.881 (95%CI: 0.772-0.950) and 0.680 (95%CI: 0.547-0.795), respectively. The AUC for renal cortical RBF was significantly higher than that for 24-hour urine protein (P=0.047). The renal cortical RBF can distinguish between ci0-1 and ci2-3, as well as ci0-2 and ci3, with the corresponding AUC value of 0.796 (95%CI: 0.673-0.889) and 0.900 (95%CI: 0.795-0.963), respectively. Conclusion: ASL can quantitatively assess renal blood perfusion in transplanted kidneys and demonstrates high operational efficacy in distinguishing varying degrees of fibrosis in the transplanted kidneys.

MicroRNA-124 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal cancer via negatively regulating NRP1.

This paper presents several inaccuracies and mistakes. Therefore, the article "MicroRNA-124 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal cancer via negatively regulating NRP1, by R.-K. Zang, J.-B. Ma, Y.-C. Liang, Y. Wang, S.-L. Hu, Y. Zhang, W. Dong, W. Zhang, L.-K. Hu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (14): 4532-4541-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201807_15508-PMID: 30058693" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/15508.

MicroRNA-124 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal cancer via negatively regulating NRP1.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs are a kind of endogenous, non-coding RNAs, which exert a significant role in pathological processes. Previous studies have reported that microRNA-124 is a tumor suppressor. The specific effect of microRNA-124 on esophageal cancer, however, has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the role of microRNA-124 in esophageal cancer and its underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MicroRNA-124 expressions in 75 esophageal cancer tissues, paracancerous tissues, and esophageal cancer cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction). The relationship between microRNA-124 expression, clinical progression, pathological indicators, and prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer was analyzed. For in vitro experiments, we performed CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8), colony formation and transwell assay to detect cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities after microRNA-124 overexpression in TE-1 and EC-109 cells, respectively. Western blot was utilized to explore the regulatory role of microRNA-124 in esophageal cancer cells. RESULTS: MicroRNA-124 was downregulated in esophageal cancer tissues than that of paracancerous tissues. Patients with esophageal cancer who had lower expression level of microRNA-124 presented higher tumor stage and metastasis incidence, as well as lower survival rate. In vitro studies demonstrated a decreased cell proliferation and migration abilities after microRNA-124 overexpression. Western blot results showed upregulated PI3K and AKT, and downregulated PTEN in esophageal cancer cells after overexpression of microRNA-124. Furthermore, microRNA-124 was confirmed to negatively regulate NRP1, so as to participate in the development of esophageal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-124 is downregulated in esophageal cancer tissues, which is remarkably correlated to the development, pathological grade, and poor prognosis of esophageal cancer. Overexpressed microRNA-124 is capable of inhibiting the malignant progression of esophageal cancer via negatively regulating NRP1.

Phase I/II study of hypofractioned radiation with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for clinical T3-4N0-1M0 stage esophageal carcinoma.

Compared to conventional fractionated-dose radiotherapy, high hypofractionated-dose radiotherapy could yield tumoricidal effects. However, few clinical trials of hypofractionated radiotherapy in loco-regionally advanced incurable esophageal cancer at present have yet been performed. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of hypofractioned radiation with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for clinical T3-4N0-1M0 stage esophageal carcinoma. From September 2003 to December 2005, 45 patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma were grouped and received three-dimensional conformal hypofractioned radiotherapy (3D-CRT) whose fractionated dose was gradually increase per group. Radiotherapy was administered to a total dose of from 50 to 54 Gy (fractionated dose of from 3.0 to 6.0 Gy, 3 times weekly), over a 3-4 week period. And patients received 4 cycles chemotherapy. The median follow-up period for survivors was 38 months. Treatment tolerance rate was 78.8% with daily dose of from 3 to 5 Gy. There are 21.2% patients occurring Grade ≥ 3 acute toxicities. But patients couldn't tolerate daily dose of 6 Gy (55.6%). The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year local control rates were 62%, 49% and 39% respectively. And the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 34%, 21% and 9% respectively. The median overall survival time was 17 months. At the time of following up, 13 patients (31.0%) had occurred esophageal late complications, with mainly esophageal perforation, hemorrhage or stenosis, including initial stenosis aggravation. Therefore hypofractionated irradiation was thought to be feasible for clinical T3-4N0-1M0 stage esophageal carcinoma. And daily dose of ≤5 Gy was comparatively suitable in hypofractionated irradiation for esophageal carcinoma, and the patients tolerated well. But further research was in need also.

Establishment of a rabbit model of extrascleral extension of ocular melanoma.

PURPOSE: To establish an animal model of extrascleral extension of choroidal melanoma. METHODS: Pigmented choroidal tumors were established in nine New Zealand albino rabbit eyes using B16F10 melanoma cell line. The sclerotomy site was not closed in the subgroup of six rabbits where extrascleral extension was desired. For the control group, the sclerotomy site was sutured with 8-0 nylon. Animals were treated with daily injections of cyclosporine and followed by serial fundus examinations, color Doppler imaging, and fundus photography. All tumor-bearing eyes were enucleated at the end of the follow-up period and examined for extrascleral extension. RESULTS: Extrascleral extension of choroidal melanoma occurred in all six animals with open sclerotomy sites. No extrascleral extension was observed in the control group. Color Doppler imaging identified extrascleral extension which was confirmed on gross histology. CONCLUSIONS: Our animal model of extrascleral extension of choroidal melanoma requires minimal surgery to establish, and is reproducible and easy to follow with standard diagnostic equipment.

Digital angiography of experimental choroidal melanomas using benzoporphyrin derivative.

PURPOSE: To examine benzoporphyrin derivative angiography as a modality for studying photosensitizer biodistribution in experimental choroidal melanomas. METHODS: A liposomal preparation of benzoporphyrin derivative was used in this study. Digital benzoporphyrin derivative angiograms were performed in 10 rabbits (six for experimental choroidal melanomas, two for normal choroids, and two for irides) using a Topcon ImageNet H1024 digital imaging system, a Kodak Megaplus video camera, and a Topcon TRC-50-VT fundus camera. Only one eye from each rabbit was used. Filters specifically designed for benzoporphyrin derivative (peak absorption at 580 nm and peak emission at 695 nm) were used. Benzoporphyrin derivative (1 mg/kg) was injected into an ear vein while images of tumor, normal choroid, or iris were being obtained. Follow-up images were obtained during the first 3 hours and at 24 hours after injection. Fluorescence microscopy was performed in all 10 rabbits using 1 mg/kg of benzoporphyrin derivative. Tumor-bearing eyes were enucleated at the same time points that angiograms were performed, and the two sets of results were compared for maximum dye accumulation. RESULTS: Digital angiography demonstrated that maximal benzoporphyrin derivative fluorescence occurred in tumors 15 to 45 minutes after injection. Fluorescence photometry corroborated these results. CONCLUSION: Photosensitizer angiography is a valid modality for determining the optimum treatment time for photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy of pigmented choroidal melanomas of greater than 3-mm thickness.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of photodynamic therapy in the destruction of experimental pigmented choroidal melanomas > or = 3 mm in thickness using a liposomal preparation of benzoporphyrin derivative, verteporfin. METHODS: Pigmented choroidal tumors were established in 32 New Zealand albino rabbit eyes. Animals were treated with daily injections of cyclosporine, and tumor growth was followed by serial fundus examinations and ultrasonography. When a tumor exceeded 3 mm in thickness (tumor height ranged from 3.1-4.6 mm), the authors administered benzoporphyrin derivative intravenously (1 mg/kg) and irradiated the tumor at 692-nm through an argon-pumped dye laser at different total light doses ranging from 60 to 120 J/cm2. Control animals were treated with light or benzoporphyrin derivative only. Each animal then was followed-up for 4 to 6 weeks by fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and ultrasonography. RESULTS: All animals treated with benzoporphyrin derivative and light at fluences of > or = 80 J/cm2 showed complete tumor arrest. In contrast, both control groups showed continuous tumor growth in all animals with tumors filling most of the vitreous cavity by 3 weeks. Histologic examination results of tumors treated with dye plus light immediately after treatment showed prominent vascular closure. No vascular changes were noted in the control eye treated with light or dye alone. Examination results of the eyes that showed tumor regression after a 4-week follow-up period showed tumor necrosis and extensive infiltration of mononuclear cells and pigment-laden macrophages at the tumor site. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that photodynamic therapy may have a role in the management of pigmented choroidal melanomas.

Photodynamic therapy of pigmented choroidal melanomas using a liposomal preparation of benzoporphyrin derivative.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy of pigmented choroidal melanoma using a liposomal preparation of benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid (BPD), verteporfin. DESIGN: Pigmented choroidal melanomas were established in 25 New Zealand albino rabbit eyes. The animals were treated with daily injections of cyclosporine, and tumor growth was monitored with funduscopic examination and ultrasonography. Fifteen minutes after intravenous injection of BPD (2 mg/kg), the tumors were irradiated at 692 nm through an argon-pumped dye laser with the delivered fluence ranging between 40 and 150 J/cm2. Control animals were treated with light only, photosensitizer only, or observation only. Tumor growth was monitored by indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and ultrasonography. Histologic examination was performed. RESULTS: Eighteen tumor-bearing rabbits were treated with light and BPD; 16 were followed up for 1 month, and two were killed immediately for histologic examination. Tumors regressed in all eyes treated with 60 J/cm2 or more. With fluence of 40 J/cm2, tumor regrowth was observed in one animal within 10 days of treatment. In the three control groups, all animals showed continuous tumor growth. Histologic examination of the eyes treated with photosensitizer and light immediately after treatment showed prominent vascular occlusion throughout the full thickness of the tumor. One month after treatment, tumor necrosis and infiltration of mononuclear cells and pigment-laden macrophages were the predominant findings. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy with BPD may have a role in the treatment of pigmented choroidal melanomas.

Photoimmunotherapy of human uveal melanoma cells.

To examine whether tumor-reactive monoclonal antibodies can be used to enhance photodestruction of human uveal melanoma cells, we conjugated photosensitizer chlorin e6 monoethylenediamine monoamide (CMA) with a melanoma-reactive monoclonal antibody IG12 and evaluated the effectiveness of this immunoconjugate (IC) in the destruction of OCM431 human uveal melanoma cells in vitro. RPMI1846 melanoma cells do not react with IC and were used as non-target cells. For control, target and non-target cells were treated with IC or light alone. The effects of IC and free CMA in the destruction of melanoma cells were compared. Cell survival was assessed by a colorimetric assay using tetrazolium salt MTT. Target (OCM431) cells preincubated with IC and irradiated with 5-40 J cm-2 showed light dose-dependent decrease in cell survival. At 40 J cm-2, OCM431 cells preincubated with IC showed only 6 +/- 1.4% viability. Under same treatment, non-target (RPMI1846) cells showed much less phototoxicity; cell survival was 54 +/- 2.1%. Treatment with free CMA and light at 40 J cm-2 showed similar phototoxicity to both target and non-target cells, with cell survival being 24.3 +/- 3.5% and 23.7 +/- 1.5%, respectively. These results show that our IC is effective in causing photodestruction of human uveal melanoma cells in vitro. The phototoxicity is selective and more potent than free CMA.

Photodynamic therapy of pigmented choroidal melanomas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with chloroaluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine in the treatment of pigmented choroidal melanomas in a rabbit model. METHODS: Pigment containing B16F10 murine melanoma cells were implanted transclerally into the subchoroidal space of 28 immunosuppressed New Zealand albino rabbits. The animals were treated with daily injections of cyclosporine and were followed up until tumors at least 2 mm in height were detected by ultrasonography. Twenty-four hours after the intravenous injection of chloroaluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine (CASPc, 5 mg/kg), tumors were irradiated at 675 nm through an argon-pumped dye laser at estimated total light doses of 25 to 70 J/cm2. Control animals were treated with light only or photosensitizer only. The animals were followed up for 4 1/2 to 8 weeks with regular fundus examinations. RESULTS: Twenty tumor-bearing rabbits were treated with light and dye. The tumor regressed in 12 animals. Five of these animals were followed up for at least 4 1/2 weeks and the other seven for 8 weeks after treatment. At light doses under 40 J/cm2, tumor regrowth was observed in five animals within 10 days of treatment. In all control groups, the tumor-bearing eyes were filled with tumor cells by the third week after implantation. Histologic examination of tumors treated with photosensitizer and light revealed prominent vascular damage early after treatment that resulted in vascular occlusion. Tumor necrosis was evident within 24 hours of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that photodynamic therapy may have a role in the treatment of pigmented choroidal melanomas.

Establishment of pigmented choroidal melanomas in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: To establish an animal model of pigmented choroidal melanoma. METHODS: Four melanoma cell lines originally isolated from melanotic tumors (B16F10, RPMI 1846, OCM 1, and IIB) were used to establish choroidal melanomas in 105 rabbits; 88 animals were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine. Tumor cells were implanted transclerally and examined with indirect ophthalmoscopy, ultrasound, and photography. RESULTS: Characteristic growth patterns were noted for each cell line. Animal cell lines typically produced choroidal tumors 3 to 4 mm in height within 2 weeks; human cell lines took an additional 7 to 10 days to achieve tumors of similar height. Tumors of heaviest pigmentation were generated consistently with the B16F10 cells, and with the other three cell lines only mild pigmentation was observed. Tumor shape varied depending on the source of implantation: diffuse, flat tumors were observed when cell suspensions were implanted, and nodular tumors were obtained with tumor fragments. Histopathologically, lesions were highly cellular, with rich vascularity and large numbers of mitotic figures. CONCLUSION: As the majority of human uveal melanomas are pigmented, the added feature of pigmentation associated with this model makes it more suitable for evaluating the role of newly developed phototherapies in the management of uveal melanoma.

[Studies on distribution and behavior of Anopheles minimus and its role of malaria transmission in Hainan Province at present].

Anopheles minimus was once a main malaria vector in Hainan Island and had been eliminated basically through the campaign of indoor residual spraying launched in 1959. It again became an incriminated vector of some focal malaria outbreaks in recent years. The present study was conducted in a selected county-Danxian and a typical hilly area-Feibar in the west part of Danxian county in 1989-1990. An. minimus was found in 50% and 62.5% of the surveyed sites at mountainous and hilly area of Danxian county, but not found in coastal region. An. minimus was found in all 18 sites surveyed in Feibar district, constituting 52% of anopheline composition. Man-biting rate made by human-baited collection was 3.2 before midnight and 38.2 when collected through whole night in some sites. However, the behaviour characteristics of An. minimus has changed. It has become exophilic, exophagic, and has an equal preference for man and cattle. The vectorial capacity of An. minimus estimated by quantitative data was in accord with malaria infection rate in Feibar district, and the malaria infection rate among the inhabitants in three types of residential quarter with different socioeconomic conditions. Malaria infection rates of residential quarter of land-reclamation outcomers, villagers and state farm residents were 10%, 2.9% and 0.5%, respectively during 40 days from July to August, 1990.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)