Long non-coding RNA UCA1 can predict tumor lymph node metastasis.

Numerous studies suggested that long non-coding RNA UCA1 was highly expressed and played critical roles in the development and progression of various cancerous tissues and cells. However, little is known about the association between UCA1 and tumor lymph node metastasis. In our study, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the association between UCA1 expression and tumor lymph node metastasis and explore whether UCA1 can be a potential molecular marker for predicting the multiple tumor lymph node metastasis. The meta-analysis result showed that the number of lymph node metastasis in different tumorous types of UCA1 high-expression group was significantly higher compared with UCA1 low-expression group (pooled odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.60-2.84, p < 0.05). To verify whether the above result was still valid in specific tumor type, we conducted a meta-analysis including four articles on colorectal cancer (pooled odds ratio = 2.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-3.34, p < 0.05). Based on the existing results, it can be explained that the long non-coding RNA UCA1 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and both the results revealed that compared with UCA1 low-expression group, the lymph node metastasis rate of UCA1 high-expression group was statistically significantly elevated. Therefore, long non-coding RNA UCA1 has the potential of being a biological marker for predicting lymph node metastasis.

The N-butyl alcohol extract from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers enhances healing potential on rat excisional wounds.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (HRS), a folk medicine named Zhujin in China, possess anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, low density lipoprotein oxidation prevention and macrophage death prevention effects. The leaves and red flowers of HRS have been traditionally used to treat with furuncle and ulceration. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of the N-butyl alcohol extract of HRS (NHRS) red flowers in wound healing by analyzing the collagen fiber deposition, angiogenic activity and macrophages action of the NHRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an excisional wound healing model in rats, different concentrations of NHRS, or recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF), were respectively applied twice daily for 9 days. Histopathology was assessed on day 9 via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome (MT) staining, and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and CD68. Immunomodulation by NHRS was evaluated by a carbon clearance test in mice. RESULTS: Wound healing post-surgery was greater in the rbFGF-control, NHRS-M and MHRS-H groups than in the model and 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-control groups after the third day. By the sixth day the wound contraction of NHRS-M and MHRS-H groups was much higher than the rbFGF-control group. HE and MT staining revealed that epithelialization, fibroblast distribution, collagen deposition of NHRS-M- and NHRS-H-control groups were significantly higher than the model group. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed more intense staining of VEGF, TGF-ß1 and CD68 in the rbFGF- and NHRS-control groups, compared to that in model and 5% DMSO-control groups. The clearance and phagocytic indices of NHRS-M- and NHRS-H-control groups were significantly higher than that of the carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) group in mice. CONCLUSION: NHRS accelerates wound repair via enhancing the macrophages activity, accelerating angiogenesis and collagen fiber deposition response mediated by VEGF and TGF-ß1.