[Effect of Biyanning Granules on local symptoms and immune function of chronic rhinosinusitis].

This study discusses the effect of Biyanning Granules on local symptoms and systemic immune function of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP) within the 6 months of treatment by glucocorticoid nasal spray after surgical treatment. To be specific, a total of 237 CRSwNP patients, treated in Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in Shanxi Bethune Hospital, were enrolled. All patients were treated by nasal endoscopy and classified into hormone group(Budesonide Nasal Spray after surgery), Chinese medicine group(Biyanning Granules after surgery), and combination group(Budesonide Nasal Spray+Biyanning Granules after surgery) with random number table method, 79 cases in each group, and the treatment lasted 3 months. The follow-up was performed from the day of discharge to 12 months after the surgery. The clinical effect was observed. The visual analogue scale(VAS) scores and sino-nasal outcome test-20(SNOT-20) scale scores were used to assess patient's subjective symptoms and quality of life. Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score(LKES), Japanese T&T olfactometry, and standard olfactory test were used to evaluate the objective curative effect on patients. The levels of interleukin(IL)-21, CD4~+CD25~+Foxp3~+Treg, and CD4~+Th17 in peripheral blood were analyzed. The incidence of complications, recurrence rate, and adverse reactions during treatment were also recorded. The total effective rate after treatment in the combination group was higher than that in the hormone group and Chinese medicine group(P<0.05). VAS scores and SNOT-20 scale scores were lower in the three groups after treatment than before treatment and lower in the combination group than in the other two groups(P<0.05). The improvement in LKES and T&T standard olfactometry test was better in the combination group than in the other two groups(P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-21 and CD4~+Th17 in the three groups were lower than before treatment. The levels in the combination group were lower than those in the other two groups and lower in the hormone group than in the Chinese medicine group(P<0.05). Serum CD4~+CD25~+Foxp3~+Treg level was higher in the three groups after treatment than before, higher in the combination group than in the other two groups, and higher in the Chinese medicine group than in the hormone group(P<0.05). During the treatment, no serious adverse reactions were observed. After treatment, the combination group showed no significant difference in the incidence and recurrence rate of complications from the hormone group and Chinese medicine group. In the treatment of CRSwNP with glucocorticoid, Biyanning Granules reduced the side effects of glucocorticoid and assisted glucocorticoid in alleviating the symptoms of patients. It significantly improved the curative effect, regulated immune imbalance, accele-rated the recovery of immune function, reduced the recurrence rate of inflammatory reaction, and improved the quality of life. The combination of Chinese and western treatment is more effective than glucocorticoid alone and warrants further clinical study in large sample size.

Application of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technique in basic research, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer.

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for the development of the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease9 (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing technology that provided new tools for precise gene editing. It is possible to target any genomic locus virtually using only a complex nuclease protein with short RNA as a site-specific endonuclease. Since cancer is caused by genomic changes in tumor cells, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used in the field of cancer research to edit genomes for exploration of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and development. In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been increasingly used in cancer research and treatment and remarkable results have been achieved. In this review, we introduced the mechanism and development of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing system. Furthermore, we summarized current applications of this technique for basic research, diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Moreover, the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in new emerging hotspots of oncology research were discussed, and the challenges and future directions were highlighted.

Petroleum extract of Farfarae Flos alleviates nasal symptoms by regulating the Th1-Th2 cytokine balance in a mouse model of Allergic Rhinitis.

Farfarae Flos is a traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used to treat allergies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of a petroleum extract of Farfarae Flos (PEFF) in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of action. An animal model of AR was established by sensitization and challenge of BALB/c mice with ovalbumin (OVA). PEFF was administered intranasally and AR nasal symptoms were assessed on a semi-quantitative scale according to the frequencies of nose rubbing and sneezing and the degree of rhinorrhea. The mechanism of action of PEFF was evaluated by histological analysis of nasal mucosa architecture and inflammatory status; ELISA-based quantification of serum OVA-specific IgE, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) concentrations; and immunohistochemical and western blot analysis of T-bet and GATA3 protein expression in nasal mucosa and spleen tissues. The results showed intranasal administration of PEFF alleviated AR symptom scores and reduced both the infiltration of inflammatory cells and tissue damage in the nasal mucosa. PEFF significantly decreased serum concentrations of OVA-specific IgE (P<0.01) and IL-4 (P<0.05) and significantly increased IFN-γ (P<0.01). PEFF also upregulated the expression of T-bet protein (P<0.05) but downregulated GATA3 protein (P<0.05) in nasal mucosa and spleen tissues. In conclusion, PEFF effectively reduces AR nasal symptoms and serum IgE levels in a mouse model and may act by correcting the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 responses.

Circular RNA circCORO1C promotes laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma progression by modulating the let-7c-5p/PBX3 axis.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck. LSCC patients have seriously impaired vocal, respiratory, and swallowing functions with poor prognosis. Circular RNA (circRNA) has attracted great attention in cancer research. However, the expression patterns and roles of circRNAs in LSCC remain largely unknown. METHODS: RNA sequencing was performed on 57 pairs of LSCC and matched adjacent normal mucosa tissues to construct circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles. RT-PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing, and FISH were undertaken to study the expression, localization, and clinical significance of circCORO1C in LSCC tissues and cells. The functions of circCORO1C in LSCC were investigated by RNAi-mediated knockdown, proliferation analysis, EdU staining, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, and apoptosis analysis. The regulatory mechanisms among circCORO1C, let-7c-5p, and PBX3 were investigated by luciferase assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: circCORO1C was highly expressed in LSCC tissues and cells, and this high expression was closely associated with the malignant progression and poor prognosis of LSCC. Knockdown of circCORO1C inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumorigenesis of LSCC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that circCORO1C competitively bound to let-7c-5p and prevented it from decreasing the level of PBX3, which promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and finally facilitated the malignant progression of LSCC. CONCLUSIONS: circCORO1C has an oncogenic role in LSCC progression and may serve as a novel target for LSCC therapy. circCORO1C expression has the potential to serve as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for LSCC detection.

Promoter Methylation-Regulated miR-145-5p Inhibits Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Targeting FSCN1.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common form of head and neck cancer with poor prognosis. However, the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of LSCC remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated increased expression of fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) and decreased expression of microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p) in a clinical cohort of LSCC. Luciferase assay revealed that miR-145-5p is a negative regulator of FSCN1. Importantly, low miR-145-5p expression was correlated with TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) status and metastasis. Moreover, cases with low miR-145-5p/high FSCN1 expression showed poor prognosis, and these characteristics together served as independent prognostic indicators of survival. Gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that miR-145-5p overexpression or FSCN1 knockdown inhibited LSCC migration, invasion, and growth by suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition along with inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Additionally, hypermethylation of the miR-145-5p promoter suggested that repression of miR-145-5p arises through epigenetic inactivation. LSCC tumor growth in vivo could be inhibited by using miR-145-5p agomir or FSCN1 small interfering RNA (siRNA), which highlights the potential for clinical translation. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-145-5p plays critical roles in inhibiting the progression of LSCC by suppressing FSCN1. Both miR-145-5p and FSCN1 are important potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for LSCC.

Mass Spectrometric Analysis Identifies AIMP1 and LTA4H as FSCN1-Binding Proteins in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Dysregulation of fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) enhances cell proliferation, invasion, and motility in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), while the mechanism remains unclear. Here, co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry is utilized to identify potential FSCN1-binding proteins. Functional annotation of FSCN1-binding proteins are performed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction network of FSNC1-binding proteins is constructed and the interactions between FSCN1 and novel identified interacting proteins AIMP1 and LTA4H are validated. Moreover, the expression and functional role of AIMP1 and LTA4H in LSCC are investigated. A total of 123 proteins are identified as potential FSCN1-binding proteins, and functional annotation shows that FSCN1-binding proteins are significantly enriched in carcinogenic processes, such as filopodium assembly-regulation and GTPase activity. Co-IP/western blotting and immunofluorescence confirm that AIMP1 and LTA4H bind and colocalize with FSCN1. Furthermore, both AIMP1 and LTA4H are upregulated in LSCC tissues, and knockdown of AIMP1 or LTA4H inhibits LSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Collectively, the identification of FSCN1-binding partners enhances understanding of the mechanism of FSCN1-mediated malignant phenotypes, and these findings indicate that FSCN1 binds to AIMP1 and LTA4H might promote the progression of LSCC.

Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of CD133+CD144+ Cancer Stem Cells Derived from Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: CD133+CD44+ cancer stem cells previously isolated from laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cell lines showed strong malignancy and tumorigenicity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the enhanced malignancy remained unclear. METHODS: Cell proliferation assay, spheroid-formation experiment, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), miRNA-seq, bioinformatic analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, migration assay, invasion assay, and luciferase reporter assay were used to identify differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs, construct transcription regulatory network, and investigate functional roles and mechanism of circRNA in CD133+CD44+ laryngeal cancer stem cells. RESULTS: Differentially expressed genes in TDP cells were mainly enriched in the biological processes of cell differentiation, regulation of autophagy, negative regulation of cell death, regulation of cell growth, response to hypoxia, telomere maintenance, cellular response to gamma radiation, and regulation of apoptotic signaling, which are closely related to the malignant features of tumor cells. We constructed the regulatory network of differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs. qPCR findings for the expression of key genes in the network were consistent with the sequencing data. Moreover, our data revealed that circRNA hg19_circ_0005033 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance of laryngeal cancer stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides potential biomarkers and targets for LSCC diagnosis and therapy, and provide important evidences for the heterogeneity of LSCC cells at the transcription level.

Primary laryngeal cancer-derived miR-193b induces interleukin-10-expression monocytes.

The pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer (LC) is unclear. Published data indicate that micro RNAs (miRNA) play an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer. This study aims to elucidate the role of miR-193b in the tumor tolerance of LC. High levels of miR-193b were detected in LC cells as well as in the culture supernatant. Interleukin (IL)-10-expressing Mos were detected in the LC tissue-derived single cells. Treating naïve Mos with a miR-193b induced expression of IL-10 in the Mos. Culturing the IL-10(+) Mos with effector CD8(+) T cells resulted in the suppression of CD8(+) T-cell activities.

BNIPL is a promising biomarker of laryngeal cancer: novel insights from bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality. We aim to explore key genes as novel biomarkers to find potential target of LC in clinic diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We retrieved GSE143224 and GSE84957 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Hub genes were identified from protein-protein interaction networks and further determined using receiver operating characteristic curves and principal component analysis. The expression of hub gene was verified by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The transfection efficiency of BCL2 interacting protein like (BNIPL) was measured by western blot. Proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, wound-healing, and transwell assays, respectively. RESULTS: Total 96 overlapping DEGs were screened out from GSE143224 and GSE84957 datasets. Six hub genes (BNIPL, KRT4, IGFBP3, MMP10, MMP3, and TGFBI) were identified from PPI network. BNIPL was selected as the target gene. The receiver operating characteristic curves of BNIPL suggested that the false positive rate was 18.5% and the true positive rate was 81.5%, showing high predictive values for LC. The expression level of BNIPL was downregulated in TU212 and TU686 cells. Additionally, overexpression of BNIPL suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TU212 and TU686 cells. CONCLUSION: BNIPL is a novel gene signature involved in LC progression, which exerts an inhibitory effect on LC development. These findings provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis of LC.

A dynamically cross-linked catechol-grafted chitosan/gelatin hydrogel dressing synergised with photothermal therapy and baicalin reduces wound infection and accelerates wound healing.

Superior multifunctional hydrogel dressings are of considerable interest in wound healing. In clinical practice, it is useful to investigate hydrogel dressings that offer multifunctional benefits to expedite the process of wound healing. In this study, Catechol-grafted Chitosan, Gelatin, and Fe3+ as substrates to construct a hydrogel network. The network was dynamically cross-linked to form Ccg@Fe hydrogel substrate. Fe3O4 nanoparticles and baicalin, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, were loaded onto the substrate to form a photothermal antibacterial composite hydrogel dressing (Ccg@Fe/Bai@Fe3O4 NPs). The Ccg@Fe hydrogel was characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). The morphological, mechanical, and adhesion properties of the hydrogel were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a universal testing machine. The hydrogel's swelling, hemostasis, and self-healing properties were also evaluated. Additionally, the study determined the release rate of hydrogel-loaded antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory Baicalin (Ccg@Fe/Bai) and evaluated the photothermal antimicrobial properties of hydrogel-loaded Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Ccg@Fe/Bai@Fe3O4 NPs) through synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT). Histological staining of mice skin wound tissues using Masson and H&E revealed that the Ccg@Fe/Bai@Fe3O4 NPs hydrogel dressing demonstrated potential healing ability with the aid of PTT. The study suggests that this multifunctional hydrogel dressing has great potential for wound healing.

Exploring the evolving roles and clinical significance of circRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the predominant malignancies in the head and neck region, and has limited therapeutic alternatives. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a substantial category of non-coding RNA molecules, exert influential roles in human disease development and progression, employing various mechanisms such as microRNA sponging, interaction with RNA-binding proteins, and translational capabilities. Accumulating evidence highlights the differential expression of numerous circRNAs in HNSCC, and numerous dysregulated circRNAs underscore their crucial involvement in malignant advancement and resistance to treatment. This review aims to comprehensively outline the characteristics, biogenesis, and mechanisms of circRNAs, elucidating their functional significance in HNSCC. In addition, we delve into the clinical implications of circRNAs, considering their potential as biomarkers or targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic applications in HNSCC. The discussion extends to exploring future challenges in the clinical translation of circRNAs, emphasizing the need for further research.

A novel microRNA panel exhibited significant potential in evaluating the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common cancer of the head and neck in humans. The 5-years survival rate of patients with LSCC have declined in the past four decades. microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported to be capable of predicting the prognosis outcomes of patients with different cancers. However, there are no reports on the usage of multi-miRNAs model as signature for the diagnosis or prognosis of LSCC. Methods: To establish the miRNAs expression-associated model for diagnosis, prognosis prediction and aided therapy of patients with LSCC, the present study enrolled 107 patients with LSCC in clinic and obtained 117 LSCC samples data from TCGA database for evaluation, respectively. Next generation sequencing (NGS), raw data processing, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm, Cox regression analysis, construction of nomogram and cell function assays (including proliferation, migration and invasion assays) were sequentially performed. Results: There were massively dysregulated miRNAs in the LSCC compared to normal tissues. A six-miRNAs signature consists of miR-137-3p, miR-3934-5p, miR-1276, miR-129-5p, miR-7-5p and miR-105-5p was built for prognosis prediction of LSCC patients. The six-miRNAs signature is strongly associated with the poor overall survival (OS, p = 2.5e-05, HR: 4.30 [2.20-8.50]), progression free interval (PFI, p = 0.025, HR: 1.94 [1.08-3.46]) and disease specific survival (DSS, p = 1.1e-05, HR: 5.00 [2.50-10.00]). A nomogram for prediction of 2-, 3- and 5-years OS was also developed based on the six-miRNAs signature and clinical features. Furthermore, blocking the function of each of the six miRNAs inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of LSCC cells. Conclusions: The performance of six-miRNAs signature described in the current study demonstrated remarkable potential for progression assessment of LSCC. Moreover, the six-miRNAs signature may serve as predictive tool for prognosis and therapeutic targets of LSCC in clinic.

Inhibition of autophagy-potentiated chemosensitivity to cisplatin in laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cells.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to determine whether autophagy was involved in cisplatin (CDDP) resistance and to investigate the role of the autophagy in the regulation of chemosensitivity to CDDP in laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cells. METHODS: A WST-1 assay was performed to determine cell viability and cell proliferation. Autophagy activation and proapoptotic effects were characterized using monodansylcadaverine labeling and Hoechest staining, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of apoptotic and autophagy-related genes. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis ratio. RESULTS: Exposure to CDDP induced the aggregation of autophagosomes in the cytoplasms of Hep-2 cells and up-regulated the expression of Beclin 1 and LC3II. However, CDDP treatment could not lead to obvious inhibition of cell proliferation, which implies that the autophagy may protect CDDP-treated cells from undergoing cell death. Meanwhile, the WST-1 assay indicated that knockdown of the autophagic gene Beclin 1 sensitized Hep-2 cells to CDDP. Furthermore, CDDP-mediated apoptotic cell death was further potentiated by pretreatment with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine or small interfering RNA against Beclin 1. For the definite mechanism of Beclin 1-enhancing chemosensitivity to CDDP, we found that Beclin1 augmented CDDP-induced apoptotic signaling via enhancing caspase-9 and caspase-3 activity but not caspase-8. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that functional autophagy in response to CDDP may lead to cell survival in Hep-2 cells, whereas defective autophagy may contribute to CDDP-induced apoptosis in Hep-2 cells. Thus, modulators of autophagy may be used beneficially as adjunctive therapeutic agents during the treatment of laryngeal cancer with CDDP therapy.

The Clinical Features and Treatment Strategy of Parathyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: To review the features and treatment of parathyroid cancer in our series. Explore the suitable extent of initial surgery and the effect of adjuvant radiotherapy in local recurrence. Methods: Seven cases of parathyroid cancer presented from 2014 to 2021. The presenting features, diagnosis, and treatment are presented. Results: Only two patients had multiple manifestations of hypercalcemia. Marked hypercalcemia, which was revealed to be an average of 13.9 mg/dl (range from 11.8 mg/dl to 15.8 mg/dl), was observed in four patients (57%). The others' serum calcium levels were in the normal range with an average of 9.9 mg/dl (range from 8.6 mg/dl to 10.8 mg/dl). All seven patients had hyperparathyroidism with an average of 733 pg/ml (range from 113 pg/ml to 3193 pg/ml). En bloc resection was performed in two patients with neighboring structure invasion, and four patients with complete tumor capsules underwent tumor resection with limited resection of the thyroid gland. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy appeared unsuccessful for local recurrence. Conclusion: High calcium, high PTH, parathyroid occupation by ultrasound, and intraoperative invasion should be considered to have the possibility of parathyroid cancer. Open surgery is recommended and protecting tumor integration is the elementary surgery principle. The initial surgical extent should be decided by the invasion of the tumor. When PC has a local recurrence, the debulking surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy are always fake.

Biological roles and clinical significance of estrogen and androgen receptors in head and neck cancers.

Head and neck cancers (HNC) include malignant tumors that grow in and around the mouth, larynx, throat, sinuses, nose, and salivary glands. Accumulating evidence in malignancies suggests the aberrant expressions of the estrogen receptor (ER) and the androgen receptor (AR) in HNC, such as in laryngeal cancer and cancer of the salivary gland. Moreover, the signaling pathways involving these receptors that mediate tumorigenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion have been elucidated. This review summarizes the roles of ER and AR with the putative signaling pathways involved in HNC. We also discuss the potential application of ER- and AR-related therapies in HNC. However, most of the mechanisms underlying AR and ER involvement in the development of HNC remain elusive and warrant further studies. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles and mechanisms of action of AR and ER in HNC will facilitate the development of better therapeutic strategies for this disease. Overall, studies on AR and ER provide a promising potential for the diagnosis and treatment of HNC in the future.

Relapsing polychondritis causing breathlessness: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease that mainly involves systemic cartilage and proteoglycan-rich tissues. If the larynx and trachea are involved, the patient's condition deteriorates rapidly. When relapsing polychondritis becomes more advanced, the airways collapse and treatment is difficult, rendering a poor prognosis. Therefore, the diagnosis method, treatment strategy and prognosis of relapsing polychondritis with larynx and trachea involvement need to be elucidated to improve clinicians' awareness of the disease. CASE SUMMARY: A man and a woman were admitted because of breathlessness. Relapsing polychondritis was diagnosed after a series of accessory examinations. They were both treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, and underwent tracheotomy as their breathing difficulties could not be relieved by the medication. CONCLUSION: The two cases highlight the importance of the timely diagnosis, full evaluation and initiating individualized treatment of relapsing polychondritis with larynx and trachea involvement. Laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy and pathological examination are helpful in diagnosis of this disease.

FSCN1 acts as a promising therapeutic target in the blockade of tumor cell motility: a review of its function, mechanism, and clinical significance.

Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) is an actin-bundling protein that is capable of inducing membrane protrusions and plays critical roles in cell migration, motility, adhesion, and other cellular interactions. FSCN1 also plays a role in forming and stabilizing filopodia or microspikes, which assist during cell migration. Furthermore, FSCN1 is a downstream target of several microRNAs and participates in various biological processes, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and autophagy, which regulate the invasion and migration ability of cells in various cancers. Increased FSCN1 levels have been associated with enhanced migration and invasion of multiple cancers as well as poor patient prognosis. Promising results from in vitro experimental studies using docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in breast cancer and recombinant porcine NK-lysin A in hepatocellular carcinoma have revealed that anticancer drugs targeting FSCN1 have significant potential clinical applications. This review discusses FSCN1 in terms of five aspects: structure and function, biological processes, regulatory mechanisms, clinical applications, and future prospects.

Laser surgery versus radiotherapy for T1-T2N0 glottic cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laser surgery and radiotherapy are commonly used to treat glottic cancer. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: To compare outcomes and cost of laser surgery versus radiotherapy for T1-T2N0 glottic cancer. TYPE OF REVIEW: Meta-analysis. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE® In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase, Web of Science (1990-2010) were searched electronically. Three Chinese journals in otolaryngology were searched manually. EVALUATION METHOD: Retrieved studies were analyzed with Review Manager 5.0 software. Methodological and outcome heterogeneity was analyzed using the χ(2) test and the I(2) test. Homogeneous and heterogeneous data were analyzed using a fixed random effect model. RESULTS: Eleven studies involving 1,135 patients were included in the analysis. The cure rate did not differ between patients receiving laser surgery versus radiotherapy. Results on voice preservation were inconclusive. The overall cost for laser surgery was lower. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the reported clinical studies is limited. No level I data are available. Nonetheless, our analysis suggests that laser surgery and radiotherapy produce comparable outcomes.