Skimmianine attenuates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by regulating PI3K-AKT signaling pathway-mediated inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common injury after liver transplantation and hepatectomy. Skimmianine (Ski) has antibacterial, antiviral pharmacological effects. However, it is not clear whether Ski has a protective effect against liver I/R injury. In the present study, we established a mouse liver I/R model and an AML12 cell hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) model, both pretreated with different concentrations of Ski. Serum transaminase levels, necrotic liver area, cell viability, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and apoptosis-related levels were measured to assess the protective effect of Ski against liver I/R injury. Western blotting was used to detect apoptosis-related proteins and PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins. Mice and cells were also treated with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 to assess changes in indicators of liver injury. The results showed that Ski significantly reduced transaminase levels, liver necrosis area, oxidative stress, and apoptosis levels in mice with I/R. Ski also inhibited cell injury and apoptosis after H/R. Moreover, Ski activated phosphorylation of PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins after liver I/R and cell H/R. Importantly, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 effectively reversed the alleviation of I/R injury caused by Ski. These results confirm that Ski exerts a protective effect against liver I/R injury through activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway.

Dual-Functional Eu-Metal-Organic Framework with Ratiometric Fluorescent Broad-Spectrum Sensing of Benzophenone-like Ultraviolet Filters and High Proton Conduction.

The construction of attractive dual-functional lanthanide-based metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) with ratiometric fluorescent detection and proton conductivity is significant and challenging. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) Eu-MOF, namely, [Eu4(HL)2(SBA)4(H2O)6]·9H2O, has been hydrothermally synthesized with a dual-ligand strategy, using (4-carboxypiperidyl)-N-methylenephosphonic acid (H3L = H2O3PCH2-NC5H9-COOH) and 4-sulfobenzoic acid monopotassium salt (KHSBA = KO3SC6H4COOH) as organic linkers. Eu-MOF showed ratiometric fluorescent broad-spectrum sensing of benzophenone-like ultraviolet filters (BP-like UVFs) with satisfactory sensitivity, selectivity, and low limits of detection in water/ethanol (1:1, v/v) solutions and real urine systems. A portable test paper was prepared for the convenience of actual detection. The potential sensing mechanisms were thoroughly analyzed by diversified experiments. The synergistic effect of the forbidden energy transfer from the ligand to Eu3+, the internal filtration effect (IFE), the formation of a complex, and weak interactions between the KHSBA ligand and BP-like UVFs is responsible for the ratiometric sensing effect. Meanwhile, Eu-MOF displayed relatively high proton conductivity of 2.60 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 368 K and 95% relative humidity (RH), making it a potential material for proton conduction. This work provides valuable guidance for the facile and effective design and construction of multifunctional Ln-MOFs with promising performance.

Two Stable Cd-MOFs as Dual-Functional Materials with Luminescent Sensing of Antibiotics and Proton Conduction.

Construction and investigation of dual-functional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with luminescent sensing and proton conduction provide widespread applications in clean energy and environmental monitoring fields. By selecting a phosphonic acid ligand 4-pyridyl-CH2N(CH2PO3H2)2 (H4L) and coligand 2,2'-biimidazole (H2biim), two cadmium-based MOFs [Cd1.5(HL)(H2biim)0.5] (1) and (H4biim)0.5·[Cd2(L)(H2biim)Cl] (2) with different structures and properties have been hydrothermally synthesized by controlling reaction temperature. Based on the excellent thermal and chemical stabilities, and good luminescent stabilities in water solution, 1 and 2 can serve as luminescent sensors of chloramphenicol (CAP) with different quenching constant (KSV) values and detection limits (LODs) in water, simulated environmental system, and real fish water system. Meanwhile, different sensing effects and possible sensing mechanisms are analyzed in detail. Moreover, 1 and 2 can also serve as good proton-conducting materials. The proton conductivities can reach up to 1.41 × 10-4 S cm-1 for 1 and 1.02 × 10-3 S cm-1 for 2 at 368 K and 95% relative humidity (RH). Among them, 2 shows better luminescent sensing and proton conduction performance than 1, which indicates that different crystal structures have a great impact on the properties of MOFs. Through the discussion of the relationship between structures and properties in detail, the possible reasons for the differences in properties are obtained, which can provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of this kind of dual-functional MOFs in the future.

A comprehensive analysis of gasdermin family gene as therapeutic targets in pan-cancer.

Six members of the gasdermin family are involved in various biological functions in malignant tumors. The present study aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of gasdermin family genes in pan-cancer. Raw data was acquired from the genotype-tissue expression (GTEx) and the Cancer Genome Atlas. High inter-tumor heterogeneity in the expression between paracancerous and tumor tissues was observed across cancers. Survival analysis confirmed that the risk or protective effects of gasdermin family members on prognosis depended on the cancer types. The mutation frequency appeared to be high, and the mutation group had a worse prognosis. Besides, gasdermin family genes were associated with immune infiltrate subtypes, stromal and immune cell infiltration levels, TMB, MSI, immune checkpoint gene expression, and tumor stemness scores. Moreover, gasdermin family gene expressions affected the expressions of MMR genes and methyltransferases and could predict cancer cells sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Subsequently, the findings were double-checked in LIHC and PAAD. GSEA results indicated the gasdermin family genes mainly involved in tumor metabolism and immune microenvironment remodeling related signaling pathways. In conclusion, our findings confirmed that gasdermin family genes were potential therapeutic cancer targets in pan-cancer.

Development and Validation of a Prognostic Signature Associated With Tumor Microenvironment Based on Autophagy-Related lncRNA Analysis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Objective: The present study aimed to establish a prognostic signature based on the autophagy-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) analysis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Patients with HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were taken as the training cohort, and patients from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) were treated as the validation cohort. Autophagy-related lncRNAs were obtained via a co-expression network analysis. According to univariate and multivariate analyses, a multigene prognostic signature was constructed in the training cohort. The predictive power of the signature was confirmed in both cohorts. The detailed functions were investigated using functional analysis. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) score was used to evaluate the tumor microenvironment. The expression levels of immunotherapy and targeted therapy targets between the two risk groups were compared. Finally, a nomogram was constructed by integrating clinicopathological parameters with independently predictive value and the risk score. Results: Four autophagy-related lncRNAs were identified to establish a prognostic signature, which separated patients into high- and low-risk groups. Survival analysis showed that patients in the high-risk group had a shorter survival time in both cohorts. A time-independent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that the prognostic signature had a robust predictive power and reliability in both cohorts. Functional analysis indicated that the expressed genes in the high-risk group are mainly enriched in autophagy- and cancer-related pathways. ssGSEA revealed that the different risk groups were associated with the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the different risk groups had positive correlations with the expressions of specific mutant genes. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk score also exhibited excellent predictive power irrespective of clinicopathological characteristics in both cohorts. A nomogram was established. The nomogram showed good discrimination, with Harrell's concordance index (C-index) of 0.739 and good calibration. Conclusion: The four autophagy-related lncRNAs could be used as biological biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The prognostic signature and nomogram might aid clinicians in individual treatment optimization and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

Dual-Functional Metal-Organic Framework for Luminescent Detection of Carcinoid Biomarkers and High Proton Conduction.

It remains a challenge to exploit dual-functional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications, including luminescence detection and proton conduction. With the deliberate selection of the bifunctional organic ligand 5-sulfoisophthalic acid monosodium salt (NaH2bts), and the phosphonic acid ligand N,N'-piperazine (bismethylenephosphonic acid; H4L), a robust three-dimensional (3D) noninterpenetrating dual-functional MOF, [Tb(H2L)(H2bts)(H2O)]·H2O (1), has been synthesized hydrothermally. On the basis of the excellent thermal and chemical as well as superior luminescence stabilities in water and solutions with different pHs, 1 can serve as the simple, rapid, and highly selective and sensitive luminescence detection of the carcinoid biomarkers 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (HIAA) with detection limits of nanomolar magnitude in water and in simulated blood plasma and urine systems. Due to the change in the signals that could be readily differentiated by the naked eye under a UV lamp, a portable test paper has been developed. The probable quenching mechanisms are discussed in detail. In addition, a great number of hydrogen-bonding networks are formed among the uncoordinated carboxylic oxygen atoms, sulfonate oxygen atoms, protonated nitrogen atoms, and water molecules, which provide potential proton-hopping sites for proton conduction, leading to a maximum proton conductivity of 2.3 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 368 K and 95% relative humidity. The above results suggest that rationally designed dual-functional MOFs can open an avenue for the development of occupational diagnostic tools and alternative energy technology.

Prognostic significance of preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after microwave ablation and establishment of a nomogram.

The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers including albumin to globulin ratio (AGR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and establish a nomogram in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after microwave ablation (MWA). 192 HCC patients receiving MWA as initial therapy from the first ward of hepatobiliary surgery were classified as training cohort. Whereas, 84 patients from the second of hepatobiliary surgery were classified as validation cohort. Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and univariate analyses showed that AGR, NLR, LMR, and PLR were significantly associated with OS in the training cohort. Multivariate analysis including clinicopathologic features screened out independent predictors including ascites, tumor size, cancer embolus, AGR, and PLR. Based on those variables, a nomogram for predicting OS was established. The C-index was 0.794 in the training cohort and 0.772 in the validation cohort. Calibration plots identified the nomogram performed well with an ideal model. Compared with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system and simple tumor size, the nomogram showed better predictive ability. Besides, the nomogram discovered the highest diagnostic accuracy in predicting postoperative clinical outcome than the combination of the present models with tumor size. In conclusion, the constructed nomogram could accurately predict individualized survival probability and might support clinician in individual treatment optimization and clinical decision-making.

Prognostic value of preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in gallbladder carcinoma patients and the establishment of a prognostic nomogram.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential prognostic value of preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and establishment of a prognostic nomogram in post surgical patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value of LMR. The correlation between preoperative LMR and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A relevant prognostic nomogram was established.Three hundred fifteen GBC patients were retrospectively enrolled. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of LMR was 2.685. Patients were categorized into high-LMR group (n = 143) or low-LMR group (n = 172). Low-LMR value was significantly associated with elderly age, advanced tumor, and the performance of a palliative cholecystectomy. The results of the univariate and multivariate analyses eliminated the degree of tumor differentiation, tumor-node-metastasis stages, surgery types, and LMR as independent predictors of OS. Based on those independent predictors, a predictive nomogram for OS was generated with an accuracy of 0.848.Based on our findings, the predictive nomogram should be included in the routine assessment of GBC patients.

Prognostic Value Of Preoperative Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers In Patients With Gallbladder Cancer And The Establishment Of A Nomogram.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers, including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) have been developed to predict patient outcome in several types of carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential prognostic value of NLR, dNLR, PLR, and LMR, and establish a prognostic nomogram in postoperative GBC patients who underwent radical cholecystectomy. METHODS: 169 GBC patients were retrospectively enrolled in the present study. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of systemic inflammatory biomarkers. The prognostic value of those biomarkers was investigated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. A relevant prognostic nomogram was established. RESULTS: Results showed that NLR, dNLR, PLR, and LMR were significantly associated with overall survival (OS); whereas, NLR and LMR were retained as independent indicators. Based on these independent predictors including tumor differentiation, T stage, N stage, CEA, NLR, and LMR, a nomogram was generated with an accuracy of 0.801. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, the predictive nomogram could accurately predict individualized survival probability of postoperative GBC patients, and might support clinicians in treatment optimization and clinical decision-making.

Comparison of Efficacy of Laparoscopic and Open Splenectomy Combined With Selective and Nonselective Pericardial Devascularization in Portal Hypertension Patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in laparoscopic techniques have demonstrated that laparoscopy is superior for managing portal hypertension. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy plus selective pericardial devascularization (LSSD) and open splenectomy and nonselective pericardial devascularization (OSD) in patients with portal hypertension. METHODS: A total of 127 patients with portal hypertension underwent either LSSD or OSD at Jingzhou Central Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016. A total of, 55 patients received LSSD, including 29 male and 26 female individuals (age, 56.0±11.6 y); 72 patients received OSD, including 45 male and 27 female individuals (age, 53.4±10.9 y). The parameters of operation and outcomes were measured and compared. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, and hospital stay were significantly lower in LSSD group but operation time was significantly lower in OSD group. Postoperative Child-Pugh score was significantly lower in LSSD group than in OSD group. CONCLUSIONS: LSSD is a safe and effective treatment for liver cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension.

Two Highly Stable Luminescent Lead Phosphonates Based on Mixed Ligands: Highly Selective and Sensitive Sensing for Thymine Molecule and VO3 - Anion.

Two luminescent lead phosphonates with two-dimensional (2D) layer and three-dimensional (3D) framework structure, namely, Pb3[(L1)2(Hssc)(H2O)2] (1) and [Pb2(L2)0.5(bts)(H2O)2]·H2O (2) (H2L1 = O(CH2CH2)2NCH2PO3H2, H4L2 = H2PO3CH2NH(C2H4)2NHCH2PO3H2, H3ssc = 5-sulfosalicylic acid, NaH2bts = 5-sulfoisophthalic acid sodium) have been prepared via hydrothermal techniques. The two compounds not only show excellent thermal stability but also remain intact in aqueous solution within an extensive pH range. Moreover, the atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis experiment indicates that there does not exist the leaching of Pb2+ ions from the lead phosphonates, which show they are nontoxic in aqueous solution. In compound 1, the Pb(1)O4, Pb(2)O7, Pb(3)O4, and CPO3 polyhedra are interlinked into a one-dimensional chain, which is further connected to adjacent chain by sharing the Hssc2- to form a 2D layer. Interestingly, compound 1 as a highly selective and sensitive luminescent material can be used to detect the thymine molecule with a very low detection limit of 8.26 × 10-7 M. In compound 2, the Pb(1)O6 and Pb(2)O5 polyhedra are interlinked into a dimer via edge sharing, which is further connected to adjacent dimer to form a tetramer via corner sharing, and such a tetramer is then interlinked into a 2D layer through bts3- ligands; the adjacent 2D layers are finally constructed to a 3D structure by sharing the L2 4- ligand. Compound 2 can be applied as an excellent luminescent sensor for sensing of VO3 - anion. Furthermore, the probable fluorescent quenching mechanisms of the two compounds have also been studied.

Terbium Oxalatophosphonate as Efficient Multiresponsive Luminescent Sensors for Chromate Anions and Tryptophan Molecules.

A stable 2D terbium oxalatophosphonate with green luminescence, namely, [Tb2(H3L)(C2O4)3(H2O)4]·2H2O (1), has been hydrothermally obtained by using (4-carboxypiperidyl)-N-methylenephosphonic acid (H3L) and oxalate ligand. The luminescent investigation indicates that the emission behavior of compound 1 shows high water and pH stabilities. It can be applied as a multiresponsive luminescent probe with high selectivity, high sensitivity, recycling capability, and fast sensing of CrO4 2-, Cr2O7 2- anions and tryptophan (Trp) molecules in aqueous solution through the luminescence quenching effect. Moreover, the sensing results can be distinguished by the naked eye under the irradiation of UV light of 254 nm. In addition, the probable mechanisms for the quenching behavior are also discussed, which can be mainly attributed to the competitive absorption of excitation energy between compound 1 and the analytes.

Lanthanide(III) oxalatophosphonates: syntheses, crystal structures and luminescence properties.

By the introduction of oxalate as the second ligand, five new lanthanide oxalatophosphonate hybrids with a 2D layered structure, namely, [Ln(H2L)(C2O4)(H2O)]·2H2O [Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Tb (4), Dy (5), H3L = H2O3PCH2NCH2(CH2CH2OPO2H)], have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Compounds 1-5 are isostructural and exhibit a 2D layer formed by the interconnection of a 1D zigzag chain of {Ln(C2O4)}(+) with the phosphonate ligands. The effect of lanthanide contraction induces the decrease of the lattice parameters and crystal size from Nd to Dy. The luminescence properties of compounds 2-5 have been studied.

Two novel lead(II) carboxyphosphonates with a layered and a 3D framework structure: syntheses, crystal structures, reversible dehydration/hydration, and luminescence properties.

Two novel lead(II) carboxyphosphonates with a layered and a 3D framework structure, namely, [Pb2Cl3(H2L)]·H2O (1) and [Pb2(HL)(HBTC)] (2) (H3L = H2O3PCH2-NC5H9-COOH, H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized. For compound 1, the interconnection of Pb(1)O2Cl3, Pb(2)O2Cl3, and CPO3 polyhedra via corner- and edge-sharing forms a 1D chain. The adjacent chains connect with each other by sharing the chloride anion, thereby generating a 2D layered structure in the ab-plane. The lattice water molecules are located between adjacent layers. Compound 2 exhibits a 3D pillared-layered structure. The Pb(1)O5, Pb(2)O5, and CPO3 polyhedra are interconnected into a 1D double chain via corner- and edge-sharing, which is further linked to adjacent chains through carboxyphosphonate ligands to form a 2D double layer structure. Neighboring double layers are bridged through the second linkers HBTC(2-), leading to a 3D pillared-layered structure with a 1D channel system along the a-axis. An interesting feature of compound 1 is the presence of the dehydration/hydration properties. It is worth noting that compound 2 can be stable up to a high temperature. The luminescent properties of compounds 1 and 2 have also been studied.

A series of novel lanthanide carboxyphosphonates with a 3D framework structure: synthesis, structure, and luminescent and magnetic properties.

By introduction of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid as the second organic ligand, a series of novel lanthanide carboxyphosphonates with a 3D framework structure, namely, [Ln(3)(H(2)L)(HL)(2)(bdc)(2)(H(2)O)]·7H(2)O (Ln = La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3), Nd (4), Sm (5), Eu (6), Gd (7), Tb (8); H(3)L = H(2)O(3)PCH(2)NC(5)H(9)COOH; H(2)bdc = HOOCC(6)H(4)COOH) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds are isostructural and feature a 3D framework in which Ln(III) polyhedra are interconnected by bridging {CPO(3)} tetrahedra into 2D inorganic layers parallel to the ab plane. The organic groups of H(2)L(-) are grafted on the two sides of the layer. These layers are further cross-linked by the bdc(2-) ligands from one layer to the Ln atoms from the other into a pillared-layered architecture with one-dimensional channel system along the a axis. The thermal stability of compounds has been investigated. Luminescent properties of compounds , and the magnetic properties of compound have also been studied.

Hydrothermal synthesis, structures, and luminescent properties of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) phosphonates with a 3D framework structure using terephthalate as second linkers.

By introduction of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid as a second organic ligand, two new divalent metal(II) phosphonates with a 3D framework structure, namely, [Zn(HL1)(bdc)(0.5)] (1) and [Cd(1.5)(HL2)(bdc)(0.5)] (2) (H(2)L1 = H(2)O(3)PCH(NH(2))C(6)H(5), H(3)L2 = H(2)O(3)PCH(2)-NC(5)H(9)-COOH, H(2)bdc = HOOCC(6)H(4)COOH), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The two compounds show three-dimensional (3D) framework structure with infinite two-dimensional (2D) networks pillared by H(2)bdc. For compound 1, the {ZnO(4)} polyhedra are interconnected by phosphonate groups into a 2D layer, and the adjacent layers are further cross-linked via the bdc(2-) anions to generate a three-dimensional framework structure with two types of channel system along the c-axis. A notable feature of compound 1 is the presence of alternate left- and right-handed helical chains in the structure. In compound 2, the inorganic chains, composed of {Cd(1)O(7)}, {Cd(2)O(4)} and {CPO(3)} polyhedra, are linked by HL2(2-) ligands to form a double layer structure in the ab plane, and the adjacent layers are further linked by the bdc(2-) anions to form a 3D framework structure with one-dimensional channel systems along the a-axis. Luminescence properties of compounds 1 and 2 have also been studied.

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structures, and luminescent properties of a series of new lanthanide oxalatophosphonates with a layer architecture.

Eleven new lanthanide oxalatophosphonate hybrids with a 2D layered structures, namely, [Ln(H(3)L)(C(2)O(4))]·2H(2)O (Ln = La-Dy, Er and Y, H(4)L = C(6)H(5)CH(2)N(CH(2)PO(3)H(2))(2)), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Compounds 1-11 are isomorphous and they exhibit a 2D framework structure. Two {LnO(8)} polyhedra and four {CPO(3)} tetrahedra are interconnected into a unit via corner-sharing, and the so-built units are bridged by the oxalate anions into a layer. The result of connections in this manner is the formation of a 24-atom window. The thermal stabilities and guest desorption-sorption properties of compounds 1-11 have been investigated. The luminescent properties of compounds 5, 6, 8 and 9 have also been studied.

[The effects of lipiodol-hydroxyapatite nanoparticle on apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis in hepatic tumor: experiment with rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lipiodol-hydroxyapatite nanoparticle (lipi-nHAP) on the growth, necrosis, apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis of hepatic tumor. METHODS: Ultrasound-emulsification was used to make lipi-nHAP Eighty New Zealand white rabbits underwent implantation of carcinoma cells of the line VX2 into the left lobe of liver. Two weeks later the rabbits underwent catheterization into the gastroduodenal artery so that, and then the rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups to receive infusion via the hepatic artery of different drugs: physiological saline (Group A), lipiodol (Group B), adriamycin + lipiodol (Group C), and lipi-nHAP (Group D). Seven and 14 days after the treatment the size of tumor was observed by spiral CT scan, and the volume and growth rate of tumor were calculated. Two weeks after the treatment 8 rabbits from each group were killed and their liver tumors were taken out and the survival rates of remaining rabbits were observed. The necrosis rate of the liver tumor was assessed by measuring the area of the tumor and the necrosis. The apoptotic rate was examined by TUNEL method. Mcrovessel density (MVD) was examined by immunohistochemistry anti-CD31 antibody. Anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) monoclonal antibody was used to detect the expression of PCNA so as to calculate the proliferation index of the cells. RESULTS: The tumor volume and growth rate of Group D 7 and 14 days after treatment were both significantly lower than those of other groups (all P < 0.05) and the necrosis rate and apoptotic index of Group D were both significantly higher than those of other groups (all P < 0.05). The values of MVD were higher in Groups C and D compared with those of Group A. Compared with those in other groups, the values of MVD and expression level of PCNA were significantly lower in group D (all P < 0.05). The survival time of Group D was longer than those of other groups (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: lipi-nHAP can suppress the growth of tumor, increase the tumor's necrosis rate and apoptotic index, inhibit the development of neovascularization, decrease the expression level of PCNA of residual tumor, and prolong the surviving time of the animals with hepatic tumor. It may become an effective embolization material to treat liver cancer.