MicroRNA-199b-5p attenuates TGF-ß1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that N-cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule that has critical roles in tumour progression. However, the role of N-cadherin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. METHODS: This study aims to investigate the expression status of N-cadherin and its molecular mechanisms in HCC. RESULTS: The expression of N-cadherin was markedly overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. We identified that miR-199b-5p binds to the 3'-UTR of N-cadherin mRNA, thus decreasing N-cadherin expression in HCC cells. We also found the downregulation of miR-199b-5p in HCC specimens, which was inversely correlated with N-cadherin upregulation, predicted poor clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Next, we determined that miR-199b-5p overexpression promoted cell aggregation, suppressed cell migration and invasion in HCC cells, and inhibited xenografts tumour metastasis in nude mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-199b-5p attenuated TGF-ß1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) -associated traits, while its effects could be partially reversed by N-cadherin restoration. Finally, we examined that N-cadherin downregulation or miR-199b-5p overexpression suppressed TGF-ß1-induced Akt phosphorylation, and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway blocked TGF-ß1-induced N-cadherin overexpression in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that N-Cadherin was markedly overexpressed and miR-199b-5p was significantly downregulated in HCC. MiR-199b-5p exerts inhibitory effects on EMT, and directly targets N-cadherin in HCC, supporting the potential utility of miR-199b-5p as a promising strategy to treat HCC. Also, a positive regulatory loop exists between N-cadherin and Akt signalling represents a novel mechanism of TGF-ß1-mediated EMT in HCC cells.

[Clinical analysis of acute hyperlipidemic pancreatitis during pregnancy and postpartum period].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS: From 1994 to 2012, 18 cases of gravida and postpartum women complicated with acute pancreatitis were treated at Peking University Third Hospital and retrospective analysis was performed. RESULTS: The admission rate due to acute pancreatitis was 41.24 per 100 000 admission. The median age was 32.0 (28.0, 34.7) years, with the onset of acute pancreatitis on 35.0 (23.5, 37.0) weeks'gestation. Of all the cases, 13 (72.2%) were interstitial edematous acute pancreatitis, and 5 (27.8%) were necrotizing. Nine (50.0%) were caused by hyperlipidemia, of which 7 (38.9%) were caused by gallstones, and 2 (1.1%) were idiopathic. Stratified by severity, 6 (33.3%) were mild, 7 (38.9%) were moderately severe and 5 (27.8%) were severe, of which 8 were transferred to Intensive Care Unit. Compared with non-hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis, cases caused by hyperlipidemia were more severe, however, the prognoses of mothers and infants were good. CONCLUSION: The incidence of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy and postpartum was similar to that of the regular population, and mostly caused by gallstones and hyperlipidemia. Although acute hyperlipidemic pancreatitis is more severe, the morbidity and mortality of maternal and perinatal could be decreased by aggressive therapy.

Migration of hem-o-lock clips and stitches into the duodenum after laparoscopic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Migration of endoclips and stitches into the duodenum after laparoscopic hepatectomy is incredibly rare with a poorly understood mechanism. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 56-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy and cholecystectomy in August 2016 was admitted to our hospital with nausea and vomiting in December 2017. DIAGNOSES: Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed high density shades in duodenal ampulla. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed deformation of the duodenal ampulla into two lumens; hem-o-lock clips and stitches were detected in the upper lumen. Contrast enhanced CT scan revealed gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM). INTERVENTIONS: The hem-o-lock clips and stitches were present in the wall of the duodenum; therefore, no attempt was made to remove them. High quality liquid diet, partial parenteral nutrition, and chemotherapy were administered to the patient. OUTCOMES: In September 2018, the patient died of hepatic failure caused by GCLM. LESSONS: This rare complication of the migration of endoclips and stitches into the duodenum after laparoscopic hepatectomy can cause epigastric pain and duodenal obstruction. The complication could be potentially avoided using absorbable endoclips and stitches or by performing of ultrasonic dissection by a skilled operator.

Pancreatogenic choledocholithiasis in common bile duct stump after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Choledocholithiasis in common bile duct (CBD) stump after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is incredibly rare and its pathophysiology is poorly understood. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 79-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with upper abdominal pain radiating through to the back in November 2016. DIAGNOSES: Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed filling defects in CBD stump, chronic pancreatitis, and dilatation of CBD stump and main pancreatic duct (MPD). INTERVENTIONS: During the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cannulation proceeded easily from MPD to CBD through a variant pancreatic duct, and then white crushed stones extracted from the CBD stump. Elemental analysis and infrared spectrophotometry demonstrated that the main constituent of the calculi was calcium carbonate. OUTCOMES: After a therapeutic ERCP, the patient's symptoms disappeared, and a 9-month follow-up indicated no remaining stones or lithiasis relapse. LESSONS: This type of choledocholithiasis in CBD stump after RYHJ has never been reported before. We nominated it as "pancreatogenic choledocholithiasis," and pancreatobiliary reflux caused by a variant pancreatic duct may be the main cause.

A case of severe preeclampsia diagnosed as post-partum hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Post-partum hemolytic uremic syndrome (PHUS) is a severe thrombotic microangiopathy clinically characterized by hemolytic anemia, renal dysfunction, and low platelets after birth with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Here, we reported a rare case of severe preeclampsia diagnosed as hemolytic uremic syndrome after birth. The patient was diagnosed with PHUS and underwent intermittent plasma exchange with supportive treatment including glucocorticoid injections and transfusion of suspended red blood cells. After these treatments, the patient experienced no apparent remission and chronic renal dysfunction occurred on her. PHUS is a severe emergency with acute onset, rapid progress, and poor prognosis. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

A case of aggravation of hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome after delivery.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a severe obstetric complication which usually resolves in most patients after delivery. METHODS: We report a rare case of aggravation of HELLP syndrome after delivery. RESULTS: The patient underwent the treatment for HELLP syndrome, including glucocorticoid therapy. The symptoms of HELLP syndrome reappeared and became more severe than before the termination of pregnancy. The patient also had severe and persistent hypoproteinemia, hyponatremia and hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: HELLP syndrome is an acute and critical obstetric syndrome which can have heterogeneous presentations and variable prognosis. We should be fully aware of the diverse clinical characteristics of this condition.