[Related factors of postoperative complications of radical resection for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction].

Adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) is at a special anatomic site with obviously higher morbidity of postoperative complication than gastric cancers at other sites. Postoperative quality of life and survival rate are influenced by the occurrence of complications. Moreover, the perioperative complications are associated with multiple factors such as patient factors (advanced age, obesity and preoperative nutritional status), surgical factors (surgical route, surgical procedure, resection range and prophylactic multivisceral resection), tumor factors (size, stage) etc. Optimizing perioperative management and formulating standardized surgical methods are the key points to prevent postoperative complications of AEG. In conclusion, we should strive to ensure the radical resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications in order to truly benefit patients.

[Effect of splenectomy on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development among patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension: a multi-institutional cohort study].

Objective: To identify whether splenectomy for treatment of hypersplenism has any impact on development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) among patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. Methods: Patients who underwent splenectomy for hypersplenism secondary to liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension between January 2008 and December 2012 were included from seven hospitals in China, whereas patients receiving medication treatments for liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension (non-splenectomy) at the same time period among the seven hospitals were included as control groups. In the splenectomy group, all the patients received open or laparoscopic splenectomy with or without pericardial devascularization. In contrast, patients in the control group were treated conservatively for liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension with medicines (non-splenectomy) with no invasive treatments, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, splenectomy or liver transplantation before HCC development. All the patients were routinely screened for HCC development with abdominal ultrasound, liver function and alpha-fetoprotein every 3 to 6 months. To minimize the selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the baseline data of patients among splenectomy versus non-splenectomy groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and cumulative incidence of HCC development, and the Log-rank test was used to compare the survival or disease rates between the two groups. Univariate and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the potential risk factors associated with development of HCC. Results: A total of 871 patients with liver cirrhosis and hypertension were included synchronously from 7 tertiary hospitals. Among them, 407 patients had a history of splenectomy for hypersplenism (splenectomy group), whereas 464 patients who received medical treatment but not splenectomy (non-splenectomy group). After PSM,233 pairs of patients were matched in adjusted cohorts. The cumulative incidence of HCC diagnosis at 1,3,5 and 7 years were 1%,6%,7% and 15% in the splenectomy group, which was significantly lower than 1%,6%,15% and 23% in the non-splenectomy group (HR=0.53,95%CI:0.31 to 0.91,P=0.028). On multivariable analysis, splenectomy was independently associated with decreased risk of HCC development (HR=0.55,95%CI:0.32 to 0.95,P=0.031). The cumulative survival rates of all the patients at 1,3,5,and 7 years were 100%,97%,91%,86% in the splenectomy group,which was similar with that of 100%,97%,92%,84% in the non-splenectomy group (P=0.899). In total,49 patients (12.0%) among splenectomy group and 75 patients (16.2%) in non-splenectomy group developed HCC during the study period, respectively. Compared to patients in non-splenectomy group, patients who developed HCC after splenectomy were unlikely to receive curative resection for HCC (12.2% vs. 33.3%,χ²=7.029, P=0.008). Conclusion: Splenectomy for treatment of hypersplenism may decrease the risk of HCC development among patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

[Study on the expression of microRNA-1825 in serum of pre-operative and post-operative patients with breast cancer].

By measuring the relative expression level of miR-1825 in serum of pre-operative and post-operative patients with breast cancer and healthy subjects, the clincal value of miR-1825 for pre-operative and post-operative breast cancer patients was evaluated.The serum of pre-operative breast cancer patients(n=92), post-operative breast cancer patients(n=64) and healthy subjects(n=60) were collected from General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA from October 2018 to March 2021. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression of miR-1825 in the serum of breast cancer patients and healthy controls. The clinicopathological data were used to analyze the correlation between the expression level of miR-1825 and serum tumor markers level. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnosis value of breast cancer with miR-1825, CA15-3. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons between two groups,and Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for multiple group comparisons. The correlation between miR-1825 and CEA, CA15-3, CA-125 expression were analyzed using Spearman correlation test.The relative expression level of miR-1825 in serum of pre-operative patients with breast cancer 1.290(0.705, 1.793) was significantly higher than that of healthy controls 0.18(-0.876, 0.725), but decreased after surgery and chemotherapy -0.080(-0474, 0.405). The analysis of clinicopathological characteristics found that the expression level of miR-1825 was higher in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, low degree of tissue differentiation, and tumor larger than 2 cm[stageⅠ-Ⅱ:0.975(0.458, 1.380), stageⅢ-Ⅳ: 1.955(1.663, 2.535), U=98.000, P<0.001;low degree of tissue differentiation:1.685(1.448, 2.143), high/medium degree of tissue differentiation:0.700(0.395, 0.898), U=15.500, P<0.001; tumor smaller than 2 cm:0.935(0.438, 1.370), tumor larger than 2 cm:1.915(1.580, 2.288), U=215.500, P<0.001].Spearman analysis result showed that the expression of serum miR-1825 in breast cancer patients was linearly correlated with the expression of CEA (r=0.274, P=0.008) and CA15-3 (r=0.587, P<0.001); ROC curve result showed that miR-1825 was able to distinguish preoperative breast cancer patients from healthy people and postoperative patients. When using one biomarker to discriminate pre-operation and post-operation patients,miR-1825 had the best diagnostic efficiency,with an area under the ROC curve(AUC) of 0.914(95%CI: 0.872-0.956). miR-1825 may become a potential serum marker for the diagnosis of breast cancer and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy.

AXIN2 gene silencing reduces apoptosis through regulating mitochondria-associated apoptosis signaling pathway and enhances proliferation of ESCs by modulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) mainly originate from totipotent cells in early-stage of mammalian embryo and could proliferate in a manner of un-limitation. This study aimed to investigate roles of Axin2 in proliferation of ESCs and explore the associated mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2) over-expression (LV5-AXIN2) and AXIN2 RNA interfere (LV3-AXIN2-RNAi) vectors were structured and transfected into H9 cells. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to evaluate cell proliferative activity. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to measure apoptosis of H9 cells. AXIN2, ß-catenin, transcription factor 4 (TCF4), c-myc, c-jun and Cyclin D mRNA levels and protein expressions were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting assay. RESULTS: LV5-AXIN2 and LV3-AXIN2-RNAi were successfully structured with higher transfecting efficacy. AXIN2 gene silencing remarkably increased proliferative activity and AXIN2 treatment significantly induced apoptosis of H9 cells, comparing with blank vector group (p<0.05). AXIN2 gene silencing significantly enhanced B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression and remarkably inhibited cleaved caspase-3 expression comparing to that in blank vector group (p<0.05). AXIN2-RNAi treatment significantly enhanced and AXIN2 over-expression significantly reduced ß-catenin and TCF4 expression, comparing to that in blank vector group (p<0.05). AXIN2 gene silence activated down-stream molecules of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, including c-jun, c-myc, and Cyclin D1 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AXIN2 gene silencing reduced apoptosis by regulating mitochondria-associated apoptosis signaling pathway and enhanced proliferation by modulating molecules in Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, targeting of aberrant apoptosis and AXIN2 might be a novel clinical strategy to inhibit aging and enhance self-renewal of ESCs.

[Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis in children in grassland of Inner mongolia].

Objective: To investigate the self-reported prevalence, clinical characteristics, complications of allergic rhinitis (AR) and the sensitization of outdoor air pollen allergens in children in the Inner mongolia grassland region. Methods: A multistage, stratified and random clustered sampling with a face-to-face interview survey study in children from 0 to 17 years old was performed together with 10 common allergen skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count in 6 regions in the Inner mongolia grassland region from May to August of 2015. SAS 9.4 software was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 2 443 subjects completed the study. The self-reported prevalence of AR was 26.6%. The prevalence of boys was higher than that of girls (28.8% vs 24.3%, χ(2)=6.157, P<0.05). Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence than rural areas (34.7% vs 18.8%, χ(2)=79.107, P<0.05). There was significant regional difference in the prevalence of AR among the six areas investigated (χ(2)=221.416, P<0.05). The main clinical symptoms of AR were sneezing (88.2%) and nasal congestion (78.6%). Among combined diseases, asthma accounted for 16.5% (107/650), rhinoconjunctivitis accounted for 47.9% (311/650). The peak season of AR was April and July, with the top SPT positive allergens of Artemisia species and chenopodium in this area. Conclusions: The prevalence AR in children in the Inner mongolia grassland region is extremely high. Sneezing is the main clinical symptom. Rhinoconjunctivitis is the most common combined disease. High summer and autumn pollen exposure is the main cause of AR.

MiR-34a affects hepatocyte proliferation during hepatocyte regeneration through regulating Notch/HIF-1α signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influences of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-34a on liver function and hepatocyte proliferation during hepatocyte regeneration in rats and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham-2 d group (2 days after hepatectomy), Sham-10 d group (10 days after hepatectomy), miR-34a siRNA-2d group (miR-34a knockdown + 2 days after hepatectomy) and miR-34a siRNA-10 d group (miR-34a knockdown + 10 days after hepatectomy), with 20 rats in each group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were detected at 2 d and 10 d after the operation. The rat liver was harvested for calculating the liver/body weight ratio. In addition, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content in rat hepatocytes was detected via Feulgen staining. The pathological changes in rat liver were detected via hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Moreover, the hepatocyte apoptosis in each group was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in liver tissues of each group were detected via immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: No significant differences in the liver/body weight ratio, serum levels of ALT, AST, LDH, pathological structure of the liver, hepatocyte apoptosis level, and PCNA expression in hepatocytes were found between miR-34a siRNA-2 d group and Sham-2 d group. However, the expression levels of NICD and HIF-1α in the liver significantly increased in miR-34a siRNA-2 d group compared with those in Sham-2 d group (p<0.05). On the contrary, compared with those in Sham-10 d group, the liver function and hepatocyte regeneration level significantly increased in miR-34a siRNA-10 d group. Increased liver/body weight ratio, remarkable decline in serum levels of ALT, AST, and LDH, significant alleviation of pathological injury of liver tissues, decreased the apoptosis level and upregulated PCNA protein were observed in miR-34a siRNA-10 d group than those of Sham-10 d group. The Notch/HIF-1α signaling pathway was also significantly activated. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-34a knockdown can significantly enhance the liver function and hepatocyte regeneration ability in rats at 10 d after hepatectomy through activating the Notch/HIF-1α signaling pathway.

STAT3 signaling pathway in drug-resistant bladder cancer cell line.

STAT3 signaling pathway is related to the proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis of tumor cells. The relationship between STAT3 and drug resistance is still unknown. We studied the inhibitors in STAT3 pathway and its downstream molecules to analyze the unique effects in drug-resistant bladder cancer cells. qRT-PCR and Western blot were implemented to study the expression level of JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, MMP2 and Cyclin D1 in Pumc-91 and Pumc-91/ADM cell lines, respectively. The effects of AG490 on the expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, MMP2 and Cyclin D1 in Pumc-91 were evaluated using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Pumc-91/ADM cells were treated with AG490. CCK-8 and wound healing assay were used to detect the cell proliferation and metastasis. Compared to Pumc-91, an obvious decrease of JAK2, p-STAT3 and increase of MMP2 were shown in Pumc-91/ADM cell line. After inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway, the mRNA and protein levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, MMP2 and Cyclin D1 obviously decreased in the test group. The proliferation and migration of Pumc-91/ADM were suppressed by inhibiting of STAT3. STAT3 pathway regulated the proliferation and migration of bladder cancer drug-resistant cells by modulating the expression of Cyclin D1 and MMP2.

LncRNA NBAT-1 is down-regulated in lung cancer and influences cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and role of lncRNA NBAT-1 in lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LncRNA NBAT-1 expression in lung cancer tissues and adjacent areas was detected via reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RAC1 protein was analyzed via Western blotting assay. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as cell cycle. RESULTS: The expression level of lncRNA NBAT-1 in cancer specimen was remarkably lower than that in adjacent areas. Furthermore, the low expression of lncRNA NBAT-1 had a significant correlation with patient's tumor size, differentiation degree of tumor cells and lymph node metastasis. The overexpression of lncRNA NBAT-1 could inhibit the proliferation and cell cycle, promote the apoptosis of A549 cells, and down-regulate the expression level of RAC1. CONCLUSIONS: The low expression of lncRNA NBAT-1 is involved in the progression of lung cancer.

[Study on relationship between Set gene expression and clinical manifestations in bone marrow of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia].

Objective: To explore the expression and significance of Set gene in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients , and to analyze its effect for the prognosis of AML. Methods: The level of Set gene expression was detected by real-time PCR in 59 AML patients and 20 heathy people. The mutations in C-kit 8/17 gene, NPM1 gene and FLT3-TKD/ITD gene in 59 AML patients were detected by direct sequencing. Results: The level of Set gene expression[1.41(0.41-3.31)]was significantly higher in 59 AML patients.The expression of Set gene was correlated with the percentage of marrow blasts and CR in AML patients (P=0.040, P<0.001); the CR rate of Set gene high expression group was significantly lower than that of Set gene low expression group(32.1% vs 83.9%, P=0.01). In the intermediate-risk of AML patients with chromosome karyotype analysis, the CR rate of Set gene high expression group and low expression group were 34.8% and 88.9%, and there are significantly different between two groups(P<0.001); univariate and multivariate analysis showed that Set gene high expression group correlated with poor OS[4(2-15)months]and EFS[3(2-13)months])(P=0.021, P=0.017). It suggests that the Set gene maybe one of AML independent poor prognostic marker.The level of Set gene expression did not correlate with sex, age, WBC, HGB, PLT, FAB typing, chromosomal karyotype and NPM1, C-Kit8/17, CEBPa, FLT3-ITD/TKD gene mutations in AML patients(all P>0.05). Conclusions: The level of Set gene expression in bone marrow maybe play an important role in AML. The high expression of Set gene indicates poor prognosis in AML patients.

Prenatal diagnosis of total and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection: multicenter cohort study and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to review systematically literature on and describe the sonographic features and associated anomalies of total (TAPVC) and partial (PAPVC) anomalous pulmonary venous connection and scimitar syndrome (SS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out of cases of TAPVC, PAPVC and SS that underwent comprehensive ultrasound examination, seen over a 20-year period at two tertiary referral centers. Assessed variables included TAPVC subtype, gestational age at diagnosis, area behind the left atrium, ventricular disproportion, vertical vein, pulmonary venous obstruction, mode of diagnosis, association with cardiac and extracardiac conditions, and pregnancy and fetoneonatal outcomes. The outcome was considered favorable if the individual was alive and well (no functional impairment from surgery or cardiac or extracardiac conditions). Cases associated with right isomerism were excluded from the analysis, as TAPVC in these cases was only one of several major cardiac anomalies affecting sonographic signs. A systematic review was performed in order to obtain a synthesis of characteristics associated with TAPVC, PAPVC and SS. The literature search of PubMed and EMBASE (1970-2016) included reviews, case series and case reports. A meta-analysis was conducted only for TAPVC. Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled estimates of the frequencies of clinical characteristics and sonographic features. RESULTS: For TAPVC, a total of 15 studies involving 71 patients (including 13 from the current cohort study) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate for the association of TAPVC with congenital heart disease was 28.3% (95% CI, 18.1-41.3%) and with extracardiac anomalies it was 18.5% (95% CI, 10.5-30.6%). Of TAPVC cases, obstructed venous return was observed in 34.1% (95% CI, 22.7-47.7%), a favorable outcome in 43.8% (95% CI, 24.0-65.8%), ventricular disproportion in 59.2% (95% CI, 45.1-72.0%), increased area behind the left atrium in 58.1% (95% CI, 41.1-73.5%) and a vertical vein in 59.3% (95% CI, 41.1-75.3%). Diagnosis was established by using color or power Doppler in 84.9% (95% CI, 67.3-93.9%) of cases. For SS, there were only three studies describing eight cases, to which the current study added another five. Ventricular disproportion was present in three out of nine SS cases for which data were available, but for two of these, there was a concurrent heart anomaly. Color Doppler was used for all SS diagnoses, and four-dimensional echocardiography was useful in two out of six cases in which it was used. Outcome for SS cases was generally good. For PAPVC, there were only five studies describing five cases, to which the current study added another two. Major cardiac anomalies were associated in four out of seven of these cases, and extracardiac anomalies in three out of six cases for which data were available. CONCLUSIONS: TAPVC can be associated with other cardiac and extracardiac anomalies in a significant percentage of cases. Leading sonographic signs are ventricular disproportion, increased area behind the left atrium and the finding of a vertical vein. Color/power Doppler is the key mode for diagnosis of TAPVC. Obstructed venous return can be expected in roughly one-third of cases of TAPVC and outcome is favorable in less than half of cases. Data for SS and PAPVC are too few to synthesize. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Decolorization of skin and hair-derived melanin by three ligninolytic enzymes].

Objective: To compare the decolorization efficiency of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase on eumelanin and pheomelanin, and to investigate the effect of topical administration of LiP solution on hyperpigmented guinea pigs skin induced by 308 nm excimer light. Methods: Pheomelanin-enriched specimens were prepared from human hair and cutaneous melanoma tissue using alkaline lysis method.Synthetic eumelanin was purchased from a commercial supplier.The same amount (0.02%) of melanin was incubated with the equal enzyme activity (0.2 U/ml) of ligninolytic enzymes for 3 h respectively.The absorbance at 475 nm (A(475)) in the enzyme-catalyzed solution was measured using ELISA microplate reader.The experimental hyperpigmentation model was established in the dorsal skin of brownish guinea pigs using 308 nm excimer light radiation.LiP and heat-inactivated LiP solution were topically applied at each site.Meanwhile, 3% hydroquinone and vehicle cream were used as control.The skin color (L value) was recorded using a CR-10 Minolta chromameter.Corneocytes were collected using adhesive taping method.The amount and distribution of melanin in the corneocytes and skin tissues was visualized by Fontana-Masson staining. Results: All three ligninolytic enzymes showed various degree of eumelanin and pheomelanin decolorization activity.The decolorization activity of LiP, MnP and laccase was 40%-70%, 22%-42% and 9%-21%, respectively.The similar lightening was shown in the skin treated with LiP solution and 3% hydroquinone.The amount of melanin granules in the corneocytes was 199±11 by LiP, which was less than that in untreated control (923±12) and heat-inactive control (989±13). The amount of melanin was decreased in the whole epidermis treated with hydroquinone, the epidermis thickness was increased as well. In contrast, melanin of LiP group was decreased only in the superficial epidermis, the epidermis thickness seemed to be normal. Conclusion: LiP exerts a potent decolorization activity for hair- or skin-derived pheomelanin as well as eumelanin.It remains to be further investigated whether LiP serves as a substitute for hydroquinone in skin lightening products.

Isoflurane enhances the malignant potential of glioblastoma stem cells by promoting their viability, mobility in vitro and migratory capacity in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Isoflurane is one of the most common general anaesthetics used during surgical procedures, including tumour resection. However, the effects of isoflurane on the viability and migration capacity of cancer cells, specifically in the context of brain cancer cells, remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence that isoflurane has on the function of glioblastoma stem cells (GCSs) in regards to cell proliferation, survival and migration. METHOD: U251-GSCs were exposed to isoflurane at clinically relevant concentrations and incubation times. The effects on proliferation, survival and migration capacities of the cells were evaluated in vitro. The potential risk was assessed in mice by intracranial injection of U251-GSCs pretreated with isoflurane. Furthermore, the average tumour volume and migration distance of U251-GSCs from the tumour centre were calculated. RESULTS: Exposure of U251-GSCs to 1.2% isoflurane for 6 h resulted in increased proliferation (P<0.05) and decreased apoptosis rate (P<0.05) when compared with the control group. In addition, isoflurane exposure caused increased migration capacity in vitro (P<0.05) and the distance migrated was increased in vivo (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinically relevant concentrations and incubation times of isoflurane could promote the viability and mobility of U251-GSCs, suggesting this general anaesthetic may have detrimental effects in glioblastoma by facilitating its growth and migration.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for shunt surgery of children: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in children who underwent placement of intracranial ventricular shunts. METHODS: In this paper, the authors report a systematic review and meta-analysis of infection rate for pediatric shunt implantation surgery. Randomized or non-randomized controlled trials for comparing the use of prophylactic antibiotics in intracranial ventricular shunt procedures with placebo or no antibiotics were included in the review. RESULTS: Seven published reports of eligible studies involving 694 participants meet the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, antibiotic prophylaxis had made a significant difference in infection rate (RR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.90, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although current evidence demonstrates that antibiotic prophylaxis can lead to a significant reduction of the infection rate of shunt surgery, more evidence from advanced multi-center studies is needed to provide instruction for the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Macrophage-specific overexpression of interleukin-5 attenuates atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice.

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) increases the secretion of natural T15/EO6 IgM antibodies that inhibit the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by macrophages. This study aimed to determine whether macrophage-specific expression of IL-5 in LDL receptor-deficient mice (Ldlr(-/-)) could improve cholesterol metabolism and reduce atherosclerosis. To induce macrophage-specific IL-5 expression, the pLVCD68-IL5 lentivirus was delivered into Ldlr(-/-) mice via bone marrow transplantation. The recipient mice were fed a Western-type diet for 12 weeks to induce lesion formation. We found that IL-5 was efficiently and specifically overexpressed in macrophages in recipients of pLVCD68-IL5-transduced bone marrow cells (BMC). Plasma titers of T15/EO6 IgM antibodies were significantly elevated by 58% compared with control mice transplanted with pLVCD68 lacking the IL-5 coding sequence. Plaque areas of aortas in IL-5-overexpressing mice were reduced by 43% and associated with a 2.4-fold decrease in lesion size at the aortic roots when compared with mice receiving pLVCD68-transduced BMCs. The study showed that macrophage-specific overexpression of IL-5 inhibited the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. These findings suggest that modulation of IL-5 cytokine expression represents a potential strategy for intervention of familial hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular diseases.