Predicting abiraterone efficacy in advanced prostate cancer: Insights from marker of proliferation Ki67.

BACKGROUND: KI67 is a well-known biomarker reflecting cell proliferation. We aim to elucidate the predictive role of KI67 in the efficacy of abiraterone for patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Clinicopathological data of 152 men with metastatic PCa, who received abiraterone therapy were retrospectively collected. The KI67 positivity was examined by immunohistochemistry using the prostate biopsy specimen. The predictive value of KI67 on the therapeutic efficacy of abiraterone was explored using Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis. The endpoints included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), radiographic PFS (rPFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: In total, 85/152 (55.9%) and 67/152 (44.1%) cases, respectively, received abiraterone at metastatic hormone-sensitive (mHSPC) and castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) stage. The median KI67 positivity was 20% (interquartile range: 10%-30%). Overall, KI67 rate was not correlated with PSA response. Notably, an elevated KI67-positive rate strongly correlated with unfavorable abiraterone efficacy, with KI67 ≥ 30% and KI67 ≥ 20% identified as the optimal cutoffs for prognosis differentiation in mHSPC (median PSA-PFS: 11.43 Mo vs. 26.43 Mo, p < 0.001; median rPFS: 16.63 Mo vs. 31.90 Mo, p = 0.003; median OS: 21.77 Mo vs. not reach, p = 0.005) and mCRPC (median PSA-PFS: 7.17 Mo vs. 12.20 Mo, p = 0.029; median rPFS: 11.67 Mo vs. 16.47 Mo, p = 0.012; median OS: 21.67 Mo vs. not reach, p = 0.073) patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis supported the independent predictive value of KI67 on abiraterone efficacy. In subgroup analysis, an elevated KI67 expression was consistently associated with unfavorable outcomes in the majority of subgroups. Furthermore, data from another cohort of 79 PCa patients with RNA information showed that those with KI67 RNA levels above the median had a significantly shorter OS than those below the median (17.71 vs. 30.72 Mo, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights KI67 positivity in prostate biopsy as a strong predictor of abiraterone efficacy in advanced PCa. These insights will assist clinicians in anticipating clinical outcomes and refining treatment decisions for PCa patients.

Association between graded subchorionic hematoma and adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnancies: a prospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether different grades of subchorionic hematoma (SCH) are involved in the timing of birth and the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 171 women with singleton pregnancies, 72 of whom had SCH before 20 weeks and between 12 and 20 weeks of gestational age (GA), were included in this study conducted between January 2018 and December 2021. These patients were divided into three subgroups based on the size of the subchorionic hematoma on ultrasound imaging. Baseline demographic data, obstetric outcomes, and risk factors for subchorionic hematoma were compared for the two groups. RESULTS: A higher number of pregnancies from the SCH group resulted in miscarriage (30.56% versus 2.02%, p < 0.0001), early preterm birth (8.33% versus 1.01%, p = 0.0035), premature rupture of membranes (15.28% versus 4.04%, p = 0.0103), fetal growth restriction (9.72% versus 0%, p = 0.0015), and delivery 13.18 days earlier (274.34 ± 11.25 versus 261.16 ± 29.80, p = 0.0013) than those from the control group. Compared with SCH detected before 12 weeks of GA, the rate of miscarriage increased, and the live birth rate decreased significantly in patients with SCH caught between 12 and 20 weeks of GA. With the increase in hematoma size, the likelihood of miscarriage increased significantly. Further analysis found that delivery occurred earlier in the medium/large SCH group (271.49 ± 23.61 versus 253.28 ± 40.68/261.77 ± 22.11, p = 0.0004/0.0073) but not in the small SCH group (274.34 ± 11.25 versus 267.85 ± 21.01, p = 0.2681) compared to the control group. Our results also showed that the anterior placenta (52.04% versus 33.33%, p = 0.0005, OR = 0.3137, 95% CI [0.1585, 0.601]) is a protective factor for subchorionic hematoma. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that women with SCH are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and are independently associated with miscarriage, early preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal growth restriction. A subchorionic hematoma, especially detected between 12 and 20 weeks of GA, is very likely to cause miscarriage or preterm birth in women with a medium or large subchorionic hematoma.

MicroRNAs and Related Cytokine Factors Quickly Respond in the Immune Response of Channel Catfish to Lipopolysaccharides and ß-Glucan Stimulation.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known as powerful regulators of gene expression, with their potential to serve for immunology widely researched in mammals and birds but rarely in fishes. To better understand fish immunology behavior, we herein investigated nine immune-related miRNAs that were reported in other animals, as well as five related cytokine factors and lysozyme (LZM) in the liver, anterior kidney, and spleen of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus after being stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and ß-glucan. We also predicated the potential targets of these miRNAs via bioinformatics and further investigated nine of them via quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that expressions of the nine miRNAs were quickly changed in varying extent after stimulation by LPS, especially for miR-122, miR-142a, miR-155, and miR-223, which were significantly changed in spleen, and the same occurred for the LZM and three cytokine factors TNF-α, IFN-γ and TLR2. Compared with LPS, although most of the miRNAs and the cytokine genes were also affected by ß-glucan, the extent of the effect was weak. Bioinformatics analysis revealed many immune-related targets of the miRNAs, with some of them reported by previous studies. For the nine investigated target genes, seven targets (77.8%) were significantly upregulated after the stimulation of LPS. It therefore can be inferred that the immune-related miRNAs, LZM, and cytokine factors elicited quick immune responses of Channel Catfish to LPS stimulation as in other animals, but the regulation mechanism of miRNAs might be complex and diverse. This research will contribute to a better understanding will support further immunology research in fishes.

The miR-155 regulates cytokines expression by SOSC1 signal pathways of fish in vitro and in vivo.

MiR-155 is reported as immune regulated miRNA in mammalian corresponding to immunity, antibacterial and antiviral effects regulation. However, the roles and mechanisms of the miRNA have remained largely undefined. We herein comprehensively investigated the functions of miR-155 in vitro and in vivo by miR-155 mimics, agomir and antagomir in Cyprinus carpio and Ictalurus punctatus, with the target genes in the SOSC1 pathway certified in I. punctatus via luciferase reporter assays. Results showed that the miR-155 regulated the expressions of cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10. Further research confirmed SOSC1 as one of the targets of the miRNA, and the JAK1/STAT3/SOSC1 signal pathway involved in the miR-155 effects on the expression of immune cytokines as well. Additionally, the changes of TLR2 in fish may also be related to miR-155 along with its target SOCS1, and the TLR2/MyD88 pathway may partly participate in the effects of the miR-155 on the cytokines. The research here confirmed that the miR-155 can regulate cytokines expression by SOSC1 signal pathways of fish in vitro and in vivo, which would provide resources for understanding and studying about immune regulation in fish.

Diagnosis and treatment of perineal endometriosis: review of 17 cases.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of perineal endometriosis. METHODS: Seventeen patients who presented with a tender perineal mass coinciding with the menstrual cycle on the scar of a previous vaginally procedure were examined retrospectively. Their clinical features and treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients presented with a palpable painful lesion. All of them had had vaginal delivery with episiotomy. The mean age of the patients was 34.35 years. The mean latent period was 46.82 months. The mean size was 2.38 cm. Thirteen patients presented with one subcutaneous nodule and four had multiple nodules. Color Doppler ultrasound revealed a subcutaneous nodule with an irregular outline and echo-complex density underlying the episiotomy scar. Only one patient suffered from perineal endometriosis combined with pelvic endometriosis. All endometriotic masses in perineum were completely excised and cured, and confirmed by the microscopic examination. CONCLUSIONS: A detailed history and thorough pelvic examination are essential in diagnosing perineal endometriosis. Surgical intervention is the first choice of treatment.

Intratumoral blood flow analysis in epithelioid trophoblastic tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this series was to describe the transvaginal color pulsed Doppler sonographic features of epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (ETTs) and to evaluate whether there were specific sonographic criteria to accurately distinguish them from other lesions. METHODS: Seven cases of ETTs treated in the Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively analyzed. Doppler indices, including the Pourcelot resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and peak systolic to diastolic velocity (S/D) ratio from blood flow signals within the tumors were calculated from each waveform sample by using the software of the ultrasound machines. RESULTS: Patients with ETTs had heterogeneously echoic masses and highly abnormal flow patterns. The mean PI, RI, and S/D ratio for the patients were 0.57 (range, 0.22-1.09), 0.42 (range, 0.2-0.7), and 1.89 (range, 1.25-3.40), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical usefulness of intratumoral blood flow assessment in ETTs is yet to be established. However, the multiparameter sonographic approach can help in diagnosis of an ETT.

[Expression of aquaporin-8 and bcl-2 protein in human cervical carcinoma and their correlations].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of aquaporin-8 (AQP8) and apoptosis associated bcl-2 protein in human cervical carcinoma and their relationship. METHODS: The expression of AQP8 and bcl-2 protein in 74 cases of cervical carcinoma (46 cases of squamous-cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, 28 cases of adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix), 34 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 15 cases of normal cervices were detected by immunohistochemical technique, and their clinical significance were analyzed. RESULTS: The expression of AQP8 and bcl-2 protein were detected in intracytoplasm of atypia cells in CIN, squamous-cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. The positive rates of AQP8 and bcl-2 in squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, CIN and normal cervical epithelium were 98%, 74%; 61%, 71%; 71%, 53% ; 53%, 20% respectively. There were significant differences between squamous-cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and other groups in AQP8 (P < 0.01), but no significant differences were found in any other groups. There were significant differences between squamous-cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and CIN or normal cervical epithelium in bcl-2, so were between adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. The expression of AQP8 was positively correlated with bcl-2 in human cervical carcinoma( r(s) = 0.463, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: There is a close relationship between high expression of AQP8 and development of human cervical carcinoma. The expression of AQP8 protein is positively correlated with bcl-2 protein in human cervical carcinoma. AQP8 protein may have anti-apoptosis function, although the detailed mechanism in human cervical carcinoma remains to be clarified.

[Expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and leukemia inhibitory factor on endometrium during different ovarian stimulation protocols in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of superovulation by GnRHa protocol and pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) alone on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) mRNA on endometrium. METHODS: Forty-five female ICR mice were randomly allocated into 3 groups:(1) GnRHa+PMSG group: alarelin was give first for desensitizing the pituitary, then superovulation with PMSG; (2) PMSG group: mice were injected with PMSG only; (3) Natural cycle group: mice were given with same volume of saline. Endometrium samples were taken at 48 hours after given hCG or ovulation (control group). ER and PR in glandular cells were detected with SP immunohistochemistry semiquantitatively. Expression of LIF mRNA on endometrium was detected with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. RESULT: The positive rate(%) and expression intense (AU) of ER and PR on glandular epithelium cells were significantly lower in GnRHa+PMSG group and PMSG group than those in natural cycle group (all P <0.01). The expression of LIF mRNA was significantly lower in GnRHa+PMSG group and PMSG group than that in natural cycle group (all P <0.01); but the expressions of ER, PR and LIF in GnRHa+PMSG group were higher than those in PMSG group. CONCLUSION: The protocol with GnRHa down regulates the expressions of ER, PR and the LIF mRNA on the mice of secretive phase endometrium, suggesting it may have an adverse effect on the endometrial receptivity in mice, but it may still be better than PMSG alone.

[Value of computed tomography in the staging and predicting resectability of primary advanced ovarian carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of computed tomography( CT) in the staging and predicting respectability of primary advanced ovarian carcinoma. METHODS: The data of preoperative abdomen and pelvis CT scan in 64 women with Stage II or IV ovarian carcinoma were collected from tumor registry database. All CT scans were analyzed retrospectively without knowledge of the operative findings, and the stage as based on CT was compared with the surgical and pathological findings. Residual lesion of < or = 2 cm in maximal diameter was considered as an optimal surgical result. Twenty-senven of these 64 patients (42.2%) underwent optimal cytoreduction surgery for residual disease C2 cm in diameter. Based on the ability of each parameter in predicting cytoreductive surgery outcome, 11 radiographic features were selected for the final model. Each predictive parameter was assigned a numeric value (1 to 7). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value( PPV) , negative predictive value( NPV),and accuracy were calculated for each predictive parameter. Receiver operating characteristic( ROC) curve was used to assess the ability of the model to predict surgical outcome. The correlation between CT stage and surgical-pathologic stage was analyzed by Chi-square test and Spearman's rho analysis. RESULTS: The overall accuracy of CT staging for advanced ovarian carcinoma was 87. 5% ; 86. 5% and 91.7% for stage III and IV patients respectively. The correlation between CT stage and surgicopathologic stage was found to be comformable. In the final predictive index model, when a predictive index scoreed > or = 2, the overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity was 70. 3% , 67.6% and 74. 1% for identifying patients for suboptimal surgery. The PPV and the NPV was 78. 1% and 62. 5% , respectively. The ROC curve was generated with an area under the curve = 0. 792+/-0. 055 using the predictive index scores. CONCLUSION: CT has a high accuracy in staging and a moderate ability to predict resectability for advanced ovarian carcinoma. Therefore, the predictive index model may be useful in the management of ovarian carcinoma patients.

[Telomerase RNA antisense oligonucleotides inhibit growth of human choriocarcinoma xenograft in nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibitory effect of antisense oligonucleotides against telomerase RNA on the growth of human choriocarcinoma transplant in nude mice. METHODS: Choriocarcinoma xenografts were established by transplanting JAR cells subcutaneously to female nude mice, and were treated with high and low doses of antisense oligonucleotides. Control groups were treated with NS, random sequence and actinomycin D (Act-D). Tumor growth was monitored once every other day. Telomerase relative activity was assayed by TRAP-ELISA. Western blotting was used to detect expression of hTERT. RESULTS: Low and high doses antisense oligonucleotides, and Act-D inhibited tumor growth by 76.6%, 93.8% and 85.4% respectively, which were significantly different when compared with random sequence and NS groups. Expression of telomerase relative activity and hTERT were decreased as well. But the differences among the first three groups had no significance. CONCLUSION: Telomerase RNA antisense oligonucleotide inhibits growth of human choriocarcinoma xenografts in nude mice. It may be a novel approach to the treatment of choriocarcinoma.

[Expressions of aromatase P450 and estrogen receptor in eutopic and ectopic endometrium in endometriosis and their correlation with endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of aromatase P450 and estrogen receptor (ER) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium in endometriosis and their correlation with endometriosis. METHODS: Forty patients who had undergone operation because of endometriosis (all were stage III-IV according to the revised American Fertility Society classification) were enrolled and 83 tissue specimens from different locations of disease foci were obtained and divided into five groups according to the location: group I, eutopic endometrium of 25 cases; Group II, ovarian endometriosis tissues of 23 cases; Group III, vagina-rectum endometriosis tissues of 11 cases; Group IV, peritoneum endometriosis tissues of eight cases; and group V, uterine serosa endometriosis tissues of 16 cases. Control group consisted of normal endometrium taken from 20 fertile women who had endometrial curettage before placement of intrauterine device. The routine two-step immunohistochemical technique was used to measure the expression of aromatase P450 and ER in endometrial cells. RESULTS: Expressions of aromatase P450 and ER in group I [histochemistry score (H-score), 2.6 +/- 1.0, 3.8 +/- 0.5] were significantly higher than those in control group (both P < 0.01), group II (1.4 +/- 1.0, 1.9 +/- 1.6) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and group III (1.2 +/- 0.9, 1.8 +/- 1.6) (both P < 0.05). Expressions of aromatase P450 and ER had positive correlation in all groups (r = 0.577, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Aromatase P450 could increase estrogen and estrogen receptor levels in the local ectopic tissues, thus promoting the growth and implantation of endometriosis. Different types of endometriosis focus have different levels of hormone regulation.

[Protein and mRNA expression of aquaporin-1 in epithelial ovarian tumors and its clinic significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate protein and mRNA expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in epithelial ovarian tumors and its clinic significance. METHODS: The protein and mRNA expressions of AQP1 were measured by immunohistochemical technique, western blot and RT-PCR in 65 cases of epithelial ovarian tumors and 13 cases of normal ovary tissue. RESULTS: AQP1 located in microvascular and small vessel epithelial cells. The protein and mRNA expressions of AQP1 in ovarian cancer (0.39 +/- 0.12, 0.93 +/- 0.51, respectively) and ovarian borderline tumors (0.43 +/- 0.21, 0.95 +/- 0.34, respectively) were significantly higher than that of ovarian benign tumors (0.27 +/- 0.13, 0.51 +/- 0.41, respectively; P < 0.05) and normal ovary tissue (0.24 +/- 0.13, 0.34 +/- 0.29, respectively; P < 0.05). Of all ovarian cancers, expression of AQP1 in cases with ascites more than 1000 ml (0.46 +/- 0.13, 1.25 +/- 0.57, respectively) was higher than that of ascites less than 1 approximately 499 ml (0.35 +/- 0.11, 0.75 +/- 0.45, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Over-expression of AQP1 plays an important role in development of epithelial ovarian tumors, and may be related with formation of ascites of ovarian carcinoma.

[Survey of gestational trophoblastic disease incidence among 3.6 million pregnancies in China].

OBJECTIVE: To survey incidence of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) in China and to provide useful information for prevention and better treatment of the disease. METHODS: The survey was retrospectively carried out from 1991 to 2000 and included 143 hospitals in the following seven Chinese provinces: Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shanxi and Henan. RESULTS: Excluding incomplete data, data from 118 hospitals from seven provinces were finally analyzed. The total numbers of pregnancy and GTD were 3,674, 654 and 14,222, respectively. The GTD cases occurred mainly among 20 - 34 year old women, which accounted for 85.5% of total GTD. The incidence of GTD was 3.87 per thousand. There were 9,194 cases (64.6%) of hydatidiform, 3,452 cases (24.3%) of invasive mole, 1521 cases (10.7%) of choriocarcinoma, 55 cases (0.4%) of placenta-site trophoblastic tumor, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey are reliable and representative due to large sampling and hospital-based data collection. The incidences of GTD decreased significantly compared with 1950s'. It is important to take pathological examination for GTD and to diagnose complate mole and partial mole correctly.

Impact of microalbuminuria on incident coronary heart disease, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

This study is to investigate the magnitude of relationship between microalbuminuria and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality in the general population by conducting a meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search in Pubmed and Embase database was performed prior to March 2014. Only prospective studies investigating the presence of microalbuminuria and incident CHD, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality and were selected. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by the presence of microalbuminuria versus without microalbuminuria. Finally, we identified 8 prospective studies involving 114,105 individuals. Participants with microalbuminuria were associated with 69% greater risk of CVD (RR=1.69; 95% CI 1.41-2.02) and 41% greater risk of CHD (RR=1.41; 95% CI 1.17-1.69). Participants with microalbuminuria were also associated with 57% greater risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR=1.57; 95% CI 1.20-2.06) and 65% greater risk of all-cause mortality (RR=1.65; 95% CI 1.45-1.88). Microalbuminuria is an independent predictor for CHD, CVD, and all-cause mortality in the general population. Early detection of microalbuminuria in the general population is likely to identify patients at increased risk of CVD and mortality.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 genotypes and endometriosis risk: a case-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 genotypes and endometriosis risk (EM). METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect the presence or absence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA isolated from the blood samples of 68 Han Chinese women with endometriosis and 28 without endometriosis. RESULTS: The frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes in women with endometriosis were 0.721 (49/68) and 0.779 (53/68), respectively, and in women without endometriosis were 0.429 (12/28) and 0.321 (9/28), respectively. There was a significant difference with regard to the frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes between the women with and without endometriosis (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were significantly higher in the patients with stage III and IV endometriosis [0.731 (38/52) and 0.788 (41/52), respectively] than in women without endometriosis (P < 0.01), and the frequency of GSTT1 null genotype was statistically higher in patients with stage I and II endometriosis [0.75 (12/16)] than in the women without endometriosis (P < 0.01). No correlation between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and age, induced abortion or dysmenorrhea was detected in this study (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes may be risk factors for the development of endometriosis.

[Fas and Fas-L expression in human adenocarcinoma of uterine cervix].

OBJECTIVE: To study the significance of Fas and Fas-L expression in adenocarcinoma of uterine cervix. METHODS: Both carcinoma tissue and their surrounding tissues from 36 patients with adenocarcinoma of uterine cervix, previously untreated either by radiation or chemotherapy, were studied for the expression of Fas and Fas-L by immunohistochemical stain with DNA apoptosis fragment detected by TUNEL. RESULTS: The TUNEL labeling index was negatively correlated with differentiation of adenocarcinoma of cervix. Compared to highly differentiated and moderately differentiated tumor, the TUNEL labeling index was reduced obviously in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (P < 0.01). Fas expression was detected in 31 cases (86%) while there were only 3 weakly stained in the normal endocervical glands around the carcinoma. The 5 unstained carcinomas were 3 highly differentiated and 2 moderately differentiated. The positively stained Fas was associated with differentiation; the stronger the stain, the less differentiation there was. The Fas-L expression was detected in all adenocarcinomas while there was only 1 weakly stained in the normal ones. No significant difference was found in the expression of Fas-L in carcinomas with different degrees of differentiation. No correlation was observed between Fas and Fas-L expression. CONCLUSIONS: The Fas expression is positively correlated with the different degrees of differentiation and Fas-L expression may be associated with the escape from of immunal surveillance.

[Mast cells in cellular leiomyoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma of the uterus].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of mast cells in the differential diagnosis of cellular leiomyoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma of uterus and its mechanism. METHODS: Using SP immunohistochemical technique, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and mast cells in 25 cellular leiomyoma (CL) and 26 endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) of uterus were examined. The expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and CD44v3 in cellular leiomyoma was also studied. RESULTS: The expression of PCNA was not significantly different from CL or ESS (P > 0.05), while mast cell count was statistically different between them (P < 0.01). Using a value of less than 7 mast cells per high power field was useful for the diagnosis of ESS, yielding 100% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity. There was a positive correlation between the mast cell count and CD44v3 in CL (r(s) = 0.589, P < 0.01), though no correlation was observed between mast cell count and PCNA or ER. CONCLUSION: Number of mast cells is valuable for the discrimination of CL from ESS in the uterus. The mechanism and the role of higher quantity of mast cells in CL need further study.

[Inhibitory effect of tumor suppressor PTEN on cell growth of endometrial carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inhibitory effect of tumor suppressor PTEN on cell growth of endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: The exogenous wild PTEN cDNA via an adenoviral vector (Ad-PTEN) was introduced into Ishikawa cells. The expression of PTEN protein was detected by Western blot. The growth of Ishikawa cells was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method and MTT. RESULTS: The expression of PTEN protein was induced on day 1, and greatly increasing on day 3 - 5 after Ad-PTEN infection. The expression of PTEN significantly inhibited the growth of Ishikawa cells, and also significantly inhibited the growth of Ishikawa cells induced by IGF-II. CONCLUSION: Adenovirus-mediated introduction of exogenous PTEN into human endometrial carcinoma cells can induce growth suppression. PTEN gene may be a novel therapeutic agent for endometrial carcinoma.

[Changes in gene expression profiles of hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma as compared with trophoblast hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship of changes in gene expression profiles of hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma with hyperplasia of trophoblasts. METHODS: The differentially expressed genes were analyzed in two pairs of tissues of hydatidiform mole versus normal villi, and in two pairs of normal primary culture trophoblasts versus JAR cell line of chariocarcinoma, using cDNA microarray containing 4096 genes. To confirm the results of cDNA microarray analysis, expressions of some up-regulated genes related to DNA synthesis in normal villi, hydatidiform mole, and 2 choriocarcinoma cell lines (JAR and JEG-3) were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and RT-PCR. RESULTS: A total of 89 genes were differentially expressed in all hydatidiform moles, accounting for 2.2% of the genes arrayed. Of the 89 genes, 24 were up-regulated and 65 were down-regulated. Compared with normal primary trophoblasts, there were 433 genes up-regulated and 380 genes down-regulated in JAR cell line. Forty six genes were up-regulated in both hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma, while 13 genes were down-regulated. Some genes associated with cell proliferative inhibition were significantly down-regulated, whereas those associated with cell proliferation, malignant transformation, metastasis and drug resistance were highly up-regulated. The expressions of thymidine kinase 1, the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RRM2) were significantly increased in hydatidiform mole, JAR and JEG-3 cells. CONCLUSION: Abnormal expression of genes exists in hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma. Hyperplasia of trophoblasts may be related to over-expression of genes coding for synthetic enzymes.

[Preliminary study on gene expression profile of endometrial adenocarcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To determine candidate genes of endometrial adenocarcinoma. METHODS: To compare the gene expression profile in 2 endometrial adenocarcinoma tissues and 2 normal endometria by HGEC-40s GeneChip probe including 4096 genes array. Expression differences between normal and malignant tissue groups were measured by GenePixPro3.0 software. RESULTS: 350 genes with a ratio below 0.5 and above 2.0 showed discrimination between normal and malignant groups. Thirty three genes with ratio above 3 were up-regulated, forty-four genes with ratio below 0.3 were down-regulated. CONCLUSION: The overexpression of oncogenes with their disturbed or constitutively activated signal transduction cascades alone or in combination with the mutation-induced silencing of tumor suppressor genes is associated with malignant transformation.