Analysis of differentially expressed genes between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis based on the gene co-expression network.

The aim of the current study was to investigate disease-associated genes and related molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using GSE7669 datasets downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus databases, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RA and OA synovial fibroblasts (SFBs) (n=6 each) were screened. DEG-associated co-expression and topological properties were analyzed to determine the rank of disease-associated genes. Specifically, the fold change of differentially expressed genes, the clustering coefficient and the degree of differential gene co-expression were integrated to determine the disease-associated gene ranking. The underlying molecular mechanisms of these crucial disease-associated genes were investigated by gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. A total of 1313 DEGs, including 1068 upregulated genes and 245 downregulated genes were observed. The top 20 disease-associated genes were identified, including proteoglycan 4, inhibin ß B, carboxypeptidase M, alcohol dehydrogenase 1C and integrin ß2. The major GO biological processes of these top 20 disease-associated genes were highly involved in the immune system, such as responses to stimuli, immune responses and inflammatory responses. This large-scale gene expression study observed disease-associated genes and their associated GO function in RA and OA, which may provide opportunities for biomarker development and novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of these two diseases.

Perforated sarcomatoid carcinoma of the jejunum: Case report.

Sarcomatoid carcinomas exhibit features that are common to epithelial and mesenchymal tumors. These carcinomas are rare, particularly in the small intestine. In the current case report, we describe a case of an intestinal sarcomatoid carcinoma in a 70-year-old Chinese female. Sarcomatoid carcinoma was confirmed based on light microscopy and immunohistochemical observations. The patient presented with symptoms of acute abdomen, which was due to an intestinal perforation caused by sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small bowel. Patients with sarcomatoid carcinoma are usually associated with a poor prognosis. However, this patient experienced a relatively favorable prognosis, which may be attributed to low positivity for Ki67 in the tumor.

Comparison of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade and reverse less invasive stabilization system-distal femur systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade (PFNA) and reverse less invasive stabilization system-distal femur (Liss-DF) systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures. METHODS: Between June 2007 and October 2009, 41 proximal femoral fractures were treated, 22 with PFNA (group A) and 19 with reverse LISS-DF plates (group B). The time to starting full weight-bearing, fracture healing time, functional recovery (Parker and Palmer mobility score), neck-shaft angle discrepancies with the intact contralateral hip, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, the operation durations and amount of intraoperative bleeding were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 11.2 months (range, 10-12 months). Compared with Group A, Group B showed a statistically longer mean time to bear full body weight and heal their fractures, but a smaller neck-shaft angle discrepancy (all P < 0.05). The groups were similar in ASA score, operation duration, amount of intraoperative bleeding and Parker and Palmer mobility score. CONCLUSION: Both PFNA and reverse Liss-DF were satisfactory for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures, but had different advantages. PFNA allowed earlier weight-bearing and accelerated fracture healing. Reverse Liss-DF more effectively avoided coxa vara and may be indicated for patients with very severe osteoporosis.

[Experimental research of the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor C expression in gastric cancer by targeting RNA interference].

OBJECTIVE: To construct the plasmid expression vector pSIH1-H1-copGFP for RNA interference against vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and to evaluate its effect on the expression of VEGF-C mRNA in gastric cancer cells after transfection. METHODS: Three siRNAs of genome sequence of VEGF-C gene were retrieved from GenBank and one negative chain was used as control. Four siRNAs were cloned into plasmid pSIH1-H1-copGFP,which were then transfected into gastric cancer cells (SGC7901). The expression of VEGF-C mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The recombinant plasmid of pSIH1-H1-copGFP specific for VEGF-C was confirmed by gene sequencing analysis. The target sequence obtained was completely consistent with the design. Transfection efficiency of the three siRNAs ranged from 60% to 70%. After transfection, the expression of VEGF-C mRNA in SGC7901 cells was significantly inhibited. Inhibition rates of VEGF-C mRNA expression were 35.4%, 33.8% and 81.5% in the three siRNA plasmid vectors, respectively. CONCLUSION: The siRNA expression plasmid vector against VEGF-C mRNA is successfully constructed, and RNAi may be a useful technique to inhibit the lymphangiogenesis of gastric cancer.