Reconstruction of large defects of anterior floor of mouth with free flaps using a novel individualized flap design method.

The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel individualized flap design method for large anterior floor of the mouth (AFOM) defect reconstruction, review experience with the use of this flap design method for large AFOM defect reconstruction, and assess its functional results. A retrospective study of patients who received large AFOM defect reconstruction with free flaps was conducted. There was a cohort of patients who were treated using the novel individualized flap design method and a cohort without flap design. Functional outcomes were evaluated with appropriate scales. Outcomes were analyzed, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. 22 patients received the individualized flap design, while 21 patients were treated without a special flap design. All flaps survived. All free flaps harvested with the novel individualized flap design method better matched AFOM defects. Relative to patients without flap design, patients in the novel individualized flap design group showed significant improvement in speech intelligibility (p = 0.036) and swallowing function (p = 0.019). Within the limitation of the study it seems that large AFOM defect reconstruction with the novel individualized flap design method can not only cover and close the wound to avoid oral-neck fistulae, but also maintains tongue mobility to achieve better functional outcomes than in patients without flap design.

A novel flap design technique for subtotal tongue reconstruction with an "Individualized and Convenient Tongue Model".

BACKGROUND: To achieve improved functional outcomes in subtotal tongue reconstruction, a flap design with sufficient volume and appropriate shape is necessary. In this study, we introduce an "Individualized and Convenient Tongue Model" (ICTM) for flap design in subtotal tongue reconstruction. METHODS: By studying the anatomical morphology of the tongue, we found a similar geometry within the dorsum and body of the tongue as well as the mouth floor. This can be used to create an ICTM through folding and splicing. We can simulate tongue defects in the ICTM and transform defect shapes into guide plates for flap design. In this study, fifty-eight patients requiring subtotal tongue reconstruction were randomly divided into two groups: an ICTM group (35 patients) and a conventional group (31 patients). In the ICTM group, we individually designed profunda artery perforator flaps (PAPFs) or anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTFs) using the ICTM method. In the conventional group, the flap was designed according to the surgeon's clinical experience. Patient demographics, operative and follow-up data were recorded. Swallowing, speech intelligibility, and cosmetic results were assessed using appropriate scales. RESULTS: All flaps survived, although there were no significant differences in tumor size, operation time, flap size, and complication rate compared to the conventional group. Patients in the ICTM group had significantly improved speech intelligibility (p = 0.019), cosmetic appearance (p = 0.009), and swallowing ability (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The ICTM technique is an effective and convenient solution for subtotal tongue reconstruction that provides an individualized flap design and improves functional outcomes compared to the conventional design.

CC chemokine receptor 7 promotes macrophage recruitment and induces M2-polarization through CC chemokine ligand 19&21 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) on the recruitment and polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: We analyzed CCR7 expression pattern, clinicopathological significance, and its association with M2 macrophage infiltration in OSCC by bioinformatic methods. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was utilized to silence CCR7 in OSCC cells. Conditioned media (CM) was harvested from transfected OSCC cells to establish a co-culture model of THP-1 derived macrophages and OSCC cells. Transwell assay and cell adhesion assay were performed to examine the effect of CCR7 on macrophages recruitment and adhesion. Cytoskeleton was labelled by phalloidin to observe macrophage morphological changes. Moreover, phenotypic alteration of macrophages was measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Ultimately, recombinant human CCL19 and CCL21 were added into the medium of THP-1 derived macrophages to explore their effects on polarization in vitro. RESULTS: In OSCC patients, the overexpression of CCR7 positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and M2 macrophage infiltration. Macrophage not only exhibited enhanced migration, invasion and adhesion abilities, but also appeared more spindle and branched in vitro when treated with CM from OSCC cells. However, these phenomena were abrogated with knockdown of CCR7. We also discovered that inhibition of CCR7 in OSCC cells suppressed TAMs polarization to an M2 phenotype. In addition, recombinant human CCL19 and CCL21 promoted macrophage M2-polarization in vitro. CONCLUSION: CCR7 in OSCC cells promoted recruitment and M2-polarization of THP-1 derived macrophages in vitro by regulating production of CCL19 and CCL21.

The Overexpression of Fibronectin 1 Promotes Cancer Progression and Associated with M2 Macrophages Polarization in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the biological roles of fibronectin 1 (FN1) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its effects on macrophage M2 polarization. Methods: We analyzed FN1 expression pattern and examined its clinical relevance in HNSCC progression by bioinformatic analysis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was utilized to silence FN1 in HNSCC cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay and wound healing assay were performed to reveal the effect of FN1 on malignant behaviors of HNSCC cells. Moreover, a co-culture model of macrophages and HNSCC cells was established to investigate whether FN1 induce macrophage M2 polarization. Finally, we used bioinformatic methods to explore the possible FN1-related pathways in HNSCC. Results: FN1 is significantly overexpressed in HNSCC patients and has been obviously correlated with higher pathological stage and poor prognosis. Downregulation of FN1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of HNSCC cells, and inhibited macrophage M2 polarization in vitro. In addition, "PI3K-Akt" and "MAPK" signaling pathways may be involved in the malignant process of FN1 in HNSCC. Conclusion: The overexpression of FN1 promotes HNSCC progression and induces macrophages M2 polarization. FN1 may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HNSCC.

MKP-1 is required to limit myeloid-cell mediated oral squamous cell carcinoma progression and regional extension.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) require MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) for deactivation of MAPK intracellular signaling. MKP-1 (encoded by Dusp1) is a key negative regulator of MAPKs and prior reports have indicated that MKP-1 regulates oral cancer-associated inflammation and leukocyte infiltration. OBJECTIVE: To determine the significance of myeloid-based expression of MKP-1 in oral cancer. METHODS: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to address DUSP1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Syngeneic and carcinogen-induced mouse models using global and myeloid-specific Dusp-1 deficient mice with immunophenotypic, histologic, and transcriptomic analyses and in vitro migration assays. RESULTS: Data from TCGA indicates the DUSP1 expression is inversely related to oral cancer burden and nodal involvement. Using murine models of OSCC, the role of MKP-1 signaling in tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) was assessed. Dusp1-deficient mice had increased tumor burden and TAM infiltrate with increased M2 macrophage polarization. Transcriptomic signatures of TAMs from Dusp1-deficent mice indicated a pro-metastatic phenotype as well as concomitant differences in myeloid-associated genes, cytokine/chemokine signaling, and Notch signaling consistent with tumor progression. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed mouse OSCC cells had a higher migration rate using TAM cell-free supernatant from Dusp1 deficiency mice compared to controls with enhanced regional cervical lymph node metastasis, respectively. To validate TAM studies using implantable mouse models, an OSCC progression model with conditional myeloid-specific Dusp-1 deficient mice demonstrated enhanced OSCC disease progression, characterized by advanced onset, histological stage, and tumor burden. CONCLUSION: Myeloid-based Dusp1-deficiency increases OSCC burden and metastasis through alteration in TAM recruitment, gene profile, and polarity suggesting that MKP-1 could be a viable target to reprogram TAM to limit local/regional OSCC extension.

Management Practices of Head and Neck Cancer in Chinese Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Multicenter Questionnaire-Based Survey Among Oncologists.

This survey was conducted to determine the head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment strategies followed by oncologists in Chinese hospitals. It was a questionnaire-based survey, conducted from October 2017 to January 2018 in 100 random tertiary hospitals in 21 cities of China to elicit information from oncologists on the management practices for treating HNC in China. A validated, structured questionnaire was used for formal investigation with oncologists. The questions regarding HNC types, treatment strategies used for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LA HNC) and recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer (r/m HNC), diagnosis and prognostic factors were included. The results were presented as percentages. Among the 272 oncologists, 93.4% were from tertiary care hospitals, with 35.3% and 36.4% patients from radiotherapy (RT) and oncology department, respectively. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the most commonly treated type of HNC according to 65.1% oncologists. Patients aged >75 years have worse prognosis and 65% oncologists corroborated that age of the patients influences treatment decision. Most of the oncologists (77.6%) preferred chemotherapy (CT) + anti-epidermal growth factor receptor targeted therapy as the first-line therapy for r/m HNC. Approximately 95% of oncologists considered induction chemotherapy (ICT) to retain organ functions and tumor shrinkage and 43.4% preferred ICT followed by chemoradiotherapy or ICT combined with RT followed by targeted therapy for LA HNC. For the management of HNC, Chinese oncologists recommended ICT with RT and targeted therapy for LA HNC and CT regimen combined with targeted therapy for r/m HNC.

The p38/MKP-1 signaling axis in oral cancer: Impact of tumor-associated macrophages.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) constitute over 95% of all head and neck malignancies. As a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), chronic inflammation contributes towards the development, progression, and regional metastasis of OSCC. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) associated with OSSC promote tumorigenesis through the production of cytokines and pro-inflammatory factors that are critical role in the various steps of malignant transformation, including tumor growth, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) can regulate inflammation along with a wide range of cellular processes including cell metabolism, proliferation, motility, apoptosis, survival, differentiation and play a crucial role in cell growth and survival in physiological and pathological processes including innate and adaptive immune responses. Dual specificity MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) deactivates MAPKs. MKPs are considered as an important feedback control mechanism that limits MAPK signaling and subsequent target gene expression. This review outlines the role of MKP-1, the founding member of the MKP family, in OSCC and the TME. Herein, we summarize recent progress in understanding the regulation of p38 MAPK/MKP-1 signaling pathways via TAM-related immune responses in OSCC development, progression and treatment outcomes.

Hsa-let-7e-5p Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Targeting Chemokine Receptor 7.

This study aimed at determining the role of hsa-let-7e-5p in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The relative levels of hsa-let-7e-5p transcripts in 15 paired of HNSCC and adjacent non-tumor tissues and cells were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The potential targets of hsa-let-7e-5p were predicted and validated by luciferase assay. The impact of altered hsa-let-7e-5p expression on HNSCC cell proliferation and metastasis was determined by CCK-8, wound healing, transwell migration and invasion assays. The effect of hsa-let-7e-5p over-expression on the growth of HNSCC was examined in vivo. Hsa-let-7e-5p expression was significantly down-regulated in HNSCC tissues and highly metastatic PCI-37B cells. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that hsa-let-7e-5p bound to the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of chemokine receptor 7(CCR7), which was validated by luciferase assay. While transfection with hsa-let-7e-5p mimic significantly decreased CCR7 protein expression, transfection with hsa-let-7e-5p inhibitor increased CCR7 protein expression in HNSCC cells. Similarly, hsa-let-7e-5p over-expression inhibited PCI-37B cell proliferation, wound healing, migration and invasion, while inhibition of endogenous hsa-let-7e-5p had opposite effects in PCI-37A cells. Hsa-let-7e-5p over-expression inhibited PCI-37B tumor growth in vivo. Therefore, hsa-let-7e-5p acts as a tumor suppressor to inhibit the progression of HNSCC by targeting CCR7 expression. Hsa-let-7e-5p and CCR7 may be therapeutic targets of HNSCC.

Autologous Free Fat Graft for Repair of Concave Deformity After Total Parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Resectioning of giant maxillofacial tumors has been shown to cause facial depression deformity, representing a persistent challenge for surgeons. Here, the authors review their experience using autologous free fat grafts to repair total parotidectomy defects. This review aims to encourage the surgical field to pay more attention to this century-old treatment technique. METHODS: Patients were included who underwent free fat transfer for tissue reconstruction after total parotidectomy at the Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of China Medical University between 2012 and 2018. Patients with bleeding disease or postoperative follow-up less than 6 months were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients between the ages of 35 and 68 were included in this analysis. Ten patients (6 males, 4 females) underwent fat grafting at the time of total parotidectomy, and a control group of 13 patients (9 males, 4 females) underwent total parotidectomy without correction of concave deformities. There were significant differences between fat graft group and control group in terms of age (44.9 ±â€Š9.0117 years versus 56.385 ±â€Š8.9586 years; P = 0.006), Frey syndrome questionnaire score (1 ±â€Š0 versus 2.385 ±â€Š1.0439; P = 0.00), blood loss (195.7 ±â€Š54.8777 mL versus 107.769 ±â€Š22.8916 mL; P = 0.001), postoperative drainage (319.8 ±â€Š103.1803 mL versus 230.385 ±â€Š53.5701 mL; P = 0.027), duration of postoperative drainage (122.4 ±â€Š23.8663 hours versus 90.462 ±â€Š22.2434 hours; P = 0.003), and satisfaction questionnaire score (8.5 ±â€Š0.8498 versus 3 ±â€Š1.1547; P = 0.00). The difference in operation time between the fat graft group and control group was not significant (417 ±â€Š108.0062 min versus 351.538 ±â€Š91.7475 min; P = 0.131). CONCLUSION: Autologous free fat grafting resulted in more blood loss as well as an increased volume and duration of postoperative drainage. Remarkably, however, patients had superior satisfaction, lower Frey syndrome scores, and similar operation times with use of free fat grafting after parotidectomy. The authors recommend such grafting be utilized to repair concave deformities secondary to total parotidectomy.

Competing endogenous RNA analysis reveals the regulatory potency of circRNA_036186 in HNSCC.

This study aimed to characterize circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles and biological functions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Differentially expressed circRNAs were screened using an Arraystar Human CircRNA Array and verified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Multiple bioinformatics methods and a hypergeometric test were employed to predict the interactions between RNAs and the functional circRNA­microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA axes in HNSCC. As a result, 287 circRNAs and 1,053 mRNAs were determined to be differentially expressed in HNSCC compared with the adjacent tissue. In addition, the expression levels of circRNA_036186 and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, ζ polypeptide (14­3­3ζ) were identified to be significantly different. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed, consisting of 5 circRNAs, 385 miRNAs and 96 mRNAs. Furthermore, we predicted that miR­193b­3p exerts a significant effect on 14­3­3ζ, and was significantly associated with the Hippo signaling pathway in HNSCC. On the whole, these findings suggest that circRNA_036186 likely regulates 14­3­3ζ expression by functioning as a ceRNA in the development and progression of HNSCC.

Upregulated miR­20a­5p expression promotes proliferation and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting of TNFRSF21.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulation of proliferation, migration, and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The present study assessed expression, functions and mechanisms of miR­20a­5p in the regulation of HNSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. miR­20a­5p expression in HNSCC cell lines and tissues was detected using qRT­PCR, while miR­20a­5p mimics and inhibitor were transfected into HNSCC cells for assessment of the effects using different assays (CCK­8, wound healing and Transwell assays) and expression of miR­20a­5p­targeting genes (using western blot and luciferase reporter assays). The data revealed that miR­20a­5p was upregulated in both HNSCC tissues and metastatic HNSCC cells. Upregulated miR­20a­5p expression in HNSCC cells promoted tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacities, but resulted in downregulation of TNFRSF21 expression and in turn upregulation of C­C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) in HNSCC cells. Concordantly, knockdown of miR­20a­5p in HNSCC had the opposite results. In conclusion, miR­20a­5p functioned as an oncogene in HNSCC by downregulating TNFRSF21 and subsequently, upregulating CCR7 expression.

Overexpression of hsa-miR-125a-5p enhances proliferation, migration and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines by upregulating C-C chemokine receptor type 7.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is usually diagnosed accompanied by lymph node metastasis. C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) is associated with the invasion and metastasis of tumors in HNSCC through various signaling pathways. The role of hsa-miR-125a-5p in HNSCC remains unclear. The present study was performed to investigate the association between hsa-miR-125a-5p and CCR7 in HNSCC. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to analyze the expression of hsa-miR-125a-5p in clinical samples. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell and wound healing assays were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, respectively, following overexpression of hsa-miR-125a-5p. Changes in protein expression of CCR7 were observed using western blotting. In the survival analysis, Student's t-tests and log rank tests were performed to analyze the association between the expression of hsa-miR-125a-5p, and HNSCC according to the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The expression of hsa-miR-125a-5p was identified to be significantly lower in cancer tissue compared with the corresponding adjacent normal tissues in clinical samples (P=0.038). The results of western blotting indicated that there was a positive regulatory association between hsa-miR-125a-5p and CCR7. Furthermore, overexpression of hsa-miR-125a-5p significantly enhanced the ability of cell proliferation, migration and invasion in HNSCC, with upregulation of CCR7. The results of survival analysis revealed that patients in the low expression group of hsa-miR-125a-5p tended to have longer survival times compared with the high expression group (P=0.045). Altogether, the data raised the possibility that hsa-miR-125a-5p has a significant role in promoting cancer in HNSCC, which may provide a basis for the treatment of HNSCC in molecular targeted therapy. Further studies are required to ascertain the role of hsa-miR-125a-5p in other HNSCC cell lines and in vivo.

Comprehensive assessment of the donor-site of the anterolateral thigh flap: A prospective study in 33 patients.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap has been an extremely versatile flap. The purpose of this study was to propose comprehensive functional assessments of the donor site. METHODS: A total of 33 ALT flaps were enrolled prospectively. Objective assessments included isokinetic testing of the knee, and electromyographic examination of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to subjectively assess the donor-site scar. RESULTS: On the donor side, a significant decrease in most isokinetic muscle strength values was obvious 1 year postoperatively (P < .01). The normal side showed a compensatory increase 1 year postoperatively in the majority of isokinetic muscle strength values (P < .05). The majority of patients (70%) showed decreased sensory conduction velocity of the LFCN or no response to the microcurrent stimulation postoperatively. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The decline in functional parameters at the donor-site was common. However, much more research is needed.

MiR-1275 promotes cell migration, invasion and proliferation in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck via up-regulating IGF-1R and CCR7.

PURPOSE: miRNAs can play vital role in migration, invasion and proliferation in Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). In our study, we attempted to validate the expression and function of miR-1275 in SCCHN, and we also identified the mechanism by which miR-1275 affects migration, invasion and proliferation of SCCHN. METHODS: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to evaluate the expression of miR-1275 in both SCCHN tissues and cell lines. The role of miR-1275 in SCCHN cells was verified by cell function experiments upon transfection with miR-1275 mimics and inhibitor. Western blot analysis was employed to test the target gene expression of miR-1275. Survival analysis was made with the information of SCCHN patients expressed miR-1275 from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. RESULTS: miR-1275 expression was up-regulated in SCCHN tissues and advanced metastatic SCCHN cells. Increasing miR-1275 expression in SCCHN could promote cell migration, invasion and proliferation probably by upregulating Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and C-C chemokine receptor type 7(CCR7) protein levels, whereas inhibition of miR-1275 could lead the opposite effects, although others have already demonstrated that IGF-1R is a direct target of miR-1275. Survival analysis suggested that patients with lower miR-1275 expression may have a better outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we report for the first time that miR-1275 could act as a tumor-promoter in SCCHN possibly by regulating its target gene via novel miRNA mechanisms. MiR-1275 plays an important role in promoting SCCHN progression. The miR-1275 may be a potential therapeutic target for SCCHN treatment in the future.

[Assessment of life quality of for patients after tongue reconstruction with radial forearm free flap, anterolateral thigh perforator flap or submental island flap].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate operation-related factors and quality of life (QOL) for patients after tongue reconstruction with radial forearm free flap (RFFF), anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALT) or submental island flap (SIF). METHODS: Totally 59 patients, diagnosed as tongue carcinoma, received glossectomy and simultaneous reconstruction with free flaps including RFFF, ALT or SIF in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University from October 2004 to October 2014. All patients were followed up for 6 months and completed the University of Washington Quality of Life scale Version 4 questionnaires. The postoperative QOL was compared among the three groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software package. RESULTS: The operation duration of SIF group was significantly shorter than those of RFFF group or ALT group (P<0.05). The ALT group had a longer hospitalization time. There were statistically differences among the 3 groups regarding to the size of reconstructed defects. Action QOL score of the ALT group was significantly lower than those of RFFF group and SIF group. There was no significant difference in the total QOL score including chewing, swallowing, speech and postoperative pain among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: In summary, there may be functional disability for patients after glossectomy and simultaneous reconstruction. The quality of life would be acceptable after tongue reconstruction with RFFF, ALT and SIF.

A comparison of mandible preservation method and mandibulotomy approach in oral and oropharyngeal cancer: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the prognoses outcomes of mandibular preservation method (MPM) and the mandibulotomy approach (MLA) in oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOPC) patients. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov up to September 2016 to identify the studies that compared the prognoses of the MPM versus the MLA in OOPC patients. Two authors individually extracted the data and performed quality assessment. The surgical margins, overall survival rate, total and local recurrence rates, fistula formation, and other functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULT: Six studies with 309 patients were included in our analysis. No significant difference was found regarding the surgical margins, overall survival rate, total and local recurrence rates, and speech and tongue movement between the MPM and MLA groups. However, the MPM group showed a significantly lower fistula formation rate than the MLA group after the operation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the MPM may provide a similar clinical outcome to the MLA, but that the MPM has a lower complication rate in the treatment of OOPC patients.

[Suppression of VEGF protein expression by arctigenin in oral squamous cell carcinoma].

PURPOSE: To observe arctigenin's inhibitory effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma, and explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: The expression of VEGF in 32 cases of oral squamous cell cancer and 20 adjacent tissue specimen were detected with immunohistochemistry. Human nude mouse transplantation tumor model of oral squamous cell cancer was prepared with HSC-3 cells line. Transplanted tumor growth and VEGF expression in transplanted tumor tissues were assayed after treatment with arctigenin. One-way ANOVA was used for comparison between groups with SPSS 16.0 software package. RESULTS: Compared with the adjacent tissue, immunohistochemical staining score of VEGF was significantly higher (P<0.01) in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues. After treatment with arctigenin, the growth of oral squamous cell transplanted tumors in nude mouse was inhibited (P<0.05), and decreased weight in end point of observation was noted (P<0.05). There were significant differences between high dose group and low dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the nude mouse model group, the optical density of VEGF staining was significantly lower in arctigenin group (P<0.05). There were significant differences between high dose group and low dose group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Arctigenin can dose-dependently inhibit the growth of oral squamous cell carcinomas, and this effect may be related to down regulation of VEGF expression.

The role of Pyk2 in the CCR7-mediated regulation of metastasis and viability in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck cells in vivo and in vitro.

In the present study, we aimed to demonstrate whether praline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (Pyk2) participates in the chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) downstream signaling network, and to determine the role of this molecule and the related mechanism in the CCR7-mediated regulation of viability and metastasis in vivo and in vitro of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We constructed the stable Pyk2 related non-kinase (PRNK)-expressing SCCHN cell line, and examined the viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and adhesion ability in the transfected and untransfected SCCHN cells. An SCCHN tumor model in nude mice was designed and the tumor growth rate was assayed. E-cadherin and vimentin expression was assessed when Pyk2 was inactivated. We found that the stable PRNK-expressing SCCHN cells exhibited low viability, a high rate of apoptosis, low migratory ability, low invasive ability and low adhesion capacity. In the nude mouse body, the tumors formed by these cells grew slowly when compared to the tumor growth in the control group. When Pyk2 was inactivated, CCR7-induced E-cadherin and vimentin expression levels were altered. Thus, Pyk2 is a key downstream signaling molecules of CCR7 in SCCHN, which promotes SCCHN tumorigenesis and progression.

Single Superficial versus Dual Systems Venous Anastomoses in Radial Forearm Free Flap: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has been widely used with increasing frequency in head and neck reconstruction following extirpative surgery. The controversy of the venous anastomoses patterns still exists. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between the venous anastomoses patterns and venous compromise. METHODS: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases were searched for studies reporting the different venous anastomoses patterns of the RFFF. A meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects models. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also assessed. RESULTS: 6 studies with 992 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The dual anastomosis group tended to have a lower incidence of venous compromise (RR = 1.39). However, the difference was not statistically significant (95%CI: 0.59, 3.24). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that performing dual venous anatomoses consisting of superficial and deep systems conferred a tendency of the reduction with regard to venous compromise.