Predicted secreted protein analysis reveals synaptogenic function of Clstn3 during WAT browning and BAT activation in mice.

Promoting white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and enhancing brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity are attractive therapeutic strategies for obesity and its metabolic complications. Targeting sympathetic innervation in WAT and BAT represents a promising therapeutic concept. However, there are few reports on extracellular microenvironment remodeling, especially changes in nerve terminal connections. Identifying the key molecules mediating the neuro-adipose synaptic junctions is a key point. In this study, we used bioinformatics methods to identify the differentially expressed predicted secreted genes (DEPSGs) during WAT browning and BAT activation. These DEPSGs largely reflect changes of cytokines, extracellular matrix remodeling, vascularization, and adipocyte-neuronal cross-talk. We then performed functional enrichment and cellular distribution specificity analyses. The upregulated and downregulated DEPDGs during WAT browning displayed a distinctive biological pattern and cellular distribution. We listed a cluster of adipocyte-enriched DEPSGs, which might participate in the cross-talk between mature adipocytes and other cells; then identified a synaptogenic adhesion molecule, Clstn3, as the top gene expressed enriched in both mature white and brown adipocytes. Using Q-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we found significantly increased Clstn3 expression level during WAT browning and BAT activation in mice subjected to cold exposure (4 °C). We further demonstrated that treatment with isoproterenol significantly increased Clstn3 and UCP1 expression in differentiated white and beige adipocytes in vitro. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the secretion pattern was somewhat different between WAT browning and BAT activation. We reveal that Clstn3 may be a key gene mediating the neuro-adipose junction formation or remodeling in WAT browning and BAT activation process.

Management of ureteral endometriosis with hydronephrosis: Experience from a tertiary medical center.

AIM: We report the clinical characteristics and experience of the surgical management of ureteral endometriosis in our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with hydronephrosis resulting from ureteral endometriosis. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with different degrees of hydronephrosis were included in the study; 35% had urinary tract symptoms. Concomitant involvement of the ipsilateral ovary occurred in more than two-thirds of the patients. Four patients had nephrectomy, one of which involved ureterolysis because of hydronephrosis recurrence six months later. CONCLUSIONS: Hydronephrosis may be caused by uncommon reasons, such as ureteral endometriosis, which can even cause silent loss of renal function. Routine ultrasound scanning of the upper urinary tract for severe stages of endometriosis is very important in order to detect any potential ureteral lesions. Ureterolysis should be considered as the first surgical step, not only to avoid iatrogenic ureteral injuries but also to better evaluate ureter involvement for further procedures. To warrant tension-free and lesion-free anastomosis, it is wise to perform ureteroneocystostomy for long-term sound results.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum human epididymis protein 4 in patients with primary fallopian tube carcinoma.

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the levels of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) with the common tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy for primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC). METHODS: Serum HE4 and CA125 levels from 82 PFTC patients and 154 patients with benign pelvic masses as the control were measured by Roche electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. HE4 determinations for surgery response and recurrence monitoring were assessed in PFTC patients. RESULTS: Serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations were significantly higher in PFTC patients compared with those seen in patients with benign pelvic masses (P < 0.001). Compared with CA125, HE4 had higher specificity, but lower sensitivity whether at early or advanced stage, and the combination of HE4 + CA125 led to higher sensitivity and specificity. HE4 + CA125 performed significantly better than CA125 or HE4 alone in early stage patients. In early stage the sensitivity was 35.7% for HE4 and 64.3% for CA125, while sensitivity for the combination of HE4 and CA125 could reach 71.4%. Furthermore, the two markers were associated with the progression and histology of PFTC. Serum HE4 level was closely correlated with surgical therapy. PFTC patients displayed a greater decline in the level of HE4 compared with CA125 (76.4% vs 55.7%). Combined with CA125, HE4 elevation better predicted recurrence in PFTC patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that serum HE4 levels are closely associated with PFTC and the outcome of surgical therapy and recurrence in Chinese patients.

Management of Heterotopic Pregnancy: Experience From 1 Tertiary Medical Center.

The objective of this study is to summarize the experiences of our department in the management of heterotopic pregnancy (HP) and to analyze the influence of different treatment modality on the viable intrauterine pregnancy.There were 64 patients diagnosed as HP in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in our hospital between January 2003 and June 2014, 52 HP patients with viable intrauterine pregnancy were included and analyzed in our study. Interventions included expectant management, surgical management and transabdominal sonographic guided transvaginal aspiration of ectopic gestational embryo (embryo aspiration) management.Main outcome measures are maternal outcome and pregnancy outcome.In expectant management group, 4 patients suffered rupture of ectopic pregnancy, 6 patients transferred to surgical management, 1 patient suffered a fever of 40.4°C, the abortion rate was 5% (1/20). In surgical management group, emergency surgery was performed in 9 patients with unstable hemodynamics and 3 patients with stable hemodynamics, 1 patient suffered uterine rupture 5 weeks later and dead fetus was demonstrated, 1 patient suffered urinary retention postoperative, the abortion rate was 14.8% (4/27). In embryo aspiration management group, 1 patient needed another embryo aspiration, all patients were eventful and no abortion was observed.In our retrospective study, transabdominal sonographic guided aspiration of ectopic gestational embryo has the best maternal outcome and the lowest abortion rate, surgical management group shows the highest abortion rate, and expectant management presents the worst maternal outcome.

Association of THBS1 rs1478605 T>C in 5'-untranslated regions with the development and progression of gastric cancer.

Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) plays an important role in angiogenesis and tumor progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1478605 and rs3743125) in the untranslated regions of the THBS1 gene on the development and progression of gastric cancer. In the case-control study, 275 gastric cancer patients and 275 cancer-free controls were successfully genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The data demonstrated that THBS1 rs1478605 genotypic distributions significantly differed between the patient and control groups (P=0.005). Carriers of the CC genotype exhibited a decreased risk of developing gastric cancer compared to the carriers of the CT and TT genotypes [adjusted odd ratio (OR), 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-0.79; P=0.001]. The CC genotype of rs1478605 was negatively associated with gastric cancer lymph node metastasis (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23-0.71; P=0.001) and was associated with a reduced risk of lymph node metastasis in male patients (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.52; P<0.001). The THBS1 CT haplotype was associated with a reduced risk of developing gastric cancer (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33-0.93; P=0.02). By contrast, no association was observed between THBS1 rs3743125 and the development and progression of gastric cancer. These results suggest that THBS1 rs1478605 represents a potential molecular marker for gastric cancer.

Association of LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism with T2DM: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism with type 2diabetes (T2DM). Sixteen individual studies with 7827 subjects were included into the meta-analysis. Current studies suggest that LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism may not affect the susceptibility with type 2diabetes (T2DM).

Early cervical cancer impact of peritoneal vaginoplasty combined with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy improved sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) in combination with peritoneal vaginoplasty (PV) in improving sexual function after radical hysterectomy (RH) in patients with early cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 79 patients with early-stage cervical cancer younger than 45 years were assigned to receive LRH in combination with PV (the LRH-PV group; n = 31) or LRH alone (the LRH group; n = 48). Other 40 healthy females were selected as controls (the control group). The sexual function was assessed with Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI). The FSFI scores and sexual function in the postoperative 1 year were compared between the LRH-PV and LRH groups, LRH-PV and control groups, and LRH and control groups, respectively. RESULTS: Patients with LRH-PV showed significantly higher scores in sexual satisfaction, lubrication, pain, and total score than those with LRH alone (P < 0.05) but were not statistically different in scores regarding sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm (P > 0.05). Healthy controls showed the highest in total scores and 6 domains among all subjects. In addition, the FSFI total scores in the LRH-PV group, LRH group, and LRH-PV + LRH group were significantly decreased compared with the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal vaginoplasty to lengthen the vagina improves sexual function of patients with early cervical cancer receiving LRH in sexual satisfaction, lubrication, and pain.

Analyzing simultaneous positive expression of EZH2 and P53 protein to improve predictive value in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was undertaken to investigate the predictive value of simultaneous enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and P53 expression in lesions of patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Quantum dot double fluorescence staining was applied to detect EZH2 and P53 protein in biopsy tissue of 168 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. The expression was classified into double positive (EZH2 and P53 were positively expressed), single positive (either EZH2 or P53 was positively expressed), and double negative (neither was positively expressed). The EZH2 and P53 expression, clinical stages of cervical cancer, lymph node metastasis, progression-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: A relationship of EZH2 and P53 expression with the clinical stage of cervical cancer and lymph node metastasis was indicated. Simultaneous detection of both proteins could partly predict prognosis, consistent with previous studies' results. The current study demonstrated that the expression levels of EZH2 and P53 in tumor tissue and the proportion of cases with double-positive expression significantly increased with increasing clinical stages of cancer, also confirming up-regulated expression of EZH2 and P53 with increasing stages. These findings may suggest that the 2 proteins were involved in the development of cervical cancer, but the nature of their interaction is undefined. The increase of EZH2 and P53 expression in patients with lymph node metastasis indicated that they may be involved in metastasis of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous positive EZH2 and P53 expression could improve the predictive value of a poor prognosis in cervical cancer.

Transvaginal surgical management of cesarean scar pregnancy: analysis of 49 cases from one tertiary care center.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of transvaginal surgical management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 49 CSP patients who received transvaginal surgery in our hospital between December 2009 and April 2013. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A (30 patients) was defined as patients who had not received any treatment before transvaginal surgical management. Group B (19 patients) referred to patients who had received any previous treatment. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of both groups were collected and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Preoperative serum ß-hCG level, preoperative hemoglobin level and average serum ß-hCG resolution time of group A and group B were 53,458.50 (36,382.00-94,100.50) versus 9779.00 (932.50-29623.00)U/l, 123.87±10.95 versus 109.94±16.05 g/l and 3.55±1.81 versus 1.83±1.15 weeks (P<0.05). Vaginal bleeding and gestational age in group A were significantly lower than in group B, 2.5 (0.50-11.00) versus 15.00 (3.50-31.50) days and 52.50 (46.50-56.70) versus 60.00 (48.00-90.00) days, respectively (P<0.05). The operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expenses and menstruation recovery time of group A and group B were 56.61±24.40 versus 67.56±43.52 min, 45.65±27.83 versus 76.67±50.87 ml, 5.10±2.89 versus 5.33±3.99 days, 9001.94±1848.37 versus 11,032.33±5534.14 RMB and 1.16±0.47 versus 1.26±0.63 month respectively, which were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). The intraoperative complication rate in group A was significantly lower than group B, 0 (0/30) versus 21.05% (4/19) (P<0.05). The postoperative complication rate and total complication rate in group A and group B were 10.00% (3/30) versus 21.05% (4/19) and 10.00% (3/30) versus 31.58% (6/19) (P>0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal surgery is an effective and relatively safe treatment option for CSP patients.

[Establishment of archives of Schistosoma japonicum antibody indirect hemagglutination tests].

OBJECTIVE: To establish written and electronic archives of Schistosoma japonicum antibody indirect hemagglutination (IHA) tests. METHODS: In the process of schistosomiasis screening by IHA, the written records, electronic records, and serum sample bank were combined to make comprehensive archives. RESULTS: The S. japonicum antibody IHA test archives can preserve the schistosomiasis screening data in the long term and even can trace the source of experiments, and the operation was simple. CONCLUSION: The archives of S. japonicum antibody IHA tests are simple and useful, and worth of popularization.

Successful treatment of cervical incompetence using a modified laparoscopic cervical cerclage technique: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We introduce a modified surgical method for laparoscopic cervical cerclage (LCC) and compare the operative data and obstetric outcomes to those obtained by traditional vaginal cerclage (TVC). STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study in a university-affiliated hospital from August 2008 through February 2013. Nineteen patients treated by LCC were prospectively monitored and the treatment outcomes were compared to a control group consisted of 25 patients that were retrospectively studied and treated with TVC using traditional McDonald suture. Laparoscopic cervical cerclage was performed with Mersilene tape and a modified surgical technique. Perioperative complications and obstetric outcomes were compared between LCC and TVC treatment groups. RESULTS: No perioperative complications occurred during LCC treatment. Of the 19 LCC patients, 15 (78.9%) became pregnant during the study period. The fetal salvage rate was 92.3% (12/13) and no adverse events were encountered. The mean gestational age in LCC group was 36.4 weeks, and it was 17.4 weeks longer than their previous pregnancy age, which was significantly higher than obtained by TVC. CONCLUSION: This modified technique for laparoscopic cervical cerclage demonstrates good obstetric outcomes with low risk of adverse events, which may provide a reasonable alternative to achieve pregnancy success in patients with cervical incompetence.

Clinical benefits of dexmedetomidine versus propofol in adult intensive care unit patients: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was performed to assess the influence of dexmedetomidine and propofol for adult intensive care unit (ICU) sedation, with respect to patient outcomes and adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of all randomized controlled trials exploring the clinical benefits of dexmedetomidine versus propofol for sedation in adult intensive care patients. The primary outcomes of this study were length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and risk of ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes included risk of delirium, hypotension, bradycardia and hypertension. RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials, involving 1202 patients, were included. Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the length of ICU stay by <1 d (five studies, 655 patients; mean difference, -0.81 d; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.48 to -0.15) and the incidence of delirium (three studies, 658 patients; relative risk [RR], 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22-0.74) in comparison with propofol, whereas there was no difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation (five studies, 895 patients; mean difference, 0.53 h; 95% CI -2.66 to 3.72) or ICU mortality (five studies, 267 patients; RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.32-2.12) between these two drugs. Dexmedetomidine was associated with an increased risk of hypertension (three studies, 846 patients; RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.11-2.20) compared with propofol. Other adverse event rates were similar between dexmedetomidine and propofol groups. CONCLUSIONS: For ICU patient sedation, dexmedetomidine may offer advantages over propofol in terms of decrease in the length of ICU stay and the risk of delirium. However, transient hypertension may occur when dexmedetomidine is administered with a loading dose or at high infusion rates.

Treatment of uterine arteriovenous malformation by myometrial lesion resection combined with artery occlusion under laparoscopy: a case report and literature review.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening condition, and the primary therapeutic method is embolization. We describe a case of a 36-year-old woman with acquired uterine AVM accompanied by abnormal vaginal bleeding. The diagnosis was established by Doppler flow ultrasonography combined with magnetic resonance arteriography. Because this uterine AVM was extensive and multiple, uterine arterial embolization could not be considered. We therefore employed a combined method under laparoscopy, in which the uterine arteries were first occluded, then uterine myometrial lesions were resected and abnormal pelvic blood vessels were ablated. Finally, the uterus was reconstructed with an intact uterine cavity. Abnormal vaginal bleeding was successfully stopped after operation, but amenorrhea due to uterine adhesions occurred. This method is suitable for the treatment of uterine AVM with extensive and multiple lesions, but it should be chosen cautiously for women of reproductive age with AVM and fertility requirement.

Laparoscopic uterine anastomosis for traumatic separation of the cervix from the uterine corpus caused by closed pelvic fracture: case report and literature review.

Primary amenorrhea caused by separation of the cervix from the uterine body resulting from pelvic trauma is exceptionally rare. This case report describes the diagnosis and successful laparoscopic approximation of traumatic separation of the cervix from the uterine corpus. A 16-year-old girl who was involved in a car accident at age 2 years had primary amenorrhea and cyclic abdominal pain. A closed pelvic fracture was managed nonsurgically, with an uneventful recovery. Since age 13 years, the patient has been experiencing cyclic abdominal pain. Ultrasonography suggested a 5-cm left adnexal mass. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed complete separation of the uterine corpus from the cervix, and an endometrioma in the left ovary. The uterine corpus was approximated to the cervix with circumferentially placed sutures under direct laparoscopic guidance. The endometrioma was resected concomitantly. Normal cyclic menstruation resumed 2 months postoperatively, without cyclic abdominal pain. This case report demonstrates successful laparoscopic approximation of traumatic separation of the uterine corpus from the cervix, manifested as primary amenorrhea.

Management and reproductive outcome of complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum: review of 21 cases.

AIM: To evaluate the reproductive outcomes of complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who have complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum were retrospectively reviewed in this study. In Group I, 11 patients with a poor reproductive outcome (spontaneous miscarriage or infertility) or dyspareunia underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty and removal of vaginal septum with the preservation of cervical septum. In Group II, 10 patients without a history of spontaneous miscarriage did not undergo hysteroscopic transection of the uterine septum. Of 10, four underwent vaginal septum incision due to dyspareunia, two underwent mere laparoscopic pelvic adhesiolysis because of infertility, and four without symptoms had no intervention. The primary endpoints included the pregnancy rate and outcomes of pregnancies. RESULTS: In Group I, the pregnancy rate after surgery is 81.8 % (9/11). Of nine women who conceived, six had term delivery, one encountered induced abortion due to the malformation of the fetal heart, and two had ongoing pregnancy. In Group II, among six patients accepting surgery, three had term delivery. The pregnancy rate after operation is 50 % (3/6). CONCLUSIONS: The uterine septum may not necessarily be transected for patients who have complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum, and meanwhile have no a history of poor reproductive outcome.

Expression of human ß-defensin-2 in the eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues in patients with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of human ß-defensin-2 (hBD-2) in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis (EMS) and explore the potential role of hBD-2 in the pathogenesis of EMS. DESIGN: Prospective controlled study. SAMPLE: 50 women including EMS patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and non-EMS patients undergoing hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. SETTING: Large university teaching hospital. METHODS: Patients were divided into EMS and non-EMS groups. The gene expressions of hBD-2, interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the endometrial tissues of each group were detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and hBD-2 protein expression with immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The gene expression levels of hBD-2, TNF-α, and IL-1ß as well as the positive expression rate of hBD-2 protein in the ectopic endometrium of EMS patients were significantly higher than those in the eutopic endometrium of EMS and non-EMS patients (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the gene expression levels of hBD-2 in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of EMS patients were positively correlated with the gene expression levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: High levels of hBD-2 gene and protein expressions in the ectopic endometrium of EMS patients may be an important contributor in the pathogenesis of EMS. TNF-α and IL-1ß may promote the upregulation of hBD-2 expression.

[Spatial distribution characteristics and correlation analysis of organic matter, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in topsoil around Chaohu Lake].

Sixty topsoil composite samples (0-20 cm) have been collected in 3 258 km2 surrounding area of Chaohu Lake. The concentrations of organic material (OM), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were determined, and their spatial distribution characteristics were studied by geo-statistics software named GS 7.0 +, Surfer 8.0 and Mapinfo 8.5. The correlations of these 3 kinds of nutrient were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 at the same time. Results showed that the average omega (OM), omega (TN) and omega (TP) in topsoil around Chaohu Lake were 19 500 mg x kg(-1), 1 027 mg x kg(-1) and 483 mg x kg(-1). The omega (OM) and omega (TN) in topsoil in the east of Chaohu Lake were both higher than those in the west of the lake, while omega (TP) was reverse. The omega (TP) in topsoil around Hangbu-Fengle River and Baishitianhe River which located in the southwest of Chaohu Lake was higher than that in any other rivers and with the serious soil erosion. Hence, to control the TP released by nonpoint pollution, attention should be paid on these two rivers. Furthermore, the semivariogram models of omega (OM), omega (TN) and omega (TP) followed linear model and they all had a strong spatial autocorrelation, the ratios of nugget to sill were 0.015, 0.202 and 0.128, respectively. The characteristics of spatial distribution of omega (OM), omega (TN) and omega (TP) were similar. Moreover, the Pearson correlation analysis showed that omega (OM), omega (TN) and omega (TP) were significantly correlated. The omega (TN) and omega (TP) can be calculated by two recommended formulas, and the results were acceptable in daily non-pint pollution management.

Overexpression of thrombospondin-1 in stromal myofibroblasts is associated with tumor growth and nodal metastasis in gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The roles of thrombospondin-1 (THBS-1) in tumor growth and metastasis are complicated and its function as a cancer inhibitor or promoter remains controversial. This clinical study investigated the functional roles of THBS-1 in gastric carcinoma by examining the expression patterns of THBS-1 protein and mRNA levels during gastric cancer development. METHODS: Eighty-two gastric carcinomas were included in this study. THBS-1, α-smooth muscle actin, and CD34 proteins were localized by immunohistochemical staining, and the levels of THBS-1 mRNA were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: THBS-1 mRNA expression in gastric carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent non-cancerous stomach tissues (P = 0.03). Tumor THBS-1 mRNA expression level was significantly related to lymph node metastasis (P = 0.031), tumor size (P = 0.021) and patient age (P = 0.005). THBS-1 protein was mainly located in stromal myofibroblasts, and was undetectable in tumor cells. Myofibroblasts may be mainly derived from stromal fibroblasts in gastric cancer. The abundance of myofibroblasts was positively correlated with tumor growth and nodal metastasis in gastric carcinoma (P = 0.03, P = 0.0008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study revealed that overexpression of THBS-1 in stromal myofibroblasts is associated with tumor growth and nodal metastasis in gastric carcinoma. THBS-1 may activate latent transforming growth factor-ß1 to stimulate fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts, though further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis. These results suggest that THBS-1 and myofibroblasts may serve as novel targets for strategies aimed at protection against and treatment of gastric carcinoma.

Polymorphism of THBS1 rs1478604 A>G in 5-untranslated region is associated with lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer in a Southeast Chinese population.

Thrombospondin-1 plays an important role in cancer development and progression. This study investigated if a correlation exists between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Thrombospondin-1 gene (THBS1) and gastric cancer. We conducted a case-control study on a randomly recruited population of 283 patients and 283 healthy individuals from the city of Fuzhou in Southeast China. Individuals were genotyped for four SNPs (rs1478604 A>G, rs2228261 C>T, rs2292305 T>C, and rs3743125 C>T) in THBS1 using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. THBS1 genotypic distributions between the case and control groups were tested for correlations with cancer development. Comparisons between the case and control groups showed no significant differences in the genotypic distributions of rs1478604 A>G, rs2228261 C>T, and rs3743125 C>T. However, we found a statistically significant association between homozygous CC of THBS1 rs2292305 T>C and development of highly differentiated carcinoma (HDC). The rs1478604 A>G variant was found to be associated with invasion and lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. After logistic regression and stratification analysis, rs1478604 A>G was more strongly associated with lymph node metastasis in HDC gastric cancer. The power to detect an effect for rs1478604 A>G in HDC was 90%. These findings indicate that the THBS1 rs1478604 A>G variant is linked with differential risks for gastric cancer nodal metastasis. These results support further investigation of THBS1 as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.