Higher expression of circulating miR-182 as a novel biomarker for breast cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), present in the serum in a stable and reproducible manner, may be used as biomarkers for various diseases. Few studies have previously investigated circulating miRNAs in the peripheral blood of breast cancer (BC) patients. To identify the role of serum miR-182 levels in BC, the present study detected miR-182 levels in the serum of 46 BC patients and 58 controls, by quantitative PCR. The results showed that the serum miR-182 levels in BC patients were significantly higher compared with the serum of healthy controls (P<0.01). The miR-182 was also overexpressed in the BC tissues compared with the para-carcinoma tissues. Furthermore, the serum levels of miR-182 in the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive patients were considerably lower compared with those in the ER-negative patients. The serum levels of miR-182 in the progesterone receptor (PR)-positive patients were also found to be lower compared with those in the PR-negative patients. The current study highlights results consistent with miR-182 as a novel and valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of BC.

[Effects of adhesion releasing under nerve block and arthrolysis on adhesive scapulohumeral periarthritis: a comparative study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of adhesion releasing under nerve block and arthrolysis on adhesive scapulohumeral periarthritis. METHODS: Sixty patients with adhesive scapulohumeral periarthritis 24 males and 36 females, aged 52.5 (40 - 67), were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: Group I, undergoing adhesion releasing under brachial plexus block, Group II, undergoing adhesion releasing under stellate ganglion block, Group III, undergoing limited adhesion releasing under stellate ganglion block, and Group IV undergoing arthrolysis under stellate ganglion block. The clinical effects were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The short-term effect of Group IV was significantly superior to the other 3 groups (all P < 0.05). The frequency of block + manipulation treatment of Group I was significantly less than those of the other 3 groups (all P < 0.01), and the frequency of pain point injection of Group I was significantly higher than those of the other 3 groups (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The 4 methods are all effective for the treatment of adhesive scapulohumeral periarthritis. In particular, arthrolysis under stellate ganglion block shows greater improvement in the joint function and less uncomfortableness caused by numbness and weakness of the arm.