Assessing the role of antioxidant and pro-oxidant balance in mediating the relationship between vitamin K intake and depressive symptoms in adults.

Background: Growing evidence suggests a link between vitamin K (VK) intake and depression, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate whether oxidative balance scores (OBS) mediate the association between VK intake and depression in participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. Methods: We analyzed data from 30,408 individuals. Dietary VK intake served as the independent variable, depression symptoms as the outcome variable, and OBS as the mediator. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines assessed the associations. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential mediating role of OBS. Results: Higher dietary VK intake was associated with lower depression risk in the multivariate model. Compared to the lowest log2 VK quartile, those in the higher quartiles had significantly lower depression odds (Q3: OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.55-0.78; Q4: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52-0.78). Additionally, a 1-unit increase in log2 VK intake was associated with a 15% decrease in depression odds (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81-0.90). Restricted cubic splines revealed a non-linear relationship between log2 VK and depression (p for non-linearity <0.001). Notably, OBS mediated 26.09% (p < 0.001) of the association between log2 VK and depression. Conclusion: Higher VK intake is associated with reduced depression risk, potentially mediated by oxidative balance. Further research is warranted to confirm causality and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Endoscopic frontal recess anatomy directed by the drainage pathways using the connecting plates as landmarks.

PURPOSE: To investigate the anatomical features of frontal recess (FR) drainage, and the classification of FR cells and frontal sinus (FS). METHODS: Fifty sides from 30 adult cadaver heads were examined. FR cells and FS along the drainage pathways were dissected under 0° and 70° endoscopic views using unique connecting structures between the uncinate process and the ethmoid bulla as landmarks. RESULTS: Connecting plates between the uncinate process and the ethmoid bulla were discovered and termed medial suprainfundibular plate (MSIP), which were observed on each cadaver head, and lateral suprainfundibular plate (LSIP) on 92% (46/50) sides. Separated by MSIP, two drainage pathways were identified and named medial pathways of the FR (MPFR) medial to the MSIP and the lateral pathways of the FR (LPFR) in the lateral side. Different drainage pathways of the FS were confirmed, in which drained into the MPFR in 37 and into the LPFR in 13 of the cadaver sides. CONCLUSIONS: MSIP is the critical landmark for the recognition of MPFR, LPFR, and the classification of FR cells. The FR resection along LPFR and MPFR facilitated excellent exposure of FS.

Downregulation of iASPP Expression Suppresses Proliferation, Invasion and Increases Chemosensitivity to Paclitaxel of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro.

Objective Our previous study has revealed that iASPP is elevated in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and iASPP overexpression signifcantly correlates with tumor malignant progression and poor survival of HNSCC. This study investigated the function of iASPP playing in proliferation and invasion of HNSCC in vitro. Methods HNSCC cell line Tu686 transfected with Lentiviral vector-mediated iASPP-specific shRNA and control shRNA were named the shRNA-iASPP group and shRNA-NC group, respectively. The non-infected Tu686 cells were named the CON group. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, transwell invasion assay were performed to detect the effects of iASPP inhibition in vitro. Results Our results demonstrated that the proliferation of shRNA-iASPP cells at the time of 72 h (F=32.459, P=0.000), 96 h (F=51.407, P=0.000), 120 h (F=35.125, P=0.000) post-transfection, was significantly lower than that of shRNA-NC cells and CON cells. The apoptosis ratio of shRNA-iASPP cells was 9.42% ± 0.39% (F=299.490, P=0.000), which was significantly higher than that of CON cells (2.80% ± 0.42%) and shRNA-NC cells (3.18% ± 0.28%). The percentage of shRNA-iASPP cells in G0/G1 phase was 74.65% ± 1.09% (F=388.901, P=0.000), which was strikingly increased, compared with that of CON cells (55.19% ± 1.02%) and shRNA-NC cells (54.62% ± 0.88%). The number of invading cells was 56 ± 4 in the shRNA-iASPP group (F=84.965, P=0.000), which decreased significantly, compared with the CON group (111 ± 3) and the shRNA-NC group (105 ± 8). The survival rate of shRNA-iASPP cells administrated with paclitaxel was highly decreased, compared with CON cells and shRNA-NC cells (F=634.841, P=0.000). Conclusion These results suggest iASPP may play an important role in progression and aggressive behavior of HNSCC and may be an efficient chemotherapeutic target for the treatment of HNSCC.

Water-soluble photoluminescent fullerene capped mesoporous silica for pH-responsive drug delivery and bioimaging.

In this paper, a biocompatible and water-soluble fluorescent fullerene (C60-TEG-COOH) coated mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) was successfully fabricated for pH-sensitive drug release and fluorescent cell imaging. The MSN was first reacted with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to obtain an amino-modified MSN, and then the water-soluble C60 with a carboxyl group was used to cover the surface of the MSN through electrostatic interaction with the amino group in PBS solution (pH = 7.4). The release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) could be triggered under a mild acidic environment (lysosome, pH = 5.0) due to the protonation of C60-TEG-COO-, which induced the dissociation of the C60-TEG-COOH modified MSN (MSN@C60). Furthermore, the uptake of nanoparticles by cells could be tracked because of the green fluorescent property of the C60-modified MSN. In an in vitro study, the prepared materials showed excellent biocompatibility and the DOX-loaded nanocarrier exhibited efficient anticancer ability. This work offered a simple method for designing a simultaneous pH-responsive drug delivery and bioimaging system.

[Combined middle meatus and expand prelacrimal recess-maxillary ainus approach for orbital fracture treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To study surgical techniques and clinical applications of the intranasal endoscopic combined middle meatus and expand prelacrimal recess-maxillary ainus approach for orbital fracture treatment. METHOD: A retrospective clinical analysis of 3 patients whose admitted for orbital floor fractures or medial wall fractures operated by the intranasal endoscopic middle meatus with expand prelacrimal recess-maxillary ainus approach surgical treatment was studied, and the treatment effects and the postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULT: All patients had been followed up for 6 to 12 months. All cases of diplopia symptom were disappeared, enophthalmos were totally corrected, no cases of complication were found. CONCLUSION: Endonasal endoscopic combined middle meatus and expand prelacrimal recess-maxillary ainus approach for orbital fracture treatment have great and clear view. This approach with less tissue damage and high therapeutic effect makes the cost lower than other methods and complications will be decreased as well, it has a great advantage in the orbital fracture treatment.

Glucose- and pH-responsive nanogated ensemble based on polymeric network capped mesoporous silica.

In this paper, a glucose and pH-responsive release system based on polymeric network capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) has been presented. The poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) brush on MSN was obtained through the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) of t-butyl acrylate and the subsequent hydrolysis of the ester bond. Then the PAA was glycosylated with glucosamine to obtain P(AA-AGA). To block the pore of silica, the P(AA-AGA) chains were cross-linked through the formation of boronate esters between 4,4-(ethylenedicarbamoyl)phenylboronic acid (EPBA) and the hydroxyl groups of P(AA-AGA). The boronate esters disassociated in the presence of glucose or in acidic conditions, which lead to opening of the mesoporous channels and the release of loaded guest molecules. The rate of release could be tuned by varying the pH or the concentration of glucose in the environment. The combination of two stimuli exhibited an obvious enhanced release capacity in mild acidic conditions (pH 6.0).

Highly efficient antibacterial surface grafted with a triclosan-decorated poly(N-hydroxyethylacrylamide) brush.

This work presented a highly efficient antibacterial Ti-surface which was grafted with poly(N-hydroxyethylacrylamide) (PHEAA) brush and further decorated with triclosan (TCS). The modified surfaces were characterized using contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared. The antibacterial performance of the modified surfaces was evaluated using the Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces naeslundii attachment test. The Ti surface with PHEAA brush (Ti-PHEAA) was able to resist the adhesion of the bacteria, while the TCS-decorated Ti surface (Ti-TCS) showed the capability of killing the bacteria adhered on the surface. As we coupled the TCS to the PHEAA brush, the surface showed highly efficient antibacterial performance due to the combination of the resistance to the bacteria adhesion and its activity of killing bacteria.

[Imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process and its guiding significance in functional endoscopic sinus surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To explore a new method for horizontal segment of uncinate process classification from image of nasal sinus. METHODS: On the level of horizontal segment of uncinate process of nasal sinus high resolution CT (HRCT) coronal scan. A vertical line and a parallel line were drawn started from the fornix top of the inferior meatus and orbital floor. The uncinate process which suited in the 'Cross' regional was divided into four types by these lines. These were: intra-superior, intra-inferior and extra-superior, extra-inferior. According to this method, 119 patients with chronic sinusitis which were divided into these four types by the imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process operated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and the treatment effects and the postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: These 119 chronic sinusitis patients (238 sides uncinated process) were divided into four types by the imaging classification for uncinated process. The amount of intra-superior types was 66.0% (157/238), the amount of intra-inferior types was 16.8% (40/238), the amount of extra-superior types was 13.9% (33/238), and the amount of extra-inferior types was 3.4% (8/238). Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed according to this classification. All maxillary sinus natural ostium were found. Two cases occured orbital board damage (one was intra-superior, the other was extra-inferior). CONCLUSION: The imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process demonstrates a guiding significance for us to predict the difficulty of the operation and prevent the complications.

[Resection of parapharyngeal neoplasms via styloid diaphragm approach].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical technique and efficacy of the resection of parapharyngeal space neoplasm via styloid diaphragm approach. METHODS: Thirty-three cases underwent the resection of parapharyngeal space tumors via styloid diaphragm approach from Jan 2005 to Jan 2011 were reviewed. Of the cases, 28 were with benign tumors treated by surgery alone, and 5 were malignant tumors treated by surgery plus postoperative radical radiotherapy. RESULTS: The parapharyngeal neoplasms in all cases were completely resected via styloid diaphragm approach. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 13 months to 7 years (median = 4.6 years). No tumor recurrence was found in 30 cases, but 3 cases experienced tumor recurrence, including 1 chondrosarcoma (3 years after surgery and chemoradiotherapy), 1 chordoma and 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma (5 years after surgery and radiotherapy). Severe postoperative complications were not observed, but 2 cases showed mild mouth askew and fully recovered after 3 months, and 1 case was complicated with hoarseness and cough symptoms that disappeared after heteropathy. CONCLUSION: Resection of parapharyngeal neoplasms via styloid diaphragm approach is an ideal surgical technique, with well-exposed surgical field, less tissue injury, and less postoperative complication.

Endoscopic surgery of cavernous sinus tumors originating from the extradura.

In the present study, we explored the effects of various endoscopic approaches in patients with cavernous sinus (CS) tumors. Five endoscopic approaches, including the endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal approach, extended endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal approach, extended transnasal transmaxillary approach, extranasal extended maxillary sinus approach, and endoscopic transnasal transpterygoid approach, were selected for the resection of CS tumors from 36 patients. Thirty gross total tumors and 6 subtotal tumors were removed. After a follow-up period of 6 months to 3 years, 30 patients were determined to be recurrence-free, and 2 patients had unchanged residual tumors. One patient with a recurrent pituitary adenoma underwent a second surgery, and 1 patient with chordoma died because of an intracavernous carotid artery rupture 18 months after the operation. Various endoscopic approaches tailored to the origin and extent of the CS tumor were proven efficacious for the maximal and precise removal of CS tumors while avoiding vital structures.

[Expression of HMGB1 protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of HMGB1 protein in tissue specimens of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and adjacent normal mucosa, and explore the correlation of HMGB1 protein expression with clinicopathologic features and prognosis in LSCC. METHODS: Ninty-three cases of LSCC and 5 cases of adjcent mucosal tissue samples were included in this study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue specimens to examine the HMGB1 protein expression. The data were futher correlated with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of the LSCC patients. RESULTS: The positive rates of HMGB1 expression in LSCC specimens was 87.1%, significantly higher than that in the adjcent normal mucosa samples (46.7%, P = 0.001), and its overexpresion was closely correlated with T stage (Chi2 = 10.878, P = 0.004), clinical stage (Chi2 = 21.115, P < 0.01), metastasis (Chi2 = 28.298, P < 0.01) and recurrence (Chi2 = 14. 923, P = 0.001) in patients with LSCC. Patients with HMGB1 overexpression had both poorer disease-free survival and poorer overall survival compared with that in patients with low HMGB1 expression (Chi2 = 13.815, Chi2 = 11.912; Both P < 0.01). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that HMGBI expression is an independent prognostic factor for patients with LSCC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that HMGB1 protein expression is significantly increased in LSCC tissues, and HMGB1 protein overexpression is associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with LSCC. These results suggest that HMGB1 may play a critical role in the initiation and progression of LSCC, implicating HMGB1 may become a valuable marker for the prediction of prognosis in patients with LSCC.

Elevated expression of iASPP in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance.

iASPP is shown to be elevated in several cancers. However, the role of iASPP in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown. We have investigated iASPP expression in HNSCC tissue and cell lines and evaluated its prognostic significance in HNSCC. The expression of iASPP in 109 primary HNSCC tissue specimens was examined by immunohistochemistry and its association with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis was analyzed. Additionally, expression status of iASPP in 16 paired HNSCC tissues and 7 HNSCC cell lines was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunoblotting. The protein and mRNA expression of iASPP were increased in HNSCC tissues and cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining indicated iASPP was detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Importantly, overexpression of cytoplasmic and nuclear iASPP was significantly associated with T classification (p = 0.002 and p = 0.033, respectively), clinical stage (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001), and recurrence (both p < 0.001). Survival analysis demonstrated high iASPP expression significantly correlated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (both p < 0.001 for cytoplasmic and nuclear expression) and overall survival (OS) (both p < 0.001 for cytoplasmic and nuclear expression). Multivariate analysis revealed that cytoplasmic iASPP was the only independent prognostic factor for HNSCC patients. iASPP expression is elevated in HNSCC tissues and cell lines, which suggests iASPP may contribute to the malignant progression of HNSCC, and serves as a novel prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC.

[Synergistic interactions of TRAIL and paclitaxel on the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the synergistic cytotoxicity of TRAIL and paclitaxel on nasopharyngeal cell lines CNE-1 and CNE-2. METHOD: CCK-8 assays the growth inhibition rate of CNE-1 and CNE-2 which was treated with TRAIL or paclitaxel or combination of both. Flow cytometry tests the apoptosis rate of CNE-1 and CNE-2 which was treated with TRAIL or paclitaxel or combination of each other. RESULT: In certain range of time and concentration,TRAIL and paclitaxel inhibited the growth of the cell lines of CNE-1 and CNE-2 in a time-dose dependent manner (P < 0.05). The rate of growth inhibition and apoptosis in TRAIL and paclitaxel combinative group was more significant than that in the TRAIL and paclitaxel singular group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TRAIL and paclitaxel had a synergistic killing effect on NPC cell lines and showed better affection than singular group, which provides a novel and prospective strategy for NPC chemotherapy.

[EphA2 promotes angiogenesis and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vivo].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of EphA2 on the angiogenesis and cervical lymph node metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in vivo. METHODS: EphA2 short hairpin (shRNA) lentiviral particles were used to knockdown the expression of EphA2 in SCCHN cell line M2 with high lymph nodes metastasis rate. Stable clones, obtained by puromycin screening, were assayed by RT-PCR and Western blot to validate the gene silencing efficiency and were used to establish SCCHN metastatic xenograft mouse model. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was applied to identify cervical lymph node metastasis of SCCHN in xenografted tumors. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe microvessel density. Western blot was used to investigate the protein expressions of EphA2 and vascular endothelial, growth factor (VEGF). RESULTS: EphA2 shRNA lentiviral particles efficiently decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of EphA2 in SCCHN cell line M2, which were further successfully utilized to establish SCCHN metastatic xenograft mouse model. Compared with xenografted tumors in control group, xenografted tumors in M2EphA2RNAi(+) group decreased significantly tumor volume [(430.7 ± 190.0) mm(3) (x(-) ± s) vs (1179.0 ± 289.4) mm(3)] and weight [(0.26 ± 0.10) g vs (0.54 ± 0.12) g] (both P < 0.05). More importantly, bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis rate in M2EphA2RNAi(+) was also greatly declined (Mann-Whitney U = 10.0, P < 0.05). Decreased protein expressions of EphA2 and VEGF and microvessel density were observed in M2EphA2RNAi(+) group (t = 26.751, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Knockdown of EphA2 expression led to the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in SCCHN nude mouse model. More importantly, SCCHN angiogenesis was also impeded, which might be associated with the decreased expression of VEGF.

[The expression and correlation of HMGB1 and VEGF protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and biological significance of HMGB1 and VEGF protein in tissue specimens of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and further study the correlation between HMGB1 and VEGF protein. METHOD: The expression of HMGB1 and VEGF protein was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in 69 cases of LSCC specimens and 15 cases of adjacent epithelial tissue samples, and futher correlated with clinicopathologic parameters. RESULT: The positive rates of HMGB1 and VEGF in LSCC tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent non-cancerous mucosa (P < 0.01), and the expression of these two marks was closely correlated with clinical stage (P < 0.05) and metastasis (P < 0.05) in LSCC. While the expression of HMGB1 and VEGF had no significant correlations with age, sex, histological differentiation and tumor site (P > 0. 05). There was a positive correlation between the expression of HMGB1 and VEGF (P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with strong expression of HMGB1 or VEGF had poorer overall survival compared with that in patients with relative low HMGB1 or VEGF expression (P < 0.05). Multivariate COX regression analysis revealed that both lymph node metastasis and HMGB1 expression were independent prognostic factors for patients with LSCC. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that HMGB1 and VEGF protein overexpression were closely associated with clinical stage, metastasis and poorer prognosis in patients with LSCC. Increased expression of these two proteins in LSCC suggested that HMGB1 and VEGF might play a critical role in the initiation and progression of LSCC.

[Correlation of EphA2 protein expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of EphA2 protein in tissue specimens and cell lines of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and to further study the correlation of EphA2 protein expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in LSCC. METHODS: Western blot was applied to assess the EphA2 protein expression in LSCC cell line Hep-2 cells and the head and neck immortalized epithelial cell line NP-69 cells. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin sections of 88 cases of LSCC specimens and 16 cases of adjcent normal tissue samples to investigate the EphA2 protein expression, and to futher elucidate its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: Compared with the NP-69 cells, EphA2 expression in LSCC cell line Hep-2 cells was upregulated. The positive rates of EphA2 expression in LSCC and adjcent normal tissues samples were 80.7% and 43.8%, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). EphA2 overexpresion was closely correlated with clinical stage (I + II/III + IV, P = 0.005), metastasis (P = 0.025) and recurrence (P = 0.021) in LSCC. Furthermore, patients with EphA2 overexpression had poorer tumor-free survival and 5-year overall survival compared with that in patients with low EphA2 expression (33.3% vs. 63.2%, P = 0.003; 46.7% vs. 81.6%, P = 0.002). EphA2 expression combined with clinical stage provided a better predictive value in prognosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that EphA2 expression is an independent prognostic factor for patients with LSCC (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that EphA2 protein expression is significantly increased in LSCC tissues and cell lines, and EphA2 protein overexpression is associated with tumor recurrence, metastasis and poorer prognosis in LSCC patients. These results suggest that EphA2 may play a critical role in the initiation and progression of LSCC, implicating EphA2 as a valuable marker for the prediction of recurrence, metastasis and prognosis in LSCC.

[Endoscopic posterior septectomy for patients with nasopharyngeal tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the techniques, advantages and disadvantages, indications and cautions of a surgical approach for the resection of nasopharyngeal tumor. METHODS: Ten cases with nasopharyngeal tumors were recruited in this study, of them, 3 cases with residual nasopharyngeal carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy, 2 cases with cavernous angioma, 2 cases with benign mixed tumor, 1 malignant mixed tumor, 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 1 chordoma. All patients underwent endoscopic resection of posteroinferior quarter part of nasal septum, and then the removal of nasopharyngeal tumors through bilateral transnasal approach. RESULTS: Total resection of the tumor was achieved for all cases without severe surgical complications. All cases with benign tumors, with following-up of 6-18 months, showed no recurrence. Of 6 cases with malignant tumors, with following-up of 12-48 months, 5 cases showed no recurrence, and 1 case was suspected to relapse one year postoperatively, but not with any lesion enlargement after another 6 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Posteroinferior quarter part of nasal septectomy is preferred for endoscopic resection of nasopharyngeal tumors because it can provide a panoramic view on nasopharyngeal cavity and tumors, thus, facilitating the removal of nasopharyngeal tumors.

[Tumor-targeted human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter/tk gene therapy against human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the targeted killing effect of human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (hTERTp)/tk gene on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. METHODS: The recombinant plasmid hTERTp/tk/pGL3 was transfected into human NPC HNE1 cells and the expressions of TK and telomerase were investigated. The targeted killing effect induced by hTERTp/tk on HNE1 cells was assessed using RT-PCR and MTT assay. RESULTS: TK gene expression was detected in HNE1 cells transfected by hTERTp/tk/pGL3, and the cells showed reduced telomerase and hTERT expression as compared with the control cells. hTERTp/tk/pGL3 resulted in target killing of HNE1 cells but not of the normal control cells. The tumor cell-killing effect of hTERTp/tk/pGL3 was slightly milder than that of the positive control CMV/tk/pGL3 that produced nonselective cell killing. CONCLUSION: hTERTp/tk, a tumor-specific expression system, allows targeted tumor cell killing and reduces the activity of telomerase in NPC cells in vitro.

[Clinical study on mometasone furoate nasal spray in the treatment of non-allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) used for 3 months on non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). METHODS: In this multicenter study, NAR patients were enrolled from eight hospitals and received MFNS 200 microgram once daily for 3 months. The patients were followed-up for three times (at baseline, month 1 and month 3) to record the symptom scores and nasal endoscopic appearances. At the same time, the adverse events frequency was recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 188 NAR cases were enrolled in the study. The total nasal symptom score assessment descended significantly at month 1 (1.70 ± 0.75) and month 3 (0.95 ± 0.79) visits versus at baseline (2.67 ± 0.68, Z value were from -11.603 to -10.491, all P < 0.01). The individual symptoms, including nasal stuffiness, nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness-related dizziness or headache, hyposmia, sleep quality, daily life activity, work or study efficiency, mental status, and whole body fatigue, also showed less scores at month 1 and month 3 visits versus at baseline (Z value were from -11.313 to -6.802, all P < 0.01). At the same time, nasal mucosal appearances assessed by endoscopy had lower scores at month 1 (1.40 ± 0.62) and month 3 (0.75 ± 0.71) visits versus at baseline (2.27 ± 0.73, Z value were from -11.484 to -10.002, all P < 0.01). Additionally, adverse events were only observed in 5.3% cases with light rhinorrhagia and nasal dryness. No other side effect was found. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-months administration of intranasal mometasone can effectively and safely improve NAR patients' clinical symptom and nasal mucosal appearances.

[Expression and significance of Survivin mRNA in xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and significance of Survivin mRNA in xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy. METHOD: Xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma was established by CNE-2 cell line, then grouped and treated with paclitaxel, radiotherapy, paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy respectively. Xenotransplanted tumor volume was measured; tumor specimens were confirmed by routine hemotoxylin-eosin staining; apoptosis index was assayed by flow cytometry and Survivin mRNA was detected by one step RT-PCR. RESULT: Xenotransplanted tumor growth was significantly inhibited by paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy and its inhibition rate was 99.3%. Compared to control group, apoptosis index was apparently increased in the other three groups (P<0.05), especially in the combined therapy group (P<0.05). Survivin mRNA expression was obviously decreased in the combined therapy group (P<0.05); whereas there was no difference in its expression among the groups of paclitaxel, radiotherapy, and control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy can induce significant killing effect in xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma; paclitaxel can enhance the radiosensitivity of xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its mechanism may rely on the down-regulation of Survivin expression.