[Expression of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor in gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor (c-Met) in gastric cancer. METHODS: The expression of HGF and c-Met was detected with SABC immunohistochemistry in 44 specimens of gastric cancer, 20 chronic superficial gastritis, 10 chronic atrophic gastritis and 16 gastric ulcer tissues. RESULTS: No positive expression of HGF/c-Met was found in the chronic superficial gastritis specimens. The positivity rates of HGF in the gastric cancer was 72.7% (32/44), significantly higher than that in chronic atrophic gastritis [20% (2/10), P<0.005] and gastric ulcer [37.5% (6/16). P<0.025]. The positivity rates of c-Met in gastric cancer [77.3% (34/44)] was also significantly higher than that in chronic atrophic gastritis [40% (4/10), P<0.05] and gastric ulcer [37.5% (6/16), P<0.025]. CONCLUSION: Co-expression of HGF and c-Met in gastric cancer may promote the progression of the malignancy, and also opens a new pathway for the therapy of gastric cancer.

Diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biliary complications after liver transplantation: report of 12 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary complications after liver transplantation. METHOD: ERCP was performed via electronic duodenoscopy in 12 patients suspected of having biliary complications such as obstructive jaundice after orthotopic liver transplantation. RESULTS: ERCP displayed common bile duct stenosis or obstruction in 9 cases (including 2 cases with also calculi), common bile duct calculi in 2 cases (including 1 complicated by bile duct dilation) and intrahepatic bile duct thinning in the donor liver in 1 case. Balloon dilation of the common bile duct, calculus removal and metal stent placement in the common bile duct was performed in one case. Calculus removal by Oddi sphincterotomy was carried out in 3 cases. Nasobiliary catheter placement was performed in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: ERCP may serve as the primary modality for diagnosing and treating biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation with good safety and effectiveness in most cases.

Electroenterogram manifestations and significance in hypokalemia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the electroenterogram manifestations and their significance in patients with hypokalemia. METHODS: Electroenterogram was recorded in 20 normal control subjects and 24 patients with hypokalemia using computerized electrogastroenterography. RESULTS: The frequencies and amplitudes of the electroenterogram in patients with hypokalemia were significantly lower than those in the normal control subjects (P<0.05), and the frequencies, amplitudes and their coefficients of variation varied significantly in patients with hypokalemia before / after treatment (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Electroenterogram may serve as an objective means for evaluating the therapeutic effect and estimating intestinal motility of patients with hypokalemia, with also important value in predicting and diagnosing hypokalemic intestinal paralysis.