[Effectiveness of finger reconstruction using nail flap anastomosing nerve branch of the first toe nail bed].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of finger reconstruction using nail flap anastomosing the nerve branch of the first toe nail bed. Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2022, 18 patients (18 fingers) with thumb or finger nail bed defects were admitted. There were 12 males and 6 females, with an average age of 32 years (range, 19-42 years). Four cases were finger tip tissue damage caused by machine compression, and 4 cases were distal tissue necrosis after finger replantation. There were 9 cases of thumb injury, 3 cases of index finger injury, 5 cases of middle finger injury, and 1 case of ring finger injury. There were 11 cases of distal nail damage and 7 cases of distal nail root (including nail root) damage. The time from injury to admission was 1-5 hours, with an average of 2 hours. After debridement and anti-infection treatment for 5-7 days, the wounds in size of 1 cm×1 cm to 4 cm×3 cm were reconstructed by using nail flaps anastomosing the nerve branches of the first toe nail bed. The size of the nail flaps ranged from 1.5 cm×1.5 cm to 4.5 cm×3.5 cm. The donor sites were repaired with the flaps in 16 cases and skin graft in 2 cases. Results: All nail flaps, flaps, and skin grafts survived after operation and the wounds healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 10 months). The nails of 18 cases were all grown, in which 16 cases had smooth nails with satisfactory appearances, 1 case had uneven nails, and 1 case had obvious scar hyperplasia around the suture opening. At 6 months after operation, the two-point discrimination of the skin flap was 4-8 mm (mean, 6 mm). Meanwhile, the skin grafts and flaps at the donor sites regained protective sensation, good abrasion resistance, and had no negative effect upon walking and wearing shoes. Conclusion: The application of a nail flap that anastomoses the nerve branch of the first toe nail bed for finger reconstruction has minimal damage and can achieve good nail bed repair results.

Acyl carrier protein tag can enhance tobacco etch virus protease stability and promote its covalent immobilisation.

Fusion expression is widely employed to enhance the solubility of recombinant proteins. However, removal of the fusion tag is often required due to its potential impact on the structure and activity of passenger proteins. Tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease is widely used for this purpose due to its stringent sequence recognition. In the present work, fusion to the acyl carrier protein from E. coli fatty acid synthase (ACP) significantly increased the yield of recombinant soluble TEV, and the ACP tag also greatly improved TEV stability. The cleavage activity of TEV was not affected by the ACP fusion tag, and ACP-TEV retained high activity, even at unfavourable pH values. Moreover, ACP-TEV could be efficiently modified by co-expressed E. coli holo-ACP synthase (AcpS), leading to covalent attachment of 4'-phosphopantetheine (4'-PP) group to ACP. The sulfhydryl group of the long, flexible 4'-PP chain displayed high specific reactivity with iodoacetyl groups on the solid support. Thus, TEV could be immobilised effectively and conveniently via the active holo-ACP, and immobilised TEV retained high cleavage activity after a long storage period and several cycles of reuse. As a low-cost and recyclable biocatalyst, TEV immobilised by this method holds promise for biotechnological research and development. KEY POINTS: • The ACP tag greatly increased the soluble expression and stability of TEV protease. • The ACP tag did not affect the cleavage activity of TEV. • The holo-ACP Tag effectively mediated the covalent immobilisation of TEV.

Formation of n-Hexane-in-DMF Nonaqueous Pickering Emulsions: ABC Triblock Worms versus AB Diblock Worms.

Nonaqueous Pickering emulsions exhibit promising applications in many industrial areas but have been relatively less studied in the past. In this study, n-hexane-in-DMF nonaqueous Pickering emulsions stabilized by core cross-linked copolymer worms with mixed shells are demonstrated for the first time. Core cross-linked copolymer worms with mixed shells were prepared by seeded reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) quasi-solution polymerization. Specifically, polystyrene-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-P4VP) diblock copolymer worms were first prepared via RAFT-mediated dispersion polymerization in toluene under the given conditions using PS as both the macro-CTA and the stabilizer block. After the chemical cross-linking of P4VP cores, PS-P4VP diblock copolymer worms were chain-extended with LMA in DMF/toluene (1:9, weight ratio) mixed solvents, producing core cross-linked PS-P4VP-PLMA worms with PS/PLMA mixed shells. The as-prepared core cross-linked PS-P4VP-PLMA worms with mixed PS/PLMA shells were further utilized as Pickering emulsifiers for the generation of nonaqueous n-hexane-in-DMF Pickering emulsions. The emulsifying performances of mixed-shell copolymer worms were compared with those of their spherical and linear analogues with entirely identical chemical compositions as well as PS-P4VP diblock copolymer worm precursors, respectively.

Distinctive quality control method for solid-state fermented Isaria cicadae from strain Ic-17-7 and application in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.

This work was aimed to establish a quality control method for evaluating the effects on glucose and lipids of the fruiting body of Isaria cicadae Miquel from strain Ic-17-7 (Ic-17-7fb) using a rat model of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Random amplified polymorphic DNA, sequence-characterized amplified region, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for the quality control of Ic-17-7fb. The pharmacological effects on streptozocin (STZ)-induced high fat diet (HFD)-fed Albino Wistar rats were evaluated. The rats underwent the following treatments: control, metformin, Ic-17-7fb (0.166 and 0.5 g·kg-1) or without treatment. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) were measured. Ic-17-7fb amplified a single specific band by S11-2-F3 and S11-2-R3 primers. An HPLC-based quality and quantity method was established for industrial application. The contents of adenosine and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA) of the cultivated Ic-17-7fb were analyzed. All of the validation lots of cultured Ic-17-7fb passed the quantity control of the training set (0.90 mg·g-1 of adenosine and 0.89 mg·g-1 of HEA). After two weeks of administration, the average FBG was 4.89 ± 0.42 (control), 26.10 ± 5.77 (model), 23.63 ± 6.15 (metformin), 17.96 ± 9.36 (Ic-17-7fb for 0.166 g·kg-1), and 19.69 ± 8.71 mmol·L-1 (Ic-17-7fb for 0.5 g·kg-1). The FBG of Ic-17-7fb (0.166 g·kg-1) treatment significantly reduced by 31.19%, compared with the model after two weeks of administration (P < 0.01). Metformin, Ic-17-7fb (0.166 g·kg -1), and Ic-17-7fb (0.5 g·kg-1) reduced TC, TG, HDL-c, and LDL-c compared with the T2DM model treatment at the 6th week of treatment (P < 0.05). This study established the first quality standard for Ic-17-7fb, which can be effectively applied in the treatment of T2DM. The reliable quality control method and pharmacological effect will broaden its application space.

Neuropeptides as the Shared Genetic Crosstalks Linking Periodontitis and Major Depression Disorder.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was at investigating the association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and periodontitis based on crosstalk genes and neuropeptides. METHODS: Datasets for periodontitis (GSE10334, GSE16134, and GSE23586) and MDD (GSE38206 and GSE39653) were downloaded from GEO. Following batch correction, a differential expression analysis was applied (MDD: ∣log2FC | >0 and periodontitis ∣log2FC | ≥0.5, p < 0.05). The neuropeptide data were downloaded from NeuroPep and NeuroPedia. Intersected genes were potential crosstalk genes. The correlation between neuropeptides and crosstalk genes in MDD and periodontitis was analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient. Subsequently, regression analysis was performed to calculate the differentially regulated link. Cytoscape was used to map the pathways of crosstalk genes and neuropeptides and to construct the protein-protein interaction network. Lasso regression was applied to screen neuropeptides, whereby boxplots were created, and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The MDD dataset contained 30 case and 33 control samples, and the periodontitis dataset contained 430 case and 139 control samples. 35 crosstalk genes were obtained. A total of 102 neuropeptides were extracted from the database, which were not differentially expressed in MDD and periodontitis and had no intersection with crosstalk genes. Through lasso regression, 9 neuropeptides in MDD and 43 neuropeptides in periodontitis were obtained. Four intersected neuropeptide genes were obtained, i.e., ADM, IGF2, PDYN, and RETN. The results of ROC analysis showed that IGF2 was highly predictive in MDD and periodontitis. ADM was better than the other three genes in predicting MDD disease. A total of 13 crosstalk genes were differentially coexpressed with four neuropeptides, whereby FOSB was highly expressed in MDD and periodontitis. CONCLUSION: The neuropeptide genes ADM, IGF2, PDYN, and RETN were intersected between periodontitis and MDD, and FOSB was a crosstalk gene related to these neuropeptides on the transcriptomic level. These results are a basis for future research in the field, needing further validation.

miR-34c-5p mediates the cellular malignant behaviors of oral squamous cell carcinoma through targeted binding of TRIM29.

BACKGROUND: This investigation examined the effects of the microRNA miR-34c-5p on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the mechanisms involved. METHODS: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to filter the chips, and the GEO2R software (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/geo2r/) was used to analyze the microarray data (GSE28100 and GSE45238). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to study the relationship between the expression of miR-34c-5p and the distant metastasis and pathological grade of OSCC. The correlation between TRIM29 (tripartite motif containing 29) expression and the malignant clinical phenotype of OSCC was also examined. The mRNA and protein expression levels of miR-34c-5p and TRIM29 were measured by real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis. The proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of the human oral squamous carcinoma cell lines CAL-27 and Tca8113 was assessed by performing cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, colony formation assays, transwell tests, wound scratch tests and flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter assays were used to predict the relationship between miR-34c-5p and TRIM29. A xenograft nude model was established and used to evaluate the effect of miR-34c-5p on tumor growth in female BALB/c mice. RESULTS: The expression of miR-34c-5p was significantly correlated with the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of OSCC. Overexpression of miR-34c-5p promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CAL-27 and Tca8113 cells, and suppressed their apoptosis. Inversely, low expression of miR-34c-5p suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CAL-27 and Tca8113 cells, and promoted their apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-34c-5p promoted tumor growth in the xenograft nude mice model. The expression of TRIM29 was related to malignant clinical phenotype of OSCC. Overexpression of TRIM29 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CAL-27 and Tca8113 cell, and induced their apoptosis. TRIM29 knockout had just the opposite effect. Importantly, miR-34c-5p binds to TRIM29 and inhibited TRIM29 expression. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-34c-5p regulates the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of OSCC through targeted binding of TRIM29. This may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with OSCC.

Obturator Oblique and Pubic Ramus Inlet Views Can Better Guide the Insertion of an Anterior Column Acetabular Screw.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present paper was to investigate the value of obturator oblique and pubic ramus inlet views in guiding anterior column acetabular screw insertion. METHODS: We collected pelvic CT scans at the diagnostic imaging center of our hospital between 2017 and 2019. Virtual three-dimensional (3D) models of the pelvis were created based on the CT scans. Then the transparency was adjusted to 30%. Two identical copies of the 3D model data were made. 3D model replications were divided into a control group and an experimental group. In the control group, the screw was inserted into the anterior acetabular column using obturator-outlet and iliac-inlet views. In the experimental group, the screw was guided under obturator oblique and pubic ramus inlet views. Based on whether the screw penetrated the hip joint and/or exited the pubic ramus, models were divided into three grades. Grade I: the screw travels completely within the anterior column bone corridor; Grade II: the screw exits the superior pubic ramus, but the length of the screw outside the channel does not exceed 1/2 of the anterior column; Grade III: the screw exits the superior pubic ramus and the length of the screw outside the corridor exceeds 1/2 of the anterior column. We compared the screw placement quality of the two groups and analyzed differences between genders. In addition, the distance between the screws and the acetabulum was recorded and compared among the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 110 hemipelves were selected, including those of 80 men and 30 women, with an average age of 46.76 ± 14.26 years. In the control group, the screw quality of 64 models (58.2%) was Grade I. In the experimental group, 94 models (85.5%) had Grade I screw placement quality. Grade II screw placement quality accounted for 18.2% of the control group and 7.3% of the experimental group. In the control and the experimental groups, there were 26 and 8 cases with Grade III screw placement quality, respectively. The quality of screw placement in the experimental group was significantly better than that in control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The distance between the screw and the acetabulum in the control group and experimental group was 0.92 ± 0.49 mm and 2.78 ± 1.15 mm, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Anterior column acetabular screws can be inserted successfully and more accurately using the obturator oblique and pubic ramus inlet views.

Study on the role of methylation in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate using a monozygotic twin model.

OBJECTIVE: The research on the etiology of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate(NSCL/P) is challenging, and DNA methylation has an impact on the formation of cleft lip and palate. SUBJECTS: In this study, one of a pair of monozygotic twins (T1) had nonsyndromic cleft lip (NSCL), and one of a pair of monozygotic twins (T2) had nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP). We determined the methylation profiles of more than 850,000 CpGs in the DNA of the blood samples from the two pairs of monozygotic twins. RESULT: Methylation data indicated that 1184 differentially methylated CpG sites were found in the T1 group (651 hypermethylated and 533 hypomethylated) and 8099 differentially methylated CpG sites in the T2 group (1713 hypermethylated and 6386 hypomethylated) compared with the healthy twin.The common difference was 107 methylation sites.GO enrichment analysis showed that regulation of smooth muscle cell migration and actin cytoskeleton reorganization were the most prominent classes.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the TGF-ß signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway are relevant to the formation of NSCL/P.Two selected genes (NTN1 and PLEKHA7) are involved in the formation of NSCL/P. CONCLUSION: These findings provide some support for the hypothesis that abnormal DNA methylation may influence the formation of clefts.

The efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture versus electroacupuncture in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among patients receiving cisplatin-based regimens.

BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting are among the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Difference in views about the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture (AA) versus electroacupuncture (EA) of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) lies at the heart of the debate. The aim of this study is to compare the antiemetic efficacy and safety of AA and EA for CINV. METHODS: One hundred twenty participants, 18 to 75 years old malignant tumors will receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin, will be recruited and randomized into 3 groups equally, Group A (the AA group), Group B (the EA group), and Group C (the control group). The participants in Group A and Group B will receive AA or EA regimens, alternatively, beginning on the day before first day of chemotherapy for a third consecutive cycles. All participants will continue to receive conventional treatment. The incidence and severity of CINV will be assessed using the definition and classification of nausea and vomiting (NCI-CTC AE4.0) and the MASCC (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer) Antiemesis Tool (MAT). Secondary outcome measures include the degree of abdominal distension, the first time of flatus and defecation, and life quality. Additionally, adverse events will also be documented during the period of the treatment. DISCUSSION: This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and safety of AA versus EA for CINV following cisplatin-based regimens. TRAIL REGISTRATION: This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000040942.

A pilot study: Screening target miRNAs in tissue of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate.

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) has been recognized as a condition resulting from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in embryonic development. However, few studies have focused on screening potential target miRNAs in human NSCLP tissue. Using microarray-based miRNA expression profiling, miRNA expression was compared in tissue samples from 4 NSCLP patients and 4 healthy control subjects. Two hundred and fifty-four miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed. Changes in Homo sapiens (hsa)-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-27b-3p, hsa-miR-205-5p, hsa-miR-1260b and hsa-miR-720 were of particular interest with respect to Wnt signaling (fold-changes were 12.5, 12.2, 12.1, 12.3 and 10.5, respectively; P<0.005 for all). The levels of hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-1260b and hsa-miR-205-5p were higher in tissues from NSCLP patients than in those from controls according to PCR analysis. Hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-1260b and hsa-miR-205-5p may be candidate miRNAs involved in the etiology of NSCLP via Wnt signaling.

In situ memory T cells and patterns of invasion predict outcome in patients with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to explore the prognostic value of in situ memory T cells and patterns of invasion (POI) in early stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: One hundred fifty-seven patients with early stage (cT1T2N0) OSCC were identified from a pre-existing database of patients with oral cancer and were classified by POI according to hematoxylin-eosin staining. We examined the impact of the immunohistochemical expression of CD45RO in OSCC. Overall survival (OS) curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Margin status was significantly associated with local recurrence in early stage OSCC (p= 0.000), and depth of invasion was also associated with regional recurrence (2 mm: p= 0.034; 4 mm: p= 0.015). The expression of CD45RO (p= 0.021) and POI (p= 0.027) individually was associated with OS, and patients in the group with combination score tended to have worse OS (p= 0.012). CONCLUSION: Combined evaluation of POI and CD45RO might prove to be a useful indicator for high-risk patients with occult metastases from early stage OSCC.

Combined Expression of c-jun, c-fos, and p53 Improves Estimation of Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

To identify the prognostic value of c-jun, c-fos, and p53 in oral cancer, we examined the impact of immunohistochemical expression of these markers on tumor progression in 157 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We found that c-jun or c-fos was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, and coexpression of c-jun/c-fos, or c-jun/c-fos/p53 were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, poor differentiation and clinical stage. The coexpression of c-jun/c-fos/p53 was identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Simultaneous coexpression of these markers in OSCCs might prove to be a useful indicator for differentiation of low and high-risk patients.

Modified recombinant proteins can be exported via the Sec pathway in Escherichia coli.

The correct folding of a protein is a pre-requirement for its proper posttranslational modification. The Escherichia coli Sec pathway, in which preproteins, in an unfolded, translocation-competent state, are rapidly secreted across the cytoplasmic membrane, is commonly assumed to be unfavorable for their modification in the cytosol. Whether posttranslationally modified recombinant preproteins can be efficiently transported via the Sec pathway, however, remains unclear. ACP and BCCP domain (BCCP87) are carrier proteins that can be converted into active phosphopantetheinylated ACP (holo-ACP) and biotinylated-BCCP (holo-BCCP) by AcpS and BirA, respectively. In the present study, we show that, when ACP or BCCP87 is fused to the C-terminus of secretory protein YebF or MBP, the resulting fusion protein preYebF-ACP, preYebF-BCCP87, preMBP-ACP or preMBP-BCCP87 can be modified and then secreted. Our data demonstrate that posttranslational modification of preYebF-ACP, preYebF-BCCP87 preMBP-ACP and preMBP-BCCP87 can take place in the cytosol prior to translocation, and the Sec machinery accommodates these previously modified fusion proteins. High levels of active holo-ACP and holo-BCCP87 are achieved when AcpS or BirA is co-expressed, especially when sodium azide is used to retard their translocation across the inner membrane. Our results also provide an alternative to achieve a high level of modified recombinant proteins expressed extracellularly.

Tobacco etch virus protease retains its activity in various buffers and in the presence of diverse additives.

Tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease is widely used to remove tags from recombinant fusion proteins because of its stringent sequence specificity. It is generally accepted that the high concentrations of salts or other special agents in most protein affinity chromatography buffers can affect enzyme activity, including that of TEV protease. Consequently, tedious desalination or the substitution of standard TEV reaction buffer for elution buffer are often needed to ensure TEV protease activity when removing fusion tags after purifying target proteins using affinity chromatography. To address this issue, we used SOE PCR technology to synthesize a TEV protease gene with a codon pattern adapted to the codon usage bias of Escherichia coli, recovered the purified recombinant TEV protease, and examined its activity in various elution buffers commonly used in affinity chromatography as well as the effects of selected additives on its activity. Our results showed that the rTEV protease maintained high activity in all affinity chromatography elution buffers tested and tolerated high concentrations of additives commonly used in protein purification procedures, such as ethylene glycol, EGTA, Triton X-100, Tween-20, NP-40, CHAPS, urea, SDS, guanidine hydrochloride and ß-mercaptoethanol. These results will facilitate the use of rTEV protease in removing tags from fusion proteins.

[Meta-analysis on the relationship between tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and p53 alteration in cases with esophageal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between tobacco smoking, drinking and p53 alteration in esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: Literature on the relationship between p53 alteration in esophageal carcinoma and tobacco smoking, drinking through Meta-analysis were reviewed. RESULTS: In 14 selected papers related to tobacco smoking, pooled odds ratio (OR) of tobacco smoking with P53 overexpression and p53 alteration were 1.99 (95% CI: 1.30- 3.06) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.13 - 2.37), respectively (P < 0.05). Pooled OR of tobacco smoking with p53 mutation was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.47 - 2.76) (P > 0.05). In 11 selected papers on alcohol drinking, pooled OR of drinking with P53 overexpression, p53 mutation and p53 alteration were 1.30 (95% CI: 0.83 - 2.04), 1.13 (95% CI: 0.67 - 1.90) and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.87 - 1.72) respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There were significant relations between tobacco smoking and p53 alteration while there were no significant relations between alcohol drinking and p53 alteration.

Genetic susceptibility and environmental factors of esophageal cancer in Xi'an.

AIM: To analyse the role of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors in the process of esophageal cancer (EC) formation in Xi'an, China. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study, combined with molecular epidemiological method, was carried out. A total of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were interviewed with questionnaires containing demographic items, habit of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and family history of EC. Polymorphism of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were detected by PCR method. The interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors were also discussed. RESULTS: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC were risk factors for EC with an OR of 2.04(95% CI 1.15-3.60), 3.45(95% CI 1.74-6.91), 3.14 (95% CI 1.28-7.94), respectively. Individuals carrying CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype compared to those with CYP1A1 Ile/Ile genotype had an increased risk for EC (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.49-7.61). GSTM1 deletion genotype was a risk factor for EC (OR1.81, 95% CI 1.03-3.18). Gene-environment interaction analysis showed that CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype, GSTM1 deletion genotype had synergetic interactions with tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and family history of EC. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC are risk factors for EC. CYP1A1 Val/Val and GSTM1 deletion genotypes are genetic susceptibility biomarkers for EC. There are synergic interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.

[The expression of bcl-2 and bax genes during microcystin induced liver tumorigenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular mechanism of microcystin (MC) induced liver tumorigenesis in rats. METHODS: The two-stage-medium-term tumorigenesis theory was applied to establish the animal model, and the effect of MC in liver tumor formation was evaluated by the Albert gamma-GT methods, and then, the immunohistochemical technique and image analysis were used to study the expression of the bcl-2 and bax genes during tumorigenesis. RESULTS: (1) MC enhanced the formation of gamma-GT foci in liver (100%), which was significantly higher than the diethylnitrosamine (DEN) control group (22.22%) (P < 0.05). (2) MC decreased the expression of bax gene. The intensity and area of bax gene expression in the pure MC toxin group were 0.028 3 AODV and 0.007 3 ( micro m(2)/ micro m(2)) and in the DEN control group were 0.065 5 AODV and 0.024 4 ( micro m(2)/ micro m(2)), respectively. The intensity and areas of bax gene expression in the pure MC toxin group were significantly lower than those in the DEN control group (P < 0.05). (3) MC increased the expression of bcl-2 gene. The intensity and area of bcl-2 gene expression in the pure MC toxin group wee 0.097 7 AODV and 0.031 5 ( micro m(2)/ micro m(2)), respectively, and in the DEN control group were 0.046 0 AODV and 0.020 5 ( micro m(2)/ micro m(2)) respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: (1) MC can strongly promote liver tumorigenesis. (2) The changes of bcl-2 and bax gene expression possibly play an important role in the MC induced liver tumor formation.

Relationship of tobacco smoking CYP1A1 GSTM1 gene polymorphism and esophageal cancer in Xi'an.

AIM: To analyze the association of tobacco smoking polymorphism of CYP1A1 (7th exon) and GSTM1 genotype and esophageal cancer(EC) in Xi'an. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study, with molecular epidemiological method, was carried out. Polymorphism of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 of samples from 127 EC cases and 101 controls were detected by PCR method. RESULTS: There were no significant difference of age and gender between cases and controls. Tobacco smoking was the main risk factor OR=1.97;95% CI=1.12-3.48 for EC in Xi'an. The proportions of CYP1A1 Ile/Ile, Ile/Val and Val/Val gene types in cases and controls was 19.7% 45.7% 34.6% and 30.7%,47.5%, 21.8% respectively(P=0.049). Individuals with CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype compared to those with CYP1A1 Ile/Ile genotype had higher risk for EC increased (OR=2.48, 95%CI=1.12-5.54). The proportions of GSTM1 deletion genotype in cases and controls were 58.3% and 43.6%(OR=1.81, 95%CI=1.03-3.18, P=0.028). Analysis of gene-environment interaction showed that tobacco smoking and CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype; tobacco smoking and GSTM1 deletion genotype had synergism interaction respectively. Analysis of gene-gene interaction did not find synergistic interaction between these two genes. But in GSTM1 deletion group there was significant difference of distribution of CYP1A1 genotype between cases and controls (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: CYP1A1 Val/Val and GSTM1 deletion genotypes are genetic susceptibility biomarkers for EC. The risk increases, when person with CYP1A1 Val/Val and/or GSTM1 deletion genotype. And these two-metabolic enzymes seem to have interactions with tobacco smoking, in which the mechanism still needs further study.

Overexpression of P53 and its risk factors in esophageal cancer in urban areas of Xi'an.

AIM:To investigate the risk factors of esophageal cancer (EC) in urban areas of Xi'an and to determine the association between overexpression of P53 and these risk factors.METHODS: All cases (89) and controls (97) were permanent residents in urban areas of Xi'an, all cases of primary EC had been histologically confirmed, controls were inpatients with non-cancer and nonsmoking-related disease. Cancer tissues and tissues adjacent to the cancer of 65 cases and 24 available normal esophageal tissues of controls were detected for P53 overexpression by the immunohistochemical method.RESULTS: The smoking and familial history of cancer were significantly associated with EC in Xi'an inhabitants. The laboratory assay indicated that P53 positive stain in EC was 50.0%(34/65)and 6.1%(4/65) in tissues adjacent to the cancer, but no positive stain was found in normal esophageal tissues of controls. The results showed that P53 overexpression in EC was closely related to smoking and cases with familial history of cancer.CONCLUSION: Smoking and familial cancer history were important risk factors for EC,and the alteration of P53 gene may be due to smoking and inheritance factors.