Correction to: Evaluation of 22G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) versus fine-needle biopsy (FNB) for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of pancreatic lesions: a prospective comparison study.

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Evaluation of 22G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) versus fine-needle biopsy (FNB) for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of pancreatic lesions: a prospective comparison study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the diagnostic yield and safety of 22G endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) in the diagnosis of pancreatic solid lesions. METHODS: Between April 2014 and September 2015, 36 patients with pancreatic solid lesions were included for endoscopic ultrasound test. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: EUS-FNA (n = 18) and EUS-FNB (n = 18). Each nidus was punctured three times (15 ~ 20 insertions for each puncture) with a 22G needle. The core specimens were analyzed, and the diagnostic yields of FNA and FNB were evaluated. RESULTS: The procedure success rate was 100% with no complications. Cytological and histological examinations found that the diagnostic yield of FNB and FNA were both 83.3%. To get a definitive diagnosis, FNB needed fewer punctures than FNA (1.11 vs. 1.83; P  <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 22G EUS-FNB is a safe and effective way to diagnose pancreatic solid lesions. FNB required a lower number of needle passes to achieve a diagnosis compared with FNA.

Application of clips assisted with foreign body forceps in defect closure after endoscopic full-thickness resection.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of metallic clips assisted with foreign body forceps closing the gastric wall defect after endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). METHODS: Eighteen patients with gastric SMTs originated from the muscularis propria were treated by EFR between September 2012 and June 2014. Twelve patients underwent endoscopic closure of the gastric wall defects after EFR with endoloop and metallic clips (endoloop string suture method, ESSM), and six patients with clips and foreign body forceps (clips assisted with foreign body forceps clip method, CFCM). RESULTS: No significant differences existed between the two groups in terms of demographics, clinical characteristics, and the size of the gastric wall defects. The average time spent in closing the gastric wall defects (14.83 ± 1.94 min for the CFCM group and 22.42 ± 5.73 min for the ESSM group) and hospitalization fees of the CFCM group were significantly lower than those of the ESSM group. The average hospitalization time of the two groups had no statistical significance. No single case had surgical intervention or complications, such as gastric bleeding, perforation, peritonitis, or abdominal abscess. CONCLUSION: The CFCM and the ESSM are safe and effective techniques for gastric defect closure after EFR for gastric SMTs. Because of the "chopsticks effect," the CFCM more suitable for the lesions located at the gastric fundus, the greater curvature or anterior wall of the gastric body and gastric antrum.

Sedation, analgesia, and cardiorespiratory function in colonoscopy using midazolam combined with fentanyl or propofol.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The use of sedatives during colonoscopy remains controversial because of its safety concerns. We compared cardiorespiratory function and sedative and analgesic effects in sedative colonoscopy, using combinations of midazolam with either fentanyl or propofol. METHODS: Eligible patients (n = 480) received 1.0-2.0 mg midazolam alone (n = 160), midazolam combined with either 50-100 mg fentanyl intramuscularly (n = 160), or 0.5-2.5 mg/kg propofol intravenously, as premedication for sedative colonoscopy. Pulse rate, blood pressure, and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO(2)) were monitored. Levels of sedation and analgesia were semi-quantitatively scored using visual analog scales, and amnesia profiles were qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS: Combining midazolam with either fentanyl or propofol resulted in acceptable sedative and analgesic effects compared to treatment with midazolam alone (P < 0.001), with the combination with propofol giving more favorable results. More patients receiving the propofol combination became amnestic to the procedure than patients receiving the fentanyl combination. However, midazolam combined with propofol disturbed the pulse rate (P < 0.05) and blood pressure (P < 0.001) more significantly than a combination with fentanyl, or midazolam alone. CONCLUSION: The combination of midazolam with either fentanyl or propofol allowed patients to undergo colonoscopy under comparable sedative and analgesic conditions. The combination with fentanyl had a significantly lower effect on pulse rate and blood pressure. The combination with propofol produced superior amnestic effects.

Differential miRNA expression and their target genes between NGX6-positive and negative colon cancer cells.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma-associated gene 6 (NGX6) was shown to be a novel putative tumor suppressor gene in colon cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate its role in regulation of miRNA expression for in the hopes of translating this data into a novel strategy in control of colon cancer. In this study colon cancer HT-29 cells were stably transfected with NGX6 or vector-only plasmid and then subjected to miRNA array analysis, and Q-RT-PCR was then used to verify miRNA array data. Then bioinformatic analyses using Sanger, Target Scan, and MicroRNA software were performed to obtain data on the target genes of each miRNA and define their function. Our results showed that 14 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in NGX6-transfected cells compared to the control cells. In particular, miR-126, miR-142-3p, miR-155, miR-552, and miR-630 were all upregulated, whereas miR-146a, miR-152, miR-205, miR-365, miR-449, miR-518c, miR-584, miR-615, and miR-622 were downregulated after NGX6 transfection. Q-RT-PCR confirmed all of these miRNAs, and invalidated miR-552 and miR-630. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses of these 12 miRNAs, among these miRNAs, target genes of miR-615 are unclear, another 11 miRNAs produced a total of 254 potential target genes and further study showed that these genes together formed a regulatory network that contributes to apoptosis, mobility/migration, hydrolysis activity, and molecular signaling through targeting JNK and Notch pathways. Taken together, these results have suggested that NGX6 plays an important role in regulation of apoptosis, mobility/migration, and hydrolase as well as activity of JNK and Notch pathways through NGX6-mediated miRNA expression. Further investigation will reveal the function of these differentially expressed miRNAs and verify expression of the miRNA-targeted genes for development of novel strategies for better control of colon cancer.

Evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: correlation with microvessel morphology.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is an important technique for depiction and assessment of tumor vascularity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels and enhancement patterns on CEUS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Eighty patients with HCC underwent CEUS using SonoVue before hepatectomy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic enhancement patterns and quantitative parameters were recorded. The tumor tissue sections were immunostained with human CD34 monoclonal antibody. The patients were classified into a point-line type group (n = 36) and a loop-strip type group (n = 44) according to microvessel morphology. The microvascular density (MVD) in the different types of microvessels was calculated. The relationship between enhancement patterns of HCC lesions and morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean MVD in HCC was 22.4+/-3.5 per 0.2 mm2 in the point-line group, and 19.6+/-6.7 per 0.2 mm2 in the loop-strip group, and there was no significant difference between them (t = 0.948, P = 0.354). In the portal vein phase, hypoenhancement was significantly more frequent in HCC (X2 = 4.789, P = 0.029) in the loop-strip group (40/44, 90.9%) than in the point-line group (26/36, 72.2%). The time to hypo-enhancement in the loop-strip group (mean 64.84+/-26.16 seconds) was shorter than that in the point-line group (mean 78.39+/-28.72 seconds) (t = 2.247, P = 0.022). The time to hypo-enhancement was correlated with MVD in the loop-strip group (r = -0.648, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The enhancement patterns on CEUS are related to tumor microvascular morphology, and the type of microvascular morphology influences CEUS characterization. CEUS, an important noninvasive imaging technique, is used to evaluate microvascular morphology and angiogenesis, providing valuable information for antiangiogenic therapy in HCC.

Studies on polyamidoamine dendrimers as efficient gene delivery vector.

Non-viral methods of gene delivery are attractive alternatives compared to virus-based gene delivery. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are a new class of highly branched spherical polymers and have a unique surface of positively charged primary amine groups. They can form complex with DNA by electrostatic interaction, and deliver gene into cells. The ability of G5 PAMAM dendrimers binding and transferring DNA to cells has been investigated, and the effect of this complex to cell viability has been evaluated. G5 PAMAM dendrimers can bind DNA and transfer it to cultured cells efficiently, and have low cytotoxicity. The complex of PAMAM dendrimer-DNA can remain intact in a broad pH range, and also can prevent DNA from being degraded by restriction enzyme. Using the EGFP-C2 gene as marker genes, PAMAM dendrimers can deliver it to many organs after intravenous injection and have high expression in liver, kidney, lung, and spleen. Polyamidoamine- DNA complex can bind selectively plasma proteins, which may be correlated with its transportation in vivo. Polyamidoamine dendrimers' high-efficiency, low-cytotoxicity gene vector, appear to have potential for fundamental research and genetic therapy in vitro and in vivo.

[Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and expression of connexin (Cx) 32 and Cx43 genes in gastric cancer and gastric precancerous lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of connexin (Cx)32 and Cx43 genes in gastric cancer and precancerous lesion, and to investigate the relation between the changes of expression of Cx32 and Cx43 genes and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. METHODS: Gastroscopy and biopsy of gastric mucosa were conducted on 33 patients with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG), 88 with precancerous lesion, and 70 with gastric cancer. Hp was detected by rapid urease test, basic fuchsin staining, and 14C-urea breath test. The CagA gene of Hp was determined by PCR. SABC immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of Cx32 and Cx43 genes in gastric mucosa biopsy specimens. RESULTS: The positive expression rates of Cx32 and Cx43 genes were 15.7% and 32.9% respectively in the gastric cancer patients, 51.1% and 54.5% in the patients with precancerous lesion, and 100.0% and 93.9% in the CSG patients. The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates of the gastric cancer and precancerous lesion patients were significantly lower than those of the CSG patients (all P < 0.05). The positive Cx32 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with Hp infection was 16.7%, not significantly different from that of the gastric cancer patients without Hp infection (13.6%). The positive Cx43 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with Hp infection was 25%, significantly lower than that of the gastric cancer patients without Hp infection (50%, P = 0.039). The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates and expression intensity of the precancerous lesion patients with Hp infection were all significantly lower than those of the precancerous lesion patients without Hp infection (all P < 0.05). The positive Cx43 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with CagA+ Hp infection was 17.9%, significantly lower than that of the CagA- Hp group (55.6%, P = 0.027), however, the positive Cx32 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with CagA+ Hp infection was 12.8%, not significantly different from that of the gastric cancer patients with CagA- Hp infection (33.3%, P = 0.159). The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates of the CSG patients with CagA+ Hp and CagA- Hp infection were all 100%, but the expression intensity of the CagA+ Hp group was significantly lower than that of the CagA- Hp group (P = 0.032). The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates after Hp eradication of the precancerous lesion patients with Hp infection were 97.9% and 91.7% respectively, both significantly higher than those before eradication therapy (41.4% and 44.8% respectively, both P < 0.05). However, the positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates of the precancerous lesion patients with Hp infection without Hp eradication were still 40% and 50%, not significantly different from those before treatment. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of Cx32 and Cx43 in gastric cancer and precancerous lesion decrease. The change of expression of Cx43 was associated with Hp infection, especially CagA+ Hp infection. Hp eradication in patients with precancerous lesion up-regulates the expression of Cx32 and Cx43.

[Expression and significance of NGX6 gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of NGX6 gene and to investigate its association with the clinico-pathological characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS: Samples from 45 patients were divided into the hepatocellular carcinoma tissue group and the matched paracancerous tissue group. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of NGX6 gene in the hepatocellular carcinoma and the surrounding normal tissue specimens. RESULTS: The positive rates of NGX6 in the hepatocellular carcinoma and the matched paracancerous tissues were 35.5%(16/45)and 77.8%(35/45), and the ratios of NGX6/G3PDH mRNA were 0.245+/-0.060 and 0.352+/-0.113.There was significant difference in the 2 groups (P<0.05). The expression of NGX6 gene was related to TNM staging (chi2=6.106,P=0.042)and lymph node metastasis(chi2=5.237,P=0.022)in hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION: There is positive expression of NGX6 in the hepatocellular carcinoma and the matched paracancerous tissues. The low-expression or non-expression of NGX6 gene plays an important role in the gene transcription level in hepatocellular carcinoma.The expression of NGX6 gene is related with TNM staging and lymph node metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expression of NGX6 might be used as an early indicator of the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Efficacy of 4 kinds of triple strategy for Helicobacter pylori eradication].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4 kinds of triple strategy of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication. METHODS: A total of 307 patients who suffered from Hp infection, confirmed by rapid urease test (RUT) and 14C-urea breath test (UBT),were randomly divided into 4 groups. Each group had 80, 76, 77, and 74 patients respectively. Group A was treated with rabeprazole, clarithromycin, and furazolidone (RCF); Group B with ranitidine bismuth citrate, clarithromycin, and furazolidone (BCF); Group C with rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and furazolidone (RAF); while Group D with ranitidine bismuth citrate, amoxicillin, and furazolidone (BAF). Hp was detected by RUT and UBT at 4 weeks after later treatment. RESULTS: Hp eradication rates of group A,B,C, and D were 90.0%,67.1%,62.3%,and 45.9%,respectively. The difference between Group A and Group B, Group A and Group C was significant (P<0.05). Eradication rate of Group B and C was higher than that of Group D (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the eradication rate of Group B and C, and among the side effects of the 4 groups. CONCLUSION: The strategy of RCF was the best among the 4 triple strategy of Hp eradication, which can be used clinically.

[Expression and SNP analysis of BRD7 gene in acute leukemia cells].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression level of BRD7 gene in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) in patients with acute leukemia (AL) and to analyze BRD7 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP). METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect BRD7 expression in patients with AL and normal bone marrow subjects. Single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequence analysis were also used to identify BRD7 mutation or SNP to investigate the relation between BRD7 and AL. RESULTS: BRD7 mRNA in BMNCs from 52 patients with AL and 30 control subjects was expressed. The mRNA relative expression of BRD7 in patients with AL was higher than that of the control group (P=0.001). Three SNPs (C657A,C495T and A737G) in BRD7 gene coding region (447 approximately 844 bp) were found, and A737G was coupled with C495T . The allele frequencies of SNP C657A were not significantly different between AL and the control group. The genotype and the allele frequencies of the 2 coupled SNPs were significantly different (P<0.01). But there was no significant discrepancy among the mRNA expression levels of AA, AG, and GG genotypes in the leukemia group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Expression of BRD7 gene is up-regulated in AL cells. The 2 coupled SNPs (C495T and A737G ) in BRD7 gene coding region (447 approximately 844 bp) are correlated with AL, indicating that SNPs may be one of the genetic susceptibility factors of AL.

[Helicobacter pylori infection and changes of cell gap junction of gastric epithelial cells in patients with gastric cancer and precancerous lesion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of cell gap junction ultrastructure of gastric epithelial cells in patients with gastric cancer(GC) and precancerous lesion(PL),and to investigate the relation between these changes and H.pylori infection. METHODS: Seventy patients with GC, 88 with PL, and 33 with chronic superfial gastritis (CSG) were studied. H.pylori was detected by rapid urease test,basic fuchsin stain and 14C-urea breath test. The CagA gene of H.pylori was determined by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The cell gap junction ultrastructure was observed under transmission electronic microscope. RESULTS: Length of junction/unit perimeter of gastric epithelial cells in patients with PL was smaller than that in CSG patients, and the smallest width of the intercellular space was bigger than that in CSG patients. The number of cell junction, the number of junction/unit perimeter, and the length of junction/unit perimeter in patients with GC were all smaller than those in patients with CSG or PL, and its smallest width of the intercellular space was bigger than that in patients with CSG. In patients with GC, the number of cell junction, the number of junction/unit perimeter and the length of junction/unit perimeter in CagA+ H.pylori group were smaller than those in CagA(-) H.pylori group, and its smallest width of the intercellular space was bigger than that in CagA(-) H.pylori group. In PL patients, the intercellular space decreased, and the length of cell junction of gastric epithelial cells became bigger after H.pylori eradication. The length of junction/unit perimeter in patients of H.pylori eradication was bigger than that in patients without eradication, and the smallest width of the intercellular space was smaller than that in patients without eradication. CONCLUSION: The changes of cell gap junction of gastric epithelial cells in patients with GC and PL are associated with H.pylori infection especially CagA+ H.pylori infection. Eradication of H.pylori can promote the formation of cell junction.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: A case report.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare non-inherited condition characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) hamartomatous polyposis, alopecia, onychodystrophy, hyperpigmentation, weight loss and diarrhea. The etiology is most likely autoimmune and diagnosis is based on patient history, physical examination, endoscopic findings of GI polyposis and histology. The disease is very rare; thus far more than 500 cases of CCS have been reported globally. A 58-years-old male with CCS was reported in the present case study. The patient experienced a history of diarrhea and hematochezia for 4 months, with abdominal pain for 1 month and additional nail and toenail loss for half a month. The clinical, endoscopic and histological data confirmed the diagnosis.

Gene expression profiling of nasopharyngeal carcinoma reveals the abnormally regulated Wnt signaling pathway.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a particularly common malignant disease in areas of south China and Southeast Asia. To characterize the gene expression profiling of NPC, we detected the gene expression profiles in 22 NPC and 10 nontumor nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues by complementary DNA microarray. We identified 503 genes that were significantly (P < .001) differentially regulated between NPC and nontumor nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. The differentially expressed genes are involved in many signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, transforming growth factor-beta, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. The aberrant expression of the Wnt signaling pathway components, such as wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5A, Frizzled homolog 7, casein kinase IIbeta, beta-catenin, CREB-binding protein, and Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 2 was validated on the NPC tissue microarrays. The data suggest that the Wnt signaling pathway may be abnormally regulated in NPC, which provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of NPC.

[Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the infection and bacteria resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) to clarithromycin and furazolidone,to determine whether the antibiotic resistance is primary or secondary, and to decide if a new H.pylori infection plays a role in eradication failures. METHODS: Twenty one H.pylori had been isolated from human biopsy specimens, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. DNA fingerprints were generated using random amplification polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to determine the identity of H.pylori before and after the eradication therapy. RESULTS: Eight bacteria resisted against clarithromycin, and one against furazolidone, with the resistant rates 38.1% and 4.8% respectively. The number of primary antibiotic resistance, secondary resistance and new infection was 1 for each. CONCLUSION: Resistance to clarithromycin is more common compared with that to furazolidone. Development of primary and secondary resistance to clarithromycin occurs as a rule in eradication failures. New H.pylori infection plays a role in eradication failures.

[Effect of various uses of propofol on the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and security of different uses of propofol on the sedation during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. METHODS: Four hundred patients who underwent gastroscopy received midazolam and propofol as sedation. Patients were divided to 4 groups with different intervals between midazolam and propofol: Group A and D with the interval of 30 seconds to 1 minute, Group B and C with 3 to 5 minute interval. All patients were premedicated with midazolam and propofol at 16 approximately 25 mg/10s (Group A and B) and 6 approximately 7 mg/10s (Group C and D). RESULTS: The doses of propofol of Group A,B,C, and D were (111.90+/-22.43),(102.20+/-15.99),(73.05+/-13.08) and (80.90+/-17.36)mg respectively, with significant difference(P<0.01). The time of return to consciousness decreased markedly in Group C and D [(9+/-1), (10+/-2)min ], and that of Group A and B was [(14+/-5), (13+/-3)min ]. There was significant difference between Group C, D and Group A, B(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The dose of propofol and the time of return to consciousness depend on the rate of administration and the interval between midazolam and propofol. Appropriate rate and interval can produce safer and more effective sedation for the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure.

[Effect of CagA(+) helicobacter pylori strain on the expression of connexin 43 and cell proliferation in BGC-823 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of CagA(+) Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)strain and anti-H.pylori drugs on the expression of connexin 43(Cx43) and cell proliferation of BGC-823 cells in vitro,and to investigate the relation between the changes of Cx43 expression, cell proliferation of BGC-823 cells and CagA(+)H.pylori. METHODS: BGC-823 cells were co-cultured with CagA(+) H.pylori strain(NCTC J99) or CagA(-) H.pylori strain(NCTC 12908)at bacteria/cells ratio of 20:1,100:1 and 500:1 for 24 hours and 48 hours respectively. anti-H.pylori drugs was given in the group co-cultured at bacteria/cells ratio of 100:1 after 16 hours. In the control group, BGC-823 cells were cultured for 24 hours and 48 hours respectively,but without H.pylori or antij H.pylori drugs. Immunocytochemical SABC method and the image analysis of the computer were applied to detect the changes of Cx43 expression in BGC-823 cells. The cell proliferation was examined by methyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. RESULTS: (1)The expression of Cx43 in the control group after cultivation for 48 hours was higher than that for 24 hours (P< 0.05). The expression of Cx43 in the groups co-cultured with CagA(+) H.pylori strain after cultivation for 48 hours was lower than that co-cultured for only 24 hours, and that of the groups co-cultured with CagA(+) H.pylori strain was lower than that of the control group for both 24 hours and 48 hours (P< 0.05). The expression of Cx43 in the groups at bacteria/cells ratio of 500:1 was lower than that at bacteria/cells ratio of 20:1 and 100:1 for both 24 and 48 hours (P< 0.05),and that at bacteria/cells ratio of 100:1 was lower than that at bacteria/cells ratio of 20:1 for 48 hours (P< 0.05).However, there was no significant difference in Cx43 expression between 24 and 48 hours in the groups co-cultured with CagA(-) H.pylori strain (P>0.05). Cx43 expression in the groups co-cultured with CagA(-) H.pylori strain at the ratio of 100:1 and 500:1 was lower than that in the control group, and Cx43 expression at the ratio of 500:1 was lower than that at the ratio of 20:1 for 24 hours and 48 hours. Cx43 expression increased after the intervention with anti-H.pylori drugs for 48 hours. (2) In the groups co-cultured with CagA(+)H.pylori strain, the optical density value of MTT indicated that the cell proliferation at the bacteria/cells ratio of 100:1 was higher than that in the control group, but no significant difference was found in other two groups co-cultured for 24 hours. After co-culturing for 48 hours, the cell proliferation at the bacteria/cells ratio of 20:1 and 100:1 was significantly accelerated, while the cell proliferation at 500:1 was inhibited. In the groups co-cultured with CagA(-) H.pylori strain,there was no change in the cell proliferation. Intervention with anti-H.pylori drugs could suppress the cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: CagA(+) H.pylori can down-regulate the expression of Cx43 in BGC-823 cells,which is related to the reaction time and the density of H.pylori. Low density of CagA(+)H.pylori suspensions can accelerate the proliferation of BGC-823 cells, while high density can suppress the cell proliferation. The CagA(-) H.pylori has no effect on the cell proliferation. Intervention with anti-H.pylori drugs can up-regulate the expression of Cx43,and suppress the cell proliferation of BGC-823 cells.

[Effects of NGX6 on the transcriptional activation of beta-catenin/TCF/LEF in Wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of NGX6 on the transcriptional activation of beta-catenin/TCF/LEF in Wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway, and to identify the role of NGX6 in Wnt signal pathway. METHODS: The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)-beta-catenin (WT) was constructed. pcDNA3.1(+)-beta-catenin (WT) and pCMV-myc-NGX6 were cotransfected to COS-7 and the transcriptional activity of TCF/LEF was detected by TCF-4 luciferase report system. Without extro-genous beta-catenin, pCMV-myc-NGX6 was transfected alone to COS-7 and colon cancer cell line SW620, and the transcriptional activity of TCF/LEF was detected by TCF-4 luciferase report system, and then the expression of nucleus beta-catenin and TCF-4 was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)-beta-catenin (WT) was successfully constructed. The activation of TCF-4 luciferase report gene in the cotransfection group in COS-7 was less than that in NGX6 alone transfection group (P<0.05). The activation of TCF-4 luciferase report gene in NGX6 alone transfection group without extro-genous beta-catenin was less than that in pCMV-myc transfection group in COS-7 and SW620. The expression of beta-catenin and TCF-4 was decreased after the NGX6 transfection in COS-7 and SW620 cells. CONCLUSION: NGX6 can inhibit the transcriptional activation of beta-catenin/TCF/LEF in Wnt signal pathway by its negative regulation in the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin.

[Intrasplenic tumor model of nude mice in the anti- metastasis roles of NGX6 gene against colon cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a liver metastasis model of nude mice in colon cancer so as to determine the function of NGX6. METHODS: The cells of Group HT-29, pcDNA3.1(+)/HT-29, and pcDNA3.1(+)/NGX6/HT-29 were implanted into the spleen of nude mice, respectively. Everyday we measured the weight of the nude mice and observed their ingestion, movement and mental status. The nude mice were killed after 45 days, and the effect of NGX6 on the malignant behavior of HT-29 was assessed by this experiment. RESULTS: In contrast to the other two groups, the metastasis in the liver and xenograft tumor in the spleen of pcDNA3.1(+)/NGX6/HT-29 group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The metastasis of HT-29 colon cancer cell line was significantly inhibited by NGX6 gene. This model of liver metastasis in the nude mice is a proper model to determine the anti-metastasis mechanism of NGX6 gene.

[Contrast enhanced power Doppler in evaluating the angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of contrast enhanced power Doppler in evaluating tumor angiogenetic activity. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were analysed. Flow signals of hepatocellular carcinoma were observed by power Doppler imaging after the injection of contrast agent, and then the relative perfusion rate and blood flow were assessed. The microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) were assessed by immunohistochemical method. The relationship between the relative perfusion rate,blood flow, MVD,VEGF was studied. RESULTS: The relative perfusion rate in the tissues with positive expression of VEGF was significantly higher than that in the tissues with negative expression of VEGF in hepatocellular carcinoma. There was correlation between the relative perfusion rate, blood flow grade and MVD(P<0.05). The expression of VEGF was positively related to the relative perfusion rate and blood flow grade(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Contrast enhanced power Doppler is useful in evaluating the tumor angiogenetic activity.