Coexistence of Helicobacter pylori spiral and coccoid forms in experimental mice

AIM: To infect mice with Helicobacter pylori and detect immune response against two form of H. pylori.

METHODS: An isolate of H. pylori obtained from a patient with gastric cancer was used to infect mice. Fifty mice were divided into eight groups. Two groups served as negative control without any inoculation and internal negative control with 0.5 M NaHCO₃ and brain heart infusion (HBI), respectively. Mice in each experimental group were first inoculated with 0.5 M NaHCO₃ and then H. pylori suspension for 3 times at a 2-d interval. Mice from controls and infectious groups were sacrificed at a weekly interval postinfection. Gastric samples were trimmed, inoculated onto chocolate blood agar and then incujbated in microaerophilic atmosphere at 37¡æ for 14 d. Sera were examined for immunoglobulins against H. pylori spiral and coccoid antigens by ELISA.

RESULTS: After inoculation H. pylori was isolated in one mouse from one week postinfection. No H. pylori was detected in control mice. However, urease test was positive in 50% (5/10) control mice, 70% (7/10) mice inoculated with NaHCO₃ and BHI and 77% (23/30) mice infected with H. pylori. The systemic immune responses of the mice to H. pylori strain were determined by ELISA. The mice showed immune responses to both H. pylori spiral and coccoid antigens one week after infection with H. pylori. The peak mean absorbances of antibodies against spiral and coccoid forms were four weeks postinfection which showed 6 and 18 times higher than that of negative control group respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Spiral and coccoid forms of H. pylori coexist in experimental mice studied.

Presence of Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells

AIM: To study the expression of Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells in order to analyze the possible relationship between cell growth regulation by alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) and Fas/Bcl-2 proteins.

METHODS: BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells were maintained in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% new-born calf serum. Cells adhered to coverslips were used to detect Fas and Bcl-2 protein expression by the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunocytochemical assay.

RESULTS: Immunocytochemical study showed that essentially all the BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells could express Fas and Bcl-2 proteins, although in various amount. No positive staining for Fas and Bcl-2 proteins was observed when cells were incubated with non-relevant sera, to establish the specificity.

CONCLUSION: Fas apoptosis signals and Bcl-2 rescue/survival signals from apoptosis are expressed in BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells. The finding strongly implys that AFP-mediated cell apoptosis and growth enhancement are potentially associated with Fas and Bcl-2 proteins present in those cells.

Persistence of hepatitis B vaccine immune protection and response to hepatitis B booster immunization

AIM: To identify the persistence of immune protection of China-made, plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine after infancy immunization and the time table of booster immunization.

METHODS: A cross-sectional follow-up study and an experimental study on booster were used for the evaluation of the serological effect 7 years after vaccination and the antibody anamnestic response. Radioimmunoassay was used for the detection of hepatitis B virus markers.

RESULTS: The protective anti-HBs positive rates of 1018 children, who were vaccinated according to the regimen of three doses of 10 μg hepatitis B vaccine in their infancy, declined from 75.0% during the first two years to 48.2% in the 7th year after the first dosage, however, the positive rates for HBsAg and anti-HBc always fluctuated at a low frequency. A total of 144 subjects aged 6 or 7 years, who were negative for both HBsAg and anti-HBc before booster, were selected from 1018 children of the follow-up study, and boosted with 1 μg intradermally or 2 μg hypodermically hepatitis B vaccines. Their anti-HBs GMT and anti-HBs positive rates were 190.6 mIU/mL and 89.6% in the first month after booster, significantly higher than 14.7 mIU/mL and 54.9% before booster (P < 0.01), and declined back to 25.3 mIU/mL and 75.5% in the 12th month; among 65 children with the anti-HBs negative before booster, 40 had a level of anti-HBS ≥ 100 mIU/mL one month after booster, suggesting retention of immune memory in most of them.

CONCLUSION: No need for revaccination against hepatitis B in the 7th year after the initial immunization due to better persistence of immune protection of the vaccine and retention of immune memory to hepatitis B virus in the vast majority of the vaccinees.

Effect of devazepide reversed antagonism of CCK-8 against morphine on electrical and mechanical activities of rat duodenum in vitro

AIM: To study the antagonism of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) against the effect of morphine and its mechanism.

METHODS: The method and mechanical activities of rat duodenum in vitro were recorded simultaneously.

RESULTS: Acetylcholine (ACh) could increase the amplitude and the number of the spike potential (SPA and SPN) of rat duodenum in vitro, followed by the increase of the duodenal contraction amplitudes (CA), showing a positive correlation. Morphine, on the contrary, inhibited the potentiation of ACh, showing a negative correlation. CCK-8 could antagonize the effects of morphine, i.e. the SPA and SPN were increased again, followed by the increase of CA. CCK-A receptor antagonist Devazepide could reverse the antagonism of CCK-8 to the effect of morphine.

CONCLUSION: CCK-8 could antagonize the effect of morphine which inhibited the potentiation of ACh on the duodenal activities in vitro. The antagonistic effect of CCK-8 on morphine was mainly mediated by CCK-A receptor.

In situ hybridization assay of androgen receptor gene in hepatocarcinogenesis

AIM: To determine the correlation between expression of androgen receptor (AR) gene and hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS: Male SD rats were used as experimental animals and the animal model of experimental hepatocarcinoma was established by means of 3’-me-DAB administration. Androgen receptor mRNA was detected by a non-radioactive in situ hybridization assay in neoplastic and non-neoplastic liver tissues.

RESULTS: The expression of androgen receptor mRNA was observed only in neoplasticcells and some atypical hyperplastic cells. In the liver tissue of control animal and the remaining normal liver cells adjacent to the carcinoma tissue, no positive signal was seen.

CONCLUSION: Androgen has an important correlation with hepatocarcinogenesis and the expression of androgen receptor gene might be a mark event during hepatocarcinogenesis.

Experimental study on mechanism and protection of stress ulcer produced by explosive noise

AIM: To establish an experimental model of stress ulcer produced by explosive noise, and to probe into its mechanism and protection.

METHODS: The country standard Wistar white rats were randomly divided into control group (n = 8), which were neither stimulated nor protected, and stimulating group (divided into subgroups A, B and C, including 8 rats each which were decapitated to draw blood for test immediately, 12 h and 24 h after stimulation) and prevention group (divided into subgroups A, B and C, having 8 rats each, subgroup A was given cimetidine, B anisodamine and C both drugs). Firing noises of submachine guns were used as inflicting factor. The rats were fasted for 24 h and stimulated by firing noise for 12 h. The change of ulcer index, gastric mucosal and related serum hormones were observed.

RESULTS: Stress ulcer was significant in the stimulating group, and its ulcer index (8.6 ± 0.6) was remarkably higher than that in both the control group and prevention group (0.3 ± 0.1, P < 0.01). Its serum gastrin (Gas ng/L, 294 ± 163 vs 63 ± 40, P < 0.01) and endothelin (ET ng/L, 181 ± 57 vs 135 ± 42, P < 0.1) were apparently higher than those in the control group, and its serum nitric oxide (NO) level was conspicuously lower than that in the control group (ng/L, 0.2 ± 0.1 vs 0.8 ± 0.5 P < 0.5), while the serum gastrin level (ng/L, 556 ± 225) in prevention group was distinctly higher than that in both the control (P < 0.01) and stimulating group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the changes of ET and NO between the control and the stimulating groups.

CONCLUSION: Stress ulcer model of rats can be successfully established by the stimulation of explosive noise. Gas, ET and NO are related to the formation of stress ulcer, and play an important role in its mechanism. Hepatic function affected by noise is observed in this experiment.

A comparison between Zhishi Xiaopiwan and cisapride in treatment of functional dyspepsia

AIM: To compare the therapeutic effect of the herbal medicine Zhishi Xiaopi with that of Cisapride in the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD).

METHODS: Fifty-one FD patients were randomized into Herbal group (n = 27) and Cisapride group (n = 24). Two two groups were given a four-week treatment of Zhishi Xiaopiwan 100 mL, tid, a.c. and Cisapride 5 mg, tid, a.c. respectively. Patients’ symptoms were assessed and 39 patients’ (22 of Herbal group and 17 of Cisapride group) gastric liquid emptying times were measured with ultrasonography before and after the treatment.

RESULTS: The therapeutic effective rates of Herbal group and Cisapride group were 81.49% and 87.50% (P > 0.05). The half gastric emptying time (GET₅₀) and gastric emptying time (GET) of healthy controls and FD patients were 36.12 min ± 10.22 min vs 52.95 min ± 13.49 min and 87.07 min ± 21.11 min vs 120.74 min ± 23.08 min (P < 0.001). The GET50 and GET of Herbal group before and after the treatment were 51.63 min ± 13.15 min vs 45.62 min ± 10.82 min and 117.34 min ± 23.29 min vs 103.26 min ± 22.19 min (P < 0.01). The results of Cisapride group were 54.66 min ± 14.14 min vs 40.95 min ± 11.29 min and 125.12 min ± 24.47 min vs 95.49 min ± 22.31 min (P < 0.01). The differences in values (median) of GET₅₀ and GET for Herbal group and Cisapride group before and after treatment were 5.75 min vs 17.18 min and 13.22 min vs 33.54 min (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Delayed gastric emptying is one of the pathogenesis of FD. Both Zhishi Xiaopi pills and Cisapride can effectively alleviate the symptoms of FD and accelerate gastric liquid emptying. The effect of Zhishi Xiaopiwan on enhancing gastric motility is comparable with but less than that of Cisapride.

Findings of non-pathologic perfusion defects by CT arterial portography and non-pathologic enhancement of CT hepatic arteriography

AIM: To recognize the characteristic findings of non-pathologic perfusion defects with CT arterial portography (CTAP) and nonpathologic enhancement found in CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA).

METHONDS: The manifestations of nonpathologic perfusion defects with CTAP and non-pathologic enhancement found in CTHA were analyzed in 50 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESULTS: The false-positive rate of perfusion defects detected in CTAP was 15.1%. The shapes of perfusion defects were peripheral wedge, small, round, and patchy. The occurrence rate of non-pathologic enhancement found in CTHA was 22.0%. The shapes of non-pathologic enhancement were small, round, irregular, and wedge.

CONCLUSION: There was high frequency of non-pathologic perfusion defects detected with CTAP and non-pathologic enhancement found in CTHA. The simultaneous use of both procedures may help decrease the false-positive rate, and increase the veracity of diagnosis for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Preliminary study on the production of transgenic mice harboring hepatitis B virus X gene

AIM: To establish transgenic mice lineage harboring hepatitis B virus X gene and to provide an efficient animal model for studying the exact role of the HBx gene in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS: The HBx transgenic mice were produced by microinjecting the construct with X gene of HBV (subtype adr) DNA fragment into fertilzed eggs derived from inbred C57BL/6 strain; transgenic mice were identified by using Nested PCR; expression and phenotype of HBx gene were analyzed in liver from transgenic mic at the age of 8 weeks by RT-PCR, pathologic examination and periodic acid-schiff staining (PAS), respectively.

RESULTS: Five hundred and fourteen fertilized eggs of C57 BL/6 mice were microinjected with recombinant retroviral DNA fragment, and 368 survival eggs injected were transferred to the oviducts of 18 pseudopregnant recipient mice, 8 of them became pregnant and gave birth to 20 F1 offspring. Of 20 offsprings, four males and two females carried the hybrid gene (HBx gene). Four male mice were determined as founder, named X1, X5, X9 and X15. These founders were back crossed to set up F1 generations with other ibred C57BL/6 mice or transgenic littermates, respectively. Transmission of HBx gene in F1 offspring of X1, X5 and X9 except in X15 followed Mendelian rules. The expression of HBx mRNA was detected in liver of F1 offspring from the founder mice (X1 and X9), which showed vacuolation lesion and glycogen positive foci.

CONCLUSION: Transgenic mice harboring HBx gene were preliminarily established.

Segmental transcatheter arterial embolization for primary hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of segmental transcatheter arterial embolization for primary hepatocellular carcinoma, and to recognize the menifestation and clinical value of lipiodol overflow into portal veins surrounding the tumors.

METHODS: A total of 50 cases of nonresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma underwent segmental transcatheter arterial embolization. Two methods of superselective segmental catheterization were used, one was the method of wire-guiding, and the other the technic of co-axial infusion catheter.

RESULTS: The 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year cumulative survival rates of 50 cases with segmental transcatheter arterial embolization for primary hepatocellular carcinoma were 83.8%, 65.4%, 42.9% and 24.5% respectively. The in cidence of the lipiodol overflow into portal veins was 64%. The overflow of lipiodol intoportal veins, represented as 3-5 grade branches of portal veins visualized by lipiodol, was “star-like” or “tree-like”, and there was a relatively large vessel in the center surrounded with radicalized small branches of vessels.

CONCLUSION: The lipiodol overflow into portal veins was one of the signs of complete embolization for tumors, and may play a partial role in embolizating the portal venous supply for hepatocellular carcinoma.

A cross-sectional study on HGV infection in a rural population

AIM: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and clinical significance of HGV infection, and to compare with HBV and HCV infections.

METHODS: Anti-HGV, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HCV were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassys (EIA). Anti-HGV positive sera were further tested for HGV RNA by a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR).

RESULTS: The anti-HGV prevalence rate was 12.9% in the rural population. It was relatively low in children under 10 years of age, and then increased with age and peaked in the group of 50-59 years (29.2%). The Carrier rate of HBsAg was 12.6% in the population and quickly reached the highest (16.2%) in the 5-year age group. The prevalence rate of HBV infection was 64.9%, and rose to a high level in the group of 10 years, and maintained high till up to the top of 79.2% in the 50-59 age group. The HCV infection rate was 15.3%. No Anti-HCV positive cases were found in the group under 10 years of age. It was particularly high in the 20-40 age group, and reached the peak in the group of 30 years old. No significant differences were found in the infection rates of HBV, HCV and HGV between male and female. HGV infection was associated with the history of blood donation and the sexual transmission. The anti-HGV positive rate in wives of husbands with HGV infection was 53.3%, significantly higher than that in those with anti-HGV negative husbands (7.8%). HGV coinfection with HBV or HCV had no influence on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). No ALT elevation was found in the group with HGV infection alone.

CONCLUSION: The epidemiological characteristics of HGV infection are different from that of HBV and HCV. HGV is transmitted by blood and sex, and does not seem to cause liver damage.

Effects of Fuzhenghuayu decoction on collagen synthesis of cultured hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes and fibroblasts in rats

AIM: To study the mechanism of Fuzhenghuayu (FZHY) decoction on anti-liver fibrosis.

METHODS: FZHY 10% decoction sera was incubated with rat normal subcultured hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and fibrotic primarily cultured HSC, normal and fibrotic hepatocytes and subcultured skin fibroblasts seperately. Cell intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates were measured by the method of [³H] Proline impulse and collagenase digestion.

RESULTS: For primarily cultured HSC and hepatocytes, both of intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates decreased in the drug sera group. For the normal subcultured HSC and primarily cultured hepatocytes, the extracellular collagen secretion was decreased obviously by the drug sera, and intracellular collagen synthesis rates were inhibited to some extents. For fibroblasts, both intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates were inhibited somewhat, but no significant differences were found.

CONCLUSION: The mechanism of FZHY decoction on anti-liver fibrosis may be associated with inhibition of liver collagen production.

Study on the role of free fatty acids in proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (II)

AIM:To study the role of free fatty acids (arachidonic acid and linoleic acid) in proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC).METHODS:HSC were isolated and cultured from liver of Wistar rats by in situ perfusion with pronase and collagenase, and density gradient centrifugation with Nycodenz.MTT colorimetric assay was detected for HSC proliferation.RESULTS:Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid had an effect on proliferation of HSC. 25mg/L of arachidonic acid promoted HSC proliferation (P < 0.01), but 50 and 100mg/L had an inhibitory effect on HSC (P < 0.01),and showed cytotoxity on HSC under inverted microscope; 6.25, 12.5, 25ug/ml of linoleic acid had no effect on HSC proliferation (P > 0.05), but with concentration increasing, 50 and 100mg/L of linoleic acid might promote HSC proliferation (P < 0.05 or 0.01 ).CONCLUSION:Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid may promote HSC proliferation, but increased concentration can have cytotoxity on HSC. Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid might be associated with fatty liver and hepatic fibrogenesis by lipid peroxidation.

Immuno-protective effect of tumor cell vaccine on Kunming mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor

AIM: To evaluate the immunity of chemically modified tumor cell vaccine.

METHODS: Tumor cell vaccines (TCV) were prepared by incubating the live Ehrlich ascites tumor cells with concanavalin A-mitomycin C (ConA-MMC), mitomycin C (MMC), concanavalin A-glutaraldehyde (ConA-Glu), glutaraldehyde ( Glu ), or paraformaldehyde ( Para ), respectively. The whole cell or soluble forms of the vaccines were administered intraperitoneally into Kunming mice once a week for three times prior to the intraperitoneal inoculation of a lethal dose of live tumor cells. A second challenge with live tumor cells was given four weeks later. Survival and antibody production of the mice were analyzed.

RESULTS: After the first challenge, the mice, received whole TCV of ConA-MMC, MMC (P < 0.01) and Glu (P < 0.05) promoted survival incidence than the controls. All the treated mice had the survival time prolonged. ConA-MMC vaccine treated mice had longer survival days than that of ConA-Glu ones (P < 0.05). For the soluble TCV immunized mice, those treated with vaccines of Para (P < 0.01), ConA-Para and ConA-Glu (P < 0.05) had longer survival periods compared with that of the controls. Following the second challenge, survival incidence of the mice received vaccines of ConA-MMC, MMC, ConA-Glu or Glu was significantly increased (P < 0.01). Moreover, all the treated mice had the survival time prolonged, and ConA-MMC vaccine treated mice had longer survival days than that of Para treated ones (P < 0.05). Antibodies against Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were found to be positive in sera of the mice treated with whole TCV of ConA-MMC.

CONCLUSION: Ehrlich ascites tumor cells are immunogenic when treated with ConA-MMC, MMC, ConA-Glu, Glu or Para, which might act as safe and effective tumor vaccines with safety and effectiveness.

Sequencing of PCR amplified HBV DNA pre-c and c regions in the 2.2.15 cells and antiviral action by targeted antisense oligonucleotide directed against sequence

AIM: To study the specific inhibition of HBV gene expression by liver-targeting antisense oligonucleotide (ASON) directed against pre-c and cregious in a sequence specific manner.

METHODS: According to the result of direct sequencing of PCR amplified products, a 16-mer phosphorothioate analogue of the antisense oligonucleotide (PS-ASOn) directed against the HBV U-5-like region was synthesized and then linked with one live-targeting ligand, the galactosylated poly-L-lysine.Their effect on the expression of HBV gene was observed using the 2.2.15 cells.

RESULTS: HBV DNA in the 2.2.15 cells was from HBV with surface antigen subtype ayw 1 by sequencing so that antisense oligonucleotides could bind specifically to the target sequence through base piring. Under the same experimental conditions, the inhibitory rates of PS-ASON to HBsAg and HBeAg were 70% and 58% at a concentration of 10 μmol/L, while by ligand-PS-ASON they were 96% and 82%, the amount of HBV DNA in cultured supernatant and cells was reduced significantly. An unrelated sequence oligonucleotide showed no effectiveness. All the oligonucleotides had no cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION: Antisense oligonucleotides complexed by the liver-targeting ligand can be targeted to cells via asialoglycoprotein receptors, resulting in supecific inhibition of HBV gene expression and replication.

Changes in erythrocyte membrane ATPases and plasma lipid peroxides in upper abdominal surgery under intravenous procaine-balanced anesthesia

AIM: To observe the changes in erythrocyte membrane ATPases and plasma lipid peroxides (LPO) patients with in abdominal surgery under intravenous procaine balanced anesthesia.

METHODS: By determining the ATPase activities of erythrocyte membrane, effects of upper abdominal surgery under intravenous procaine-balanced anesthesia on the function of erythrocytes were observed in 15 patients undergoing cholecystectomy and gastrectomy (5 males and 10 females, aged 45.9 ± 10.20 years and weighed 60.60 kg ± 11.93 kg). All patients were free from severe renal,hepatic, pulmonary, cardiac, metabolic and endocrinological diseases and acute infection for at least 2 weeks before surgery. Patients receiving any drug known to affect carbohydrate metabolism prior to anesthesia were excluded from the study.

RESULTS: Erythrocyte membrane Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, Mg²⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺-ATPase activities were not significantly changed 60 min-90 min after incision as compared with 30min before anesthesia, but were decreased markedly 10min and 24 h after completion of operation (P ＜ 0.01). Plasma lipid peroxides (LPO) were increased significantly 24 h after surgery (P ＜ 0.01) following an initially marked but transient reduction. Plasma LPO changes were not correlated with erythrocyte membrane ATPase activities, r = -0.0396, -0.0097 and 0.4383, respectively (P ＞ 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Abdominal surgical trauma under intravenous procaine-balanced anesthesia may be associated with the decreased ATPase activities of erythrocyte membrane and increased LPO in plasma.

Helicobacter pylori acquistion of metronidazole resistance by natural transformation in vitro

AIM: To study whether Helicobacter pylori is naturally transformable.

METHODS: Transformation was performed in BHI broth supplemented with horse serum and yeast extract. Genomic DNA extracted from a metronidazole resistant H.pylori strain was added to H. pylori broth culture. The mixture was incubated at microaerophilic atmosphere. The DNA-treated cells were plated on blood agar containing 8 mg/L metronidazole to select for transformants. Sterile distilled water was used as a negative DNA control. The DNA profiles of transformants were compared with that of their parent strains by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting.

RESULTS: Transformation of H. pylori with DNA from a metronidazole resistant strain as a marker was demonstrated. Out of the 12 strains of H. pylori tested, 9 (75%) strains were found to be transformable. The transformation frequencies ranged from 3.4 × 10^-6 to 2.4 × 10^-4. By RAPD, DNA fingerprints of the transformants and their parent strains showed no change in DNA profiles though transformants were all resistant to metronidazole as compared with their metronidazole-sensitive parent strains.

CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori is naturally transformable which might be one of the ways that H. pylori develops resistance to metronidazole.

Nutritional status in non-alcoholic subclinical porto-systemic encephalopathy

AIM: To understand the role of nutritional status in cirrhotic patients without clinical porto-systemic encephalopathy (PSE).

METHODS: Fifty-one non-alcoholic patients with cirrhosis without PSE were studied prospectively and compared with 20 healthy volunteers. The nutritional evaluation included serum prealbumin, albumin, transferrin, body mass index ( BMI ), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), and grip power. The occurrence of subclinical PSE ( SPSE ) was defined when N20-N65 inter-peak latencies of median nerve-stimulated somatosensory evoked potentials were > 2.5 standard deviations of control means. Blood chemistries were tested within 12 h of somatosensory evoked potentials test and nutritional evaluation.

RESULTS: Twenty-five, 17 and 9 cirrhotic patients were graded as Child-Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively. Twenty-four (47.1%) patients developed SPSE. Cirrhotic patients with SPSE had lower serum albumin (2.8 mg/L ± 5 mg/L vs 31 mg/L ± 7 mg/L, P < 0.001) levels than those without SPSE. Prealbumin (106mg/L ± 57mg/L vs 125 mg/L ± 58 mg/L), transferrin (1.64 g/L ± 0.46 g/L vs 1.78 g/L ± 0.58 g/L), BMI (23.7 kg/m²± 2.7 kg/m²vs 25.3 kg/m²± 3.6 kg/m²), MAMC (22.2 cm ± 2.6 cm vs 22.7 cm ±3.5 cm), and grip power (26.3 kg ± 6.4 kg vs 26.9 kg ± 6.8 kg) were not different between cirrhotic patients with and without SPSE. N20-N65 inter-peak latencies were correlated with serum albumin levels (P = 0.01) but not with prealbumin, transferrin, BMI, MAMC, or grip power. Serum albumin, prealbumin and transferrin levels were different among cirrhotic patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C (P < 0.05). BMI, MAMC, and grip power were not different among Child-Pugh classes A, B and C.

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that serum albumin level is a simple test in the evaluation of nutritional status in patients with cirrhosis.

Protection of gastric mucosa from ethanol induced injury by recombinant epidermal growth factor in rats

AIM: To determine whether recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) can protect gastric mucosa against ethanol induced injury in rats.

METHOD: Fifty-four SD rats weighing 200 g-500 g each were divided into six groups after fasting for 24 h. Three groups received different doses of oral rhEGF (30, 60 and 120μg·kg^-1·d^-1), one group was given cimetidine, one subcutaneous rhEGF (rhEGF IV) and one received saline as control.

RESULTS: Acute gastric dilatation developed in the control and cimetidine groups and bloody gastric juice was found in the control group. The ulcer index was 58 in control group, 53 in rhEGF I, 46 in rhEGF II (P < 0.01), 11 in rhEGF III (P < 0.01), 19 in rhEGF IV (P < 0.01), and 39 in cimetidine group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: rhEGF protected gastric mucosa against ethanol induced damage. The effect was dose-dependent with blood levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) at a dosage range of 60μg·kg^-1·d^-1-20 μg·kg^-1·d^-1. It was more effective by injection than via oral route at the same dosage.

Study of portal vein embolization with absolute ethanol injection in cirrhotic rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of portal vein embolization (PVE) with absolute ethanol injection on the cirrhotic livers.

METHODS: Absolute ethanol was injected intraportally into normal and cirrhotic SD rats and the changes of the animals in anatomy, pathology, liver function as well as portal hemodynamics were observed.

RESULTS: At a dose of 0.05mL/ 100g of ethanol, the survival rate was 100% in normal rats compared with 40.9% in cirrhotic rats. PVE in the cirrhotic rats with 0.03 mL/100 g of ethanol, caused significant hypertrophy in non-embolized lobes, mild or moderate damage to the hepatic parenchyma, slight and transient alterations in liver function, portal pressure and portal flow.

CONCLUSION: PVE with absolute ethanol injection in the setting of liver cirrhosis could be safe at an appropriate dose, and precautions aimed at preserving liver function were preferable.

Effect of combined therapy of Yinchenhao Chengqi decoction and endoscopic sphincterotomy for endotoxemia in acute cholangitis

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of Yinchenhao Chengqi ( YCHCQ ) decoction (containing mainly Herba Artemisia capillaris) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for endotoxemia (ETM) in acute cholangitis.

METHODS: Twenty-one cases of acute cholangitis with ETM were divided randomly into two groups: group A, 10 patients treated with YCHCQ decoction combined with EST, group B, 11 patients treated with EST. The incidence rate of ETM, plasmic ET, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), complement C3 and C-reactive protein (CRP) were studied respectively.

RESULTS: The ET level of group A (35.92 ng/L ± 8.30 ng/L) was significantly reduced after 7 days of treatment (P < 0.05) in contrast to that of group B (47.8 ng/L ± 11.62 ng/L), so did the level of MDA and CRP. But the SOD activity and C₃ level in group A increased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: YCHCQ decoction combined with EST had a beneficial effect for ETM in acute cholangitis.

Transduction of Fas gene or Bcl-2 antisense RNA sensitizes cultured drug resistant gastric cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs

AIM: To compare the expression level of Fas gene and Bcl-2 gene in gastric cancer cells SGC7901 and gastric cancer multidrug resistant cells (MDR) SGC7901/VCR, to transduce Fas cDNA and Bcl-2 antisense nucleic acid into SGC7901/VCR cells respectively, and to observe the expression of two genes in transfectants and non-transfectants as well as their drug sensitivity.

METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector pBK-Fas cDNA and pDOR-anti Bcl-2 were constructed and transfected into SGC7901/VCR cells by lipofectamine,respectively. Northern blot and Western blot were used to detect the expression of mRNA and protein in SGC7901/VCR and SGC7901 cells and transfectants, and drug sensitivity of transfectants for VCR, CDDP and 5-FU was analyzed with MTT assay.

RESULTS: After gene transfection, 80 for Fas and 120 for antisense Bcl-2 drug-resistant clones were selected from 2 × 10⁵ cells, transfection rate being 0.04% and 0.06%. Two clones of SGC7901 Fas/VCR cells and SGC7901 anti Bcl-2/VCR cells were randomly selected for further incubation. Hybridization results showed that the expression level of Fas mRNA and protein in SGC7901/VCR cells was much lower, but that of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein was higher than that in SGC7901 cells. The expression of Fas mRNA and protein in SGC7901 Fas/VCR cells was higher, and of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein was lower in SGC7901 anti Bcl-2/VCR cells than that in non-transfectants. MTT assay showed that transfectants were more sensitive to VCR, CDDP, 5-FU than non-transfectants.

CONCLUSION: Bcl-2 gene displayed high expression while Fas gene had low expression in drug resistant gastric cancer cells. Expression of Bcl-2 protein was effectively blocked in SGC7901 anti Bcl-2/VCR cells by gene transfection. In contrast, the expression of Fas mRNA and protein in SGC7901 Fas/VCR cells increased. Fas gene and Bcl-2 antisense nucleic acid transfection sensitized drug resistant gastric cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. These results suggest cell apoptosis plays an important role in the mechanism of MDR, and enhancing apoptosis might reverse MDR.

Clinical and experimental study of effect of Raondix Salviae Militiorrhiza and other blood-activating and stasis-eliminating Chinese herbs on hemodynamics of portal hypertension

AIM: To study the effects of Radix Salviae Militiorrhiza (RSM), other blood-activating and stasis-eliminating Chinese herbs on hemodynamics of portal hypertension.

METHODS: Portal pressure of cirrhotic dogs after chronic common bile duct ligation was measured directly; portal blood flow in patients with liver cirrhosis were detected by ultrasound Doppler.

RESULTS: After administration of RSM and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (RAS) by intravenous infusion in cirrhosis dogs, the portal venous pressure (Ppv), wedge hepatic venous pressure (WHVP), hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), were significantly decreased (P < 0.05-0.01), but the mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the heart rate (HR) remained unchanged. When nifedipine was used, Ppv, WHVP, MAP and HR were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the MVPG unchanged (P < 0.05). After administration of RSM, RSM + nifedipine and RSM + Hirudin + Nifedpin for 10-12 weeks, the diameter of portal vein (Dpv), spleen vein (Dsv), the portal venous flow (Qpv) and splenic venous flow (Qsv) in patients with hepatic cirrhosis were significantly lowered (P < 0.05-0.01), and the effect of RAS was weaker.

CONCLUSION: The efficacy of decreasing Ppv by Chinese herbs－RSM, RAS, etc. as compared with nifedipine, demonstrated that the Chinese herbs were slower in action than that of nifedipine, but more long-lasting and without side effects. Hence, long-term administration of Chinese herbs, would be more beneficial.

Liver metastasis models of human colorectal carcinoma established in nude mice by orthotopic transplantation and their biologic characteristic

AIM: To establish a liver metastasis model of human colorectal carcinoma in nude mice. METHODS: Orthotopic transplantation of histologically intact colorectal tissues from patients into colorectal mucosa of nude mice. Tumorgenicity, invasion, metastasis and morphological characteristics of the transplanted tumors were studied by light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Liver metastasis models of human colon carcinoma (HCA-HMN-1) and human rectal carcinoma (HRA-HMN-2) were established after sceening from 34 colorectal carcinomas.They had been passaged in vivo for 18 and 21 generations respectively. There were lymphatic, hemotogenous and implanting metastasesis. CEA secretion was maintained after transplantation. The primary and liver metastatic tumors were similar to the original human carcinoma in histopathological and ultrastructural features, DNA content and chromosomal karyotype.

CONCLUSION: The liver metastasis models provide useful tools for the study of mechanism of metastasis and its treatment of human colorectal cancer.

Relationship between expression of CD44v6 and nm23-H1 and tumor invasion and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To detect the expression of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by in situ hybridization, and to evaluate the relationship between their expression and also relationship between their expressions and tumor invasion and metastasis.

METHODS: CD44v6 cDNA probe was synthesized with PCR technique and the nm23-H1 cRNA probe by in vitro transcription. The expression of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization.

RESULTS: In group with high invasion and metastasis potential, the positive rates of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA were 80% (8/10) and 40% (4/10),in group with poor invasion and metastasis potential, they were 21.7% (5/23) and 91.3% (21/23). There was a positive correlation between the expression of CD44v6 mRNA and tumor invasion and metastasis potential in HCC (P < 0.01), and a reverse correlation between the expression of nm23-H1 mRNA and tumor invasion and metastasis potential (P < 0.01) and a reverse correlation in the expression between CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA in HCC (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Detection of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23-H1 mRNA may be useful for tumor invasion and metastasis in HCC.

Modulation of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus on gastric motility in rats

AIM: To investigate whether the arcuate nucleus (ARC) could modulate gastric motility, and if so, what are the mechanisms or pathways.

METHODS: Wistar rats, anaesthetized with urethan, parameters of stimulation and electrolytic lesion sites were determined according to the Paxinos and Watson “ATLAS of rat brain in steriotaxic coordinate”. Intragastric pressure ( IGP ) and gastric motility were measured by Reybould¡äs method.

RESULTS: Electrical stimulation of ARC could obviously decrease the IGP by 42.2% ± 5.4%, n = 15, P < 0.01, and the phasic gastric contractions disappeared. The analysis showed that the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe (DR) nuclei may be involved in central, but without the invovement of β-endorphinergic neurons rich in the ARC, while in periphery, the peripheral neural pathways are both vagus and sympathetic nerves. The fibers in vagus may be non-cholinergic. Humoral factors may also be involved. At the receptor level, Tonic action of adrenergic nerve in the stomach is mainly inhibitory; β-receptors, which may be present on the stomach wall and mediate inhibition; and α-receptors, which come into play through vagus, mediate inhibition, but those present on the smooth muscle mediate sympathetic excitation. Microinjection of TRH into ARC could significantly increase the IGP by 183.02% (0.53 kPa ± 0.08 kPa vs 1.5 kPa ± 0.6 kPa, n = 10, P < 0.001), the rate and amplitude of phasic gastric contraction were also increased (3 cpm vs 6 cpm-8 cpm). The peripheral pathway of such excitatory effects were transmitted with cholinergic vagus nerve mediated by M-receptor.

CONCLUSION: ARC could modulate gastric motility biphasically, inhibitory and excitatory, depending on the nature of stimuli.

Basaloid squamous carcinoma of esophagus: a clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study of sixteen cases

AIM: To further clarify the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic features, and prognostic aspect of basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC), a rare esophageal carcinoma.

METHODS: We reviewed 763 documented cases of esophageal malignancies (1977-1996) from our hospital, and discovered 16 (2.1%) cases of BSC. The clinicopathological features of these cases were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry (S-P method), histochemical stains, and electron microscopy were used to further characterize the neoplasm.

RESULTS: The tumors were classified into stages I (n = 1), IIA (n = 6), IIB (n = 2), III (n = 5), and IV (n = 2) according to the criteria of the UICC TNM classification system of malignant tumors (1987). Most neoplasms were located in the mid third of the esophagus. Grossly, they had a similar appearance of conventional esophageal carcinoma, but showed a typical cytoarchitectural pattern of BSC histologically. The most important histologic feature of this tumor is carcinoma with a basaloid pattern, intimately associated with squamous cell carcinoma, dysplasia, or focal squamous differentiation. The basaloid cells were round to oval in shape with scant cytoplasm, arranged mainly in the form of solid, smooth-contoured lobules with peripheral palisading. A panel of immunostains were used for the basaloid component of the tumor with the following results: CK (Pan) 14/16 (+); EMA 16/16 (+); Vimentin 4/16 (+); S-100 protein 7/16 (+). CEA and smooth muscle actin were negative. Electron microscopy (EM) revealed that the basaloid cells were poorly differentiated, with a few desmosomes and fibrils, and numerous free and polyribosome. Of the 11 patients with adequate follow-up 8 died within 2 years, with an average survival time of 16.2 months. No stage II, III or IV cases survived beyond 5 years. The one-year survival rate was 60% and two-year 20%.

CONCLUSION: The BSC of esophagus is a distinct clinicopathological entity with poor prognosis. The cellular differentiation and biologic behavior of esophageal BSC were assumed to occupy a station intermediate between that of conventional squamous cell carcinoma and small undifferentiated cell carcinoma.

Interaction between cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and vincristine on human hepatoma cell line (7721)

AIM: To evaluate the killing effects of CDDP, 5-Fu and VCR on human hepaoma cell line (7721).

METHODS: The median-effect principle was used.

RESULTS: Killing effects of the individual drug were enhanced as the median concentration increased. Antagonism was produced when two drugs were used at a higher concentration (CI > 1), and synergism was achiened when CI < 1. Finally, the effect was influenced by both the ratios of drug concentration and the sequence of administration.

CONCLUSION: The drug administration order and drug concentrations are significant factors that need to be considered in clinical practice.

Expression and significance of HBV genes and their antigens in human primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To explore the etiology and pathogenesis of human primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the expression of HBV genes and HBV-antigens was detected in the cancerous tissue and its surrounding hepatic tissues.

METHODS: HBV-antigens were detected by immunohistochemical technique and HBV genes were examined with in situ hybridization.

RESULTS: In 20 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, the positive detection rate of HBxAg, pre-S1, pre-S2, HBsAg and HBcAg was 75%, 40%, 40%, 10% and 0%, respectively, and in the surrounding hepatic tissues of 19 cases the positive rates were 84.2%, 47.9%, 47.9%, 31.6% and 31.6%. Among 40 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, the positive rate of HBVDNA, x-gene, pre-s gene, s gene and s gene fell on 77.5%, 70.0%, 47.5%, 40% and 42.5%, respectively, and of the surrounding hepatic tissues in 33 cases, 87.9%, 84.8%, 63.6%, 69.7% and 66.7%.

CONCLUSION: The development of human primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma bears a close relationship with chronic persistent HBV infection. Particularly, the x gene of HBV and its protein (HBxAg) might play an important role in pathogenesis of hepatic carcinoma.

Gene therapy for human colorectal carcinoma using human CEA promoter controled bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin genes: PEA and DTA gene transfer

AIM: To establish a tissue-specific gene therapy for colorectal carcinoma using bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin genes.

METHODS: Pseudomonas exotoxin A domain II +III (PEA) was cloned from genomic DNA of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PEA and diphtheria toxin A chain gene (DTA) were modified to express eukaryotically. After sequencing, the toxin genes under the control of human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) promoter were cloned into retroviral vectors to construct CEAPEA and CEADTA respectively. In vitro cotransfection of the constructs with luciferase vectors and in vivo gene transfer in nude mice were subsequently carried out.

RESULTS: Both CEAPEA and CEADTA specifically inhibited the reporter gene expression in the CEA positive human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells in vitro. Direct injection of CEAPEA and CEADTA constructs into the established human tumors in BALB/c nude mice led to significant and selective reductions in CRC tumor size as compared with that in control groups.

CONCLUSION: The toxin genes, working as therapeutic genes, are suitable for the tissue-specific gene therapy for colorectal carcinoma.

Traditional Chinese medicine "Qing Yi Tang" alleviates oxygen free radical injury in acute necrotizing pancreatits

AIM: To observe the changes in oxygen free radical (OFR) and the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine “Qing Yi Tang” in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP).

METHODS: After induction of ANP by injection of sodium taurocholate into pancreatic duct, 16 dogs were randomly divided into control group and Chinese medicine group. Serum amylase, SOD and MDA were determined on postoperative day 1, 2, 4 and 7. The animals were sacrificed on day 7. SOD and MDA in organs were determined, and pathological changes in pancreas were observed.

RESULTS: As compared with control group, the serum level of amylase (734 U/L vs 2783 U/L) and MDA (7.8 nmol/mL vs 14.8 nmol/mL) in Chinese medicine group were decreased on day 7 (P < 0.05), while SOD increased significantly (281 nU/mL vs 55 nU/mL, P < 0.01), and similar changes occurred in MDA and SOD in organs, especially in the pancreas; the pathological changes in the pancreas were alleviated as well.

CONCLUSION: “Qing Yi Tang” is effective in clearing OFRs and alleviating pathological changes in ANP.

Orientated thermotherapy of ferromagnetic thermoseed in hepatic tumors

AIM: To study the thermotherapeutic effects of implanted ferromagnetic thermoseeds in high frequency electromagnetic field in hepatic tumors.

METHODS: The ferromagnetic thermoseeds made of nickel-copper alloy, which has a lower Curie temperature, were implanted into hepatic tumors of mice. The high frequency electromagnetic field was then applied in vitro to make the ferromagnetic thermoseeds produce the hyperthermia. Before and after thermotherapy, the tumor size, pathologic alteration and animal survival period were assessed.

RESULTS: The temperature at the central area of the tumor could be heated up to 50 °C. Most of tumors in mice disappeared with a large amount of tumor necrosis. The survival period of mice was prolonged.

CONCLUSION: This thermotherapy is beneficial to directional selection and temperature control for treatment of hepatic tumors.

Reversing effect of Tanshinone on malignant phenotypes of human hepatocarcinoma cell line

AIM: To study the reversing effect of Chinese drug tanshinone on malignant phenotype of cancer cells.

METHODS: Human hepatocarcinoma cell line (SMMC-7721) was treated in vitro with 0.5 mg/L tanshinone for 4 days, and variation in cell differentiation wasdetected.

RESULTS: The morphology of cancer cells was tended toward well differentiation and cell growth was markedly inhibited. BrdU uptake assay and immunohistochemical stain of PCNA showed that the BrdU labeling rate and PCNA positive rate were lower than the controls, but no difference was found statistically as compared with all transretinoic acid. Flow cytometric assay demonstrated that S phase cells decreased and G0/G1 phase cells increased. Expression of c-myc oncogene protein decreased but the c-fos oncogene protein markedly increased.

CONCLUSION: Tanshinone could reverse the inducing differentiation in human hepatocarcinoma cells (SMMC-7721). It may become a new prospective inducer of cell differentiation to treat cancers.

Role and pitfalls of hepatic helical multi-phase CT scanning in differential diagnosis of small hemangioma and small hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To compare and analyze the contrast enhancement appearance of small hemangioma (SHHE) and small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) with helical multi-phase CT scanning so as to determine their roles and pitfalls in the differential diagnosis of SHHE and SHCC.

METHODS: The pre and postcontrast CT scanning of the liver in 73 cases (38 SHHE, 35 SHCC) were carried out. The first phase scan of the entire liver began at 30s after the injection of contrast medium, the second and third phases began at 70s, and 4 min respectively. The contrast enhancement patterns and characteristics of all lesions were observed and compared.

RESULTS: In SHHE, 64.29% (27/42) had typical manifestations in two-phase dynamic scanning, such as peripheral dramatic high-density enhancement of the lesions with progressive opacification from the periphery toward the center, 30.95% (13/42) were hyperdense in both phases and 4.76% (2/42) were hypodense in both phases. In the third phase scanning, 96.67% (28/30) of SHHE were hyperdense and isodense. In SHCC 59.52% (25/42) presented typical appearances, such as hyperdense in the first phase and hypodense in the second phase, 23.81% (10/42) were hyperdense in the first phase and isodense in the second phase with 4.76% (2/42) of hypodense in both phases. In the third phase scanning, 85.71% (24/28) of SHCC were hypodense.

CONCLUSION: According to the contrast enhancement patterns of SHHE and SHCC in the two-phase or multi-phase scanning by helical CT, diagnosis can be established in the majority of lesions, while some atypical cases needed MRI for further investigation.

Copper-chelating therapeutic effect in Wilson disease with different clinical phenotypes and polymorphisms of ATP7B gene

AIM: To investigate the copper-chelating therapeutic effect in Wilson disease (WD) with different clinical phenotypes and polymorphisms of ATP7B gene.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two WD patients with different clinicalphenotypes were given DMPS intravenously and Gandou copper-chelating tablet orally for one month. The therapeutic effect was judged by modified Goldstein mothod. Exon 18 of ATP7B gene extracted from the DNA of patients and 20 healthy volunteers was amplified with PCR mutation and polymorphism were screened with SSCP technique.

RESULTS: Four kinds of abnormal migration bands in PCR-SSCP were observed in 37 WD patients, mutation frequencies of three different disease phenotypes, and curative effect between mutation group and non-mutation group showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05), but the total effectiveness rates in patients with Wilson type or pseudosclerosis type were significantly higher than those of patients with hepatic type ( χ² = 6.17, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Most WD patients are compound heterozygotes, the patients with different clinical phenotypes have different response to copper-chelating therapy. Specific mutation, at least in part, plays a role in influencing the disease phenotypes and therapeutic effect.

Anal cancer in Chinese: human papillomavirus infection and altered expression of p53

AIM: To detect the presence of HPV DNA and study the alteration of p53 expression in anal cancers in Chinese.

METHODS: HPV DNA was amplified by PCR. The amplified HPV DNA was classified by DBH. HPV antigen and p53 expression were respectively detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: HPV DNA was amplified only in one case of squamous cell carcinoma of the 72 Chinese anal cancers and further classified as HPV type 16. Others were all HPV negative. HPV antigen and p53 expression were also detected in this case. Positive stainings with anti-p53 antibody were seen in 61.2% anal cancers. There were no statistically significant differences between anal squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas and between anal adenocarcinomas and rectal adenocarcinomas. p53 protein expression was observed in the basal cells of squamous epithelium of condyloma acuminatum and morphologically normal squamous epithelium in 2 cases invaded by anal adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION: HPV infection was not associated with these cases of anal cancer. p53 alteration was a common event. Positive p53 immunostaining can not be regarded as a marker for differentiating benign from malignant lesions.

Apoptosis and its relationship with cell proliferation, p53, Waf1p21, bcl-2 and c-myc in esophageal carcinogenesis studied with a high-risk population in northern China

AIM: To determine the extent of apoptosis and its possible relationship with the changes of p53, Waflp21, bcl-2, and c-myc at different stages of esophageal carcinogenesis.

METHODS: Two hundred and forty-one esophageal biopsy samples from symptom-free subjects and 38 surgically resected esophageal carcinoma tissues from a high-risk population for esophageal cancer in Henan, China were used in this study. Apoptotic cells and apoptotic bodies were identified by well-established morphological criteria. The extent of apoptosis and its possible relationship with the rate of cell proliferation (PCNA) and changes of p53, Waf1p21, bcl-2, and c-myc were analyzed in samples with esophageal precancerous and cancerous lesions.

RESULTS: The apoptotic cells, identified morphologically, were located in the same proliferative compartment of hyperproliferative cell population in the esophageal epithelia as the cells immunostaining-positive for p53, bcl-2, c-myc and PCNA.The apoptotic indices (total number of apoptotic cells and apoptotic bodies per mm² of the tissue section) were low in the normal epithelia, and increased significantly as the lesions progressed from BCH to DYS and to SCC. The extent of apoptosis correlated well with the cell proliferation indices based on PCNA. The total number of positive cells for p53 stain was much higher than that of apoptotic cells. No difference in apoptotic indices was found between p53-positive and p53-negative samples. Waf1p21-positive cells resided in cell layers were higher in number than p53 and PCNA-positive cells. The number of immunostaining positive cells for Waflp21 increased slightly from normal to BCH, but decreased in DYS and SCC. Positive staining samples for bcl-2 and c-myc increased as the lesions progressed from BCH to DYS and to SCC. No apparent correlation between apoptosis and Waf1p21, bcl-2 or c-myc expression was observed.

CONCLUSION: The extent of apoptosis was low in normal esophageal epithelium and increased as the lesions progressed. The apoptotic cells were located in the same hyperproliferative cell compartment as cells immunostaining-positive for p53, bcl-2, c-myc and PCNA, but no apparent correlation between apoptosis and these parameters was observed, possibly due to the complexities of molecular changes in esophageal carcinogenesis.

Changes of lipid metabolism in plasma, liver and bile during cholesterol gallstone formation in rabbit model

AIM: To find out the relationship between the disturbances of lipid metabolism and the formation of cholesterol gallstones by studying the changes of lipid metabolism in plasma, liver tissue and the bile.

METHODS: Male and female white Japanese rabbits were divided randomly into a control group (Con) and four experimental groups of 10 rabbits each fed with a diet containing 1.2% cholesterol for one, two, three and four weeks (1 wk, 2 wk, 3 wk and 4 wk group). The measurement of plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and its subfractions (HDL2-C, HDL3-C), very low and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C, LDL-C) was taken with standard enzymatic techniques. Apolipoprotein (apo) concentrations in plasma were measured by radial immunodiffusion assay for apoA1, apoB100, aopC¢ò and apoC II. Total cholesterol of liver was measured by the enzymatic procedure for each animal. Bile acids, mainly glycocholate (GCA) and glycodeoxycholate (GDCA) were detected by dual wavelength thin layer scanner.

RESULTS: In all the experimental groups fed with dietary cholesterol, cholesterol crystal was found in the gallbladder in 2/10 cases of the 1 wk group, 4/10 of the 2 wk group,6/10 of the 3 wk group and 7/10 of the 4 wk group respectively. The concentration of plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (pl), VLDL-C, LDL-C, apoB100, apoC II, apoC III gradually increased (P < 0.05)with the prolonged feeding time of dietary cholesterol. High density lipoprotein cholesterol and its subfractions (HDL-C, HDL2-C, HDL3-C) showed a tendency to decrease, but without statistical significance (P > 0.05). ApoA1 was reduced with increased feeding time of dietary cholesterol (P < 0.05). The hepatic and biliary cholesterol increased 1-1.5 times as compared with the control group (t = 5.221 and 3.445, P < 0.05). The GCA gradually decreased beginning from the control group to the 4 wk group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Owing to the high cholesterol diet, the increased concentrations of plasma TC, TG, VLDL-C, LDL-C, hepatic TC and TG, apoB100, apoC II and apoC III possibly enhanced the secretion of biliary cholesterol into bile; the decreased plasma apoA1 level might reduce the secretion of antinucleating factor into bile. All those factors mentioned above probably contribute to the formation of cholesterol gallstones.

Two novel gastric cancer-associated genes identified by differential display

AIM: To clone novel gastric cancer-associated genes and investigate their roles in gastric cancer occurrence.

METHODS: A method called differential display was used which allows the identification of differentially expressed genes by using PAGE to display PCR-amplified cDNA fragments between gastric cancer cells and normal gastric mucosa cells. These fragments were cloned into plasmid vector pUC18. Homology analysis was made after sequencing these fragments.

RESULTS: Two novel genes were identified compared with sequences from GenBank. One was registered with the AD number AF 051783. In situ hybridization showed that these two novel genes expressed specifically in gastric cancer tissues.

CONCLUSION: The two novel genes obtained by differential display were confirmed to be gastric cancer-associated genes using in situ hybridization.