RSPO2 silence inhibits tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by ZNRF3/Hedgehog-Gli1 signal pathway

R-spondins 2 (RSPO2) protein is a member of RSPO family which plays an essential role in stem cell survival, development and tumorigenicity. There has several evidence suggested that RSPO2 involved in breast, gastric, liver and colorectal cancer. However, the specific function and mechanism of RSPO2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain unknown. In the present study, we first observed that RSPO2 expression was elevated in NPC cell lines SUNE-6-10B, SUNE-5-8F, and CNE-1 compared with the normal laryngeal epithelia cell line NP69. Knockdown of RSPO2 significantly inhibits SUNE-6-10B and CNE-1 cell survival and proliferation by using CCK-8 assay and Edu assay, respectively. Further studies verified that RSPO2 silence suppressed migration and invasion of SUNE-6-10B and CNE-1 cells. Further studies suggested that RSPO2 silence suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related protein E-cadherin expression and promoted Vimentin and N-cadherin expression both in SUNE-6-10B and CNE-1 cells. Molecular mechanism explorations showed that RSPO2 deletion increased ZNRF3 expression and inhibited Gli1 expression. Additionally, knockdown ZNRF3 expression or overexpression Gli1 both reversed the effects of RSPO2 silence on NPC growth and metastasis. Finally, RSPO2 depletion was impaired NPC tumor growth in vivo animal experiments. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that RSPO2 silence inhibits the tumorigenesis of NPC via ZNRF3/Hedgehog-Gli1 signal pathway.

Upregulated long-non-coding RNA DLEU2 exon 9 expression was an independent indicator of unfavorable overall survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma

In this study, we aimed to explore the expression profiles of some known functional lncRNAs in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAD) and to screening the potential prognostic makers, using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Results showed that DLEU2 is a high potential OS related marker among 73 functional lncRNAs. DLEU2 and its intronic miR-15a and miR-16-1 expression were significantly upregulated in EAD compared with adjacent normal tissues. However, miR-15a and miR-16-1 expression were only weakly correlated with DLEU2 expression. Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that DLEU2 expression, but not miR-15a or miR-16-1 expression is an independent prognostic marker in terms of OS (HR:1.688, 95%CI: 1.085-2.627, p = 0.020) in EAD patients. The exon 9 of DLEU2 is very strongly co-expressed with DLEU2 (Pearson's r = 0.96) and showed better predictive value than total DLEU2 expression in predicting the OS of EAD patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed its independent prognostic value (HR:1.970, 95%CI: 1.266-3.067, p = 0.003), after adjustment of histologic grade, pathological stages and the presence of residual tumor. By checking the methylation status of DLEU2 gene, we excluded the possibility of the influence of two CpG sites near the DLEU2 exon 9 locus on its expression. In addition, although copy number alterations (CNAs) were observed DLEU2 gene, heterozygous loss (-1), low-level copy gain (+1) and high-level amplification (+2) had no significant association with DLEU2 transcription. Based on these findings, we infer that DLEU2 exon 9 expression might serve as a valuable biomarker of unfavorable OS in EAD patients.

Downregulation of microRNA-4295 enhances cisplatin-induced gastric cancer cell apoptosis through the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by targeting LRIG1

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of microRNA-4295 (miR-4295), which regulates cisplatin (DDP)-induced apoptosis in GC cells through the leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1)-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Two cell lines were selected, one with the highest expression of miR-4295 and one with the lowest expression of LRIG1, for the experiments. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of DDP in the human GC MKN-28 and MKN-45 cell lines was calculated, and mitochondrial membrane potentials of the GC cells were detected by tetramethylrhodamine, ethyl ester, perchlorate staining. The proliferation and apoptosis of GC cells with or without DDP treatment were assessed by MTT assay and plate colony formation, as well as flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were employed to determine the expression of EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related genes and apoptosis-related genes. LRIG1 was identified as a target gene of miR-4295. The expression of miR-4295 was upregulated, and the expression of LRIG1 was downregulated in GC cells. Furthermore, DDP enhanced the decrease in miR-4295 expression and the increase in LRIG1 expression in GC cells. miR-4295 promoted the proliferation and inhibited the DDP-induced apoptosis of GC cells without DDP treatment. In addition, miR-4295 increased the expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt, suggesting that miR-4295 promotes the activation of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by targeting LRIG1. miR-4295 targeted and negatively regulated LRIG1 expression to activate the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting the proliferation of the GC cells and inhibiting the apoptosis of the GC cells induced by DDP. Therefore, miR-4295 may be a novel therapeutic target in patients with GC.

Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of Expression of B-Cell-Specific Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Insertion Site 1 (BMI-1) Gene and Protein in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is an uncommon visceral sarcoma that arises predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract. Since GISTs are encountered infrequently and inflexible to traditional therapy, the aim of the present study was to explore the correlation of B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 (BMI-1) mRNA and BMI-1 protein levels with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis significance of GISTs. MATERIAL AND METHODS GIST tissues and normal tissues were collected from 156 patients who had undergone surgical treatment. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the BMI-1 mRNA and protein levels in GIST tissues and normal tissues. Univariate survival analysis was used for determination of the factors that affect prognosis of GIST patients. Cox proportional hazards model was plotted to determine the independent risk factors for prognosis of GIST patients. RESULTS The BMI-1 mRNA and protein levels in GIST tissues were higher than those in normal tissues. BMI-1 mRNA and positive protein levels were correlated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) risk grade, tumor diameter and infiltration, and metastasis. There was a short survival period for the patients with a positive protein level and a high mRNA level of BMI-1. The site of primary tumor, tumor diameter, NIH risk grade, infiltration, and metastasis, as well as BMI-1 mRNA and protein levels were independent risk factors for prognosis of GIST patients. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings suggest there might be a relationship between BMI-1 mRNA and protein levels, and clinicopathological characteristics, including NIH risk grade, tumor size as well as infiltration and metastasis, of GIST patients. In addition, BMI-1 mRNA and protein levels were identified as independent risk factors for prognosis of GIST patients.

Overexpression of Contactin 1 promotes growth, migration and invasion in Hs578T breast cancer cells

Background

Contactin1 (CNTN1) has been shown to play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of several tumors; however, the role of CNTN1 in breast cancer has not been fully studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of CNTN1 in regulating tumor growth, migration and invasion in breast cancer.

Results

To investigate its function, CNTN1 was expressed in Hs578T cells. CNTN1 expression was confirmed by western blot, immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. The effect of CNTN1 overexpression on proliferation, migration and invasion of Hs578T breast cancer cells was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that CNTN1 overexpression promoted Hs578T cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, colony formation, invasion and migration. Notably, overexpression of CNTN1 in Hs578T cells enhanced the growth of mouse xenograft tumors.

Conclusions

CNTN1 promotes growth, metastasis and invasion of Hs578T breast cancer cell line. Thus, therapies targeting CNTN1 may prove efficacious for breast cancer. However, further investigation is required to understand the mechanism by which CNTN1 influences proliferation, metastasis and invasion in breast cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12860-018-0154-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Efficacy and safety of fosaprepitant in the prevention of nausea and vomiting following highly emetogenic chemotherapy in Chinese people: A randomized, double-blind, phase III study

The prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting was one of the most challenging supportive care issues in oncology, especially to highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). A total of 645 patients were randomized into fosaprepitant group (fosaprepitant/placebo 150 mg d1 in combination with granisetron and dexamethasone) or aprepitant group (aprepitant/placebo 125 mg d1; 80 mg d2‐d3 plus granisetron and dexamethasone).The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who had a complete response (CR) over the entire treatment course (0–120 hr, overall phase [OP]). It was assessed by using a non‐inferiority model, with a non‐inferiority margin of 10%. The difference of the CR rate was compared between two groups with chi‐square analysis. Six hundred and twenty‐six patients were included in the per protocol analysis. The percentage of patients with a CR in the fosaprepitant group was not inferior to that in the aprepitant group (90.85% versus 94.17%, p = .1302) during OP. Whether the cisplatin‐based chemotherapy or not, the CR rate of the fosaprepitant group was not inferior to that of the aprepitant group. Both regimens were well tolerated. The most common adverse event was constipation. Fosaprepitant provided effective and well‐tolerated control of nausea and vomiting associated with HEC in Chinese patients.

MiR-143-3p controls TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in airway smooth muscle via negative regulation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that function in diverse biological processes. However, little is known about the precise role of microRNAs in the functioning of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Here, we investigated the potential role and mechanisms of the miR-143 -3p on proliferation and the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production of ASMCs. We demonstrated that miR-143-3p was aberrantly lower in ASMCs isolated from individuals with asthma than in individuals without asthma. Meanwhile, TGF-β1 caused a marked decrease in a time-dependent manner in miR-143-3p expression in ASMCs from asthmatics. Additionally, the overexpression of miR- 143-3p robustly reduced TGF-β1-induced ASMCs proliferation and downregulated CDK and cyclin expression, whereas the inhibition of miR-143-3p significantly enhanced ASMCs proliferation and upregulated the level of CDKs and cyclins. Re-expression of miR-143-3p attenuated ECM protein deposition reflected as a marked decrease in the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin, whereas miR-143-3p downregulation caused an opposite effect on the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin. Moreover, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis indicated that miR-143-3p negatively regulated the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1). Subsequent analyses demonstrated that NFATc1 was a direct and functional target of miR-143-3p, which was validated by the dual luciferase reporter assay. Most importantly, the overexpression of NFATc1 effectively reversed the inhibition of miR-143-3p on TGF-β1-induced proliferation, and strikingly abrogated the effect of miR-143-3p on the expression of CDK4 and Cyclin D1. Together, miR-143-3p may function as an inhibitor of asthma airway remodeling by suppressing proliferation and ECM protein deposition in TGF-β1-mediated ASMCs via the negative regulation of NFATc1 signaling, suggesting miR-143-3p as a potential therapeutic target for asthma.

miR-106a* inhibits the proliferation of esophageal carcinoma cells by targeting CDK2-associated Cullin 1 (CACUL1)

Previous studies suggest that aberrant microRNA expression is common in plenty of cancers. The expression of miR-106a* was decreased in follicular lymphoma, but the expression and functions of miR-106a* in esophageal carcinoma (EC) remain unclear. In this study, we explored the expression and anti-oncogenic roles of miR-106a* in human EC. The expression of miR-106a* is significantly decreased in EC tissues and EC cell lines. Overexpression of miR-106a* suppressed EC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, G1/S transition, and induced apoptosis in vitro, but inhibition of miR-106a* facilitated cell proliferation, clonogenicity, G1/S transition. Luciferase reporter assay results showed that CDK2-associated Cullin 1 (CACUL1) was a direct target of miR-106a* in EC cells. Moreover, silencing CACUL1 resulted in the same biologic effects of miR-106a* overexpression in EC cells, which included suppressed EC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and blocked G1/S transition through CDK2 pathway by inhibiting cell cycle regulators (Cyclin A, Cyclin E). Our data indicate that miR-106a* might play an anti-oncogenic role in EC by regulating CACUL1 expression, which suggest miR-106a* as a new potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for EC.

MiR-30a suppresses non-small cell lung cancer progression through AKT signaling pathway by targeting IGF1R

MicroRNAs play critical roles in the development and progression of human cancers. Although miR—30a has been suggested to function as a tumor repressor in several tumors, its role in non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been investigated in detail. This study investigated the expression and role of miR—30a in human NSCLC. The expression of miR—30a is significantly decreased in clinical NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR—30a inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, G1/S and S/G2 transition in vitro, whereas suppression of miR—30a facilitated NSCLC cell proliferation, G1/S and S/G2 transition. Using a luciferase reporter assay, insulin—like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) was determined to be a direct target of miR—30a. Furthermore, silencing IGF1R resulted in the same biologic effects of miR—30a overexpression in NSCLC cells, which included suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and trigering cell cycle arrest through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by inhibiting cell cycle regulators (CDK2, CDK4, Cyclin A2 , Cyclin D1). These results demonstrate that miR—30a influences NSCLC progression through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting IGF1R in A549 cells, which suggest miR—30a as a novel strategy for NSCLC diagnosis and treatment.

Further evidence for the contribution of the BRCA1-interacting protein-terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1) gene in breast cancer susceptibility

BRCA1-interacting protein C-terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1) is a DNA helicase that influences the DNA repair ability and tumor suppressor function of BRCA1. Truncating BRIP1 mutations have been described as cancer susceptibility alleles. To evaluate BRIP1 polymorphisms as risk factors for breast cancer, we performed a detailed analysis of possible single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2048718, rs4988344, rs8077088, rs6504074, rs4986764, rs4986763, rs11079454, rs7213430, rs34289250, rs4988345, and rs12937080) using the MassARRAY system. A total of 319 patients with breast cancer and 306 healthy control females from the Chinese Han population enrolled in the study. A weak association was found between the rs4986764 allele (exon 18) and breast cancer. The frequency of the rs4986764 C allele was significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in healthy controls [χ(2) = 4.089, P = 0.043, odds ratio (OR) = 0.781, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.614-0.992]. Additionally, our study is the first to identify a significant association between rs7213430 and breast cancer. Compared to healthy controls, patients with breast cancer had a higher frequency of the rs7213430 A allele (χ(2) = 8.865, P = 0.003, OR = 0.700, 95%CI = 0.553-0.886). Furthermore, linkage disequilibrium was observed in two blocks (D' > 0.9). While significantly more T-A-C haplotypes (P = 0.001, block 1) were found in breast cancer patients, the frequency of T-T haplotypes (P = 0.008, block 2) was significantly higher in healthy controls. The possible association among rs4986764, rs7213430, and breast cancer risk merits further validation in an independent case-control study.

Proliferation enhanced by NGF-NTRK1 signaling makes pancreatic cancer cells more sensitive to 2DG-induced apoptosis

Rapidly proliferating cancer cells rely on increased glucose consumption for survival. The glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) cannot complete glycolysis and inhibits the growth of many types of cancers. It is unknown whether reduced glycolysis inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer. Activation of nerve growth factor (NGF)-neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 (NTRK1) signaling leads to enhanced proliferation of these cells. We investigated the effect of 2DG treatment on the viability of NTRK1-transfected pancreatic cancer cells. After treatment with 2DG, the viability of pancreatic cancer cells was evaluated by MTT assay. SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of the p38-MAPK pathway) and PD98059 (an MAP2K1 [mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1, previously, MEK1] inhibitor) were used to inhibit p38-MAPK and ERKs, respectively. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry. Overexpression of NTRK1 in pancreatic cancer cells resulted in increased cell proliferation, which was reduced by PD98059-mediated inhibition of ERKs but not by suppression of p38-MAPK with SB203580. After treatment with 2DG, the percentage of apoptotic cells was greater in those with high expression of NTRK1 than in cells with low NTRK1 expression. Blocking the p38-MAPK pathway with SB203580 effectively abolished the apoptosis induced by 2DG. We conclude that pancreatic cancer cells with a high expression of NTRK1 are more sensitive to 2DG-induced apoptosis, through the p38-MAPK pathway.

Detection of hypermethylated spastic paraplegia-20 in stool samples of patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Analysis of aberrant hypermethylation in stool DNA might provide a novel strategy for noninvasive detection of colorectal cancer.

AIMS

To explore the feasibility of detecting hypermethylation in Spastic paraplegia-20 promoter as a stool-based DNA marker for detection of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

We collected 96 tissue and stool samples from patients with colorectal cancer and 30 stool samples healthy individuals.

RESULTS

Hypermethylated Spastic paraplegia-20 occurs in 85.4% (82/96) of patients with colorectal cancer in the tissue samples. In the stool samples, the results indicate 80.2% (77/96) sensitivity and 100% (30/30) specificity of the test for detecting colorectal cancer by using the stool samples as a noninvasive method.

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals that hypermethylation in Spastic paraplegia-20 promoter is a highly specific and sensitive biomarker for screening colorectal cancer in stool samples as a noninvasive method.

Identification of novel low molecular weight serum peptidome biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

AIM

To identify discriminating protein patterns in serum samples among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and healthy controls. To discover specific low molecular weight (LMW) serum peptidome biomarkers and establish a diagnostic pattern for NSCLCby using proteomic technology.

METHODS

We used magnetic bead-based separation followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to identify patients with NSCLC, COPD, and pneumonia. A total of 154 serum samples were analyzed in this study, among which there were 60 serum samples from NSCLC patients, 30 from patients with other lung-related diseases (16 pneumonia patients and 14 patients with COPD) as disease controls, and 64 from healthy volunteers as healthy control. The mass spectra, analyzed using ClinProTools software, distinguished between cancer patients and healthy individuals based on GA algorithm model.

RESULTS

In this study, we generated numerous discriminating m/z peaks as well as disease-specific discrimination peaks. A set of five potential biomarkers (m/z: 7,763.24, 1,012.61, 4,153.16, 1,450.55, and 2,878.89) could be used as the diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish NSCLCpatients from healthy controls. In the training set, patients with NSCLC could be identified with sensitivity of 97.5% and specificity of 98.8%. Similar results were obtained in the testing set, showing 80.7% sensitivity and 91.2% specificity.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that a combined application of magnetic beads with MALDI-TOF MS technique was suitable for identification of serum biomarkers for NSCLC.

[Biological behaviour of colon cancer cells transfected with C-erbB2 shRNA plasmid]

AIM

To study the changes of the cell growth, cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis of colon cancer cell, HT-29, when C-erbB2 gene was knockdown by shRNA against C-erbB2.

METHODS

Cell growth, cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were compared among three groups including plasmid experimental group(PEG), transfected reagent control group(TRCG)and negative plasmid control group(NPCG). Cell growth was measured by MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The inhibition rate of cell growth of PEG, TRCG and NPCG were 39.65%, 7.23% and 8.05% respectively. The cell growth was significantly inhibited in PEG(P<0.01). The cells of G0/G1 phase were 74.93%, 67.19%, 68.05% respectively in PEG, TRCG and NPCG. The cells of G0/G1 phase in PEG were significantly more than those in TRCG and NPCG(P<0.05).While the cells of S phase were 7.81%, 14.02%, 13.70% in PEG, TRCG and NPCG respectively. The cells of S phase in PEG were significantly less than those in TRCG or NPCG(P<0.05).The cell apoptosis rate were 19.21%, 3.13%, 4.08% in PEG, TRCG and NPCG respectively. The cell apoptosis rate in PEG was significantly higher than those in TRCG or NPCG(P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Cell growth was inhibited by shRNA against C-erbB2 gene. Cell cycle was blocked in G0/G1 phase and apoptosis was induced by C-erbB2 shRNA. This indicates C-erbB2 gene plays important roles in the carcinogenesis and development of colon cancer.

[Responses of pancreatic cancer cells to stimulations by nerve growth factor and the role of Trk-A expression]

OBJECTIVE

To study the responses of different pancreatic cancer cells to stimulations by nerve growth factor (NGF) and explore the role of Trk-A in such responses.

METHODS

Five pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIA-PaCa-2, PANC-1, SW-1990, AsPC-1, and BxPC-3) were exposed to different concentrations of NGF (0, 4, 20, 100, and 500 ng/ml). MTT and Matrigel invasion method were used to observe the changes in the cell proliferation and invasion ability. Trk-A expression in these cells was detected by PCR and Western blotting, and the relations of Trk-A expression to the cell proliferative and invasive abilities following NGF treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

NGF at 100 ng/ml most obviously stimulated the cell proliferation, and PANC-1 cells showed the highest while AsPC-1 cells showed the least sensitivity to 100 ng/ml NGF stimulation. Matrigel invasion test showed that NGF enhanced the invasiveness of PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells but produced only limited effect on AsPC-1 cells; the effect of NGF was completely inhibited by the Trk-A inhibitor CEP701. The expression levels of Trk-A mRNA and protein were the highest in PANC-1 cells and the lowest in AsPC-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

NGF can enhance the proliferation and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells, and this effect is possibly mediated by Trk-A protein.

RNAi-mediated ERBB2 gene knockdown sensitizes human colorectal cancer cells to radiation

This study aimed to investigate the involvement of c-erbB-2, encoded by the receptor tyrosine kinase ERBB2 gene, in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and to validate its potential as an anticancer target. Immunohistochemical and histopathological analyses were applied in tissue samples derived from 80 colorectal cancer patients. ERBB2 stable small hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown in HT29 human colorectal cancer cells was confirmed by RT-PCR and western blotting. Cell cycle profile and apoptosis were measured using PI or Annexin V-PI dual staining. A significant correlation between ERBB2 levels and Dukes' stage of colorectal cancer, in both the primary malignancy and lymph node metastatic tissues, was observed. ERBB2-depleted HT-29 cells exhibited increased sensitivity to radiation compared to control cells, likely due to enhanced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. ERBB2 may be involved in the malignancy and metastasis of colorectal cancer. Overexpressed ERBB2 may constitute a potential target for colorectal cancer therapy.

Decreased mitochondrial DNA content in blood samples of patients with stage I breast cancer

Background

Alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been implicated in carcinogenesis. We developed an accurate multiplex quantitative real-time PCR for synchronized determination of mtDNA and nuclear DNA (nDNA). We sought to investigate whether mtDNA content in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients is associated with clinical and pathological parameters.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 60 patients with breast cancer and 51 age-matched healthy individuals as control. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood for the quantification of mtDNA and nDNA, using a one-step multiplex real-time PCR. A FAM labeled MGB probe and primers were used to amplify the mtDNA sequence of the ATP 8 gene, and a VIC labeled MGB probe and primers were employed to amplify the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase gene. mtDNA content was correlated with tumor stage, menstruation status, and age of patients as well as lymph node status and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Her-2/neu protein.

Results

The content of mtDNA in stage I breast cancer patients was significantly lower than in other stages (overall P = 0.023). Reduced mtDNA was found often in post menopausal cancer group (P = 0.024). No difference in mtDNA content, in regards to age (p = 0.564), lymph node involvement (p = 0.673), ER (p = 0.877), PR (p = 0.763), and Her-2/neu expression (p = 0.335), was observed.

Conclusion

Early detection of breast cancer has proved difficult and current detection methods are inadequate. In the present study, decreased mtDNA content in the peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer was strongly associated with stage I. The use of mtDNA may have diagnostic value and further studies are required to validate it as a potential biomarker for early detection of breast cancer.

[Expression and Significance of BP1 Gene and Cyclin D1 Gene in Breast Cancer]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

BP1, a novel transcriptional factor, belongs to DLX family of homeobox genes. Recent researches showed that BP1 gene is correlated to genesis of breast cancer, but its correlation to cell cycle control factor has not been reported yet. This study was to observe the expression of BP1 in breast cancer, and to make clear its correlation to Cyclin D1.

METHODS

The expression of BP1 and Cyclin D1 in 86 specimens of human breast cancer and 20 specimens of normal breast tissue (3 cm away from primary tumor) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). BP1 poly antibody was made and was certificated by Western blot. The expression of BP1 and Cyclin D1 in 86 specimens of human breast cancer were detected by immunohistochemistry; their correlation was analyzed.

RESULTS

The positive rate of BP1 mRNA was significanlty higher in breast cancer than in normal breast tissues (69.8% vs. 0, P < 0.001). The positive rate of Cyclin D1 mRNA was 64.0% in breast cancer. BP1 mRNA and Cyclin D1 mRNA were co-expressed in 52 specimens of breast cancer, and simultaneously negative in 23 specimens (P = 0.227); BP1 protein and Cyclin D1 protein were co-expressed in 43 specimens, and simultaneously negative in 31 specimens (P = 0.146).

CONCLUSIONS

BP1 gene is highly expressed in breast cancer. There is co-expression of Cyclin D1 and BP1 in breast cancer. BP1 gene may promote the genesis of breast cancer through regulating the expression of Cyclin D1.

[New classification for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction in China]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical application of the new classification of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).

METHODS

The data of cancer of distal esophagus, cancer of cardia, and proximal gastric cancer were reviewed. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical modes and survival were analyzed according to Siewert's standards.

RESULTS

Among the 203 patients that were up to the standard, 29 had adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus (Type I), 80 had true carcinoma of cardia (Type II), and 94 had subcardial carcinoma (Type III). The 5-year survival rates of the 3 types of patients after the operation were 34% for Type I, 27.5% for Type II, and 24.5% for Type III (P<0.05). Further analysis of the patients with curative resection suggested there was no significant difference in the 5-year survival rates, with 37.5% for Type I, 34.5% for Type II, and 33.3% for Type III (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Difference has been found in the clinicopathologic characteristics of the 3 types of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. The exact relation of the 3 types is still unknown. The TNM classification, complete tumor resection and the extent of lymph node metastasis are critical for the prognosis of the patients.

Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction in China according to Siewert's classification

BACKGROUND

There had never been a clear definition of the cancer of cardia before Siewert's classification, which was proposed in 1996 and approved in 1997 at the second International Gastric Cancer Congress in Munich. On the basis of the classification, this study aims to research into the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical modes of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction in China.

METHODS

The study reviewed the data of the distal esophageal cancer, the cancer of cardia and the proximal gastric cancer at the First Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 1995 to December 1999. Surgical patients were defined and classified according to Siewert's classification, and 203 patients were up to the classification. Then the study compared and analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics and the survival rates of the three types of the tumor.

RESULTS

Among the 203 patients, there were 29 patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus (Type I); 80 patients with true carcinoma of cardia (Type II); and 94 patients with subcardial carcinoma (Type III). Obvious differences were found in the clinicopathological characteristics of the three types, but no significant difference of the 5-year survival rates was found among the three types of patients with curative resection.

CONCLUSION

On the data, the distribution of the three types of tumor was found to be different from that reported in Western countries and in Japan; and the three types of patients who had undergone curative resection were found to have similar 5-year survival rates.

Clinical significance of expression of p21 and p53 proteins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical significance and effect of p21, p53 protein as well as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) on the occurrence and development of pancreatic carcinoma.

METHOD

p21, p53 protein and PCNA expressions were detected in specimens from 30 patients with pancreatic carcinoma and 3 samples of normal pancreatic tissue by immunohistochemistry. The data were analyzed together with clinical findings.

RESULTS

The positive expression rates of p21 and p53 proteins were 75.0% and 57.3% respectively in pancreatic carcinoma, which were significantly different from those in the normal tissue (P<0.05). p21 and p53 proteins were positively correlated (P<0.05). The positive expression of PCNA was 43.33%+/-17.99%, that was significantly higher than that in the normal pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). The expression of PCNA was correlated with the histological grade (P<0.05). The positive expression rate was consistent with the exacerbation of cancer. The expression was also correlated significantly with prognosis and p53 expression (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer are the result of associated function for many oncogenes and antioncogenes. PCNA may be helpful to identify malignant degree and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.