[Safety and feasibility of stereotactic radiation therapy on porcine ventricular septum: a preliminary study]

Objective: To explore the safety and feasibility of stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT) strategy for irradiating porcine ventricular septum, see if can provide a preliminary experimental evidence for clinical SBRT in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Methods: Five male pigs (39-49 kg, 6 months old) were used in this study. Pigs were irradiated at doses of 25 Gy (n=2) or 40 Gy (n=3). Delineation of the target volume was achieved under the guidance of 3-dimensional CT image reconstruction, and SBRT was then performed on defined target volume of porcine ventricular septum. Blood biomarkers, electrocardiogram and echocardiography parameters were monitored before and after SBRT. Pathological examination (HE staining, Masson staining) was performed on the target and non-target myocardium at 6 months post SBRT. Results: SBRT was successful and all animals survived to the designed study endpoint (6 months) after SBRT. Serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level was significantly higher than the baseline level at 1 day post SBRT, and reduced at 1 week after SBRT, but was still higher than the baseline level(P<0.05). Serum N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was also significantly increased at 1 day post SBRT (P<0.05) and returned to baseline level at 1 week post SBRT. The serum NT-proBNP level was (249±78), (594±37) and (234±46) pg/ml, respectively, and the cTnT was (14±7), (240±40) and (46±34) pg/ml, respectively at baseline, 1 day and 1 week after SBRT in the 40 Gy dose group. The serum NT-proBNP level was (184±20), (451±49) and (209±36) pg/ml, respectively, the cTnT values ​​were (9±1), (176±29) and (89±27) pg/ml, respectively at baseline, 1 day and 1 week after SBRT in the 25 Gy dose group. Both NT-proBNP and cTnT values tended to be higher post SBRT in the 40 Gy dose group as compared with the 25 Gy dose group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter remained unchanged before and after SBRT (P>0.05). The interventricular septum thickness showed a decreasing trend at 6 months after SBRT, but the difference was not statistically significant ((9.54±0.24) mm vs. (9.82±8.00) mm, P>0.05). The flow velocity of the left ventricular outflow tract, and the valve function and morphology were not affected by SBRT. At 6 months after SBRT, HE staining revealed necrosis in the irradiated target area of ​​the myocardium in the 40 Gy dose group and the 25 Gy dose group, and the degree of necrosis in the irradiated interventricular septum was more obvious in the 40 Gy dose group as compared with the 25 Gy group. The combined histological analysis of the two groups showed that the necrotic area of ​​the irradiated target area accounted for (26±9)% of the entire interventricular septum area, which was higher than that of the non-irradiated area (0) (P<0.05). There was no damage or necrosis of myocardial tissue outside the target irradiation area in both groups. The results of Masson staining showed that the percentage area of myocardial fibrosis was significantly higher in the irradiated target area than non-irradiated area ((12.6±5.3)% vs. (2.5±0.8)%, P<0.05). Conclusion: SBRT is safe and feasible for irradiating porcine ventricular septum.

[Comparison of heart failure and COVID-19 in chest CT features and clinical characteristics]

Objective: To identify the characteristics including clinical features and pulmonary computed tomography (CT) features of heart failure and COVID-19. Methods: This study was a retrospective study. A total of 7 patients with heart failure and 12 patients with COVID-19 in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between December 1, 2019 and February 15, 2020 were enrolled. The baseline clinical and imaging features of the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in age and sex between the two groups(both P>0.05), but the incidence of epidemiological contact history, fever or respiratory symptoms in the COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that in the heart failure group (12/12 vs. 0, P<0.001; 12/12 vs. 4/7, P=0.013). While the proportion of cardiovascular diseases and impaired cardiac function was significantly less than that of the heart failure group(2/12 vs.7/7, P<0.001；0 vs.7/7, P<0.001). For imaging features, both groups had ground-glass opacity and thickening of interlobular septum, but the ratio of central and gradient distribution was higher in patients with heart failure than that in patients with COVID-19 (4/7 vs. 1/12, P=0.04). In heart failure group, the ratio of the expansion of pulmonary veins was also higher (3/7 vs. 0，P=0.013), and the lung lesions can be significantly improved after effective anti-heart failure treatment. Besides, there were more cases with rounded morphology in COVID-19 group（9/12 vs. 2/7, P=0.048）. Conclusions: More patients with COVID-19 have epidemiological history and fever or respiratory symptoms. There are significant differences in chest CT features, such as enlargement of pulmonary veins, lesions distribution and morphology between heart failure and COVID-19.

[Association between brain glucose metabolism and cardiac dysfunction in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing (18)F-FDG PET/CT imaging]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the brain glucose metabolism and left ventricular function parameters, and to explore the cerebral glucose metabolism reduction regions in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: A total of 110 consecutive IHD patients who underwent gated (99)Tc(m)-sestamibi (MIBI) SPECT/CT myocardial perfusion imaging, gated (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT myocardial and brain glucose metabolic imaging within three days in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from April 2016 to October 2017, were enrolled in this study. Left ventricular functional parameters of SPECT/CT and PET/CT including end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were analyzed by QGS software. Viable myocardium and myocardial infarction region were determined by 17-segment and 5 score system, and the ratio of viable myocardium and scar myocardium was calculated. According to the range of viable myocardium, the patients were divided into viable myocardium<10% group (n=44), viable myocardium 10%-<20% group (n=36) and viable myocardium≥20% group (n=30). Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the range of viable myocardium and scar myocardium and the level of cerebral glucose metabolism. Brain glucose metabolism determined by the mean of standardized uptake value (SUV(mean)) was analyzed by SPM. The ratio of SUV(mean) in whole brain and SUV(mean) in cerebellum were calculated, namely taget/background ratio (TBR). Differences in cerebral glucose metabolism among various groups were analyzed by SPM. Results: There were 101 males, and age was (57±10) years in this cohort. The extent of viable myocardium and the extent of scar, LVEF evaluated by SPECT/CT and PET/CT were significantly correlated with TBR (r=0.280, r=-0.329, r=0.188, r=0.215 respectively,all P<0.05). TBR value was significantly lower in viable myocardium<10% group, compared with viable myocardium 10%-<20% group (1.25±0.97 vs. 1.32±0.17, P<0.05) and viable myocardium≥20% group (1.25±0.97 vs. 1.34±0.16, P<0.05). Furthermore, in comparison with viable myocardium≥20% group, the hypo-metabolic regions of viable myocardium<10% group were located in the precuneus, frontal lobe, postcentral gyrus, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and so on. Conclusions: There is a correlation between impaired left ventricular function and brain glucose metabolism in IHD patients. In IHD patients with low myocardial viability, the level of glucose metabolism in the whole brain is decreased, especially in the brain functional areas related to cognitive function.

[Using of ¹⁸F-FDG to evaluate the effect of traumatic olfactory nerve injury on drug delivery through the nasal-brain pathway: a PET-MRI pilot study]

Objective:This study evaluated the effect of traumatic olfactory nerve injury on drug delivery through the nasal-brain pathway via the instillation of ¹⁸F-FDG at the olfactory cleft. Method:Seven healthy volunteers and 5 patients with traumatic dysosmia were enrolled in the study. Subjects were all instilled with ¹⁸F-FDG on each side of the olfactory cleft under endoscopy. After 12 hours, a PET/MR scan was performed to track the metabolism pathway of ¹⁸F-FDG. Then, we compared the diameter of the olfactory bulb and the olfactory bulb intake between normal volunteers and patients with traumatic olfactory disorders. Result:In healthy volunteers, there was a significant difference in ¹⁸F-FDG uptake between the regions of interest in which ¹⁸F-FDG was or was not in contact with the cribriform plate（P=0.012 7）; this difference also existed in patients with traumatic olfactory disorders（P=0.038 1）. Patients with traumatic olfactory disorders did not exhibit significant differences in ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in the region of interest compared with healthy volunteers（P=0.937 2）. Conclusion:The olfactory bulb is obviously atrophied in patients with traumatic olfactory dysfunction, and the uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG in the olfactory bulb region of interest is also reduced. The administration of ¹⁸F-FDG via olfactory fissure area can enter olfactory bulb and parafrontal tissues through the nasal brain pathway,¹⁸F-FDG can enter the central nervous system through the nasal-brain pathway, which is not affected by olfactory nerve transection injury.

[Predictive value of serum glycosylated hemoglobin for the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To discuss the affect of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level for the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in cohort population. Methods: An epidemiological survey of the relationship between HbA1c and NAFLD conducted in 2012 was based at cohort baseline, and three follow-up sessions conducted in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In total 2 811 subjects were included in the study after exclusion of NAFLD patients at baseline and those who lost their lives due to relocation, and death. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin and other risk factors of NAFLD. Continuous variables were compared using the t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. χ (2)-test was used for the measurement of categorical data. Results: A total of 2 811 subjects with mean age of 59 (58.2±9.8) years old, including 1 664 males and 1 147 females. Age, waist circumference, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, γ-glutamyltransferase and fasting blood glucose level of HbA1c abnormal group were higher than normal group. The incidence of NAFLD in the abnormal HbA1c level group (25.4%) was higher than normal group (14.9 %), and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower than normal group and the differences were statistically significant. During the three follow-up intervals, there were 440 new cases of NAFLD, consisting 285 males and 155 females with cumulative incidence of 15.7% (440/2 811). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with elevated HbA1c had a higher risk of developing NAFLD (HR 1.796; 95% CI 1.335~2.418; P < 0.01), and the increased HbA1c level after adjustment for gender, age, and metabolic syndrome-related factors remained an independent risk factors for NAFLD (HR 1.580; 95.0% CI 1.161-2.152; P < 0.01). Conclusion: An elevated HbA1c levels have a positive predictive value for the onset of NAFLD.

[The bacteriologic features of recurrent acute rhinosinusitis]

Objective:To investigate the bacteriologic characteristics of recurrent acute rhinosinusitis(RAR).Method:Twenty-nine patients (29 with RAR) from outpatient clinic in our hospital between June 2010 and May 2016 were enrolled in the study. Specimens of the middle meatus or olfactory cleft area using the sinus endoscopy through were transported to the laboratory for bacterial culture.Result:Twenty-five specimens out of 29 were bacterial culture positive (culture positive rate was 86.2%).A total of 32 isolates (25 aerobic or facultative and 7 anaerobic) were recovered from the 29 cases of RAR. The predominant aerobic or facultative bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The predominant anaerobic bacteria were Bacteroides fragilis and Propionibacterium. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that the resistance rate of these aerobic or facultative bacteria to Macrolides (Erythromycin and Azithromycin) and quinolones (Levofloxacin) was 88% and 92%, respectively. Similarly, the resistance rate of bacteria to β-lactamase antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin, and cefazolin) was also greater than 90% (100%, 92%, and 92%, respectively). But the drug resistance of these bacteria to the thirdgeneration cephalosporin combined with beta lactamase inhibitors (Cefoperazone/sulbactam) was 20%. Among the 7 strains of anaerobic bacteria, 6 strains were sensitive to ornidazole.Conclusion:The major pathogens of RAR are the aerobic and facultative bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, most of which are resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

Multiple variants in 5q31.1 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility and subphenotypes in the Han Chinese population

BACKGROUND

A previous study provided evidence for a genetic association between PPP2CA on 5q31.1 and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) across multi-ancestral cohorts, but failed to find significant evidence for an association in the Han Chinese population.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between this locus and SLE using data from our previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS).

METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs7726414 and rs244689 (near TCF7 and PPP2CA in 5q31.1) were selected as candidate independent associations from a large-scale study in a Han Chinese population consisting of 1047 cases and 1205 controls. Subsequently, 3509 cases and 8246 controls were genotyped in two further replication studies. We then investigated the SNPs' associations with SLE subphenotypes and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

RESULTS

Highly significant associations with SLE in the Han Chinese population were detected for SNPs rs7726414 and rs244689 by combining the genotype data from our previous GWAS and two independent replication cohorts. Further conditional analyses indicated that these two SNPs contribute to disease susceptibility independently. A significant association with SLE, age at diagnosis < 20 years, was found for rs7726414 (P = 0·001). The expression levels of TCF7 and PPP2CA messenger RNA in patients with SLE were significantly decreased compared with those in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found evidence for multiple associations with SLE in 5q31.1 at genome-wide levels of significance for the first time in a Han Chinese population, in a combined genotype dataset. These findings suggest that variants in the 5q31.1 locus not only provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of SLE, but also contribute to the complex subphenotypes of SLE.

Notch fatigue behavior: Metallic glass versus ultra-high strength steel

Studying the effect of notch on the fatigue behavior of structural materials is of significance for the reliability and safety designing of engineering structural components. In this work, we conducted notch fatigue experiments of two high-strength materials, i.e. a Ti_32.8Zr_30.2Ni_5.3Cu₉Be_22.7 metallic glass (MG) and a 00Ni18Co15Mo8Ti ultra-high strength steel (CM400 UHSS), and compared their notch fatigue behavior. Experimental results showed that although both the strength and plasticity of the MG were much lower than those of the UHSS, the fatigue endurance limit of the notched MG approached to that of the notched UHSS, and the fatigue ratio of the notched MG was even higher. This interesting finding can be attributed to the unique shear banding mechanism of MG. It was found that during fatigue process abundant shear bands formed ahead of the notch root and in the vicinity of the crack in the notched MG, while limited plastic deformation was observed in the notched UHSS. The present results may improve the understanding on the fatigue mechanisms of high-strength materials and offer new strategies for structural design and engineering application of MG components with geometrical discontinuities.

Ultrafast degradation of azo dyes catalyzed by cobalt-based metallic glass

Reactivity and mass loss are considered mutually exclusive in conventional zero-valent metal (ZVM) technology to treat environmental contaminants. Here, we report the outstanding performance of Co-based metallic glass (MG) in degrading an aqueous solution of azo dye, thus eliminating this trade-off. Ball-milled Co-based MG powders completely degrade Acid Orange II at an ultrafast rate. The surface-area-normalized rate constant of Co-based MG powders was one order of magnitude higher than that of Co-based crystalline counterparts and three orders of magnitude higher than that of the widely studied Fe⁰ powders. The coordinatively unsaturated local structure in Co-based MG responds to the catalysis for degradation, resulting in very low mass loss. Wide applicability and good reusability were also present. Co-based MG is the most efficient material for azo dye degradation reported thus far, and will promote the practical application of MGs as functional materials.

Atomic interaction mechanism for designing the interface of W/Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites

The interaction between active element Zr and W damages the W fibers and the interface and decreases the mechanical properties, especially the tensile strength of the W fibers reinforced Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites (BMGCs). From the viewpoint of atomic interaction, the W-Zr interaction can be restrained by adding minor elements that have stronger interaction with W into the alloy. The calculation about atomic interaction energy indicates that Ta and Nb preferred to segregate on the W substrate surface. Sessile drop experiment proves the prediction and corresponding in-situ coating appears at the interface. Besides, the atomic interaction mechanism was proven to be effective in many other systems by the sessile drop technique. Considering the interfacial morphology, Nb was added into the alloy to fabricate W/Zr-based BMGCs. As expected, the Nb addition effectively suppressed the W-Zr reaction and damage to W fibers. Both the compressive and tensile properties are improved obviously.

Potential role of AQP1 and VEGF in the development of malignant pleural effusion in mice

Recent studies have revealed the important role of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in tumor cell migration and angiogenesis. However, the function of AQP1 in malignant pleural effusion has not been well characterized. We established a mouse model to examine the role of AQP1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the development of malignant pleural effusion. We showed that elevated expressions of AQP1 mRNA and VEGF protein were associated with increased volume of malignant pleural effusion. These results suggest that AQP1 and VEGF play important roles in the development of malignant pleural effusion in mice, which may help us find new strategies for the prevention and treatment of malignant pleural effusion.

Gene-expression analysis of single cells-nested polymerase chain reaction after laser microdissection

AIM: The structural and functional characteristics of cells are dependent on the specific gene expression profile. The ability to study and compare gene expression at the cellular level will therefore provide valuable insights into cell physiology and pathophysiology.

METHODS: Individual cells were isolated from frozen colon tissue sections using laser microdissection. DNA as well as RNA were extracted, and total RNA was reversely transcribed to complementary DNA (cDNA). Both DNA and cDNA were analyzed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The quality of isolated DNA and RNA was satisfactory.

RESULTS: Single cells were successfully microdissected using an ultraviolet laser micromanipulator. Nested PCR amplification products of DNA and cDNA of single cells could clearly be visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis.

CONCLUSION: The combined use of laser microdissection and nested-PCR provides an opportunity to analyze gene expression in single cells. This method allows the analysis and identification of specific genes which are involved in physiological and pathophysiological processes in a complex of variable cell phenotypes.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is upregulated and associated with pain in chronic pancreatitis

Our purpose was to investigate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in chronic pancreatitis (CP) in comparison with the normal pancreas and to evaluate its association with pain. By immunohistochemistry, in the normal pancreas BDNF immunoreactivity was moderately present in the cytoplasm of most ductal cells and weakly present in most acinar cells, islet cells, nerve fibers (including perineurium), and ganglia cells. In contrast, in CP intense immunostaining of BDNF was present in most cells of ductular complexes and in the perineurium of enlarged nerves. Moderate immunostaining of BDNF was found in degenerating acinar cells and islet cells. In addition, moderate immunoreactivity of BDNF was also detected in most enlarged nerve fibers and intrinsic pancreatic ganglia cells in CP samples. Western blot analysis also revealed 5.6-fold higher BDNF levels in CP samples (P < 0.01) compared with normal pancreas samples. The expression level of BDNF was positively correlated with pain intensity (P < 0.01) and pain frequency (P < 0.01) of CP patients. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship (r = 0.68, P < 0.01) between the BDNF immunostaining and the global pain scores. BDNF is increased in CP. Its association with pain suggests that it functions as a peripheral and central pain modulator, as reported previously in other inflammatory disorders.

Enhanced glypican-3 expression differentiates the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas from benign hepatic disorders

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour worldwide, and its differential diagnosis from benign lesions of the liver is often difficult yet of great clinical importance. In the present study, we analysed whether glypican-3 is useful in differentiating between benign and malignant liver diseases and whether it influences the growth behaviour of HCC.

METHODS

Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridisation.

RESULTS

Northern blot analysis indicated that expression of glypican-3 mRNA was either low or absent in normal liver, in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and in liver cirrhosis. In contrast, expression of glypican-3 mRNA was markedly increased in 20 of 30 and moderately increased in five of 30 HCC samples. The average increase in glypican-3 mRNA expression in HCC was significant compared with expression in normal liver (21.7-fold increase, p<0.01). In comparison with FNH or liver cirrhosis, glypican-3 mRNA expression in HCC was increased 7.2- (p<0.05) and 10.8-fold (p<0.01), respectively. In addition, pushing HCCs exhibited significantly higher glypican-3 mRNA expression than invading tumours (p<0.05). In situ hybridisation analysis demonstrated weak expression of glypican-3 mRNA in normal hepatocytes and bile ductular cells, and weak to occasionally moderate signals in hepatocytes forming nodules of liver cirrhosis and in regenerated hepatic nodules of FNH. In contrast, glypican-3 in situ hybridisation signals were intense in hepatic cancer cells with even higher levels in pushing HCCs than in invading HCCs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that glypican-3, in many cases, has the potential to differentiate between benign and malignant liver diseases.

Nerve growth factor exerts differential effects on the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on neuronal and certain nonneuronal tumors with the effect based on the type of tumor. We investigated NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75) in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1, MIA-PaCa-2, CAPAN-1, ASPC-1, and T3M4) by reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot analysis, NGF ELISA, and growth assays. NGF mRNA was present at comparable levels in all five pancreatic cancer cell lines. TrkA expression was relatively high in PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells and low in CAPAN-1, ASPC-1, and T3M4 cells. p75 expression was high in PANC-1, MIA-PaCa-2, and T3M4 cells, moderate in CAPAN-1, and low in ASPC-1 cells. By ELISA assay, the intracellular NGF content in all cell lines was approximately 40 pg/10(6) cells. NGF content increased significantly in PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells when these cells were cultured with serum-free media, whereas there was no change in the other cancer cell lines. PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells but not the other cell lines released NGF in the culture media. Exogenous NGF stimulated the growth of PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells, inhibited the growth of T3M4 and CAPAN-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and did not affect the growth of ASPC-1 cells. NGF led to the phosphorylation of TrkA, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p38 MAPK but not stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells. In contrast, in the other pancreatic cancer cell lines none of these kinases were phosphorylated by NGF. In conclusion, the effects of NGF on pancreatic cancer cell growth are dependent on the expression levels and the balance of its TrkA and p75 receptors. NGF-induced pancreatic cancer cell growth seems to be mediated through the phosphorylation of TrkA and subsequently via MAPK. These results point to a previously unknown autocrine/paracrine pathway in pancreatic cancer, suggesting that NGF-TrkA interactions are important factors influencing cell growth and spread in this malignancy.

Syndecan-1 expression is up-regulated in pancreatic but not in other gastrointestinal cancers

Syndecan-1 belongs to the syndecan family of cell surface transmembrane heparan-sulfate proteoglycans, which participate in cell proliferation, cell migration and cell-matrix interactions. Decreased expression of syndecan-1 has been observed in some gastrointestinal malignancies, and it is thought that high levels of syndecan-1 correlate with the maintenance of epithelial morphology and inhibition of invasiveness. In our study, we characterized the expression of syndecan-1 in normal, chronic pancreatitis and primary and metastatic human pancreatic cancer tissues, in cultured pancreatic cancer cell lines and in esophageal, gastric, colon, and liver cancers. Pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed syndecan-1 mRNA and protein at variable levels. In addition, these cells also released syndecan-1 into the culture medium. Pancreatic cancer tissues markedly over-expressed syndecan-1 mRNA in comparison with both chronic pancreatitis (2.4-fold increase, p < 0.01) and normal pancreatic samples (10.6-fold increase, p < 0.01). There was no difference in syndecan-1 mRNA expression between early and advanced tumors. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, syndecan-1 expression was evident at relatively low levels in the ductal cells and less frequently in acinar cells of the normal pancreas. In chronic pancreatitis, syndecan-1 was present at low to moderate levels in areas with atrophic acinar cells and ductular complexes. In contrast, in pancreatic cancer tissues, syndecan-1 was present at moderate to high levels in the majority of the cancer cells within the tumor mass and also in metastatic lesions of pancreatic tumors. Syndecan-1 mRNA levels in other gastrointestinal malignancies (esophageal, gastric, colon and liver cancers) were not significantly different from the levels observed in the corresponding normal samples. Together, our findings suggest that syndecan-1 expression by pancreatic cancer cells may be of importance in the pathobiology of this disorder and that its role in pancreatic cancer seems to be different from that in other gastrointestinal malignancies.

Syndecan-1 expression is up-regulated in pancreatic but not in other gastrointestinal cancers

Syndecan-1 belongs to the syndecan family of cell surface transmembrane heparan-sulfate proteoglycans, which participate in cell proliferation, cell migration and cell-matrix interactions. Decreased expression of syndecan-1 has been observed in some gastrointestinal malignancies, and it is thought that high levels of syndecan-1 correlate with the maintenance of epithelial morphology and inhibition of invasiveness. In our study, we characterized the expression of syndecan-1 in normal, chronic pancreatitis and primary and metastatic human pancreatic cancer tissues, in cultured pancreatic cancer cell lines and in esophageal, gastric, colon, and liver cancers. Pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed syndecan-1 mRNA and protein at variable levels. In addition, these cells also released syndecan-1 into the culture medium. Pancreatic cancer tissues markedly over-expressed syndecan-1 mRNA in comparison with both chronic pancreatitis (2.4-fold increase, p < 0.01) and normal pancreatic samples (10.6-fold increase, p < 0.01). There was no difference in syndecan-1 mRNA expression between early and advanced tumors. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, syndecan-1 expression was evident at relatively low levels in the ductal cells and less frequently in acinar cells of the normal pancreas. In chronic pancreatitis, syndecan-1 was present at low to moderate levels in areas with atrophic acinar cells and ductular complexes. In contrast, in pancreatic cancer tissues, syndecan-1 was present at moderate to high levels in the majority of the cancer cells within the tumor mass and also in metastatic lesions of pancreatic tumors. Syndecan-1 mRNA levels in other gastrointestinal malignancies (esophageal, gastric, colon and liver cancers) were not significantly different from the levels observed in the corresponding normal samples. Together, our findings suggest that syndecan-1 expression by pancreatic cancer cells may be of importance in the pathobiology of this disorder and that its role in pancreatic cancer seems to be different from that in other gastrointestinal malignancies.

Nerve growth factor and Trk high affinity receptor (TrkA) gene expression in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a target derived factor for survival and maintenance of peripheral and central neurones, has been implicated in several chronic inflammatory processes.

AIMS

To analyse the concomitant presence of NGF and its high affinity receptor TrkA in patients undergoing surgery for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

PATIENTS

CD tissues were obtained from 33 patients and UC tissue samples from 12 patients undergoing surgery. Normal intestinal tissue samples were obtained from 30 individuals through an organ donor programme.

METHODS

Expression of NGF and TrkA was studied by northern blot analysis. Using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, the respective mRNA moieties and proteins were localised. Western blot analysis was used to confirm the specificity of NGF and TrkA antibodies.

RESULTS

In CD, NGF mRNA was increased in 60% (2.4-fold; p<0.01) and TrkA mRNA in 54% (1.3-fold; p<0.05) of samples. In UC, NGF mRNA expression was enhanced in 58% (2.4-fold; p<0.01) and TrkA mRNA expression in 50% (1.5-fold; p<0.05) of samples. In situ hybridisation showed that NGF and TrkA mRNA were often concomitantly present in polymorphonuclear-like cells of the lamina propria, in mast cells, and in a few ganglia of Auerbach's plexus and Meissner's plexus. Immunohistochemistry revealed that lamina propria cells and inflammatory cells (mainly mast cells) were NGF and TrkA immunopositive. NGF was also present in Meissner's plexus (especially in CD) and TrkA in enteric glia surrounding intestinal ganglia.

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant enhanced expression of NGF and its receptor suggests activation of this pathway in chronic inflammation in CD and UC. The presence of NGF and TrkA in both neural and non-neural structures in CD and UC supports the hypothesis that neuroimmune interactions occur and are activated in both disorders.

Down-regulation of nerve growth factor in poorly differentiated and advanced human esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Binding of nerve growth factor (NGF) to its receptor TrkA leads to intracellular tyrosine kinase activation and regulates the growth and differentiation of various non-neuronal tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the present study NGF and TrkA were analysed by Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry in 41 esophageal cancer samples in comparison to normal controls.

RESULTS

NGF mRNA (P < 0.01), but not TrkA mRNA was down-regulated in esophageal cancer samples compared with normal tissues. In the normal esophagus, NGF mRNA and protein was present in epithelial cells of the entire epithelial layer and TrkA mRNA and protein was present in epithelial cells of the basal layer. In esophageal cancer NGF and TrkA mRNA and protein were present in the cancer cells. Down-regulation of NGF correlated with poor differentiation (P < 0.01) and advanced tumour stage (P < 0.01). Low TrkA expression was related to advanced tumour stage (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A loss of activation of the NGF/TrkA pathway occurs during tumour progression and may contribute to loss of tumour differentiation in esophageal cancer.

Nerve growth factor and its high-affinity receptor in chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To study the mechanisms that are involved in nerve growth and contribute to pain generation in chronic pancreatitis (CP).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Chronic pancreatitis is a painful disease associated with characteristic nerve changes, including an increase in nerve number and diameter. The mechanisms that influence nerve growth are not known. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA) are involved in neural development and survival and growth of central and peripheral nerves.

METHODS

Nerve growth factor and TrkA were investigated by Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical staining in the pancreases of 24 patients with CP, and the findings were correlated with clinical parameters.

RESULTS

By Northern blot analysis, NGF and TrkA mRNA expression were increased in 42% (13.1-fold) and 54% (5.5-fold) of the CP samples (p < 0.01), respectively. In situ hybridization revealed that in CP, enhanced NGF mRNA expression was present in metaplastic ductal cells, in degenerating acinar cells, and in acinar cells dedifferentiating into tubular structures. TrkA mRNA was intensely present in the perineurium. Further, enhanced NGF and TrkA mRNA signals were also present in intrapancreatic ganglia cells in CP samples. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the in situ hybridization findings. Analysis of the molecular findings with clinical parameters revealed a significant relation (p < 0.05) between NGF mRNA levels and pancreatic fibrosis (r = 0.64) and acinar cell damage (r = 0.74) and between TrkA mRNA and pain intensity (r = 0.84).

CONCLUSION

Activation of the NGF/TrkA pathway occurs in CP. It might influence neural morphologic changes and the pain syndrome in this disorder.

[Catch up and follow up of natal teeth: report of 6 cases]

6 cases with natal teeth were found in 11930 live births.5 cases, in which eight natal teeth had been found, also had been followed-up for 38-54 months after birth and five crownless root-like mass were found in 4 cases out of 5 at the site where natal teeth had been extracted at the time of birth. The histological study was made in one natal teeth and one root-like mass.