Genomic identification of group A bZIP transcription factors and their responses to abiotic stress in carrot

The basic-region/leucine-zipper (bZIP) family is one of the major transcription factor (TF) families associated with responses to abiotic stresses. Many members of group A in this family have been extensively examined and are reported to perform significant functions in ABA signaling as well as in responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, 10 bZIP factors in carrot were classified into group A based on their DNA-binding domains. The cis-acting regulatory elements and folding states of these 10 factors were analyzed. Evolutionary analysis of the group A members suggested their importance during the course of evolution in plants. In addition, cis-acting elements and the folding state of proteins were important for DNA binding and could affect gene expression. Quantitative RT-PCR was conducted to investigate the stress response of 10 genes encoding the group A factors. Six genes showed responses to abiotic stresses, while four genes showed other special phenomenon. The current analysis on group A bZIP family TFs in carrot is the first to investigate the TFs of Apiaceae via genome analysis. These results provide new information for future studies on carrot.

Adult polycystic liver disease: is fenestration the most adequate operation for long-term management?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term results in a retrospective series of patients with highly symptomatic adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) treated by extensive fenestration techniques. A classification of APLD was developed as a stratification scheme to help surgeons conceptualize which operation to offer to patients with APLD.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Treatment options for APLD remain controversial, with partisans of fenestration techniques or combined liver resection-fenestration.

METHODS

Clinical symptoms, performance status, liver volume measurement by computed tomography (CT), and morbidity were recorded before surgery and after surgery. Adult polycystic liver disease was classified according to the number, size, and location of liver cysts and the amount of remaining liver parenchyma. Follow-up was obtained by clinical and CT examinations in all patients.

RESULTS

Ten patients with highly symptomatic APLD were operated on using an extensive fenestration technique (by laparotomy in 8 patients and by laparoscopy in 2 patients, 1 of whom conversion to laparotomy was required). The mean preoperative liver volume was 7761 cm3. There was no mortality. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 50%, mainly from biliary complications, requiring reintervention in two cases. Massive intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in one patient. During a mean follow-up time of 71 months (range, 17 to 239 months), all patients were improved clinically according to their estimated performance status. The mean postoperative liver volume was 4596 cm3, which represents a mean liver volume reduction rate of 43%. However, in type III APLD, despite absence of clinical symptoms, a significant increase in liver volume was observed in 40% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive fenestration is effective in relieving symptoms in patients with APLD. Hemorrhage and biliary complications are possible consequences of such an aggressive attempt to reduce liver volume. The procedure can be performed laparoscopically in type I APLD. A longer follow-up period is mandatory in type II APLD, to confirm the usefulness of the fenestration procedure. In type III APLD, significant disease progression was observed in 40% of the patients during long-term follow-up. Fenestration may not be the most appropriate operation for long-term management of all types of APLD.

Liver resection and cyst fenestration in the treatment of severe polycystic liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

There is limited information on treatment options for massive, highly symptomatic polycystic liver disease. The aim of the study was to analyze the immediate and long-term outcome of combined liver resection and fenestration.

METHODS

Information was abstracted from medical records. Follow-up was obtained by mailed questionnaire. Liver volume was quantified by computed tomography.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients underwent liver resection and fenestration between July 1985 and June 1993. Mean liver volume was 9357 mL before and 3567 mL after surgery. There was one death from postoperative intracerebral bleed. Eighteen patients experienced complications, usually transient pleural effusions or transient ascites. Twenty-eight of 29 surviving patients with adequate follow-up have experienced immediate and sustained relief of symptoms and improvement in quality of life. After median follow-up of 2.4 years (range, 0.2 to 7.9 years), most patients have not had clinically significant enlargement of the liver. Sequential computed tomography scans before and after surgery suggest that hepatic enlargement in the age range of the patients in the study mainly resulted from the expansion of existing cysts rather than from the development of new cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

Selected patients with severe symptomatic polycystic liver disease and favorable anatomy benefit from liver resection and fenestration with acceptable morbidity and mortality. The extent of hepatic resection and fenestration is important for the long-term effectiveness of this procedure.