Many experimental and clinical observations suggest that intestinal microflora plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Manipulation of the luminal content using antibiotics or...Many experimental and clinical observations suggest that intestinal microflora plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Manipulation of the luminal content using antibiotics or probiotics represents a potentially effective therapeutic option. The available studies do not support the use of antibiotics in ulcerative colitis （UC）. Antibiotics are effective in treating septic complications of Crohn＇s disease （CD） but their use as a primary therapy is more controversial, although this approach is frequently and successfully adopted in clinical practice.There is evidence that probiotic therapy may be effective in the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate UC. In contrast, a lack of successful study data at present precludes the widespread use of probiotics in the treatment of CD. Both antibiotics and probiotics appear to play a beneficial role in the treatment and prevention of pouchitis and further trials are warranted to fully quantify their clinical efficacy.展开更多
Cancer commonly arises at the sites of chronic inflammation and infection. Although this association has long been recognized, the reason has remained unclear. Within the gastrointestinal tract, there are many example...Cancer commonly arises at the sites of chronic inflammation and infection. Although this association has long been recognized, the reason has remained unclear. Within the gastrointestinal tract, there are many examples of inflammatory conditions associated with cancer, and these include reflux disease and Barrett＇s adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, Helicobacter infection and gastric cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer and viral hepatitis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. There are several mechanisms by which chronic inflammation has been postulated to lead to cancer which includes enhanced proliferation in an endless attempt to heal damage, the presence of a persistent inflammatory environment creating a pro-carcinogenic environment and more recently a role for engraftment of circulating marrow-derived stem cells which may contribute to the stromal components of the tumor as well as the tumor mass itself. Here we review the recent advances in our understanding of the contributions of circulating bone marrow-derived stem cells to the formation of tumors in animal models as well as in human beings.展开更多
AIM:The generation of oxygen free radicals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of oxygen free radicals in patients with acute pancreati...AIM:The generation of oxygen free radicals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of oxygen free radicals in patients with acute pancreatitis. METHODS:The plasma levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), lipid peroxide(LPO),myeloperoxidase(MPO)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured in 13 patients with acute pancreatitis and 14 healthy volunteers. RESULTS:Among the patients with acute pancreatitis,there were higher plasma levels of LPO and MPO and lower SOD activity in patients with severe pancreatitis than in those with mild pancreatitis.However,there was no significant difference in the serum marker of oxidative stress no matter what the etiology was.The LPO level was especially correlated with the concentration of serum CRP and CT severity index. CONCLUSION:The oxygen free radicals may be closely associated with inflammatory process and the severity of acute pancreatitis.Especially,the concentration of plasma LPO is a meaningful index for determining the severity of the disease.展开更多
Ingestion of caustic substances and its long-term effect on the gastrointestinal system maintain its place as an important public health issue in spite of the multiple efforts to educate the public and contain its gro...Ingestion of caustic substances and its long-term effect on the gastrointestinal system maintain its place as an important public health issue in spite of the multiple efforts to educate the public and contain its growing number. This is due to the ready availability of caustic agents and the loose regulatory control on its production. Substances with extremes of pH are very corrosive and can create severe injury in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The severity of injury depends on several aspects: Concentration of the substance, amount ingested, length of time of tissue contact, and p H of the agent. Solid materials easily adhere to the mouth and pharynx, causing greatest damage to these regions while liquids pass through the mouth and pharynx more quickly consequently producing its maximum damage in the esophagus and stomach. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is therefore a highly recommended diagnostic tool in the evaluation of caustic injury. It is considered the cornerstone not only in the diagnosis but also in the prognostication and guide to management of caustic ingestions. The degree of esophageal injury at endoscopy is a predictor of systemic complication and death with a 9-fold increase in morbidity and mortality for every increased injury grade. Because of this high rate of complication, prompt evaluation cannot be overemphasized in order to halt development and prevent progression of complications.展开更多
AIM:To detect the prevalence of small bowel polyps by wireless capsule endoscopy(WCE)in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP).METHODS:We examined prospectively 14 patients with FAP to assess the location,s...AIM:To detect the prevalence of small bowel polyps by wireless capsule endoscopy(WCE)in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP).METHODS:We examined prospectively 14 patients with FAP to assess the location,size and number of small-intestinal polyps.Patients'age,sex,years of observation after surgery,type of surgery,duodenal polyps and colorectal cancer at surgery were analyzed.RESULTS:During WCE,polyps were detected in 9/14(64.3%)patients.Duodenal adenomatous polyps were found in nine(64.3%)patients,and jejunal and ileal polyps in seven(50%)and eight(57.1%),respectively.The Spigelman stage of duodenal polyposis was associated with the presence of jejunal and ileal polyps.Identification of the ampulla of Vater was not achieved with WCE.Importantly,the findings of WCE had no immediate impact on the further clinical management of FAP patients.No procedure-related complications were observed in the patients.CONCLUSION:WCE is a promising noninvasive new method for the detection of small-intestinal polyps.Further investigation is required to determine which phenotype of FAP is needed for surveillance with WCE.展开更多
AIM： To study the factors that may affect survival of cholangiocarcinoma in Lebanon. METHODS： A retrospective review of the medical records of 55 patients diagnosed with cholangio- carcinoma at the American Universi...AIM： To study the factors that may affect survival of cholangiocarcinoma in Lebanon. METHODS： A retrospective review of the medical records of 55 patients diagnosed with cholangio- carcinoma at the American University of Beirut between 1990 and 2005 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of surgery, chemotherapy, body mass index, bilirubin level and other factors on survival. RJ^SULTS： The median survival of all patients was 8.57 mo （0.03-105.2）. Univariate analysis showed that low bilirubin level （〈 10 mg/dL）, radical surgery and chemotherapy administration were significantly associated with better survival （P = 0.012, 0.038 and 0.038, respectively）, in subgroup analysis on patients who had no surgery, chemotherapy administration prolonged median survival significantly （17.0 mo vs 3.5 mo, P = 0.001）. Multivariate analysis identified only low bilirubin level 〈 10 mg/dL and chemotherapy administration as independent predictors associated with better survival （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Our data show that palliative and postoperative chemotherapy as well as a bilirubin level 〈 10 mg/dL are independent predictors of a significant increase in survival in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.展开更多
A new C21 steroidal glycoside, named cynanversicoside F （1）, was isolated from the root of Cynanchum versicolor Bunge. Its structure was established as glaucogenin-A 3-O-β-D- digitoxopyranosyl-（1→4）-β-D-cymarop...A new C21 steroidal glycoside, named cynanversicoside F （1）, was isolated from the root of Cynanchum versicolor Bunge. Its structure was established as glaucogenin-A 3-O-β-D- digitoxopyranosyl-（1→4）-β-D-cymaropyranoside by spectroscopic and chemical methods.展开更多
In order to investigate the effects of simvastatin on secretion and mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes were stimu- lated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)...In order to investigate the effects of simvastatin on secretion and mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes were stimu- lated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Production and mRNA expression of IL-6 and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results showed that simvastatin could significantly suppress LPS-induced IL-6 production and mRNA expression in adipocytes (P<0.05), but increase the LPS-induced adiponectin secretion and mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). It was suggested that simvastatin could exert beneficial effects on prevention of obesity-induced metabolic changes in adipocytes.展开更多
Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare malignancy that constitutes 〈 0.5% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Moreover, primary signet ring cell carc noma of the appendix is an exceedingly rare entity. We ha...Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare malignancy that constitutes 〈 0.5% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Moreover, primary signet ring cell carc noma of the appendix is an exceedingly rare entity. We have encountered 15 cases of primary appendiceal cancer among 3389 patients who underwent appen- dectomy over the past 18 years. In the present report, we describe a rare case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the appendix with ovarian metastases and unresectable peritoneal dissemination occurring in a 67-year-old female patient. She underwent ap- pendectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with a laparoscopy procedure. She then received palliative systemic chemotherapy with 12 cycles of oxaliplatin, 5-flurorouracil, and leucovorin （FOIFOX-4）. The patient currently is well without progression of disease 12 mo after beginning chemotherapy.展开更多
Atherosclerotic involvements are an essential causal element of prospect in diabetes mellitus(DM), with carotid atherosclerosis(CA) being a common risk-factor for prospective crisis of coronary artery diseases(CAD) an...Atherosclerotic involvements are an essential causal element of prospect in diabetes mellitus(DM), with carotid atherosclerosis(CA) being a common risk-factor for prospective crisis of coronary artery diseases(CAD) and/or cerebral infarction(CI) in DM subjects. From another point of view, several reports have supplied augmenting proof that hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) has a physiopathological part in DM involvements. HGF has been a mesenchymal-derived polyphenic factor which modulates development, motion, and morphosis of diverse cells, and has been regarded as a humor intermediator of epithelial-mesenchymal interplays. The serum concentrations of HGF have been elevated in subjects with CAD and CI, especially during the acute phase of both disturbances. In our study with 89 type 2 DM patients, the association between serum concentrationsof HGF and risk-factors for macrovascular complicationsinclusive of CA were examined. The average of serumHGF levels in the subjects was more elevated than thereference interval. The serum HGF concentrations associated positively with both intimal-media thickness(IMT)(r = 0.24, P = 0.0248) and plaque score(r = 0.27, P =0.0126), indicating a relationship between the elevatedHGF concentrations and advancement of CA involvements. Multivariate statistical analysis accentuated thatserum concentrations of HGF would be associated inde-pendently with IMT(standardized = 0.28, P = 0.0499).The review indicates what is presently known regardingserum HGF might be a new and meaningful biomarkerof macroangiopathy in DM subjects.展开更多
Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas (RMCs) are very rare and their biological behavior and histogenesis remain speculative. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of these tumors is difficult because no effectiv...Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas (RMCs) are very rare and their biological behavior and histogenesis remain speculative. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of these tumors is difficult because no effective diagnostic measures have been established. We describe a 29-year-old woman with abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a retroperi-toneal cystic mass which was resected successfully at laparotomy. Histopathological examination of the resected mass confirmed the diagnosis of RMC. There was no evidence of disease 2 years after surgery.展开更多
AIM: To determine the concentrations of leptin and ghrelin, which have opposite effects on appetite,energy expenditure, and weight control, in the plasma of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), which is often assoc...AIM: To determine the concentrations of leptin and ghrelin, which have opposite effects on appetite,energy expenditure, and weight control, in the plasma of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), which is often associated with weight loss and malnutrition.METHODS: Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations were determined in 28 outpatients with CD by radioimmunoassay. Age- and sex-matched controls with and without Helicobacter pylori(H pylori) infection (28for each) were enrolled in the study. Circulating levels of these hormones were assessed with respect to CD activity, disease localization and medical treatment.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in ghrelin levels between CD patients and H pylorinegative controls. However, circulating ghrelin levels were significantly lower in H pylori-infected subjects than in CD patients and uninfected controls. Plasma leptin levels were comparable among the groups. Localization and medication profile had no significant impact on circulating ghrelin and leptin levels.CONCLUSION: Apart from H pyloriinfection, CD itself has no significant influence on circulating ghrelin and leptin levels in the outpatients who were mostly in inactive state.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the antioxidative status of patients with alcoholic liver disease(ALD) in southeastern Taiwan.METHODS:Our study comprised 27 patients with ALD recruited from Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital,located...AIM:To investigate the antioxidative status of patients with alcoholic liver disease(ALD) in southeastern Taiwan.METHODS:Our study comprised 27 patients with ALD recruited from Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital,located in southeastern Taiwan.Patients with ALD included 12 non-aborigines(12 men) and 15 aborigines(11 men and 4 women).According to the severity of ALD,patients with ALD included 10 with hepatitis(9 men and 1 woman) and 17 with cirrhosis(14 men and 3 women).Twenty-two age-and gender-matched healthy adultsserved as the control group in this study.Venous blood(10 mL) of each subject was drawn into EDTA-containing tubes after 8 h overnight fasting.RESULTS:Compared to the control group,patients with ALD showed significantly lower erythrocytic catalase(11.1 ± 0.7 U/mg Hb vs 8.0 ± 0.7 U/mg Hb,P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase(9.5 ± 1.6 U/mg Hb vs 3.0 ± 0.2 U/mg Hb,P < 0.05) activities.Furthermore,the erythrocytic reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio was signif icantly lower in ALD patients than that in the control group(38.1 ± 5.4 vs 15.7 ± 1.9,P < 0.05).The results revealed that patients with ALD experienced more oxidative stress than those in the control group.The non-aboriginal,but not the aboriginal,ALD group had higher erythrocytic glutathione peroxidase(GPX) activity than that in the control group(46.1 ± 7.8 U/g Hb vs 27.9 ± 2.2 U/g Hb,P < 0.05).Hepatitis,but not cirrhosis,ALD patients had higher erythrocytic GPX activity than that in the control group(44.3 ± 8.6 U/g Hb vs 27.9 ± 2.2 U/g Hb,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that both ethnicity and the severity of ALD may cause different erythrocytic antioxidative enzyme activities especially GPX activity.展开更多
A patent foramen ovale is one of the predisposing factors of neurotic decompression sickness.Transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale is effective in the secondary prevention of decompression sickness associate...A patent foramen ovale is one of the predisposing factors of neurotic decompression sickness.Transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale is effective in the secondary prevention of decompression sickness associated with intracardiac shunt.The size of the umbrella should not be limited to the diagnosis of a patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal defect but should be determined by the supporting force of the soft margin of the atrial septum.The surgical method of patent foramen ovale closure is the same as that of the closure of an atrial septal defect,but the closure umbrella of a patent foramen ovale is different from that of the closure umbrella of an atrial septal defect.The size of the umbrella of the right atrium is larger than that of the left atrium,and it is better to close the atrial septum.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To explore the method of preparation of 99m↑Tc labeled AntiVEGF McAb 5-FU loaded polylactic acid nanoparticles （99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs）, and investigate the biological distribution of the nanoparticles in hu...OBJECTIVE To explore the method of preparation of 99m↑Tc labeled AntiVEGF McAb 5-FU loaded polylactic acid nanoparticles （99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs）, and investigate the biological distribution of the nanoparticles in human gastric carcinoma xenografts. METHODS Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodyes （MCAB）in 5-FU-Ab-NPs were labeled with 99m↑Tc using a modified Schwarz method. After isolation of the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs using a Sephadex G-250 column, the labeling percentage and radiochemical purity were determined using paper chromatography. The immunocempetence of the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs as tumor markers was determined using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs （experimental group）, 99m↑Tc-labelled murine multiclonal IgG loaded polylactic acid and nanoparticles （control group） were injected via the tail vein into SCID mice bearing human gastric carcinoma. A radio-immunity ECT image was developed at 2 and 6 h after the injection. Following the ECT imaging, the mice were sacrificed, their tissue and tumor radioactivity distribution determined, and percentage of the injected-dose per gram （%ID/g） and tumor/ nontumor （T/NT） ratio calculated. High performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was used to determine the 5-FU concentration in the tumor tissue and blood in the mice of both groups. RESULTS The percentage of 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs labeling was 90%-95%. There was no obvious decrease in the antibody activity before and after labeling. The radio-immuno-imaging （RII） showed that the tumor image had developed 2 h after injection of the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs, and with time it was clearer at the 6th hour following the injection. The %lD/g of the tumor tissue at both 2 h and 6 h after the injection was significantly higher compared to the control group. The tumor %lD/g and the tumor to blood activity ratio （TB） of the experimental group at 6 h following the injection increased compared to that at 2 h, and at the same time, 5-FU concentration in the tumor of the experimental group continuously increased over time, and showed a significant difference compared to the 5-FU concentration in the tumor of the control group. CONCLUSION The 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs prepared in this study are adequate to meet the demands of the RII, and the immune targeting ability of the anti-VEGF MCAB is reliable. Six hours after injection, the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs showed a relatively high specific concentration shadow in the human gastric carcinoma xenografts.展开更多
文摘Many experimental and clinical observations suggest that intestinal microflora plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Manipulation of the luminal content using antibiotics or probiotics represents a potentially effective therapeutic option. The available studies do not support the use of antibiotics in ulcerative colitis （UC）. Antibiotics are effective in treating septic complications of Crohn＇s disease （CD） but their use as a primary therapy is more controversial, although this approach is frequently and successfully adopted in clinical practice.There is evidence that probiotic therapy may be effective in the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate UC. In contrast, a lack of successful study data at present precludes the widespread use of probiotics in the treatment of CD. Both antibiotics and probiotics appear to play a beneficial role in the treatment and prevention of pouchitis and further trials are warranted to fully quantify their clinical efficacy.
文摘Cancer commonly arises at the sites of chronic inflammation and infection. Although this association has long been recognized, the reason has remained unclear. Within the gastrointestinal tract, there are many examples of inflammatory conditions associated with cancer, and these include reflux disease and Barrett＇s adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, Helicobacter infection and gastric cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer and viral hepatitis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. There are several mechanisms by which chronic inflammation has been postulated to lead to cancer which includes enhanced proliferation in an endless attempt to heal damage, the presence of a persistent inflammatory environment creating a pro-carcinogenic environment and more recently a role for engraftment of circulating marrow-derived stem cells which may contribute to the stromal components of the tumor as well as the tumor mass itself. Here we review the recent advances in our understanding of the contributions of circulating bone marrow-derived stem cells to the formation of tumors in animal models as well as in human beings.
文摘AIM:The generation of oxygen free radicals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of oxygen free radicals in patients with acute pancreatitis. METHODS:The plasma levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), lipid peroxide(LPO),myeloperoxidase(MPO)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured in 13 patients with acute pancreatitis and 14 healthy volunteers. RESULTS:Among the patients with acute pancreatitis,there were higher plasma levels of LPO and MPO and lower SOD activity in patients with severe pancreatitis than in those with mild pancreatitis.However,there was no significant difference in the serum marker of oxidative stress no matter what the etiology was.The LPO level was especially correlated with the concentration of serum CRP and CT severity index. CONCLUSION:The oxygen free radicals may be closely associated with inflammatory process and the severity of acute pancreatitis.Especially,the concentration of plasma LPO is a meaningful index for determining the severity of the disease.
文摘Ingestion of caustic substances and its long-term effect on the gastrointestinal system maintain its place as an important public health issue in spite of the multiple efforts to educate the public and contain its growing number. This is due to the ready availability of caustic agents and the loose regulatory control on its production. Substances with extremes of pH are very corrosive and can create severe injury in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The severity of injury depends on several aspects: Concentration of the substance, amount ingested, length of time of tissue contact, and p H of the agent. Solid materials easily adhere to the mouth and pharynx, causing greatest damage to these regions while liquids pass through the mouth and pharynx more quickly consequently producing its maximum damage in the esophagus and stomach. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is therefore a highly recommended diagnostic tool in the evaluation of caustic injury. It is considered the cornerstone not only in the diagnosis but also in the prognostication and guide to management of caustic ingestions. The degree of esophageal injury at endoscopy is a predictor of systemic complication and death with a 9-fold increase in morbidity and mortality for every increased injury grade. Because of this high rate of complication, prompt evaluation cannot be overemphasized in order to halt development and prevent progression of complications.
文摘AIM:To detect the prevalence of small bowel polyps by wireless capsule endoscopy(WCE)in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP).METHODS:We examined prospectively 14 patients with FAP to assess the location,size and number of small-intestinal polyps.Patients'age,sex,years of observation after surgery,type of surgery,duodenal polyps and colorectal cancer at surgery were analyzed.RESULTS:During WCE,polyps were detected in 9/14(64.3%)patients.Duodenal adenomatous polyps were found in nine(64.3%)patients,and jejunal and ileal polyps in seven(50%)and eight(57.1%),respectively.The Spigelman stage of duodenal polyposis was associated with the presence of jejunal and ileal polyps.Identification of the ampulla of Vater was not achieved with WCE.Importantly,the findings of WCE had no immediate impact on the further clinical management of FAP patients.No procedure-related complications were observed in the patients.CONCLUSION:WCE is a promising noninvasive new method for the detection of small-intestinal polyps.Further investigation is required to determine which phenotype of FAP is needed for surveillance with WCE.
文摘AIM： To study the factors that may affect survival of cholangiocarcinoma in Lebanon. METHODS： A retrospective review of the medical records of 55 patients diagnosed with cholangio- carcinoma at the American University of Beirut between 1990 and 2005 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of surgery, chemotherapy, body mass index, bilirubin level and other factors on survival. RJ^SULTS： The median survival of all patients was 8.57 mo （0.03-105.2）. Univariate analysis showed that low bilirubin level （〈 10 mg/dL）, radical surgery and chemotherapy administration were significantly associated with better survival （P = 0.012, 0.038 and 0.038, respectively）, in subgroup analysis on patients who had no surgery, chemotherapy administration prolonged median survival significantly （17.0 mo vs 3.5 mo, P = 0.001）. Multivariate analysis identified only low bilirubin level 〈 10 mg/dL and chemotherapy administration as independent predictors associated with better survival （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Our data show that palliative and postoperative chemotherapy as well as a bilirubin level 〈 10 mg/dL are independent predictors of a significant increase in survival in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
文摘A new C21 steroidal glycoside, named cynanversicoside F （1）, was isolated from the root of Cynanchum versicolor Bunge. Its structure was established as glaucogenin-A 3-O-β-D- digitoxopyranosyl-（1→4）-β-D-cymaropyranoside by spectroscopic and chemical methods.
文摘In order to investigate the effects of simvastatin on secretion and mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes were stimu- lated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Production and mRNA expression of IL-6 and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results showed that simvastatin could significantly suppress LPS-induced IL-6 production and mRNA expression in adipocytes (P<0.05), but increase the LPS-induced adiponectin secretion and mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). It was suggested that simvastatin could exert beneficial effects on prevention of obesity-induced metabolic changes in adipocytes.
文摘Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare malignancy that constitutes 〈 0.5% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Moreover, primary signet ring cell carc noma of the appendix is an exceedingly rare entity. We have encountered 15 cases of primary appendiceal cancer among 3389 patients who underwent appen- dectomy over the past 18 years. In the present report, we describe a rare case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the appendix with ovarian metastases and unresectable peritoneal dissemination occurring in a 67-year-old female patient. She underwent ap- pendectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with a laparoscopy procedure. She then received palliative systemic chemotherapy with 12 cycles of oxaliplatin, 5-flurorouracil, and leucovorin （FOIFOX-4）. The patient currently is well without progression of disease 12 mo after beginning chemotherapy.
文摘Atherosclerotic involvements are an essential causal element of prospect in diabetes mellitus(DM), with carotid atherosclerosis(CA) being a common risk-factor for prospective crisis of coronary artery diseases(CAD) and/or cerebral infarction(CI) in DM subjects. From another point of view, several reports have supplied augmenting proof that hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) has a physiopathological part in DM involvements. HGF has been a mesenchymal-derived polyphenic factor which modulates development, motion, and morphosis of diverse cells, and has been regarded as a humor intermediator of epithelial-mesenchymal interplays. The serum concentrations of HGF have been elevated in subjects with CAD and CI, especially during the acute phase of both disturbances. In our study with 89 type 2 DM patients, the association between serum concentrationsof HGF and risk-factors for macrovascular complicationsinclusive of CA were examined. The average of serumHGF levels in the subjects was more elevated than thereference interval. The serum HGF concentrations associated positively with both intimal-media thickness(IMT)(r = 0.24, P = 0.0248) and plaque score(r = 0.27, P =0.0126), indicating a relationship between the elevatedHGF concentrations and advancement of CA involvements. Multivariate statistical analysis accentuated thatserum concentrations of HGF would be associated inde-pendently with IMT(standardized = 0.28, P = 0.0499).The review indicates what is presently known regardingserum HGF might be a new and meaningful biomarkerof macroangiopathy in DM subjects.
文摘Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas (RMCs) are very rare and their biological behavior and histogenesis remain speculative. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of these tumors is difficult because no effective diagnostic measures have been established. We describe a 29-year-old woman with abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a retroperi-toneal cystic mass which was resected successfully at laparotomy. Histopathological examination of the resected mass confirmed the diagnosis of RMC. There was no evidence of disease 2 years after surgery.
文摘AIM: To determine the concentrations of leptin and ghrelin, which have opposite effects on appetite,energy expenditure, and weight control, in the plasma of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), which is often associated with weight loss and malnutrition.METHODS: Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations were determined in 28 outpatients with CD by radioimmunoassay. Age- and sex-matched controls with and without Helicobacter pylori(H pylori) infection (28for each) were enrolled in the study. Circulating levels of these hormones were assessed with respect to CD activity, disease localization and medical treatment.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in ghrelin levels between CD patients and H pylorinegative controls. However, circulating ghrelin levels were significantly lower in H pylori-infected subjects than in CD patients and uninfected controls. Plasma leptin levels were comparable among the groups. Localization and medication profile had no significant impact on circulating ghrelin and leptin levels.CONCLUSION: Apart from H pyloriinfection, CD itself has no significant influence on circulating ghrelin and leptin levels in the outpatients who were mostly in inactive state.
文摘AIM:To investigate the antioxidative status of patients with alcoholic liver disease(ALD) in southeastern Taiwan.METHODS:Our study comprised 27 patients with ALD recruited from Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital,located in southeastern Taiwan.Patients with ALD included 12 non-aborigines(12 men) and 15 aborigines(11 men and 4 women).According to the severity of ALD,patients with ALD included 10 with hepatitis(9 men and 1 woman) and 17 with cirrhosis(14 men and 3 women).Twenty-two age-and gender-matched healthy adultsserved as the control group in this study.Venous blood(10 mL) of each subject was drawn into EDTA-containing tubes after 8 h overnight fasting.RESULTS:Compared to the control group,patients with ALD showed significantly lower erythrocytic catalase(11.1 ± 0.7 U/mg Hb vs 8.0 ± 0.7 U/mg Hb,P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase(9.5 ± 1.6 U/mg Hb vs 3.0 ± 0.2 U/mg Hb,P < 0.05) activities.Furthermore,the erythrocytic reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio was signif icantly lower in ALD patients than that in the control group(38.1 ± 5.4 vs 15.7 ± 1.9,P < 0.05).The results revealed that patients with ALD experienced more oxidative stress than those in the control group.The non-aboriginal,but not the aboriginal,ALD group had higher erythrocytic glutathione peroxidase(GPX) activity than that in the control group(46.1 ± 7.8 U/g Hb vs 27.9 ± 2.2 U/g Hb,P < 0.05).Hepatitis,but not cirrhosis,ALD patients had higher erythrocytic GPX activity than that in the control group(44.3 ± 8.6 U/g Hb vs 27.9 ± 2.2 U/g Hb,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that both ethnicity and the severity of ALD may cause different erythrocytic antioxidative enzyme activities especially GPX activity.
文摘A patent foramen ovale is one of the predisposing factors of neurotic decompression sickness.Transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale is effective in the secondary prevention of decompression sickness associated with intracardiac shunt.The size of the umbrella should not be limited to the diagnosis of a patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal defect but should be determined by the supporting force of the soft margin of the atrial septum.The surgical method of patent foramen ovale closure is the same as that of the closure of an atrial septal defect,but the closure umbrella of a patent foramen ovale is different from that of the closure umbrella of an atrial septal defect.The size of the umbrella of the right atrium is larger than that of the left atrium,and it is better to close the atrial septum.
基金the grants as fol-lows:The Problems-Tackling Program in Sci-ence and Technology of Guangzhou City,Chi-na(No.2003 Z 3-E0381)National Foundationof Natural Science,China(No.30670951)+1 种基金Guangdong Foundation of Natural Science,Guangdong,China(No.06021322)TheProblems-Tackling Program in Science andTechnology of Guangdong Province,China(No.2005 B31211002).
文摘OBJECTIVE To explore the method of preparation of 99m↑Tc labeled AntiVEGF McAb 5-FU loaded polylactic acid nanoparticles （99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs）, and investigate the biological distribution of the nanoparticles in human gastric carcinoma xenografts. METHODS Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodyes （MCAB）in 5-FU-Ab-NPs were labeled with 99m↑Tc using a modified Schwarz method. After isolation of the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs using a Sephadex G-250 column, the labeling percentage and radiochemical purity were determined using paper chromatography. The immunocempetence of the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs as tumor markers was determined using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs （experimental group）, 99m↑Tc-labelled murine multiclonal IgG loaded polylactic acid and nanoparticles （control group） were injected via the tail vein into SCID mice bearing human gastric carcinoma. A radio-immunity ECT image was developed at 2 and 6 h after the injection. Following the ECT imaging, the mice were sacrificed, their tissue and tumor radioactivity distribution determined, and percentage of the injected-dose per gram （%ID/g） and tumor/ nontumor （T/NT） ratio calculated. High performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was used to determine the 5-FU concentration in the tumor tissue and blood in the mice of both groups. RESULTS The percentage of 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs labeling was 90%-95%. There was no obvious decrease in the antibody activity before and after labeling. The radio-immuno-imaging （RII） showed that the tumor image had developed 2 h after injection of the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs, and with time it was clearer at the 6th hour following the injection. The %lD/g of the tumor tissue at both 2 h and 6 h after the injection was significantly higher compared to the control group. The tumor %lD/g and the tumor to blood activity ratio （TB） of the experimental group at 6 h following the injection increased compared to that at 2 h, and at the same time, 5-FU concentration in the tumor of the experimental group continuously increased over time, and showed a significant difference compared to the 5-FU concentration in the tumor of the control group. CONCLUSION The 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs prepared in this study are adequate to meet the demands of the RII, and the immune targeting ability of the anti-VEGF MCAB is reliable. Six hours after injection, the 99m↑TC-5-FU-Ab-NPs showed a relatively high specific concentration shadow in the human gastric carcinoma xenografts.
