AIM:To investigate the prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA (VEGF mRNA) in the peripheral blood (PB) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing curative resection.METHOD...AIM:To investigate the prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA (VEGF mRNA) in the peripheral blood (PB) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing curative resection.METHODS:Using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay, VEGF mRNA in the PB was determined prospectively in 50 controls and in 50 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection for HCC.RESULTS:Among the isoforms of VEGF mRNA, VEGF165 and VEGF121 were expressed. By multivariate analysis, a higher level of VEGF165 in preoperative PB correlated with a risk of HCC recurrence with borderline significance (P=0.050)and significantly with recurrence-related mortality (P=0.048);while VEGF121 did not. Other significant predictors of HCC recurrence included cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.033),an absent or incomplete capsule (P=0.020), vascular permeation (P=0.018), and daughter nodules (P=0.006).The other significant parameter of recurrence related mortality was cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.053). The level of circulating VEGF mRNA, however, did not significantly correlate with tumor size, cellular differentiation, capsule,daughter nodules, vascular permeation, necrosis and hemorrhage of tumors.CONCLUSION: The preoperative level of circulating VEGF mRNA, especially isoform VEGF165, plays a significant role in the prediction of postoperative recurrence of HCC.展开更多
AIM:To study whether vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA (VEGF mRNA) in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues obtained after curative resection has a prognostic value.METHODS: Using a reverse-transcr...AIM:To study whether vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA (VEGF mRNA) in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues obtained after curative resection has a prognostic value.METHODS: Using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay, VEGF mRNA was determined prospectively in liver tissues of 50 controls and in HCC tissues of 50 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection for HCC.RESULTS: Among the isoforms of VEGF mRNA, VEGF165 and VEGF121 were expressed. By multivariate analysis, a higher level of VEGF165 in HCC tissue correlated with a significant risk of HCC recurrence (P=0.038) and significantly with recurrencerelated mortality (P=0.045); while VEGF121 did not. Other significant predictors of HCC recurrence included cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.033), an absent or incomplete capsule(P=0.020), vascular permeation (P=0.018), and daughter nodules (P=0.006). The other significant variables of recurrence related mortality consisted of vascular permeation (P=0.045),and cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.053). The level of VEGF mRNA in HCC tissues, however, did not significantly correlate with tumor size, cellular differentiation, capsule, daughter nodules,vascular permeation, necrosis and hemorrhage of tumors.CONCLUSION: The expression of VEGF mRNA, especially isoform VEGF165,in HCC tissues, may play a significant and independant role in the prediction of postoperative recurrence of HCC.展开更多
AIM: This study was to investigate whether surgery could increase cancer dissemination and postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by detection of human α-fetoprotein messenger RNA (h...AIM: This study was to investigate whether surgery could increase cancer dissemination and postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by detection of human α-fetoprotein messenger RNA (hAFP mRNA), hAFP mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with HCC has been considered as a surrogate marker for circulating tumor cells. METHODS: Eighty-one consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for HCC entered this prospective cohort study. We examined hAFP mRNA from the peripheral blood obtained preoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively to correlate the prognosis after curative resections from HCC patients and from the control subjects. Detection of hAFP mRNA by reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction amplification (RT-PCR) was performed with primers specifically. The relations between the clinical variables (age,sex, associated liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus infection,hepatitis C virus infection, serum α-fetoprotein and ChildPugh class), the histological variables (size, capsule, vascular permeation, grade of differentiation, and daughter nodules),hAFP mRNA in peripheral blood of 3 different sessions, and postoperative course (recurrence, and recurrence related death) were analysed. RESULTS: No hAFP mRNA was detected in control group subjects. Twenty-two (27%), 24 (30%) and 19 (23%) of 81 HCC patients had hAFP mRNA positivity in the preoperative,perioperative and postoperative peripheral blood. The preoperative presence did not influence the risk of HCC recurrence (55% vs 41%, P=0.280). In contrast, patients with postoperative presence had a significantly higher recurrence (90% vs31%, P<0.001; odds ratio 19.2; 95% confidence interval: 4.0-91.7). In the multivariate analysis by COX proportional hazards model, postoperative positivity had a significant influence on recurrence (P=0.067) and recurrence related mortality (P=-0.017). Whereas, the perioperative positivity of hAFP mRNA did not increase HCC recurrence (58% vs.39% , P=0.093). The correlation between perioperative hAFP mRNA positivity and recurrence related mortality had no statistical significance (P=0.836). CONCLUSION: From our study, perioperative detection of hAFP mRNA in peripheral blood of patients has no clinical relevance and significant role in the prediction of HCC recurrence. Surgical resection itself may not accelerate cancer dissemination and does not increase postoperative recurrence significantly either.展开更多
β-defensin peptides are a large family of antimicrobial peptides. Although they kill microbes in vitroand interact with immune cells, the precise role of these genes in vivo remains uncertain. Despite their inducible...β-defensin peptides are a large family of antimicrobial peptides. Although they kill microbes in vitroand interact with immune cells, the precise role of these genes in vivo remains uncertain. Despite their inducible presence at mucosal surfaces, their main site of expression is the epididymis. Recent evidence suggests that a major function of these peptides is in sperm maturation. In addition to previous work suggesting this, work at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, has shown that homozygous deletion of a cluster of nine β-defensin genes in the mouse results in profound male sterility. The spermatozoa derived from the mutants had reduced motility and increased fragility. Epididymal spermatozoa isolated from the cauda region of the homozygous mutants demonstrated precocious capacitation and increased spontaneous acrosome reactions compared with those from wild-types. Despite this, these mutant spermatozoa had reduced ability to bind to the zona pellucida of oocytes. Ultrastructural examination revealed a disintegration of the microtubule structure of mutant-derived spermatozoa isolated from the epididymal cauda region, but not from the caput. Consistent with premature acrosome reaction and hyperactivation, spermatozoa from mutant animals had significantly increased intracellular calcium content. This work demonstrates that in vivo β-defensins are essential for successful sperm maturation, and that their disruption alters intracellular calcium levels, which most likely leads to premature activation and spontaneous acrosome reactions that result in hyperactivation and loss of microtubule structure of the axoneme. Determining which of the nine genes are responsible for the phenotype and the relevance to human sperm function is important for future work on male infertility.展开更多
PURPOSE: To describe the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the identification of an intraocular nematode in a case of suspected nematode-induced uveitis DESIGN: Observational case report. METHOD: UBM was performed un...PURPOSE: To describe the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the identification of an intraocular nematode in a case of suspected nematode-induced uveitis DESIGN: Observational case report. METHOD: UBM was performed under topical anesthesia in a patient with acute painful uveitis suspected to result from an intraocular nematode. Clinical examination did not reveal the nematode. RESULTS:Over a 6- minute time span, serial UBM examinations revealed the nematode to move from the iris root into the posterior chamber through the zonules. Subsequently, it was seen adhering to the cornea and could be removed surgically, resulting in symptom relief. CONCLUSION: UBM is a useful tool in diagnosis and management of parasitic uveitis.展开更多
Background The development of angiosarcoma in oedematous tissue is referred to as Stewart-Treves syndrome （STS）. This rare and fatal complication is associated with chronic post mastectomy lymphoedema and radiothera...Background The development of angiosarcoma in oedematous tissue is referred to as Stewart-Treves syndrome （STS）. This rare and fatal complication is associated with chronic post mastectomy lymphoedema and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Angiosarcoma spread is facilitated by the formation of blood vessels （angiogenesis） and lymph vessels （lymphangiogenesis）. In the future antiangiogenic therapy may improve the poor outcome of current treatments. There was evidence that blocking the angiogenenesis would inhibit progression of angiosarcoma. It seems reasonable to hypothesize that blocking the lymphangiogenesis may yield similar results. Although angiosarcomas commonly derive from blood vessels, in case of STS angiosarcomas chronic lymphoedema may suggest its lymphatic origin. The goal of this study was to visualize interstitial space and lymphatics in the central and peripheral regions of STS angiosarcoma. Methods On tissue samples obtained from STS angiosarcoma we have performed： first colour stereoscopic lymphography to visualise the morphology of lymphatic vessels and extracellular spaces, second immunohistochemical staining specific for lymphatic vessels endothelium （LYVE-1） and blood endothelial cells （CD31, factor VIII） and prolymphangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF-C） for precise identification of lymphatic endothelia. STS angiosarcoma morphology was assessed by comparison of pictures obtained on lymphography, microscopy and confocal microscopy. Results STS angiosarcomas present heterogenous morphology with areas dominated by hemangiosarcoma and lymphangiosarcoma structures. STS angiosarcoma expressed phenotypes of both blood and lymphatic endothelia. LYVE-1 and VEGF-C is expressed by STS angiosarcoma and may be used to discriminate tumour differentiation. Morphology of lymphatic vessels and spaces in the tumour suggest absence of their normal lymphatic function. Conclusions Our results confirmed both hemangio- and lymphangiogenic origin of STS angiosarcoma. Expression of VEGF-C makes STS angiosarcoma a good candidate for targeted antilymphangiogenic therapy. However, morphology of intratumoral lymphatics on colour lymphography suggested their impaired function, which can hamper drug distribution.展开更多
文摘AIM:To investigate the prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA (VEGF mRNA) in the peripheral blood (PB) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing curative resection.METHODS:Using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay, VEGF mRNA in the PB was determined prospectively in 50 controls and in 50 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection for HCC.RESULTS:Among the isoforms of VEGF mRNA, VEGF165 and VEGF121 were expressed. By multivariate analysis, a higher level of VEGF165 in preoperative PB correlated with a risk of HCC recurrence with borderline significance (P=0.050)and significantly with recurrence-related mortality (P=0.048);while VEGF121 did not. Other significant predictors of HCC recurrence included cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.033),an absent or incomplete capsule (P=0.020), vascular permeation (P=0.018), and daughter nodules (P=0.006).The other significant parameter of recurrence related mortality was cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.053). The level of circulating VEGF mRNA, however, did not significantly correlate with tumor size, cellular differentiation, capsule,daughter nodules, vascular permeation, necrosis and hemorrhage of tumors.CONCLUSION: The preoperative level of circulating VEGF mRNA, especially isoform VEGF165, plays a significant role in the prediction of postoperative recurrence of HCC.
文摘AIM:To study whether vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA (VEGF mRNA) in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues obtained after curative resection has a prognostic value.METHODS: Using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay, VEGF mRNA was determined prospectively in liver tissues of 50 controls and in HCC tissues of 50 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection for HCC.RESULTS: Among the isoforms of VEGF mRNA, VEGF165 and VEGF121 were expressed. By multivariate analysis, a higher level of VEGF165 in HCC tissue correlated with a significant risk of HCC recurrence (P=0.038) and significantly with recurrencerelated mortality (P=0.045); while VEGF121 did not. Other significant predictors of HCC recurrence included cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.033), an absent or incomplete capsule(P=0.020), vascular permeation (P=0.018), and daughter nodules (P=0.006). The other significant variables of recurrence related mortality consisted of vascular permeation (P=0.045),and cellular dedifferentiation (P=0.053). The level of VEGF mRNA in HCC tissues, however, did not significantly correlate with tumor size, cellular differentiation, capsule, daughter nodules,vascular permeation, necrosis and hemorrhage of tumors.CONCLUSION: The expression of VEGF mRNA, especially isoform VEGF165,in HCC tissues, may play a significant and independant role in the prediction of postoperative recurrence of HCC.
基金Supported by the grants from the Department of Health,National Science Council,Executive Yuan,Taiwan (Dr.Jeng) (NSC 86-2314-B-95-001)
文摘AIM: This study was to investigate whether surgery could increase cancer dissemination and postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by detection of human α-fetoprotein messenger RNA (hAFP mRNA), hAFP mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with HCC has been considered as a surrogate marker for circulating tumor cells. METHODS: Eighty-one consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for HCC entered this prospective cohort study. We examined hAFP mRNA from the peripheral blood obtained preoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively to correlate the prognosis after curative resections from HCC patients and from the control subjects. Detection of hAFP mRNA by reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction amplification (RT-PCR) was performed with primers specifically. The relations between the clinical variables (age,sex, associated liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus infection,hepatitis C virus infection, serum α-fetoprotein and ChildPugh class), the histological variables (size, capsule, vascular permeation, grade of differentiation, and daughter nodules),hAFP mRNA in peripheral blood of 3 different sessions, and postoperative course (recurrence, and recurrence related death) were analysed. RESULTS: No hAFP mRNA was detected in control group subjects. Twenty-two (27%), 24 (30%) and 19 (23%) of 81 HCC patients had hAFP mRNA positivity in the preoperative,perioperative and postoperative peripheral blood. The preoperative presence did not influence the risk of HCC recurrence (55% vs 41%, P=0.280). In contrast, patients with postoperative presence had a significantly higher recurrence (90% vs31%, P<0.001; odds ratio 19.2; 95% confidence interval: 4.0-91.7). In the multivariate analysis by COX proportional hazards model, postoperative positivity had a significant influence on recurrence (P=0.067) and recurrence related mortality (P=-0.017). Whereas, the perioperative positivity of hAFP mRNA did not increase HCC recurrence (58% vs.39% , P=0.093). The correlation between perioperative hAFP mRNA positivity and recurrence related mortality had no statistical significance (P=0.836). CONCLUSION: From our study, perioperative detection of hAFP mRNA in peripheral blood of patients has no clinical relevance and significant role in the prediction of HCC recurrence. Surgical resection itself may not accelerate cancer dissemination and does not increase postoperative recurrence significantly either.
文摘β-defensin peptides are a large family of antimicrobial peptides. Although they kill microbes in vitroand interact with immune cells, the precise role of these genes in vivo remains uncertain. Despite their inducible presence at mucosal surfaces, their main site of expression is the epididymis. Recent evidence suggests that a major function of these peptides is in sperm maturation. In addition to previous work suggesting this, work at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, has shown that homozygous deletion of a cluster of nine β-defensin genes in the mouse results in profound male sterility. The spermatozoa derived from the mutants had reduced motility and increased fragility. Epididymal spermatozoa isolated from the cauda region of the homozygous mutants demonstrated precocious capacitation and increased spontaneous acrosome reactions compared with those from wild-types. Despite this, these mutant spermatozoa had reduced ability to bind to the zona pellucida of oocytes. Ultrastructural examination revealed a disintegration of the microtubule structure of mutant-derived spermatozoa isolated from the epididymal cauda region, but not from the caput. Consistent with premature acrosome reaction and hyperactivation, spermatozoa from mutant animals had significantly increased intracellular calcium content. This work demonstrates that in vivo β-defensins are essential for successful sperm maturation, and that their disruption alters intracellular calcium levels, which most likely leads to premature activation and spontaneous acrosome reactions that result in hyperactivation and loss of microtubule structure of the axoneme. Determining which of the nine genes are responsible for the phenotype and the relevance to human sperm function is important for future work on male infertility.
文摘PURPOSE: To describe the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the identification of an intraocular nematode in a case of suspected nematode-induced uveitis DESIGN: Observational case report. METHOD: UBM was performed under topical anesthesia in a patient with acute painful uveitis suspected to result from an intraocular nematode. Clinical examination did not reveal the nematode. RESULTS:Over a 6- minute time span, serial UBM examinations revealed the nematode to move from the iris root into the posterior chamber through the zonules. Subsequently, it was seen adhering to the cornea and could be removed surgically, resulting in symptom relief. CONCLUSION: UBM is a useful tool in diagnosis and management of parasitic uveitis.
文摘Background The development of angiosarcoma in oedematous tissue is referred to as Stewart-Treves syndrome （STS）. This rare and fatal complication is associated with chronic post mastectomy lymphoedema and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Angiosarcoma spread is facilitated by the formation of blood vessels （angiogenesis） and lymph vessels （lymphangiogenesis）. In the future antiangiogenic therapy may improve the poor outcome of current treatments. There was evidence that blocking the angiogenenesis would inhibit progression of angiosarcoma. It seems reasonable to hypothesize that blocking the lymphangiogenesis may yield similar results. Although angiosarcomas commonly derive from blood vessels, in case of STS angiosarcomas chronic lymphoedema may suggest its lymphatic origin. The goal of this study was to visualize interstitial space and lymphatics in the central and peripheral regions of STS angiosarcoma. Methods On tissue samples obtained from STS angiosarcoma we have performed： first colour stereoscopic lymphography to visualise the morphology of lymphatic vessels and extracellular spaces, second immunohistochemical staining specific for lymphatic vessels endothelium （LYVE-1） and blood endothelial cells （CD31, factor VIII） and prolymphangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF-C） for precise identification of lymphatic endothelia. STS angiosarcoma morphology was assessed by comparison of pictures obtained on lymphography, microscopy and confocal microscopy. Results STS angiosarcomas present heterogenous morphology with areas dominated by hemangiosarcoma and lymphangiosarcoma structures. STS angiosarcoma expressed phenotypes of both blood and lymphatic endothelia. LYVE-1 and VEGF-C is expressed by STS angiosarcoma and may be used to discriminate tumour differentiation. Morphology of lymphatic vessels and spaces in the tumour suggest absence of their normal lymphatic function. Conclusions Our results confirmed both hemangio- and lymphangiogenic origin of STS angiosarcoma. Expression of VEGF-C makes STS angiosarcoma a good candidate for targeted antilymphangiogenic therapy. However, morphology of intratumoral lymphatics on colour lymphography suggested their impaired function, which can hamper drug distribution.
