Diagnostic value of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, and CA125 for bone metastasis of lung cancer

To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the serum tumor markers cytokeratin 19 fragment [CYFRA 21-1], carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA] and cancer antigen 125 [CA125] in the diagnosis of bone metastases in patients with lung cancer. A total of 134 patients with lung cancer, diagnosed by pathological examination or bronchoscopic biopsy, as well as 105 healthy subjects, were enrolled in the study. The cancer patients were divided into a metastasis-negative group, a localized metastasis group [1 to 2 metastases], and an extensive metastasis group [3 or more metastases]. Serum levels of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, and CA125 were measured in each subject. The diagnostic efficiency of three tumor markers, used alone or in combination, was assessed using ROC analysis and compared with that of X-ray, CT, and emission computed tomography [ECT]. The levels of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, and CA125 were highest in patients with extensive metastasis, and lowest in patients without metastasis. The optimal cutoff value of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, and CA125 for diagnosing bone metastasis of lung cancer was 42.59 ng/ml [AUC: 0.908], 36.35 ng/ml [AUC: 0.854] and 36.21 U/ml [AUC: 0.786], respectively. The combined use of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, and CA125 was more sensitive than X-ray and more specific than CT. Combined determination of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, and CA125 can significantly improve accuracy and positive rates of diagnosis of bone metastasis in patients with lung cancer. Compared with imaging methods, serological detection is simple, rapid, and highly cost-effective

An experimental study of small-caliber tissue engineering vessels with acellular matrix / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the mechanical properties of the prefabricated connective tissue tube as blood vessel substitute and its changes after implantation at the femoral artery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The acellular matrix tube of 8-12 cm in length with a silicone rod inside it was implanted into dog peritoneal cavity. 3 weeks later, a new formed tube around the silicone rod was transferred to the femoral artery as blood vessel substitute. The mechanical properties and histological examination of the blood vessel substitute were assessed and compared to those of the carotid artery and vein. 6 months after transfer, the patency of the blood vessels substitute was observed. The histological change was studied by light microscopy, scanning and transmitting electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The mechanical properties of blood vessel substitute was not as strong as artery, but better than the vein. (2) There were elastic and collagen fibers with many fibroblasts around the tube wall, but few mesothelial cells around the inner wall. All of the blood vessel substitutes (n = 6) were found to keep patency and the structure of the blood vessels substitutes became similar to femoral artery 6 months after they had been grafted to the femoral artery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results suggest that tissue engineering in vivo is a good approach to construct vessels substitute. The tissue tubes made in dog's peritoneal cavity have good condition when it is used as a blood vessel substitutes.</p>

Decellularized aorta of fetal pigs as a potential scaffold for small diameter tissue engineered vascular graft / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>For cardiovascular tissue engineering, acellularized biomaterials from pig have been widely investigated. Our purpose was to study mechanical properties and biocompatibility of decellularized aorta of fetal pigs (DAFP) to determine its potential as scaffold for small diameter tissue engineered vascular graft.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Descending aorta of fetal pigs was removed cells using trypsin, ribonuclease and desoxyribonuclease. Mechanical properties of DAFP were evaluated by tensile stress-strain and burst pressure analysis. Assessment of cell adhesion and compatibility was conducted by seeding porcine aortic endothelial cells. To evaluate biocompatibility in vivo, DAFP was implanted subcutaneously into adult male Sprague Dawley rats for 2, 4 and 8 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy examination of DAFP revealed well-preserved extracellular matrix proteins and porous three-dimensional structures. Compared with fresh aorta, DAFP had similar ultimate tensile strength, axial compliance and burst pressure. Cell culture studies in vitro showed that porcine aortic endothelial cells adhered and proliferated on the surfaces of DAFP with excellent cell viability. Subdermal implantation demonstrated that the DAFP did not show almost any immunological reaction and exhibited minimal calcification during the whole follow-up period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The DAFP has the potential to serve as scaffolds for small diameter tissue engineered vascular graft.</p>