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Objective To investigate the expression of calpain small subunit 1 (Capn4) in breast cancer and its clinical significance. Methods The cancer tissues and the paraffin-embeded specimens of the corresponding adjacent normal tissues from 12 patients with breast cancer between May 2015 and July 2015 in Shanghai General Hospital were collected. The expression of Capn4 was detected by using immunohistochemistry. The paraffin-embeded specimens of cancer tissues from 70 breast cancer patients in Shanghai General Hospital between January 2009 and September 2011 were also collected. And the expression of Capn4 was detected. The correlation between Capn4 expression level and TNM stage, pathological grade, molecular markers as well as the prognosis of breast cancer was also analyzed. Results The expression of Capn4 in breast cancer tissues was higher than that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The expression level of Capn4 was correlated with TNM stage (P = 0.002), T stage (P = 0.004), N stage (P = 0.004), M stage (P = 0.025), estrogen receptor (ER) status (χ 2 = 4.787, P = 0.029) and survival status (χ 2 = 5.826, P = 0.016). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the median survival time in the higher expression of Capn4 group 90 months was shorter than that in the lower expression of Capn4 group (not reaching the median survival time), and there were statistical differences (χ 2 = 4.351, P = 0.037). Conclusions The expression of Capn4 in breast cancer tissues is upregulated. The expression difference is correlated with TNM stage, pathological grade, ER status and the prognosis of breast cancer, suggesting that it may become a new target and molecular marker for breast cancer treatment.
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Carotid artery vulnerable plaque is prone to rupture and thrombosis,which is closely related to the occurrence of stroke.The detection of carotid plaque vulnerability is particularly important for early risk assessment of cerebrovascular disease.Carotid ultrasound is noninvasive,less expensive and with high reproducibility,therefore has become the important method for detecting the vulnerability of carotid artery plaque.The progresses of ultrasound technique for detection of carotid vulnerable plaque in recent years were reviewed in this article.
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Objective To investigate distribution of carotid plaques,degree of stenosis and risk factors of unstable plaques in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods Totally 909 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS group) confirmed with head MRI were enrolled,while 885 patients without stroke in the same period hospitalization were selected as controls (control group).The distribution of carotid plaques and the degree of stenosis were compared between the 2 groups.Patients in AIS group were divided into stenosis rate ≥50％ subgroup and ＜50％ subgroup according to the degree of carotid artery stenosis,and the detectable rate of stable plaques and unstable plaques were compared between the 2 groups.Clinical data of patients with unstable plaques and non-unstable plaques in AIS group were compared.Logistic regression models were established with parameters with significantly differences among those features.Results The detectable rates of multiple plaques and unstable plaques of carotid artery and the degree of stenosis in AIS group were statistically higher than those in control group (all P＜0.001).The detectable rate of unstable plaque in carotid artery stenosis rate ≥50％ group was statistically higher than that in stenosis rate ＜50％ group (P＜0.001).Age,male,diabetes,dyslipidemia,smoking and drinking were significantly risk factors (all P＜0.05).Age,diabetes,dyslipidemia and smoking were independent risk factors (all P＜0.05).Conclusion Carotid unstable plaque and stenosis are closely related to the occurrence of AIS.Age,diabetes,dyslipidemia and smoking are independent risk factors for carotid artery plaque.
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Objective To explore the feasibility of virtual touch tissue quantification(VTQ) technique in noninvasive assessment of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS).Methods Twenty-four patients were enrolled in this study.Shear wave velocity(SWV) of the liver and spleen were obtained by VTQ technique on one day before TIPSS insertion and one week after TIPSS placement,and the portal vein pressure was measured while placing the TIPSS.The correlation between SWV of the liver and spleen and portal venous pressure were analysed.In addition,fourteen patients were followed up for one month after TIPSS placement.Results There was significant difference in portal vein pressure pre [(27.82 ± 4.07) mm Hg] and post [(16.26-± 3.10) mm Hg] TIPSS insertion.The SWV of the liver in patients pre and post TIPSS measured (2.43 ± 0.37)m/s and (2.40 ± 0.34)m/s,respectively.The SWV of the spleen in patients pre and post TIPSS were (3.49 ± 0.40)m/s and (3.08 ± 0.39)m/s,respectively,there was significant difference (P =0.000).However,SWV of the liver pre and post TIPSS placement was no significant difference(P =0.130).And as well as the patients which were followed up for one month after TIPSS placement.A significant,direct,linear correlation(r =0.602,P =0.000) was found between SWV of the spleen and portal vein pressure,but liver SWV was not correlated with the portal venous pressure.Conclusions SWV of the spleen measured by VTQ technique has a significant correlation with portal vein pressure.Hence,the spleen SWV based on VTQ technique can be used as a non-invasive method for quantitatively in monitoring the portal vein pressure as the function of the TIPSS.However,evidence to support a similar role for liver stiffness is lacking.
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Objective To prepare the quantum dots(QDs) (CdTe-MPA)-loaded polymer(lactic-coglycolic acid,PLGA) microbubbles(MBQDs@PLGA) as dual-modality imaging agent for both fluorescent and ultrasonic imaging ability.Methods The MBQDs@PLGA were generated by the double emulsion technique,then filling in C3F8 after freeze-drying.Confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM) and transmission electron microscope(TEM) were used to confirm the load of quantum dots in the MBs.Fluorospectro photometer spectra of the MBQDs@PLGA were analyzed to demonstrate the fluorescent imaging ability and determine the encapsulation efficiency by using the regression equation.Imaging experiments was applied to validate the fluorescent and ultrasonic imaging ability of the MBQDs@PLGA both by imaging of the model in vitro and by imaging of ovarian tumor blood vessels of tumor-bearing nude mouse in vivo.Results At excitation 272 nm the MBQDs@PLGA peak of the emission spectrum was 549 nm,and the encapsulation efficiency was 54％.The average diameter of MBQDs@PLGA was (1.7 ±0.2)μm,CLSM and TEM results confirmed the QDs-loaded in MBQDs-PLGA.The imaging results of MBQDs@PLGA showed a dual-modality imaging ability both fluorescent and ultrasonic imaging.Conclusions MBQDs@PLGA present fluorescence-ultrasound dual mode imaging performance by the QDs embedding in polymer microbubbles,and explore a new development train of thought of multi-mode imaging agent.
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Objective To evaluate the performance of virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ)technique in noninvasive assessment of esophageal varices (EV) in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods One hundred and thirty-five patients were enrolled in this study.Liver shear wave velocity (LSWV) and spleen shear wave velocity (SSWV) were obtained by VTQ technique,and the detection of EV was performed by upper endoscopy per patient.The severity of EV was staged on a G1-G3 scale.Liver function was also tested.ResultsThe mean value of LSWV in patients with cirrhosis was (2.48±0.50)m/s,LSWV was not correlated with the stage of EV.The mean value of SSWV was (3.25 ± 0.44) m/s,a significant,direct,linear correlation ( r =0.66,P＜0.001 ) was found between SSWV and the stage of EV.The cut-off value of SSWV for predicting the presence of EV was 3.16 m/s and the area under ROC curve was 0.83,with the sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.80,respectively.The cut-off value of SSWV for predicting severe EV was 3.39m/s and the area under ROC curve was 0.84,with the sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.77,respectively.ConclusionsIn cirrhotic patients infected with hepatitis B virus,SSWV measured by VTQ technique can be used as a noninvasive method for determining the presence and the severity of EV,however evidence to support a similar role for LSWV is lacking.
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Objective To optimize the formulation of a new kind of ultrasound contrast agents carrying the sensitizer of hematoporphyrin(HP)with[Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid),PLGA]for material.Methods The technique of double emulsion was applied to produce HP loaded PLGA ultrasound microbubbles,which was optimized through orthogonal test using encapsulation efficiency for the detected index.Then morphology and distribution of HP-PLGA microbubbles were observed through light microscope and scaning electron microscope.The size,Zeta potential and the properties of releasing behavior and ultrasound imaging in vitro of Hp-PLGA contrast agents were detected.Results The optimization parameters were picked out as 10 mg/ml for concentration of HP,40 mg for PLGA,and 1/5 for volume ratio of water inside to dichloromethane.The optimized HP-PLGA contrast agents were spheric with the mean size of 602.3 nm,and Zeta potentiaI of-(17.1±1.6)mV.The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of HP-PLGA were(2.15±0.15)%and(63.5±2.6)%,respectively.And the releasing behavior of HP-PLGA contrast agents in vitro was that after an obvious release of about 35.1%in former 24 h,there were 86.5%HP-PLGA released within 14 days.The ultrasound imaging of HP-PLGA could be enhanced obviously in vitro.Conclusions The self-made HP-PLGA ultrasound microbubble might be a useful tool for delivering sensitizer and thus provide a novel strategy for sonodynamic therapy on tumor.
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Objective To prepare a kind of new lipid perfluorooctylbromide(PFOB) nanoparticles and to explore its potential application as an ultrasound contrast agent. Methods Lipid PFOB nanoparticles were prepared by microfluidization techniques. The morphology and distribution were observed with optical microscope and transmission electron microscope. Particle size and electric potential were determined with Malvern laser light scattering analyzer. Twelve normal Wistar rats were performed directly contrast imaging after injection of PFOB nanoparticles via caudal vein. Vital signs of the rats were monitored during the whole study. And eehogenie intensity of the liver was dynamically quantified through DFY ultrasound quantified analysis system. The mechanism of enhancement was studied by the frozen sections of rat's liver and spleen. Results The nanoparticles size and distribution were highly uniformed. The grey scale ultrasound imaging of the rat's liver and spleen were enhanced by PFOB nanoparticles. Ten seconds after PFOB nanoparticles injected,enhancement of liver began, the peak time was approximately 3 - 4 min, the duration of contrast enhancement was nearly up to 1 h, The enhancement of spleen was more significant and the duration was much longer. No abnormal changes of the rat's vital signs appeared during the study. Frozen sections suggested that PFOB nanoparticles accumulated in the liver and spleen was the potential mechanism of enhancement. Conclusions This novel and safe lipid PFOB nanoparticles could make prolonged enhancement of rat's liver and spleen,which has a good potency for ultrasound application.
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Objective To prepare lipid-coated ultrasound microbubbles containing 10-HCPT(HLM) and explore the antitumor effects on mice xenografed H22 solid tumor using the technique of ultrasound-mediated HLM destruction. Methods Sixty-four tumor-bearing mice were radomly divided into A and B groups. Each group was divided into four groups again and administered respectively by tail vein with HI.M, non-drug-loaded microbubbles,10-HCPT and saline once a day. Ultrasound irradiation was applied on the tumor sites immediately after injection. After 7 days of consecutive treatment, all mice in group A were sacrificed and the tumors were harvested to measure weights. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated by weights. The tumor microvessel density (MVD) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The tumor growth curve was depicted according to volumes. The survival time of mice in group B was recorded. Results The tumor inhibition rate was the highest in HLM group while this group's MVD was the lowest. Survival time in HLM group and 10-HCPT group were obviously longer compared with the control group,while no statistic difference was observed between the two groups. There was no statistic difference between the group of non-drug-loaded microbubbles and the control group. Conclusions Ultrasound irradiation mediates HLM destruction so that the drug is released from the vihicles at the same time, which can significantly enhance the tumor inhibition effect of 10-HCPT on the H22 tumor. This technique is expected to be adopted as a novel tool for liver cancer chemotherapy.
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Objective To prepare a nano-lipid ultrasound-enhanced contrast agent,then compare it with common-lipid microbubbles to evaluate its enhancement effects.Methods Misce bene a certain proportion of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine(DPPC),distearoyl phosphatidylcholine(DSPE),diphenyl phosphoryl azide(DPPA)and mannitol,incubation them,freeze and thawing some times repeatedly,then used machine succession to prepare the nano-lipid microbubble,observed its base physical properties like morphous,size and surface potential.Healthy rabbit livers were imaged before and after intravenous injection of 2.5 ml/kg of two contrast agents(nano-lipid and common-lipid)in succession,observed the dynamic enhancement effects of the grey scale imaging of the livers and evaluated them subjectively,then used the ultrasonographic quantitative analisis system in type DFY for detecting and analysing the enhancement effects.Results The mean diameter of the nano-lipid microbubbles was 415.8 nm and the surface potential was-(13.7±1.6)mV.The nano-lipid microbubbles could greatly enhance the grey scale imaging of the liver,compare with the common-lipid bubbles,their to-peak-time was later,the peak-continous-time was shorter,the enhancement effects persistence time was longer,its peak intensity was lower than the commonlipid bubbles.Conclusions The self-made nano-lipid microbubbles have a good shape and uniform distribution,they can enhance the grey scale imaging of the liver greatly and provide a protophase foundation for targeting research of tumors.