ABSTRACT
Objective To study the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene family in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and its relationship to the pathogenesis of PTC. Methods The thyroid tissues of patients were collected in surgical operation, including 8 cases with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 7 cases with Hashimoto′s thyroiditis, 8 cases with adenoma and 8 normal tissues. The total RNA of these samples were extracted and purified by the method of acidic phenol. The gene expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, MMP-25 and MMP-26 were assayed by RT-PCR and 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. The fluorescent degree of electrophoretic bands was detected by automatic gel scanner and analyzed statistically in order to compare the levels of gene expressions among 4 groups. Results The positive rates and the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14 gene expressions in PTC group were significantly higher than those in other 3 groups (all P
ABSTRACT
Pancreatic A cell function was studied in 119 cases of NIDDM with 37 normal subjects as controls. In NIDDM group, fasting plasma glucagon leveh averaged 192.9 ? 129.6 pg /ml, whereas in normals being 132.8?65.0 pg / ml. Plasma glucagon levels were markedly elevated in patients with NIDDM irrespective of insulin administration, suggesting decreased pancreatic A cell sensitivity to glucose.In 7 male normal subjects, following intravenous injection of insulin (0.1 U / kg) an average increment of 114 pg / ml of plasma glucagon level with a peak at 30-60 min was noted. In 3 of 6 male diabetic subjects a paradoxical reduced plasma glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was demonstrated, suggesting primary abnormality of pancreatic A cell function in NIDDM patients, with a possible defect in glucose counter-regulation.