Is there a relationship between the first-day results of anti-VEGF therapy for macular edema due to vascular diseases and longterm outcomes? / Há alguma relação entre os resultados do primeiro dia de terapia anti-VEGF para edema macular devido a doenças vasculares e o resultado a longo prazo?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate early changes after the first antivascular endothelial growth factor injection for macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion and the relationship between longterm outcomes. Methods: The study enrolled patients who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for treatment-naive macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. The central macular thickness was measured at baseline, post-injection day 1, week 2, and month 1, and at the last visit using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A good response was defined as a central macular thickness reduction of ≥10% on post-injection day 1. Patients were reassessed at the last visit with regard to treatment response on post-injection day 1 based on the favorable anatomic outcome defined as a central macular thickness <350 µm. Results: In total, 26 (44.8%) patients had macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and 32 (55.2%) had macular edema-diabetic retinopathy. The mean follow-up time was 24.0 (SD 8.5) months. A statistically significant decrease in the central macular thickness was observed in both patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and macular edema-diabetic retinopathy after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection therapy (p<0.001 for both). All patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion were good responders at post-injection day 1. All nongood responders at post-injection day 1 belong to the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (n=16.50%). The rate of hyperreflective spots was higher in nongood responders than in good responders of the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (p=0.03). Of 42 (2.4%) total good responders, one had a central macular thickness >350 µm, whereas 5 (31.2%) of 16 total nongood responders had a central macular thickness >350 µm at the last visit (p=0.003). Conclusion: The longterm anatomical outcomes of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy may be predicted by treatment response 1 day after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações precoces após a primeira injeção de anticorpos antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular (anti-VEGF) em casos de edema macular secundário à retinopatia diabética e oclusão da veia da retina e a relação entre essas alterações e o resultado a longo prazo. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes que receberam uma injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular para edema macular, virgem de tratamento e devido à oclusão da veia retiniana ou a retinopatia diabética. A espessura macular central foi medida no início do tratamento e no 1º dia, 2ª semana e 1º mês após a injeção, bem como na última visita, através de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral. Definiu-se uma "boa resposta" como uma redução ≥10% na espessura macular central no 1º dia após a injeção. Os pacientes foram reavaliados na última visita com relação à resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção, com base em um resultado anatômico favorável, definido como uma espessura macular central <350 µm. Resultado: Foram registrados 26 (44,8%) pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia da retina e 32 (55,2%) com edema macular e retinopatia diabética. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 24,0 meses (desvio-padrão de 8,5 meses). Foi observada uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa da espessura macular central após o tratamento antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular tanto em pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana quanto naqueles com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p<0,001 para ambos). Todos os pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana responderam bem no 1º dia pós-injeção. Todos os que responderam mal no 1º dia pós-injeção pertenciam ao grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (n=16,50%). A presença de manchas hiperrefletivas foi maior nos pacientes que responderam mal do que naqueles que tiveram boa resposta no grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p=0,03). Um dos 42 (2,4%) pacientes com boa resposta total teve espessura macular central >350 um, enquanto 5 (31,2%) do total de 16 pacientes com resposta ruim apresentaram espessura macular central >350 µm na última visita (p=0,003). Conclusão: O resultado anatômico de longo prazo do edema macular secundário à oclusão da veia retiniana e à retinopatia diabética pode ser previsto pela resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular.

Effects of the preoperative use of artificial tears combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor on cataract patients complicated with dry eyes / Efeitos do uso pré-operatório de lágrimas artificiais combinadas com fator de crescimento de fibroblastos básicos bovinos recombinantes em pacientes com catarata complicada com olhos secos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the effects of the preoperative application of artificial tears combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor on the ocular surface function and inflammatory factor levels after operation in cataract patients complicated with dry eyes. Methods: A total of 118 cataract patients (118 eyes) complicated with dry eyes treated from February 2019 to February2020 were assigned to control and observation groups (n=59 eyes/group) using a random number table. One week before the operation, the control group was administered 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops (artificial tears), based on which the observation group received Beifushu eye drops (recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor), both 6 times daily for 1 week. A comparison was made between the scores of clinical symptoms and the indices of ocular surface function, inflammatory factors in tears, and oxidative stress indices before and after the operation. The ocular surface function was evaluated by an ocular surface disease index questionnaire, tear film breakup-time assay, Schirmer's I test, and corneal fluorescein stain test. The inflammatory factors in tears were measured. Results: No significant differences were noted in the general data and clinical symptom score, ocular surface disease index, tear film breakup-time, Schirmer's I test score, fluorescein stain score, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxide, and total antioxidant capacity before treatment between the 2 groups (p>0.05). After treatment, the clinical symptom score, ocular surface disease index, fluorescein stain score, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, malondial-dehyde and lipid peroxide declined significantly, and tear film breakup-time, Schirmer's I test score, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity increased in both the groups. The improvements in the clinical symptom score as well as in the indices of ocular surface function, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress were more prominent in the observation group than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Artificial tears combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor before operation. significantly improved the ocular surface function, reduced inflammatory factors in tears, and alleviated dry eye symptoms after operation in cataract patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da aplicação pré-operatória de lágrimas artificiais combinadas com o fator de crescimento de fibroblastos básicos bovinos recombinantes na função da superfície ocular e níveis de fator inflamatório após cirurgia em pacientes com catarata complicada com olhos secos. Métodos: Um total de 118 pacientes com catarata complicada com olhos secos (118 olhos), tratados entre fevereiro de 2019 e fevereiro de 2020, foram divididos em grupos de controle e de observação (n=59, 59 olhos) usando uma tabela de números aleatórios. Uma semana antes da cirurgia, o grupo controle recebeu colírio de hialuronato de sódio a 0,1% (lágrimas artificiais), enquanto o grupo de observação recebeu colírio Beifushu (fator de crescimento de fibroblastos básicos bovinos recombinantes), ambos, seis vezes ao dia, por uma semana. Antes do tratamento e um mês após a cirurgia, os escores de sintomas clínicos, índices de função da superfície ocular, níveis de fatores inflamatórios nas lágrimas e índices de estresse oxidativo foram comparados. A função da superfície ocular foi avaliada pelo questionário do índice de doença da superfície ocular, ensaio de tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, teste I de Schirmer e teste de coloração por fluoresceína da córnea. Os níveis de fatores inflamatórios nas lágrimas foram medidos. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas nos dados gerais e no escore de sintomas clínicos, índice de doença da superfície ocular, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, escore do teste I de Schirmer, pontuação do teste de coloração por fluoresceína da córnea, interleucina-6, fator de necrose tumoral alfa, malondialdeído, superóxido dismutase, peróxido lipídico e capacidade antioxidante total antes do tratamento entre os dois grupos (p>0,05). Após o tratamento, o escore de sintomas clínicos, índice de doença da superfície ocular, escore do teste de coloração por fluoresceína da córnea, fator de necrose tumoral alfa, interleucina-6, malondialdeído e peróxido lipídico diminuíram significativamente, e o tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, escore do teste I de Schirmer, superóxido dismutase e a capacidade antioxidante total aumentou em ambos os grupos. As melhorias no escore de sintomas clínicos, bem como os índices de função da superfície ocular, fatores inflamatórios e estresse oxidativo foram mais proeminentes no grupo de observação do que no grupo controle (p<0,05). Conclusões: Lágrimas artificiais combinadas com fator de crescimento de fibroblastos básicos recombinantes antes da cirurgia melhoram notavelmente a função da superfície ocular, diminuem os níveis de fatores inflamatórios nas lágrimas e aliviam os sintomas de olho seco após a cirurgia em pacientes com catarata complicada com olhos secos.

Effects of rosmarinic acid and doxorubicine on an ovarian adenocarsinoma cell line (OVCAR3) via the EGFR pathway

Purpose: We aimed to reveal the effects of rosmarinic acid (RA), which has come to the forefront with its antitumor and antioxidant properties in many studies recently in the ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line, on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) signaling pathway in the presence of doxorubicin (DOX). Methods: Ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line (OVCAR3) and human skin keratinocyte cell line human skin keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) were used as control. (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was applied to determine the effect of RA and DOX on the proliferation of OVCAR3 and HaCaT cells. Bcl2 expression and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and western blot analysis were performed to determine the expression levels of the markers. Results: It was determined that RA (IC50 = 437.6 µM) and DOX (IC50 = 0.08 µM) have the ability to inhibit the proliferation of OVCAR3 cells and induce apoptosis in a 72-hour time and dose-dependent manner. Western blot showed that the expression level of Bcl-2 and EGFR in OVCAR3 cells was down-regulated by RA and DOX. Conclusions: Apoptosis in OVCAR3 cells can potentially be induced by RA via the EGFR pathway, and RA may be a potent agent for cancer therapy.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal the mechanism of resveratrol in oral squamous cell carcinoma treatment / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To explore the molecular mechanism of resveratrol (RES) in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) through the use of biological information methods such as network pharmacology and molecular docking and to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical application of RES in the treatment of OSCC.@*Methods@#The Swiss Target Prediction(http://www.swisstargetprediction.ch), SEA (http://sea.bkslab.org)database, and Pharm mapper database(http://lilab-ecust.cn) were used to retrieve RES-related targets, and the DISGENET (www.disgenet.org), OMIM (https://omim.org) and GeneCards (https://www.genecards.org) databases were used to screen OSCC disease targets. The intersection of drugs and disease targets was determined, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a "drug-diseasetarget pathway" network. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database was used to construct a target protein interaction network, and the DAVID database was used for enrichment analysis of key proteins. Finally, molecular docking validation of key proteins was performed using AutoDock and PyMOL. The enrichment analysis and molecular docking results were integrated to predict the possible molecular mechanisms of RES treatment in OSCC; western blot was used to determine the effect of resveratrol at different concentrations (50, 100) μmol/L on the expression of Src tyrosine kinase (SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptor gene 1 (ESR1), and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway proteins in OSCC HSC-3 cells.@*Results@#A total of 243 targets of RES drugs and 6 094 targets of OSCC were identified. A total of 116 potential common targets were obtained by intersecting drugs with disease targets. These potential targets mainly participate in biological processes such as in vivo protein self-phosphorylation, peptide tyrosine phosphorylation, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, and positive regulation of RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcription, and they interfere with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to exert anti-OSCC effects. The docking results of resveratrol with OSCC molecules indicated that key targets, such as EGFR, ESR1, and SRC, have good binding activity. The results of cell-based experiments showed that resveratrol inhibited the protein expression of SRC, EGFR, ESR1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in HSC-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner.@*Conclusion@#RES can inhibit the expression of its targets EGFR, ESR1, SRC, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in OSCC cells.

The applications of the plasma matrix in the treatments of dental pulp and periapical diseases / 口腔疾病防治

@#The plasma matrix is a kind of autologous blood conduct. It has been widely used in maxillofacial tissue regeneration, skin cosmetology and some other fields. Recently, to preserve the dental pulp as well as the teeth, pulp regeneration therapy and apical surgery have become increasingly important as well as the applications of bioactive materials. As a kind of autologous bioactive material, the plasma matrix has some natural advantages as it is easy to obtain and malleable. The plasma matrix can be used in the following cases: ①pulp revascularization of young permanent teeth with open apical foramina that cannot stimulate apical bleeding; ② apical barrier surgery with bone defects and large area perforation repair with bone defects or root sidewall repair surgery; ③ apical surgeries of teeth with large area of apical lesions, with or without periodontal diseases. The plasma matrix is a product derived from our blood, and there are no obvious contraindications for its use. Several systematic reviews have shown that the plasma matrix can effectively promote the regenerative repair of dental pulp in patients with periapical diseases. However, the applications of plasma matrix are different because its characteristics are affected by different preparation methods. In addition, there is still a lack of long-term clinical researches on the plasma matrix, and the histological evidences are difficult to obtain, so a large number of in vitro and in vivo experimental studies are still needed. This article will describe the applications of different kinds of plasma matrix for dental pulp regeneration and bone tissue regeneration in apical surgeries to provide references for clinicians in indication selection and prognosis evaluation.

Regulation mechanism of macrophage transition in renal fibrosis / 器官移植

Renal fibrosis is a common pathological change from development to end-stage renal diseases in all progressive chronic kidney diseases. Renal fibrosis after kidney transplantation will severely affect the renal graft function. Macrophages are characterized with high heterogeneity and plasticity. During the process of kidney injury, macrophages are recruited, activated and polarized by local microenvironment, and participate in the process of renal tissue injury, repair and fibrosis through multiple mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that macrophages may transit into myofibroblasts and directly participate in the formation of renal fibrosis. This process is known as macrophage-myofibroblast transition. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism remains elusive. In this article, the role of macrophages in renal fibrosis, the characteristics of macrophage-myofibroblast transition and the possible regulatory mechanism were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for relevant research of renal fibrosis.

Clinical value of serum vitamin A and basic fibroblast growth factor levels in predicting retinopathy of prematurity / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the clinical value of serum vitamin A(Vit A)and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)levels predicting retinopathy of prematurity(ROP).METHODS: Prospective cohort studies. A total of 411 premature or low birth weight infants with gestational age less than 37 wk or birth weight less than 2 500 g who were delivered in Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as subjects. The Vit A and bFGF levels in peripheral blood were detected at 7 d and 35 d after birth, respectively.RESULTS: A total of 392 premature infants or low birth weight infants completed clinical study, including 51 cases in stage 1-2 ROP group, 23 cases in stage 3-5 ROP group and 318 cases in the group without ROP. At 7 d postnatal, the serum Vit A(0.44±0.17 μmol/L)and bFGF(0.53±0.16 ng/L)levels in stage 1-2 ROP group were lower than those in the group without ROP(0.50±0.12 μmol/L and 0.63±0.15 ng/L; all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The serum Vit A(0.34±0.18 μmol/L)and bFGF(0.44±0.18 ng/L)levels in stage 3-5 ROP group were lower than those in the group without ROP(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The serum Vit A and bFGF levels in stage 3-5 ROP group were lower than those in stage 1-2 ROP group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). At 35d postnatal, the serum Vit A(0.33±0.19 μmol/L)and bFGF(0.39±0.19 ng/L)levels in stage 3-5 ROP group were lower than those in stage 1-2 ROP group(0.43±0.16 μmol/L and 0.48±0.17 ng/L; all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). According to the ROC curve drawn by serum Vit A, the AUC value was 0.853, the maximum Youden index was 0.68, the best sensitivity was 73%, and the best specificity was 95%. According to the ROC curve drawn by serum bFGF, the AUC value was 0.828, the maximum Youden index was 0.58, the best sensitivity was 90%, and the best specificity was 68%. According to the ROC curve drawn by serum Vit A combined with bFGF, the AUC value was 0.917, the maximum Youden index was 0.70, the best sensitivity was 70%, and the best specificity was 100%.CONCLUSION: Serum Vit A and bFGF levels are sensitive and effective indicators for predicting ROP. If the serum Vit A or bFGF levels are lower in premature infants or low birth weight infants, it may indicate the higher probability of ROP and its pathological stages. In addition, the clinica value of serum Vit A combined with bFGF in the diagnosis of ROP is higher than that of Vit A or bFGF alone, and the misdiagnosis rate is reduced.

Combination of Ranibizumab and Dexamethasone intravitreal implant for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the differences in the efficacy and safety of combination of intravitreal dexamethasone(Ozurdex)and ranibizumab or monotherapy of ranibizumab in eyes with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME).METHODS: Patients diagnosed with non-ischemic RVO-ME by fluorescein fundus angiography in our hospital from June 2020 to December 2022 were selected. All patients were initially treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab(0.5 mg), and 42 patients(42 eyes)who had central retinal thickness(CRT)≥300 μm after 2 wk were included. They were randomly divided into combined treatment group and monotherapy group. The combined treatment group(21 eyes)received Ozurdex intravitreal injection immediately, while the monotherapy group(21 eyes)was treated with ranibizumab intravitreal injection by 3+pro re nata(PRN). The changes of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), CRT, and intraocular pressure before and at 2 wk, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mo after treatment were recorded, and the ocular or systemic complications were observed.RESULTS:The BCVA and CRT of all patients at 2 wk, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mo after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01). There were statistical significance in the BCVA and CRT between two groups at 2 and 3 mo after treatment(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The most significant increase of BCVA in the combined treatment group occurred at 2 mo after treatment. The mean recurrence time of macular edema in the monotherapy group was 1.45±0.53 mo, with 4.21±0.78 injection times of ranibizumab. None of the patients showed serious complications after treatment. The most common complications in the combined treatment group were subconjunctival hemorrhage and elevated intraocular pressure, which were manageable with topical ocular hypotensive agents, and no patient required antiglaucoma or cataract surgery.CONCLUSION: Compared with monotherapy of ranibizumab, intravitreal injection of dexamethasone combined with ranibizumab can significantly improve the visual acuity and effectively reduce the macular edema in the treatment of RVO-ME, with a long duration of efficacy and less intravitreal injection of drugs.

Effect of Qianyang Yuyin Granules on Mesenchymal Transdifferentiation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induced by TGF-β1 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBy observing the effect of Qianyang Yuyin granules on the phenotype of renal tubule epithelial cells， the intervention of Qianyang Yuyin granule on renal interstitial fibrosis was investigated. MethodThe renal tubular epithelial cells （HK-2） were treated with different concentrations of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 （5， 10， 15， 20， 25 μg·L-1） for 24 hours， and cell morphology and growth state were observed with an inverted phase contrast microscope. The 20 μg·L-1 was selected as the most appropriate concentration of TGF-β1 according to Western blot results for subsequent experiments. HK-2 cells were divided into six groups： blank group， TGF-β1 group （concentration of 20 μg·L-1）， low， medium， and high dose Qianyang Yuyin granule groups （concentration of 0.5， 1， 2 g·L-1）， and valsartan group （1 × 10-5 mol·L-1）. The cell activity was measured by cell proliferation and cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. The cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. The Transwell method was used to detect the invasiveness of cells. Western blot was used to detect levels of fibronectin （FN）， E-cadherin， α-smooth muscle activator （α-SMA）， Vimentin， collagen type Ⅰ（Col Ⅰ）， collagen type Ⅳ（Col Ⅳ）， and other related proteins. ResultTGF-β1 stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） in renal tubular epithelial cells was time- and concentration-dependent. Compared with the blank group， higher concentration in the TGF-β1 group indicates longer intervention time and more obvious long spindle change of cells， and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was significantly enhanced. The protein expression level of FN， α-SMA， Vimentin， Col Ⅰ， and Col Ⅳ increased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression level of E-cadherin protein decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the TGF-β1 group， Qianyang Yuyin granule groups could maintain normal cell morphology， and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was inhibited. The protein expression level of FN， α-SMA， Vimentin， Col Ⅰ， and Col Ⅳ decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the expression of E-cadherin protein was significantly restored （P<0.05）. ConclusionQianyang Yuyin granule can reverse TGF-β1-induced interstitial transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells by reducing the phenotypic expression of mesenchymal cells and increasing the phenotypic expression of epithelial cells.

Hedysari Radix Polysaccharide Regulates Apoptosis of Smooth Muscle Cells in Gastric Antrum of Rat Model of Diabetic Gastroparesis via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Hedysari Radix polysaccharide on the apoptosis of gastric sinus smooth muscle cells and explore the underlying mechanism via the insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/serine-threonine kinase （Akt） pathway in the rat model of diabetic gastroparesis （DGP）. MethodSixty-two Wistar male rats were randomized into a blank group （n=12） and a modelling group （n=50）. The rat model of DGP was established by small-dose multiple intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin combined with an irregular high-fat and high-sugar diet for 4 weeks. The modeled rats were randomized into model group， mosapride citrate （1.35 mg·kg-1）， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （200， 100， and 50 mg·kg-1， respectively） Hedysari Radix polysaccharide groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage， and those in the blank and model groups with equal volumes of pure water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. The random blood glucose and body mass were measured every 2 weeks， and gastric emptying rate was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of smooth muscle in gastric antrum， and terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling （TUNEL） was employed to detect the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum. The expression of IGF-1， phosphorylated （p）-PI3K， and p-Akt in the smooth muscle of gastric sinus tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in the smooth muscle of the gastric antrum. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated random blood glucose at all time points （P<0.01）， decreased body mass and gastric emptying rate （P<0.01）， increased apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum （P<0.01）， down-regulated protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2， and up-regulated protein level of Bax （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the 8 weeks of drug administration lowered the random blood glucose， increased the body mass and gastric emptying rate （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased the apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2， and down-regulated the protein level of Bax （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the mosapride citrate group，the administration of low-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide for 6 and 8 weeks lowered the random blood glucose and decreased the body mass （P<0.05， P<0.01），low and medium-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide decreased the gastric emptying rate and the apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the astragaloside low-dose group decreased （P<0.05）. The protein levels of IGF-1，p-PI3K/PI3K，p-Akt/Akt and Bcl-2（low dose）were down-regulated and the protein level of Bax was up-regulated by low doses of Hedysari Radix polysaccharide （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with high-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide， low-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide elevated random blood glucose and reduced body mass after 6 and 8 weeks of administration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the low and medium doses decreased the gastric emptying rate， increased the apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2， and up-regulated the protein level of Bax （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the medium-dose group，the low-dose group of Hedysari Radix polysaccharide had lower body mass，lower gastric emptying rate in rats，higher apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in gastric sinus tissue after 6 and 8 weeks of administration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and lower protein expression of IGF-1，p-PI3K/PI3K，p-Akt/Akt. ConclusionHedysari Radix polysaccharide protects the smooth muscle cells in gastric antrum against apoptotic injury and promotes gastric motility by activating the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， as manifested by the up-regulated expression of IGF-1， p-PI3K， p-Akt， and Bcl-2 and down-regulated expression of Bax.

Study of Three Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Samples from Guilan, North of Iran

Abstract Introduction Finding biomarkers for highly lethal cancers is a priority. Objective The current study was designed to understand the clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression as the biomarkers, and evaluate their correlation with each other, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the province of Guilan, North of Iran. Methods Gene expression was evaluated in 25 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks from cases of confirmed NPC and 20 FFPE samples of non-NPC by quantifying messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods, respectively. Furthermore, the correlations among the protein levels of different genes, along with the patients' demographic characteristics were assessed. Results Our findings on mRNA and protein levels demonstrated that the expression of the LMP1 gene in the NPC group was significantly elevated compared with that of the non-NPC group. In addition, the protein levels in the NPC group indicated a positive and significant correlation between LMP1 and VEGF expression. It was noted that both protein and mRNA levels showed no significant differences in the expression of TNF-α and VEGF genes between the NPC and control groups. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between the expression of these proteins and the demographic characteristics of NPC patients. Conclusion Overall, a significant increase in LMP1 expression was observed in NPC patients, which may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for NPC. Also, LMP1 might be involved in NPC progression by inducing VEGF gene expression.

Risk of renal damage associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic macular edema in routine clinical practice

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti?VEGF) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. However, there is little information about the systemic effects of intraocular administration of anti?VEGF drugs in patients with coexistent diabetic nephropathy because it can produce adverse renal effects. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the effect of intravitreal anti?VEGF drugs (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept) on eFGR and microalbuminuria (MicA) in patients with diabetic macular edema and nonproliferative retinopathy without chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results: Sixty?six patients were included, 54.5% male and 45.5% female, with a mean age of 66.70 ± 11.6 years. The mean follow?up of patients with antiangiogenic treatment was 42.5 ± 28.07 months, and the mean number of injections was 10.91 ± 7.54. In 12.1% of the cases, there was a worsening of the glomerular filtration rate (eFGR) and a 19.7% worsening of the microalbuminuria (MicA). The number of injections was not related to the worsening of the eFGR (P = 0.74) or the MicA (P = 0.239). No relationship was found between the type of drug and the deterioration of the GFR (P = 0.689) or the MicA (P = 0.53). Conclusions: Based on the results, there is a small proportion of patients with increase in MicA and the decrease in eFGR after anti?VEGF therapy, and these was no associated with the number of injection or the drug type. Ophthalmologists should be aware of renal damage in order to do a close monitoring of renal function and proteinuria after intravitreal administration of anti?VEGF mainly in hypertensive patients.

Ozonoterapia como apoyo en el tratamiento de la úlcera del pie diabético. Presentación de un caso

Una de las complicaciones más comunes de la diabetes mellitus es la úlcera del pie diabético, como una fuente importante de morbilidad y mortalidad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 43 años, con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, de siete años de evolución, remitida desde el Cuerpo de Guardia del Policlínico Universitario Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy, de Abreus, con el diagnóstico de pie diabético neuroinfeccioso complicado con un absceso. Se realizó drenaje del absceso, modificación del tratamiento con insulina y desbridamiento de la lesión. Además, se indicó antibiótico y Heberprot-P®. Ante la ausencia de evolución satisfactoria, se realizó nuevo desbridamiento, con amputación de tercer y cuarto dedos del pie izquierdo; se retomó el tratamiento inicial, eta vez combinado con ozonoterapia vía local y rectal. A partir de la semana 18 la paciente evolucionó favorablemente, con presencia de buena granulación, desaparición gradual del dolor y aceleración del proceso de cicatrización completa de la lesión, además de conseguir un control metabólico eficiente. El caso descrito confirma la eficacia y seguridad del uso combinado del Heberprot-P® y la terapia con ozono.

One of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot ulcer, as an important source of morbidity and mortality. The case of a 43-years-old patient with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, of seven years of evolution, referred from the Emergency Department of the Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy University Polyclinic, Abreus, with the diagnosis of neuroinfectious diabetic foot complicated with an abscess is presented. Drainage of the abscess, modification of insulin treatment, and debridement of the lesion were performed. In addition, antibiotics and Heberprot-P® were indicated. In the absence of satisfactory evolution, new debridement was performed, with amputation of the third and fourth toes of the left foot; the initial treatment was resumed, this time combined with local and rectal ozone therapy. From week 18 on, the patient progressed favorably, with the presence of good granulation, gradual disappearance of pain and acceleration of the complete healing process of the lesion, in addition to achieving efficient metabolic control. The described case confirms the efficacy and safety of the Heberprot-P® combined use and ozone therapy.

Distance and near vision changes after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection in eyes with center-involving diabetic macular edema

Purpose: To elucidate distance and near vision changes after intravitreal injections in center?involving diabetic macular edema (CIDME) in phakic and pseudophakic groups. Methods: A retrospective study was done on 148 eyes (72 phakic and 76 pseudophakic) with center?involving DME. All eyes were treated with intravitreal anti?vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection. All patients underwent distance best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, near BCVA testing, dilated fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and follow?up visits. Eyes that could not improve after the first injection were given 2nd, 3rd, and more injections in the subsequent visits. Results: On follow?up, post injections in the phakic group (n = 72), there were 65 eyes (90.3%) with stable/improved near vision and 59 eyes (81.9%) with stable/improved distance vision, whereas in the pseudophakic group (n = 76), 63 eyes (82.9%) and 60 eyes (78.9%), respectively. Both in phakic and pseudophakic eyes, 7.7%–13% of the cohort showed only near vision improvement. Conclusion: In DME, besides the changes in distance vision, there are also changes in near vision. These changes should be taken into account while determining the response to anti?VEGF in DME treatment.

99mTc-HYNIC/Cy7-Fab(Bevacizumab): su empleo como agente de imagen en mieloma múltiple / 99mTc-HYNIC/Cy7-Fab(Bevacizumab): its use as an imaging agent in Multiple Myeloma / 99mTc-HYNIC/Cy7-Fab (Bevacizumab): seu uso como agente de imagem em mieloma múltiplo

Introducción: el mieloma múltiple es un trastorno hematológico maligno y el segundo cáncer de la sangre más frecuente. El proceso de la angiogénesis tumoral es fundamental para el crecimiento y metástasis de muchos tipos de tumores, incluido en mieloma múltiple. Se sabe que la sobreexpresión del factor de crecimiento endothelial vascular se encuentra asociado a un mal pronóstico en esta patología, representando un blanco clave para la terapia anti-angiogénica en mieloma múltiple. El anticuerpo monoclonal Bevacizumab es capaz de unirse con gran afinidad al factor de crecimiento endothelial vascular bloqueando su acción. Objetivo: evaluar el Fab(Bevacizumab) marcado con 99mTc o Cy7 como potenciales agentes de imagen moleculares de la expresión de factor de crecimiento endothelial vascular en mieloma múltiple. Material y métodos: la expresión de factor de crecimiento endothelial vascular fue analizada mediante citometría de flujo en la línea celular huaman de mieloma múltiple, la MM1S. Fab(Bevacizumab) fue producido mediante digestión de Bevacizumab con papaína, conjugado a NHS-HYNIC-Tfa y radiomarcado con 99mTc. Se realizaron estudios de biodistribución y de tomografía computarizada por emisión del fotón simple. A su vez, Fab(Bevacizumab) fue marcado con Cy7 para obtener imágenes de fluorescencia in vivo hasta 96 horas. Resultados: el análisis por citometría de flujo en la línea celular MM1S reveló que la expresión de factor de crecimiento endothelial vascular es predominantemente intracelular. Los estudios de biodistribución y SPECT/CT del complejo 99mTc-HYNIC-Fab(Bevacizumab) mostraron una rápida eliminación sanguínea y una significativa captación a nivel renal y tumoral. Las imágenes por fluorescencia empleando Cy7-Fab(Bevacizumab) permitieron la visualización tumoral hasta 96 h p.i. Conclusiones: logramos visualizar la expresión de factor de crecimiento endothelial vascular in vivo en mieloma múltiple mediante el empleo del fragmento Fab del anticuerpo anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) marcado con 99mTc y Cy7. Estos nuevos agentes de imagen molecular podrían ser empleados potencialmente en el ámbito clínico para la estadificación y el seguimiento de pacientes con mieloma múltiple, mediante la visualización radioactiva in vivo de la expresión de factor de crecimiento endothelial vascular en todo el cuerpo. La imagen óptica de estos trazadores mejoraría el muestreo tumoral y podría guiar la extirpación quirúrgica.

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy and the second most common blood cancer. The process of tumor angiogenesis is central to the growth and metastasis of many types of tumors, including multiple myeloma. Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor is known to be associated with poor prognosis in this pathology, representing a key target for anti-angiogenic therapy in multiple myeloma. The monoclonal antibody Bevacizumab is able to bind with high affinity to vascular endothelial growth factor blocking its action. Objective: to evaluate 99mTc- or Cy7-labeled Fab(Bevacizumab) as potential molecular imaging agents of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in multiple myeloma. Methods: Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was analyzed by flow cytometry in the multiple myeloma huaman cell line, MM1S. Fab(Bevacizumab) was produced by digestion of Bevacizumab with papain, conjugated to NHS-HYNIC-Tfa and radiolabeled with 99mTc. Biodistribution and single photon emission computed tomography studies were performed. In turn, Fab(Bevacizumab) was labeled with Cy7 to obtain in vivo fluorescence images up to 96 hours. Results: Flow cytometry analysis in the MM1S cell line revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor expression is predominantly intracellular. Biodistribution and SPECT/CT studies of the 99mTc-HYNIC-Fab(Bevacizumab) complex showed rapid blood clearance and significant renal and tumor uptake. Fluorescence imaging using Cy7-Fab(Bevacizumab) allowed tumor visualization up to 96 h p.i. Conclusions: we were able to visualize vascular endothelial growth factor expression in vivo in multiple myeloma using the Fab fragment of the anti-VEGF antibody (Bevacizumab) labeled with 99mTc and Cy7. These new molecular imaging agents could potentially be employed in the clinical setting for staging and monitoring of patients with multiple myeloma by in vivo radioactive visualization of vascular endothelial growth factor expression throughout the body. Optical imaging of these tracers would improve tumor sampling and could guide surgical excision.

Introdução: O mieloma múltiplo é uma malignidade hematológica e o segundo câncer de sangue mais comum. O processo de angiogênese tumoral é fundamental para o crescimento e a metástase de muitos tipos de tumores, incluindo o mieloma múltiplo. Sabe-se que a superexpressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular está associada a um prognóstico ruim no mieloma múltiplo, representando um alvo importante para a terapia antiangiogênica no mieloma múltiplo. O anticorpo monoclonal Bevacizumab é capaz de se ligar com alta afinidade ao fator de crescimento endotelial vascular e bloquear sua ação. Objetivo: avaliar o Fab(Bevacizumab) marcado com 99mTc ou Cy7 como possíveis agentes de imagem molecular da expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular no mieloma múltiplo. Métodos: A expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular foi analisada por citometria de fluxo na linha celular de mieloma múltiplo MM1S. O Fab(Bevacizumab) foi produzido pela digestão do Bevacizumab com papaína, conjugado com NHS-HYNIC-Tfa e radiomarcado com 99mTc. Foram realizados estudos de biodistribuição e tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único. Por sua vez, o Fab(Bevacizumab) foi marcado com Cy7 para geração de imagens de fluorescência in vivo por até 96 horas. Resultados: A análise de citometria de fluxo na linha celular MM1S revelou que a expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular é predominantemente intracelular. Os estudos de biodistribuição e SPECT/CT do complexo 99mTc-HYNIC-Fab(Bevacizumab) mostraram uma rápida depuração sanguínea e uma captação renal e tumoral significativa. A imagem de fluorescência usando Cy7-Fab(Bevacizumab) permitiu a visualização do tumor até 96 horas p.i. Conclusões: Conseguimos visualizar a expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular in vivo no mieloma múltiplo usando o fragmento Fab do anticorpo anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) marcado com 99mTc e Cy7. Esses novos agentes de imagem molecular poderiam ser usados no cenário clínico para o estadiamento e o monitoramento de pacientes com mieloma múltiplo, visualizando radioativamente a expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular in vivo em todo o corpo. A geração de imagens ópticas desses traçadores melhoraria a amostragem do tumor e poderia orientar a excisão cirúrgica.

Heberprot-P® en el tratamiento de trauma vascular distal / Heberprot-P® in the treatment of distal vascular trauma

Introducción: Los traumatismos constituyen causa frecuente de consulta. Entre sus localizaciones más comunes se encuentran las extremidades inferiores. El Heberprot-P® resulta un factor de crecimiento epidérmico que se ha utilizado durante más de una década para la cicatrización de las úlceras del pie diabético con excelentes resultados. Ampliar su utilización a otras patologías, incluso de etiología traumática, permitiría expandir las posibilidades terapéuticas para la cicatrización de las heridas. Objetivo: Exponer el resultado de la aplicación del Heberprot-P® en una amputación transtarsiana en un paciente portador de un trauma vascular distal. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 23 años con antecedentes de salud. Luego de traumatismo por accidente de tránsito presentó fractura de huesos del metatarso y la sección total de la arteria pedia del pie izquierdo, lo cual provocó una gangrena húmeda de la extremidad. Por este motivo se realizó una amputación transtarsiana del pie. Se usó el Heberprot-P® como terapia para acortar el tiempo de cicatrización. Conclusiones: El Heberprot-P® resultó útil para la evolución de la herida como consecuencia de un trauma vascular, al evitar una amputación mayor, acelerar el proceso de cicatrización y conservar una extremidad funcional, lo que demostró que puede constituir una terapia eficaz para las heridas de difícil cicatrización, independientemente de su etiología(AU)

Introduction: Trauma is a frequent cause of consultation. Among its most common locations are the lower extremities. Heberprot-P® is an epidermal growth factor that has been used for more than a decade for the healing of diabetic foot ulcers with excellent results. Extending its use to other pathologies, including traumatic etiology ones, would expand the therapeutic possibilities for wound healing. Objective: To present the result of the application of Heberprot-P® in a Chopart´s amputation in a patient with distal vascular trauma. Case presentation: A 23-year-old male patient with a health history. After trauma from a traffic accident, he presented a fracture of the bones of the metatarsus and the whole section of the left foot´s pedis artery, which caused a wet gangrene of the extremity. For this reason, a Chopart´s amputation of the foot was performed. Heberprot-P® was used as therapy to shorten healing time. Conclusions: Heberprot-P® was useful for wound evolution as a result of vascular trauma, avoiding major amputation, accelerating the healing process and preserving a functional limb, which showed that it can be an effective therapy for wounds that are difficult to heal, regardless of their etiology(AU)

Investigation the Effect of Human Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor on Rotator Cuff Healing: An Experimental Model / Investigação do efeito do fator de crescimento epidérmico recombinante humano na cicatrização do manguito rotador: Um modelo experimental

Abstract Objective To investigate the effectiveness of human recombinant epidermal growth factor in the healing of rotator cuff tear in the rabbit shoulder. Methods Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) were experimentally created on both shoulders of 20 New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were divided into the following groups: RCT (sham group; n = 5), RCT + EGF (EGF group; n = 5), RCT + transosseous repair (repair group; n = 5), and RCT + EGF + transosseous repair (combined repair + EGF group; n = 5). All rabbits were then observed for 3 weeks, and biopsies were taken from the right shoulders in the third week. After three more weeks of observation, all rabbits were sacrificed, and a biopsy removed from their left shoulders. All biopsy material was stained with haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and vascularity, cellularity, the proportion of fibers and the number of fibrocartilage cells were evaluated under light microscope. Results The highest collagen amount and the most regular collagen sequence was detected in the combined repair + EGF group. The repair group and the EGF group showed higher fibroblastic activity and capillary formation when compared with the sham group, but the highest fibroblastic activity and capillary formation with highest vascularity was detected in the combined repair + EGF group (p < 0.001). EGF seems to improve wound healing in the repair of RCT. The EGF application alone, even without repair surgery, seems to be beneficial to RCT healing. Conclusion In addition to rotator cuff tear repair, application of human recombinant epidermal growth factor has an effect on rotator cuff healing in rabbit shoulders.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a eficácia do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGF) recombinante humano na cicatrização da lesão do manguito rotador no ombro de coelhos. Métodos As rupturas do manguito rotador (RMRs) foram criadas experimentalmente em ambos os ombros de 20 coelhos Nova Zelândia. Os coelhos foram divididos nos seguintes grupos: RMR (grupo controle; n = 5), RMR + EGF (grupo EGF; n = 5), RMR + reparo transósseo (grupo reparo; n = 5) e RMR + EGF + reparo transósseo (grupo reparo combinado+ EGF; n = 5). Todos os coelhos foram observados por 3 semanas, e amostras de biópsias foram coletadas do ombro direito na 3ª semana. Após mais 3 semanas de observação, todos os coelhos foram submetidos à eutanásia, e uma amostra de biópsia foi coletada dos ombros esquerdos. Todo o material de biópsia foi corado com hematoxilina e eosina (H&E) para avaliação de vascularidade, celularidade, proporção de fibras e número de células fibrocartilaginosas à microscopia óptica. Resultados O grupo reparo combinado + EGF apresentou a maior quantidade e a sequência mais regular de colágeno. O grupo reparo e o grupo EGF apresentaram maior atividade fibroblástica e formação capilar em comparação ao grupo controle, mas a maior atividade fibroblástica e a formação capilar com maior vascularidade foram detectadas no grupo reparo combinado + EGF (p < 0,001). O EGF parece melhorar a cicatrização da ferida no reparo da RMR. A aplicação isolada de EGF, mesmo sem cirurgia reparadora, parece melhorar a cicatrização da RMR. Conclusão Além do reparo da RMR, a aplicação de EGF recombinante humano auxilia a cicatrização do manguito rotador dos ombros de coelhos.

Microcirculatory changes as a hallmark of aging in the heart and kidney / Cambios microcirculatorios como sello distintivo del envejecimiento en el corazón y riñón

SUMMARY: Changes in the microcirculation of multiple tissues and organs have been implicated as a possible mechanism in physiological aging. In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor is a secretory protein responsible for regulating angiogenesis via altering endothelial proliferation, survival, migration, extracellular matrix degradation and cell permeability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the progression of morphological alterations caused by physiological aging in the heart and kidney and to examine its relation to changes in capillary density. We used two age groups of healthy Wistar rats - 6- and 12-month- old. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was examined through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and assessed semi-quantitatively. Changes in capillary density were evaluated statistically and correlated with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. We reported stronger immunoreactivity for vascular endothelial growth factor in the left compared to the right ventricle and also observed an increase in its expression in both ventricles in older animals. Contrasting results were reported for the renal cortex and medulla. Capillary density decreased statistically in all examined structures as aging progressed. The studied correlations were statistically significant in the two ventricles in 12-month-old animals and in the renal cortex of both age groups. Our results shed light on some changes in the microcirculation that take place as aging advances and likely contribute to impairment in the function of the examined organs.

Los cambios en la microcirculación de múltiples tejidos y órganos se han implicado como un posible mecanismo en el envejecimiento fisiológico. En particular, el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular es una proteína secretora responsable de regular la angiogénesis mediante la alteración de la proliferación endotelial, la supervivencia, la migración, la degradación de la matriz extracelular y la permeabilidad celular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el papel del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular en la progresión de las alteraciones morfológicas causadas por el envejecimiento fisiológico en el corazón y riñón y examinar su relación con los cambios en la densidad capilar. Utilizamos dos grupos de ratas Wistar sanas: 6 y 12 meses de edad. La expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular se examinó mediante inmunohistoquímica e inmunofluorescencia y se evaluó semicuantitativamente. Los cambios en la densidad capilar se evaluaron estadísticamente y se correlacionaron con la expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular. Informamos una inmunorreactividad más fuerte para el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular en el ventrículo izquierdo en comparación con el derecho y también observamos un aumento en su expresión en ambos ventrículos en animales mayores. Se informaron resultados contrastantes para la corteza renal y la médula. La densidad capilar disminuyó estadísticamente en todas las estructuras examinadas a medida que avanzaba el envejecimiento. Las correlaciones estudiadas fueron estadísticamente significativas en los dos ventrículos en animales de 12 meses y en la corteza renal de ambos grupos de edad. Nuestros resultados arrojan luz sobre algunos cambios en la microcirculación que tienen lugar a medida que avanza el envejecimiento y probablemente contribuyan a un deterioro en la función de los órganos examinados.

EGFR, VEGF, and angiogenesis promote the development of lipoma in the oral cavity

Abstract This study aimed to detect, quantify and compare the immunohistochemical expression of EGFR and VEGF and microvessel count (MVC) in oral lipomas, and to correlate the findings with clinical and morphological characteristics of the cases studied. The sample consisted of 54 oral lipomas (33 classic and 21 non-classic) and 23 normal adipose tissue specimens. Cytoplasmic and/or nuclear immunohistochemical staining of EGFR and VEGF was analyzed. The angiogenic index was determined by MVC. Cells were counted using the Image J® software. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for data analysis, adopting a level of significance of 5% for all statistical tests. A statistically significant difference in EGFR immunoexpression (p=0.047), especially, between classic lipomas and normal adipose tissue. There was a significant difference in MVC between non-classic lipomas and normal adipose tissue (p=0.022). In non-classic lipomas, only VEGF immunoexpression showed a significant moderate positive correlation (r=0.607, p=0.01) with MVC. In classic lipomas, the number of EGFR-immunostained adipocytes was directly proportional to the number of VEGF-positive cells, demonstrating a significant moderate positive correlation (r=0.566, p=0.005). The results suggest that EGFR, VEGF, and angiogenesis participate in the development of oral lipomas but are not primarily involved in the growth of these tumors.

Resumo Lipomas são as neoplasias mesenquimais benignas mais comuns, no entanto sua etiopatogenia ainda permanece desconhecida. Dessa forma, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo detectar, quantificar e comparar a expressão imunoistoquímica do EGFR, VEGF e contagem microvascular (MVC) dos lipomas orais, relacionando-os com as características clínicas e morfológicas dos casos estudados. A amostra foi composta por 54 lipomas orais (33 clássicos e 21 não clássicos) e 23 casos de tecido adiposo normal. A análise da expressão imunoistoquímica de EGFR e VEGF foi fundamentada na marcação citoplasmática e/ou nuclear. O índice angiogênico foi avaliado por meio da MVC. A contagem de células foi realizada utilizando software IMAGE J®. Os dados obtidos foram analisados no software Statistical Package for Social Science. O nível se significância de 5% foi adotado para os testes estatístico. A análise da imunoexpressão das proteínas revelou para o EGFR diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,041) entre o lipoma clássico e o tecido adiposo normal. Houve diferença significativa na MVC entre lipomas não clássicos e tecido adiposo normal (p=0,022). Nos lipomas não clássicos, apenas a imunoexpressão de VEGF apresentou correlação do tipo moderada, positiva e significativa (r=0,607; p=0,010) em relação a MVC. Ademais, nos lipomas clássicos foi percebido que os adipócitos imunomarcados para EGFR estiveram diretamente proporcionais a imunoexpressão de VEGF, apresentando correlação do tipo moderada, positiva e estatisticamente significativa (r=0,566; p = 0,005). Com base nos resultados, pode-se sugerir que o EGFR, VEGFR e MCV participam do desenvolvimento nos lipomas orais, contudo, não estão primariamente envolvidos no crescimento tumoral dessas neoplasias.

Expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu in gallbladder carcinoma in North Indian population

Background: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) although rare is most frequent malignant neoplasm of biliary tract system and sixth most common malignancy of digestive tract. GBC is more common in females and there are studies which show expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 neu (HER2/neu) in GBC suggesting possible molecules for targeted therapy, but results are inconsistent. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out expression of ER, PR, and HER2/neu in GBC in North Indian population and their possible association with clinicopathological features. Materials and Methods: A total 59 resected cases of GBC diagnosed by histopathological examination were included in the study. Expression of ER, PR, and HER2/neu was accessed by immunohistochemistry method and correlated with various clinicopathological features. Results: ER expression was absent in all GBC cases. PR expression was present in only one case. Positive expression of HER2/neu was present in 13 (22%) cases, in which 12 cases were of conventional adenocarcinoma and one case was of papillary adenocarcinoma. Well and moderately differentiated tumor had significantly higher HER2/neu expression as compared to poorly differentiated tumors (P = 0.001). Pre-obese patients had significantly higher HER2/neu expression as compared to non-obese patients (P = 0.008). Conclusion: In our study, there was no expression of estrogen and PR in GBC in North Indian population. Although small in number, there is a subset of patients who overexpress HER2/neu receptor that may benefit from targeted therapy.