Ultrasound-guided anhydrous ethanol and microwave ablation for functional parathyroid cyst: a case report / 南方医科大学学报

We report a case of functional parathyroid cyst treated by ultrasound-guided anhydrous ethanol sclerotherapy and microwave ablation. The 63-year-old female patient was diagnosed to have functional parathyroid cyst with hypercalcemia, high PTH and cystic space-occupying lesions in the neck by ultrasound, radionuclide scanning and PTH measurement of the cystic fluid. The patient refused to receive cyst resection, and anhydrous ethanol sclerotherapy with microwave ablation was performed under ultrasound guidance. The procedure was completed smoothly without any complications either during or after the operation. Follow-up examination of the patient at 18 months after the operation showed a significant reduction of the mass and normal blood calcium and iPTH levels, demonstrating a clinical cure of the patient. Ablative treatment of functional parathyroid cyst has not been documented so far. This approach provides a minimally invasive treatment modality for such cases where surgical resection is not an option, but its efficacy and safety need to be evaluated in more cases with longer follow-up time.

Effect of different cult ure conditions on differentiation of Treg and Th17 in PB-MC / 中国免疫学杂志

Objectiv e:To investigate the effect of different culture conditions on the differentiation of Treg and Th17 to lay a foundation for exploring the methods to reverse the immune tolerance induced by tumor microenvironment.Methods:The IL-6 gene was cloned and stablely transferred into the tumor cell line expressing TGF-β.The conditioned mediums ( CM) were prepared by collecting the culture supernatants of tumor cell lines with or without IL-6 expression and used in the in vitro culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC ) .The changes of Treg and Th17 in PBMC treated with different CM were detected with flow cytometry ( FCM) .Results:The expression of TGF-βin BEL-7402 was higher than that in HepG2.Thus the BEL-7402 was selected for preparation of cell line stablely transfected with IL -6 gene.ELISA detection confirmed the effective expression of IL -6 by the identified cell lines.It was showed that the Treg increased in PBMC treated with culture supernatants of tumor cells .However,the presence of IL-6 reversed the increase of Treg and promoted the differentiation of Th 17.Conclusion: The culture supernatants of tumor cells increases the proportion of Treg.However,the presence of IL-6 in this CM can reverse the increase of Treg and raise the proportion of Th 17.

Specific TCRαβgene modification promotes anti-tumor reactivity of T cells / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate effects of tumor specific TCR gene Vα12.2-Vβ7.1 modification on recognition of tumor antigen and activation of anti-tumor reactivity of T cells.Methods: T cells were transduced using recombinant Ad 5F35-TRAV-TRBV adenovirus ,and multiplicity of infection was optimized.Specific lysis of T cells was evaluated by calcein release assay.The frequency of apoptotic cells in target cells was detected by Annexin V /PI double-labeled FACS.The expression of FasL on T cells was analyzed by FACS.The secretion of cytokine IFN-γand IL-2 of T cells was determined by ELISA assays.Results: The highest tranduce efficiency was obtained at MOI 100 by recombinant Ad5F35-TRAV-TRBV adenovirus.The frequency of TCRVα12+Vβ7+cells reached above 25%3 days after transduction.TCR gene modification enhanced the ability of T cells to lyse HLA-A2+AFP+target cells(P<0.001), the ability of T cells to induce HepG-2 apoptosis(P<0.001),and expression of FasL on T cells(P<0.001).TCR gene modification also enhanced T cells to secret IFN-γafter coculture with antigen positive tumor cells ( P<0.001 ).Conclusion: Specific TCR gene modification by recombinant adeno virus effectively promotes T cells to recognize antigen positive tumor cell and exert anti -tumor reac-tivity.

Survivin-2B induces apoptosis of human breast cancer cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To explore the role of survivin-2B in the process of tumor cell apoptosis .METHODS:The survivin-2B gene was cloned into pcDNA3.1 vector and the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-survivin-2B was obtained.Hu-man breast cancer MCF7 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1 and pcDNA3.1-survivin-2B using Lipofectamine 2000.The cell cycle was determined by propidium iodide staining , and the apoptosis was detected by annexin V/7-AAD staining 48 h after transfection.Meanwhile, tatal RNA was extrated and multiplex polymerase chain reaction based on GenomeLab GeXP Genetic Analysis System was performed to detect the expression of 21 tumor-related genes .RESULTS: Flow cytometry analysis indicated that over-expression of survivin-2B promoted the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of MCF 7 cells.Compared with control group , totally 10 differential expressed genes were related to the over-expressed survivin-2B, among which 2 were up-regulated and 8 were down-regulated. The expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 4 family member A1 (ALDH4A1) was 48%down-regulated, and the expression of protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) was 1.08 folds up-regulated.CONCLUSION:Survivin-2B induces the expression changes of some tumor-related genes, which results in the apoptosis and G 2/M arrest of MCF7 cells.

Risk assessments and countermeasures on ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of preoperative risk assessments and countermeasures on ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules.Methods The preoperative risk assessments of 311 benign solid thyroid nodules in 274 patients were divided into level 0-Ⅳ,among which 38 nodules on level 0,69 nodules on level Ⅰ,36 nodules on level Ⅱ,59 nodules on level Ⅲ,109 nodules on level Ⅳ.Treatments were performed by moving shot technique or multiplanar shot technique,using Leverage Displacement or Hydrodissection to prevent the adjacent vital structures from thermal injuries.Results 311 thyroid nodules were completely ablated.In ablating the 59 nodules on risk level Ⅲ,thermal injuries were effectively avoided in 30 cases by using Leverage Displacement,while recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries happened in 2 cases using Hydrodissection for 29 nodules.The difference between these two methods on risk level Ⅲ had no statistical significance(P =0.237).To avoid thermal injuries during ablation for 109 nodules on risk level Ⅳ,using Leverage Displacement for 102 nodules,recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries happened in 1 case,while using Hydrodissection for 7 nodules,recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries happened in 2 cases.The difference between the two methods on risk level Ⅳ had statistical significance(P =0.010).No thermal injury happened during ablation for 143 nodules on risk level 0-Ⅱ.Conclusions Preoperative risk assessment on thyroid nodules is helpful in preventing potentially avoidable complications.Proper use of Leverage Displacement can protect adjacent vital structures from thermal injuries during ablation for nodules,which is easy and simple to handle and has a certain practical application value.

Development of a novel assay for cytotoxicity test by Calcein-AM release / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To develop and optimize a novel assay for determination of cytotoxicity based Calcein -AM release.Methods:The target cells stained by Calcein-AM dye,then effectors and targets were incubated at E/T ratios from 30∶1-1∶1 for 4 h at 37℃,and the supernatant of reactions were detected by Fluorescence-Measurement to analyze specific cytotoxity.Results:The optimal excitation and emission wave lengths of Calcein were 485 nm and 515 nm.Dilutions of target cells stained by Calcein-AM had a linear relationship with measured fluorescence values.The Calcein-AM dye used to stain the living cells was shown to have a low spontaneous leakage rate-less than 15% in 4 hours at 37℃.Cytotoxicity activity of CIK showed a significant and positive correlation with E/T ratio when incubated at 4 h.Conclusion:The developed cytotoxicity test by Calcein-AM release is accurate and can avoid the application of radioactive reagents.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation for benign solid thyroid nodule: a pilot study / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the method, safety and short-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) for benign solid thyroid nodule (BSTN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The treatment group consisting of 12 patients with single BSTN were treated with ultrasound-guided PLA. After treatment, the size and blood flow signals in conventional ultrasonography, the ablation extent of lesions in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and the related complications and thyroid function were assessed in comparison with the the baseline. A control group including 12 untreated patients with single BSTN was followed-up in the same manner as in the treatment group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the treatment group, all the 12 patients completed the treatment successfully. During the follow-up, the volume of the nodules was reduced gradually (P<0.05), and blood flow signals in the nodules disappeared. Eleven nodules were non-enhanced in CEUS immediately after the treatment, and the complete ablation rate was 91.7%. During the operation, 3 patients complained of intolerable pain, which was ameliorated or totally relieved after appropriate treatment. The thyroid function showed no significant changes after the treatment (P>0.05). The control group followed up for 6 months showed no significant changes in the nodule volume or thyroid function in comparison with the baseline (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ultrasound-guided PLA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment of BSTN without obvious adverse effect on thyroid function.</p>

Optimization of acoustic parameters of microbubble-enhanced ultrasound sonoporation for augmenting tumor cell permeability in vivo / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the appropriate acoustic parameters for augmenting the permeability of tumor cells using microbubble-enhanced ultrasound.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety intramuscular VX2 tumors grown in New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 parts by 4 factors, namely sound intensity, pulse width, insonation time and microbubble dose, each at different levels. Therapeutic ultrasound was delivered directly to the tumor surface during intravenous infusion of microbubbles. The tumor was excised after the treatment and sliced to investigate the change in tumor cell permeability using lanthanum nitrate electron microscopy. The appropriate acoustic parameters of the 4 factors were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sonoporation induced by microbubble-enhanced ultrasound augmented the permeability of the tumor cells, and the appropriate sound intensity, pulse width, insonation time and microbubble dose were 0.43 W/cm(2), 2.42 ms, 10 min, and 0.50 ml/kg, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sonoporation induced by microbubble-enhanced ultrasound can induce pores in tumor cell membrane, which may potential increase the efficacy of tumor chemotherapy.</p>

Experiment of the ultrasound radiation force enhancement in adhesion of targeted microbubbles in vivo / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of ultrasound radiation force(USRF) on adhering of targeted microbubbles in vivo.Methods A rat model of cremaster muscle Inflammation was developed,and microbubble(MB) or targeted microbubble of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (MBICAM) was injected through the caudal vein.Immediately after intravenous MB or MBICAM injection,the cremaster was insonated for 5 minutes and the control group was in sham ultrasound exposure.All mice were divided into four groups randomly:① MB + false USRF; ② MB + USRF; ③ MBICAM + false USRF; ④ MBICAM + USRF.Fluorescence microscope was performed in twenty mice to evaluate microbubbles adhesion and video recordings were made with a high-resolution camera.Results The adhesion number of MBICAM was significantly greater in USRF group than that of MBICAM in false USRF group [(43.4 ± 2.1)/view vs (14.8± 1.8)/view,P =0.000].The adhesion number of MB in USRF group was greater than in false USRF group [(6.2 ± 1.3)/view vs (4.6 ± 0.9)/view].But there is no statistical significance (P =0.129).The adhesion number of MBICAM in both USRF group and false USRF group was significantly greater than the adhesion number of MB.Conclusions The ultrasound radiation force can significantly improve the adhesion of targeted microbubbles in vivo.

Effects of microbubble on ultrasound guided frequency ablation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To explore the effects of a microbubble agent (SonoVue) on radiofrequency ablation(RFA).Methods Twenty rabbits underwent RFA with or without SonoVue on two areas per rabbit liver.SonoVue were injected in bolus intravenously in 0.1 ml/kg.The morphology of hyperechogenic area were observed by conventional ultrasonography.The size of RFA lesions and ablation time were measured.The correlation was analyzed between hyperechogenic area and ablation size.Results Microbubbles didn't change the size of RFA lesions.However,with the addition of SonoVue to ablation,the morphology of hyperechogenic area was showed more regular and stable,and hyperechogenic area and ablation size were well correlated (r =0.849,P =0.000).Besides,the ablation time was much shorter (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The addition of SonoVue to ablation improve the prediction of ablated areas and reduce the ablation time,therefore it might be useful to prevent the unfavorable ablation of adjacent organs and vessels.

Transoral carotid ultrasonography for detecting blood flow parameters of distal extracranial internal carotid artery in patients with moyamoya disease / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the clinical value of transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU) in the detection of the blood flow parameters of the distal extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients with moyamoya disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fourteen patients with the diagnosis of moyamoya disease confirmed by digital subtractive angiography (DSA) underwent examination with conventional carotid ultrasonography of the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). TOCU was performed to observe the distal extracranial ICA and the internal diameter, peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients had unilateral moyamoya disease. Compared with the contralateral ICA, distal extracranial ICA showed a significantly reduced internal diameter, PSV and EDV (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in the internal diameter, PSV or EDV between the distal and proximal ICA on the diseased side. The internal diameter of the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) was similar, but the PSV and EDV were significantly lower in the contralateral CCA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TOCU can provide information of the blood flow in the distal extracranial ICA to facilitate an accurate diagnosis of moyamoya disease.</p>

Value of transoral carotid ultrasonography in detecting the change of distal extracranial internal carotid artery with stenosis and occlusion in its initial segment / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU) in detecting the change of distal extracranial internal carotid artery(ICA) with stenosis and occlusion in its initial segmen.Methods One hundred and ten patients with stenosis at least 50％ or occlusion in the initial segment of ICA diagnosed by high-frequency linear probe were enrolled as case group,while thirty two with healthy carotid arteries as control group.Both of the case and control groups were undergone high-frequency linear probe to examine CCA and the initial segment of ICA,and TOCU to observe their lumen transparency,color Doppler flow display and change of Doppler flow spectrum,even measuring the internal diameter,peak systolic velocity (PSV),end-diastolic velocity(EDV) and PSVICA/PSVCCA ratio,respectively.Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)were performed within two weeks,then compared with ultrasonography.Results 92.7％ patients were performed TOCU examination in case group and 93.8％ in control group.The internal diameter and PSV of the distal extracranial ICA became gradually smaller from control group to near occlusion group,and there were statistical significance between groups ( P ＜0.05),however,near occlusion group had no statistical significance compared with occlusion group( P ＞0.05).There were 80％ arteries having thrombus echo in occlusion group,and the others in this group having no thrombus had gloomy colour flow,even got low-velocity artery spectrum.Doppler flow spectrum of distal extracranial ICA showed characteristics of slow wave or single peak in near occlusion group,and spike shape or slow wave in 76.7 ％ arteries of 70％ ～near-occlusion stenosis group,but spike shape in 30.8％ arteries of 50％～69％ stenosis group,and the others were normal.Conclusions TOCU is useful for detecting the changing regularity of distal extracranial ICA with stenosis or occlusion in its initial segment and has the value of clinical application in association with high-frequency linear probe.

Ultrasound imaging of acute renal allograft rejection with microbubbles targeted to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 / 中华超声影像学杂志

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of evaluation of renal allograft acute rejection in rat withcontrast-enhancedultrasound( CEUS )andtargetedmicrobubbles.MethodsPhospholipid microbubbles targeted to intercellular adhesion molecule -1 (ICAM-1)(MBI) and control microbubbles (MB) were created by conjugating monoclonal antibody against ICAM-1 or isotype control antibody to the lipid capsule via “avidin-biotin” bridging.Ten SD rats with acute renal allograft rejection were injected intravenous of MBI and MB in random order with a 30-min interval.After 3 min of intravenous injection of microbubbles,targeted CEUS imaging was performed in all rats.And then the video intensity (VI) was determined.ResultsIn MBI group,a significant ultrasonic enhancement was observed,but it was not very obvious in MB group.Increment in VI value of transplant kidney in MBI group was great and it amounted to (27.0 ± 7.4)U,however,increment in VI value of in MB group was minor and it was merely (10.2 ± 2.4) U,Difference was evident in transplant kidney between of the two groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Molecular imaging of ICAM-1 with targeted CEUS can evaluate renal allograft acute rejection effectively.

Construction and fluorescence intensity of lipid ultrasound microbubbles with monoclonal antibody targeted to leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate fluorescence intensity of lipid ultrasound microbubbles constructed in vitro and targeted to leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) with a monoclonal antibody.MethodsThe LIFR-targeted ultrasound mierobubbles (MB-BSB-LIFR-AB) were constructed using a technology of biotin-avidin bridge.FITC labeled Avidin was incubated with lipid ultrasound microbubbles (MB) and biotinylated lipid microbubbles (MB-B).Two dilutions (1:4 and 1:16) of DTAF second antibody were incubated with four types of ultrasound microbubbles,including MB,MB-B,biotinavidin-MB (MB-BS),MB-BSB-LIFR-AB.The fluorescence intensity of microhubbles were graded as 0,1,2to 3.ResultsAfter incubating with FITC-avidin,MB-B displayed bright green fluorescence ( grade 3),but MB had no fluorescence ( grade 0).After incubating with two dilutions of DTAF second antibody (1:4 and 1:16),MB-BSB-LIFR-AB displayed brightest green fluorescence (grade 3) in both concentration,while MB-BS and MB-B only displayed dim green fluorescence (grade 1 ) at the dilution of 1:4,with MB displaying no fluorescence at either dilution (grade 0).Conclusions LIFR monoclonal antibody can be effectively conjugated to MB-B with biotin-avidin bridge.Fluorescence detection is a simple method for investigating the conjugation reliability of targeted lipid ultrasound microbubbles.

Evaluation on angiogenesis of breast carcinoma and precancerous lesion with power Doppler imaging and contrast enhanced microvascular imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the angiogenesis characteristics of normal breast,simple hyperplasia,atypical hyperplasia,intraductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma.Methods Twenty cases in normal controls,20 cases with simple hyperplasia,20 cases with atypical hyperplasia,20 cases with intraductal carcinoma in situ and 30 cases with invasive ductal carcinoma were inspected with power Doppler imaging(PDI)and contrast enhanced microvascular imaging(MVI)on the quantity,configuration and distribution of angiogenesis.The microvessel density(MVD)were detected by immunohistochemical technique.ResultsWith the progression of breast cancer,MVD and grades of PDI kept increasing.Meanwhile,the blood vessels became twisted and increased in quantity with expansion into the lesion,the configuration of blood vessels became disordered.However,the changes mentioned above were not obvious in the very early stages.they became significant from the atypical hyperplasia(AH)stage.Conclusions Contrast MVI and PDI may be useful to screen high risk population with high risk of breast cancer due to their detection of changes in angiogenesis of breast carcinoma and precancerous lesions.

Influence of basic fibroblast growth factor on proliferation and differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The proliferative capacity of in vitro cultured chondrocytes is gradually reduced following several passages. Many studies have demonstrated that basic fibrublast growth factor (bFGF) can promote chondrocyte proliferation, and influence its phenotype and differentiation. OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of bFGF on the proliferation and differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes and to screen the best dosage for in vitro culture of chondrocytes. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: For observation and comparison of cells, the experiment was performed at Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Jinan University Medical School between October 2004 and February 2005. MATERIALS: Twelve New Zealand rabbits were selected for chondrocyte isolation; bFGF was purchased from PeproTech, UK. METHODS: Rabbit growth plate chondrocytes were isolated and cultured in low serum. Different doses of bFGF (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/L) were added. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cell proliferative multiple was determined using modified MTT method; chondrocyte collagen content was determined using hydroxyproline method; alkaline phosphatase activities were detected by enzyme kinetics. RESULTS: bFGF (5-100 μg/L) could promote chondrocyte proliferation, especially at dose of 25 μg/L. bFGF at dose of larger than 25 μg/L would inhibit collagen production; bFGF at dose of larger than 1 μg/L would inhibit alkaline phosphatase activities. CONCLUSION: bFGF can stimulate growth plate chondrocyte proliferation, and inhibit growth plate chondrocyte differentiation at dose25 μg/L.

Course Center Construction and its Significance in Higher Education / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Course center is the communion platform with superior resources for course management,course construction andcourse learning.Course center includes course center information display subsystem,course assistant teaching subsystem based onnetwork,teaching resource storage subsystem,superexcellent course network construction subsystem and teacher preparing for lessonsoff-line subsystem(Skyone).Constructing course center can promote college teaching work development socially,modernly,informationally,standardly and accelerate teaching quality upgrade.

Assessment of ovarian response with color Doppler ultrasonography in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer / 中华超声影像学杂志

8 oocytes) according to the number of oocytes collected in one ovary. On day of human chorionic gonadotrophin injection, PSV, EDV, PI, RI, S/D of ovarian stromal artery in the ovarian were detected and perifollicular vascularity were graded with color Doppler ultrasonography. Results Not only PSV and EDV of stromal artery but also perifollicular vascularity in low-response group was significantly lower than that of normal-response and high-response groups. PSV and EDV of ovarian stromal artery and perifollicular vascularity were highly interrelated with ovarian response. Conclusions The increase of PSV and EDV of ovarian stromal artery and perifollicular vascilarity indicate the improvement of perfusion in ovary and ovarian response.

Acoustic densitometric analysis of phases in normal rabbit liver contrast enhancement using intravenous second harmonic imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate phases in normal rabbit liver contrast enhancement with the acoustic densitometry(AD).Methods Ten cases of normal rabbit were examined with second harmonic imaging(SHI).The AD curves and data of parenchyma were compared before and after the portal blood flow was blocked,when the contrast agents were administrated through ear veins.The AD curves and data of parenchyma were also investigated when the contrast agents were injected via ear veins and mesenteric veins.Results The curves of normal rabbit liver parenchyma were single-peak-shaped,looking like "a verticle triangle",when the contrast agent was administrated through ear veins.The curve was divided into 3 sections: ascending,summit,descending,with the value of peak intensity ( 18.4 ? 1.7 )dB.Ascending section indicated the arterial phase,and summit and descending sections the portal phase.The AD curves were quite similar before and after the portal blood flow was blocked,only with the peak value slightly decreased,and the values of peak intensity decreasing by 2 dB.Two peaks were seen in the "Hump-like" AD curves in the parenchyma,with the second peak higher than the first,as the contrast agents were administrated through mesenteric veins again 10-15 seconds after administration via ear veins.Conclusions The arterial phase is short and portal phase is long in normal rabbit liver contrast sonography.The enhancement of parenchyma is caused mostly by contrast from hepatic artery,and the contrast from portal veins only plays a minor role.

Angiogenesis and the expression of nm23-H(1) tumor metastatic suppressor gene in primary breast carcinoma and their relations to lymph node metastasis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study angiogenesis and the expression of nm23-H(1) tumor metastatic suppressor gene in primary breast carcinoma and their relationship with axillary lymph node metastasis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Intratumoral vascularization in 80 cases of breast cancer was observed preoperatively by power doppler imaging (PDI) and analysed with computer-assisted quantative assessment, and the expression of microvessel density (MVD) and nm23 protein was determined by immunohistochemical technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Blood flow signals and blood vessels postitive area within masses were more in axillary node positive (LN+) group than in axillary node negative (LN-) group (t = 7.07, P < 0.01), MVD expression were higher in the LN+ group than in the LN- group (t = 6.34, P < 0.01). Meanwhile the expression of nm23-H(1) protein was lower in the LN+ group than in the LN- group, and significant correlation was found between angiogenesis and the expression of nm23-H(1) protein.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Angiogenesis and the expression of nm23-H(1) protein may play an important role in the lymphatic metastasis process of breast cancer. Furthermore, angiogenesis may correlates with the expression of nm23-H(1) protein in that progress.</p>