The role of NLRP3/GATA-4/VEGF signal pathway in neovascular age-related macular degeneration / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the potential role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA-4)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signal pathway in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Methods:We applied the TRANSFAC Public database to search the human and mouse VEGF promoters and upstream transcription factors, analyzed the transcription factors that may influence the transcriptional activity of VEGF. The RAW264.7 cells were divided into control group and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated group (LPS group). Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and the mRNA levels of GATA-4 and VEGFA. Thus, we applied the specific small molecular NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 pretreated RAW264.7 cells (LPS+ MCC950 group), and detected the gene expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, interleukin 1β( IL-1β), GATA-4 and VEGFA.Results:There were multiple GATA transcription factor binding sites upstream of human and mouse VEGF promoters. Compared with the control group, mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, GATA-4 and VEGFA in LPS group were increased (all P<0.05). Compared with LPS group, mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, GATA-4 and VEGFA in LPS+ MCC950 group were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusions:NLRP3/GATA-4/VEGF signal pathway may play a significant role in the pathologic processes of nAMD.

Correlation analysis of optic disc structure and fundus morphological markers in highly myopic eyes / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the changes of optic disc structure in patients with high myopia and the correlation with the morphological markers of the fundus.Methods:A retrospective study. From July 2018 to January 2020, 90 patients (155 eyes) diagnosed as high myopia in Department of Ophthalmology of Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University were included in the study. Among them, there were 31 males (52 eyes) and 59 females (103 eyes), with age of 57.1±14.2 years old and axial length (AL) of 28.5±2.6 mm. According to the classification of myopic macular degeneration, patients were divided into 4 groups based on forms and degree of lesions, including non-pathological myopia group, mild traction lesions group, severe traction lesions group and neovascular lesions group, 35, 58, 41, 21 eyes, respectively. The digitized fundus photographs and an Image J system were used to measure the horizontal, vertical, maximal, and minimal diameter of the optic disc, the horizontal and vertical diameter of the parapapillary δ zone and γ zone, ovality index, distance between the most superior point of the temporal superior arterial arcade and most inferior point of the temporal inferior arterial arcade (VDA), angle between the temporal arterial arcade and optic disc (angle kappa), distance between the optic disc center and the fovea (DFD), angle between the horizontal disc axis and the disc-fovea line (DFA). The correlation between the diameter of the optic disc and other parameters was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to compare differences between groups.Results:The horizontal diameter of the optic disc was positively correlated with the horizontal diameter of the δ zone ( r=0.300, P<0.001), Kappa angle ( r=0.260, P=0.003), and elliptic index ( r=0.650, P<0.001); it was negatively correlated with DFD ( r=-0.190, P=0.030). Optic disc vertical diameter and optic disc horizontal diameter ( r=0.280), δ-zone horizontal diameter ( r=0.330) and vertical diameter ( r=0.460), γ-zone horizontal diameter ( r=0.430) and vertical diameter ( r=0.390), DFD ( r=0.390) was positively correlated ( P<0.001); it was negatively correlated with DFA ( r=-0.210, P=0.001) and Kappa angle ( r=-0.210, P=0.004). Compared with the non-pathological myopia group, there were statistically significant differences in the horizontal and vertical diameters of the optic disc in the severe traction disease group ( P<0.05). Among them, the horizontal diameter difference did not depend on the eye axis and age difference; the vertical diameter difference was caused by the eye axis difference. Compared with the non-pathological myopia group, the difference in the horizontal diameter of the optic disc in the neovascular disease group was statistically significant ( P<0.05), and did not depend on the difference in the axis and age; the difference in the vertical diameter of the optic disc was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The morphology of optic disc was related to several fundus morphological markers, which was differentiated according to the age, AL and the degree of disease in patients with high myopia.

Perspectives on the personnel management in the medical research laboratory during the national prevention of COVID-19 spread / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:The domestic and global spread of COVID-19 raised severe challenges to the management of the medical research labs, as well as postgraduate students. To deal with this challenge, we should make thorough and careful adjustment in the management to effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19 at workplace while at the same time, make sure the research work also performed well.Methods:By using literature review, comprehensive comparison analysis and summarization, we discussed the characteristics, urgency and importance of effective management of the research work and postgraduate students for the prevention of COVID-19 in the medical laboratory. After analyzing the challenges and difficulties facing the threat of COVID-19, a targeted strategy for the personnel management in the medical laboratory was proposed.Results:During the outbreak of COVID-19, the management of a medical laboratory needs to be more rigorous and standardized. We should also consolidate the laboratory safety training, especially the personal prevention against COVID-19. Information technology-based approaches should be applied to popularize the information and increase communication.Conclusions:The perspective and approach suggested in this paper will not only help to strengthen and improve the management of medical research lab and postgraduate students during the outbreak of COVID-19, but also will provide reference for other lab managers in future possible emergency situations.

Mutational analysis of 3 Glanzmann's thrombasthenia pedigrees / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the molecular pathogenesis of 3 Glanzmann's thrombasthenia pedigree by using bioinformatics software and provide evidence for in vitro experiments. Methods The genetic analysis of 3 pedigree diagnosed as Glanzmann's thrombasthenia was carried out. Clustalx-2.1 win software was used to analyze the conservatism of mutant sites in homologous sequences. Bioinformatics software such as PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, SIFT and Mutationtaster was used to analyze the biological effect of mutation. SPDBV software constructed the molecular structure model of mutant protein and evaluated the influence of mutation on protein structure. Results The "new mutations" found in 3 Glanzmann's thrombasthenia pedigree were ITGA2B:c. 814G>C (p. Val272Leu), ITGA2B:c. 432G>A (p. Trp144Ter) and ACTN1:c. 2458A>G (p. Ile820Val). All three mutations were highly conserved among homologous species. Mutationtaster software showed that 3 new mutations were likely pathogenic. PolyPhen-2 and PROVEAN software showed ITGA2B p.Val272Leu and ACTN1 p.Ile820Val were benign and SIFT software showed that ITGA2B p. Val272Leu were likely pathogenic, while ACTN1 p. Ile820Val is benign. The result of SPDBV software showed that the Val272 of ITGA2B was transformed to Leu, neutralizing all the original hydrogen bond. The Trp144 of ITGA2B is transformed to Ter, resulting in the truncated proteins with only 113 amino acid residues. All these mutations affected the molecular structure of GPⅡb, resulting in a decrease ofGPⅡb/Ⅲa expression. When the Ile820 of ACTN1 is transformed to Val, onlyretained the hydrogen bond of Ile820 and Asp822, neutralized the rest hydrogen bond, whichaffected the molecular structure and protein function of ACTN1. Conclusion The mutations of ITGA2B:c.814G>C (p.VAL272LEU), ITGA2B:c.432G>A (p.Trp144Ter) and ACTN1:c.2458A>G (p.Ile820Val) are pathogenic.

Study on molecular pathogenesis for a case of Glanzmann′s thrombasthenia / 临床检验杂志

Objective@#To investigate the molecular pathogenesis for a patient with Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT). @*Methods@#The peripheral blood of a patient with Glanzmann′s thrombasthenia was collected, and the genetic mutations were detected by gene sequencing technology. The mutant plasmids were prepared by PCR site-directed mutagenesis and transfected into CHO-K1 cells of Chinese hamster ovary to construct in vitro eukaryotic expression system. The expressions of αⅡb and β3 protein subunits in CHO-K1 cells were detected by western blot. The expression levels of αⅡb and β3 in cellular membrane and cytoplasm of CHO-K1 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The expression and distribution of αⅡb and β3 in CHO-K1 cells were observed by immunofluorescent labeling under microscope. @*Results@#This patient was diagnosed with type Ⅱ GT. Gene sequencing revealed two mutations in ITGB3 gene which has not been reported in the literature. ITGB3 c.1495 T＞C missense mutation resulted in replacement of cysteine no.499 by arginine (p.C499R). ITGB3 c.1728 delC code shift mutation resulted in a change in the amino acid synthesis initiated by the β3 protein subunit serine no.577 and terminated by the 92nd amino acid following these changes. The results of western blotting showed that the synthesis and expression of primary structures of αⅡb and β3 were detectable in the lysates of mutant CHO-K1 cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that no expression of β3 on the surface and intracellular of mutant CHO-K1 cells was observed. Under fluorescence microscopy no distribution of β3 protein subunit was displayed in mutant CHO-K1 cells. @*Conclusion@#The mutation of ITGB3 c.1728 del C or ITGB3 c.1495 T＞C should be relevant to the cause of GT in this patient. The mutation of ITGB3 c.1728 del C and ITGB3 c.1495 T＞C seems not to affect the formation of the primary structure of β3 protein subunit, but did affect the formation of its high-level structure.

Observation of choroidal blood flow and morphology in patients with severe stenosis of internal carotid artery / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To observe the choroidal blood flow and morphological changes in patients with severe stenosis of internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS).Methods A retrospective case-control study. Forty-six patients (46 eyes) with ICAS were enrolled in this study. There was severe stenosis in one side (the eyes in this side were set as case group) and mild or no stenosis in other side (the eyes in this side were set as control group). Color doppler ultrasound (CDI) was used to observe the changes of hemodynamic parameters of the ophthalmic artery (OA) and posterior ciliary artery (PCA),the main parameters of ultrasound Doppler imaging are peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance indices (RI) and the calculation of the pulsation indices (PI) through the use of a formula. Enhanced binarization of deep imaging coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) was used to measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). The total subfoveal choroidal area (TCA), luminal (LA), stromal (SA) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were obtained by modified image binarization technique.Results In the case group, the PSV in the OA and PCA was significantly lower than that of the control group (t=?2.200, ?2.612;P=0.030, 0.011). There were no significant differences in EDV, RI, PI of OA (t=0.337, ?1.810, ?1.848;P=0.737, 0.074, 0.068) and PCA (t=?1.160, 1.400, 0.815;P=0.249, 0.165, 0.417). The SFCT (t=?3.711,P<0.001), TCA (t=?2.736,P=0.007), LA (t=?3.188, P=0.002) and CVI (t=?2.096,P=0.039) of the case group was significantly lower than that of the control group. There were no significant differences in SA (t=?1.262,P=0.210) and LA/SA (t=?1.696,P=0.093).Conclusion In severe stenosis ICAS eyes, the PSV in the PCA and SFCT, TCA, LA, CVI are decreased.

Monitoring of antiplatelet therapy and changes of mean platelet volume after percutaneous coronary intervention in the patients with coronary heart disease / 临床检验杂志

Objective To compare the consistency of thrombelastography (TEG) and light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) in monitoring the antiplatelet therapy of the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI),and observe the changes of mean platelet volume (MPV) of the patients treated with aspirin and clopidogrel after PCI.Methods A total of 177 patients undergoing PCI and the treatment of aspirin and clopidogrel in Peking University First Hospital during March 2014 and May 2015 were enrolled in the study.Their adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or arachidonic acid (AA) induced platelet inhibition rates determined by TEG,MPV before and after antiplatelet therapy,and the maximum platelet aggregation rates measured by LTA from 99 patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results There was no any correlation between the maximum aggregation rates measured by LTA and the platelet inhibition rates determined by TEG regardless of using ADP or AA as agonist (all P ＞ 0.05).The detection rates of clopidogrel hyporesponsiveness determined by LTA and TEG were 30.3％ and 45.5％,respectively,while those of aspirin hyporesponsiveness were 19.2％ and 31.3％,respectively.The detection rate of hyporesponsiveness determined by LTA was significant lower than that by TEG (P ＜ 0.05).The MPVs after antiplatelet therapy were significant lower than that before treatment (all P ＜ 0.01) regardless of clopidogrel hyporesponsive or sensitive and aspirin hyporesponsive or sensitive.The MPVs in clopidogrel hyporesponsive group before and after treatment were significantly lower than that in clopidogrel sensitive group (all P ＜ 0.05).The PLT counts in clopidogrel or aspirin hyporesponsive groups after treatment were significantly higher than that before treatment (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion There is poor correlation between LTA and TEG.It should be noted that the incidence rate of antiplatelet drug hyporesponsiveness is high in clinical practice.The MPVs of the patients significantly decrease after antiplatelet therapy.The patients with a significant increase of PLT after antiplatelet therapy are more likely to become drug hyporesponsiveness,while the patients with lower MPV are more likely to have clopidogrel hyporesponsiveness.

Preclinical safety assessment of Angelica acutiloba using a 13-week repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Angelica acutiloba (AA), a Japanese species of Danggui, has been used worldwide as a traditional herbal medicine with several bioactivities including anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-obesity. However, there is lack of toxicological data available to evaluate potential long-term toxicity and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of AA extract in accordance with the test guidelines published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In the 14-day repeat-dose toxicity study, no adverse effects on mortality, body weight change, clinical signs, and organ weights was found following repeat oral administration to rats for 14 days (125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight), leading that 2000 mg/kg is the highest recommended dose of AA extract for the 13-week repeat-dose oral toxicity study. In the 13-week repeat-dose oral toxicity study, the AA extract was orally administered to groups of rats for 13 weeks (125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight) to compare between control and AA extract groups. The administration of AA extract did not produce mortality or remarkable clinical signs during this 13-week study. And, the data revealed that there were no significant differences in food/water consumption, body weight, hematological parameters, clinical chemistry parameters, gross macroscopic findings, organ weight and histopathology in comparison to the control group. On the basis of these results, the subchronic NOAEL of the AA extract was more than 2000 mg/kg/day when tested in rats. And, the AA extract is considered safe to use orally as a traditional herbal medicine.

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity of Angelica acutiloba in a standard battery of assays / 한국실험동물학회지

Among three representative species of Angelica found in Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan, Angelica acutiloba (AA) has been used as traditional herbal medicine with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetes activities. In this study, the potential genotoxicity and mutagenicity of the AA extract were examined in a battery of in vitro and in vivo tests (bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro chromosomal aberrations assay, and in vivo micronucleus assay) in accordance with the test guidelines for toxicity testing developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Upon testing in the bacterial mutation assay (Ames test) using five Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535 and TA1537, no significant increase the number of revertant colonies in the metabolic activation system and non-activation system was noted in the AA extract groups. Also, in the chromosome aberration test, the AA extract did not cause chromosomal aberration with or without metabolic activation by S9 mix. A bone marrow micronucleus test of mice demonstrated that the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the AA extract groups (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg BW) was equivalent to that of the negative control group. Based on these results from a standard battery of assays, the AA extract was concluded to have no genotoxic at the proper dose.

Comparison on the preparation of rat models of pneumonia by different infection route / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To explore the preparation of a rat model of pneumonia model induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa( PA) using different methods,and to lay the foundation for further studies. Methods 48 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the control group (A), the intratracheal injection group (B), the trachea cannulation group (C) and the intranasal inoculation group ( D) . After intervention with different treatment modalities, the body weight,tempera-ture,white blood cell count and lung pathological changes in the rats of all groups were detected at 5, 10, 15 days. Results 1. The behavior, body weight, temperature, leukocytes and pathological inflammatory changes of the lung in rats of the model groups were significantly different from that of control group. 2. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in rats of all the model groups, but the control group was negative. Conclusions Rat model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected pneu?monia can be successfully established by intranasal inoculation. This method can avoid the inflammatory interference from operation, and is simple and suitable for popularization.

A Case of Ulcerative Colitis Following Acute Hepatitis Induced by Epstein-Barr Virus Infection / 대한소화기학회지

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection varies in its clinical manifestations and severity. EBV can be a causative agent of hepatitis and may have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. A 24-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital, presenting with fever and elevated liver enzymes. She was diagnosed with acute hepatitis and EBV infection according to serologic tests and liver biopsy. Within two months, she was re-admitted to our hospital, presenting with hematochezia and lower abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. In situ hybridization for EBV was positive in initial liver biopsy and colon biopsy. Here we report an unusual case of acute EBV hepatitis followed at a short interval by ulcerative colitis.

Combination transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation therapy for early hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We compared the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the survival of patients who received radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with patients treated with TACE or RFA alone. METHODS: This study included 201 patients with HCC, who were consecutively enrolled at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between December 2004 and February 2010. Inclusion criteria were a single HCC < or = 5.0 cm or up to three HCCs < or = 3.0 cm. We used a propensity score model to compare HCC patients (n = 87) who received RFA after TACE (TACE + RFA) with those who received TACE (n = 71) or RFA alone (n = 43). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 33.3 months (range, 6.8 to 80.9). The TACE + RFA group showed significantly lower local recurrence than the RFA or TACE groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.309; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.130 to 0.736; p = 0.008; and HR, 0.352; 95% CI, 0.158 to 0.787; p = 0.011, respectively). The overall survival was significantly better in the TACE + RFA group compared to the RFA group (HR, 0.422; 95% CI, 0.185 to 0.964; p = 0.041). However, the survival benefit was not different between the TACE + RFA and TACE groups (p = 0.124). Subgroup analysis showed that among patients with a tumor size < 3 cm, the TACE + RFA group had significantly better long-term survival than those in the TACE or RFA groups (p = 0.017, p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: TACE + RFA combination treatment showed favorable local recurrence and better overall survival rates in early-stage HCC patients. Patients with tumors < 3 cm are likely to benefit more from TACE + RFA combination treatment. Additional studies are needed for the selection of suitable HCC patients for TACE + RFA treatment.

A Case of Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis Presenting with Lower Lid Angioedema

PURPOSE: To describe a case of exercise-induced anaphylaxis presenting with lower lid angioedema. CASE SUMMARY: A 35-year-old female patient for the past 3 years experienced lower lid edema in her left eye after exercising. In the treadmill exercise test, sneezing, coughing, and lower lid edema in her left eye appeared 13 minutes after initiating exercise. Additionally, contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed minimal soft tissue thickening of the left inferior periorbital subcutaneous area with subtle enhancement after exercise. The serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) test showed elevated total IgE levels. The patient was diagnosed with exercise-induced anaphylaxis based on the above results. We informed the patient on her trigger factors and possible symptoms and prescribed an oral antihistamine and steroid. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with facial edema or eyelid edema after exercise, the possibility of exercise-induced anaphylaxis should be considered. In addition, we have to aware of possibility of complication such as airway obstruction or a life-threatening condition, and it is needed to prevent a recurrence of anaphylaxis by cooperating with other department.

Oleuropein prevents the progression of steatohepatitis to hepatic fibrosis induced by a high-fat diet in mice

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by hepatocyte injury and inflammatory cell infiltration, which has been linked to peripheral insulin resistance and increased levels of triglycerides in the liver. The purposes of this study were to establish a mouse model of NASH by feeding mice a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) and to demonstrate the anti-fibrotic effects of oleuropein, which has been shown to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in this HFD-induced mouse model of NASH. C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: a regular diet group (Chow), a HFD group and an oleuropein-supplemented HFD group (OSD), which was fed a 0.05% OSD for 6 months. The effects of oleuropein in this model were evaluated using biochemical, histological and molecular markers. The expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)and collagen type I in the HFD and OSD groups were evaluated using real-time PCR and western blotting. The body weight, biochemical marker levels, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and leptin levels observed in the HFD group at 9 and 12 months were higher than those observed in the Chow group. The HOMA-IR and leptin levels in the OSD group were decreased compared with the HFD group. In addition, alpha-SMA and collagen type I expression were decreased by oleuropein treatment. We established a NASH model induced by HFD and demonstrated that this model exhibits the histopathological features of NASH progressing to fibrosis. Our results suggest that oleuropein may be pharmacologically useful in preventing the progression of steatohepatitis and fibrosis and may be a promising agent for the treatment of NASH in humans.

Association Between Non-erosive Reflux Disease and High Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Korean Population

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Obstructive sleep apnea is becoming more important in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. This study investigated the prevalence of high risk for obstructive sleep apnea in GERD patients in comparison with that in healthy controls using the Berlin Questionnaire. We also investigated the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in GERD patients. METHODS: We enrolled 1,007 subjects: 776 healthy controls, 115 individuals with erosive reflux disease, and 116 with non-erosive reflux disease. GERD was diagnosed and classified using endoscopy and a reflux questionnaire. The Berlin Questionnaire was used to evaluate obstructive sleep apnea. RESULTS: More patients in the GERD group (28.2%) had higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea than healthy controls (20.4%, P = 0.036). More patients with non-erosive disease (32.8%) had higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than patients with erosive disease (20.9%) and controls (20.4%, P = 0.010). On multivariate analysis, non-erosive disease was a high risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; P = 0.011). Age > or = 55 years (OR, 1.83; P or = 25 kg/m2) (OR, 2.76; P or = 55, and a high BMI are associated with high risk for OSA.

A Case of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Associated with Systemic Corticosteroid Treatment of Bell's Palsy / 대한이비인후과학회지

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is potential ophthalmologic sequelae of steroid use characterized by an idiopathic serous detachment of neurosensory retina within the macula. Its etiology and pathophysiology are still unknown, but what has been implicated to cause CSCR is the the use of corticosteroid via multiple administration routes including oral, intravenous, inhaled, intranasal, epidural and intraarticular as well as topical forms. We report, with a review of the literature, an additional case of CSCR, which developed during systemic corticosteroid treatment in a Bell's palsy patient.

Serum IP-10 Levels Correlate with the Severity of Liver Histopathology in Patients Infected with Genotype-1 HCV

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) plays important roles in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the association between serum IP-10 levels and liver pathology in patients with chronic HCV infection. METHODS: The serum IP-10 concentration was assessed in 85 patients with chronic HCV infection using a solid phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a liver biopsy specimen was obtained. The pathology was scored using the Knodell histologic activity index (HAI). RESULTS: Of the 85 patients, 58 had genotype 1 HCV infection, 21 had genotype non-1, and 6 were undetermined. The serum IP-10 levels did not differ between patients infected with genotype 1 and genotype non-1 (p=0.472). In patients with genotype 1 infection, the total HAI score and the stage of fibrosis were highly correlated with the serum IP-10 level (r=0.555, r=0.578, p<0.001). Furthermore, the serum IP-10 concentrations of patients with severe fibrosis (stages 3, 4) were higher than those of patients with mild fibrosis (stages 0 to 2; 214.4 vs. 72.3 pg/mL, p=0.002) among patients with genotype 1 infection. However, in patients without genotype 1 infection, the histopathology was not associated with the serum IP-10 level. A multivariate analysis showed that serum IP-10 was an independent predictor of fibrosis (stages 3, 4) in patients with genotype 1 infection (odds ratio, 1.034; 95% confidence interval, 1.006 to 1.064; p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IP-10 concentration was significantly correlated with the severity of liver histology in genotype 1 HCV infection.

Suppression of hepatic tumor growth and metastasis by metronomic therapy in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma

Although continuous low-dose (metronomic [MET]) therapy exerts anti-cancer efficacy in various cancer models, the effect of long-term MET therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. This study assessed the long-term efficacy of MET on suppression of tumor growth and spontaneous metastasis in a rat model of HCC induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine for 16 wk. The rats were divided into 3 groups: MTD group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 40 mg/kg cyclophosphamide on days 1, 3, and 5 of a 21-day cycle; Control and MET groups received i.p. injections of saline and 20 mg/kg cyclophosphamide twice a week, respectively. Anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects and anti-metastatic mechanisms including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) were evaluated. Twelve wk of MET therapy resulted in a significant reduction in intrahepatic tumors than control or MTD therapy. The MET group had fewer proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and decreased hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha levels and microvessel density. Lung metastases were detected in 100%, 80%, and 42.9% in the control, MTD, and MET groups, respectively. MET therapy significantly decreased expression of TIMP-1, MMP-2 and -9. For mediators of pro-MMP-2 activation, MET therapy induced significant suppression in the TIMP-2 and MMP-14 level. The survival in the MET group was significantly prolonged compared to the control and MTD groups. Long-term MET scheduling suppresses tumor growth and metastasis via its potent anti-angiogenic properties and a decrease in MMPs and TIMPs activities. These results provide a rationale for long-term MET dosing in future clinical trials of HCC treatment.

Differences in the patterns and outcomes of enhanced viral replication between hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma during transarterial chemolipiodolization / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Enhanced replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is well described in the setting of moderate to severe immunosuppression. The aims of this retrospective study were to determine the incidence of enhanced HCV replication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing transarterial chemolipiodolization (TACL) and to identify the factors associated with enhanced replication of HCV. The clinical pattern of enhanced HCV replication was compared with hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during TACL. METHODS: This study enrolled 49 anti-HCV-seropositive patients who were diagnosed with HCC between January 2005 and December 2010 and who underwent TACL using epirubicin and/or cisplatin with consecutive HCV RNA copies checked. For comparison, 46 hepatitis B surface antigen1-positive patients with HCC who were treated with TACL were also enrolled. The frequency, associated factors, and clinical outcomes of enhanced HCV replication were analyzed and compared with those of HBV reactivation during TACL. RESULTS: Enhanced replication of HCV occurred in 13 (26.5%) of the 49 anti-HCV-seropositive patients during TACL. Of these 13 patients, 4 developed hepatitis, but none of the subjects developed decompensation due to the hepatitis. No significant clinical factors for enhanced HCV replication during TACL were found. Compared with HBV reactivation, the frequency of hepatitis attributed to enhanced HCV replication was significantly lower than that for HBV reactivation (8.2% vs. 23.9%, P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: TACL can enhance HCV replication; however, the likelihood of hepatitis and decompensation stemming from enhanced HCV replication was lower than that for HBV reactivation in patients undergoing TACL.

Application of Helical Tomotherapy for Two Cases of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been limited to date, because the liver has a low tolerance to radiation. However, reconstructing tumors and surrounding organs via a three-dimensional conformal planning system can avoid excess radiotherapy exposure to the rest of the liver and adjacent organs. Recently, the concept of "adaptive radiotherapy," such as with helical tomotherapy, has been introduced for treating HCC. Helical tomotherapy obtains an image from the computed tomography component, which allows targeted regions to be visualized prior to, during, and immediately after each treatment and delivers intensity-modulated radiation therapy. We report two patients with advanced HCC who underwent tomotherapy treatment. One was a patient afflicted with advanced HCC and a portal vein tumor thrombus, which was treated with tomotherapy combined with transarterial chemolipiodolization. The other was a patient afflicted with multiple pulmonary metastases treated with tomotherapy followed by systemic chemotherapy.