MiR-545-3p/MT1M axis regulates cell proliferation, invasion and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Studies have shown that metallothionein 1 M (MT1M) is a tumor suppressor gene which is frequently down-regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The methylation of MT1M promoter region is one of the important transcriptional regulation mechanisms that contribute to the loss of its expression. In our study, we found that there are still half of the 55 HCC tumor tissues in our cohort do not share the promoter methylation of MT1M. So, we speculated there maybe another mechanism participating in the downregulation of MT1M in HCC. Then, we provided evidences that miR-545-3p, which served as a tumor promoter, post-transcriptionally regulate MT1M in HCC through binding to its untranslated region (3'UTR). Taking together, we investigated the role of miR-545-3p in the process of HCC through regulating MT1M.

Expression profile of long non-coding RNA in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods:lncRNA-mRNA microarray was conducted on the liver tissue samples from 10 patients with simple gallbladder stone (5 NAFLD liver samples and 5 normal liver samples),and the differentially expressed lncRNA was analyzed by bioinformatics technology.Results:Compared with the normal liver samples,there were abnormal expression of 1 735 lncRNAs and 1 485 mRNAs in NAFLD liver samples.Among them,535 lncRNAs and 760 mRNAs were up-regulated,1 200 lncRNAs and 725 mRNAs were down-regulated.Conclusion:Compared with normal liver,the expression oflncRNA in NAFLD tissues is obviously abnormal.These lncRNAs may play an important role in the occurrence and development of NAFLD.

Progress in treatment of liver cirrhosis with ascites / 中国医师杂志

Ascites formation represents a hallmark of decompensated liver cirrhosis.It predicts a poor outcome.Patients with ascites are at high risk of developing complications such as SBP (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis),hyponatremia and HRS (hepatorenal syndrome).Adequate treatment of cirrhotic ascites increases survival and betters quality of life.Despite improved current medical treatment of ascites,liver transplantation remains the ultimate treatment of refractory ascites.This paper summarizes the treatment of liver cirrhosis with ascites.

Correlation between plasma miR-122 expression and liver injury induced by hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to define the correlation between microRNA-122 (miR-122) expression and hepatectomy-induced liver injury in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Plasma miR-122 expression in patients with HCC and healthy age-matched controls was determined, and correlated with plasma alanine transaminase activity (ALT) and bilirubin levels preoperatively and on days 1 and 7 postoperation. Correlations between plasma miR-122 and clinicopathological characteristics at 1 day postoperation were also determined. RESULTS: This study included 80 patients with HCC and 80 controls. Baseline expression of miR-122 mRNA and ALT in patients with HCC was significantly higher than in controls. MiR-122 expression correlated with ALT and bilirubin levels preoperatively and on days 1 and 7 postoperatively. In patients with HCC who received a block of the first hepatic portal during surgery and those with excised tumour size >5 cm, plasma miR-122 expression was significantly increased on day 1 postoperatively, compared with expression levels in those who did not receive a block and those with smaller tumours. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma miR-122 expression is correlated with hepatectomy-induced liver injury in patients with HCC. Increase in miR-122 expression could be used as an index of such injury before and after hepatectomy in these patients.

A new system for noninvasive esophageal varices pressure measurement based on airflow and laser technology / 中国医疗器械杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Combined the optical principle with automatic control technology and computer real-time image detection technology to develop a non-contact system for noninvasive esophageal varices pressure measurement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The system included the adjustable air pump, laser device, image collection and analysis program. The feasibility and accuracy of the system were verified by in vitro experiments.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The bionic vascular pressure measured by this system had good correlation and repeatability with the actual pressure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This system is accurate, feasible and has good application prospects.</p>

Quantitative analysis of transplanted effect of human amniotic epithelial cells in mice with acute liver injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:There are many preliminary studies on the survival, metaptosis, and correlation characteristics of human amniotic epithelial cel s after transplanted into the animals, but there are no reports on the quantitative analysis of the transplantation effect. OBJECTIVE:To make quantitative analysis on serum biochemical function of liver and the expression of human albumin in mice received passaged human amniotic epithelial cel s transplantation in spleen. METHODS:Forty nude mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 in each group):hepatectomy+cel transplantation 2 weeks group, hepatectomy+cel transplantation 4 weeks group, hepatectomy+normal saline group (treated with partial hepatectomy) and hepatectomy+cel transplantation group (transplanted with 0.2 mL passaged human amniotic epithelial cel s with 5×106 under spleen, and the blood were col ected at 2 and 4 weeks after transplantation). The mice in the hepatectomy+normal saline group were treated with splenic injection of 0.2 mL normal saline;the cel transplantation group did not receive hepatectomy, and transplanted with 0.2 mL passaged human amniotic epithelial cel s with 5×106 under spleen. The histological and morphological changes of the liver and spleen in each group as wel as the expressions of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and human serum albumin in each group were detected, and the quantitative analysis of human serum albumin expression was performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no obvious morphological change after human amniotic epithelial cel s transplanted into the acute liver injury mice for 4 weeks, but specific cel s could be detected by histological method. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and human serum albumin were improved obviously, and the human albumin could be detected in serum, the level of human albumin at 4 weeks after transplantation was significantly increased than 2 weeks after transplantation. Human amniotic epithelial cel s can survive for more than 4 weeks after transplanted into the liver injury mice, and can stil express partial characteristics and functions of hepatocyte-like cel s, improve the liver function, thus treating acute liver injury.

Comparison of endoscopic band ligation and propranolol for the primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhosis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) with propranolol for prophylaxis of first variceal bleeding.@*METHODS@#We chose 168 patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices in our hospital and allocated them to EVL and propranolol groups. Treatment effectiveness and safety in the 2 groups were observed.@*RESULTS@#he parameters of two groups were similar before therapy. Follow-up period was 8-36 months. Variceal bleeding occurred in 24 (28.6%) of the EVL group and in 20 (23.9%) of the propranolol group (P>0.05). Overall mortality and death related to bleeding were similar (21.4% vs 17.9%; 7.1% vs 6.0%, P>0.05). Adverse events related to EVL were 43 (3 of them life-threatening) compared to 16 in the propranolol group (51.19% vs 19.05%, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Propranolol may be the better choice in prophylaxis of variceal bleeding with similar effects and lower adverse events than with EVL.

Laparoscope and endoscope for portal hypertension / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the therapeutic effect of laparoscopic splenectomy, perisoph-agogastric devascularization, and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) on patients with portal hypertension.@*METHODS@#We randomly divided 105 patients into 3 groups: 40 had endoscopic band ligation (the ligation group), 35 had splenectomy and perisoph-agogastric devascularization (the laparotomy group), and the other 30 had laparoscopic splenectomy, perisoph-agogastric devascularization and endoscopic variceal ligation (the combination group). Blood samples were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1,3,and 7,including alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBIL),and directed bilirubin(DBIL). The length of stay, blood loss, operation time, anal exhaust time, azygos vein diameter, blood flow velocity and blood flow, recurrence of esophageal varices and rehaemorrhagia were compared.@*RESULTS@#Between the combination group and the laparotomy group, the serum levels of TbIL and Dbil had difference on 1st postoperative day(P<0.05). AST had difference on 7th postoperative day(P<0.05). The length of stay, blood loss, operation time, and anal exhaust time had significant difference(P<0.05). Among the combination group, the laparotomy group and the ligation group, the azygos vein blood flow before and after the treatment, recurrence of esophageal varices and rehaemorrhagia had no difference(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Laparoscopic splenectomy, perisoph-agogastric devascularization and endoscopic variceal ligation have less trauma, lower recurrence rate, fewer complications and rapid recovery, and may reduce the azygous vein blood flow. It can be used safely for portal hypertension.

Transversal inducing differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells into hepatocyte-like cells / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective To evaluate the in vitro differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs ) into hepatocyte-like cells. Methods Combined approach of dexamethasone, HGF, IGF and other cytokines were used to induce the differentiation of hAECs into hepatocyte-like cells. The induction lasted 2 weeks. During the induction, the expression of albumin ALB, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, IGFR, c-met and key functional genes related to liver cells as well as transcription factors HNF3, HNF4 and C/EBPa were monitored by RT-PCR. Time dependent changes of the surface marker colony ALB, AFP and CK18 were analyzed by cell flow cytometry. Results After the 2 week induction, the expressions of liver hepatocyte-like cell functional genes such as albumin, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, c-met, and transcription factors such as HNF3, HNF4, C/EBPa and HNF1 were observed. Six days after the induction, hAECs mainly were stained AFP+, and the positive rate was (15.1±2.1)%. While 10 days after the induction, part of the hAECs showed AFP+/ALB+ (6.5±1.4)%; and on 14th day, hAECs only showed ALB+, and the rate was (13.9±2.3)%. ALB+ cell increase indicated a gradual functional maturation from the hAECs to hepatocyte-like cells. Similaritly, the number of CK18+ cells in the whole population was also increased: On 10th day, the rate was (16.1±1.2)%; on 14th day, that was (21.3±4.6)%, which proved the above hypothesis of the trandifferentiation. By extending the induction time, the expression of functional genes increased gradually, and a maturing process of hAECs was detected by cell surface markers. Conclusion The differentiation of hAECs induced in vitro has the characteristics of hepatocyte-like cells.

Adeno-associated virus vector-medicated green fluorescent protein transfected human amniotic epithelial cells in vitro / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Human amniotic epithelial cells(AECs)are easy to obtain and can function as ideal seed cells for cell transplantation and tissue repair.Currently,marking and tracing of human AECs remains rarely reported.OBJECTIVE:To explore the efficiency of adeno-associated virus(AAV)vector-medicated green fluorescent protein(GFP)on in vitro cultured human AECs transfection.METHODS:Human amnion samples were harvested and trypsinized to isolate human AECs.The AECs were transfected with AAV-GFP,and the transfection efficiency was detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Human AECs were successfully primary cultured and passaged in vitro.AAV-GFP-transfected AECs stably and highly expressed GFP,with a transfection efficiency of 58%.

Treatment for chronic venous ulceration of the leg by subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) in the treatment of chronic venous ulceration of the legs.@*METHODS@#Chronic venous ulceration for 91 patients with 102 limbs was treated by SEPS from January 2005 to July 2008. The effect of SEPS on chronic venous ulceration of the leg, the symptoms during and after the operation, and the durations of hospital treatment were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The symptoms of the 102 legs conducted by SEPS operation, except the pigmentation, were obviously improved (P<0.01). Its cicatrisation rate, the recrudesce rate, and the cut infection rate were 93.1%, 1.96%, and 1.0%, respectively. The time of the operation was short and the hemorrhage was small during the surgery. The durations of hospitalization and the cicatrisation time of ulceration were (6.5+/-3.4) d and (12.2+/-13.7) d, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#SEPS is simple and effective in treating chronic venous ulceration of the leg, and particularly effective for patients classified into C5 and C6 in clinical-etiological-anatomical-pathophysiology (CEAP).

Effects of Ad-myr-HA-Akt on cirrhotic portal hypertension in rats / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To probe the effects of recombinant adenovirus containing Akt on carbon tetrachioride-induced rat liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Methods Cirrhosis was induced in rats by a complex method of carbon tetrachloride. Recombinant adenovirus Ad-myr-HA-Akt was produced by homologous recombination in 293 cells. Rats received Ad-myr-HA-Akt via the tail vein at the second and the sixth week respectively. The pathological changes in liver tissues were observed after Van Gieson (VG) staining. Fas antigen in rat livers were determined by immunohistochemical method. The levels of alanine minotransferase( ALT), aspartate aminotransferase ( AST), albumin( ALB ) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) were measured. Fas antigen in rat livers were determined with immunohistochemical method. Expression of Akt, p-Akt, Fas and DR5 were evaluated by Western blotting. Frozen sections of the liver, heart,lung,kidney, brain,spleen and testis were made to examine the expression of enhance green flourescent protein (EGFP) by fluorescence microscopy in EGFP group. After 8-week CCl4 treatment, portal hypertensive rats in the saline group and Ad-Akt group received saline and Ad-myr-HA-Akt via the tail vein respectively. Portal vein pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were measured in all rats on Day 3. Results In comparison with other cirrhosis rats, the pathological changes in the Akt group was markedly attenuated, and the levels of ALT, AST and Hyp were significantly lowered. Western blotting showed that the protein expression of p-Akt in the Akt group was higher significantly as compared with those in the negtive control group, saline group and EGFP group. Western blot also showed that the protein expression of Fas and DR5 in the Akt group was lower significantly. EGFP expression was mainly demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy on the frozen section of liver, very little fluorescene were detected in lung and kidney and there was no detectable EGFP in the other organs. Conclusions Ad-myr-HA-Ak inhibits CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis and is a potential pharmacological target for gene therapy in liver cirrhosis.

Perforating veins - a parameter of recurrence of esophageal varices.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of perforating veins in predicting the likelihood of esophageal variceal rupture and variceal recurrences. METHODS: In 70 patients with esophageal varices, a 20 MHz ultrasonographic transducer was used to image esophageal varices; the radius and perforating veins were calculated. Esophageal variceal pressure measurements were obtained by noninvasive pressure gauge. The relationship between the size of esophageal varices and the presence of perforating veins in the esophageal wall was studied using chi-square test; the patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of perforating veins, and the pressure in each group was compared by using Student's t test. In addition, the frequency of endoscopy sessions necessary for varix eradication, the dots of endoscopic variceal ligation and recurrence of esophageal varices within a year were also compared by the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The presence of perforating veins in the esophageal wall was significantly higher in patients with large radius of varices than in patients with small radius. The esophageal variceal pressure in patients with perforating veins was greater than that of patients without perforating veins (23+/- 4.5 vs 12+/-3.1 mmHg, p<0.05). The frequency of endoscopy sessions required for varix eradication and the dots of EVL in patients with perforating veins was greater than that in patients without perforating veins (3.25 +/- 0.50 vs. 2.11+/-.78; 25 +/-.50 vs. 18.56+/- 5.46 p<0.05). The recurrence of esophageal varices within a year was higher in patients with than in patients without perforating veins (75.93 vs. 18.75%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Perforating veins in the esophageal wall correlate with the recurrence of esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension

Study of noninvasive measurement of venous pressure / 生物医学工程学杂志

A new device that allows noninvasive measurement of venous pressure has been invented in our laboratory and tested for its feasibility and validity. The device consists of four parts: 1. the air infusion system; 2. the pressure sensor gauge; 3. signal transducer and data processing system 4. the fixing apparatus. The correlation between noninvasive pressure and invasive pressure has been studied in vitro test on a saphenous vein model and in vitro test on dog's portal venous system. In vitro and vivo study, an excellent correlation between noninvasive pressure and invasive pressure was obtained(r = 0.99, P < 0.0005; r = 0.97, P < 0.005). These data suggest that the new device allows a noninvasive measurement of venous pressure especially for the large veins such as vena cava, venae pulmonales and esophageal varices.

An Improved Method of Internal Hemorrhoid Ligation Treatment / 中国医师杂志

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety between the improved ligation method and the traditional ligation method in the treatment of internal hemorrhoid. Methods Double blind and randomized study were made in 86 patients with internal hemorrhoid. The traditional method was performed by ligation of internal hemorrhoidal body, and the improved method was to ligate rectal mucous membrane above internal hemorrhoidal radicles. Results The improved method has better effect than the traditional method. The clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoid such as bleeding,pain,constipation,edema,itching and erosion in the patients treated by the improved method were significantly improved compared with the patients treated by the traditional method(P

Effects of different surgical modality on portoazygous collateral circulation / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To assess the effect of different treatment complex on portoazygous shunt in portal hypertensive patients. Methods Patients (115 cases) with esophageal varices were randomized to receive either endoscopic variceal ligation ( EVL) alone (54 cases ) , pericardial devascularization procedure (PDP) alone(30 cases) or a combination of EVL and PDP(31 cases) for variceal eradication. Esophageal vascular structures were examined with miniature ultrasonic probe and azygos blood flow (ABF) was measured with color Doppler ultrasonography. Results Esophageal varices were obliterated and collateral veins remained unchanged in patients treated by EVL, esophageal varices were diminished in size and collateral veins were obliterated by PDP and both esophageal varices and collateral veins were obliterated by the combination of EVL and PDP. EVL,PDP alone and a combination of the two modalities decreased ABF by 31% ,32% and 43% respectively. Conclusions The combination of EVL and PDP most effectively blocks esophageal collateral shunts.

Changes of vascular endothelial growth factor in gastric mucosa in portal hypertensive gastropathy / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To study the role of VEGF in the development of portal hypertensive gastropathy(PHG). Methods Forty-four portal hepertensive patients were investigated according to with or without PHG. The degree and the location of PHG were recorded. The specimens were obtained to perform RT-PCR to measure VEGF mRNA. Results VEGF mRNA in severe (3.48?1.02) or moderate PHG (2.28?0.33) with portal hypertension was higher than that in control (1.40?0.23) and those (1.51?0.32) with portal hypertension without PHG( P

Long-term results of endoscopically variceal ligation(EVL)in the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective This study aimed at assessing the long-term efficacy of EVL for esophageal variceal bleeding. Methods Long-term EVL was assessed in 263 patients with variceal bleeding,among them 71 were of Child- Pugh Class A,82 of Class B and 110 of Class C.EVL was repeated at two week intervals until varices were eradicated.Results Esophageal varices were eradicated in 91% of the 238 patients who survived for more than three months after 1 to 10 (average 4) successive ligations.Recurrent variceal bleeding occurred in 15% of the 263 patients and was markedly reduced after eradication of the varices.The overall cumulative survival rates at 1,3,and 5 years were 76%,62%,and 57%,respectively.The prognosis was influenced by Child- Pugh's risk grade.56 of the 263 patients died during the study period,and the major cause of death was liver failure.Conclusion EVL is effective for long-term control of esophageal variceal bleeding.Repeated EVL re- duces rebleeding rate and improves survival in patients who have bled from esophageal varices.