Detection of OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 Methylation in the Serum of Patients with Gastric Cancer.

AIM: This study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 hypermethylation in gastric cancer (GC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: By using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), we detected the methylation status in tissue and serum samples from 48 gastric cancer (GC) patients and 25 normal individuals. RESULTS: We found that OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 were methylated in 70.8% (34/48), 54.2% (26/48), and 60.4% (29/48) of GC tissue, respectively. On the contrary, those genes were barely methylated in their paired paracancerous histological normal tissues (PCHNTs) (all P values < 0.01). We next analyzed the methylated OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 in serum DNA. Compared with 25 normal individuals, those three genes were significantly hypermethylated in GC patients serum samples (all P values < 0.01). Regarding their diagnostic value in serum samples, the combined sensitivity of at least one positive among the three markers in serum was 83.3%, with a specificity of 88%. CONCLUSION: Our test suggested that methylation of OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 genes in serum sample may offer a good alternative in a simple, promising, and noninvasive detection of GC.

[Treatment of mandibular fracture using dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of treatment of mandibular fracture using dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice. METHODS: 12 patients with mandibular fracture were treated with dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice and intermaxillary elastic traction. Elastic traction ceased 2 weeks after normal occlusion was obtained. The dental arch splints were removed 4 weeks after treatment. The patients were re-examined 1 month, 2 and 6 months after treatment for occlusion and fracture healing with X-ray imaging. RESULTS: All patients had ideal occlusion and primary bone healing after treatment. No complications and discomfort were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice were indicated for patients with single or multiple mandibular fractures without distinct displacement. It's easily operated, comfortable and cheap, with accurate fragment apposition, rigid fixation, rapid bone healing and good esthetics.