Association between polymorphisms in selected inflammatory response genes and the risk of prostate cancer.

Inflammation represents an important event which facilitates prostate carcinogenesis. Genetic variations in inflammatory response genes could affect the level and function of the protein products, resulting in the differential prostate cancer risk among carriers of different variants. This study attempted to investigate the association of IL-4 rs2243250, IL-6 rs10499563, IL-8 rs4073, as well as NFKBIA rs2233406 and rs3138053 polymorphisms with prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population. Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique on 439 prostate cancer patients and 524 controls, and the association of each polymorphic genotype with prostate cancer risk was evaluated by using logistic regression analysis based on allele, heterozygous, and homozygous comparison models, with adjustment to age and smoking status. We showed that the C allele of IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism could increase prostate cancer risk (heterozygous comparison model: odds ratio [OR] =1.434, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.092-1.881, P=0.009; homozygous comparison model: OR =2.301, 95% CI =1.402-3.775, P=0.001; allele comparison model: OR =1.509, 95% CI =1.228-1.853, P<0.001). On the other hand, the C allele of rs10499563 polymorphism could decrease prostate cancer risk (heterozygous comparison model: OR =0.694, 95% CI =0.525-0.918, P=0.010; homozygous comparison model: OR =0.499, 95% CI =0.269-0.926, P=0.028; allele comparison model: OR =0.692, 95% CI =0.553-0.867, P=0.001). No association was observed for the other polymorphisms. In conclusion, IL-4 rs2243250 and IL-6 rs10499563 polymorphisms could serve as potential predictive biomarkers for prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population.

[Repair of skin damage with mesenchymal stem cells-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds: experimental study with rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold as transplant in repair of skin damage. METHODS: MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of femur of a one-month-old New Zealand rabbit, cultured, and labeled with diamidino-phenyl-indole (DAPI). Porous foam scaffolds were made with PLGA. MSCs of 2 - 3 passages were seeded on the scaffolds. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the growth of the MSCs. Six pieces of skin 2 cm x 2 cm in size were cut from the backs of five 5-month-old new Zealand rabbits and then 4 pieces of MSCs- PLGA scaffolds and 2 pieces of porous foam PLGA scaffolds of the size similar to these of the cut skin were transplanted to the skin wounds. The wound healing was observed. Five days after the operation, samples of newly-grown skin were taken to undergo HE staining, VG staining, and microscopy. Immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to detect the cytokeratin AE1/AE3. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy showed that holes were distributed evenly on the surface of and inside the porous foam PLGA scaffolds Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that the MSCs grew well on the porous foam PLGA scaffolds and the number of MSCs increased gradually. Animal experiment showed that with the degradation of the polymer scaffolds the wounds were gradually covered by newly grown skin similar to the normal skin. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed fluorescence positive cells in the stratum corneum and follicles. The wounds transplanted only with porous foam PLGA scaffolds formed new skin too, however, in the dermis of the new skin only thickened fibrous scars and a few follicles were seen. CONCLUSION: The compound of MSCs-PLGA polymer is effective in wound healing.

Controlled placement of individual carbon nanotubes.

A central challenge for both the science and the technology of carbon nanotubes is the controlled assembly of devices. Here, we report a technique that allows us to place a nanotube with the desired properties in a predetermined location by direct mechanical transfer. We demonstrate single-tube and multiple-tube transfer and electrical characterization of an optically characterized nanotube. The ability to rationally design nanotube devices and circuits will enable more detailed study of the physics and chemistry of nanotubes and provide a stepping stone toward implementation of a wide spectrum of applications.