Circ_0005050 promotes the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma and inhibits the apoptosis by activating JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most predominant type of oral cancer, featured with poor prognosis and high mortality. Circular RNA (circRNA) exerts its function in a variety of human cancers, including OSCC. Circ_0005050, as a novel circRNA, has not been well explored in OSCC so far. This study centered on investigating the impact of circ_0005050 on OSCC cell growth and its molecular mechanism. RNA or protein expression was detected by RT-qPCR or western blot analysis. Functional assays were employed to uncover the changes of OSCC cell biological behaviors. Mechanistic assays were done to verify the underlying mechanism of circ_0005050 in OSCC cells. According to the collected data, circ_0005050 was significantly up-regulated in OSCC cells compared to normal cells. Circ_0005050 depletion hampered proliferative ability of OSCC cells while promoting cell apoptotic ability. As for mechanism analyses, circ_0005050 knockdown led to the reduction of STAT3 expression and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway activity. Moreover, circ_0005050 competitively bound to miR-23a-3p and miR-625-5p to up-regulate STAT3, thus prompting malignant behaviors of OSCC cells. In conclusion, circ_0005050 regulates miR-23a-3p/miR-625-5p/STAT3 axis to activate JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, consequently facilitating OSCC cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

FTO demethylates YAP mRNA promoting oral squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal reversible modification of mRNA, which occurs on the N6 nitrogen of adenosine. Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) is a demethylase that erases m6A modification and has recently been linked to cancer. Herein, we explored the role of FTO in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). High FTO mRNA and protein levels were observed in OSCC cell lines and tissues as compared to normal controls. OSCC patients with high FTO displayed larger tumor size, higher TNM stage, poorer differentiation, and shorter survival time than those with low FTO. Stable knockdown of FTO inhibited OSCC cell viability, colony formation, and tumor growth. Further, FTO depletion increased YAP1 m6A modification at mRNA 3'-untranslated region, accelerating the degradation of YAP1 mRNA, a well-documented oncogene promoting OSCC progression. Importantly, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of FTO is critical for YAP1 mRNA demethylation and decay following YTHDF2 reading and recognition. Our results highlight the role of FTO in regulating YAP1 mRNA stability, and targeting of FTO/YAP1 axis may be a promising intervention for OSCC patients.

Cross-Linked Poly(ethylene glycol) Shells for Nanoparticles: Enhanced Stealth Effect and Colloidal Stability.

Preventing protein corona formation and macrophage uptake is the key to improving the delivery efficiency of nanocarriers. Herein, we present a kind of cross-linking poly(ethylene glycol) (CL-PEG) shell-wrapped gold nanoparticles (namely, Au@CL-PEG NPs), which show much enhanced stealth effect and colloidal stability in physiological environments. Compared to the AuNPs coated with conventional linear PEGs (namely, Au@PEG NPs), Au@CL-PEG NPs have a greater ability to resist protein adsorption and thus show reduced cellular uptake by macrophages. In addition, the Au@CL-PEG NPs show higher chemical and colloidal stability under different extreme conditions than the conventional Au@PEG NPs. The CL-PEGylation strategy provides a new window for the surface functionalization of nanomaterials, indicating great promise for the development of high-performance nanomedicines.

Self-Assembly of Biocompatible FeSe Hollow Nanostructures and 2D CuFeSe Nanosheets with One- and Two-Photon Luminescence Properties.

Transition metal chalcogenides are investigated for catalyst, intermediary agency, and particular optical properties because of their distinguished electron-vacancy-transfer (EVT) process toward different applications. In this work, one convenient approach for making pure-phased FeSe nanocrystals (NCs) and doped CuFeSe nanosheets (NSs) through a wet chemistry method in mixed solvents is illustrated. The surface modification of each product is realized by using a peptide molecule glutathione (GSH), in which the thiol group (-SH) is ascribed to be the in situ reducer and bonding agency between the crystalline surface and surfactant in whole constructing processes. Due to the functional groups in biological GSH, highly aggregated NCs are rebuilt in the form of an FeSe hollow structure through amino and carboxyl cross-linking functions through a spontaneous assembly procedure. Owing to the coupling procedure of Cu and Fe in the growth process, it generates enhanced EVT. Additionally, it shows the emission spectra of λEM-PL = 436 nm (FeSe) and 452 nm (CuFeSe) while λEX-PL = 356 nm, it also conveys two-photon phenomenon while λEX-PL = 720 nm. Moreover, it also shows strong off-resonant luminescence due to two-photon absorption, which should be valuable for biological applications.

In Vivo Tracking of Multiple Tumor Exosomes Labeled by Phospholipid-Based Bioorthogonal Conjugation.

Exosomes are cell-secreted nanoscale membrane vesicles that play critical roles in many pathophysiological processes. The clinical value of exosomes is under intense investigation, yet current knowledge regarding their in vivo properties is very limited because of the lack of efficient labeling techniques. Here, we report a phospholipid-based bioorthogonal labeling strategy to endow exosomes with optical probes without influencing their native biological functions. We investigated the dynamic in vivo biodistribution and organotropic uptake of multiple tumor exosomes in a single mouse. The results indicate that the exosomes derived from different cell lines show specific organotropic uptake. This phospholipid-based labeling strategy opens a new window to directly visualize and monitor exosome trafficking in living systems and holds great promise for exploring exosome-involved biological events such as cancer metastasis.

Effects of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) on condylar chondrocyte proliferation, migration, maturation, differentiation and signalling pathway.

CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is a 38 kDa cysteine-rich extracellular matrix protein that regulates a sequence of cellular functions and participates in multiple complex biological processes, such as chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. In the present study, we provided the first evidence describing the physiological role of CCN2 in condylar chondrocyte proliferation, migration, maturation and differentiation. CCN2 was widely expressed throughout the whole layers of condylar cartilage and predominantly distributed in the proliferative zone. Recombinant CCN2 promoted the proliferation, migration, proteoglycan synthesis and differentiation capacity of isolated condylar chondrocytes. The stimulatory effect of CCN2 on chondrocyte proliferation was associated with the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signalling pathway. The blocking of this pathway by its inhibitor LY294002 impaired the proliferative effect of CCN2 on chondrocytes. These results suggested a novel physiological role of CCN2 in the development of condylar cartilage.

The histopathologic type predicts survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma after resection: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The results of studies on the prognostic value of histopathologic differentiation of the intestinal and pancreatobiliary types of ampullary carcinoma after resection are conflicting. A meta-analysis was undertaken to investigate this issue. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify articles published from January 2000 to August 2016. Data were pooled for meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Twenty three retrospective studies involving a total of 2234 patients were identified for inclusion, of whom 1021 (45.7%) had intestinal type tumors and 899 (40.2%) had pancreaticobiliary type tumors. Patients with the pancreaticobiliary type had high rates of poor tumor differentiation (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), vascular invasion (P < 0.001), perineural invasion (P < 0.001), and positive resection margins (P = 0.004), as compared with those with the intestinal type. The pancreaticobiliary type predicted a worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.49-2.27; P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.23-3.01; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The histopathologic type has major impact on survival in patients with ampullary carcinoma after resection, and the pancreaticobiliary type reflects a more aggressive tumor biology and is associated with worse survival.

Platelet-derived growth factor BB enhances osteoclast formation and osteoclast precursor cell chemotaxis.

Enhanced osteoclast formation increases bone resorption, which triggers bone remodeling. Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) enhances precursor cell homing, angiogenesis, and bone healing, and thereby could also treat osteoporosis. However, the effect of PDGF-BB on osteoclast formation is not fully understood. We investigated whether exogenous recombinant PDGF-BB directly affects osteoclast formation and osteoclast precursor cell chemotaxis. The murine monocyte-macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and bone-marrow-derived macrophages were cultured with recombinant mouse PDGF-BB with or without a platelet-derived growth factor receptor ß inhibitor (AG-1295) or a Janus kinase 2 inhibitor (AG-490) to analyze the effect on osteoclastogenesis in vitro. PDGF-BB with or without AG-490 or AG-1295 was locally administrated in the mandibular fracture of 16-week-old Sprague Dawley rats (n = 18) for 1-2 weeks to analyze the effect on osteoclastogenesis in vivo. The effect of the treatments on osteoclast formation, osteoclast precursor cell migration, and expression of osteoclastogenic signaling molecules was analyzed. PDGF-BB enhanced osteoclast formation both in vitro and in vivo, but AG-490 and AG-1295 inhibited this effect. PDGF-BB enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Akt, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in RAW264.7 cells. AG-490 inhibited PDGF-BB-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. PDGF-BB enhanced RAW264.7 cell migration and gene expression of osteoclastogenic signaling molecules (i.e., nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, dendrocyte-expressed seven transmembrane protein, and B-cell lymphoma 2), and treatment with AG-1295, AG-490, or S3I-201 (a STAT3 inhibitor) reduced this effect. PDGF-BB enhanced osteoclast formation, osteoclast precursor cell chemotaxis, and phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt, and ERK1/2. but AG-1295 and AG-490 reduced this effect. These findings reflect the complexity of PDGF-BB in bone biology.

Lysophosphatidic acid upregulates connective tissue growth factor expression in osteoblasts through the GPCR/PKC and PKA pathways.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an efficient, bioactive phospholipid involved in various biological processes. In this study, LPA-induced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) expression and the underlying mechanisms were investigated using the MC3T3-E1 cell line. The MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated with an inhibitor of LPA receptors, an activator and inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) for indicated periods of time. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses were used to measure the expression levels of CCN2. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the translocation of PKC. The mRNA expression level of CCN2 was increased following stimulation of the cells with LPA; LPA transiently induced the mRNA expression of CCN2; maximum expression levels were observed 2 h following stimulation with LPA. This increase was accompanied by CCN2 protein synthesis. LPA receptor1/3 was inhibited by Ki16425, a specific inhibitor of LPA1/3; as a result, the LPA-induced increase in CCN2 expression was abrogated. LPA also induced the membrane translocation of PKC and enhanced PKC activity in the osteoblasts. Pre-treatment of the osteoblasts with staurosporine prevented the increase in CCN2 expression by induced by LPA, and the activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) enhanced CCN2 expression, indicating that the PKC pathway is involved in the LPA-induced increase in CCN2 expression. The interference of PKA signaling also led to the induction of CCN2 expresion by LPA. These data indicate that LPA increases CCN2 expression through the activation of PKC and PKA. Thus, the regulatory functions of the PKC and PKA pathways are implicated in the LPA-induced increase in CCN2 expression.

Partially oxidized atomic cobalt layers for carbon dioxide electroreduction to liquid fuel.

Electroreduction of CO2 into useful fuels, especially if driven by renewable energy, represents a potentially 'clean' strategy for replacing fossil feedstocks and dealing with increasing CO2 emissions and their adverse effects on climate. The critical bottleneck lies in activating CO2 into the CO2(•-) radical anion or other intermediates that can be converted further, as the activation usually requires impractically high overpotentials. Recently, electrocatalysts based on oxide-derived metal nanostructures have been shown to enable CO2 reduction at low overpotentials. However, it remains unclear how the electrocatalytic activity of these metals is influenced by their native oxides, mainly because microstructural features such as interfaces and defects influence CO2 reduction activity yet are difficult to control. To evaluate the role of the two different catalytic sites, here we fabricate two kinds of four-atom-thick layers: pure cobalt metal, and co-existing domains of cobalt metal and cobalt oxide. Cobalt mainly produces formate (HCOO(-)) during CO2 electroreduction; we find that surface cobalt atoms of the atomically thin layers have higher intrinsic activity and selectivity towards formate production, at lower overpotentials, than do surface cobalt atoms on bulk samples. Partial oxidation of the atomic layers further increases their intrinsic activity, allowing us to realize stable current densities of about 10 milliamperes per square centimetre over 40 hours, with approximately 90 per cent formate selectivity at an overpotential of only 0.24 volts, which outperforms previously reported metal or metal oxide electrodes evaluated under comparable conditions. The correct morphology and oxidation state can thus transform a material from one considered nearly non-catalytic for the CO2 electroreduction reaction into an active catalyst. These findings point to new opportunities for manipulating and improving the CO2 electroreduction properties of metal systems, especially once the influence of both the atomic-scale structure and the presence of oxide are mechanistically better understood.

Multiple Inoculations of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells into Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate/Chitosan Scaffolds Enhances the Formation and Reconstruction of New Bone.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of different cell inoculation strategies on cellular attachment and viability as well as on osteogenic differentiation capacity and subsequent bone graft functionality after implantation of cellularized scaffolds in a mandibular defect rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were inoculated into the scaffolds of beta-tricalcium phosphate/chitosan (ß-TCP/CS) either once or multiple times and their efficiency assessed based on cell viability, initial seeding efficiency, alkaline phosphatase activity in cell lysates, mineralization activity in cryosections of cell-seeded scaffolds by von Kossa staining, and osteogenic differentiation on reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with one-time inoculation of BMSCs, multiple inoculations led to higher cell viability, increased proliferation, more homogeneous distribution in the scaffold, better in vitro osteogenic differentiation, and improved in vivo bone repair in a rabbit model of mandibular defect. CONCLUSION: Multiple inoculations have many advantages over the one-time inoculation method and should be further researched for bone tissue engineering.

Highly efficient photothermal effect by atomic-thickness confinement in two-dimensional ZrNCl nanosheets.

We report a giant photothermal effect arising from quantum confinement in two-dimensional nanomaterials. ZrNCl ultrathin nanosheets with less than four monolayers of graphene-like nanomaterial successfully generated synergetic effects of larger relaxation energy of photon-generated electrons and intensified vibration of surface bonds, offering predominantly an enhancement of the electron-phonon interaction to a maximized extent. As a result, they could generate heat flow reaching an ultrahigh value of 5.25 W/g under UV illumination with conversion efficiency up to 72%. We anticipate that enhanced electron-phonon coupling in a quantum confinement system will be a powerful tool for optimizing photothermal conversion of inorganic semiconductors.

A novel animal model treated with tooth extraction to repair the full-thickness defects in the mandible of rabbits.

BACKGROUND: It has traditionally been difficult to create full-thickness defects in the mandibles of rodent animals because of dissimilar anatomic structures with humans, interference from teeth of jaws, and limited surgical access. To better mimic the cellular situation and the unique masticatory stresses in maxillofacial regions of humans, we developed an animal model of mandibular defects, in which rabbits were implanted with the beta-tricalcium phosphate/chitosan (ß-TCP/CS) scaffolds after a dental extraction and the creation of a full-thickness bone defect. METHODS: Seventy-two New Zealand rabbits underwent unilateral mandibular defect surgery in the premolar region and were randomly divided into three groups as follows: (1) The full-thickness bicortical defect with tooth extraction of the mandibular first premolar and implantation of bone marrow stromal cells/ß-TCP/CS scaffold graft (group G + E); (2) the bicortical defect, not treated with tooth extraction and implanted with the bone marrow stromal cells/ß-TCP/CS grafts (group G); and (3) the bicortical defects created in the same location in the negative control group, not treated with tooth extraction and graft implantation (group C). The defects in all groups were examined at 4 and 12 wk using mechanical tests, x-ray, and histology observation to determine the biomechanical stability, quantity, and quality of the newly formed bone. RESULTS: Group G + E displayed the largest amount of new bone formation, with high mechanical forces in compression and three-point bending tests, filled in the mandibular defects at 4 wk, and complete reconstruction of bony contours and bridging by 12 wk after implantation. Although similar mechanical forces and new bone formation were demonstrated by the normal healing specimens, the abnormal cases with periapical diseases of group G demonstrated less amount of new bone formation and smaller mechanical forces when compared with those of group G + E at 4 and 12 wk. In contrast, the defect without graft implantation in the negative control group (group C) failed to bridge itself and displayed fibrous tissue filled in the defects with the lowest mechanical forces at both 4 and 12 wk of implantation. CONCLUSIONS: A 10-mm diameter, full-thickness mandibular defect treated with tooth extraction of the first mandibular premolar can mimic the segmental jawbone defects and fulfill the requirements of a critical-size mandibular defect in rabbits. Furthermore, the new bone regeneration and biomechanical stability of the mandible can be promoted by extraction of the teeth located in the defect side, which demonstrated the potential of this model as a test bed for tissue-engineering grafts used in jawbone defects.

Large negative magnetoresistance induced by anionic solid solutions in two-dimensional spin-frustrated transition metal chalcogenides.

We report an anionic solid solution process that induces frustrated magnetic structures within two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenides, which leads to huge negative magnetoresistance effects. Ultrathin nanosheets of TiTe(2-x)I(x) solid solutions, which are a new class of inorganic two-dimensional magnetic material, exhibit negative magnetoresistance with a value of up to -85%, due to the spin-dependent scattering effects of local Ti(3+) 3d(1) moments that are antiferromagnetically coupled. Moreover, TiTe(2-x)I(x) serials show unique transport behaviors with continuous evolution from metallic to semiconducting states. We anticipate that anionic doping will be a powerful tool for optimizing the intrinsic physical properties of two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide system.

A murine femoral segmental defect model for bone tissue engineering using a novel rigid internal fixation system.

BACKGROUND: As a model animal, the mouse has already been widely used in bone-related research. However, there is a lack of ideal long bone segmental defect mouse model. Since external fixation has disadvantages of heavy weight, penetrating the skin, and hampering mobility, an internal fixation device is probably more preferable to maintain the segmental bone defect. The aim of this study was to establish a simple, reproducible, and standardized murine critical-size defect model through designing an internal fixation system, verifying its adaptability, and investigating the critical size of femoral segmental defect. METHODS: By utilizing computer-aided measuring and processing system, anatomical data of adult C57BL/6 mouse femur was obtained, and a plate-bolts system was designed for rigid fixation. The plate and screws were fixed in 67 mice and 1.5 or 2.0 mm defect gaps were created in the femoral midshaft. Compression and three-point bending of bone-implant construct were tested in mice at 0, 2, 5, and 12 wk postoperative to test the biomechanical stability. X-ray, micro-computed tomography, and histology were used to investigate the defect healing process. RESULTS: The plate- and screws-fitted mouse femur and unilateral or bilateral operation had seemingly no adverse impact on the mouse in general. Mechanical tests indicated that there were no significant differences between the bone-implant construct and intact femur in compression and three-point bending loading. Micro-computed tomography scanning showed the bone mineral density had not been affected by the implantation of fixation device. There was no union of the 2.0 mm segmental defect in 12-wk period. CONCLUSION: Using the specifically designed rigid internal fixation device, a segmental defect size of 2.0 mm in C57BL/6 mouse femur will show nonunion and can serve as a critical defect size for bone tissue engineering and bone regeneration research.

Prognostic factors in the surgical treatment of caudate lobe hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of liver resection for caudate lobe hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 114 consecutive patients with HCC, originating from the caudate lobe, who underwent resection between January 2001 and January 2007. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on several clinicopathologic variables to determine the factors affecting long-term outcome and intrahepatic recurrence. RESULTS: Overall mortality and morbidity were 0% and 18%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 31 mo (interquartile range, 11-66 mo), tumor recurrence had occurred in 76 patients (66.7%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 65.7%, 38.1%, and 18.4%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 76.1%, 54.7%, and 31.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that subsegmental location of the tumor (45.7% vs 16.2%, P = 0.01), liver cirrhosis (12.3% vs 47.9%, P = 0.03), surgical margin (18.5% vs 54.6%, P = 0.04), vascular invasion (37.9% vs 23.2%, P = 0.04) and extended caudate resection (42.1% vs 15.4%, P = 0.04) were related to poorer long-term survival. Multivariate analysis showed that only subsegmental location of the tumor, liver cirrhosis and surgical margin were significant independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy was an effective treatment for HCC in the caudate lobe. The subsegmental location of the tumor, liver cirrhosis and surgical margin affected long-term survival.

[Effect of the amount of portal blood stasis removal on endotoxemia and liver function after liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the amount of portal blood stasis removal on endotoxemia and liver function after liver transplantation. METHODS: Forty-seven patients who received liver transplantation from February 2006 to November 2007 were divided into 2 groups according to the amount of portal blood stasis removal during operation: group A (n = 26) 50 ml and group B (n = 21) 200 ml of portal blood stasis removal respectively. The levels of plasma endotoxin, D-lactate, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, liver function and blood coagulation were examined and analyzed. RESULTS: Under the condition of no significant difference in sex, age, primary liver diseases and Child-pugh's classification, cold ischemic time, total operation and anhepatic time, operation methods, volume of blood loss and transfusion, and all preoperative observations. Most of observations showed the restoration of the patients in group B was better than that in group A. The plasma levels of endotoxin, D-lactate, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in group B were significantly lower than those in group A (P < 0.05). The level of plasma prealbumin in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The removal of 200 ml portal blood stasis leads to a better results than that of 50 ml, and it can help alleviate endotoxemia and facilitate the restoration of the liver function after liver transplantation.

[The effect of portal blood stasis on lung and renal injury induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion in a rabbit model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of portal blood stasis on lung and renal injury induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion. METHODS: A rabbit hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury model was established by hepatic portal occlusion and in situ hypothermic irrigation for 30 min. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were employed and randomly divided into 3 groups equally by different dosage of portal blood stasis removal: group A5 (5 ml blood removal), group A10 (10 ml blood removal),and group B (no blood removal). Eight rabbits were served as controls with no hepatic portal occlusion and hypothermic irrigation. After reperfusion 4 h serum endotoxin content, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) were examined respectively, meantime lung and kidney tissues were sampled to determine the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the pathology, and wet to dry weight ratio, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid protein content in lung tissues. RESULTS: Removing portal blood stasis ameliorated lung and renal injury as shown by decreasing the level of serum endotoxin, TNF-alpha, BUN, Cr, wet to dry weight ratio, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid protein content, MDA, SOD. TNF-alpha, Cr, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid protein content in lung tissues and MDA in kidney tissue in group A5 were significantly reduced compared with those in group B (P < 0.05), while in lung tissue in group A10 were also markedly reduced (P < 0.05). The activation of SOD in group A5 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Removal of portal blood stasis before the resume of splanchnic circulation may ameliorate the lung and renal injury induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion. The possible mechanism may be that portal blood stasis removal reduces endotoxin absorption, and further decreases production of serum TNF-alpha.

Clinical features of solitary necrotic nodule of the liver.

BACKGROUND: Solitary necrotic nodule of the liver is a rare nonmalignant lesion. The present study aimed to clarify the clinical features of the disease. METHOD: The medical records of 51 patients with histologically confirmed solitary necrotic nodule of the liver who received surgical resection at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Solitary necrotic nodule of the liver was found mainly in males (68.6%, 35/51), and patients ranged in age from 5 to 69 years with a mean of 45.3. Most of the patients (72.5%) had no significant symptoms, with negative results for the serum tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen. The mean diameter of the nodule was 23 mm (range 10-55 mm). Compared with ultrasonographic and computed tomography findings, the specific features of magnetic resonance imaging were more helpful for differential diagnosis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Solitary necrotic nodule of the liver is a rare nonmalignant lesion, showing no notable symptoms and potential complications. The pathological change of the disease is not significant over a lifetime. Conservative treatment and clinical follow-up are recommended.

Clinical features of hepatic angiomyolipoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML) is a rare hepatic mesenchymal tumor. This study was designed to explore its clinical features. METHODS: Clinical data from 26 patients who had been pathologically confirmed with HAML and had received surgical resection at our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: HAML was seen more frequently in females (18/26) in this series, and most of the patients presented no significant symptoms except for one who had a spontaneous rupture hemorrhage. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were negative in all patients. Imaging presentations were diverse. Pre-operative diagnosis was made in only 3 patients. Pathological study showed that the tumor was composed of adipose tissue, smooth muscle and blood vessels in different proportions. One patient showed hepatic vessel invasion. HMB-45 immunohistochemical staining was positive in all tumors. All patients underwent surgical resection without significant complications. Except for one patient who died 14 months after operation because of recurrent disease, no tumor recurrence was observed in the remaining 25 patients during a 2-3 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative diagnosis of HAML is difficult. There are potential risks of spontaneous rupture and malignant transformation. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for HAML.