ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although it is well established that the extracellular matrix affects tumour progression, not much is known about the various components and their effect on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. Levels of collagen type XI α1 (colXIα1), a minor fibrillar collagen, have been shown to be increased in tumour compared with normal tissue in several cancers, including colorectal, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer. Currently, the functional significance of colXIα1 is not understood. METHODS: We examined the expression levels of colXIα1 mRNA and elucidated the functional role of colXIα1 in HNSCC. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were examined with and without colXIα1 knockdown with siRNA in HNSCC cells. RESULTS: Our data demonstrate that colXIα1 expression is increased in tumour samples compared with levels in normal adjacent tissue in 16/23 HNSCC patients. In addition, colα11 is increased in HNSCC cell lines compared with normal immortalised epithelial cells and is increased in tumour-derived fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts. Using an siRNA approach, we demonstrate that colXIα1 contributes to proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSCC. CONCLUSION: Our cumulative findings suggest that colXIα1 contributes to HNSCC tumorigenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Collagen Type XI/biosynthesis , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinogenesis/genetics , Carcinogenesis/metabolism , Carcinogenesis/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics , Cell Growth Processes/physiology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/physiology , Collagen Type XI/deficiency , Collagen Type XI/genetics , Collagen Type XI/metabolism , Disease Progression , Female , Gene Knockdown Techniques , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Protein Isoforms , RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and NeckABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the medical emergencies occurring on a tertiary otolaryngology service identified using a rapid response system (RRS). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of RRS activations during 21 months. SETTING: Specialised otolaryngology care unit within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital, a tertiary, academic, teaching hospital in the USA. INTERVENTION(S): None. RESULTS: 1171 unit admissions. Unit mortality was 5.1/1000 admissions. 53 patients were involved in 67 RRS activations (4/53 deaths). 32 of 67 events were due to respiratory derangements, most commonly pneumonia. 18 of 67 events were due to cardiovascular abnormalities, most commonly hypertension and myocardial infarction. 11 of 67 events were secondary to mental status changes, several of which were related to adverse drug events. 6 of 67 events were secondary to acute bleeding. 23 of 67 events occurred within 24 h of patient transfer/admission, 14 of those after operations. RRS activation was a marker for in-hospital death (RR 42.2, 95% CI 7.9 to 225.2) compared with that in patients not activating the RRS. CONCLUSIONS: Although otolaryngology care units attempt to prevent adverse events, emergencies still occur. RRSs identify deteriorating otolaryngology patients who are at increased risk for mortality. RRSs are an efficient mechanism of intervention during a medical emergency. RRSs provide a convenient method of identifying medical/system errors and educational opportunities.
