TUC338 Overexpression Leads to Enhanced Proliferation and Reduced Apoptosis in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells In Vitro.

PURPOSE: Long noncoding RNAs are closely related to the development of tumors. In this study, we explored the contribution of the long noncoding RNA TUC338 to cellular processes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, we detected TUC338 expression using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 25 patients. Then, we transfected a short hairpin RNA to silence TUC338 expression in the CAL-27 and SCC-9 cell lines. Tumor cell growth was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and apoptosis and cell-cycle analyses were performed via flow cytometry. RESULTS: The results indicated that TUC338 was overexpressed in TSCCs (P < .05). In addition, silencing TUC338 in CAL-27 and SCC-9 cells inhibited cell growth and increased apoptosis significantly in vivo (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Long noncoding RNA TUC338 overexpression leads to enhanced proliferation and reduced apoptosis in TSCC.

[Ezrin and inducible nitric oxide synthase in malignant proliferation of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ezrin and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may play an important role in regulating tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study was to investigate the expression of Ezrin and iNOS and their correlation to malignant proliferation of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (PA). METHODS: Expressions of Ezrin, iNOS and nuclear Ki-67 antigen were detected by immunohistochemistry in common type (n=40), active type (n=25) and malignant (n=11) pleomorphic adenoma. RESULTS: Expressions of Ezrin, iNOS in common type, active type and malignant pleomorphic adenoma were gradually increased (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of Ezrin and iNOS (P<0.05). Ki-67 proliferation index (Ki-67 PI) was increased with the increasing of Ezrin and iNOS expressions (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Overexpression of Ezrin and iNOS may promote proliferation and malignant transformation of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma.

Inhibition of VEGF expression in tongue squamous cancer cells via RNA interference silencing of iNOS gene.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory role of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in oral squamous cancer cells. The RNA interference (RNAi) technique was used to silence iNOS gene expression by transfecting an expression vector containing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for iNOS into Tca8113 tongue squamous cancer cells using cationic liposomes. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to monitor iNOS and VEGF mRNA, as well as protein expression. iNOS mRNA expression was significantly downregulated 24 and 36 h after transfection, and iNOS protein expression was significantly downregulated at 36 and 48 h (P<0.05 versus control), showing that effective silencing was achieved. VEGF mRNA was significantly decreased 24 and 36 h post-transfection, and VEGF protein expression was significantly decreased at 36 and 48 h (P<0.05). RNAi can decrease iNOS gene expression and achieve a gene silencing effect. iNOS gene silencing reduces VEGF expression levels in Tca8113 cells. Thus, there is a relationship between iNOS and VEGF expression in tongue squamous cancer cells.

[Mental neurovascular V-Y island advancement flap in functional reconstruction of partial lower lip defect].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the functional reconstruction technique for partial lower lip defects. METHODS: 7 patients with lower lip cancer (3 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 2 cases squamous cell carcinoma and 2 cases papillary carcinoma) underwent excision. The full-thickness lower lip defects were one-third to two-third of the total lower lip length. All the defects were reconstructed with V-Y island advancement flaps based on the mental neurovascular bundle. RESULTS: There was no flap loss. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period of 3 months to one year. Both the aesthetic appearance, muscle function and sensation of the reconstructed lower lip were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Mental neurovascular V-Y island advancement flap is an ideal method for functional repair of partial lower lip defect.

A pilot study on combination compartmentalisation and sclerotherapy for the treatment of massive venous malformations of the face and neck.

SUMMARY: Venous malformations of the face and neck involve multiple anatomical spaces and encase critical neuromuscular structures, making surgical treatment difficult; high recurrence rates and high morbidity are well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical curative effect of combination compartmentalisation and sclerotherapy for the treatment of massive venous malformations of the face and neck. Sixteen patients with massive venous malformations of the face and neck region (12 males and four females; mean age: 14.9 years, range: 6-22 years) were treated with compartmentalisation using silk sutures followed by injections of 0.1 mg OK-432 and 8 mg pingyangmycin into each small compartment. The injections were performed every two weeks. All lesions received three to six treatments. All the patients had significant swelling and mild pain postoperatively for a period of one to two weeks with no major complications. One patient had transient facial paresis, which resolved spontaneously within two weeks. The follow-up period ranged from three to 14 months (median: 7.1 months). The treatments resulted in the following: four of the lesions were completely involuted, six were mostly involuted, five were partially involuted, and one experienced a small involution. All of the patients had normal liver and kidney functions and normal lung fields on chest X-ray. Compartmentalisation followed by injection of OK-432 and pingyangmycin into each compartment provided a simple, safe, and reliable alternative treatment for massive venous malformations of the face and neck.