MiR-217 is involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer by down-regulating CDH1 expression.

GC is one of the most leading malignancies all over the world, and is also the leading cause of cancer-related mortalities. At present, GC remains difficult to diagnose at an early stage. In this study, we first detected the expression of 9 selected miRNAs in the exosomes from 67 GC patients' circular exosomes and found 4 miRNAs level was significantly altered. Meanwhile, one out of 4 candidate miRNAs also had a higher expression in the GC tissue samples, and negative correlated with CDH1 expression. Predicted by bioinformatics tools, confirmed by dual luciferase assay and immunoblotting, we identified that CDH1 is a direct target of miR-217. MiR-217 overexpression enhanced gastric cancer cells proliferation, and reduced exosomal CDH1 level which can be delivered into microenvironment. In conclusion, we constructed the negative correlation between miR-217 and CDH1 level in GC patients and cells; unveiled part of the miR-217 function during the pathogenesis of GC. These findings may give insight into understanding the mechanism of GC pathogenesis and provide new biomarkers for clinical diagnosis.

Crohn Disease of the Vulva without Gastrointestinal Manifestations in a 16-Year-Old Girl.

BACKGROUND: Crohn disease of the vulva is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose. There are limited reports describing treatment of this condition. OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnosis and treatment of a 16-year-old girl with Crohn disease of the vulva, without onset of intestinal symptoms. METHODS: Crohn disease was diagnosed by histopathology. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and followed for 1 year. RESULTS: After the final diagnosis, cutaneous lesions responded rapidly to corticosteroid treatment, which was gradually stopped after 6 months. The disease was well controlled at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Crohn disease of the vulva can develop alone without the onset of intestinal symptoms. Diagnosis relies on special pathologic findings. Corticosteroid treatment is effective for this condition.

Endoscopic stenting and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer: a case-control study.

AIM: To evaluate the role of endoscopic stenting with or without concurrent 3-dimensional conformal chemoradiotherapy (3D-CRT) in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer. METHODS: Advanced esophageal cancer patients indicated for esophagectomy received esophageal stents. A part of patients completed 3D-CRT after stenting. Efficacy was assessed by endoscopy and computed tomographic scan before and 4 wk after completion of the treatment. The median survival, 3D-CRT toxicity and complications were compared between 3D-CRT and control groups. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2008, 99 consecutive patients with T3/T4 disease and unsuitable for esophagectomy were placed with esophageal stents. Sixty-seven patients received 3D-CRT, while 36 patients treated with endoscopic stents alone were recruited as controls. After 3D-CRT treatment, the median tumor volume of 3D-CRT patients were reduced significantly from 43.7 ± 10.2 cm³ to 28.8 ± 8.5 cm³ (P < 0.05). The complete and partial response rate was 85.1%, and no response was 14.9%. After 3D-CRT, the incidence rate of T2 and T3 disease evident on CT scan increased to 78.4% while T4 decreased from 66.7% to 21.6% (P < 0.05). 3D-CRT Karnofsky Performance Status improved in 3D-CRT patients compared with the control group (P = 0.031). 3D-CRT patients had a longer survival than the control group (251.7 d vs 91.1 d, P < 0.05). And the median half-year survival rate in 3D-CRT group (91%) was higher than in the control group (50%, P < 0.05). The most common toxicity was leukocytopenia in the 3D-CRT group (46.7% vs 18.8%, P = 0.008). The control group had a higher rate of restenosis than the 3D-CRT group (81.3% vs 9.0%, P < 0.05). The rate of nephrotoxicity was increased in 3D-CRT as compared with the control group (31.3% vs 15.6%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D-CRT can improve dysphagia in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma. 3D-CRT combined with stenting results in better survival as compared with endoscopic stents used alone.