GGN Promotes Tumorigenesis by Regulating Proliferation and Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. GGN is a germ cell-specific gene, but its function in CRC has been rarely reported to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of GGN in CRC tumorigenesis. Therefore, in this study, we examined the expression of GGN in CRC cell lines and tissues and its effects on cellular proliferation and apoptosis. We then explored the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that GGN was significantly overexpressed in both CRC cell lines and tissues. Silencing GGN robustly inhibited proliferation of CRC cells, and it also promoted apoptosis of CRC cells. Moreover, knockdown of GGN inhibited the expression of p-Akt in CRC cells. Taken together, these results showed that knockdown of GGN inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of CRC cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Our findings revealed for the first time a potential oncogenic role for GGN in CRC progress. This finding may provide a unique perspective on how a germ cell-specific gene might serve as a biomarker, or even as a therapeutic target, for CRC.

Current practice patterns of preoperative bowel preparation in colorectal surgery: a nation-wide survey by the Chinese Society of Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The optimal preoperative bowel preparation for colorectal surgery remains controversial. However, recent studies have established that bowel preparation varies significantly among countries and even surgeons at the same institution. This survey aimed to obtain information on the current practice patterns of bowel preparation for colorectal surgery in China. METHODS: A paper-based survey was circulated to the members of the Chinese Society of Colorectal Cancer (CSCC). The survey responses were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed for all the categorical variables according to the responses to individual questions. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-one members completed the questionnaire. Regarding surgical practice, 203 (59.5%) performed > 50% of the colorectal operations laparoscopically or robotically; the use of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) alone was significantly higher (63.5 vs 31.9%; P < 0.001). The respondents who performed > 200 colonic or rectal resections provided significantly more MBP alone (79.6 vs 39.1%, P < 0.001; 76.6 vs 43.2%, P < 0.001; respectively). Among hospitals with fewer than 500 beds, 52.4% of the respondents used MBP + oral antibiotics preparation (OAP) + enema, a significantly higher percentage than the respondents of hospitals with more than 500 beds (P < 0.001). Nearly 40% of the respondents prescribed OAP in regimens; meanwhile, 74.8% prescribed preoperative intravenous antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates considerable variation among members from the CSCC. These findings should be considered when developing multicenter trials and to provide more definitive answers.