Abnormal hypermethylation and clinicopathological significance of FBLN1 gene in cutaneous melanoma.

Fibulin-1 (FBLN1) is involved in the progression of some types of cancer. However, the role of FBLN1 in cutaneous melanoma (CM) has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to understand the molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of FBLN1 inactivation in CM. The expression of FBLN1 mRNA in CM tissues and adjacent normal skin tissues was analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the methylation status of the FBLN1 gene promoter. Furthermore, the methylation status of FBLN1 was analyzed with the clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival. qRT-PCR showed FBLN1 mRNA levels in cancerous tissues to be significantly decreased compared with that in adjacent normal skin tissues. The rate of FBLN1 promoter methylation was significantly higher in CM tissues than in adjacent normal skin tissues (P < 0.001). Downregulation of FBLN1 was strongly correlated with promoter methylation (P = 0.021). Promoter hypermethylation of FBLN1 was significantly associated with tumor stage (P = 0.019). In addition, FBLN1 methylation status was associated with significantly shorter survival time and was an independent predictor of overall survival. In conclusion, our results indicated that FBLN1 is a novel candidate of tumor suppressor gene and that promoter hypermethylation of FBLN1 is associated with tumor progression in CM.

[Establishment of the human papillomavirus type 31 positive cervical cancer cell line].

The establishment of in vitro model will provide optimal conditions for the study of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical cancer. In this study, E6 and E7 gens of HPV31 were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The recombinant proteins were purified and used as antigens to immunize mice for the production of polyclonal antibody. Mammalian expression plasmid pBudCE4. 1-HPV31-E6/E7 was also constructed and transfected into C33A cells. The transfected cells were then selected by Zeocin. The expressions of the E6 and E7 mRNAs and proteins were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. A stable cervical cancer cell line was established as an in vitro model for the study of human papillomavirus type 31(HPV31) associated cervical cancer.

[Non-involuting congenital hemangioma: a study for diagnosis and treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To study the history, clinical symptoms, imaging and histology of a rare distinct infantile hemangioma. METHODS: 12 patients (5 female, 7 male; aged 18 months - 26 years) diagnosed as non-involuting congenital hemangioma were retrospectively analyzed. The history, imaging, histologic examination and the treatment were collected. RESULTS: Most of the patients had only one lesion which was round or ovoid, flat or plaque-like. The average size was about 5 cm x 6 cm. The overlying skin was usually had coarse telangiectasia with central or peripheral pallor. The skin has a high skin temperature. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography findings were similar to those of common infantile hemangioma. Histologic examination revealed lobular collections of small, thin-walled vessels with a large, often stellate, central vessel. "Hobnailed" endothelial cells lined along the intralobular vessels. Small arteries were observed "shunting" directly into lobular vessels or into abnormal extralobular veins. All lesions were easily excised without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Non-involuting congenital hemangioma is a distinct infantile vascular tumor. It should be diagnose early and treated appropriately.

[Clinical efficacy of artery perforator-based flap in the repair of gluteal-sacral pressure sores].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of artery perforator-based flap in the repair of gluteal-sacral pressure sores. METHODS: Gluteal artery perforator-based island flap and perforator-based flap were designed to repair the gluteal-sacral pressure sores of 26 patients according to the location and size of the wounds. The area of the biggest flap was 20 cm x 15 cm, the diameter of perforating vessel was above 1. 1 mm, with the length of free pedicle ranging from 2.0 - 3. 5 cm. RESULTS: All the flaps healed soon after operation, with no flap necrosis and postoperative complications, such as flap necrosis, wound infection and or formation. The color and texture of the flaps were good and the configuration was satisfactory. There was no recurrence of local bedsore in the follow-up period from 6 to 24 months. CONCLUSION: The artery perforator-based flaps have the advantages of delicate texture, easy dissection, reliable blood flow, preservation of the gluteus maximus muscle and no need of skin grafting for the donor defects in most cases. It is an optimal method in surgical treatment of gluteal-sacral pressure sores.