Hsa-miR-206 represses the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells by targeting Cx43.

OBJECTIVE: Hsa-miR-206, a microRNA, was found to be able to switch subtypes by targeting ER-α in breast cancer. However, there are few studies addressing the role of miR-206 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metastatic-regulatory ability of miR-206 in TNBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated two TNBC lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436) with miR-206 mimics, inhibitors and paired controls and examined the in vitro and in vivo functions of miR-206 via the degradation of Connexin43 (Cx43). A luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the binding site of GJA1 (gap junctional intercellular communication) (Cx43) and miR-206. Furthermore, quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate miR-206 expression in 77 breast cancer samples to determine the association with lymph node status and Cx43 expression. RESULTS: Up-regulation of miR-206 in TNBC contributed to a decreasing metastatic potential, as demonstrated by a reduction of cell viability and proliferation, decreased cell migration and invasion, lower expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and a higher expression level of breast cancer metastatic suppressor (BRMS)-1. In vitro dual luciferase assays showed GJA1 (Cx43) is a target of miR-206. Quantitative RT-PCR was conducted to evaluate miR-206 expression in 77 breast cancer samples to determine the associations between miR-206 levels and both lymph node status and Cx43 expression. Restoring Cx43 expression positively regulated cell adhesion and GJA1, which may facilitate metastasis. MiR-206 significantly attenuated the proliferation and metastatic potential of cancer cells but did not inhibit tumor onset in a mouse xenograft model because of the dual function of Cx43. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest hsa-miR-206 may repress the tumor proliferation and invasion in breast cancer by targeting Cx43.

Multidetector computed tomography angiography in the evaluation of potential living donors for liver transplantation: single-center experience in China.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate relevant arterial, hepatic, and portal venous anatomy using multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography in potential living liver donors at a single liver transplantation center in China. METHODS: One hundred two consecutive potential liver donors underwent CT angiography in the arterial, portal, and hepatic venous phases with a 16-row CT scanner. All source and reconstructed images were evaluated for hepatic vasculature anatomy by an experienced radiologist and a surgeon in consensus. The anatomic variants of arterial system, portal venous system, and hepatic veins were characterized according to the classification system of Michels, Akgul, and Nakamura respectively. In 42 donors of right hepatic lobectomy, CT findings were compared with the results of surgery. RESULTS: Of 102 candidates, 63 had type I, 8 type II, 12 type III, 3 type IV, 11 type V, 2 type VI, 2 type VIII, and 1 type IX hepatic arterial anatomy. According to the classification of the portal venous system created by Akgul, type A was seen in 81 subjects. Type B, type C, and type E were revealed in 15, 4, and 2 subjects, respectively. According to the classification of the right hepatic drainage pattern by Nakamura, type 1 drainage was seen in 71 subjects (69.6%), type 2 in 22 candidates (21.6%), and type 3 in 9 subjects (8.8%). Forty five right inferior hepatic veins were identified in 41 potential donors, and 68.9% of these veins were larger than 5 mm in diameter. CT angiography findings were confirmed in all donors who underwent operations. CONCLUSIONS: Multidetector CT angiography can successfully show the relevant hepatic vascular anatomy in potential liver donors.

[Pre- and post-operative changes in serum levels of glycocholic acid and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and their clinical significance in patients with cholelithiasis].

Pre- and post-operative changes of serum glycine-conjugated cholic acid (CG) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) levels were observed in twenty-two patients with cholelithiasis. The increase of the levels of serum CG varied with the patients; the highest levels were seen in patients with cirrhosis. After operation, the levels of serum CG and T3 were decreased significantly in patients without cirrhosis. There was positive correlation between serum CG and T3 (r = 0.4667, P < 0.01). It is indicated that the lowering of serum CG after operation may be related to the lowering of serum T3; the significant increase of serum CG level is useful to the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, which is more sensitive than Type B ultrasonography or routine examination of liver function.