Neoplasms can be considered as a group of aberrant cells that need more vascular supply to fulfill all their functions.Therefore,they promote angiogenesis through the same neovascularization pathway used physiological...Neoplasms can be considered as a group of aberrant cells that need more vascular supply to fulfill all their functions.Therefore,they promote angiogenesis through the same neovascularization pathway used physiologically.Angiogenesis is a process characterized by a heterogeneous distribution of oxygen caused by the tumor and oxidative stress;the latter being one of the most powerful stimuli of angiogenesis.As a result of altered tumor metabolism due to hypoxia,acidosis occurs.The angiogenic process and oxidative stress can be detected by measuring serum and tissue biomarkers.The study of the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis and oxidative stress could lead to the identification of new biomarkers,ameliorating the selection of patients with neoplasms and the prediction of their response to possible anti-tumor therapies.In particular,in the treatment of patients with similar clinical tumor phenotypes but different prognoses,the new biomarkers could be useful.Moreover,they may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying drug resistance.Experimental studies show that blocking the vascular supply results in antiproliferative activity in vivo in neuroendocrine tumor cells,which require a high vascular supply.展开更多
AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes in carriers from Hawaii have not been evaluated previously. The aim of thepresent study was to evaluate the distribution of HBV genotypes and their clinical relevance in Hawaii.MET...AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes in carriers from Hawaii have not been evaluated previously. The aim of thepresent study was to evaluate the distribution of HBV genotypes and their clinical relevance in Hawaii.METHODS: Genotyping of HBV among 61 multi-ethnicc arriers in Hawaii was performed by genetic methods.Three complete genomes and 61 core promoter/precore regions of HBV were sequenced directly.RESULTS: HBV genotype distribution among the 61 carderswas 23.0% for genotype A, 14.7% for genotype B and 62.3% for genotype C. Genotypes A, B and C were obtained from the carriers whose ethnicities were Filipino and Caucasian,Southeast Asian, and various Asian and Micronesian,respectively. All cases of genotype B were composed of recombinant strains with genotype C in the precore plus core region named genotype Ba. HBeAg was detected more frequently in genotype C than in genotype B (68.4% vs 33.3%, P<0.05) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutation (T1762/A1764) was more frequently found in genotype C than in genotype B. Twelve of the 38 genotype C strains possessed C at nucleotide (nt) position 1858 (C-1858).However there was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between C-1858 and T-1858 variants. Based on complete genome sequences, phylogenetic analysis revealed one patient of Micronesian ethnicity as having C1858 clustered with two isolates from Polynesia with T-1858.In addition, two strains from Asian ethnidties were clustered with known isolates in carriers from Southeast Asia.CONCLUSION: Genotypes A, B and C are predominant types among multi-ethnic HBV carriers in Hawaii, and distribution of HBV genotypes is dependent on the ethnic background of the carriers in Hawaii.展开更多
AIM: To estimate the prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) among patients with an earlier diagnosis of irritable bowel disease (IBS) in our geographical area, and to collect information on the use ...AIM: To estimate the prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) among patients with an earlier diagnosis of irritable bowel disease (IBS) in our geographical area, and to collect information on the use of locally acting non-absorbable antibiotics in the management of SIBO. METHODS: A non-interventional study was conducted in 73 consecutive patients with a symptom-based diagnosis.. RESULTS: When the patients underwent a "breath test", 33 (45.2%) showed the presence of a SIBO. After treatment with rifaximin 1200 mg/d for seven days in 32 patients, 19 (59.4%) showed a negative "breath test" one week later as well as a significant reduction of symptoms, thus confirming the relationship between SIBO and many of the symptoms claimed by patients. In the other 13 patients, "breath test" remained positive, and a further cycle of treatment with ciprofloxacin 500 mg/d was given for 7 additional days, resulting in a negative "breath test" in one patient only. CONCLUSION: (1) about half of the patients with a symptomatic diagnosis of IBS have actually SIBO, which is responsible for most of the symptoms attributed to IBS; (2) only a "breath test" with lactulose (or with glucose in subjects with an intolerance to lactose) can provide a differential diagnosis between IBS and SIBO, with almost identical symptoms; and (3) the use of non-absorbable antibiotics may be useful to reduce the degree of SIBO and related symptoms; it must be accompanied, however, by the correction of the wrong alimentary habits underlying SIBO.展开更多
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is an emerging liver disease and currently the most common cause of incidental abnormal liver tests.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multifactorial and many mechanisms th...BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is an emerging liver disease and currently the most common cause of incidental abnormal liver tests.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multifactorial and many mechanisms that cause fatty liver infiltration,inflammation,oxidative stress and progressive fibrosis have been proposed.Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)may be linked with the pathogenesis and the severity of NAFLD.AIM To study the association between NAFLD and OSA considering also the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)treatment.METHODS A Pub Med search was conducted using the terms"non-alcoholic fatty liver disease AND(obstructive sleep apnea OR obstructive sleep disorders OR sleep apnea)".Research was limited to title/abstract of articles published in English in the last 5 years;animal and child studies,case reports,commentaries,letters,editorials and meeting abstracts were not considered.Data were extracted on a standardized data collection table which included:First author,publication year,country,study design,number of patients involved,diagnosis and severity of OSA,diagnosis of NAFLD,patient characteristics,results of the study.RESULTSIn total,132 articles were initially retrieved on Pub Med search and 77 in the last five years.After removal of irrelevant studies,13 articles were included in the qualitative analysis.There was a total of 2753 participants across all the studies with a mean age between 42 and 58 years.The proportion of males ranged from21%to 87.9%and the mean body mass index ranged from 24.0 to 49.9 kg/m2.The results of this review showed an increased prevalence of NAFLD in patients with diagnosis of OSA,even in the absence of coexisting comorbidities such as obesity or metabolic syndrome.Furthermore,the severity of NAFLD is associated with the increase in OSA severity.Effective CPAP treatment,although not always decisive,may stabilize or slow NAFLD progression with benefits on metabolic and cardiovascular functions.CONCLUSION In NAFLD patients,although asymptomatic,it is recommended to systematically perform polysomnography in order to early and better treat them before the development of potentially life threatening systemic dysfunctions.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Cyclophilin A can protect neurons against oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of cyclophilin A on Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in pheochro-mocytoma (PC12) cells treated with beta-amy...BACKGROUND: Cyclophilin A can protect neurons against oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of cyclophilin A on Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in pheochro-mocytoma (PC12) cells treated with beta-amyloid fragment 25-35 (Aβ25-35), and to verify the protection pathway of cyclophilin A. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The initial experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Department of Neurology, First Clinical College, China Medical University from November 2006 to July 2007. MATERIALS: PC12 cells were cultured at the Cell Center of Peking Union Medical College. Aβ25-35 (Sigma, USA), antibodies of Bcl-2 and Bax (Wuhan Boster, China), and recombinant human cyclophilin A (Biomol, USA) were used in this study. METHODS: PC12 cells were divided into three groups. Cells in the control group were incubated in culture medium. Cells in the Aβ25-35 injury group were incubated in medium containing a final concentration of 10 μmol/L of Aβ25-35. Cells in the cyclophilin A group were incubated in medium containing a final con-centration of 10 nmol/L of cyclophilin A for 30 minutes, and then treated with 10 μmol/L Aβ25-35. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: After 24 hours of culture, immunohistochemistry was used to detect Bcl-2 and Bax expression in PC12 cells. Annexin-V flow cytometry was employed to measure the apoptosis rate of PC12 cells. The MTT method was applied to examine the survival rate of PC12 cells. RESULTS: Bcl-2 expression decreased, whereas Bax expression increased in PC12 cells treated with Aβ25-35 (t = 2.277, 5.957, P < 0.05). However, in PC12 cells treated with Aβ25-35 and cyclophilin A, Bcl-2 expression increased and Bax expression decreased (t = 4.497, 2.531, P < 0.05). The survival rate of PC12 cells significantly decreased and the apoptosis rate increased (t=8.509, 22.886, P < 0.05) following Aβ25-35 treatment. Cyclophilin A enhanced the survival rate of PC12 cells to Aβ25-35-induced apoptosis (t = 4.895, 10.042, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cyclophilin A can increase Bcl-2 expression and decrease Bax expression in PC12 cells treated with Aβ25-35, which indicates that cyclophilin A has a protective effect on Aβ25-35-induced injury to PC12 cells.展开更多
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)represents the most prevalent liver disease worldwide with a high spread in Western countries.This high spread is due to the typical Western lifestyles.In fact,western diet,char...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)represents the most prevalent liver disease worldwide with a high spread in Western countries.This high spread is due to the typical Western lifestyles.In fact,western diet,characterized by the high intake of red meat,processed meat,high-fat dairy products and high-sugar drinks and sedentary lifestyles are the principal factors promoting the growing prevalence of obesity and NAFLD together(1).展开更多
文摘Neoplasms can be considered as a group of aberrant cells that need more vascular supply to fulfill all their functions.Therefore,they promote angiogenesis through the same neovascularization pathway used physiologically.Angiogenesis is a process characterized by a heterogeneous distribution of oxygen caused by the tumor and oxidative stress;the latter being one of the most powerful stimuli of angiogenesis.As a result of altered tumor metabolism due to hypoxia,acidosis occurs.The angiogenic process and oxidative stress can be detected by measuring serum and tissue biomarkers.The study of the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis and oxidative stress could lead to the identification of new biomarkers,ameliorating the selection of patients with neoplasms and the prediction of their response to possible anti-tumor therapies.In particular,in the treatment of patients with similar clinical tumor phenotypes but different prognoses,the new biomarkers could be useful.Moreover,they may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying drug resistance.Experimental studies show that blocking the vascular supply results in antiproliferative activity in vivo in neuroendocrine tumor cells,which require a high vascular supply.
文摘AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes in carriers from Hawaii have not been evaluated previously. The aim of thepresent study was to evaluate the distribution of HBV genotypes and their clinical relevance in Hawaii.METHODS: Genotyping of HBV among 61 multi-ethnicc arriers in Hawaii was performed by genetic methods.Three complete genomes and 61 core promoter/precore regions of HBV were sequenced directly.RESULTS: HBV genotype distribution among the 61 carderswas 23.0% for genotype A, 14.7% for genotype B and 62.3% for genotype C. Genotypes A, B and C were obtained from the carriers whose ethnicities were Filipino and Caucasian,Southeast Asian, and various Asian and Micronesian,respectively. All cases of genotype B were composed of recombinant strains with genotype C in the precore plus core region named genotype Ba. HBeAg was detected more frequently in genotype C than in genotype B (68.4% vs 33.3%, P<0.05) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutation (T1762/A1764) was more frequently found in genotype C than in genotype B. Twelve of the 38 genotype C strains possessed C at nucleotide (nt) position 1858 (C-1858).However there was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between C-1858 and T-1858 variants. Based on complete genome sequences, phylogenetic analysis revealed one patient of Micronesian ethnicity as having C1858 clustered with two isolates from Polynesia with T-1858.In addition, two strains from Asian ethnidties were clustered with known isolates in carriers from Southeast Asia.CONCLUSION: Genotypes A, B and C are predominant types among multi-ethnic HBV carriers in Hawaii, and distribution of HBV genotypes is dependent on the ethnic background of the carriers in Hawaii.
文摘AIM: To estimate the prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) among patients with an earlier diagnosis of irritable bowel disease (IBS) in our geographical area, and to collect information on the use of locally acting non-absorbable antibiotics in the management of SIBO. METHODS: A non-interventional study was conducted in 73 consecutive patients with a symptom-based diagnosis.. RESULTS: When the patients underwent a "breath test", 33 (45.2%) showed the presence of a SIBO. After treatment with rifaximin 1200 mg/d for seven days in 32 patients, 19 (59.4%) showed a negative "breath test" one week later as well as a significant reduction of symptoms, thus confirming the relationship between SIBO and many of the symptoms claimed by patients. In the other 13 patients, "breath test" remained positive, and a further cycle of treatment with ciprofloxacin 500 mg/d was given for 7 additional days, resulting in a negative "breath test" in one patient only. CONCLUSION: (1) about half of the patients with a symptomatic diagnosis of IBS have actually SIBO, which is responsible for most of the symptoms attributed to IBS; (2) only a "breath test" with lactulose (or with glucose in subjects with an intolerance to lactose) can provide a differential diagnosis between IBS and SIBO, with almost identical symptoms; and (3) the use of non-absorbable antibiotics may be useful to reduce the degree of SIBO and related symptoms; it must be accompanied, however, by the correction of the wrong alimentary habits underlying SIBO.
文摘BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is an emerging liver disease and currently the most common cause of incidental abnormal liver tests.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multifactorial and many mechanisms that cause fatty liver infiltration,inflammation,oxidative stress and progressive fibrosis have been proposed.Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)may be linked with the pathogenesis and the severity of NAFLD.AIM To study the association between NAFLD and OSA considering also the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)treatment.METHODS A Pub Med search was conducted using the terms"non-alcoholic fatty liver disease AND(obstructive sleep apnea OR obstructive sleep disorders OR sleep apnea)".Research was limited to title/abstract of articles published in English in the last 5 years;animal and child studies,case reports,commentaries,letters,editorials and meeting abstracts were not considered.Data were extracted on a standardized data collection table which included:First author,publication year,country,study design,number of patients involved,diagnosis and severity of OSA,diagnosis of NAFLD,patient characteristics,results of the study.RESULTSIn total,132 articles were initially retrieved on Pub Med search and 77 in the last five years.After removal of irrelevant studies,13 articles were included in the qualitative analysis.There was a total of 2753 participants across all the studies with a mean age between 42 and 58 years.The proportion of males ranged from21%to 87.9%and the mean body mass index ranged from 24.0 to 49.9 kg/m2.The results of this review showed an increased prevalence of NAFLD in patients with diagnosis of OSA,even in the absence of coexisting comorbidities such as obesity or metabolic syndrome.Furthermore,the severity of NAFLD is associated with the increase in OSA severity.Effective CPAP treatment,although not always decisive,may stabilize or slow NAFLD progression with benefits on metabolic and cardiovascular functions.CONCLUSION In NAFLD patients,although asymptomatic,it is recommended to systematically perform polysomnography in order to early and better treat them before the development of potentially life threatening systemic dysfunctions.
文摘BACKGROUND: Cyclophilin A can protect neurons against oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of cyclophilin A on Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in pheochro-mocytoma (PC12) cells treated with beta-amyloid fragment 25-35 (Aβ25-35), and to verify the protection pathway of cyclophilin A. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The initial experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Department of Neurology, First Clinical College, China Medical University from November 2006 to July 2007. MATERIALS: PC12 cells were cultured at the Cell Center of Peking Union Medical College. Aβ25-35 (Sigma, USA), antibodies of Bcl-2 and Bax (Wuhan Boster, China), and recombinant human cyclophilin A (Biomol, USA) were used in this study. METHODS: PC12 cells were divided into three groups. Cells in the control group were incubated in culture medium. Cells in the Aβ25-35 injury group were incubated in medium containing a final concentration of 10 μmol/L of Aβ25-35. Cells in the cyclophilin A group were incubated in medium containing a final con-centration of 10 nmol/L of cyclophilin A for 30 minutes, and then treated with 10 μmol/L Aβ25-35. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: After 24 hours of culture, immunohistochemistry was used to detect Bcl-2 and Bax expression in PC12 cells. Annexin-V flow cytometry was employed to measure the apoptosis rate of PC12 cells. The MTT method was applied to examine the survival rate of PC12 cells. RESULTS: Bcl-2 expression decreased, whereas Bax expression increased in PC12 cells treated with Aβ25-35 (t = 2.277, 5.957, P < 0.05). However, in PC12 cells treated with Aβ25-35 and cyclophilin A, Bcl-2 expression increased and Bax expression decreased (t = 4.497, 2.531, P < 0.05). The survival rate of PC12 cells significantly decreased and the apoptosis rate increased (t=8.509, 22.886, P < 0.05) following Aβ25-35 treatment. Cyclophilin A enhanced the survival rate of PC12 cells to Aβ25-35-induced apoptosis (t = 4.895, 10.042, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cyclophilin A can increase Bcl-2 expression and decrease Bax expression in PC12 cells treated with Aβ25-35, which indicates that cyclophilin A has a protective effect on Aβ25-35-induced injury to PC12 cells.
文摘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)represents the most prevalent liver disease worldwide with a high spread in Western countries.This high spread is due to the typical Western lifestyles.In fact,western diet,characterized by the high intake of red meat,processed meat,high-fat dairy products and high-sugar drinks and sedentary lifestyles are the principal factors promoting the growing prevalence of obesity and NAFLD together(1).
