Prognostic significance of CUEDC2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression of CUE domain-containing 2 (CUEDC2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to analyze its clinical prognostic significance. METHODS: Total 186 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues obtained from surgical HCC with detailed clinicopathological and follow-up data were used. The expression of CUEDC2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The relationships between the expression of CUEDC2 and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rate of CUEDC2 in HCC was 85.5% (159/186), among which, the low expression was 52.2% (97/186) and the high expression was 47.8% (89/186). CUEDC2 expression was correlated with serum alpha-fetal protein (AFP) level, tumor size, tumor number, tumor differentiation and TNM stage (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the patients with high expression of CUEDC2 were associated with significantly shorter overall survival and recurrence-free survival than those with low CUEDC2 expression (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed 3 independent prognostic factors including CUEDC2 expression, serum AFP and tumor number. CONCLUSION: CUEDC2 was expressed in most HCC tissues, which was relevant to tumor growth, tumor differentiation and prognosis. CUEDC2 could be a novel valuable molecular marker to predict the HCC prognosis.     

《园艺学报》征稿简则

AIM:To investigate the prognostic value of biomarkers on predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS:Fifty patients with HCC who underwent OLT between April 2002 and November 2005 with a minimum clinical follow up of 12 months were included in this retrospective study. We examined immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin with β-catenin, Ki-67 proliferative index and analyzed the correlation between these biomarkers with recurrence and survival, along with the main clinical-pathological variables.RESULTS:Only at univariate analysis, TNM, portal vein tumor thrombi were valuable on predicting recurrence and survival time (P<0.05), and preoperative serum AFP correlate to recurrence only at multivariate analysis (OR=2.552, P<0.05). Lower membrane expression of E-cadherin, nuclear β-catenin localization and high Ki-67 index showed notable significance on predicting recurrence and survival time at univariate analysis, as well at multivariate analysis, all P<0.01. The membrane expression of β-catenin did not correlate to the prognosis (P>0.05).CONCLUSION:These three biomarkers might have potential as a tumor prognostic marker for predicting recurrence of HCC after OLT and perhaps are better than the clinical-pathological variables.     

Immune function of dendritic cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the immune function of dendritic cells (DCs) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS: The DCs were cultured from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by using GM-CSF and IL-4 for 7 days. Surface molecules CD86, HLA-DR of DCs were detected by flow cytometry. IL-12 production by DCs and IFN-γ production by T cells was measured with ELISA and ELISPOT, respectively. Allogenic mixed lymphocyte reaction was detected by MTT assay. RESULTS: CD86 expression in DCs in HCC patients were markedly lower than that in health control (91.7％ vs 83.5%, P<0.05). IL-12 production by DCs had no significant difference between the HCC patients and the health control ［(324.6±171.0)ng/L vs (436.5±142.7)ng/L, P>0.05］. However, after stimulated DCs with LPS, IL-12 production in HCC patients was significantly lower than that in health control ［(478.6±142.7)ng/L vs (630.0±151.9)ng/L, P<0.05］. IFN-γ production by T cells and T cell proliferation index (PI) in the HCC patients were all significantly lower than those in health control ［(IFN-γ: 133.4±51.2)103U/L vs (183.0±60.2)103U/L, P<0.05; PI: 2.3±0.7 vs 3.5±0.8, P<0.01］. CTL killing activity assay indicated that DC-induced CTL killing activity in HCC group was significantly lower than that in health group when the E/T ratio was 10∶1 and 20∶1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The immune function of DCs and T cells in the patients with HCC are significantly decreased. The CTL killing activity of HCC group is also markedly decreased.     

Expression and prognostic significance of cyclin D1, RBL2/p130 and MCM7 in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression and prognostic significance of cyclin D1, retinoblastoma-like protein 2(RBL2/p130) and minichromosome maintenance protein 7(MCM7) in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS: The expression of cyclin D1, RBL2/p130 and MCM7 in 44 HCC specimens, 26 adjacent noncancerous cirrhotic liver specimens and 18 normal liver specimens were detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. The correlations of cyclin D1, RBL2/p130 and MCM7 with the clinical parameters of HCC patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The positive expression rates of cyclin D1 and MCM7 in HCC were 68.2% and 72.7%, higher than those in normal livers and adjacent noncancerous cirrhotic livers(P<0.01). The positive expression rate of RBL2/p130 in HCC was 34.1%, lower than that in normal livers and adjacent noncancerous cirrhotic livers(P<0.01). The expression of MCM7 in HCC was positively correlated with the expression of cyclin D1(r=0.349, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the expression of RBL2/p130(r=-0.421, P<0.01). The expression of cyclin D1 in HCC was negatively correlated with the expression of RBL2/p130(r=-0.435, P<0.01). The expression of MCM7 and cyclin D1 was associated with the integrity of tumor capsule, differentiation degree and TNM stage(P<0.05). The expression of MCM7 was also associated with tumor size and the value of alpha fetoprotein(AFP). The tumor size, the expression levels of MCM7 and cyclin D1 were correlated with the prognosis determined by multivariable analysis. The patients with positive expression of MCM7 and cyclin D1 had lower survival rate than those with negative expression(P<0.05). The patients with positive expression of RBL2/p130 had higher survival rate than those with negative expression(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The abnormal expression of cyclin D1, RBL2/ p130 and MCM7 plays an important role in the development of HCC, indicating that monitoring their expression in HCC patients may be helpful to the judgment of prognosis.     

Expression of IL-1α and TNF-α modified by Toll-like receptor 4 genetic polymorphism is associated with colorectal carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the association of D299G, T399I and A896G polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and colorectal carcinoma (CRC). METHODS:
The genotypes of these 3 loci among 268 patients with CRC and 268 healthy controls were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment lengthy polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The protein levels of IL-1α, IL-8, TGF-β and TNF-α in the homogenate of CRC biopsies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: No significant difference of the genotype frequencies of TLR4 A896G and D299G between the cases and the controls was observed. CT combined TT genotype of T399I was significantly associated with increased CRC risk. The individuals with the T allele of T399I showed a 1.843-fold increase in CRC risk as compared with the C allele. The concentrations of IL-1α and TNF-α in CRC biopsies were significantly elevated in the individuals with the genotype of T399I CT combined with TT as compared with the genotype of CC. CONCLUSION: TLR4 T399I promotes the development of CRC by modifying the expression of IL-1α and TNF-α in CRC tissues.     

Association between IL-6-572C/G as well as IFNAR1-168G/C and hepatitis B virus infection in populations of Dai and Han ethnicities in Yunnan Province

ATM: To explore the association between IL-6-572C/G (rs1800796) as well as interferon alpha receptor 1 (IFNAR1)-168G/C (rs2257167) and prognosis after hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in populations of Dai and Han ethnicities in Yunnan Province. METHODS: The blood samples were collected from Dai people and Han people, each nation including 100 healthy controls and 200 infected individuals (100 spontaneous recovery individuals and 100 chronic patients). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing were used to identify the gene type. RESULTS: In Dai people, no significant difference was found between genetic polymorphism of -572C/G and prognosis after HBV infection. The differences of C and G alleles between spontaneous recovery group and chronic hepatitis B group, and healthy controls and HBV infection group were not statistically significant. Meanwhile, GG and CG genotypes were a vital protective factor for the person who developed into a chronic heptatitis B patient under the G allele dominance mode (GG+CG/CC) (P<0.05). In Han people, no statistically significance for IL-6-572C/G genotype and allele distribution in each group comparisons had been found, as well as the C allele recessive mode and C allele dominance mode. For the above 4 indicators, no statistically significant difference of IFNAR1-168C/G in Dai and Han people had been found.CONCLUSION: The GG+CG genotype of IL-6-572C/G may be a protective factor for the HBV-infected Dai people to develop into chronic hepatitis B patients. However, there is no significant association between the IFNAR1-168G/C polymorphism and prognosis after HBV infection in the 2 ethnicities.     

Correlation of adiponectin gene SNP+45 T/G polymorphism with coronary heart disease

AIM: To investigate the relationship between adiponectin gene SNP+45 polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) in south China Han population. METHODS: The nondiabetic CHD patients diagnosed by the coronary angiography were selected as CHD subjects (153 cases), and 73 healthy adults served as normal control subjects. The polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed to identify the distribution pattern of adiponectin gene SNP+45 in all subjects. The levels of plasma adiponectin were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The frequency of T/G + G/G genotype and G allele in CHD patients were significantly higher than those in control subjects (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the adiponectin gene SNP+45 T/G+G/G genotype had a strong positive association with CHD (OR: 2.132, 95.0% CI: 1.034-4.397, P＜0.05). The plasma adiponectin was negatively associated with CHD (OR: 0.868, 95.0% CI: 0.785-0.959, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The T/G+ G/G genotype was a possible risk factor for CHD in southern China Han population.     

Association between single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 33 of thyroglobulin gene and Graves' disease relapse after antithyroid drug withdrawal

AIM: To explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 33 (E33SNP) of thyroglobulin gene and Graves' disease (GD) relapse after antithyroid drug (ATD) withdrawal. METHODS: The healthy controls (232 cases) and GD patients with discontinued treatment (243 cases) were selected. According to the time of relapse, the GD patients were divided into A, B and C subgroups. The A group contained 77 cases of relapse within 1 year, B group contained 86 cases of relapse 1~2 years after treatment and C group contained 80 cases without recurrence within 2 years. The genotypes of E33SNP were identified by RT-PCR. The genotype ratio of thyroglobulin between control group and observation group was comparatively analyzed, and the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), ophthalmopathy and goiter size in A, B and C subgroups in different genotype GD patients were investigated. Moreover, cumulative efficiency for patients with different genotypes in the observation group after ATD treatment within 2 years were analyzed. RESULTS: The genotype of E33SNP between observation group and control group had no significant difference, but a significant difference between A, B and C subgroups was observed (P<0.05). The levels of TSH, FT3 and FT4, and goiter size of the patients with different genotypes had no significant difference, while the TRAb levels and ophthalmopathy presented a significant difference (P<0.05). In addition, the cumulative efficiency within 2 years for GD patients with E33SNP T/T, E33SNP T/C and E33SNP C/C genotypes was 61.8%, 42.6% and 21.3%, respectively, all with significant differences (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The GD patients with E33SNP C/C genotype have significantly higher TRAb level and ophthalmopathy rate than those in the patients with E33SNP C/T and E33SNP C/C genotypes, and are more likely to relapse after ATD treatment. The GD patients with E33SNP T/T genotype show a lower recurrence rate. Therefore, combination treatment or other treatment modalities may be more reasonable for the GD patients with E33SNP C/C genotype.     

Distribution characteristics of polymorphisms of interleukin-22 gene in Guangxi population and their association with serum lipid levels

AIM: To investigate the distribution characteristics of interleukin-22 (IL-22) gene rs2227485C/T and rs2227491A/G polymorphisms in Guangxi people and the distribution differences with other ethnic groups, and to explore the difference levels of common lipid indexes in different genotypes. METHODS: SNaPshot technique and DNA sequencing were used in 280 Guangxi persons to examine IL-22 genotypes and to analyzed the distribution frequencies of allele and genotype in these sites. The distribution frequencies in different sexes, and the differences between groups and diffe-rence levels of common lipid indexes in different genotypes were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Three genotypes of CC, CT and TT were found in rs2227485C/T with the frequency distribution of 17.1%, 49.3% and 33.6%, respectively. No significant difference between different sexes of each genotype and allele frequency in the Guangxi population was observed (P>0.05). Compared with the distribution frequencies of genotype and allele in HapMap-TSI, HapMap-HCB, HapMap-JPT and HapMap-MEX, those in Guangxi population showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Three genotypes of AA, AG and GG were found in rs2227491A/G with the frequency distribution of 16.1%, 52.8% and 31.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between different sexes of each genotype and allele frequency in the Guangxi population (P>0.05). The significant differences of genotype frequencies among Guangxi population, HapMap-TSI, HapMap-JPT and HapMap-MEX were detected (P<0.05). Compared with the other 4 populations, allele frequencies in Guangxi population had significant difference (P <0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of HDL-C and LDL-C among the 3 genotypes of rs2227491A/G. The level of HDL-C had difference between AG/AA genotype and GG genotype. In addition, the level of LDL-C had difference between AG/GG genotype and AA genotype (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: rs2227485C/T and rs2227491A/G polymorphisms of IL-22 gene have differences in different populations. The rs2227491A/G polymorphism may be associated with serum lipid levels.     

Relationship between blood pressure and fibrinogenic expression of fibrinogen Bβ-chain gene polymorphisms

AIM: To study the correlation between blood pressure and 6 common fibrinogen (Fg) Bβ-chain gene polymorphisms (Bβ-854G/A,-455G/A,-249C/T,-148C/T, 448G/A, Bcl-1G/A), and to investigate the effect of blood pressure on plasma fibrinogen concentration and the functional expression of fibrinogen. METHODS: 1 391 subjects from Kailuan Group Corporation were enrolled for medical examination and questionnaire survey. Venous blood were collected in the early morning to measure Fg concentration, fibrin monomer polymerized velocity (FMPV), absorbance maximum (A_max) and FMPV/A_max. The blood pressure was also measured and the subjects were accordingly divided into hypertension group (HG) and the normal blood pressure group (NG). The 6 gene polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: No differences of the genotype frequencies of the 6 sites between hypertension group (HG) and normal blood pressure group (NG) were found (P>0.05). No differences of Fg concentration and FMPV/A_max between HG group and NG group were observed (P>0.05). However, FMPV and A_max in HG group were lower than those in NG group (P<0.05). In HG and NG group, the Fg concentration, FMPV, A_max, FMPV/A_max in the subjects with Bβ-854 mutated genotype were all higher than those in the subjects with wild genotype (P<0.05). In NG group, the Fg concentration and FMPV in the subjects with Bβ Bcl-1 mutated genotype were higher than those in the subjects with wild genotype (P<0.05). Fg, FMPV and A_max in the subjects with Bβ-854 and Bcl-1 mutated genotype in HG group were lower than those in NG group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Fg Bβ-854 is one of the main gene situs of regulating the functional expression of fibrinogen. Bcl-1 mutated genotype increases plasma Fg concentration and FMPV. Hypertension decreases the effect of this regulation, and affects the process of fibrin monomer aggregation into dimer, resulting in a special type of coagulation dysfunction.     

Expression of glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical significance

AIM: To study the expression of glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and to clarify its clinical significance. METHODS: The expression of GPC3 was detected in 59 cases of HCC and their para-cancerous tissues, 10 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC), 11 cases of cirrhotic tissues and 14 cases of normal liver tissues (around haemangioma) by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The survival curves were constructed using Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated using the log-rank test. In addition, the Cox proportional hazards regression model was established to identify the factors that were independently associated with disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: The mRNA expression of GPC3 in the HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in the para-cancerous tissues (83.1% vs 35.6%, χ²=27.53, P<0.01). The protein expression of GPC3 in the HCC tissue was also higher than that in the para-cancerous tissues (78.0% vs 33.2%, χ²=24.97, P<0.01). The expression of GPC3 in ICC tissues, liver cirrhosis tissues and normal liver tissues was undetectable. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the GPC3(+)HCC patients had worse 1-year DFS than that of GPC3(-) patients (33.6% vs 72.7%, P<0.05). The HCC patients with para-cancerous GPC3(+) also had worse 1-year DFS than that of the para-cancerous GPC3(-) patients (23.5% vs 40.1%, P<0.05). The DFS rate decreased significantly as the expression intensity of GPC3 increased. The Cox regression model analysis indicated that AFP(+) (odd ratio=0.372, 95% confidence interval: 0.140-0.900, P<0.05), tumor size (odd ratio=5.215, 95% confidence interval: 1.737-15.656, P<0.01), para-cancerous tissue GPC3(+) (odd ratio=0.226, 95% confidence interval: 0.085-0.599, P<0.01) and the intensity of GPC3 expression in HCC tissue (odd ratio=1.946, 95% confidence interval: 1.080-3.507, P<0.05) were the independent risk factors linked to DFS of patients. CONCLUSION: GPC3 protein is highly expressed in the HCC tissues,but not in ICC, cirrhotic liver and normal liver tissues. The expression of GPC3 in para-cancerous tissues and the intensity of GPC3 expression in HCC tissues are the important independent risk factors linked to DFS of patients.     

Study on the association of the polymorphism at the position -418A/G and -384C/T in the Apo(a) promoter

AIM: To investigate two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the apolipoprotein(a) promoter at positions -418 and -384 and to compare distributing difference of genotype frequencies of single nucleotide among different races and to explore the influencies of them on serum lipid level and their association with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Using PCR-RFLP (BsgI,BfaI) method, we determined genotypes of these two SNPs in 156 unrelated healthy controls of HanZu Chinese and 56 unrelated CHD patients of HanZu Chinese and 56 unrelated African Blacks, then cloned polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products into T-vector and sequenced it by M13 currency primer, correspondingly. RESULTS: (1) There was no polymorphism at position -418A/A and -384C/C in control group. Only one CHD patient's genotype determined was -418G/G, other were -418A/A and -384C/C in CHD patients. (2) Only two African Blacks' genotype determined was -418G/G, other were -418A/A and -384C/C in African Blacks. (3) However, the Apo(a) promoter sequence was in coincident with the sequence publicized in GenBank and the base at positions -418 was adenine (A) and -384 was cytosine (C). CONCLUSION: The mutation frequencies at position -418 and -384 were low in the Chinese Han Population of Hubei and perhaps no single nucleotide polymorphisms was at two positions. No association with serum lipid levels and CHD was observed. There were great variabilities to the SNPs in the Apo(a) promoter among different races.     

Relationship between RUNX3 gene 364 locus C→T mutation and gastric cancer in Chinese

AIM: To study the frequency difference of RUNX3 gene 364 locus C→T mutation between normal people(controls) and gastric cancer (GC) patients, and mutation in gastric mucosa of subjects with H.pylori infection. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and gastric mucosal biopsy specimens of normal people and GC patients in lower or higher prevalence region. Gene mutation was analyzed by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: The frequency of RUNX3 T/T genotype was no significant difference between controls and GC in lower (χ2=0.57, P>0.05) or higher prevalence region (χ2=0.16, P>0.05). A higher mutation rate in mucosal tissue infected with H.pylori was not discovered. CONCLUSION: RUNX3 gene C364T mutation may be not a genetic susceptibility to GC in Chinese. The mutation is impossibly involved in the pathway of H.pylori infection resulting in gastric carcinoma.     

Expression and clinical significance of chemokine receptor CXCR6 in primary colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR6 in primary colorectal cancer and determine the association between CXCR6 expression and synchronous liver metastasis/prognosis. METHODS: The colorectal cancer tissues from 143 patients were collected from August 2004 to December 2008 in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. Twenty-night cases of the adjacent normal colorectal tissues were enrolled as controls. The expression of CXCR6 was detected by immunohistochemistry and the mean intergrated absorbance ( mIA ) was calculated by Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software. The relationship between CXCR6 expression and synchronous liver metastasis/prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: The CXCR6 staining was mainly positive in colorectal cancer tissues but not in adjacent normal colorectal tissues. The mIA of CXCR6 in colorectal cancer was 1.54±0.04 (range: 0.41~2.84), and was 1.63±0.05 and 1.41±0.08 (P<0.05) in the cases with (n=83) or without (n=60) synchronous liver metastasis, respectively. According to the mean mIA of CXCR6 (1.54), the cases was divided into high CXCR6 group (mIA≥1.54) and low CXCR6 group ( mIA <1.54). The overall survival rate in high CXCR6 group was significantly lower than that in low CXCR6 group (P<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression models, age (P<0.05), lymph node metastasis (P<0.05) and synchronous liver metastasis (P<0.01) but not CXCR6 were identified as independent risk factors for poor outcome. In subgroup analysis, high CXCR6 expression was associated with poorer survival in the patients with stage I~III colorectal cancer (P<0.01) but not those with synchronous liver metastasis (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: CXCR6 in primary colorectal cancer tissues is associated with liver metastasis. It may become a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis.     

Relationship of subclasses of serum HDL and Apo A-Ⅰ gene polymorphism in hyperlipidemia

AIM: To investigate apolipoprotein A-Ⅰ gene (Apo A-Ⅰ) polymorphism and its relationship with serum HDL subclasses in patients with hyperlipidemia (HL). METHODS: Apo A-Ⅰ genotype was assayed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The subclasses of serum HDL in 118 patients with hyperlipidemia and 109 healthy subjects were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis conjunction with immunodetection method. RESULTS: Both in HL group and the control group, G/G and C/C genotypes were the most frequent at －78 bp and ＋83 bp of Apo A-Ⅰ gene, respectively. The frequency of rare A allele at －78 bp in HL group was significantly higher than that in control group. In HL group, subjects with G/A mutation had higher serum levels of TG, Apo C-Ⅲ, pre β1-HDL and HDL3a, and lower levels of HDL2a and HDL2b compared to the subjects with G/G genotype. CONCLUSION: The G/A transition in the －78 bp position of the Apo A-Ⅰ gene promoter in patients with hyperlipidemia is associated with HDL subclasses. There is a general shift toward smaller sized HDL, which, in turn, indicates that HDL maturation might be abnormal.     

Circadian protein Cry2 is a prognostic factor of colorectal cancer and a predictor of chemotherapy

AIM:To assess the association between the expression of Cry2 and the prognosis of colorectal cancer for determining the role of Cry2 in predicting the outcome of chemotherapy. METHODS:Sixteen primary colorectal cancer patients who consecutively underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil were enrolled in the present study. The tumor specimens were obtained by colonscopy prior to treatment. The tumor response was evaluated by the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors(RECIST). Accordingly, the patients were divided into 2 groups:complete response(CR)/partial response(PR) and stable disease(SD)/progress disease(PD). Two-tail ² test was applied to analyze the data. In parallel, we assessed 307 patients, who underwent tumor resection between 2001 and 2005. Survival time was calculated from the date of surgery to the date of death or the last follow-up date. Survival curves were obtained by Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was applied for univariate analysis. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the independent prognostic factors. RESULTS:The expression of Cry2 was high in CR/PR patients and was low in SD/PD patients, with significant difference(P<0.05). The average survival time of the 84 patients with high expression of Cry2 was 83.458 months, while the average survival time of 223 patients with low expression of Cry2 was 100.10 months, also with significant difference(P<0.05). The patients with low expression of Cry2 lived longer. The multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the expression of Cry2 was an independent prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients(HR was 1.70, 95% CI was 1.09 to 2.66, P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression showed that high Cry2 expression predicted a worse prognosis(HR was 2.88, 95%CI was 1.03 to 8.06, P<0.05) in colorectal cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION:Expression of Cry2 is an independent prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients. Lower expression of Cry2 indicates good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.     

Relationship between UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms and toxicity/efficacy of irinotecan-based chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the correlation of UGT1A1 ^*28 and UGT1A1 ^*6 gene polymorphisms with irinotecan-associated adverse events and efficacy in the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. METHODS: Analysis of UGT1A1 ^*28 and UGT1A1 ^*6 gene polymorphisms was performed in 207 gastrointestinal cancer patients admitted to our hospital from April 2010 to March 2012 by amplifying the gene fragments using PCR and direct sequencing. Fifty six cases with mCRC treated with irinotecan were chosen to observe the adverse events and efficacy during chemotherapy, and the time to progression (TTP) was also recorded. The incidence of different genotypes was compared. RESULTS: The distribution of the genotypes in 207 gastrointestinal cancer patients was as follows: UGT1A1 ^*28 wild-type (WT) genotype TA6/6 (164, 79.2%), heterozygous genotype TA6/7 (41, 19.8%), and homozygous genotype TA7/7 (2, 1.0%); UGT1A1 ^*6 WT genotype G/G (154, 74.4%), heterozygous genotype G/A (51, 24.6%), and homozygous genotype A/A (2, 1.0%). In the 56 mCRC cases, the incidence of grade 3 and 4 delayed diarrhea and neutropenia in the patients carrying UGT1A1 ^*6 (G/A and A/A) was higher than that in the WT genotype (6/6) (38.9% vs 7.9%,61.1% vs 29.0%, both P<0.05). The incidence of grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia in the patients carrying UGT1A1 ^*28 (TA6/7 and TA7/7) was higher than that in the WT genotype (TA6/6) (33.3% vs 2.1%, P<0.05). No significant difference of TTP and chemotherapeutic effect was observed between different genotypes. CONCLUSION: The UGT1A1 ^*6 (G/A and A/A) genotypes increase the risk of grade 3 and 4 delayed diarrhea and neutropenia, and the UGT1A1 ^*28 (TA6/7 and TA7/7) genotypes increase the risk of grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia in mCRC patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy.     

Relationship between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and sporadic Alzheimer's disease

AIM: To evaluate the association between apolipoprotein E(apoE) gene polymorphism and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD: A case-control study was undertaken detecting the polymorphism of apoE by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).RESULTS:(1)The frequencies of 3/4 genotype and 4 al ele in AD were significant ly higher than that in age-matched controls(P<0.05).(2)The frequency of G/G genotype for apoE IE1 in AD was significantly higher than that in age-mat ched control(P<0.05).(3)The apoE 4 al ele was associated with a tripling of the risk for AD compared with no 4 allele(odd ratio 2.932, 95%CI 1.379~6.226);Homozygosity of the G allele in IE1 was associated with adoubling of the risk for AD compared with the G/C and C/C genotypes(odd rat io 2.223, 95%CI 1.075~4.599).However, the IE1 G al ele is also closely associated with apoE 4.When the sample was split on the basis of apo Egenotype, the associat ion between IE1 G/G genotype and AD was no longer statistically significant.CONCLUSION: ApoE ε4 was a risk factor of AD, and the apparent association between IE1 G/G and AD is a consequence of the association between the ε4 and IE1 G/G genotype.     

Association of IFN-γ and IL-4 gene polymorphisms with childhood bronchial asthmatic susceptibility and the levels of plasma IFN-γ,IL-4 and IgE

AIM: To investigate the gene polymorphisms of interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and interleukin-4(IL-4) and the association with asthmatic susceptibility and the levels of plasma IFN-γ, IL-4 and IgE of asthmatic children. METHODS: 100 asthmatic children and 122 control children were enrolled the study. The genotypes of IFN-γ gene-179G/T polymorphism, IL-4 gene-33C/T and-589C/T polymorphisms were tested by PCR-RFLP.The genotype of IFN-γ gene +874A/T polymorphism was tested by AS-PCR.The CA repeat polymorphism of IFN-γ gene was detected by capillary electrophoresis technique.The levels of serum IFN-γ, IL-4 and IgE were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: 100 asthmatic children and 122 control children were all GG homozygotes at -179 locus of IFN-γ gene.-179 locus of IFN-γ gene has no mutation. The genotypes and allele frequency of IFN-γ gene +874A/T and CA repeat polymorphisms showed no significant difference between asthmatic children and the control(P>0.05). An association was revealed between IFN-γ gene +874A/T polymorphism and the level of plasma IFN-γ.The level of IFN-γ was lower in AA genotype than in AT genotype(P<0.05). The genotypes and allele frequency of IL-4 gene -33C/T and -589C/T polymorphisms showed significant difference between asthmatic children and the control(P<0.05).The levels of plasma IL-4 and IgE were higher in TT genotype at -33 locus and -589 locus than those in CT genotype, but only -33C/T polymorphism was associated with the level of plasma IL-4(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The IFN-γ gene +874A/T and CA repeat polymorphisms were not correlated with asthmatic susceptibility, but there is significant correlation between the level of IFN-γ and +874A/T polymorphism. TT genotype of IL-4 gene -33 locus and -589 locus maybe the susceptible genotype of asthma in children, and the -33 locus polymorphism is associated with the level of IL-4.     

Association between ERK5 -322G/T polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to sporadic colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the correlation between extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 ( ERK5 ) -322G/T polymorphism (rs3866958) and the susceptibility to sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) in southern Chinese population. METHODS: ERK5 -322G/T genotypes were determined by Taqman-MGB probes in 835 CRC cases and 908 healthy controls. RESULTS: No significance of ERK5 -322G/T genotype distribution between CRC patients and controls was observed, but -322G/T decreased the susceptibility to CRC in fat people whose BMI was ≥ 24 kg/m². Compared to GG genotypes, the carriers with GT and TT genotypes had a significant decrease in the risk of CRC(OR=0.576,95%CI 0.413-0.804, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ERK5 -322G/T polymorphism (rs3866958) has no significant relevance with sporadic CRC susceptibility, but decrease, the risk of CRC in people with fatness. The T variant genotype is an independent protective factor against sporadic CRC of overweight patients in southern Chinese population.