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Aim: To investigate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values as an indication of reconditioning of acute hepatic injury (AHI) after allogeneic mononuclear bone marrow cell (MBMC) transplantation., Methods: Three groups were used in our study: a cell transplantation group (n = 21), transplantation control group (n = 21) and normal control group (n = 10). AHI model rabbits in the cell transplantation group were injected with 5 mL of MBMC suspension at multiple sites in the liver and the transplantation controls were injected with 5 mL D-Hanks solution. At the end of the 1st, 2nd and 4th wk, 7 rabbits were randomly selected from the cell transplantation group and transplantation control group for magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) and measurement of the mean ADC values of injured livers. After MR-DWI examination, the rabbits were sacrificed and the livers subjected to pathological examination. Ten healthy rabbits from the normal control group were used for MR-DWI examination and measurement of the mean ADC value of normal liver., Results: At all time points, the liver pathological scores from the cell transplantation group were significantly lower than those in the transplantation control group (27.14 ± 1.46 vs 69.29 ± 6.16, 22.29 ± 2.29 vs 57.00 ± 1.53, 19.00 ± 2.31 vs 51.86 ± 6.04, P = 0.000). The mean ADC values of the cell transplantation group were significantly higher than the transplantation control group ((1.07 ± 0.07) × 10⁻³ mm²/s vs (0.69 ± 0.05) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, (1.41 ± 0.04) × 10⁻³ mm²/s vs (0.84 ± 0.06) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, (1.68 ± 0.04) × 10⁻³ mm²/s vs (0.86 ± 0.04) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, P = 0.000). The pathological scores of the cell transplantation group and transplantation control group gradually decreased. However, their mean ADC values gradually increased to near that of the normal control. At the end of the 1st wk, the mean ADC values of the cell transplantation group and transplantation control group were significantly lower than those of the normal control group [(1.07 ± 0.07) × 10⁻³ mm²/s vs (1.76 ± 0.03) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, (0.69 ± 0.05) × 10⁻³ mm²/s vs (1.76 ± 0.03) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, P = 0.000]. At any 2 time points, the pathological scores and the mean ADC values of the cell transplantation group were significantly different (P = 0.000). At the end of the 1st wk, the pathological scores and the mean ADC values of the transplantation control group were significantly different from those at the end of the 2nd and 4th wk (P = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference between the 2nd and 4th wk (P = 0.073 and 0.473, respectively). The coefficient of correlation between the pathological score and the mean ADC value in the cell transplantation group was -0.883 (P = 0.000) and -0.762 (P = 0.000) in the transplantation control group., Conclusion: Tracking the longitudinally dynamic change in the mean ADC value of the AHI liver may reflect hepatic injury reconditioning after allogeneic MBMC transplantation.

Objective: To investigate whether the unevenness of articular surface would affect the osteochondral repair., Methods: Eight Shanghai Chongming 6-months-old masculine goats with a mean weight of 25 kg were used in this study. Different unevenness, which were 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm protrude or concavity, were created on the weight-bearing portion of the medial femoral condyles of the goats. The goats were sacrificed 12 weeks later and were observed with the general observation, HE staining and transmission electron microscope. To evaluate the microscopic morphology, a histological grading scale described by O'Driscoll, Keeley and Salter was used., Results: The general observation and HE staining showed that the unevenness of 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm protrudes or concavity could be repaired to get the surface smooth on the whole. The transmission electron microscope showed that the reparative tissues were the same as the normal cartilage. The 2.0 mm depth couldn't be repaired satisfactorily. The transmission electron microscope showed that the fiber bundle proliferated and the chondrocytes degenerated. The scores of the 2.0 mm depth were significantly lower than that of the 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The unevenness could have an influence on the repair. The limited unevenness could be repaired by itself.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of mononuclear bone marrow cells (MBMCs) transplantation to rabbit liver with acute hepatic injury (AHI) and the feasibility that evaluated the functional recovery of acute hepatic injury model with MR-DWI., Methods: 10 healthy rabbits were chosen to be normal control group which was only carried out MR-DWI scan of normal liver. 42 model rabbits of acute liver injury were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups:transplanted group (n = 21) and control group(n = 21). Each rabbit of the transplanted group was infused 5 ml MBMCs suspension (about containing 2 × 10⁷ MBMCs) into its liver at multiple sites. All manipulations to each rabbit in the control group were as same as those in the transplanted group except that 5 ml of D-Hanks solution was injected instead of MBMCs suspension.7 model rabbits respectively chosen from the transplanted group and the control group were carried out MR-DWI scan and calculated the mean ADC value of the injury liver and then were killed on day 7, day 14 and day 28 of AHI establishment after transplantation. Other comparative assays were performed including: functional assay of liver, pathological examination of liver sections., Results: Before MBMCs transplantation, the difference of liver function was not significant between the transplanted group and the control group. But after MBMCs transplantation, the liver functions of the transplanted group were significantly better than those of the control group at all time points tested (P < 0.05). On day 7 of AHI establishment after MBMCs transplantation, the mean ADC values of the transplanted group and the control group were significant lower than those of the normal control group (P < 0.05). The mean ADC values of the transplanted group and the control group increased to the mean ADC values of the normal control group over time. At the same time point, the mean ADC values of the transplanted group were significantly higher than those of the control group. In the transplanted group, the difference of average ADC values between any two time points were significantly (P < 0.05). In the control group, the mean ADC values on day 7 were lower than those on day 14 and day 28 (P < 0.05), the mean ADC values on day 14 were lower than those on day 28 (P = 0.417). The correlation between the average ADC value and the ALT or AST was negative (P < 0.05), the correlation between the average ADC value and the ALB was positive (P < 0.05). Along with the increase of the average ADC value, the liver function of the AHI model rabbit gradually got better., Conclusion: Transplantation of MBMCs promoted the recovery of liver function of AHI model rabbit. The recovery of the injury liver could be detected with observing dynamic change of its mean ADC value.

Objective: To explore the pathological basis of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)., Methods: DWI was performed in 15 patients with HCC treated by TACE within 24 - 48 hours before II-phase operation. The DWI findings of the liver lesions were analyzed and correlated with pathological findings including macroscopic observation, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining for bFGF., Results: (1) The viable tumor area showed mostly hypersignal intensity (12/15), whereas coagulative necrotic lesions showed hyposignal (8/15) or isosignal intensity (6/15). The ADC values of zones of viable tumor and necrosis in tumor were (1.42 +/- 0.16) x 10(-3) mm(2)/s and (1.58 +/- 0.18) x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, respectively. There was a significant difference of ADC values between the two zones (t = 2.618, P < 0.05). (2) There was a significant difference in ADC values of viable tumor between well and poorly differentiated tumors (t = -2.646, P < 0.05). The distinction of ADC values of the whole tumor was significant among tumors with different degree of necrosis (chi(2) = 7.236, P < 0.05). (3) A negative correlation was observed between bFGF protein expression index and ADC values of viable parts of the tumors in the study group (r = -0.552, P = 0.033)., Conclusion: DWI shows certain characteristic features of the HCC after TACE, and can be used to distinguish viable and necrotic tumor tissues in HCC after TACE.

Objective: To investigate the status of nutritional support therapy in moderate and severe burn patients., Methods: The burn patients with age over 16 y and burn area larger than 20% TBSA were enrolled in the retrospective study. According to length of stay, all patients were divided into the first period (271 cases, was from 1994 to 2001 year), and second period (273 cases, from 2002 to 2007 year), and they were subdivided into a (20% - 30% TBSA), b (31% - 50% TBSA), c (51% - 70% TBSA), d (larger than 70% TBSA) groups. The death rate and ratio of nutritional support therapy were compared. The change in albumin and other indices (including side-effects, complication, etc) were analyzed in each group in second period., Results: There were similar in general conditions in both groups, however, some were obvious difference in two periods between nutritional support therapy rate (74.17% in first period vs 85.35% in second period, P < 0.01), and the ratio of parenteral nutrition to enteral nutrition (1.5:1.0 in first period, 1.0:1.5 in second period, P < 0.01). There were also significant differences in albumin levels among each group in second period on 4, 7, 14 days after burn (P < 0.05). In the second period, parenteral nutrition preparation was mostly delivered through central vein in the form of "all-in-one", among them 62 cases of positive catheter cultures were found. Enteral nutrition was delivered by oral route in 108 cases, naso-gastric or naso-enteric tubes with pump in 165 cases. 27 cases with severe gastrointestinal complications and 2 cases with inhalation pneumonia occurred., Conclusion: The ratio of parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition in burn patients was higher in our ward than average level in China. There is still a long way ahead to optimize nutritional therapy.

Objective: To investigate whether the growth hormone gene (GH) promotor polymorphism (rs2854184) is associated with the occurrence or curve severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)., Methods: Two hundred and sixty-five AIS patients and 193 normal controls were recruited. The maximum Cobb angles were recorded in AIS patients. PCR-RFLP was used for the genotyping., Results: The genotype frequency distribution were AA 38.3%, AT 50.3%, TT 11.4% in AIS patients and AA 39.6%, AT 50.2%, 10.1% TT in controls for the promotor polymorphism rs2854184 in GH gene. It was comparable between AIS and normal control. The allele frequency distribution was also comparable between AIS and normal control. It was 63.5% for allele A, 36.5% for allele T in AIS patients and 64.7% for allele A, 35.3% for allele T in normal control. The mean maximum Cobb angle in AIS patients with AA, AT, TT genotypes were 33.8 degrees +/- 10.0 degrees, 36.4 degrees +/- 15.0 degrees, 34.5 degrees +/- 9.1 degrees, respectively, it was similar with each other., Conclusion: The GH gene promoter polymorphism is neither associated with the occurrence nor the curve severity of AIS.

The application of proteomics techniques to tumor biological research promoted the emergence of Tumor Proteomics. Its major goal is to screen biomarkers for tumor detection, diagnosis, prognosis, as well as tumor treatment using proteomics technologies, such as two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), stable isotope labeling of amino acid in cell culture (SILAC) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Three stages of tumor proteomics study, including expression proteomics, post-translation modification proteomics and activity-based proteomics, have shed lights on not only the possible tumor markers but also the underlying mechanisms. We reviewed the methods as well as the achievements of recent tumor proteomics studies on major tumor types. The challenges are to sift out tumor markers for clinical applications, and to reveal novel mechanisms of tumorigenesis that may help to fight this deadly disease.

Aim: To investigate dynamical and image pathological characteristics of the liver on magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the rabbit VX-2 tumor model., Methods: Forty New Zealand rabbits were included in the study and VX-2 tumor piece was implanted intrahepatically. Fifteen animals received two intrahepatic implantations while 25 had one intrahepatical implantation. DWI, T1- and T2-weighted of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were carried out on the 7th and the 14th d after implantation and DWI was conducted, respectively on the 21st d. Ten VX-2 tumor samples were studied pathologically., Results: The rate of lump detected by DWI, T1WI and T2WI was 78.7%, 10.7% and 53.5% (c2=32.61, P<0.001) on the 7th d after implantation and 95.8%, 54.3% and 82.9% (c2=21.50, P<0.001) on the 14th d. The signal of most VX-2 tumors on DWI was uniform and it was equal on the map of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The signal of VX tumors did not decrease on the 7th d after implantation, most of them slowly growing during the week following implantation without significant cell dying within the tumor. VX-2 tumors grew increasingly within 14 d after implantation but the signal of most VX-2 tumors on DWI or on the map of ADC was uniform or uneven and ADC of VX tumors decreased obscurely or slightly because tumor necrosis was still not obvious. On the 21st d after implantation, the signal of most VX-2 tumors on DWI or on the map of ADC was uneven because tumor necrosis was evident and ADC of VX-2 tumor necrotic areas decreased. The areas of viable cells in VX-2 tumors manifested a high signal on DWI and a low signal on the map of ADC. The areas of dead cells or necrosis in VX-2 tumors manifested low signals on DWI and low, equal or high signals on the map of ADC but they manifested high signals on DWI and on the map of ADC at the same time when the areas of necrotic tumor became liquefied or cystic. The border of tumors on DWI appeared gradually distinct and internal signals of tumor became progressively uneven., Conclusion: The manifestations of viable, necrotic and liquefied or cystic areas in VX-2 tumors on DWI are typical and DWI is of significant and potential values in clinical application in both the early detection and diagnosis of liver tumors.

Objective: To test our hypothesis whether a group of flavonoids (FE) derived from herbal Epimedium exerted its prevention of estrogen-deficiency-induced osteoporosis mainly through an enhancement in intestinal calcium absorption., Methods: Forty-five 12-month-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into one sham-operated group and four ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups, i.e. OVX with vehicle (OVX group), OVX with FE (FE group), OVX with calcium supplement (CS group), and OVX with FE and CS. Daily oral administration of FE (10 mg x kg(-1) x (d(-1)) and/or CS (56 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) started on day 4 after OVX for 12 weeks. Before sacrificing the animals, urine and serum samples were collected for assaying indicators for intestinal calcium absorption, regulator of calcium homeostasis and markers for bone turnover. Then, the left proximal femur was dissected for the primary-end-point index (failure force), and the second-end-point indexes (pQCT-calculated densitometry, geometry and micro-CT-quantified 3-D trabecula microarchitecture), as well as pQCT-defined cross-sectional envelope., Results: FE prevented OVX-induced deterioration in failure force as well as the second-end-point indexes with no increase in uterus weight. CS had no prevention effect on OVX-induced reduction in failure force. Two-way factorial interaction analysis between FE and CS showed that the un-enhanced suppression of parathyroid hormone for calcium homeostasis provided no link between the enhanced intestinal calcium absorption and the enhanced inhibition of bone resorption in the present study. Furthermore, discrepancy between the enhanced intestinal calcium absorption and the un-enhanced primary / second-end-point indexes as well as anabolic effect was also found by the interaction analysis., Conclusion: Independent of intestinal calcium absorption, FE inhibited bone resorption, stimulated bone formation and accordingly prevented osteoporosis without hyperplastic effect on uterus in the OVX rat model.

Background & Objective: Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) is very scarce. This study was to analyze the imaging and pathologic features of pPNET., Methods: Computed tomogram (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI), and pathologic reports of 8 pPNET patients were analyzed., Results: Of the 8 cases, 1 lesion located at the maxillary sinus, 1 near to the nose, 1 at the shoulder and neck, 2 in the chest, 2 in the mediastinum, and 1 in the sacrococcygeal gluteus maximus. All lesions were soft tissue masses. CT images revealed that all lesions were huge and inhomogeneous, with unclear border and were accompanied with cystis degeneration. Gravel-like calcifications were detected in some lesions that showed heterogeneous enhancement after contrast. Osteolytic bone destruction was observed when the soft tissue mass invaded the adjacent bones. T1-weighted image showed low or equal signal, and T2-weighted image showed uneven high signal. Some lesions showed false capsule and separating changes. Homer-Wright daisy-group was a specific pathologic feature of pPNETs. According to Immunohistochemical results, CD99 was positive in all lesions, neurone specific enolase (NSE) and vimentin (VIM) were positive in all the 3 detected lesions, cytokeratin (CK) and leucocyte common antigen (LCA) were negative in all the 5 detected lesions., Conclusions: The pathologic and immunohistochemical determinations can provide diagnostic references for pPNETs. Although the manifestations of pPNETs on CT and MR images are not specific, these two methods can show the internal structure of tumors and help to define their scope, which are helpful in determining treatment strategy and evaluating therapeutic effects.

Aim: To investigate dynamic characteristics and pathological mechanism of signal in rabbit VX-2 tumor model on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) after chemoembolization., Methods: Forty New Zealand rabbits were included in the study and forty-seven rabbit VX-2 tumor models were raised by implanting directly and intrahepatically after abdominal cavity opened. Forty VX-2 tumor models from them were divided into four groups. DWI was performed periodically and respectively for each group after chemoembolization. All VX-2 tumor samples of each group were studied by pathology. The distinction of VX-2 tumors on DWI was assessed by their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The statistical significance between different time groups, different area groups or different b-value groups was calculated by using SPSS12.0 software., Results: Under b-value of 100 s/mm(2), ADC values were lowest at 16 h after chemoembolization in area of VX-2 tumor periphery, central, and normal liver parenchyma around tumor, but turned to increase with further elongation of chemoembolization treatment. The distinction of ADC between different time groups was significant respectively (F = 7.325, P < 0.001; F = 2.496, P < 0.048; F = 6.856, P < 0.001). Cellular edema in the area of VX-2 tumor periphery or normal liver parenchyma around tumor, increased quickly in sixteen h after chemoembolization but, from the 16th h to the 48th h, cellular edema in the area of normal liver parenchyma around tumor decreased gradually and that in the area of VX-2 tumor periphery decreased lightly at, and then increased continually. After chemoembolization, Cellular necrosis in the area of VX-2 tumor periphery was more significantly high than that before chemoembolization. The areas of dead cells in VX-2 tumors manifested low signal and high ADC value, while the areas of viable cells manifested high signal and low ADC value., Conclusion: DWI is able to detect and differentiate tumor necrotic areas from viable cellular areas before and after chemoembolization. ADC of normal liver parenchyma and VX-2 tumor are influenced by intracellular edema, tissue cellular death and microcirculation disturbance after chemoembolization.

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP)., Methods: PVP was performed in 21 cases of 37 vertebral lesions,including 14 osteoporotic compression fractures, 6 metastases, 1 hemangioma,and 17 lesions in thoracic vertebra and 20 in lumbar. The procedures of PVP were as follows: The needle was inserted via percutaneous transpedicular approach or percutaneous posterolateral vertebral approach; the needle tip was placed at the junction of the anterior located the one third of the vertebral body; intraosseous venography was performed; and last bone cement was injected at 2-10 mL. The technical success rate, clinical efficacy and complications were observed after the procedure. Results The procedure was successful in 18 cases with 31 lesions,and the success rate according to the number of cases and vertebral lesions was 85.7% (18/21) and 83.8% (31/37), respectively. After the procedure, the numbers of complete remission, partial remission, mild remission and no remission were 10, 5, 2 and 1, respectively; and the total effective rate was 94.4% (17/18). Progressive compression did not occur. Three patients had transient neuropathy and recovered after physiotherapy. Other complications were insignificant; no severe complications occurred. Conclusion PVP is an effective and micro-traumatic treatment for patients with benign and malignant lesions in vertebral bodies.

Aim: To study the techniques of MR diffusion-weighed imaging (DWI) for normal rabbit liver., Methods: After 15 normal New Zealand white rabbits and one New Zealand white rabbit implanted with VX-2 tumor were anesthetized with 3% soluble pentobarbitone, DWI was performed respectively for different b values, repetition times (TR) or thicknesses, when other parameters were the same and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed respectively, or with different field of views (FOV) or coil when other parameters were the same. The distinction between groups was analyzed by SPSS10.0 with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), quality index (QI) or signal-noise ratio (SNR)., Results: As b value increased, liver ADC, QI and SNR of DWI became smaller and simultaneously (F = 292.87, 156.1, 88.23, P<0.01). QI of DWI was high, when b value was 10, 50 or 100 respectively, but the distinction between them was insignificant; when b value was 800, QI and SNR of DWI were low. QI and SNR of DWI had no significant difference between TR = 4 000, 6 000 and 8 000. QI of DWI with 2 mm thickness was bigger than that with 5 mm thickness (t = 3.04, P<0.01), but SNR of DWI with 2 mm thickness was significantly smaller (t = -17.86, P<0.01). SNR of MRI with knee joint coil was obviously bigger than that with cranium coil (t = -5.77 (T1WI) or -4.02 (T2WI), P<0.01), but QI of MRI was smaller on the contrary (t = 7.10 (T1WI) or 3.97 (T2WI), P<0.01). When FOV was enlarged gradually, SNR of MRI increased (F = 85.81 (T1WI) or 221.96 (T2WI), P<0.01), but QI firstly increased, then decreased (F = 68.67 (T1WI) or 69.46 (T2WI), P<0.01) and QI of MRI was the biggest when FOV was 20 cm x 15 cm., Conclusion: The scanning technique is very important in DWI of rabbit liver and the overall quality of DWI with b (100 s/mm2), thickness (2 mm), cranium coils and FOV (20 cm x 15 cm) was best in our study, when other parameters were the same.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on the result and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at systemic, cellular, genetic and molecular levels., Methods: Patients with histologically proven HCC were divided into two groups: 81 patients in Group A undergoing TACE before operation and 58 patients in Group B treated with surgical resection alone. The degree of apoptosis was analyzed by transferase -mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) stain. The expressions of bcl-2, bax, p53, Ki-67 and PCNA proteins were detected by immunohistochemical method. The changes of these markers, tumor necrosis, encapsulation, volume, metastasis, recurrence and cumulative survival in each group were retrospectively analyzed., Results: The more tumor necrosis, apoptosis, encapsulation and tumor shrinkage observed, and the less recurrence resulted from TACE in group A than in group B. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates and median survival time were 84.0%, 67.9%, 40.7%, and 803.3 days in group A patients; they were 72.4%, 55.2%, 24.1%, and 742.5 days in group B patients (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is safe and effective as an auxiliary preparatory means before surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma as it may improve the survival of HCC patients.

Background: Hypoxia up-regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stimulates the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This study was designed to investigate the association between changes in plasma VEGF levels after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and HCC progression, especially in relation to metastasis., Methods: Plasma VEGF levels were measured by quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA R&D system). Plasma VEGF levels were measured before, 3 days and 4 weeks after TACE in 30 patients with HCC. The development of metastasis was evaluated at the end of the third month after TACE., Results: The plasma VEGF levels of the 30 patients with HCC were 154.47+/-90.17 pg/ml. The total plasma VEGF levels after TACE increased compared with their basal levels (P<0.05), and the plasma VEGF levels had a tendency to increase in patients with heterogeneous uptake of iodizdoil and portal vein thrombosis. Follow-up for six months showed metastatic foci in 20 patients (74%) with increased plasma VEGF, but none of the patients with decreased plasma VEGF developed metastasis., Conclusion: Increased plasma VEGF expression is associated with the development of metastasis in HCC after TACE.

Objective: To investigate the relation between changes in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, especially in relation to metastasis., Methods: Serum VEGF expression level, measured by quatitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, R&D system), was measured before, 3 days and 4 weeks after TACE in 30 patients with HCC. The development of metastasis was evaluated at the end of the third month after TACE., Results: 1. The serum VEGF level in 30 patients was 154.47 +/- 90.17 pg/ml, 2. Post-TACE total serum VEGF level increased as compared with their basal level in 30 patients (P < 0.05) and serum VEGF level had a tendency to increase in patients with heterogeneous uptake of iodized oil and portal vein thrombosis. During the follow-up of 1 - 2 years, metastatic foci were found in 74% (20) patients with SVEGF increase, while none of the patients showing SVEGF decrease developed metastasis., Conclusion: Serum VEGF expression increase is associated with the development of metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE.

Objective: To investigate the early changes of the blue-on-yellow (B/Y) perimetry in patients with early primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG)., Methods: Thirty-one cases (45 eyes) of POAG underwent the central 30 degrees field examination of B/Y as well as routine white-on-white (W/W)., Result: No significant difference of mean index deficiency (MD) between B/Y and W/W perimetry was detected (P>0.05). However, there were marked changes in index GHT (glaucoma hemisphere test) and more defect points in B/Y visual field than those in W/W (P<0.01)., Conclusion: B/Y perimetry might be more sensitive than W/W perimetry a potentially more and valuable method in detection of early POAG lesion.

Objective: To study relationship between apoptosis and invasive and metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)., Methods: Apoptotic rate (AR), proliferative index (PI) and S-phase fraction (SPF) were measured by flow cytometry, and p170, p21 and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (ndpk) by strept avidin-biotin complex immunohistochemical technique in 57 patients with HCC., Results: In this group, AR was 1.77%+/-0.19%, SPF 12.55%+/-0.68%, and PI 20.91%+/-1.12% (r=-0.173). p170, p21 and ndpk positive rates were 61.36%, 68.18%, 52.27% respectively in patients with a mean AR of 1.77% (all P<0.05). In patients with positive tumor invasiveness and metastasis, ndpk (+) was 43.75%, p21 (+) 75.00%, p170 (+) 65.63%, AR 1.12%+/-0.16%, PI 23.78%+/-1.48%, and SPF 13.90%+/-0.99%. In patients with negative invasiveness and metastasis, however, ndpk (+) was 80.00%, p21 (+) 44.00%, p170 (+) 36.00%, AR 2.32%+/-0.52%, PI 18.53%+/-0.82% and SPF 11.43%+/-0.70%., Conclusion: Apoptosis of HCC is negatively correlated with its invasive and metastatic potential or other factors as proliferative activity, p21, p170 and ndpk.

Objective: To discuss the significance of CT in the therapeutic evaluation of rare primary hepatic carcinoma., Methods: The CT images and surgical data of 15 cases of rare primary hepatic malignant tumors were retrospectively analyzed. The correlative relationship between the CT images of common plus enhanced scan and the surgical operative difficulties was also analyzed., Results: If CT images showed that huge lesions existed, severe lobles were involved, capsules were incomplete, the main branch of the portal venous system was involved, and the external structure of the liver was invaded before the operation, the operation might be more difficult, and complications and death might happen., Conclusion: CT images will directly indicate the difficulty of operation for rare primary hepatic malignant tumors before the operation, and an objective evaluation on the therapeutic method and operative effect can be made by CT examination.

Twenty threatened abortive patients in the 7-8th week of gestation were treated with a classical miscarriage prevention tea (Shou-Tai-Tang) combined with psychological consultation. All of the patients had a history of unexplained recurrent abortions. This treatment succeeded in sixteen out of 20 patients. The plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin (beta-EP), gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and progesterone (P4) were measured by radioimmunoassay before and after treatment. Compared to control subjects, beta-EP levels were significantly higher, while GnRH, hCG, and P4 were lower than before treatment. Concentrations of these peptides/hormones returned to normal ranges after successful treatment.

Earlier observations in our laboratory indicated that i.v. infusion of human/rat corticotropin-releasing hormone (hCRH) suppresses pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. Since cortisol secretion increased significantly as well, it was not possible to exclude the possibility that this inhibitory effect of hCRH on gonadotropins was related to the activation of the pituitary/adrenal axis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of pituitary/adrenal activation in the effect of hCRH on LH and FSH secretion. We compared the effects of 5-h i.v. infusions of hCRH (100 micrograms/h, n = 7) and of human adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (1-24) (5 micrograms/h, n = 3; 10 micrograms/h, n = 3, 20 micrograms/h, n = 3) to ovariectomized monkeys on LH, FSH, and cortisol secretion. As expected, during the 5-h ACTH infusions, cortisol levels increased by 176-215% of baseline control, an increase similar to that observed after CRH infusion (184%). However, in contrast to the inhibitory effect observed during the CRH infusion, LH and FSH continued to be released in a pulsatile fashion during the ACTH infusions, and no decreases in gonadotropin secretion were observed. The results indicated that increases in ACTH and cortisol did not affect LH and FSH secretion and allowed us to conclude that the rapid inhibitory effect of CRH on LH and FSH pulsatile release was not mediated by activation of the pituitary/adrenal axis.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been shown to inhibit gonadotropin secretion and this effect is mediated by endogenous opioid peptides, presumably stimulated by CRH. Since glucocorticoids are known to block the CRH-induced ACTH response, it can be hypothesized that by concurrently preventing endogenous opioid peptide release, they would also prevent the inhibitory action of CRH on gonadotropin secretion. We tested this hypothesis in 4 ovariectomized rhesus monkeys, pretreated with dexamethasone (DEX; 1.5 mg b.i.d. for 5 days). In experiment 1, the effects of a 5 h i.v. hCRH infusion with or without DEX pretreatment and of physiological saline were compared. Blood samples were taken at 15-min intervals during a 3 hour preinfusion control and throughout the infusion. Sera were assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and cortisol by RIA. In the absence of DEX pretreatment, LH and FSH levels were progressively decreased during the CRH infusion: by hour 5, LH and FSH areas under the curve were 34.1 ( +/- 7.6) and 65.3% ( +/- 2.5) (mean % of preinfusion control values; + SE), respectively (p less than 0.01 vs. saline). In contrast, DEX pretreatment prevented the CRH-induced gonadotropin decrease: by hour 5, LH and FSH areas under the curve were 91.9 ( +/- 9.0) and 99.0% ( +/- 5.7) (n.s. vs. saline). In experiment 2, we tested whether DEX-treated monkeys would remain responsive to the gonadotropin inhibitory action of an opiate agonist. After a 3 hour preinfusion control baseline, morphine (9 mg i.v.) was given as a bolus injection to the same 4 animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)