ObjectiveTo study the expression of survivin protein in primary hepatocellular carcinoma(PHC) and its relationship to the proliferation of the tumor cells and prognosis of PHC. MethodsThe expression of survivin protein and the proliferation of tumor cells marked by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in 48 cases of PHC were determined by immunohistochemical method. ResultsThe survivin protein was expressed in 31 of 48 cases of PHC (64.6%). The expression of PCNA was significantly higher in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with positive survivin expression than in HCC with negative survivin expression. The patients with positive survivin expression had the worse prognosis than those with negative survivin expression. ConclusionThe expression of survivin may play an important role in the proliferation of PHC cells and closely associate with the prognosis of PHC, and probably become the prognostic factor and an important target of therapy.
【Abstract】Objective To investigate the change of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in HepG2 cells under hypoxia. Methods HepG2 cells were cultured under hypoxia（hypoxia group） and normal condition (control group). VEGF expression of HepG2 cells was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The growth of HepG2 cells was examined by MTT colorimetry and cell count. VEGF level in the culture medium was measured by ELISA.Results After 48 h and 72 h of culture, the growth rate of HepG2 cells in hypoxia group was lower than that in control group (P＜0.05). The cell count in hypoxia group (2.51×104/μl and 2.69×104/μl, respectively) was much lower than that in control group(3.01×104/μl and 3.52×104/μl) after 48h and 72h of culture (P＜0.05). In hypoxia group, VEGF level in the culture medium after 24 h and 48 h was higher than that in control group (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Conclusion Hypoxia may enhance the VEGF expression in HepG2 cells and this could be the reason of high expression of VEGF after transcatheterized hepatic arterial chemoembolization.
ObjectiveTo introduce the new nomenclature scheme of the International Working Group (1995) on hepatic nodules, and summarize the imaging features of various hepatic nodules in light of their pathological characteristics, and evaluate the diagnostic values of various imaging facilities.MethodsUltrasound, computed tomography(CT), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and angiographic CT were reviewed and introduced.ResultsMany of these types of hepatic nodules play a role in the de novo and stepwise carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in the following steps: regenerative nodule, lowgrade dysplastic nodule, highgrade dysplastic nodule, small HCC, and large HCC. Accompanying such transformations, there are significant alterations in the blood supply and perfusion of these hepatic nodules.ConclusionModern stateoftheart medical imaging facilities can not only delineate and depict these hepatic nodules, but also provide important clues for the characterization of focal hepatic lesions in most cases, thus facilitating the early detection, diagnosis and management of HCC in its early stage.
Objective To investigate the expressions of CD90, IGF1R, and hTERT protein in hepatocellular carcinoma, and the correlations of each other in the development of carcinoma. Methods The expressions of CD90, IGF1R, and hTERT protein in hepatocellular carcinoma were detected by S-P immunohistochemical staining, 20 cases of normal liver tissues were collected as contrast, and to compare the relations between expression and prognosis or survival rate. Results The positive rate of CD90, IGF1R, and hTERT protein in hepatocellular carcinoma group were obviously higher than that in contrast group（P＜0.05）, which was 63.9% vs. 0, 52.8% vs.5.0%, and 47.2% vs.0, respectively. The positive rate of CD90, IGF1R, and hTERT protein were higher in UICC Ⅲ-Ⅳ stage group than that in UICC stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ group（P＜0.05）, which was 79.2% vs.33.3%, 70.8% vs.16.7%, and 62.5% vs.16.7%, respectively. There was a statistically significant positive correlation observed between the expressions of CD90 and IGF1R protein （Kendall’s tau-b=0.563 1, P＜0.05）, so it was with CD90 and hTERT protein （Kendall’s tau-b=0.363 6, P＜0.05）. The survival rates of positive expressions of CD90, IGF1R, and hTERT protein were lower than negative expressions of CD90, IGF1R, and hTERT（P＜0.05）, which was 21.7% vs.50.0%, 17.6% vs.43.8%, and 20.0% vs.38.9%, respectively. Conclusions The expressions of CD90, IGF1R, and hTERT may have correlations with the progress of HCC, and may serve as a marker for HCC prognosis potentially.
【Abstract】Objective To investigate the expression of the mRNA of cancer-testis antigen 9 (CT9) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The expression of CT9 mRNA was detected through RT-PCR in HCC tissues and their adjacent non-HCC tissues from 45 HCC patients. From CT9 RT-PCR positive products, 3 samples were selected randomly and were sequenced. ResultsCT9 mRNA was detectable in 51.1%(23/45) of HCC samples, and no expression of CT9 mRNA was detected in the adjacent non-HCC tissues. In addition, the RTPCR products were proved to be CT9 cDNA by DNA sequencing. No relationship was found between the expression of CT9 mRNA and clinical factors such as age, sex, tumor size, degree of tumor differentiation, serum αfetoprotein level and infection of hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus （Pgt;0.05）. ConclusionCT9 mRNA is expressed with high percentage and specificity in hepatocellular carcinomas. The CT9 gene product is a potential target for antigenspecific immunotherapy of HCC.
Objective To study the expression of proapoptosis gene bax in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its clinical significance.Methods The protein expression levels of bax were determined by immunohistochemistry with Envision system; bax mRNA was detected by in situ hybridizition. Results Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridizition method, bax protein was detectable in 47.50% of HCC and in 78.57% of cirrhosis (Ｐ＜0.05); there was significant relationship between bax expression and grades of differentiation, between bax expression and clinical stages, and between bax expression and AFP levels (Ｐ＜0.05, Ｐ＜0.01, respectively). However, they were no statistical difference between the male and female or the old and young patient (Ｐ＞0.05, respectively). The expression of bax mRNA by in situ hybridizition were corresponding to immunohistochemistry, and there were no statistical difference between them. Conclusion Proapoptotic gene bax participates partially apoptosis regulation in HCC, the expressions show some correlation with grades, clinical stages and levels of AFP.
【Abstract】ObjectiveTo explore the appropriate surgical management of the primary hepatocellular carcinoma with hypersplenism. MethodsOf 67 patients who has primary hepatocellular carcinoma with hypersplenism, 17 cases had hepatectomy combined with splenectomy, 7 cases had hepatectomy only, and the other 43 patients were treated with hepatic artery embolization and splenic artery embolization. ResultsThe symptoms of hypersplenism disappeared and the hemogram became normal 30 d after operation in 17 patients who had hepatectomy combined with splenectomy, but worsened in 7 patients who only had simple hepatectomy and 6 cases of those patients were treated with splenic artery embolization 3-7 months after operation. In 43 patients treated with hepatic artery embolization and splenic artery embolization, 79%（34/43）had improved hypersplenism symptoms and the hemogram became normal. ConclusionThe treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma with hypersplenism should be strived for hepatectomy combined with splenectomy. If the liver mass cannot be resected, hepatic artery embolization and splenic artery embolization should be chosen.
ObjectiveTo understand the role of complement system in the immune mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its potential therapy value. MethodThe national and international literature relavant researches of complement system in the HCC was reviewed. ResultsBased on HCC as an immunogenic cancer and the complement system as a part of the innate immune system, it had potential application value in immunotherapy. Eight complement components (complement intrinsic components C1q, C3, and mannose binding lectin, soluble regulatory proteins complement factor H and C4b, and membrane regulatory proteins CD46 and CD59, as well as complement receptor C5aR1) were closely associated with HCC. The activation of the complement system could participate in the occurrence and development of HCC through various mechanisms. The complement inhibitor, it could regulate the activity of complement related activation pathways, enhance anti-tumor ability, and provide a potential new strategy for immunotherapy of HCC. ConclusionsAt present, only a few complement components have been found in HCC research. Although it has been found that multiple complement components play a role in regulating the immune mechanism of HCC, there is still no definite or recognized theoretical basis. In the future, further exploration of the protective or pathogenic mechanisms of complement components in HCC immunity is needed to objectively evaluate the risks and benefits of complement related inhibitor therapy and in combination with other anti-tumor immune therapies.