Thalidomide-induced angiopoietin 2, Notch1 and Dll4 downregulation under hypoxic condition in tissues with gastrointestinal vascular malformation and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Objective: To determine the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal vascular malformation (GIVM) and the mechanism of thalidomide in treating GIVM by evaluating the expression of angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), Notch1, delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) and hypoxia inducible factor 1α (Hif-1α).

Methods: Data of 10 patients with histology-confirmed GIVM were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry of surgically resected GIVM tissues and the adjacent mucosa of the patients and normal tissues from those who had undergone colonoscopy for health examination was performed to examine the expressions of Ang2, Notch1, Dll4 and Hif-1α.

New ideas for future studies of Helicobacter pylori.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the inflammation-associated cancers. Helicobacter pylori is now thought to be responsible for more than 95% of all GCs, and its development is associated with at least four mechanisms that lead to genetic instability of the gastric mucosa. The risk of developing GC can be predicted by assessing the extent and severity of corpus atrophy and the degree of risk can be estimated by using non-invasive methods such as the pepsinogen test, or endoscopic or histological cancer risk scoring systems such as the operative link for gastritis assessment.

Differentiation of nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells.

Objective: To investigate whether cells derived from rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells (ESC) had hepatocyte characteristics after the differentiation.

Methods: Rhesus monkey ESC were induced towards hepatocyte-like cells via a four-step differentiation process: the formation of embryoid bodies (EB), EB in activin A and insulin-transferrin-selenium medium for 4 days, in fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-4 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) medium for 8 days, in hepatocyte culture medium containing hepatocyte growth factor for 3 days and then with oncostatin M and dexamethasone for another 5 days. Expression of albumin (ALB), glucose-6-phosphatase, α-fetoprotein (AFP) and α-1 antitrypsin (α1-AT) at the mRNA level in differentiated cells were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Can the incidence of gastric cancer be reduced in the new century?

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. The incidence and mortality rate of GC vary among different countries. It is suggested that GC is the result of the interaction between Helicobacter pylori (H.

Predictive value of neutrophil infiltration as a marker of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil infiltration as a marker of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Methods: A total of 315 patients with dyspepsia symptoms who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in this study.

[The potential pathogenesis of gastrointestinal vascular malformation and the potential mechanism of thalidomide in the treatment of gastrointestinal vascular malformation].

Objective: To study the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal vascular malformation (GIVM) and the potential mechanism of thalidomide in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding due to GIVM.

Methods: We collected the surgical intestinal specimens from 10 patients who suffered from massive hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract owning to GIVM and the normal intestinal mucosa around the lesions, as well as normal intestinal mucosa from healthy subjects. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was carried out to investigate the differences of angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), Notch1 and delta like ligand 4 (Dll4) in the above three intestinal mucosa to find the relationship with the pathogenesis of GIVM.

Increased JNK1 signaling pathway is responsible for ABCG2-mediated multidrug resistance in human colon cancer.

Multidrug resistance remains a major obstacle to effective chemotherapy of colon cancer. ABCG2, as a half-transporter of the G subfamily of ATP-binding cassette transporter genes (ABC transporters), is known to play a crucial role in multidrug resistance. However, the molecular mechanism of controlling ABCG2 expression in drug resistance of colon cancer is unclear and scarcely reported.

Effect of the parvovirus H-1 non-structural protein NS1 on the tumorigenicity of human gastric cancer cells.

Objective: To investigate the in vivo oncosuppressive effect of the non-structural protein NS1 of parvovirus H-1 on human gastric cancer cell lines.

Methods: Recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-NS1 containing the complete NS1 gene of parvovirus H-1 was constructed and characterized by restriction enzyme digestion and sequence analysis.

Chronic atrophic gastritis is a progressive disease: analysis of medical reports from Shanghai (1985-2009).

Introduction: We aimed to examine the turnover of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) pathologically and endoscopically and explore its potential causes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of prospective data collected from 1,592 patients who underwent gastroscopy three times or more during the period 1985-2009 at Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China. Pathological and endoscopic findings were analysed.

MicroRNA 506 regulates expression of PPAR alpha in hydroxycamptothecin-resistant human colon cancer cells.

Chemotherapeutic drug resistance remains a major obstacle to the successful treatment of colon cancer. Here, we show that 77 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in SW1116/HCPT versus SW1116, and over-expressed miR-506 in SW1116/HCPT cells was validated. Then it was indicated that PPARα is a common target of miR-506 by using a luciferase reporter assay.

The role of HIF-1, angiopoietin-2, Dll4 and Notch1 in bleeding gastrointestinal vascular malformations and thalidomide-associated actions: a pilot in vivo study.

Objective: To investigate plasma levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) and Notch1 in patients with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastrointestinal vascular malformation (GIVM) with or without thalidomide treatment.

Methods: Ten eligible patients with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding due to GIVM, who received thalidomide 100 mg/d for 4 months, were followed up for 1 year. The effective response was the proportions of patients with yearly bleeding episodes reduced by ≥50% at 1 year after treatment.

Meta-analysis: circulating adiponectin levels and risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma.

Objective: To provide a systematic review with a meta-analysis for addressing the association between circulating adiponectin levels and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma.

Methods: Multiple electronic sources including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Science Citation Index Expanded databases were searched to identify relevant studies for this systematic review. All existing observational studies that examined the relationship between circulating adiponectin and colorectal cancer or adenoma were included.

Efficacy of thalidomide for refractory gastrointestinal bleeding from vascular malformation.

Background & Aims: Patients with recurrent bleeding from gastrointestinal vascular malformations are a challenge to treat. We investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of thalidomide for refractory bleeding from gastrointestinal vascular malformations in an open-label, randomized study.

Methods: Eligible patients were randomly assigned to groups that were given either 100 mg thalidomide (n = 28) or 400 mg iron (n = 27, controls), daily for 4 months; patients were followed for at least 1 year (mean, 39 months).

Chemopreventive effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on the N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastrointestinal cancer in rat model.

Objective: To investigate the chemopreventive effect and mechanisms of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastrointestinal cancer in rats, and to investigate and compare the combinatorial effects of EGCG and folic acid on the chemoprevention of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis.

Methods: A total of 159 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups to have the MNNG in drink (group M), MNNG in drink and EGCG in the feed (group ME), MNNG in drink and folic acid in the feed (group MF), MNNG in drink and EGCG+folic acid in the feed (group MEF), EGCG in the feed (group E), folic acid in the feed (group F) or normal feed (group C), respectively. At 44 weeks, all the rats were killed and assessed for the presence of gastrointestinal tumor.

Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in Crohn's disease: meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in inducing and maintaining remission of Crohn's disease.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched. Placebo-controlled trials of adalimumab used in patients with Crohn's disease were included.

RNA interference (RNAi) of Ufd1 protein can sensitize a hydroxycamptothecin-resistant colon cancer cell line SW1116/HCPT to hydroxycamptothecin.

Objective: To investigate whether RNA interference (RNAi) of the ubiquitin fusion-degradation 1-like protein (Ufd1) could sensitize hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-resistant colon cancer cell line SW1116/HCPT to the cytotoxic effect of HCPT.

Methods: SW1116/HCPT cells were transfected with plasmids containing Ufd1-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) (Ufd1 knockdown cells) and non-specific siRNA (control cells). A drug sensitivity analysis, 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazol (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay was performed on Ufd1 knockdown cells and control cells.

Risk factors that predict the requirement of aggressive therapy among Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.

Objectives: Crohn's disease is now increasingly considered as a disabling disease. Conventionally, the disease is managed by step-up therapy. In recent years, the top-down strategy has been proposed and is thought to benefit the patients in whom the condition is likely to rapidly deteriorate toward disabling.

Efficient differentiation of newly derived human embryonic stem cells from discarded blastocysts into hepatocyte-like cells.

Objective: To establish an optimal method to isolate and culture human embryonic stem (hES) cells from discarded blastocysts and to differentiate these cells into hepatocyte-like cells.

Methods: Discarded human blastocysts of days 5-6 were cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblast cell feeder layers. Cells from the inner cell mass were isolated and subsequently cultured in vitro.

Resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antibiotics from 2000 to 2009 in Shanghai.

Aim: To investigate the resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to 6 commonly used antibiotics from 2000 to 2009 in Shanghai.

Methods: A total of 293 H.

Comparison of the efficacy of triple versus quadruple therapy on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and antibiotic resistance.

Objective: Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication with pantoprazole-based 7-day standard triple therapy (PAC) and 10-day quadruple therapy (PBMT), and to study the primary resistance of H. pylori to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline.

Comparison of immunochemical and guaiac-based fecal occult blood test in screening and surveillance for advanced colorectal neoplasms: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To systematically evaluate whether immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (iFOBT) could improve clinical performance and test accuracy in screening and surveillance for advanced colorectal neoplasms.

Methods: Eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. All randomized trials and diagnostic cohort trials directly comparing iFOBT with guaiac-based FOBT (gFOBT) were included.

[Reduced expression of miR-218 and its significance in gastric cancer].

Objective: To investigate the expression and function of miR-218 in gastric cancer.

Methods: miR-218 levels were evaluated in 20 non-cardia gastric cancer tissues using TaqMan stem-loop real-time PCR analysis. Pre-miR-218 and anti-miR-218 inhibitor were used to change the miR-218 expression level and examine its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and cell invasion.

Endoscopic capsule placement improves the completion rate of small-bowel capsule endoscopy and increases diagnostic yield.

Background: The methods for increasing the rate of complete small-bowel examinations by capsule endoscopy (CE) demonstrate conflicting results, and it is unknown whether improving the completion rate of CE transit is correlated with improvement in diagnostic yield.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether a higher rate of complete small-bowel examinations results in a higher diagnostic yield of CE.

Design: Case-control comparison.

SIRT3 reduces lipid accumulation via AMPK activation in human hepatic cells.

Objective: Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)(+)-dependent protein deacetylase localized on mitochondria and regulates the adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. This study aims to investigate the role of SIRT3 in hepatic lipid accumulation, and whether the activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is required.

Methods: A retroviral system was used for overexpressing of SIRT3 in HepG2 cells, whereas a lentivirus-mediated vector encoding SIRT3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to infect these cells for knocking down endogenous SIRT3 expression.