Cross‑talk between lymphangiogenesis and malignant melanoma cells: New opinions on tumour drainage and immunization (Review).

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumour that can easily metastasize through the lymphatic system at the early stages. Lymph node (LN) involvement and lymphatic vessel (LV) density (LVD) represent a harbinger of an adverse prognosis, indicating a strong link between the state of the lymphatic system and the advancement of MM. Permeable capillary lymphatic vessels are the optimal conduits for melanoma cell (MMC) invasion, and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) can also release a variety of chemokines that actively attract MMCs expressing chemokine ligands through a gradient orientation.

Angiopoietin-2 expression and its relationship with lymphangiogenesis and clinicopathological characteristics in cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2/ANGPT2) expression and its relationship with lymphangiogenesis and clinicopathological characteristics in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM).

Methods: Gene expression differences between metastatic melanoma and melanoma in 472 patients from the TCGA database were analyzed. The target gene Ang-2 was screened.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor preserves intestinal mucosal barrier function and alters gut microbiota in mice.

The intestinal mucosal barrier (IMB) enables the intestine to provide adequate containment of luminal microorganisms and molecules while preserving the ability to absorb nutrients. In this study, we explored the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on IMB function and gut microbiota in mice. BDNF gene knock-out mice (the BDNF group) and wild-type mice (the BDNF group) were selected.

Effects of SCN9A gene modification on Na+ channel and the expression of nerve growth factor in a rat model of diarrhea‑predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

The aim of the present study was to identify whether the sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 9 (SCN9A) gene modification is a potential treatment for diarrhea‑predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D‑IBS), via regulating the Na+ channel and the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF). The recombinant adenovirus vector of the SCN9A gene was established, and rat colon cells were isolated for SCN9A gene modification. All subjects were divided into four groups: i) The SCN9A‑modified (D‑IBS rat model implanted with SCN9A‑modified colon cells), ii) negative control (NC; D‑IBS rat model implanted with colon cells without SCN9A gene modification), iii) blank (D‑IBS rat model without any treatment) and iv) normal (normal rats without any treatment).

Blockade of angiopoietin-2/Tie2 signaling pathway specifically promotes inflammation-induced angiogenesis in mouse cornea.

Aim: To investigate angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2)/Tie2 signaling pathway involving in inflammatory angiogenesis.

Methods: Three interrupted 11-0 nylon sutures were placed into the corneal stroma of BALB/c mice (6wk old) to induce inflammatory neovascularization. Expression of Ang-2 and Tie2 protein on neovascularization were examined by immunofluorescence.

[Comparison study of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy and dynamic magnetic resonance lymphangiography for the diagnosis of extremity lymphedema].

Objective: To compare the role of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy and dynamic magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) for the diagnosis of extremity lymphedema.

Methods: Sixteen patients with primary extremity lymphedema and two with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome combined with lymphedema were examined by lymphoscintigraphy using the tracer 99Tc-labelled dextran, and also by MRL using gadobenate dimeglumine as contrast agent. The results of morphological abnormalities and functional state of the lymphatic system at affected limbs from the two imaging methods were compared.

Angiopoietin-2 promotes inflammatory lymphangiogenesis and its effect can be blocked by the specific inhibitor L1-10.

Angiopoietin (Ang)-2, a ligand of the receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2, is known to be involved in the regulation of embryonic lymphangiogenesis. However, the role of Ang-2 in postnatal pathological lymphangiogenesis, such as inflammation, is largely unknown. We used a combination of imaging, molecular, and cellular approaches to investigate whether Ang-2 is involved in inflammatory lymphangiogenesis.

[Treatment of chronic extremity lymphedema with manual lymph drainage].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of manual lymph drainage on chronic extremity lymphedema.

Methods: Fifty patients with chronic lymphedema of extremity were treated with manual lymph drainage (MLD) complex decongestion therapy. Among them, 29 had primary lymphedema, 21 had secondary lymphedema.

Lymphatic malformation is a common component of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Objectives: Few previous studies have focused on the involvement of the lymphatic system in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), although some evidence suggests that lymphatic abnormalities are associated with the disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of the lymphatic system in KTS.

Methods: Magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) with the use of gadobenate dimeglumine as the contrast was performed on 32 patients with KTS involving the extremities to evaluate lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and veins.