Publications by authors named "Zai-Zai Cao"
The importance of vocal cord leukoplakia (VCL) in the etiology and progression of laryngeal carcinoma has gained increasing recognition. However, research into the mechanisms of laryngeal precancerous lesions such as VCL, has been hampered by the small size of VCL epithelial cells and their limited culture lifespan. In this study, we enhanced the primary culture protocol for VCL epithelial cells and introduced simian virus 40 Large T to establish an immortalized cell line, designated hVCL-MSDEP01.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - This study evaluated the expression of glucose transporter (GLUT)-1 and hexokinase (HK)-II in vocal cord leukoplakia (VCL) and explored its clinical importance using samples from various throat conditions over a four-year period.
- - Results showed significant differences in factors like sex and smoking between VCL and vocal cord polyp patients, with GLUT-1 and HK-II expressions being higher in laryngeal carcinoma cases, particularly in severe dysplasia.
- - Both GLUT-1 and HK-II levels increased with the severity of dysplasia, indicating that their expression could serve as biomarkers for assessing the progression of VCL and its potential transformation to cancer.
Article Synopsis
- The study explores the role of mitophagy in acquired cholesteatoma, a condition that shows characteristics similar to cancer.
- Researchers analyzed specific autophagy and mitophagy protein markers in cholesteatoma epithelial cells compared to normal ear canal cells using various methods, including immunoblotting and electron microscopy.
- Results indicated increased mitophagy activity in cholesteatoma cells, suggesting that this process may contribute to the development of cholesteatoma.
Pepsin Increases the Proliferation of Vocal Cord Leukoplakia Epithelial Cells by Inducing Autophagy.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
November 2023
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to explore how H/K ATPase affects the growth of pepsin-induced vocal cord leukoplakia (VCL) cells.
- Researchers used immunohistochemistry to analyze the presence of pepsin and H/K ATPase subunits in VCL cells with different levels of cell abnormality.
- The findings revealed that higher levels of pepsin and H/K ATPase were linked to greater dysplasia in VCL, with acidified pepsin increasing cell proliferation and autophagy, which were modulated by certain inhibitors.
Article Synopsis
- * Analysis of tissue samples showed that high levels of stromal MCT4 and TOMM20 are linked to worse prognosis, with MCT4 identified as a key independent prognostic factor.
- * Findings suggest that metabolic symbiosis occurs in laryngeal cancer tissues, indicating that TOMM20 and stromal MCT4 could be promising targets for new treatments.
Article Synopsis
- The study focused on the clinical features, treatment options, and prognosis of laryngeal leiomyosarcoma (LLMS), particularly looking at cases associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HIV infections.
- It reported on a specific case of EBV-associated LLMS in an adult HIV patient and reviewed existing literature, finding that only 62 cases have been documented.
- The findings showed that LLMS has a 5-year survival rate of 64%, while EBV association seems to negatively impact survival rates, with EBV-positive patients showing a lower rate of 50%.
Article Synopsis
- Ingested foreign bodies can sometimes move to the paraglottic space, requiring surgical intervention for removal.
- A case is discussed where an ingested fishbone was successfully extracted using a transcervical approach.
- The posterolateral approach is highlighted as a safe and effective method for removing deeply embedded foreign objects in this area.
Article Synopsis
- * LCS typically affects multiple organs such as skin, lymph nodes, lungs, and bone, and factors like immunosuppression, viral infections, and previous blood disorders may contribute to its development.
- * This case report is notable as it describes LCS associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, presenting initially with bilateral cervical giant cysts, prompting new considerations regarding EBV's potential role in cancer development.
Article Synopsis
- * A mouse model simulating laryngopharyngeal reflux was used to observe changes in the laryngeal epithelium after treatment with pepsin, revealing significant cell proliferation over time.
- * Results indicated that blocking Glut-1 reduced cell growth, and the study found increased expression of Glut-1 and H/K-ATPase proteins following pepsin exposure, suggesting their roles in laryngeal hyperplasia.
Article Synopsis
- * Recent research has started to recognize the importance of tumor stroma, particularly fibroblasts, in cancer development and progression beyond just the epithelial cells.
- * This study aims to review the effects of tobacco on fibroblasts and examine how these interactions influence cancer development.
Article Synopsis
- The study examines how Glut-1 and H/K-ATPase expressions affect the growth of human vocal cord leukoplakia cells after exposure to pepsin, a component of gastric juice.
- Researchers found that pepsin enhances the migration and proliferation of these cells while reducing their rate of apoptosis over time.
- The results suggest that higher Glut-1 levels may contribute to the progression of vocal cord leukoplakia to laryngeal carcinoma by increasing H/K-ATPase expression, leading to further damage to the laryngeal tissue.