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ABSTRACT: Silent mating-type information regulation 2 homologue 1 (SIRT1), a member of the class III histone deacetylase (HDAC) family, is the mammalian ortholog of yeast Sir2. It has been reported to play a key role in a variety of physiological processes such as genomic stability, metabolism, neurogenesis and cell survival. The deacetylase function of SIRT1 has been suggested to play a role in prolonging the life of mammals. However, the suggested functions of SIRT1 as a potential tumor promoter have been challenged by observations of their respective downregulation and upregulation in various types of cancer. Breast cancer patients were included in the present study between 2007 and 2008. Their tumor tissues and paired normal breast tissues were collected and used for evaluation of the expression levels of SIRT1 and Ki67. The effects of SIRT1 on human breast cancer cell lines were also investigated. Immunohistochemistry showed that there is a high correlation between SIRT1 and Ki67 expression. Following treatment with sirtinol (inhibitor of SIRT1), the expression of the pro-survival protein Bcl-2 was markedly decreased in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, particularly in MDA-MB-231. Results of the present study revealed that inhibition of SIRT1 activity may be a promising chemotherapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
Oncology Reports 05/2013; · 1.84 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sann-Joong-Kuey-Jian-Tang (SJKJT), a traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, has been used for the treatment of lymphadenopathy and solid tumors, and has shown therapeutic potential in several human malignant tumor cell lines. However, the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of action of SJKJT in human pancreatic cancer have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of SJKJT on BxPC-3 human pancreatic carcinoma cells by MTT assay. The protein expression levels of myeloid cell leukemia 1 protein (Mcl-1), translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF‑α), caspase-8, caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 family in the BxPC-3 cells were measured by western blot analysis. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression of caspase-3 was also detected by immunocytochemistry (ICC). The results revealed that SJKJT inhibited the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The protein expression levels of TNF-α, caspase-8, caspase-3 and Bax increased in the BxPC-3 cells treated with SJKJT; however, the levels of Mcl-1, TCTP and Bcl-xL decreased. The results also demonstrated that SJKJT increased the percentage of BxPC-3 cells in the sub-G1 phase. In addition, ICC staining indicated that the protein expression of caspase-3 was upregulated in the BxPC-3 cells treated with SJKJT. These findings indicate that SJKJT inhibits the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells through the extrinsic and intrinsic pathway, inducing apoptosis in vitro. Our study, using BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells, demonstrates that SJKJT has potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Further sutdies are warranted to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action.
International Journal of Molecular Medicine 05/2013; · 1.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Core needle biopsy (CNB) was widely used in the diagnosis of ultrasound-detectable breast lesions. We aimed at assessing the diagnostic performance differences between 14- and 16-gauge ultrasound-guided core biopsies.
This retrospective study enrolled patients receiving CNB from January 2001 to December 2007. The results of 14- and 16-gauge breast CNBs were compared with pathology reports of open surgical biopsy (OSB).
A total of 1024 paired CNB and OSB results were obtained from 1732 CNB procedures in 1630 patients.Those CNB results reached 92.9% sensitivity, 99.7% specificity, 5.96% underestimation, and 94.8% accuracy rates. There was no difference in sensitivity (p = 0.17) or specificity (p = 0.38) between 14- and 16-gauge needles. However, better overall accuracy (p = 0.02), less underestimation (p < 0.001), and lower false-negative (p = 0.02) rates were found for the 14-gauge CNB.
Regarding accuracy and underestimation rates, a 14-gauge needle is preferred to a 16-gauge one in ultrasound-guided biopsies.
Asian Journal of Surgery 04/2013; 36(2):83-8. · 0.57 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Hepatic cancer remains a challenging disease and there is a need to identify new treatments. Sann-Joong-Kuey-Jian-Tang (SJKJT), a traditional medicinal prescription, has been used to treat lymphadenopathy and exhibits cytotoxic activity in many types of human cancer cells. Our previous studies revealed that SJKJT is capable of inhibiting colon cancer colo 205 cells by inducing autophagy and apoptosis. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of SJKJT in human hepatocellular carcinoma have not been clearly elucidated. In the present study we evaluated the effects of SJKJT in human hepatic cellular carcinoma Hep-G2 cells. The cytotoxicity of SJKJT in Hep-G2 cells was measured by MTT assay. The cell cycles were analyzed by fluorescence‑activated cell sorting (FACS). The protein expression of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), Mcl-1, Fas, TNF-α, Caspase-8, Caspase-3 and Bax in Hep-G2 cells treated with SJKJT was evaluated by western blotting. The protein expression of Caspase-3 was also detected by immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that SJKJT inhibits Hep-G2 cells in a time- and dose‑dependent manner. During SJKJT treatment for 48 and 72 h, the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 1.48 and 0.94 mg/ml, respectively. The FACS results revealed that increased doses of SJKJT were capable of increasing the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase. Immunofluorescence staining showed that Hep-G2 treated with SJKJT had increased expression of Caspase-3. The western blot results showed that the protein expression of Fas, TNF-α, Caspase-8, Caspase- 3 and Bax was upregulated, but that of TCTP and Mcl-1 was downregulated in Hep-G2 cells treated with SJKJT. In conclusion, these findings indicated that SJKJT inhibits Hep-G2 cells. One of the molecular mechanisms responsible for this may be the increased Fas, TNF-α, Caspase-8, Caspase- 3 and Bax expression; another mechanism may be via decreasing TCTP and Mcl-1 expression in order to induce apoptosis.
Molecular Medicine Reports 03/2013; · 0.42 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Pancreatic cancer remains a challenging disease worldwide. Tanshinone IIA (Tan‑IIA) is one of the active constituents of Danshen (Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae). Tan‑IIA has been hypothesized to inhibit numerous human cancer cells by various molecular mechanisms. However, the efficacy and molecular mechanism of Tan‑IIA action in pancreatic cancer has not been well studied. In the present study, the cytotoxicity of Tan‑IIA in human pancreatic cancer BxPC‑3 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis of BxPC‑3 cells treated with Tan‑IIA was performed by flow cytometry (FACS). Protein expression levels of TCTP, Mcl‑1, Bcl‑xL, Bax and Caspase‑3 in BxPC‑3 cells were measured by western blot analysis. The results revealed that Tan‑IIA inhibited BxPC‑3 cells in a time‑ and dose‑dependent manner. FACS analysis demonstrated that Tan‑IIA increases the rate of sub‑G1 phase. BxPC‑3 cells treated with Tan‑IIA were identified to upregulate protein expression of Bax and Caspase‑3 and downregulate expression of TCTP, Mcl‑1 and Bcl‑xL. These results indicate that Tan‑IIA may inhibit BxPC‑3 human pancreatic cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis by decreasing protein expression of TCTP, Mcl‑1 and Bcl‑xL and increasing Bax expression in vitro. The chemotherapeutic potential of Tan‑IIA for human pancreatic cancer warrants further study.
Molecular Medicine Reports 01/2013; · 0.42 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BCRL is the most common morbidity in women with breast cancer. We performed a retrospective analysis of 107 BCRL patients to identify the efficacy of CDP and the predictors of lymphedema severity and response to CDP. The patients received 12 sessions of CDP, the duration of lymphedema was 22.4 months, and 56% of BCRL occurred within 2 years after surgery. Lymphedema severity, baseline and post-CDP percentage of excess volume (PEV), was 27.7% and 14.9%. The baseline PEV was correlated with the duration of lymphedema. The CDP efficacy, percentage reduction of excess volume (PREV), was 50.5%, and was correlated with PEV, duration of lymphedema and age. Baseline lymphedema severity was the most important predictive factor for CDP efficacy. The breast cancer therapy characteristics did not affect PEV or PREV. This study showed the effectiveness of an intensive CDP interventions. The key to predicting successful lymphedema treatment is the baseline PEV.
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) 01/2013; · 2.09 Impact Factor
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Shih-Li Su,
Wen-Fu Wang,
Shey-Lin Wu,
Hung-Ming Wu,
Jui-Chih Chang,
Ching-San Huang,
Wen-Ling Cheng,
Bing-Wen Soong,
Yi-Chung Lee,
Jie-Yuan Li, Shou-Jen Kuo,
Ming Chen,
Chie-Ning Huang,
Chin-San Liu
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was proven to be a useful biomarker for the presence of mitochondrial neuromuscular disease. METHODS: In the present study, we used the difference in the serum FGF21 level to differentiate between ataxia patients with hereditary spinocerebellar atrophy (SCA-ataxia) and those with mitochondrial syndrome (Mito-ataxia). Patients with SCA-ataxia (SCA2, SCA3) and Mito-ataxia (MELAS, MERRF, LHON, maternal inherited hearing impairment mtDNA A1555G mutation) were recruited in this study. All SCA-ataxia patients revealed a consistent pattern of cerebellar atrophy. On the contrary, some of the Mito-ataxia patients exhibited a vascular lesion with cerebellar infarction. RESULTS: Extremely higher levels of serum FGF21 were found in the Mito-ataxia patients with MERRF and MELAS diseases, but not in patients with SCA-ataxia or LHON/mtDNA A1555G mutation. The positive trend between the mtDNA heteroplasmy and serum FGF21 was indicated in either MERRF (P=0.003, r=0.923) or MELAS (P=0.070, r=0.566) patients. CONCLUSION: Serum FGF21 can be applied as the first molecular screening among patients suspected to be victims of hereditary ataxia with neuromuscular degeneration prior to mass genetic screening.
Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry 09/2012; 414C:225-227. · 2.54 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence showing that hepatic resection is probably the best definitive treatment for unilateral hepatolithiasis. However, the role of hepatic resection for bilateral hepatolithiasis is rarely mentioned in the literature. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 197 patients who underwent hepatic resection for hepatolithiasis in Changhua Christian Hospital from December 1987 to December 2007. A total of 156 patients with unilateral hepatolithiasis were defined as the UNI group (control group), and 41 patients with bilateral hepatolithiasis were defined as the BI group (study group). The short- and long-term outcomes were measured. RESULTS: The BI group had longer operating time (200 min versus 173 min, P = 0.006), lower immediate stone clearance rate (56.1% versus 91.7%, P < 0.001), lower final stone clearance rate (75.6% versus 94.9%, P = 0.001), higher rate of stone recurrence (22.6% versus 6.1%, P = 0.009) and higher disease-related mortality (19.5% versus 5.1%, P = 0.006). Thirty patients with bilateral peripheral stones were indicated for bilateral hepatectomy, but only 20 (66.7%) of them actually underwent the proposed procedure. Of the patients who did not achieve immediate stone clearance, bilateral peripheral stones represented 88.9% (P = 0.044). Of the patients who had stone recurrence, patients less than 35 years old represented 42.9% (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Bilateral hepatolithiasis has worse outcomes than unilateral hepatolithiasis after being treated with hepatic resection. Regarding bilateral peripheral stones, there is often a discrepancy between the extent of stone-affected parenchyma and that of final liver resection, resulting in a lower immediate stone clearance rate. A higher stone recurrence rate was observed among younger population.
ANZ Journal of Surgery 09/2012; · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and prognostic significance of adjuvant tamoxifen in breast cancer patients with various hormone receptor statuses.
Typically, 1,260 female breast cancer patients were recruited in this study. The correlation between estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) phenotypes and clinical characteristics was investigated, and the survival rate was assessed after 5-year follow-up.
The 5-year overall survival (85%) was better in women under the age of 50 years. Patients with ER+/PR+ tumors had a better 5-year survival rate (94%); those with ER-/PR- tumors experienced the worst outcome (74% survival rate); whereas single-positive cases were in between. In 97 out of 128 patients with ER-/PR+ tumors, tamoxifen was given as adjuvant hormonal therapy, and it increased the survival benefit in the lower grade group in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively).
For high-grade tumors with ER-/PR+, adjuvant tamoxifen therapy may have no survival benefit, whereas for the patients with low-grade ER-/PR+ tumors, adjuvant tamoxifen therapy is highly suggestive.
Journal of breast cancer. 09/2012; 15(3):288-95.
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ABSTRACT: Doppler ultrasound imaging provides vascular information that could characterize benign and malignant breast masses in many previous publications. In this study, we applied vascular quantification and morphology features derived from three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound as classifiers based on support vector machine. An Az value under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to measure the significance of each vascularization feature. Sixty solid breast tumors were assessed. According to the Az value for the ROC curve of the selected features, the classification performance of the proposed method was 0.8423, indicating that vascular morphologic information is valuable in the classification of breast lesions.
Clinical imaging 07/2012; 36(4):267-71. · 0.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) is one of the pure compounds from Salviae miltiorrhizae radix (Danshen). Tan-IIA can inhibit human breast cancer cells but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Our previous study showed that Tan-IIA can inhibit hep-J5 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptotic pathway. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of Tan-IIA on BT-20 human breast cancer cells and assessed the involvement of the ER-stress-apoptotic pathway. The cytotoxicity of Tan-IIA in BT-20 cells was measured by the MTT assay. The cell cycles were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of ER stress-related proteins in BT-20 cells treated with Tan-IIA were evaluated by western blotting and immunocytochemical staining. These results showed that Tan-IIA can inhibit BT-20 cells and increase the sub-G1 phase in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Tan-IIA could increase the protein expression of caspase 12, GADD153, caspase 3, phospho-JNK, phospho-p38 and Bax, but decreased Bcl-xl and phospho-ERK expression in BT-20 cells. These findings indicate that Tan-IIA possesses therapeutic potential for human breast cancer BT-20 cells; one of the molecular mechanisms may be through inducing ER stress and the MAPK pathway to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation.
International Journal of Molecular Medicine 05/2012; 29(5):855-63. · 1.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The ability of tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) to inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo is well documented. However, the molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different concentrations of Tan-IIA for 48 h, followed by protein extraction for western blotting. For an in vivo study, MDA-MB-231 cells were implanted directly into female SCID mice which were divided randomly into three groups to be treated with vehicle, Tan-IIA (20 mg/kg) and Tan-IIA (60 mg/kg) every other day orally, with treatment starting 4 weeks after inoculation with the MDA-MB-231 cells. The results showed that Tan-IIA inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells and decreased the protein expression of LC3-II and Erb-B2 in vitro. Treatment with Tan-IIA (20 or 60 mg/kg) for 90 days resulted in a reduction in tumor size and weight compared to the control group. The protein expression of NF-κBp65 was reduced, while caspase-3 was up-regulated compared to the control group. These findings indicate that Tan-IIA inhibits tumor growth in a MDA-MB-231 xenograft animal model. One of the molecular mechanisms may be through a decrease in NF-κBp65 and an increase in caspase-3 expression.
Molecular Medicine Reports 04/2012; 5(4):1019-22. · 0.42 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to investigate whether triple-negative breast cancer has a worse prognosis; here, we present the 10-year follow-up results of triple-negative breast cancer patients in Taiwan.
We identified 2858 breast cancer patients in Taiwan, of whom 416 (14.6%) had triple-negative breast cancer. Data used for analysis were derived from those breast cancer patients who were diagnosed between January 1996 and December 2006.
In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, tumor subgroup (triple-negative breast cancer vs. non-triple-negative breast cancer) was a prognostic factor related to 10-year breast cancer death-specific survival and disease-free survival. The results of univariate analysis showed that tumor subgroup was a significant factor related to 10-year disease-free survival and breast cancer death-specific survival, as well as menopausal status, tumor size, lymph node, metastasis, grade, stage, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status and her2/neu gene expression status. Similarly, the multivariate analysis also revealed that tumor subgroup was a significant factor related to 10-year breast cancer death-specific survival and disease-free survival, in addition to tumor size, lymph node, metastasis and grade.
It was suggested that triple-negative breast cancer patients in Taiwan have worse 10-year survival. Notably, in node-positive patients, triple-negative breast cancer played a prognostic role in 10-year breast cancer death-specific survival.
Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology 03/2012; 42(3):161-7. · 1.78 Impact Factor
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Chen-Hsiang Yeang,
Gwo-Chin Ma,
Jin-Chung Shih,
Yu-Shih Yang,
Chih-Ping Chen,
Shun-Ping Chang,
Sheng-Hai Wu,
Chin-San Liu, Shou-Jen Kuo,
Hung-Chieh Chou,
Wuh-Liang Hwu,
Alan D Cameron,
Norman A Ginsberg,
Yi-Shing Lin,
Ming Chen
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ABSTRACT: Fetal chylothorax (FC) is a rare condition characterized by lymphocyte-rich pleural effusion. Although its pathogenesis remains elusive, it may involve inflammation, since there are increased concentrations of proinflammatory mediators in pleural fluids. Only a few hereditary lymphedema-associated gene loci, e.g. VEGFR3, ITGA9 and PTPN11, were detected in human fetuses with this condition; these cases had a poorer prognosis, due to defective lymphangiogenesis. In the present study, genome-wide gene expression analysis was conducted, comparing pleural and ascitic fluids in three hydropic fetuses, one with and two without the ITGA9 mutation. One fetus (the index case), from a dizygotic pregnancy (the cotwin was unaffected), received antenatal OK-432 pleurodesis and survived beyond the neonatal stage, despite having the ITGA9 mutation. Genes and pathways involved in the immune response were universally up-regulated in fetal pleural fluids compared to those in ascitic fluids. Furthermore, genes involved in the lymphangiogenesis pathway were down-regulated in fetal pleural fluids (compared to ascitic fluid), but following OK-432 pleurodesis, they were up-regulated. Expression of ITGA9 was concordant with overall trends of lymphangiogenesis. In conclusion, we inferred that both the immune response and lymphangiogenesis were implicated in the pathogenesis of fetal chylothorax. Furthermore, genome-wide gene expression microarray analysis may facilitate personalized medicine by selecting the most appropriate treatment, according to the specific circumstances of the patient, for this rare, but heterogeneous disease.
PLoS ONE 01/2012; 7(4):e34901. · 4.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: HER-2 is an important oncoprotein overexpressed in about 15-25% of breast cancers. We hypothesized that the ability of curcumin to downregulate HER-2 oncoprotein and inhibit the signal transduction pathway of PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB activation may be important in the treatment of HER-2-overexpressed breast cancer. To examine the effect of curcumin on breast cancer cells, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MCF-10A, BT-474, and SK-BR-3-hr (a herceptin resistant strain from SK-BR-3) cells were used for in vitro analysis. The in vivo effect of curcumin on HER-2-overexpressed breast cancer was investigated with the HER-2-overexpressed BT-474 xenograft model. Cell growth, cell cycle change, the antimobility effect, signal transduction, and xenograft volume analysis between groups treated with herceptin and/or curcumin were tested. Curcumin decreased the cell growth of various breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MCF-10A, BT-474, and SK-BR-3-hr). In Western blot analysis, the phosphorylation of Akt, MAPK, and expression of NF-κB were reduced in BT-474 cells, but not in SK-BR-3-hr cells, after treatment with herceptin. When treated with curcumin, the HER-2 oncoprotein, phosphorylation of Akt, MAPK and expression of NF-κB were decreased in both BT-474 and SK-BR-3-hr cells. In the BT-474 xenograft model, though not as much as herceptin, curcumin did effectively decrease the tumor size. The combination of curcumin with herceptin was not better than herceptin alone; however, the combination of taxol and curcumin had an antitumor effect comparable with taxol and herceptin. The results suggested that curcumin has potential as a treatment for HER-2-overexpressed breast cancer.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 01/2012; 2012:486568. · 4.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) decreases the viability of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through the induction of apoptosis in vitro. However, there are no reports that Tan-IIA is capable of inhibiting J5 HCC cell growth in vivo. In this study, J5 cells were implanted directly into nude SCID mice which were divided randomly into four groups to be treated with vehicle, Tan-IIA (30 mg/-kg of body weight, Q.week days 3 and 5), 5-FU (30 mg/-kg of body weight, Q.week day 1) or Tan-IIA (30 mg/-kg of body weight, Q.week days 3 and 5) plus 5-FU (30 mg/-kg of body weight, Q.week day 1). Each agent was injected intraperitoneally, with treatment starting 4 weeks after inoculation with J5 cells. Treatment with Tan-IIA 30 mg/-kg or with 30 mg/-kg of 5‑FU resulted in a reduction in tumor size and weight compared with the control group. The protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 in the J5 xenograft tumors treated with Tan-IIA 30 mg/-kg or with 30 mg/kg of 5-FU was upregulated, whereas that of CD31 was downregulated compared with the control group. These findings indicate that Tan-IIA may inhibit tumor growth in a J5 xenograft animal model by increasing Bax and caspase 3 and decreasing CD31 expression in vivo.
Molecular Medicine Reports 01/2012; 5(1):282-6. · 0.42 Impact Factor
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Shou-Jen Kuo,
Gwo-Chin Ma,
Shun-Ping Chang,
Hsin-Hung Wu,
Chih-Ping Chen,
Tung-Ming Chang,
Wen-Hsiang Lin,
Sheng-Hai Wu,
Mei-Hui Lee,
Wuh-Liang Hwu,
Ming Chen
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ABSTRACT: To develop a diagnostic platform for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and prenatal genetic diagnosis (PND) to prevent births of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADC) patients.
Five Taiwanese families carrying AADC were enrolled. A novel technique, amplification refractory mutation system-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-qPCR), was developed for both of PGD and PND. For PGD, blastomere biopsies of day-3 cleavage-stage embryos were subjected to ARMS-qPCR. Villi, cultured amniocytes, or both were used to confirm the PGD result; this approach could also be used as the sole method for PND after in vivo conception).
Unaffected live births were achieved in four of the five families, except one with ongoing PGD. The ARMS-qPCR correctly classified blastomeres (from day-3 cleavage-stage embryos) as affected (homozygous mutant), carrier (heterozygous for mutant and wild-type alleles), or normal (homozygous wild-type) within 1 working day.
To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful PGD of AADC. The molecular technique we devised (ARMS-qPCR) was applicable for PGD as well as PND of AADC. Furthermore, it has great potential for similar applications in other monogenic disorders.
Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology 12/2011; 50(4):468-73.
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ABSTRACT: Many ethnic Chinese patients seek second or adjuvant alternative therapies after breast cancer is diagnosed. Chinese herbs and acupuncture are the most popular methods in East Asia. We present a case of acupuncture manipulation-related cutaneous spread that no literature reported before. Post-acupuncture cutaneous spread was noted in a 54-year-old woman with left neck lymph node recurrence after complete surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. The results of chest computed tomography and skin biopsy showed the metastatic breast cancer in the dermis. Six courses of paclitaxel and gemcitabine followed by trastuzumab were given as therapeutic chemotherapy. The neck mass and cutaneous lesions subsided after 2 courses of chemotherapy. Direct puncture of a metastatic lymph node might increase the incidence of tumor spread on the skin. Therefore, despite the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine, its safety and possible side effects should be more emphasized.
Journal of breast cancer. 12/2011; 14(4):340-4.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is a fundamental component of oncogenesis. In this study we provided morphologic evidence of vascularization by using power Doppler ultrasound to correlate the clinicopathologic features of tumorigenesis, ER/c-erbB-2 expression, and tumor grade in invasive breast carcinoma. METHODS: Three indices (VI, vascularization index; FI, flow index; VFI, vascularization flow index) were used to analyze 3D power Doppler ultrasound images from 168 patients with malignant breast carcinoma and to correlate their clinicopathologic features. RESULTS: VI (the mean tumor vascularity) was correlated with ER negativity (p < 0.0029) and VFI (the overall perfusion) was correlated with ER positivity (p < 0.0029). HER2 positivity was statistically significantly correlated with tumor vasculature (VI, VFI) and tumor size/volume. FI (the mean blood flow volume) was significantly correlated with tumor size/volume, but VI was not. The univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed the reverse correlations between ER expression and tumor vascularity, and positive correlations between HER2 expression and tumor vascularity as well as tumor volume. CONCLUSIONS: This morphologic evidence of vascularization is correlated with tumor angiogenesis and ER/c-erbB-2 co-expression, which could clarify the biology of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer 11/2011; · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Speckle reduction imaging (SRI) is a newly developed technique in ultrasound examination. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of SRI and non-SRI breast ultrasound examinations by using a morphology-based computer-aided diagnostic system.
One hundred ten patients with pathologically proven breast lesions were enrolled consecutively from April 2008 to October 2008. SRI and non-SRI ultrasound images were both obtained at the same examination for each patient. The regions of interest were manually sketched by an experienced physician without histological information. Nineteen practical morphologic features from the extracted contour were calculated and a support vector machine classifier identified the breast tumor as benign or malignant. Conventional binomial receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to represent the diagnostic performance of both SRI and non-SRI.
Between SRI and non-SRI methods, there were no significant differences in the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (Az value: 0.82 versus 0.81), the sensitivity (78.9% versus 84.2%), and the specificity (73.6% versus 70.8%).
Based on the morphology study, the performance of breast ultrasound in characterizing the solid breast mass as benign or malignant was not significantly improved with SRI.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound 11/2011; 40(1):1-6. · 0.81 Impact Factor
