ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of tumor metastasis associated genes-1 (MTA1) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the relationship between them and lymphangiogenesis. MethodA total of 107 patients who received excision for ESCC in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Suining Central Hospital from March 2013 through January 2014 were enrolled. And the paraffinembedded esophageal tissues in 56 healthy persons were collected. The expression of MTA1 and VEGF-C in ESCC was detected using the immunohistochemical method. And D2-40 was used to label the micro-lymphatic endothelial cells of the tumor tissues while the micro-lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was counted. Meanwhile, a statistical analysis was performed for the relationship between MTA1 with VEGF-C and clinical pathological parameters. ResultsThe expression rates of MTA1 protein and VEGF-C protein in ESCC (50.4% and 58.8%, respectively) were higher than those in normal esophageal tissues with a statistical difference (P<0.05). Besides, their high expression rates in stage T3/T4 ESCC and lymph node metastasis group were significantly higher than those in stage T1/T2 ESCC and metastasisfree group, with statistical differences (P<0.05). The high expression rates of MTA1 and VEGF-C protein in ESCC with different TNM stages were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test with statistical differences (P<0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation existed in the expression level between MTA1 protein and VEGF-C protein of ESCC (Spearman coefficient r=0.512, P=0.000). And LVD of the high expression group for MTA1 protein and VEGF-C protein was statistically different from that of the low expression group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe expression of MTA1 is positively correlated with the expression of VEGF-C in ESCC. And they may co-promote lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC. Therefore, both can be used as the laboratory indicators to determine the prognosis of ESCC.
Increasing evidence suggests that many types of cancers contain a population of cells that display stem cell properties. These cells are called cancer stem cells （CSCs），which are closely related to tumor initiation，growth，metastasis and chemoresistance. CSCs are also found in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC）. These cells are characterized by potential of self-renewal and differentiation，tumor formation in nude mice and chemotherapy resistance，and thus may play an important role in targeted cancer therapies. Current methods for culturing and sorting CSCs in ESCC mainly include fluorescence activated cell sorting （FACS），magnetic activated cell sorting （MACS），suspension culture，and side population （SP） cell sorting. In this review，we focus on current research methods for CSCs in ESCC，their biological characteristics and areas for improvement. We believe that a combination of multiple cell-surface makers is needed for research of CSCs in ESCC.
Objective To detect the expression of forkhead box P3 （FOXP3 ）gene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) and provide a new basis for immunotherapy of esophageal cancer. Methods Based on fluorescent TaqMan methodology, a realtime quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting the expression of FOXP3 was set up. In this method, a cloning vector pMD 18-T-FOXP3 was constructed as a standard plasmid. The specific expression of FOXP3 in 42 patients with ESCC and 30 healthy controls were measured by using GeneAmp 7500 Sequence Detection Systems. Results FOXP3 mRNA copy number in ESCC was significantly higher than that in healthy control tissue ［(72.20±23.10)×104copy/μg RNA vs.(0.68±0.34)×104 copy/μg RNA；Plt;0.05］. Conclusion A realtime quantitative RT-PCR method for detecting the expression of FOXP3 gene in ESCC has been successfully established. The expression level of FOXP3 is increased in ESCC compare with healthy controls.
Objective To investigate the clinical significance and expression of T helper cell secretory cytokines in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues, which provide theoretical basis of reasonable and effective therapy for patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods Fifty-six specimens of patients who underwent esophageal carcinoma resection were divided into two groups. Group A (n=28) included grade Ⅰand Ⅱ specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, group B (n=28) included grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Control group included 6 specimens of esophagitis. The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in all specimens were detected. Results The positive expression of TNF-α,TGF-β and IL-10 in group A and group B were significantly higher than those in control group(Plt;0.01); the positive expression of TNF-α in group A was higher than that in group B, while the positive expression of TGF-β and IL-10 were lower than those in group B (Plt; 0.01). There was negative correlation between the positive expression of TNF-α and IL-10, TGF-β(Plt;0.01), and positive correlation between TGF-β and IL-10 (Plt; 0.01). The positive expression of TNF-α in patients of survival period in 3 years was lower than that exceed 3 years(F=36.25 ,Plt;0.01),while the positive expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in the patients of survival period in 3 years were higher than those exceed 3 years(F=29.29,26.69;Plt;0.01). Conclusion By the way of changing the level of cytokines secretion from T helper cells, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues destroyed the balanced condition of patient’s immune system, which made esophageal carcinoma tissues escape the attack from the patient’s immune system and promote the invasion into surrounding tissues.
Objective To explore the expression of CD105 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and it＇s relationship with P53 protein. Methods Using streptavidin biotinperoxidase （SP） method, the expression of CD105 protein and P53 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were examined in normal esophageal tissues （n=10） and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues（n=86）. Results The expression positive rate of CD105 protein was 74. 4%（64/86） in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma , 0% in normal esophageal epithelium. Expression positive rate of CD105 protein was 66. 1%（37/56） in early stage （stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ ）, 90.0% （27/30） in later stages （stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ ）. The expression of CD105 protein were bly associated with P53 protein（P〈0. 05）. Conclusion CD105 protein may participate in the onset and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. CD105 protein could he a new diagnostic /therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Objective To investigate the prognostic factors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma（ESCC） by multivariate analysis of clinicopathologic features of ESCC between long-term and short-term survivals after esophagectomy. Methods The clinicopathologic features of randomly selected 126 cases with ESCC were analyzed with binary logistic regression, 48 cases of which was divided into long-term survival group（≥5 years） and 78 cases into short-term survival group（≤1 year） according to the follow-up. Results Under univariate analysis, the differences between two groups on tumor pathologic grading, metastasis to lymph node, depth of tumor invasion and length of tumor were significant （Plt;0.01）, however, that on age, gender, location of tumor and status of residues were not （Pgt;0. 05）. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor pathologic grading, metastasis to lymph node, depth of tumor invasion and length of tumor correlated with the prognosis of ESCC （Plt;0. 05）. Their risk coefficient were 2. 943, 2. 641, 2. 126 and 1. 728, respectively. Age, gender, location of tumor and status of residues did not correlated with the prognosis of ESCC （Pgt;0. 05）. Correlation analysis indicated that depth of tumor invasion was positively related to the length of tumor （r=0. 488, Plt;0. 001）, metastasis to lymph node was positively related with depth of tumor invasion and tumor pathologic grading （r=0. 216, P=0. 014; r=0. 238, P=0. 007）. Conclusions The main prognostic factors of ESCC are tumor pathologic grading, metastasis to lymph nodes, depth of tumor invasion and length of tumor,Tumor pathologic grading is high risk factor for prognosis of ESCC,while length of tumor is low risk factor. Age and gender of patients, location of tumor and status of esophageal residues are non-risk factors.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the submental island flap for repair of oral defects after radical resection of early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods Between February 2010 and August 2011, 15 cases of early-stage OSCC were treated. Of 15 cases, 9 were male and 6 were female, aged from 48 to 71 years (mean, 63 years). The disease duration was 28-73 days (mean, 35 days). Primary lesions included tongue (3 cases), buccal mucosa (8 cases), retromolar area (2 cases), and floor of mouth mucosa (2 cases). According to TNM classification of International Union Against Cancer (UICC, 2002) of oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer, 2 cases were classified as T1N0M0 and 13 cases as T2N0M0. The results of the pathologic type were high differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in 11 cases and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in 4 cases. The defect after resection of the lesion ranged from 5 cm × 3 cm to 8 cm × 6 cm. All the cases underwent radical resection of the primary lesion and immediate reconstruction with submental island flap except 1 case with radial forearm free flap because of no definite venous drainage. The sizes of the submental island flap varied from 6 cm × 4 cm to 9 cm × 6 cm. Results Operation time ranged from 4 hours and 30 minutes to 7 hours and 10 minutes (mean, 5 hours and 53 minutes) in 14 cases undergoing repair with submental island flap. All the flaps survived completely in 13 cases except 1 case having superficial necrosis of the flap, which was cured after conservative treatment. Temporary marginal mandibular nerve palsy occurred in 1 case, and was cured after 3 months; submandibular effusion was observed in 3 cases, and was cured after expectant treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 15 months (mean, 10.5 months) in 14 cases undergoing repair with submental island flap. Hair growth was seen on the flap and became sparse after 3 months in 2 male cases. The appearance of the face, opening mouth, swallowing, and speech were recovered well in 14 cases, and the donor site had no obvious scar. The follow-up period was 13 months in 1 case undergoing repair with radical free forearm flap, and the appearance and function were recovered well. No local recurrence was found during follow-up. Conclusion The submental island flap has reliable blood supply, and could be harvested simply and rapidly. It can be used to repair oral defects in patients with early-stage OSCC after radical resection.
Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of CXCR4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods Databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, CBM, VIP, CNKI and WanFang Data were searched from inception to April 2012, and the relevant references were also retrieved to collect relevant case-control studies. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Then the meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of 5 case-control studies involving 493 ESCC tissues and 136 normal esophageal tissues were included. The results of the meta-analyses showed that, as for the positive rate of CXCR4 expression, it was higher in ESCC tissues rather than normal esophageal tissues (OR=12.03, 95%CI 6.76 to 21.44, Plt;0.000 01), in ESCC tissues with lymph node metastasis rather than those without lymph node metastasis (OR=4.35, 95%CI 2.48 to 7.62, Plt;0.000 01), as well as in moderate and low differentiated ESCC tissues rather than high differentiated ESCC tissues (OR=0.51, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.81, P=0.004); but no significant difference was found between the clinical stage I-II and clinical stage III-IV ESCC tissues. Conclusion The presently limited evidence shows CXCR4 expression is associated with ESCC, lymph node metastasis and degree of cell differentiation, indicating that CXCR4 may take a role in the whole course of carcinogenesis of ESCC. But the relationship between CXCR4 expression and clinical stage of ESCC is still unclear, which needs to be further proved by more large-scale, well-designed and high quality case-control studies.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of Cyclin D1 in stage T2-3N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its relationship with patient prognosis. MethodsExpression of Cyclin D1 in 227 ESCC specimens at stage T2-3N0M0 was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to select the cut-off score for high or low IHC reactivity. Correlations between Cyclin D1 expression and clinicopathological features as well as prognosis of ESCC patients were determined. ResultsAmong the 227 patients, 90 (39.6%) patients had low expression of Cyclin D1, and 137 (60.4%) patients had high expression of Cyclin D1.No significant correlation was observed between Cyclin D1 expression and patient gender (P=0.298), age(P=0.525), tumor location (P=0.570), tumor length (P=0.056), tumor grade (P=0.713), and depth of invasion (P=0.557). There was significant difference in prognosis between low-expression Cyclin D1 group and high-expression Cyclin D1 group (3-year survival rate:51.1% vs. 43.8%, 5-year survival rate:43.3% vs. 30.7%, P=0.047). Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis showed that Cyclin D1 was not an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients at stage T2-3N0M0 (relative risk=1.378, 95% CI:0.990-1.919, P=0.057). ConclusionOver expression of Cyclin D1 may be an adverse prognostic factor of ESCC patients at stage T2-3N0M0.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of MicroRNA 155 (miR-155) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and analyze its correlation with clinicopathological features of ESCC. MethodsThis study included 54 patients with primary ESCC who underwent radical esophagectomy in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2010 and November 2012. There were 47 males and 7 females with median age of 61 years (range, 45 to 82 years). Forty patients were in stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ and 14 patients in stage Ⅲ a+b. Expression of miR-155 was determined by SYBR Green qRT-PCR in ESCC tissue and corresponding adjacent normal mucosa in surgical samples from the 54 patients, and its correlation with clinicopathological features was analyzed. ResultsExpression of miR-155 was significantly lower in ESCC tissue than that in adjacent normal mucosa (Z=-4.258, P=0.000).Expression level of miR-155 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.040), but not significantly correlated with smoking (P=0.430), drinking (P=0.429), age (P=0.769), gender (P=0.671), depth of invasion (P=0.230), differentiation degree (P=0.896) or pTNM (P=0.407) of ESCC. ConclusionUnder-regulation of miR- 155 expression in ESCC tissue may lead to disorders of inflammation response, immune response and relevant tumor suppressor, and may play a significant role in carcinogenesis and progression of ESCC.