The objectives of this paper were to analyse the correlation between serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and age-related health issues affecting ovarian function and explore the current opportunities for this novel technique. This article mainly focuses on reviewing the biological processes involved in the female reproductive system and the clinical basis of the development of technologies for female fertility. The Serum AntiMullerian Hormone (AMH) test is a valuable tool for the assessment of ovarian function. The AMH level of each individual sample is catalysed using a Roche Elecsys AMH analyzer and a chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLA), which measures the light emission of the serum complex at 450 nm. The results demonstrated a strong association between serum AMH levels and age, establishing its reliability in the prediction of the ovarian reserve as well as reproductive lifespan. However, age is not the sole determinant for fertility. Genetic factors, oocyte quality, uterine thickness and other environmental factors showed a potential linkage with ovarian syndromes, which indicates poor ovarian function. Market expansion, raising awareness of reproductive health, policy support, and technological advancements provide multiple channels for the promotion of AMH test technology. These findings can be used for business planning or studying age-related changes on the AMH test.

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) are two major types of lung cancer and are responsible for the highest mortality rates. The rate of NSCLC is approximately 80% to 85% of lung cancers. Hotspots in cancer can be defined as sites in DNA and proteins that are more likely to be mutated. Hotspot mutations are also related to the treatment of the corresponding cancer as the development of targeted agents acts as a major driving force. In this paper, the comprehensive synthesis of results is shown from studies on hotspot mutations in NSCLC. The findings indicate the specific location of the hotspot mutation with the corresponding sequencing method in diagnostic yield and several treatments.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) to improve immune system and decrease pro-metastasis markers in early post-treatment breast cancer survivors. Methods: 130 post-treatment breast cancer survivors were recruited and randomized 1:1 into TCC group and wait-list (control) group. The TCC group practiced for a 60-minutes session once per week, for a total of 52 weeks. 115 forms of Yang-style TCC were taught by a Tai Chi master. Blood samples were taken from each subject and complete blood count was performed. The expressions of NKG2D protein, P-selectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in plasma were measured. Lymphocyte activity was measured by cell proliferation reagent and ATP assay. Images of lymphocyte colony formation were taken with an inverted microscope. Results: At 52 weeks, TCC group demonstrated a significantly higher WBC (p=0.001) , a significantly higher NKG2D value (p=0.001) and a significantly lower VEGF value (p=0.005) when compared to the wait-list group. However, there was a small, non-significant change for P-selectin values between the breast cancer survivor groups. After 72h incubation, TCC group had a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation (p=0.001) and greater area of lymphocyte clusters or colonies (p=0.001). Conclusion: The practice of TCC could stimulate tumor immunosurveillance via NKG2D and activate the immune response. VEGF, a marker playing an important role in breast cancer and its metastases, was also reduced in those who practiced TCC. As an alternative for conventional exercise, post-treatment breast cancer survivors may select TCC in their rehabilitation program.

Objective: C-reactive protein is a sensitive and dynamic systemic marker of inflammation. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines have been well documented with initiation, control and susceptibility to periodontal diseases. This study applied high-sensitivity CRP (Hs-CRP), pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines to predict risk of periodontal diseases. Methods: 2200 subjects (1200 healthy subjects and 1000 chronic periodontal patients) were recruited from community of Hong Kong, Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China, respectively. Blood was drawn from subjects and DNA was extracted. The polymorphic sites of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), proinflammatory (interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 and IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) were amplified and measured via polymerase chain reaction for further analysis. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were applied to analyze genotype distribution differences, allele frequencies and carriages rates between healthy and disease groups. Soluble protein levels of cytokines were evaluated by the t-test. Results: Genotype frequencies of CRP, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was statistically higher in periodontal-diseased patients than healthy controls (p<0.05). Prevalence of periodontal diseases was statistically correlated with carriage of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the cytokine parameters. Conclusions: Hs-CRP and cytokine gene polymorphisms may be applied as biomarkers to predict periodontitis susceptibility, clinical behavior and severity.

Aims: The aim of this study is to assess salivary biomarkers, i.e. cortisol, calcium, phosphate, osteocalcin, vitamin D and estradiol levels, to monitor osteopenia and stress levels in post-treatment breast cancer patients. Methods: The salivary biomarkers of forty-five female breast cancer survivors aged between 30 to 48 years were compared against twenty-eight disease-free, healthy female subjects, which act as the reference values in our study. Saliva collection was done by resting/drooling collection method (minimal oral movements). The independent unpaired t-test was used to compare the differences between the parameters of control group and patient group. Results: The salivary flow rate and the amount of saliva were not significantly different between both groups. The concentration of salivary cortisol in breast cancer survivors was significantly higher compared to healthy controls ( P <0.01). The mean concentrations of salivary calcium ( P <0.01), phosphate ( P <0.05), osteocalcin ( P <0.001), vitamin D ( P <0.001) and estradiol ( P <0.05) in the breast cancer survivor group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the measurement of salivary biomarkers can be considered as a useful method to monitor osteopenia and stress levels in breast cancer survivors.

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between Chinese medicine (CM) dietary patterns (hot, neutral, and cold) and the incidence of breast cancer among Chinese women in Hong Kong.

Aim: For early-stage breast cancer, four cycles of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC) was proven superior to doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide in the US Oncology 9375 trial. Given primary prophylactic antibiotics, 5% febrile neutropenia was recorded in a population comprising 75.5% Caucasians. Smaller trials and retrospective studies reviewing TC use in Asian patients did not produce similar incidence rates. This study aims to discover the variable hematological toxicities with TC use in Caucasian and Asian patients. Methods: Breast cancer data was retrospectively reviewed for patients receiving adjuvant docetaxel 60-75 mg/m(2) plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2) from six countries (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and United States). Similar number of patients with relatively balanced baseline characteristics were chosen for analysis of hematological and nonhematological toxicities and survival data. Results: From March 2004 to July 2013, data of 227 patients (127 Asians and 100 Caucasian) patients were analyzed for treatment-related toxicities. During the four cycles of TC, Asians had a significantly higher rate of grade >= 2 neutropenia than Caucasians (45.7% vs 6.0%; P < 0.001) and significantly more grade >= 3 neutropenia events were documented (respectively 30.7% vs 4.0%, P < 0.001). The prophylactic use of G-CSF was similar; 26.0% in Asians and 28.0% in Caucasian (P = 0.764). There were no differences in nonhematological toxicities. No significant difference in disease-free survival was observed between Asians and Caucasians (log-rank P = 0.910). Conclusions: Ethnic differences in toxicity profile exist between Asian and Caucasian patients given adjuvant TC. Over 30% Asians but less than 5% Caucasians experienced grade >= 3 neutropenia.

Objective: To address the challenges for trialing with elderly and the lacking of valid sham/placebo control, a randomized crossover pilot study is designed and its feasibility on elderly subjects is evaluated.Design: A pilot randomized crossover study was conducted with hydrocollator-based hot pack therapy as active control. Pain intensity, physical disability, depression, general health status, and salivary biomarkers were assessed as outcome measures.Results: Despite there was no significant difference observed between any outcome measures attained by the two interventions, several important differences were noted during the one-week follow-up period. The magnitudes of pain reduction (21-25% versus 16-18%) and disability improvement (45-52% versus 39-42%) were greater in the Gua sha-treated group than the hot pack group. Both treatments were shown to improve flexion, extension and bending movements of the lower back, whereas areas of improvement varied between the two interventions. Decreasing trends were observed in both tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels following Gua sha. However, rebounds of the biomarkers were observed one week following hot pack. Furthermore, in response to Gua sha, the decrease of TNF-alpha was strongly correlated with the improvement of physical disability, whereas the physical disability was correlated with the VAS pain intensity.Conclusion: It demonstrated a feasible clinical trial protocol for evaluating the effectiveness of Gua sha and other therapeutic modalities. Gua sha may exhibit a more long-lasting anti-inflammatory effect relative to hot pack for pain relief and improved mobility in elderly patients with chronic low back pain.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes, the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) is considered an indication of nephropathological changes. Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are also associated with ECM. However, the majority of studies on LOXs have focused on their potential role in renal fibrogenesis and there has no examination of LOXs expression or the correlation with histopathological changes of DN, including glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening and glomerulosclerosis. In this study, the association between histological changes and LOXs was explored using a type 2 diabetes model of male Zucker diabetic fatty rats. The expression of LOX and lysyl oxidase‑like 1 to 3 (LOXL1 to 3) levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of LOX and LOXL2 in the kidney tissue in the diabetic group were significantly higher compared with those of the control group, but LOXL1 and LOXL3 expression levels were not significantly different between the two groups. These results indicated that LOXL2 and LOX may be critical factors involved in the progression of DN.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the dominant type of lung cancer. Molecular targeting has highly improved the treatment efficacy of lung cancer, but new challenges have emerged, such as gefitinib-resistance and cancer recurrence. Therefore, new chemotherapeutic agents and treatment strategies are urgently needed. Shikonin is the main active component of a Chinese medicinal plant 'Zi Cao', which has been shown to exhibit powerful anti-cancer activity in certain types of cancer; however, its activity in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer has never been addressed. In this study, we used a high-throughput screening assay for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and discovered that Shikonin is a potent inhibitor of EGFR. The cytotoxicity of Shikonin and its anti-cancer mechanism in NSCLC was deeply explored. Shikonin exhibited selective cytotoxicity among two NSCLC cell lines (H1975 and H1650) and one normal lung fibroblast cell line (CCD-19LU). Shikonin significantly increased the activity of caspases and poly (ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP), which are indicators of apoptosis, and the intensity of ROS by greater than 10-fold. NAC, an inhibitor of ROS, completely blocked apoptosis, caspase and PARP activation induced by Shikonin. Shikonin remarkably suppressed the phosphorylation of EGFR and led to EGFR degradation. The enhancement of ROS generation in H1650 and H1975 gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells leads to impairment of growth and induction of apoptosis, whereas modulation of EGFR degradation and its downstream signalling pathways by Shikonin contributes to its anti-tumour properties in H1975 gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells (with T790M and L858R activating mutations). Shikonin-induced cell apoptosis is closely associated with ROS elevation in the cells. These findings indicate that Shikonin can be an effective small molecule treating gefitinib-resistant NSCLC.

Background This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on biological markers and psychological factors of patients diagnosed with advanced invasive ductal carcinoma. Methods 105 breast cancer patients, aged 32–42 years, and 50 healthy female participants, aged 26–36 years, were recruited for this study. Patients underwent a mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma, and completed four cycles of FEC (500 mg/m2 fluorouracil, 75 mg/m2 epirubicin, and 500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy. Peripheral blood was drawn from participants to analyse biological markers such as white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) count and cytokine levels (IL-2, IL4, IL6, IFN-γ and TNF-α). Following treatment, the patients participated in a TCC program for 12 months and biomarkers in patients were measured. A psychological factor-based questionnaire was also conducted. Findings After 12 months of TCC, the levels of cytokines of patients and healthy groups showed no statistically significant differences. The total WBC count was 7.55 ± 1.25 (versus 8.04 ± 1.05 in the healthy group, p < 0.05), and the total RBC count was 4.62 ± 1.25 (versus 4.99 ± 0.87 in healthy controls, p < 0.05). Patients also noted improvements in short term memory. Interpretation TCC exercise can be used as a physical and mental treatment for the rehabilitation of post-treatment breast cancer patients for psychological and biological improvements. This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on biological markers and psychological factors of patients diagnosed with advanced invasive ductal carcinoma. 105 breast cancer patients, aged 32–42 years, and 50 healthy female participants, aged 26–36 years, were recruited for this study. Patients underwent a mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma, and completed four cycles of FEC (500 mg/m2 fluorouracil, 75 mg/m2 epirubicin, and 500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy. Peripheral blood was drawn from participants to analyse biological markers such as white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) count and cytokine levels (IL-2, IL4, IL6, IFN-γ and TNF-α). Following treatment, the patients participated in a TCC program for 12 months and biomarkers in patients were measured. A psychological factor-based questionnaire was also conducted. After 12 months of TCC, the levels of cytokines of patients and healthy groups showed no statistically significant differences. The total WBC count was 7.55 ± 1.25 (versus 8.04 ± 1.05 in the healthy group, p < 0.05), and the total RBC count was 4.62 ± 1.25 (versus 4.99 ± 0.87 in healthy controls, p < 0.05). Patients also noted improvements in short term memory. TCC exercise can be used as a physical and mental treatment for the rehabilitation of post-treatment breast cancer patients for psychological and biological improvements.

Abstract Background : CDK4-associated kinase activity is required to maintain breast tumorigenesis. Virtually all ER-positive cell lines harbour loss of p16ink4a. Low expression of CDK inhibitors p21 and p27 and high expression level of cyclin E and D1 have all been associated with resistance to anti-estrogen therapy. In preclinical models, Rb deficiency is associated with resistance to antiestrogen therapy. Palbociclib (PD 0332991, Pfizer Inc.) is an oral, potent, highly selective reversible inhibitor of CDK4/6 that prevents cellular DNA synthesis by prohibiting progression from G1 into the S phase. Palbociclib in combination with letrozole has shown promising activity in metastatic setting. Methods : In an open-label, multi-center, single arm pilot study efficacy and safety of neo-adjuvant palbociclib 100 mg QD for 3 weeks plus letrozole 2.5 mg QD in 4 week cycles for 4 months was studied. Postmenopausal patients of mostly Chinese ancestry, with histologically confirmed ER+, HER2- invasive breast cancer and tumor greater than 2 cm were registered. Patients with T3N1, T4 or any N2, N3 were excluded. Aim : The primary endpoint is Objective Response Rate (ORR). The secondary end-point include Pathologic Response Rate (PRR), Disease-Free Survival (DFS), safety. Exploratory analysis of gene and protein expression in tumors and serial whole blood is planned. Results : As of June 2014, 11 patients were recruited. 9 patients completed treatment and 2 are still on study. Of the 9 patients that completed study at time of this abstract, 1 patient had a complete pathological response (pCR) and 7 had a partial response (ORR of 89%). Baseline Ki67 levels were low (median 18%), consistent with luminal type A disease. On average, patients underwent surgery 24 days after completion of the study. Ki67 was measured at baseline, cycle 1 day 15, and at the time of surgery. Median Ki67 at time of surgery was 10%. There were no significant changes in Ki67 that could be related to treatment outcome based on this preliminary data analysis in surgical samples only. In the first 8 patients, whom all started at a dose of 125mg palbociclib, 4 patients developed grade 3/4 neutropenia in the absence of fever. Neutropenia was well manageable with G-CSF and/or dose modification. Protocol amendment allowed starting dose of 100 mg with dose titration to 125mg after the first cycle. 3 patients started at 100mg and grade 4 neutropenia without fever occurred in 1 subject. Another common side effect was low grade mucositis (n=5). Conclusion : Based on these initial results, the addition of palbociclib to neo-adjuvant letrozole appears to be safe and effective. Historically, ORR in this patient population with letrozole alone is below 55%. The addition of palbociclib increased the preliminary ORR to 89%. One patient had a pCR, uncommon for patients on neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy. Complete safety and efficacy data will be included for at least 11 patients, including initial biomarker results. The study continues enrolment up to 45 patients. Citation Format: Louis WC Chow, Chi-Kei Lam, Wings TY Loo. OOTR-N007: A phase II neoadjuvant study of letrozole plus palbociclib in postmenopausal patients with ER positive, HER2 negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-04.

Background Adherent cell culturing is a mature cell culturing technique mainly used for research on molecular mechanism of biological function of adherent cells. Specifically, it is widely applied in studies of cancer onset and development, and of the action of pharmaceutical agents on cancer cells. Cell microencapsulation is a technique by which cells are encapsulated in a semi-permeable microcapsule and live like those in physiological conditions with normal nutritional supply. It is a culturing technique that ranks between monolayer and three-dimensional culture. With microencapsulation, adherent cells grow in a three dimensional manner, and its metabolism and genetic expression also change, similar to solid tumours. Methods We aimed to establish a cell microencapsulation model using human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells (MCCs), and assess the cell culture model based on cell growth characteristics, proliferation activity, and protein expression. After MCCs had been isolated and cultured in RPMI-1640 medium, cell growth characteristics, proliferation activity, and protein expression of microencapsulated MCCs and conventional adherent MCCs (as control) were compared. Findings Results showed MCCs in microcapsules grew in blocks with favourable proliferation activity. On day 3, the cell count in the microencapsulation group was significantly higher than the control group (t = 0.480, p < 0.05). On day 7, cell proliferation had not reached a plateau or declined. Compared with adherent MCCs, microencapsulated MCCs showed significantly higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bFGF (t = 7.617, p < 0.01; t = 6.011, p < 0.01), while TSP-1 was significantly less expressed (t = 12.45, p < 0.001). Interpretation Microencapsulation culture may help to establish three-dimensional growth of tumour cells in vitro that promote protein expression for angiogenesis. It may be a promising model for functional research of tumour-related genes. In addition, it may be used in studies on biological characteristics of tumour cells and screening of antitumour pharmaceuticals. It will also have prospect in the in situ amplification of stem cells due to convenient inoculation and collection. Adherent cell culturing is a mature cell culturing technique mainly used for research on molecular mechanism of biological function of adherent cells. Specifically, it is widely applied in studies of cancer onset and development, and of the action of pharmaceutical agents on cancer cells. Cell microencapsulation is a technique by which cells are encapsulated in a semi-permeable microcapsule and live like those in physiological conditions with normal nutritional supply. It is a culturing technique that ranks between monolayer and three-dimensional culture. With microencapsulation, adherent cells grow in a three dimensional manner, and its metabolism and genetic expression also change, similar to solid tumours. We aimed to establish a cell microencapsulation model using human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells (MCCs), and assess the cell culture model based on cell growth characteristics, proliferation activity, and protein expression. After MCCs had been isolated and cultured in RPMI-1640 medium, cell growth characteristics, proliferation activity, and protein expression of microencapsulated MCCs and conventional adherent MCCs (as control) were compared. Results showed MCCs in microcapsules grew in blocks with favourable proliferation activity. On day 3, the cell count in the microencapsulation group was significantly higher than the control group (t = 0.480, p < 0.05). On day 7, cell proliferation had not reached a plateau or declined. Compared with adherent MCCs, microencapsulated MCCs showed significantly higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bFGF (t = 7.617, p < 0.01; t = 6.011, p < 0.01), while TSP-1 was significantly less expressed (t = 12.45, p < 0.001). Microencapsulation culture may help to establish three-dimensional growth of tumour cells in vitro that promote protein expression for angiogenesis. It may be a promising model for functional research of tumour-related genes. In addition, it may be used in studies on biological characteristics of tumour cells and screening of antitumour pharmaceuticals. It will also have prospect in the in situ amplification of stem cells due to convenient inoculation and collection.

We describe a case of postradiation chondrosarcoma after basal cell carcinoma treatment. At the time he presented, the patient was a 35-year-old man who had received radiotherapy at a dose of 70 Gy for 8 weeks. Six months after radiation treatment, a rapidly growing mass at the upper right alveolar ridge of the gums, where radiation had been given, was diagnosed as chondrosarcoma. Generally, chondrosarcoma occurs after a latency period of several years following radiation. However, there are a few relevant reports indicating that maxillofacial chondrosarcoma can develop after radiotherapy for basal cell carcinoma, with a short latency of 6 months. We hypothesize that the dosage and treatment time of radiation may have played a role in the opening/closing of the Hh-signaling pathway in the case of this patient.

Objectives: This present study was designed to investigate the effects of Angiotensin II on mitochondrial functions, ROS generation and c-jun N-terminal kinases (INK) signalling pathway-mediated cell apoptosis in mouse calvaria osteoblasts.Methods: Calvaria osteoblast were isolated and cultured. The cells were separated into two groups-control and treated groups-where the latter was stimulated with angiotensin II (Ang II). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide production were measured. Intracellular ATP levels were also detected. The cell proliferation rate was determined for the two groups. Protein production such as Anti-Bax, Bcl-2, COX IV and activation of c-jun N-terminal kinases signal (JNK) pathway was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods and Western blotting in this study.Results: Ang II treated cells showed significantly higher levels of superoxide production compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conversely, Ang II induced inhibitory effects on mitochondrial respiratory enzyme complexes, cause membrane potential dissipation, ATP loss and promote ROS generation, cell apoptosis in cultured osteoblasts. In addition, JNK phosphorylations were involved in activating the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway following Ang II stimulation, as pre-treatment of JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 could rescue osteoblast cells from apoptosis by enhancing the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expressions, suppressing the translocation of Bax from cytosol into mitochondria, blocking cytochrome C release and caspase-3 activation.Conclusions: Ang II stimulates osteoblast apoptosis via suppression of the mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, membrane potential and cellular ATP productions. Clinical application with Ang II-stimulated osteoblast could be used for modelling or bone resorption in the oral region. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objectives This study aimed to compare the epigenetic changes via hypermethylation status of TIMP-3, GSTP-1 and 14-3-3σ genes, between healthy subjects and patients with reversible chronic inflammatory disease, and between healthy subjects and patients with irreversible malignant disease, to highlight the genetic changes that occur in the progression from an inflammatory condition to irreversible genetic changes commonly observed in cancer patients. Methods DNA was extracted from the blood of 680 healthy subjects, and tissues and blood of 110 patients with chronic inflammation disease of the gums, as well as neoplastic tissues of 108 breast cancer patients. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for TIMP-3, GSTP-1 and 14-3-3σ was performed, and hypermethylation status was analyzed and compared between the 3 groups. Results The hypermethylation frequencies of TIMP-3 and GSTP-1 of reversible chronic inflammatory gum disease and the control group were similar, but both were significantly lower than those for malignant disease patients (p<0.0001). The methylation frequency of 14-3-3σ in chronic inflammatory gum disease was higher than in the cancer and control groups (p<0.0001). The methylation of CpG islands in TIMP-3 and GSTP-1 in chronic inflammation patients occurred as frequently as in the control group, but less frequently than in breast cancer patients. However, the epigenetic silencing of 14-3-3σ occurred more frequently in the chronic inflammation group than in cancer patients and healthy controls. Conclusions The epigenetic silencing of 14-3-3σ might be essential for chronic inflammatory gum disease. The epigenetic changes presented in chronic inflammation patients might demonstrate an irreversible destruction in the tissues or organs similar to cancer.

Background: Among all neurological tumors, tumor incidence of the neuroepithelial tissue is the highest, where 50% are gliomas. Treatment for gliomas has traditionally included surgery and adjuvant therapy. With advancements in medicine, gene therapy has entered the clinical setting, in which control of tumor growth, tumor volume and decrease of supply of blood to the tumor have been observed. Rat hyperplasia suppressor gene (rHSG) has been proven to inhibit the injury-mediated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.Methods: A recombinant adenovirus, Adv-rHSG-GFP, was constructed and characterized by in vitro and in vivo studies. The function of rHSG on cell proliferation was determined in vitro by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) exclusion assay and plate clone formation, while a C6/Sprague Dawley rat glioma model was established to observe the effect of rHSG in vivo.Results: Overexpression of rHSG displayed a strong effect on suppressing C6 cells proliferation in vitro and growth of glioma in vivo, which suggests the use of rHSG as a possible treatment strategy for glioma. p21(Cip1), p27(Kip1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were found to be involved in the tumor suppression mechanism of rHSG.Conclusions: rHSG can markedly inhibit of the growth of rat glioma cells. The suppression mechanism of rHSG may be related to cell cycle regulation, which shows that rHSG is a potential therapeutic target of glioma tumor. This preclinical study supports a further in-depth study on the effect of rHSG on cell proliferation, migration and change in the extracellular matrix component of glioma cells.

Objective Immediate physical exercise has been recommended for patients in the recovery phase to improve survival and quality of life（QOL）and reduce recurrence of disease.The new NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship also highlighted the role of exercise in post-cancer health,encouraging patients to perform light physical activity following treatment.The aim of our study is to effect of Tai Chi Chuan（TCC）on serotonin and cortisol for monitoring stress and QOL in post-treatment breast cancer patients.Methods Totally85 post-treatment breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study to observe the effects of practicing TCC on recovery,as well as stress and happiness which are indicators of QOL of in patients.Peripheral blood was drawn from study subjects to analyze the levels of serotonin,cortisol and high sensitive C-reactive protein（HSCRP）at baseline,and at 3,6 and 12 months of TCC practice.Blood was drawn from healthy subjects only at baseline.A QOL questionnaire was administered to study subjects at three time points throughout the study,and once for healthy controls.The data were processed by analysis of variance of repeated measurement.Results At 3,6 and 12 months time points following regular TCC exercise,WBC,RBC,hemoglobin in blood samples showed a statistically significant difference（F=161.55,172.14,289.73;all P=0.00）;the level of serotonin（biomarker for well-being）,cortisol（indicator of stress）and HS-CRP（biomarker for inflammation）showed a statistical improvement（F=307.46,182.85,102.23;all P=0.00）.After 3,6 and 12 months of regular TCC exercise,according to the results of QOL questionnaire,the indicators including quality of sleep,perceived hunger,fatigue,contentment,stress and social interaction presented a significant difference（F=312.98,222.64,543.90,46.05,28.10,78.92,all P＜0.05）,while there was no statistical difference in life dissatisfaction（F=56.61,P=0.166）Conclusions TCC physical activity for post-treatment breast cancer patients improved QOL and overall well-being,leading to improved mental,physical and psychological functioning.Regulated levels of serotonin and cortisol mediated by TCC exercises are proved to be vital for continued good health.

Biomaterials are extensively used in bone defect recovery caused by bone diseases. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been reported to reinforce synthetic polymeric materials. The aim of the study is to test poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) loaded with different amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to fabricate nanocomposites. Mechanical, mineralization, and degradation properties were studied in vitro. The proliferation and differentiation of rat bone marrow stem cells were studied to determine biocompatibility in vivo. The incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes greatly increased the mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and the strongest composite obtained was at 2% multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The 2% nanocomposite also had higher rat bone marrow stem cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation characteristics compared to the pure poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate). The apoptosis in the later stage of rat bone marrow stem cells decreased in the 2% nanocomposites group at different time points. Based on histology and micro-computed tomography tests 6 weeks after in vivo implantation, the 2% multi-walled carbon nanotubes/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) treated animals had a higher volume of bone formation compared to the pure poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) group. Thus, the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes has an apparent positive effect on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) in assisting osteogenesis.