Mandevilla longiflora (Desf.) Pichon improves airway inflammation in a murine model of allergic asthma

Publication date: 22 March 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 200
Author(s): Danielle Ayr Tavares de Almeida, Suellen Iara Guirra Rosa, Thais Campos Dias da Cruz, Eduarda Pavan, Amílcar Sabino Damazo, Ilsamar Mendes Soares, Sérgio Donizeti Ascêncio, Antonio Macho, Domingos Tabajara de Oliveira Martins
Ethnopharmacological relevanceMandevilla longiflora, popularly known as "velame" in central Brazil, is a subshrub widely distributed in South America. Its xylopodium is used in the form of a decoction or infusion to treat inflammation and other ailments.Aim of the StudyThis study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of M. longiflora in an in vivo model of ovalbumin-induced immediate hypersensitivity, identifying its effects on leukocyte infiltration, IgE and LTB4 levels, and Th2 cytokine production. In addition, HPLC fingerprint of the extract was performed.Material and methodsThe hydroethanolic extract 70% of M. longiflora (HEMI) was obtained by maceration of the plant xylopodium. Swiss mice were sensitized by i.p. injection OVA-aluminium hydroxide on days 1 and 10. Nine days after the last sensitisation animals were challenged for 6 consecutive days with OVA solution for 20min daily in a closed chamber under continuous flow of aerosol. The animals were treated with HEMl (20, 50 and 200mg/kg p.o.), 2 times per day, and euthanized 24h later. Animals treated with vehicle (2% Tween-20) or dexamethasone were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The recruitment of inflammatory cells into the pulmonary cavity was evaluated by counting cells present in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lung tissue was also collected for histopathology and infiltration analysis. Quantification of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 from the BALF, and IgE, and LTB4 from plasma, were conducted by immunoassay.Results and conclusionsThe HEMl attenuated leukocyte migration into the airways, which was evidenced by a decrease in eosinophils, neutrophils and mononuclear cells, both in BALF quantification and by histopathological analysis, as well as decreasing the concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE and LTB4. All of these events are typical of air-mucosa inflammatory disease. These findings scientifically evidence for the first time the ethnopharmacological use of M. longiflora to treat chronic inflammatory events, such as asthma, and suggest a potential therapeutic use or complementary therapy for this plant extract.

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Screening of plants used in the European traditional medicine to treat memory disorders for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and anti amyloidogenic activity

Publication date: 22 March 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 200
Author(s): Eva S.B. Lobbens, Karina J. Vissing, Lene Jorgensen, Marco van de Weert, Anna K. Jäger
Ethnopharmacological relevancePlants used in the traditional medicine of Europe to treat memory dysfunction and/or to enhance memory were investigated for activity against the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease.Aim of the studyTo investigate 35 ethanolic extracts of plants, selected using an ethnopharmacological approach, for anti-amyloidogenic activity as well as an ability to inhibit the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase.Materials and methodsThe anti-amyloidogenic activity of the extracts against amyloid beta was investigated by Thioflavin T fibrillation assays and the ability to inhibit the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase was evaluated monitoring the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholineResultsUnder the experimental conditions investigated, extracts of two plants, Carum carvi and Olea sylvestris, inhibited amyloid beta fibrillation considerably, eight plant extracts inhibited amyloid beta fibrillation to some extent, 16 plant extracts had no effect on amyloid beta fibrillation and nine extracts accelerated fibrillation of amyloid beta. Furthermore, five plant extracts from Corydalis species inhibited the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase considerably, one plant extract inhibited the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase to some extent and 29 plant extract had no effect on the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase.ConclusionsAn optimal extract in this study would possess acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity as well as anti-amyloidogenic activity in order to address multiple facets of Alzheimer's disease, until the molecular origin of the disease is unraveled. Unfortunately no such extract was found.

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Spatholobi Caulis extracts promote angiogenesis in HUVECs in vitro and in zebrafish embryos in vivo via up-regulation of VEGFRs

Publication date: 22 March 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 200
Author(s): Zhong-Yan Zhou, Li-Yun Huan, Wai-Rong Zhao, Nuo Tang, Yu Jin, Jing-Yi Tang
Ethnopharmacological relevanceSpatholobi Caulis is a traditional blood-activating and stasis-dispelling herb medicine, which has been used to treat diseases related to blood stasis syndrome (BSS) by inhibiting platelet aggregation, stimulate hematopoiesis, etc. It has been demonstrated that pro-angiogenesis could improve BSS. However, the pro-angiogenic activity of Spatholobi Caulis was not well elucidatedAim of studyTo determine the potential pro-angiogenic activity of Spatholobi Caulis and elucidate its underlying mechanism. The active fractions of Spatholobi Caulis were further screened.Material and methodsGelatin precipitation and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) were used to purify the methanol extracts of Spatholobi Caulis, respectively. The RPLC was also used to prepare fractions. Total flavonoids of purified methanol extracts of Spatholobi Caulis (PSC) were determined using ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The morphological observation of subintestinal vessel plexus (SIVs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitor II (VRI)-induced intersegmental blood vessels (ISVs) loss in transgenic zebrafish Tg(fli-1a: EGFP)y1 were selected to evaluate the pro-angiogenic activity of PSC in vivo. Cell proliferation by MTT assay and cell migration assay were used to evaluate the pro-angiogenesis effect of PSC in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Both zebrafish and HUVECs were used in screening active fractions of PSC. The mechanism of PSC promoting angiogenesis were studied by real-time PCR in zebrafish and western blotting in HUVECs.ResultsCo-treatment PSC dramatically rescued VRI-induced ISVs loss in zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner and 80% of the defective vascular recovered at the concentration of 30μg/ml compared with VRI-only group. PSC also concentration-dependently increased average sprouting number and diameter of SIVs in zebrafish embryo. Real-time PCR assay proved that PSC significantly restored the down regulation of VEGFRs including Flt-1, Kdr and Kdrl induced by VRI in zebrafish (P<0.001). Furthermore, PSC not only promoted proliferation and migration of normal HUVECs but also ameliorated VRI-induced HUVECs cytotoxicity. Western blotting assay showed that co-treatment of PSC increased the expression of VEGFRs and phosphorylation of MAPKs which decreased by VRI treatment. In addition, quality evaluation experiments showed that the content of total flavonoids of PSC reached 56.36% and the main pro-angiogenic fractions of PSC were F3, F4 and F5 both in zebrafish and HUVECs.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that PSC presented pro-angiogenic activity both in zebrafish and HUVECs, and principal pro-angiogenic active components were likely flavonoids. Thus, the current study provided evidence for the clinical usage of Spatholobi Caulis in promoting blood circulation and removing stasis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

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Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for the treatment of malaria in Soon Valley, Khushab, Pakistan

Publication date: 22 March 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 200
Author(s): Amin Shah, Sarvat Rahim
Ethnopharmacological relevanceTo best of our knowledge this is the first quantitative ethno-medicinal study with the aim of documenting the indigenous knowledge and practices of using plants for malarial therapy in Soon Valley, Khushab, Pakistan. In this Valley, malaria is among the major public health problems but, until now, the population still mostly relies on herbal medicine for treatment.Materials and methodsEthno-medicinal data were documented from 63 informants by using semi-structured questionnaires and interviewing the informants about their knowledge of plants regarding malaria and related symptoms. Documented data were evaluated using the quantitative ethno-botanical indices of frequency citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), percentage of respondents having knowledge (PRK) and Jaccard index (JI).ResultsA total of 70 plant species belonging to 62 genera and 34 families were recorded as anti-malarial in the study area. Solanaceae was found to be the most cited family with 7 species, followed by Fabaceae, Rutaceae and Lamiaceae with 5 species each. Ocimum americanum and Solanum incanum were the species with the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC =0.25 each) and percentage of respondents having knowledge (PRK =25.4% each), followed by Grewia tenax (RFC =0.23, PRK =23.8%), which indicates that these plants are the best species with anti-malarial properties. The most highly cited life form was found to be herbs (56%). The dominant plant part used in preparations were leaves (49%). The main mode of utilization was decoction (47%) followed by infusion (29%). In comparison, maximum similarity index is found in our study with JI (16.83) followed by (13.13). Similarity percentage of plants uses ranges from 0.81 to 16.83 while dissimilarity percentage varies from 0% to 17.65%.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge seven plant species, viz. Withania coagulans, Fagonia cretica, Carthamus oxyacantha, Ehretia obtusifolia, Helianthus annuus, Olea ferruginea and Vitex trifolia, are reported from this region for the first time for the treatment of malaria. This first ethno-medicinal study highlights potential sources for the development of new antimalarial drugs from indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants found in the Soon Valley, Pakistan. Such investigations could be a subject for in vitro and in vivo anti-plasmodial screening to develop new plant-based antimalarial drugs and can also be evaluated for other biological activities and novel drug discoveries.

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Biocompatibility of biomaterials – Lessons learned and considerations for the design of novel materials

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Gottfried Schmalz, Kerstin M. Galler
ObjectivesBiocompatibility of dental materials has gained increasing interest during recent decades. Meanwhile, legal regulations and standard test procedures are available to evaluate biocompatibility. Herein, these developments will be exemplarily outlined and some considerations for the development of novel materials will be provided.MethodsDifferent aspects including test selection, release of substances, barriers, tissue healing, antibacterial substances, nanoparticles and environmental aspects will be covered. The provided information is mainly based on a review of the relevant literature in international peer reviewed journals, on regulatory documents and on ISO standards.ResultsToday, a structured and systematic approach for demonstrating biocompatibility from both a scientific and regulatory point of view is based on a clinical risk assessment in an early stage of material development. This includes the analysis of eluted substances and relevant barriers like dentin or epithelium. ISO standards 14971, 10993, and 7405 specify the modes for clinical risk assessment, test selection and test performance. In contact with breached tissues, materials must not impair the healing process. Antibacterial effects should be based on timely controllable substances or on repellant surfaces. Nanoparticles are produced by intraoral grinding irrespective of the content of nanoparticles in the material, but apparently at low concentrations. Concerns regarding environmental aspects of mercury from amalgam can be met by amalgam separating devices. The status for other materials (e.g. bisphenol-A in resin composites) needs to be evaluated. Finally, the public interest for biocompatibility issues calls for a suitable strategy of risk communication.SignificanceA wise use of the new tools, especially the clinical risk assessment should aim at preventing the patients, professionals and the environment from harm but should not block the development of novel materials. However, biocompatibility must always be weighed against the beneficial effects of materials in curing/preventing oral diseases.



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Unraveling biophysical interactions of radiation pneumonitis in non-small-cell lung cancer via Bayesian network analysis

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Yi Luo, Issam El Naqa, Daniel L. McShan, Dipankar Ray, Ines Lohse, Martha M. Matuszak, Dawn Owen, Shruti Jolly, Theodore S. Lawrence, Feng-Ming (Spring) Kong, Randall K. Ten Haken
BackgroundIn non-small-cell lung cancer radiotherapy, radiation pneumonitis≥grade 2 (RP2) depends on patients' dosimetric, clinical, biological and genomic characteristics.MethodsWe developed a Bayesian network (BN) approach to explore its potential for interpreting biophysical signaling pathways influencing RP2 from a heterogeneous dataset including single nucleotide polymorphisms, micro RNAs, cytokines, clinical data, and radiation treatment plans before and during the course of radiotherapy. Model building utilized 79 patients (21 with RP2) with complete data, and model testing used 50 additional patients with incomplete data. A developed large-scale Markov blanket approach selected relevant predictors. Resampling by k-fold cross-validation determined the optimal BN structure. Area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) measured performance.ResultsPre- and during-treatment BNs identified biophysical signaling pathways from the patients' relevant variables to RP2 risk. Internal cross-validation for the pre-BN yielded an AUC=0.82 which improved to 0.87 by incorporating during treatment changes. In the testing dataset, the pre- and during AUCs were 0.78 and 0.82, respectively.ConclusionsOur developed BN approach successfully handled a high number of heterogeneous variables in a small dataset, demonstrating potential for unraveling relevant biophysical features that could enhance prediction of RP2, although the current observations would require further independent validation.



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Understanding variations in the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy and its specific indications for breast cancer: A mixed-methods study

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Joan Prades, Manel Algara, Josep A. Espinàs, Blanca Farrús, Meritxell Arenas, Victoria Reyes, Virginia García-Reglero, Maria Josep Cambra, Esther Rubio, Lluis Anglada, Arantxa Eraso, Agustí Pedro, Maria J. Fuentes-Raspall, Victòria Tuset, Judit Solà, Josep M. Borras
Background and purposeRadiation oncology guidelines favour hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (HWBRT) over more conventional schemes in the conservative treatment of breast cancer, but its adoption still varies in clinical practice. This study assessed the patterns of HWBRT adoption in Catalonia (Spain).Material and methodsWe used a mixed-methods approach based on an explanatory sequential design, first collecting and analysing quantitative data on HWBRT use (>2.5Gy per fraction) in 11 public radiotherapy centres (2005–2015) and then performing 25 semi-structured interviews with all department heads and reference radiation oncologist/s.ResultsOf the 34,859 patients fulfiling the study criteria over the study period, just 12% were hypofractionated, reaching a percentage of 29% in 2015 (p<0.001). Our analysis showed a narrowing age gap between patients receiving conventional fractionation and hypofractionation in centres leading adoption. However, there were important differences in clinicians' interpretation of evidence (e.g. regarding the perceived risk of long-term toxicity) and selection of patients for specific indications, both within and between departments.ConclusionsDifferences observed in the rate of adoption of HWBRT could not be tackled only using a rational, evidence-based approach. Factors related to the management of radiotherapy departments play a major role in the diffusion of therapeutic strategies.



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Comment on “Effect of tumor dose, volume and overall treatment time on local control after radiochemotherapy including MRI guided brachytherapy of locally advanced cervical cancer” Kari Tanderup et al.

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Hideya Yamazaki, Satoaki Nakamura, Gen Suzuki, Ken Yoshida, Tadayuki Kotsuma




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The Current Status and Problems Confronted in Delivering Precision Medicine in Japan and Europe

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Current Problems in Cancer
Author(s): Hideaki Bando
Precision medicine has been defined as "a predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory healthcare service delivery model." Today, developments in next-generation sequencing and information technology have made precision medicine possible, with massive amounts of genetic, "omics," clinical, environmental, and lifestyle data now available. Unfortunately, differences in governmental support and healthcare regulations have resulted in heterogeneous progress among countries. In Japan, for example, precision cancer screening and treatments are increasingly being promoted, with collaboration among research, governmental, and pharmaceutical agencies taking place in the nationwide SCRUM-Japan cancer genome screening project. The missions of SCRUM-Japan are to deliver the most appropriate therapeutic agents to the most suitable patients, and to play key roles in the development of multiplex diagnostic products and new indications for targeted therapy. Starting in February 2015 and ending in March 2017, the aim is to enroll 4,750 patients with cancer (2,350 patients with lung cancer and 2,400 patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer).Compared with other developed countries, investments in scientific innovation for biomedical and omics research are matched or even surpassed in Europe, but regulatory differences in each countries are a major hurdle to rapid implementation. Although market approval for pharmaceuticals is centralized through the European Medicines Agency, access to healthcare is heterogeneously regulated at national levels, which undermines the consistency, comparability, and quality of precision medicine for cancer patients in Europe. In this review, we focus on the current progress of precision medicine in Japan and Europe, and clarify the differences in progress and the hurdles faced moving forward.



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Analysis of 3D multi-segment lumbar spine motion during gait and prone hip extension

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Nicholas Ryan, Paul Bruno
Modeling the lumbar spine as a single rigid segment does not consider the relative contribution of regional or segmental motion that may occur during a task. The current study used a multi-segment model to measure three-dimensional (3D) upper and lower lumbar spine motion during walking and prone hip extension (PHE). The degree of segmental redundancy during these movements was assessed by calculating the cross-correlation of the segmental angle time series (R0) and the correlation of the segmental ranges of motion (RROM). All correlation coefficients (R0, RROM) were interpreted as follows: very strong (0.80-1.00), strong (0.60-0.79), moderate (0.40-0.59), weak (0.20-0.39), and very weak (0.00-0.19). Strong/very strong positive R0 were demonstrated between the two segments in all three planes during PHE and in the transverse plane during walking. Weak/moderate R0 were demonstrated in the sagittal and frontal planes during walking. Strong/very strong positive RROM were demonstrated in the transverse plane during PHE, and moderate positive RROM was demonstrated in the sagittal plane during walking. Non-significant RROM were demonstrated for all other planes and movements. These results suggest the motion patterns of the upper and lower lumbar regions during walking and PHE are sufficiently distinct to warrant the use a multi-segment model for these movements. It also appears that the degree of redundancy between the upper and lower lumbar regions may be task-dependent.



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Anti-HER2 neoadjuvant treatment may have an impact on discordance between preoperative core needle biopsy and surgical specimen in early breast cancer

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)
Author(s): Kadri Altundag




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In reply to: Anti-HER2 neoadjuvant treatment may have an impact on discordance between preoperative core needle biopsy and surgical specimen in early breast cancer

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)
Author(s): Icro Meattini, Giulio Francolini, Lorenzo Livi, Jacopo Nori




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Long-term Results of Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Conjunction with Sentinel Node Biopsy Support Step-wise Approach in Melanoma

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)
Author(s): Charlotte M.C. Oude Ophuis, C. Verhoef, D.G. Grünhagen, Petra Siegel, Alfred Schoengen, Joachim Röwert-Huber, Alexander M.M. Eggermont, Christiane A. Voit, Alexander C.J. Akkooi
BackgroundUS-FNAC is a common diagnostic tool in the work-up of many cancers. Results in melanoma were initially poor (sensitivity 20-40%). Introduction of the Berlin Morphology criteria has shown potential improvement up to 65–80% in selected patients.AimThis cohort study evaluates the long-term survival outcome of melanoma patients undergoing Ultrasound (US) guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) prior to sentinel node biopsy (SNB) or direct lymphadenectomy.MethodsBetween 2001-2010 over 1,000 consecutive melanoma patients prospectively underwent targeted US-FNAC prior to SNB. The Berlin US morphology criteria: peripheral perfusion (PP), loss of central echoes (LCE) and balloon shape (BS) were registered. FNAC was performed if any factor was present. All patients underwent SNB or lymphadenectomy in case of positive FNAC.ResultsMedian follow-up was 61 months (IQR 40-95). SN positivity rate was 21%. Survival analyses demonstrated that patients with positive US-FNAC had poor survival. After adjustment for SN status and other known prognostic features, patients with positive US-FNAC (hazard ratio (HR) 1.80, 95% CI 1.10-2.96) had worse survival than patients with normal US (reference). Patients with suspicious US and negative FNAC (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.71-1.78) had survival comparable to patients with normal US.ConclusionsThe long-term US-FNAC results support this step-wise approach to melanoma patients. Patients with positive US-FNAC have a poor survival and can be spared a SNB. Patients with suspicious US and negative FNAC should undergo SNB to detect microscopic occult disease. Completely US-FNAC negative patients might only require follow-up and no SN staging at all.

Teaser

Synopsis: This is the first study providing long-term follow-up results of 1,000 melanoma patients with preoperative targeted ultrasound (US) and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the sentinel node (SN). Accurate stratification of patients according to US-morphology and US-FNAC result is retained at long-term follow-up. These results are very stable with long-term follow-up and thereby confirm the usefulness of the method.


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Association Between PD-L1 Expression and Driven Gene Status in NSCLC: A Meta-Analysis

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)
Author(s): Dianhe Li, Xiaoxia Zhu, Haofei Wang, Na Li
PurposeWe explored the potential clinical association between programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and driven gene status in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsWe systemically searched through October 2015. Odd ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated to examine the association of PD-L1 expression with driven gene status. A random- or fixed-effects model was used.ResultsNine studies were identified. KRAS-mutant tumors were more likely to be PD-L1 positive than KRAS-wild type tumors (51% vs 36%; OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.01-2.84; p = 0.045). In contrast, PD-L1 expression did not differ by EGFR (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.43-1.73; p = 0.675) or ALK (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.44-2.37; p = 0.954) status. In subgroup analysis, there was also no significant association between PD-L1 expression and EGFR status in term of the cut-offs or ethnicity.ConclusionIn conclusion, NSCLC with KRAS mutations showed a trend for higher frequency of positive PD-L1 expression.



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Two low complexity ultra-high throughput methods to identify diverse chemically bioactive molecules using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Katarina Petrovic, Martin Pfeifer, Christian N. Parker, Sven Schuierer, John Tallarico, Dominic Hoepfner, N. Rao Movva, Gunther Scheel, Stephen B. Helliwell
The budding yeast S. cerevisiae is widely used as a eukaryotic model organism to elucidate the mechanism of action of low molecular weight compounds. This report describes the development of two high throughput screening methods based on cell viability either by monitoring the reduction of alamarBlue^® (resazurin) or by direct optical measurement of cell growth. Both methods can be miniaturized to allow screening of large numbers of samples, and can be performed using S. cerevisiae in 384 and 1536-well format. The alamarBlue^® approach achieves Z' values of >0.7 with signal to basal ratios of >6.5, and around 1.1 million low molecular weight compounds were screened, identifying approximately 25,000 primary hits. Dose response curves generated for a subset (1930) using both alamarBlue^® and optical density methods showed significant overlap. In genome-wide haploinsufficiency profiling (HIP), 572 of these hits demonstrated a diverse mechanism of action, affecting >25% of all yeast strains.



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Neuroadaptive Bayesian Optimization and Hypothesis Testing

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Romy Lorenz, Adam Hampshire, Robert Leech
Cognitive neuroscientists are often interested in broad research questions, yet use overly narrow experimental designs by considering only a small subset of possible experimental conditions. This limits the generalizability and reproducibility of many research findings. Here, we propose an alternative approach that resolves these problems by taking advantage of recent developments in real-time data analysis and machine learning. Neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization is a powerful strategy to efficiently explore more experimental conditions than is currently possible with standard methodology. We argue that such an approach could broaden the hypotheses considered in cognitive science, improving the generalizability of findings. In addition, Bayesian optimization can be combined with preregistration to cover exploration, mitigating researcher bias more broadly and improving reproducibility.



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Association between hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus infection and primary hepatocellular carcinoma risk: A meta-analysis based on Chinese population

Libo Li, Xiaolin Lan

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics 2016 12(8):284-287

Objective: To assess the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HBV/HCV double infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in Chinese population. Materials and Methods: The databases of PubMed and CNKI were electronic searched by reviewers according to the searching words of HBV, HCV, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The related case–control studies or cohort studies were included. The association between virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk was demonstrated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The data were pooled by fixed or random effects model according to the statistical heterogeneity. The publication bias was assessed by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. Results: Finally, 13 publications were included in this meta-analysis. For significant statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 99.8%,P = 0.00), the OR was pooled by random effects model. The pooled results showed that HBV infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 58.01, 95% CI: 44.27–71.75); statistical heterogeneity analysis showed that significant heterogeneity existed in evaluation of HCV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk across the included 13 studies I2 = 77.78%, P = 0.00). The OR was pooled by random effects model. The pooled results showed that HCV infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.20–3.47); significant heterogeneity did not exist in evaluation HBV/HCV double infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk for the included 13 studies (I2 = 0.00%,P = 0.80). The OR was pooled by fixed effects model. The pooled results showed that HBV/HCV double infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 11.39, 95% CI: 4.58–18.20). No publication bias was found in the aspects of HBV, HCV, and HBV/HCV double infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: For Chinese population, HBV, HCV or HBV/HCV double infection can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

http://ift.tt/2lojKiZ

O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene promoter methylation and lung cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Zhijia Yang, Fangjun Li

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics 2016 12(8):233-236

Objective: To evaluate O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter methylation pattern in tumor tissue and autologous controls (plasma, normal lung tissue, and bronchial lavage fluid [BLF]) in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: We electronic searched the MEDLINE and CNKI databases to find the open published studies related to MGMT gene promoter hypermethylation in NSCLC patients. The odds ratio (OR) for hypermethylation in plasma, BLF, and tissue was pooled by fixed or random effect model according to the statistical heterogeneity across the included studies. Results: After searching the related databases, we finally included 13 studies in this meta-analysis. The hypermethylation rate of tumor tissue, plasma, BLF, and control tissue of MGMT gene in NSCLC patients were 0.34 ± 0.20, 0.18 ± 0.14, and 0.39 ± 0.23; the statistical heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated by Chi-square and I2-test. Moreover, no statistical heterogeneity was existed in the aspects of hypermethylation for plasma, BLF, and tissue (P < 0.05). Meta-analysis showed the hypermethylation rate in tumor tissue was significantly higher than normal lung tissue (OR = 4.18, 95% CI: 2.76–6.32) and plasma (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.49–3.75) in NSCLC patients. However, for BLF (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 0.88–4.78), the hypermethylation rate was not statistical different (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Hypermethylation rate in MGMT gene promoter of cancer tissue was statistical higher than autologous controls which indicated that MGMT may play an important in the cancer development.

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Helicobacter pylori infection and pancreatic cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Yu Guo, Wei Liu, Jun Wu

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics 2016 12(8):229-232

Objective: To assess whether the Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer or not by meta-analysis. Methods: Published studies about HP infection and pancreatic cancer risk were electronic searched in the databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI. The correlation between HP infection and pancreatic cancer was demonstrated by odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The publication bias was assessed by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. Results: We finally included eight case–control studies for this present meta-analysis with 1003 pancreatic cancer patients and 1754 healthy controls. One study performed in Austria, 3 from China, and 4 from the United States. For obvious statistical heterogeneity, the data were pooled by random effects model. The pooled data indicated that significant correlation between HP infection and pancreatic cancer was found with OR = 1.45 (95% CI = 1.09–1.92) under the random effects model. The results indicated that the HP infection can significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The publication bias was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. The Begg's funnel plot was significant asymmetric at the bottom which indicated potential publication bias. The Egger's linear regression test also indicated significant publication bias (t = 3.21, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on present open published data, HP infection can significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, for small number of studies included in this meta-analysis and publication bias, more case–control or cohort studies are needed to further confirm this conclusion.

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Correlation between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Lili Ye, Yinhua Jiang, Weidong Liu, HaiBiao Tao

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics 2016 12(8):237-240

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk by meta-analysis. Methods: We searched the electronic databases of PubMed and Wanfang to include the articles related to periodontal disease and oral cancer risk. The association between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk was assessed by odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The publication bias was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's line regression test. All the data analysis was done by STATA12.0 software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). Results: Eleven case–control studies were included in our present meta-analysis. We found significant statistical heterogeneity was existed in our present meta-analysis (I2 = 99.8%, P < 0.05). Hence, the data were pooled by random effect model. The pooled results indicated a significant correlation between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk was found with OR = 3.21 and the 95% CI = 2.25–4.16 (P < 0.05). The Begg's funnel plot was obvious asymmetric indicating significant publication bias. Moreover, further Egger's line regression test also indicated significant publications (t = 3.35, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our present meta-analysis indicated that periodontal disease can increase the oral cancer risk by nearly 2-fold.

http://ift.tt/2lok0OU