Serum Levels Of EGF Research Articles

Preoperative Serum Levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer.

(1) Background: It is relevant to find new diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 could be considered new useful markers for diagnosis and survival of endometrial cancer. (2) Methods: A total of 93 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) and 66 patients with non-cancerous endometrial lesions (NCEL) were included in this study. (3) Results: Median serum levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 were significantly higher in the EC group compared to the NCEL group (for PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α and ANG-2, p = 0.0000; for EGF, p = 0.0186). The cut-off level of PDGF-AB was set at 127.69 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 87.1% and a specificity of 66.67% (AUC = 0.78, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of PDGF-BB was set at 207.86 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.85, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of TGF-α was set at 33.85 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.82, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of EGF was set at 934.76 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 83.87% and a specificity of 28.79% (AUC = 0.61, p = 0.018472). The cut-off level of ANG-2 was set at 3120.68 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 72.04% and a specificity of 93.94% (AUC = 0.87, p < 0.000001). (4) Conlusion: It was concluded that all the proteins studied could be potential diagnostic markers in endometrial cancer.

Retracted: Serum Levels of PDGF, EGF, and sFlt-1 in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Their Predictive Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/7118464.].

The impact of intraoperative radiotherapy on breast cancer: focus on the levels of angiogenic factors

ObjectiveAngiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancers that is involved in tumor progression. Angiogenic factors induce the formation of new blood vessels and tumor extension, and finally reduce the survival of patients. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), in which radiation is delivered to the tumor bed can kill cells and change tumor microenvironment. Here, we compared the impact of IORT on the levels of angiogenic factors in the blood and surgical wound fluids (SWF) of the breast cancer patients.Patients and methodsThree hundred sixty patients, who had undergone breast-conserving surgery between 2013 and 2018, were enrolled in IORT and non-IORT groups non-randomly. Blood and drained wound fluid (WF) samples were collected from the patients before and after surgery, followed by quantification of the amounts of TGF-β, EGF, FGF, VEGF, and DLL4 in the patients using ELISA.ResultsOur results were indicative of significant differences between the pre-surgery and post-surgery serum levels of EGF, DLL4, and VEGF. Furthermore, ROC analyses showed that TGF-β and DLL4 can differentiate of the early-stage from late-stage of the disease. Interestingly, the rate of the death and recurrence was reduced in IORT group.ConclusionsIn summary, IORT is a safe and effective treatment that can affect angiogenic factors and improve the overall- and recurrence-free survival of breast cancer patients.

Investigating the inflammatory status in the patients candidate for second angiography after coronary stent implantation

Background Inflammation has been shown to be an important feature of atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess a profile of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD), 12 months after stent implantation. Methods A total of 193 patients with CAD, who were candidates for angiography, 12 months after stent implantation (cases), were compared with 107 patients with CAD, who were candidates for their first angiography (controls). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured using routine methods. The serum concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, EGF and VEGF were determined using competitive chemiluminescence immunoassays. Results Serum levels of FBG (p = .002), TG (p = .029) and hs-CRP (p = .005) were significantly lower in cases than controls. The cytokines and growth factor profiles in cases were significantly different from controls. After multivariate analysis, serum levels of IL-2 (p < .001), IL-4 (p = .028) were significantly lower in cases compared with the controls while serum levels of IL-8, TNF-α, MCP-1, EGF and VEGF were significantly higher in the cases (p < .001). Conclusions In patients with CAD and higher consumption of drug used (statins, aspirin and glucose lowering agents) to mitigate the risk of a secondary event, the level of hs-CRP one year after stent implantation decreased despite of significant higher serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors.

Exposure to widespread drinking water chemicals, blood inflammation markers, and colorectal cancer.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) and nitrate are widespread chemicals in drinking water associated with colorectal cancer risk but mechanisms are not well understood. We explored the association between exposure to THMs and nitrate in drinking water and inflammation markers, and the link with colorectal cancer risk. A subset of 198 colorectal cancer cases and 205 controls from the multicase-control study MCC-Spain were included. Average concentration of THMs (chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, bromoform) and nitrate in tap water at the residence was estimated from age 18 until 2years before the interview ("long term") and for a recent period (3years before diagnosis). Serum levels of EGF, eotaxin, G-CSF, IL-17E, IL-1rA, IL-8, IP-10, MDC, MPO, periostin, VEGF, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. We estimated the linear association between inflammation markers and exposure among controls, and the odds ratio of colorectal cancer associated with THM and nitrate exposure, and inflammation markers. A mediation analysis was conducted to identify inflammation markers in the pathway between THM/nitrate exposure and colorectal cancer. Serum concentrations of EGF, IL-8, IL-17E and eotaxin increased with recent residential levels of brominated THMs, chloroforom and/or total THM. No associations were observed for nitrate and for long-term residential THM levels. All residential exposures except chloroform were positively associated with colorectal cancer. Serum concentrations of VEGF and periostin were positively associated with colorectal cancer, while EGF was inversely associated. One protein-exposure combination (periostin-recent ingested brominated THMs) slightly mediated the association with colorectal cancer risk. Results suggest that estimated THM exposure is involved in inflammation processes. However, the study design was limited to stablish etiologically relevant associations between the protein levels and colorectal cancer risk. The lack of association between nitrate exposure and inflammation markers suggests other biological mechanisms are involved in the link with colorectal cancer.

Effect of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment on Endometrial Receptivity in ICSI cases

The crosstalk between a receptive endometrium and a functional blastocyst during human embryo implantation is crucial for conception. Because platelets rich plasma (PRP) with concentrated platelets 4-5 times higher than normal, when release of granules containing growth factors including VEGF, TGF, PDGF, IGF, and EGF, these factors involved for sub endometrial angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity. 44 women under the age of 40 were given antagonist ovarian stimulation treatments, the oocytes were harvested utilizing 2-D power doppler ultrasound guidance, then ICSI done for them. On the hCG day all had an intrauterine autologous PRP infusion. Power Doppler is utilized to measure endometrial thickness (EnT), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) of sub endometrial arteries, as well as serum levels of VEGF and EGF were measured on the hCG day and ovum pickup (OPU). The ultrasound findings, on the hCG day compared to those of OPU in all women with intrauterine infused autologous PRP were highly significant (HS). The mean EnT, RI, PI, VEGF and EGF at OPU day was lower than that on hCG day in a HS manner, with (p &lt; 0.001), (p &lt; 0.001), (p = 0.047), (p &lt; 0.001), and (p &lt; 0.001) respectively. These characteristics were shown to be significantly and independently associated to intrauterine PRP infusion. After PRP injection, both growth factors serum levels (VEGF and EGF) increased, and ultrasonography sub-endometrial metrics such as EnT, RI, and PI changed as the thickness grew while vascular resistance decreased, and all considered as predictors of endometrial receptivity.

Discovery of Novel Proteomic Biomarkers for the Prediction of Kidney Recovery from Dialysis-Dependent AKI Patients.

AKI requiring dialysis (AKI-D) is associated with prolonged hospitalization, mortality, and progressive CKD among survivors. Previous studies have examined only select urine or serum biomarkers for predicting kidney recovery from AKI. Serum samples collected on day 8 of randomized RRT from 72 patients enrolled in the Veteran's Affairs/National Institutes of Health Acute Renal Failure Trial Network study were analyzed by the SOMAscan proteomic platform to profile 1305 proteins in each sample. Of these patients, 38 recovered kidney function and dialysis was discontinued, whereas another 34 patients remained on dialysis by day 28. Differential serum levels of 119 proteins, with 53 higher and 66 lower, were detected in samples from patients who discontinued dialysis, compared with patients who remained on dialysis by day 28. Patients were classified into tertiles on the basis of SOMAscan protein measurements for the 25 proteins most differentially expressed. The association of serum levels of each protein with kidney recovery was further evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Higher serum levels of CXCL11, CXCL2/CXCL3, CD86, Wnt-7a, BTK, c-Myc, TIMP-3, CCL5, ghrelin, PDGF-C, survivin, CA2, IL-9, EGF, and neuregulin-1, and lower levels of soluble CXCL16, IL1RL1, stanniocalcin-1, IL-6, and FGF23 when classified in tertiles were significantly associated with better kidney recovery. This significant association persisted for each of these proteins after adjusting for potential confounding risk factors including age, sex, cardiovascular SOFA score, congestive heart failure, diabetes, modality of intensive dialysis treatment, cause of AKI, baseline serum creatinine, day 8 urine volume, and estimated 60-day mortality risk. These results suggest concerted changes between survival-related proteins and immune-regulatory chemokines in regulating angiogenesis, endothelial and epithelial remodeling, and kidney cell regeneration, illustrating potential mechanisms of kidney recovery. Thus, this study identifies potential novel predictive biomarkers of kidney recovery in patients with AKI-D.

Abstract MP57: Sex Differences in Stroke Outcome Are Associated With Constitutive Gut Dysbiosis and Stroke-Induced Gut Permeability

Sex differences in experimental stroke are well documented, such that adult males show worse outcomes compared to adult females, including greater infarct volume, increased stroke-induced mortality and more severe sensory-motor impairment. Based on recent evidence that gut dysbiosis may be an early response to stroke, the present study tested the hypothesis that in the acute phase, stroke will result in greater gut dysbiosis and greater permeability of the gut blood barrier in males as compared to females. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats (5-7 months of age) were subject to endothelin-1-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Fecal samples, blood draws and sensory motor tests were collected/conducted pre and 2d after MCAo. Fecal samples were subject to 16s sequencing. Serum samples were subject to gas chromatography for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis. Gut permeability was assessed by histology, biochemical markers in serum and functional assays using oral dextran gavage. We confirmed stroke-induced sex differences, including increased mortality and more severe sensory motor deficit in males as compared to age-matched female rats. Fecal 16s sequencing showed greater bacterial diversity in females at baseline (pre stroke) while 2 days after stroke, these measures were similar between the sexes. Fecal levels of SCFAs, which are usually beneficial, were higher in males. In contrast, MCAo-induced gut permeability was much worse in males as compared to females. Male rats had a decreased villus length to crypt length ratio, higher levels of biochemical gut permeability markers in serum and higher levels of fluorescent-labeled dextrans following oral gavage in serum. Additionally, males had higher serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-17A, MCP-1, IL-5 and EGF compared to females after stroke. Collectively, these results indicate that the worse stroke outcomes seen in males is associated with increased gut permeability in this group. These data suggest that therapeutics that target the gut epithelium in order to reinforce the gut-blood barrier post stroke may be an effective intervention especially in populations such as the elderly or those with co-morbid conditions who have already been shown to have more permeable barriers.

Protective Effects of Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate in Stroke Patients Receiving Amiodarone: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Anti-arrhythmic agents, like amiodarone, interfere at different stages of the ischemic stroke. However, amiodarone was accompanied with immunological pulmonary complications and adverse neurological effects. We hypothesize that magnesium sulfate in combination with amiodarone holds promise for stroke treatment. Thirty-six patients with confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation who received bolus amiodarone were randomly assigned to magnesium sulfate every 24h or similar volume of normal saline (as placebo) for 5days. Various severity test scores were used to evaluate the symptoms. Routing biochemistry were also measured at days 1 and 5. Treatment with MgSO4 results in a significant reduction in serum levels of NGAL, Hb, T.Bill, IL-6, IL-8, SNSE, S100B, EGF, PAF, CRP and IgG. Also, MgSO4 treatment significantly improved the RASS, Candida, SOFA, NIHSS and APACHE scores. Moreover, reduction of IL-6, IL-8, SNSE, EGF and APACHE score and increase in RASS score were significantly higher in MgSO4 group compared with placebo. Intravenous administration of MgSO4 in amiodarone-treated stroke patients improved the inflammatory, immunological and neurological indicators and reduced disability in ICU-admitted AIS patients, suggesting that this treatment scheme may prevent amiodarone-induced complications in these patients.

Quantification of angiogenic factors and their clinicopathological associations in breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the top three common cancers in women, responsible for nearly one-third of all new cancer diagnoses. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in BC progression. In this study, we aimed to measure the serum concentrations of eight angiogenic factors in BC patients and healthy controls and to assess their correlation with clinicopathological variables. In a case-control study, 62 pathologically confirmed BC patients as well as 54 age-matched controls were recruited. A bead-based immunoassay was used to measure serum levels of VEGF-A, ANG-2, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, EGF, TGF-α, HGF, and bFGF. We observed a significant elevation in serum levels of VEGF-A, EGF, and PDGF-AA in BC patients compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Patients with grade III had higher ANG-2 levels compared with those with grades I (P = 0.007) and II of the disease (P = 0.003). In addition, estrogen-positive and progesterone-positive BC patients had higher levels of TGF-α (P < 0.05). The significant elevation of VEGF-A, EGF, and PDGF-AA serum levels in BC patients suggests these cytokines might have diagnostic value as potential biomarkers in BC. Further large-scale studies are needed to generalize these results to all BC patients.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Extract (MSCsE)-Based Therapy Alleviates Xerostomia and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in Sjogren’s Syndrome-Like Disease

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease that manifests primarily in salivary and lacrimal glands leading to dry mouth and eyes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for SS due to its complex etiopathogenesis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were successfully tested for SS, but some risks and limitations remained for their clinical use. This study combined cell- and biologic-based therapies by utilizing the MSCs extract (MSCsE) to treat SS-like disease in NOD mice. We found that MSCsE and MSCs therapies were successful and comparable in preserving salivary and lacrimal glands function in NOD mice when compared to control group. Cells positive for AQP5, AQP4, α-SMA, CK5, and c-Kit were preserved. Gene expression of AQP5, EGF, FGF2, BMP7, LYZ1 and IL-10 were upregulated, and downregulated for TNF-α, TGF-β1, MMP2, CASP3, and IL-1β. The proliferation rate of the glands and serum levels of EGF were also higher. Cornea integrity and epithelial thickness were maintained due to tear flow rate preservation. Peripheral tolerance was re-established, as indicated by lower lymphocytic infiltration and anti-SS-A antibodies, less BAFF secretion, higher serum IL-10 levels and FoxP3+ Treg cells, and selective inhibition of B220+ B cells. These promising results opened new venues for a safer and more convenient combined biologic- and cell-based therapy.

Elevated EGF Levels in the Blood Serum of Dogs with Periodontal Diseases and Oral Tumours.

Paradontopathy and neoplasms of the oral cavity represent one of the greatest challenges in human and animal dentistry. EGF plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and proper rate of cell proliferation in normal oral epithelium. The aim of the present study was to study serum levels of EGF in dogs diagnosed with periodontal diseases and oral cavity tumours. The samples comprised of cancerous tissue sections and serum obtained from dogs of various breeds, aged between 5-13 years. Serum EGF concentrations were measured by an immunoenzymatic method. The median for EGF concentration in serum of dogs suffered from severe periodontal diseases was greater when compared to the control group. EGF concentration in dogs with malignant tumours was significantly higher than in those with non-malignant growths. A positive correlation between EGF concentration and tumour size was also observed. EGF level in dogs diagnosed with benign tumours was comparable to the control group. The blood serum level of EGF increases significantly in patients with malignant oral tumours and advanced periodontal disease. In malignant tumours, the high level of EGF correlates with the size and invasiveness of the neoplasm.

Serum cytokine profiles predict survival benefits in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSorafenib is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor known to prolong overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Predicting this drug’s survival benefits is challenging because clinical responses are rarely measurable during treatment. In this study, we hypothesized that serum cytokines levels could predict the survival of advanced HCC patients, as sorafenib targets signaling pathways activated in the tumor stromal microenvironment and potentially affects serum cytokine profiles.MethodsOf 143 patients with advanced-stage HCC, 104 who were recruited between 2003 and 2007 received hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) that mainly targets tumor epithelial cells at S-phase (cohort 1); additionally, 39 recruited between 2010 and 2012 received sorafenib, which primarily targets the stromal vascular endothelial cells. Serum samples were collected and aliquoted prior to the treatment. Serum EGF, bFGF, HGF, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MIG, PDGF-BB, SCF, SDF1, TGF-β, TGF-α, TNF-α, and VEGF-A were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were used to assess tumor responses.ResultsThe median survival time of HCC patients in cohorts 1 (HAIC-treated) and 2 (sorafenib-treated) were 12.0 and 12.4 months, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant survival differences between the 2 groups. Patients who survived more than 2 years after sorafenib treatment exhibited higher serum levels of IL-10, IL-12, TNF-a, IL-8, SDF-1, EGF, PDGF-BB, SCF, and TGF-α. Furthermore, cohort 2 patients with higher serum IL-5 (>12 pg/mL), IL-8 (>10 pg/mL), PDGF-BB (>300 pg/mL), and VEGF-A (>50 pg/mL) levels achieved longer survival; cohort 1 patients did not. Hierarchical cluster analysis of 6 cytokines robustly enriched for comparison analysis between cohorts 1 and 2 (IL-5, IL-8, TGF-α, PDGF-BB, CXCL9, and VEGF-A) revealed that elevation of these cytokines correlated with better survival when treated with sorafenib but not with HAIC.ConclusionsPatients who exhibited survival benefits owing to sorafenib treatment tended to present higher serum cytokines levels, potentially reflecting the activation of stromal signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Our study thus introduces novel biomarkers that may identify advanced HCC patients who may experience survival benefits with sorafenib treatment.

Serum from CCl4-induced acute rat injury model induces differentiation of ADSCs towards hepatic cells and reduces liver fibrosis

Cellular therapies hold promise to alleviate liver diseases. This study explored the potential of allogenic serum isolated from rat with acute CCl4 injury to differentiate adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) towards hepatic lineage. Acute liver injury was induced by CCl4 which caused significant increase in serum levels of VEGF, SDF1α and EGF. ADSCs were preconditioned with 3% serum isolated from normal and acute liver injury models. ADSCs showed enhanced expression of hepatic markers (AFP, albumin, CK8 and CK19). These differentiated ADSCs were transplanted intra-hepatically in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. After one month of transplantation, fibrosis and liver functions (alkaline phosphatase, ALAT and bilirubin) showed marked improvement in acute injury group. Elevated expression of hepatic (AFP, albumin, CK 18 and HNF4a) and pro survival markers (PCNA and VEGF) and improvement in liver architecture as deduced from results of alpha smooth muscle actin, Sirius red and Masson’s trichome staining was observed.

Serum from dengue virus-infected patients with and without plasma leakage differentially affects endothelial cells barrier function in vitro.

BackgroundAlthough most of cases of dengue infections are asymptomatic or mild symptomatic some individuals present warning signs progressing to severe dengue in which plasma leakage is a hallmark.Methodology/Principal findingsThe present study used Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS®) which allows for electrical monitoring of cellular barrier function measuring changes in Transendothelial Electric Resistance (TEER) to investigate the parameters associated with dengue induced leakage. Three groups of individuals were tested: dengue-positives with plasma leakage (leakage), dengue-positives without plasma leakage (no leakage), and dengue-negatives (control). Data show that TEER values of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was significantly lower after incubation with serum from subjects of the leakage group in comparison to the no leakage or control groups. The serum levels of CXCL1, EGF, eotaxin, IFN-γ, sCD40L, and platelets were significantly decreased in the leakage group, while IL-10, IL-6, and IP-10 levels were significantly increased. We also found a strong correlation between TEER values and augmented levels of IP-10, GM-CSF, IL-1α, and IL-8, as well as decreased levels of CXCL1 and platelets.Conclusions/SignificanceThe present work shows that the magnitude of the immune response contributes to the adverse plasma leakage outcomes in patients and that serum components are important mediators of changes in endothelial homeostasis during dengue infections. In particular, the increased levels of IP-10 and the decreased levels of CXCL1 and platelets seem to play a significant role in the disruption of vascular endothelium associated with leakage outcomes after DENV infection. These findings may have important implications for both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to predict and mitigate vascular permeabilization in those experiencing the most severe clinical disease outcomes after dengue infection.

Evaluating EFEMP1 in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum as a Potential Diagnosis Biomarker for Meningiomas.

The aim of this study was to determine the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum levels of EGF containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) in the patients with meningiomas and explore its potential as a biomarker. Forty-five patients with meningioma, 11 of whom underwent meningioma resection, as well as 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. CSF and blood samples were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Expression levels of EFEMP1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate its discriminant ability. CSF EFEMP1 levels were significantly higher in the CSF samples (p < 0.0001) and serum samples (p = 0.0056) of meningioma patients compared to controls. To distinguish meningioma patients from controls by CSF and serum EFEMP1 levels, ROC/AUC analysis indicated an AUC of 0.945 (sensitivity 0.933; specificity 0.833) and an AUC of 0.674 (sensitivity 0.867; specificity 0.400), respectively. Moreover, the postoperative CSF levels of EFEMP1 were significantly decreased compared to the preoperative levels (p < 0.0001). The present study suggested that elevated EFEMP1 levels might be a novel diagnostic biomarker for meningioma patients.

Rotective effect of Fengliao-Changweikang extracts, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula,on mucosa in rat with chronic gastritis

Background: Fengliao-Changwei-Kang(FCK), the Chinese patent drug, is a famous traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula. It has a significant effect on the clinic treatment of gastrointestinal diseases including gastritis, enteritis and diarrhea for many years. However, there is few research on the protective effects of FCK on the gastric mucosa of chronic gastritis (CG) model rat. Objective: The present study aimed to explore the effects of FCK extract on mucosa in rats with Chronic Gastritis.Materials and Methods: 50 SD mice were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 in each group（five per sex). The groups are respectively control group, model group, low, middle and high FCK extracts (FCK I, II and III) group. The CG rat model was induced by synthetic methods. FCK I, II and III group were administrated with FCK extracts at 2.16g• kg, 4.32g• kg, 8.94g• kg once per day for 21 consecutive days, and the control group and model group were administrated the same volume of distilled water at 10mL/kg once per day. 16 hours after the last administration, the rats were anesthetized and their blood and stomach were drawn from vena cava and abdominal cavity. The serum levels of EGF was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method, the expression of growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemical method, and the mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65 was detected in-situ hybridization.Results: The inflammation grades and the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA in gastric mucosa of the model group were markedly higher than those of the control group (P&lt;0.05). The inflammation grades of gastric mucosa and the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA in gastric mucosa the FCK extract group are significantly lower than those of the model group, and the FCK extract group at 8.64g/kg could greatly increase the serum levels of EGF and the expressions of EGFR in gastric mucosa. High EGF level was found in FCK extract group at 4.32g/kg, but low in FCK extract groups at 2.16g/kg. There were no marked differences among the rats from control group, model group and FCK extract group on ratio of Ll/L2 (P&gt;0.05).Conclusions: FCK extract could alleviate mucosal inflammation by down regulating the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA and promote tissue repair by up regulating EGFR expression in gastric mucosa cell.Keywords: chronic gastritis; fengliao-changwei-kang extract; epidermal growth factor receptor; nuclear factor kappa B.

VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR SERUM LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH ADVANCED ENDOMETRIOSIS.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, characterized by ectopic deposits of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, and it is associated with pelvic pain and infertility, with an important impact on the quality of life. At this point there is a controversy regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis and it seems that pro-angiogenic growth factors might be involved, but their role is not completely understood. To evaluate the serum concentration of the main growth factors in patients with diagnosed endometriosis compared to healthy controls. A total of 157 women were divided into two study groups (Group I - endometriosis; Group 2 - healthy women). Serum levels of VEGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF were measured with Human Multiplex Cytokine Panels. VEGF serum levels were significantly lower in women with endometriosis compared to controls (1.924±0.145 compared to 1.806±0.078 pg/mL, p<0.001). Serum levels of GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF respectively did not differ significantly between patients with endometriosis and healthy controls. G-CSF had a very low detection rate. The present study showed that VEGF serum levels are significantly lower in endometriosis patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a possible role in endometriosis pathogenesis.

Role of serum cytokines in acute appendicitis and acute mesenteric lymphadenitis among children

Background and objectiveThe diagnostic role of serum cytokines depends on the etiology and pathogenesis of acute appendicitis (AA) and acute mesenteric lymphadenitis (AML). The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in cytokine levels between AA and AML. Materials and methodsData of 7- to 18-year-old children were collected prospectively from October 2010 to October 2013. There were 31 patients with AA (AA group), 26 with AML (AML group), and 17 with elective non-inflammatory surgical disease (control group). Serum levels of IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, MCP-1, EGF, TNF-α and white blood count (WBC) were measured three times consecutively in each group. ResultsThe level of IL-6 and IL-10 was significantly higher in the AA group than the AML group at the first measurement (8pg/mL vs. 3.2pg/mL, P=0.000; 6.1pg/mL vs. 3.2pg/mL, P=0.005, respectively). There was a significant difference observed in time dynamics of concentration of IL-6 and MCP-1 for AA and AML. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.64–0.89; P=0.001) for IL-6 with a cut-off value of 4.3pg/mL (67.7% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity) for AA 1h before surgery. The AUC for WBC was 0.72 (95% CI 0.58.4–0.85; P=0.005) with a cut-off value of 10.7×103/μL (sensitivity 71.0% and specificity 46.2%). ConclusionsSerum IL-6 with a cut-off value of 4.3pg/mL and WBC with a cut-off value of 10.7×103/μL assessed together will yield more sensitivity for AA.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF FENGLIAO-CHANGWEIKANG EXTRACTS, A TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE FORMULA,ON MUCOSA IN RAT WITH CHRONIC GASTRITIS

Background: Fengliao-Changwei-Kang(FCK), Chinese patent drug, is a famous traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula, which is effectively used to cure gastrointestinal disease including gastritis, enteritis and diarrhea in the clinic for many years. However, little research has been focused on the protective effects of FCK on the gastric mucosa of chronic gastritis (CG) model rat.&#x0D; Objective: The present study aimed to explore the effects of FCK extract on mucosa in rats with Chronic Gastritis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The CG rat model was induced by synthetic methods. The serum levels of EGF was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method, the expression of growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemical method, the mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65 was detected in-situ hybridization.&#x0D; Results: In the model group, the inflammation grades of gastric mucosa and the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA in gastric mucosa were markedly higher than those of the control group (P0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: FCK extract could alleviate mucosal inflammation by down regulating the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA and promote tissue repair by up regulating EGFR expression in gastric mucosa cell.