Caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active component of propolis obtained from honeybee hives and is found to have the following properties: anti-mitogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant. Recent reports suggest that CAPE also has a neuronal protective property against ischemic injury. Since excitotoxicity may play an important role in ischemia, in this study, we investigated whether CAPE could directly protect neurons against excitotoxic insult. We treated cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) with excitotoxic concentrations of glutamate in the presence or absence of CAPE and found that CAPE markedly protected neurons against glutamate-induced neuronal death in a concentration-dependent fashion. Glutamate-induced CGNs death is associated with time-dependent activation of caspase-3 and phosphorylation of p38, both events of which can be blocked by CAPE. Treating CGNs with specific inhibitors of these two enzymes together exerts a synergistic neuroprotective effect, similar to the neuroprotective effect of CAPE exposure. These results suggest that CAPE is able to block glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 and caspase-3 activation. This finding may further help understanding of the mechanism of glutamate-induced neuronal death and CAPE-induced neuroprotection against excitotoxicity.

Novel coumarin glycoside and phenethyl vanillate from Notopterygium forbesii and their binding affinities for opioid and dopamine receptors

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of Notopterygium forbesii has resulted in the isolation of one new coumarin glycoside and one new phenethyl vanillate, together with seventeen known compounds. The structures of these compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. These compounds were evaluated for their binding affinities to the opioid and dopamine receptors, and falcarindiol showed weak binding affinities to opioid receptors and moderate affinity for D1 receptor (K(i)=192+/-6 nM).

Synthesis of deacetyl-1,10-didehydrosalvinorin G

To unambiguously confirm the actual product in autoxidation of salvinorin A under basic conditions, deacetyl-1,10-didehydrosalvinorin G was synthesized from salvinorin C via intermediate salvinorin H. Furthermore, oxidation of salvinorin D with manganese dioxide gave salvinorin G in good yield.

Development of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of Cladosporium fulvum in tomato leaves

AIMS

The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the rapid detection of Cladosporium fulvum in tomato leaves.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three PCR primer pairs were designed based on the nucleotide sequences of: (i) the internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal RNA; (ii) a microsatellite region amplified by the microsatellite primer M13; and (iii) the beta-tubulin gene of C. fulvum. Each primer pair amplified the expected target DNA fragment from geographically diverse isolates of C. fulvum. No PCR products were amplified with these primer pairs from DNA of other fungal species. Among the three pairs of primers, the primer pair CfF1/CfR1 developed based on the microsatellite region was the most sensitive. Using this sensitive primer pair, a real-time PCR assay was developed to detect early infection of C. fulvum in tomato leaves.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

DNA regions amplified by the microsatellite primer M13 have a high potential for developing highly sensitive species-specific PCR primers for the detection of phytopathogenic fungi. The real-time PCR assay developed in this study is useful in monitoring early infection of C. fulvum, and can help growers make timely decisions on fungicide application.

Triterpenoids and Alkaloids from the Roots of Peganum Nigellastrum

Four lupane-type triterpenoids (1–4) and seven alkaloids (5–11) were isolated from the roots of Peganum nigellastrum. On the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence, the structures of the compounds were elucidated as 3α-hydroxy-27- trans-caffeoyloxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid methyl ester (1), 3β-hydroxy-27- trans-caffeoyloxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid methyl ester (2), 3α-acetoxy-27- trans-caffeoyloxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid methyl ester (3), 3β-acetoxy-27- trans-caffeoyloxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid methyl ester (4), luotonin C (5), luotonin D (6), harmine (7), harmol (8), harmaline (9), deoxyvasicinone (10) and vasicinone (11). Compounds 1, 3 and 4 are novel triterpenoids, and these pentacyclic triterpenoids were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-independent PC-3 human prostate cancer cells.

2-Methoxymethyl-salvinorin B is a potent kappa opioid receptor agonist with longer lasting action in vivo than salvinorin A

Salvinorin (Sal) A is a naturally occurring, selective kappa opioid receptor (KOPR) agonist with a short duration of action in vivo. Pharmacological properties of a C(2) derivative, 2-methoxymethyl (MOM)-Sal B, were characterized. MOM-Sal B bound to KOPR with high selectivity and displayed approximately 3-fold higher affinity than U50,488H [(trans)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide methanesulfonate] and Sal A. It acted as a full agonist at KOPR in guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)triphosphate binding and was approximately 5- and approximately 7-fold more potent than U50,488H and Sal A, respectively. In Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing KOPR, all three kappa agonists internalized or down-regulated KOPR to similar extents, with MOM-Sal B being the most potent. In mice, MOM-Sal B (0.05-1 mg/kg s.c.) caused immediate and dose-dependent immobility lasting approximately 3 h, which was blocked by norbinaltorphimine. In contrast, ambulation in a Y-maze was increased when rats received MOM-Sal B (1-5 mg/kg s.c.). In addition, MOM-Sal B (0.5-5 mg/kg i.p.) produced antinociception (hot-plate test) and hypothermia in a dose-dependent manner in rats. MOM-Sal B was more potent than U50,488H in both tests and more efficacious than U50,488H in the hot-plate test. These latter two in vivo effects were blocked by norbinaltorphimine, indicating KOPR-mediated actions. Sal A at 10 mg/kg elicited neither antinociception nor hypothermia 30 min after administration to rats. In summary, MOM-Sal B is a potent and efficacious KOPR agonist with longer lasting in vivo effects than Sal A.

Huperzine A regulates amyloid precursor protein processing via protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells over-expressing wild type human amyloid precursor protein 695

Alpha-secretase (alpha-secretase), cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) within the amyloid-beta (Abeta) sequence, resulting in the release of a secreted fragment of APP (alphaAPPs) and precluding Abeta generation. We investigated the effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, huperzine A (Hup A), on APP processing and Abeta generation in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells overexpressing wild-type human APP695. Hup A dose-dependently (0-10 microM) increased alphaAPPs release. Therefore, we evaluated two alpha-secretase candidates, a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) 10 and ADAM17 in Hup A-induced non-amyloidogenic APP metabolism. Hup A enhanced the level of ADAM10, and the inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE)/ADAM17 inhibited the Hup A-induced rise in alphaAPPs levels, further suggesting Hup A directed APP metabolism toward the non-amyloidogenic alpha-secretase pathway. Hup A had no effect on Abeta generation in this cell line. The steady-state levels of full-length APP and cell viability were unaffected by Hup A. Alpha-APPs release induced by Hup A treatment was significantly reduced by muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists (particularly by an M1 antagonist), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, GF109203X and calphostin C, and the mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors, U0126 and PD98059. Furthermore, Hup A markedly increased the phosphorylation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, which was blocked by treatment with U0126 and PD98059. In addition, Hup A inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity by 20% in neuroblastoma cells. Our results indicate that the activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, PKC and MAP kinase may be involved in Hup A-induced alphaAPPs secretion in neuroblastoma cells and suggest multiple pharmacological mechanisms of Hup A regarding the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

The effects of interleukin-18 on rat articular chondrocytes: a study of mRNA expression and protein synthesis of proinflammatory substances

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a potent stimulator of immunity and augments the severity of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and mice by enhancing T helper 1 (Th1) cell activation, which increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines and arthritogenic antibodies. In this study, we show that recombinant IL-18 (rIL-18) also has a direct effect on normal rat chondrocytes maintained in vitro inducing them to produce proinflammatory factors including IL-6, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-1beta were also enhanced, although less intensely. Neutralizing polyclonal anti-rIL-18 antibodies effectively blocked the production of IL-6, PGE(2) and RANTES, as well as mRNA expression for the same products in addition to IL-18 and TNF-alpha. In contrast, neutralizing antibodies to IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were ineffective in suppressing any of these products. Together, these findings suggest that IL-18 may play an important, possibly direct, role in mediating cartilage injury, which might not be amenable to treatment with currently utilized anti-cytokine agents. These findings suggest further that IL-18 antagonists might prove beneficial as anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective agents in the treatment of arthritis, and that the development of such agents for human use is worth consideration.

Isosteviol reduces plasma glucose levels in the intravenous glucose tolerance test in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

AIM

The aim of this study was to test the effect of isosteviol on blood glucose and insulin levels during the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) in Wistar and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.

METHODS

ZDF rats were divided into a control and three isosteviol treatment (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) groups. Wistar rats were divided into a control group and an isosteviol treatment group (10 mg/kg). The rats were fasted for 12 h prior to infusion of isosteviol and glucose (1.0 g/kg). Blood samples were taken at 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the injection of glucose. Glucose concentrations were determined by the glucose oxidase method, and plasma insulin was analysed by radioimmunoassay. The area under the curve (AUC) of the net change in plasma glucose concentration was used to compare the isosteviol treatment and control groups.

RESULTS

In ZDF rats, isosteviol at 5 and 10 mg/kg caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the AUC of glucose during the IVGTT. However, isosteviol did not increase plasma insulin concentrations in ZDF rats. In Wistar rats, isosteviol did not significantly affect plasma glucose or insulin levels during the IVGTT.

CONCLUSION

Isosteviol exerts an antihyperglycaemic effect during IVGTT in ZDF rats but not in Wistar rats. Isosteviol has no significant effect on plasma insulin concentrations. The glucose-lowering effect of isosteviol may be due to changes in the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin.

Revised structure of deacetyl-1,10-didehydrosalvinorin G

In comparison with the NMR data of salvinorin A and its 8-epimer, the published structure of deacetyl-1,10-didehydrosalvinorin G was revised to its 8-epimer. The stereochemistry of 8-epi-deacetyl-1,10-didehydrosalvinorin G was further confirmed by NOESY and chemical synthesis.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ decreases serotonin efflux in the rat brain but in contrast to a kappa-opioid has no antagonistic effect on mu-opioid-induced increases in serotonin efflux

Similar to kappa-opioids, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (OFQ) exerts anti-mu-opioid actions. This may involve interactions within the circuitry controlling 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) that project to the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). To test this hypothesis, we compared the effects of OFQ and kappa-opioids on 5-HT efflux in the CNS of freely behaving rats. First, OFQ (30-300 microM) infused into the DRN for 120 min dose-dependently decreased 5-HT efflux in the DRN. The opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL-1) antagonist [Nphe(1)]nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) blocked this effect. Using dual-probe microdialysis we observed that OFQ (300 microM) infused into the DRN for 120 min produced parallel decreases in 5-HT efflux in the DRN and NAcc, suggesting that ORL-1 receptors in the DRN inhibit serotonergic neurons projecting to the NAcc. Also, 5-HT efflux in the NAcc was dose-dependently decreased during OFQ (30-300 microM) infusion into the NAcc. This suggests that OFQ can reduce 5-HT efflux in the NAcc both by inhibiting serotonergic neurons in the DRN and by stimulating ORL-1 receptors in the NAcc. Similar to OFQ, the kappa-opioids U-50,488 (300 microM) and dynorphin A(1-13) (300 microM) infused into the DRN for 120 min decreased 5-HT efflux in the DRN. This effect was blocked only by the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI. Lastly, we compared the ability of OFQ and U-50,488 to block mu-opioid-induced increases in 5-HT. The kappa-opioid U-50,488 (1000 microM) attenuated the increase in 5-HT induced by the mu-opioid agonist endomorphin-1 (300 microM) in the DRN. In contrast, OFQ (300-1000 microM) did not alter mu-opioid-induced increases in 5-HT efflux. In summary, kappa-opioids and OFQ both decreased 5-HT efflux in the CNS. However, in contrast to kappa-opioids, which reversed mu-opioid-induced increases in 5-HT efflux, the anti-mu-opioid effects of OFQ apparently do not involve changes in 5-HT transmission under our experimental conditions.

Response to pioglitazone treatment is associated with the lipoprotein lipase S447X variant in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

To investigate the influence of the S447X variant in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene on the response rate to therapy with the thiazolidinedione pioglitazone. A total of 113 diabetic patients were treated with pioglitazone 30 mg for 10 weeks. Response to the pioglitazone treatment was defined by either a >10% relative reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) or a more than 1% decrease in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values after 10 weeks of pioglitazone treatment. The genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Using the criteria >10% relative reduction in FBG after 10 weeks of pioglitaone treatment, responder frequency to pioglitazone treatment in S447S genotype group is significantly higher than S447X genotype group. Meanwhile, the S447X genotype conferred a statistically significant 0.538-fold reduction in response rate to pioglitazone treatment relative to the S447S genotype. Moreover, pioglitazone treatment has significantly beneficial effects on serum lipid profile and blood pressure in S447S genotype carriers. The S447X variant in LPL gene may be a cause for therapy modification by pioglitazone.

Nutritional implications of patient–provider interactions in hospital settings: evidence from a within-subject assessment of mealtime exchanges and food intake in elderly patients

OBJECTIVE

To examine the nutritional implications of the interactions taking place between patients and care providers during mealtimes in hospital settings. Specifically, we tested research propositions that the amount and nature of interpersonal behaviours exchanged between patients and providers impact patients' food intake. These propositions were derived from prior evidence of social influences on eating behaviour and a well-established framework that identifies two fundamental modalities of human interaction: striving for mastery and power (agency) and efforts to promote union with others (communion).

DESIGN

In a within-subject naturalistic study, participants were observed on multiple meals (n=1477, 46.2 meals/participant on average), during which participants' and providers' agency- and communion-related behaviours and patients' protein and energy intake were recorded. Meal-level frequency and complementarity of patients' and providers' behaviours were computed to test research propositions.

SETTING

Dining room of a geriatric rehabilitation unit.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-two elderly patients (21 females, mean age:78.8, 95% CI: 76.4, 81.1).

RESULTS

Meal-level frequency of patient-provider exchanges (P=0.016) and patients' agency-related behaviours (P=0.029), as well as mutual reciprocation of patients' and providers' communion-related behaviours (P=0.015) on a given meal were positively linked to protein intake. Higher energy intake was found during meals where patients expressed more agency-related behaviours (P=0.029).

CONCLUSION

Results present evidence that the amount and nature of patient-provider interpersonal exchanges on a given meal influence the nutritional quality of food intake in hospitalized elderly. They provide insights into how to improve the design and delivery of routine care to this malnutrition-prone population.

SPONSORSHIP

This study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Operating grant to Laurette Dubé, Doctoral Fellowship to Catherine Paquet) the Fonds de la Recherche en santé du Québec and by the Danone Institute (Doctoral fellowship to Danielle St-Arnaud McKenzie).

Effects of huperzine A on amyloid precursor protein processing and beta-amyloid generation in human embryonic kidney 293 APP Swedish mutant cells

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved enzymatically by nonamyloidogenic and amyloidogenic pathways. alpha-Secretase (alpha-secretase), cleaves APP within the beta-amyloid (Abeta) sequence, resulting in the release of a secreted fragment of APP (alphaAPPs) and precluding Abeta generation. In this study, we investigated the effects of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, huperzine A (Hup A), on APP processing and Abeta generation in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with human APP bearing the Swedish mutation (HEK293 APPsw). Hup A dose dependently (0-10 microM) increased alphaAPPs release and membrane-coupled APP CTF-C83, suggesting increased APP metabolism toward the nonamyloidogenic alpha-secretase pathway. The metalloprotease inhibitor TAPI-2 inhibited the Hup A-induced increase in alphaAPPs release, further suggesting a modulatory effect of Hup A on alpha-secretase activity. The synthesis of full-length APP and cell viability were unchanged after Hup A incubation, whereas the level of Abeta(Total) was significantly decreased, suggesting an inhibitory effect of Hup A on Abeta production. Hup A-induced alphaAPPs release was significantly reduced by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors GF109203X and Calphostin C. These data, together with the finding that the PKCalpha level was enhanced prior to the increase of alphaAPPs secretion, indicate that PKC may be involved in Hup A-induced alphaAPPs secretion by HEK293 APPsw cells. Our data suggest alternative pharmacological mechanisms of Hup A relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Management of achalasia with transabdominal esophagocardiomyotomy and partial posterior fundoplication

In this article we present our experience in the management of achalasia. From May 1988 through August 2005, 71 patients with achalasia underwent transabdominal esophagocardiomyotomy and partial posterior fundoplication. Barium swallow, manometry, and 24-h pH studies were performed in all patients preoperatively. Manometry and 24-h pH monitoring were only carried out in 58 patients at the third post-operative week and in 43 patients during follow-up, even though 52 patients were included in the follow-up. There were no operative deaths or complications. All the 71 patients were able to eat semifluid or solid food without dysphagia and heartburn at discharge. Esophageal barium studies showed that the maximum esophageal diameter decreased 2.2 cm and the minimum gastroesophageal junction diameter increased 8.4 mm after operation. Manometry examination in 58 patients revealed that the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure decreased 15.0 mmHg in the wake of the procedure. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring demonstrated that reflux events were within the normal post-operative range. Fifty-five of the 58 patients had normal DeMeester scores. Among the patients with a mean 90-month follow-up, 49 patients had normal intake of food without reflux, the remaining three had mild dysphagia without requiring treatment. All the patients resumed their preoperative work and social activities. The manometry and 24-h pH studies in the 43 patients showed there were no significant changes between the third post-operative week and during follow-up. Transabdominal esophagocardiomyotomy and posterior partial fundoplication are able to relieve the functional outflow obstruction of the lower esophageal sphincter, obviate the rehealing of the myotomy edge and prevent gastroesophageal reflux in patients who have undergone myotomy alone.

Synthesis and in vitro pharmacological studies of new C(4)-modified salvinorin A analogues

Salvinorin A, a compound isolated from the plant Salvia divinorum, is a potent and highly selective agonist for the kappa opioid receptor. For exploration of its structure and activity relationships, further modifications, such as reduction at the C(4) position, have been studied and a series of salvinorin A derivatives were prepared. These C(4)-modified salvinorin A analogues were screened for binding and functional activities at the human kappa-opioid receptor and several new full agonists have been identified.

Gamma-S crystallin gene (CRYGS) mutation causes dominant progressive cortical cataract in humans

BACKGROUND

Congenital or childhood cataract is clinically and genetically a highly heterogeneous lens disorder in children. Autosomal dominant inheritance is most common.

OBJECTIVE

To report the identification of a mutation in the human CRYGS gene.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A large six generation family affected by progressive polymorphic cortical cataract was investigated. After excluding loci for known cataract candidate genes using 39 fluorescent microsatellite markers, a whole genome scan was carried out.

RESULTS

The disease was associated with inheritance of a 20.7 cM locus on chromosome 3q26.3-qter, with a maximum LOD score of 6.34 (theta = 0) at marker D3S1602. Haplotype analysis indicated that the disease gene lay at approximately 2.8 Mb physical intervals between D3S1571 and D3S3570 and contained CRYGS on 3q27.3. By sequencing the CRYGS gene, a distinct 1619G-->T (AC068631) heterozygous missense mutation in exon 2 was identified, co-segregating with the disease phenotype in this family and resulting in a glycine (GGC) to valine residue (GTC) substitution in codon 18 (NP_060011).

CONCLUSIONS

This report is the first description of a mutation in CRYGS with autosomal dominant cataract in humans.

Pharmacokinetic Profile of the Isoflavone Puerarin After Acute and Repeated Administration of a Novel Kudzu Extract to Human Volunteers

OBJECTIVES

This study was undertaken to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of puerarin, the major isoflavone found in a kudzu (Pueraria lobata) extract after acute and repeated administration.

METHODS

Participants were given either single or repeated doses of kudzu extract, and blood samples were collected for either 8 or 72 hours for subsequent pharmacokinetic analyses of puerarin.

RESULTS

Using WinNonlin pharmacokinetic data analysis software, puerarin was found to be rapidly absorbed via the oral route, reach peak levels at 2 hours, and have a half-life of approximately 4.3 hours. The elimination half-life was not significantly altered after repeated administration.

CONCLUSIONS

A formulation of kudzu extract delivers a large amount of the principal isoflavone in a rapid manner. The elimination rate constants and the mono-exponential decline in blood levels suggest that a one compartment model adequately explains how puerarin is handled by the body. Three times a day dosing is recommended as accumulation will not occur, and plasma levels remain at levels that are biologically active, even 8 hours after the last steady-state dose.

The clinical value of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor--c-met for liver cancer patients with hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

To study the dynamic change of hepatocyte growth factor after hepatectomy in patients with primary liver cancer, and to analyse the prognostic value of hepatocyte growth factor and c-met for these patients.

METHODS

Thirty-one consecutive patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for liver cancer were studied. Serum hepatocyte growth factor level was determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit before and after operation, respectively. C-met protein and MRNA expressions in cancerous and paracancerous tissues were examined by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods, respectively. The correlations between clinical-pathologic parameters and the expressions of hepatocyte growth factor in serum and c-met in cancerous tissues were analysed, respectively.

RESULTS

Liver cancer patients had a significantly higher level of serum hepatocyte growth factor than normal controls (1.0424+/-0.498 ng/ml versus 0.685+/-0.115 ng/ml, p=0.008). Serum hepatocyte growth factor level was positively affected by tumour size, node cirrhosis, portal vein tumour thrombi, cholangiocarcinoma (including combined hepatocellular carcinoma), poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma and tumour recurrence or metastases. After hepatectomy, serum hepatocyte growth factor level peaked on the third postoperative day, and then declined, but did not return to normal level on the postoperative day 10. From the preoperative day to postoperative day 10, the level of serum hepatocyte growth factor had a decrease of percent (85.33+/-10.2%) in the group with large tumours (>5 cm), but an elevation of percent (121.9+/-10.3%) in the group with small tumours (<or=5 cm). From the preoperative day to postoperative day 3, the level of serum hepatocyte growth factor had a higher elevation in the group with major resection than in the group with local resection (p=0.016). Moderately or strongly positive expression of c-met protein was observed in 27 cancerous regions (27/31), and only in 5 paracancerous regions. The intensive expression of c-met MRNA was 100% (31/31) detectable in the cancerous tissues, but only 22.6% (7/31) in the paracancerous tissues. C-met protein expression in cancerous tissues was correlated with portal vein tumour thrombi, cholangiocarcinoma and tumour recurrence or metastases, and the expression in paracancerous tissues was correlated with node cirrhosis. No significant correlation was observed between the hepatocyte growth factor in serum and c-met in cancerous tissues.

CONCLUSION

The over-expressions of the hepatocyte growth factor and c-met indicates an adverse prognosis for patients with liver cancer. The sustained high level of serum hepatocyte growth factor after hepatectomy may be a factor related to early tumour recurrence and metastasis. Liver regeneration may be a main factor leading to high level of serum hepatocyte growth factor in early postoperative stage.