鼻咽癌Epstein-Barr病毒的原位分子杂交研究

应用Epstein-Barr病毒编码的小RNA－1（Epstein-Barr virus encoded small RNA-1,EBER-1)分子探针进行原位分子杂交,检测沈阳地区鼻咽癌的Epstein-Barr病毒存在状况及意义。结果发现：EBER－1杂交信号定位于鼻咽癌的癌细胞核,在正常的鼻咽粘膜上皮细胞、间质细胞、粘液腺及淋巴细胞均为阴性。在53例鼻咽癌病例中,37例阳性,阳性率为69.8%。EBER－1的阳性表达与鼻咽癌的分化程度呈负相关,与患的生存期未见明显关系。提示：应用EBER－1分子探针可进行回顾性研究：EB病毒的存在与鼻咽癌的分化程度成负相关。     

5-杂氮-2′-脱氧胞苷诱导鼻咽癌细胞株Syk基因启动子去甲基化的研究

利用5-杂氮-2′-脱氧胞苷（5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine,5-aza-CdR）处理体外培养的鼻咽癌细胞株CNE-1、CNE-2及永生化非癌性人鼻咽上皮细胞株NP-69,采用BS-PCR、Q-RT-PCR及Westernblot方法分别检测经5μmol/L的5-aza-CdR处理前后,各细胞株中Syk基因启动子甲基化状况及SykmRNA和蛋白质表达情况。探讨去甲基化药物5-杂氮-2′-脱氧胞苷（5-aza-CdR）对鼻咽癌细胞株中脾酪氨酸激酶（spleen tyrosine kinase,Syk）启动子甲基化水平及其表达的影响。结果显示,Syk基因启动子甲基化水平与鼻咽癌细胞分化程度呈负相关,两种鼻咽癌细胞株的Syk mRNA和蛋白质表达水平显著低于NP-69细胞（P〈0.01）;经5-aza-CdR处理后两种鼻咽癌细胞株的Syk基因启动子甲基化水平降低,Syk mRNA及蛋白质表达升高（P〈0.05）;高分化鼻咽癌细胞株对药物敏感性高于低分化鼻咽癌细胞株（P〈0.01）。由此可见,两种鼻咽癌细胞株中存在不同程度的Syk基因启动子甲基化状态,5-aza-CdR能有效逆转鼻咽癌细胞株Syk基因启动子的甲基化状态,升高Syk mRNA及蛋白质表达,同时鼻咽癌细胞分化程度越高恢复Syk基因表达的比率越高。     

bcl-2癌基因蛋白在鼻咽癌以及单克隆癌细胞裸鼠体内连续传代中的表达

用免疫组织化学Ｓ－Ｐ方法,检测了４０例低分化鼻咽癌、３０例鼻咽癌克隆细胞裸鼠移植瘤、１０例慢性鼻咽炎及８例人胚鼻咽上皮组织石蜡包埋切片中抗凋亡基因ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白的表达;并进一步检测了鼻咽癌克隆株在裸鼠体内演进中ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白的表达以及与淋巴结转移之间的关系。结果表明：鼻咽癌及其裸鼠移植瘤组织中ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白的表达率分别为６２．５％和７０％,慢性鼻咽炎中ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白的表达率为１０％,人胚鼻咽上皮组织中不表达ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白,鼻咽癌及其裸鼠移植瘤组织中ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白的表达率明显高于慢性鼻咽炎组织中（Ｐ＜０．０１）;鼻咽癌克隆株演进中癌细胞ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白的表达不断升高,其淋巴结转移率亦不断升高。提示：抗凋亡基因ｂｃｌ－２癌蛋白的表达可能和鼻咽癌的发生、演进及转移能力密切相关     

肝细胞生长因子和其受体c—Met在鼻咽癌组织中的表达及其意义

目的：探讨肝细胞生长因子（HGF）和其受体c—Met在鼻咽癌（NPC）中的表达及其意义。方法：采用免疫组织化学S-P法检测55例NPC,15例慢性鼻咽炎症中HGF／c—Met蛋白的表达,并结合临床病理进行分析。结果：HGF、C—Met在慢性鼻咽粘膜炎症中,主要表达于柱状上皮细胞胞膜或细胞浆;在NPC中HGF主要表达于肿瘤间质、癌细胞有少量表达;c-Met表达于癌细胞,间质不袁达。HGF、C—Met蛋白在NPC中的阳性表达率分别为90．9％（39／55）、70．9％（50／55）,与对照组相比,差异有显著性（P〈0．05）;HGF,c-Met的阳性表达与临床分期呈正相关（P〈0．05）,而与年龄、性别、组织分型无相关性;有淋巴结转移的c-Met蛋白阳性表达率分别显著高于无淋巴结转移,差异有显著性（P〈0．01）。结论：HGF／c—Met过度表达可能在鼻咽癌癌细胞的侵袭转移过程中起调节作用,c-Met基因的异常表达与NPC侵袭转移生物学行为密切相关,c-Met对于判断NPC预后具有一定价值。     

肝细胞生长因子和其受体c-Met在鼻咽癌组织中的表达及其意义

目的:探讨肝细胞生长因子(HGF)和其受体c-Met在鼻咽癌(NPC)中的表达及其意义.方法:采用免疫组织化学S-P法检测55例NPC,15例慢性鼻咽炎症中HGF/c-Met蛋白的表达,并结合临床病理进行分析.结果:HGF、c-Met在慢性鼻咽粘膜炎症中,主要表达于柱状上皮细胞胞膜或细胞浆;在NPC中HGF主要表达于肿瘤间质、癌细胞有少量表达;c-Met表迭于癌细胞,间质不表达.HGF、c-Met蛋白在NPC中的阳性表达率分别为90.9%(39/55)、70.9%(50/55),与对照组相比,差异有显著性(P＜0.05);HGF,c-Met的阳性表达与临床分期呈正相关(P＜0.05),而与年龄、性别、组织分型无相关性;有淋巴结转移的c-Met蛋白阳性表达率分别显著高于无淋巴结转移,差异有显著性(P＜0.01).结论:HGF/c-Met过度表达可能在鼻咽癌癌细胞的侵袭转移过程中起调节作用,c-Met基因的异常表达与NPC侵袭转移生物学行为密切相关,c-Met对于判断NPC预后具有一定价值.     

E-cadherin 在鼻咽癌组织中的表达及临床意义*

摘要目的：检测鼻咽癌组织中上皮细胞钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）的表达情况,探讨E-cad 与肿瘤侵袭、转移的关系。方法：收集临床 确诊的存档鼻咽低分化鳞癌石蜡标本40例,鼻炎标本20 例。将每个标本的4 长切片分别进行HE染色、免疫组化PV 二步法及 阴性对照。HE 确认病理类型,结合临床资病例料进行TNM分期,根据PV 二步法染色结果检测E-cadherin 的表达,所得结果用 SPSS17.0 进行统计学检验。结果：E-cadherin 在鼻咽癌组织对比中呈不同程度的降低（P=0.002）,与性别、年龄无明显相关,与T 分 期（P=0.023）、淋巴结转移（P=0.001）、TNM 分期（P=0.000）显著相关。结论：1：E-cadherin 在鼻咽癌组和对照组的表达有显著的差 别,可能参与了鼻咽癌的发生发展。2：E-cadherin 的表达与肿瘤的淋巴结转移和病理分期有相关性,但与年龄和性别无相关性。 E-cadherin 的表达缺失是肿瘤远处转移的重要指标。3：E-cadherin 表达水平可能作为肿瘤侵袭,预测鼻咽癌颈部淋巴结隐匿性转 移的潜在肿瘤标志物。     

E-cadherin在鼻咽癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的：检测鼻咽癌组织中上皮细胞钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）的表达情况,探讨E-cad与肿瘤侵袭、转移的关系。方法：收集临床确诊的存档鼻咽低分化鳞癌石蜡标本40例,鼻炎标本20例。将每个标本的4长切片分别进行HE染色、免疫组化PV二步法及阴性对照。HE确认病理类型,结合临床资病例料进行TNM分期,根据PV二步法染色结果检测E-cadherin的表达,所得结果用SPSSl7．0进行统计学检验。结果：E-cadherin在鼻咽癌组织对比中呈不同程度的降低（P=0．002）,与性别、年龄无明显相关,与T分期（P=0．023）、淋巴结转移（P=0．001）、TNM分期（P=0．000）显著相关。结论：1：E-cadherin在鼻咽癌组和对照组的表达有显著的差别,可能参与了鼻咽癌的发生发展。2：E-cadherin的表达与肿瘤的淋巴结转移和病理分期有相关性,但与年龄和性别无相关性。E-cadherin的表达缺失是肿瘤远处转移的重要指标。3：E-cadherin表达水平可能作为肿瘤侵袭,预测鼻咽癌颈部淋巴结隐匿性转移的潜在肿瘤标志物。     

组织微阵列技术研究肿瘤转移相关基因在鼻咽癌中的表达与临床意义

利用高通量组织微阵列结合免疫组化检测MT1-MMP、MT2-MMP、Ezrin、nm23-H1、E-cad和TIMP-2在鼻咽癌组织中的蛋白质表达,探讨肿瘤转移相关基因异常表达在鼻咽癌侵袭转移中的作用,筛选鼻咽癌转移相关分子标志物.结果发现,鼻咽癌组织存在MT1-MMP、Ezrin蛋白高表达(P<0.01)和nm23-H1、TIMP-2蛋白低表达(P<0.05).临床Ⅱ期、Ⅲ期和Ⅳ期鼻咽癌和淋巴结转移鼻咽癌中MT1-MMP、MT2-MMP和Ezrin蛋白阳性表达显著高于临床Ⅰ期鼻咽癌和无转移癌(P<0.05,P<0.01),但临床Ⅱ期、Ⅲ期和Ⅳ期鼻咽癌和淋巴结转移鼻咽癌中nm23-H1蛋白的阳性表达显著低于临床Ⅰ期鼻咽癌和无转移癌(P<0.05).鼻咽癌组织中MT1-MMP与MT2-MMP r=0.308,P<0.001),nm23-H1与E-cad(r=0.167,P<0.05)及TIMP-2(r=0.279,P=0.001),E-cad与TIMP-2(r=0.279,P=0.001)的蛋白质表达旱显著正相关.MT1-MMP与E-cad(r=-0.188,P<0.05)及TIMP-2(r=-0.233,P<0.05),Ezrin与E-cad(r=-0.204,P<0.05)的蛋白质表达呈显著性负相关.聚类分析显示,鼻咽癌MT1-MMP、MT2-MMP和Ezrin蛋白共同阳性表达显著高于慢性炎性鼻咽上皮(P<0.05),但nm23-H1、E-cad和TIMP-2蛋白在鼻咽癌组织中的共同阴性显著高于癌旁上皮和慢性炎性鼻咽上皮(P<0.05,P<0.01).多因素分析和有效性评估发现,MT1-MMP蛋白能较好地独立预测鼻咽癌淋巴结转移和临床进展.上述研究结果提示,多个肿瘤转移基因的蛋白质高表达,转移抑制基因的低表达和这些基因的蛋白质表达失平衡在鼻咽癌淋巴结转移和临床进展过程中起重要作用.MTI-MMP蛋白可作为预测鼻咽癌淋巴结转移的较好分子标志.     

甲基转移酶对鼻咽癌细胞中DLC-1基因表达的影响

肝癌缺失基因-1(deleted in liver cancer-1,DLC-1)在多种肿瘤中呈现表达缺失或表达下调,这种异常表达主要与由DNA甲基转移酶(DNA methyltransferases,DNMTs)参与的启动子区异常甲基化有关。RT-PCR结果显示DLC-1在永生化鼻咽上皮细胞NP69和干扰DNMTs的5-8F细胞中的表达水平较未干扰的鼻咽癌细胞明显升高。甲基化特异性PCR(methylation-specific PCR,MSPCR)结果则表明DLC-1启动子区在表达下调或缺失的鼻咽癌细胞中均存在异常高甲基化,而干扰DNMTs后5-8F细胞中DLC-1启动子区甲基化状态被逆转,其中特异性干扰DNMT1后效果略为显著,提示DNA甲基转移酶活性对于鼻咽癌中DLC-1启动子区甲基化水平具有重要的调控作用,而DNMT1的调控作用更为突出。     

血栓调节蛋白在胚胎肺及肺癌中的表达

目的研究血栓调节蛋白(thrombomodulin,TM)在胚胎肺、正常肺组织及肺癌组织中的表达。方法以不同周龄的胚胎肺组织、正常成人肺组织、肺癌组织为研究对象,应用免疫组织化学SP法检测TM的存在。结果8、15、18、21、24、27、29周人胎肺组织中,TM在气管纤毛柱状上皮细胞、I型和Ⅱ型肺泡上皮细胞及软骨、结缔组织均呈阴性表达,围绕肺泡上皮细胞团周围的血管内皮细胞阳性表达。正常成人支气管纤毛柱状上皮细胞、肺泡上皮细胞不表达,但在血管内皮细胞呈阳性表达。TM在鳞状上皮不典型增生的细胞膜和细胞问桥表达,在肺鳞癌表达,阳性率为97．3％(34／35),在癌细胞膜和细胞问桥阳性表达,但腺癌、小细胞癌癌细胞不表达。结论TM在胚胎肺以及成人肺仅见于血管内皮细胞,在支气管上皮、肺泡上皮不表达。与其它的血管内皮细胞标记物不同,TM的表达在肺鳞癌与腺癌表扶明显不同．右助于鉴别肺鳞癌与肺腺癌．     

Expression of retinoblastoma gene product in respiratory epithelium and sinonasal neoplasms: relationship with p16 and cyclin D1 expression

Transition from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle is mediated by interactions between the Retinoblastoma gene product (pRb), p16, and cyclin D1. To determine the expression of these proteins in the sinonasal mucosa immunohistochemistry was carried out on archived tissue sections from 46 patients (37 men, 9 women, age range 17 to 82 years, median 55 years). Nuclear immunostaining for these proteins was assessed and the expression rates (percentages of immunoreactive nuclei) in normal respiratory epithelium, inverted sinonasal papillomas, cylindrical (oncocytic) sinonasal papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas were compared. Normal respiratory epithelium showed significantly higher pRb expression in surface cells compared to basal cells (p < 0.05). In contrast, abundant pRb expression in surface and basal cells was detected in columnar differentiation in sinonasal papillomas and adjacent mucosa. Cuboidal and squamous metaplasia in inverted papillomas showed significantly reduced pRb expression in surface cells compared to columnar epithelium in inverted papillomas (p < 0.05, respectively). Expression of p16 was detected in all epithelial cell layers of normal respiratory epithelium, sinonasal papillomas, and adjacent mucosa. Cuboidal and squamous metaplasia in inverted papillomas showed increased p16 expression in surface cells compared to columnar epithelium in inverted papillomas (p < 0.05 between squamous metaplasia and columnar epithelium). Sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas showed the coexpression of pRb and p16. Expression rates of cyclin D1 higher than 10% were detected only in invasive carcinomas but not in carcinoma in situ, sinonasal papillomas or respiratory epithelium. Conclusively, pRb expression accompanies terminal differentiation in columnar surface cells. Expression of pRb in proliferating basal cells is present in sinonasal papillomas and adjacent mucosa but not in normal respiratory epithelium. Cuboidal and squamous metaplasia in inverted papillomas involves downregulation of pRb expression along with increased p16 expression in surface cells. Sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas coexpress pRb and p16. Overexpression of cyclin D1 in sinonasal lesions is confined to invasive squamous cell carcinomas.     

Heat shock protein-27 protects human bronchial epithelial cells against oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis: possible implication in asthma

Inflammation of the human bronchial epithelium, as observed in asthmatics, is characterized by the selective death of the columnar epithelial cells, which desquamate from the basal cells. Tissue repair initiates from basal cells that resist inflammation. Here, we have evaluated the extent of apoptosis as well as the Hsp27 level of expression in epithelial cells from bronchial biopsy samples taken from normal and asthmatic subjects. Hsp27 is a chaperone whose expression protects against oxidative stress. We report that in asthmatic subjects the basal epithelium cells express a high level of Hsp27 but no apoptotic morphology. In contrast, apoptotic columnar cells are devoid of Hsp27 expression. Moreover, we observed a decreased resistance to hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial 16-HBE cells when they were genetically modified to express reduced levels of Hsp27.     

吸烟对大鼠肺组织B7-1/B7-2及其相关配体表达的影响

目的通过研究吸烟对大鼠肺组织B7-1/B7-2及其相关配体表达的影响,探讨专职抗原提呈细胞（APC）在吸烟所致肺部慢性炎症发生发展中的作用。方法将30只健康雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为不吸烟组、吸烟6周组和吸烟12周组,每组10只。采用免疫组化半定量法测定大鼠气道周围肺间质中慢性炎症细胞胞膜B7-1、B7-2、CD28和CTLA-4的表达水平。结果吸烟6周组与吸烟12周组大鼠肺组织B7-1、B7-2、CD28和CTLA-4表达量较不吸烟组均显著增高（P〈0.01）,吸烟12周组较吸烟6周组表达量也均增高（P〈0.01）,随吸烟时间的延长各指标表达量均呈上升趋势。结论吸烟可引起大鼠肺组织B7/CD28/CTLA-4表达水平的增高,提示APC可能在吸烟所致肺部慢性炎症发生发展中起重要作用。     

WIF-1心脏特异表达转基因小鼠心脏功能分析

目的建立心脏特异表达WIF-1转基因小鼠,研究该基因在心脏中表达对小鼠心脏发育,形态和功能维持中的作用。方法RT-PCR法克隆人WIF-1基因,把WIF-1基因插入α-MHC启动子下游,构建转基因表达载体,通过显微注射法建立转WIF-1C57BL/6J小鼠。并利用特异引物PCR法鉴定转基因小鼠的基因表型,RT-PCR和Westernblot检测基因表达水平,超声检测不同月龄WIF-1转基因小鼠心脏结构及功能变化。结果建立了2个系的心脏特异表达WIF-1转基因小鼠。心脏超声检查证实,WIF-1转基因小鼠与对照小鼠比较,左心室重量减小,舒张期左室内径和容积变小,每搏输出量和心输出量减小。结论WIF-1基因是心脏功能的负调控因子。     

肺腺癌干细胞表达小细胞肺癌相关抗原的实验研究

肿瘤干细胞（cancerstem cells,csc）是指一类具有自我更新（self-renewal）能力的未分化细胞。在肺腺癌中,csc的自我更新调控机制类似胚胎干细胞,即高表达OCT4、Nanog和Sox2}潜能基因,但目前对其表型特征尚存争议。该文采用成球试验（sphere—formingassay）AkSPC—A1细胞株中富集CSC后进行分子表型分析。结果显示,此类肺球体细胞（pulmospheres）同时表达肺脏近端和远端呼吸上皮的多个谱系（1ineage）标志,包括纤毛柱状细胞标志FoxJl、非纤毛柱状细胞（即Clara细胞）标志CCSP、肺神经肉分泌细胞标志GRP、II型肺泡细胞标志SP-C及其转录调控因子TTF-1。这些肺球体细胞也能够被3株小细胞肺癌特异性单抗（2F7、483和E6）所识别。通过基因沉默技术使得肺球体细胞中OCT4表达转阴后,上述标志（除E6P外）均消失。研究结果揭示,肺癌CSC具有肺脏呼吸上皮多潜能细胞的表型特征。此外,初步研究结果发现,中药冬虫夏草（Hirsutella Hepialid of Cordyceps Sinensis）的被毛孢菌丝体中含有新颖抗癌成分,能够显著遏制肺球体细胞增殖,提示对其进行分离鉴定,将是研制开发肺癌CSC靶向药物的一个发展方向。     

Tissue injury alters the site of expression of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 in bronchial epithelial cells

Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (HAI-1) is a Kunitz-type transmembrane serine proteinase inhibitor that inhibits trypsin-like serine proteinases, such as hepatocyte growth factor activator, matriptase, hepsin and prostasin. HAI-1 is expressed in polarized epithelial cells, in which HAI-1 is mainly located on the basolateral membrane. In the present study, we analyzed the expression and distribution of HAI-1 in respiratory epithelium. We found that HAI-1 is expressed by the bronchial respiratory epithelium with basal or basolateral localization and also by the alveolar epithelium. Bronchial expression of HAI-1 was also confirmed using cultured human bronchial epithelial cells. The epithelial expression of HAI-1 was augmented in response to tissue injury such as cancer invasion and inflammation. Surprisingly, in the injured pulmonary tissue, HAI-1 showed distinct apical translocation in ciliated epithelial cells of the bronchiole. We suggest that, in addition to its basolateral surface localization, HAI-1 can transiently localize to the apical surface of respiratory ciliated epithelial cells under conditions of severe inflammation, possibly interacting with a specific cellular proteinase on the apical surface.     

Interactions between endothelial cells and leukocytes

We present evidence that specific receptors are utilized by neutrophils to control their interaction with endothelial cells at sites of acute inflammation and that these receptors are related if not identical to lymphocyte "homing receptors" for lymphoid tissue high endothelium. We speculate that such receptors play a fundamental but not exclusive role in controlling the extravasation and tissue localization of all bone marrow-derived nucleated cells. In addition, we emphasize the active role of endothelial cells in the process of lymphocyte migration and leukocyte extravasation. By the expression of as yet unidentified organ-specific determinants for lymphocyte recognition, endothelial cells control the exit of particular lymphocyte subsets into mucosal versus nonmucosal sites, thus helping to determine the unique features of mucosal versus nonmucosal immune responses. Furthermore, we argue that endothelial cells are exquisitely responsive to local immune reactivity and present evidence that specific lymphokines, including gamma-interferon, play an important role in inducing postcapillary venules to express differentiated features required for the support of lymphocyte traffic into lymphoid organs and into sites of chronic inflammation. Leukocytes, endothelial cells, and probably other tissue cell classes appear to interact at multiple levels by a variety of mechanisms to regulate the local extravasation of immune effector cells.     

吸入维生素A和皮质激素对大鼠哮喘性肺炎的疗效及TSLP表达的影响

目的:观察胸腺与肺的胸腺基质淋巴细胞生成素(TSLP)和Th因子在病程发展中变化,分析吸入维生素A(VA)与皮质激素对哮喘性肺炎疗效。方法:卵蛋白激发大鼠哮喘4周后休息1周,VA与皮质激素吸入治疗1周,吸入90%乙醇液作为哮喘组。通过免疫荧光染色、组织化学染色等法检查胸腺与肺。结果:激发第4～5周后,哮喘组胸腺与肺TSLP阳性细胞、肺泡巨噬细胞(AM)较多,胸腺和脾增生,血Th2因子升高,肺部炎症逐渐加重;VA组第4周胸腺与肺TSLP和Th2因子表达均较低;第5周TSLP轻度增加,胸腺、脾T细胞区增生由强转弱,AM明显增多,肺炎症逐渐消退。激素组第4～5周胸腺和肺TSLP、Th2因子表达低,胸腺、脾增生渐强。AM数量少,肺炎症渐重。结论:激发哮喘期间TSLP表达增强伴有Th2类反应,VA和皮质激素均抑制TSLP与Th2因子表达,但VA促进T淋巴细胞增生与AM清除抗原功能,停药后肺炎症逐渐消退;皮质激素停药后炎症加重。     

Characterization of squamous esophageal cells resistant to bile acids at acidic pH: implication for Barrett's esophagus pathogenesis

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition, where normal squamous epithelium is replaced by intestinal epithelium. BE is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, the BE cell of origin is not clear. We hypothesize that BE tissue originates from esophageal squamous cells, which can differentiate to columnar cells as a result of repeated exposure to gastric acid and bile acids, two components of refluxate implicated in BE pathology. To test this hypothesis, we repeatedly exposed squamous esophageal HET1A cells to 0.2 mM bile acid (BA) cocktail at pH 5.5 and developed an HET1AR-resistant cell line. These cells are able to survive and proliferate after repeated 2-h treatments with BA at pH 5.5. HET1AR cells are resistant to acidification and express markers of columnar differentiation, villin, CDX2, and cytokeratin 8/18. HET1AR cells have increased amounts of reactive oxygen species, concomitant with a decreased level and activity of manganese superoxide dismutase compared with parental cells. Furthermore, HET1AR cells express proteins and activate signaling pathways associated with inflammation, cell survival, and tumorigenesis that are thought to contribute to BE and EAC development. These include STAT3, NF-κB, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and Mcl-1. The expression of prosurvival and inflammatory proteins and resistance to cell death could be partially modified by inhibition of STAT3 signaling. In summary, our study shows that long-term exposure of squamous cells to BA at acidic pH causes the cells to display the same characteristics and markers as BE.