Helicobacter pylori Infection, Intestinal Metaplasia, and Gastric Cancer Risk in Eastern Siberia

Background: The incidence of gastric cancer (GC) is extremely high in Russia and eastern Siberia, where information on the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection is fragmentary. Aims: To assess the prevalence of both H. pylori infection (including CagA status) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) in Russian and eastern Siberian populations carrying a different risk of GC. Materials and Methods: A sample of 2129 consecutive patients was considered, including 689 Europoids and 1440 Mongoloids (493 Evenks, 533 Khakass people, and 414 Tuvans), who all underwent serum sampling and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. H. pylori status was established (ELISA, urease test, and histology), and IgG anti‐CagA antibodies were assessed (ELISA) in H. pylori‐positive cases. At least 3 biopsy samples per patient were considered, and IM was scored as present versus absent. The prevalence of H. pylori, CagA+ve status, and IM was compared with the incidence of GC according to the regional cancer registries. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori was similar for the Europoids and Mongoloids (93.6 vs 94.3%). The prevalence of CagA+ve infection was as follows: Europoids 61.2%, Evenks 36.4%, Khakass 44.0%, Tuvans 60.0% (p_1vs2 < .001; p_1vs3 < .001; p_2vs4 < .001; p_3vs4 < .001). The prevalence of IM was as follows: Europoids 10.7%, Evenks 5.1%, Khakass 9.8%, and Tuvans 23.4% (p_1vs2 = .001; p_1vs4 < .001; p_2vs4 < .001; p_3vs4 < .001). The incidence of GC (per 100,000 population/year) was as follows: Europoids 33.2; Evenks 18.2; Khakass 20.2; Tuvans 50.7 (p_1vs2 = 0.04; p_1vs3 = .05; p_2vs4 < .001; p_3vs4 < .001). Conclusion: H. pylori infection is consistently high in Russian and eastern Siberian populations; ethnicities with similar prevalence of CagA+ve status had different prevalence of IM and incidence of GC. As expected, IM prevalence correlated with the incidence of GC. Host‐related and/or environmental factors may explain discrepancies between H. pylori status, the prevalence of IM, and the incidence of GC.     

MMP-9、TIMP-1及细菌L型在卵巢乳头状癌中的表达及意义

目的探讨MMP-9、TIMP-1及细菌L型在卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达及临床意义。方法采用原位杂交和免疫组化及革兰染色方法检测97例卵巢乳头状癌及23例卵巢乳头状瘤组织中MMP-9、TIMP-1的表达及细菌L型检出率,并用2χ检验进行统计学处理。结果卵巢乳头状癌中MMP-9及TIMP-1的表达率均明显高于良性肿瘤(P<0.005)。MMP-9在卵巢乳头状癌中临床分期Ⅲ、Ⅳ期中的表达率明显高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ期(P<0.005~P<0.01),随着病理分级增高而显著增加(P<0.005~P<0.05),腹腔淋巴结有转移和有腹水者均高于无腹腔淋巴结转移和无腹水者(P<0.005~P<0.05)。而TIMP-1阳性表达与MMP-9阳性表达相反,呈负相关。细菌L型检出阳性率与病理分级及临床分期差异有显著性,腹腔淋巴结有转移比无转移者、有腹水比无腹水者差异有显著性(P<0.005)。结论MMP-9、TIMP-1基因及蛋白在卵巢肿瘤中有不同程度的异常表达,两者均可作为判断卵巢肿瘤生物学行为及患者预后参考指标。L型感染极有可能成为诱发肿瘤因素之一,它与MMP-9、TIMP-1可能有协同致瘤及恶性肿瘤侵袭和转移作用。研究细菌L型感染与肿瘤的关系,具有重要的临床应用价值。     

百令胶囊联合厄贝沙坦片对膜性肾病患者MMP-9, MMP-3和TIMP-1水平的影响

目的:探究百令胶囊联合厄贝沙坦片对膜性肾病患者基质金属蛋白酶-9、3和金属蛋白酶组织抑制物-1影响。方法:收集我院肾内科收治的膜性肾病患者98例,根据随机对照表分为对照组和试验组,每组49例。对照组给予厄贝沙坦片治疗,试验组联合百令胶囊治疗。对比分析两组患者的临床疗效、血清Scr、BUN、UA、Ccr、尿蛋白、MMP-9、MMP-3及TIMP-l水平以及不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗后,对照组临床总有效率为81.63%,显著低于试验组的95.92%(P0.05)。两组治疗后血清Scr、BUN、UA、MMP-9、MMP-3、TIMP-l水平均显著降低,且试验组显著低于对照组(P0.05),Ccr水平升高,且试验组显著高于对照组(P0.05)。对照组不良反应发生率为10.20%,试验组为6.25%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:百令胶囊联合厄贝沙坦片对膜性肾病患者的临床疗效显著,安全性较高,可能与其显著降低MMP-9、MMP-3和TIMP-1水平有关。     

慢性肾小球肾炎患者血清MMP-9和TIMP-1的浓度及意义

目的:观察慢性肾小球肾炎血清基质金属蛋白酶9(matrix metalo protein-ase-9,MMP-9)、金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂1(tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases,TIMP-1)的浓度与肾组织中MMP-9、TIMP-1表达的相关性,探讨慢性肾小球肾炎血清MMP-9、TIMP-1对肾脏纤维化的判断价值。方法:通过肾组织活检病理检查,将入选慢性肾炎的病例分增生组(A组)15例,纤维化组(B组)15例,另选10例志愿者作为健康对照组C组。应用免疫组化法观察A、B两组MMP-9、TIMP-1在肾组织中的表达情况,并且进行半定量分析,比较它们之间有无差别。应用ELISA双抗体夹心法检测A、B、C三组MMP-9、TIMP-1在血清中的浓度,比较它们之间有无差别。观察A、B两组MMP-9、TIMP-1在肾组织中的表达水平与在血清的浓度有无相关性。结果:A、B两组MMP-9在肾小球和肾间质少见表达,主要在肾小管上皮细胞浆中表达增高,两组之间表达的强度有显著差异性;A组TIMP-1在肾小球中少见表达,在肾小管上皮细胞增强。B组TIMP-1在肾小球中有少量表达,在肾小管上皮细胞较A组进一步增强,两组之间表达的强度有显著差异性(P0.05)。血清中MMP-9、TIMP-1浓度在A、B组显著高于C组,血清中MMP-9在A、B两组之间无显著差异性,血清中TIMP-1在A、B、C三组间两两比较有显著差别(P0.05)。结论:慢性肾炎患者血清中MMP-9、TIMP-1浓度与肾脏组织中MMP-9、TIMP-1的表达呈正相关。MMP-9、TIMP-1的相关性分析P值小于0.01。血清MMP-9、TIMP-1参与了肾脏纤维化的进展,慢性肾小球肾炎血清中MMP-9、TIMP-1的浓度可在一定程度上反映肾脏纤维化程度。     

Validation of Diagnostic Tests for Helicobacter pylori with Regard to Grade of Atrophic Gastritis and/or Intestinal Metaplasia

Background and Aims:  To evaluate the validity of the biopsy-based tests (histology, culture, and urease test) and serology in detecting current Helicobacter pylori infection against a background of atrophic gastritis (AG) or intestinal metaplasia (IM).
Methods:  Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed in 651 subjects, using the predefined gold standard for H. pylori tests. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of culture, CLOtest, histology (Giemsa stain), and serology were calculated with regard to the histological grade of AG and IM. The level of serum pepsinogen (PG) I and II was also measured as a marker for the presence of AG.
Results:  In the study population (n = 651), sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were as follows: culture, 56.2 and 100%; histology, 93.0 and 94.0%; CLOtest, 80.4 and 96.7%; serology, 96.0 and 67.5%. If the analysis is limited to those without AG or IM (n = 158) or to those younger than 40 years (n = 69), all tests, except for culture, had a sensitivity and specificity >90%. The sensitivity of CLOtest and the specificity of serology markedly decreased with progression of AG and IM, and serology was less specific in the presence of AG, as determined by a PG I/II ratio ≤4.1 (specificity, 83.7% vs 40.7% in PG I/II >4.1 and ≤4.1, respectively).
Conclusions:  Any one of biopsy-based tests or serology was found to be excellent for identifying current H. pylori infection among individuals without AG or IM and/or younger patients (<40 years). However, a combination of at least two tests is necessary in the clinical setting of AG or IM.     

肺癌患者血清中VEGF,TIMP-1和MMP-9水平变化及临床意义

目的:研究肺癌患者血清中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂1(TIMP-1)、基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)水平变化及临床意义。方法:选取2014年3月至2016年3月来我院治疗的91例肺癌患者为病例组,同期选取40例健康者为对照组,酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)测定两组血清VEGF、TIMP-1、MMP-9水平,分析肺癌患者上述指标与病理特征的关系,并采用spearman检验分析相关性。结果:病例组血清VEGF、TIMP-1、MMP-9水平均高于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。肺癌患者血清VEGF、TIMP-1、MMP-9水平均与肿瘤体积大小、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移有关(P0.05)。肺癌患者血清MMP-9与TIMP-1正相关(r=0.337,P0.05)、血清MMP-9与VEGF正相关(r=0.312,P0.05)、血清TIMP-1与VEGF正相关(r=0.316,P0.05)。结论:血清VEGF、TIMP-1、MMP-9相互作用、协同参与肺癌的发生及侵袭转移,可作为肺癌诊断及预后评估的生物学标志物。     

依达拉奉联合克林澳对急性脑梗死患者血清MMP-3、MMP-9、TIMP-1、EPCs的影响及疗效观察

目的:研究依达拉奉联合克林澳对急性脑梗死患者血清MMP-3(基质金属蛋白酶-3)、MMP-9(基质金属蛋白酶-9)、TIMP-1(组织基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1)、EPCs(内皮祖细胞)的影响及疗效观察。方法:选取我院收治的114例急性脑梗死患者,按照随机数表法分为联合治疗组(n=57)和单独治疗组(n=57)。单独治疗组仅应用依达拉奉治疗,联合治疗组则联合克林澳治疗。观察并比较两组患者临床治疗效果、NIHSS(美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表)评分变化情况、实验室指标水平变化情况、血脂水平变化情况以及不良反应发生情况。结果:治疗后,联合治疗组基本痊愈和显著进步的患者达到49例,其总有效率为85.96%,而单独治疗组基本痊愈和显著进步的患者仅为39例,其总有效率为68.42%,两组比较差异显著(P0.05)。治疗14 d和28 d后,患者的评分均较治疗前有明显下降,同时,联合治疗组下降水平明显优于单独治疗组(P0.05)。两组患者MMP3和MMP9水平较治疗前显著下降,而TIMP-1和EPCs水平则明显上升,且联合治疗组MMP3和MMP9水平下降情况和TIMP-1和EPCs水平上升情况均明显优于单独治疗组(P0.05)。治疗14 d和28 d后,患者血脂各指标水平均较前一次测量有明显下降,且单独治疗组较联合治疗组下降更为明显(P0.05)。联合治疗组不良反应发生率为5.26%;单独治疗组不良反应发生率为10.53%,不良反应发生率比较无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:依达拉奉联合克林澳应用于治疗急性脑梗死患者疗效确切,有效改善血清MMP-3、MMP-9、TIMP-1、EPCs以及患者血脂异常情况,促进血管新生,保护患者脑组织。     

曲美他嗪对慢性心力衰竭患者心功能的影响及MMP-9、TIMP-1的表达变化

目的:探讨曲美他嗪对慢性心力衰竭患者心功能及MMP-9、TIMP-1表达的影响。方法:选取2012年3月至2014年3月在我院接受治疗的慢性心力衰竭患者100例,随机分为观察组和对照组,每组50例。对照组给予常规药物治疗,研究组在对照组基础上加用曲美他嗪治疗。观察并比较两组患者心率(HR)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)及MMP-9、TIMP-1水平的变化情况。结果:与治疗前比较,两组患者治疗后心率降低,LVEF升高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);观察组患者LVEF高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);与治疗前比较,两组患者治疗后TIMP-1升高,MMP-9降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);与对照组比较,观察组患者治疗后TIMP-1升高,MMP-9降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组治疗总有效率显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:盐酸曲美他嗪用于治疗慢性心力衰竭具有良好的疗效,不仅可以调节血清MMP-9及TIMP-1水平,而且能够改善患者心功能。     

Helicobacter pylori and Clinical Aspects of Gastric Cancer

In spite of important new insights into the basic mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis, progress in the management of gastric cancer has been modest. Some modifications in the chemotherapies used for palliation and strategies for downstaging of the disease prior to surgical intervention are noteworthy. The positive experience with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and submucosal dissection (ESD) for treatment of early gastric cancer has been confirmed and extended. The procedure-related morbidity and post-interventional quality of life is clearly favorable compared to open surgical resection in well-selected patients. New data on Helicobacter pylori revealed that eradication after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer significantly reduces the incidence of recurrent and metachronous gastric neoplasias. It can further improve healing rates of treatment induced gastric ulcers. Eradication therapy therefore remains the best target for prevention of the disease. Critical is the "point of no return" when mucosal alterations (i.e. intestinal metaplasia, glandular atrophy) are no longer reversible. A population-based screen-and-eradicate strategy for H. pylori infection can at present only be recommended in high incidence regions.     

黄葵胶囊联合阿魏酸哌嗪片对慢性肾小球肾炎患者肾功能、氧化应激和血清MMP-9、TIMP-1的影响

摘要 目的：观察黄葵胶囊联合阿魏酸哌嗪片治疗慢性肾小球肾炎患者的应用价值。方法：选择2019年4月~2021年1月期间我院收治的慢性肾小球肾炎患者131例,以双色球随机分组法将患者分为对照组65例（阿魏酸哌嗪片治疗）、实验组66例（黄葵胶囊联合阿魏酸哌嗪片治疗）。对比两组疗效、肾功能[血肌酐（Scr）、尿素氮（BUN）、24 h 尿蛋白定量（24 h-Upr）]、氧化应激[超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）]和血清基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）、基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1（TIMP-1）水平,记录两组不良反应发生率。结果：与对照组比较,实验组的临床总有效率明显更高（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,实验组治疗3个月后Scr、BUN、24 h-Upr更低（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,实验组治疗3个月后TIMP-1更低,MMP-9更高（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,实验组治疗3个月后MDA更低,SOD更高（P<0.05）。两组不良反应发生率组间对比无差异（P>0.05）。结论：黄葵胶囊联合阿魏酸哌嗪片治疗慢性肾小球肾炎,可减轻机体氧化应激,调节血清MMP-9、TIMP-1水平,促进肾功能改善,安全可靠。     

Cytotoxin‐Associated Gene‐A – Positive Helicobacter pylori Strains Infection Increases the Risk of Recurrent Atherosclerotic Stroke

Background: CagA‐positive Helicobacter pylori infection has been found to be associated with a first‐ever atherosclerotic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these strains represent an independent risk factor for recurrent atherosclerotic stroke. Materials and Methods: We performed a longitudinal study of patients with a first‐ever large vessels stroke and resulted positive at H. pylori serology. Patients had clinical examination 1 month after the acute event, and were subsequently visited or contacted by telephone up to 3 years at 6‐month intervals. Sera obtained at the time of enrollment were frozen and analyzed for the presence of anti‐CagA antibodies at the end of the study. The primary outcome event was any fatal or nonfatal stroke after the index stroke. Results: One hundred seventy H. pylori‐positive patients were included (n = 68 CagA positive and n = 102 CagA negative). No significant difference regarding age and other stroke risk factors was detected. According to Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, CagA‐positive patients showed a significantly higher risk for stroke recurrence than CagA‐negative ones (45.6% vs 17.6%; p < .001). Difference in the rate of recurrent stroke between the two groups persisted after Cox regression analysis taking into account possible confounding factors (hazard ratio = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.9–6.4; p < .001). Conclusions: Infection with H. pylori CagA‐positive strains increases the risk of recurrent atherosclerotic stroke. Seropositivity determination should be performed in order to identify high‐risk patients requiring a strict clinical surveillance, and the possible beneficial effect of eradication therapy should be evaluated.     

重组CC16蛋白对慢性阻塞性肺疾病小鼠肺组织结构及MMP-9和TIMP-1表达的影响

目的研究重组大鼠CC16(rCC16)蛋白质对减轻慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)小鼠模型肺组织损伤的作用,及对肺组织中基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-9和基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子(TIMP)-1表达的调节作用。方法将40只清洁级C57BL/6小鼠随机分为4组,分别为空白组、COPD模型组、rCC16剂量组1和剂量组2。除空白组外,其余小鼠均采用吸烟3月法制备COPD模型,从第3月开始空白组和模型组给予PBS滴鼻,rCC16剂量组1和剂量组2分别给予1μg/g体重和2.5μg/g体重的rCC16滴鼻干预。观察各组小鼠精神状态、饮食情况、体重变化及大小便情况等,H&E染色观察各组小鼠肺组织形态结构变化,荧光定量聚合酶链式反应、免疫组织化学法检测MMP-9和TIMP-1信使RMA(mRNA)和蛋白质的表达变化。结果空白组小鼠体重随饲养周期增大,COPD组小鼠体重较空白组明显减轻,rCC16干预组后,干预组2小鼠体重逐周增大,但干预组1小鼠体重增加较缓慢,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);COPD模型组小鼠肺组织结构明显破坏,肺泡间隔增宽,部分形成肺气肿,rCC16干预组后,小鼠肺部的肺泡结构趋于完整,肺大泡的形成也减少;COPD模型组小鼠肺组织MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达均明显高于空白组(P<0.05);rCC16干预后,均可降低MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),rCC16对MMP-9的降低作用具有剂量依赖性,而对TIMP-1的调节不呈剂量依赖性。结论 rCC16滴鼻干预可以减轻COPD小鼠肺组织的损伤,降低肺组织中MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达,对COPD的治疗具有积极意义。     

Presence of Helicobacter pylori in a Sibling is Associated with a Long‐Term Increased Risk of H. pylori Infection in Israeli Arab Children

Background and Objectives: We examined the dynamics of Helicobacter pylori infection between pre‐school and school ages and compared the determinants of late acquisition of H. pylori infection with determinants of early and persistent H. pylori infection. Methods: ELISA was used to detect H. pylori antigens in stool specimens collected from children at preschool age (3–5 years) and from their mothers and siblings in 2004. The children were tested again for H. pylori at school age (6–9 years) in 2007–2009. Household and socioeconomic characteristics were obtained by interviews. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection increased from 49.7% (95% CI 42.8, 56.7) in 2004 to 58.9% (95% CI 51.8, 65.6) in 2007–2009. Among children tested in both examinations, 69 (49.3%) had persistent infection, 14 (10.0%) were new cases, 56 (40.0%) remained uninfected, and one (0.7%) had lost H. pylori infection. The approximate annual incidence of infection during 2004–2009 was 5%. Sibling’s H. pylori positivity at baseline increased the risk for late acquisition of H. pylori infection; adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) 4.62 (95% CI 0.76, 28.23) (p = .09), while maternal education lowered the risk; adjusted PR 0.84 (95% CI 0.69, 1.01) (p = .06). Sibling’s H. pylori positivity was the only significant variable associated with early and persistent H. pylori infection in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Most H. pylori infections are acquired at preschool age and transient infection beyond this age is uncommon in this population. Helicobacter pylori‐infected siblings are the major reservoir of H. pylori in early and late childhood demonstrating sustained intra‐familial transmission of H. pylori.     

幽门螺杆菌感染性胃癌组织中cyclinD1、MMP-9的表达及其临床意义

目的:探讨幽门螺杆菌(HP)感染性胃癌组织中细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclinD1)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)的表达及其临床意义。方法:选取2016年12月到2018年6月期间在兰州大学第一医院接受治疗的胃癌患者80例,收集其手术切除的病理组织。采用C-14呼气试验和改良Giemsa染色检测患者HP感染的情况,采用免疫组化法检测胃癌组织中cyclinD1、MMP-9表达情况。分析HP感染、cyclinD1、MMP-9表达与胃癌患者临床病理特征的关系,并分析胃癌患者HP感染与cyclinD1、MMP-9表达的相关性。结果:80例胃癌患者HP感染阳性56例(70.00%),阴性24例(30.00%)。有淋巴结转移、浸润深度为T3+T4的胃癌患者的HP感染阳性率高于无淋巴结转移、浸润深度为T1+T2的胃癌患者(P0.05)。80例胃癌患者cyclinD1阳性表达45例(56.25%),阴性表达35例(43.75%),MMP-9阳性表达65例(81.25%),阴性表达15例(18.75%),TNM临床分期为III+IV期、分化程度为低分化、有淋巴结转移、浸润深度为T3+T4的胃癌患者的cyclinD1、MMP-9阳性表达率明显高于TNM临床分期为I+II期、分化程度为中高分化、无淋巴结转移、浸润深度为T1+T2的胃癌患者(P0.05)。HP感染阳性患者的cyclinD1阳性表达率和MMP-9阳性表达率均明显高于HP感染阴性患者(P0.05)。Pearson相关分析显示,胃癌患者HP感染与cyclinD1、MMP-9表达均呈正相关(P0.05)。结论:胃癌患者的HP感染情况与淋巴结转移、浸润深度有关,cyclinD1和MMP-9的表达与TNM临床分期、分化程度、淋巴结转移、浸润深度有关,且胃癌患者HP感染与cyclinD1、MMP-9表达均呈正相关。     

Association Study of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in XRCC1 Gene with the Risk of Gastric Cancer in Chinese Population

Gastric cancer is one of highly cancer-related deaths in the world. Previous evidence suggests that the X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 gene (XRCC1) is one of the most important candidate genes for influencing gastric cancer risk. The objective of this study was to detect the potential association of genetic variants in XRCC1 gene with gastric cancer risk in Chinese Han population. In total, we enrolled 395 gastric cancer patients and 398 cancer-free controls in this study. The genotyping of c.910A>G and c.1804C>A genetic variants in XRCC1 gene were investigate by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and created restriction site-PCR (CRS-PCR) methods, respectively. We found the genotypes/alleles from these two genetic variants were statistically associated with the increased risk of gastric cancer (for c.910A>G, GG versus (vs.) AA: OR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.21-3.31; AG vs. AA: OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.12-2.02; GG/AG vs. AA: OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.20-2.10; GG vs. AG/AA: OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.03-2.73; G vs. A: OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.18-1.83; for c.1804C>A, AA vs. CC: OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.46-4.94; AA vs. CA/CC: OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.44-4.76; A vs. C: OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.66). The allele-G of c.910A>G and allele-A of c.1804C>A genetic variants may contribute to gastric cancer susceptibility. These preliminary results indicate that these XRCC1 genetic variants are potentially related to gastric cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han population, and might be used as molecular markers.     

BMP-2 treatment of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells blocks MMP-9 activity during chondrocyte commitment

Members of both the Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) families of signaling molecules have been implicated in the regulation of cartilage development. We explored the underlying mechanism of BMP-2-induced chondrocyte commitment of C3H10T1/2 cells. Treating cells with exogenous BMP-2 was tied to chondrocyte commitment by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity (MMP-9: 92 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase B). Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β inhibition by its specific inhibitor blocked BMP-2-induced chondrocyte commitment by stimulating MMP-9 activity. These findings indicate that the downregulation of MMP-9 by BMP-2 is associated with chondrocyte commitment, and that the GSK-3β signaling pathway is involved in this process.