Further evaluation of the potential of the argon laser in the treatment of strawberry hemangiomas

Six cases of strawberry hemangioma have been presented in which some form of intervention in tumor progression was indicated. The argon laser was used. All six cases showed loss of surface vascularity. Growth was clearly arrested in four of the six. Premature regression could be definitely claimed in only one. The strong impression is presented that argon laser therapy, although often helpful in the more developed strawberry hemangiomas, as seen in this series, could be most effective if used when the lesion is first noted, before it has time to grow, especially in areas of high complication potential. Where feasible, further exploration into the use of the argon laser in very early strawberry hemangiomas is urged.     

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization Alone for Giant Hepatic Hemangioma

Giant hepatic hemangioma is a benign liver condition that may be treated using surgery. We studied the digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) characteristics of giant hepatic hemangioma, and the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) alone for its treatment. This was a retrospective study of 27 patients diagnosed with giant hepatic hemangioma and treated with TAE alone (using lipiodol mixed with pingyangmycin) at the Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, between January 2010 and March 2013. The feeding arteries were identified using DSA. All patients were followed up for between three weeks and 12 months. Changes in tumor diameter and symptoms were observed. The 27 patients included had giant hepatic hemangiomas ranging from 5.3 to 24.5 cm (mean, 11.24±5.08 cm) in the right (n = 13), left (n = 1) or both (n = 13) lobes. Preoperative hepatic angiography showed multiple abnormal vascular lakes in the early phase, known as the “early leaving but late returning, hanging nut on a twig” sign. On the day after TAE, hepatic transaminase levels were increased (ALT: 22.69±17.95 to 94.88±210.32 U/L; ALT: 24.00±12.37 to 99.70±211.54 U/L; both P<0.05), but not total bilirubin. Six patients complained of abdominal pain, and 12 experienced transient fever. In the months after TAE, tumor size decreased (baseline: 11.24±5.08; 3 months: 8.95±4.33; 6 months: 7.60±3.90 cm; P<0.05), and the patients’ condition improved. These results indicated that TAE was effective and safe for treating giant hepatic hemangioma. TAE may be a useful alternative to surgery for the treatment of hepatic hemangioma.     

Infectivity and effectiveness of Glomus intraradices on micropropagated plants

Colonization by Glomus intraradices takes place very early within the root system of micropropagated plantlets of strawberry (var. avanta, elsanta), raspberry (var. himboqueen, Zeva I), and hortensia (var. leuchtfeuer). The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) did not colonize roots of the different hosts to the same extent, and considerable differences were observed between the varieties. The results reported here confirm that endomycorrhizal root colonization is affected by the host-fungus combination. The effects ranged from mutualistic (hortensia), through neutral (strawberry var. avanta, raspberry var. Zeva I) to negative (raspberry var. himboqueen and strawberry var. elsanta). Non-mycorrhized (control) plants of strawberry produced more runners than mycorrhized plants under controlled growth conditions (phytotron). Transfer of the potted plants to the field resulted in drastic alterations in overall growth and development within 4 weeks. Mycorrhized plants became healthy, and mycorrhized strawberry plants produced many stout runners. The number of the runners and their biomass were almost the same (var. avanta) and treated plants produced even more runners than the controls (var. elsanta). The authors have demonstrated the need to determine the specific effects of each species of AMF on individual prospective host plants prior to their utilization in the micropagation of plantlets.     

The possibilities for control of two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae on field‐grown strawberries in the UK by predatory mites

The potential of two species of predatory phytoseiid mites to control the two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, on unprotected field‐grown strawberries in the UK was investigated. Typhlodromus pyri, a native species, was able to control T. urticae in some circumstances, but was less effective under hot, dry conditions. Natural colonization by this species is likely to be too slow in plantations of 1–2 years life. Attempts to introduce this predator to strawberry fields on cut apple shoots were unsuccessful. The exotic predator Phytoseiulus persimilis, which is available from commercial sources, gave very good control of T. urticae when released onto strawberry plants in June. A release earlier in the year was less successful, so to prevent early build‐up of mites and possible plant damage it may sometimes be necessary to reduce spider mite numbers early in the year with an acaricide, before a later release of P. persimilis. The success of this integrated control strategy was demonstrated.     

Mast cells and hemangioma

Hemangioma is a primary tumor of the microvasculature in which angiogenesis is initially excessive, followed by spontaneous regression of the newly formed vessels, with the cellular parenchyma gradually being replaced with fibrofatty tissue. Mast cells, which are highly heterogenous in terms of their morphology, function, and metabolic products, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of hemangioma. Csaba stain shows that mast cells are predominantly of the biogenic amine phenotype throughout the development of hemangioma. The predominance of this phenotype remains unaltered following successful steroid therapy, although their number increases fourfold. Mast cells, all of which stain positive for tryptase, and those that stain positive for chymase as well, have been identified in hemangioma biopsy specimens throughout the three developmental phases. The total number of mast cells is highest during the involuting phase, less in the involuted phase, and least in the proliferative phase. The proportion of mast cells that contain both tryptase and chymase decreases from the proliferative through involuting to the involuted phase. This decreasing proportion of mast cells that contain both tryptase and chymase with ongoing involution parallels that of progressive deposition of the extracellular matrix as indicated by increasing fibrosis and fatty deposition. The short-chain type VIII collagen, thought to play a key role in angiogenesis, has been detected throughout the developmental phases of hemangioma. It has been postulated that this collagen, which is produced early in new vessel development, provides a substratum to facilitate the migration of endothelial cells. It may also facilitate the deposition of other extracellular constituents and influence cell movement and the maintenance of cell phenotypes. The intracellular localization of type VIII collagen in mast cells only in the early proliferative phase suggests that there is an active synthesis by mast cells during this phase. The increasing extracellular localization during hemangioma development may be caused by an increased secretion of protein from intracellular stores. The increased number of mast cells during the involuting phase indicates that these cells may play a role in the regression of hemangioma. This is in contrast to the large body of evidence showing the proangiogenic role of mast cells. The proportion of proliferating mast cells decreases, whereas the proportion of mast cells positive for clusterin/apolipoprotein J increases with ongoing involution of hemangioma. Clusterin/apolipoprotein J expression has been considered as a prominent marker of apoptotic cell loss. The presence of clusterin/apolipoprotein J granules both in the adjacent endothelial cells and in capillary lumens suggests that mast cells may be secreting this apoptotic modulator to promote the regression of hemangioma. Certain effectors produced by mast cells may participate in the development of hemangioma. It has been proposed that one of the functions of mast cells is to release factors leading to the regression of hemangioma. The evidence suggests that although mast cells may have a function in the endothelial proliferation in hemangioma, they also play a crucial role in the regression of this tumor. However, the roles of mast cells in the life cycle of hemangioma are likely to be complex and may involve stimulators of angiogenesis in the proliferative phase but inhibitors in later phases.     

经皮椎体成形术治疗椎体血管瘤疗效观察

目的:评估使用经皮椎体成形术(Percutaneous vertebroplast PVP)治疗椎体血管瘤的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2008~2015年诊断为椎体血管瘤并在我院进行PVP手术的46例患者,至少6个月术后随访,获取相关的临床数据和资料。对患者在术后疼痛等症状改善,肿瘤复发,Macnab疗效和治疗安全性等方面进行分析。结果:所有患者均在术后有了明显的疼痛改善(P0.05),并在6个月内随着时间的推移疼痛评分逐步下降。有2例患者出现术后肿瘤复发,但无明显症状,未给予特殊处理。余未出现明显并发症。患者的术后SF-36生存质量评分均较术前有较大提高(P0.05)。在患者术后6月时,对其Macnab疗效进行分析,其优良率为93.5%。结论:经皮椎体成形术治疗椎体血管瘤可以有效的改善疼痛症状,且相对安全,并能实现微创治疗。     

Fine needle aspiration cytology of cellular hemangioma of infancy. A case report

BACKGROUND: Cellular hemangioma is a common benign vascular neoplasm of infants and children. The lesion typically occurs within the superficial dermis, where it is recognized as a strawberry nevus. Occasionally, this neoplasm is situated within deep soft tissues of the head or neck, with a particular predilection for the parotid gland region. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of cellular hemangioma involving the parotid gland has been reported previously, but never confirmed by cytologic findings alone. We report the first case of infantile cellular hemangioma with sufficient characteristic cytologic features to be diagnosed by FNAC. CASE: A 3-month-old male presented with a rapidly enlarging, sensitive, solid, supraparotid mass. Ultrasound and computed tomography were performed but were nondiagnostic. Subsequent FNAC of the mass demonstrated a highly cellular specimen composed predominantly of elongated spindled cells arranged in three-dimensional coils and arcades. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the endothelial origin of the spindled cells and confirmed the diagnosis of cellular hemangioma. CONCLUSION: Deeply situated cellular hemangiomas may pose a difficult diagnostic challenge to the clinician as well as to the radiologist. The infantile variant of this tumor enlarges rapidly, simulating an aggressive malignant tumor, and is occasionally accompanied by substantial compressive symptoms. Radiographic presentation of the lesion may be that of a solid tumor mass, unlike most other hemangiomas. Precise cytologic diagnosis of infantile cellular hemangioma can be rendered on aspirated material and is crucial in planning conservative medical treatment.     

Cellular and extracellular markers of hemangioma

Several cellular and extracellular markers that distinguish the phases of the hemangioma life cycle have been described previously. However, details of the phenotypic changes of; the various cellular elements during hemangioma development have not been fully reported, and the extracellular matrix composition, especially in the vicinity of the proliferating endothelial cells, is poorly described. This study examined the expression of cellular and extracellular molecules and cytokines in the proliferative, involuting, and involuted phases of hemangioma. Paraffin-embedded hemangioma specimens, four from each phase, were examined histochemically and immunohistochemically. Throughout the three phases, vascular endothelial cells stained positive for CD31 and von Willebrand factor, although in the involuted phase, not all vessels in the tissue expressed these endothelial markers. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen was expressed by the majority of endothelial cells and pericytes in the proliferative and early involuting phases, but its expression was negligible in the involuted phase. In addition to finding that the total number of mast cells was highest in the involuting phase, the authors observed that the proportion of chymase-positive mast cells decreased with the progression of hemangioma and that virtually all mast cells expressed the biogenic amine phenotype throughout the hemangioma life cycle. The localization of vascular endothelial growth factor predominantly to the pericytes and endothelial cells during the proliferative phase and of basic fibroblast growth factor to the endothelial cells in both the proliferative and early involuting phases is consistent with previous reports, although the latter growth factorwas also observed in mast cells. Type IV collagen and the beta chain of laminin and perlecan were detected in the basement membranes in all phases. Interestingly, collagen types I, III, and V were present in basal membranes throughout the phases and with increasing density in the stromal areas with involution, although type I collagen was less prominent during the proliferative phase. Short-chain collagen type VIII was localized extracellularly throughout the development of hemangioma but, during the early proliferative phase, it was also detected within mast cells. The expression of specific cytokines and cellular and extracellular markers may help distinguish the different clinical phases of the hemangioima life cycle. These results provide further insight into the biology of hemangioma.     

草莓FaWRKY70克隆与表达模式分析

【目的】深入解析WRKY70同源基因在草莓响应胁迫过程中的作用,为草莓分子育种提供新的基因资源。【方法】采用同源克隆法从草莓果实及叶片中克隆得到草莓WRKY70基因,利用生物信息学分析方法分析该基因理化性质、蛋白质结构、进化关系等,并结合qRT-PCR数据分析其表达模式。【结果】FaWRKY70基因全长为1 020 bp,编码339个氨基酸;比对得到的同源基因中,FaWRKY70与苹果、牡丹等同科物种氨基酸序列相似度较高,且同源基因大多与植物对生物和非生物胁迫的响应相关,暗示FaWRKY70可能参与草莓抵御胁迫的过程;FaWRKY70在草莓的花、果实、叶片、根、茎中均有表达,在花中表达量最高,果实中最低;在水杨酸处理后,FaWRKY70基因能够快速响应,表达量在3 h后达最高,随后逐渐降低。使用茉莉酸甲酯处理时FaWRKY70基因受诱导响应程度较小,整体呈现下调趋势。【结论】FaWRKY70能通过不同响应方式参与草莓生命活动及激素信号转导过程。     

Phenylketonuria and its variants: observations on intellectual functioning.

The age at diagnosis, dietary treatment and intelligence quotient (IQ) of 119 patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and its variants who were under long-term observation were studied. In 27 of the 79 patients with classic PKU the diagnosis had been made and treatment begun late (after 2 months of age). The mean IQ of these 27 patients was 57.6 when they were in their early 20s (although 2 had normal IQs). In contrast, among the 52 patients with classic PKU who were not treated late the mean IQ was 93.6 for the 27 who were still receiving dietary therapy. The mean IQs were 99.3 and 92.7 at ages 5 (when the diet was discontinued) and 15 years respectively for the 12 who had been treated "adequately". It was 76.0 for the 13 who were "over-treated" (malnourished) in the first 6 months of life. Among the patients with atypical PKU, who were treated early, the mean IQs were 110.0 for the 7 who were still receiving dietary therapy and 102.7 for the 12 who were not. The 21 patients with persistent benign hyperphenylalaninemia, who were not treated, had a mean IQ of 104.2. The most important factor in the ultimate IQ of patients with classic PKU is very early diagnosis (by 2 weeks of age) along with immediate initiation of dietary therapy.     

Effects of treatment with GnRH from 4 to 8 weeks of age on the attainment of sexual maturity in bull calves

In bull calves an early transient increase in circulating concentrations of LH occurs between 6 and 20 weeks of age. This has been shown to influence reproductive development and performance later in life. In an attempt to hasten the onset of sexual maturity, bull calves (Hereford x Charolais) were treated (im) with 120 ng/kg of GnRH (n=6) twice every day from 4 to 8 weeks of age; control calves received saline (n=6). Injection of GnRH resulted in an LH pulse in all animals. GnRH treated bulls displayed more rapid testicular growth rates between 22 and 44 weeks of age. Sexual maturity (SC>or=28 cm) was achieved earlier in GnRH treated bulls compared to saline treated bulls (41.7+/-2.22 and 47.0+/-0.45 weeks of age, respectively) and this was confirmed by age of sexual maturity based on ejaculate characteristics (>50 million spermatozoa, >10% motility; 45.0+/-0.86 and 49.0+/-1.13 weeks of age for GnRH and control treated bull calves, respectively; P<0.05). We concluded that treatment with GnRH, twice daily, from 4 to 8 weeks of age, prior to the endogenous early increase in plasma LH concentrations, could increase in plasma LH concentrations, advance testicular development and reduce age at puberty in beef bull calves. This may provide the basis for a simple regimen to hasten sexual development in the bull calf.     

Modulation of Fas-FasL related apoptosis by PBN in the early phases of choline deficient diet-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

This study focused on the detection of apoptosis related events in very early phases of choline-deficient (CD)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis (at 2-5 weeks). Flow cytometry of isolated intact primary hepatocytes from CD diet fed rats indicated increased expression of the apoptosis-associated protein Fas. Increased apoptosis in CD-treated livers was confirmed by Western blot analyses of caspases and cytochrome c. This study was also able to detect differences in apoptotic events following phenyl butyl nitrone (PBN) treatment. Fas expression was inhibited by PBN, indicating that PBN is anti-apoptotic. It is speculated that in the early stages of CD-induced hepatotoxicity, PBN is involved in inhibiting pro-inflammatory factor-driven apoptosis of normal hepatocytes, which protects against the initiation of carcinogenesis. The CD diet model is also considered as a model for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans and early expression of Fas could also be a good index of the progression of NASH.     

Modulation of Fas-FasL related apoptosis by PBN in the early phases of choline deficient diet-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

This study focused on the detection of apoptosis related events in very early phases of choline-deficient (CD)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis (at 2–5 weeks). Flow cytometry of isolated intact primary hepatocytes from CD diet fed rats indicated increased expression of the apoptosis-associated protein Fas. Increased apoptosis in CD-treated livers was confirmed by Western blot analyses of caspases and cytochrome c. This study was also able to detect differences in apoptotic events following phenyl butyl nitrone (PBN) treatment. Fas expression was inhibited by PBN, indicating that PBN is anti-apoptotic. It is speculated that in the early stages of CD-induced hepatotoxicity, PBN is involved in inhibiting pro-inflammatory factor-driven apoptosis of normal hepatocytes, which protects against the initiation of carcinogenesis. The CD diet model is also considered as a model for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans and early expression of Fas could also be a good index of the progression of NASH.     

Ulcerated anogenital hemangioma of infancy

Ten female infants were referred for symptomatic hemangiomas in the anogenital area. (One had had steroid treatment prior to consultation.) The natural history of these lesions is well known. Virtually all will spontaneously involute over a period of years. However, the lesions reported were particularly troublesome because of repeated ulcerations and subsequent pain. Prior treatment had been local wound care with antibiotic ointment and Telfa-type dressings. After referral from a family practitioner or pediatrician, argon laser treatment was performed in an outpatient setting. Eight of the 10 patients were treated with local anesthesia, and 2 had general anesthesia. All lesions healed in 1 to 5 weeks. No patients referred during this period were excluded from this series. All who received treatment were included. All the lesions involuted following treatment. In our estimation, the final result is identical to what may be expected after spontaneous involution of an ulcerated or infected hemangioma. The major difference is that involution occurred in a few weeks in laser-treated patients rather than a period of months or years. Ulcerated hemangiomas of the anogenital area have significant morbidity that can be efficiently avoided with the use of argon laser therapy. Lesions of the anogenital area have a strong predilection for females.     

Response of six strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cultivars to the root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans Filipjev and Schurmanns Stekhoven)

In the Philippines, strawberry is grown only in Benguet Province because of its unique climatic conditions. It has been a lucrative source of income for Benguet farmers and adds to the revenue of Benguet Province. The root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans is an economically important pest of strawberry in the area. It can cause substantial losses to strawberry growers, both by reducing vegetative plant growth and by reducing strawberry yields. The nematode has a very wide host range and hence, is not readily controlled by crop rotation. An alternative approach which growers may wish to consider trying is planting of strawberry varieties which are either resistant or tolerant to this nematode. The relative susceptibility/tolerance of six strawberry cultivars to the root lesion nematode, P. penetrans was evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions. Inoculation of 500 nematodes/pot did not significantly affect the fresh top weight, fresh root weight, and yield of strawberry cultivars Festival, Whitney, Winterdawn, Earlibrite, and Camarosa. The said cultivars had significantly higher number of nematodes recovered from the roots. On the other hand, the highest strawberry yield was recorded in cv Sweet Charlie, however, this was significantly reduced by nematode inoculation .Surprisingly, the number of nematodes recovered from the roots of this cultivar was significantly the lowest among the cultivars tested. Results of the field experiment showed that strawberry cv Sweet Charlie gave the highest marketable yield which was significantly different from the rest of the cultivars tested. This was followed by Festival, and Earlibrite. On the other hand, Camarosa and Whitney gave significantly lower yield than the above cultivars but significantly higher than Winterdawn. In terms of nematodes recovered from the roots, the highest was noted in Whitney, followed by Sweet Charlie and Earlibrite. The lowest was obtained from Camarosa, followed by Festival and Winterdawn. Based on the results of the greenhouse experiment, Festival, Whitney, Winterdawn, Earlibrite and Camarosa can be considered tolerant while Sweet Charlie was slightly susceptible to P. penetrans. However, based on the field trial, Sweet Charlie, Festival and Earlibrite were tolerant while Whitney, Camarosa and Winterdawn were slightly susceptible.     

Effect of LH-RH treatment on hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and Leydig cell ultrastructure in cryptorchid boys

62 cryptorchid boys aged 2-6 years were selected at random either for surgical or for hormonal LH-RH treatment. As all biopsies from boys operated show typical histological and ultrastructural signs of cryptorchidism, it can be concluded that only true cryptorchid patients are included in our study. LH-RH treatment was successful in 16 (55%) of 31 boys. Median 30-min response values to LH-RH test of LH were initially normal in all boys. Those treated successfully remain normal after treatment whereas unsuccessfully treated patients have significantly lower LH 30-min response values at the end of the 4 weeks of LH-RH treatment. FSH response was not statistically different before or after treatment. This might indicate that a normal LH response is necessary for testicular descent. In the 15 boys operated after 4 weeks of unsuccessful LH-RH treatment, testes biopsies show recruitment of the Leydig cell precursors and development of juvenile Leydig cells with an increase in their content of lipoid droplets and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. No adverse effect on the number of spermatogonia could be observed after 4 weeks of LH-RH treatment.     

Evaluation of methods to control Phytonemus pallidus and Anthonomus rubi in organic strawberry production

Abstract:  Use of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari, Phytoseiidae) and a fleece cover in combination with pyrethrum application showed potential for control of two important pests in organic production of strawberry ( Fragaria  ×  ananassa Duch.), although there were some unexpected interactions between pyrethrum and the release of N. cucumeris that need to be investigated further. Two cultivars, Honeoye and Cavendish, were treated with pyrethrum with or without fleece to control strawberry blossom weevils [ Anthonomus rubi Herbst. (Col., Curculionidae)] and N. cucumeris was released to control strawberry mites [ Phytonemus pallidus (Banks) (Acari, Tarsonemidae)]. Number of strawberry mites, number of flower buds damaged by the weevil, incidence of grey mould and powdery mildew, and fruit yield were measured in two consecutive fruiting seasons. In Honeoye, the fleece in combination with pyrethrum decreased the proportion of damaged buds by 11–23% and increased yield by 49–91 g per plant. When pyrethrum was used alone it did not influence the number of damaged buds or yield. This indicates that the combined treatment was more effective because of the fleece. In Cavendish, the fleece and pyrethrum treatments were not found to be effective. Almost no P. pallidus was found in Honeoye and the results were not analysable. In plots with Cavendish where N. cucumeris had been released, there were approximately 50% fewer P. pallidus from the end of August onwards in 2003. However, this response did not significantly influence the succeeding year's yield. The number of fruits infected with fungi was very low and no effects were observed for any of the treatments.     

Function of phenolic substances in the degradation system of indole-3-acetic acid in strawberries

The homogenate of different strawberry organs inhibits the degradation of IAA in the presence of horse radish peroxidase, while intact strawberry tissues are able to degrade IAA. The chemical nature of peroxidase inhibitors present, in strawberry tissues was in vestigated. Using paper chromatography the following polyphenolic substances inhibiting peroxidase activity were identified: chlorogenic, caffeic, ellagic, gentisic, gallic, and vanillic acids, quercetin and pelarginidin. Monophenolic compounds, also present in strawberry, such as p-hydroxy-phenyloacetic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, are strong stimulators of IAA oxidase. Abscisic acid in very high concentration (1×10^?4M) enhances degradation of IAA by peroxidase. When both poly-and monophenolic compounds at equimolar concentrations are present in the system, only the inhibition of IAA degradation occurs. Tissue explants from the strawberry leaves and petiole degrade less IAA if they are previously forced to synthetize more polyphenols under illumination. Although the difference in IAA-decarboxylation activity between the illumination and dark treated explants was relatively small, nevertheless it was consistent and appears to be very important from a physiological point of view suggesting that there exists a regulatory relationin vivo between IAA degradation and the presence of phenolsin plant tissue. Electron microscope data revealed that phenolic substances are specially isolated from cytoplasm of the receptacle cells.     

一头罕见伪虎鲸的测量

2005 年10 月山东省荣成市远洋渔船的渔民偶然误捕了一头海豚,经鉴定,系伪虎鲸,且为畸形。主要鉴别特征:全身呈暗黑色,体细长,背鳍狭长而呈镰刀形,胸鳍前缘有一特有的隆起,即所谓的“肘部”,牙齿大,呈圆锥形,上颌齿数为14,下颌齿数为16。同时,还对其进行了较详细的观察和测量。畸形表现在:左右口角的形状不一;左鳍肢前缘有一明显的二分叉;雌性,乳沟内无乳头,但经解剖发现腹内却有一胎儿,系雄性,体长1.8 m,体重40 kg。
     

Role of pigment epithelium-derived factor in the involution of hemangioma: Autocrine growth inhibition of hemangioma-derived endothelial cells

Hemangioma is a benign tumor derived from abnormal blood vessel growth. Unlike other vascular tumor counterparts, a hemangioma is known to proliferate during its early stage but it is followed by a stage of involution where regression of the tumor occurs. The critical onset leading to the involution of hemangioma is currently not well understood. This study focused on the molecular identities of the involution of hemangioma. We demonstrated that a soluble factor released from the involuting phase of hemangioma-derived endothelial cells (HemECs) and identified pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) as an anti-angiogenic factor that was associated with the growth inhibition of the involuting HemECs. The growth inhibition of the involuting HemECs was reversed by suppression of PEDF in the involuting HemECs. Furthermore, we found that PEDF was more up-regulated in the involuting phase of hemangioma tissues than in the proliferating or the involuted. Taken together, we propose that PEDF accelerates the involution of hemangioma by growth inhibition of HemECs in an autocrine manner. The regulatory mechanism of PEDF expression could be a potential therapeutic target to treat hemangiomas.