Experimental and molecular pathology
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FTY720, sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist, is a potent immunosuppressive agent. Numerous studies have documented a relationship between S1P and cardioprotection. We therefore hypothesized that a S1P analogue FTY720 would attenuate hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induced cadiomyocyte apoptosis. ⋯ We conclude that FTY720, via its cargo of S1P, can protect cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. This effect is achieved by inhibiting caspase-3 expression, inflammatory cytokine levels and activating AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. The prosurvival signal activation is dependent on S1P1, 3 subtype receptors and Gi protein.
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Fine-needle aspiration biopsy remains the mainstay for preoperative examination of thyroid nodules; however, it does not provide a definite diagnosis in up to 25% of nodules. Considerable studies have been performed to identify molecular markers to resolve this diagnostic dilemma. The aim of this study was to establish the distribution and frequency of common genetic alterations in a comprehensive set of benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and to determine the feasibility and role of testing for a panel of genetic alterations in improving the accuracy of cytology diagnosis in a Chinese population. ⋯ With cytology and molecular testing, the diagnostic accuracy was further increased to 98.82% in papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis, and was preoperatively increased to 76.92% and 84.00%, respectively, in nodules with suspicious and indeterminate cytology. In conclusion, molecular testing of a panel of genetic alterations in fine-needle aspiration biopsy can be effectively performed in clinical practice. It enhances the accuracy of cytology and is of particular value for indeterminate nodules in the Chinese population.