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Background Rat liver epithelial (RLE) cells could inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of hepatoma cells in vitro. This study is to understand the tropism and the effect of RLE cells on mouse hepatoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Methods RLE cells were isolated from new-born rats and characterized their stem cell markers. Co-culture and HCC mouse model was established to detect therapeutic effect of RLE cells. Results RLE cells (including Thy-1+ RLE cells, Thy-1- RLE cells, RLE cells) displayed a selective tropism toward ML-1 hepatoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. They altered the gene expression of some cancer stem cell markers in the liver tumor. Conclusion Liver epithelial cells have a selective tropism toward HCC in vitro and in vivo. They could alter the gene expression of cancer stem cells.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death in Asian countries. Sonic hedgehog ( Shh ) pathway plays a role in hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated the treatment effect of mouse HCC with Shh inhibitor GDC-0449. Methods Mouse hepatoma ML-1 cells were implanted in B6 mice. Fifteen days later, GDC-0449 (vismodegib), antagonist of smoothened, was used to treat HCC-bearing mice. The tumor size and liver histopathological features were analyzed, as well as gene expression in Shh pathways. Results GDC-0449 treatment effectively reduced tumor size and cell infiltration of the HCC in mice. Gene expression of Shh pathway molecules was altered, including upregulated Shh expression and downregulated smoothened expression in tumor fractions after GDC-0449 treatment. Conclusion GDC-0449 could effectively mitigate HCC growth in vivo.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether ,5 mm as the narrowest margin width may negatively affect a patient’s outcome. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was designed. From January 1994 to July 2010, 196 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing central hepatectomy were divided into group A (n 5 172; narrowest margin, R 5t o,10 mm) and group B (n 5 24; narrowest margin, ,5 mm), and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences between groups A and B included tumor size (P 5.057), infiltrative border (P 5.021), satellite lesions (P 5.021), and major perivascular abutment (P 5.028). Marginal recurrence occurred in 50% of the patients in group B but none of those in group A (P ,.001). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding recurrence, recurrence-related death, disease-free survival, and speed of recurrence, but a borderline significant difference was found regarding the cumulative probability of overall survival. After excluding early recurrence (within 1 year), group B had significantly lower cumulative probabilities of disease-free survival (P 5 .020) and overall survival (P , .001). CONCLUSIONS: In central resections, narrowest margin width of ,5 mm does not negatively affect recurrence and overall survival. However, it increases perimargin recurrence and inversely affects late outcomes.

Internal supravesical hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction and a clinical diagnostic problem. We demonstrate its computed tomography (CT) appearance and believe familiarity with the anatomy of the supravesical fossa may allow the preoperative diagnosis.