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Purpose: To investigate the impact of a laparoscopic resection on the quality of life in rectal cancer patients. Methods: This study included 135 patients (laparoscopic resection [LR] 65 cases and open resection [OR] 70 cases). The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires were used to measure the quality of life before the operation, then 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after the operation. Results: Eleven (16.9%) patients underwent a conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. The incision length and blood loss both decreased significantly in the LR group in comparison to the OR group ( P < 0.05). Recovery of the gastrointestinal function, bladder function, and ambulation was more rapid in the LR group ( P < 0.05). The patients in the LR group reported better global health status (33.3 vs 25.0, P < 0.001), body image (77.8 vs 66.7, P = 0.008), and less pain (33.3 vs 50. 0, P = 0.009) 1 week after operation. Better body image was reported in the LR group even 1 year after the operation ( P < 0.05). Fewer financial difficulties were reported by patients in the LR group ( P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between two groups on other scales. Conclusions: This study showed that the quality of life benefits due to minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery were evident only in the immediate postoperative period. A laparoscopic rectal resection therefore provided only better cosmetic benefit over the longer term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To prepare microencapsulated cells releasing human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), and investigate their biological characteristics in vitro. Methods: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with a human TIMP-2 expression vector, encapsulated in barium alginate microcapsules and cultured in vitro. Morphological appearance of the microcapsules was observed under a light microscope. Cell viability was assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse zymography were used to confirm the release of biologically active TIMP-2 from the microcapsules. Cryopreservation study of the microencapsulated cells was carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as preservative agent. Results: The microcapsules appeared like a sphere with diameter of 300–600 μm. The surface of the capsule wall was clearly smooth. The microencapsulated cells survived well and kept proliferating over the 6 weeks observed. No significant difference in TIMP-2 secretion was found between encapsulated and unencapsulated cells. Reverse zymography confirmed the bioactivity of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibition of TIMP-2. The cryopreservation process did not damage the microcapsule morphology nor the viability of the cells inside. Conclusion: Microencapsulated engineered CHO cells survive at least 6 weeks after preparation in vitro, and secrete bioactive TIMP-2 freely from the microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To screen and evaluate the active constituents of Chinese medicinal herbs as potent inhibitors of Cdc25 phosphatase. Methods: The affinity chromatography purified glutashione-S-transferase/Cdc25A phosphatase fusion protein and Cdc2/cyclin B from the extracts of starfish M phase oocytes are used as the cell cycle-specific targets for screening the antimitotic constituents. We tested 9 extracts isolated from the Chinese medicinal herbs and vegetables including the agents currently used in cancer treatment by measuring the inhibition of Cdc25A phosphatase and Cdc2 kinase activity. The antitumor activity of the extracts was also evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and flow cytometry. Results: Cdc25A inhibitory activity and antitumor activity are detected in the extracts isolated from three Chinese medicinal herbs Agrimona pilosa; Herba solani lyrati; Galla chinesis. Conclusion: We found three extracts isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs have potential inhibitory activity of Cdc25 phosphatase using a highly specific mechanism-based screen assay for antimitotic drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]