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Bisphenol A (BPA) is a monomer used in manufacturing a wide range of chemical products, including epoxy resins and polycarbonate. BPA, an important endocrine disrupting chemical that exerts estrogen-like activities, is detectable at nanomolar levels in human serum worldwide. The pregnancy associated doses of 17b-estradiol (E2) plus tumor-necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) induce distorted maturation of human dendritic cells (DCs) that result in an increased capacity to induce T helper (Th) 2 responses. The current study demonstrated that the presence of BPA during DC maturation influences the function of human DCs, thereby polarizing the subsequent Th response. In the presence of TNF-a, BPA treatment enhanced the expression of CC chemokine ligand 1 (CCL1) in DCs. In addition, DCs exposed to BPA/TNF-a produced higher levels of IL-10 relative to those of IL-12p70 on CD40 ligation, and preferentially induced Th2 deviation. BPA exerts the same effect with E2 at the same dose (0.01-0.1 mM) with regard to DC-mediated Th2 polarization. These findings imply that DCs exposed to BPA will provide one of the initial signals driving the development and perpetuation of Th2-dominated immune response in allergic reactions.

Background: Conventional microsurgical approaches are limited to exposing the lateral and bilateral regions because of surgical trauma. Total removal of clival chordoma and chondrosarcoma is very difficult. This study was undertaken to determine the potential role of an endoscopic endonasal approach in improved management of clival chordoma and chondrosarcoma. Methods: Seven patients with chordoma and 2 patients with chondrosarcoma treated by endoscopic endonasal surgery between November 2002 and February 2006 were studied prospectively. The mean age was 35 years. The follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 39 months. Results: Total removal was achieved in 6 cases of chordoma and 1 case of chondrosarcoma, with subtotal removal in 1 case of chordoma and of chondrosarcoma. At the last follow-up, 7 patients had no evidence of disease and 1 was alive with disease. The chordomas had recurred in 1 patient after 5 months with subtotal removal. Conclusion: The use of nasoendoscopy to perform clival chordoma and chondrosarcoma surgery is not limited to merely the minimally invasive aspects. It provides better visualization of the deeper anatomical structures in the skull base and affords a means to ‘look around corners’. This approach promises a simple and rapid access to the clivus. It is both a safe and efficient procedure.

Purpose: This study is designed to investigate the roles of Tiam1 and Rac1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: NPC samples (n = 102) were analyzed with immunohistochemistry for Tiam1 and Rac1 proteins, 28 of which were also analyzed with quantitative RT-PCR and Western blots for Tiam1 and Rac1 mRNA and protein expression. The expression of Tiam1 and Rac1 in noncancerous nasopharyngeal tissue (n = 26) acted as a control. The expression was gauged regarding stage, grade and survival. Results: Tiam1 and Rac1 were overexpressed in NPC cells and their protein upregulation was significantly associated with stage and grading (p < 0.05 for all). Cox regression analysis revealed Tiam1 and Rac1 protein upregulation was correlated with lower disease-free and overall survival rates (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Upregulation of Tiam1 and Rac1 proteins may play a critical role in tumor progression of NPC, and work as a prognostic factor for NPC patients.

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