Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise and rehabilitation program in improving shoulder function and quality of life for breast cancer patients after mastectomy. Method We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE (1966 to 2008), EMbase (1989 to 2007), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health literature), CBMdisc (1978 to 2008), and CNKI (1994 to 2008) to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The quality of RCTs was critically appraised and data were extracted by 3 reviewers independently. Meta-analyses were conducted for the eligible RCTs. Result Nineteen RCTs were included. Stepwise upper extremity exercise and body exercise were reported in the rehabilitation program. Nine studies indicated that the rehabilitation program significantly improved the shoulder function of breast cancer patients after mastectomy. Four studies demonstrated its effect on cardiopulmonary function and body endurance. Six RCTs proved the effect of rehabilitation program on health-related quality of life and fatigue alleviation. Conclusion Rehabilitation program consisting of stepwise upper extremity exercise and full-body exercise is effective in improving the shoulder function and enhancing the quality of life of breast cancer patients after mastectomy. It also has a positive effect in reducing fatigue for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Objective To examine the effects of TGF-β1 on epithelial-myofibroblast transition ( EMT) of A549 cells and its relationship with extracellular regulating kinase1/2 ( ERK1/2) signaling system. Methods Cultured A549 cells were divided into one negative control group and four groups incubated with TGF-β1 for 48 hours at different concentration ( 0.05, 0. 5, 5, 10 μg/L, respectively) . The protein expressions of E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin ( α-SMA) , vimentin and fibronectin were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blot. In the other experiment, cultured A549 cells were incubated with TGF-β1 for different time. The protein and mRNA expressions of E-cadherin and α-SMA were assessed by Western blot and RT-PCR. The protein expressions of vimentin, fibronectin, ERK1 /2, and p-ERK1 /2 were detected by Western blot. Results By indirect immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR analysis, E-cadherin expression significantly decreased and α-SMA expression significantly increased in A549 cells treated with TGF-β1 compared with negative controls in a time- and concentrationdependent manner ( Plt;0.05 ) . Vimentin and fibronectin protein expressions significantly increased simultaneously ( Plt;0.05) . The concentration of 5 ng/mL of TGF-β1 was most effective. The ratio of p-ERK1 /2 and ERK1/2 was significantly increased in the TGF-β1 treated cells in a time-dependent manner ( P lt;0. 05) . Conclusions TGF-β1 can induced EMT in A549 cells in vitro in a time- and concentrationdependant manner. This effect may involve in upregulation of ERK1/2 signaling system.