Objective To explore effect of DLL4 gene in MCF-7 cells of human breast cancer which was inhibitted by short hair in RNA （shRNA） on inducing apoptosis and chemosensitivity to docetaxel. Methods Specific shRNA was designed in accordance with DLL4 gene and transfected into MCF-7 cells of human breast cancer with liposomal （Lip-shRNA group）， MCF-7 cells transfected with only liposomal as Lip group， and control group without any treatment. Expressions of DLL4 protein in 3 groups were detected by immunohistochemical method， apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were examined by flow cytometry （FCM）. Proliferations and sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to docetaxel in 3 groups were determined by methylthiazoyl-tetrazolium bromide （MTT）. Results The averages optical density value and rate of positive area of Lip-shRNA group were significantly lower than that of other 2 groups （P＜0.01）. The levels of A value at 24h， 48h， and 72h in Lip-shRNA group were significantly lower than that of other 2 groups （P＜0.01）. Rates of cell apoptosis at 24h， 48h， 72h and 96 h in Lip-shRNA group were significantly higher than that of other 2 goups （P＜0.05），and ratio of G2/M was higher too （P＜0.05）. IC50 of Lip-shRNA group to docetaxel was significantly lower than that of other 2 groups （P＜0.05）. Conclusions The RNA interference technology can effectively block the expression of DLL4 gene. Inhibition of DLL4/Notch signaling pathway can lead to proliferation inhibition of cancer cell and a concomitant increase in cells undergoing apoptosis， and can enhance the cell sensitivity to docetaxel. DLL4 may be an important target for therapeutic approach of breast cancer.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics of epilepsy and depression patients, and provide guidance for clinical intervention of epilepsy and depression patients.MethodsPatients with epilepsy (epilepsy group) were prospectively enrolled in Emeishan People’s Hospital from 2015 to 2017, and healthy controls (control group) were enrolled in the same period. Clinical assessment of depression was conducted and compared between the two groups. In the epilepsy group, the severity and incidence of depression were analyzed and compared among different subgroups according to the epileptic seizure type, frequency and course.ResultsA total of 120 patients and 70 healthy controls were enrolled. The Hamilton Depression Scale score of epilepsy group was higher than that of the control group (t=7.430, P<0.001), and the depression degree of epilepsy group was significantly higher than that of the control group (Z=−4.371, P< 0.001). There was no significant difference in depression rating between convulsive epilepsy patients and partial epilepsy patients (Z=−1.591, P=0.112); there was no significant difference in depression rating among patients with different epilepsy course (χ2=1.943, P=0.584); there was significant difference in depression rating among patients with different seizure frequency (χ2=27.575, P<0.001). Patients with high frequency of seizures were more likely to suffer from depression and severe depression, with the lowest proportion of normal neuropsychological state. Conversely, patients with low frequency of epileptic seizures had a lower proportion of depression and severe depression.ConclusionsThe incidence of depression in epilepsy patients is higher than that in normal people. Timely detection and treatment of depression in clinical work have a positive impact on the prognosis of patients.