ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and safety of irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation technique on esophageal cancer.MethodsAn ECM830 electroporator was used for IRE treatment on esophageal cancer cells EC109 and KYSE30. According to the different electric field intensity, five groups were assigned: a control group, a 500 V/cm group, a 1000 V/cm group, a 1500 V/cm group, and a 2 000 V/cm group. After 24 h, methyl thiazolyltetrazolium (MTT) was used to detect the cell proliferation of each group. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of apoptosis proteins in cells before or after IRE treatment. Eight healthy BALB/c nude mice were equally divided into two groups: a control group (n=4) and an IRE group (n=4). EC109 was used to establish subcutaneous transplantation tumors and subsequently the mice in the IRE group were treated with flat electrode. The weight and volume of tumors were measured after 14 days. Ten healthy New Zealand white rabbits were equally divided into two groups: a control group (n=5) and an IRE group (n=5). After exposing the abdominal cavity, the abdominal esophagus of the IRE group was treated with flat electrode. Seven days later, the esophagus was extracted for HE and Masson staining.ResultsWhen the electric field intensity was low (500 V/cm), there was no change in esophageal cancer cells proliferation after IRE treatment compared to the control group (EC109: P=0.385, KYSE30: P=0.600). With the increase of electric field intensity, the influence of IRE on the proliferation of esophageal cancer cell gradually increased. When it reached 2 000 V/cm, there was basically no cell viability after IRE treatment (P<0.001). The results of Western blotting showed that the expression of cleaved caspase-3 increased after IRE treatment (P<0.01). Animal experiments indicated that the weight and volume of tumors in nude mice reduced (P<0.05) and the growth of tumors was slowed down after IRE treatment. In addition, the parenchymal cells of rabbit esophagus were largely damaged, while interstitial tissues such as fibers were well preserved.ConclusionIRE ablation has the potential to inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer cell and slow down the tumor growth.What’s more, it is safe for the esophagus.
A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that broke out at the end of 2019 is a newly discovered highly pathogenic human coronavirus and has some similarities with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for infected cells by SARS-CoV. SARS-CoV can invade cells by binding to ACE2 through the spike protein and SARS-CoV-2 may also infect cells through ACE2. Meanwhile, ACE2 also plays an important role in the course of pneumonia. Therefore the possible role of ACE2 in SARS and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is worth discussing. This paper briefly summarized the role of ACE2 in SARS, and discussed the possible function of ACE2 in COVID-19 and potential risk of infection with other organs. At last, the function of ACE2 was explored for possible treatment strategies for SARS. It is hoped to provide ideas and theoretical support for clinical treatment of COVID-19.