BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: Folic acid (FA) is a key factor that is involved in DNA methylation and DNA synthesis. Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical enzyme which determines the balance between the above two processes. Riboflavin(RF) is the precursor of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) which is the coenzyme of MTHFR, consequently, low concentration of RF may affect MTHFR activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytokinesis_block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was employed to assess the effects of different combinations of FA(20 and 200 nmol/L, i.e. LF and HF) and RF (1 and 500 nmol/L, i.e. LR and HR) and MTHFR A1298C polymorphism on genomic stability of 9_day old cultured human lymphocytes. RESULTS: The result showed that the genetic damage was significantly higher in LFHR groups regardless of the genotypes(P<0.01).The optimal levels of genomic stability were identified in all HFLR groups. The frequencies of MNed BNC, NPB and BUD in HF groups were 46.5％,22％ and 42.3％, respectively, of those in LF. These biomarkers levels were 6.3％－12.4％ lower in LR groups than in HR groups. FA accounted for 91.61％，73.72％ and 78.07％ for MNed BNC,NPB and BUD respectively. RF and MTHFR A1298C polymorphism did contribute to the variations of the above indexes but the impact was relatively trivial compared with that of FA. No interactions among these three factors that affected the genomic stability were found. CONCLUSION:All of FA,RF and MTHFR A1298C polymorphism could affect genomic stability, with FA being the dominant factor in our system.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To evaluate the potential association between MCP_1 gene promoter _2518 G/A polymorphism and keloid development in Chinese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distribution of the _2518 G/A polymorphism of MCP_1 gene was analyzed from the 92 patients with keloid and 180 unrelated healthy controls with polymerase chain reaction_restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR_RFLP) analysis and DNA sequence analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the patients and healthy controls in the distribution of allelic and genotypic frequencies of the 2518 G/A MCP_1 gene polymorphism(P were 0.419 and 0.415,respectively). When patients were stratified according to the clinical features of keloid, a significant increase in the frequency of the carriers of the A allele was found among patients with multiple site scars compared with those with single site scar (P=0.035，OR=2.952, 95％ CI:1.051～8.290). CONCLUSION: In this study, the A allele of MCP_1 gene promoter _2518 may be associated with the formation and development of multiple keloids.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM： To explore the molecular mechanisms potentially responsible for carcinogensis due to cadmium chloride by evaluating changes of the translation enlongation factor 1δ p31(TEF_1δ p31) expression in the malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cell lines(16HBE) induced by cadmium chloride(CdCl2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The changes of TEF_1δ p31 mRNA in semi_transformed cells, transformed cells and tumorigenic cells induced by CdCl2 solution were assessed with both RT_PCR and Taqman fluorescent quantitative PCR assay. RESULTS: ①Compared with non_transformed human bronchial epithelial cells , the fluorescent quantitative PCR assay showed that the semi_transformed cells, transformed cells and tumorigenic cells all expressed higher levels of TEF_1δ p31 mRNA(P<0.01 or P<0.05). As compared with control cells, the TEF_1δ p31 expressions during the 3 different stages of malignant transformation were 3.4 times, 5.2 times and 6.9 times, respectively, in low concentration of CdCl2(5 μmol/L); 4.1 times, 6.9 times and 6.3 times, respectively, in moderate concentration of CdCl2 (10 μmol/L); 1.4 times,2.9 times and 8.4 times, respectively, in high concentration of CdCl2(15 μmol/ L). These results showed a positive correlation(r>0.799,P<0.01) between overexpression levels of TEF_1δ p31 mRNA and malignant degree of the cells, but no correlation to the concentration of cadmium. ② There was a close relationship(F=7.128，P=0.001)between abnormal expression of TEF_1δ p31 in different stages of 16HBE cells induced and transformed by different concentrations of CdCl2. CONCLUSION: There was marked overexpression of TEF_1δ p31 gene during malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cell lines induced by cadmium chloride ,and the TEF_1δ p31 expression was associated with malignant degree of the cells and concentration of CdCl2 . This may be one molecular mechanisms potentially responsible for carcinogensis caused by cadmium.

【ABSTRACT】 BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To explore the effects of resveratrol in suppressing growth and inducing apoptosis in human esophageal carcinoma EC109 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EC109 cells were treated with resveratrol at different concentrations,methyl thiazolyltetrazolium (MTT)assay was used to examine the effect of resveratrol on growth of EC109 cells. Hoechst 33258 staining and phase contrast microscope were used to examine the apoptosis status of EC109 cells. The cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Resveratrol(15.62－500 μmol/L)could inhibit the growth of EC109 cells in time_and dose_dependent manner. 500 μmol/L resveratrol had 87.43％ inhibitory rate on the growth of EC109 cells at 72 h, 48 h after treatment with resveratrol, typical apoptosis was seen under phase contrast microscope and fluorescence microscope in 500 μmol/L treatment groups. Resveratrol could arrest EC109 cells growth in S phase, inhibit DNA synthesis and induce cell apoptosis and the apoptotic ratio was 62.3％. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol could inhibit proliferation, cause S phase arrest and induce apoptosis of EC109 cells.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM： To explore the significance and interaction of telomerase activation and expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen (PCNA) in arsenic_induced skin lesion from coal burning. MATERIALS AND METHODS： Using telomeric repeat amplification protocol(TRAP) assay and ABC immunohistochemical technique, the level of telomerase activation and PCNA expression were evaluated in 29 skin lesions of arseniasis patients and 10 cases of normal skin. RESULTS： The positive rates of telomerase in cancerous skins and skins with general pathological changes(dermatitis，hyperkeratosis and pigmentation) were 90.9％ and 0.0％，respectively. In these 2 groups, the positive rates of PCNA were 90.9％ and 16.7％，respectively. The differences in telomerase and PCNA rates between the 2 skin groups were both statistically significant(P<0.01). The telomerase and PCNA were negative in 10 cases of normal skin. There was a positive relationship between telomerase activation and PCNA expression(r=0.659， P<0.01). The two indexes had concordance(P>0.05) and the rate was 82.8％. CONCLUSION: The increase of telomerase activation and PCNA expression were important during the course of arsenic_induced skin carcinogenesis. There was concordance between the two. Combined measurements of telomerase activation and PCNA expression would be helpful in the diagnosis of skin carcinoma induced by arsenic.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To study the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ERK1/2 kinase modulated the expression of vascular endothelial cells growth factor (VEGF) in lung cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PD98059, the special inhibitor of ERK1/2, was used to inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of ERK1/2. Transcription factor Sp1 gene was silenced by small interfering RNA technology. SEAP assay was used to detect the transcription activity of Sp1. RT_PCR was applied to examine the expression status of VEGF and Sp1. RESULTS: Western blot and RT_PCR results proved that PD98059 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The expression of VEGF gene was decreased associated with the inhibition of ERK1/2 kinase. The transcription activity of Sp1 was down_regulated by PD98059. SiRNA targeting Sp1 effectively decreased the expression of itself and VEGF. CONCLUSION: In lung cancer cells the expression of VEGF might be regulated by ERK1/2 signal pathway, and partly depended on the activity of transcription factor Sp1.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: MAP30 (Momordica anti_HIV protein of 30 kDa) is a 30 kDa, a single_stranded ribosome inactivating protein purified from the fruits and seeds of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). In order to fully understand the relationship between gene function and domain of MAP30, the active gene fragment of this protein must be cloned and expressed precedingly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two PCR primers, one for amplifying coding gene for T8_N263 amino acids of mature MAP30 (large fragment), the other for amplifying coding gene for T8_S194 amino acids of mature MAP30 (small fragment) were designed firstly. The objective genes were amplified by PCR from the DNA of bitter melon, and then cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET_28a to construct the expression vectors, containing 6 His_tag in C_terminal. After sequencing analysis, the vectors were transformed into E. coli RosettaTM(DE3)pLysS by calcium chloride transformation method to obtain the recombinants respectively. The recombinants were induced by IPTG to express the recombinant proteins, which were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: Western blot analysis indicated that the recombinant proteins demonstrated antigenicity to rabbit anti_His_tag polyclona antibody. CONCLUSION: The result demonstrated that both of the two constructed expression vectors could express the expected recombinant proteins in E. coli RosettaTM(DE3)pLysS.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: By transfecting the CD20_scFv_IgGFc recombinant pLNCX plasmid into T lymphocytes and employing the anchored T lymphocytes to attack the Raji lymphoma cells in vitro, to explore the capability of the anchored T lymphocytes in inducing apoptosis of Raji cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recombinant plasmid was transfected into retrovirus_packed PA317 cell lines with lipofectamine reagent, and then the growth of the trancfectants were selected in a medium supplemented with G418(600 μg/ml) for 3 weeks. Raji cells were attacked by T lymphocytes with and without transfected PA317 supernatant. The AnnexinⅤ and Bcl_2 positive rates in Raji cells at different times were monitored by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expressions of Annexin V and Bcl_2 in CD20＋ Raji cells were obviously different to the control group within 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Anti_CD20_scFv_IgGFc modified T cells could provoke Raji cells apoptosis within several hours. AnnexinⅤ may initiate Raji early apoptosis, and meanwhile genetically modified T cells could inhibit Bcl_2 expression of Raji cells to its speed up its apoptosis.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM： To study the expression of heat shock protein 60 gene (Hsp60) in normal forelimbs and short forelimb malformations，normal palates and cleft palates during embryogenesis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At gestational day 10(GD10),mice in the treatment group and the control group were given 80 mg/kg of all_trans retinoic acid and the same volume of soybean oil,respectively. The forelimbs of all embryos were harvested during GD11_GD18，and the palates were obtained during GD15_GD17. The expression levels of Hsp60 in all samples was measured by real_time quantity reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (QRT_PCR). RESULTS: Hsp60 was expressed in all samples. In the normal forelimbs high expressions were found on GD14, GD17 and GD18, and same in the short forelimb malformations, with no difference among all the samples(P>0.05). The expression of Hsp60 in the abnormal limbs was stronger than that in the normal limbs during GD11_GD18(P<0.05). The expression of Hsp60 in the normal palates was stable during GD15_GD17. In the cleft palates,the expression of Hsp60 decreased with age during GD15_GD17. The expression of Hsp60 in the normal palates was stronger than that of the cleft palates during GD15_GD17(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: During embryogenesis in mice, the expression level of Hsp60 in all_trans retinoic acid_induced short limb malformations was increased by stress, but that in cleft palates was suppressed.

BACKGROUND＆AIM: To study the correlation between the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer(EMMPRIN)and matrix metalloproteinase_9(MMP_9) and the development and metastasis of breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expressions of EMMPRIN and MMP_9 were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in 21 cases of breast hyperplasia, 10 cases of intraductal carcinoma and 68 cases of invasive breast ductal carcinoma. RESULTS: ①The positive rates of EMMPRIN expression in hyperplasia, intraductal carcinoma and invasive breast carcinoma were 4.76％ (1/21), 40.00％ (4/10) and 73.53％ (50/68), respectively. Significant difference was found among three groups (P<0.05); ②The positive rates of MMP_9 expression in hyperplasia, intraductal carcinoma and invasive breast carcinoma were 0.00％ (0/21), 30.00％ (3/10) and 69.12％ (47/68), respectively. Significant difference was found among three groups too (P<0.05); ③ The expression of EMMRIN significantly correlated with the expression of MMP_9 in breast ductal carcinoma (rs=0.676,P<0.01). Axillary lymph node metastasis and the number of metastatic node were related to the expression of EMMPRIN and MMP_9 in breast ductal carcinoma(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The over_expression of EMMPRIN and MMP_9 may play important roles in the development of breast carcinoma.They were found to be important factors that promoted the invasion and metastasis of breast carcinoma.EMMPRIN and MMP_9 could be important markers for evaluating invasion and metastasis of breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To investigate the anti_tumor activity of cortex periplocae extract (CPE) on the proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The suppressive effect of CPE on the proliferation of different human tumor cells was evaluated by using MTT assay and colony formation test. Its in vivo anti_neoplastic action was studied by observing its effect on the weight of tumors in colon 26 tumor bearing mice and the life spans of S180 tumor bearing mice. RESULTS: CPE had a definite inhibitory effect on proliferation of the human tumor cell lines in vitro, most prominent to K562, BGC_823 and TE_13 tumor cells (P<0.01). It also had an obvious inhibition on colony formation of the above tumor cell lines in vitro(P<0.05). It showed obvious inhibition on the growth of tumor in colon 26 bearing mice and prolonged the life span of S180 bearing mice in vivo. CONCLUSION： CPE could inhibit the growth of several tumor cells in vitro and in vivo effectively. For CPE to be used as an anti_tumor agent awaits further studies.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To study the anti_tumor effects, efficacy enhancement and immunoregulatory function of intracellular polysaccharide(IPS) from liquid state fermentation of Phellinus linteus in S180_bearing mouse and provide evidence for exploring IPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: S180_bearing mice were divided into 9 groups (10 mice per group) which were normal group, tumour_bearing group, Cyclophosphamide(CP) group, IPS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) groups and co_administration groups of IPS(50,100,200 mg/kg) with CP. The anti_tumor effects and the influences on immunity function of both IPS and co_administration of IPS with CP were observed. The MTT method was used to measure the proliferation activity of splenic lymphocytes of S180_bearing mouse. RESULTS: At doses of 200 and 100 mg/kg, inhibition rates of S180 sarcoma were 57.02％ and 61.40％ respectively. The inhibition rate of co_administration of 100 mg/kg IPS with CP could reach 79.51％. IPS significantly increased thymus index and spleen index of S180_bearing mouse and protect the immune organs aginst CP. IPS promoted the growth of leucocytes and inhibited its reduction induced by CP. Besides, IPS enhanced cell_mediated immunity by accelerating T_cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: IPS of Phellinus linteus was shown to have significant anti_tumor effects and promoted the immune function of tumor_bearing mice. IPS could also mitigate the toxic and side effects of chemotherapeutic agents and enhancing the efficacy of CP.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM：To study the inhibitory effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction(FJD) on the micronuclei formation induced by nickel sulfate (NiSO4) in human bronchial epithelial cell line(16HBE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured 16HBE cells were exposed to NiSO4(400 μmol/L) in vitro. Different doses of FJD drug serum were added into the media containing NiSO4.Micronuclei(MN) were scored in 1 000 16HBE cells.Cellular ions of Ni2＋, Mg2＋ and Zn2＋ and free radicals were all measured with laser scanning confocal microscopy(LSCM). RESULTS： After exposure of 16HBE cells to NiSO4(400 μmol/L),MN frequencies, Ni2＋ and free radicals increased and Mg2＋,Zn2＋ decreased,compared with that of negative control(P<0.01). Compared with NiSO4 exposure group(10.8％), the MN frequencies in groups treated with both FJD and NiSO4 decreased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01).In cells co_treated with FJD and NiSO4, Ni2＋ and free radicals decreased and Mg2＋,Zn2＋ increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). CONCLUSION： By restoring the alteration of some metal ions and scavenging free radicals,FJD could suppress micronuclei formation in 16HBE cells induced by nickel.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To explore whether lymphocytes could be induced into tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lymphocytes were cultured and induced with different concentrations of the culture medium supernatant of tumor cells.Cell culture and animal experiments were employed to study growth characteristics,tumor_forming ability and subculturing features. RESULTS: The lymphocytes acquired from a mouse carrying B16 tumor for 4 months,were cultured into a strain of tumor, named EP tumor strain, which could subcultured and form tumors in vivo. The characteristics of tumor cells became less obvious with increasing passaging, and ultimately disappeared in the sixth to seventh generation. CONCLUSION: Lymphocytes could transform into tumor cells under specified conditions.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM： Sperm_egg fusion is a vital step in the process of fertilization .Izumo protein, only found on the inner acrosomal membrane, is a testis (sperm) _specific protein and belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is the key molecule which impacts on the sperm_egg fusion in the process of fertilization. In this study, we investigated the expression of pCXN2_mIZUMO in the muscle and its effect on the fertility of C57BL/6 mouse by means of gene immunization. The results could provide useful experimental data for the immunocontraceptive research. MATERIALS AND METHODS： Female and male C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with pCXN2_mIZUMO respectively. Sera titers of antibodies against Izumo were measured using ELISA assay and fertilization in vitro test was exerted to confirm the effect of antiserum. All the animals were introduced to mate with normal mice at a female/male ratio of 2:1. The litter size were analyzed after delivery. RESULTS： The immune system was induced specific response to Izumo antigen. The rate of the fertilization in vitro was decreased in the presence of antiserum values. The numbers of newborns were as follows: experiment female 2.9±0.66; control female 5.4±0.82; experiment male 5.1±0.99; control male 6.0±1.34. The fertility of female mice inoculated with pCXN2_mIZUMO plasmid was impaired. CONCLUSION：compared with the control female groups, low fertility was induced after vaccination with the recombinant plasmid of pCXN2_mIZUMO.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To observe the toxic effects of Ethaselen on the maternal rat in late trimester of pregnancy, the growth and development, and the abilities of learning and reproduction of the offsprings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SD pregnant rats were given Ethaselen orally from gestational day 15 to weaning day 28. The experimental groups received 250、500 and 1 000 mg/kg of Ethaselen. RESULTS： The body weight accretion of maternal rats (F0) in experimental groups was obviously lower than that in negative control group(P<0.05). The body_weight of the offsprings(F1) at birth and accretion during lactation were obviously decreased(P<0.05). The physiological indexes and neonatal reflexes were delayed significantly(P<0.05). But there were no toxic effects on the body weight gain, appetite, visceral measurements, mating ratio, pregnancy ratio and fetal development on stopping drug administration. CONCLUSION: Among the dose range used, Ethaselen caused obvious body weight accretion in F0 and F1, and developmental delay. But there were no the toxic effects on the visceral development, reproductive ability, body weight increase, and appetite on stopping the drug.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To assess the mutagenic effects of bituminous , anthracite , lignite dust. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mutagenicity of the dust and their mixture with benzo(a)pyrene suspension(pH 6.5－7.0) was investigated by Salmonella typhimurium/reverse mutation assay(Ames test) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test both with and without S9 activation. According to the Ames test specification, TA97,TA98,TA100 and TA102 strains were used and the ammounts of 3 kinds of dust and their mixture with benzo(a)pyrene were 5000,500,50 and 5 μg/plate, respectively. The number of colony was counted after culturing for 48 h at 37 ℃. SCE test was performed with peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy men. The ammounts of 3 kinds of dust and their mixture with benzo(a)pyrene were 500, 50 and 5 μg/plate, respectively .The chromosome specimen slide was made after culture 72 h at 37 ℃ and the frequency of SCE was counted.There were triplicate plates in each group and negative and positive controls were set up in Ames and SCE tests. RESULTS: The colony number of 3 kinds of dust were not more than twice of that of spontaneous recovery mutation (SRM) both with and without S9 activation. There was no dose_response relationship among groups. The colony number of the coal dust mixture with benzo(a)pyrene was not significantly higher compared with that of benzo(a)pyrene alone(P>0.05). The SCEs of coal dust and their mixture with benzo(a)pyrene were not increased significantly compared with control group. CONCLUSION: Mutagenicity of the 3 kinds of coal dust and their mixture with benzo(a)pyrene were not found under these conditions.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To investigate the antioxidation effects of Panax capsule with grape seed extract(GSE) on old rats with different doses . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different doses(0.1、0.5、2.5 g/kg) and a control group(were dosed through mouth with solvent only) were administered through mouth to three experiment groups,respectively, once per day for 60 days. On the 61 day, All the rats were killed through vein exsanguinate.The blood and the liver were obtained from the rats and were disposed, respectively.The content of serum MDA ,activation of GSH_Px and SOD were detected. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences between the three experiment groups and the control group about the activation of SOD(P>0.05). However, there were significant differences between the experiment group (2.5 g/kg) and the control group both about the content of serum MDA and the activation of GSH_Px . CONCLUSION: Panax capsule with GSE could decrease the content of serum MDA of the old female rats (age 15 monthes) and increase the activation of GSH_Px. It can be concluded that Panax capsule with GSE has the effect of antioxidation.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM：To study the effect on MN frequency identification caused by different skill level, staining time and scoring time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A blood sample was collected from a healthy 30_year_old male. Lymphocytes was isolated and then cultured in RPMI medium in triplicates. Two of the 3 cultured groups were then exposed to 1Gy or 2 Gy gamma_rays and the other one was control. Parallel scoring spots (a and b) in same slide was made according to CBMN assay method, 2 simultaneously parepared slides of each group was stained by Giemsa at 2 different times，and then 6 scorers with different skill levels scored the MN frequency. RESULTS: Variation of MN frequency scored by scorers with different skill levels was not significant.The MN frequency scoring for spot a and b at different times showed no significant difference among different scorers. The observed endpoints, MNed、MNi、NPB and NDI, stained at different times, were not different significantly either. CONCLUSION: Skill level, staining time or scoring time did not show significant interference on estimation of the dose_effect relationship between MN frequency and radiation dose.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor_C(VEGF_C) and matrix metalloproteinase_9(MMP_9) in cervical carcinoma and explore the roles in cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of VEGF_C and MMP_9 in paraffin samples of 45 cases of cervical carcinoma, 20 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 20 cases of normal cervical tissue. RESULTS: The expression of VEGF_C was significantly higher in carcinoma than that in normal cervical tissue and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.The expression of MMP_9 became stronger and stronger with the progression of cervical diseases from normal tissue to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and to invasive carcinoma of cervix uteri.In cases with pelvic lymph node metastasis,FIGO stagingⅡ,neoplasms with deep muscular invasion the rates of overexpression of VEGF_C and MMP_9 were significantly higher than that in those without deep invasion. CONCLUSION: Both VEGF_C and MMP_9 were involved in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer and measurement of VEGF_C and MMP_9 expression may be developed as a means to evaluate the malignant degree and prognosis of cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND＆AIM： To investigate the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 protein in endometrial carcinoma and its clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS： p21WAF1/CIP1 protein was assessed in 30 normal controls, 20 single hyperplasia, 22 atypical hyperplasia, 57 endometrial carcinoma by immunohistochemical SP method. RESULTS：p21WAF1/CIP1 protein was mainly expressed in the nucleolus . Its expression protein was decreased in endometrial carcinoma tissue，compared with normal controls and single hyperplasia(P<0.01). The expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 was correlated with depth of myometrial invasion and clinical stage (P<0.05). CONCLUSION： p21WAF1/CIP1 protein may play an important role in the development and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND ＆ AIM： To determine the different expressions of P73 and P51 genes in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS： The expressions of P73 and P51 gene in breast cancer tissues were assessed by RT_PCR and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin_dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)and the relationship between the two genes and apoptosis were analysed. RESULTS： The difference in the expressions of P73 and P51 genes was significant in breast cancer(P<0.05). There was no statistical significance between these two gene expressions in breast fibroadenoma (P>0.05).The difference in the expressions of P73 and P51 genes was significant in those without lymph nodes metastasis(P<0.05), but not in those with positive nodes.Also, there was no significant difference between the expressions of P73 and P51 genes in ER_and PR_positive breast cancer and ER_and PR_negative breast cancers(P>0.05). The apoptosis rate cancer cells with P51 gene was not significantly different from those with p73 gene.The same was true for cancer cells without either gene. CONCLUSION: The expression of P73 gene was higher than that of P51 gene in breast cancer. P73 gene may play a more important role in breast carcinogenesis than P51，especially in the early stage of tumor. But the pathogenesis needs further studies.