Diagnostic Value of Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Endobronchial Ultrasoundguided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Hilar and Mediastinal Lymph Nodes in Lung Cancer Patients

Background and objective Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and endobronchial ultrasoundguided TBNA (EBUS-TBNA) have been applied to the diagnosis for mediastinal lymph nodes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value and safety of TBNA and EBUS-TBNA on hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes of lung cancer patients. Methods Two hundred fifty patients with suspected lung cancer were enrolled. All petients with hilar and/or mediastinal lymphoadenopathy found by CT scan received TBNA, biopsy and brushing. EBUS-TBNA was performed in 15 patients among them. Results Lung cancer were confirmed in 180 patients by TBNA, biopsy and brushing. The positive rates were 82.86%, 51.24% and 45.45%. Fifteen patients after EBUS-TBNA had a positive rate of 91.67%. Conclusion TBNA and EBUS-TBNA were proved to be safe procedure with a high yield for the diagnosis of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes in lung cancer patients

TMEM106a is a Novel Tumor Suppressor in Human Renal Cancer

Background/Aims: In recent years the diagnosis and management of renal cancer has changed greatly, although the mechanism is still elusive. TMEM106a is a conserved type II transmembrane protein which is a key factor to regulate macrophage activation. Its inactivation in gastric cancer is frequently observed to be associated with poor prognosis. The role of TMEM106a in renal cancer remained unclear. Methods: TMEM106a expression profiling was performed in a panel of renal cancer cell lines and primary renal tissue cells. Then TMEM106a was overexpressed by a viral system in a renal cancer cell line with low level of TMEM106a. This stable cell line was assessed in multiple cell growth and migration assays. The results from TMEM106a overexpressing cell line were then confirmed with primary renal cells by siRNA knockdown of TMEM106a. Results: TMEM106a expression level was reduced in renal cancer cells compared to normal primary renal cells. Restoration of TMEM106a expression in TMEM106a-low renal cancer cells resulted in attenuated proliferation, reduced cell migration and enhanced caspase 3 dependent apoptosis compared to control cells. TMEM106a knockdown in primary renal cells led to increased colony formation compared to the control cells with scrambled siRNA transfection. Conclusion: TMEM106a is a novel tumor suppressor in renal cancer