Gene expression profile of estrogen receptor alpha and beta in the ovaries of Zi geese (Anser cygnoides).

The profile of ERalpha and ERbeta gene expression in the ovaries of Zi geese at 1 day and 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 months of age (n=8, respectively) was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA was greater at 1 to 5 and 8 months compared with that observed at 1 day. In particular, the level of expression of ERalpha and ERbeta at 8 months was greater, 2.47 +/- 0.23 fold and 29.07 +/- 1.25 fold, respectively, compared with that at 1 day (P<0.05). The expression of ERalpha mRNA was not significantly different at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months (P>0.05). The level of expression of ERalpha mRNA at 5 months was 1.86 +/- 0.17 fold higher than at 1 day (P<0.05). The level of expression of ERbeta mRNA at 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 months (1.96 +/- 0.13, 2.58 +/- 0.08, 2.08 +/- 0.05, 3.25 +/- 0.11 and 29.07 +/- 1.25 fold, respectively, P<0.05) was significantly higher than at 1 day. In summary, the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA in the ovaries of geese was increased between newborn and the laying stage. These results suggest that ERalpha and ERbeta mediate the process of ovarian development and egg laying in geese. In addition, ERbeta may play a more important role in regulating the response of the ovary to estrogen during the developmental and egg-laying stages.

Expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA in the ovary of Zi geese during developmental and egg laying stages.

In order to evaluate the expression profile of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA in the ovary of Zi geese during developmental and egg laying stages, the expression levels of FSHR mRNA in the ovary of Zi geese at the ages of 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 months (n=8, respectively) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that FSHR mRNA expression was greater at the age of 1 to 5 and 8 months compared to expression at day 1 (P < 0.05). Particularly, the expression of FSHR mRNA at 4, 5 and 8 months was much greater, 1.86 +/- 0.14, 3.50 +/- 0.19 and 5.11 +/- 0.27 fold, respectively, compared to expression at day 1 (P < 0.01). The level of FSHR mRNA expression at 1, 2 and 3 months was 1.35 +/- 0.12, 1.31 +/- 0.05 and 1.28 +/- 0.09 fold greater, respectively, compared to day 1 (P < 0.05). The results indicate that the expression of FSHR mRNA remains at a stable level during the early developmental stage, and increases initially from 4 months until the egg laying stage. In addition, these results support the possibility that FSHR plays a pivotal role in mediating the response of the goose ovary to follicle-stimulating hormone during the developmental and egg laying stages, and especially during the latter.

[High-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography: valuable for diagnosis of polyorchidism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application value of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of polyorchidism. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 6 cases of polyorchidism diagnosed by ultrasound, 5 of which were pathologically confirmed, and analyzed the sonographic and clinical findings. RESULTS: All the 6 cases were triorchidism, 4 located in the scrotum, and 2 in the same groin with indirect hernia. The supernumerary testis was linked to the epididymis in 3 cases, 1 accompanied with repeated epididymis and vas deferens, and 2 connected to no vas deferens and epididymis. Color Doppler ultrasonography revealed blood flow signals in 4 cases, but not in the other 2. CONCLUSION: Polyorchidism has typical sonographic appearances, and high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography plays an important role in its diagnosis.

Microvesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury via delivery of miR-21.

Microvesicles (MVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs-MVs) and miR-21 were demonstrated to ameliorate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Since hUC-MSC-MVs contained a substantial quantity of miR-21, we speculated that miR-21 might account for a part of the therapeutic effects of hUC-MSCs-MVs. The human tubule epithelial (HK-2) cells were cultured under low oxygen (LO) condition to mimic a cellular IRI model. A rat model of unilateral renal IRI was established. A co-culture model of HK-2 cells and MSC-MVs was utilized to examine the therapeutic role of MSC-MVs in HK-2 cell apoptosis and mechanism. The results showed that hUC-MSCs-MVs inhibited LO-induced HK-2 cell apoptosis through transferring miR-21 to HK-2 cells. Mechanistically, miR-21 directly targeted and negatively regulated programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) in HK-2 cells. Moreover, PDCD4 overexpression in HK-2 cells abrogated the hUC-MSCs-MVs-inhibited HK-2 cell apoptosis under LO condition. Additionally, the beneficial effect of MSC-MVs on rat renal IRI was partly eliminated when miR-21 was knocked down in MSCs. Taken together, MSC-MVs inhibit tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and ameliorate renal IRI, at least partially, via delivery of miR-21.

Lipomatous hemangiopericytoma of the corpus spongiosum: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is an uncommon soft tissue tumor arising from pericytes. The urogenital system is rarely affected. METHODS: The review of the literature used the PubMed database which was searched up to March 2015. RESULTS: Herein, we report the first case of lipomatous HPC of the corpus spongiosum in a 37-year-old man in China. The lesion presented as a quickly growing mass. Contrast enhanced CT showed a heterogeneous fatty mass with a multifocal enhancing soft-tissue component. Microscopically, the neoplasm was composed of spindle cells, a mature fat component and collagenous stroma. The mitotic index was low at 1 to 3 mitoses per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemically, STAT6, Bcl-2, CD99 and CDK4 were positive; CD34 and SMA were negative. The mature adipocytes were positive for S-100. Ki-67 expression was found in approximately 5% of the tumor cells. Surprisingly, there was a diffuse and strong nuclear expression of MDM2, but, no amplification of MDM2 was demonstrated by FISH. An adequate excision of the tumor was performed. CONCLUSION: No local recurrence or distant metastases occurred during the 18-month follow-up. In view of the unpredictable biological behavior of this tumor, a long follow-up period is mandatory.

[Urethroplasty with circular fasciocutaneous flap in the treatment of complex anterior urethral strictures].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of urethral reconstruction using circular fasciocutaneous flap for the treatment of complex anterior urethral strictures. METHOD: The circular fasciocutaneous flap was harvested from the distal penile shaft or foreskin. Then the circular configuration was converted into longitudinal strip of skin which was rotated to ventral side to repair the exposured urethral strictures using the ventral onlay method. The surveillance protocol after urethroplasty was urination observation, regularly uroflowmetry and urethrography examination. RESULTS: From Nov. 2006 to Oct. 2012, 15 cases were treated. The mean age was 45 years (20-76 years) and mean follow-up period was 18 months(3 months-3 years). Stricture was caused by chronic urethritis in 4 cases, long-term urethral catheterization in 3 cases, transurethral perfusion chem other aphy in 3 cases, transurethral prostatectomy in 3 cases and hypospadias after surgery in 2 patients. The mean stricture length was 7.0 cm (3.5-12.0 cm). The overall success rate was 80.0% (12/15). Recurrence stenosis was noted in 2 cases and diverticulum formation in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: The penile circular fasciocutaneous flap can be used for anterior urethral stricture in nearly any length. The flap has the characteristics of hairless, adequate mobile and length, well-vascularized pedicle and easy to harvest. The onlay reconstruction provides excellent cosmetic results, less trauma, higher success rate. Therefore it should be one of the preferred techniques for complex anterior urethral stricture repair.

Meta-analysis of gene expression data identifies causal genes for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death in male populations across the globe. With the advent of gene expression arrays, many microarray studies have been conducted in prostate cancer, but the results have varied across different studies. To better understand the genetic and biologic mechanisms of prostate cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis of two studies on prostate cancer. Eight key genes were identified to be differentially expressed with progression. After gene co-expression analysis based on data from the GEO database, we obtained a co- expressed gene list which included 725 genes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these genes are involved in actin filament-based processes, locomotion and cell morphogenesis. Further analysis of the gene list should provide important clues for developing new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.