Electroacupuncture at Baliao point alleviates post-operative pain and anal distension after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (stapled hemorrhoidopexy): a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Baliao point on short-term complications, such as anal pain and swelling, after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) in patients with mixed hemorrhoids. METHODS: A total of 124 eligible patients undergoing PPH surgery were included in this study and randomly divided into a control group (n = 67) and an EA group (n = 57), with patients in the control group receiving only PPH surgery and patients in the EA group receiving PPH surgery and EA at Baliao point. RESULTS: The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of EA group at 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after operation were significantly lower than those of control group. The anal distension scores at 8, 48, and 72 h after operation were also significantly lower than those of control group. The number of postoperative analgesic drug administration per patient was also significantly lower in the EA group. The incidence of urinary retention and tenesmus in EA group was significantly lower than that in control group within the first day after surgery. CONCLUSION: EA treatment at the Baliao point can alleviate short-term anal pain and anal swelling after the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, reduce the incidence of urinary retention, and decrease the use of postoperative analgesic drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved and registered by the Chinese Clinical Trial Center, Registration number: ChiCTR2100043519, Registration time: February 21, 2021 ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/ ).

Effectiveness of concomitant use of green tea and polyethylene glycol in bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) is widely used for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopies. However, patients often exhibited adverse events as nausea, vomit and distention due to its uncomfortable tastes and potential side affects. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of concomitant use of green tea (GT) with PEG in bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized controlled study. It was conducted at an outpatient setting of colorectal surgery in a tertiary hospital. Patients aged 18 through 80 who were scheduled to undergo colonoscopy between August 2015 and February 2016 were randomly assigned into two groups, admitting either 2 L-PEG solutions with 1 L GT liquids or 2 L-PEG solutions only for bowel preparation. Admitted doses of PEG solutions, taste evaluation, adverse reactions (nausea and vomiting, distention and abdominal pain) were investigated by questionnaires. The bowel cleanliness of each patient was evaluated according to the Aronchick indicators. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were enrolled in this study (PEG+GT 59, PEG 57). Full compliances were achieved in 93.2% patients of group PEG+GT and 59.6% of group PEG (p < 0.001). Mean Aronchick scale between two groups were 2.0 ± 0.9 versus 2.2 ± 0.7 respectively (PEG+GT vs PEG, p = 0.296). Rates of adverse events as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain in bowel preparation were significantly different between two groups (55.9% vs 77.2%, p = 0.015 and 13.6% vs 33.3%, p = 0.012). Patients in group PEG+GT who have probabilities to receive repeating colonoscopy had a higher willingness to accept PEG+GT again for bowel preparation, compared with PEG group (94.9% vs 57.9%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant use of green tea and polyethylene glycol may effectively reduce incidence of adverse events, increase compliances, with comparable bowel cleanliness in bowel preparation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was retrospectively registered on Feb 1st, 2019 (ChiCTR1900021178).

Elevated G-Protein Receptor 125 (GPR125) Expression Predicts Good Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer and Inhibits Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND G-protein receptor 125 (GPR125), as a transmembrane signal transducer, is involved in regulating cancer development. Although GPR125 is related with several cancers, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the underlying mechanism are still unknown. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of GPR125 in CRC. MATERIAL AND METHODS We assessed the expression level of GPR125 in CRC tissues by analyzing 3 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and in human samples. The correlation between GPR125 expression and clinicopathological features was further analyzed. Survival analysis was performed to assess the association between GPR125 expression and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Cox logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the role of GPR125 expression in overall survival (OS). Moreover, we activated the Wnt pathway in HCT116 cells to investigate their potential mechanism. RESULTS Analysis of the GEO database showed that the expression of GPR125 was down-regulated in CRC tissues, consistent with our human samples experiments, and patients with higher GPR125 expression had a longer RFS. Also, we found that high GPR125 expression was associated with better tumor outcomes in clinical stage, metastasis, and KRAS status. Cox logistic regression analysis demonstrated that GPR125 was an independent prognostic factor for favorable outcome. Mechanistically, GPR125 overexpression inhibited the ß-catenin transcriptional activity, and down-regulated the expression levels of the Wnt downstream proteins-Axin2, c-Myc, cylinD1, and lef-1. CONCLUSIONS GPR125 may be a potential prognosis-related anti-oncogene and its effects on inactivating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway might be a key link to inhibiting CRC formation.

Non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates for the treatment of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (non-N-BPs) and nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) and vascular calcification (VC) is uncertain. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of non-N-BPs and N-BPs in the treatment of AS and VC. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from their inception to July 5th, 2023. Eligible studies comparing bisphosphonates (BPs) versus no BPs in the treatment of AS and VC were included. The data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in this meta-analysis. Twelve were randomized control trials (RCTs), and 5 were nonrandomized studies. Overall, 813 patients were included in the BPs group, and 821 patients were included in the no BPs group. Compared with no BP treatment, non-N-BP or N-BP treatment did not affect serum calcium (P > .05), phosphorus (P > .05) or parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (P > .05). Regarding the effect on serum lipids, non-N-BPs decreased the serum total cholesterol (TC) level (P < .05) and increased the serum triglyceride (TG) level (P < .01) but did not affect the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (P > .05). N-BPs did not affect serum TC (P > .05), TG (P > .05) or LDL-C levels (P > .05). Regarding the effect on AS, non-N-BPs did not have a beneficial effect (P > .05). N-BPs had a beneficial effect on AS, including reducing the intima-media thickness (IMT) (P < .05) and plaque area (P < .01). For the effect on VC, non-N-BPs had a beneficial effect (P < .01), but N-BPs did not have a beneficial effect (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Non-N-BPs and N-BPs did not affect serum calcium, phosphorus or PTH levels. Non-N-BPs decreased serum TC levels and increased serum TG levels. N-BPs did not affect serum lipid levels. Non-N-BPs had a beneficial effect on VC, and N-BPs had a beneficial effect on AS.

Application of ultrasound attenuation imaging and shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of metabolic fatty liver disease.

This study aimed to investigate the application of ultrasound attenuation imaging (ATI) and shear wave elastography (SWE) in the examination of patients with metabolism-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD). A total of 210 patients were retrospectively selected and divided into MAFLD group (n=84) and no MAFLD group (n=126). ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of ATI value and SWE value for MAFLD. The MAFLD groups were divided into mild group (n=39), moderate group (n=28) and severe group (n=17). Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between ATI values, SWE values and the severity of MAFLD. Waist circumference, BMI, ALT, AST, TG, CHOL, ATI and SWE in MAFLD group were higher than those in non-MAFLD group (P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that the AUC of ATI value in the diagnosis of MAFLD was 0.837 and the sensitivity, specificity and cutoff values were 83.46%, 70.35% and 0.63 dB/cm/MHZ. Waist circumference and BMI were significantly lower in the mild MAFLD group than in the moderate MAFLD group (P<0.05) and ALT, AST, TG, CHOL, ATI and SWE levels gradually increased with the severity of MAFLD (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that ATI was positively correlated with MAFLD severity (r=0.553, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.384~0.686) and SWE was significantly positively correlated with MAFLD severity (r=0.606, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.450~0.726). Both ATI and SWE are effective in the diagnosis and evaluation of MAFLD, but ATI is more effective in the diagnosis and SWE.

Application of the intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon without ileostomy in low rectal cancer.

Background: Ileostomy is often used in low rectal cancer to protect the anastomosis and reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage. However, the closure of the stoma causes physical and psychological damage to patients. An intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon was designed to remove the need for ileostomy and a secondary surgery, and we sought to verify its effectiveness and safety. Methods: An intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon was designed, and the experiment was performed in 5 groups of experiment pigs by the same group of physicians. The tube was placed into the ileum through the cecum during surgery. All the animals were anatomized after being anesthetized on the 14th day postoperatively to check the anastomosis and abdominal cavity. The postoperative complications included anastomotic leakage, abdominal or pelvic infection, anastomotic stenosis, postoperative bleeding, intestinal obstruction, reoperation, electrolyte disorder, drainage tube blockage, and drainage tube fall off. Results: No serious postoperative complications occurred in the 5 animal groups. The average daily drainage tube volume was 188.6 mL, the average drainage tube removal time was 13.4 days, and the average first defecation time was 2.6 days. Postoperative drainage was smooth, and no anastomotic leakage, other complications, or animal deaths occurred. Conclusions: The use of the intestine diversion tube with a double-balloon was feasible in animal experiments and was safe and effective. The procedure is simple, and suitable for popularization and application in the clinic.

Comparison of different anastomosis angles in radiocephalic fistula with modified functional end-to-side anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: Functional vein end to arterial side (ETS) anastomosis uses vein side to arterial side anastomosis with distal vein ligation, which is different from traditional ETS anastomosis. To date, there are no studies concerning different anastomotic angles of fistula with functional ETS anastomosis. The purpose of the study was to analyze the clinical outcomes concerning different anastomotic angles of functional ETS anastomosis in radiocephalic fistula. METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2020, we performed a prospective cohort study concerning functional ETS anastomosis in radiocephalic fistula. According to vascular anatomy of patients, the anastomosis angles of fistula were designed at 30 ≤ angle ≤ 50°, 50 < angle ≤ 70°, and 135° smooth obtuse angle. The end points were the primary patency rate (PPR), the secondary patency rate (SPR) and the cumulative rate of reintervention (CRR) near anastomotic venous segment. RESULTS: 124 patients with functional ETS anastomosiss were enrolled in this study. Pearson χ2 test showed that the group of 135°anastomosis angle had the maximum distance between arteries and veins, and the group of 30-50°anastomosis angle had the minimum distance between arteries and veins (P < 0.01). 30-50°anastomosis angle had the highest PPR at 12 months (P = 0.03) and the lowest CRR near anastomotic venous segment at 3 months (P = 0.04) and 12 months (P = 0.01). There were no significant differences among different anastomosis angles concerning the SPR within 12 months (P > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis showed that 30-50°anastomosis had the highest PPR (P = 0.03) and the lowest CRR near anastomotic venous segment (P = 0.01). A multivariable Cox model showed anastomotic angle was an independent factor predictive of the PPR (P = 0.04) and the CRR near anastomotic venous segment (P = 0.03). 50-70°anastomosis angle was a risk factor of decreasing PPR (P = 0.03). 50-70° (P = 0.01) and 135° (P = 0.03) anastomosis angle were both obvious risk factors of increasing CRR near anastomotic venous segment. CONCLUSION: 30-50°were the best anastomotic angles for functional ETS anastomosis, which had the highest PPR and lowest CRR near anastomotic venous segment.

Endoscopic parathyroidectomy versus open parathyroidectomy for patients with refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Endoscopic parathyroidectomy(EPTX) has been gradually introduced as a minimally invasive treatment for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). However, it is uncertain about the efficacy and safety compared between EPTX and open parathyroidectomy (OPTX) for refractory SHPT. Aim: This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPTX and OPTX for secondary hyperp arathyroidism (SHPT). Material and methods: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched. Eligible studies comparing EPTX and OPTX for refractory SHPT were included. Results: Compared with OPTX, EPTX has the shorter hospital stay (p < 0.01) and lower incidences of hoarseness or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between EPTX and OPTX concerning operation time (p = 0.49), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.24), postoperative parathyroid hormone levels (p = 0.22), postoperative calcium levels (p = 0.93), postoperative phosphorus levels (p = 0.37), and complications including neck ecchymosis (p = 0.87), subcutaneous haematoma (p = 0.18), and wound infection (p = 0.11). Conclusions: EPTX and OPTX are both effective methods for refractory SHPT. EPTX had the shorter hospital stay and lower incidences of hoarseness or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for patients with primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Thermal ablation, including microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), has been recommended for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MWA and RFA in patients with PHPT and refractory SHPT. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang were searched from inception to December 5, 2022. Eligible studies comparing MWA and RFA for PHPT and refractory SHPT were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager software, version 5.3. RESULTS: Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Two were retrospective cohort studies, and three were RCTs. Overall, 294 patients were included in the MWA group, and 194 patients were included in the RFA group. Compared with RFA for refractory SHPT, MWA had a shorter operation time for a single lesion (P < 0.01) and a higher complete ablation rate for a single lesion ≥ 15 mm (P < 0.01) but did not show a difference in the complete ablation rate for a single lesion < 15 mm (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between MWA and RFA for refractory SHPT concerning parathyroid hormone (P > 0.05), calcium (P > 0.05), and phosphorus levels (P > 0.05) within 12 months after ablation, except that calcium (P < 0.01) and phosphorus levels (P = 0.02) in the RFA group were lower than those in the MWA group at one month after ablation. There was no significant difference between MWA and RFA concerning the cure rate of PHPT (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between MWA and RFA for PHPT and refractory SHPT concerning the complications of hoarseness (P > 0.05) and hypocalcaemia (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MWA had a shorter operation time for single lesions and a higher complete ablation rate for large lesions in patients with refractory SHPT. However, there was no significant difference in efficacy and safety between MWA and RFA in cases of both PHPT and refractory SHPT. Both MWA and RFA are effective treatment methods for PHPT and refractory SHPT.

Full thermal ablation versus partial thermal ablation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the thermal ablation treatment of refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), there is no consensus on the ablation range of the hyperplastic parathyroid gland. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and complications between full and partial thermal ablation in patients with refractory SHPT. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to July 1, 2023. Eligible studies comparing full thermal ablation and partial thermal ablation for SHPT were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Three cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial involving 62 patients in the full thermal ablation group and 63 patients in the partial thermal ablation group were included. The serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus levels after full ablation were all lower than those after partial ablation (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the partial and full ablation groups concerning the incidence rate of severe hypocalcemia (P = .09). There was no significant difference between the partial and full ablation groups concerning symptom improvement, including bone joint pain, itching, and myasthenia (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Full ablation was superior to partial ablation in terms of reducing PTH, calcium and phosphorus levels. Full ablation might not significantly increase the incidence of severe hypocalcemia. Larger multicentre randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the conclusion.

Efficacy and safety of tolvaptan versus placebo in the treatment of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and drug safety of tolvaptan with placebo for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to September 10, 2021. Eligible studies comparing tolvaptan and placebo in the treatment of patients with ADPKD were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 3575 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, tolvaptan had a better effect on delaying eGFR decline (MD 1.27, 95% CI 1.24-1.29, P < 0.01) and TKV increase (MD - 3.01, 95% CI - 3.55 to - 2.47, P < 0.01) in ADPKD treatment. Additionally, tolvaptan reduced the incidence of complications such as renal pain (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.87, P < 0.01), urinary tract infection (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54-0.89, P < 0.01), haematuria (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51-0.89, P < 0.01), and hypertension (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52-0.82, P < 0.01). However, tolvaptan was associated with a higher incidence rate of adverse events such as thirst (OR 8.48 95% CI 4.53-15.87, P < 0.01), polyuria (OR 4.71, 95% CI 2.17-10.24, P < 0.01), and hepatic injury (OR 4.56, 95% CI 2.51-8.29, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Tolvaptan can delay eGFR decline and TKV increase and reduce complications such as renal pain, urinary tract infection, haematuria, and hypertension in the treatment of ADPKD. However, tolvaptan increases the adverse effects of thirst, polyuria and hepatic injury.

Expression of MUS81 Mediates the Sensitivity of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer to Olaparib.

This project attempts to clarify the expression of MUS81 in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and the effect on drug sensitivity to Olaparib. We collected clinical surgical samples of patients who were suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), common prostate cancer (PCa), and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and detected the expression of MUS81 in healthy prostate epithelial cells, PCa cells, and androgen-independent PCa cells. We subsequently performed CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, and Transwell invasion and migration assay to determine the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis abilities of transfected CRPC cells as well as drug toxicity of Olaparib to CRPC cells. The expression of MUS81 indicated marked upregulation in PCa and CRPC tissues, compared with the level of MUS81 in BPH tissues. MUS81 silencing inhibited the proliferation of CRPC cells and promoted their sensitivity to Olaparib. MUS81 silencing in CRPC cells remarkably accelerated cell apoptosis and greatly inhibited cell invasion and metastasis after Olaparib administration. MUS81 silencing in CRPC cells has significantly enhanced the sensitivity of cells to Olaparib, which provides evidence for the prediction of Olaparib resistance in CRPC cells by the MUS81 gene and is expected to become a promising gene target in CRPC therapy.

Rare complication of ureteral double-J stenting after ureteroscopy: pelvic ectopic renal parenchymal perforation.

Scarce data are available on pelvic ectopic renal parenchymal perforation. However, this complication might lead to serious consequences. Clinicians should pay attention to the early identification and treatment of this complication. We herein report the first case of pelvic ectopic renal parenchymal perforation caused by a double-J stent after ureteroscopy. Compared with previously reported cases of renal parenchymal perforation not involving an ectopic kidney, our case involved no renal capsule hematoma and no other serious complications. Our primary management strategy was to review relevant examinations and tests, perform close monitoring, and instruct the patient to stay in bed. The patient recovered smoothly after the ureteral stent was removed 1 month postoperatively.

The effects of the oral administration of graphene oxide on the gut microbiota and ultrastructure of the colon of mice.

Background: Graphene oxide (GO) has been widely used in the field of biomedicine and has shown great potential in drug delivery. Oral administration is an important mode of administration, but there are few studies on the effects of oral GO on gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota. This study sought to explore the effects of oral GO on the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota. Methods: In total, 20 C57BL/6 male mice, aged 5 weeks old, were randomly divided into the following 4 groups (n=5): the control group, the GO30 group, the GO60 group, and the GO120 group. The GO sample solution was administered intragastrically at the doses of 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg every 3 days, and the control group was given an equal volume of distilled water. On the 16th day, mouse feces were taken for 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing analysis, and the mice were dissected, and the heart, liver, kidney, and colon removed for histological analysis. Additionally, the ultrastructure of the colon was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: No obvious damage was observed in the hearts, livers, and kidneys of the mice. However, the intestinal ultrastructure of the mice in the GO group was damaged. The main manifestations were an uneven arrangement and local atrophy of the microvilli, swelling of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, and the widening of the intercellular spaces. The damage was positively correlated with increasing GO doses. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that the structure of the gut microbiota in the GO group was altered, and the contents of Alistipes, Enterobacteriaceae, Eubacterium, and Xanthobacteraceae were decreased. Conclusions: The oral administration of GO had no obvious toxicity effects on the hearts, livers, and kidneys of the mice. However, it did destroy the ultrastructure of the mouse colon and shift the structure of the gut microbiota, decreasing the contents of Alistipes, Enterobacteriaceae, Eubacterium, and Xanthobacteraceae.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease (MCD) patients. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched from the inception to March 20, 2021. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and corticosteroid as initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD patients were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 196 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD, TAC and corticosteroid had similar complete remission (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.47-2.41, P = 0.89), total remission (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.39-4.35, P = 0.67), relapse rate (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.28-1.42, P = 0.26). Main drug-related adverse effects of two therapeutic regimens had no difference concerning infection (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.23-1.27, P = 0.15), glucose intolerance (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16-1.84, P = 0.33) and acute renal failure (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.36-7.31, P = 0.71). CONCLUSION: TAC monotherapy is comparable with corticosteroid monotherapy in initial therapy of MCD. To further confirm the conclusion, more large multicenter RCTs are necessary.

Graphene oxide induces autophagy and apoptosis via the ROS-dependent AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway in colorectal cancer cells.

Aim: To investigate the anticancer effects and action mechanism of graphene oxide (GO) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials & methods: Anticancer effects and mechanisms of GO in CRC were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Results: GO significantly inhibited tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. GO was able to enter HCT116 cells through endocytosis. GO treatment resulted in cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, autophagy and activation of the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signal pathway. However, ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuated the above effects and restored the effects of GO on protein expressions related to apoptosis, autophagy and AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signal pathways. Conclusion: GO exerts anticancer effects against CRC via ROS-dependent AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway-related autophagy and apoptosis.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus monotherapy versus cyclophosphamide-corticosteroid combination therapy for idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus cyclophosphamide (CTX)-corticosteroid combination therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. METHODS: Databases including the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to October 20, 2020. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy in IMN patients were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. One randomized controlled trial and eight cohort studies involving 442 patients were identified. Compared with CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy for IMN, TAC monotherapy had higher complete remission (CR) at month 6 (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-3.50, P < .01). The 2 therapeutic regimens had similar partial remission (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.45-1.04, P = .08), total remission (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.85-2.23, P = 0.19) at month 6, and similar CR (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.84-3.19, P = .15), partial remission (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.37-1.38, P = 0.31), and total remission (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.55-3.01, P = .56) after 1 year. The relapse rate of the TAC group was higher than that of the CTX group, but the difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.75-4.53, P = .18). There was no difference between the 2 therapeutic regimens concerning glucose intolerance (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.61-2.14, P = .67), acute renal failure (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.39-3.33, P = .81), or tremors (OR 4.39, 95% CI 0.75-25.67, P = .10). Incidences of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.79, P = .02), infection (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08-0.39, P < 0.01), leukopenia (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04-0.51, P < .01), and abnormal aminotransferase (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.77, P = .01) in the TAC group were all lower than those in the CTX group. Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the TAC group and the CTX combined with corticosteroid 0.8 to 1 mg/kg/day group concerning CR at month 6 (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the TAC group and the CTX combined with corticosteroid 0.5 mg/kg/day group concerning abnormal aminotransferase (P > .05). CONCLUSION: TAC monotherapy is comparable to CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy for renal remission in IMN patients. TAC monotherapy had a higher CR in the early stage and had fewer drug-related adverse effects. The relapse rate of TAC monotherapy was higher than that of CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy, but the difference was not significant.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus monotherapy versus tacrolimus-corticosteroid combination therapy for idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched from inception to January 10, 2021. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy in IMN patients were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. One randomized controlled trial and six cohort studies involving 372 patients were identified. Compared with TAC monotherapy, TAC-corticosteroid had a higher total remission at the sixth month (odd ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.78, P < .01). The two therapy regimens had similar complete remission rates (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43-1.48, P = .47) at the sixth month and similar relapse rates (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.70-2.92, P = .32). TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy had a higher incidence of infection (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.81, P = .01). The two therapy regimens had similar incidences of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.34-2.70, P = .93), abnormal aminotransferase (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.34-2.38, P = .84), and glucose intolerance (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.32-1.07, P = .08). CONCLUSION: TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy had a higher total remission rate at the sixth month but had a higher incidence of infection than TAC monotherapy in the treatment of IMN. The two therapeutic regimens had similar relapse rates.

Paricalcitol vs. cinacalcet for secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease: A meta-analysis.

Paricalcitol and cinacalcet have been recommended to reduce parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and they are able to reduce the risk of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. However, to date, it has remained uncertain which is the better drug. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects on PTH, calcium and phosphorus metabolism between the two drugs. The PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2019 and eligible studies comparing paricalcitol and cinacalcet for SHPT were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager version 5.3. A total of 7 trials from six articles, comprising 456 patients in the paricalcitol group and 412 patients in the cinacalcet group, were included in the meta-analysis. There were no differences in PTH levels [mean difference (MD): 71.82, 95% CI: -185.20-328.85, P=0.58] and phosphorus levels (standard MD: 0.59, 95% CI: -0.82-2.00, P=0.41). The calcium levels in the paricalcitol group were significantly higher than those in the cinacalcet group (MD: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.92-1.28, P<0.05). In conclusion, paricalcitol and cinacalcet exhibited no difference in their efficacy to control of PTH levels, as they were similarly effective in decreasing the PTH levels. They also had comparable efficacy in the management of phosphorus levels. However, cinacalcet produced a significantly greater reduction in serum calcium levels. More large multicentre randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the conclusions of the present analysis.

Regulation of circGOLPH3 and its binding protein CBX7 on the proliferation and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells.

To clarify the mechanism of circGOLPH3 regulation on prostate cancer cells, we performed an overexpression and interference circGOLPH3 assay in prostate cancer cells PC-3 and then evaluated cellular viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by MTT, CCK8, Edu stain, TUNEL stain, and flow cytometry. Binding proteins of CircGOLPH3 were identified by RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The expressions of CircGOLPH3 and CBX7 were measured by qRT-PCR. The results showed that after overexpression of circGOLPH3, the proliferative capacity and the viability of PC-3cells were significantly improved, whereas apoptosis was inhibited. CircGOLPH3 could bind to the CBX7 protein that was highly expressed in the PC-3 cell. Additionally, a functional test on CBX7 showed that the CBX7 overexpression notably improved the proliferative capacity and the viability of PC-3 cells and decreased cellular apoptosis, which was consistent with the effects of circGOLPH3. The validated the present study that circGOLPH3 and its binding protein CBX7 can promote prostate cancer cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis.