Fused expression of Sm1-Chit42 proteins for synergistic mycoparasitic response of Trichoderma afroharzianum on Botrytis cinerea.

Sm1 and Chit42 of Trichoderma have been universally confirmed as crucial biocontrol factors against pathogen infection through induced resistance and mycoparasitism, respectively. However, not enough work has been conducted to understand the novel function of fused expression of these two proteins in Trichoderma. The results of this study demonstrated that Sm1-Chit42 protein (SCf) engineered T. afroharzianum strain OE:SCf exerted synergistic inhibition to Botrytis cinerea growth at multiple stages of mycoparasitic interaction of T. afroharzianum and B. cinerea including chemotropism sensing, hyphal coiling, hydrophobicity modulation, cell wall adhesion, virulence reduction and pathogen killing by ROS. These results highlight a novel mycoparasitic system in Trichoderma strains engineered with Sm1-Chit42 chimeric protein to combat B. cinerea growth and reproduction, which would lay a strong foundation for exploring a new engineered Trichoderma biofungicide created with chimeric proteins in the future.

Theoretical insights into the stability of buckled tetragonal graphene and the prediction of novel carbon allotropes.

Buckled tetragonal graphene (BTG), a novel allotrope of graphene, has been reported to possess Dirac-like fermions and high Fermi velocities. However, the stability of BTG is still controversial. Here, first principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) were performed to study the stability of three kinds of tetragonal graphenes (TGs), including planar tetragonal graphene (PTG), BTG reported by Liu et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett., 2012, 108, 225505] and the novel BTG constructed by us. For the two BTGs, phonon dispersions predict that they are stable, but this conclusion is contradictory with the results of energy analysis, vibrational mode analysis and AIMD simulations. Our electronic structure analysis shows that the delocalized Π bonds formed by unbonded pz electrons drive the stability of PTG and may induce the transformation of the two BTGs into PTG. Our further study of phonon dispersions on planar hexagonal graphene (PHG) and buckled hexagonal graphene (BHG) indicates that the phonon dispersion at 0 K may have some limitations in predicting the stability of 2D carbon materials and thus cannot accurately describe the stability of BTGs. In addition, we have predicted several hydrogenated and fluorinated TGs, and theoretically demonstrated that chemical modification can make metallic PTG become a semiconductor with a certain bandgap. Moreover, the bandgaps of these new materials can be further regulated by increasing the thickness of the carbon atomic layer, which makes them promising for semiconductor devices and energy storage.

FGFR2-CCDC6 fusion gene promotes the proliferation of Hucct-1 cells.

To investigate the effect of the FGFR2-CCDC6 fusion gene on cell proliferation and its mechanism of action, pCDNA3.1- FGFR2bWT, pCDNA3.1- FGFR2-CCDC6 expression plasmids were transiently transfected into Hucct-1 cells using Lipo-2000 liposomes. The effect of the fusion gene on cell proliferation was examined by MTT and the expression of FGFR2/AKT/signaling pathway proteins was detected by Western blot. Results showed that Hucct-1 cells transfected with the FGFR2-CCDC6 fusion gene showed increased FGFR2 protein expression (P<0.001) and significantly higher cell proliferation capacity (P<0.001) compared to normal controls. It was concluded that The FGFR2-CCDC6 fusion gene excessively activates the AKT, and ERK signaling pathway downstream of FGFR2 and plays a role in promoting cell proliferation.

Expression Characteristics of SODD and ALG-2 as Possible Biomarkers for Evaluating Lymphatic Metastasis Potential of Hepatocarcinoma in a Mouse Model.

Annexin A7 has been confirmed in our previous research to be an important factor in lymph node metastasis (LNM) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SODD and ALG-2 are the binding proteins of Annexin A7 and can work in protein complexes. The present study was carried out with the constructed cell lines in mouse model of metastasis for further elaboration of possible mechanisms and identification of associated genes in the LNM of HCC. This experiment used inbred Chinese 615 mice, as well as Hca-F and Hca-P cells. Quantification of the relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of SODD and ALG-2 was realized by using qRT-PCR. Quantification of the protein expressions of SODD and ALG-2 was achieved by using western blot. Experimental mice (n=160) (6-8weeks old, 18-22g, SCXK [LIAO] 2008-0002) were randomly classified into four groups equally, which were separately inoculated with Hca-F, Hca-P, FAnxa7-upregulated, and PAnxa7-upregulated cells. Serum levels of SODD and ALG-2 were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemical analysis of SODD and ALG-2 was further conducted. Tumor LNM-related factors of SODD and ALG-2 showed the same tendency in their expression correspondingly with the up-regulated expression of Annexin A7. Our experiment further explored the roles of SODD and ALG-2 based on Annexin A7 up-regulation vectors construction and the establishment of corresponding controls in vivo. Furthermore, the mouse model of primary tumors was constructed by injecting Hca-F, FAnxa7-upregulated and Hca-P, PAnxa7-upregulated cells into the mouse footpad. Mice were sacrificed at the designated time points for detecting SODD and ALG-2 expression in tumor tissue and serum samples. Collectively, our work indicates SODD in tumors and in serum and ALG-2 in serum are valuable in evaluating LNM in mice with HCC.

Expression and significance of miR-34 with PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues.

This research was carried out to investigate the expression of miR-34a, miR-34b and p-PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosal tissues and their relationship with the clinicopathological parameters of colorectal adenocarcinoma as well as the correlation between miR-34a, miR-34b and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR proteins in 67 colorectal adenocarcinomas and the corresponding distal cut-off normal mucosa were assayed by immunohistochemistry. Their relationship with clinicopathological parameters and the correlation of the three proteins were evaluated. The expression of miR-34a and miR-34b in colorectal adenocarcinoma and the corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosa was detected by applying real-time quantitative PCR. The correlation between colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue miR-34a, miR-34b and p-PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR proteins, respectively, was analyzed. Results showed that the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT and mTOR proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues was higher than that in the corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosa (P=0.000), and there was a positive correlation between the expression of the three proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues. The expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues were correlated with tumor size, differentiation degree, infiltration degree, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05). The expression of mTOR protein was related to tumor size and differentiation degree (P<0.05). The relative expression of miR-34a and miR-34b in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues was less than that in the corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosa (P<0.05), and the expression of miR-34a and miR-34b was positively correlated. The expression of miR-34a and miR-34b in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues was negatively correlated with the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT and mTOR proteins. In conclusion, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may promote colorectal adenocarcinoma and differentially participate in differentiation, infiltration and lymph node metastasis. Also, miR-34a and miR-34b may inhibit colorectal adenocarcinoma. Importantly, miR-34a and miR-34b may affect the development and progression of colorectal adenocarcinoma by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

The extracellular sulfatase SULF2 promotes liver tumorigenesis by stimulating assembly of a promoter-looping GLI1-STAT3 transcriptional complex.

The expression of the extracellular sulfatase SULF2 has been associated with increased hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and poor patient survival. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying SULF2-associated tumor growth remain unclear. To address this gap, here we developed a transgenic mouse overexpressing Sulf2 in hepatocytes under the control of the transthyretin promoter. In this model, Sulf2 overexpression potentiated diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC. Further analysis indicated that the transcription factor GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1) mediates Sulf2 expression during HCC development. A cross of the Sulf2-overexpressing with Gli1-knockout mice revealed that Gli1 inactivation impairs SULF2-induced HCC. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Sulf2 overexpression is associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-specific gene signatures. Interestingly, the Gli1 knockout abrogated SULF2-mediated induction of several STAT3 target genes, including suppressor of cytokine signaling 2/3 (Socs2/3); Pim-1 proto-oncogene, Ser/Thr kinase (Pim1); and Fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (Flt4). Human orthologs were similarly regulated by SULF2, dependent on intact GLI1 and STAT3 functions in HCC cells. SULF2 overexpression promoted a GLI1-STAT3 interaction and increased GLI1 and STAT3 enrichment at the promoters of their target genes. Interestingly, the SULF2 overexpression resulted in GLI1 enrichment at select STAT3 consensus sites, and vice versa. siRNA-mediated STAT3 or GLI1 knockdown reduced promoter binding of GLI1 and STAT3, respectively. Finally, chromatin-capture PCR confirmed long-range co-regulation of SOCS2 and FLT3 through changes in promoter conformation. These findings define a mechanism whereby SULF2 drives HCC by stimulating formation of a GLI1-STAT3 transcriptional complex.

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of a novel tick-borne virus in Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks and sheep from Shandong, China.

Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) was first identified in Haemaphysalis longicornis from Hubei Province, China in 2015. However, its pathogenic potential to animals and human remains to be further explored. In this study, a total of 170 engorged ticks and 22 sheep serum samples were collected from Taian and Yantai city, Shandong Province to investigate the presence of DTV. The results of qRT-PCR revealed the positive rate of 13.6% (3/22) in sheep serum and 8.2% (14/170) in attached ticks, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close evolutionary relationship among those DTV isolates from animal and ticks, and DTV might be relatively conservative in evolution. These findings are the first to demonstrate molecular evidence of DTV in domestic animals. Nonetheless, whether or not causing disease in animals, DTV deserves further investigation.

Tailored Luminescence Output of Bi3+-Doped BaGa2O4 Phosphors with the Assistance of the Introduction of Sr2+ Ions as Secondary Cations.

In this work, a tunable luminescence color from yellow to orange of photoluminescence (PL), long persistent luminescence (LPL), and photostimulated luminescence (PSL) is successfully achieved in BaGa2O4:Bi3+ phosphors with the introduction of Sr2+ ions as secondary cations. It is confirmed that broad-band emissions located at 500 and 600 nm originate from the occupation of Bi3+ ions at different lattice sites in the BaGa2O4 host matrix. The replacement of Sr2+ for Ba2+ ions makes the emission red-shift from 600 to 650 nm; moreover, two additional emissions appeare at 743 and 810 nm due to the occupational preference of Bi3+ ions at Ga3+ sites. Furthermore, the doped Sr2+ ions promote the reconstruction of the trapping centers, which conduces to the fundamental improvement of the optical storage capacity behavior of Bi3+-doped phosphors. Our results clarify the dependence of the luminescence performance on the crystal sites of Bi3+ ions with fascinating broad-band emissions in the BaGa2O4:0.01Bi3+ host matrix and will benefit the design and exploration of Bi3+-doped solid solutions for optical storage applications.

Broadband, Enhanced, and Antithermally Quenched Near-Infrared Phosphors via a Cosubstitution Approach.

Wearable biosensing and food safety inspection devices with high thermal stability, high brightness, and broad near-infrared (NIR) phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs) could accelerate the next-generation NIR light applications. In this work, NIR La3-xGdxGa5GeO14:Cr3+ (x = 0 to 1.5) phosphors were successfully fabricated by a high-temperature solid-state method. Here, by doping Gd3+ ions into the La3+ sites in the La3Ga5GeO14 matrix, a 7.9-fold increase in the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the Cr3+ ions, as well as a remarkably broadened full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the corresponding PL spectra, is achieved. The enhancements in the PL, PLE intensity, and FWHM are attributed to the suppression of the nonradiative transition process of Cr3+ when Gd3+ ions are doped into the host, which can be demonstrated by the decay curves. Moreover, the La1.5Gd1.5Ga5GeO14:Cr3+ phosphor displays an abnormally negative thermal phenomenon that the integral PL intensity reaches 131% of the initial intensity when the ambient temperature increases to 160 °C. Finally, the broadband NIR pc-LED was fabricated based on the as-explored La1.5Gd1.5Ga5GeO14:Cr3+ phosphors combined with a 460 nm chip, and the potential applications for the broadband NIR pc-LEDs were discussed in detail.

Measurement algorithm for wafer alignment based on principal component analysis.

We propose a novel measurement algorithm for wafer alignment technology based on principal component analysis (PCA) of a mark image. The waveform of the mark is extracted from the enlarged mark image, which is collected by CCD. The position of the mark center on the CCD can be calculated based on the extracted waveform. By applying PCA to the mark image, the first principal component containing position information of the mark can be obtained. Therefore PCA can be used to extract the waveform from the mark image. Compared with the typical waveform extraction method (the summed projection (SP) method), the proposed PCA method can use the position information contained in the mark image more effectively. Through simulation and experiment, it is proved that the proposed PCA method can improve the contrast of the normalized waveform, and then improve the alignment accuracy.

Sub-pixel position estimation algorithm based on Gaussian fitting and sampling theorem interpolation for wafer alignment.

Wafer alignment is the core technique of lithographic tools. Image-processing-based wafer alignment techniques are commonly used in lithographic tools. An alignment algorithm is used to analyze the alignment mark image for obtaining the mark position. The accuracy and speed of the alignment algorithm are very important for guaranteeing the overlay and throughput of lithographic tools. The most commonly used algorithm in image-processing-based alignment techniques is the self-correlation method. This method has a high accuracy, but the calculation is complex, and the calculation speed is slow. In this paper, we propose a sub-pixel position estimation algorithm based on Gaussian fitting and sampling theorem interpolation. The algorithm first reconstructs the alignment signal by sampling theorem interpolation and then obtains the sub-pixel position of the mark by Gaussian fitting. The accuracy and robustness of the algorithm are verified by testing the simulated marks and experimentally captured marks. The repeat accuracy can reach 1/100 pixels, which is in the same level with the self-correlation method. The calculation speed is highly improved compared with the self-correlation method, which needs only about 1/3 of even short calculation time.

Computed Tomography-Guided Biopsy for Small (≤20 mm) Lung Nodules: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy for small lung nodules (SLNs) (≤20 mm) and to assess related complication rates. METHODS: We reviewed the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify all relevant studies published as of April 2020. Random effects modeling were then used to evaluate pooled data pertaining to technical success rates, diagnostic accuracy, pneumothorax rates, and rates of hemoptysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata v12.0. RESULTS: In total, we identified 25 relevant studies for incorporation into this meta-analysis, incorporating 2922 total CT-guided lung biopsy. Pooled technical success rates, diagnostic accuracy, pneumothorax rates, and hemoptysis rates were 94% (95% confidential interval [CI], 0.91-0.98), 90% (95% CI, 0.88-0.93), 19% (95% CI:, 0.15-0.24), and 12% (95% CI, 0.08-0.15), respectively. We observed significant heterogeneity among these studies for all 4 of these parameters (I = 90.0%, 82.7%, 88.6%, and 88.4%, respectively). When we conducted a meta-regression analysis, we did not identify any variables that influenced diagnostic accuracy or technical success, pneumothorax, or hemoptysis rates. Publication bias risk analyses suggested that there was relatively little risk of publication bias pertaining to pneumothorax rates (P = 0.400) or hemoptysis rates (P = 0.377). In contrast, we detected a high risk of publication bias pertaining to reported technical success rates (P = 0.007) and diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: A CT-guided biopsy can be safely and effectively used to diagnose SLNs.

Elicitor hydrophobin Hyd1 interacts with Ubiquilin1-like to induce maize systemic resistance.

Trichoderma harzianum is a plant-beneficial fungus that secretes small cysteine-rich proteins that induce plant defense responses; however, the molecular mechanism involved in this induction is largely unknown. Here, we report that the class II hydrophobin ThHyd1 acts as an elicitor of induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants. Immunogold labeling and immunofluorescence revealed ThHyd1 localized on maize (Zea mays) root cell plasma membranes. To identify host plant protein interactors of Hyd1, we screened a maize B73 root cDNA library. ThHyd1 interacted directly with ubiquilin 1-like (UBL). Furthermore, the N-terminal fragment of UBL was primarily responsible for binding with Hyd1 and the eight-cysteine amino acid of Hyd1 participated in the protein-protein interactions. Hyd1 from T. harzianum (Thhyd1) and ubl from maize were co-expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, they synergistically promoted plant resistance against Botrytis cinerea. RNA-sequencing analysis of global gene expression in maize leaves 24 h after spraying with Curvularia lunata spore suspension showed that Thhyd1-induced systemic resistance was primarily associated with brassinosteroid signaling, likely mediated through BAK1. Jasmonate/ethylene (JA/ET) signaling was also involved to some extent in this response. Our results suggest that the Hyd1-UBL axis might play a key role in inducing systemic resistance as a result of Trichoderma-plant interactions.

Effects of chironomid larvae and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri bioturbation on the distribution and flux of chromium at the sediment-water interface.

The impacts of chironomid larvae and the tubificid worm Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri on the distribution and flux of the heavy metal chromium (Cr) across the sediment-water interface were investigated with a 21-day laboratory microcosm experiment. The two studied species feature different bioturbation modes involving bioirrigation and upward bioconveyance. The Cr concentrations in the overlying water and pore water were measured and compared using treatments with bioturbation by a single species and by combinations of both species and a treatment with no organisms. The results indicated that both bioturbation modes significantly increased the Cr concentrations in the overlying water and pore water. The overlying water had lower Cr concentrations than the pore water. Little variation in the Cr concentrations was observed in the treatment without organisms. Both species enhanced the Cr flux from the pore water to the overlying water. The worm treatments had a great impact on the Cr concentration in the overlying water through intensive upward conveyance activity, while the chironomid larvae treatments exerted significant effects on the Cr variation in the pore water and Cr flux across the interface via bioirrigation activity. These findings reveal the importance of bioturbation in biogeochemical processes in freshwater ecosystems.

[Effect of Different Walking Number on Inflammation and Nutrition in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease].

OBJECTIVE: To ivestigate the effect of daily walking number on clinical, inflammatory and nutritional indexes for patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS: 90 non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease were selected and randomly divided equally into three groups, for groups A, B and C. 30 patients for group A were asked for the number of daily walk should less than 5 000 steps, while group B patients were asked for 5 000-9 999 steps of walk and group C for more than 10 000 steps. Basic treatments were given for each group of patients and basic information, clinical, inflammatory and nutritional datas of patients were collected. RESULTS: 87 patients with chronic kidney disease completed the study, with baseline data between group A, B, C (n=30, 29, 28) consistently. After 3 months of exercise, there were no significant changes on blood lipids, serum uric acid and parathyroid hormone (PTH) for three groups, with serum creatinine of three groups stably. However, in group C, hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation were found increased significantly (P<0.05). For nutritional indexes, increasing of albumin and prealbumin level were found in three groups, while significant differences were only found in group B and C (P<0.05) and group C increased most. There were no significant change on body mass index (BMI), upper arm skinfold thickness and SGA score in three groups. For inflammatory data, significant decrease of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were only seen in group C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Walking does not increase the burden of the kidney, but can improve the nutrition and clinical indicators of patients, reduce inflammation.

Caspase independent cleavages of TDP-43 generates 35kD fragment that cause apoptosis of breast cancer cells.

Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43kD (TDP-43) is a major component of tau-negative and ubiquitin-positive inclusions that characterize ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and FTLD (frontotemporal lobar degeneration). Due to its central role in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis, most research recently has focused on its role associated with neurodegeneration disease, research on neuron and glial cell showed that pathological TDP-43 is associated with cell apoptosis which lead to loss of functional neurons and glial cells. However, little is known about its role on cancer cells, here we report a 35kD fragment of TDP-43 also plays a key role in apoptosis of breast cancer cells, and may be served as a potential therapeutic target to cure cancer.

Two-dimensional gold matrix method for encoding two-dimensional optical arbitrary positions.

In this study, a novel two-dimensional spatial coding pattern called two-dimensional Gold matrix method is proposed for general two-dimensional positioning. Considering the difficulty in representing a two-dimensional position in a single binary matrix, constructing a matrix while each submatrix refers to its location is a challenging mathematical problem. The general two-dimensional signal can be labeled by the two-dimensional Gold matrix, which results from a preferred pair of two m-sequences. For a pseudorandom m-sequence, the span-n property of the two-dimensional Gold matrix states that every n×n submatrix is unique and the decoding is fast and convenient. Numerical simulation and a proof-of-principle experiment are performed, and experimental results verified that the two-dimensional Gold matrix method is effective for high resolution and large range two-dimensional measurements.

Replication of a genome-wide association study on essential hypertension in Mongolians.

Replication of genome-wide significant association SNPs in independent populations is an essential approach for identifying gene-disease relationships. Therefore, we sought to investigate the top 21 SNPs (rs10507454, rs11897156, rs11897991, rs12325203, rs12541835, rs13395322, rs1525035, rs16936892, rs17010027, rs17045859, rs17136827, rs1866525, rs2045590, rs4547758, rs4655688, rs7107438, rs761353, rs8127139, rs9312305, rs9407874 and rs9865108) from a genome-wide association study of essential hypertension in Mongolians. This was a community-based case-control study involving 428 hypertensives and 638 normotensives from Kerqinzuoyihou Banner,Tongliao, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, China. Genotyping was conducted with Sequenom MassArray (®) SNP detection technology. Overall, there were no significant differences in the genotype distributions and allele frequencies between the cases and controls. There was a significant difference between the allele frequencies at locus rs17010027 in cases (high systolic blood pressure) and controls in female (p = .036). There were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and the allele frequencies at locus rs10507454 between cases (high diastolic blood pressure) and controls (p = .019 and p = .022, respectively) especially in male (p = .009 and p = .011, respectively). rs17010027 is associated with high systolic blood pressure in female, and rs10507454 is associated with high diastolic blood pressure especially in male of this Mongolian population.

First-Principles Design of Refractory High Entropy Alloy VMoNbTaW.

The elastic properties of seventy different compositions were calculated to optimize the composition of a V-Mo-Nb-Ta-W system. A new model called maximum entropy approach (MaxEnt) was adopted. The influence of each element was discussed. Molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) are key elements for the maintenance of elastic properties. The V-Mo-Nb-Ta-W system has relatively high values of C44, bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), and Young's modulus (E), with high concentrations of Mo + W. Element W is brittle and has high density. Thus, low-density Mo can substitute part of W. Vanadium (V) has low density and plays an important role in decreasing the brittleness of the V-Mo-Nb-Ta-W system. Niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) have relatively small influence on elastic properties. Furthermore, the calculated results can be used as a general guidance for the selection of a V-Mo-Nb-Ta-W system.

[Sexual dysfunction in males with chronic kidney disease].

The incidence of sexual dysfunction is higher in men with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in those without, of which ED is the most common clinical manifestation. Sexual dysfunction is closely related to malfunction of the endocrine system in CKD males, mainly including the disorder in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and hyperprolactinemia. Besides, blood vessels, the nervous system, psychological status, trace elements, and drugs are also contributory factors. At present, sexual dysfunction in CKD males is diagnosed chiefly by scale assessment, clinical manifestation and special examination, and its treatment focuses on the correction of the endocrine system malfunction, as by kidney transplantation or by drug therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin, 1,25- (OH)2 D3, bromocriptine, losartan, or zinc preparation. In addition, conventional treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors can be used as a supplement. This paper outlines the recent progress in the studies of sexual dysfunction in CKD males, covering its risk factors, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.