Association of C-reactive protein (CRP) rs1205 and rs2808630 variants and risk of cancer.

The correlation between rs1205, rs2808630 variants of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene and susceptibility of cancer has been assessed previously, but with conflicting results. We adopted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), in silico tools and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis to evaluate this association. Totally, 10,614 cancer subjects and 33,294 controls were involved in the pooled analysis. When all the studies were pooled, no significant correlation was indicated between the two variants and cancer risk. However, in stratification analysis by ethnicity, we found that CRP rs1205 C>T polymorphism was associated with an elevated risk of cancer in Asians (T-allele vs. C-allele, OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.06-1.36, pheterogeneity = .226; TT vs. CC, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.14-1.93, pheterogeneity = .089). Similar findings were observed for rs2808630 variant. In silico tools showed that lung adenocarcinoma participants with high CRP expression may have shorter overall survival time than low expression group. ELISA analysis indicated that CRP expression in prostate adenocarcinoma subjects with TT + TC genotypes was statistically higher than in those with CC genotypes. CRP rs1205 C>T and rs2808630 T>C polymorphism may be associated with cancer risk, especially for Asians.

The association between three AXIN2 variants and cancer risk.

Plenty of epidemiological studies have assessed the effects of AXIN2 polymorphisms on the risk of developing cancer, but the available results were somewhat inconclusive. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to investigate the relationship between three AXIN2 variants (rs2240308 C/T, rs1133683 C/T, and rs4791171 A/G) and overall cancer susceptibility. In silico tools were undertaken to investigate the correlation of AXIN2 expression with cancer risk and survival time. Furthermore, we explored the serum expression of AXIN2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 4167 cancer patients and 3515 control subjects were evaluated. The overall results demonstrated that there was no major association of these polymorphisms on cancer risk. However, stratified analysis by cancer type showed evidence that rs2240308 C/T polymorphism had a lower risk in lung cancer (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.92; Pheterogeneity = 0.865) and prostate cancer (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.84; Pheterogeneity = 0.088) by heterozygote comparison. Similar results were indicated in Asian descendants and population-based studies. In silico analysis showed evidence that AXIN2 expressions in lung cancer and prostate cancer were lower than that in normal counterpart. High expression of AXIN2 may have longer overall survival time than low expression group for lung cancer participants. In addition, individuals who were CC/TC carriers had a higher serum expression level than TT carriers. In conclusion, this pooled analysis suggested that AXIN2 rs2240308 C/T variant may decrease both lung and prostate cancer susceptibility, particularly in Asian descendants and population-based studies. Future large scale and well-designed research are required to validate these effects in more detail.

MMP-8 C-799 T, Lys460Thr, and Lys87Glu variants are not related to risk of cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have focused on the relationship between MMP-8 variants and cancer risk, but they have been unsuccessful in drawing reliable conclusions. METHODS: We employed odds ratio (OR) together with 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the correlation between MMP-8 C-799 T, Lys460Thr, and Lys87Glu polymorphisms and cancer risk. We further employed in silico tools to evaluate the effect of MMP-8 expression on cancer susceptibility and overall survival time. RESULTS: A total of 8140 patients with malignant carcinoma and 10,529 healthy individuals (control) were enrolled. Overall, the analysis showed that the relationship between three MMP-8 variants and cancer susceptibility was not significant (allelic contrast, C-799 T: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.92-1.04, Pheterogeneity = 0.068; Lys460Thr: OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.67-1.32, Pheterogeneity = 0.905; Lys87Glu: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.93-1.18, Pheterogeneity = 0.968). Similar results were observed in subgroup analysis by ethnicity, cancer type, and source of control. In silico analysis indicated that MMP-8 expression was elevated in bladder cancer tissue compared to that in the control. However, both the higher and lower MMP-8 expression groups did not show an impact on the overall survival time of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-8 C-799 T, Lys460Thr, and Lys87Glu variants are not participant with the susceptibility of cancer.

[Effect of Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 potassium ion channels on the proliferation and migration of monocytes/macrophages].

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of blockade of Ca(2+) activated channel KCa3.1 and voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 of the monocytes/macrophages on inflammatory monocyte chemotaxis. Chemotaxis assay was used to test the inflammatory Ly-6C(hi) monocyte chemotaxis caused by the monocytes/macrophages. The proliferation of monocytes/macrophages was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the C-C motif ligand 7 (CCL7) in cultured media. The results showed that the recruitment of Ly-6C(hi) monocyte induced by monocytes/macrophages was suppressed by the potent Kv1.3 blocker Stichodactyla helianthus neurotoxin (ShK) or the specific KCa3.1 inhibitor TRAM-34. Meanwhile, the proliferation of monocytes/macrophages was significantly inhibited by ShK. The response of Ly-6C(hi) monocyte pretreated with ShK or TRAM-34 to CCL2 was declined. These results suggest that KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 may play an important role in monocytes/macrophages' proliferation and migration.

A new bufadienolide from Bufo gargarizans Cantor.

Bufo gargarizans Cantor (B. gargarizans) is the most widely distributed and abundant species of toad in China. Bufadienolides and indole alkaloids have cardiotonic and anti-tumor activities and are important pharmacological components of B. bufo gargarizans. In this experiment, a novel compound (1) and two known compounds (2 and 3) were isolated and identified from the dry skin of B. bufo gargarizans, both of which are bufadienolides. Various column chromatography methods were used to separate and purify the extract from the dried skin of B. bufo gargarizans. Accurate molecular weights were measured by HR-ESI-MS, and the chemical structure of the compounds was determined by NMR spectrometers. The structures were named as (2ß,5ß,16α)-2,5,16-trihydroxide bufa-14,20,22 dienolide (1), gamabufotalin (2) and desacetylbufotalin (3). In vitro cytotoxic activity assay indicated that compound 1 showed a moderate cytotoxicity against A549 cells with IC50 value of 12.65 µM.

A first-in-class HBO1 inhibitor WM-3835 inhibits castration-resistant prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

The prognosis and overall survival of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients are poor. The search for novel and efficient anti-CRPC agents is therefore extremely important. WM-3835 is a cell-permeable, potent and first-in-class HBO1 (KAT7 or MYST2) inhibitor. Here in primary human prostate cancer cells-derived from CRPC patients, WM-3835 potently inhibited cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression and in vitro cell migration. The HBO1 inhibitor provoked apoptosis in the prostate cancer cells. It failed to induce significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis in primary human prostate epithelial cells. shRNA-induced silencing of HBO1 resulted in robust anti-prostate cancer cell activity as well, and adding WM-3835 failed to induce further cytotoxicity in the primary prostate cancer cells. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of HBO1 further augmented primary prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration. WM-3835 inhibited H3-H4 acetylation and downregulated several pro-cancerous genes (CCR2, MYLK, VEGFR2, and OCIAD2) in primary CRPC cells. Importantly, HBO1 mRNA and protein levels are significantly elevated in CRPC tissues and cells. In vivo, daily intraperitoneal injection of WM-3835 potently inhibited pPC-1 xenograft growth in nude mice, and no apparent toxicities detected. Moreover, intratumoral injection of HBO1 shRNA adeno-associated virus (AAV) suppressed the growth of primary prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice. H3-H4 histone acetylation and HBO1-dependent genes (CCR2, MYLK, VEGFR2, and OCIAD2) were remarkably decreased in WM-3835-treated or HBO1-silenced xenograft tissues. Together, targeting HBO1 by WM-3835 robustly inhibits CRPC cell growth.

Pitongshu Alleviates the Adverse Symptoms in Rats with Functional Dyspepsia Through Regulating Visceral Hypersensitivity Caused by 5-HT Overexpression.

AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the efficacy as well as the mechanism of action of Pitongshu (PTS) on rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) induced by iodoacetamide gavage and tail clamping. METHODS: The bioactive components of PTS were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), whereas the potential targets of PTS were obtained from the Similarity Ensemble Approach (SEA), TCMSP, and Swiss Target Prediction Database. The disease targets were obtained from the DisGeNET database, whereas Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the R Software. The method of iodoacetamide gavage combined with tail clamping was used to establish the FD rat model in this study. Body weight, food intake, gastrointestinal motility, gastric acidity and secretion, and the mechanical pain threshold of rats were measured. The open-field test was also performed. The stomach and duodenum were histologically observed. The levels of serotonin (5-HT), Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), Motilin (MTL), and Gastrin (GAS) in gastric tissues were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 139 bioactive components and 17 potential targets of PTS were identified through a network pharmacology approach. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that PTS could reduce the 5-HT secretion of gastric tissues through the serotonergic synaptic pathway and alleviate the symptoms of FD, indicating that PTS plays a therapeutic role. The results of animal experiments showed that PTS could increase body weight and food intake, improve autonomous activity, and decrease gastric acidity and secretion in FD rats. Furthermore, gastric sensitivity increased in FD rats, and PTS treatment could significantly decrease it. The results of ELISA showed that the overexpression of 5-HT and CGRP was decreased after PTS treatment in FD rats. Lastly, PTS could significantly improve gastrointestinal motility, as well as the levels of GAS and MTL in FD rats. CONCLUSION: PTS may reduce 5-HT secretion by regulating the serotonergic synaptic pathway, thereby reducing visceral sensitivity and alleviating the symptoms of FD.

Effects of a Macroporous Resin Extract of Dendrobium officinale Leaves in Rats with Hyperuricemia Induced by Anthropomorphic Unhealthy Lifestyle.

Aim: Hyperuricemia (HUA) has received increased attention in the last few decades due to its global prevalence. Our previous study found that administration of a macroporous resin extract of Dendrobium officinale leaves (DoMRE) to rats with HUA that was induced by exposure to potassium oxazine combined with fructose and a high-purine diet led to a significant reduction in serum uric acid (SUA) levels. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of DoMRE on hyperuricemia induced by anthropomorphic unhealthy lifestyle and to elucidate its possible mechanisms of action. Methods: Dosages (5.0 and 10.0 g/kg/day) of DoMRE were administered to rats daily after induction of HUA by anthropomorphic unhealthy lifestyle for 12 weeks. The levels of UA in the serum, urine, and feces; the levels of creatinine (Cr) in the serum and urine; and the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum were all measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the serum, liver, and intestine tissue supernatant were measured using appropriate kits for each biological target. The expressions levels of UA transporters (ABCG2 and GLUT9), tight junction (TJ) proteins (ZO-1 and occludin), and inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) in the intestine were assayed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess histological changes in the renal and intestinal tissues. Results: DoMRE treatment significantly reduced SUA levels and concomitantly increased fecal UA (FUA) levels and the fractional excretion of UA (FEUA) in HUA rats. Furthermore, DoMRE significantly reduced both the XOD activity in the serum, liver, and intestine and the ADA activity in the liver and intestine. DoMRE also effectively regulated the expression of GLUT9 and ABCG2 in the intestine, and it significantly upregulated the expression of the intestinal TJ proteins ZO-1 and occludin. Therefore, DoMRE reduced the damage to the intestinal barrier function caused by the increased production of inflammatory factors due to HUA to ensure normal intestinal UA excretion. Conclusion: DoMRE demonstrated anti-HUA effects in the HUA rat model induced by an anthropomorphic unhealthy lifestyle, and the molecular mechanism appeared to involve the regulation of urate transport-related transporters (ABCG2 and GLUT9) in the intestine, protection of the intestinal barrier function to promote UA excretion, and inhibition of XOD and ADA activity in the liver and intestine to inhibit UA production in the HUA-induced rats.

Effects of Macroporous Resin Extract of Dendrobium officinale Leaves in Rats with Hyperuricemia Induced by Fructose and Potassium Oxonate.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Fructose, as a ubiquitous monosaccharide, can promote ATP consumption and elevate circulating Uric Acid (UA) levels. Our previous studies have confirmed that the macroporous resin extract of Dendrobium officinale leaves (DoMRE) could reduce the UA level of rats with hyperuricemia induced by a high-purine diet. This study aimed to investigate whether DoMRE had a UA-lowering effect on rats with hyperuricemia caused by fructose combined with potassium oxonate, so as to further clarify the UA-lowering effect of DoMRE, and to explore the UAlowering effect of DoMRE on both UA production and excretion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats with hyperuricemia induced by fructose and potassium oxonate were administered with DoMRE and vehicle control, respectively, to compare the effects of the drugs. At the end of the experiment, the Serum Uric Acid (SUA) and Creatinine (Cr) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer, the activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD) were measured using an assay kit, and the protein expressions of Urate Transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), and ATP-Binding Cassette Superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) were assessed using immune-histochemical and western blot analyses. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess the histological changes in the kidney, liver, and intestine. RESULTS: Fructose and potassium induced hyperuricemia in rats. Meanwhile, the activities of XOD were markedly augmented, the expression of URAT1 and GLUT9 was promoted, and the expression of ABCG2 was reduced, which were conducive to the elevation of UA. However, exposure to DoMRE reversed these fructose- and potassium oxonate-induced negative alternations in rats. The activities of XOD were recovered to the normal level, reducing UA formation; the expressions of URAT1, ABCG2, and GLUT9 returned to the normal level, resulting in an increase in renal urate excretion. CONCLUSION: DoMRE reduces UA levels in rats with hyperuricemia induced by fructose combined with potassium oxonate by inhibiting XOD activity and regulating the expression of ABCG2, URAT1, and GLUT9. DoMRE is a potential therapeutic agent for treating hyperuricemia through inhibiting UA formation and promoting UA excretion.

The Mechanism of Dendrobium officinale as a Treatment for Hyperlipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

Materials and Methods: The active compounds in DO, their targets, and targets associated with hyperlipidemia were screened across various databases, and the hidden targets of DO in treating hyperlipidemia were forecast. The compound-target (C-T), protein-protein interaction (PPI), and compound-target-pathway (C-T-P) networks of DO were set up with Cytoscape software. The hub genes and core clusters of DO predicted to be active against hyperlipidemia were calculated by Cytoscape. The DAVID database was adopted for Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Next, we used the high-sucrose-fat diet and alcohol (HFDA)-induced hyperlipidemia rats to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of DO. Results: In this study, we obtained 264 compounds from DO, revealed 11 bioactive compounds, and predicted 89 potential targets of DO. The network analysis uncovered that naringenin, isorhamnetin, and taxifolin might be the compounds in DO that are mainly in charge of its roles in hyperlipidemia and might play a role by modulating the targets (including PPARG, ADIPOQ, AKT1, TNF, and APOB). The pathway analysis showed that DO might affect diverse signaling pathways related to the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia, including PPAR signaling pathway, insulin resistance, AMPK signaling pathway, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease simultaneously. Meanwhile, in the HFDA-induced hyperlipidemia rat model, DO could significantly decrease the level of TC, TG, LDL-c, and ALT in serum, and increase HDL-c as well. The liver pathological section indicated that DO could ease liver damage and lipid cumulation. Conclusion: In summary, the biological targets of the main bioactive compounds in DO were found to distribute across multiple metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that a mutual regulatory system consisting of multiple components, targets, and pathways is a likely mechanism through which DO may improve hyperlipidemia. Validation experiments indicated that DO may treat hyperlipidemia by affecting NAFLD-related signaling pathways.

A hierarchical emulsion system stabilized by soyasaponin emulsion droplets.

Oil/water (O/W) emulsion droplets coated with soyasaponin (Ssa) were used as emulsifiers to prepare emulsions with hierarchical configurations (2.82 µm). Ssa is a natural triterpenoid with amphiphilic properties and an excellent emulsifying activity. Stable O/W emulsions were prepared and characterized using an ultrasonic method at a Ssa concentration of 2.5 wt%. The resultant hierarchical emulsions were further prepared using O/W droplets as emulsifiers. It was observed that the stability of the hierarchical emulsions changed with alterations to the ratio of O/W droplets to the oil phase. As the number of droplets increased, the more the surface area of the hierarchical emulsion was covered. Additional observations included a decreased particle size, increased negative charge and viscoelastic behavior, and enhanced emulsion stability. The emulsion was most stable when the O/W droplet addition was 29%. The addition of O/W droplets continued to increase, and there was an imbalance in the ratio of O/W droplets to the oil phase; the excess O/W droplets induced instability in the emulsion, resulting in a degradation of the emulsion quality. We monitored hierarchical emulsions with different concentrations of emulsifiers for 30 days, and the results indicated that hierarchical emulsions could meet the demand for long-term storage. This provides a new theoretical basis for the construction and application of complex emulsion systems.

Long Non-coding RNAs LINC01679 as a Competitive Endogenous RNAs Inhibits the Development and Progression of Prostate Cancer via Regulating the miR-3150a-3p/SLC17A9 Axis.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been indicated as the candidate factors to predict cancer prognosis. However, it is still unknown whether lncRNA combinations may be utilized for predicting overall survival (OS) of prostate cancer (PCa). The present work focused on selecting the potent OS-related lncRNA signature for PCa and studying its molecular mechanism to enhance the prognosis prediction accuracy. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) or differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained based on TCGA database by R software "edgeR" package. lncRNAs or mRNAs significantly related to PCa were screened through univariate as well as multivariate Cox regression, for the construction of the risk model for prognosis prediction. Moreover, this constructed risk model was validated through ROC analysis, univariate regression, and Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis. Additionally, we built a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network through bioinformatics analysis. Colony formation, CCK-8, flow cytometry, scratch, and Transwell assays were performed based on PCa cells subjected to small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting LINC01679/SLC17A9 and vector expressing LINC01679/SLC17A9 transfection. Thereafter, the ceRNA mechanism was clarified via qRT-PCR, Western blotting (WB), RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays. Nude mouse tumor xenograft was established to examine LINC01679's oncogenicity within PCa cells. According to our results, LINC01679 depletion promoted cell proliferation, metastasis, tumor growth, and inhibited cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, which was also associated with poor survival. LINC01679 regulated miR-3150a-3p level by sponging it. Importantly, miR-3150a-3p overexpression was related to the increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of PCa cells. Rescue assays suggested that miR-3150a-3p mimics rescued the repression on PCa progression mediated by LINC01679 upregulation, but SLC17A9 downregulation reversed the miR-3150a-3p inhibitor-mediated repression on PC progression. Importantly, SLC17A9 downregulation rescued the repression on PCa progression mediated by LINC01679 upregulation. LINC01679 and SLC17A9 are tightly associated with certain clinicopathological characteristics of PCa and its prognostic outcome. In addition, LINC01679 is the ceRNA that suppresses PCa development through modulating the miR-3150a-3p/SLC17A9 axis.

XPC exon15 Lys939Gln variant increase susceptibility to prostate adenocarcinoma: Evidence based on 4306 patients and 4779 controls.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have investigated the correlation between xeroderma pigmentosumcomplementation group C (XPC) variants and prostate adenocarcinoma (PA) risk. Nevertheless, research findings remain inconclusive. METHODS: We conducted a pooled analysis to obtain a more accurate estimation of the relationship on XPC exon15 Lys939Gln polymorphism with susceptibility to PA. Moreover, in silico tools were employed to investigate the effect of XPC expression on PA patients' survival time. RESULTS: A total of 4306 patients and 4779 control subjects were assessed. The overall results indicated that XPC Lys939Gln variant was associated with PA risk (recessive genetic model: odds ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.30, Pheterogeneity= .044, P = .021, I= 45.2), especially in Asian descendants. Population-based studies revealed similar results (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.32, Pheterogeneity= .146, P = .040, I = 39.0). In silico tools showed that XPC expression in Caucasian patients was lower than in the normal group. No positive association was observed in African patients. PA subjects with high XPC expression had a longer overall survival time than low expression group. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that XPC Lys939Gln variant might contribute to increased PA susceptibility, especially for Asian patients.

Association between SOD2 V16A variant and urological cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) V16A variant and urological cancer susceptibility has been widely studied, however, with divergent results. RESULTS: Totally, 9,910 cancer patients and 11,239 control subjects were enrolled. V16A variant is associated with an increased susceptibility to urological cancer (A-allele vs. V-allele: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00 - 1.13, P = 0.047; AA+AV vs. VV: OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02 - 1.16, P = 0.008), especially for prostate cancer (PCa). Serum SOD2 level of PCa patients with VV+VA genotypes was lower than in those with AA genotypes. SOD2 expression is downregulated in both prostate and bladder cancer, as compared to the control. Furthermore, SOD2 was found to be downregulated in more advanced PCa participants, as compared to the ones in early stages. PCa subjects with low SOD2 expression displayed a shorter disease-free survival (DFS) time compared to that of the high SOD2 expression counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The SOD2 V16A variant may be associated with increased urological cancer susceptibility, especially for prostate cancer. METHODS: A pooled analysis utilizing odds ratios (ORs), in silico tools and ELISA was adopted to demonstrate this association. We also used immunohistochemical staining (IHS) to assess SOD2 expression.

[Successive "Z" incision and skin flaps: a better procedure for penile lengthening].

OBJECTIVE: To recommend the successive "Z" incision and skin flaps as a method for repairing the wound in penile lengthening procedures. METHODS: We performed penile lengthening surgery by successive "Z" incision for 5 patients complaining of short penis, who ranged in age from 16 to 34 years (22.4 +/- 7.2), and 3 of whom had a history of urethroplasty, circumcision and penile reconstruction, respectively. The superficial suspensory ligament and part of the deep suspensory ligament of the penis were exposed and severed to release the penis, and the "Z" skin flaps sutured in a tensionless state. Drainage was necessitated by exudation and the catheter removed in 24-48 hours. The penis was wrapped up by an elastic bandage, and the stitches taken out 8-10 days after the operation. RESULTS: We achieved a mean erectile length of 8.4 cm (range 7.8-9.2 cm) after the operation, as compared with 4. 8 cm (range 4.0-5.8 cm) before the surgery. Two students of the patients obviously became active and confident. No penile contraction was noted during the 12-48 months follow-up, and both the patients and their family members were satisfied with the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Compared with the V-, M- and Z-incision, the successive "Z" incision and skin flaps can yield longer penile length, solve the problem of insufficient skin flap to cover the wound and reduce such complications as skin necrosis and infection. It is well worth recommending for patients complaining of short penis because of penile abnormality, post-operation scar on the penis or circumcision.

[Endoscopic treatment of urethra stenosis by super-impulse plasma electrode].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of internal urethrotomy with Super-impulse plasma electrode (SIPE) method on urethral stricture. METHODS: A total of 48 patients clinically diagnosed as having urethral stricture were hospitalized and treated with SIPE under the endoscope from February 2005 to August 2006. The patients' symptoms and clinical signs were compared before and after the treatment. In addition, techniques in operating SIPE were discussed. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 46 were cured and 2 experienced recurrence after the operation. A 3-18 months follow-up revealed no complications. CONCLUSION: SIPE under the endoscope is safe and effective in the treatment of urethra stenosis. It is easy to handle and the results are satisfactory.

An update analysis of two polymorphisms in encoding ribonuclease L gene and prostate cancer risk: involving 13,372 cases and 11,953 controls.

Encoding ribonuclease L (RNASEL) is a ubiquitously expressed latent endoribonuclease involved in the mediation of antiviral and pro-apoptotic activities of the interferon-inducible 2-5A system. Although the relationship between RNASEL gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer (PCa) risk has been widely reported, results were somewhat controversial and underpowered. Now, we performed an update analysis of 14 publications evaluating the association between RNASEL R462Q and D541E polymorphisms and PCa risk. We conducted a literature search of PubMed database to identify all eligible articles that examined the association of RNASEL R462Q and D541E polymorphisms with PCa. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated to assess these association. R462Q showed a significantly elevated effect on Africans (QQ vs. RR: OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.28-4.87, P (heterogeneity) = 0.231). In addition, PCa men who contain 462Q genotype had a higher Gleason score ≥ 7 (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.05-1.28, P (heterogeneity) = 0.906). On the other hand, D541E was associated with increased total PCa. In the stratified analysis by race, there was also significantly increased PCa in Africans and Caucasians, as well as in sporadic PCa studies (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04-1.15, P (heterogeneity) = 0.078). Our update analysis showed evidence that RNASEL R462Q and D541E polymorphisms were associated with PCa risk. Still more well-designed studies should be performed to clarify the role of these two polymorphisms in the development of PCa.