ZNF433 positively regulates the beta-catenin/ TCF pathway in prostate cancer and enhances the tumorigenicity of cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer often shows the over-activation of beta-catenin/t-cell factor (TCF) signaling. It remains largely unknown how the beta-catenin/TCF transcriptional machinery is tightly controlled. METHODS: The ZNF433 mRNA and protein levels in the clinical tissues were examined using q-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The phenotypes of prostate cancer cells were examined using MTT assay, Boyden chamber assay and anchorage-independent assay. The interaction between ZNF433 and beta-catenin was evaluated by immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: In the present study, ZNF433 was upregulated in prostate cancer samples, and promoted the growth and migration of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, ZNF433 was the binding partner of beta-catenin and activated beta-catenin/TCF signaling in prostate cancer. Moreover, ZNF433 enhanced the binding between beta-catenin and TCF4. In addition, NC043, small antagonist for beta-catenin/TCF complex, inhibited the malignant behaviors of prostate cancer cells driven by ZNF433. CONCLUSION: In summary, these studies demonstrate the tumor-promoting roles of ZNF433 in prostate cancer, and suggesting that ZNF433 was a potential target for the treatment.

NOL8, the binding protein for beta-catenin, promoted the growth and migration of prostate cancer cells.

Overactivation of beta-catenin/TCF signaling in prostate cancer is very common. However, how the beta-catenin/TCF complex is regulated in the nucleus remains largely unknown. In this study, we have shown that NOL8, a binding protein of beta-catenin, enhanced the interaction between beta-catenin and TCF4, and activated beta-catenin/TCF signaling. NOL8 is up-regulated in the prostate cancer, and promoted the growth, migration and colony formation of cancer cells. Knocking down the expression of NOL8 inhibited the growth, migration and colony formation of prostate cancer cells. The molecular mechanism study demonstrated that NOL8 promoted the migration and colony formation of cancer cells by activating beta-catenin/TCF signaling. Taken together, this study demonstrated the oncogenic roles of NOL8 in prostate cancer and suggested that NOL8 might be an important therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of URSL, RPLU, and MPCNL for treatment of large upper impacted ureteral stones: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There are three minimally invasive methods for the management of large upper impacted ureteral stones: mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL), transurethral ureteroscope lithotripsy (URSL), and retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RPLU). This study aimed to compare MPCNL, URSL, and RPLU, and to evaluate which one is the best choice for large upper impacted ureteral stones. METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2015, at the Department of Urology, Huai'an First People's Hospital, 150 consecutively enrolled patients with a large upper impacted ureteral stone (>15 mm) were included. The patients were randomly divided (1:1:1) into the MPCNL, URSL, and RPLU groups. The primary endpoint was success of stone removal measured 1 month postoperatively and the secondary endpoints were intraoperative and postoperative parameters and complications. RESULTS: Fifteen patients needed auxiliary ESWL after URSL, and 3 patients after MPCNL, but none after RPLU. The stone clearance rate was 96% (48/50) in the MPCNL group and 72% (33/46) in the URSL group. In the RPLU group the stones were completely removed and the stone clearance rate was 100% (48/48) (P = 0.021 vs. URSL; P = 0.083 vs. MPCNL). Operation-related complications were similar among the three groups (all P > 0.05). Hospital stay was shorter in the URSL group compared with MPCNL (P = 0.003). Operation time was the shortest with URSL and the longest with MPCNL (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MPCNL and RPUL are more suitable for upper ureteral impacted stones of >15 mm. URSL could be considered if the patient is not suitable for general anesthesia, or the patient requests transurethral uretroscopic surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR-INR-17011507 ; Registration date: 2017-5-22).

Subcutaneous nephrovesical bypass: Treatment for ureteral obstruction in advanced metastatic disease.

The aim of the present study was to explore the value of subcutaneous nephrovesical bypass (SNVB) for the treatment of ureteral obstruction due to pelvic metastatic disease. SNVB stents (n=30) were implanted in 24 patients with advanced metastatic disease between January 2008 and December 2012. Urinalysis, serum creatinine (SCr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), quality of life (QoL) scores, and renal ultrasonography were evaluated at follow-up. The SNVB procedures were successful in all 24 patients. Patient follow-ups occurred at an average of 10.6 months. Preoperative hydronephrosis was eliminated in 16 cases (53.3%) and reduced in the remaining patients. Following surgery, SCr levels reduced significantly from 256±46 to 124±23 µmol/l (P<0.001). GFRs increased from 25±4.8 to 45±5.3 ml/min (P<0.01). The mean QoL scores were 3.4±1.4 preoperatively and 7.6±1.0 postoperatively (P<0.001). The results showed that SNVB is a minimally invasive, effective and safe procedure for patients with ureteral obstruction resulting from advanced malignant disease. As an alternative procedure to percutaneous nephrostomy, SNVB offers patients a better QoL.