The effect of curcumin on on intravitreal proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and vascular endothelial growth factor in an experimental model of diabetic retinopathy.

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is high among individuals with diabetes. Curcumin (CUR) has been suggested as a possible treatment for this condition. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CUR on pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in an experimental model of DR. The study used Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats and divided them into groups to receive various CUR doses (10, 50, 100 mg/kg/day) or distilled water for four weeks. Non-diabetic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as a control group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ)) (by ELISA), oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT)), and VEGF expression (by RT-PCR) and content (by Western-blot and immunostaining) were assessed as outcome measures. The study found that diabetic rats who received varying doses of CUR showed a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1), oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA, GPX, CAT), and VEGF expression and content in the vitreous. The decrease in these markers was dose-dependent and significantly different from diabetic rats who did not receive CUR (p<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the vitreous level of IL-6 between the groups (p=0.35). The study concluded that CUR has the potential to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress induced by diabetes in the vitreous microenvironment of rats. CUR also reduced the increase in VEGF levels in the vitreous of diabetic rats. These findings suggest that CUR could be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of DR.

Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) / Cães ferozes no parque nacional Chitral gol, Paquistão: uma ameaça potencial para o futuro do Markhor da Caxemira ameaçado (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Abstract Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Resumo Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) / Cães ferozes no parque nacional Chitral gol, Paquistão: uma ameaça potencial para o futuro do Markhor da Caxemira ameaçado (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Abstract Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Resumo Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

p-CREB-1 at Ser 133 is a potential marker for breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Dysregulation of numerous oncogenes and their downstream signaling pathways, among others in the signaling transduction molecule p-CREB-1 (p-cAMP responsive element binding protein-1), is an essential feature of different types of cancer. To investigate whether p-CREB-1 is also pivotal in tumorigenesis and metastogenesis of breast cancer, we conducted a prospective study with long-term follow-up on 96 patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pathway array and tissue microarray (TMA) were used to detect the differential expression of CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding protein) and p-CREB-1 in breast cancer cells, breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), human breast cancer tissues (BCTs), and adjacent normal tissues (ANTs). The associations between p-CREB-1 expression, clinicopathological variables, and survival rates of the patients were analyzed and calculated. RESULTS: Our results revealed that p-CREB-1 and CREB expression in cancerous cell lines and tissues were significantly upregulated compared with non-cancerous cell lines and tissues. Most statistically significant overexpression was detected in BCSCs (p<0.01). In TMA and immunohistochemical analyses, BCTs exhibited significantly higher expression of p-CREB-1 and CREB than ANTs (p<0.001). Clinicopathological variable and survival analysis revealed a correlation between high expression (++/+++) of p-CREB-1 and the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis (p<0.05) and poorer disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: p-CREB-1 is a potential predictive and prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer.

CircRNA_100782 promotes roliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer by downregulating tumor suppressor gene Rb by adsorbing miR-574-3p in a sponge form.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression levels of circRNA_100782 in gastric cancer tissues, and its function of regulating tumor suppressor gene Rb by absorbing miR-574-3p in a sponge form. PATIENTS AND METHODS: qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of circRNA_100782 at different stages during gastric cancer tissues. CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the osteoclast proliferation and differentiation. The correlation between miR-574-3p and circRNA_100782 was detected by statistical analysis. Bioinformatics and Luciferase assay were performed to explore the interaction and binding site of circRNA_100782 and miR-574-3p. The mice Rb 3'-UTR were cloned into the Luciferase reporter vector and miR-574-3p binding mutants were constructed to validate the inhibited regulation of miR-574-3p to the expression of Rb. RESULTS: In the current study, compared with adjacent non-cancerous normal tissues, the expressions of circRNA_100782 and Rb were both downregulated in human gastric cancer cells. Through qRT-PCR and CCK-8 assay, we found that the expression of circRNA_100782 is related to the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Besides, we also found that circRNA_100782 regulated the migration ability of gastric cancer cells through transwell assay. The bioinformatics prediction and luciferase assay demonstrated that circRNA_100782 can serve as a molecular sponge to further regulate the expression of Rb by sponging with miR-574-3p; moreover, circRNA_100782 can serve as a ceRNA for miR-574-3p to further regulate the expression of Rb. CONCLUSIONS: In this research, we discovered that circRNA_100782 was downregulated in gastric cancer cells and is associated with cell proliferation and invasion by inhibiting tumor suppressor gene Rb by interacting with miR-574-3p.

Isostructural Spin-Density-Wave and Superconducting Gap Anisotropies in Iron-Arsenide Superconductors.

When passing through a phase transition, electronic system saves energy by opening energy gaps at the Fermi level. Delineating the energy gap anisotropy provides insights into the origin of the interactions that drive the phase transition. Here, we report the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study on the detailed gap anisotropies in both the tetragonal magnetic and superconducting phases in Sr_{1-x}Na_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2}. First, we found that the spin-density-wave (SDW) gap is strongly anisotropic in the tetragonal magnetic phase. The gap magnitude correlates with the orbital character of Fermi surface closely. Second, we found that the SDW gap anisotropy is isostructural to the superconducting gap anisotropy regarding to the angular dependence, gap minima locations, and relative gap magnitudes. Our results indicate that the superconducting pairing interaction and magnetic interaction share the same origin. The intraorbital scattering plays an important role in constructing these interactions resulting in the orbital-selective magnetism and superconductivity in iron-based superconductors.

Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae: a review of photochemistry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacology.

Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its traditional functions include treating hypofunction of the spleen with the loss of appetite, abdominal distension diarrhea, phlegm drink dizziness palpitation, edema, fetal movement restless. A literature search was conducted by systematic searching multiple electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI and Google Scholar. Chemical composition analysis of RAM showed that the main compositions were volatile oil, lactones, polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins and resins. Pharmacological studies indicated that RAM possessed antitumor activities, neuroprotective effect, anti-hepatotoxicity, immune and anti-inflammatory activity, etc. This review gives a detailed description of the chemical constituents, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of RAM and provides reliable basis for clinical development and application.

MiR-135b-5p inhibits the progression of malignant melanoma cells by targeting RBX1.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of microRNA-135b-5p (miR-135b) on the development of malignant melanoma (MM) and the relevant mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression level of miR-135b in MM tissues and cells was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Online prediction software and luciferase reporter assays were used to predict and verify the possible target of miR-135b, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of the miR-135b on MM A375 cells were determined by Western blotting, MTT, and transwell assays. RESULTS: MiR-135b was significantly down-regulated in MM. RING-box protein 1 (RBX1) was verified as a direct target of miR-135b. Subsequent experiments showed that down-regulation of RBX1 resulted from miR-135b up-regulation could significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of MM cells. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-135b inhibited the progression of MM by targeting RBX1. Our findings revealed that miR-135b/RBX1 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MM.

Clinical and genetic analysis of idiopathic normophosphatemic tumoral calcinosis in 19 patients.

PURPOSE: Tumoral calcinosis is a rare clinicopathological entity characterized by ectopic soft-tissue calcification, typically periarticular. Normophosphatemic tumoral calcinosis is seldom reported in East Asian populations, and the preoperative diagnosis is often elusive. This study was performed to characterize the clinical profile of normophosphatemic tumoral calcinosis and investigate the presence of the SAMD9 gene mutation. METHODS: The clinical features, pathological examination findings, and outcomes of 19 subjects were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were analyzed for SAMD9 gene mutation using paraffin-embedded tumoral calcinosis specimens. RESULTS: Nineteen subjects were analyzed (7 males, 12 females). Their mean age at surgery, mean age at symptom onset, and median disease duration was 51.9 ± 17.3 (range 7-75) years, 49.1 ± 17.2 (range 7-74) years, and 1.3 (interquartile range 0.5-3.0) years, respectively. Lesions were located in the hand in 8 (42.1%) subjects; wrist in 5 (26.3%); shoulder in 2 (10.5%); and hip, knee, buttock, and scrotum in 1 (5.3%) subject each. The lesions in 17 (89.5%) subjects were located around the joints [small joints (hand and wrist) in 13 (68.4%) and large joints (shoulder, hip, and knee) in 4 (21.1%)]. Lesions occurred in the upper limbs in 15 (78.9%) subjects and in the lower limbs in 2 (10.5%). Multiple-lesion involvement (distal right index finger and middle finger) occurred in one (5.3%) subject. Symptoms included pain in 15 (78.9%) subjects, impaired mobility in 5 (26.3%), swelling in 5 (26.3%), numbness in 2 (10.5%), and an asymptomatic mass in 2 (10.5%). The serum inorganic phosphorus concentration was normal in all 19 subjects (mean 1.17 ± 0.15 mmol/L). The serum calcium concentration was normal in 18 subjects and low in 1. The serum alkaline phosphatase concentration was normal in all 19 subjects. Pathological examination indicated multiple nodules of calcified materials that manifested an amorphous or granular blue-purple crystal and were surrounded by proliferation of mononuclear or multinuclear macrophages, osteoclastic-like giant cells, fibroblasts, and chronic inflammatory cells. Notably, different phases of pathological manifestations were observed in the same microscopic field. During follow-up (0.5-65.0 months), no recurrence of tumoral calcinosis was observed in 18 (94.7%) subjects, but 1 subject developed in situ recurrence of an asymptomatic subcutaneous mass after 6 months postoperatively. Genetic analysis in all 19 subjects revealed no SAMD9 gene mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects were females and developed calcinosis in adulthood. Small joints (hand and wrist) and the upper limbs were frequently involved. The presence of different phases of pathological features in the same subject suggests that about half of the study participants had been misdiagnosed with another condition (such as gout, osteoarthritis, etc.). Complete surgical excision led to cure without recurrence during follow-up in majority of the study participants.

[Appllication of human acellular dermal matrix in surgical treatment of genitourinary disease].

Humanacellular dermal matrix (HADM) is widely used in the field of burn wound repair and tissue engineering plastic surgery. HADM is manufactored by physical and chemical decellular process to remove the antigenic components that might cause immune rejection in dermis.The extracellular matrix of three-dimensional cell scaffold structure with collagen fibers had been used for wound repair and tissue regeneration, while HADM characterized with low absorption rate after implantation and strong ability to induce angiogenesis in host tissue. Studies reported that after the HADM was implanted into the patient, the host cells, such as fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as lymphocytes, macrophages, granulocytes and mast cells, rapidly infiltrated the graft. The connective tissue and neovascularization were then formed within the HADM three-dimensional cell scaffold, the lymphatic system also appears after vascular reconstruction. Traditional urethral reconstruction using autologous skin flaps has some defects, such as complexity of the technology, risk of necrosis of the skin flaps after transplantation, and failure to achieve functional repair of the urethral epithelium. It has been reported that using HADM to reconstruct the urethra in patients with urethral stricture, hypospadias and bladder-vaginal fistula, showed promising results. Others have reported the experience of using HADM to repair and reconstruct congenital classic bladder exstrophy. HADM has also been used for tissue repair in patients with penile skin defect caused by Fonier's gangrene and hidradenitis suppurativa, and implanted under Bucks' fascia to enlarge the penis. The report of HADM implantation for treating premature ejaculation also deserves attention. Researchers found that HADM implantation can form a tissue barrier between the skin and corpus cavernosum, which can effectively reduce penile sensitivity and treat premature ejaculation. The safety and effectiveness of HADM implantation in the treatment of premature ejaculation need to be further standardized by data from multi-center, large-sample clinical studies. In summary, HADM is the extracellular matrix and three-dimensional cell scaffold of human dermis. As a new type of tissue repair material, new blood vessels are formed actively after implantation, which shows good histocompatibility. HADM has shown increasingly broad application prospects in treatment of genitourinary diseases including penis, urethra and bladder diseases. HADM has also been used in the treatment of premature ejaculation in recent clinical studies, and its long-term safety and efficacy need to be further investigated.

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells exert therapeutic effect in a rat model of cavernous nerves injury.

Postradical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction (pRP-ED) is a major health issue. There has been a shortage of an effective treatment method until now. In this study, a total of 48 adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly equally divided into four groups, including group 1-sham surgery with cavernous nerve exposure plus vehicle, group 2-bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) plus vehicle, group 3-BCNI plus adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs)-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exo), and group 4-BCNI plus bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs)-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exo). Twenty-one days following surgery, erectile function was measured before tissue harvest. Histologic and Western blot analyses were then performed. Exosomes were capable of internalization into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and could be detected in the corpus cavernosum in vivo. The nNOS expression in the penile dorsal nerves (DN) and major pelvic ganglion (MPG), protein level of neurofilament in the DN, endothelial markers vWF, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen content were obviously lower in BCNI group compared with the sham group, while ADSC-Exo and BMSC-Exo groups resulted in significant restoration of the above histopathological changes. Moreover, BCNI treated with ADSC-Exo or BMSC-Exo had significantly higher mean intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio compared with BCNI group. The results demonstrated that both ADSC-Exo and BMSC-Exo treatment could significantly alleviate pathological changes and improve the erectile function in BCNI-related rats. Exosomes derived from ADSCs and BMSCs may be a potential agent for pRP-ED treatment.

Effect of icariin in combination with daily sildenafil on penile atrophy and erectile dysfunction in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerves injury.

The commonly utilized phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors do not lead to satisfactory penile erection after radical prostatectomy mainly because of insufficient nitric oxide drive from the damaged cavernous nerves. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of icariin in combination with daily sildenafil on neurogenic erectile dysfunction and penile atrophy in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerves injury. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats injected with 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (50 mg/kg) at postnatal day 1 for the purpose of tracking endogenous stem cells in penis. Forty-eight rats of bilateral cavernous nerves injury were randomized equally into gavage feeding of vehicle, sildenafil (10 mg/kg), icariin (1.5 mg/kg) and sildenafil + icariin, respectively. Twelve sham-operated rats served as control. The intracavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure was measured and mid-penile cross sections were histologically examined 5 weeks after surgery. Western blotting of cavernous tissue protein was also performed. Animals treated with sildenafil + icariin had significantly higher mean intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio relative to other rats with bilateral cavernous nerves injury (p < 0.05). The circumference and mean cross-sectional area of the paired corpus cavernosum were effectively preserved in the sildenafil + icariin. Treatment with sildenafil + icariin significantly increased the cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration compared with the icariin group (p < 0.05). In addition, the numbers of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-positive nerves and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine-positive cells co-expressing S100 in the icariin-treated groups were greater compared with the bilateral cavernous nerves injury control group (p < 0.05). These data suggest that the combined use of icariin and daily sildenafil holds promise as a potential therapy for neurogenic erectile dysfunction in the future. The underlying mechanisms appears to involve two aspects: (i) icariin promotes differentiation of endogenous stem cells to Schwann cells, which help to repair the damaged neural pathway for erection; (ii) on this basis, sildenafil can further improve penile engorgement through the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent smooth muscle relaxation.

Diagnostic value of microRNAs in breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of diagnosis accuracy of aberrant microRNAs in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, EBSCO and the Cochrane Library, accessing to the case of articles about microRNA expression in breast carcinoma patients after literature screening and quality assessment, extracting data from included studies and using Stata 14.0 analysis data for meta-analysis. RESULTS: 14 English studies met the inclusion criteria. After meta-analysis for included studies obtained high sensitivity and specificity and diagnostic odds ratio, the combined OR value is 17.96 (95% CI: 11.42-28.42), sensitivity is 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81-0.88), specificity is 0.77 (95% CI: 0.69-0.82), diagnostic odds ratio is 18 (95% CI: 12-29), operating characteristic area under the curve is 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The microRNAs can be used as a clinical auxiliary reference index for diagnosis of breast cancer.

[Effect of triptolide on human oral cancer cell proliferation and PTEN gene mRNA expression in oral cancer].

Objective: To investigate the effect of triptolide on human oral cancer cell (HB) proliferation and phosphates and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten gene (PTEN) mRNA expression in oral cancer. Methods: The cancer cells were cultured in the medium containing triptolide of different concentrations for 24, 48 and 72 h. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to test the rate of growth inhibition of cancer cells, flow cytometer to detect the change of cell cycle and reveres transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) to examine the expression of PTEN mRNA. The expression of PTEN protein was examined by Western blotting. Results: The rate of growth inhibition was (26.92 ± 0.14)%, (38.67 ± 0.11)%, (72.62 ± 0.89)% and (90.42 ± 0.28)%, respectively. The corresponding expression of PTEN mRNA was (3.59±0.21)%, (5.27±0.40)%, (7.18±0.44)% and (9.16±0.50)%, respectively and the corresponding A value of PTEN protein was 0.135±0.007, 0.410±0.020, 0.447±0.017 and 0.884±0.066, respectively. The proportion of G1 phase cells increased from (58.78±0.98)% to (84.13±0.47)%, but the proportion of S phase cells decreased from (25.40±0.43)% to (9.41±0.73)%. Conclusions: The triptolide not only had inhibitory effect on the HB proliferation, but also affected the cell cycle.

[Prostate biopsy results and clinicopathological characteristics of the 55 years or younger patients].

Objective: To explore the clinical features, biopsy results and risk factors of patients underwent prostate biopsy with age≤55, and to help make the proper treatment strategies of this cohort of patients. Methods: The data of patients with age≤55 underwent prostate biopsy between Jan 2011 and Nov 2013 was retrospectively reviewed. Clinical factors including prostate-specific antigen, digital rectal examination, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were recorded. Biopsy positive results were defined as the presence of prostate cancer and high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason score≥7). Results: There were all together 82 patients in this cohort, with the median age of 51 years old and median prostate-specific antigen of 8.62 µg/L. Among them 71 patients (86.6%) underwent pre-biopsy magnetic resonance imaging test, with 25 positive (35.2%), 18 suspicious (25.4%) and 28 negative results (39.4%). Pathology confirmed prostate cancer in 26 patients (31.7%), including 23 (28.0%) high-grade prostate cancer. Higher prostate-specific antigen, positive ultrasonography and positive magnetic resonance imaging were risk factors for prostate cancer and high-grade prostate cancer. For patients with prostate-specific antigen between 4 and 10 µg/L, 15.0% were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and positive ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were predictive for biopsy results. Conclusions: The positive rate of prostate biopsy in men younger than 55 years old is 31.7%, and the risk for prostate cancer of this cohort of patients shouldn't be neglected. Prostate-specific antigen value, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging could help predict biopsy results.

[Feasibility study of transplantation of penile corpus cavernosum and major pelvic ganglion in renal subserous region].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of transplantation of normal rat penile corpus cavernosum and major pelvic ganglion (MPG) into the renal subserous region of a Nu/Nu mouse based on allograft technology. METHODS: Penile corpus cavernosum and MPG, harvested from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats under sterile condition, were transplanted underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice through the microsurgery instruments and surgery microscope. The histopathologic changes and cellular proliferation in the transplanted penile corpus cavernosum and MPG were then analyzed at the end of 1week and 4 weeks after transplantation. Histological staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the main outcome measures. RESULTS: After 1 week, the tissue morphology of the transplanted corpus cavernosum underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice was consistent with normal penile corpus cavernosum, and blood could be observed in the penis cavernous sinus of the graft; after 4 weeks, the mophorlogy of the tranplanted corpus cavernosum near the kidney was consistent with normal penile corpus cavernosum, while fibrosis was noteworthy in the graft away from the kidney, but blood could still be seen in the penis cavernous sinus. After 1 week, the tissue morphology of the transplanted MPG was consistent with normal MPG, multiple islet-like cell clusters could be seen in the transplanted MPG in the renal subserous region, and angiogenesis could be observed near the kidney; after 4 weeks, a network of blood vessels was clearly visible away from the kidney, and islet-like cell clusters were still clearly observed in the transplanted MPG. In addition, ki67 positive cells were observed in the transplanted penile corpus cavernosum and MPG after 4 weeks of transplantation, which indicated that there was still cell proliferation activity in the grafts. CONCLUSION: The transplanted corpus cavernosum and MPG underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice could survive at least 4 weeks. Moreover, the inner structure of the transplanted corpus cavernosum and MPG was close to the normal tissue. The underlining mechanism may be related to the local microenvironment underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice and the neovascularization in the transplanted grafts.

Targeted gene therapy and in vivo bioluminescent imaging for monitoring postsurgical recurrence and metastasis in mouse models of liver cancer.

We investigated the effects of combined targeted gene therapy on recurrence and metastasis after liver cancer resection in nude mice. Twenty BALB/C mice were randomly divided into control and treatment groups with 10 mice in each group and a male/female ratio of 1:1. Luciferase gene-labeled human primary hepatic carcinoma cell line MHCC97-H was then used to prepare a carcinoma model. An optical in vivo imaging technique (OIIT) was used 10 days later to detect the distribution of tumor cells, followed by partial liver resection and gene therapy. In the treatment group, 100 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 1 x 1012 rAAV/AFP/IL-24 gene viral vectors was injected into liver sections and peritumoral posterior peritoneal tissues; in the control group, the same amount of PBS containing 1 x 1012 empty viral vectors was injected at the same sites. OIIT was then used to detect the in vivo tumor metastasis 21 days later. Luciferase gene-labeled human primary hepatic carcinoma cell line MHCC97-H successfully infected 20 nude mice, and OIIT showed that the two groups exhibited metastasis after local tumor resection, but there were more tumor cells in the control group (P < 0.05). rAAV/AFP/IL-24 gene therapy can inhibit recurrence after liver cancer resection.

[Feasibility study of transplantation of penile corpus cavernosum and major pelvic ganglion in renal subserous region].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of transplantation of normal rat penile corpus cavernosum and major pelvic ganglion (MPG) into the renal subserous region of a Nu/Nu mouse based on allograft technology. METHODS: Penile corpus cavernosum and MPG, harvested from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats under sterile condition, were transplanted underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice through the microsurgery instruments and surgery microscope. The histopathologic changes and cellular proliferation in the transplanted penile corpus cavernosum and MPG were then analyzed at the end of 1week and 4 weeks after transplantation. Histological staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the main outcome measures. RESULTS: After 1 week, the tissue morphology of the transplanted corpus cavernosum underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice was consistent with normal penile corpus cavernosum, and blood could be observed in the penis cavernous sinus of the graft; after 4 weeks, the mophorlogy of the tranplanted corpus cavernosum near the kidney was consistent with normal penile corpus cavernosum, while fibrosis was noteworthy in the graft away from the kidney, but blood could still be seen in the penis cavernous sinus. After 1 week, the tissue morphology of the transplanted MPG was consistent with normal MPG, multiple islet-like cell clusters could be seen in the transplanted MPG in the renal subserous region, and angiogenesis could be observed near the kidney; after 4 weeks, a network of blood vessels was clearly visible away from the kidney, and islet-like cell clusters were still clearly observed in the transplanted MPG. In addition, ki67 positive cells were observed in the transplanted penile corpus cavernosum and MPG after 4 weeks of transplantation, which indicated that there was still cell proliferation activity in the grafts. CONCLUSION: The transplanted corpus cavernosum and MPG underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice could survive at least 4 weeks. Moreover, the inner structure of the transplanted corpus cavernosum and MPG was close to the normal tissue. The underlining mechanism may be related to the local microenvironment underneath the kidney capsule of Nu/Nu mice and the neovascularization in the transplanted grafts.