Human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation could improve diabetic intracavernosal pressure.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete various cytokines with angiogenic and neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs (hWJ-MSCs) on diabetes-related intracavernosal pressure (ICP) impairment in rats. hWJ-MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly and transplanted into the corpus cavernosum of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by unilateral injection. The erectile function was evaluated at 4 weeks, as well as the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). STZ-induced diabetic rats showed impaired ICP, which was significantly improved by hWJ-MSC treatment. VEGF, eNOS, IGF1, and bFGF expression levels were higher in hWJ-MSC injection sites than those in control ones in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These results suggest that hWJ-MSC transplantation might improve diabetic erectile dysfunction through increased production of paracrine growth factors, highlighting a novel potential therapeutic option for erectile dysfunction.

Triptorelin relieves lower urinary tract symptoms in Chinese advanced prostate cancer patients: a multicenter, non-interventional, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although triptorelin is increasingly used in China for biochemical castration, its effects on primary prostate cancer symptoms remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Chinese prostate cancer patients and the effectiveness of triptorelin on LUTS. METHODS: In this 48-week multicenter, non-interventional, prospective study, we enrolled patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Patients received triptorelin (15 mg) intramuscularly at baseline and at weeks 12, 24, and 36 with symptom assessment using the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS). The primary endpoints were the prevalence of LUTS at baseline per IPSS categories and the percentage of patients with moderate to severe LUTS (IPSS > 7) at baseline, having at least a 3-point reduction of IPSS score at week 48. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients were included; 211 (53.0%) and 160 (40.2%) among them had severe and moderate LUTS, respectively. Of the patients with IPSS scores available at baseline and at week 48 (n = 213), 81.2% achieved a reduction in IPSS of at least 3 points. Of the patients with moderate to severe LUTS at baseline and IPSS scores available at baseline and at week 48 (n = 194), 86.6% achieved a total IPSS reduction of at least 3 points. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of Chinese patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer scheduled to receive triptorelin as part of their standard treatment have severe or moderate LUTS. Triptorelin therapy resulted in sustained improvement of LUTS in these patients.

miR-15b-5p facilitates the tumorigenicity by targeting RECK and predicts tumour recurrence in prostate cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to participate in many biological behaviours of multiple malignancies. Recent studies have shown that miR-15b-5p (miR-15b) exhibits dual roles by accelerating or blocking tumour progression. However, the molecular mechanisms by which miR-15b contributes to prostate cancer (PCa) are still elusive. Here, miR-15b expression was found significantly up-regulated in PCa in comparison with the normal samples and was positively correlated with age and Gleason score in patients with PCa. Notably, PCa patients with miR-15b high expression displayed a higher recurrence rate than those with miR-15b low expression (P = 0.0058). Knockdown of miR-15b suppressed cell growth and invasiveness in 22RV1 and PC3 cells, while overexpression of miR-15b reversed these effects. Then, we validated that RECK acted as a direct target of miR-15b by dual-luciferase assay and revealed the negative correlation of RECK with miR-15b expression in PCa tissues. Ectopic expression of RECK reduced cell proliferation and invasive potential and partially abrogated the tumour-promoting effects caused by miR-15b overexpression. Additionally, miR-15b knockdown inhibited tumour growth activity in a mouse PCa xenograft model. Taken together, our findings indicate that miR-15b promotes the progression of PCa cells by targeting RECK and represents a potential marker for patients with PCa.

Treatment of Ureteral Fibroepithelial Polyp by Ureteroscopy Combined with Holmium Laser or Thulium Laser: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps (UFPs) are rare benign tumors and ureteroscopy has been used for treatment. We compared the effect of UFP by ureteroscopy combined with holmium laser or thulium laser. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with UFPs were treated in our hospital between May 2003 and April 2013. All patients received ultrasound check and intravenous urography (IVU). We performed ureteroscopy operation and found ureteral polyps, so we resected the polyps with holmium laser (12 cases) or thulium laser (13 cases). During the 3-year follow-up, all patients received IVU 2 or 3 months after the double-J stent was removed, and ultrasonic checks every 3-6 months after that. RESULTS: All patients had UFPs resected. Three patients in the holmium laser group had ureteral perforation during operation, and four patients in the holmium laser group developed ureterostenosis. No patients in thulium laser group experienced any severe complications during the procedure. Further, during follow-up, there was no indication of an increase of hydronephrosis in any patients. These findings lead to conclude there were no developments of ureterostenosis nor an experience of any reoccurrence in thulium laser group. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopy operations, combined with holmium or thulium laser resection, are effective methods for treating UFP, but thulium laser does better in reducing the incidence of ureterostenosis.

MicroRNA-146b acts as a potential tumor suppressor in human prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: MicroRNAs (miRs) act as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes and are frequently deregulated in cancers. Although downregulation of miR-146b has been reported in various cancers, its role in prostate cancer is totally unknown. METHODS: The miR-146b expression in 18 human prostate cancer lines with case-matched adjacent normal tissues was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-146b in normal prostate and prostate cancer cell lines were assessed. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion assays were performed in overexpressing or knockdown miR-146b cells. RESULTS: miR-146b expression was significantly reduced in all prostate tumor tissues. Furthermore, miR-146b was significantly decreased in prostate cancer cells as compared to normal prostate cells. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function showed that miR-146b induced apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion of the prostate cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that miR-146b expression is downregulated in prostate tumor tissues and is a potential tumor suppressor miR, suggesting that miR-146b might be a potential clinical marker and therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

New therapeutic schedule for prostatic cancer-3 cells with ET-1 RNAi and Endostar.

BACKGROUND: Endothelin-1 and Endostar are both significant for the progression, proliferation, metastasis and invasion of cancer. In this paper, we studied the effect of ET-1 RNAi and Endostar in PC-3 prostatic cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lentiviral vector was used in the establishment of ET-1 knockdown PC-3 cells. Progression and apoptosis were assessed by CKK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Transwell assay was used to estimate invasion and signaling pathways were studied by Western blotting. RESULTS: ET-1 mRNA and protein in ET-1 knockdown PC-3 cells were reduced to 26.4% and 22.4% compared with control group, respectively. ET-1 RNAi and Endostar both were effective for the suppression of progression and invasion of PC-3 cells. From Western blotting results, the effects of ET-1 regulation and Endostar on PC-3 cells were at least related to some signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt/Caspase-3, Erk1/2/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Furthermore, combined treatment of ET-1RNAi and Endostar was found to be more effective than single treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Both ET-1 RNAi and Endostar can inhibit the progression and invasion of PC-3 cells, but combined treatment might be a better therapeutic schedule.

[Effects of administration and local application of epimedium on the fracture healing in osteoporosis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of administration or local application of epimedium on the fracture healing in osteoporosis rats. METHODS: Eighty-two 4-month old clean female rats, 210-250 g, were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 75) and the control group (n = 7). The bilateral ovaries were resected in the experimental group, while only little fat tissue around the ovary was resected in the control group. Ten weeks after operation the osteoporosis model was successfully established verified by bone densitometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The femur fracture models were established in the rest 72 rats of the experimental group. They were randomly divided into 3 groups, 24 in each group, i.e., the calcium phosphate cement (CPC) group (Group A), the CPC-epimedium group (Group B), and the epimedium administration group (Group C). The serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of the 3 groups were determined 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The vitodynamical test and observation of the histological section were performed. RESULTS: The serum ALP levels increased to some extent in the 3 groups 2, 4, and 8 weeks after bone fracture surgery. But the increase was more obvious in Group B with statistical difference shown when compared with Group A and C (P < 0.05). The ALP level in Group B decreased to the normal range till the 12th week. The bone fracture had not completely healed in Group C and A. Their ALP levels decreased to some extent, but were still maintained to a comparatively higher level, showing statistical difference when compared with that of Group B (P < 0.05). These results were agreeable with the results of the histological observation. Better bone activity promoting results were shown in Group B. The vitodynamical test results of the femur of Group B were all higher than those of Group A and C at each time point (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local application of epimedium could accelerate the fracture healing in osteoporosis rats. It showed better effects when compared with oral administration at the same dose.

Contralateral ureteral metastasis 4 years after radical nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the contralateral ureter is extremely rare. To date, only 50 cases of metastatic RCC to the ureter have been reported, among whom 6 cases occur at the contralateral site. We herein report a rare case of metastatic RCC in the contralateral ureter 4 years after radical nephrectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 74-year-old man presented with gross, painless hematuria for one month. Computed tomography scan confirmed that a 1.5 cm × 0.5 cm tumor occurred in the contralateral distal ureter. A 3.5 cm segment of ureter was resected and a uretero-vesical anastomosis with psoas hitch was accomplished. DISCUSSION: The reappearance of hematuria after radical nephrectomy is the most common manifestation of the metastasis to the bladder or ureter. The mechanism of metastasis is not clear. In pathology, vimentin and cytokeratins might help to differentiate between metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and clear cell transitional cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the contralateral ureter is rare. Early recognition is extremely important in protecting the remaining renal function and prolonging life-expectancy for post-nephrectomy patients. Complete metastectomy suitable anastomosis have been shown to improve survival.

[A comparative study on different doses of cernilton for preventing the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of different doses of cernilton in preventing the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A total of 240 BPH patients with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) >7 were equally allocated to an experimental and a control group and treated with oral cernilton (Prostate), the former at the dose of 750 mg, the latter at 375 mg, both twice a day for 4 years. Changes, of IPSS, prostate volume, postvoid residual urine, maximum flow rate (Qmax), prostate specific antigen (PSA), the incidence of urine retention and the rate of surgery were compared between the two groups after the treatment. RESULTS: In the experimental group, the IPSS, prostate volume, postvoid residual urine and Qmax were 10.5 +/- 5.6, (29.2 +/- 9.5) ml, (15.2 +/- 3.1) ml and (16.2 +/- 4.5) ml/s after the treatment, as compared with 20.1 +/- 4.1, (37.8 +/- 12.5) ml, (42.5 +/- 6.6) ml and (10.0 +/- 3.5) mVs before the treatment, while in the control group, the four indexes were 14.9 +/- 4.3 vs 19.2 +/- 3.8, (34.7 +/- 9.8) ml vs (37.1 +/- 11.9) ml, (25.6 +/- 4.6) ml vs (41.8 +/- 6.1) ml and (13.5 +/- 4.1) ml/s vs (10.2 +/- 3.8) ml/s, with a more obvious improvement in the experimental group than in the control after the 4-year treatment (P < 0.0001). Compared with pre-treatment, the IPSS and Qmax were improved 3 months (16.7 +/- 3.9, P < 0. 000 1) and 6 months ([13.2 +/- 4.1] ml/s, P < 0. 0001) respectively after the treatment in the experimental group, compared with 6 months (17.6 +/- 3.3, P = 0.0010) and 9 months ([12.0 +/- 3.7] ml/s, P = 0.0005) in the control; the prostate volume was improved 1 year after the treatment in the former ( [ 15.6 +/- 3.2 ] ml,P = 0.0487) but not at 4 years in the latter ([25.6 +/- 4.6] ml,P = 0.1040). The postvoid residual urine was improved at 3 months in both the experimental ([38.7 +/- 6.1] ml, P < 0.000 1) and the control group ([40.2 +/- 5.5] ml, P = 0.0422). The incidence of urine retention was lower in the former than in the latter (5 vs 16 person-times, P = 0.0147), and so was the rate of surgery (2 vs 8 person-times, P = 0.046 2). There were no significant differences in PSA between the pre-and post-treatment either in the experimental (P = 0.349 6) or in the control group (P = 0.3805). No toxical and adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Long-term administration of cernilton at the dose of 750 mg may achieve faster and more obvious efficacy than at 375 mg in improving symptomatic BPH and preventing the clinical progression of BPH, with no adverse events.

[Value of spiral CT in diagnosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the image features and the diagnostic value of spiral CT for cystic renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: The clinical data and CT manifestations of 17 operated and pathologically proven cystic renal cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 5 females with an average age of 47.3 years (33 - 82 years). Plain and contrast CT scan (Siemens somatom) single layer sensation 16 layer spiral CT had been performed before operation. The image of artery phase (30 - 40 s), venous (60 - 70 s) and excretory (120 - 180 s) were respectively obtained after contrast administration. Various image reconstructions were done using Siemens Wizard workstation based on the raw images. RESULTS: It was found that 5 cystic renal cell cancers located in the right kidney and 12 in the left kidney. The long dimension of the tumor arranged from 21 - 100 mm with an average of 57 mm. The tumor looked like a round or round-like shape with density similar to fluid on plain CT scan. Some cystic renal carcinomas had a thick wall. Some had single or multiple cystic spaces filled with fluid of different densities. Some had infiltrated out of kidney surface or into renal sinus. Some showed enhanced nodules on the wall. CONCLUSION: Cystic renal cell carcinoma has its own specific morphologic features in spiral CT scan. Spiral CT may be very helpful in the diagnosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma before operation.

[The study of diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the diagnosis and treatment interstitial cystitis (IC). METHODS: The clinical date of 10 cases of IC (all women) were analyzed. Their age ranged from 31 to 63 years, with a mean of 41 years. Their courses ranged from 1.5 to 7 years, with a mean of 3.4 years. The symptom criteria of the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) was met for IC and no patients had Hunner's ulcer. Potassium sensitivity tests (PST) were performed in all cases. Eight were positive. The O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) was used as treatment outcome measures. ICSI score was from 9 to 20 (mean, 14 +/- 4) at baseline. All the patients were treated with hydrodistention initially. Efficacy was evaluated at 1 month after hydrodistention. The patients who failed to respond to the treatment and recurrence after the treatment were treated by oral or intravesical therapy. RESULTS: The 10 cases were followed up for 3 to 26 months (mean, 7.8 months) after hydrodistention. Five patients obtained symptom relief. Among them, symptom significantly relieved or disappeared in 2, with the score decreased > 7; symptom partially relieved in 3, with the score decreased > 3. Five cases failed to respond to the treatment. Two cases had recurrence 3 and 6 months after the treatment. The effective rate was 50%. The ICSI score was decreased to 11 +/- 6 at 1 month (t = 4.394, P < 0.05) after the treatment. Those who failed to respond or recurrence after hydrodistention were treated by other methods. Two case were treated with oral Pentosan Polysulfate, effective. Three cases were treated with amitriptylin, 2 effective. Three cases were treated with intravesical Dimethyl sulfoxide plus heparin plus dexamethasone, all effective. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of IC should meet the symptom criteria of the NIDDK. PST has significant high positive rate in IC patient, which can be used not only for diagnosis but also for instruction. There are a lot of strategies in the management of patients with IC. Hydrodistention is the first choice.