Inhibition of microRNA-132 attenuates inflammatory response and detrusor fibrosis in rats with interstitial cystitis via the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a heterogeneous syndrome with unknown etiology, and microRNAs (miRs) were found to be involved in IC. In our study, we aim to explore the role of miR-132 in the inflammatory response and detrusor fibrosis in IC through the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway in rat models. A rat model of IC was established and treated with the miR-132 mimic, miR-132 inhibitor, and/or JAK-STAT signaling pathway inhibitor AG490. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to measure the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The urodynamic test was performed to assess urodynamic parameters, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis for the expression of miR-132, STAT4, suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), JAK2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IFN-γ, and TNF-α. IC rats treated with miR-132 inhibitor and AG490 had decreased collagen fiber, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mast cells, lower expression of IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, ICAM-1, collagens I and III, and alleviated urodynamic parameters and decreased expression of STAT4, VEGF, JAK2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and increased expression of SOCS3. Taken together, our data indicate that downregulation of miR-132 alleviates inflammatory response and detrusor fibrosis in IC via the inhibition of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

Ureteroscopy and cystoscopy training: comparison between transparent and non-transparent simulators.

BACKGROUND: Simulators have been widely used to train operational skills in urology, how to improve its effectiveness deserves further investigation. In this paper, we evaluated training using a novel transparent anatomic simulator, an opaque model or no simulator training, with regard to post-training ureteroscopy and cystoscopy proficiency. METHODS: Anatomically correct transparent and non-transparent endourological simulators were fabricated. Ten experienced urologists provided a preliminary evaluation of the models as teaching tools. 36 first-year medical students underwent identical theoretical training and a 50-point examination of theoretical knowledge. The students were randomly assigned to receive training with the transparent simulator (Group 1), the non-transparent simulator (Group 2) or detailed verbal instruction only (Group 3). 12 days after the training session, the trainees' skills at ureteral stent insertion and removal were evaluated using the Uro-Scopic Trainer and rated on an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scale. RESULTS: The new simulators were successfully fabricated in accordance with the design parameters. Of the ten urologists invited to evaluate the devices, 100% rated the devices as anatomically accurate, 90% thought both models were easy to use and 80% thought they were good ureteroscopy and cystoscopy training tools. The scores on the theoretical knowledge test were comparable among the training groups, and all students were able to perform ureteral stent insertion and removal. The mean OSATS scores of groups 1, 2 and 3 were 21.83 ± 3.64, 18.50 ± 4.03 and 15.58 ± 2.23 points, respectively, (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Simulator training allowed students to achieve higher ureteroscopic and cystoscopic proficiency, and transparent simulators were more effective than non-transparent simulators.