Disulfideptosis-associated lncRNAs reveal features of prognostic, immune escape, tumor mutation, and tumor malignant progression in renal clear cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Investigating the role of lncRNAs associated with the latest cell death mode (Disulfideptosis) in renal clear cell carcinoma, as well as their correlation with tumor prognosis, immune escape, immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden, and malignant tumor progression. Searching for potential biomarkers and targets for renal clear cell carcinoma. METHODS: Downloaded the expression profile data and clinical data of 533 cases of renal clear cell carcinoma from the TCGA database, and randomly divided them into a test set (267 cases) and a validation set (266 cases). Based on previous research, 13 genes associated with Disulfideptosis were obtained. Using R software, lncRNAs with a differential expression that is related to the prognosis of renal clear cell carcinoma and associated with Disulfideptosis were screened out. After univariate Cox regression analysis, Lasso regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis, lncRNAs with independent predictive ability were obtained. A predictive risk model was established based on the risk scores. Verification was carried out between the obtained high-risk and low-risk groups and their subgroups (including Age, Gender, tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor grading, and staging). Subsequently, a nomogram was established, and a calibration curve was generated for verification. Performed GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) functional enrichment analyses. Downloaded the values of Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) for all samples and calculated the difference between the high and low-risk groups. Selected human renal tumor cell lines (786-O, OS-RC-2, A-498, ACHN) and human renal cortex proximal tubule epithelial cell line (HK-2). The RNA expression levels of the above lncRNAs in each cell line were analyzed using RT-qPCR (Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System). Used siRNA (small interfering RNA) to knock down FAM225B in 786-O and OS-RC-2 cell lines, and then performed in vitro cell experiments to validate the functional characteristics of FAM225B. RESULTS: Our constructed predictive model includes 5 lncRNAs with an independent predictive ability (FAM225B, ZNF503-AS1, SPINT1-AS1, WWC2-AS2, LINC01338), which can effectively distinguish between patients in high and low-risk groups and their subgroups. The 1, 3, and 5-year AUC (Area Under the ROC Curve) values of the established nomogram are 0.756, 0.752, and 0.781, respectively. The 5-year AUC value is higher compared to other clinical characteristics (Age: 0.598, Gender: 0.488, Grade: 0.680, Stage: 0.717). After the knockdown of FAM225B, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of renal cancer cell lines OS-RC-2 and 786-O all decreased. CONCLUSION: We have constructed and validated a prognostic model based on Disulfideptosis-associated lncRNAs. This model can effectively predict the high or low risk of patient prognosis and can distinguish the tumor cell mutational burden and immune escape capabilities among high-risk and low-risk patients. This predictive model can serve as an independent prognostic factor for renal clear cell carcinoma, providing a new direction for personalized treatment of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma.

LncRNA ITGB2-AS1 promotes the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by modulating miR-328-5p/HMGA1 axis.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histologic subtype of renal cell carcinoma and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the progression of ccRCC. In this study, we aim to explore the potential function of ITGB2-AS1 in ccRCC progression and its underlying molecular mechanism. We first explored the association between ITGB2-AS1 expression level and ccRCC prognosis. We found that the expression level of ITGB2-AS1 was significantly higher in ccRCC tumor and cell lines, and highly expressed ITGB2-AS1 was also associated with a poorer prognosis. Consistently, silencing ITGB2-AS1 inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis in ccRCC cell lines, and curbed the tumorigenesis in the Xenograft model, reduced tumorigenesis in a xenograft tumor growth model. We further identified and confirmed the miRNA miR-328-5p as a target of ITGB2-AS1, and miR-328-5p negatively regulated the expression of HMGA1 protein. The anti-tumor effect of silencing ITGB2-AS1 could be partially rescued by inhibiting miR-328-5p activity or overexpressing HMGA1, indicating that ITGB2-AS1 promotes the survival and progression of ccRCC by modulating miR-328-5p/HMGA1 axis. Collectively, our data demonstrated that ITGB2-AS1 expression level is positively correlated with the survival and tumorigenesis of ccRCC. As a target of ITGB2-AS1, miR-328-5p seems to function as a tumor-suppressor, and the oncogenic effect of ITGB2-AS1 is partially mediated via the miR-328-5p/HMGA1 axis.

Piceatannol inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through regulation of the PTEN/AKT signal pathway.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of piceatannol (PIC) on the proliferation and apoptosis of bladder cancer cell line EJ, and the underlying mechanism.   Bladder cancer cell line EJ was incubated with different concentrations of PIC, and CCK-8 method was used to determine the effect of the treatment on cell proliferation. The effect of PIC on cell cycle, apoptosis and the expressions of related signal pathway proteins were determined using Western blotting. Flow cytometry showed that PIC inhibited the proliferation of EJ cells in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Moreover, EJ cells were significantly blocked in G0/G1 phase, when compared with the blank control group (p < 0.05). In addition, PIC enhanced apoptosis of EJ cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Results from western blotting showed that, compared with the control group, PIC upregulated the protein expression of PTEN, but downregulated Akt protein phosphorylation, relative to control cells. PIC significantly inhibits the proliferation of EJ cells and enhances their apoptosis through a mechanism related to the activation of PTEN/Akt signaling pathway.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary seminal vesicle benign tumors: surgical techniques and follow-up outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary seminal vesicle benign tumors (SVBTs) and summarize our experience with surgical techniques and follow-up outcomes of this rare condition. METHODS: This study included 6 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary SVBTs between June 2005 and April 2011. A 5-port transperitoneal approach was used. The ipsilateral vas deferens was identified in the upper bulge of the retrovesical peritoneal reflection through a transverse approach and was dissected inwardly and used as a guide to the seminal vesicle tumor. Endoscopic Hem-o-lok clips (Teleflex Medical) were applied to control the vascular supply to the tumor base. With the contralateral vas deferens and seminal vesicle preserved, the tumor was removed together with the vas deferens and the adjoining ipsilateral seminal vesicle. The surgical procedures were successful in all 6 patients, without conversion to open surgery. The mean duration of surgery was 70 ± 16 minutes (range, 50-100 minutes), with unremarkable blood loss of less than 50 mL. The mean postoperative hospital length of stay was 5.2 ± 1.6 days (range, 4-8 days). No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 42 ± 24 months (range, 12-82 months), all patients remained asymptomatic, with preserved function as reported by the patient, and there was no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary SVBTs is a viable option for minimally invasive treatment of SVBT.

Evaluating the oncologic outcomes in 152 patients undergoing extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although many midterm oncologic data have been reported for extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (ELRP) in western countries, few oncologic data of the extraperitoneal procedure was published in China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients treated with ELRP in China. METHODS: From January 2005 to March 2010, a total of 152 consecutive patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer were included in this study and treated with ELRP. The patients were staged according to the TNM (tumor, nodes, metastases) system. Median and mean postoperative follow-up were 28.1 months and 27.0 months, respectively. The patients were retrospectively analyzed for progression-free survival. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve cases (73.7%) were postoperatively diagnosed as pT2 in, and 40 cases (26.3%) as pT3. Positive lymph nodes were shown in 5 patients (3.3%). Gleason score was < 7 in 49 men (32.2%), 7 in 69 men (45.4%), and > 7 in 34 men (22.4%). Positive surgical margins (PSM) were observed in 15 patients (9.9%), which included 32.0% of all pT3a cases and 46.7% of all pT3b cases, respectively. The overall prostate-specific antigen recurrence-free survival rate was 86% in all patients. The recurrence-free survival rates were 91.8% and 62.2% in pT2N0 patients and pT3N0 patients, respectively. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen, surgical margins, tumor stage, and lymph nodal status were identified as independent predictors of biochemical recurrence-free survival using multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. CONCLUSIONS: ELRP is a precise, safe and effective procedure at this particular Chinese institution. The prognostic power of prostate-specific antigen relapse after ELRP is not identical to that described previously with transperitoneal or open retropubic approaches.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pheochromocytoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by pheochromocytoma is rare. We reported a 15-year-old female patient who was admitted to hospital with typical Cushing's syndrome. She had not started menstruation. Her plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels were extremely high. Gonadal and progestational hormone levels were also abnormal. Abdominal computed tomography scans and enhanced scans revealed multiple irregular tumors in the right adrenal. Pelvic echogram showed an infantile uterus, while the ovaries were at an immature stage of development. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed without intraoperative complications. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the tumor were consistent with pheochromocytoma. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure with satisfactory outcomes and allows for rapid recovery.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cyst: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Seminal vesicle cyst (SVC) is a rare disease and its treatment is still controversial. This article contains the largest series of transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC to date, summarizing our surgical techniques and clinical experience with this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2003 to May 2010, seven patients received transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC using a five-port transperitoneal approach. Nearly the total cyst was removed by only leaving a narrow strip of the cyst wall with the bilateral vas deferens and SV preserved completely. Pelvic CT or MRI was performed 3 and 6 months after surgery, and thereafter annually for at least 3 years. RESULTS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC was completed successfully in all seven patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 73 minutes (range 60-100 min) with negligible blood loss (less than 20 mL). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.3 days (range 3-5 days). No intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred. The patients were followed up for a mean of 45 months (range 18-84 mos), during which they all remained symptom free with normal erectile and ejaculatory function without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC is a safe, feasible, and efficacious procedure, and offers an excellent option for minimally invasive treatment of patients with SVC.

[Application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score. METHODS: From April 2005 to June 2011, 79 cases (48 males and 31 females) of intermediate risk PADUA score (range from 8 to 9 score) renal cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. Mean age was (54 ± 9) years, mean tumor size was (2.8 ± 0.8) cm in diameter, with 37 cases on the left side and 42 cases on the right side. Tumor located anteriorly in 35 cases, and 44 cases were located posteriorly. Preoperative imaging examinations showed tumor invasion of the collecting system was dislocated or infiltrated by tumor invasion were in 13 cases, renal sinus were involved in 5 cases, tumor located near the renal hilum were in 10 cases. All of the 79 patients received retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. RESULTS: The 79 cases were operated successfully without conversion to open surgery, no severe perioperative complications. The mean operation time was (105 ± 24) minutes, and the median of operation time was 115 minutes (range from 80 - 180 minutes), and mean warm ischemia time (WIT) was (20 ± 5) minutes, and mean blood loss was (24 ± 8) ml; mean postoperative hospital stay was (5.2 ± 1.5) days. Postoperative urinary leakage in 3 cases, symptoms disappeared one week after indwelling catheterization and ureteral catheter. Serum creatinine transient increased in 7 cases after surgery, and fell to normal range within 6 weeks. In a mean follow up for (34 ± 12) months (range from 10 to 84 months), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 6 months after operation was no statistical significance compared with preoperation in 77 cases, another 2 patients' eGFR decreased by 30% and 35%. Postoperative renal function remained in CKD3 period and CKD2 period were in 2 cases respectively, none of these cases were treated with hemodialysis, and the remaining patients with normal renal function after surgery, no tumor recurrence and metastasis during follow-up in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score is safe and effective, but its long-term effects still need to study with large samples compare and long-term follow-up.