Advance in study of exosomes in liver injury / 中国药理学通报

Exosomes are membrane-derived nanoscale vesicles, earning a large number of proteins, nucleic aeids, lipids and metabolites, ete., which can be released and ingested by most eells.In the case of various types of liver injury, while exosomes continue to seerete, their contents may undergo qualitative and quantitative changes.After the biologieal information is transmitted to the adjacent or distant reeeptor eells by exosomes, the re- eeptor eell-related pathways ean be ehanged, thus aeeelerating or delaying the oeeurrenee and development of liver diseases, and influencing other distant organs of the body.It plays an indispensable role in eell communication.This review reports the biologieal characteristics of exosomes, highlighting their different roles in liver injury.

Three-dimensional reconstruction and anatomy of human epididymal duct / 解剖学报

Objective Based on the techniques of continual tissue slices, the human epididymis was rebuilt for understanding the anatomical and histological features of the epididymal ducts. Methods Continuous tissue slices of one human epididymis were performed and digital slice images were obtained through scanning with Leica-Aperio AT2; the pipe wall of epididymal duct was aligned in sequence with Photoshop CC 2018 software and VGStudio MAX V3.0 software was used for three-dimensional synthesis. Finally, the later modification was carried out with Materialise Magics V22.0 software. Another human epididymis was used for electron microscopy. The histological features of epididymal ducts were analysed by combining slices and three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 4331 and 543 slices in transverse and sagittal section respectively were prepared with a thickness of 7 |ira. According to the three-dimensional structure, regional distribution of human epididymal duct could be found obviously and the caput, corpus and cauda of epididymis could be clearly divided into 7, 9 and 4 subregions respectively. There were tissue intervals among adjacent subregions and epididymal ducts were disordered within each subregion, but differences were existed in tubular diameter and epithelial structure, and adjacent subregions were connected by single epididymal duct in the corpus and cauda. Conclusion The human epididymal duct can be successfully reconstructed by continual tissue slices technique. The human epididymal duct has regional distribution in space obviously and there are differences between different subregions.

Correlation analysis of platelet-lymphocyte ratio with system involvement and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveIt is very important to monitor the disease activity and complications of patients in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this paper, we evaluated the level of platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of peripheral blood in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and discussed the relationship between PLR and the system involvement, laboratory indexes, and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsFrom September 2013 to May 2017, 123 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were first diagnosed in the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command were analyzed retrospectively. 123 healthy persons(healthy control group) and 123 patients with other autoimmune diseases(disease control group) were matched according to the sex and age in a ratio of 1:1. According to the disease activity score 28 joints C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), RA patients were divided into the high activity group and the low activity group, and the PLR levels of high-activity and low-activity patients, healthy control group and disease control group were compared, respectively. To evaluate the relationship between system involvement and PLR level in RA patients; to analyze the correlation between PLR and DAS28-CRP and traditional inflammatory indexes by Spearman; to evaluate the application effect of receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) in the diagnosis of RA and the differentiation of disease activity of RA patients.ResultsThe PLR level of RA patients was significantly higher than that of healthy people [133.63 (103.17, 140.99)] and disease control group [159.83(104.22, 203.55)], and the difference was statistically significant(P0.05]. There was a significant positive correlation between PLR and DAS28 CRP, C-reactive protein (CRP), ESR (r=0.433, 0.501, 0.592, P all <0.01）. The AUC of PLR in diagnosing RA and evaluating RA was 0.68 and 0.73 respectively. When cut off value was 134.47 and 147.61 respectively, sensitivity was 74.8% and 77.5%, specificity was 56.5% and 63.2%.ConclusionThe level of PLR of peripheral blood in patients with RA is increased, especially in patients with circulatory system involvement, infectious diseases or RF positive, and related to disease activity. PLR is expected to be an effective supplement for RA disease diagnosis and disease activity assessment and has potential application value.

Chemical constituents from stems of Uncaria scandens / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the stems of Uncaria scandens. Methods: The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, RP18, and HPLC. The structures were identified by spectroscopic methods and physicochemical properties. The contents of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline were detected by HPLC method. Results: Seventeen compounds were isolated and identified from 95% ethanol extract of the stems of U. scandens and characterized as 5α-carboxystrictosidine (1), 3β-isodihydrocadambine (2), strictosamide (3), 3α-dihydrocadambine (4), mitraphylline (5), uncarine F (6), 3β-isodihydrocadambine 4-oxide (7), isodihydrocdambine (8), nauclefine (9), cadambine (10), calyxamine B (11), methyl chlorogenate (12), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol (13), α-tocopherylquinone (14), quinovic acid (15), methyl caffeate (16), and hyperoside (17). The contents of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline from U. scandens were 0.72 and 0.38 μg/g. Conclusion: Compounds 7-9 and 11-14 are isolated from Uncaria genus for the first time. Compounds 1-6 and 16, 17 are isolated from U.scandens for the first time. The contents of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline is low and the reasonable use of them as U. scandens in some areas needs to be further verified.

Purification and Enrichment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Pollutions in Oil-Field Water by Column Clean-up Coupled with Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction / 分析化学

A sample pretreatment method combining column clean-up with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (CCU-DLLME) for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in oil-field water was proposed. With this method,most organic interferences in matrix were cleaned up,and PAHs were purified, enriched and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry directly. The influences on extraction efficiency including the kinds of column packing,weight ratio between column packing and sample, column flow rate,type and volume of extraction solvent, type and volume of disperser solvent and extraction time were investigated, respectively. Finally, 12 g of H103 macroporous resin was selected as column packing,12﹕5 of weight ratio between column packing and sample and 4 BV/h of column flow rate were selected in CCU. The resulting eluate was added with 1.00 mL of acetone (disperser solvent) and 15 μL of carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent),followed by DLLME for 2 min. Under the optimum conditions,the enrichment factor of PAHs was 730-1579,the limits of detection (S/N=3) were 1.1-5.3 ng/L, the linear range was 0.01-50 μg/L,the RSDs(n=5) were 0.6%-3.4% and the recoveries were 82.6%-104.6%. This method could greatly reduce the influence of organic interferences in matrix, and was fit for the rapid analysis of pollutants in oil-field water especially.

The infection of Mycoplasma hominis after total knee replacement: Case report and literature review / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

The Mycoplasma hominis infection is a rare postoperative complication after joint replacement. Based on our knowledge, there were only two cases reported by Korea all over the world currently. A case of postoperative Mycoplasma hominis infection after total knee replacement in our hospital was reported in this article. It was confirmed through mass spectrometer and Mycoplasma cultivation and treated by the first stage debridement, polyethylene insert replacement, and then drainage and irrigation combined with sensitive antibiotics after the operation. We observed that the C reactive protein (CRP) level correlates with the development of disease, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) remains at a high level, indicating the relevance between the Mycoplasma hominis infection caused by knee joint replacement and CRP. This study aims to report the case and review relevant literature.

Isoflavones and Prostate Cancer: A Review of Some Critical Issues / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this review is to discuss some critical issues of isoflavones protective against the development of prostate cancer (PCa).</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>Data cited in this review were obtained primarily from PubMed and Embase from 1975 to 2015.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Articles were selected with the search terms "isoflavone", "Phytoestrogen", "soy", "genistin", and "PCa ".</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Isoflavones do not play an important role on prostate-specific antigen levels reduction in PCa patients or healthy men. The effect of isoflavones on sex hormone levels and PCa risk may be determined by equol converting bacteria in the intestine, specific polymorphic variation and concentrations of isoflavones. The intake of various types of phytoestrogens with lower concentrations in the daily diet may produce synergistic effects against PCa. Moreover, prostate tissue may concentrate isoflavones to potentially anti-carcinogenic levels. In addition, it is noteworthy that isoflavones may act as an agonist in PCa.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Isoflavones play a protective role against the development of PCa. However, careful consideration should be given when isoflavones are used in the prevention and treatment of PCa.</p>

Novel methods for studies of testicular development and spermatogenesis: From 2D to 3D culture / 中华男科学杂志

The two-dimensional model of cell culture is an important method in the study of testicular development and spermatogenesis but can not effectively mimic and regulate the testicular microenvironment and the whole process of spermatogenesis due to the lack of relevant cell factors and the disruption of a three-dimensional spatial structure. In the past 20 years, the development and optimization of the in vitro model such as testis organotypic culture and in vivo model such as testis transplantation achieved a transformation from two- to three-dimension. The maintenance and optimization of the testicular niche structure could mimic the testicular microenvironment and cell types including Leydig, Sertoli and germ cells, which showed similar biological behaviors to those in vivo. Besides, the cell suspension or tissue fragment floats in the gas-liquid interface so that the development of somatic and germ cells is well maintained in vitro whilst the feedback linkage between grafted testis tissue and hypothalamus-pituitary of the host rebuilt in the in vitro model provides an endocrinological basis for spermatogenesis, which serves as an effective methodology to better understand the organogenesis and development of the testis as well as testicular function regulation, advancing the concept of treatment of male infertility. Al- though each of the methods may have its limitations, the progress in the processing, freezing, thawing, and transplantation of cells and tissues will surely promote their clinical application and present their value in translational medicine.

Spermatic vein ligation and intra-vaginal ejaculation latency / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) of varicocele patients, the influence of spermatic vein ligation on IELT, and the relationship of Visual Analogue Score (VAS) with IELT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We selected 112 males who had regular sexual life after spermatic vein ligation and conducted follow-up visits for 6 months. According to preoperative IELT, we divided the patients into an IELT < or = 2 min group and an IELT > 2 min group, and compared their IELT, VAS and Chinese Index of Sexual Function for Premature Ejaculation-5 (CIPE-5) scores before and 6 months after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Follow-up was accomplished in 81 of the patients, 18 in the IELT < or = 2 min group and 63 in the IELT >2 min group. Compared with the baseline, IELT was significantly prolonged postoperatively in both the IELT < or = 2 min group ([1.26 +/- 0.37] vs [4.53 +/- 1.69] min, P < 0.01) and the IELT >2 min group ([5.14 +/- 2.03] vs [7.69 +/- 4.51] min, P < 0.05); the postoperative CIPE-5 scores were remarkably improved in the former (11.27 +/- 3.52 vs 15.64 +/- 2.37, P < 0.05) but insignificantly in the latter group (20.42 +/- 4.65 vs 21.83 +/- 5.49, P > 0.05); the postoperative grades of the CIPE-5 scores showed significant differences in both groups (chi2 = 6.353, P = 0.042 and chi2 = 3.910, P = 0.048); the postoperative VAS was markedly increased (3.18 +/- 0.92 vs 1.56 +/- 0.83 and 3.24 +/- 0.95 vs 1.74 +/- 0.79, P < 0.05), with significant differences in the grades of VAS in both groups (chi2 = 4.433, P = 0.035 and chi2 = 10.088, P = 0.001). The variation of VAS was negatively correlated with that of IELT in both groups (r = -0.572, P < 0.01 and r = -0.465, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Varicocele may be one of the causes of premature ejaculation, and some of the varicocele patients with IELT < or = 2 min may benefit from spermatic vein ligation. Improved VAS is negatively correlated with prolonged IELT. The relationship between varicocele and premature ejaculation deserves further studies.</p>

Sexual development characteristics and sex hormone levels in obese male adolescents / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the characteristics of sexual development and sex hormone levels in obese male adolescents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We included 156 obese male adolescents with micropenis and microorchidia in an observation group and 50 healthy ones in a control group. We measured the body mass index (BMI), penile natural length and testicular volume, investigated the incidence of spermatorrhea and the age of the first spermatorrhea, detected the levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) using radioimmunoassay, and calculated TT/E2 and testosterone secretion index (TSI).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the healthy controls, the obese adolescents showed significantly higher BMI ([20.4 +/- 1.6] vs [27.1 +/- 2.2] kg/m2, P < 0.05), but shorter penile natural length ([6.7 +/- 2.1] vs [5.6 +/- 1.7] cm, P < 0.05) and lower testis volume ([9.9 +/- 3.1] vs [7.6 +/- 2.3] cm3, P < 0.05). The incidence of spermatorrhea was significantly decreased in the observation group in comparison with that of the control (chi2 = 17.335, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the age of the first spermatorrhea between the two groups (P > 0.05). The levels of LH, E2 and P were remarkably higher in the observation group than in the control ([7.82 +/- 2.14] vs [5.39 +/- 1.76] mIU/ml, P < 0.05; [48.57 +/- 8.34] vs [8.61 +/- 4.08] pg/ml, P < 0.01; and [1.25 +/- 0.58] vs [0.64 +/- 0.19] ng/ml, P < 0.05), while TT and FT were markedly lower in the former than in the latter ([0.73 +/- 0.20] vs [1.47 +/- 0.41] ng/ml, P < 0.01 and [5.09 +/- 2.60] vs [11.28 +/- 4.72] pg/ml, P < 0.01), and so were the TT/E2 ratio and TSI (0.015 +/- 0.004 vs 0.173 +/- 0.037 and 0.098 +/- 0.026 vs 0.272 +/- 0.084, P < 0.01). BMI was correlated positively to PRL and E2, but negatively to TT, FT, TT/E2 and TSI (P < 0.05); the penile natural length positively to TT, FT, TT/E2 and TSI, but negatively to E2 (P < 0.05); and the mean testis volume positively to TT, FT, TT/E2 and TSI, but negatively to LH, PRL and E2 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Testis dysplasia and alteration of sex hormone levels exist in obese male adolescents. Obesity and fat accumulation lead to increased E2 and decreased TT and FT, particularly the reduction of TT/E2 and TSI, which suggest that the body fat content has an important influence on the development of the male reproductive system.</p>