Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation promotes neurological functional recovery in rats with traumatic brain injury by upregulating synaptic plasticity-related proteins.

Studies have shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can enhance synaptic plasticity and improve neurological dysfunction. However, the mechanism through which rTMS can improve moderate traumatic brain injury remains poorly understood. In this study, we established rat models of moderate traumatic brain injury using Feeney's weight-dropping method and treated them using rTMS. To help determine the mechanism of action, we measured levels of several important brain activity-related proteins and their mRNA. On the injured side of the brain, we found that rTMS increased the protein levels and mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1, and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein, which are closely associated with the occurrence of long-term potentiation. rTMS also partially reversed the loss of synaptophysin after injury and promoted the remodeling of synaptic ultrastructure. These findings suggest that upregulation of synaptic plasticity-related protein expression is the mechanism through which rTMS promotes neurological function recovery after moderate traumatic brain injury.

Identification of potential crucial genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Aim: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men throughout the world. This study aimed to investigate genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of PCa. Materials & methods: Data of PCa cases were obtained from public datasets and were analyzed using an integrated bioinformatics strategy. Results: A total of 969 differential expression genes were identified. Moreover, GSE16560 and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data showed a prognostic prompt function of the nine-gene signature, as well as in PCa with Gleason 7. Finally, majority of the nine hub genes were associated with drug sensitivity, mutational landscape, immune infiltrates and clinical characteristics of PCa. Conclusion: The nine-gene signature was correlated with drug sensitivity, mutational landscape, immune infiltrates, clinical characteristics and survival from PCa.

[Parathyroid hormone inhibits the apoptosis of osteoblast MC-3T3E1 cells through a non-PLC-dependent protein kinase C pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the non-PLC-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) pathway of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the apoptosis and proliferation of osteoblast MC-3T3E1 cells. METHODS: MC-3T3E1 cells were seeded in 96-well plates at the density of 1.5×10(4) cells/mL and incubated for 3 day. The cells were then exposed to 100 nmol/L of [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-28), 100 nmol/L of [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-34), 100 nmol/L of [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-34)+1 µmol/L Go6983, 1 µmol/L Go6983, or deionized water (control) for 1, 24 or 48 h. After the treatments, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Caspase-Glo® 3/7 Assay (Caspase-3) were used to examine the proliferation and apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. RESULTS: CCK-8 results showed that hPTH(1-34) increased the number of MC3T3-E1 cells compared with hPTH(1-34)+Go6983 at 1 h and 24 h, but this difference was not statistically different. At 48 h, treatment with hPTH(1-34), as compared with hPTH(1-28), significantly increased the number of MC3T3-E1 cells (P<0.05), and this effect was blocked by the PKC inhibitor Go6983 (P<0.05). hPTH(1-34) did not result in significant inhibition of MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis at 1 h and 24 h as compared with hPTH(1-34)+Go6983, but significantly inhibited the cell apoptosis as compared with hPTH(1-28) (P<0.05); this inhibitory effect was blocked by Go6983 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: s A relatively long time (for 48 h) of exposure to PTH can inhibit apoptosis and promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1cells through a non-PLC-dependent PKC pathway.

[Transabdominal ultrasound measurement of intravesical prostatic protrusion helps diagnosis of benign prostatic obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) by transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) in the diagnosis of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: We studied the clinical data of 109 BPH patients referred for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from April 2005 to December 2006. IPP was measured by TAUS, urodynamic parameters such as Qmax and PdetQmax obtained by urodynamic studies and AG values calculated. The patients were divided into an obstruction and a non-obstruction group according to their AG values. RESULTS: IPP was found statistically different between the obstruction and non-obstruction groups (P<0.001) and positively correlated with the AG value (r=0.729, P=0.001). With the cutoff at IPP > or = 10 mm for the diagnosis of BPO, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the diagnosis were 89.9%, 97.5% and 92.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The measurement of IPP by TAUS offers a valuable help for the diagnosis of BPO.

[Effect of sildenafil on nocturnal penile tumescence].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil on nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT). METHODS: Thirty-five patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), 28 cases of organic ED and 7 cases of psychogenic ED, were treated with sildenafil 100 mg before bedtime. The NPT of the patients was observed by using NEVA. RESULTS: Erectile function significantly improved in the 28 cases of organic ED (P < 0.05), but not in the 7 cases of psychogenic ED (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil can improve NPT of organic ED patients without sexual stimulation.