[Preparation and quality evaluation of orodispersible film containing ginkgolide B novel nanosuspension lyophilized powder].

To prepare a new dosage form that can improve the drug loading of the film--ginkgolide B nanosuspension lyophilized powder orodispersible film(GB-NS-LP-ODF) and to evaluate its quality. Firstly, ginkgolide B nanosuspension(GB-NS) was prepared by media milling method, and then ginkgolide B nanosuspension lyophilized powder(GB-NS-LP) was prepared with freeze-drying method. The mannitol was used as lyoprotectant and its dosage was also investigated. GB-NS-LP-ODF was prepared by solvent casting method and its formulation was screened by single factor test method and optimized by orthogonal test. The appearance, mechanical properties, content uniformity and in vitro dissolution of the optimized GB-NS-LP-ODF were investigated. The particle size of prepared GB-NS was about 201 nm, and the optimal dosage of mannitol was 8%. According to the optimal formula, the GB-NS-LP-ODF was prepared with GB-NS-LP 35.6%, PVA 0588 49.4%, PEG 400 10.7% and CMS-Na 4.3%, and completely disintegrated in about 30 s, and the particle size of reconstituted GB nanoparticles from ODF was about 210 nm. The film with smooth appearance and good mechanical properties was stable within 30 days and the content uniformity(A+2.2 S<15) conformed to the regulations. Scanning electron microscope(SEM) showed that GB-NS-LP-ODFs were evenly distributed and the particle size was about 200 nm. X-rays diffraction(XRD) showed that its crystallinity was significantly lower than that of GB raw drug and GB-ODF. The results of in vitro release test showed that the drug film was completely dissoluted within 10 minutes. These results indicated that nanosuspension lyophilized powder was prepared by freeze drying of nanosuspensions, and then loaded into the orodispersible film to effectively increase the drug loading of the ODF and have broad application prospects.

Validated UPLC-MS/MS method for determination of moclobemide in human brain cell supernatant and its application to bidirectional transport study.

A simple and sensitive analytical method based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) has been developed for determination of moclobemide in human brain cell monolayer as an in vitro model of blood-brain barrier. Brucine was employed as the internal standard. Moclobemide and internal standard were extracted from cell supernatant by ethyl acetate after alkalinizing with sodium hydroxide. The UPLC separation was performed on an Acquity UPLC(TM) BEH C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm, Waters, USA) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-water (29.5:70.5, v/v); the water in the mobile phase contained 0.05% ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid. Detection of the analytes was achieved using positive ion electrospray via multiple reaction monitoring mode. The mass transitions were m/z 269.16 → 182.01 for moclobemide and m/z 395.24 → 324.15 for brucine. The extraction recovery was 83.0-83.4% and the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 1.0 ng/mL for moclobemide. The method was validated from LLOQ to 1980 ng/mL with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.999. Intra- and inter-day accuracies of the method at three concentrations ranged from 89.1 to 100.9% for moclobemide with precision of 1.1-9.6%. This validated method was successfully applied to bidirectional transport study of moclobemide blood-brain barrier permeability.

Genetic variants in RTEL1 influencing telomere length are associated with prostate cancer risk.

Telomere length measured in lymphocytes has been evaluated as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Identifying genetic variants that affect telomere length and testing their association with disease could clarify any causal role. We therefore investigated associations between genetic variants in three telomere length-related genes and PCa risk in a case-control study. The influence of these variants on the leukocyte telomere lengths was then appraised by real-time PCR. RTEL1 rs2297441 [odds ratio (OR): 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.46, P = 0.021] and rs3208008 (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.03-1.46) were associated with PCa risk. These two risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.39-0.89, P = 0.012 and OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.38-0.87, P = 0.009, respectively) and another SNP PARP1 rs1136410 (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.01-2.31, P = 0.043) were also associated with leukocyte telomere length. These findings support that genetic determinants of telomere length may influence PCa risk.

Clinical significance of urine prostatic exosomal protein in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

PSA may be elevated in non-malignant conditions such as prostatitis and leads to unnecessary prostate needle biopsy. Urine prostatic exosomal protein (PSEP) has been proved to be a promising biomarker of prostatic inflammation. The aim of this study is to determine the relationships between PSEP and the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), and their association with histologic prostatic inflammation. Prostate needle biopsies from 674 patients were evaluated for the presence of histological inflammation and PCa. The urine PSEP levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. 286 cases were diagnosed as PCa and prostatic inflammation was observed in 33.7% of the biopsies. The presence of histological inflammation was significantly associated with a lower PCa risk (P < 0.001). The urine PSEP levels was significantly lower in PCa patients compared to the controls (P = 0.003). When subanalyzed by PSA levels, the difference was more evident in cases with PSA 4-10 ng/ml (P = 0.039). The urine PSEP levels was correlated with histological inflammation on prostate needle biopsy (P = 0.018, r = 0.12). Urine PSEP examination may be helpful to eliminate false positive PSA levels due to prostatic inflammation and reduce unnecessary prostate needle biopsy in cases with PSA grey zone.

The interpretation and review of prostate cancer, 2023 ASCO-GU / 中华泌尿外科杂志

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary (ASCO-GU) Cancers Symposium reported on the research progress in the field of precision diagnosis and evaluation, molecular detection, clinical treatment, and exploration of new drugs/mechanisms for prostate cancer. This article interprets and reviews important studies to help clinical treatment decisions.

2023 ESMO express: research on changing clinical practice for prostate cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

The 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) was held recently. In this conference, numbers of cutting-edge studies were discussed and published including advances in diagnosis and treatment, especially in prostate cancer. Studies that may influence clinical treatment decisions were summarized in this article, including timing of radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy, Enzalutamide in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, predictive factors of novel hormonal therapies in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, and the value of osteoprotective agent. The purpose of this article was to help clinicians make better clinical decisions.

Heterologous biomimetic synthesis of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine:a new mode for protection and development of traditional Chinese medicine resources / 中国中药杂志

Heterologous biomimetic synthesis of the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a new mode of resource acquisition and has shown great potential in the protection and development of TCM resources. According to synthetic biology and by constructing biomimetic microbial cells and imitating the synthesis of active ingredients in medicinal plants and animals, the key enzymes obtained from medicinal plants and animals are scientifically designed and systematically reconstructed and optimized to realize the heterologous synthesis of the active ingredients in microorganisms. This method ensures an efficient and green acquisition of target products, and also achieves large-scale industrial production, which is conducive to the production of scarce TCM resources. Additiona-lly, the method playes a role in agricultural industrialization, and provides a new option for promoting the green and sustainable deve-lopment of TCM resources. This review systematically summarized the important progress in the heterologous biomimetic synthesis of TCM active ingredients from three research areas: biosynthesis of terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and other active ingredients, key points and difficulties in heterologous biomimetic synthesis, and biomimetic cells with complex TCM ingredients. This study facilitated the application of new generation of biotechnology and theory to the development of TCM.

Comparison of the efficiency of different etiological assays for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild mice / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To compare the efficiency of multiple etiological techniques for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild mice, so as to provide technical supports to assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk. Methods Wild mice were captured with baited traps at night in Oncomelania hupensis snail-infested settings in schistosomiasis-endemic foci of Anhui Province from October to November, 2022. S. japonicum infections were detected in wild mice using microscopy of mouse liver tissues, microscopy of mouse mesenteric tissues, microscopy of mouse liver tissue homogenates, miracidial hatching test of mouse liver tissue homogenates, Kato-Katz technique and miracidial hatching test of mouse stool samples alone and in combinations. Identification of S. japonicum eggs or miracidia by any of these six assays was defined as an infection. The sensitivity of six assays alone or in combinations was compared for detection of S. japonicum infections in wild mice. Results A total of 1 703 wild mice were captured, with 366 wild mice detected positive for S. japonicum (21.49%). There were significant differences in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild mice by six assays (Q = 529.33, P < 0.001) and in the sensitivity of six assays for detection of S. japonicum infections in wild mice (χ2 = 527.78, P < 0.001). In addition, the combination of microscopy of mouse liver tissues and mesenteric tissues, combination of microscopy of mouse liver tissues and liver tissue homogenates and combination of microscopy of mouse liver tissues, microscopy of mesenteric tissues, microscopy of liver tissue homogenates and Kato-Katz technique showed 86.61%, 87.16% and 97.27% sensitivities for detection of S. japonicum infections in wild mice, respectively. Conclusions Diverse etiological assays show various efficiencies for detection of S. japonicum infections in wild mice. Combination of microscopy of mouse liver tissues and microscopy of mesenteric tissues, and combination of microscopy of mouse liver tissues and microscopy of liver tissue homogenates are potential approaches for field detection of S. japonicum infections in wild mice.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in CYP1B1 leads to differential prostate cancer risk and telomere length.

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is a key enzyme in its oestrogen metabolism pathway, giving rise to hydroxylation and conjugation. Functionally relevant genetic variants within CYP1B1 may affect the telomere length and subsequently lead to prostate carcinogenesis. METHODS: We evaluated 8 CYP1B1 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1015 men with prostate cancer (PCa) and 1052 cancer-free controls, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate their association with risk of PCa. The influence of CYP1B1 SNPs on the relative telomere lengths was then appraised in peripheral blood leukocytes using real-time PCR. RESULTS:CYP1B1 rs1056836 variant was associated with decreased risk of PCa [odds ratio (OR): 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68-0.99, P = 0.041]. Longer telomere length showed a significantly higher proportion of the CYP1B1 rs1056836 CG/GG genotypes, compared with that of the CC genotype (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.04-2.45). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that genetic variants within CYP1B1 may confer genetic susceptibility to PCa by altering telomere length.

Construction of cell factories for production of patchoulol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae / 中国中药杂志

Patchoulol is an important sesquiterpenoid in the volatile oil of Pogostemon cablin, and is also considered to be the main contributing component to the pharmacological efficacy and fragrance of P. cablin oil, which has antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and other biological activities. Currently, patchoulol and its essential oil blends are in high demand worldwide, but the traditional plant extraction method has many problems such as wasting land and polluting the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new method to produce patchoulol efficiently and at low cost. To broaden the production method of patchouli and achieve the heterologous production of patchoulol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the patchoulol synthase(PS) gene from P. cablin was codon optimized and placed under the inducible strong promoter GAL1 to transfer into the yeast platform strain YTT-T5, thereby obtaining strain PS00 with the production of(4.0±0.3) mg·L~(-1) patchoulol. To improve the conversion rate, this study used protein fusion method to fuse SmFPS gene from Salvia miltiorrhiza with PS gene, leading to increase the yield of patchoulol to(100.9±7.4) mg·L~(-1) by 25-folds. By further optimizing the copy number of the fusion gene, the yield of patchoulol was increased by 90% to(191.1±32.7) mg·L~(-1). By optimizing the fermentation process, the strain was able to achieve a patchouli yield of 2.1 g·L~(-1) in a high-density fermentation system, which was the highest yield so far. This study provides an important basis for the green production of patchoulol.

Construction of cell factories for production of valencene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae / 药学学报

Valencene, a kind of sesquiterpenoid with a citrus flavor, is mainly found in Valencia orange and is commonly used in cosmetics and food additives, as well as industrial synthetic nootkatone. In this study, synthetic biology was used to create a Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell factory to produce valencene. Fistly, valencene synthase gene (CnVS) from Callitropsis nootkatensis was inserted into the chromosome of the chassis strain YTT-T5. The resulting strain VAL-01 could produce 1.1 mg·L-1 valencene. Protein fusion technique was used, different valencene synthases were compared and the copy number of key genes was adjusted, yielding valencene to 436.4 mg·L-1. Then, knocking-out the transcription factor ROX1 resulted in valencene improvement by 17.4%. Moreover, the induction system of galactose was regulated, transcription factor PDR3 and INO2 were overexpressed. The engineered strain VAL-10 could produce 2 798.6 mg·L-1 valencene by high cell density fermentation method (nearly 2 500 times higher than VAL-01). This study provides a basis for green production of valencene.

Clinical features and microsurgical reconstruction of congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens with obstructive azoospermia: a tertiary care center experience / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Patients with congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD) manifest diverse symptoms from normospermia to azoospermia. Treatment for CUAVD patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) is complicated, and there is a lack of relevant reports. In this study, we describe the clinical features and evaluate the treatments and outcomes of CUAVD patients with OA. From December 2015 to December 2020, 33 patients were diagnosed as CUAVD with OA in Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai, China). Patient information, ultrasound findings, semen analysis, hormone profiles, and treatment information were collected, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated. Of 33 patients, 29 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Vasoepididymostomy (VE) or cross VE was performed in 12 patients, the patency rate was 41.7% (5/12), and natural pregnancy was achieved in one of the patients. The other 17 patients underwent testicular sperm extraction as the distal vas deferens (contralateral side) was obstructed. These findings showed that VE or cross VE remains an alternative treatment for CUAVD patients with OA, even with a relatively low rate of patency and natural pregnancy.

Establishment and verification of a nomogram model for individualized prediction of poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of esophagogastric variceal bleeding / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To establish a nomogram model for individualized prediction of poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), and verify its efficacy, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of EGVB.Methods:The clinical data of 389 patients with cirrhosis of EGVB from January 2010 to December 2018 in Hangzhou Hospital of Zhejiang Medical and Health Group were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up for 3 years, including 232 cases with poor prognosis (poor prognosis group) and 157 cases with good prognosis (good prognosis group). The general clinical data and laboratory results were compared between 2 groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the optimal cut-off value of poor prognosis factors in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB; multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze independent risk factors of poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB. A nomogram model to predict poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB was established with R language software 4.0 "rms" package. Internal validation of the nomogram model was performed using correction curves, and the prediction efficiency of the nomogram model was evaluated using decision curves.Results:The age, ascites rate, liver surface roughness rate, end-stage liver disease model score (MELD score), Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (CTP score), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), international standard ratio (INR) and total bilirubin (TBIL) in poor prognosis group were significant higher than those in good prognosis group: (62.48 ± 6.21) years old vs. (58.71 ± 5.93) years old, 51.29% (119/232) vs. 35.03% (55/157), 60.78% (141/232) vs. 42.03% (66/157), (13.89±1.93) scores vs. (11.32 ± 1.69) scores, (8.93 ± 0.77) scores vs. (7.46 ± 0.63) scores, (37.73 ± 5.21) U/L vs. (32.13 ± 5.03) U/L, (64.19 ± 11.31) U/L vs. (57.36 ± 10.29) U/L, 1.73 ± 0.41 vs. 1.61 ± 0.39 and (24.31 ± 2.63) μmol/L vs. (19.86 ± 2.17) μmol/L, the albumin, hemoglobin and serum sodium were significantly lower than those in good prognosis group: (36.21 ± 4.51) g/L vs. (39.12 ± 4.96) g/L, (86.31 ± 8.27) g/L vs. (92.28 ± 9.67) g/L and (136.58 ± 18.24) mmol/L vs. (141.21 ± 19.26) mmol/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or<0.05). ROC curve analysis results show that the optimal cut-off values of age, MELD score, CTP score, albumin, ALT, AST, hemoglobin, INR, TBIL and serum sodium for predicting poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB were 55 years old, 14.20 scores, 9.30 scores, 35 g/L, 38 U/L, 67 U/L, 88 g/L, 1.90 scores, 25 μmol/L and 135 mmol/L, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that age≥55 years old, ascites, MELD score ≥14.20 scores, CTP score ≥9.30 scores, albumin<35 g/L and INR≥1.90 were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB ( HR = 1.528, 1.439, 1.637, 1.795, 1.521 and 1.596; 95% CI 1.165 to 1.891, 1.088 to 1.790, 1.308 to 1.966, 1.385 to 2.205, 1.262 to 1.780 and 1.259 to 1.933; P<0.05 or<0.01). To construct a nomogram model that integrates independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB, the predictive power of the model was good (C-index 0.839, 95% CI 0.781 to 0.948). The corrected curve of nomogram model to predict poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB was close to the ideal curve; when the high risk threshold>0.02, nomogram model provided a significant additional clinical net benefit to predict poor outcome in patients with cirrhosis of EGVB, which was higher than the individual risk factors. Conclusions:The nomogram model based on age, ascites, MELD score, CTP score, albumin, INR and other independent risk factors that affect the high risk of poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EDVB has great clinical value in screening and identifying high risk of poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis of EDVB.

Study of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in management of hormonal sensitive prostate cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To explore the value of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in prostate cancer management.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the data of 92 consecutive hormonal sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) patients treated with GnRH antagonist from Jan 2019 to March 2022 in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. The median (IQR) age at diagnosis was 70(65-76)years old. Median(IQR) serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level before treatment was 98.30 (32.50-436.75)ng/ml. The median (IQR) testosterone level was 12.30(1.51-18.44)nmol/L. Twenty-six(28.3%)cases were in M 0 stage, while 66(71.7%) were in M 1 stage at diagnosis. There were 67(72.8%)cases in ≥T 3 stage, and 54(58.7%)cases in N 1 stage.The Gleason score of 80(87.0%)cases was ≥8.The second generation androgen inhibitor was used in 58(63.0%)cases, and 21(22.8%)cases had specific gene mutation. Patients received a subcutaneously 240mg Degarelix in the first 28 days and 80 mg Degarelix following every 28 days. The pre-injection and 3 months post injection PSA and testosterone (T) level were collected. According to the proportion of patients with the largest decrease in PSA, the patients were divided into high response group (PSA decrease ≥99% after 3 months of use of Degarelix) and low response group (PSA decrease <99% after 3 months of use of Degarelix). Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to analyze the risk factors affecting the treatment response of Degarelix. Results:Among the 92 prostate cancer patients, after 3 months Degarelix treatment, the median PSA value decreased to 0.64ng/ ml ( P <0.001), and the median testosterone value decreased to 0.45nmol/L ( P <0.001). After treatment, there were 48 cases in the high reaction group and 44 cases in the low reaction group. Before treatment, the median PSA in the high-response group was 100.00(67.11-444.25) ng/ml, higher than 88.50 (9.91-582.25) ng/ml in the low-response group, but not statistically significant ( P=0.077). The median testosterone level in the high response group was 13.82 (7.53-19.43) nmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in the low response group [4.61 (0.75-16.12) nmol/L, P =0.030]. After treatment, the median PSA in the high-response group was 0.22 (0.09-0.82) ng/ml, significantly lower than that in the low-response group [3.22 (0.19-15.88) ng/ ml, P<0.001]. The median testosterone value of the high reaction group was 0.40 (0.09-0.80) nmol/L and that of the low reaction group was 0.45 (0.02-0.65) nmol/L, which showed no significant difference ( P =0.826), and both reached the level of castration (<1.7nmol/L). Univariate analysis showed that age ≤ 65 years old was a good prognostic factor ( OR=0.333, 95% CI 0.119-0.810, P =0.017); T stage ( P =0.540), N stage ( P =0.363), M stage ( P =0.660), Gleason score ( P =0.834), application of second-generation antiandrogens ( P=0.238) and gene mutation ( P =0.525) were not related to Degarelix hyperresponsiveness. In multivariate analysis, age was the only independent favorite prognostic factors( OR=0.913, 95% CI 0.847-0.983, P=0.016). Conclusions:In the real world, GnRH antagonists significantly reduced the levels of testosterone and PSA in HSPC patients after 3 months of treatment regardless of TNM stage, Gleason score, and the second generation androgen inhibitor using.

Identification and validation of soluble carrier family expression signature for predicting poor outcome of renal cell carcinoma.

The soluble carrier (SLC) family plays an important role in cell metabolism. The purpose of the current study was to screen SLCs as potential prognostic factors in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). A total of 509 patients with ccRCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort were enrolled in this study. The expression profile of SLCs was obtained from the TCGA RNAseq database. Metadata of the TCGA cohort, including age, sex, TNM stage, tumor grade, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, laterality, and overall survival, were collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the relative factors. Prognosis-associated genes were further validated in a Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) cohort consisting of 178 patients. Among a total of 364 SLC transporters, 61 were independent predictors of ccRCC patient overall survival. Among the 61 SLC transporters, 26 were significantly downregulated and 23 were significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared with non-malignant kidney tissues. Analyses of two open source, RNA expression data sets on sunitinib response revealed that SLC10A2 was downregulated in tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant samples. We validated SLC10A2 expression in the FUSCC cohort and showed that SLC10A2 expression was an independent prognostic predictor of overall survival of ccRCC (hazard ratio=0.432, 95% CI: 0.204-0.915). Our results identified a number of associations of SLC gene expression with prognosis of ccRCC patients, indicating that these genes may represent possible oncogenes that could serve as therapeutic targets of ccRCC.

Clinical analysis of prostate targeted biopsy guided by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT image fusion / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To explore clinical value of prostate target biopsy guided by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and 68Ga-labeled prostate specific membrane antigen ligand imaging positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography ( 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT) image fusion. Methods:The data of 50 patients admitted to Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2021 to February 2022 who underwent mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT to guide prostate biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 70 (63-79) years, the median serum tPSA value was 8.1 (6.8-83.0) ng/ml, and the prostate volume was 45.5 (30-80) ml. 36 cases were positive by mpMRI, including PI-RADS score 3 in 5 cases, 4 score in 19 cases, 5 score in 12 cases. 32 cases were positive by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT examination, of which 30 cases were double positive and the fusion of both imaging techniques was positive, referred to as PET/CT-MRI. The patient's mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT images were imported into the MIM fusion software, and the outline of the prostate and the target area were outlined respectively. When PET/CT and MRI double positive cases were biopsied, the two images were alternately fused, calibrated and locked with the real-time prostate ultrasound interface(PET/CT-MRI). Single-positive cases were guided by positive images to complete targeted biopsy, and 12-needle systematic biopsies were completed after targeted biopsy and double-negative cases. The advantages of targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy was evaluated, and the diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value) was analyzed. Results:Among the 50 biopsy patients in this group, 31 (62%) had prostate cancer, of which 22 (44%) were CsPCa. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of prostate cancer between targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy [78.9% (30/38) and 62.0% (31/50), P=0.088], and there was no significant difference in the detection rate of CsPCa [57.9% (22/38) and 40.0% (20/50), P=0.096]. The positive rate of the biopsy needles number was significantly different [86.3% (69/80) and 19.0% (114/ 600), P<0.001]. The detection rates of prostate cancer in mpMRI positive, PET/CT positive and PET/CT-MRI positive cases were 83.3% (30/36), 90.6% (29/32) and 96.6% (29/30) respectively, the detection rates of CsPCa were 61.1% (22/36), 68.8% (22/32) and 73.3% (22/30) respectively.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of mpMRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were 96.8%(30/31), 68.4%(13/19), 83.3%(30/36)and 92.9%(13/14), respectively.Those values in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were 93.5%(29/31), 84.2%(16/19), 90.6%(29/32)and 88.9%(16/18), respectively.Those values in PET/CT-MRI were 93.8%(29/31), 94.7%(18/19), 96.7%(29/30)and 90.0%(18/20), respectively. The above four indicators of mpMRI diagnosis of CsPCa were 100.0%(22/22), 50.0%(14/28), 61.1%(22/36)and 100.0%(14/14), respectively.Those indicators in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were 100.0%(22/22), 64.3%(18/28), 68.8%(22/32)and 100.0%(18/18), respectively.Those indicators in PET/CT-MRI was 100.0%(22/22), 71.4%(20/28), 73.2%(22/30)and 100.0%(20/20), respectively. The detection efficiency of PET/CT-MRI was better than that of mpMRI (Kappa value was 0.737, P=0.031). Conclusions:PET/CT-MRI image fusion-guided targeted prostate biopsy can effectively improve the detection efficiency of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer, and increase the positive rate.

Efficacy and safety of radium-223 in 48 patients with bone metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of radium-223 in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with bone metastasis.Methods:The clinical data of 48 patients with mCRPC treated with radium-223(55 kBq/kg, once every 4 weeks, planned to use for 6 cycles)from February 2021 to May 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had symptomatic bone metastasis without visceral metastasis, which the number of bone metastasis was more than one site.They were all classified as IVb stage. The average age was 70.5 (ranging 49-90) years. The median PSA was 44.70(ranging 0.15-1 864.00) ng/ml. The median ALP was 162 (ranging 43-1 589) U/L. The median time from mCRPC diagnosis to radium-223 use was 10 (ranging 3-47) months. 9, 18 and 11 patients had received first-line, second-line and third-line treatment for mCRPC before enrollment respectively, 10 patients had received at least fourth-line treatment. 38 (79.1%), 31 (64.5%), 30 (62.5%) and 7 (14.6%) patients had used abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel and olaparib before enrollment. The probability of PSA level decrease >30%, ALP level decrease >30%, symptom improvement rate, median overall survival (OS), as well as the occurrence of treatment-related adverse reactions and the reasons for withdraw treatment were analyzed.Results:The median follow-up time was 8 (ranging 1-16) months. 11 patients completed all 6 courses of treatment. The median number of completed courses was 4 (ranging 1-6). 27 patients (56.2%) received radium-223 and bone protection drugs (Bisphosphate/ Denosumab). PSA decreased by >30% was recorded in 10 patients (20.8%) and ALP decreased by >30% was recorded in 25 patients (52.1%). 23 cases (47.9%) reported bone pain relief during treatment. Among the 9 patients who had received first-line of mCRPC previously, 6 cases (66%) had relief of bone pain symptoms, and 4 cases (44%) had a decrease of PSA >30%. Among the 18 patients who had previously received second-line mCRPC treatment, 11 cases (61%) had relief of bone pain symptoms, and 4 cases (22%) had a decrease of PSA >30%. Among the 21 patients who had received third-line or more mCRPC treatment in the past, 6 (28.5%) had symptom relief, and 2 (9.5%) had PSA decrease >30%. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached, and the OS was estimated to be 12.5 months using the Kaplan-Meier method. The most common hematological adverse effects were thrombocytopenia (15 cases, 31.2%; grade 3 in 6 cases and grade 4 in 0), followed by leucopenia (11 cases, 22.9%; grade 3 in 4 cases and grade 4 in 1 case) and anemia (8 cases, 16.7%; grade 3 in 3 cases and grade 4 in 0). Non-hematological adverse reactions included fever in 1 case (2.1%), constipation in 4 cases (8.3%), nausea and vomiting in 10 cases (20.8%), diarrhea in 7 cases (14.6%), dizziness in 1 case (2.1%) and fatigue in 11 cases (22.9%). Seven cases were discontinued due to intolerable adverse reactions (median 2 courses), 14 cases were discontinued due to disease progression or death (median 2 courses), and 5 cases were discontinued due to other reasons (median 1 course).Conclusions:Radium-223 has a good performance in symptom control for mCRPC patients who have previously received first-line or second-line therapy. Due to the high incidence of hematological adverse reactions, more attention should be paid to the changes of hemogram during the treatment, and timely treatment should be carried out to improve the drug tolerance of patients.

High IL-23+ cells infiltration correlates with worse clinical outcomes and abiraterone effectiveness in patients with prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Individualized treatment of prostate cancer depends on an accurate stratification of patients who are sensitive to various treatments. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) was reported to play a significant role in prostate cancer. Here, we aimed to explore the clinical value of IL-23-secreting (IL-23+) cells in prostate cancer patients. We evaluated interleukin-23A (IL-23A) expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas database and retrospectively enrolled 179 treatment-naïve metastatic prostate cancer patients diagnosed in our institute between June 2012 and December 2014. IL-23+ cells were stained and evaluated via immunohistochemistry. Further, survival and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to explore the prognostic value of IL-23+ cells. We found that IL-23A expression correlated with disease progression, while IL-23+ cells were clearly stained within prostate cancer tissue. Patients with higher Gleason scores and multiple metastatic lesions tended to have more IL-23+ cell infiltration. Further analyses showed that patients with higher levels of IL-23+ cells had significantly worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.996, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.812-4.955; P = 0.001) and a higher risk of developing castration resistance (HR = 2.725, 95% CI: 1.865-3.981; P = 0.001). Moreover, subgroup analyses showed that when patients progressed to a castration-resistant status, the prognostic value of IL-23+ cells was observed only in patients treated with abiraterone instead of docetaxel. Therefore, we showed that high IL-23+ cell infiltration is an independent prognosticator in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. IL-23+ cell infiltration may correlate with abiraterone effectiveness in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.

Construction of cell factories for high production of ginsenoside Rh_2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae / 中国中药杂志

Ginsenoside Rh_2 is a rare active ingredient in precious Chinese medicinal materials such as Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix. It has important pharmacological activities such as anti-cancer and improving human immunity. However, due to the extremely low content of ginsenoside Rh_2 in the source plants, the traditional way of obtaining it has limitations. This study intended to apply synthetic biological technology to develop a cell factory of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce Rh_2 by low-cost fermentation. First, we used the high protopanaxadiol(PPD)-yielding strain LPTA as the chassis strain, and inserted the Panax notoginseng enzyme gene Pn1-31, together with yeast UDP-glucose supply module genes[phosphoglucose mutase 1(PGM1), α-phosphoglucose mutase(PGM2), and uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase(UGP1)], into the EGH1 locus of yeast chromosome. The engineered strain LPTA-RH2 produced 17.10 mg·g~(-1) ginsenoside Rh_2. This strain had low yield of Rh_2 while accumulated much precursor PPD, which severely restricted the application of this strain. In order to further improve the production of ginsenoside Rh_2, we strengthened the UDP glucose supply module and ginsenoside Rh_2 synthesis module by engineered strain LPTA-RH2-T. The shaking flask yield of ginsenoside Rh_2 was increased to 36.26 mg·g~(-1), which accounted for 3.63% of the dry weight of yeast cells. Compared with those of the original strain LPTA-RH2, the final production and the conversion efficiency of Rh_2 increased by 112.11% and 65.14%, respectively. This study provides an important basis for further obtaining the industrial-grade cell factory for the production of ginsenoside Rh_2.

Prognostic value of PTEN in de novo diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The purpose of our study is to investigate the prognostic value of phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN) expression in patients with de novo metastatic castration naïve prostate cancer (mCNPC). A total of 205 patients with mCNPC at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (Shanghai, China) were retrospectively examined. Immunohistochemical staining of PTEN was performed on prostate biopsy samples of these patients. Associations among clinicopathological features, patient survival and PTEN protein expression were analyzed. PTEN loss occurred in 58 of 205 (28.3%) patients. Loss of PTEN was significantly correlated with high metastatic volume (P = 0.017). No association between PTEN expression and Gleason score was observed. Patients with PTEN loss had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS, P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, P < 0.001) compared with patients with intact PTEN expression. Multivariate analysis showed that elevated alkaline phosphatase, high metastatic volume and PTEN loss were independent poor prognostic factors for PFS. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS)#8805; 2 and PTEN loss were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. The adjusted hazard ratio of PTEN loss for PFS and OS was 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-2.43, P = 0.008) and 1.95 (95% CI: 1.23-3.10, P = 0.005), respectively. PTEN loss was also significantly associated with shorter PFS (P = 0.025) and OS (P < 0.001) in patients with low-volume metastatic disease. Our data showed that PTEN loss is an independent predictor for shorter PFS and OS in patients with de novo mCNPC.