Ligand-Receptor Interactions and Structure-Function Relationships in Off-Target Binding of the ß3-Adrenergic Agonist Mirabegron to α1A-Adrenergic Receptors.

The ß3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron is available for the treatment of storage symptoms of overactive bladder, including frequency, urgency, and incontinence. The off-target effects of mirabegron include binding to α1-adrenoceptors, which are central in the treatment of voiding symptoms. Here, we examined the structure-function relationships in the binding of mirabegron to a cryo-electron microscopy structure of α1A. The binding was simulated by docking mirabegron to a 3D structure of a human α1A-adrenoceptor (7YMH) using Autodock Vina. The simulations identified two binding states: slope orientation involving 10 positions and horizontal binding to the receptor surface involving 4 positions. No interactions occurred with positions constituting the α1A binding pocket, including Asp-106, Ser-188, or Phe-312, despite the positioning of the phenylethanolamine moiety in transmembrane regions close to the binding pocket by contact with Phe-288, -289, and Val-107. Contact with the unique positions of α1A included the transmembrane Met-292 during slope binding and exosite Phe-86 during horizontal binding. Exosite binding in slope orientation involved contact of the anilino part, rather than the aminothiazol end, to Ile-178, Ala-103, and Asn-179. In conclusion, contact with Met-292 and Phe-86, which are unique positions of α1A, accounts for mirabegron binding to α1A. Because of its lack of interactions with the binding pocket, mirabegron has lower affinity compared to α1A-blockers and no effects on voiding symptoms.

A NAV2729-sensitive mechanism promotes adrenergic smooth muscle contraction and growth of stromal cells in the human prostate.

Voiding symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are driven by prostate smooth muscle contraction and prostate growth. Smooth muscle contraction in the prostate and other organs critically depends on activation of the small monomeric GTPase RhoA and probably Rac1. A role of another GTPase, ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6), for smooth muscle contraction has been recently suggested by indirect evidence but remains to be proven for any organ. Here, we report effects of NAV2729, an inhibitor with assumed specificity for ARF6, in human prostate tissues and cultured prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1). NAV2729 (5 µm) inhibited neurogenic and α1-adrenergic contractions of human prostate tissues. Contractions induced by endothelin-1, by the thromboxane A2 agonist U46619, or by high molar KCl were not inhibited. Correlation analyses suggested up-regulation of prostatic ARF6 expression with increasing degree of BPH, as ARF6 expression increased with the content of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of prostate tissues. NAV2729 inhibited ARF6 activity but not other GTPases (ARF1, RhoA, Rac1) in prostate tissues and in WPMY-1 cells. Proliferation of WPMY-1 cells was inhibited concentration-dependently by NAV2726, as reflected by decreased viability, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, colony formation assay, and expression of Ki-67. Silencing of ARF6 expression mimicked effects of NAV2729 on viability and in the EdU assay. Effects of NAV2729 on viability and proliferation were attenuated in cells with silenced ARF6 expression. Our findings suggest that a NAV2729-sensitive mechanism promotes adrenergic contraction and stromal cell growth in the human prostate, which is probably ARF6-mediated. Similar actions in other organs and urodynamic effects of NAV2729 appear possible.

Phosphofructokinase-M inhibits cell growth via modulating the FOXO3 pathway in renal cell carcinoma cells.

Phosphofructokinase-M (PFKM) is a key enzyme in glycolysis. The expression and activity of PFKM is closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, but its role in the regulation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unknown. We found that the expression of PFKM was lower in RCC tumor tissue than in adjacent normal tissues, and that low expression of PFKM was related to the poor overall survival of RCC patients. In addition, our results showed that FOXO3 mediated PFKM inhibited the growth, migration and invasion of RCC cells, suggesting that PFKM is a protective factor for RCC.

Aberrant activation of RPB1 is critical for cell overgrowth in acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a group of highly aggressive malignancies with a 5-year overall survival of less than 40%. Cell overgrowth with defective apoptosis is a hallmark of AML, but little is known about how it occurs. Here, we show that aberrant activation of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) encoded by POLR2A gene is critically involved in this hallmark. We retrospectively analyzed the expression profiles of POLR2A and RPB1 in a panel of AML cell lines, primary AML patients and peripheral blood samples. Meanwhile, correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between the expression of RPB1 with tumor burden and overall survival time in untreated AML samples. RNA-Seq approach was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes between RPB1 silencing AML cells with control cells after knocking out RPB1. Furthermore, orthotopic AML models were established with RPB1 silencing and control cells to investigate the effects of RPB1 protein level on leukemia cell growth. In most AML patients, RPB1 was aberrantly activated and closely associated with poor prognosis, but not in normal hematopoietic cells. Global transcriptomic analysis revealed that POLR2A knockout strongly impaired growth of AML cells by selectively depleting a substantial set of AML-related oncogenic and anti-apoptosis genes such as MYC, RUNX2, MEIS1, CDC25A and BCL-2. Silencing RPB1 by genetic technology led to a potent regression of human refractory AML in mouse models. These findings reveal that dysregulated RPB1 is a central oncogenic hub that drives overgrowth by hijacking an array of oncogenic and anti-apoptosis factors. Targeting RPB1 is a potential therapeutic for treating AML.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones: a meta-analysis comparing clinical efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: Upper urinary tract stones is the most common diseases in urology. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (fURL) are common treatment, but both their efficacy and safety are controversial. Thus we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCNL and fURL in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones, providing a reference for clinical work. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and CNKI were searched through Apr. 1, 2019 to identify eligible studies. Data were analyzed by using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. Pooled relative risks (RRs) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed or random effects methods. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were performed. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), fifteen cohort studies involving 1822 patients were included. Stone-free rate of PCNL was significantly high than that of fURL (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.12; P = 0.0004). The decline of hemoglobin in PCNL was significantly high than that of fURL (WMD: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.54, 1.61; P < 0.0001). The number of blood transfusion was significantly greater in the PCNL compared to the fURL (RR: 5.04; 95% CI: 1.78, 14.24; P = 0.002). The incidence of postoperative bleeding or hematuria showed greater significantly difference in the PCNL compared to the fURL (RR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.55, 4.75; P = 0.0005). Operation time, fever, infection, perforation, requiring drug analgesia was not significantly different between two surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of upper urinary tract stones, the stones clearance rate of PCNL is higher than fURL, and the safety of fURL is higher than PCNL.

New strategies for inhibition of non-adrenergic prostate smooth muscle contraction by pharmacologic intervention.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of prostate smooth muscle contraction by α1 -adrenoceptor antagonists (α1 -blockers) is a first-line medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Increased smooth muscle tone in the hyperplastic prostate may drive urethral obstruction, resulting in bladder outlet obstruction and voiding symptoms. However, efficacy of α1 -blockers is limited, as non-adrenergic mediators including endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2 (TXA2 ) increase prostate smooth muscle tension in parallel to α1 -adrenoceptors. This may maintain urethral obstruction despite therapy with α1 -blockers. Consequently, future treatment options with higher efficacy need to target α1 -adrenergic and non-adrenergic contractions simultaneouly. Recently, several compounds were reported to inhibit adrenergic or neurogenic prostate contractions, however, their effects on non-adrenergic contraction are unknown. Here, we examined effects of inhibitors for Rac-GTPase, Src family kinases (SFKs), and p21-activated kinases (PAKs) on non-adrenergic prostate contractions. METHODS: Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Contractions were studied in an organ bath. Viability of cultured stromal cells was assessed by CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: Inhibition of α1 -adrenergic contractions by Rac inhibitors EHT1864 (100 µM) and NSC23766 (100 µM), and SFK inhibitors AZM475721 (10 µM) and PP2 (10 µM) was confirmed by inhibition of methoxamine-induced contractions. No effects of the PAK inhibitors FRAX486 (30 µM) and IPA3 (300 µM) on α1 -adrenergic contraction were confirmed by absent effects on methoxamine-inuced contractions. EHT1864 caused inhibition of endothelin-1- and U46619-induced contractions. EHT1864 reduced the viability of stromal cells concentration- and time-dependently. EHT1864 attenuated KCl-induced contractions of prostate strips only slightly, so that toxic effects may not account alone for inhibition of agonist-induced contractions. NSC23766 inhibited U46619-induced contractions, but not endothelin-1-induced contractions. AZM475271 had no effects on endothelin-1- or U46619-induced contractions, while PP2 inhibited U46619- but not endothelin-1-induced contractions. FRAX486 caused inhibition of U46619-induced contractions. IPA3 inhibited U46619-, but not endothelin-1-induced contractions. CONCLUSIONS: Of all six inhibitors, EHT1864 seems to be most promising from a translational point of view, as it inhibited TXA2 - and endothelin-1-induced besides α1 -adrenergic prostate contractions. This reflects divergent pharmacologic profiles of EHT1864 and NSC23766, although both are Rac-GTPase inhibitors. In vivo, urodynamic effects of EHT1864 and possibly of FRAX486 may exceed those of α1 -blockers.

Identification of the UBA2-WTIP fusion gene in acute myeloid leukemia.

Identifying and targeting oncogenic fusion genes have revolutionized the treatment of leukemia, such as PML-RARα fusion gene in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Here we identified an intrachromosomal fusion gene located on chromosome 19q.13 between UBA2 and WTIP gene in a case of acute myeloid leukemia. The UBA2-WTIP fusion gene contains the N-terminal E1_enzyme_family, VAE_Ubl domains of UBA2, and the C-terminal LIM domains of WTIP. The UBA2-WTIP fusion was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing in 19 of 56 acute myeloid leukemia samples (33.9%). Ectopic expression of the UBA2-WTIP fusion in human acute myeloid leukemia KG-1a cells showed enhanced cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. The UBA2-WTIP fusion induced phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT5 and ERK1/2, and abrogates WTIP-mediated mammalian processing body formation. Finally, triptolide displayed selective cytotoxicity against KG-1a cells harboring the UBA2-WTIP fusion. Collectively, our findings suggest that the UBA2-WTIP fusion is an oncogenic fusion gene, as well as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Inhibition of smooth muscle contraction and ARF6 activity by the inhibitor for cytohesin GEFs, secinH3, in the human prostate.

Prostate smooth muscle contraction is critical for etiology and treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and is promoted by small monomeric GTPases (RhoA and Rac). GTPases may be activated by guanosine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). GEFs of the cytohesin family may indirectly activate Rac, or ADP ribosylation factor (ARF) GTPases directly. Here we investigated the expression of cytohesin family GEFs and effects of the cytohesin inhibitor Sec7 inhibitor H3 (secinH3) on smooth muscle contraction and GTPase activities in human prostate tissues. Of all four cytohesin isoforms, cytohesin-1 and -2 showed the highest expression in real-time PCR. Western blot and fluorescence staining suggested that cytohesin-2 may be the predominant isoform in prostate smooth muscle cells. Contractions induced by norepinephrine, the α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, the thromboxane A2 analog U-46619 , and endothelin-1 and -3, as well as neurogenic contractions induced by electric field stimulation (EFS), were reduced by secinH3 (30 µM). Inhibition of EFS-induced contractions appeared to have efficacy similar to that of inhibition by the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin (300 nM). Combined application of secinH3 plus tamsulosin caused larger inhibition of EFS-induced contractions than tamsulosin alone. Pull-down assays demonstrated inhibition of the small monomeric GTPase ARF6 by secinH3, but no inhibition of RhoA or Rac1. In conclusion, we suggest that a cytohesin-ARF6 pathway takes part in smooth muscle contraction. This may open attractive new possibilities in medical treatment of male LUTS.

Non-Adrenergic, Tamsulosin-Insensitive Smooth Muscle Contraction is Sufficient to Replace α1 -Adrenergic Tension in the Human Prostate.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia may be caused by prostate smooth muscle contraction. Although α1 -blockers may improve symptoms by prostate smooth muscle relaxation, their efficacy is limited. This may be explained by non-adrenergic mediators causing contraction in parallel to α1 -adrenoceptors. However, little is known about the relevance and cooperative actions of non-adrenergic mediators in the prostate. METHODS: Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy (n = 127 patients). Contractile responses were studied in an organ bath. RESULTS: Endothelin-1 and noradrenaline induced contractions of similar magnitude (116 ± 23 and 117 ± 18% of KCl-induced contractions). Endothelin-2- and -3-induced maximum contractions of 63 ± 8.6 and 71 ± 19% of KCl, while contractions by the thromboxane analog U46619 amounted up to 63 ± 9.4%. Dopamine-induced contractions averaged to 22 ± 4.5% of KCl, while maximum contractions by serotonin, histamine, and carbachol stayed below 10% of KCl-induced. While noradrenaline-induced contractions were inhibited by tamsulosin (300 nM), endothelin-1-, -2-, or -3-induced contraction were not. No additive effects were observed if endothelins and noradrenaline were applied consecutively to the same samples. If endothelin-1 was applied after U46619, resulting tension (172 ± 43% of KCl) significantly exceeded noradrenaline-induced contraction. Tensions following combined application of endothelin-2 or -3 with U46619 stayed below noradrenaline-induced contractions. Tension following combined application of all three endothelins with U46619 resembled maximum noradrenaline-induced tone. CONCLUSIONS: Contractions following concomitant confrontation of human prostate tissue with noradrenaline and endothelin-1 are not additive. Endothelin-1 is sufficient to induce a smooth muscle tone resembling that of noradrenaline. This may replace lacking α1 -adrenergic tone under therapy with α1 -blockers, explaining the limited efficacy of α1 -blockers in LUTS treatment. Contractions by thromboxane and endothelin-1 may be additive, and may exceed α1 -adrenergic tone. Prostate 77:697-707, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Inhibition of Adrenergic and Non-Adrenergic Smooth Muscle Contraction in the Human Prostate by the Phosphodiesterase 10-Selective Inhibitor TC-E 5005.

BACKGROUND: The phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitor tadalafil is available for treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), while the role of other PDE isoforms for prostate smooth muscle tone is still unknown. Here, we examined effects of the PDE10-selective inhibitor TC-E 5005 on smooth muscle contraction in human prostate tissue. METHODS: Prostate samples were obtained from patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Expression of PDE10 was addressed by RT-PCR, Western blot, and fluorescence staining with different markers. Effects of TC-E 5005 and tadalafil on contraction, and relaxation of prostate strips were studied via organ bath. RESULTS: PDE10A was detectable by RT-PCR, Western blot, and fluorescence staining in prostate tissues. Colocalization with markers suggested expression of PDE10A in smooth muscle cells and catecholaminergic nerves. Norepinephrine, the α1 -adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, the thromboxane A2 analogue U46619, and endothelins 1-3 induced concentration-dependent contractions of prostate strips, while electric field stimulation (EFS) induced frequence-dependent contractions. Application of TC-E 5005 (500 nM) caused significant inhibition of norepinephrine-, phenylephrine-, and endothelin-3-induced contractions. Inhibition of EFS-induced contractions by TC-E 5005 ranged around 50%, resembling inhibition of EFS-induced contractions by tadalafil (10 µM). The prostacyclin analog treprostinil and the nitric oxide donor DEA NONOate induced relaxations of precontracted prostate strips, which were significantly amplified by TCE 5005. CONCLUSIONS: The PDE10-selective inhibitor TC-E 5005 inhibits adrenergic and neurogenic smooth muscle contractions in the human prostate. TC-E 5005 inhibits neurogenic contractions with similar efficacy than tadalafil, so that urodynamic effects in vivo appear possible. Prostate 76:1364-1374, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Puerarin Prevents LPS-Induced Osteoclast Formation and Bone Loss via Inhibition of Akt Activation.

Osteolysis induced by chronic Gram-negative bacterial infection underlies many bone diseases such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and periodontitis. Drugs that inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteolysis are critically needed for the prevention of bone destruction in infective bone diseases. In this study, we assessed the effect of puerarin, a natural isoflavone isolated from Pueraria lobata OHWI root, on LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. Our in vitro study showed that puerarin significantly inhibited LPS-induced osteoclast differentiation from osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells. The inhibition occurred through suppressing the production of osteoclast activating factor tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which led to down-regulating mRNA expression of osteoclastogenic genes including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K and matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9). Furthermore, LPS triggered activation of Akt in osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells, which was inhibited by puerarin treatment. In vivo, puerarin attenuated LPS-induced bone loss in a murine calvarial osteolysis model. Collectively, puerarin prevents LPS-induced osteoclast formation, function and bone loss, where the inhibition of Akt activation plays an important role. These findings provide evidences that puerarin might be beneficial as a promising candidate drug for the prevention and treatment of bacteria-induced bone destruction disease, and give new insights for understanding its possible mechanism.

Lactobacillus-Polydopamine System for Targeted Drug Delivery in Overactive Bladder: Evidence from Bladder Cell Spheroids, Rat Models, and Urinary Microbiome Profiling.

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent condition with limited treatment options due to poor efficacy, side effects, and patient compliance. Novel drug delivery systems that can target the bladder wall may improve OAB therapy. Methods: We explored a polydopamine (PDA)-coated lactobacillus platform as a potential carrier for localized OAB treatment. Urinary microbiome profiling was performed to identify the presence of lactobacillus in healthy and OAB groups. Lactobacillus-PDA nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by electron microscopy and spectrophotometry. A rat bladder perfusion model and human bladder smooth muscle cell spheroids were used to assess the distribution and penetration of the nanoparticles. The efficacy of the Lactobacillus-PDA system (LPS) for delivering the antimuscarinic drug solifenacin was evaluated in an OAB rat model. Results: Urinary microbiome profiling revealed lactobacillus as a dominant genus in both healthy and OAB groups. The synthesized Lactobacillus-PDA nanoparticles exhibited uniform size and optical properties. In the rat bladder perfusion model, the nanoparticles distributed throughout the bladder wall and smooth muscle without toxicity. The nanoparticles also penetrated human bladder smooth muscle cell spheroids. In the OAB rat model, LPS facilitated the delivery of solifenacin and improved treatment efficacy. Discussion: The results highlight LPS as a promising drug carrier for targeted OAB therapy via penetration into bladder tissues. This bacteriotherapy approach may overcome limitations of current systemic OAB medications. Lactobacillus, a probiotic bacterium present in the urinary tract microbiome, was hypothesized to adhere to and penetrate the bladder wall when coated with PDA nanoparticles, making it a suitable candidate for localized drug delivery.

Prognostic value of circulating plasma cells detected by flow cytometry in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. The most widely accepted staging system for MM is the revised International Staging System based on cytogenetic and clinical biomarkers. The circulating clonal plasma cells (CPCs) were reported to have potential prognostic impact on MM. Among various diagnostic approaches, multiparametric flow cytometry (FCM) offers heightened sensitivity, minimal invasiveness and reproducibility. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of quantifying CPCs via FCM in newly diagnosed symptomatic MM (NDMM) patients. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCE: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and references of included studies. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: We included observational studies that evaluated the prognostic value of CPCs detected by FCM in NDMM. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data were screened and extracted independently by two investigators. The pooled results originated from random effects models. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). To evaluate the prognostic value of CPCs in NDMM, HRs and their 95% CI for both OS and PFS were derived using COX multivariable models. These values were then used to compute the pooled estimated effect. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis encompassed a total of 2704 NDMM patients from 11 studies up to 27 August 2022. The pooled HR for OS and PFS in CPC-positive (CPCs+) group and CPC-negative group were 1.95 (95% CI 1.24 to 3.07) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.39), respectively. The autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) failed to eliminate the adverse impact on OS and PFS. The heterogeneity may stem from the use of novel agents or traditional chemotherapy as initial treatment. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates CPCs+ had an adverse impact on the prognosis of NDMM patients in the total population, and the adverse impact could not be eliminated by ASCT. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021272381.

[Establishing a mouse model of Sertoli-cell-only syndrome by administration of busulfan].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a stable and reliable model of Sertoli-cell-only syndrome in mice. METHODS: We randomly divided 60 NIH mice into two groups of equal number to receive intraperitoneal injection of busulfan (30 mg/kg) and 30 or 60 minutes of testis cooling. At 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, we recorded the survival rate of the mice, weight of the testis and Johnsen scores, and conducted quantitative analysis on the degrees of spermatogenetic failure. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline body weight and survival rate between the intervention and control groups (P > 0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks, the testis weight and Johnsen score were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control ([0.04 +/- 0.01] g and [0.05 +/- 0.01] g vs [0.09 +/- 0.03] g and [0.11 +/- 0.02] g, P < 0.05; 3.86 +/- 0.50 and 2.70 +/- 0.67 vs 9.60 +/- 0.25 and 9.76 +/- 0.43, P < 0.01). At 2, 4 and 8 weeks, the testis weights were (0.07 +/- 0.02) g, (0.06 +/- 0.01) g and (0.09 +/- 0.01) g, respectively, in the 30-min cooling group and (0.05 +/- 0.01) g, (0.04 +/- 0.02) g and (0.04 +/- 0.02) g in the 60-min cooling group, significantly lower than in the control side at the same time points ([0.11 +/- 0.01] g, [0.11 +/- 0.01] g and [0.12 +/- 0.00] g) (P < 0.05), and the Johnsen scores were 4.70 +/- 0.67, 2.70 +/- 0.84 and 6.10 +/- 1.14 in the 30-min and 1.67 +/- 0.58, 1.20 +/- 0.45 and 1.00 +/- 0.00 in the 60-min cooling group, remarkably lower than in the control side (9.60 +/- 3.23, 9.60 +/- 0.55 and 9.70 +/- 0.45) (P < 0.01). Histopathological examination of the cooled testes revealed considerable atrophy of seminal tubules, necrosis of seminiferous epithelia and peritubular fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Administration of busulfan has no obvious influence on the survival of mice, and is a reliable method for constructing a mouse model of Sertoli-cell-only syndrome.

[DAZL gene polymorphisms and astheno-teratozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the DZAL gene in infertile Han Chinese males with astheno-teratozoospermia. METHODS: We collected semen samples from 173 infertile Han Chinese men with astheno-teratozoospermia (case group) and 175 age-matched normal male volunteers (control group) for semen routine and morphological analyses. We obtained genomic DNA, genotyped the polymorphisms of the DAZL gene A260G and A386G via the Sequenom MassARRAY system, and compared the frequencies of the genotypes between the case and control groups. RESULTS: The AA nucleotide variant was found in the A260G and A386G polymorphisms of the DZAL gene in both the cases and controls, but the heterozygous AG variant in neither. CONCLUSION: The A260G and A386G polymorphisms of the DAZL gene are not correlated with astheno-teratozoospermia-induced male infertility in the Han Chinese population, and therefore could not be considered as molecular markers of male infertility.

EuHD1 protects against inflammatory injury driven by NLRP3 inflammasome.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) possessing anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities, are widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its long-term or large use will cause serious gastrointestinal injury or cardiovascular adverse reactions, which limits its clinical application. We have synthesized a new class of NSAIDs, EuHD1, which can release hydrogen sulfide and have better gastrointestinal safety. However, the anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of the drug is still unclear. In this paper, we explored the mechanism of EuHD1 on NLRP3 inflammasome and its effects on acute lung injury and acute liver injury in mice. In vitro results demonstrated that EuHD1 inhibited macrophage pyroptosis and LDH release induced by LPS combined with ATP. In addition, EuHD1 blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation and suppressed following Caspase-1 activation and secretion of mature IL-1ß. EuHD1 restrained intracellular ROS production and the formation of ASC oligomers, which inhibited the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In vivo results further showed that EuHD1 alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice, and inhibited the production of mature IL-1ß and Caspase-1 (p20). Besides, EuHD1 improved D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury, and inhibited SOD/MDA levels and oxidative stress injury, and blocked the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In summary, we found that EuHD1 inhibits the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome through restraining the production of ROS and the formation of ASC oligomers, and has therapeutic effects on acute lung injury and liver injury in mice, indicating that EuHD1 has the potential to treat NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.

[Association of PRM1-190C- > A polymorphism with teratozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the Protamine 1 (PRM1) gene in infertile men with teratozoospermia. METHODS: We collected semen samples from 157 infertile men with teratozoospermia (case group) and 37 age-matched male volunteers (control group), and subjected them to morphological analysis. We extracted genome DNA, genotyped the polymorphism of the PRM1-190C- > A SNP (rs2301365) using the Sequenom MassARRAY system, compared the genotype frequencies between the case and control groups, and analyzed the sperm morphological parameters of different genotypes in the infertile males with teratozoospermia. RESULTS: The frequencies of the genotypes CC, CA and AA were 38.9% (61), 44.6% (70) and 16.6% (26) in the case group, as compared with 45.9% (17), 51.4% (19) and 2.7% (1) in the control, with that of AA significantly higher in the patients than in the volunteers (P<0.05). The frequencies of the alleles C and A were 57.6% and 42.4% in the former, with no significant differences from 71.6% and 28.4% in the latter (P>0.05). Nor were any statistically significant differences observed in sperm morphology parameters between the genotype CC and CA, AA and CA + AA in the male patients (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The SNP of PRM1-190C- > A might be associated with teratozoospermia-induced male infertility in the Han Chinese. Although this SNP may attribute to abnormal sperm morphology, the targeted part of sperm remains unclear.

NEAT1/MALAT1/XIST/PKD--Hsa-Mir-101-3p--DLGAP5 Axis as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker Associated With Immune Cell Infiltration in Bladder Cancer.

Background: The clinical value of the biomarkers of bladder cancer (BC) is limited due to their low sensitivity or specificity. As a biomarker, DLG associated protein 5 (DLGAP5) is a potential cell cycle regulator in cancer cell carcinogenesis. However, its functional part in BC remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to identify DLGAP5 expression in BC and its potential diagnostic and prognostic values. Eventually, it predicts the possible RNA regulatory pathways of BC. Methods: Data on DLGAP5 expression levels in BC and normal bladder tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis determined the diagnostic and prognostic values of DLGAP5 in BC patients. Finally, the StarBase predicted the target RNAs and constructed networks using Cytoscape. Results: DLGAP5 expression was significantly upregulated in BC tissue, verified by the TCGA (p < 0.001), GSE3167, GSE7476, and GSE65635 datasets (p < 0.01). BC patients with increased DLGAP5 had poor overall survival (OS) (p = 0.01), disease specific survival (DSS) (p = 0.006) and progress free interval (DFI) (p = 0.007). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.913. The multivariate Cox analysis identified that lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.007) and DLGAP5 (p = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: Increased DLGAP5 expression was closely associated with a poor prognosis in BC patients. In this case, DLGAP5 might be a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for BC. DLGAP5 expression might be regulated by NEAT1/MALAT1/XIST/PKD--Hsa-mir-101-3p pathways.

Evaluating the Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome with a Telemedicine Application: An Exploration of the Electronic Audiovisual Prostate Symptom Score.

Background: The Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) is used for the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). It is usually administered by general practitioners (GPs), but in these cases, outcomes do not seem to be reflecting the real conditions of a patient well, with consequent risks of misestimations and misinterpretations. We developed an electronic audiovisual version of VPSS (EPSS), a new symptom scale based on a telemedicine mobile light-based app. The aim of this study is to test and evaluate its reliability. Methods: We enrolled male patients aged between 50 and 80 years across 24 community-based healthcare facilities in Guangzhou, China. Patients were asked to complete the Chinese version of VPSS and EPSS before consultation with the urology specialists. Patients were divided into two groups based on age. First, we analyzed the rate of full understanding of EPSS using a chi-square test. Then, we analyzed the difference between each score of EPSS, VPSS, and outcomes measured by specialists, used as the reference score (RS). Finally, the outcomes were analyzed with the Spearman test and Bartlett test separately. Results: Seventy-nine male patients were included (mean age 70.42 years). Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (>70 years, n = 40) and group 2 (<70 years, n = 39). The full-understanding rates in groups 1 and 2 were 50% and 64.1%, respectively. No significant differences were noted between groups (p = 0.206). A t-test was presented between each question of VPSS, EPSS, and RS. All questions did not display significant differences (p > 0.05); total scores from the three scales had no significant differences in the evaluation of LUTS. We further explored the variations of choices made by patients in different scales. Spearman's test among VPSS, EPSS, and RS showed positive correlations, and coefficients of the total score were 0.92, 0.91, and 0.93 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: EPSS can be easily used in a significant number of patients and showed correlation with the VPSS and RS. Moreover, certain items resulted in better performance than VPSS. The results showed that EPSS could be a valuable option for both patients and GPs monitoring LUTS and particularly helpful when teleconsultations are considered, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.