PLOD3 regulates the expression of YAP1 to affect the progression of non-small cell lung cancer via the PKCδ/CDK1/LIMD1 signaling pathway.

Procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase (PLOD3) is a crucial oncogene in human lung cancer, whereas protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) acts as a tumor suppressor. In this study, we aimed to explore the regulation by PLOD3 on the expression of YAP1 to affect the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via the PKCδ/CDK1/LIMD1 signaling pathway. We found that PLOD3, CDK1, and YAP1 were highly expressed, while LIMD1 was poorly expressed in NSCLC tissues. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that silencing PLOD3 promoted the cleavage of PKCδ in a caspase-dependent manner to generate a catalytically active fragment cleaved PKCδ, enhanced phosphorylation levels of CDK1, and LIMD1 but suppressed nuclear translocation of YAP1. Furthermore, functional experimental results suggested that loss of PLOD3 led to increased phosphorylation levels of CDK1 and LIMD1 and downregulated YAP1, thereby suppressing the proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle entry, and resistance to apoptosis of NSCLC cells in vitro and inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, these results show that PLOD3 silencing activates the PKCδ/CDK1/LIMD1 signaling pathway to prevent the progression of NSCLC, thus providing novel insight into molecular targets for treating NSCLC.

The relationship among social capital, eHealth literacy and health behaviours in Chinese elderly people: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Social capital has been linked to health behaviours, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Previous studies have found that health literacy played the role of a mediator in the relationships among social capital, individual physical activity and nutrition. But it is not clear whether eHealth literacy mediates the impact of social capital on health behaviours. Therefore, our research aimed to explore the relationships among social capital (structural and cognitive social capital), eHealth literacy, and the health behaviours of elderly people, and to analyse the mediating effect of eHealth literacy, while providing a theoretical basis for a health behaviour intervention for elderly people. METHODS: From January to February 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1201 Chinese people aged over 60 years using the Chinese Shortened Social Capital Scale (contains two subscales of structural social capital and cognitive social capital), eHealth Literacy Scale, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile. We used structural equation modelling to test a hypothetical mediation model. RESULTS: The mean scores of social capital was 72.07 (SD = 13.03), 17.24 (SD = 9.34) for eHealth literacy, and 112.23 (SD = 23.25) for health behaviours. Social capital and eHealth literacy were significantly correlated with health behaviours, and social capital and structural social capital were significantly correlated with eHealth literacy. Lastly, eHealth literacy mediated the relationship between structural social capital and health behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: eHealth literacy was an important mediating factor for elderly people's structural social capital and health behaviours. Therefore, social capital and eHealth literacy must be considered when designing and implementing health behaviour intervention programmes for elderly people.

Effect and mechanism of Qingre Huashi decoction on drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP), the most common pathogenic microorganism in the stomach, can induce inflammatory reactions in the gastric mucosa, causing chronic gastritis and even gastric cancer. HP infection affects over 4.4 billion people globally, with a worldwide infection rate of up to 50%. The multidrug resistance of HP poses a serious challenge to eradication. It has been de-monstrated that compared to bismuth quadruple therapy, Qingre Huashi decoction (QHD) combined with triple therapy exhibits comparable eradication rates but with a lower incidence of adverse reactions; in addition, QHD can directly inhibit and kill HP in vitro. AIM: To explore the effect and mechanism of QHD on clinically multidrug-resistant and strong biofilm-forming HP. METHODS: In this study, 12 HP strains were isolated in vitro after biopsy during gastroscopy of HP-infected patients. In vitro, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for clinical HP strains and biofilm quantification were determined through the E-test method and crystal violet staining, respectively. The most robust biofilm-forming strain of HP was selected, and QHD was evaluated for its inhibitory and bactericidal effects on the strain with strong biofilm formation. This assessment was performed using agar dilution, E-test, killing dynamics, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The study also explored the impact of QHD on antibiotic resistance in these HP strains with strong biofilm formation. Crystalline violet method, scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal scanning microscopy, and (p)ppGpp chromatographic identification were employed to evaluate the effect of QHD on biofilm in strong biofilm-forming HP strains. The effect of QHD on biofilm and efflux pump-related gene expression was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Non-targeted metabolomics with UHPLC-MS/MS was used to identify potential metabolic pathways and biomarkers which were different between the NC and QHD groups. RESULTS: HP could form biofilms of different degrees in vitro, and the intensity of formation was associated with the drug resistance of the strain. QHD had strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on HP, with MICs of 32-64 mg/mL. QHD could inhibit the biofilm formation of the strong biofilm-forming HP strains, disrupt the biofilm structure, lower the accumulation of (p)ppGpp, decrease the expression of biofilm-related genes including LuxS, Spot, glup (HP1174), NapA, and CagE, and reduce the expression of efflux pump-related genes such as HP0605, HP0971, HP1327, and HP1489. Based on metabolomic analysis, QHD induced oxidative stress in HP, enhanced metabolism, and potentially inhibited relevant signaling pathways by upregulating adenosine monophosphate (AMP), thereby affecting HP growth, metabolism, and protein synthesis. CONCLUSION: QHD exerts bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on HP, and reduces HP drug resistance by inhibiting HP biofilm formation, destroying its biofilm structure, inhibiting the expression of biofilm-related genes and efflux pump-related genes, enhancing HP metabolism, and activating AMP in HP.

Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on the expression of primordial germ cell differentiation-associated genes in mESC-derived EBs.

atRA (all-trans-retinoic acid) is known to induce the differentiation of mESCs (mouse embryonic stem cells) into PGCs (primordial germ cells) in vitro. However, it is not clear as to what changes occur in PGC differentiation-associated genes or what mechanisms are involved when EBs (embryoid bodies) derived from mESCs are induced by atRA. EBs derived from mESCs were treated with 1, 2 or 5 µM atRA for 16 h, 2 days or 5 days. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the relative levels of PGC differentiation-associated genes (Lin28, Blimp1, Stra8 and Mvh) and the corresponding proteins respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein location and distribution in EBs. The expression characteristics of genes could be divided into three categories: rapidly reached the peak value in 16 h and then decreased (Stra8, Lin28), initially low and then increased to reach the peak value in 5 days (Mvh) and relatively unchanged (Blimp1). A low level of Lin28 was expressed in EBs treated with atRA for 2 days or 5 days. The variation in the level of Lin28 mRNA did not influence the change in the level of Blimp1 mRNA. The changes in Stra8/Lin28 were consistent with the corresponding changes in the levels of their respective mRNAs, but the changes for Mvh/Blimp1 were not consistent with the corresponding changes in the levels of their respective mRNAs. Blimp1 expression may be independent of the effect of atRA on PGC differentiation. atRA may promote the start of a period in which there is a low level of Lin28 expression during PGC differentiation.

Fuzheng Nizeng Decoction regulated ferroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions: A mechanistic study based on metabolomics coupled with transcriptomics.

Background: Fuzheng Nizeng Decoction (FZNZ) has a history of decades in gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) treatment, which has shown clear clinical efficacy. Blocking GPL is a key measure to reduce the incidence of gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, we aim to investigate the mechanism of FZNZ-induced ferroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in MNNG-induced gastric precancerous lesion (MC) cells, which has been rarely studied in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Methods: First, CCK8 and lactate dehydrogenase assays were conducted to study the potential effect of FZNZ on MC cells. Second, combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis were used to explore the effect and mechanism of FZNZ. Functionally, the occurrence of ferroptosis was assessed by transmission electron microscopy morphological observation and measurement of ferrous iron levels, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione levels. Finally, the expression levels of mRNAs or proteins related to ferroptosis and ER stress were determined by qPCR or western blot assays, respectively. Results: FZNZ inhibited MC cells viability and induced cell death. By metabolomics coupled with transcriptomics analysis, we found that the mechanism of FZNZ treatment induced ferroptosis and was related to glutathione metabolism and ER stress. We then, for the first time, found that FZNZ induced ferroptosis, which contributed to an increase in intracellular ferrous iron, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde and a decrease in glutathione. Meanwhile, the protein level of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was decreased. The mRNA levels of ATF3/CHOP/CHAC1, which are related to ferroptosis and ER stress, were also upregulated. Conclusion: Our results elaborate that FZNZ could induce ferroptosis and ER stress in MC cells, and reduce GPX4/GSH. ATF3/CHOP/CHAC1 may play a crosstalk role, which provides a new molecular mechanism for the treatment of GPL.

[Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into induced primordial germ cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether mouse-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell line IP14D-1 has the potential to differentiate into induced primordial germ cells (iPGCs), and to explore the changes in the expression of iPGCs-differentiation associated genes and their possible mechanisms. METHODS: Undifferentiated IP14D-1 was cultured to proliferate and then differentiated to form 4-, 7- and 9-day-old induced embryoid bodies (iEBs) in vitro, respectively. RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expressions of Lin28, Blimpl, Stra8 and Mvh, as well as the localization of the corresponding protein in iEBs. RESULTS: The expression of Blimpl was higher than that of Lin28 in the undifferentiated IP14D-1 and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Mvh and Stra8 as well as mESCs and EBs were also expressed in IP14D-1 and iEBs, but with no significant differences. The expression of Lin28 was gradually increased in the IP14D-1-derived iEBs from 4 to 7 days, but decreased at 9 days, and the expression of Blimp1 was gradually reduced with the prolonged growing time of iEBs. CONCLUSION: A stable system was established for the culture and differentiation of IP14D-1 and IP14D-1-derived iEBs. The expressions of Lin28, Blimp1, Mvh and Stra8 were not significantly different between the undifferentiated IP14D-1 and mESCs, nor were the expressions of Mvh and Stra8 between iEBs and EBs. IP14D-1 and iEBs had the potential to differentiate into iPGCs, which increased in number in the 7-day-old iEBs, and the expression of iPGC-differentiation associated Lin28 became lower in the older iEBs.

Correlation between loneliness and social relationship among empty nest elderly in Anhui rural area, China.

OBJECTIVE: To study the possible associations between loneliness and social relationship (social support and family function) in Chinese empty nest elderly. METHODS: A sample of 1144 empty nest elderly were surveyed using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)-Loneliness Scale, the Social Support Rate Scale and the Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR) Index. RESULTS: The present study revealed that the majority (80.94%) of empty nest elderly had moderate to high levels of loneliness, with a mean score of 42.84 and a standardized score of 53.55. The level of loneliness was significantly different in subjects' age, marital status and income, but not in sex and education level. Social support and family function were significant negatively associated with loneliness. Multiple regression revealed that less social support and poor family function were associated with more loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness prevails among empty nest elderly. It may limit empty nest elderly's ability or access to social relationship. These findings support the hypothesis that if empty nest elderly are better supported and cared for, their negative psychosocial consequences might be prevented or at least reduced.

The Associations Among Health-Promoting Lifestyle, eHealth Literacy, and Cognitive Health in Older Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Healthy lifestyles and health literacy are strongly associated with cognitive health in older adults, however, it is unclear whether this relationship can be generalized to health-promoting lifestyles and eHealth literacy. To date, no research has examined the interactive effect of health-promoting lifestyles and eHealth literacy on cognitive health. Objective: To examine the associations among health-promoting lifestyles, eHealth literacy, and cognitive health in older adults. Methods: Using a stratified cluster sampling method, we conducted a survey with older adults in four districts and two counties in Jinan (China). Older adults (n = 1201; age ≥ 60 years) completed our survey. We assessed health-promoting lifestyles, eHealth literacy, and cognitive health, and collected participants' sociodemographic information. Results: Health-promoting lifestyles and eHealth literacy were significantly and positively associated with cognitive health (both p < 0.01). In addition, eHealth literacy was positively associated with health-promoting lifestyles. Moreover, the interaction of health-promoting lifestyle and eHealth literacy negatively predicted cognitive health (ß = -0.465, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Health-promoting lifestyles and eHealth literacy were associated with the cognitive health of Chinese older adults, both independently and interactively. Further, eHealth literacy was associated with health-promoting lifestyles in older adults. Therefore, interventions regarding healthy lifestyles and eHealth literacy would benefit older adults.

[Extracellular matrix regulates expressions of germ cell differentiation associated genes in mouse embryonic stem cells].

OBJECTIVE: Interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for cell differentiation. The authors sought to determine the roles of different ECMs in the expressions of germ cell differentiation associated genes after mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) differentiated into embryoid bodies (EBs). METHODS: EBs derived from mESCs were maintained in suspension for 3 days and then cultured on the plates coated with various ECMs, including fibronectin (F), laminin (L), matrigel (M), collagen (C) and nonadhensive agarose (A), respectively, for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days, followed by evaluation of the expressions of the genes associated with germ cell differentiation by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The EBs of the F and L groups exhibited facilitated adherent differentiation. The expressions of the Blimp-1, Stella, Mvh and Stra8 genes were increased gradually in the F and L but not obviously in the M and C groups. The overall gene expressions were low in the A group, but high and then gradually decreased in the blank control group. Endogenous fibronectin, laminin and integrin beta1 were obviously expressed in the L and control groups. CONCLUSION: Laminin /integrin beta1 signaling may play a role in regulating the differentiation of mESCs into primordial germ cells (PGCs). Exogenous laminin can facilitate the differentiation of mESC-derived EBs into PGCs by acting on the integrin beta1 subunit, while exogenous fibronectin may be involved in the regulation of the differentiation through other integrin subunit. Endogenous laminin and fibronectin secreted by EBs may also facilitate cell differentiation in the absence of exogenous ECMs.

Correlation of plasma miR-21 and miR-93 with radiotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the main causes of human death. It is usually already in middle or advanced stage when diagnosed due to its hidden symptoms in early stage. Therefore, patients have already lost the best surgical timing when diagnosed. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are standard treatment methods for ESCC clinically, but the efficacy and prognosis of patients from them are still unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to seek for biomarkers that can predict the radiotherapy and chemotherapy response and prognosis of ESCC patients. AIM: To explore the clinical value of plasma miR-21 and miR-93 in ESCC. METHODS: A total of 128 ESCC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhenzhou University were enrolled as a study group and treated with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and other 45 healthy people during the same period were enrolled as a control group. The expression of plasma miR-21 and miR-93 was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the correlation of expression of plasma miR-21 and miR-93 with clinical pathological parameters about the patients was analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was adopted to assess the diagnostic value of plasma miR-21 and miR-93 for clinical pathological features of ESCC patients, the Logistic regression analysis adopted to analyze the risk factors for radiotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy in ESCC patients, and the Cox regression analysis to identify the prognostic factors for ESCC patients. RESULTS: The study group showed significantly higher relative expression of plasma miR-21 and miR-93 than the control group (P < 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of plasma miR-21 for diagnosing T stage, N stage, M stage, and pathological differentiation of ESCC was 0.819, 0.758, 0.824, and 0.725, respectively, and that of plasma miR-93 for diagnosing T stage, N stage, and M stage of ESCC was 0.827, 0.815, and 0.814, respectively. The AUC of combined plasma miR-21 and miR-93 for predicting radiotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy before radiotherapy and chemotherapy was 0.894, and the AUCs of them for predicting the 3-year overall survival (OS) were 0.861 and 0.807, respectively. T stage (P < 0.05), M stage (P < 0.05), miR-21(P < 0.01), and miR-93 (P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for radiotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy, and T stage (P < 0.01), N stage (P < 0.05), M stage (P < 0.01), miR-21 (P < 0.01), and miR-93 (P < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients. CONCLUSION: MiR-21 and miR-93 can be adopted as effective biomarkers for predicting radiotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy in ESCC and the 3-year OS of ESCC patients.

Gossypol repressed the gap junctional intercellular communication between Sertoli cells by decreasing the expression of Connexin43.

Previous studies showed that gossypol could block the gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) between cultured cells. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of gossypol on the GJIC and the expression of connexin43 (Cx43) in the cultured cells. A Sertoli cell line, TM4, was treated with different concentrations of gossypol 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10micromol/L for 6, 12, 24, and 48h. Cell viability was assessed with CCK-8 assay. GJIC in the cells was determined using the scrape loading and dye transfer (SLDT) assay; the expression of Cx43 was detected by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. The SLDT assay showed gossypol significantly decreased GJIC between adjacent cells. RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses demonstrated the expression of Cx43 in TM4 cells. The expression of Cx43 was gradually decreased with the increasing concentrations of gossypol, and the effect occurred as early as 6h after the treatment and continued until 48h. These results suggested that gossypol impaired GJIC by decrease of Cx43 expression in the cells, which is important for Sertoli cells to regulate spermatogenesis.

Generation of human/rat xenograft animal model for the study of human donor stem cell behaviors in vivo.

AIM: To accurately and realistically elucidate human stem cell behaviors in vivo and the fundamental mechanisms controlling human stem cell fates in vivo, which is urgently required in regenerative medicine and treatments for some human diseases, a surrogate human-rat chimera model was developed. METHODS: Human-rat chimeras were achieved by in utero transplanting low-density mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood into the fetal rats at 9-11 d of gestation, and subsequently, a variety of methods, including flow cytometry, PCR as well as immunohistochemical assay, were used to test the human donor contribution in the recipients. RESULTS: Of 29 live-born recipients, 19 had the presence of human CD45(+) cells in peripheral blood (PB) detected by flow cytometry, while PCR analysis on genomic DNA from 11 different adult tissues showed that 14 selected from flow cytometry-positive 19 animals possessed of donor-derived human cell engraftment in multiple tissues (i.e. liver, spleen, thymus, heart, kidney, blood, lung, muscle, gut and skin) examined at the time of tissue collection, as confirmed by detecting human beta2-microglobulin expression using immunohistochemistry. In this xenogeneic system, the engrafted donor-derived human cells persisted in multiple tissues for at least 6 mo after birth. Moreover, transplanted human donor cells underwent site-specific differentiation into CK18-positive human cells in chimeric liver and CD45-positive human cells in chimeric spleen and thymus of recipients. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings suggest that we successfully developed human-rat chimeras, in which xenogeneic human cells exist up to 6 mo later. This humanized small animal model, which offers an in vivo environment more closely resembling to the situations in human, provides an invaluable and effective approach for in vivo investigating human stem cell behaviors, and further in vivo examining fundamental mechanisms controlling human stem cell fates in the future. The potential for new advances in our better understanding the living biological systems in human provided by investigators in humanized animals will remain promising.

Down-regulation of miR-30a-3p/5p promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation by activating the Wnt signaling pathway.

AIM: To investigate the potential role of microRNA-30a (miR-30a) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: Expression of miR-30a-3p/5p was analyzed using microarray data and fresh ESCC tissue samples. Both in vitro and in vivo assays were used to investigate the effects of miR-30a-3p/5p on ESCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was performed to explore underlying mechanisms involved in ESCC, and then, assays were carried out to verify the potential molecular mechanism of miR-30a in ESCC. RESULTS: Low expression of miR-30a-3p/5p was closely associated with advanced ESCC progression and poor prognosis of patients with ESCC. Knock-down of miR-30a-3p/5p promoted ESCC cell proliferation. Increased miR-30a-3p/5p expression inhibited the Wnt signaling pathway by targeting Wnt2 and Fzd2. CONCLUSION: Down-regulation of miR-30a-3p/5p promotes ESCC cell proliferation by activating the Wnt signaling pathway through inhibition of Wnt2 and Fzd2.

A combined regimen of gossypol plus methyltestosterone and ethinylestradiol as a contraceptive induces germ cell apoptosis and expression of its related genes in rats.

Attempts to develop gossypol and steroidal hormones alone as a male contraceptive have been tested for many years; however, both caused undesirable side effects that have prevented their acceptance. In this study, we formulated a regimen of combined gossypol at a low dose of 12 mg/kg or a high dose of 50 mg/kg plus methyltestosterone 20 mg/kg and ethinylestradiol 100 g/kg daily (12 mg G+H and 50 mg G+H) administered for 6 weeks in adult rats. The possible roles of germ cell apoptosis and related genes expression were studied by techniques of TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL), agarose gel electrophoresis of low-molecular-weight DNA, in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detection. Results showed that germ cell apoptosis and related genes expression were significantly induced after combined drug administration. The apoptosis index increased 3.86- and 9.65-fold in the 12-mg and 50-mg G+H-treated groups, respectively, as compared to the control group. DNA ladder formation on the agarose gel further validated the findings of TUNEL-stained apoptotic cells. The apoptosis-related genes fas mRNA expression levels increased 0.44- and 1.39-fold, bax mRNA 0.74- and 2.56-fold, caspase-3 mRNA 0.60- and 1.29-fold, and caspase-9 mRNA 2.50- and 4.08-fold, respectively, in the 12-mg and 50-mg G+H-treated groups vs. the control group. These results indicated that our drug regimen applied as a contraceptive could induce rat germ cell apoptosis. The apoptotic process involved fas system, bax and caspase family genes and the apoptotic extent and cell types were gossypol dose-dependent.

Combined administration of low-dose gossypol acetic acid with desogestrel/mini-dose ethinylestradiol/testosterone undecanoate as an oral contraceptive for men.

To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a new regimen of low-dose gossypol acetic acid (GA) combined with desogestrel/ethinylestradiol and testosterone undecanoate (DSG/E/TU) as a male contraceptive, adult male rats were fed orally with GA (12.5 mg/kg/day) and DSG (0.125 mg/kg)/E (0.025 mg/kg)/TU (100 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks as loading dose until infertility, and a similar low dose of GA alone for infertility maintenance. Control animals were administered a single low dose of GA (12.5 mg/kg/day) or DSG (0.125 mg/kg)/E (0.025 mg/kg)/TU (100 mg/kg), and vehicle, respectively. Results demonstrated that the combined dosage regimen could damage epididymal sperm motility and density, and induce infertility within 8 weeks in rats; the infertility could be consistently sustained by giving single GA (12.5 mg/kg/day), and was reversible in about 8 weeks following withdrawal of gossypol. The regimen rendered treated male rats with spermiation failure within a period of 6-20 weeks of treatment. Also, the serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testicular interstitial fluid testosterone levels showed a transient decrease at the end of 6 or 8 weeks, which returned to control levels after 8 weeks of recovery phase. No hypokalemia or other adverse effects in viscera were observed. These results provide a promising approach to using the new regimen for the development of an effective and reversible oral male contraceptive.

Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-1 correlates with poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of COX-1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its prognostic value. mRNA of COX-1 was detected in 42 paired RCC and adjacent normal tissues with quantitative real- time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expression of COX-1 was also evaluated in 196 RCC sections and 91 adjacent normal tissues with immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed to assess COX-1 expression in RCC and its prognostic significance. The results of qRT-PCR showed mRNA levels of COX-1 in RCC tissues to be significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical assays also revealed COX-1 to be overexpressed in RCC tissues (p < 0.001). Statistical analysis demonstrated high expression of COX-1 was correlated with tumour size (p = 0.002), pathological stage (p = 0.003), TNM stage (p = 0.003, 0.007, 0.027, respectively), and tumour recurrence (p < 0.001). Survival analysis indicated patients with high expression of COX-1 had shorter survival time (p < 0.001), and COX-1 was an independent predictor. This is the first study to reveal overexpression of COX-1 in RRC and point to use as a prognostic marker in affected patients.

Formation of human hepatocyte-like cells with different cellular phenotypes by human umbilical cord blood-derived cells in the human-rat chimeras.

We took advantage of the proliferative and permissive environment of the developing pre-immune fetus to develop a noninjury human-rat xenograft small animal model, in which the in utero transplantation of low-density mononuclear cells (MNCs) from human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) into fetal rats at 9-11 days of gestation led to the formation of human hepatocyte-like cells (hHLCs) with different cellular phenotypes, as revealed by positive immunostaining for human-specific alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), cytokeratin 8 (CK8), cytokeratin 18 (CK18), and albumin (Alb), and with some animals exhibiting levels as high as 10.7% of donor-derived human cells in the recipient liver. More interestingly, donor-derived human cells stained positively for CD34 and CD45 in the liver of 2-month-old rat. Human hepatic differentiation appeared to partially follow the process of hepatic ontogeny, as evidenced by the expression of AFP gene at an early stage and albumin gene at a later stage. Human hepatocytes generated in this model retained functional properties of normal hepatocytes. In this xenogeneic system, the engrafted donor-derived human cells persisted in the recipient liver for at least 6 months after birth. Taken together, these findings suggest that the donor-derived human cells with different cellular phenotypes are found in the recipient liver and hHLCs hold biological activity. This humanized small animal model, which offers an in vivo environment more closely resembling the situations in human, provides an invaluable approach for in vivo investigating human stem cell behaviors, and further in vivo examining fundamental mechanisms controlling human stem cell fates in the future.