[Expression of transcription factor SOX5 in human semen].

Objective: To study and analyze the transcript and expression pattern of SOX5 in human semen, thus to provide evidence for exploring the role of transcription factor SOX5 in the process of spermatogenesis in testis. Methods: A total of 61 semen samples and 3 blood samples (as controls) collected from healthy volunteer donors at Shanghai Human Sperm Bank in September 2015 were randomly selected. Expression of SOX5 in the semen samples was detected and quantified using agarose gel electrophoresis and real time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Results: In the human semen samples, SOX5 was found in two different transcript forms: long transcript (L-SOX5) and short transcript (S-SOX5). Moreover, the S-SOX5 was specifically expressed in human semen, not detected in the control blood samples. L-SOX5 and S-SOX5 were primarily found in seminal plasma, with low expression level in sperms. The results of RT-qPCR analysis showed obviously higher mRNA expression levels of L-SOX5 than S-SOX5 in semen (0.280±0.232 vs 0.147±0.103), however, not significantly(P=0.132). Conclusion: SOX5 is expressed as different transcripts in human semen, and different transcripts may play different roles in the process of spermatogenesis in testis.

[Expression and clinical significance of CCL17, CCL22, and CCR4 in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma].

Objective: To study the expressions of C-C class chemokine 17 (CCL17), C-C class chemokine 22 (CCL22), and C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) for analyzing their correlations with clinical features and to preliminarily explore their roles in the development of NDMM. Methods: The study included 40 patients with NDMM and 20 healthy volunteers from the Department of Hematology of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from July 2020 to December 2022. Peripheral blood, bone marrow, and bone marrow biopsy tissue samples were collected from the two groups. The expression levels of CCL17, CCL22, and CCR4 in patients with NDMM were analyzed using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression levels of CCL17, CCL22, and CCR4 in the bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) of patients with NDMM were analyzed to assess their correlations with clinical indicators. Results: The mRNA expression levels of CCL17, CCL22, and CCR4 in BMMNC were higher in patients with NDMM than in controls (all P<0.05). The protein expression levels of CCL17 and CCL22 in peripheral blood supernatants and bone marrow supernatants were higher in patients with NDMM than in controls (all P<0.05). The expression levels of CCL17, CCL22, and CCR4 in bone marrow biopsy tissues were higher in patients with NDMM than in controls (all P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of CCL17 was increased in NDMM patients with combined anemia, bone damage, renal damage, and M protein level ≥30 g/L (all P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of CCL22 was increased in NDMM patients with combined anemia, bone damage, and renal damage (all P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of CCR4 was increased in NDMM patients with combined anemia and renal damage (all P<0.05) . Conclusion: CCL17, CCL22, and CCR4 were highly expressed in clinical samples from patients with NDMM compared to those from controls, and they may be involved in the occurrence and development of NDMM.

[Clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging in gynecology].

Thirty-five women were examined with female pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 5 cases demonstrated normal pelvis structures, 3 had physiological atrophic changes, and one had an underdeveloped uterus. The other 26 cases consisted of 8 leiomyoma of uterus, 11 ovarian benign tumor, 3 ovarian cancer, 2 cervical and 2 endometrial carcinoma. Images of normal uterus as well as those pathological conditions mentioned above were depicted, and compared with the operative findings. By means of MRI, we were able to demonstrate the origin of most of the pelvic masses, number, size and location of leiomyoma, myometrial penetration, parametrial extension and lymph node metastasis of endometrial carcinoma. Cervical malignancy could be accurately staged, and serous cyst was possibly distinguished from hemorrhagic cyst. However, one case of mucinous cystadenoma was misdiagnosed as dermoid cyst; one myoma, 1 cm in diameter, in same density as the uterine muscle was overlooked and one mesonephroma of 0.3 cm in diameter situated deep in the cervical fibrous tissue was not detected.

MR appearance of the pseudocapsule of renal cell carcinoma and its pathologic basis.

The pseudocapsule of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) appears as a low-intensity band or rim on magnetic resonance (MR) images. The frequency of its appearance differed on T1- and T2-weighted images. In our group of 19 RCC (in 18 patients), it appeared on 26.3% of T1-weighted images and on 57% of T2-weighted images. The pathology of the pseudocapsule on MR is its thickness and composition. On T1-weighted images, the appearance of the pseudocapsule is mainly related to the fibrous element, and on T2-weighted images to the fibrous element and compressed renal parenchyma.