Copy number variants of Ras/MAPK pathway genes in patients with isolated cryptorchidism

[Hormonal and genetic causes of cryptorchidism]

Cryptorchidism is the most frequent congenital disorders of the reproductive system, is present in 2-3% of term newborn boys. Genes involved in embryonic testicular migration are known but their role in cryptorchidism development are not investigated enough. Genetical causes of cryptorchidism are identified in 5-7% of patients. The article contains data on the role of insulin-like peptide 3 and its receptor, anti-Müllerian hormone, gonadotropins, androgens in embryonic testicular migration. INSL3 and AMH are presented as markers of testicular dysfunction associated with cryptorchidism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is also associated with cryptorchidism and can be diagnosed based on it. Results of modern investigations determine the necessary of hormonal and genetical examination of patients with isolated cryptorchidism to detect causes of cryptorchidism and manage of patients.

Downregulation of Transmembrane protein 40 by miR-138-5p Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Mobility in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents approximately 70% of RCC,as the most frequent histological subtype of RCC. MiR-138-5p, a tumor-related microRNA (miRNA), has been reported to be implicated in the diverse types of human malignancies, but its role in ccRCCremains unclear.

Objective

The study was designed to investigate the functional behaviors and regulatory mechanisms of miR-138-5p in ccRCC.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to determine the expression of miR-138-5p and TMEM40 in ccRCC tissues. Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized to evaluate the correlation between miR-138-5p and TMEM40 expression. The function of miR-138-5p and TMEM40 in the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells (786-O and ACHN) was assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assay, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the direct binding of miR-138-5p to the target gene TMEM40.

Results

We found the expression of miR-138-5p was significantly down-regulated, while TMEM40 was remarkably up-regulated in ccRCC tissues. TMEM40 expression was discovered to be inversely correlated with miR-138-5p expression in ccRCC tissues. Functional studies demonstrated that miR-138-5p overexpression or TMEM40 knockdown significantly suppressed ccRCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Notably, we experimentally confirmed that miR-138-5p directly recognizes the 3'-UTR of the TMEM40 transcript and down-regulated its expression in ccRCC cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings provide the first clues regarding the role of miR-138-5p as a tumor suppressor in ccRCC by directly targeting of TMEM40.

[Diagnosis of congenital sexual maldevelopment in boys with bilateral inguinal cryptorchidism during minipuberty]

BACKGROUND

Cryptorchidism is associated with the risk of infertility and can be a symptom of congenital sexual maldevelopment.

AIM

To assess the functional status of the pituitary gland and sexual glands in boys aged 16 months with bilateral inguinal cryptorchidism and to reveal the congenital sexual maldevelopment during minipuberty.

METHODS

Twenty-one boys aged 16 months (the minipuberty period) with isolated bilateral inguinal cryptorchidism and 40 healthy boys aged 23 months (the control group) were examined. The gonadal status was assessed and serum levels of sex hormones were measured. Molecular genetic testing was performed if there were indications for it.

RESULTS

The results of hormone analysis were used to divide the patients into three groups: group 1 patients with normal serum levels of gonadotropin and sex hormones; group 2 patients with elevated gonadotropin level and low levels of anti-Mllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B, and group 3 patients with zero gonadotropin and testosterone levels and low levels of AMH and inhibin B. Group 1 patients had no functional disturbances in the pituitarygonadal system. Failure of Sertoli cells associated with a high risk of infertility was detected in group 2 patients. Group 3 patients were diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism verified by molecular genetic tests.

CONCLUSION

Hormonal testing of patients with bilateral inguinal cryptorchidism during minipuberty makes it possible to early detect the congenital sexual maldevelopment.