Exosomal PGAM1 promotes prostate cancer angiogenesis and metastasis by interacting with ACTG1

Tumor-derived exosomes and their contents promote cancer metastasis. Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is involved in various cancer-related processes. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of exosomal PGAM1 in prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we performed in vitro and in vivo to determine the functions of exosomal PGAM1 in the angiogenesis of patients with metastatic PCa. We performed Glutathione-S-transferase pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting and gelatin degradation assays to determine the pathway mediating the effect of exosomal PGAM1 in PCa. Our results revealed a significant increase in exosomal PGAM1 levels in the plasma of patients with metastatic PCa compared to patients with non-metastatic PCa. Furthermore, PGAM1 was a key factor initiating PCa cell metastasis by promoting invadopodia formation and could be conveyed by exosomes from PCa cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, exosomal PGAM1 could bind to γ-actin (ACTG1), which promotes podosome formation and neovascular sprouting in HUVECs. In vivo results revealed exosomal PGAM1 enhanced lung metastasis in nude mice injected with PCa cells via the tail vein. In summary, exosomal PGAM1 promotes angiogenesis and could be used as a liquid biopsy marker for PCa metastasis.

LncRNA SNHG1 and RNA binding protein hnRNPL form a complex and coregulate CDH1 to boost the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer

The interaction between LncRNA and RNA-binding protein (RBPs) plays an essential role in the regulation over the malignant progression of tumors. Previous studies on the mechanism of SNHG1, an emerging lncRNA, have primarily focused on the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism between SNHG1 and RBPs in tumors remains to be explored, especially in prostate cancer (PCa). SNHG1 expression profiles in PCa were determined through the analysis of TCGA data and tissue microarray at the RNA level. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to investigate the biological role of SNHG1 in PCa initiation and progression. RNA-seq, immunoblotting, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses were utilized to clarify potential pathways with which SNHG1 might be involved. Finally, rescue experiments were carried out to further confirm this mechanism. We found that SNHG1 was dominantly expressed in the nuclei of PCa cells and significantly upregulated in PCa patients. The higher expression level of SNHG1 was dramatically correlated with tumor metastasis and patient survival. Functionally, overexpression of SNHG1 in PCa cells induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), accompanied by down-regulation of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, and up-regulation of the mesenchymal marker, vimentin. Increased proliferation and migration, as well as accelerated xenograft tumor growth, were observed in SNHG1-overexpressing PCa cells, while opposite effects were achieved in SNHG1-silenced cells. Mechanistically, SNHG1 competitively interacted with hnRNPL to impair the translation of protein E-cadherin, thus activating the effect of SNHG1 on the EMT pathway, eventually promoting the metastasis of PCa. Our findings demonstrate that SNHG1 is a positive regulator of EMT activation through the SNHG1-hnRNPL-CDH1 axis. SNHG1 may serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for PCa.

[Expression of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthase 2 in human testis tissue]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthase 2 (PRPS2) in the human testis and its clinical significance.

METHODS

Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry, we detected the expression of PRPS2 mRNA in the testis tissue of the men with normal spermatogenesis or mile, moderate or severe hypospermatogenesis (HS) and that of the PRPS2 protein in the testicular biopsy tissue of 67 adult males. Then, we analyzed the relationship of the PRPS2 expressions with the testicular histological types and clinical parameters of the subjects.

RESULTS

The expression of PRPS2 mRNA in the testis tissue was significantly higher in the normal spermatogenesis group than in the moderate and severe HS groups (P < 0.01). The positive expression of the PRPS2 protein was 70.0% in the normal spermatogenesis group, 66.7% in the mild HS group, 50.0% in the moderate HS group and 23.8% in the severe HS group, significantly higher in the normal spermatogenesis and mild HS groups than in the moderate and severe HS groups (P < 0.01). No significant correlation, however, was observed between the PRPS2 expression and clinical parameters of the subjects (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PRPS2 is lowly expressed in the testis tissue of the men with hypospermatogenesis and its expression level may help the diagnosis of male infertility and the prediction of the spermatogenic function of the testis.

Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetases 2 knockdown inhibits prostate cancer progression by suppressing cell cycle and inducing cell apoptosis

Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetases 2 (PRPS2) protein function as nucleotide synthesis enzyme that plays vital roles in cancer biology. However, the expression profile and function of PRPS2 in prostate cancer (PCa) remain to be identified. Here we investigated the expression of PRPS2 protein in human PCa and paired normal tissues by immunohistochemistry, meanwhile the regulatory effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis and growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice were evaluated in PCa cells with PRPS2 depletion. Moreover, the signaling pathways were also explored by western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. We found that PRPS2 was dramatically upregulated in prostate adenocarcinoma tissues in comparison with normal tissues, and that increased PRPS2 was linked intimately to advanced clinical stage and pT status. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of PRPS2 significantly suppressed cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, depletion of PRPS2 induced G₁ phase cell cycle arrest and elevated cell apoptosis. Silencing of PRPS2 resulted in the decreased expression of Bcl‑2 and cyclinD1 and increased levels of Bax, cleavage of caspases‑3, caspases‑9 and PARP. Furthermore, we also detected PRPS2 expression was significantly induced after DHT treatment, which implied the important role of PRPS2 in oncogenesis of PCa. Taken together, our findings elucidated that PRPS2 may be a potential novel candidate for PCa therapy.

Phosphoribosyl-pyrophosphate synthetase 2 (PRPS2) depletion regulates spermatogenic cell apoptosis and is correlated with hypospermatogenesis

Phosphoribosyl-pyrophosphate synthetase 2 (PRPS2) is a rate-limiting enzyme and plays an important role in purine and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. Recent studies report that PRPS2 is involved in male infertility. However, the role of PRPS2 in hypospermatogenesis is unknown. In this study, the relationship of PRPS2 with hypospermatogenesis and spermatogenic cell apoptosis was investigated. The results showed that PRPS2 depletion increased the number of apoptotic spermatogenic cells in vitro. PRPS2 was downregulated in a mouse model of hypospermatogenesis. When PRPS2 expression was knocked down in mouse testes, hypospermatogenesis and accelerated apoptosis of spermatogenic cells were noted. E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) was confirmed as the target gene of PRPS2 and played a key role in cell apoptosis by regulating the P53/Bcl-xl/Bcl-2/Caspase 6/Caspase 9 apoptosis pathway. Therefore, these data indicate that PRPS2 depletion contributes to the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and is associated with hypospermatogenesis, which may be helpful for the diagnosis of male infertility.

GenCLiP 3: mining human genes' functions and regulatory networks from PubMed based on co-occurrences and natural language processing

SUMMARY

We present a web server, GenCLiP 3, which is an updated version of GenCLiP 2.0 to enhance analysis of human gene functions and regulatory networks, with the following improvements: i) accurate recognition of molecular interactions with polarity and directionality from the entire PubMed database; ii) support for Boolean search to customize multiple-term search and to quickly retrieve function related genes; iii) strengthened association between gene and keyword by a new scoring method; and iv) daily updates following literature release at PubMed FTP.

AVAILABILITY

The server is freely available for academic use at: http://ci.smu.edu.cn/genclip3/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

[Video endosopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer]

Inguinal lymph node metastasis is one of the important factors affecting the prognosis of penile cancer. Conventional open inguinal lymphadenectomy, with a high rate of complications, seriously affects the effect of surgery and the patient's quality of life, and therefore is rarely employed nowadays as a treatment option. Video endosopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL), however, can significantly reduce the incidence rate of surgery-related complications, achieve a desirable control of the tumor, and markedly improve the prognosis. This review focuses on the application, development, indications, effectiveness and complications of VEIL in the treatment of penile cancer.

Downregulation of lncRNA PVT1 expression inhibits proliferation and migration by regulating p38 expression in prostate cancer

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) has been reported to be overexpressed in prostate cancer cells and associated with tumorigenesis in various types of cancer. However, the biological function of lncRNA PVT1 remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of lncRNA PVT1 expression on the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells. Stably transfected prostate cancer cells with downregulated expression of lncRNA PVT1 were constructed by an efficient siRNA fragment, followed by confirmation by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation and xenograft assays, and cell migration was evaluated using a wound healing assay. The PathScan^® Intracellular Signaling Array kit was utilized to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of lncRNA PVT1 expression in prostate cancer cells. RT-qPCR results confirmed that the lncRNA PVT1 expression level was successfully knocked down in prostate cancer cells. When lncRNA PVT1 expression was downregulated in prostate cancer cells, proliferation and migration were significantly inhibited, compared with the control lncRNA PVT1 group. Furthermore, PVT1 knockdown decreased the phosphorylation of p38 in DU145 cells. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that lncRNA PVT1 downregulation inhibits the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells, and is associated with p38 phosphorylation.

[Efficacy and safety of endonasal phototherapy in the treatment of adult allergic rhinitis: A Meta-analysis]

Objective:To perform a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of endonasal phototherapy in the treatment of AR, and to provide evidence of evidence-based medicine for clinical application. Method:Databases were from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Academic Journal Full-text Database (CNKI) and Wanfang database. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) or clinical study literature on intranasal phototherapy for adult AR is available, and the deadline is March 2017. Based on the literature inclusion and exclusion criteria, the related literatures were selected and the quality was evaluated by using the Cochrane inclusion bias assessment table. Meta-analysis was performed with Revman 5.3 software. For continuous outcomes, the weighted mean difference (WMD) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, forest maps and funnel plots were drew. For uncontinuous outcomes, the odds ratio (OR) and its 95%CI were calculated, and forest maps and funnel plots were drew. The efficacy included total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) and palate itching scores, and the safety was assessed by incidence rate of severe drying and mild drying of nasal mucosa. Result:A total of 12 articles were selected, including 5 RCT and 7 clinical studies, and there were 615 adult AR patients. The Meta-analysis shows that endonasal phototherapy significantly reduced the TNSS, RQLQ and palate itching scores, the incidence rate of mild drying of nasal mucosa was higher in comparison with pretreated values, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The rate of severe drying of nasal mucosa was higher, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). It also shows that endonasal phototherapy significantly reduced the TNSS, RQLQ and palate itching scores, and the rate of mild drying of nasal mucosa was higher in comparison with placebo and antihistamines groups, and the difference was statistically significant. The rate of severe drying of nasal mucosa was higher, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion:Endonasal phototherapy can improve the symptoms of TNSS, RQLQ and palate itching score in patients, and the safety is also confirmed.Patients who are not satisfied with symptom relief may choose to use it.

[Influences of three surgical approaches to urethral stricture on the erectile function of the patients]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impacts of three different surgical approaches to urethral stricture on the erectile function of the patients.

METHODS

This study included 126 male patients with urethral stricture, 35 treated by substitution urethroplasty (group A), 52 by anastomotic urethroplasty (group B), and 39 by internal urethroplasty (group C). We evaluated the pre- and postoperative erectile function of the patients using IIEF-5 scores by telephone calls and interviews. We also monitored their nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT).

RESULTS

The IIEF-5 scores in groups A, B and C were 13.5 +/- 4.5, 11.1 +/- 4.8 and 14.5 +/- 4.41 respectively after surgery, all significantly decreased as compared with 17.1 +/- 2.6, 17.1 +/- 3.0 and 17.6 +/- 2.2 preoperatively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

All the three surgical approaches can reduce IIEF-5 scores in patients with urethral stricture, but anastomotic urethroplasty may induce a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction than the other two approaches.

[Microsurgical management of male infertility in china: 15-year development and prospects]

Male infertility is a common and complex disease in urology and andrology, and for many years there has been no effective surgical treatment. With the emergence of microsurgery and assisted reproductive medicine (IVF/ICSI), rapid development has been achieved in the treatment of male infertility. The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University has been playing an important leading role in developing microsurgical techniques for the management of male infertility. The development of microsurgical treatment of male infertility in China has experienced the 3 periods of emerging, making, and boosting ever since its systematic introduction from Weill Cornell Medical College 15 years ago. At present, many Chinese hospitals have adopted microsurgery in the management of male infertility, which has contributed to the initial establishment of a microsurgical treatment system for male infertility in China. However, some deficiencies do exist concerning microsurgical treatment of male infertility, as in normalized technical training programs for competent surgeons, unified criteria for evaluation of surgical outcomes, and detailed postoperative follow-up data. This article presents an overview on the 15-year development of microsurgical management of male infertility in China, points out the existing deficiencies, and offers some propositions for the promotion of its development.

[Pathogeneses of erectile dysfunction after rectal cancer treatment]

Rectal cancer is a common malignancy in the alimentary tract with an increasing incidence, the current treatments of which include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and integrated comprehensive options. Sexual dysfunction, especially erectile dysfunction (ED), is one of the commonest complications in men after rectal cancer treatment and is generally attributed to the damage to the pelvic autonomic nerves. However, recent studies show that ED after rectal cancer treatment is a complex pathophysiological process associated with neurogenic, vasculogenic, and psychological factors. This article reviews the pathogeneses of ED after rectal cancer treatment in order to provide some theoretical evidence for its prevention and treatment.

[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.

[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.

[Microanatomy of blood vessels in spermatic cords and its clinical implication]

OBJECTIVE

Both microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSIV) and microsurgical high inguinal varicocelectomy (MHIV) are recommended for the treatment of varicocele, but they differ in technical complexity. This study aimed to determine the microanatomy of spermatic blood vessels in the two surgical approaches.

METHODS

We recorded the numbers of spermatic veins, arteries and lymphatics in 80 cases of MSIV and 20 cases of MHIV. We also examined the spermatic cords from 10 adult male cadavers by histological staining.

RESULTS

The numbers of medium spermatic veins (2 -5 mm in diameter) were 1.80 +/- 0.83 and 3.98 +/- 1. 99 in MHIV and MSIV, respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (t = -7.536, P < 0.01), and the total numbers of spermatic veins were 6.40 +/- 1.67 and 9.01 +/- 2.70, also with significant difference between the two (t = -4.071, P < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between MHIV and MSIV in the numbers of small spermatic veins (diameter < or = 2 mm), large spermatic veins (diameter > or = 5 mm), arteries and lymphatics, nor in the numbers of spermatic veins and arteries of the cadavers.

CONCLUSION

The total number of spermatic veins and the number of medium spermatic veins may be larger in MSIV than in MHIV, but the medium spermatic veins do not increase surgical difficulty, and MSIV is not more complicated than MHIV.

[Embryo development potential after intracytoplasmic injection of sperm from azoospermia patients with different spermatogenic functions]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the embryo development potential after intracytoplasmic injection of sperm from azoospermia patients with different spermatogenic functions.

METHODS

We performed ICSI with sperm retrieved from azoospermia patients with different spermatogenic functions using percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). Then we recorded and analyzed the rates of normal fertilization, cleavages, excellent embryos and pregnancies.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between the PESA and TESA groups in the rates of normal fertilization ([74.9 +/- 19.6] vs [66.3 +/- 22.7]%, P > 0.05), cleavages ([96.7 +/- 8.6] vs [92.8 +/- 19.8]%, P > 0.05), excellent embryos ([43.5 +/- 26.2] vs [35.0 +/- 29.4]%, P > 0.05) and pregnancies (44.0 vs 52.0%, P > 0.05). The normal fertilization rates in the patients with normal spermatogenesis, mild spermatogenic dysfunction (SD), moderate SD and severe SD were (77.8 +/- 18.4), (68.4 +/- 18.5), (73.5 +/- 19.8) and (51.4 +/- 27.9)%, respectively, with significant difference between the normal spermatogenesis and mild SD groups (P < 0.05) as well as between the severe SD and the other groups (P < 0.05); the cleavage rates were (96.7 +/- 9.2), (96.5 +/- 15.0), (93.9 +/- 12.1) and (93.7 +/- 11.1)%, respectively, with no significant difference among the four groups; the excellent embryo rates were (47.1 +/- 25.8), (40.3 +/- 27.6), (36.2 +/- 23.1) and (15.0 +/- 24.6)%, respectively, with significant difference between the severe SD and the other groups; the pregnancy rates were 54.8, 50.0, 13.6 and 10.0%, respectively, with significant differences among the four groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ICSI by PESA or TESA is an effective approach to azoospermia. There are no significant differences between PESA and TESA in the rates of normal fertilization, cleavages, excellent embryos and pregnancies. The severity of spermatogenic dysfunction affects fertilization and initial development of embryos, which were shown in the rates of normal fertilization, excellent embryos and pregnancies but not that of cleavages.

[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.

[Qilin pills for oligoasthenospermia: a multi-centered clinical trial]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of Qilin Pills in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-centered open controlled clinical trial by including 220 oligoasthenospermia patients in a trial group and another 110 as controls. The patients in the trial group were treated with Qilin Pills at the dose of 6 g tid, and the controls given Wuziyanzong Pills at 6 g bid, both for a course of 12 weeks. Then we evaluated the clinical effects of Qilin Pills with sperm concentration, the numbers of grade a and grade a + b sperm, and sperm motility as the primary, and the pregnancy rate of the patients'spouses as the secondary therapeutic indexes.

RESULTS

A total of 310 patients accomplished the clinical trial, 208 in the trial and 102 in the control group. Compared with the baseline, significant improvement was observed in the semen parameters after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment in both the trial and control groups except sperm density and the number of grade a sperm in the control after 4 weeks (P < 0.01), and the improvement was even more significant in all the semen parameters at the same time points in the trial than in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Qilin Pills can evidently improve the seminal quality of oligoasthenospermia patients with no obvious adverse events.

[Changes in prostatic stromal composition and benign prostatic hyperplasia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether there are different stromal compositions in the prostate tissue of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and evaluate their significance in the course of the disease.

METHODS

Forty-three surgical or bioptic prostatic specimens of BPH and 5 autoptic normal prostatic specimens were stained by the Masson method to display the elements of the muscle fiber and collagen. The relationship of the changes in the prostatic stromal composition was analyzed with the degree of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) , IPSS and medication results.

RESULTS

The mean ratio of muscle fiber to collagen in the normal prostate tissue was (3.2 +/- 0.2):1, significantly higher than that of the BPH patients (1: [4.7 +/- 3.1] ) (P < 0.01); that in the BPH patients with BOO was 1: (5.4 +/- 3.7) markedly lower than in those without BOO (1: [2.5 +/- 1.1] ) (P = 0.02); that in the BPH patients with severe prostatic symptoms was 1: (9.1 +/- 2.9), remarkably lower than in those with moderate (1: [5.3 +/- 3.4]) and mild prostatic symptoms (1: [2.8 +/- 1.7]) (P < 0.01); and that in the BPH patients with satisfactory medicinal therapeutic results was 1:(2.3 +/- 1.9), significantly higher than in those with poor therapeutic results (1: [7.6 +/- 4.3]) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The stromal composition in the prostatic tissue of BPH patients undergoes different degrees of changes. More obvious BPH symptoms and poorer therapeutic results are associated with a bigger proportion of collagens and a smaller proportion of muscle fibers in the prostatic tissue. These changes may play an important role in the development and progression of BPH.

[Expression of heme oxygenase enzyme in the testis tissue and azoospermia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the location of heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme in the human testis, and explore the correlation of the expression of HO enzyme with azoospermia by analyzing its different expression levels in the testes of nonobstructive azoospermia, obstructive azoospermia and normal men.

METHODS

We detected the location of the cells expressing HO enzyme in the human testis tissue using immunohistochemistry, determined the mRNA and protein expression levels of HO-1 and HO-2 in the testes of azoospermia patients and normal healthy men by RT-fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-FQ-PCR) and Western blot, and explored the correlation of HO expressions with the pathogenesis of azoospermia.

RESULTS

HO-1 enzyme was expressed mainly in the Sertoli cells and HO-2 enzyme chiefly in the germ cells of the testis tissue. RT-FQ-PCR showed that the expression of HO-1 in the testis tissue was significantly lower in the nonobstructive azoospermia than in the normal and obstructive azoospermia groups (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the latter two. Western blot revealed no obvious difference between the expression level of HO-1 protein and that of HO-1 mRNA. There were no differences in the expression level of HO-2 protein among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

The expression level of HO enzyme is significantly decreased in the testis tissue of nonobstructive azoospermia patients, and the expression of HO-1 protein is consistent with that of HO-1 mRNA. As HO-1 protects the testis tissue against various stress injuries through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, its decreased expression level may be correlated with spermatogenic dysfunction, and therefore considered as a possible mechanism of nonobstructive azoospermia.

[Differentially expressed genes in asthenospermia: a bioinformatics-based study]

OBJECTIVE

To study the differentially expressed genes in asthenospermia to gain a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms of the disease.

METHODS

We analyzed the differentially expressed genes in asthenospermia using GATHER, PANTHER and ToppGene online bioinformatics tools.

RESULTS

Our bioinformatics mining and analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes in asthenospermia played important roles in the cellular protein and macromolecular metabolism, protein modification, cell death, cell apoptosis and apoptosis induction.

CONCLUSION

Asthenospermia patients experience a decline in sperm activity and the basic life activities of sperm simultaneously, and are also prone to cell apoptosis or death. Such differentially expressed genes as KIF3B, MYO15A, KIF6, KIF26B, KIF3A, DNHD2, DMN, DYNC2H1, STARD9, MYOHD1, and TPM1, which are involved in cytoskeletal structure, microtubule movement and cell movement, may be associated with asthenospermia, and therefore deserve further studies.

[Efficacy of low-dose tadalafil on ED assessed by Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of low-dose oral tadalafil on self-esteem, confidence and sexual relationship in ED patients.

METHODS

We treated 17 ED patients with oral tadalafil at the low dose of 5 mg once daily for 12 weeks, and used the paired t test to compare their scores on The Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR) and IIEF-5 and the results of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) obtained by nocturnal electrobioimpedance volumetric assessment (NEVA) before and after the medication.

RESULTS

The scores on SEAR and IIEF-5 were significantly increased (P < 0.01) and NPT markedly improved (P < 0.05) after tadalafil treatment as compared with the baseline.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose oral tadalafil once daily can significantly improve the self-esteem, confidence, sexual relationship satisfaction and NPT of ED patients.

[Correlation of aging with psychological and organic ED: nocturnal electrobioimpedance volumetric assessment of 83 cases]

OBJECTIVE

The ratio of psychological to organic ED changes with aging. This study aimed to analyze the results of nocturnal electrobioimpedance volumetric assessment (NEVA) for ED patients of different age groups and their significance in the diagnosis of ED.

METHODS

A total of 83 ED patients were divided into 4 age groups (< or = 29 yr, 30 -39 yr, 40 -49 yr and > or = 50 yr) and detected for nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) by NEVA.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of the cases were diagnosed as organic ED, and the other 49 as psychological ED. With the increase of age, the former was increased from 30.3% in the < or = 29 yr group to 60.0% in the > or = 50 yr group, while the latter decreased from 69.7% to 40.0%.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of organic ED tends to grow with the increase of age, while that of psychological ED is just the opposite.

[Literature-mining and bioinformatic analysis of androgen-independent prostate cancer-specific genes]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the differences of the gene expressions in androgen-independent and androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC), gain a deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC), and find effective means for its clinical diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

Eats of genes highly-associated with prostate cancer were obtained by mining PubMed with the FACTA tool, and the specifically expressed genes in AIPC were analyzed with a set of bioinformatic tools including GATHER, PANTHER, STRING and ToppGene.

RESULTS

A total of 128 genes specifically expressed in AIPC were identified, as compared with 23 that were specific to ADPC. Bioinformatic analysis showed the essential roles of AIPC-specific genes in such important biological processes as cell signal transduction, cell adhesion, apoptosis, oncogenesis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Such genes as MMPJ, EGFR, MMP2, ADM, MIF, IGFBP3, 112, MET, BAD, RHOA, SPP1, EP300, SMAD3, RAE1, PTK2, and TGFB2 may play important roles in transforming ADPC into AIPC.

[Minute dose of tadalafil for nocturnal penile tumescence]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of tadalafil on nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT).

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with organic erectile dysfunction (ED) were treated with oral tadalafil at the dose of 10 mg/3 d before bedtime. A month later, 14 of the patients were observed for NPT by nocturnal electrobioimpedance volumetric assessment (NEVA).

RESULTS

The parameters of erectile function significantly improved in the 14 patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of minute dose of tadalafil can improve NPT in organic ED patients.

[Suprapubic puncture: preferable to transurethral catheterization for pressure-flow determination in BPH patients]

OBJECTIVE

To compare suprapubic puncture and transurethral catheterization for pressure-flow determination during voiding in BPH patients.

METHODS

Both suprapubic puncture and transurethral catheterization were used for pressure-flow determinations during voiding in 23 BPH patients at the mean age of 69.3 years (range 57-77 years) and the related parameters were compared by t-test.

RESULTS

Compared with transurethral catheterization, suprapubic puncture increased Qmax by 1.19 mn/s (P <0.05) and MMC by 66.61 ml (P <0.01) , and reduced the pressure of detrusor at Qmax (Pdet, Qmax) by 10.57 cmH2O (P < 0.05), URA by 11.39 cmH2O (P < 0.01) and AG by 12.94 (P < 0.01). Either according to the Schäfer diagram or with AG > 40 as the diagnostic standard, there were 16 (69.6%) cases of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in the suprapubic puncture group and 20 (87.0%) in the transurethral catheterization group.

CONCLUSION

In pressure-flow determination during voiding, suprapubic puncture and transurethral catheterization each have its own advantages and disadvantages, but the former is preferred for BPH patients. As for other patients, it all depends on specific conditions.

[Dose and long-term effect of hIGF-1 injection for erectile dysfunction in aged rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the best dose and the long-term effect of the human insulin-like growth factor-1 (hIGF-1) gene injection into the penis of aged rats.

METHODS

Included in this study were 10 young (4 months old) and 40 aged (24 months old) Sprague-Dawley male rats, the latter equally divided into a PBS control and a 10 microg, a 100 microg and a 1 000 microg hIGF-1 injection group. Electrical stimulation was conducted 4 and 8 weeks after hIGF-1 injection into the penile corpus cavernous of the rats to detect the intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Dose - and time -associated therapeutic results were analyzed and the mRNA expression of hIGF-1 determined by RT - PCR.

RESULTS

ICP, MAP and total ICP were significant decreased by electrical stimulation in the aged rats as compared with the young ones (P < 0.05), statistically increased in the three hIGF-1 dose groups in comparison with the PBS controls (P < 0.05), and showed no obvious difference between the young rats and the latter two dose groups at 4 and 8 weeks. Although less obvious effect was achieved in the 10 microg group than in the young rats, the therapeutic result was still of significance. The mRNA expression of the hIGF-1 gene was confirmed in all the hIGF-1 treated rats.

CONCLUSION

The hIGF-1 therapy can improve erectile function in aged rats, 100 microg suffices for effective erection and the effect may last at least 8 weeks for a single dose.

[Mutation of MTCYB and MTATP6 is associated with asthenospermia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation of the mutation of MTCYB and MTATP6 genes in sperm mitochondria with asthenospermia.

METHODS

We extracted mtDNA from 80 semen samples of asthenospermia and 20 of normal sperm motility, amplified the MTCYB and MTATP6 genes by PCR, and analyzed their mutation by sequencing and BLAST matching.

RESULTS

The deletion of both MTCYB and MTATP6 were detected in 20 of the 80 asthenospermia samples, MTCYB deletion in 16 and MTATP6 deletion in 4, accounting for 20% and 5% respectively. Sequencing and BLAST matching revealed G8887A mutation in the MTATP6 gene in the asthenospermia samples, with a mutation rate of 20%, while no regular mutation was noted in MTCYB. Neither significant deletion nor mutation was observed in any of the 20 samples of normal sperm motility.

CONCLUSION

Both the deletion and mutation of MTCYB and MTATP6 genes in sperm mitochondria might affect sperm motility in adults.

[Research of the spermatozoal gene expression with gene microarrays]

OBJECTIVE

To perform the detection of spermatozoal gene expression in order to accelerate the study of spermatozoal molecular biology.

METHODS

To collect the healthy adults sperm and lymphocytes respectively, and then to extract the total RNAs from them by RNeasy mini kit (QIAGEN) or Trizol reagent. Corresponding cDNAs were produced, digested, ligated, finally labeled with Cy3 (sperm) and CyS (lymphocyte) in the course of RD amplifying reactions. Hybridization with self-made microarrays contained 560 probes was carried out after the labeled cDNAs pured by PCR Product Purification Kit.

RESULTS

Among the 560 probes, 72 genes were up-regulated, 321 genes were down-regulated, the others had no different expression. Furthermore, genes associated with replication, transcription, translation and regulative functions were non-different expression or down-regulated, and those belonged to the spermatogenesis associated, sperm associated antigen were up-regulated, but those involved in the glycolysis were up-regulated, in the oxidative phosphorylation were down-regulated.

CONCLUSION

It had successfully confirmed that there were a plenty of genes expressed in sperm, furthermore the genes expressed were accorded to spermatozoal functions and characteristics.

[Construction and preliminary identification of subtracted cDNA library of leukemia cell line K562]

OBJECTIVE

Subtractive hybridization technology is a common method to screen and clone differentially expressed genes. This study was to construct subtracted cDNA library of leukemia cell line K562, and screen for differentially expressed genes.

METHODS

cDNA fragments of K562 cells (tester), prepared by restriction display (RD), were subtracted with the Sau3A I-digested cDNA fragments of normal lymphocytes (driver). The subtracted cDNA fragments were re-amplified, and cloned into pMD18-T vectors. Positive clones were selected by blue-white screening. The inserts in plasmid were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and some of which were sequenced.

RESULTS

The subtracted library contained 360 positive clones with cDNA fragments distributed mainly from 200 to 800 bp. The 50 randomly sequenced clones were derived from 42 known genes.

CONCLUSION

Specific subtracted cDNA library of K562 cells was successfully constructed with reliable quality, and may be used to further screen and clone differentially expressed genes of K562 cells.

[Cloning of human obesity gene and its expression in E. coli]

OBJECTIVE

To clone the obesity gene of Chinese and express human leptin in E.coli.

METHOD

The obesity gene was amplified from the total RNA isolated from cultured human adipocytes of Chinese by reverse transcriptional PCR, inserted into TA-vector and cloned into the expression plasmid pBV220 after sequence identification.

RESULTS

DNA sequencing confirmed that the isolated obesity gene was identical to the previously reported sequence. The recombinant plasmid pBV220-OB was constructed and leptin successfully expressed in E.coli.

CONCLUSION

Successful cloning and expression of human obesity gene in E.coli may facilitate further research of the mechanism of fat metabolism and adipocyte differentiation.

[Proliferation and denucleation of K562 cells induced by cytochalasin B]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of cytochalasin B on the denucleation of K562 cells.

METHODS

K562 cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% calf serum and 4 microL cytochalasin B (CB). Denucleation was induced in the cultured cells by CB, and the cells were examined by phase contrast microscopy and Giemsa staining respectively.

RESULTS

The denucleation of K562 cells induced by CB was clearly observed, and the cell proliferation was obviously inhibited.

CONCLUSION

The denucleation efficiency of K562 cells is positively correlated with CB concentrations and the duration of CB treatment. CB at low doses may inhibit the cell proliferation and at high doses causes cell death.

[Preliminary study of development of gene chips for HIV diagnosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the technology for establishing DNA chips for the diagnosis of HIV.

METHODS

HIV 1U26942 DNA fragments were isolated by restriction display-PCR (RD-PCR) and printed onto aminosilane-coated glass slides by Pixsys 5500 arrayer as probes to prepare the gene chips. HIV samples, after labeled with Cy3, were hybridized with the microarray followed by scanning for analysis of hybridization kinetics of the RD fragments.

RESULTS

The experimental condition for preparing the gene chips was investigated and 12 RD fragments were screened as probes for further study.

CONCLUSION

The technique established in this study for preparing DNA chips is specific and applicable.

Application of restriction display PCR in preparing the probes of the gene chip for investigating gene expression profile of K562 cells

OBJECTIVE

To collect the gene fragments of the gene chips for investigating the expression profile of K562 cells.

METHODS

The mRNA was extracted from cultured K562 cells to obtain cDNA by reverse transcription-PCR. The gene fragment products of different groups were acquired and isolated by reverse display PCR (RD-PCR).

RESULT

The probes for the gene chip were successfully prepared.

CONCLUSION

RD-PCR adapted in this study suits the needs for collecting the probes for the gene chips.

Preliminary study of DNA microarray of human placenta gene expression profile

OBJECTIVE

To prepare human placenta genechip for analyzing differential gene expressions.

METHODS

The target gene amplified from Hybrid Hunter cDNA library was dotted onto the slides by the arrayer (PixSys 5500). Total RNA from K562 cells treated with or without arsenic trioxide was extracted, the mRNA purified and cDNA synthesized. Fluorescent labeling of the samples was performed by restriction display PCR, followed by hybridization with the microarray that was subsequently washed and scanned, with the derived signals analyzed by computer.

RESULTS

A reliable and specific method for preparing and assessing gene expression profile microarray was established, with which a total of 45 differentially expressed gene fragments were isolated.

CONCLUSION

The genechips can be helpful in the analysis of differential gene expressions.

[Investigation of the gene expression profile in spermatocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the gene expression profile in the mature spermatocytes and the molecular mechanism of the male infertility syndromes.

METHODS

Restriction display PCR (RD-PCR), a new method of differential display technique, was used to collect plenty of gene fragments expressed in either normal or abnormal spermatocytes, the gene expression profile of which were demonstrated by these fragments(gene expression sequence tags, ESTs), in the form of cDNA fragments length polymorphism. These ESTs will be used to make DNA microarray as probes to further explore the gene expression profile in spermatocytes and to diagnose the male infertility.

RESULTS

Lots of ESTs were expressed in either normal or abnormal spermatocytes and some differentially expressed ESTs have been collected and purified.

CONCLUSION

Either for known or unknown genes, RD-PCR is very effective in rapid acquisition of large amount of ESTs with proper and similar length fit for making microarray as the probes.

[Effect of pulse current iontophoretic transdermal delivery of insulin on blood glucose in diabetic rats]

Iontophoresis of pulse current with various current intensity, frequency, on/off ratio and duration of treatment was used to facilitate the transdermal delivery of insulin in order to control blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were made diabetic by i.p. injection of streptozotocin (65 mg . kg-1 body weight). After two days, diabetic rats were anaesthetized with urethane (as 25% aqueous solution, 1.5 mg . g-1). Both the reservoir electrodes and the receptor electrodes were applied on the abdominal site of the diabetic rats. Iontophoresis was carried out using a prototype transdermal periodic iontophoretic system in order to provide the required direct current with desired pulse modes. The extent of reduction of blood glucose levels was found to be positively correlated with the current intensity, frequency and duration of treatment to some extent. But when the current intensity was over 0.8 mA/cm2 and the frequency was over 3000 Hz, the reduction of blood glucose levels did not continuously increase. Blood glucose levels were found to be better controlled when the on/off ratio of 1 : 1 was used.

[Effects of silybin on red blood cell sorbitol and nerve conduction velocity in diabetic patients]

The effects of silybin on red blood cell (RBC) sorbitol and nerve conduction velocity in 14 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients (female 9, male 5; average age 58.2 years) were reported. Their RBC sorbitol levels averaged 72.55 +/- 21.61 nmol/g.Hb, a value almost two times of non-diabetic controls (33.31 +/- 7.82 nmol/g.Hb). After 4 weeks of silybin (231 mg/d) therapy, RBC sorbitol dropped to 39.53 +/- 14.94 nmol/g.Hb, a highly significant reduction than that before silybin therapy. Silybin treatment had no effect on fasting blood glucose. In addition, silybin treatment slightly improved nerve conduction velocity, but statistically not significant. This report suggests that silybin may be a potent aldose reductase inhibitor, and valuable in the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetic complications.

Effects of nicotinamide on cardiac contraction force and slow inward current

The effects of nicotinamide (Nic) on cardiac contraction force and on slow inward current (Isi) in guinea pigs were studied with atrial strips and voltage clamp techniques. Verapamil (Ver), MnCl2, nifedipine (Nif), and propranolol (Pro) depressed markedly the positive inotropic effect induced by Nic in a noncompetitive manner. The pD2 values of Ver, MnCl2, Nif, and Pro were 6.19, 3.41, 5.00, and 6.43, respectively. The action of Nic was reduced by a low Ca2+ Tyrode solution and disappeared in a Ca(2+)-free solution. Nic 33 mmol.L-1 elevated the Isi from 6.5 +/- 1.3 microA to 10.3 +/- 2.2 microA. The results suggest that Nic promotes the Ca2+ influx and its site of action is different from that of both Pro and the calcium antagonists.

[Inhibition of aldose reductase by Chinese herbal medicine]

Seven Chinese herbal drugs were screened for experimental inhibition of lens aldose reductase activity, among which quercetin exhibited potent enzyme-inhibitory activities in vitro. Its IC50 value was 3.44 x 10(-7) mol/L. It may be helpful in the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetic complications.

[Effects of 2[p-(dimethylamino)styryl] pyridine methiodide on mouse and rabbit]

The effects of 2[p-(dimethylamino)styryl] pyridine methiodide on mouse and rabbit ECG and on the contraction of isolated rabbit atrial muscles were studied. DSPM produced long-lasting bradycardia and A-V block in a dose-dependent manner, but did not effect intraventricular conduction. DSPM antagonized the positive chronotropic and dromotropic effects of isoprenaline (Iso) in vivo, and antagonized the inotropic effects of Iso and CaCl2 non-competitively in vitro. The pD'2 were 4.49 and 4.52, respectively. It is suggested that DSPM may be a Ca2+ antagonist.