The optimal intravesical maintenance chemotherapy scheme for the intermediate-risk group non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

Although the current European Association of Urology(EAU) guideline recommends that patients with intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) should accept intravesical chemotherapy or Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for no more than one year after transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT), there is no consensus on the optimal duration of chemotherapy. Hence, we explored the optimal duration of maintenance intravesical chemotherapy in patients with intermediate-risk NMIBC.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a real-world single-center retrospective cohort study. In total 158 patients with pathologically confirmed intermediate-risk NMIBC were included, who were divided into 4 subgroups based on the number of instillations given. We used Cox regression analysis and survival analysis chart to explore the 3-yr recurrence outcomes of tumor.The optimal duration was determined by receive operating characteristic curve (ROC).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 5.2 years. Compared with instillation for 1-2 months, the Hazard Ratios(HR) values of instillation for less than 1 month, maintenance instillation for 3-6 months and > 6 months were 3.57、1.57 and 0.22(95% CI 1.27-12.41;0.26-9.28;0.07-0.80, P = 0.03;0.62;0.02, respectively). We found a significant improvement in 3-yr relapse-free survival in intermediate-risk NMIBC patients who maintained intravesical instillation chemotherapy for longer than 6 months, and the best benefit was achieved with 10.5 months of maintenance chemotherapy by ROC.

CONCLUSIONS

In our scheme, the optimal duration of intravesical instillation with pirrubicin is 10.5 months. This new understanding provides valuable experience for the precise medical treatment model of intermediate-risk NMIBC.

Advances in the Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Through Liquid Biopsy

Pancreatic cancer refers to the development of malignant tumors in the pancreas: it is associated with high mortality rates and mostly goes undetected in its early stages for lack of symptoms. Currently, surgical treatment is the only effective way to improve the survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose the disease as early as possible in order to improve the survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer. Liquid biopsy is a unique in vitro diagnostic technique offering the advantage of earlier detection of tumors. Although liquid biopsies have shown promise for screening for certain cancers, whether they are effective for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is unclear. Therefore, we reviewed relevant literature indexed in PubMed and collated updates and information on advances in the field of liquid biopsy with respect to the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Prognostic value and potential function of splicing events in prostate adenocarcinoma

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is one of the most common types of malignancy in males and at present, effective prognostic indicators are limited. The development of PRAD has been associated with abnormalities in alternative splicing (AS), a requisite biological process of gene expression in eukaryotic cells; however, the prognostic value of AS products and splicing events remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the data of splicing events and the clinical information of PRAD patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)SpliceSeq and TCGA databases, respectively. A prognostic index (PI) was generated from disease-free survival-associated splicing events (DFS-SEs), which were identified by univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis. A total of 6,909 DFS-SEs were identified in PRAD. The corresponding genes for the DFS-SEs were significantly enriched in mitochondria and their associated pathways according to Gene Ontology annotation and in the pathways of fatty acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation and Huntington's disease according to a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. The PI for mutually exclusive exons had the greatest ability to predict the probability of five-year disease-free survival of patients with PRAD, with an area under the time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.7606. Patients with PRAD, when divided into a 'low' and a 'high' group based on their median PI for exon skip values, exhibited a marked difference in disease-free survival (low vs. high, 3,588.45±250.51 vs. 1,531.08±136.50 days; P=7.43×10⁻⁹). A correlation network between DFS-SEs of splicing factors and non-splicing factors was constructed to determine the potential mechanisms in PRAD, which included the potential regulatory interaction between the splicing event of splicing factor RNA binding motif protein 5-alternate terminator (AT)-64957 and the splicing event of non-splicing factor heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3-AT-939. In conclusion, the PIs derived from DFS-SEs are valuable prognostic factors for patients with PRAD, and the function of splicing events in PRAD deserves further exploration.

Identifying miRNA and gene modules of colon cancer associated with pathological stage by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage remains the standard for CRC prognostication. Identification of meaningful microRNA (miRNA) and gene modules or representative biomarkers related to the pathological stage of colon cancer helps to predict prognosis and reveal the mechanisms behind cancer progression.

Materials and methods

We applied a systems biology approach by combining differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to detect the pathological stage-related miRNA and gene modules and construct a miRNA–gene network. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colon adenocarcinoma (CAC) RNA-sequencing data and miRNA-sequencing data were subjected to WGCNA analysis, and the GSE29623, GSE35602 and GSE39396 were utilized to validate and characterize the results of WGCNA.

Results

Two gene modules (Gmagenta and Ggreen) and one miRNA module were associated with the pathological stage. Six hub genes (COL1A2, THBS2, BGN, COL1A1, TAGLN and DACT3) were related to prognosis and validated to be associated with the pathological stage. Five hub miRNAs were identified to be related to prognosis (hsa-miR-125b-5p, hsa-miR-145-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-218-5p and hsa-miR-125b-2-3p). A total of 18 hub genes and seven hub miRNAs were predominantly expressed in tumor stroma. Proteoglycans in cancer, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction and so on were common pathways of the three modules. Hsa-let-7c-5p was located at the core of miRNA–gene network.

Conclusion

These findings help to advance the understanding of tumor stroma in the progression of CAC and provide prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets.

Epidemiologic Association of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Urinary Calculi: a Population-based Cross-sectional Study in Southern China

INTRODUCTION

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported to have effects on kidney diseases; however, a link between NAFLD and urinary calculi remains to be confirmed. This study was conducted on a male population based on our previous Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey in Guangxi, China in order to estimate the frequency of urinary calculi and assess the association between NAFLD and urinary calculi while controlling for possible confounders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Fangchenggang region in Guangxi, China. The diagnoses of NAFLD and urinary calculi were made by ultrasonography. Clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed to investigate whether NAFLD was a risk factor for urinary calculi.

RESULTS

A total of 3719 men were enrolled (age range, 17 to 88 years). Slightly more than a quarter (26.5%) of the participants were diagnosed with NAFLD. The percentage of urinary calculi in all participants was 6.9%, and the percentage of NAFLD patients with urinary calculi (8.4%) was significantly higher than that among patients without NAFLD (6.4%, P < .05). Advanced age; high body mass index; elevated levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; low education; lower or higher physical activity; and NAFLD were independent risk factors for urinary calculi (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that NAFLD was associated with a higher incidence of urinary calculi in this cohort and NAFLD might represent a risk factor for urinary calculi.

Genome-Wide Association Study of MKI67 Expression and its Clinical Implications in HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Southern China

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high rate of recurrence. Immunohistochemical analysis of the marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI67) is used to assess proliferation activity of HCC The regulation of MKI67 expression remains unclear in HCC This study aims to explore the association between MKI67 expression and gene variants.

METHODS

A total of 195 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients were genotyped using Illumina HumanExome BeadChip-12-1_A (242,901 markers). An independent cohort (97 subjects) validated the association of polymorphism determinants and candidate genes with MKI67 expression. The relationships between MKI67 with p53 and variants of candidate genes in the clinical outcomes of HCC patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

We found that MKI67 combined with p53 was associated with a 3-year recurrence-free survival and five variants near TTN and CCDC8 were associated with MKI67 expression. TTN harboring rs2288563-TT and rs2562832-AA+CA indicated a favorable outcome for HCC patients.

CONCLUSION

Variants near TTN and CCDC8 were associated with MKI67 expression, and rs2288563 and rs2562832 in TTN are potential biomarkers for the prediction of clinical outcomes in HBV-related HCC patients.

Association between Recreational Physical Activity and the Risk of Upper Urinary Calculi

OBJECTIVE

Upper urinary calculi (UUC) is considered to be a comprehensive disease associated with many risk factors, but the role of physical activity (PA) is undefined. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate this relationship in Asian populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with UUC were the subjects of study and those who participated in a health examination in local medical center were included as controls. Information was collected through the same standard questionnaire. A metabolic equivalent score (METs) was measured for each kind of activity. OR of UUC in categories of PA were determined by logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1,782 controls and 1,517 cases were enrolled. People who took higher PA (5-9.9, 10-19.9, 20-29.9 and >30 METs/wk) weekly were associated with lower risks of UUC than those took lower PA (<4.9 METs/wk) after adjusting for age, ethnicity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, water intake, history of gout, history of diabetes mellitus, history of supplemental calcium use and history of hypertension (adjusted OR 0.11, 0.32, 0.24, 0.34; 95% CI 0.08-0.15, 0.23-0.43, 0.15-0.40, 0.22-0.53, respectively; p value <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cross-sectional study, PA was associated with UUC.

[Reduced zinc concentration in expressed prostatic secretion relates to the pain symptoms of types Ⅲ and Ⅳ prostatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the zinc levels in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) of the patients with different types of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, and explore the reference value of zinc concentration in EPS in the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis.

METHODS

We collected EPS samples from 35 healthy men and 173 patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, including 65 cases of type ⅢA, 69 cases of type ⅢB, and 39 cases of type Ⅳ, according to the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). We compared the zinc levels in the EPS samples among different groups and analyzed the correlations of zinc concentration with the NIH-CPSI scores, WBC count, pH value, and age of the subjects.

RESULTS

The participants were aged 17－65 (32.5±8.5) years. The zinc concentrations in the EPS were significantly lower in the ⅢA (［162.2±10.8］ μg/ml) and ⅢB (［171.2±12.0］ μg/ml) than in the Ⅳ (［234.6±17.9］ μg/ml) (P<0.05 ) and the control group (［259.5±14.6］ μg/ml) (P<0.05 ). The zinc level was correlated negatively with the NIH-CPSI pain score (r=－0.248, P<0.01), quality of life score (r=－0.232, P<0.01), severity score (r=－0.270, P<0.01), total NIH-CPSI score (r=－0.281, P<0.01), and the pH value in EPS (r=－0.208, P<0.01), but showed no correlation with the WBC count and age of the subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced zinc concentration in the EPS of the patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis may be associated with the pain symptoms of the disease, which suggests the potential reference value of measuring the zinc concentration in EPS in the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis.

Favorable prognosis of biallelic CEBPA gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia patients: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Increasing number of studies suggested that biallelic CEBPA (bi CEBPA) mutations were associated with favorable prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the results remain inconclusive. We therefore present a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of bi CEBPA mutations in patients with AML.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was undertaken through August 2014 looking for eligible studies. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were used to calculate estimated effect.

RESULTS

Ten studies covering a total of 6219 subjects were included in this analysis. Overall, bi CEBPA mutations were associated with favorable clinical outcome in patients with AML (HR for EFS: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.32-0.52; for OS: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27-0.50), in cytogenetically normal (CN)-AML (HR for EFS: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.29-0.49; for OS: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.23-0.43). When took the cohort of monoallelic CEBPA (mo CEBPA) mutated and wild-type CEBPA (wt CEBPA) AML as a reference group, bi CEBPA mutated AML also shown beneficial outcomes (HR for OS: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37-0.72). No significant difference was found between mo CEBPA mutation and wt CEBPA in patients with AML or CN-AML (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Bi CEBPA mutations in patients with AML are strongly associated with a favorable prognosis, which suggested that bi CEBPA mutations would potentially serve as a novel prognostic marker in AML.

[Body mass index correlates with the level of serum prostate-specific antigen in men in Fangcheng area of Guangxi]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in males in the Fangcheng area of Guangxi.

METHODS

We reviewed the health examination data of males collected from September 2009 to December 2011, including their height, weight, BMI, and serum PSA level. The subjects were categorized as underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 23.0-27.4 kg/m2), and obese (BMI > or = 27.5 kg/m2), and divided into four age groups: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and > or = 50 years old. The PSA levels were stratified by the BMI category for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2,397 men were included in this study, with a mean age of (37.4 +/- 11.0) yr, BMI of (23.3 +/- 3.4) kg/m2, and PSA level of (0.98 +/- 0.93) microg/L. There were significant differences in the age-associated PSA levels in the groups with BMI < 23 (0.81 microg/L) and > or = 23 kg/m2 (0.78 microg/L) (P < 0.05), as well as in those with BMI < 27.5 (0.81 microg/L) and > or = 27. 5 kg/m2 (0.70 microg/L) (P < 0.05). In the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups, the PSA levels were significantly decreased with the increase of BMI (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Increased BMI is associated with decreased PSA in men <50 years old in the Fangcheng area of Guangxi, which should be taken into consideration while determining whether to carry out prostate biopsy as part of early prostate cancer detection in young men with marginal PSA levels.

Genome-wide and differential proteomic analysis of hepatitis B virus and aflatoxin B1 related hepatocellular carcinoma in Guangxi, China

Both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure can cause liver damage as well as increase the probability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To investigate the underlying genetic changes that may influence development of HCC associated with HBV infection and AFB1 exposure, HCC patients were subdivided into 4 groups depending upon HBV and AFB1 exposure status: (HBV(+)/AFB1(+), HBV(+)/AFB1(-), HBV(-)/AFB1(+), HBV(-)/AFB1(-)). Genetic abnormalities and protein expression profiles were analyzed by array-based comparative genomic hybridization and isobaric tagging for quantitation. A total of 573 chromosomal aberrations (CNAs) including 184 increased and 389 decreased were detected in our study population. Twenty-five recurrently altered regions (RARs; chromosomal alterations observed in ≥10 patients) in chromosomes were identified. Loss of 4q13.3-q35.2, 13q12.1-q21.2 and gain of 7q11.2-q35 were observed with a higher frequency in the HBV(+)/AFB1(+), HBV(+)/AFB1(-) and HBV(-)/AFB1(+) groups compared to the HBV(-)/AFB(-) group. Loss of 8p12-p23.2 was associated with high TNM stage tumors (P = 0.038) and was an unfavorable prognostic factor for tumor-free survival (P =0.045). A total of 133 differentially expressed proteins were identified in iTRAQ proteomics analysis, 69 (51.8%) of which mapped within identified RARs. The most common biological processes affected by HBV and AFB1 status in HCC tumorigenesis were detoxification and drug metabolism pathways, antigen processing and anti-apoptosis pathways. Expression of AKR1B10 was increased significantly in the HBV(+)/AFB1(+) and HBV(-)/AFB1(+) groups. A significant correlation between the expression of AKR1B10 mRNA and protein levels as well as AKR1B10 copy number was observered, which suggest that AKR1B10 may play a role in AFB1-related hepatocarcinogenesis. In summary, a number of genetic and gene expression alterations were found to be associated with HBV and AFB1- related HCC. The possible synergistic effects of HBV and AFB1 in hepatocarcinogenesis warrant further investigations.

Relationship between serum osteocalcin levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adult males, South China

AIM

To determine serum osteocalcin levels in South Chinese males with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to examine the relation between serum osteocalcin and NAFLD.

METHODS

Data were collected from 1683 men attending the Fangchenggang Area Male Healthy and Examination Survey (FAMHES) from September 2009 to December 2009. Serum osteocalcin was measured with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination for all individuals was performed by two experienced ultrasonographers. The associations of serum osteocalcin with NAFLD were evaluated.

RESULTS

The levels of serum osteocalcin were lower in 364 NAFLD participants than in 1319 non-NAFLD participants (24.51 ± 1.38 ng/mL vs. 20.81 ± 1.33 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum osteocalin level was associated with the scale of NAFLD (r = -0.150, p < 0.01). Serum osteocalin level tended to decrease with the scale of NAFLD. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that decreased ORs for NAFLD were observed from the first to the fourth osteocalcin quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a lower serum osteocalcin level is associated with the presence of NAFLD.

Generating a reference interval for fasting serum insulin in healthy nondiabetic adult Chinese men

INTRODUCTION

Circulating insulin concentrations provide important information for the evaluation of insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Reference intervals are the most widely applied tool for the interpretation of clinical laboratory results. We carried out an analysis of the data available from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey in order to derive a reference interval for fasting insulin specific to the Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 1,434 fasting serum insulin results were obtained from healthy nondiabetic adult men aged 20-69 years, after taking into consideration the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Serum insulin was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Nonparametric statistical methods were used to calculate and analyse the data.

RESULTS

The reference interval for fasting serum insulin for Chinese adults was in the range 1.57-16.32 μU/mL (median 5.79 μU/mL). Significant correlations were found between fasting serum insulin and glucose and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in insulin concentration with respect to age and body mass index (BMI; p < 0.001). Younger people had a higher fasting serum insulin concentration. Increased fasting serum insulin was also found to be associated with BMI.

CONCLUSION

We established a reference interval for fasting serum insulin in healthy nondiabetic adult Chinese men that is lower than what was previously suggested. BMI and age (but not smoking, alcohol consumption or physical activity) were found to be important factors associated with fasting serum insulin. Our results will help improve the diagnostic interpretation of investigations for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in a Chinese population.

[Effects of strontium chloride activation on the cleavage rate and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a suitable protocol for activating mouse somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos with strontium chloride (SrCl2).

METHODS

We constructed and identified mouse nuclear transfer (NT) embryos. After nuclear injection, we activated the NT embryos using the following chemical activation methods: exposing the NT embryos to 5 and 10 mmol/L SrCl2 strontium for 1 -8 h, activating the NT embryos with 1-20 mmol/L SrCl2 strontium at 4 and 6 h, treating the NT embryos with 10 mmol/L SrCl2 strontium in different activating media, and exposing the NT embryos to 10 mmol/L SrCl2 strontium combined with 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) and cytochalasin B (CB). After activation, the NT embryos were cultured in vitro in the cleavage medium.

RESULTS

When the NT embryos were treated with SrCl2 at the concentration of 5 mmol/L, the cleavage rate was remarkably higher at 6 h (38.9%) than at 1 h (6.7%), 2 h (22.8%), 3 h (22.8%) and 4 h (25.6%) (P < 0.05), but with no significant differences from those at 5 h (28.9%), 7 h (34.4%) and 8 h (28.9%) (P > 0.05). When the NT embryos were treated with SrCl2 for 6 h, the rates of cleavage and blastulation were 68.9% and 7.2% at 10 mmol/L, markedly higher than at 1 mmol/L (28.3% and 0%), 2.5 mmol/L (35.6% and 0%), 5 mmol/L (37.8% and 1.1%), 7.5 mmol/L (60.6% and 2.2%), 15 mmol/L (51.7% and 1.1%), and 20 mmol/L (41.7% and 1.1%) (P < 0.05). The cleavage rate of the NT embryos cultured in the Ca2+ and Mg2+ KSOM medium was 27.8%, significantly lower than in the Ca(2+)-free KSOM (69.4%), Ca2+/Mg(2+)-free KSOM (66.1%), and Ca2+/Mg(2+)-free + EDTA KSOM (68.3%) (P < 0.05). The total cell blastocyst number was significantly larger in the NT embryos treated with SrCl2 + CB (45.40 +/- 2.23) than in those treated with SrCl2 (30.15 +/- 1.12), 6-DMAP (34.95 +/- 1.38), and 6-DMAP + CB (37.45 +/- 1.43) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Six-hour treatment with 10 mmol/L SrCl2 in Ca2+ alone or in combination with CB can well activate NT embryos in mice.

[Epidemiological characteristics of chronic prostatitis in China]

Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a common urinary disease that has been challenging urologists and seriously affects the patient's mental and physical health. For the reasons of its ambiguous etiology, complex and varied clinical symptoms, controversial diagnostic methods and long-term treatment, the therapeutic effect on CP is often unsatisfactory to both patients and urologists. This review focuses on the prevalence and age distribution of CP, incidence of different types of prostatitis, and the association of CP with climate, occupation, related diseases, lifestyle and education level, with a special emphasis on the current epidemiological characteristics of CP in China.

Key pathways involved in prostate cancer based on gene set enrichment analysis and meta analysis

Prostate cancer is one of the most common male malignant neoplasms; however, its causes are not completely understood. A few recent studies have used gene expression profiling of prostate cancer to identify differentially expressed genes and possible relevant pathways. However, few studies have examined the genetic mechanics of prostate cancer at the pathway level to search for such pathways. We used gene set enrichment analysis and a meta-analysis of six independent studies after standardized microarray preprocessing, which increased concordance between these gene datasets. Based on gene set enrichment analysis, there were 12 down- and 25 up-regulated mixing pathways in more than two tissue datasets, while there were two down- and two up-regulated mixing pathways in three cell datasets. Based on the meta-analysis, there were 46 and nine common pathways in the tissue and cell datasets, respectively. Three up- and 10 down-regulated crossing pathways were detected with combined gene set enrichment analysis and meta-analysis. We found that genes with small changes are difficult to detect by classic univariate statistics; they can more easily be identified by pathway analysis. After standardized microarray preprocessing, we applied gene set enrichment analysis and a meta-analysis to increase the concordance in identifying biological mechanisms involved in prostate cancer. The gene pathways that we identified could provide insight concerning the development of prostate cancer.

[Stromal cells inhibit Kallikrein 7 expression in the epithelial cells of benign prostate hyperplasia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of stromal cells on the Kallikrein 7 (KLK7) expression of epithelial cells in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

We constructed a stromal-epithelial co-culture model after separating the two types of cells from BPH tissues and identifying them by cell morphology and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The expression of KLK7 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in the epithelial cells with or without the stromal cells, and that of the KLK7 protein (hK7) determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

Stromal and epithelial cells were successfully separated and identified, and a stromal-epithelial co-culture model successfully established. RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of the KLK7 gene was higher in the epithelial cells co-cultured with stromal cells than in the epithelial cells alone, and the gray value of KLK7 to GAPDH was 1.41 +/- 0.041 in the former and 1.78 +/- 0.10 in the latter (P < 0.01). The results of Western blot were consistent with those of RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

Stromal cells can suppress the expression of the KLK7 gene in the epithelial cells in BPH. KLK7 may be involved in the change of epithelial cells stimulated by stromal cells.

[Advances in prostate-specific membrane antigen targeted therapies for prostate cancer]

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type II integral membrane glycoprotein, specifically expressed in prostatic epithelial cells and strongly upregulated in prostate cancer. PSMA is also present in the neovasculature of other solid tumors. These findings have spurred the development of PSMA-targeted therapies for prostate cancer, including immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, chemotherapy and gene therapy, and initiated the clinical trials of the first-generation products. However, general clinical application of these therapies still requires extensive clinical studies to test their clinical safety, stability and efficacy.

Small interference RNA targeting Krüppel-like factor 8 inhibits the renal carcinoma 786-0 cells growth in vitro and in vivo

PURPOSE

Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) plays an important role in oncogenic transformation and is highly overexpressed in several types of human cancer. We investigated the expression of KLF8 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues and the role of small interference RNA targeting KLF8 on growth, cell cycle, and apoptosis of human renal carcinoma cell line 786-0 in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The expression of KLF8 protein and mRNA in human renal carcinoma samples was detected by immunochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting KLF8 on growth, invasiveness, cell cycle, and apoptosis of 786-0 cells were evaluated by MTT assay, Matrigel Invasion Assay, and flow cytometry in vitro. We also investigated effect of siRNA targeting KLF8 on growth of 786-0 cells in nude mice in vivo.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR results showed the expression of KLF8 protein and mRNA in RCC specimens was significantly higher than that in the adjacent non-tumorous renal tissues (P < 0.001). KLF8-siRNA depressed the cellular growth and invasion of 786-0 cells in vitro. The flow cytometry results revealed that KLF8-siRNA could induce an increase in G0/G1 phase cells and induce cell apoptosis. Intratumor injection of siRNA targeting KLF8 inhibited the growth of 786-0 cells in vivo in nude mice tumor model.

CONCLUSIONS

KLF8 possibly involved in regulating the cell growth, invasion, apoptosis, and proliferation of renal carcinoma cancer cells. Blocking the KLF8 channel might be a potential therapeutic strategy for RCC.

[Reducing effect of curcumin on expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 in rats with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of curcumin on the expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 in rats with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.

METHODS

Sixty healthy adult male SD rats with the body weight of 200 -220 g were equally and randomly divided into a normal control, a positive control, a model, an oral curcumin and an intraperitoneal curcumin group. The rat models of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis were made by hypodermic injection of estradiol benzoate at the dose of 0.25 mg/(kg x d) for 30 days after castration, and then treated with curcumin at 200 mg/(kg x d) by gavage or intraperitoneal injection. The positive controls received oral celebrex at 250 mg/(kg x d), while the normal control and model groups were given saline by gavage. After a week of treatment, the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 in the serum and prostate tissues of the rats were detected by ELISA assay.

RESULTS

The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-8 in the serum and prostate tissues were significantly lower in the intraperitoneal curcumin than in the positive control group (P < 0.05), but the expression of IL-6 showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Curcumin is efficacious for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis in rats, and the action mechanism may be associated with its decreasing effect on the proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-alpha in the blood and tissues.

Expression of the Serine Protease Kallikrein 7 and Its Inhibitor Antileukoprotease Is Decreased in Prostate Cancer

Context.—Kallikreins are a subgroup of serine proteases with diverse physiologic functions. It has been confirmed that kallikrein 7 (KLK7) is differentially expressed in ovarian and breast cancer. Antileukoprotease (ALP) has been shown to be a specific inhibitor of human kallikrein 7 (hK7). Antileukoprotease overexpression is commonly associated with aggressive, high-risk, or metastatic cancer originating from various organs.

Objective.—To investigate the expression and potential role of hK7 and its inhibitor ALP in prostate cancer.

Design.—The mRNA expression of KLK7 and ALP transcript in benign prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancers was evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. We examined hK7 and ALP protein expression by immunohistochemistry in 20 normal prostate tissues, 50 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues, and 103 prostate cancers. Western blot examination showed protein expression of hK7 and ALP in benign prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer cell lines.

Results.—Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction examination revealed that the mRNA level of KLK7 and ALP was significantly decreased in prostate cancers compared with that in benign prostate epithelial cells (P &lt; .001). Immunohistochemical expression of hK7 was observed in prostate epithelial cells, whereas little or no staining was observed in prostate cancer. Western blot analysis revealed that hK7 and ALP were decreased in malignant prostate epithelium.

Conclusions.—Like hK7, ALP is down-regulated in prostate cancers, which begs the question of whether it remains an effective inhibitor of hK7 or whether it is discordant in time or space and is ineffective as an inhibitor of hK7. The function of KLK7 and ALP in prostate cancer should be further studied.

[Curcumin in the treatment of prostatic diseases]

The use of turmeric, derived from the root of the plant curcuma longa, for the treatment of various diseases has been described in Ayurveda and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. The active component of turmeric responsible for this activity, curcumin, was identified almost two centuries ago. Extensive research over the last decade has indicated that this polyphenol can both prevent and treat prostatic diseases.

[The rat model of erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury]

OBJECTIVES

To identify rat cavernous nerve and establish a rat model of erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by injury of cavernous nerve.

METHODS

Twenty rats were undergone dissections. Cavernous nerves were identified with the aid of operating microscope and confirmed by electrical stimulation. Then, 42 experimental rats were randomized into 3 groups, including sham operated controls, unilateral and bilateral cavernous nerve ablation groups. Three weeks after surgery, rat models were evaluated with Apomorphine Test.

RESULTS

The major pelvic ganglion lies on either side of the dorsolateral lobes of the prostate. It includes 2 inflows, one called hypogastric nerve and another is pelvic nerve. The largest outflow is termed as cavernous nerve. Stimulus parameters which could induce obvious penile erection were 5 volts, frequency of 20 Hertz and duration of 5 milliseconds. Three weeks after surgery, apomorphine could induce penile erection of each rat in controls with mean (2.57 +/- 1.40) erections in 30 minutes, while there were no erections (0.00 +/- 0.00) either in unilateral or bilateral group.

CONCLUSIONS

The rat of larger ganglion and its cavernous nerve can be easily identified, obvious response to electrical stimulation, low cost of animal purchase, easy housing and availability made rat as an ideal animal for establishing ED model caused by cavernous nerve injury. In addition, our study showed in the early period of cavernous nerve injury, either unilateral or bilateral, all rats lost their erectile function.

Early and late long-term effects of vasectomy on Zn, Cd, and Cu levels in prostatic fluid and serum

AIM

To evaluate the early and late long-term effects of vasectomy on the serum and prostatic fluid trace elements.

METHODS

In 37 vasectomized and 25 non-vasectomized (control) men, the Zn, Cd and Cu levels in the serum and prostatic fluid were measured by means of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the prostatic Zn, Cd and Cu levels between the vasectomized and control group. The Zn level in the serum were significantly lower in the vasectomized men than in the controls (11.04 and 13.54 umol/L, respectively; P < 0.05), while the serum Cd and Cu levels were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Vasectomy may decrease the serum, but not the prostatic Zn levels. Its pathophysiological significance is worthy of further investigation.

Early and late long-term effects of vasectomy on serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels

PURPOSE

We investigated whether the association between vasectomy and prostate cancer has a hormonal basis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels by radioimmunoassay on 91 pairs of men who did and did not undergo vasectomy.

RESULTS

Men who underwent vasectomy 10 to 19 years previously had higher dihydrotestosterone levels than age matched controls. In men who underwent vasectomy 20 years or more ago testosterone was higher than in corresponding controls. No statistically significant difference in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels was noted between the men who had had vasectomy and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indirectly support the hypothesis that there is an elevated risk of prostate cancer among men who underwent vasectomy 20 or more years previously.