Characterizing relaxin receptor expression and exploring relaxin's effect on tissue remodeling/fibrosis in the human bladder

Background

Relaxin is an endogenous protein that has been shown to have antifibrotic properties in various organ systems. There has been no characterization of relaxin’s role in the human bladder. Our objective was to characterize relaxin receptor expression in the human bladder and assess relaxin’s effect on tissue remodeling/fibrosis pathways in bladder smooth muscle cells.

Methods

Relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) and RXFP2 expression was assessed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on primary bladder tissue. Primary human smooth muscle bladder cells were cultured and stimulated with various concentrations of relaxin. Western blot, qRTPCR, ELISA, and zymogram assays were used to analyze fibrosis/tissue remodeling pathway proteins.

Results

There was universal mRNA transcript detection and protein expression of relaxin receptors in primary bladder specimens. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated RXFP1 and RXFP2 localizing to both urothelial and smooth muscle cell layers of the bladder. 24 h of in vitro relaxin stimulation did not affect mRNA expression of selected proteins in human bladder smooth muscle cells. However, 48 h of in vitro relaxin stimulation resulted in upregulation of active (p = 0.004) and latent (p = 0.027) MMP-2 in cell lysate, and upregulation of active MMP-2 in supernatant (p = 0.04). There was a dose dependent relationship with increasing expression of MMP-2 with increasing relaxin concentration. Relaxin stimulation resulted in decreased levels of active and total TGF-β1 in supernatant and extracellular matrix (p < 0.005 with 100 ng/mL relaxin stimulation).

Conclusions

In the human bladder, relaxin receptors are expressed at the dome and trigone and localize to the urothelium and smooth muscle cell layers. Stimulation of human bladder SMCs with relaxin in vitro affects expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β1.

2 year outcome for 8 year old female managed with partial cystectomy for primary bladder clear cell carcinoma

Bladder cancer is rare in the pediatric population, and clear cell carcinoma is extremely rare with one other pediatric case reported. Here we report the clinical outcome for a medically complicated pediatric patient with muscle invasive clear cell carcinoma treated with partial cystectomy without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Final pathology was stage T2bN0M0 with negative margins. At 2 years, there is no disease recurrence by cystoscopy, chest and abdominal imaging. Postoperative issues have been related to reduced bladder capacity and compliance and the patient is currently managed with continuous urinary diversion and will require future definitive lower tract reconstruction.

Pediatric penile reconstruction using autologous split-thickness skin graft

This video provides a case report of penis entrapment secondary to excessive skin removal during circumcision. It highlights the technical aspects of pediatric penile reconstruction using autologous split-thickness skin graft (STSG). Key points include: 1. Infection prevention is paramount and antibiotic prophylaxis is routine. 2. The usual harvest site for the STSG is the lateral thigh because of its source of glabrous skin and convenient proximity to the penis. The lateral thigh is also outside of the diapered area, which helps lessen postoperative pain and infectious risks. 3. A dermatome is used to harvest the STSG. Skin thickness for penis coverage at this age is usually 10-12/1000 of an inch. 4. Direct contact of the graft and wound bed is essential for graft uptake. Hemostasis of the wound bed is critical to prevent hematoma formation. Elimination of redundant tissue is also important to ensure maximal contact between the graft and underlying wound bed. 5. A pressure dressing or bolster is used to prevent shear, and provide contact between the graft and wound bed for at least the first 5 days. 6. A semi-occlusive dressing, Tegaderm, was used on the donor site and it is believed that it provides a moist environment conducive for epithelial and dermal healing. 7. Lymphedema can result if excess distal penile skin is not excised. It is prudent to limit the amount of mucosal collar or consider direct anastomosis to the glans.

The Role of Genetically Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Urinary Bladder Regeneration

Recent studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with CD34⁺ hematopoietic/stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) can function as surrogate urinary bladder cells to synergistically promote multi-faceted bladder tissue regeneration. However, the molecular pathways governing these events are unknown. The pleiotropic effects of Wnt5a and Cyr61 are known to affect aspects of hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and muscle and nerve regeneration. Within this study, the effects of Cyr61 and Wnt5a on bladder tissue regeneration were evaluated by grafting scaffolds containing modified human bone marrow derived MSCs. These cell lines were engineered to independently over-express Wnt5a or Cyr61, or to exhibit reduced expression of Cyr61 within the context of a nude rat bladder augmentation model. At 4 weeks post-surgery, data demonstrated increased vessel number (~250 vs ~109 vessels/mm²) and bladder smooth muscle content (~42% vs ~36%) in Cyr61OX (over-expressing) vs Cyr61KD (knock-down) groups. Muscle content decreased to ~25% at 10 weeks in Cyr61KD groups. Wnt5aOX resulted in high numbers of vessels and muscle content (~206 vessels/mm² and ~51%, respectively) at 4 weeks. Over-expressing cell constructs resulted in peripheral nerve regeneration while Cyr61KD animals were devoid of peripheral nerve regeneration at 4 weeks. At 10 weeks post-grafting, peripheral nerve regeneration was at a minimal level for both Cyr61OX and Wnt5aOX cell lines. Blood vessel and bladder functionality were evident at both time-points in all animals. Results from this study indicate that MSC-based Cyr61OX and Wnt5aOX cell lines play pivotal roles with regards to increasing the levels of functional vasculature, influencing muscle regeneration, and the regeneration of peripheral nerves in a model of bladder augmentation. Wnt5aOX constructs closely approximated the outcomes previously observed with the co-transplantation of MSCs with CD34⁺ HSPCs and may be specifically targeted as an alternate means to achieve functional bladder regeneration.

Carbon dioxide laser for detrusor tunnel creation in robot-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplant

OBJECTIVE

Demonstrate and report initial results using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for detrusor tunnel creation in robot-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplant (RALUR).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed for cases of RALUR from 2011 to 2014. Patients undergoing complex reconstruction (ureteral tailoring, dismembered reimplant, concomitant ureteroureterostomy), and those who had incomplete follow-up were excluded. Variables, including use of the CO2 laser, were collected and correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS

23 patients representing 40 ureteral units were included for analysis. A CO2 laser was used in 9/23 (39%) patients and 16/40 (40%) ureteral units. Intraoperative mucosotomy was reported in 3/14 (21%) patients for the electrocautery group and 1/9 (11%) patients for the CO2 laser group. Resolution of VUR was observed in 11/14 (79%), and 9/9 (100%) of patients for the electrocautery group and the CO2 laser group, respectively. Two complications were identified in the electrocautery group of patients: ileus (Clavien 2), and transient bilateral ureteral obstruction requiring placement of ureteral stents (Clavien 3B). There were no complications in the CO2 laser group.

CONCLUSIONS

Creation of the detrusor tunnel with a CO2 laser is safe and effective, and is associated with a lower rate of failure and complication in this cohort.

The promotion of functional urinary bladder regeneration using anti-inflammatory nanofibers

Current attempts at tissue regeneration utilizing synthetic and decellularized biologic-based materials have typically been met in part by innate immune responses in the form of a robust inflammatory reaction at the site of implantation or grafting. This can ultimately lead to tissue fibrosis with direct negative impact on tissue growth, development, and function. In order to temper the innate inflammatory response, anti-inflammatory signals were incorporated through display on self-assembling peptide nanofibers to promote tissue healing and subsequent graft compliance throughout the regenerative process. Utilizing an established urinary bladder augmentation model, the highly pro-inflammatory biologic scaffold (decellularized small intestinal submucosa) was treated with anti-inflammatory peptide amphiphiles (AIF-PAs) or control peptide amphiphiles and used for augmentation. Significant regenerative advantages of the AIF-PAs were observed including potent angiogenic responses, limited tissue collagen accumulation, and the modulation of macrophage and neutrophil responses in regenerated bladder tissue. Upon further characterization, a reduction in the levels of M2 macrophages was observed, but not in M1 macrophages in control groups, while treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of M1 macrophages and stabilized levels of M2 macrophages. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production was decreased while anti-inflammatory cytokines were up-regulated in treatment groups. This resulted in far fewer incidences of tissue granuloma and bladder stone formation. Finally, functional urinary bladder testing revealed greater bladder compliance and similar capacities in groups treated with AIF-PAs. Data demonstrate that AIF-PAs can alleviate galvanic innate immune responses and provide a highly conducive regenerative milieu that may be applicable in a variety of clinical settings.

Laparoscopic-assisted vesicocalicostomy for severe pelvi-ureteral stricture disease

A 39-year-old female previously treated with shock wave lithotripsy developed extensive ureteral stricture disease. After 2 unsuccessful attempts at retrograde balloon dilatation, she was evaluated at our center for further management. Successful reconstruction was performed with laparoscopic-assisted vesicocalicostomy.

Ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers to estimate the proportion of Pisolithus tinctorius and Eucalyptus RNAs in ectomycorrhiza

Ectomycorrhiza is a complex association of several types of plant and fungal cells. Differentiation of symbiotic structures is correlated with large changes in mRNA synthesis, leading to novel protein patterns. Quantification of up- and down-regulated specific transcripts is complicated by the intermingling of root and hyphal components. Determination of steady-state levels of symbiosis-regulated mRNA requires a normalization to the housekeeping RNA content of each partner. In this study, the usefulness of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-5.8S ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs) as molecular markers of the root colonization by fungal mycelium was assayed. The rDNA ITSs of Pisolithus tinctorius and Eucalyptus globulus were cloned by PCR amplification, and their sequences were determined. They contained the 5.8S rDNAs, and these two probes did not cross-hybridize. Steady-state levels of the ITS-5.8S rRNAs in the vegetative mycelium, in the noninfected root, and in ectomycorrhizas of E. globulus-P. tinctorius 441 were estimated at different stages of development. Colonization of roots by the mycelium provoked a large decrease in the proportion of root rRNAs. At the end of mycorrhiza formation, about 80% of the ectomycorrhizal RNA belonged to the mycobiont. The ITS-5.8S can be used as a specific probe for the estimation of fungal or plant rRNA in the symbiotic tissues and to determine whether an mRNA is down- or up-regulated in ectomycorrhiza.

Eucalypt alpha-tubulin: cDNA cloning and increased level of transcripts in ectomycorrhizal root system

Because symbionts are experiencing major morphological changes during ectomycorrhiza development, the expression of genes encoding cytoskeletal proteins is likely altered. To test this contention, we have cloned and characterized in a alpha-tubulin cDNA (EgTubA1) from Eucalyptus globulus. A poorly-aggressive isolate (No. 270) of the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Pisolithus tinctorius caused no changes in root transcript levels of EgTubA1, whereas a drastic up-regulation in its expression was observed between 3 to 4 days after contact with the aggressive isolate 441. This enhanced alpha-tubulin expression coincided with the increase lateral root formation induced by fungal colonisation. The changes in alpha-tubulin expression support a role for cytoskeleton components in ectomycorrhiza development.