Effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on bone metabolism and RANKL/OPG/TRAF6 signaling pathway in osteoporotic rats / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) transplantation on bone metabolism and its mechanism in ovariectomized osteoporosis rats.Methods:Forty clean SD female rats aged 7 weeks were divided into 4 groups according to the random number table method: sham operation group, model group, the transplantation group, positive control group, in addition to control the rest of the group were performed bilateral oophorectomy build osteoporosis rats model, after 2 months of model establishment, rats in transplantation group were injected with 80 μl/kg PBS solution containing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through tail vein, rats in sham operation group and model group were injected with the same amount of PBS solution through tail vein, and rats in positive control group were given Xianlinggubao (0.5 g/100 g) by gavage every day. Serum and femur were collected 14 days after treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the histopathological changes of femur. Micro-CT was used to measure bone mineral density and bone parameters. The expression levels of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, alkaline phosphatase and insulin-like growth factor 1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were measured by spectrophotometer. The protein expressions of RANKL, OPG, TRAF6 and NF-KB1 in femur of each group were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the sham operation group, the bone mineral density (BMD) of the model group was decreased by (0.28±0.01) g/cm 3, bone volume fraction (BMD) was decreased by (0.28±0.01) g/cm 3. BV/TV) decreased by (19.73±2.02) %, trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) decreased by (0.082±0.008) mm, trabecular number (Tb.N) decreased by (1.60±0.17) mm -1 and trabecular separation/spacing (Tb.Sp) increased (0.273±0.024) mm, osteoprotegerin (489.49±55.29) ng/L, alkaline phosphatase (229.13±15.05) U/L, insulin-like growth factor-1 (236.64±14.32) μg/L, and osteocalcin were decreased (1.866±0.109) μg/L, calcium (11.98±1.09) mg/dl, phosphorus (6.85±0.68) mg/dl, and magnesium decreased (0.62±0.04) mg/dl) , the relative expression level of RANKL increased (1.05±0.09) , the relative expression level of OPG decreased (0.58±0.08) , the relative expression level of RANKL increased (0.74±0.10) , and the relative expression level of NF-kB1 increased (1.01±0.11) ( P<0.05) ; bone mineral density, bone mineral density, bone mineral density BMD (0.38±0.04 g/cm 3, BV/TV (26.73±2.74) %, Tb.Th (0.094±0.006) mm, Tb.N (2.67±0.09) mm-1 and Tb.Sp were decreased (0.241±0.026) mm) , osteoprotegerin (720.09±67.41) ng/L, alkaline phosphatase (269.48±14.15) U/L, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) decreased (335.95±24.13) μg/L, and osteocalcin increased (1.392±0.153) μg/L, calcium (7.12±0.53) mg/dl, phosphorus (4.54±0.32) mg/dl, magnesium (0.87±0.08) mg/dl. RANKL relative expression level increased (0.59±0.05) , OPG relative expression level decreased (0.97±0.10) , RANKL relative expression level increased (0.45±0.06) , NF-kB1 relative expression level increased (0.72±0.06) ( P<0.05) ;bone mineral density, bone mineral density, bone mineral density BMD (0.36±0.05) g/cm 3, BV/TV (28.72±3.20) %, Tb.Th (0.096±0.011) mm, Tb.N (2.85±0.24) mm -1 Tb.Sp was basically unchanged (0.241±0.027) mm, osteoprotegerin was decreased (716.78±36.90) ng/L, alkaline phosphatase was basically unchanged (270.65±18.59) U/L, and insulin-like growth factor 1 was decreased (336.94±17.50) μg/L, osteocalcin (1.377±0.101) μg/L, calcium (7.13±0.80) mg/dl, phosphorus (4.58±0.71) mg/dl, and magnesium (0.89±0.04) remained unchanged mg/dl, the relative expression level of RANKL increased (0.55±0.08) , the relative expression level of OPG decreased (0.98±0.13) , the relative expression level of RANKL was basically unchanged (0.40±0.05) , and the relative expression level of NF-kB1 increased (0.65±0.09) ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can improve osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by regulating bone metabolism and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which may be related to RANKL/OPG/TRAF6 pathway.

The Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis / 한국유방암학회지

Purpose@#Emerging evidence from animal models suggests that intermittent hypoxia due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for breast cancer. Despite their biological plausibility, human epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to delineate this relationship. @*Methods@#We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for eligible studies from inception until June 6, 2021. Two reviewers selected randomized trials or observational studies reporting the association between OSA and breast cancer incidence compared with those without OSA. Two reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We pooled the maximally covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) using a random-effects inverse varianceweighted meta-analysis and performed pre-specified subgroup analyses. @*Results@#We included six studies out of 1,707 records, comprising a combined cohort of 5,165,200 patients. All studies used the International Classification of Diseases codes to classify OSA and breast cancer. OSA patients had a 36% increased breast cancer risk (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.80; N = 6, I 2 = 96%) compared to those without OSA. Most studies adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, and hypertension. Subgroup analyses for studies with (1) multivariate adjustment and (2) at least five years of follow-up yielded HRs of 1.35 (95% CI, 0.98–1.87; N = 5, I 2 = 96%) and 1.57 (95% CI, 1.14–2.18; N = 4; I 2 = 90%), respectively. One Mendelian randomization study suggested a causal relationship, with a two-fold increase in the odds of breast cancer in patients with OSA. @*Conclusion@#This meta-analysis suggested that OSA is a risk factor for breast cancer. Future studies should explore the dose-response relationship between OSA and breast cancer, and whether treatment may mitigate breast cancer risk or progression.

Normalization of the ratio of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite by promoting eNOS dimer activity is a new direction for diabetic nephropathy treatment / 生理学报

Diabetic nephropathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes. Its etiology involves metabolic disorder-induced endothelial dysfunction. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in a number of physiological processes, including glomerular filtration and endothelial protection. NO dysregulation is an important pathogenic basis of diabetic nephropathy. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia can lead to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, thus affecting NO homeostasis regulated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and a conglomerate of related proteins and factors. The reaction of NO and superoxide (O2.-) to form peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is the most important pathological NO pathway in diabetic nephropathy. ONOO- is a hyper-reactive oxidant and nitrating agent in vivo which can cause the uncoupling of eNOS. The uncoupled eNOS does not produce NO but produces superoxide. Thus, eNOS uncoupling is a critical contributor of NO dysregulation. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of NO and the effects of various pathological conditions on it could reveal the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy, potential drug targets and mechanisms of action. We believe that increasing the stability and activity of eNOS dimers, promoting NO synthesis and increasing NO/ONOO- ratio could guide the development of drugs to treat diabetic nephropathy. We will illustrate these actions with some clinically used drugs as examples in the present review.

Effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on the expression of 5-HT and cortisol in the serum, and MR and GR in the hippocampus in rats with hypothyroidism complicated with depression / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on behavior, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and cortisol in the serum, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the hippocampus in rats with hypothyroidism complicated with depression, and to explore the possible mechanism of wheat-grain moxibustion on improving depression in rats with hypothyroidism.@*METHODS@#A total of 32 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a medication group and a wheat-grain moxibustion group, 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were treated with intragastric administration of 0.1% propylthiouracil (PTU) suspension at 1 mL/100 g, once a day for 4 weeks to establish the rat model of hypothyroidism, and whether the rats were accompanied with depression-like behavior determined through behavioristics evaluation. The rats in the medication group were intervened with euthyrox at 0.9 mL/100 g, once a day, for 4 weeks; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were treated with wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Mingmen" (GV 4), "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Pishu" (BL 20), 7 cones each acupoint, once a day, six times a week for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the depression status was observed by behavioristics test; the contents of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), 5-HT and cortisol in the serum were detected by ELISA; the protein expressions of MR and GR in hippocampus were detected by Western blot; the expressions of MR mRNA and GR mRNA in the hippocampus were detected by real-time PCR.@*RESULTS@#Before the intervention, compared with the blank group, the scores of open field test (OFT) were decreased and the immobility time of tail suspension test (TST) was prolonged (P<0.05); the serum TSH contents were increased and TT4 contents were decreased (P<0.01) in the other three groups. After the intervention, compared with the model group, the vertical score of OFT was increased and the immobility time of forced swimming test (FST) was prolonged in the medication group (P<0.05), while the scores of three items of OFT were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the immobility time of FST and TST was shortened in the wheat-grain moxibustion group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the medication group, the immobility time of TST and FST in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was shorter (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the contents of serum TSH and cortisol were increased (P<0.01, P<0.001), while the contents of serum TT4 and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001). Compared with the model group, the contents of serum TT4 and 5-HT were increased, while the contents of serum TSH and cortisol were decreased in the medication group and wheat-grain moxibustion group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the protein and mRNA expression of MR, GR in the hippocampus in the model group was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001); compared with the model group, the protein and mRNA expression of MR in the hippocampus in the medication group were increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression of MR, GR and mRNA expression of MR in the hippocampus in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the medication group, the expression of MR mRNA in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat-grain moxibustion could significantly improve thyroid function and depression in rats with hypothyroidism. Its mechanism may be related to up-regulating the protein and mRNA expression of MR and GR in the hippocampus, and then affecting the expression of serum cortisol and 5-HT.

Control rate of blood glucose and its influencing factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Yulin City / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the control rate of blood glucose and its influencing factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Yulin area. 【Methods】 We selected the adult type 2 diabetes patients who visited our hospital from May 2020 to December 2021 as the subjects. Then we collected their basic information (gender, age, household income, type of medical insurance payment, education level, and duration of disease), measured their height and weight, calculated their body mass index (BMI), detected HbA1c, and measured their subcutaneous and visceral fat. The Chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression methods were used to analyze the influencing factors. 【Results】 The total attainment rate of HbA1c (HbA1c<7%) among 877 adults with type 2 diabetes was 13.34%. The Chi-square test showed that statistical differences in the attainment rate of HbA1c among different ages, family annual income, type of medical insurance, and duration of disease. Further unconditional multivariate Logistic regression analysis model results showed that the HbA1c attainment rate in 18-44 years old group was 0.418 times higher than that in ≥60 years old group (95% CI=0.219-0.799, P=0.008). The HbA1c compliance rate of patients with employees’ medical insurance was 1.744 times that those with residents’ medical insurance (95% CI=1.131-2.782, P=0.013). The HbA1c attainment rate of diabetic patients with an annual family income of 30 000 yuan to 100 000 yuan was 1.873 times (95% CI=1.074-3.266, P=0.027), and with an annual family income of more than 100 000 yuan was 2.649 (95% CI=1.299-5.404, P=0.007) times than that of diabetic patients with less than 30 000 yuan. 【Conclusion】 The blood glucose control rate in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Yulin area is lower compared with the level of the nation and other regions. Age, annual household income, and type of medical insurance payment are independent influencing factors.

MicroRNA expression profile in chronic nonbacterial prostatitis revealed by next-generation small RNA sequencing / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to be involved in the pathogenic initiation and progression of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP); however, the comprehensive expression profile of dysregulated miRNAs, relevant signaling pathways, and core machineries in CNP have not been fully elucidated. In the current research, CNP rat models were established through the intraprostatic injection of carrageenan into the prostate. Then, next-generation sequencing was performed to explore the miRNA expression profile in CNP. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) bioinformatical analyses were conducted to reveal the enriched biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components and signaling pathways. As a result, 1224, 1039, and 1029 known miRNAs were annotated in prostate tissues from the blank control (BC), normal saline injection (NS), and carrageenan injection (CAR) groups (n = 3 for each group), respectively. Among them, 84 miRNAs (CAR vs BC) and 70 miRNAs (CAR vs NS) with significantly different expression levels were identified. Compared with previously reported miRNAs with altered expression in various inflammatory diseases, the majority of deregulated miRNAs in CNP, such as miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-150-5p, and miR-139-5p, showed similar expression patterns. Moreover, bioinformatics analyses have enriched mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), endocytosis, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathways. These pathways were all involved in immune response, which indicates the critical regulatory role of the immune system in CNP initiation and progression. Our investigation has presented a global view of the differentially expressed miRNAs and potential regulatory networks containing their target genes, which may be helpful for identifying the novel mechanisms of miRNAs in immune regulation and effective target-specific theragnosis for CNP.

Pyridocarbazole alkaloids from Ochrosia borbonica: lipid-lowering agents inhibit the cell proliferation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocyte via intercalating into supercoiled DNA / 中国天然药物

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethanolic extract of Ochrosia borbonica led to the isolation of two known pyridocarbazole alkaloids, ellipticine (1) and 9-methoxyellipticine (2), and six known monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (3-8). Lipid-lowering assay in 3T3-L1 cell model revealed that 1 and 2 could significantly inhibit the lipid droplet formation (EC = 0.41 and 0.92 μmol·L, respectively) and lower triglyceride levels by 50%-60% at the concentration of 1 μmol·L, being more potent than the positive drug luteolin (EC = 2.63 μmol·L). A mechanistic study indicated that 1 and 2 could intercalate into supercoiled DNA, which consequently inhibited the mitotic clonal expansion of 3T3-L1 cells at the early differentiation phase, leading to the retardance of following adipogenesis and lipogenesis. These findings suggest that 1 and 2 may serve as promising leads for further development of anti-obesity drugs.

ASIC1a contributes to the symptom of pain in a rat model of chronic prostatitis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study aims to validate our hypothesis that acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) may contribute to the symptom of pain in patients with chronic prostatitis (CP). We first established a CP rat model, then isolated the L5-S2 spinal dorsal horn neurons for further studies. ASIC1a was knocked down and its effects on the expression of neurogenic inflammation-related factors in the dorsal horn neurons of rat spinal cord were evaluated. The effect of ASIC1a on the Ca2+ ion concentration in the dorsal horn neurons of rat spinal cord was measured by the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) intensity. The effect of ASIC1a on the p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was also determined. ASIC1a was significantly upregulated in the CP rat model as compared with control rats. Acid-induced ASIC1a expression increased [Ca2+]i intensity in the dorsal horn neurons of rat spinal cord. ASIC1a also increased the levels of neurogenic inflammation-related factors and p-p38 expression in the acid-treated dorsal horn neurons. Notably, ASIC1a knockdown significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the levels of p-p38 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in acid-treated dorsal horn neurons were significantly decreased in the presence of PcTx-1, BAPTA-AM, or SB203580. Our results showed that ASIC1a may contribute to the symptom of pain in patients with CP, at least partially, by regulating the p38/MAPK signaling pathway.

Differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocyte-like cells under the conditions of transforming growth factor beta and cyclical tensile strain / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Transforming growth factor-βhas been shown to exert an obvious induction effect on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes. Cyclical tensile strain simulates mechanical environment of chondrocytes in the body, and plays an important regulatory role in cellproliferation and differentiation. OBJECTIVE:To discuss the synergy of transforming growth factor-βand cyclical tensile strain in inducing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocyte-like cells. METHODS:A total of 10 2-month-old New Zealand rabbits were selected. Bone needle was used to penetrate the medul ary cavity of bone. 3.0-4.0 mL of bone marrow was extracted for isolation and culture of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Passage 3 cells were randomly assigned to four groups:blank, transforming growth factor-β, cyclical tensile strain and cyclical tensile strain+transforming growth factor-βgroups. After 1, 3 and 6 days, cells were obtained. General morphology was observed using safranin O staining. Glycosaminoglycan levels were detected by alcian blue staining. Matrix metal oproteinase-13 and tissue inhibitor of metal oproteinase-1 levels in supernatant were measured using ELISA. Type II col agen, matrix metal oproteinase-13 and tissue inhibitor of metal oproteinase-1 mRNA relative expression was detected using RT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Safranin O staining showed fusiform or irregular triangular cells. cellnumber and matrix secretion increased in each experimental group than in blank group. Glycosaminoglycan levels in the supernatant were greater in the transforming growth factor-βand cyclical tensile strain+transforming growth factor-βgroups than in the blank group (P<0.05). Type II col agen mRNA relative expression was higher in the cyclical tensile strain+transforming growth factor-βgroup than in the blank group (P<0.05). Results indicated that transforming growth factor-βand cyclical tensile strain could induce the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes, showing an apparent cooperative action.

The clinic research of the modified laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly in the treatment of children with hematologic diseases / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the experience and characteristics of the modified laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly in the treatment of children with hematologic disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 30 cases of laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly of children with hematologic disease from March 2007 to December 2011 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 18 male and 12 female patients, aging from 2 to 14 years. Primary disease included mediterranean anemia (17 cases), hereditary spherocytosis (4 cases) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, 9 cases). Dissection started with cutting off the gastrosplenic ligaments and lesser sac to fully reveal the splenic hilum, the splenic artery was clamped twice with 10 mm tiatanum clamp. When most of blood stored in the spleen back to heart through the veins and the splenic volume had already decreased, the splenic vein was ligated with 10 mm titanium clip and cut with ligsure and splenic pedicle separated. The Surgery and complication were recorded. For 1 week after surgery, the hemoglobin and platelet counts were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-six cases were performed successfully, and 4 cases were converted to open procedure. Of the 4 cases, 2 cases was obesity because of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, 1 case was β thalassaemia combined severe liver enlargement, and 1 case was after partial splenic embolization. In cases of laparoscopic splenectomy, operation time was 110 to 130 minutes, with an average of 120 minutes, and blood loss during operation was 35 to 180 ml, with an average of 45 ml. Compared with pre-operation, the hemoglobin of mediterranean anemia and hereditary spherocytosis patients were (92 ± 8) g/L, and blood platelet count of ITP patients was (127 ± 20)×10(9)/L, and they increased obviously at 1 week after operation (t = 4.175 and 8.253, both P = 0.000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The modified surgical method make the laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly in many children with hematologic diseases possible, which was thought to be impossible in the past.</p>

Impact of BKCa channel in prostate smooth muscle cells on the membrane potential in rats with chronic abacterial prostatitis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the impact of the BKCa channel in prostate smooth muscle cells (PSMCs) on the membrane potential in SD rats with chronic abacterial prostatitis (CAP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CAP models were established in 20 SD rats by castration and injection of 17 beta-estrogen, and another 20 were taken as normal controls. PSMCs were cultured and purified in vitro, and treated with DiBAC4, followed by quantitative observations on the dynamic changes of the cell membrane potential by laser confocal microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The extracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]o) was increased and the BKCa channel was activated, which induced the hyperpolarization of the PSMC membrane in both the CAP models and normal control rats. This effect was weakened with Iberiotoxin (IbTX), a specific blocker of the BKCa channel, but the amplitude of the hyperpolarization was obviously lower in the CAP than in the control group. The DiBAC4 fluorescence intensity induced by hyperpolarization was 18.78 +/- 2.92 in the former and 38.85 +/- 7.10 in the latter (P < 0.05), while that induced by IbTX was 1.61 +/- 0.46 and 6.12 +/- 1.32 (P < 0.05), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Significant decrease of BKCa-mediated hyperpolarization in the CAP model can reduce its abilities of regulating the membrane potential and suppressing the excessive contraction of PSMCs, which may result in pelvic pain syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms.</p>

Menopause-like symptoms among old and middle-aged males in Hefei area / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To access the prevalence of menopause-like symptoms, and their related factors in old and middle-aged males in the area of Hefei.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study included 1 026 males aged over 45 years that came to the clinic for health examination. We collected their personal data, and evaluated their general health status and the results of the questionnaire investigation using the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total incidence of menopause-like symptoms was 64.7% among the old and middle-aged males in Hefei area, of which 58.1% were mild, 30.9% moderate and 11.0% severe. The average AMS score was 31.2 +/- 6.8, in which the scores on psychological, physical and sexual function symptoms were 8.3 +/- 2.1, 12.4 +/- 4.8 and 9.3 +/- 4.5, respectively. Sexual function symptoms were increased significantly with the increase of age (P < 0.05), but psychological and physical symptoms showed no obvious correlation with age (P > 0.05). The main risk factors of menopause-like symptoms included age, smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity, but physical exercise was an important protective factor against them.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>With the increase of age, the prevalence of male menopause-like symptoms rises and sexual function declines gradually, but psychological and physical scores are not affected significantly. Age, general health status and lifestyle are closely associated with the prevalence of menopause-like symptoms among old and middle-aged males.</p>

Intracellular calcium ion concentration in the prostate smooth muscle cells of chronic abacterial prostatitis rat models and normal controls / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the difference in intracellular calcium ion [Ca2+]i concentration in prostate smooth muscle cells (PSMCs) between SD rat models of chronic abacterial prostatitis (CAP) and normal controls, and to evaluate the role of [Ca2+]i concentration in CAP.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We established CAP models in SD rats using purified prostate protein and Freund's complete adjuvant, cultured in vitro and then purified the PSMCs of both the CAP models and normal controls. Continuous dynamic scanning was performed under the laser confocal scanning microscope after incubation of the cells with FLUO-3AM.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fluorescence intensities of [Ca2+]i in the PSMCs were 80.39 +/- 9.00 and 27.95 +/- 10.04 in the CAP models and normal controls, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The concentration of [Ca2+]i increased in the PSMCs of the CAP rat models, which might enhance the constriction of PSMCs and subsequently increase the sensibility to pain and cause lower abdominal pain.</p>

Quantitative expression of voltage-dependent calcium channels in prostate smooth muscle cells of rats with estradiol-induced chronic nonbacterial prostatitis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct a rat model of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CP) and investigate the difference in the quantitative expression of voltage-dependent calcium channels of prostate smooth muscle cells (PSMCs) between the models and controls.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We established a CP rat model by estrogen induction, cultured and purified the PSMCs in vitro, and extracted total RNA by Trizol. Then we measured the mRNA expression of the cal subunit in the calcium channel subtypes by reverse transcription and SYBR Green I real time RT-PCR, and compared it with that of the controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of the L-, T- and P/Q-type calcium channels were found in both the CP and control groups, and that of the CaV1.2 L-type calcium channel was significantly increased in the former as compared with the latter (0.048 +/- 0.024 versus 0.031 +/- 0.015, t = 2.846, P = 0.007), but there were no statistically significant differences in the T- and P/Q-type calcium channels between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The number of CaV1.2 L-type calcium channels of PSMCs and calcium influx were increased in CP patients, which may be involved in the mechanism of CP.</p>

Treatment of chronic prostatitis in Chinese men / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of this study is to assess the status of treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) in Chinese men. A population-based cross-sectional survey was performed, in which 15 000 men aged between 15 and 60 years were randomly selected to receive a questionnaire designed to assess National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms Index (NIH-CPSI) status, therapeutic efficacy and 28 other items. A total of 12 743 men (84.95%) completed the questionnaire, of whom 1 071 (8.4%) were identified as having prostatitis-like symptoms and 517 (4.5%) were diagnosed with CP according to NIH-CPSI criteria and prostatitis-like symptomatology. Of the CP patients, 372 (65%) underwent long-term routine treatment 12 times per year. Additionally, 217 (72.8%) patients received antibiotic therapy and 215 (79.3%) men showed therapeutic effects. The treatment cost USD 1 151 (8 059 yuan) per person per year on average. Most CP patients received routine treatment, in most cases with antibiotics. Treatment was costly and most CP patients were not satisfied with its effectiveness. Antibacterial treatment might have been effective primarily in patients with bacterial disease.

Effects of acupuncture at the points of the Pericardium Meridian on the activity of myocardial Ca2+-ATPase and gene expression in the rat of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism of acupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Ximen" (PC 4) of the Pericardium Meridian in treatment of myocardial ischemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, sham-operation group, ischemia-reperfusion model group, Neiguan acupuncture group, Ximen acupuncture group and Zhigou acupuncture group. Electroacupuncture (EA) was given at corresponding acupoints for 20 min in the later 3 groups, followed by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery and 40 min later, acupuncture was given at the points for another 20 min, reperfusion for 60 min, with ECG monitoring. Then the myocardial tissue sample (below the ligation site) of the left cardiac ventricle was taken for preparation of sarcoplasmic reticulum, and determination of Ca2+-ATPase activity according to quantitative analysis of phosphorum. The relative mRNA levels were determined by Northerm Bolt analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the acupuncture groups, both the activities of Ca2+-ATPase and the gene expressions increased significantly as compared with the model group (all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The points of the Pericardium Meridian can obviously improve the Ca2+-ATPase activity and the gene expressions, reduce the degree of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury, and strength myocardial functions.</p>

Potassium channel blocker regulates the proliferation of prostatic epithelial cells in SD rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the regulatory effect of potassium channel blocker (tetraethylammonium [TEA], aminopyridine [4-AP], glibenclamide [Glib]) on the proliferation of SD rat prostatic epithelial cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The primary culture was prepared by collagenase dissociation of minced prostatic tissues. Cells were cultured in serum-free prostate epithelial cell growth media and identified by immunocytochemical studies. TEA and 4-AP at the concentration of 1, 5 and 10 mmol/L and Glib at the concentration of 10, 50 and 100 mol/L were added, and after 24, 48 and 72 hours of culturing, a cell column diagram was drawn and the cell number counted. The post-passage cell growth was observed by MTT assay and Hoechst33258 nucleus staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cultured cells showed the typical morphological features of epithelia, with positive stain. MTT assay and Hoechst33258 staining showed that TEA, 4-AP and Glib at the increasing concentration effected different degrees of proliferation of prostatic epithelial cells after 24, 48 and 72 h (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The potassium channel blocker is a direct physiological regulator of the proliferation of SD rat prostatic epithelial cells.</p>

Epidemiological study of chronic prostatitis patients with depression symptoms / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the depression symptoms in chronic prostatitis (CP) patients, and explore the correlation between depression symptoms and CP.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS) , NIH-CPSI, IIEF-5, and a self-designed questionnaire were employed in 1500 cases of CP patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1426 effective questionnaires were collected. The mean score of SDS was (44.24 +/- 10.20), significantly higher than that of the domestic norm (P = 0.000). With the score limitation set at > or = 53, 309 (21.7%) of the CP patients had symptoms of depression, of whom 176 (12.3%) were rated by SDS as in the mild, 114 (8.0%) in the moderate and 19 (1.3%) in the severe state of depression. The dominating symptoms as listed in SDS were exactly the stimulating and provoking factors of CP. The scores of SDS were significantly correlated with disease course, CPSI score, IIEF score and times and cost of treatment (P < 0.01), while no correlation was observed with age and WBC counts in EPS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CP patients mostly have depression problems, which are closely correlated with CP and contribute to the recurrence, refractoriness and discontinued outcome of the disease.</p>

A preliminary study on the resin casting of normal male canine prostatic duct and acinus system / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To investigate the three-dimensional structure of normal male canine prostat- ic duct and acinus system,and to study the mechanism of intraprostatic urinary reflux(IPUR)resulting from high pressure of the posterior urethra by experiment.Methods Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)and corrosion casting methods,high pressure of the prostatic urethra was produced based upon IPUR in normal male canines.Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene(ABS)casting solution was injected into 8 Beagle canines'normal prostates to induce intraprostatie resin solution reflux.Results Six casting molds of nor- real canine prostate specimens were obtained,and the casting failed in 2.By corrosion and casting treatment, the prostate appeared to consist of several glandular lobes.The columnar apophyses of glandular surface were observed.The most glandular ducts pointed outward from urethral peristome.Each glandular duct system was made up of many bifurcated branches from the bough as a duct tree.More than 90% of the bifurcations were Y-shaped,and 6 bifurcated branches were rarely seen.The tip of the duct was vesicular.The diameter and length of the bough were(0.37?0.14)mm and(1.14?0.04)mm,respectively.The intersectional angle of urethra and peripheral glandular duct was the biggest.Peripheral glandular duct was perpendicular or con- verse to urinary flow.Peripheral glandular aeinus appeared elliptic and velvet.The mesh-like and crater-like depressions were shown on the surface of central glandular aeinus.Ejaculatory ducts independently and branchlessly entered the urethra.Conclusions The resin corrosion casting methods combined with SEM can clearly show the three-dimensional structure of normal male canine prostatic duct and acinus system. IPUR may easily occur in the peripheral glands from the morphological view.It is suggested that prostatitis occurs more commonly in peripheral glands,confirming a fact that high pressure of the posterior urethra can induce IPUR.