The Differential Expressions of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Regulator, Slug and the Cell Adhesion Molecule, E-cadherin in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Slug is a member of the Snail family of transcription factors, and it plays a crucial role in the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppression of several epithelial proteins and adhesion molecules, including E-cadherin. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to examine the significance between the expression of Slug in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRA) specimens and the clinicopathological parameters of CRA, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis, and to determine the correlation between the Slug and E-cadherin expressions in non-neoplastic colorectal mucosa (n=45), primary CRA (n= 109) and metastatic CRA (n=17). A semiquantitative scoring system was applied based on the intensity and extent of the positive immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The expressions of Slug and E-cadherin were associated with the depth of tumor invasion (pT) (p=0.019, p=0.001, respectively), and these expressions showed a significant inverse correlation (p<0.001) each other. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a positive role for Slug in the development of CRA, and Slug is a mediator of tumor invasion in CRA. In addition, an up-regulated Slug expression is significantly correlated with the loss of an E-cadherin expression, which suggests that Slug may play some role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by down-regulating the E-cadherin expression.

An assessment and comparison of nocturnal penile erection, audiovisually stimulated erection and vibration-induced erection in normal young adults / 대한비뇨기과학회지

To get the standard and marginal rigidity of physiologic erection in young Korean men with normal potency, nocturnal penile erection(NPE) and audio-visually stimulated erection(AVSE) were monitored using RigiScan in 30 young volunteers with normal potency aged from 21-35 years. Vibration induced erection was also assessed by bucking. The results were as follows. 1. Regarding to NPE, maximal rigidity lasting for more than 5 minutes was 40-70% in 4(10.3%) and more than 70% in 26 (89.7%) with mean+/-SD of 78.43+/-8.02 %. The maximal rigidity lasting for more than 10 minutes was 40-70% in 6(20%) and more than 70% in 24(80%), with mean+/-SD of 74.43+/-8.02%. 2. Regarding to AVSE, maximal rigidity lasting for more than 5 minutes was 40-70% in lt3.3 %) and more than 70% in 29(96.7%) with mean+/-SD of 81.30+/-7.18%. The maximal rigidity lasting for more than 10 minutes was 40-70% in 2(6.7%) and more than 70% in 28(93.3%), with mean+/-SD of 77.63 + 7.87%. Twenty seven men(90%) showed positive response to VIE test. but 3 with normal NPE and AVSE showed negative response to VIE test. Therefore, young potent men showed higher amplitude of maximal rigidity in AVSE than in NPE. and VIE test had the highest false negative response rate. The rigidity of 40% lasting 10 minutes was the lower limit of normal NPE and AVSE.