ABSTRACT
Objective To improve the understanding of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and to be aware of its potential of transforming to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods The clinical data of one patient diagnosed with HES progressed to AML in the 923rd Hospital of the Peopleˊs Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force were analyzed, and relevant literatures were reviewed. Results The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic HES that progressed to AML with FIP1-like-1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (FIP1L1-PDGFRA) after 2 years. The patients achieved complete remission after the treatment of chemotherapy combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor and then received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The patient had more than 1 year disease-free survival until the deadline. Conclusion Idiopathic HES has the potential to transform to AML with FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene positive, therefore regular follow-up should be emphasized.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To acknowledge the availability and rates of annual transition of outcomes during the progression and regression stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) and related diseases, by pooling global follow-up studies on the natural history of CRC.@*Methods@#Till March, 2017, data was collected through systematic literature review over multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Chinese Biology Medicine (CBM) disc. Information regarding the characteristics, classification system of health states, related outcomes and incidence rates on CRC or high-risk adenoma for the surveillance cohorts of the studies, were extracted and summarized. Both Meta and sensitivity analyses were performed on those outcomes if they appeared in more than 3 studies, using the random effects model. Annual transition rate with 95%CI was used to estimate each of the outcomes, Quality of the studies was assessed, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.@*Results@#A total of 29 cohort studies were included, with the mean follow-up period as 5.7 years. All studies except one, focused on adenoma-carcinoma pathway and reported the outcome parameters of adenomas by different risk, and some reported the findings on different sizes (n=6) of adenomas. These cohorts were divided into three groups (normal status, with low-risk or high-risk adenoma) according to the status of baseline endoscopic pathologic findings. Their available outcome parameters, corresponding number of involved articles, aggregated sample size and pooled annual transition rates were presented. Six parameters were obtained in the normal cohorts, including those from normal to low-risk adenoma (16 articles, 58 235, 0.030: 0.024-0.037), to high-risk adenoma (17 articles, 62 089, 0.003: 0.002-0.004), to diminutive adenoma (<5 mm, 4 articles, 1 277, 0.021: 0.013-0.029), to small adenoma (6-9 mm, 4 articles, 1 277, 0.006: 0.001-0.010), to large adenoma (≥10 mm, 7 articles, 3 531, 0.002: 0.000-0.003) and to CRC (19 articles, 104 836, 0.000 3: 0.000 2-0.000 5). Three parameters were obtained in low-risk adenoma in cohorts with polypectomy findings, including recurrence (9 articles, 4 788, 0.109: 0.062-0.157) from low-risk adenoma after polypectomy to high-risk adenoma (10 articles, 5 736, 0.009: 0.004-0.013) and to CRC (12 articles, 11 347, 0.000 6: 0.000 4-0.000 8). Three parameters were obtained on high-risk adenoma from cohorts with polypectomy findings, including recurrence (12 articles, 7 030, 0.038: 0.028-0.048) from high-risk adenoma after polypectomy to low-risk adenoma (8 articles, 2 489, 0.133: 0.081-0.185) and CRC (14 articles, 14 899, 0.002: 0.001-0.003). Except for normal to low-risk adenomas, results from the sensitivity analysis for the other parameters showed stable. Of the included studies, two presented incidence rates of CRC in different clinical stages and the another two were focusing on the parameters related to serrated pathway.@*Conclusions@#Globally, follow-up studies reported data on natural history of colorectal cancer is of paucity. Compared to the "adenoma-carcinoma" pathway, transition parameters of the serrated lesion pathway are more limited. This Meta-analysis provided convincing evidence for optimizing the strategies regarding follow-up program on the disease, using the baseline endoscopic findings from global CRC Screening Program. These results also offered strong data-related support for Chinese population- specific interventional model on colorectal cancer.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To improve the understanding of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and to be aware of its potential of transforming to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).@*Methods@#The clinical data of one patient diagnosed with HES progressed to AML in the 923rd Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force were analyzed, and relevant literatures were reviewed.@*Results@#The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic HES that progressed to AML with FIP1-like-1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (FIP1L1-PDGFRA) after 2 years. The patients achieved complete remission after the treatment of chemotherapy combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor and then received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The patient had more than 1 year disease-free survival until the deadline.@*Conclusion@#Idiopathic HES has the potential to transform to AML with FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene positive, therefore regular follow-up should be emphasized.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of compound glycyrrhizin on the prevention and cure of cytarabine syndromes. Methods A total of 130 patients with hematological malignancies treated by moderate or high dose of cytarabine in the 303th Hospital of PLA from July 2010 to July 2016 were included. Patients were randomly divided into the control group and the experiment group by using random number table method, and each group had 65 patients. In the control group, patients were treated with cytarabine alone. In the experiment group, patients were treated with cytarabine plus compound glycyrrhizin. Skin rash and fever in patients of the two groups were also recorded. Results of blood routine tests, liver and kidney function tests were monitored during the treatment. Results Sixty-one patients in the experiment group and 63 patients in the control group were enrolled finally. In experiment group and control group, the differences in the incidence of cytarabine syndromes [8.2 % (5/61) vs. 41.3 % (26/63), χ2= 18.1, P < 0.001], skin rash [1.6 % (1/61) vs. 12.7 % (8/63), χ2=16.3, P <0.001], and fever [6.6 % (4/61) vs. 36.5 % (23/63), χ2=5.63, P <0.017] were statistically significant. There was no significant difference of the incidence of liver injury and minimum blood cell count between the two groups (P> 0.05). Conclusion Compound glycyrrhizin can effectively reduce the incidence of cytarabine syndromes, but the larger size and multiple center studies are needed to further verify the effect.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effect of intervention of E-cadherin (E-cad) and B-lymphoma Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion region-1 (Bmi-1) mediated by transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) on the biological behaviors ofnasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.Methods:Multi-locus gene targeting vectors pUC-DS1-CMV-E-cad-2A-Neo-DS2 and pUC-DS1-Bmi-1 shRNA-Zeo-DS2 were constructed,and the E-cad and Bmi-1 targeting vectors were transferred with TALEN plasmids to CNE-2 cells individually or simultaneously.The integration of target genes were detected by PCR,the expressions of E-cad and Bmi-1 were detected by Western blot.The changes of cell proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay.T-he cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.The cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assay.Results:The E-cad and Bmi-1 shRNA expression elements were successfully integrated into the genome of CNE-2 cells,the protein expression level of E-cad was up-regulated,and the protein expression level of Bmi-1 was down-regulated.The intervention of E-cad and Bmi-1 didn't affect the proliferation,cell cycle and apoptosis of CNE-2 cells,but it significantly inhibited the migration and invasion ability of CNE-2 cells.Furthermore,the intervention of E-cad and Bmi-1 together significantly inhibited the migration ability of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells compared with the intervention of E-cad or Bmi-1 alone (all P<0.01).Conclusion:The joint intervention of E-cad and Bmi-1 mediated by TALEN can effectively inhibit the migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vitro,which may lay the preliminary experimental basis for gene therapy of human cancer.
ABSTRACT
Objective The objectives of this study were to analyze the results of lung cancer screening from 9265 urban residents in Urumqi from year 2014 to 2016,and to evaluate the significance of early diagnosis and treatment of cancer for the lung cancer prevention.Methods A total of 31,177 people with high risk of lung cancer were assessed by cancer risk questionnaire surveyed from 40 to 69 years old residents in Urumqi.High-risk groups were assigned to low-dose spiral CT scan in Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.Results 9,265 people were scanned with low dose spiral CT and overall completion rate was 29.7%.There had 11.9% detection rate in 1,005 people who were scanned positive pulmonary nodules.The detection rate was 31.9% for 2,955 people who were scanned solid nodules(<5 mm) and 2.5% for 236 people who had the non solid nodules(< 8 mm).After screening,14 patients were diagnosed by pathology and the detection rate was 0.2%.The emphysema,pulnonary cysts,pulmonary bullae and other related lung disease were detected in 4,095 people and the detection rate was 44.2%.Conclusion The lung health status of Urumqi residents was found by a wide range of lung cancer screening,and the awareness of lung cancer prevention and control was greatly improved.It provided the basis for the establishment of effective prevention and treatment system,which was helpful to improve the early diagnosis and treatment rate of lung cancer.
ABSTRACT
Objective Optimizing the preparation technology of Red buttock ointment,by exploring the best extraction conditions of the alkannin,radix arnebiae seu lithospermi polysaccharides and so on.Methods Selecting radix arnebiae seu lithospermi 1kg and using orthogonal experiment to explore the best extraction conditions.Naphtho-quinone pigment chemicals were extracted by reflux extraction method;ethanol and paraffin wax were chosen as the composite solvent.Radix arnebiae seu lithospermi polysaccharide was extracted by water decocting,which to observe the rationality of process.Results The best extraction condition is A3 B2 C1 D1 , including section A:ethanol was 20 times the quality of medicinal materials (select radix arnebiae seu lithospermi 1kg and ethanol 20kg),section B:the amount of paraffin was 5% of ethanol(select radix arnebiae seu lithospermi 1kg and paraffin 1 kg),section C:Boiling water was 20 times the quality of medicinal materials,section D:the boiling time was 2h.Conclusion The more practical production process conditions:Ethanol was 10 times the quality of medicinal materials,and the amount of paraffin was 5%of ethanol.Boiling water was 10 times the quality of medicinal materials,and the boiling time was 1 h.This method is economic, simple, reasonable, stable, reproducible and easy to operation.Red buttock ointment obtained by this method possesses of excellent quality,good performance and superior effect.
ABSTRACT
To compare the safety and efficacy between a three-way laryngeal mask airway[TLMA] and a standard laryngeal mask airway [SLMA] in children with pulmonary disorders. We retrospectively analyzed 60 pediatric patients with pulmonary disorders who had surgical procedures with general anesthesia [oxygen flow rate: 1L/min] and volume control ventilation. Among the patients, 42 were inserted with TLMA [group T] and 18 were administered with SLMA [group S]. Several parameters were obtained before, during and after the endoscopic procedure. Ease of insertion and the conditions during insertion were comparable in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding changes in hemodynamic and blood gas parameters. However, patients in group S spent significantly longer time in surgery [group T: 35 +/- 24 min compared with group S: 53 +/- 31 min, P < 0.05] and ventilated [group T: 52 +/- 26 min compared with group S: 68 +/- 28 min, P < 0.05] than those in group T. TLMA can be considered more effective for ventilation in children with pulmonary disorders who are undergoing general anesthesia.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore effects of Naikan cognitive therapy on improving clinical symptoms in patients with convalescent schizophrenia. Methods The 69 convalescent schizophrenic patients with convalescent clinical state were consecutively recruited. All the patients were divided into Naikan cognitive therapy ( NCT) group an control group at random and were pretreated with antipsychotic agent therapy. In NCT group,the patients received NCT for successive 7 days. In control group,the patients only received antipsychotic agent therapy. Pre-and post-treatment positive and negative syndrome scale( PANSS) , Nurses'observation scale for inpatient evaluation (NOSIE) were administered to all subjects. Results ① A significant decrease occurred in PANSS total score, negative symptom score, positive symptom score, compound scale score, general psychopathology score, reaction retardation score and paranoid score in NCT group ( t = 2. 672~7. 370, P < 0. 05). In the post-treatment, PANSS total score, negative symptom score, positive symptom score, compound scale score, reaction retardation score and thought disorder score were significantly lower in NCT group than those in control group ( t ' = 2. 696, P = 0. 009; t = 5. 186, P=0.000; t = 3.757, P = 0.001; t = 2.634,P = 0.011; t ' =2.376, P = 0.021). ②A significant decrease occurred in NOSIE total negative score( 10.43 ± 9. 24 vs 13. 87 ± 8. 03, t = 3. 463 , P = 0. 002) , irritation score(3. 13 ±0.43 vs8.53 ±4.98, t = 6. 139, P=0.000) and retardation score(1.07 ± 1.64 vs 2. 20 ±2.85, t = 2.067, P = 0.048) in NCT group. Conclusion NCT can possibly improve part clinical symptoms of patients with convalescent schizophrenia to a certain extent,especially negative symptom,but need to further prove the effect of NaiKan cognitive therapy.
ABSTRACT
External Guide Sequences (EGSs) represents a novel nucleic acid based gene interference approach to modulate gene expression. They are oligonucleotides that consist of a sequence complementary to a target mRNA and recruit intracellular RNase P for specific degradation of the target RNA. DNA-based EGS1386 with a size of 12 nt was chemically synthesized to target the mRNA coding for the UL49 gene of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The DNA-based EGS1386 molecule efficiently directed human RNase P to cleave the target mRNA sequence in vitro. A reduction of more than 50% in the levels of UL49 expression was observed in human cells treated with the DNA-based EGS1386 targeted UL49 assayed by fluorescent quantization PCR and Western blotting. This results showed that the DNA-EGS1386 can effectively guide the RNase P cut the target mRNA. Therefore, DNA-EGS can develop into a new gene silencing technology and potential of the anti-viral reagents.
Subject(s)
Humans , Base Sequence , Cytomegalovirus , Genetics , Metabolism , Cytomegalovirus Infections , Virology , DNA, Viral , Genetics , Directed Molecular Evolution , Methods , Gene Expression Regulation, Viral , Nucleic Acid Conformation , Oligodeoxyribonucleotides , Genetics , Pharmacology , Chemistry , Pharmacology , RNA, Messenger , Genetics , Metabolism , Ribonuclease P , Genetics , Metabolism , Viral Structural Proteins , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective To identify the genotypos of extended spectrum β-1actamase (ESBLs)-producing of Escherichia coli ( E. coli) clinical strains isolated from the Macao and compare the results with the genotypes of clinical strains collected in the first Clinical College, China Medical University (CMU) in Shengyang. Methods The clinically isolated E. coli strains including 209 strains from Macao and 150 strains from CMU were collected. Based on the standard of CLSI2006, the ESBLs-producing strains was identified and its isoelectric point(pI) value was detected by isoelectric focusing (IEF) method. The pI values were used to design the primers for PCR amplification. The amplified DNA sequences were then compared with the GenBank and the ESBL genotypes were confirmed. Results ( 1 ) The positive rate of ESBLs-producing strains of E. coli was 30. 1% (62/209) from Macao and 54. 0% (81/150)from CMU. (2)The genotype of 56 (90. 5% ) β-lactamase(ESBLs)-producing E. cull strains from Macao was CTX-M56. Most of them were CTX-M-14 (76. 2% ), other genotypes including CTX-M-9 (4. 8% ), CTX-M-22 (3.2%), CTX-M-24(3.2%), CTX-M-27(1. 6% ), and CTX-M-15( 1.6% ) were found. Six strains were unidentified. (3)The genotype of 74(91.5% )β-lactamase(ESBLs) -producing E. coli strains from Shenyang was CTX-M. Most of them were CTX-M-14 (65.4%), other genotypes including CTX-M-3 ( 13.6% ), CTX-M-24 (4. 9% ),CTX-M-22(2.5%), CTX-M-15(2.5%), CTX-M-9(1.2%) and CTX-M-28(1.2%) were found. Seven strains were unidentified. Conclusions CTX-M genotypo was the mostly identified ESBL-preducing E. Coli strains from Macao and the results were similar with that from CMU. Among them, the CTX-M-14 was the major genotype. Other genotypes included CTX-M-9, CTX-M-15, CTX-M-22, CTX-M-27, and CTX-M-24.However, two genotypes of CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-28 were not found in the clinical isolates in Macao and one genotype of CTX-M-27 was not found from the CMU clinical isolates.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the polymorphism of human cytomegalovius UL143 gene of low passage clinical isolates in Guangzhou,China.Method PCR was performed to amplify the entire HCMV ULl43 gene region of 3 clinical isolates,which had been proven by multiplex PCR.The amplification products were cloned into pMD18-T-Vector and subjected to sequencing.The result of DNA sequences were analyzed together with the one of published homologous sequences in GenBank from 14 clinical isolates.Result There were several stop codons in UL143 gene due to a base deletion in open reading frame (ORF) of D3 isolate,which could lead to produce non-functional protein.UL143 ORF of Toledo isolate consisted of 279 nueleotides,encoding a protein with 92 amino acids.UL143 ORFs of other isolates consisted of 252 nueleotides,encoding a protein with 83 amino acids.The DNA sequences were quite conserved and all the variations were base substitution.The amino acid sequences of different isolates were highly conserved.with variation of 1.2%-2.4%.There were no additional or deleted sites of post translational modification of UL143 protein in all clinical isolates except Toledo isolate.There were some differences in the secondary structure among different isolates.The isoelectric point of UL143 protein of all clinical isolates except Toledo isolate was 8.75.Conclusion All DNA and deduced amino acid sequences of UL143 gene shared great similarity among HCMV clinical strains regardless of their polymorphism.
ABSTRACT
Tumor Necrosis Factor is one of the cell factors with much stronger anti-tumor activity. In this study, photoactive arylazide-4-azidobenzoic acid was modified to Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The IR data (2127cm(-1)) was given to confirm the modification. By photo-immobilization, this modified TNF-a was immobilized on cell culture polystyrene. Both the relation between the amount of TNF-alpha in feed and immobilized TNF-alpha and the influence of different UV irradiation time on photo-immobilization are discussed. Microscopic observations of the photo-immobilization TNF-alpha were made by use of scanning electrom microscope and atomic force microscope.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Photochemistry , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Chemistry , Therapeutic Uses , Ultraviolet Rays , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
To explore the effect of the co-photo-immobilization of Recombinant Human Interferon-r (IFN-gamma) and Recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-alpha) on the Hela cell cultivated in vitro. Co-immobilize the photoactive IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha on the polystyrene membrane; Cultivate the Hela cell on the cell culture polystyrene plate surface and set up the cultivation of the photo-immobilization IFN-gamma+TNF-alpha, Photo-immobilization IFN-gamma, nature (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma+TNF-alpha). After 48 hours, the inhibition effect against Hela cells was studied in vitro by SEM and flow cytometry. It showed that the co-immobilization IFN-gamma+TNF-alpha has a more obvious inhibition effect on the Hela cell. And IFN-gamma can cooperate with TNF-alpha obviously.
Subject(s)
Humans , Antineoplastic Agents , Chemistry , Allergy and Immunology , Pharmacology , Apoptosis , Cell Proliferation , Drug Synergism , HeLa Cells , Interferon-gamma , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Photochemistry , Recombinant Proteins , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Chemistry , PharmacologyABSTRACT
AIM: To construct recombinant adenovirus vector carrying the gene of human somatostatin receptor type 2(SSTR2) for gene therapy of pancreatic carcinoma.METHODS: SSTR2 cDNA was inserted into adenovirus shuttle plasmid pDC316,named pDC316-SSTR2.pDC316-SSTR2 was cotransfected with rescue plasmid pBHGlox(delta) E1,3Cre into 293 cells by liposome reagent.Ad-SSTR2 was generated by site-specific recombination and confirmed by PCR.Ad-SSTR2 was propagated in 293 cells and purified.The titer of viral stock was determined by end-point dilution assay.Western blotting was used to determine the expression of SSTR2 protein after human pancreatic carcinoma cell capan-2 was infected with recombinant adenovirus.RESULTS: pDC316-SSTR2 was successfully constructed.Recombinant adenovirus Ad-SSTR2 was acquired by pDC316-SSTR2 and pBHGlox(delta) E1,3Cre cotransfected into 293 cells.Ad-SSTR2 was characterized by PCR.The virus titer was 6.0?10~(12) pfu/L.SSTR2 protein was detected after adenovirus infected capan-2 48 h with Western blotting.CONCLUSION: The recombinant adenovirus vector encoding human SSTR2 is successfully constructed and correctly expressed in pancreatic carcinoma cells.This investigation provides the basis for study of gene therapy of pancreatic carcinoma.
ABSTRACT
AIM:pUL23,the product of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) gene UL23 was identified as one of tegument proteins. The aim of this research is to investigate the function of pUL23 during HCMV life cycle.METHODS:GAL4 yeast two-hybrid assay was performed to screen the human fetal kidney cDNA library to obtain host cell protein molecules which interact with pUL23 of HCMV. Then the GST-pulldown experiment was applied to confirm the protein interactions identified by yeast two-hybrid.RESULTS:ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (ATIF1) was selected from host cells using yeast two-hybrid assay. GST-pulldown experiments in vitro further confirmed the interaction between ATIF1 and pUL23.CONCLUSION:pUL23 of HCMV can interact with ATIF1 in host cell,which may provide the evidence for understanding the function of pUL23 in the life cycle of HCMV.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To study the interrelation between the structure and the function of artificial ribozyme M_1GS. METHODS: Ribozyme M_1GS-T_7, which targeted the mRNA segment of HCMV UL54 gene, was constructed. The secondary structure of M_1GS was simulated under different temperatures (20 ℃, 37 ℃ or 55 ℃, at which the secondary structure of M_1GS was relatively stable) and the interrelation between the secondary structure and the cleavage activity of M_1GS was analyzed under different temperature in vitro. To investigate the interrelation between the structure and the function of ribozyme M_1GS further, mM_1GS-T_7 was designed, in which some mutation sites was added, according to the result of temperature change experiment and the simulated secondary structure, showing that were the same structures at 37 ℃ as that of M_1GS-T_7 at 55 ℃. RESULTS: In temperature change experiment, the cleavage activity of M_1GS-T_7 was highest at 55 ℃. The result of mutant experiment showed that the mutant type was more active than M_1GS-T_7 at 37 ℃. CONCLUSION: The cleavage activity of M_1GS, which has some certain secondary structure, is higher than others. There is some interrelation between the structure and the function of M_1GS.
ABSTRACT
AIM:To determine the effect of rhBMP2 on the migration of human breast cancer cells MCF-7. METHODS:MCF-7 was induced by rhBMP2 (30 ?g/L) for 24 h. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to observe the changes in cell morphology. Cell migration and invasion abilities were assayed by scratch healing and transwell experiments. RESULTS:The formation of lamellipodia and cell polarity together with increased cell length were observed in the cells treated with rhBMP2,whereas lamellipodia of cells in control group were not obvious and the majority of cells tended to be rounder with shorter cell diameter. Compared to control group,scratch healing and transwell experiments showed that the migration and invasion capacity of rhBMP2-induced MCF-7 cells was markedly enhanced. CONCLUSION:rhBMP2 induces human breast cancer cell MCF-7 to present the phenotype of migration and enhances the invasion capacity.
ABSTRACT
The development of DNA chip has been strongly driven by modern approaches of life science and microelectronics. The broad of DNA chip applications include the detection of pathogens,the detection of mutations in genes involved in human diseases or affected during cancer progression, sequence analysis, the pattern of gene expression monitoring and pharmacy studies .This review explains the technology, its scope, and impact on medicine, as well as its cost and possible limitations.
ABSTRACT
Pem gene is one of the homeobox gene. Unlike members of Hox gene family, Pem gene is unique located at the proximal end of the X chromosome and its expression has been detected in several immortalized and transformed cells, placenta, embryos and reproductive tissues. Numeral studies showed that its expression is controlled by hormone such as androgen. This review discussed the possible role of Pem in regulating genes involved in the differentiation and development of extraembryonic tissue, spermatogenesis and sperm maturation.