Expression of Fas-associated Factor 1 in the Developing Testis / 체질인류학회지

FAS associated factor 1 (FAF1) is a Fas-associating molecule, which enhances Fas mediated apoptosis. FAF1 gene is expressed most abundantly in the testis among the mouse organs. The aim of this study was to reveal the expression and the role of FAF1 in the developing testis. H-E stain and FAF1 immunohistochemistry were performed in the testis and epididymis of the E15.5 embryo, and 1, 2, and 8 week-old C57/BL6 mice. FAF1 was expressed in the testis from E 15.5 embryo to 8 week-old mice. Cell type of FAF1 positive cells was different among the developmental stage. Furthermore, cellular (cytoplasmic or nuclear) localization of FAF1 in the male germ cells was different during the developmental stage. FAF1 was expressed mainly in the nuclei of the germ cells 1 and 8 weeks after birth, when cell differentiation occurs actively in the testis. However, FAF1 was expressed in the cytoplasms of germ cells 2 weeks after birth, when apoptosis occurs maximally in the testis. Taken together, it can be suggested FAF1 expressed in male germ cells in the testis. FAF1 might be involved in regulation of the cellular function during spermatogenic cell differentiation and apoptosis in the testis.

Correlation of Clinical Progress and Serum Prostate Specific Antigen in the Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Purpose: We compared the baseline and post-treatment serum prostate specific antigen levels (s-PSA), the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) and the chronic prostatitis symptom index (CPSI). We wanted to determine whether the serum PSA level could be used as a biochemical marker for checking the progress of patients with chronic prostatitis. Materials and Methods: Of the patients who diagnosed with chronic prostatitis, we respectively reviewed the records of 48 men who were under 50 years old and who presented with a serum PSA level lower than 4ng/ ml (group P). As a control group (group N), we used the s-PSA data obtained from 2,787 men under 50 years old who had no evidence for lower urinary infection, and these men were seen at a serial screening program of a primary health clinic. After the treatment with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, the serum PSA and EPS were rechecked every 4 weeks. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-CPSI scores were rechecked after 8 weeks. Results: There are no different at mean age (group P vs N; 41.1 vs 41.1 years old). The baseline average serum PSA in group P was 1.53+/-0.73 ng/ml, and that in group N was 0.85 0.81ng/ml; the difference was significant (p=0.001). After 8 weeks of treatment, the average post-treatment serum PSA level was significantly decreased to 1.22+/-0.59ng/ml (p<0.05) and the leukocyte count in the EPS was also significantly decreased (p<0.05). The total NIH-CPSI score was significantly improved (p<0.05). Conclusions: These data suggest that serum PSA is increased in chronic prostatitis patients. Antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory treatment can relief patients' symptoms as well as decrease the serum PSA for chronic prostatitis after 8 weeks. Therefore, serum PSA could be used as a diagnostic factor in determining the patients' progress with employing the CPSI score and EPS results.