Small interfering RNA inhibits the expression of connexin43 in the human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To inhibit the expression of connexin43 (Cx43) in the human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and detect the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), and to investigate the application of siRNA technology in the gap junction of corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells and its role in the penile erection process.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With the help of the software of Ambion Corporation, the specific recombinant plasmids with siRNA targeting human Cx43 gene were constructed. The recombinant plasmids having been stably transferred into human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells for 48 hours, semi-quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting techniques were used to examine the inhibitory effects of siRNA on the expressions of the Cx43 gene and protein, in comparison with the siRNA negative control and the blank control group, respectively. The GJIC was detected by scrape-loading and fluorescence dye transfer experiments through the fluorescence microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing showed that the recombinant plasmid pSilencer 1.0-U6-siRNA-Cx43 was successfully constructed. The relative levels of Cx43 mRNA and protein expression in the smooth muscle cells were (0.45 +/- 0.08)% and (0.56 +/- 0.06)% after successful transfer of the recombinant plasmid. However, the expression levels of mRNA and protein were (0.72 +/- 0.04)% and (0.80 +/- 0.08)% in the negative siRNA transfer group, and (0.74 +/- 0.09)% and (0.77 +/- 0.11)% in the blank control, respectively, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). The GJIC also decreased significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>siRNA can significantly inhibit the expression of Cx43 and block the GJIC in the human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells. siRNA technology plays an important role in penile erection and flaccidity.</p>

Clinical analysis of laparoscopic complications in urologic surgery / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the causes,prevention and treatment ot laparoscopic comphca- tions in urologic surgery.Methods From May 2000 to May 2004,135 urologic laparoscopies were per- formed,including 17 transperitoneal laparoscopies and 118 retroperitoneal laparoscopies.Of the135 cases,26 had adrenal adenoma extirpation;31 had roof-removal and decompression of renal cyst;25 had radical ne- phrectomy;6 had pyeloplasty;2 had partial resection of renal capsula and encapsulation of the great omen- tum;2 had partial nephrectomy;4 had pelviureteral resection;13 had ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic ves- sel;2 had ureterolysis;7 had ureterolithotomy;12 had ligation of spermophlebectasis;5 had exploration,re- duction and fixation of undescended testis.The intra-and post-operative complications were retrospectively reviewed and clinically analyzed.Results Overall,14 cases(10.4%)had complications.Intraoperative complications occurred in 10 cases,including 6 cases of peritoneal injuries,which were clamped during oper- ation;4 of vascular injuries,which resulted in conversion to open surgery.Postoperative complications oc- curred in 4 cases,including 2 of subcutaneous emphysema,which was spontaneously absorbed at 5 and 7 d after operation;1 of incision seepage,which was drained for 40 d and then disappeared;and 1 of urine reten- tion,for which urethral catheterization was kept for 3 d and then the patient had voluntary voiding.No death occurred in this series.Conclusions Understanding the characteristics of laparoscopic complications in u- rologic surgery and systematic training of the surgeons can reduce the occurrence of complications.