Thoughts on Current Quality Standard of Atractylodis Rhizoma Based on Genuine Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Atractylodis Rhizoma is a kind of commonly used clinical Chinese medicine （TCM）， which was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing （《神农本草经》）. At that time， it was called "Zhu"， which is the general name of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. After Song dynasty， Atractylodis Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma were separated. Atractylodis Rhizoma can be divided into Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis. In history， A. lancea as authentic， that its quality is better than A. chinensis. However， the quality of Atractylodis Rhizoma was evaluated by the index component atractylodin in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The general results showed that the content of atractylodin in A. lancea was low， even failed to meet the specified standard， and its content in A. chinensis was significantly higher than that in A. lancea. The results were inconsistent with the records of ancient books and documents， and the quality theory of "genuine medicine is the best". It could not reflect the quality advantage of genuine Atractylodis Rhizoma， and may even affect the clinical application and development momentum of genuine medicine. In short， the quality standard of TCM should not only conform to the historical experience， but also have the connotation of modern science and technology， which can stand the test of practice. Based on this， the author intends to sort out relevant laws and regulations， sort out the literature related to the authenticity， composition and efficacy of Atractylodis Rhizoma， and analyze the rationality of the current standard of Atractylodis Rhizoma by integrating the relevant records of historical classics and modern research results， so as to provide a basis for the improvement of the quality standard of Atractylodis Rhizoma.

Phenotype analysis of 11 fetuses with 22q11.2 microduplication diagnosed prenatally / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical phynotypes of fetuses with 22q11.2 microduplications.Method:Eleven fetuses were diagnosed with 22q11.2 microduplications among 2 969 cases who underwent prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis from January 2016 to February 2020. The phenotypes, indications for invasive prenatal diagnosis, genetic results, pregnancy outcomes and postnatal clinical presentation were analyzed.Results:There were 6 cases diagnosed with classic 3.0 Mb microduplication (DiGeorge and velocardiofacial syndromes, DGS/VCFS) in the 22q11.2, 1 case with 1.5 Mb proximal microduplication and 4 cases with distal small segment microduplication (E-H). Out of 11 fetuses with 22q11.2 microduplications,7 cases were inherited, 2 cases was de novo and data were not available for 2 cases. Vicular septal defect and anencephalu were diagnosed by ultrasonography in 2 cases,fetal growth restriction was diagnosed in 2 cases,no any abnormalities were found in remaining 7 cases. Seven cases(3 cases of classic 3.0 Mb microduplication, 1 case of proximal microduplication and 3 cases of distal small segment microduplication) were delivered at full-term;and pregnancy was terminated in 4 cases. Seven infants were followed up after birth, 4 infants were normal, 3 showed abnormal phenotypes.Conclusion:The clinical phenotypes after birth of fetuses with 22q11.2 microduplication are diverse. Prenatal genetic counseling is necessary,so that pregnant women and their families can fully understand the possible clinical phenotypes and make informed choices.

Analysis on Difference of Medicinal Properties Between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis Based on Correlation of Energy Metabolism and Dryness / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism of Atractylodis Rhizoma， and to analyze the difference of medicinal properties between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis. MethodA total of 110 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 11 groups， including normal group， volatile oil of A. lancea 1-5 group （S1-S5 group， doses of 447， 473， 442， 489， 496 mg·kg-1） and volatile oil of A. chinensis 1-5 group （N1-N5 group， doses of 197， 118， 281， 222， 185 mg·kg-1）， the administration volume was 0.01 mL·g-1 with intragastric administration for 21 days. Dryness effect of A. lancea and A. chinensis on rats was evaluated by comparing the body weight， drinking water volume， urine volume， whole blood viscosity and pathological sections of submandibular gland stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）. The expression of aquaporin 2 （AQP2） in rat kidney was measured by immunohistochemistry， the mRNA expressions of cytochrome C oxidase subunit 7A2 （COX7A2） and succinate dehydrogenase （SDH） complex subunit D （SDHD） in liver tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The contents of SDH， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and sodium ion-potassium ion-adenosine triphosphatase （Na+-K+-ATPase） in rat plasma were determined by colorimetry. The quality of A. lancea and A. chinensis was evaluated by coefficient of variation method， and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism. ResultCompared with the normal group， the amounts of drinking water and urine in volatile oil of A. lancea group and volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased， and the submandibular gland acini atrophied， the whole blood viscosity of rats in the volatile oil of A. lancea group increased significantly （P<0.01）， the expression levels of COX7A2 and SDHD mRNA， the activities of SDH， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase increased significantly （P<0.01）， and the expression of AQP2 in kidney decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the expression level of COX7A2 mRNA， SDH activity and whole blood viscosity in the volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the AQP2 and SDH mRNA expression levels， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase activities had no significant difference. The comprehensive score analysis of each index showed that the effect of volatile oil of A. lancea on dryness and energy metabolism was stronger than that of volatile oil of A. chinensis， and there was a positive correlation between dryness index and energy metabolism index. ConclusionThe two indexes show that medicinal properties of A. lancea is stronger than that of A. chinensis， and energy metabolism is closely related to the dryness of Atractylodis Rhizoma. It is suggested that it is reasonable to evaluate the dryness effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma from the perspective of energy metabolism， which can further enrich the evaluation indexes of medicinal properties.

Analysis on Difference of Medicinal Properties Between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis Based on Correlation of Energy Metabolism and Dryness / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism of Atractylodis Rhizoma， and to analyze the difference of medicinal properties between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis. MethodA total of 110 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 11 groups， including normal group， volatile oil of A. lancea 1-5 group （S1-S5 group， doses of 447， 473， 442， 489， 496 mg·kg-1） and volatile oil of A. chinensis 1-5 group （N1-N5 group， doses of 197， 118， 281， 222， 185 mg·kg-1）， the administration volume was 0.01 mL·g-1 with intragastric administration for 21 days. Dryness effect of A. lancea and A. chinensis on rats was evaluated by comparing the body weight， drinking water volume， urine volume， whole blood viscosity and pathological sections of submandibular gland stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）. The expression of aquaporin 2 （AQP2） in rat kidney was measured by immunohistochemistry， the mRNA expressions of cytochrome C oxidase subunit 7A2 （COX7A2） and succinate dehydrogenase （SDH） complex subunit D （SDHD） in liver tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The contents of SDH， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and sodium ion-potassium ion-adenosine triphosphatase （Na+-K+-ATPase） in rat plasma were determined by colorimetry. The quality of A. lancea and A. chinensis was evaluated by coefficient of variation method， and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism. ResultCompared with the normal group， the amounts of drinking water and urine in volatile oil of A. lancea group and volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased， and the submandibular gland acini atrophied， the whole blood viscosity of rats in the volatile oil of A. lancea group increased significantly （P<0.01）， the expression levels of COX7A2 and SDHD mRNA， the activities of SDH， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase increased significantly （P<0.01）， and the expression of AQP2 in kidney decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the expression level of COX7A2 mRNA， SDH activity and whole blood viscosity in the volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the AQP2 and SDH mRNA expression levels， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase activities had no significant difference. The comprehensive score analysis of each index showed that the effect of volatile oil of A. lancea on dryness and energy metabolism was stronger than that of volatile oil of A. chinensis， and there was a positive correlation between dryness index and energy metabolism index. ConclusionThe two indexes show that medicinal properties of A. lancea is stronger than that of A. chinensis， and energy metabolism is closely related to the dryness of Atractylodis Rhizoma. It is suggested that it is reasonable to evaluate the dryness effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma from the perspective of energy metabolism， which can further enrich the evaluation indexes of medicinal properties.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation improves pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization- embryo transfer : A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) based on the available clinical evidence.@*METHODS@#We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang Database up to February 2021 for published randomized controlled trials (RCT) relevant to TEAS for the improvement of the pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET. We performed literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a meta-analysis with the RevMan 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 2 206 cases of IVF-ET from 9 RCTs were included, 1 018 in the TEAS group and 1 188 in the control. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the TEAS than in the mock TEAS and non-TEAS control groups (RR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.42－2.42, P < 0.001; RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10－1.39, P = 0.0004), and so was it before and after oocyte retrieval (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03－2.17, P = 0.03; RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12－1.92, P = 0.005). The TEAS group also showed dramatically improved embryo implantation rate (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.24－1.79, P < 0.0001) and live birth rate (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04－1.98, P = 0.03) compared with the control.@*CONCLUSIONS@#As a safe and non-invasive treatment, TEAS can significantly improve the pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET, with definite effectiveness. /.

A review of clinical specifications of Scutellariae Radix pieces in ancient and modern literature / 中国中药杂志

Scutellariae Radix is a commonly used Chinese medicinal first recorded in the Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. In the ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), Scutellariae Radix is used in two specifications, solid one(Ziqin) and hollow one(Kuqin). In the current rules and regulations of Chinese medicine, Scutellariae Radix is used without the specific requirements for the specifications applied. To clarify the evolution of Scutellariae Radix specifications and analyze the current specifications of Scutellariae Radix pieces, the present study reviews the Scutellariae Radix from ancient literature, modern rules and regulations, and differences between Ziqin and Kuqin in composition, efficacy, and transformation mechanism. According to the research on ancient books, Kuqin is effective in clearing the fire of the upper energizer, and Ziqin in purging the heat of the lower energizer. Modern studies have revealed that Kuqin and Ziqin are significantly different in chemical components, and Ziqin and Kuqin target the colon and lung, respectively, which are consistent with the relevant records in ancient books. The review study suggests that the two specifications of Scutellariae Radix are reasonable since they can facilitate the precise treatment of Scutellariae Radix.

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of 17 fetuses with skeletal dysplasia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore strategies of prenatal genetic testing for fetuses featuring abnormal skeletal development.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 17 fetuses with skeletal dysplasia was collected. The results of genetic testing and outcome of pregnancy were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#For 12 fetuses, the femur-to-foot length ratio was less than 0.9. Thirteen fetuses had a positive finding by genetic testing. One fetus was diagnosed with chromosomal aneuploidy, three were diagnosed with microdeletion/microduplications, and nine were diagnosed with hereditary bone diseases due to pathological variants of FGFR3, COL1A2, GPX4 or ALPL genes.@*CONCLUSION@#For fetuses with skeletal dysplasia characterized by short femur, in addition to chromosomal karyotyping and microarray analysis, sequencing of FGFR3 and other bone disease-related genes can improve the diagnostic rate.

Effect of saw palmetto extract on the reproductive function of male rats with chronic prostatitis / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of saw palmetto extract (SPE) on the reproductive function of rats with chronic prostatitis (CP).@*METHODS@#Forty male SD rats were equally randomized into groups A (blank control), B (blank control + SPE, C (CP model control) and D (CP model + SPE), and the CP model was made by injection of 1% λ-carrageenan solution into the prostate. The animals in groups A and C were gavaged with normal saline while those in groups B and D with SPE at 0.10 g/kg/d, all for 30 successive days. After drug withdrawal, the rats were mated with female ones in the ratio of 1∶1) and sacrificed 7 days later, their bilateral epididymides collected for detection of sperm count and motility. The numbers of pregnancies and fetuses were recorded and compared among different groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the rats in group A, those in group C showed a marked decrease in epididymal sperm motility (［68.01 ± 1.80］% vs ［62.59 ± 4.82］%, P 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the count of epididymal sperm, rate of pregnancy and number of fetuses between group A and the other groups (P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#SPE can improve the semen parameters of CP rats, and has no adverse effect on the rate of pregnancy and number of fetuses.

Efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of ED: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) in the treatment of ED based on the available clinical evidence.@*METHODS@#We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang Database up to June 2018 for published randomized controlled trials on the treatment of ED by LI-ESWT. We performed literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and conducted a meta-analysis of the data obtained using the RevMan 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 595 ED cases in 8 double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included in this study, 362 in the LI-ESWT and 233 in the control group. Compared with the controls, the patients treated by LI-ESWT showed significantly improved IIEF (WMD = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.44－2.96, P = 0.008) and erection hardness score (EHS) (RR = 11.72, 95% CI: 5.13－26.80, P < 0.01). The IIEF scores of the patients were markedly increased at 4 and 24 weeks after LI-ESWT (WMD = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.10－2.75, P = 0.03; WMD = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.49－4.68, P = 0.0002), as well as after the 10th to 12th treatment (WMD = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.31－3.31, P = 0.02) though not after the 5th to 6th (WMD = 1.88, 95% CI: －2.10 to 5.86, P = 0.35). LI-ESWT also significantly increased the IIEF scores in the patients with the baseline IIEF ≥12 (WMD = 2.13, 95% CI: 0.51－3.75, P = 0.01) but not in those with the baseline IIEF ≤11 (WMD = 1.04, 95% CI: －0.96 to 3.03, P = 0.31). No significant adverse events were reported in the 8 RCTs.@*CONCLUSIONS@#As a non-invasive treatment, LI-ESWT is safe and effective and can significantly improve IIEF and EHS in ED patients.

Curcumin inhibits advanced glycation end products-induced cell apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction via elevating PPARγ in chondrocyte / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the mechanism of the protective effect of curcumin on advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction whether by elevating peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) or not.Methods The ratio of apoptotic cells was assayed by TUNEL;the mitochondrial membrane potential(△Ψm) was evaluated by Rhodamine-123 fluorescence.The ATP content was assayed by related kits.The activity of caspase-3 was detected by spectrophotometry.The expression of cytochrome C,Bax,and Bcl-2 was detected by Western blot.The PPARγ expression was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR;in addition,its activity was assayed by DNA-binding method.Results AGEs could induce chondrocyte apoptosis and up-regulate the levels of cytochrome C and caspase-3.Simultaneously,AGEs decreased the levels of △ Ψm and ATP production.Mitochondrial permeability conversion pore inhibitor cyclosporine A could significantly protect the cells from apoptosis.In addition,both PPARγ specific agonist pioglitazone and curcumin significantly inhibited AGEs-induced chondrocytes apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction.However,pretreatment with PPARγ specific inhibitor GW9662 (10 μ mol · L-1) could significantly antagonize the protective effect of curcumin on mitochondrial damage induced by AGEs.Curcumin could also significantly increase PPARγtranscriptional activity induced by AGEs,together with a significant induction of PPARγprotein and mRNA expression.Conclusion Curcumin could effectively protect AGEs-induced chondrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction by upregulating PPARγ,thus protecting chondrocytes from apoptosis.

Related factors on skip metastasis of neck lymph node in papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the correlation between skip metastasis of neck lymph node and clinicopathological features in papillary thyroid carcinoma.@*Methods@#Totally 272 papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with lateral lymph node metastases who received surgical procedure at Department of Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of the Jilin University from January 2014 to June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 105 male and 167 female patients, aging from 16 to 73 years with a mean age of (42±8) years. There were 29 patients (10.7%) with skip metastasis. And then the correlation between skip metastasis of neck lymph node and clinicopathological features was analyzed by χ2 test and multivariate Logistic regression test.@*Results@#The rate of skip metastasis in all patients was 10.7% (29/272). By summarizing the distribution of the lateral lymph nodes about the patients with skip metastasis, 16 cases metastasized in single level (55.2%), meanwhile 6 in two levels (20.7%) and 7 in three levels (24.1%). Strong correlation between age, tumor location and skip metastasis was found using χ2 test (χ2 values were 14.056 and 21.362 respectively, both P values were 0.000). Age (>45 years) (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 1.767 to 10.552, P=0.001), microcarcinoma (OR=2.623, 95% CI: 1.013 to 6.795, P=0.047)and the tumor located in the upper of the thyroid (OR=11.982, 95% CI: 2.533 to 56.173, P=0.002) were risk factors to the skip metastasis through multivariable Logistic regression analysis.@*Conclusions@#Age >45 years old, microcarcinoma or tumor located in the upper part of the thyroid gland was more likely present with skip metastasis. Skip metastases are often involved in the lateral multi-level. Therefore, confronted patients with one of these risk factors, the occurrence of skip metastasis should be awared when the lateral lymph node was large abnormally. Accordingly, it may be appropriate to extend the indications of fine needle aspiration for lateral lymph node in order to prevent missed diagnosis.

Clinical Study of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Combined with Adenosylmethionine in the Treatment of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy / 医学研究杂志

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid combined with adenosylmethionine in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and its effect on pregnancy outcomes.Methods One hundred and four patients with ICP were divided into study group (52 cases) and control group (52 cases) according to the random number table.The patients in the control group were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid on the basis of routine treatment.While ursodeoxycholic acid combined with adenosylmethionine in the study group.The levels of serum IL-17 and TGF-β were measured before and after treatment,and the serum levels of IL-17 and TGF-β were measured before and after the treatment in both groups.The clinical efficacy,pregnancy outcome and also the levels of serum IL-17 and TGF-β were measured and compared before and after treatment in both groups.Results The treatment efficiency (88.46％) of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (71.15％),the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).The clinical efficacy of mild ICP patients in the control group was better than that the severe ICP patients (P ＜ 0.05),but the clinical efficacy of the study group was not significantly related to the severity of ICP.The score of pruritus in the ICP group was significantly higher than that in the mild ICP group (P ＜ 0.05),and the score of itching in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The pregnancy outcome of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group (P ＜0.05).The pregnancy outcome of severe ICP patients was significantly better than that of the mild ICP patients (P ＜ 0.05).The improvement of liver function in study group was better than that in control group,and the improvement of liver function in severe ICP patients was less than that in mild ICP group (P ＜ 0.05).The improvement of IL-17 and TGF-β levels in the study group was better than that in the control group,and the levels of IL-17 and TGF-β in patients with severe ICP were lower than those in patients with mild ICP (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Ursodeoxycholic acid combined with adenosylmethionine can significantly improve the outcome of pregnancy and the liver function in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.The mechanism of which may be to improve the patient's Th1T/Treg imbalance,the efficacy is related to the severity of ICP.

Effects of Xialiqi Capsules on the expressions of PCNA and caspase-3 in rats withbenign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the effects of Xialiqi Capsules(XLQ) on the expressions of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 in the prostate tissue of the BPH rat model.@*METHODS@#Fifty male SD ratswereequally randomized into groups A (sham operation control), B (BPH model control), C (high-dose XLQ), D (low-dose XLQ), and E (finasteridecontrol) andthe BPH modelswere established by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate at 0.5 mg per kilogram of the body weight per day for 30 days after castration. After modeling, the animals in groups A and B were treated intragastricallywith normal saline, while those in C, D, and E with XLQ at 1.20 and 0.61 g per kilogram of the body weight per day or finasterideat 0.8 mg per kilogram of the body weight per day, respectively, all for 30 days. Then,the bilateral prostates were harvestedfrom the rats for calculation of the prostatic index (prostate wet weight/ body weight) and determination of the expressions of PCNA and caspase-3 in the prostate tissue by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The prostate wet weight and prostate index were significantly increased in group B as compared with group A, (［1326±60］ vs［471±17］ g, P<0.01; ［2.89±0.18］ vs ［1.06±0.06］ mg/g, P<0.01), but decreased in groups C (［914±36］ g;［2.02±0.08］ mg/g), D (［1 099±46］g;［2.39±0.11］ mg/g), and E (［817±53］ g;［1.83±0.10］ mg/g)in comparison with B (P<0.01), with statistically significant differences among groups C, D, and E(P<0.01) and most significantly in E.The PCNA level in the prostate tissue wasremarkably higher in group B than in A, but lower in groups C, D and E than in B. The expression of caspase-3 was down-regulatedin group B as compared with A, but up-regulated in groups C, D and E in comparison with B, most significantly in E.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Xialiqi Capsules can effectively reduce the prostate wet weight and prostatic index of in rats with BPH by inhibiting the level of PCNA and promoting the expression of caspase-3.

Dynamic expression changes of Smad3 and type Ⅰ collagen in sclera of progressive myopia in guinea pigs / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Sclera remodeling process in axial elongation is one of the main pathological mechanisms of axial myopia progression.Studies confirmed that transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) participates in the sclera remodeling process,and Smad3 is one of TGF-β1 downstream signal gene transcriptive factors,so to explore its role in sclera remodeling process of myopic eyes is of great significance for pathogenesis and prevention research of myopia.Objective This study was to investigate the expressions of type Ⅰ collagen and Smad3,a TGF-31 downstream target,in sclera of form deprivation myopic (FDM) eyes and explore the impact of TGF-β1-Smad3-type Ⅰ collagen signaling pathway on collagen remodeling in myopic sclera.Methods Seventy-five 1-week-old guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control group (25 guinea pigs) and FDM group (50 guinea pigs).Monocular FDM was induced by occluding the left eyes of guinea pigs in FDM group with translucent latex balloons for 2,4,6 weeks,respectively,and consecutive occluding for 4 weeks followed by uncovering for 1 week (4/-1 weeks).The refractive power was detected by retinoscopy and axial length was measured with A-type ultrasound.Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR were employed to detect the dynamic expressions of type Ⅰ collagen and Smad3 protein ad mRNA in the sclera of guinea pigs with emmetropia and experimental myopia,ard the relationship between collagen Ⅰ and Smad3 levels was analyzed.Results The refraction was hypermetropic in both normal control group and FDM group before occluding of eyes (P＞0.05),and the hypermetropic power was gradually reduced over time in the normal control group.In the FDM group,the refractive power was gradually changed from (+2.09 ± 0.31)D before occluding to (-1.23±0.69),(-4.17±0.59),(-7.07±0.56) and (-4.30±0.58)D,and the axial length was increased from (5.93-±0.39)mm to (6.62±0.36),(7.30±0.34),(7.99--0.32),and (7.21 ±0.36) mm at weeks 2,4,6,and 4/-1 after occluding,respectively,indicating significant differences in refractive power and axial length over time in the FDM group from normal control group and self-control group (all at P＜0.05).The expressions of Smad3 and type Ⅰ collagen protein and mRNA in the sclera of the FDM group was significantly lower than those of the control group and self-control group in various time points (all at P＜0.05).The positive correlation were found in the expression of Smad3 on the myopic sclera with that of type Ⅰ collagen in both protein and mRNA levels (protein:r=0.993,P＜0.05;mRNA:r=0.954,P＜0.05).Conclusions The myopic power and ocular axis increase dependent upon occluding time,and the expressions of Smad3 and type Ⅰ collagen in the sclera are correspondingly weakened in FDM eyes.A consistent expression trend is found between Smad3 and type Ⅰ collage,suggesting Smad3 and type Ⅰ collagen participate in the regulation of sclera remodeling in myopia by TGF-β1-Smad3-Collagen Ⅰ signaling pathway.

ICSI with testicular or epididymal sperm for patients with obstructive azoospermia: A systematic review / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To assess the effects of testicular sperm and epididymal sperm on the outcomes of ICSI for patients with obstructive azoospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang Database up to December 2015 for published literature relevant to ICSI with testicular or epididymal sperm for obstructive azoospermia patients. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the included trials, followed by meta-analysis with the RevMan 5.3 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 14 studies were identified, involving 1 278 patients and 1 553 ICSI cycles. ICSI with epididymal sperm exhibited a significantly higher fertilization rate than that with testicular sperm (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.05－1.11, P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed between the epididymal and testicular sperm groups in the rates of cleavage (RR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.99－1.10, P = 0.13), good-quality embryo (RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.93－1.09,P = 0.85), implantation (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.75－1.73, P = 0.55), clinical pregnancy (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.98－1.31, P = 0.08), and miscarriage (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.53－1.39,P = 0.54).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ICSI with epididymal sperm yields a markedly higher fertilization rate than that with testicular sperm, but has no statistically significant differences from the latter in the rates of cleavage, good-quality embryo, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage in the treatment of obstructive azoospermia.</p>

Application of saw palmetto fruit extract in the treatment of prostate diseases / 中华男科学杂志

Saw palmetto fruit extract (SPE), as a herbal product, is widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Recent studies show that SPE also has some therapeutic effects on chronic prostatitis, prostate cancer, sexual dysfunction, and so on. This article presents an overview on the application of SPE in the treatment of BPH, prostate cancer, and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, with a discussion on its action mechanisms.

Lipopolysaccharide affects testicular histology and reproductive endocrine function in male rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on the testicular histology and reproductive endocrine function in male rats and investigate the possible mechanism of inflammation affecting male fertility.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (A) and three LPS intervention groups (B, C, and D) to receive saline and LPS (5 mg/kg i. p, once), respectively. The animals in groups B, C, and D were killed by anesthesia at 12, 24, and 72 hours after treatment. Histopathological changes in the left testis of the rats were observed by HE staining and the levels of the reproductive hormones T, FSH, and LH in the serum were determined by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with group B, group A showed clear structure of seminiferous tubules, orderly arrangement of spermatogenic cells, a slightly decreased number of sperm in some seminiferous tubular lumens, and shed spermatogenic cells in the rat testis tissue; group C exhibited thinner seminiferous epithelia, disordered structure of seminiferous tubules, irregular arrangement of spermatogenic cells, decreased number of mature sperm and obvious shedding of spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubular lumens; group D manifested similar findings to those of group C, with even more shed spermatogenic cells that blocked the tubular lumens. The levels of serum T, LH, and FSH were (0.490 +/- 0.028) ng/ml, (6.290 +/- 0.515) ng/L, and (1.837 +/- 0.127) IU/L in group A, (0.460 +/- 0.024) ng/ml, (5.881 +/- 0.124) ng/L, and (1.707 +/- 0.098) IU/L in group B, (0.417 +/- 0.021) ng/ml, (5.123 +/- 0.271) ng/L, and (1.620 +/- 0.115) IU/L in group C, and (0.378 +/- 0.021) ng/ml, (4.504 +/- 0.279) ng/L and (1.562 +/- 0.216) IU/L in group D, all decreased in group B as compared with A (P > 0.05). The decreases of T and LH were extremely significant (P < 0.01) and that of FSH was significant in groups C and D (P < 0.05) in comparison with A.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>LPS-induced inflammation affects the testicular tissue and reproductive endocrine function of male rats, resulting in decreased levels of serum T, LH, and FSH.</p>

Reproductive hormone levels and relevant parameters in middle-aged and older men in the urban area of Nanjing / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the status of male reproductive health among middle-aged and older men in the urban area of Nanjing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected the laboratory results of 884 middle-aged and older men aged 55 - 89 years from the Xuanwu District of Nanjing present for routine physical examinations, including those of blood routine tests, liver and kidney function, blood glucose, blood lipid, and total prostate specific antigen (TPSA), as well as such reproductive hormone indexes as total serum testosterone (TT), free serum testosterone (fT), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). We also obtained the above reproductive hormone indexes from 119 young and middle-aged men aged 20 - 39 years as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Aging-related changes were found in the 50 percentiles of all the reproductive hormones and relevant parameters but those of TT and E2, with gradual increases in LH, FSH and SHBG and decreases in fT, TSI and fTI. Comparison of reproductive hormones and relevant parameters by Mann-Whitney U test did not show any statistically significant differences in the TT level between any two of the five age groups (20 - 39, 55 - 59, 60 - 69, 70 - 79, and > or = 80 yr) (P > 0.05) except between the control and > or = 80 yr groups and the 60 - 69 and > or = 80 yr groups (P < 0.05), nor in the E2 level between any two groups, nor in the levels of LH and FSH except between the 55 - 59 and 60 - 69 yr groups and the 70 - 79 and > or = 80 yr groups, and nor in the levels of fT and TSI except between the 55 - 59 and 60 - 69 yr groups. However, there were significant differences in the levels of SHBG and fTI between any two age groups. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that fT, TSI, and fTI were correlated negatively with aging and LH (P < 0.05, I r I > 0.5) but weakly positively with cholesterol, blood glucose and hemoglobin (P < 0.05, /r/ < 0.5), SHBG and LH positively with aging, SHBG weakly negatively with blood glucose and hemoglobin, LH weakly negatively with hemoglobin, and TT weakly negatively with aging but positively with hemoglobin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The levels of serum testosterone, particularly that of fT, declined with aging in middle-aged and older men in the urban area of Nanjing, which may contribute to abnormal lipid metabolism, low hemoglobin and high blood glucose.</p>

Expression of NF-κB and osteopontin of synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the significance of osteopontin and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression in patients with knee osteoarthritis.@*METHODS@#RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure the Osteopontin (OPN) and NF-κB concentration of knee joint synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis and trauma fractures, and analyze the relationship between the expressiones of them.@*RESULTS@#OPN and NF-κB expression at the mRNA and protein levels of patients with knee osteoarthritis were significantly higher than the control group. the result showed statistical significance (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the OPN levels in synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis and NF-κB expression levels (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The high expression of OPN and NF-κB are closely related to occurrence and development of knee osteoarthritis.

Lipopolysaccharide affects male reproductive function through Toll-like receptors / 中华男科学杂志

Reproductive tract infection is one of the factors of male infertility, but the mechanisms responsible are hitherto poorly defined. Recent studies show that one of the microbial pattern-recognition receptors, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, plays a critical role in inflammation-induced male infertility. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component in the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria, could induce inflammatory response through TLRs. A large number of researches suggest that TLRs express widely in the male reproductive tract and LPS-induced inflammatory reaction through TLRs may affect male fertility. This article presents an overview on how LPS-induced inflammation through TLRs affects male fertility in terms of its influence on the testis, epididymis and sperm quality.