[Retracted] MicroRNA­539 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells by regulating IGF­1R.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the Transwell invasion assay data shown in Fig. 2C on p. 4921 were strikingly similar to data that had already been submitted for publication in different form in another article written by different authors at a different research institute. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a  reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 17: 4917­4924, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8497].

LncRNA MAFG-AS1 Promotes the Progression of Bladder Cancer by Targeting the miR-143-3p/COX-2 Axis.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential biomarkers that are very important for the development of cancer. Studies show that lncRNAs are significantly correlated with the carcinogenesis and progression of bladder cancer (BLCA). In this research, we aimed at probing into the role of lncRNA MAFG-AS1 in the tumorigenesis of BLCA. METHODS: RT-qPCR was employed to detect MAFG-AS1 expression in BLCA tissues and cells. MAFG-AS1 siRNA and overexpression plasmid were transfected into 5637 and T24 BLCA cell lines to inhibit or upregulate MAFG-AS1 expression, respectively, and then the regulatory functions of MAFG-AS1 on BLCA cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, EdU method, and Transwell experiments, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were conducted to validate the targeting relationships between MAFG-AS1 and miR-143-3p, and miR-143-3p and COX-2. In addition, miR-143-3p was repressed in MAFG-AS1-silenced 5637 and T24 cell lines, and the function of MAFG-AS1/miR-143-3p axis in BLCA cells was further evaluated. The regulatory effects of MAFG-AS1 and miR-143-3p on the expression of COX-2 protein were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: MAFG-AS1 was remarkably upregulated in BLCA patient tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was closely related to histological grade, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis. Silencing of MAFG-AS1 inhibited BLCA cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion, while overexpression of MAFG-AS1 in BLCA cells had opposite biological effects. MAFG-AS1 was proved to target miR-143-3p to repress its expression. Moreover, it was confirmed that MAFG-AS1 and miR-143-3p could modulate COX-2 expression. CONCLUSION: The MAFG-AS1/miR-143-3p/COX-2 axis contributes to BLCA progression.

3D Culture System for Liver Tissue Mimicking Hepatic Plates for Improvement of Human Hepatocyte (C3A) Function and Polarity.

In vitro 3D hepatocyte culture constitutes a core aspect of liver tissue engineering. However, conventional 3D cultures are unable to maintain hepatocyte polarity, functional phenotype, or viability. Here, we employed microfluidic chip technology combined with natural alginate hydrogels to construct 3D liver tissues mimicking hepatic plates. We comprehensively evaluated cultured hepatocyte viability, function, and polarity. Transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze changes in hepatocyte polarity pathways. The data indicate that, as culture duration increases, the viability, function, polarity, mRNA expression, and ultrastructure of the hepatic plate mimetic 3D hepatocytes are enhanced. Furthermore, hepatic plate mimetic 3D cultures can promote changes in the bile secretion pathway via effector mechanisms associated with nuclear receptors, bile uptake, and efflux transporters. This study provides a scientific basis and strong evidence for the physiological structures of bionic livers prepared using 3D cultures. The systems and cultured liver tissues described here may serve as a better in vitro 3D culture platform and basic unit for varied applications, including drug development, hepatocyte polarity research, bioartificial liver bioreactor design, and tissue and organ construction for liver tissue engineering or cholestatic liver injury.

The correlation between affected renal function and affected renal residual volume: A retrospective outcome of laparoscopic nephron-sparing partial nephrectomy with segmental renal artery blocking-up for localized renal tumors.

Laparoscopic nephron-sparing partial nephrectomy with segmental renal artery blocking (SRPN) has been widely used in the treatment of localized renal tumors. However, the impact of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) during SRPN remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between affected renal function and affected renal volume after SRPN for localized renal tumor treatment, explore the effect of IRI on renal function after SRPN.A total of 39 patients who underwent SRPN for localized renal tumor from June 2009 to April 2012 were reviewed. These patients were followed-up for 5 years. The preoperative affected renal glomerular filtration rate (aGFRpre), postoperative affected renal glomerular filtration rate (aGFRpost), preoperative affected renal volume (aVolpre), and postoperative affected renal volume (aVolpost) were collected during the follow-up period. The correlation between aGFRpost/aGFRpre and aVolpost/aVolpre was compared.A total of 33 patients were successfully followed up. After 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months, aGFRpost was 34.6 ±â€Š4.6, 34.7 ±â€Š4.8, 34.9 ±â€Š4.4, 35.1 ±â€Š4.4, and 35.2 ±â€Š4.2 mL/min. The correlation coefficients between aGFRpost/aGFRpre and aVolpost/aVolpre were 0.659 (P = .000), 0.667 (P = .000), 0.663 (P = .000), 0.629 (P = .000), and 0.604 (P = .000), respectively. The limitation of this study was the small cohort size.For the localized renal tumor, aGFRpost was associated with aVolpost, but was not associated with intraoperative factors, such as the time of clamping of the affected segmental renal artery. As a part of nephrons, the resected tumor tissue caused the lack of inherent nephrons, resulting in the loss of renal function. More nephrons should be maintained before resecting the tumor completely during SRPN.Trial registration: ChiCTR-RRC-17011418.

A New Technique: Laparoscopic Resection of Fibrous Ring and Placing Extravascular Stent in Patients With Nutcracker Syndrome: A Report of 5 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new laparoscopic technique for resection of a fibrous ring and extravascular stent implantation in patients with nutcracker syndrome (NCS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 5 patients diagnosed with NCS between March 2010 and February 2016. The mean age of the patients (4 male and 1 female) was 34 years (range, 28-40 years). All 5 patients underwent laparoscopic resection of the narrow fibrous ring around the left renal venous (LRV) and for extravascular stent implantation in the LRV for management of NCS. RESULTS: The average operating time was104 minutes and the average blood loss during surgery was 59 mL. The average length of the postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range, 4-8 days). In all 5 patients, the symptoms of macroscopic hematuria started decreasing gradually and resolved after surgery. Postoperative computed tomography showed that the blood outflow from the LRV was smooth. The ratio of the dilated segment's inner diameter to the diameter of the strictured segment decreased from 3.4 to 9.5, preoperatively to 1.1-2.0, postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 17.6 months (range, 8-24 months).One patient's varicocele was cured and symptoms in all 5 patients resolved after surgery. None of the patients showed symptom recurrence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery, for the placement of an extravascular stent and resection of the fibrous ring around the end of the LRV outflow to the inferior vena cava appears feasible and safe and offers an alternative minimally invasive for the management of NCS.

Optimizing Livers for Transplantation Using Machine Perfusion versus Cold Storage in Large Animal Studies and Human Studies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver allograft preservation frequently involves static cold storage (CS) and machine perfusion (MP). With its increasing popularity, we investigated whether MP was superior to CS in terms of beneficial outcomes. METHODS: Human studies and large animal studies that optimized livers for transplantation using MP versus CS were assessed (PubMed/Medline/EMBASE). Meta-analyses were conducted for comparisons. Study quality was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale and SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included. Among the large animal studies, lower levels of lactate dehydrogenase (SMD -3.16, 95% CI -5.14 to -1.18), alanine transferase (SMD -2.46, 95% CI -4.03 to -0.90), and hyaluronic acid (SMD -2.48, 95% CI -4.21 to -0.74) were observed in SNMP-preserved compared to CS-preserved livers. NMP-preserved livers showing lower level of hyaluronic acid (SMD -3.97, 95% CI -5.46 to -2.47) compared to CS-preserved livers. Biliary complications (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.73) and early graft dysfunction (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.92) also significantly reduced with HMP preservation in human studies. No evidence of publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS: MP preservation could improve short-term outcomes after transplantation compared to CS preservation. Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to develop clinical applications of MP preservation.

LncRNA HOX transcript antisense RNA accelerated kidney injury induced by urine-derived sepsis through the miR-22/high mobility group box 1 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in kidney injury induced by urine-derived sepsis (US). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Escherichia coli suspension was injected into the distal ureter of adult male Sprague Dawley rats to establish a US model. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) were used to induce an in vitro septic model. The interaction between HOTAIR and microRNA 22 (miR-22) was detected by RNA precipitation and RNA pull-down assays. The expression of HOTAIR, miR-22, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Compared with a sham group, HOTAIR was upregulated in kidney tissues of the US group. HOTAIR was also upregulated in LPS-induced human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). Furthermore, HOTAIR negatively regulated miR-22 and promoted apoptosis of HK-2 cells. HOTAIR also promoted HMGB1 expression and HK-2 cell apoptosis by inhibiting miR-22. In addition, the miR-22/HMGB1 pathway was involved in LPS-induced HK-2 cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments showed that HOTAIR negatively modulated miR-22 and positively modulated HMGB1 and that HOTAIR knockdown decreased renal function indicators (blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum creatinine). CONCLUSION: HOTAIR was upregulated in sepsis-induced kidney injury, which promoted HK-2 cell apoptosis in kidney injury through the miR-22/HMGB1 pathway.

MicroRNA­539 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells by regulating IGF­1R.

Bladder cancer is the most frequent malignancy of the urinary tract and the seventh most common cancer worldwide. The abnormal expression of microRNAs has been frequently observed in various types of human cancers, including bladder cancer. In addition, an increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs are potential targets for cancer diagnosis, treatments and prognosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression patterns and potential roles of microRNA­539 (miR­539) in bladder cancer and its underlying mechanism. Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR) was performed to detect miR­539 expression in the bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. Following transfection, MTT and cell invasion assays were used to investigate the effects of miR­539 overexpression or IGF1R underexpression on bladder cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay, RT­qPCR and western blot analysis were utilized to determine the potential targets of miR­539 in bladder cancer. The results revealed that miR­539 levels were relatively decreased in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines when compared with those observed in the matched adjacent normal bladder tissues and normal bladder epithelial cell line. miR­539 expression was associated with the tumor stage and lymph node metastasis of patients with bladder cancer. In addition, the expression of miR­539 suppressed bladder cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF­1R) was identified as a direct target of miR­539, and miR­539 was also observed to regulate the protein kinase B and extracellular signal­regulated kinases signaling pathways. IGF­1R was markedly upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and negatively associated with miR­539 expression levels. Furthermore, IGF­1R knockdown in bladder cancer cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. To the best of our knowledge, these results demonstrated for the first time that miR­539 may act as a tumor suppressor and serve important roles in tumorigenesis and progression of bladder cancer. Thus, miR­539/IGF­1R may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Percutaneous transluminal radiofrequency closure of the coronary artery in animal studies.

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a novel method for the selective transcoronary closure of small coronary arteries by the intraluminal application of radiofrequency (RF) energy. Twenty-six small (diameter of 1-2 mm) coronary artery branches were selected in 13 dogs. An RF electrode wire (CRW-Zcy) was placed into the target vessel and a coronary balloon was used to transiently block the blood flow and limit damage to the proximal vessel. A therapeutic dosage of 20-30 W of RT energy every 10-30 sec (selected according the diameter of the target artery) was discharged via the CRW-Zcy inside a microcatheter two or three times in order to achieve arterial closure. A high dosage of 60 W every 120 sec of RF energy was used to conduct the safety study. All 26 branches were successfully closed resulting in the complete blockage of the antegrade and retrograde flows. The area of injury was limited to the target artery and the supplied myocardium. High-dose RF did not cause injury to the adjacent vessels and myocardium. The animals tolerated the procedure well without any untoward systemic effects. A follow-up angiography at two weeks revealed no evidence of recanalization or retrograde filling of the target artery. Percutaneous transluminal radiofrequency closure is a safe and effective interventional approach for closing the small coronary arteries, and is potentially valuable for further investigation.

[Influence and distribution of CD133 and CD34 antigen expression in proximal tubule epithelial cells during ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence and distribution in proximal tubule epithelial cells with the expressions of CD133 and CD34 in a rat model so as to provide a study basis for renal adult stem cell. METHODS: The kidney ischemia/reperfusion model was established by blocking the bilateral renal arteries for about 50 min and recovering the renal perfusion of blood. Then the rat kidneys were extracted at Days 3, 5 and 7 post-modeling. After a series of special treatment, immunohistochemical staining was used to show the distribution and expression intensity of KIM-1, Brdu antigen, CD34 and CD133 antigens in cells with the elapsing of time. RESULTS: As compared with control group, the KIM-1 and CD133 antigens were present in cortex renis while the CD34 and Brdu antigens were distributed in parts of medulla renis and juncture of cortex-medulla renis. The expression density value of KIM-1 and CD133 antigens rose for the first 3 days then declined afterward (40.3% ± 3.2%, 57.5% ± 3.8%, 24.3% ± 1.4%). Otherwise the expression density value of CD 34 antigen declined (56.0% ± 4.8%, 44.2% ± 2.2%, 28.8% ± 1.0%) and Brdu antigen showed an upward trend at post-operation (10.0% ± 1.1%, 36.0% ± 4.2%, 48.8% ± 5.0%). CONCLUSION: After ischemia/reperfusion injury in kidney, the expression rates of CD133 and KIM-1 antigen rise obviously in cortex renis. And the D34 and Brdu antigens show a similar trend in medulla renis. The result indicates that the phenomenon of proliferation and differentiation may appears in kidney proximal tubule and migrate from the region of medulla renis to cortex renis. The participating cells not only possess the strong proliferation and repairing ability of stem/progenitor cells, but also can expresses the CD34 and CD133 antigens. Thus it is may provide a study basis for the tissue reconstruction of nephron and research in the field of kidney adult stem cell.