Two B-box proteins, PavBBX6/9, positively regulate light-induced anthocyanin accumulation in sweet cherry.

Anthocyanin production in bicolored sweet cherry (Prunus avium cv. Rainier) fruit is induced by light exposure, leading to red coloration. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is essential for this process, but the regulatory relationships that link light and ABA with anthocyanin-associated coloration are currently unclear. In this study, we determined that light treatment of bicolored sweet cherry fruit increased anthocyanin accumulation and induced ABA production and that ABA participates in light-modulated anthocyanin accumulation in bicolored sweet cherry. Two B-box (BBX) genes, PavBBX6/9, were highly induced by light and ABA treatments, as was anthocyanin accumulation. The ectopic expression of PavBBX6 or PavBBX9 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) increased anthocyanin biosynthesis and ABA accumulation. Overexpressing PavBBX6 or PavBBX9 in sweet cherry calli also enhanced light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis and ABA accumulation. Additionally, transient overexpression of PavBBX6 or PavBBX9 in sweet cherry peel increased anthocyanin and ABA contents, whereas silencing either gene had the opposite effects. PavBBX6 and PavBBX9 directly bound to the G-box elements in the promoter of UDP glucose-flavonoid-3-O-glycosyltransferase (PavUFGT), a key gene for anthocyanin biosynthesis, and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (PavNCED1), a key gene for ABA biosynthesis, and enhanced their activities. These results suggest that PavBBX6 and PavBBX9 positively regulate light-induced anthocyanin and ABA biosynthesis by promoting PavUFGT and PavNCED1 expression, respectively. Our study provides insights into the relationship between the light-induced ABA biosynthetic pathway and anthocyanin accumulation in bicolored sweet cherry fruit.

Genome-Wide Identification of the SQUAMOSA Promoter-Binding Protein-like (SPL) Transcription Factor Family in Sweet Cherry Fruit.

Plant-specific SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors play important regulatory roles during plant growth and development, fruit ripening, inflorescence branching, and biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there have been no identification or systematic studies of the SPL gene family in the sweet cherry. In this study, 12 SPL genes were identified in the sweet cherry reference genome, which were distributed over 6 chromosomes and classified into six groups according to phylogenetic relationships with other SPL gene families. Nine PavSPLs were highly expressed at green fruit stages and dramatically decreased at the onset of fruit ripening, which implied that they were important regulators during fruit development and ripening. The expression patterns of PavSPL genes under ABA, GA, and MeJA treatments showed that the PavSPLs were involved in the process of fruit ripening. A subcellular localization experiment proved that PavSPL4 and PavSPL7 proteins were localized in the nucleus. The genome-wide identification of the SPL gene family provided new insights while establishing an important foundation for sweet cherry studies.

MicroRNA-144 Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Targeting EZH2.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor with a high incidence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be important post-transcriptional regulators during tumorigenesis. This study aimed to explore the effect of miR-144 on PCa proliferation and apoptosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The expression of miR-144 and EZH2 were examined in clinical PCa tissues. PCa cell line LNCAP and DU-145 was employed and transfected with miR-144 mimics or inhibitors. The correlation between miR-144 and EZH2 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability, apoptosis and migratory capacity were detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry assay and wound healing assay. The protein level of EZH2, E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin and vimentin were analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS: miR-144 was found to be negatively correlated to the expression of EZH2 in PCa tissues. Further studies identified EZH2 as a direct target of miR-144. Moreover, overexpression of miR-144 downregulated expression of EZH2, reduced cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis, while knockdown of miR-144 led to an inverse result. miR-144 also suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition level of PCa cells. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that miR-144 negatively regulate the expression of EZH2 in clinical specimens and in vitro. miR-144 can inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in PCa cells. Therefore, miR-144 has the potential to be used as a biomarker for predicting the progression of PCa.

Hydroxychloroquine Blocks Autophagy and Promotes Apoptosis of the Prostate after Castration in Rats.

Autophagy is an important pro-survival mechanism and closely related to apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blocks autophagy and promotes apoptosis of the prostate after castration. METHODS: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 12): control group (sham operation), castration group, and HCQ group (castrated and treated with HCQ). On day 7, all mice were executed and prostates were isolated. The morphological changes of prostates were observed by light microscope, and the ultrastructure changes were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The protein expression of Beclin-l, P62, caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax was assessed by immunohistochemical analyses. The mRNA expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Prostates of castration group shrank remarkably and prostates of HCQ group shrank more remarkably than castration group. Cytolysosomes were visible in the prostates of the castration group under SEM. Immunohistochemistry showed that the protein of Beclin-1 increased in the castration group compared to the control group, while decreased in the HCQ group compared to the castration group. While P62 protein moderately dyed in the control group and weakly dyed in the castration group, it strongly dyed in the HCQ group. Caspase-3 and Bax protein were weakly dyed in the control group but moderately dyed in the castration group and strongly dyed in the HCQ group. The expressions of apoptosis suppressor Bcl-2 were reduced in the castration group and further reduced in the HCQ group compared to the castration group. RT-PCR revealed that the mRNA of LC3 and Atg5 in the castration group increased compared to the control group, while decreased after treated with HCQ. CONCLUSION: Autophagy increased after castrated in prostates, while decreased after treated with HCQ; all these indicated that HCQ blocked autophagy and then promoted prostate apoptosis of castrated mice.

Sorghumol triterpene inhibits the growth of circulating renal cancer cells by promoting cell apoptosis, G2/M cell cycle arrest and downregulating m-TOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

PURPOSE: To investigate the growth inhibitory effect of Sorghumol on the circulating renal cancers cells and to investigate the underlying mechanisms including its effects on apoptosis, cell cycle phase distribution and m-TOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. METHODS: The antiproliferative effects were assessed by WST-1 and colony formation assay. Apoptosis was detected by the Hoechst and AO/EB staining using fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. Protein expression was checked by western blotting. RESULTS: The results revealed that Sorghumol inhibited the growth of the renal cancer cell (RCC) line A498 and circulating RCCs. However, more profound effects were observed on the RCC cells. The anticancer effects were found to be due to induction of apoptosis. Moreover, Sorghumol could also caused G2/M cell cycle arrest of the RCC cells. Besides, examination of the effect of Sorghumol on m-TOR/PI3K/AKT revealed that Sorghumol inhibited the expression of p-mTOR, p-PI3K and p-AKT in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Taken together, we conclude that Sorghumol inhibited the proliferation of circulating RCCs and may therefore prove to be an important lead molecule for the treatment of renal cancer.

Increasing Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Reducing Opioids or Paracetamol in the Management of Acute Renal Colic: Based on Three-Stage Study Design of Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Currently, although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were recommended for acute renal colic in the 2018 European Association of Urology guidelines, there are no specific NSAIDs and no specific routes of administration in this guideline. The clinical practice of advocating intravenous opioids as the initial analgesia is still common out of the fear of adverse events from NSAIDs. Objectives: To comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs, opioids, paracetamol, and combination therapy for acute renal colic. Methods: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMbase, the Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials Registry Platform for Clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched through February 2, 2018. Two reviewers selected all randomized controlled trails (RCTs) regarding NSAIDs, opioids, paracetamol, combination therapy, and placebo were identified for analysis. We designed a three-stage strategy based on classification and pharmacological mechanisms in the first stage, routes of administration in the second stage, and specific drug branches with different routes in the third stage using network meta-analysis. The pain variance at 30 min was seen as the primary outcome. Results: 65 RCTs with 8633 participants were involved. Comparing different classification and pharmacological mechanisms, combination therapy with more adverse events was more efficient than NSAIDs for the primary outcomes. Opioids gave rise to more nonspecific adverse events and vomiting events. NSAIDs were superior to opioids, paracetamol, and combination therapy after a full consideration of all outcomes. Comparing different routes of administration, NSAIDs with IV or IM route ranked first from efficacy and safety perspective. Comparing different specific drug branches with different routes, ibuprofen via IV route, ketorolac via IV route and diclofenac via IM route were superior for the management of acute renal colic. The results from diclofenac using IM route were more than those from ibuprofen used with IV route and ketorolac with IV route. Conclusions: In patients with adequate renal function, diclofenac via the IM route is recommended for patients without risks of cardiovascular events. Ibuprofen and ketorolac with IV route potentially superior to diclofenac via IM route remain to be investigated. Combination therapy is an alternative choice for uncontrolled pain after the use of NSAIDs.

HNF1B expression regulates ECI2 gene expression, potentially serving a role in prostate cancer progression.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, with increased incidence rates observed in older individuals. Prostate cancer is primarily driven via activation of the androgen receptor (AR), the principal transcriptional factor governing prostate cancer cellular programming and its associated metabolism. One of the downstream targets of AR is hepatocyte nuclear factor-1ß (HNF1B), an important oncogenic transcription factor in prostate cancer. In the present study, the regulatory role of HNF1B in enoyl-CoA-(Δ) isomerase 2 (ECI2) expression in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mouse model was investigated. Using this model, tumor progression and associated pathological alterations at 12, 18 and 24 weeks were analyzed. Histological sectioning revealed pathological alterations over time, including thickening of glandular epithelial cells (12 weeks), increases in cellular proliferation (18 weeks), and extensive thickening and hardening of the tissue layer (24 weeks). Expression levels of HNF1B and ECI2 proteins were validated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting at different stages of prostate cancer development. HNF1B and ECI2 exhibited minimal differences in protein expression at 12 weeks in TRAMP+ mice. However, by 18 weeks, TRAMP+ mice exhibited multi-fold increases in HNF1B expression levels, along with downregulation of ECI2. These effects were reversed at 24 weeks, indicating an important time-dependent regulation of gene expression. Taken together, these results demonstrated that upon tumor progression, the initial tumor-protective effect of HNF1B is lost along with downregulated expression of HNF1B and increased expression of ECI2.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of therapy for overactive bladder using botulinum toxin A at different dosages.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) at different dosages for overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases were searched through November 3, 2016 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Eleven studies were identified in this meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, the urinary incontinence (UI) episodes per week as the primary outcomes, urodynamic parameters including maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), and maximum detrusor pressure (MDP) for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) at 6 weeks, and for idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) at 36 weeks were evaluated. These and other outcomes for effectiveness of BTX-A at different dosages in two observation periods indicate that a dose greater than 50 U is significantly more effective for certain symptoms of OAB compared with placebo. However, there were no significant differences between some dosages. Compared with placebo, the outcomes of total adverse events for NDO and for IDO show that doses of 300 U and 200 U for NDO are associated with more complications. CONCLUSIONS: In consideration that the treatments of BTX-A were with minimal, local, and manageable adverse effects, this meta-analysis demonstrates that BTX-A 200 U is recommended for management of NDO for short-term treatment for there was no significant difference from the larger dose of 300U. The short-term efficacies of BTX-A for IDO remain to be investigated.

HIF-1-mediated production of exosomes during hypoxia is protective in renal tubular cells.

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles produced and secreted by cells to mediate intercellular communication. The production and function of exosomes in kidney tissues and cells remain largely unclear. Hypoxia is a common pathophysiological condition in kidneys. This study was designed to characterize exosome production during hypoxia of rat renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs), investigate the regulation by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and determine the effect of the exosomes on ATP-depletion-induced tubular cell injury. Hypoxia did not change the average sizes of exosomes secreted by RPTCs, but it significantly increased exosome production in a time-dependent manner. HIF-1 induction with dimethyloxalylglycine also promoted exosome secretion, whereas pharmacological and genetic suppression of HIF-1 abrogated the increase of exosome secretion under hypoxia. The exosomes from hypoxic RPTCs had inhibitory effects on apoptosis of RPTCs following ATP depletion. The protective effects were lost in the exosomes from HIF-1α knockdown cells. It is concluded that hypoxia stimulates exosome production and secretion in renal tubular cells. The exosomes from hypoxic cells are protective against renal tubular cell injury. HIF-1 mediates exosome production during hypoxia and contributes to the cytoprotective effect of the exosomes.

Exosome production and its regulation of EGFR during wound healing in renal tubular cells.

Kidney repair following injury involves the reconstitution of a structurally and functionally intact tubular epithelium. Growth factors and their receptors, such as EGFR, are important in the repair of renal tubules. Exosomes are cell-produced small (~100 nm in diameter) vesicles that contain and transfer proteins, lipids, RNAs, and DNAs between cells. In this study, we examined the relationship between exosome production and EGFR activation and the potential role of exosome in wound healing. EGFR activation occurred shortly after scratch wounding in renal tubular cells. Wound repair after scratching was significantly promoted by EGF and suppressed by EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. Interestingly, scratch wounding induced a significant increase of exosome production. The exosome production was decreased by EGF and increased by gefitinib, suggesting a suppressive role of EGFR signaling in exosome production. Conversely, inhibition of exosome release by GW4869 and manumycin A markedly increased EGFR activation and promoted wound healing. Moreover, exosomes derived from scratch-wounding cells could inhibit wound healing. Collectively, the results indicate that wound healing in renal tubular cells is associated with EGFR activation and exosome production. Although EGFR activation promotes wound healing, released exosomes may antagonize EGFR activation and wound healing.

Puerarin attenuates renal fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress induced-epithelial cell apoptosis via MAPK signal pathways in vivo and in vitro.

Puerarin (PR) is an isoflavonoid isolated from the root of the plant Pueraria lobata and has been widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Oxidative stress and epithelial cell apoptosis play important roles in the renal fibrotic process. The present study aimed to determine whether or not PR inhibits renal fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress induced-epithelial cell apoptosis. In vivo, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) induced renal fibrosis, and epithelial cell apoptosis. A total of 24 mice were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: sham, UUO alone, UUO +50 mg/kg PR, and UUO +100 mg/kg PR. In vitro, 200 µM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced epithelial cell apoptosis. The experiments were dived into four groups: control, H2O2 alone, H2O2+50 µM PR, and H2O2+100 µM PR. Tubular injury was measured in the renal cortex of the mice through periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) was measured through Sirius red (SR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and Western blot. Renal epithelial cell apoptosis was measured through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP Nick-End labeling (TUNEL), flow cytometry (FCM), and Hoechst assays. The protein expression of NOX4, caspase3, ERK, P38, and JNK was assessed through Western blot. PAS staining showed that PR decreased renal tubular injury in UUO mice. SR and IHC staining demonstrated that PR decreased the accumulation of ECM. PR treatment significantly inhibited epithelial cell apoptosis according to the results of TUNEL, FCM, Hoechst, and Western blot. Furthermore, NOX4 increased in UUO mice and decreased with PR treatment. H2O2-derived oxidative stress activated epithelial apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and PR treatment significantly reversed it. These results suggest that PR treatment ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress induced-epithelial cell apoptosis through MAPK signaling.

Slit2 ameliorates renal inflammation and fibrosis after hypoxia-and lipopolysaccharide-induced epithelial cells injury in vitro.

Hypoxic acute kidney injury (AKI) is often incompletely repaired and leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The Slit2 family of secreted glycoproteins is expressed in the kidney, it has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory activity and prevent ischemic renal injury in vivo. However, whether Slit2 reduces renal fibrosis and inflammation after hypoxic and inflammatory epithelial cells injury in vitro remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether Slit2 ameliorated fibrosis and inflammation in two renal epithelial cells line challenged with hypoxia and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Renal epithelial cells were treated with hypoxia and LPS to induce cell injury. Hoechst staining and Western blot analysis was conducted to examine epithelial cells injury. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tested the inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and Western blot analysis determined the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Results revealed that hypoxia induced epithelial cells apoptosis, inflammatory factor IL-1ß and TNF-α release and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. LPS could exacerbate hypoxia -induced epithelial cells apoptosis, IL-1ß and TNF-α release and fibrosis. Slit2 reduced the expression of fibronectin, the rate of epithelial cell apoptosis, and the expression of inflammatory factor. Slit2 could also inhibit the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, but not the expression of HIF-1α. Therefore, Slit2 attenuated inflammation and fibrosis after LPS- and hypoxia-induced epithelial cells injury via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, but not depending on the HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Effect of Obesity on Outcomes of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Renal Stone Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been widely used to treat renal stones. The application of PCNL in obese patients results in the emergence of a number of challenges. This study compared the effect of obesity on the outcomes of PCNL in kidney stone treatment. METHODS: Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Data were analyzed using RevMan statistical software, weighted mean differences, ORs, and 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS: Seven studies involving 2,720 normal-weight, 1,686 obese, and 286 super-obese individuals were included in this meta-analysis. A pooled analysis of safety revealed that no obvious differences in terms of complication rates after treatment existed between obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80-1.16, p = 0.73), and between super-obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.61-1.27, p = 0.49). A pooled analysis of effectiveness revealed that no obvious difference in terms of stone-free rate after treatment existed between obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84-1.15, p = 0.79), and between super-obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.88-1.63, p = 0.25). Moreover, no obvious differences in terms of length of hospital stay after treatment existed between super-obese and normal-weight individuals (95% CI -0.15 to 0.37, p = 0.39). Additionally, no obvious differences in terms of operation time existed between obese and normal-weight individuals (95% CI -3.36 to 1.17, p = 0.34). However, the operation time was longer among super-obese individuals than among normal-weight individuals (95% CI -22.64 to -1.40, p = 0.03), and the length of hospital stay was shorter among obese patients than among normal-weight patients (95% CI 0.04-0.34, p = 0.01). No publication bias was observed in this work. CONCLUSION: The PCNL performed in normal-weight, obese, and super-obese individuals for kidney stone treatment showed similar outcomes, except that operation time was longer among super-obese individuals and the hospital stay was shorter in obese individuals than in other groups. Thus, PCNL is a safe and efficacious treatment for renal stones in patients of all sizes.

Astragaloside IV from Astragalus membranaceus ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation via TLR4/NF-кB in vivo and in vitro.

Renal fibrosis is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is traditional Chinese medicine and has a range of pharmacological effects. Astragaloside IV (As IV) is the main compound of AM and has anti-inflammation activities. Whether As IV ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation remains unknown. Accordingly, this study investigated the ameliorating effect of As IV on renal fibrosis. Renal fibrosis was induced in vivo using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. UUO mice were administered intragastrically with As IV (20 and 40mg/kg/day). After a week, ECM including fibronectin and collagen I was examined by Immunohistochemistry and Western blot, inflammatory cells (CD68 and CD3) were detected by Immunohistochemistry, the release of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß) was inspected by polymerase chain reaction, and signaling pathway was determined by Western blot. In vitro, 100ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated epithelial cells to construct the inflammatory model; these cells were treated by As IV (10 and 20µM) with or without TAK-242 (1µM) for 48h. The released inflammatory cytokines were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and signaling pathway was evaluated by Western blot. As IV decreased accumulation of ECM and infiltration of inflammatory cells in UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Furthermore, As IV markedly attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines in UUO mouse and LPS-induced epithelial cells. As IV also inhibited the TLR4 and nuclear factor (NF)-кB signaling pathway in vivo and vitro. These results demonstrate that As IV protects against the progression of renal fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation via the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway.

Extracellular vesicles in diagnosis and therapy of kidney diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are endogenously produced, membrane-bound vesicles that contain various molecules. Depending on their size and origins, EVs are classified into apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. A fundamental function of EVs is to mediate intercellular communication. In kidneys, recent research has begun to suggest a role of EVs, especially exosomes, in cell-cell communication by transferring proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs to recipient cells as nanovectors. EVs may mediate the cross talk between various cell types within kidneys for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. They may also mediate the cross talk between kidneys and other organs under physiological and pathological conditions. EVs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney diseases, including renal fibrosis, end-stage renal disease, glomerular diseases, and diabetic nephropathy. The release of EVs with specific molecular contents into urine and plasma may be useful biomarkers for kidney disease. In addition, EVs produced by cultured cells may have therapeutic effects for these diseases. However, the role of EVs in kidney diseases is largely unclear, and the mechanism underlying EV production and secretion remains elusive. In this review, we introduce the basics of EVs and then analyze the present information about the involvement, diagnostic value, and therapeutic potential of EVs in major kidney diseases.

Meta-analysis of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and benign prostatic hyperplasia risk.

The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been investigated in numerous publications, but published results remain inconclusive. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to derive a more precise conclusion. Four polymorphisms (Taq-I, Bsm-I, Apa-I, and Fok-I) of the VDR gene with risk of BPH from six case-control studies and one cohort study involving 2,248 individuals were identified from PubMed and China National Knowledge Internet databases up to November 20, 2013 (updated on March 5, 2014). After data extraction, the meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. All four VDR polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of BPH [Taq-I: OR 0.61, 95 % CI (0.38-1.24) for tt vs. TT; Bsm-I: OR 1.27, 95 % CI (0.96-1.69) for bb vs. BB; Apa-I: OR 1.26, 95 % CI (0.64-2.46) for aa vs. AA; Fok-I: OR 0.95, 95 % CI (0.60-1.50) for ff vs. FF]. Subgroup analysis according to ethnicity for Taq-I polymorphism also showed that the polymorphism was not associated with risk of BPH for either Caucasians [OR 0.74, 95 % CI (0.31-1.78) for tt vs. TT] or Asians [OR 0.35, 95 % CI (0.11-1.11) for tt vs. TT]. However, results of this meta-analysis should be treated with caution because this meta-analysis has several limitations. We propose to conduct a high-quality study with large sample size to further identify the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and BPH susceptibility.

[RelB-siRNA enhanced the radiosensitivity of murine prostate cancer cell line RM-1].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the transfecting effects of RelB small interfering RNA (RelB-siRNA) on murine prostate cancer cell line RM-1 sensitivity of radiotherapy. METHODS: The RM-1 cells were divided into RelB-siRNA vector, empty vector, non-transfection and normal groups. After transfection, the first three groups were irradiated by X ray. Clone formation array method was used to measure the surviving fraction and the relevant parameter values after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 Gy irradiation. Apoptotic rate was measured via Annexin V/PI flow cytometry after 6 Gy irradiation. The level of RelBmRNA was estimated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after 6 Gy irradiation. And the RelB protein of cytoplasm and nucleus was detected by Western blot after 6 Gy irradiation. RESULTS: Clone formation array showed that RelB group at each dose point corresponding to the survival fraction were lower that the empty vector nd non-transfection groups. The D0, Dq and SF2 values of RelB group were 1.68, 0.60, 0.43, lower than those of empty vector group 1.92, 3.08, 0.89 and non-transfection group 1.93, 2.76, 0.84. Annexin V/PI flow cytometry demonstrated that the apoptotic rate of RelB group was 15.27% ± 1.62% and it was significantly higher than the non-transfection group 7.90% ± 1.50% and the empty vector group 8.40% ± 0.69% respectively (P < 0.01) .Real-time PCR indicated that RelB-mRNA amplification of RelB group was 1.18 ± 0.03 and it was significantly lower than the non-transfection group 2.10 ± 0.61 and the empty vector group 1.97 ± 0.66 respectively (P < 0.01) .Western blot suggested that cytoplasmic gray-scale ratio of RelB group was 0.50 ± 0.08 and it was significantly lower than the non-transfection 1.77 ± 0.19 and the empty group 1.52 ± 0.12 respectively (P < 0.01) . And the nuclear gray-scale radio of the RelB group was 0.18 ± 0.03 and it was significantly lower than the non-transfection group 0.61 ± 0.12 and the empty group 0.54 ± 0.13 respectively (P < 0.01) . The RelB protein inhibition rates of cytoplasmic and nuclear RelB-siRNA were 71.8% and 70.4% respectively. CONCLUSION: RelB-siRNA can effectively inhibit the RelB expression of murine prostate cancer cell line RM-1 and significantly increase its sensitivity to radiotherapy.

Toward understanding the role of individual fluorescent components in DOM-metal binding.

Knowledge on the function of individual fractions in dissolved organic matter (DOM) is essential for understanding the impact of DOM on metal speciation and migration. Herein, fluorescence excitation-emission matrix quenching and parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis were adopted for bulk DOM and chemically isolated fractions from landfill leachate, i.e., humic acids (HA), fulvic acids and hydrophilic (HyI) fraction, to elucidate the role of individual fluorescent components in metal binding (Cu(II) and Cd(II)). Three components were identified by PARAFAC model, including one humic substance (HS)-like, one protein-like and one component highly correlated with the HyI fraction. Among them, the HS-like and protein-like components were responsible for Cu(II) binding, while the protein-like component was the only fraction involved in Cd(II) complexation. It was further identified that the slight quenching effect of HA fraction by Cd(II) was induced by the presence of proteinaceous materials in HA. Fluorescent substances in the HyI fraction of landfill leachate did not play as important a role as HS did. Therefore, it was suggested that the potential risk of aged leachate (more humified) as a carrier of heavy metal should not be overlooked.

[Feasibility of muscle-derived cell autotransplantation as a treatment for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of muscle-derived cell autotransplantation in the treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence. METHODS: Skeletal muscle-derived cells (MDC) were isolated and purified by replate technique from 6 female SD rats, and then transduced with adenovirus carrying Lac-Z gene. About 5 x 10(6) of the transduced cells were injected autologously into the bladder neck of the animals. Tissues were harvested after 5 and 15 days for histological examination and X-gal staining. RESULTS: At 5 and 15 days after the autologous MDC transplantation, histological examination revealed no apparent sign of inflammation and inflammatory cell invasion, and X-gal staining showed a large number of cells dyed blue, indicating the survival of the autologous cells. CONCLUSION: Autotransplanted MDCs can survive permanently. Autologous muscle stem cell injection can be an effective treatment for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence.

[Experimental study of contralateral testicular changes after unilateral testicular torsion in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of the contralateral testicular histology and germ cell apoptosis after unilateral testicular torsion (UTT) and to determine whether the contralateral testis is injured or not. METHODS: Sixty SD male rats were divided into control group (12 rats) and experimental group(48 rats). The former underwent sham operation of the left testis under general anaesthesia. The latter underwent left testis torsion(720 degrees) for 6 h, and then 4 of them were sacrificed and the other 44 were subdivided into the torsed testis untwisted group (22 rats) and the torsed testis removal group (22 rats), 7-8 rats were sacrificed and both testes (twisted and untwisted) were removed 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks after surgery. All testes underwent histological and germ cell apoptosis examination. RESULTS: There were significant histological changes in the contralateral testis, and the germ cell apoptosis was increased greatly in the contralateral testis. CONCLUSIONS: UTT can cause contralateral testicular injury, whose mechanism may be related to reperfusion, and torsed testis removal can prevent or reduce damage to the contralateral testis.