Fertility preservation in hematological cancer patients.

Among adolescents and young adults, hematological malignancies are the most common malignancies. Although the survival rate of hematological malignancies in young patients has been dramatically improved, due to the continuous improvement and development of tumor diagnosis and treatment options, cytotoxic therapies can significantly reduce a patient's reproductive capacity and cause irreversible infertility. The most two established solutions are embryo cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation which can be considered in single female. Sperm or testicular tissue cryopreservation in adult male are feasible approaches that must be considered before gonadotoxic therapy. A comprehensive consultation with reproductive specialists when once diagnosed is a significantly issue which would help those survivors who want to have children. In this article, we review germ cell toxicity, which happens during the treatment of hematological malignancies, and aims to propose safety, efficacy fertility preservation methods in younger patients with hematological malignancies.

Effect of noninvasive embryo viability testing versus conventional IVF on the live birth rate in IVF/ICSI patients: a study protocol for a double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was demonstrated to be superior to conventional IVF in reducing the incidence of miscarriage and abnormal offspring after the first embryo transfer (ET). PGT-A requires several embryo trophectoderm cells, but its negative impacts on embryo development and long-term influence on the health conditions of conceived children have always been a concern. As an alternative, noninvasive PGT-A (niPGT-A) approaches using spent blastocyst culture medium (SBCM) achieved comparable accuracy with PGT-A in several pilot studies. The main objective of this study is to determine whether noninvasive embryo viability testing (niEVT) results in better clinical outcomes than conventional IVF after the first embryo transfer. Furthermore, we further investigated whether niEVT results in higher the live birth rate between women with advanced maternal age (AMA, > 35 years old) and young women or among patients for whom different fertilization protocols are adopted. METHODS: This study will be a double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) studying patients of different ages (20-43 years) undergoing different fertilization protocols (in vitro fertilization [IVF] or intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]). We will enroll 1140 patients at eight reproductive medical centers over 24 months. Eligible patients should have at least two good-quality blastocysts (better than grade 4 CB). The primary outcome will be the live birth rate of the first embryo transfer (ET). Secondary outcomes will include the clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, cumulative live birth rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, and time to pregnancy. DISCUSSION: In this study, patients who undergo noninvasive embryo viability testing (niEVT) will be compared to women treated by conventional IVF. We will determine the effects on the pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate and adverse events. We will also investigate whether there is any difference in clinical outcomes among patients with different ages and fertilization protocols (IVF/ICSI). This trial will provide clinical evidence of the effect of noninvasive embryo viability testing on the clinical outcomes of the first embryo transfer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) Identifier: ChiCTR2100051408. 9 September 2021.

Repeated Superovulation Accelerates Primordial Follicle Activation and Atresia.

For humans, ARTs (assisted reproductive technologies) have become the most effective method to treat subfertility/infertility in clinic. To obtain enough oocytes during ART, ovarian stimulation is performed by exogenous hormones, and some patients undergo several ovarian stimulation cycles. Although some adverse effects of ARTs on women and offspring are reported, few studies are focused on the effects of multiple superovulation on ovarian reserve. In the present study, we found that repeated superovulation significantly reduced primordial follicle number and the serum AMH. Compared to the decreased antral follicle number, the expression of genes related to primordial follicle activation, such as Foxo3, Akt, and Rptor, and the atretic follicle number in ovaries were increased by superovulation times. We further found that repeated superovulation reduced the plasma level of FSH, LH, and estradiol, and increased the expression of genes related to apoptosis (Bax, Casp3 (caspase-3), Casp8, and Casp9) in granulosa cells, providing evidence that repeated superovulation disrupted the balance between survival and death in granulosa cells. In summary, our results suggest that repeated superovulation has adverse effects on folliculogenesis.

Expression of cyclophilin A in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its effect on cell proliferation and invasion / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the expression of cyclophilin A (CyPA) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and explore the effect of downregulating the expression of CyPA gene on the proliferation and invasion of SCC-25 cells.@*METHODS@#A total of 77 cases of patients with OSCC were selected. The expression levels of CyPA proteins in OSCC and adjacent normal tissues were evaluated. SCC-25 cells were cultured and divided into the CyPA interference sequence group, negative control group, and blank group. The expression levels of CyPA mRNA and protein in cells were detected by using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and plate colony formation assays. Cell invasion was detected by using Transwell assay.@*RESULTS@#The positive expression rate of CyPA protein in OSCC tissues was 76.62%, which was higher than that in adjacent tissues (@*CONCLUSIONS@#The CyPA protein is highly expressed in OSCC tissues, and the downregulation of CyPA gene expression in SCC-25 cells can reduce cell proliferation and inhibit cell invasion.

Application of whole-body magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging in evaluating the chemotherapy response for lung cancer / 中国基层医药

Objective To study the clinical value of whole －body magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging(WB－DWI) in evaluating the chemotherapy response for lung cancer,thus to provide evidence for optimizing clinical imaging examination. Methods From October 2017 to May 2018,60 patients with lung cancer confirmed by histopathology in Linfen Central Hospital were selected. The patients underwent DWI examinations before chemotherapy and after two cycles of chemotherapy. The change of tumor size,distant metastasis and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value were compared before and after chemotherapy. The correlation between the change rate of ADC value and the shrinkage rate of tumor size in the effective group was analyzed. Results Of 60 cases,1 case had new cerebral metastases after chemotherapy. There were statistically significant differences in ADC value [(1. 12 ± 0.33) ×10 －3mm2/svs.(1.56±0.40) ×10 －3mm2/s]andtumorsize[(4.63±2.75)cmvs.(2.28±1.45)cm] between before and after chemotherapy in the effective group(t= －3. 954,4. 711,all P＜0. 01). There was correlation between the change of ADC value and tumor size(r=0. 34,P＜0. 05). Conclusion WB－DWI can not only detect the change of tumor size and distant metastasis quickly and effectively,but also can observe the microscopic changes of tumor cells by measuring ADC value. So it can predict the early therapeutic response of the tumor and make effective evaluation for the staging and chemotherapy response of lung cancer.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Zhenwutang Combined with Zhengji Technique on Cold-dampness Arthralgia Syndrome Caused by Knee Osteoarthritis at Episode / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the clinical efficacy of modified Zhenwutang combined with Zhengji technique on cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome caused by knee osteoarthritis (KOA) at episode and the effect on inflammatory factors of joint fluid. Method: One hundred and forty-eight patients were randomly divided into control group and observation group by random number table. Patients in control group got celecoxib capsules, 0.2 g/time, 1 time/day, and Zhengji technique with lumbar positioning oblique pulling and finger pressing for 12 times, 1 time for every two days, 3 times/week. Patients in observation group got modified Zhenwutang, 1 dose/day, and the same Zhengji technique. The course of treatment was 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), pain and swelling, index of severity of osteoarthritis (ISOA), local signs of knee joint and cold-dampness obstruction syndrome were scored, and the score of quality of life were discussed by arthritis impact measurement scale 2 (AIMS2-SF). And levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were detected. Result: The clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=2.131, PPPβ, IL-17, TNF-α, SP and CGRP were higher than those in control group (PConclusion: Modified Zhenwutang combined with Zhengji technique can relieve clinical symptoms of patients with cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome caused by knee osteoarthritis (KOA) at episode, ameliorate joint function to improve patients' quality of life, reduce the expression of proinflammatory factors and neuropeptides in synovial fluid, so as to inhibit the inflammatory response and controlling clinical symptoms.

Effects of Lipoxin A4 Pretreatment on Cognitive Function of Aged Rats after Global Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of lipoxin A4 (LXA4)pretreatment on cognitive function of aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion,and to explore its possible mechanism.Thirty-six aged male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 each):sham-operation group (S group),global cerebral ischemia reperfusion group (I/R group) and LXA4-pretreatment group (L group).The rat model of global cerebral ischemia reperfusion was established by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid artery with hypotension.The cognitive function of rats was determined by a step-down type passive avoidance test and Morris Water Maze test on the third day after reperfusion.Rats were sacrificed after Water Maze test and the pathological changes ofhippocampal CA1 region were observed and the related inflammatory mediators were determined.As compared with S group,the escape latency in I/R group was prolonged from the first day to the fifth day,while that in L group was prolonged from the first day to the third day.The retention time in I/R group and L group in the first quadrant was shortened.The reaction time,frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in I/R group increased,and the latent period shortened.The frequency of escape mistake in L group increased,and the damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of I/R group and L group was obvious.The levels of S-100β,TNF-α,IL-lβ,IL-10 and NF-κB in I/R group and L group increased.As compared with I/R group,the escape latency in L group was shortened from the first day to the fifth day,and the retention time in the first quadrant prolonged.The reaction time,frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in L group decreased,and the latent period prolonged.The damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of L group was alleviated as well.The levels of S-100β,TNF-α,IL-1β and NF-κB in L group decreased,and those of IL-10 increased.It can be concluded that LXA4 pretreatment can improve the cognitive function in aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion probably by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction.

Effects of Lipoxin A4 Pretreatment on Cognitive Function of Aged Rats after Global Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of lipoxin A4 (LXA4)pretreatment on cognitive function of aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion,and to explore its possible mechanism.Thirty-six aged male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 each):sham-operation group (S group),global cerebral ischemia reperfusion group (I/R group) and LXA4-pretreatment group (L group).The rat model of global cerebral ischemia reperfusion was established by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid artery with hypotension.The cognitive function of rats was determined by a step-down type passive avoidance test and Morris Water Maze test on the third day after reperfusion.Rats were sacrificed after Water Maze test and the pathological changes ofhippocampal CA1 region were observed and the related inflammatory mediators were determined.As compared with S group,the escape latency in I/R group was prolonged from the first day to the fifth day,while that in L group was prolonged from the first day to the third day.The retention time in I/R group and L group in the first quadrant was shortened.The reaction time,frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in I/R group increased,and the latent period shortened.The frequency of escape mistake in L group increased,and the damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of I/R group and L group was obvious.The levels of S-100β,TNF-α,IL-lβ,IL-10 and NF-κB in I/R group and L group increased.As compared with I/R group,the escape latency in L group was shortened from the first day to the fifth day,and the retention time in the first quadrant prolonged.The reaction time,frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in L group decreased,and the latent period prolonged.The damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of L group was alleviated as well.The levels of S-100β,TNF-α,IL-1β and NF-κB in L group decreased,and those of IL-10 increased.It can be concluded that LXA4 pretreatment can improve the cognitive function in aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion probably by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction.

Clinical effect and mechanism of hemoperfusion in treatment of children with severe abdominal Henoch-Schönlein purpura / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effect and mechanism of hemoperfusion (HP) in the treatment of children with severe abdominal Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 24 children with severe abdominal HSP were divided into two groups: conventional treatment and HP (n=12 each). Ten healthy children who underwent physical examination were enrolled as the control group. Before and after treatment, chemiluminescence was used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); thiobarbituric acid colorimetry was used to measure the plasma level of malondialdehyde (MDA); the hydroxylamine method was used to measure the plasma level of superoxide dismutase (SOD); chemical colorimetry was used to measure the plasma level of total anti-oxidant capability (T-AOC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the conventional treatment and HP groups had significantly higher IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels and significantly lower SOD and T-AOC levels before treatment (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the conventional treatment and HP groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the conventional treatment and HP groups had significant reductions in IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels and significant increases in SOD and T-AOC levels (P<0.05). The HP group had significantly greater changes than the conventional treatment group; however, there were still significant differences in these indices between the HP and control groups (P<0.05). Compared with the HP group, the conventional treatment group had a significantly lower percentage of children with disappearance of digestive tract symptoms at 4 days after treatment and significantly longer time to disappearance of rash and digestive tract symptoms (P<0.05). Compared with the conventional treatment group, the HP group had a significantly lower amount of glucocorticoid used during treatment and a significantly lower percentage of children who experienced hematuria and/or proteinuria within 6 months of the disease course (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in length of hospital stay and recurrence rates of rash and abdominal pain within 6 months of the disease course.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HP can reduce the amount of glucocorticoid used during treatment and the incidence rate of kidney injury in children with severe abdominal HSP, possibly by eliminating IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA.</p>

Promoter methylation of yes-associated protein (YAP1) gene in polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation modification has been proved to influence the phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) demonstrate that yes-associated protein (YAP1) genetic sites are associated with PCOS. The study aims to detect the methylation status of YAP1 promoter in ovary granulosa cells (GCs) of PCOS patients and explore novel therapeutic targets for PCOS. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial was applied and a total of 72 women were included in the study, including 36 cases of PCOS patients and 36 cases of health controls. Ovary GCs were extracted from in vitro fertilization embryo transfer. Methylation status of YAP1 promoter was detected by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Protein and mRNA expression of YAP1 were measured by western blotting and real-time quantitate PCR. RESULTS: Overall methylation level of YAP1 promoter region from PCOS group was significantly lower than that from control group. CpG sites analysis revealed that 12 sites (-443, -431, -403, -371, -331, -120, -49, -5, +1, +9, +15, +22) were significantly hypomethylated in women with PCOS (P < 0.05). A significant upregulation of YAP1 mRNA and protein expression levels was observed. Testosterone concentration could alleviate the methylation status and demonstrate obvious dose-dependent relation. CONCLUSION: Our research achievements manifest that hypomethylation of YAP1 promoter promotes the YAP1 expression, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis and accelerate PCOS.

Analysis of GUO Weifeng's Experience in Treating Posterior Circulation Ischemic Vertigo by Mothod of Nourishing the Kidney and Softening the Liver Yang / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objective]To explore and analyze Professor GUO Weifeng's clinical experience in treating posterior circulation ischemic vertigo. [Methods] By learning with the teacher, collection of relevant information and medical records ,to expound Professor GUO Weifeng 's academic thoughts and clinical experience in posterior circulation ischemic vertigo, from aspects of etiology, pathogenesis, and syndrome differentiation and treatment variation, prescription medication, summarizing the characteristics of his prescriptions and ways of treatment as well as exemplifying them. [Results] Professor GUO Weifeng through many years of clinical practice proposes that the basic pathogenesis of this disease is liver with kidney deficiency and hyperactivity of liver-yang. Because of its more associated with obesity and high blood pressure, high blood lipids, diabetes, always mingle phlegm and stasis. The main treatment method is to nourish the Yin of liver-kidney, pacify liver and extinguish wind. Then, transform phlegm and disperse blood stasis. If pathogenic into collateral for a long time,we need using insect drug for treatment. Clinical treatment should be based on positive and evil of the partial ups and downs, the disease of both, flexible adjustment of medication, it is not limited by present method. [Conclusion] Professor GUO Weifeng 's clinical experience in treating posterior circulation ischemic vertigo is effective and worthy of wide application.

Efficacy observation of liraglutide combined with glargine insulin in treatment of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effect of liraglutide combined with glargine insulin in treating the patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods Sixty-one cases of newly diagnosed T2DM in the endocrinology department of Affiliated Chaozhou Central Hospital of Southern Medical University,from August 2014 to December 2015 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table.The observation group (29 cases) was treated with liraglutide combined with glargine insulin and the control group (32 cases) was given the intensive insulin therapy.The curative effects before and after treatment were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Results The fast plasma glucose(FPG),postprandial 2 h blood glucose(PPG),glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),fasting C peptide(FCP),postprandial 2 h C peptide(PCP),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),blood lipid indicators and body mass index after 12-week treatment were decreased in the treatment and follow up periods,while pancreatic β cell function index (HOMA-β) and HDL-C were increased,indicating that the two kinds of treatment method all were effective.The effect onset in the observation group was faster,the above indexes after 4-week treatment were significantly improved compared with before treatment.The above indexes after 4-,12-week treatment in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Liraglutide combined with glargine insulin has better effect in the aspects of reducing blood glucose,regulating blood lipid,decreasing the body mass and islet function recovery than the intensive insulin treatment and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Repeated superovulation may affect mitochondrial functions of cumulus cells in mice.

Controlled ovarian stimulation by exogenous gonadotrophins is a key procedure during the in vitro fertilization cycle to obtain a sufficient number of oocytes in humans. Previous studies demonstrated that repeated superovulation had deleterious effects on the ovaries. However, whether repeated superovulation adversely affects the mitochondrial functions of cumulus cells remains unclear. In this study, mice were divided into three groups: superovulation once (R1); superovulation three times (R3), and superovulation five times (R5). We evaluated the effects of repeated superovulation on mitochondrial DNA copies (mtDNA) and observed decreased mtDNA copies per cell with increasing number of superovulation cycles. Further, we investigated the DNA methylation status in exon 2 and the mRNA expression level of nuclear-encoded DNA polymerase gamma A (PolgA). The results showed that the DNA methylation levels of PolgA in R1 and R5 were slightly lower than in R3. Additionally, the altered DNA methylation in PolgA coincided with the changes in PolgA expression in cumulus cells. We also found that the mRNA expression of COX1, CYTB, ND2, and ND4 was altered by repeated superovulation in cumulus cells. Thus, repeated superovulation had adverse effects on mitochondrial function.

Effect of complement C1q expression on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The effect of the complement C1q expression on total hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats was investigated. Sixty healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats weighing 180-200 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham-operation group (S group, n=12); group of I/R for 1 h (I/R 1 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 3 h (I/R 3 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 6 h (I/R 6 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 24 h (I/R 24 h group, n=12). The hepatic I/R model of rats was established, and liver tissues were obtained 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h after hepatic I/R, respectively. Furthermore, the tissues were stained using hematoxylin-eosin, and the liver injuries of rats were observed using a microscope. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue were determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of C1q mRNA and protein, respectively. As compared with the S group, the histopathological changes in I/R 1 h-24 h groups were gradually aggravated with the extension of I/R time. As compared with the S group, SOD activity and MDA content in the I/R groups were reduced and increased respectively with the extension of I/R time (P<0.01). Furthermore, the C1q expression at mRNA and protein levels in the I/R groups (especially in the I/R 3 h group) was significantly higher than that in the S group (P<0.05). It is suggested that C1q expression may play a principal role in hepatic I/R injury, particularly at the early stage of perfusion.

Di-(n-butyl)-phthalate-induced oxidative stress and depression-like behavior in mice with or without ovalbumin immunization / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between atopic allergy and depression and the role of DBP in the development of depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BALB/c mice were randomly divided into eight groups: saline; ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized; saline+DBP (0.45 mg/kg•d); saline+DBP (45 mg/kg•d); DBP (0.45 mg/kg•d) OVA-immunized; DBP (45 mg/kg•d) OVA-immunized; saline+hydrocortisone (30 mg/kg•d); and hydrocortisone (30 mg/kg•d)-exposed OVA-immunized. Behavior (e.g. open-field, tail suspension, and forced swimming tests), viscera coefficients (brain and spleen), oxidative damage [e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH)], as well as levels of IgE and IL-4, were then analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the saline and OVA groups, the degree of depression symptoms in mice increased with increasing DBP concentration. Additionally, the OVA-immunity groups were associated with more serious depressive behavior compared with the same exposure concentration in the saline group. Oxidative damage was associated with a dose-dependent increase in DBP in the different groups. IL-4 and IgE levels were associated with low-dose DBP stimulation, which changed to high-dose inhibition with increasing DBP exposure, possibly due to spleen injury seen at high DBP concentrations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Development of an atopic allergy has the potential to increase the risk of depression in mice, and it seems that DBP helps OVA to exert its effect in our present model. Moreover, the results of our study implicate a certain connection between brain oxidative stress and depression, which deserves a further exploration.</p>

Effect of complement C1q expression on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The effect of the complement C1q expression on total hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats was investigated. Sixty healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats weighing 180-200 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham-operation group (S group, n=12); group of I/R for 1 h (I/R 1 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 3 h (I/R 3 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 6 h (I/R 6 h group, n=12); group of I/R for 24 h (I/R 24 h group, n=12). The hepatic I/R model of rats was established, and liver tissues were obtained 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h after hepatic I/R, respectively. Furthermore, the tissues were stained using hematoxylin-eosin, and the liver injuries of rats were observed using a microscope. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue were determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of C1q mRNA and protein, respectively. As compared with the S group, the histopathological changes in I/R 1 h-24 h groups were gradually aggravated with the extension of I/R time. As compared with the S group, SOD activity and MDA content in the I/R groups were reduced and increased respectively with the extension of I/R time (P<0.01). Furthermore, the C1q expression at mRNA and protein levels in the I/R groups (especially in the I/R 3 h group) was significantly higher than that in the S group (P<0.05). It is suggested that C1q expression may play a principal role in hepatic I/R injury, particularly at the early stage of perfusion.

[Outcomes of ICSI with sperm from different sources: a retrospective study of 431 cycles].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with retrieved epididymal and testicular sperm for obstructive azoospermia and with ejaculated sperm for severe oligozoospermia and asthenospermia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 431 ICSI cycles, which were divided according to sperm sources into Groups A (n=287 in patients with severe oligozoospermia or asthenospermia using ejaculated sperm), B (n=109 in obstructive azoospermia patients with sperm retrieved by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, PESA) and C (n=35 in obstructive azoospermia patients with sperm retrieved by testicular sperm extraction, TESE). Comparisons were made among the three groups in the rates of embryo implantation, fertilization, pregnancy, cleavage, and miscarriage. RESULTS: Group A showed statistically significant differences from Groups B and C in the rates of embryo implantation and pregnancy (18.46% vs. 25.23% and 28.76%, 31.23% vs. 42.16% and 39.39%, P < 0.05). But no significant differences were seen in the rates of fertilization, cleavage and miscarriage among the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The rates of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy are higher in patients with obstructive azoospermia than in those with severe oligozoospermia or asthenospermia after ICSI with ejaculated sperm.

Outcomes of ICSI with sperm from different sources: a retrospective study of 431 cycles / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with retrieved epididymal and testicular sperm for obstructive azoospermia and with ejaculated sperm for severe oligozoospermia and asthenospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 431 ICSI cycles, which were divided according to sperm sources into Groups A (n=287 in patients with severe oligozoospermia or asthenospermia using ejaculated sperm), B (n=109 in obstructive azoospermia patients with sperm retrieved by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, PESA) and C (n=35 in obstructive azoospermia patients with sperm retrieved by testicular sperm extraction, TESE). Comparisons were made among the three groups in the rates of embryo implantation, fertilization, pregnancy, cleavage, and miscarriage.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Group A showed statistically significant differences from Groups B and C in the rates of embryo implantation and pregnancy (18.46% vs. 25.23% and 28.76%, 31.23% vs. 42.16% and 39.39%, P < 0.05). But no significant differences were seen in the rates of fertilization, cleavage and miscarriage among the three groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The rates of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy are higher in patients with obstructive azoospermia than in those with severe oligozoospermia or asthenospermia after ICSI with ejaculated sperm.</p>

Mechanism of gambogic acid-induced apoptosis in Raji cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was purposed to explore the apoptotic effect of gambogic acid on Raji cells and the role of death inducer-obliterator 1 (DIO-1) in this process. Annexin V-fluorescein-isothiocyanate/propidium iodide was used to detect apoptosis of Raji cells. Western blot was used to determine the expressions of DIO-1, Bcl-xL, pro-caspase 3 and 2 activated subunits: P17 and P20. The subcellular localization of DIO-1 in untreated and treated Raji cells was checked by immunofluorescence and Hoechst 33258 double staining. The results showed that the Gambogic acid dose-dependently induced the apoptosis of Raji cells, downregulated the expression of Bcl-xL, upregulated the expressions of DIO-1 and pro-caspase 3, induced the cleavage of pro-caspase 3 and DIO nuclear translocation. It is concluded that gambogic acid induces the apoptosis of Raji cells through DIO-1 upregulation, nuclear translocation, Bcl-xL downregulation and caspase 3 activation.

[Effect of estradiol supplementation during the luteal phase on mouse endometrial expression of leukaemia inhibitory factor and pinopodes in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of estradiol supplementation during the luteal phase on mouse endometrial expression of leukaemia inhibitory factor and pinopodes in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles. METHODS: Female mice were randomly divided into four groups: group A [controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) group], group B (COS group with progesterone for luteal-phase-support), group C (COS group with progesterone and estradiol for luteal-phase-support), and group D of natural cycle group. Pinopodes were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) in the uterine endometrium of pregnant mice on pregnancy days (pd) 3 - 5. Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) protein was determined by immunohistochemistry in the uterine endometrium of pregnant mice on pd 3 - 5. RESULTS: (1) In groups B, C, and D, there were small developed pinopodes in the endometrial surface of pregnant mouse on day 3; there were large fully developed pinopodes in endometrial surface, which was smooth with well defined borders resembling a mushroom on day 4. The regressing pinopodes were observed on day 5. In group A, there were small developed pinopodes in endometrial surface of pregnant mouse on day 3. The regressing pinopodes were seen on day 4. (2) In the pregnant mice of groups C and D, the level of LIF protein on days 3 - 5 (138.5 +/- 20.3, 143.1 +/- 19.0) was significantly higher than group A (103.2 +/- 5.0, P < 0.05), and strong immunostaining of LIF protein was found on day 4 of gestation. In group B, the level of LIF protein on days 3 - 5 (123.5 +/- 10.8) was significantly higher than group A (P < 0.05), but significantly lower than groups C and D (P < 0.05). Strong immunostaining of LIF protein was found on day 4 of gestation. In group A, weak immunostaining of LIF protein peaked on day 3 of gestation. In groups B, C, and D, the level of LIF protein on day 4 was significantly higher than group A on day 3 (F = 55.76, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Estradiol supplementation during the luteal phase can improve the expression of LIF and pinopodes in mouse endometrium in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles and redress the harmful effect on implantation window by COS. Therefore, estradiol supplementation can improve the endometrial receptivity.