Neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Re on drosophila model of Parkinson's disease / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the neuroprotective mechanism of ginsenoside Re(GS-Re) on drosophila model of Parkinson's disease(PD) induced by rotenone(Rot). To be specific, Rot was used to induce PD in drosophilas. Then the drosophilas were grouped and respectively treated(GS-Re: 0.1, 0.4, 1.6 mmol·L~(-1); L-dopa: 80 μmol·L~(-1)). Life span and crawling ability of drosophilas were determined. The brain antioxidant activity [content of catalase(CAT), malondialdehyde(MDA), reactive oxygen species(ROS), superoxide dismutase(SOD)], dopamine(DA) content, and mitochondrial function [content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B8(NDUFB8) Ⅰ activity, succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit B(SDHB) Ⅱ activity] were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The number of DA neurons in the brains of drosophilas was measured with the immunofluorescence method. The levels of NDUFB8 Ⅰ, SDHB Ⅱ, cytochrome C(Cyt C), nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2(Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-assaciated X protein(Bax), and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 in the brain were detected by Western blot. The results showed that model group [475 μmol·L~(-1) Rot(IC_(50))] demonstrated significantly low survival rate, obvious dyskinesia, small number of neurons and low DA content in the brain, high ROS level and MDA content, low content of SOD and CAT, significantly low ATP content, NDUFB8 Ⅰ activity, and SDHB Ⅱ activity, significantly low expression of NDUFB8 Ⅰ, SDHB Ⅱ, and Bcl-2/Bax, large amount of Cyt C released from mitochondria to cytoplasm, low nuclear transfer of Nrf2, and significantly high expression of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 compared with the control group. GS-Re(0.1, 0.4, and 1.6 mmol·L~(-1)) significantly improved the survival rate of PD drosophilas, alleviated the dyskinesia, increased DA content, reduced the loss of DA neurons, ROS level, and MDA content in brain, improved content of SOD and CAT and antioxidant activity in brain, maintained mitochondrial homeostasis(significantly increased ATP content and activity of NDUFB8 Ⅰ and SDHB Ⅱ, significantly up-regulated expression of NDUFB8 Ⅰ, SDHB Ⅱ, and Bcl-2/Bax), significantly reduced the expression of Cyt C, increased the nuclear transfer of Nrf2, and down-regulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3. In conclusion, GS-Re can significantly relieve the Rot-induced cerebral neurotoxicity in drosophilas. The mechanism may be that GS-Re activates Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, improves antioxidant capacity of brain neurons, then inhibits mitochondria-mediated caspase-3 signaling pathway, and the apoptosis of neuronal cells, thereby exerting the neuroprotective effect.

Antidepressant mechanism of Shenling Kaixin Granules based on BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of Shenling Kaixin Granules(SLKX) in treating chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) model rats. Ninety male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, Shugan Jieyu Capsules(110 mg·kg~(-1)) group and SLKX low-(90 mg·kg~(-1)), medium-(180 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-dose(360 mg·kg~(-1)) groups. Depression rat model was replicated by CUMS method. After treatment, the behavioral changes of rats were evaluated by sugar preference, open field, elevated cross maze and forced swimming experiments. The contents of interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) in hippocampal CA1 region were also detected. Pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and Western blot was used to determine the expression of nerve growth factor(NGF), BDNF, phospho-tyrosine kinase receptor(p-TrkB)/TrkB, phospho-cAMP-response element binding protein(p-CREB)/CREB, nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) and caspase-3 in hippocampal CA1 region. RESULTS:: showed that compared with the control group, the model group had decreased sugar preference, reduced number of entries and time spent in the center of open field and shortened total distance of movement, reduced number of entries and proportion of time spent in open arm, and increased number and time of immobility in forced swimming experiment. Additionally, the serum contents of IL-1β and TNF-α and the expression of caspase-3 were higher, while the contents of BDNF and 5-HT, the activities of SOD and CAT in hippocampal CA1 region, the expressions of NGF, BDNF, p-TrkB/TrkB, p-CREB/CREB, HO-1 and Bcl-2/Bax, and the Nrf2 nuclear translocation were lower in model group than in control group. Compared with the conditions in model group, the sugar preference, the number of entries and time spent in the center of open, total distance of movement, and the number of entries and proportion of time spent in open arm in treatment groups were increased while the number and time of immobility in forced swimming experiment were decreased; the serum contents of IL-1β and TNF-α and the expression of caspase-3 were down regulated, while the contents of BDNF and 5-HT, the activities of SOD and CAT in hippocampal CA1 region, the expressions of NGF, BDNF, p-TrkB/TrkB, p-CREB/CREB, HO-1, Bcl-2/Bax, and Nrf2 nuclear translocation were enhanced. In conclusion, SLKX might regulate the Nrf2 nucleus translocation by activating BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway, lower oxidative stress damage in hippocampus, inhibit caspase-3 activity, and reduce apoptosis of hippocampal nerve cells, thereby playing an antidepressant role.

Molecular characteristics, clinical significance, and cancer immune interactions of cuproptosis and ferroptosis-associated genes in colorectal cancer.

Objective: To systematically analyze the expression of cuproptosis and ferroptosis genes and their impact on the development, prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), and treatment response in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: We systematically evaluated 33 cuproptosis and ferroptosis-related genes and comprehensively identified the correlations between cuproptosis and ferroptosis-related genes and transcriptional patterns, prognosis, and clinical features. Three distinct subgroups were identified in CRC using the TCGA database and the GEO database. We next assessed the relationship between the molecular features, prognostic significance, and clinical indicators of the prognostic genes in the cuproptosis and ferroptosis-related gene clusters. In addition, a PAC_score, which accurately predicted the prognosis of CRC patients and the efficacy of immunomodulatory mAbs, was obtained. Results: Patients in the low expression group (low expression of cuproptosis and ferroptosis-related genes) had a longer survival compared to the high expression group. We identified two distinct prognosis-associated molecular subtypes and observed an association between clinical information and prognosis. The enrichment analysis of differential genes associated with prognosis showed that the main enrichment was related to biological processes such as metastasis and metabolism. Next, the PCA_score for predicting overall survival (OS) was established and its reliable predictive value in CRC patients was confirmed. Furthermore, highly reliable nomogram was created to facilitate the clinical feasibility of the PCA_score. It was found that the immunomodulatory mAbs, PD-L1 and CTLA4 were highly expressed in the low PCA_score score group with statistically significance. Conclusion: Overall, the PCA scores of prognostic differential genes in the cuproptosis and ferroptosis-related gene clusters were strongly associated with clinical characteristics, prognosis, and immunotherapy in CRC patients. This data may promote further exploration of more effective immunotherapy strategies for CRC.

Exploratory research of the value of abbreviated comprehensive geriatric assessment in elderly breast cancer patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To explore the value and feasibility of abbreviated comprehensive geriatric assessment(aCGA)grading in elderly patients with breast cancer.Methods:From June 2019 to January 2020, elderly patients with breast cancer aged 65 years and above were enrolled.Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)score and aCGA classification were performed respectively.Clinical characteristics, score distribution and differences between the two assessment methods were compared and analyzed.Results:A total of 61 cases of breast cancer patients aged 65 years and above were included in our study.According to the assessment of aCGA, grade A accounted for 65.5%(40/61), grade B accounted for 27.9%(17/61), and grade C accounted for 6.6%(4/61), among which 82.0%(50/61 cases)of the patients had complications.And the most common complications were hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.Among the 50 patients with ECOG score 0-1, 74.0%(37/50)were aCGA grade A, and 26.0%(13/50)were aCGA grade B.Conclusions:According to the aCGA grading, about two thirds of breast cancer patients over 65 years old are assessed as grade A, which indicates that they might have better tolerance during the treatment.However, among the patients with 0-1 score according to the ECOG score, some patients still have a slightly worse grade(aCGA grade B, which shows slightly worse health condition), suggesting that the refinement degree of ECOG score may be insufficient, and the health damage of some patients may be underestimated.

Misdiagnosis and Delay of Diagnosis in Hemorrhagic Meningioma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinicoradiologic characteristics of hemorrhagic meningiomas (HMs) that are missed or misdiagnosed on radiologic imaging studies. METHODS: Clinical and radiologic data from 6 patients with HM who were initially misdiagnosed were collected and recorded respectively. In addition, we performed a literature review for misdiagnosed HM and summarized the results. RESULTS: Five of the 6 patients with misdiagnosed HM were female, and 1 was male. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in 4 patients, and CT alone was performed in 2. On CT, the HM was heterogeneously hyperdense in 5 patients and isodense in 1 patient. In all 4 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging, the HM was mixed iso- and hypointense on T1-weighted imaging and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging. Marked heterogeneous contrast enhancement was observed in 2 patients, strong rim enhancement in 1, and peripheral enhancement in 1. The dural tail sign was seen in only 1 patient. The initial radiologic misdiagnoses were subdural hematoma (n = 1), malignant glioma (n = 1), ruptured arterial aneurysm (n = 1), metastasis (n = 2), and uncertain (n = 1). In the literature review, 22 cases of HM diagnostic error were collected. The main misdiagnoses were subdural hematoma (27.3%), traumatic hematoma (13.6%), vascular anomaly (13.6%), malignant glioma (4.5%), and metastasis (4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that in patients with HM with inadequate imaging evaluation, a small tumor associated with massive hematoma and atypical imaging features was more likely to be misdiagnosed.

Application Value of Abbreviated Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Elderly Female Breast Cancer Patients / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the application value of abbreviated comprehensive geriatric assessment(aCGA)in elderly female breast cancer patients. Methods Eight aspects of the traditional CGA were simplified to form the aCGA assessment table,based on which the patients were classified into three grades of A,B and C according to the total scores.This study enrolled the elderly female patients with breast cancer aged 70 years and above who were treated in PUMC Hospital from June 2018 to January 2020.Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)scoring and aCGA grading were performed respectively,and the results of the two methods were compared. Results Of the 162 patients,111(68.5%)were classified by the aGGA method as grade A,43(26.5%)as grade B,and 8(5.0%)as grade C;131(80.9%)cases have concurrent diseases,and the most common complications were hypertension(

Impact of the 21-gene recurrence score assay in clinical treatment and prognosis analysis for patients with hormone receptor positive early-stage breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective@#To explore the association between the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) and clinicopathologic characteristics as well as prognosis in patients with axillary lymph node negative, hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer.@*Methods@#The clinicopathologic data of 439 early breast cancer patients who underwent 21 gene RS testing was retrospectively analyzed. According to the 21 gene RS, the patients were divided into low risk (295 cases), intermediate risk (111 cases) and high-risk (33 cases) group. The relationship between the 21 gene RS and clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, recurrence and metastasis was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to analyze the risk factors for relapse free survival (RFS).@*Results@#Tumor grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki-67 index were significantly different among the 3 risk cohorts (P<0.001 for all). After a median follow-up of 32 months, the recurrence rate in low risk group (3.7%) was significantly lower than that in the intermediate-high risk group (9.0%), the locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate of low, intermediate and high risk group was 2.4%, 6.3% and 9.1%; and the distant metastasis (DM) rate in low risk group was 1.4% and 2.1% in the intermediate-high risk group. Univariate analysis showed RS, ER status and endocrine therapy were prognostic factors for RFS (P<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed that RS was an independent significant predictor for RFS (P=0.04).@*Conclusions@#The 21-gene RS is related to tumor grade, ER, PR and Ki-67 index. RS is an independent risk factor for RFS in patients with hormone receptor positive early-stage breast cancer.

Protective effect of Liensinine on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced acute lung injury in mice / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To investigate the effect of Liensinine on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Methods BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six group: control group, LPS group, LPS+Liensinine (2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg) groups, and dexamethasone group. Acute lung injury in mice was induced by nasal instillation of LPS. After 12 h, the pathological changes of lung tissue were observed. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA. The number of neutrophils in BALF was detected using Wright-Giemsa staining. Total protein content was detected by BCA protein quantification assay. The pulmonary capillary permeability was examined with Evans blue. The MPO activity, MDA content, SOD activity, and GSH content in lung homogenate supernatant were detected by spectrophotometry. The content of ROS in lung tissue was detected by flow cytometry. Results The LPS group showed inflammatory cell infiltration, thickening of bronchial alveolar wall and pulmonary congestion in the lung tissue, while Liensinine improved the lung injury. In the LPS group, the contents of TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-1β in BALF were significantly increased, the number of neutrophils and the content of total protein were significantly increased, pulmonary capillary permeability, MPO activity and MDA content were increased, SOD activity and GSH content were decreased, the content of ROS was increased; while the Liensinine group reduced the contents of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in BALF, reduced the number of neutrophils and total protein content, decreased the pulmonary capillary permeability, attenuated MPO activity and MDA contents and increased SOD activity and GSH content, and reduced ROS content in the LPS-challenged lung tissue. Conclusions Liensinine protects mice from LPS-induced acute lung injury by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities.

Technical improvement of bronchoalveolar lavage in mice / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To improve the preparation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)in mice. Methods BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups. In the first and second groups, the whole lung lavage was performed with the traditional method,using a vein detained needle and lavaged with sterile saline. The mice in the third group got whole lung lavage by the improved method, namely, using a self-made plastic rigid pipe connected with a syringe. Each mouse was lavaged for 3 times,with 0.5 mL of sterile saline for each time, and the time consumption was recorded. The collected BALF was centrifuged,the supernatant was separated and its volume was measured accurately. Results The time spent for BALF collection in each mouse in the third group was(4 ± 0.62)min, significantly shorter than that of(10 ± 0.75) and(12 ± 0.88)min,respectively in the first and second groups(P< 0.05). The volume of BALF collected in each mouse of the third group was(1.34 ± 0.16)mL,significantly higher than that of(1.03 ± 0.25)and(1.13 ± 0.22)mL, respectively in the first and second groups(P< 0.05). Conclusions The improved method of BALF collection described in our study is simple,economical and efficient,and is useful for beginners especially.

Analysis of single circumaereolar incision nipple-sparing modified radical mastectomy and immediate tissue expander implantation / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To explore the safety and cosmetic effect of nipple-sparing modified radical mas tectomy and immediate tissue expander implantation with single circumaereolar incision.Methods 30 patients were enrolled in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between Jan.2014 and Dec.2015.All the patients were categorized according to surgical incision (single circumaereolar incision group vs double incisions group).Data on clinicopathological parameters,average hospital stay,complications and overall cosmetic effect were retrospectively collected.Data was performed with Chi-square test,Fisher exact test and t-test.Statistical significance was defined as P＜0.05.Results 19 patients were enrolled in single circumaereolar incision group,and 11 patients in double incisions group.There was no significant difference for operation duration (P=0.093) and average hospital stay (P=0.339).After follow-up for 19.1 months,ranging from 8 to 31 months,no patients developed seroma or arm lymphedema.There was no statistical significance between the two groups in terms of sensation in nippleaereolar area (P=0.973),bilateral symmetry (P=0.650) and overall cosmesis (P=0.483).Conclusion single circumaereolar incision nipple-sparing modified radical mastectomy and immediate tissue expander implantation can be one of the preferable surgical procedures with benefits of minimal invasiveness,reliable oncological safety and decent cosmetic effect.

Advances in breast cancer related nomograms / 中国癌症杂志

Breast cancer is the leading cause of malignancy-related mortality in women worldwide. The more accurate prediction of lymph node metastasis and evaluation of personalized prognosis of breast cancer patients could provide evidence and reference for individualized comprehensive treatment and clinical decision-making. Nomogram is statistical calculation model developed to generate individualized prediction of a certain clinical event through the factors associated with it. Currently breast cancer related nomogram models is most commonly used in the prediction of non-sentinel lymph node status in patients with sentinel lymph node-positive breast cancer, sentinel lymph node metastasis in clinical node-negative breast cancer and prognosis evaluation of breast cancer. This article reviewed the recent advances in breast cancer related nomograms according to the above mentioned three aspects, and evaluated respectively the predictive factors, accuracy, characteristics and clinical application potential.

Analysis of prognostic factors related to triple-negative breast cancer / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prognostic factors related to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by analyzing clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment and prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and five TNBC patients treated between January 2004 and December 2011 were enrolled and retrospectively reviewed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. All patients were females and the age onset were 24-82 years old (the median were 50 years old).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The follow-up period was 1 to 114 months, with median 38 months. The 5-year disease free survival (DFS) rate was 68% and overall survival (OS) rate 75%. The peak risk of recurrence occurs within the first 2-3 years after initial treatment of the disease, but distant relapse after this time is much less common. Survival analysis showed that surgery type (χ(2) = 4.030, P = 0.045), tumor grade (χ(2) = 8.000, P = 0.046), lymph-vascular invasion (χ(2) = 10.386, P = 0.001) and lymph node stage (χ(2) = 119.36, P = 0.000), TNM stage (χ(2) = 65.961, P = 0.000) and treatment plan (χ(2) = 28.371, 21.874, 32.163, all P = 0.000) were statistically related to DFS; while age (χ(2) = 10.226, P = 0.006), lymph-vascular invasion (χ(2) = 18.881, P = 0.000), lymph node stage (χ(2) = 98.958, P = 0.000), TNM stage (χ(2) = 65.342, P = 0.000) and type of treatment (χ(2) = 17.862, 18.708, 31.921, all P = 0.000) were related to OS. The lymph nodes stage was prognostic factor related to both DFS and OS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TNBC was characterized by poor prognosis and rapid progression. The lymph nodes metastatic status was the most important prognostic factor of TNBC.</p>

[Reference values of semen parameters for normal fertile men in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution characteristics of the main semen parameters of healthy semen donors and normal fertile men in Shanghai, compare the semen quality between the two groups, and investigate the normal reference values of the semen parameters of the fertile population in Shanghai. METHODS: We obtained semen samples from 100 healthy donors and 41 fertile men, performed semen analyses according to the WHO (2010) guidelines, and determined the semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count. We analyzed the distribution of the semen parameters of the normal fertile men, and obtained the lower limits of their normal reference values. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the main semen parameters between the healthy donors and normal fertile men (P < 0.05). The lower reference limits for the semen parameters of normal fertile men in Shanghai (P < 0.05) were as follows: sperm concentration > or = 27.3 x 10(6)/ml, sperm progressive motility > or = 8.1%, semen volume > or = 0.82 ml, total sperm count > or = 44.73 x 10(6) per ejaculate, and total progressively motile sperm count > or = 24.68 x 10(6) per ejaculate. CONCLUSION: For the evaluation of male fecundity, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count may be two better predictors than others.

[Direct fumigation for freeze-thawing of human sperm: an experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of direct fumigation on the post-thaw recovery rate of cryopreserved spermatozoa, and to search for a best method for human sperm cryopreservation. METHODS: We collected semen samples from 100 donors conforming to the normal reference values in WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th Ed), divided them into two groups, and subjected them to cryopreservation by programmable freezing (Group A) and direct fumigation (Group B), respectively. We detected the progressive motility of pre-freezing and post-thaw sperm with a computer-assisted semen analyzer, and compared the effects of the two methods on the functional integrity of sperm membrane and the rate of abnormal sperm using the percentage of hypo-osmotic swelling sperm and modified Papanicolaou staining. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in post-thaw sperm progressive motility between the Groups A and B ([34.0 +/- 18.4]% vs [43.0 +/- 19.5]%, P<0.05), both remarkably decreased as compared with pre-freezing ([57.0 +/- 16.7]%, P<0.05). Such differences were also found in the post-thaw recovery rate of progressively motile sperm between the two groups ([52.2 +/- 20.6]% vs [67.1 +/- 20.0]%, P<0.05). The post-thaw percentage of hypo-osmotic swelling sperm was obviously decreased in both Groups A and B ([67.1 +/- 11.1]% and [70.6 +/- 10.0]%) in comparison with pre-freezing ([84.5 +/- 7.5]%, P<0.05), with significant differences between A and B (P<0.05). However, the rate of sperm abnormality was evidently increased in Groups A and B ([85.0 +/- 8.7% and [85.7 +/- 9.1]%), significantly higher than pre-freezing ([77.8 +/- 9.6]%, P<0.05), but with no significant differences between A and B (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Direct fumigation is superior to programmable freezing for its easier operation, wider application, and higher sperm recovery rate.

Reference values of semen parameters for normal fertile men in Shanghai / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the distribution characteristics of the main semen parameters of healthy semen donors and normal fertile men in Shanghai, compare the semen quality between the two groups, and investigate the normal reference values of the semen parameters of the fertile population in Shanghai.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We obtained semen samples from 100 healthy donors and 41 fertile men, performed semen analyses according to the WHO (2010) guidelines, and determined the semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count. We analyzed the distribution of the semen parameters of the normal fertile men, and obtained the lower limits of their normal reference values.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no statistically significant differences in the main semen parameters between the healthy donors and normal fertile men (P < 0.05). The lower reference limits for the semen parameters of normal fertile men in Shanghai (P < 0.05) were as follows: sperm concentration > or = 27.3 x 10(6)/ml, sperm progressive motility > or = 8.1%, semen volume > or = 0.82 ml, total sperm count > or = 44.73 x 10(6) per ejaculate, and total progressively motile sperm count > or = 24.68 x 10(6) per ejaculate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For the evaluation of male fecundity, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count may be two better predictors than others.</p>

Direct fumigation for freeze-thawing of human sperm: an experimental study / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of direct fumigation on the post-thaw recovery rate of cryopreserved spermatozoa, and to search for a best method for human sperm cryopreservation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected semen samples from 100 donors conforming to the normal reference values in WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th Ed), divided them into two groups, and subjected them to cryopreservation by programmable freezing (Group A) and direct fumigation (Group B), respectively. We detected the progressive motility of pre-freezing and post-thaw sperm with a computer-assisted semen analyzer, and compared the effects of the two methods on the functional integrity of sperm membrane and the rate of abnormal sperm using the percentage of hypo-osmotic swelling sperm and modified Papanicolaou staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Statistically significant differences were found in post-thaw sperm progressive motility between the Groups A and B ([34.0 +/- 18.4]% vs [43.0 +/- 19.5]%, P<0.05), both remarkably decreased as compared with pre-freezing ([57.0 +/- 16.7]%, P<0.05). Such differences were also found in the post-thaw recovery rate of progressively motile sperm between the two groups ([52.2 +/- 20.6]% vs [67.1 +/- 20.0]%, P<0.05). The post-thaw percentage of hypo-osmotic swelling sperm was obviously decreased in both Groups A and B ([67.1 +/- 11.1]% and [70.6 +/- 10.0]%) in comparison with pre-freezing ([84.5 +/- 7.5]%, P<0.05), with significant differences between A and B (P<0.05). However, the rate of sperm abnormality was evidently increased in Groups A and B ([85.0 +/- 8.7% and [85.7 +/- 9.1]%), significantly higher than pre-freezing ([77.8 +/- 9.6]%, P<0.05), but with no significant differences between A and B (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Direct fumigation is superior to programmable freezing for its easier operation, wider application, and higher sperm recovery rate.</p>

Indomethacin for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the preventive effect of Indomethacin for post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia.Methods A total of 600 patients,who were undergoing ERCP,were randomly divided into 3 groups to receive anal Indomethacin (n=200),intravenous octreotide (n=200) or no special medication (n=200) before ERCP.The level of serum amylase before and 24h after ERCP were measured,and the rate of acute pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia after ERCP were assessed.Results Serum amylase levels before ERCP of all groups were normal.The mean serum amylase level of Indomethacin group (101.3±77.7 U/L) after ERCP was significantly lower than those of octreotide group ( 176.6±138.3 U/L,P =0.040 ]and control group (227.2±264.9 U/L,P=0.048),while there was no difference between octreotide group and control group ( P＞0.05 ).The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis in Indomethacin group (2.5％) was significantly lower than that of control group (9.5％,P=0.003),while there was no difference between octreotide group (4.5％) and control group ( P=0.05 ).The incidence of hyperamylasemia after ERCP in Indomethacin group (5.5％) was significantly lower than that of control group ( 13.5％,P=0.006 ),while there was no difference between octreotide group (10.0％) and control group ( P＞0.05 ).Conctusion Anal administration of Indomethacin before ERCP can effectively reduce the incidence of acute pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia after ERCP.

[Estrogens affect Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier in pubertal rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of exogenous estrogens with the expression of FasL in Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier during the differentiation and maturation period of Sertoli cells, and to discuss the related factors that influence the blood-testis barrier of pubertal rats. METHODS: Super-physiological doses of exogenous estrogenic compounds (diethylstilbestrol and estradiol) were administered to pubertal Sprague-Dawley rats in vitro and in vivo, the FasL expression in the Sertoli cells of the rats detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the changes in the blood-testis barrier observed with the electron microscope. RESULTS: After the exposure to exogenous estrogens, the FasL expression was markedly up-regulated in the immature Sertoli cells (P < 0.05) as well as in the Sertoli cell membrane and the blood-testis barrier of the epithelium. The tracer lanthanum passed through the blood-testis barrier and reached the whole layer of the epithelium at 18 days. CONCLUSION: Super-physiological dose of exogenous estrogens can change the expression and distribution of FasL in immature Sertoli cells and affect the structure of the blood-testis barrier.

Expression of the retinoic acid-metabolizing enzymes RALDH2 and CYP26b1 during mouse postnatal testis development.

AIM: To study the expression pattern of the retinoic acid metabolizing enzymes RALDH2 and CYP26b1 during mouse postnatal testis development at both mRNA and protein levels. METHODS: Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the relative quantity of RALDH2 and CYP26b1 at both mRNA and protein levels at postnatal day 1, 5, 10, 20, and in adult mice (70 days testes). Testicular localization of RALDH2 and CYP26b1 during mouse postnatal development was examined using immunohistochemistry assay. RESULTS: Aldh1a2 transcripts and its protein RALDH2 began to increase at postnatal day 10, and remained at a high level through postnatal day 20 to adulthood. Cyp26b1 transcripts and CYP26b1 protein did not change significantly during mouse postnatal testis development. RALDH2 was undetectable in the postnatal 1, 5 and 10 day testes using immunohistochemistry assay. At postnatal day 20 it was detected in pachytene spermatocytes. Robust expression of RALDH2 was restricted in round spermatids in the adult mouse testis. In the developing and adult testis, CYP26b1 protein was confined to the peritubular myoepithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that following birth, the level of retinoic acid in the seminiferous tubules might begin to increase at postnatal day 10, and maintain a high level through postnatal day 20 to adulthood.

[Radiation-induced maxillary malignancies: complications of radiotherapy treatment for head-neck malignant tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of radiation-induced maxillary malignancy after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. METHODS: A total of 273 patients who suffered from osteoradionecrosis after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer were evaluated. Among them, 6 patients were presented with carcinoma and sarcoma arising from maxillary area after radiotherapy. RESULTS: Radiation-induced maxillary cancers happened at a rate of 2.2% in the patients with osteoradionecrosis. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex and the time interval between the radiotherapy and the cancer occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation-induced malignancy after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is mainly located in maxilla, presenting as squamous cell carcinoma or sarcoma of the maxillary sinus.