Proteomic analysis of human follicular fluid from polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Comparative proteomic profiling of human follicular fluid (HFF) from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS patients who displayed low levels of fertility was carried out via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with mass spectrometry. HFF, an important reproductive fluid, was used for the proteomic analysis of PCOS patients to determine the effect of PCOS on folliculogenesis. HFF was obtained from 10 women (average age, 35 years) undergoing in vitro fertilization at two hospitals. The proteins of HFF were separated using 2-DE analysis and validated by Western blot assay. Approximately 250 protein spots were separated on the 2-DE gel. Among them, the expression levels of seven proteins were found to change at least 1.5-fold in the PCOS patient group. Three protein spots, albumin, uncharacterized protein 1, and uncharacterized protein 2, were downregulated in PCOS patients. However, four protein spots, gelsolin, vitamin D binding protein, serum albumin, and complement factor B, were upregulated in PCOS patient group. These proteins may serve as a panel of potential pathological biomarkers during fertilization and oocyte development.

Migration of a Hem-o-Lok Clip to the Ureter Following Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy Presenting With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

We report a case of ureteral migration of a surgical clip after partial nephrectomy in which the clip was misdiagnosed as a ureteral stone. A 37-year-old woman had undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy of right renal cell carcinoma at another hospital 2 years previously. Postoperatively, she had gradually acquired lower urinary tract symptoms. Then, she complained of sudden right flank pain for a week. A plain X-ray and enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography scan were performed. A 0.5 cm×1.0 cm right upper ureteral opacity with borderline hydronephrosis was seen but could not be found on the X-ray. Ureteroscopy revealed a medium-sized Hem-o-Lok clip on the right upper ureter that was removed with a stone basket. We concluded that a Hem-o-Lok clip used for collecting system sealing had migrated to the ureter and had been misdiagnosed as a ureteral stone on a computed tomography scan.