CTLA-4 +49A/G Polymorphism Increases the Susceptibility to Bladder Cancer in Chinese Han Participants: A Case-Control Study.

Cytotoxic T cell antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is reportedly involved in the development of bladder cancer (BC). This research was designed to address the potential link between the +49A/G polymorphism in CTLA-4 gene and BC susceptibility. In total, 355 BC cases and 435 match controls from Chinese Han individuals were included eventually. The PCR-RFLR method was utilized to screen for this polymorphism. The +49A/G polymorphism was shown to increase the risk of BC. Subgroup analyses showed that this polymorphism was linked to an increased susceptibility to BC among individuals aged < 60 years, smokers and drinkers. Additionally, this polymorphism significantly correlated with tumor node metastasis and tumor size (≥3 cm). To sum up, this study reveals that the CTLA-4 +49A/G polymorphism could increase the risk of BC in Chinese Han people. Further large cohort studies with enough sample sizes are urgently warranted to verify the findings of this present study.

Investigation of Leptin G19A polymorphism with bladder cancer risk: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: A host of studies show Leptin (LEP) G19A polymorphism is correlated with the risk of various cancers, but the connection of this polymorphism with bladder cancer (BC) risk has not been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This association was in explored in a case-control study involving 355 BC cases and 435 controls (all Chinese Han). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was conducted to genotype LEP G19A polymorphism. Analyses of allele and genotype distribution were evaluated using chi-square test. Continuous data were assessed by an independent samples t test or one-way ANOVA test. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined by logistic regression. RESULTS: LEP G19A polymorphism was significantly associated with a lower risk of BC (AA vs GG: adjusted OR, 0.40, 95% CI, 0.20-0.83, P = .013; AA + GA vs GG: adjusted OR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.52-0.93, P = .015; AA vs GA + GG: adjusted OR, 0.45, 95% CI, 0.22-0.91, P = .026). In addition, A allele was associated with decreased risk for BC (A vs G: OR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.55-0.89, P = .003). Stratified analyses by females, non-drinkers, and non-smokers all returned considerable relations. Furthermore, LEP G19A polymorphism was correlated with tumor size, tumor node metastasis, and distant metastasis in BC patients. CONCLUSIONS: LEP G19A polymorphism is associated with a less risk of BC.

The association between matrix metalloproteinase-7 genetic variant and bladder cancer risk in a Chinese Han population.

The circulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) levels are associated with the risk of bladder cancer (BC). MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism may influence the expression of MMP-7 by affecting the transcriptional activity. A case-control study comprising 355 BC patients and 435 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted in a Chinese Han population. The genotype of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was determined by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Data revealed that MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism increased the risk of BC under the homozygous and allelic models. However, no association between MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism and BC risk was obtained after adjusting for age, gender, smoking habits and drinking habits. Subgroup analyses showed MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk for BC among the smokers and drinkers. Furthermore, AG or GG genotype of -181A/G polymorphism was associated with larger tumor size and lymphatic metastasis in BC patients. To sum up, MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility to BC. However, subgroup analyses obtain significant association among the groups of smokers and drinkers. Larger studies in other ethnic groups are needed to ascertain the contribution of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism to BC risk.

[Inhibin B level helps evaluate the testicular function of prepubertal patients with varicocele].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the serum inhibin B (INHB) level in evaluating the testicular function of the prepubertal patient with varicocele (VC) after high ligation of the spermatic vein (HLSV). METHODS: This study included 31 prepubertal male patients with left VC, averaging 12.55 years of age and 9 complicated by right VC. We collected peripheral blood samples before and at 4, 12 and 26 weeks after HLSV as well as spermatic venous blood samples intraoperatively for determination of the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), anti-sperm antibody (AsAb) and serum INHB by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, statistically significant differences were observed in the INHB level in the peripheral blood at 12 and 26 weeks after operation (ï¼»255.18 ± 69.97ï¼½ vs ï¼»141.78 ± 59.82ï¼½ pg/ml, P < 0.05) and that in the spermatic venous blood intraoperatively (ï¼»255.18 ± 69.97ï¼½ vs ï¼»412.44 ± 259.42ï¼½ pg/ml, P < 0.01). Spearman's analysis showed a negative correlation between the level of INHB and that of FSH (r = －0.224, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The level of serum INHB in the peripheral blood of the prepubertal VC patient is decreased within 6 months after HLSV and negatively correlated with that of FSH. The levels of INHB and FSH may well reflect the testicular function of the prepubertal VC patient.

[Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotypes in congenitally infected neonates].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes and clinical features in neonates with congenital infections. METHODS: Urine samples were obtained from 67 neonates with HCMV infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The gB gene fragment was amplified by nested PCR. HCMV gB genotyping was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: In all these cases, the most prevalent genotype was gBl (50.7%), followed by gB3 (23.9%), gB2 (17.9%), and gBl/gB3 coinfection (7.5%); gB4 was not found. Moreover, gB1 was more prevalent in infants with liver damage (27/37, 73.0%) than in other symptomatic infants without liver damage (13/30, 43.3%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gBI genotype is the most prevalent in infants with congenital symptomatic HCMV disease, especially in those with liver damage, followed by genotypes gB3, gB2, and gB4.

[One-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation for young children with congenital scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: to discuss the feasibility and efficacy of one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation for young children with congenital scoliosis. METHODS: thirty-five patients undergoing one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation were retrospectively studied. The mean followed-up period was 5.3 years (range: 1.2 - 8.7). The Cobb's angle of scoliosis at pre and post-operation was compared. RESULTS: all children's parents were satisfied with the outcome. The Cobb's angle of scoliosis was corrected from (42.5 ± 6.7)° to (16.2 ± 3.2)° at post-operation. The coronal correction rate was 64.7%. The angle of kyphosis improved from preoperative (33.5 ± 5.2)° to postoperative (13.3 ± 5.6)° in 14 cases. Operative duration was 210 - 280 minutes with an average of 240 minutes. The intra-operative blood loss was 80 - 200 ml with an average of 120 ml. There was no significant correction loss at follow-up. No neurological complication, infection or pedicular fracture was reported. CONCLUSION: the procedure of one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation is a safe and effective treatment for scoliosis by congenital hemi-vertebra in young children. A satisfactory correction may be achieved with a short fusion segment.

[All-trans retinoic acid enhances bystander effect of suicide-gene therapy against androgen-unresponsive prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the enhancing effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the bystander effect of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase(HSV-TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) against androgen unresponsive prostate cancer. METHODS: The bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay on PC-3 cells before and after ATRA treatment. The growth and the histopathology of transplant tumors were observed in 4 groups of nude mice with prostate cancer. RESULTS: ATRA augmented significantly the bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system by reducing TK positive PC-3 cells from 50% to 30% (P < 0.05). HSV-TK showed an inhibiting effect, while ATRA with the HSV-TK/GCV system produced significant effect on prostate cancer 1 week earlier than the former (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ATRA can argument the in vivo and in vitro bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system in the treatment of androgen unresponsive prostate cancer.