[Ultrasound characteristics of testicular Leydig cell tumors , , , 1.]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the color Doppler ultrasonic characteristics of testicular Leydig cell tumors (LCT) and improve the clinical diagnosis of the disease. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 4 cases of testicular LCT diagnosed and treated in our hospital and summarized the experience in the ultrasonic diagnosis of LCT with a review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: All the 4 testicular LCTs were solitary and quasi-round, 1 in the left and 3 in the right. The smallest mass was 1.8 × 1.5 cm and the largest 3.1 × 2.5 cm, and 2 were complicated by hydrocele of tunica vaginalis. The margins of tumors were distinct in 2 cases and indistinct in 1, and changed from distinct to indistinct in another during the follow-up. Hypoechoes were revealed in all the 4 cases in ultrasonography, 2 with abundant internal blood flow, 1 with abundant peripheral blood flow, and the other with abundant internal blood flow changed from circular blood flow surrounding the mass. CONCLUSIONS: A typical sporadic LCT was ultrasonically manifested as an isolated hypoechoic infracentimetric mass with a clear demarcation from the adjacent pulp. It exhibited intrinsic hypervascularization associated with a typical peripheral rim pattern. Larger lesions more often presented a lobulated shape and intense hypervascularization. Although these ultrasonic characteristics do not reveal the nature of LCT with certainty, they can help the surgeon with the decision on testis-sparing surgery or perhaps even on the active monitoring for the smallest lesions in a population with impaired fertility.

In Vivo Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Eight Types of Urinary Calculi Using Spiral Computerized Tomography in a Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of eight types of urinary calculi using spiral computerized tomography (CT) in vivo. METHODS: From October 2011 to February 2013, upper urinary tract calculi were obtained from 122 patients in the department of urinary surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. All patients were scanned with a 64-detector row helical CT scanner using 6.50 mm collimation before ureterorenoscopy. Data from the preoperative spiral CT scans and postoperative chemical composition of urinary calculi were collected. RESULTS: The chemical composition analysis indicates that there were five types of pure calculi and three types of mixed calculi, including 39 calcium oxalate calculi, 12 calcium phosphate calculi, 10 calcium carbonate calculi, 8 magnesium ammonium phosphate calculi, 6 carbonated apatite, 21 uric acid/ammonium urate calculi, 10 uric acid/calcium oxalate calculi, and 16 calcium oxalate/calcium phosphate calculi. There were significant differences in the mean CT values among the five types of pure calculi (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we also observed significant differences in the mean CT values among three types of mixed calculi (P < 0.001). Significant differences in the mean CT values were also found among eight types of urinary calculi (P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the mean CT values of magnesium ammonium phosphate calculi and uric acid/calcium oxalate calculi (P = 0.262). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that spiral CT could be a promising tool for determining the chemical composition of upper urinary tract calculi.

MiR-133b regulates bladder cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting Bcl-w and Akt1.

BACKGROUND: MiR-133b is a muscle-specific microRNA; it has a role in the formation of cardiocytes and the expression of myocardium ion channels by regulating target genes. Many human malignant tumors demonstrate a low expression of miR-133b, as noted in colorectal, lung, esophagus and bladder cancers, but the role of miR-133b in bladder cancer is unknown. METHODS: The expression of miR-133b in clinical bladder cancer specimens and adjacent normal tissues was confirmed by stem-loop RT-PCR. We also analyzed the relationship between miR-133b expression and clinicopathological factors of bladder cancer. Bcl-w and Akt1 protein expression in 41 bladder cancer specimens and adjacent normal tissues was detected by Western blot. After transfection of miR-133b mimics or inhibitor into a T24 human bladder cancer cell line, Bcl-w and Akt1 protein and mRNA expression were examined by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. The effect of miR-133b on T24 cell proliferation and apoptosis was measured by CCK-8 tests and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS: The expression of miR-133b in bladder cancer tissues from 41 patients was significantly down-regulated (P < 0.01); low expression of miR-133b was strongly associated with high-grade bladder cancer (P < 0.01). Bcl-w and Akt1 proteins were significantly overexpressed in bladder cancer tissues versus adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.01 for both). The expression of Akt1 and Bcl-w proteins and Akt1 mRNA, in T24 cells was significantly down-regulated or up-regulated after transfection of miR-133b mimics or inhibitor, respectively; however, there was no significant difference in Bcl-w mRNA expression. Transfection of HEK-293 T cells with miR-133b significantly suppressed a luciferase-reporter containing the Bcl-w or Akt 1 3'-untranslated regions. MiR-133b mimics significantly inhibited T24 cell proliferation, as well as increased T24 cell apoptosis (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) while the miR-133b inhibitor increased and decreased these, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: MiR-133b may play a very important role in the proliferation and apoptosis of T24 cells by regulating the expression of Bcl-w and Akt1.

[Clinicopathologic analysis of spermatocytic seminoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathologic features and biological behavior of spermatocytic seminoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed as seminoma, spermatocytic seminoma between January 2003 and May 2011, was performed. Clinical data, HE stained section and immunohistochemical staining (SP method) were reviewed with follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-six cases of seminoma and 5 cases of spermatocytic seminoma were identified. The average age at the diagnosis of 5 cases of spermatocytic seminoma was 53 years, and no patient had a history of crytorchidism or germ cell tumor. All five patients had stage pT1 tumor. Immunohistochemical studies showed that spermatocytic seminoma was negative for CK, vimentin, OCT3/4, PLAP, and LCA, and PAS staining was also negative. All five patients were well after operation. In contrast, the average age at diagnosis of the 66 cases of seminoma was 37 years, in which 12% had a history of crytorchidism and 11% were in stage pT2 or the above. Immunohistochemical studies showed that seminoma was positive for OCT3/4, PLAP, and CD117. During the follow-up, 2 patients developed metastasis and 3 patients died of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Spermatocytic seminoma is rare and appears to follow a benign clinical course Due to its favourable prognosis, further treatment is not necessary after orchidectomy. Accurate pathologic diagnosis is critical for patient management and for avoiding over-treatment.