Analysis of lncRNAs profiles associated with ferroptosis can predict prognosis and immune landscape and drug sensitivity in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Ferroptosis is a novel kind of iron- and reactive oxygen-induced cell death, investigation into ferroptosis-associated long noncoding RNAs (FALs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is scarce. The goal of the research was to look at FALs' possible predictive significance, as well as their interaction with the immune microenvironment and therapeutic responsiveness of ccRCC. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was employed to retrieve RNA sequencing data from 530 individuals with ccRCC. Patients with ccRCC were randomly assigned to one of two groups: training or testing. Pearson's correlation analysis through the identified ferroptosis-related genes was implemented to screen for FALs. Finally, a FALs signature composed of eight lncRNAs was discovered for predicting survival outcomes in ccRCC patients. ccRCC patients in the training, testing, and overall cohorts were separated into low-risk and high-risk groups based on their risk score. The FALs signature was identified to be an independent factor for overall survival in the multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio = 1.013, 95% confidence interval = 1.008-1.018, p < 0.001). A clinically prognostic nomogram was created depending on the FALs signature and clinical characteristics. The nomogram provides greater clinical practicability and may reliably estimate patients' overall survival. The FALs signature may additionally precisely represent ccRCC's immunological environment, immunotherapy reaction, and drug sensitivity. The eight FALs and their signature provide precise and reliable methods for evaluating the clinical effects of in ccRCC patients, and they could be biological markers and targets for therapy.

[Multi-center real world study of the efficacy and safety of albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced breast cancer]

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Multi-center data of patients who accepted single-drug albumin-bound paclitaxel or combination regimens from 2013 to 2019 were collected and the efficacy and safety were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, while Log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates. Results: A total of 203 advanced breast cancer cases were enrolled. The median progression-free survival time (PFS) lasted for 4 months, the median overall survival(OS)was 14 months, objective response rate (ORR) was 36.0% while the disease control rate (DCR) was 81.3%. The ORRs of Luminal, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression and triple-negative breast cancer patients underwent albumin-bound paclitaxel treatment were 37.3%, 45.5% and 31.0%, respectively, the DCRs were 85.5%, 68.2% and 78.9%, respectively. The OS of patients with relapse or metastasis who accepted less than two and more than two chemotherapy regimens were 22 months and 11 months (P<0.000 1), the ORRs were 44.9% vs 30.4%, DCRs were 87.2% vs 77.6% (P=0.018). The ORR and DCR of patients who accepted traditional paclitaxel treatment before the albumin-bound paclitaxel treatment were 35.8% and 82.1%, respectively. The common adverse reaction of these patients was numbness of limbs, which incidence rate was 64.5% (131/203), and 61.1% (124/203) were degree 1 to 2. Other adverse reactions including decreased white blood cells, which incidence rate was 56.1% (114/203); nausea and vomit, which incidence rate was 36.9% (75/203); anemia, which incidence rate was 21.2% (43/203); decreased platelet, which incidence rate was 18.7% (38/203); hepatic dysfunction, which incidence rate was 18.2% (37/203). Conclusions: Albumin-bound paclitaxel single or combination regimen is still significant efficient for various molecular subtypes of breast cancer patients or patients with traditional paclitaxel resistance or multi-line chemotherapy failure. Early usage has better prognosis, controllable adverse reaction and prominent clinical application value.

Improving the productivity of Candida glycerinogenes in the fermentation of ethanol from non-detoxified sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by a hexose transporter mutant

AIMS

In this study, we attempted to increase the productivity of Candida glycerinogenes yeast for ethanol production from non-detoxified sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates (NDSBH) by identifying the hexose transporter in this yeast that makes a high contribution to glucose consumption, and by adding additional copies of this transporter and enhancing its membrane localisation stability (MLS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on the knockout and overexpression of key hexose transporter genes and the characterisation of their promoter properties, we found that Cghxt4 and Cghxt6 play major roles in the early and late stages of fermentation, respectively, with Cghxt4 contributing most to glucose consumption. Next, subcellular localisation analysis revealed that a common mutation of two ubiquitination sites (K9 and K538) in Cghxt4 improved its MLS. Finally, we overexpressed this Cghxt4 mutant (Cghxt4.2A) using a strong promoter, P_CgGAP , which resulted in a significant increase in the ethanol productivity of C. glycerinogenes in the NDSBH medium. Specifically, the recombinant strain showed 18 and 25% higher ethanol productivity than the control in two kinds of YP-NDSBH medium (YP-NDSBH1_G160 and YP-NDSBH2_G160 ), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The hexose transporter mutant Cghxt4.2A (Cghxt4^K9A,K538A ) with multiple copies and high MLS was able to significantly increase the ethanol productivity of C. glycerinogenes in NDSBH.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results provide a promising strategy for constructing efficient strains for ethanol production.

[Construction and analysis of competitive endogenous RNA regulatory network related to gastric cancer]

Objective: To construct the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network related to gastric cancer and explore the molecular mechanism. Methods: The expression profiles of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA in gastric cancer and paracancer tissues were analyzed by biochip technology, edgeR package in R software was used to filtrate differential expression genes (multiple change of >1.5 times, P<0.05) and volcano map was drawn. Based on the online miRNA-lncRNA prediction tool lncBase database and the miRNA Target gene prediction database (miRTarBase, target-scan, miRDB, starBase), the relationship between miRNA, lncRNA and mRNA was predicted. Cytoscape software was used to construct lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network and key genes (hub genes) were identified based on cytohubba calculation of degree score of each node. Then Hub genes related to the prognosis of gastric cancer were verified in the TCGA database. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNA was performed using the online biological information annotation database DAVID, P<0.05 and false discovery rate (FDR)<0.05 were used as cut-off criteria. R software was used to download the RNA sequencing data and mirna-seq data of gastric cancer and adjacent tissues in TCGA database, edgeR package was used to screen out differentially expressed mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA, and some differentially expressed genes in our data were verified. In OncoLnc database, STAD project of TCGA data was selected and hub gene was input. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median value for hub genes and Kaplan-meier analysis was performed. Results: The differentially expressed 766 mRNA, 110 lncRNA and 10 miRNA were screened out, among them 90 mRNA, 4 lncRNA and 6 miRNA were used to construct the ceRNA network, and 2 of the 20 hub genes were related to the prognosis of patients. MLK7-AS1, SPP1, SULF1, hsa-miR-1307-3p were upregulated in gastric cancer tissues from our biochip, while MT2A, MT1X were downregulated, which were consistent with the results of TCGA gastric cancer database. The differentially expressed mRNAs were significantly enriched in the biological process (BP) and the mineral absorption pathway. CHST1 was negatively correlated while miR-183-5p was positively corelated with the survival of patients. Conclusion: The establishment of ceRNA network for gastric cancer is conducive to further understanding of the molecular biological mechanism. CHST1 and miR-183-5p can be used as prognostic factors of gastric cancer.

Clinical study of the effects of deep brain stimulation on urinary dysfunctions in patients with Parkinson's disease

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on urinary dysfunctions in Parkinson’s patients.

Patients and methods: A total of 416 patients, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) based on the UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank Diagnostic Criteria, were enrolled in the study, including 307 males and 109 females. The effects of DBS treatment on urinary functions during urination and bladder storage of these patients were evaluated using testing and assessment scales, such as the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI), Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OAB-SS), Quality Of Life Scale (QOL), and urodynamic tests. The data were statistically analyzed with the chi-square test and  both independent-samples t-test and paired-samples t-test were used in this study.

Results: Symptoms of urinary dysfunctions, such as urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence, in the patients with PD were notably relieved by DBS treatment (P<0.05), and the OAB-SS and bladder storage problems were greatly improved as well (P<0.05). Compared with those in male patients, DBS surgery significantly improved the AUA-SI, urinary symptom scores, and QOL in female PD patients (P<0.05), as well as other functional indicators related to the urinary tract, including the maximum urinary flow rate, detrusor pressure at peak flow, and residual urine volume in female PD patients (P<0.05).

Conclusion: DBS surgery is effective in improving urinary functions in PD patients, as primarily reflected by the alleviation of urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence. Female PD patients displayed better urinary function outcomes from DBS treatment than did male patients.

[Influence of apatinib and VEGFR2-906T>C polymorphism on clinical outcomes of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients]

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcomes of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by apatinib regimens and the influence of VEGFR2-906T>C polymorphism. Methods: A total of 109 patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated by apatinib after three and more lines from March 2015 to December 2017 in the Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included in this study. Overall response rates were evaluated after 2 cycles, then progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated, and safety data were recorded. Additionally, peripheral blood and the biopsy tissue specimens of some NSCLC patients were collected for the genotyping of genetic variation and VEGFR2 gene mRNA expression, respectively. The association between genotype and other characteristics and VEGFR2 gene mRNA expression were analyzed. The univariate analysis of genotypes and prognosis was carried out by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and multivariate analysis were adjusted by Cox regression analysis. Results: The treatment effect could be evaluated in all the 109 patients, among them, complete remission (CR) 0 case, partial remission (PR) 19 case, stable disease (SD) 58 case, progression disease (PD) 32 case. Overall response rate (ORR) was 17.43%, disease control rate (DCR) was 70.64%, median PFS was 4.35 months, median OS was 8.35 months. Of the polymorphisms analyzed, only -906T>C was of clinical significance. The prevalence of -906T>C in VEGFR2 among the study population were as follows: TT genotype 64 cases (58.72%), TC genotype 37 cases (33.94%), CC genotype 8 cases (7.34%), minor allele frequency of -906T>C was 0.24. The distribution of three genotypes was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (P=0.418). CC and TC genotype patients were merged in the comparison of clinical outcomes. The analysis of patients with different genotypes found that the ORR of CC/TC genotypes and TT genotypes were 13.33% and 20.31% (P=0.377), respectively. And the median PFS of patients with CC/TC genotype and TT genotype were 3.25 and 5.35 months, respectively, which was statistically significant (P=0.007). In terms of OS, the median OS of the two genotypes were 7.35 and 9.15 (P=0.014), respectively. Adjusted in multivariate Cox regression analysis of PFS, TC/CC genotypes were an independent factor for PFS (OR=1.83, P=0.015). The correlation between -906T>C and adverse reactions was not found in the safety analysis. Additionally, of the 69 biopsy tissue specimens, gene expression analysis was conducted. And the results show that the mRNA expression of VEGFR2 in cancer tissues of the patients with CC/TC genotypes were significantly higher than those of the TT genotype patients (P<0.001). Conclusions: Apatinib is safe and effective for patients with advanced non-small cell in multiline therapy. VEGFR2 -906T>C CC/TC genotype has a worse effect on apatinib multiline treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Aspirin use improves the biochemical control of prostate cancer in Chinese men

PURPOSE

Aspirin may improve treatment outcomes and increase the survival of patients with prostate cancer, but the results remain controversial.

METHODS

This study consisted of 483 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer, 231 of whom were in the aspirin group. The associations between aspirin use and freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF), overall survival (OS) and relative factors were evaluated.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that aspirin therapy, T classification, Gleason score (GS), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were associated with biochemical failure. The aspirin group had a significantly better FFBF rate (91.1%) at 5 years than the control group (82.3%, p=0.000). Among patients with high-risk disease, the FFBF rate for patients in the aspirin group was 79.1% at 5 years compared to 52.2% in the control group (p=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that the use of aspirin may be beneficial for the biochemical control of prostate cancer. The mechanism of the antineoplastic effect of aspirin is not fully understood. Further clinical trials and large-scale studies will be necessary to confirm the relationship between aspirin use and prostate cancer risk.

Enhanced 1,3-propanediol production in Klebsiella pneumoniae by a combined strategy of strengthening the TCA cycle and weakening the glucose effect

AIMS

This study aimed to strengthen the reducing equivalent generation in Klebsiella pneumoniae for improving 1,3-propanediol (PDO) production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Disruption of the arcA gene activated the transcription levels of the TCA cycle genes and thus increased the NADH/NAD⁺ ratio by 54·2%, leading to the improved PDO titre and yield per cell from 16·1 g l^-1 and 4·0 g gDCW^-1 to 18·8 g l^-1 and 6·4 g gDCW^-1 respectively. Further ldhA gene deletion eliminated lactate accumulation and promoted the PDO titre to 19·9 g l^-1 . Finally, the glucose effect was weakened by deleting the crr gene to enhance the co-utilization of glucose and glycerol, resulting in the increased PDO production to 23·8 g l^-1 with the glycerol conversion rate of 59·5%. The PDO titre in bioreactor was promoted from 61·2 to 78·1 g l^-1 .

CONCLUSIONS

Deletions of the arcA and the crr genes showed positive effects on the TCA cycle activity and the co-utilization of glucose and glycerol, leading to the strengthened reducing equivalent generation and the improved PDO titre by 47·8% in shaker. The PDO titre in the bioreactor was enhanced to 78·1 g l^-1 .

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provided novel information on generating reducing equivalent for the PDO biosynthesis by strengthening the TCA cycle and weakening the glucose effect in K. pneumoniae.

Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for perioperative monitoring of brain oxygenation in children and adults

BACKGROUND

Various techniques have been employed for the early detection of perioperative cerebral ischaemia and hypoxia. Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is increasingly used in this clinical scenario to monitor brain oxygenation. However, it is unknown whether perioperative cerebral NIRS monitoring and the subsequent treatment strategies are of benefit to patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of perioperative cerebral NIRS monitoring and corresponding treatment strategies in adults and children, compared with blinded or no cerebral oxygenation monitoring, or cerebral oxygenation monitoring based on non-NIRS technologies, on the detection of cerebral oxygen desaturation events (CDEs), neurological outcomes, non-neurological outcomes and socioeconomic impact (including cost of hospitalization and length of hospital stay).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 12), Embase (1974 to 20 December 2016) and MEDLINE (PubMed) (1975 to 20 December 2016). We also searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing studies on 20 December 2016. We updated this search in November 2017, but these results have not yet been incorporated in the review. We imposed no language restriction.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) dealing with the use of cerebral NIRS in the perioperative setting (during the operation and within 72 hours after the operation), including the operating room, the postanaesthesia care unit and the intensive care unit.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. For binary outcomes, we calculated the risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). For continuous data, we estimated the mean difference (MD) between groups and its 95% CI. As we expected clinical and methodological heterogeneity between studies, we employed a random-effects model for analyses and we examined the data for heterogeneity (I2 statistic). We created a 'Summary of findings' table using GRADEpro.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 studies in the review, comprising a total of 1822 adult participants. There are 12 studies awaiting classification, and eight ongoing studies.None of the 15 included studies considered the paediatric population. Four studies were conducted in the abdominal and orthopaedic surgery setting (lumbar spine, or knee and hip replacement), one study in the carotid endarterectomy setting, and the remaining 10 studies in the aortic or cardiac surgery setting. The main sources of bias in the included studies related to potential conflict of interest from industry sponsorship, unclear blinding status or missing participant data.Two studies with 312 participants considered postoperative neurological injury, however no pooled effect estimate could be calculated due to discordant direction of effect between studies (low-quality evidence). One study (N = 126) in participants undergoing major abdominal surgery reported that 4/66 participants experienced neurological injury with blinded monitoring versus 0/56 in the active monitoring group. A second study (N = 195) in participants having coronary artery bypass surgery reported that 1/96 participants experienced neurological injury in the blinded monitoring group compared with 4/94 participants in the active monitoring group.We are uncertain whether active cerebral NIRS monitoring has an important effect on the risk of postoperative stroke because of the low number of events and wide confidence interval (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.20; 2 studies, 240 participants; low-quality evidence).We are uncertain whether active cerebral NIRS monitoring has an important effect on postoperative delirium because of the wide confidence interval (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.45; 1 study, 190 participants; low-quality evidence).Two studies with 126 participants showed that active cerebral NIRS monitoring may reduce the incidence of mild postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) as defined by the original studies at one week after surgery (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.95, I2 = 49%, low-quality evidence).Based on six studies with 962 participants, there was moderate-quality evidence that active cerebral oxygenation monitoring probably does not decrease the occurrence of POCD (decline in cognitive function) at one week after surgery (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.04, I2 = 80%). The different type of monitoring equipment in one study could potentially be the cause of the heterogeneity.We are uncertain whether active cerebral NIRS monitoring has an important effect on intraoperative mortality or postoperative mortality because of the low number of events and wide confidence interval (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.08 to 5.03, I2= 0%; 3 studies, 390 participants; low-quality evidence). There was no evidence to determine whether routine use of NIRS-based cerebral oxygenation monitoring causes adverse effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The effects of perioperative active cerebral NIRS monitoring of brain oxygenation in adults for reducing the occurrence of short-term, mild POCD are uncertain due to the low quality of the evidence. There is uncertainty as to whether active cerebral NIRS monitoring has an important effect on postoperative stroke, delirium or death because of the low number of events and wide confidence intervals. The conclusions of this review may change when the eight ongoing studies are published and the 12 studies awaiting assessment are classified. More RCTs performed in the paediatric population and high-risk patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (e.g. neurosurgery, carotid endarterectomy and other surgery) are needed.

Genomewide differential expression profiling of long non-coding RNAs in androgenetic alopecia in a Chinese male population

BACKGROUND

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern baldness (MPB), is the most common form of hair loss in males. A combination of genetic and androgen causes have been suggested as factors that contribute to the development of AGA. However, the specific molecular mechanisms that underly AGA remain largely unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new class of regulatory non-coding RNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides, have been shown to play important roles in a number of cellular processes, including transcription, chromosome remodelling and post-transcriptional processing. The dysregulation of lncRNAs is associated with many forms of diseases, but it remains unknown whether lncRNAs are associated with AGA.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify AGA-associated lncRNAs and predict the potential roles of these lncRNAs in AGA.

METHODS

A genomewide microarray was used to identify lncRNAs that are differentially expressed between AGA and adjacent normal tissues. Real-time qRT-PCR was used to validate the microarray data.

RESULTS

A large number of lncRNAs were differentially expressed (fold change >2.4) between AGA and adjacent normal tissues. Of these, 770 were upregulated and 1373 were downregulated. Moreover, pathway analysis revealed that 53 functional pathways were associated with the upregulated transcripts, while 11 pathways were associated with the downregulated transcripts.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate AGA-associated lncRNAs. lncRNA profiles are altered in AGA, and these lncRNAs and their target genes may serve as novel candidates for preventing and treating AGA.

Oncogenic effects of evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNA ECONEXIN on gliomagenesis

Accumulating studies have demonstrated the importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) during oncogenic transformation. However, because most lncRNAs are currently uncharacterized, the identification of novel oncogenic lncRNAs is difficult. Given that intergenic lncRNA have substantially less sequence conservation patterns than protein-coding genes across species, evolutionary conserved intergenic lncRNAs are likely to be functional. The current study identified a novel intergenic lncRNA, LINC00461 (ECONEXIN) using a combined approach consisting of searching lncRNAs by evolutionary conservation and validating their expression in a glioma mouse model. ECONEXIN was the most highly conserved intergenic lncRNA containing 83.0% homology with the mouse ortholog (C130071C03Rik) for a region over 2500 bp in length within its exon 3. Expressions of ECONEXIN and C130071C03Rik were significantly upregulated in both human and mouse glioma tissues. Moreover, the expression of C130071C03Rik was upregulated even in precancerous conditions and markedly increased during glioma progression. Functional analysis of ECONEXIN in glioma cell lines, U87 and U251, showed it was dominantly located in the cytoplasm and interacted with miR-411-5p via two binding sites within ECONEXIN. Inhibition of ECONEXIN upregulated miR-411-5p together with the downregulation of its target, Topoisomerase 2 alpha (TOP2A), in glioma cell lines, resulting in decreased cell proliferation. Our data demonstrated that ECONEXIN is a potential oncogene that regulates TOP2A by sponging miR-411-5p in glioma. In addition, our investigative approaches to identify conserved lncRNA and their molecular characterization by validation in mouse tumor models may be useful to functionally annotate novel lncRNAs, especially cancer-associated lncRNAs.

Effect of Varicocelectomy on Serum FSH and LH Levels for Patients with Varicocele: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Varicocelectomy can improve the function of testicular Leydig cell for patients with varicocele. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess effect of varicocelectomy on serum FSH and LH levels for patients with varicocele. A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized preoperation-postoperation clinical trials of assessing serum FSH and LH levels before and after varicocelectomy. The search included the following databases: PUBMED and EMBASE. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Five studies were selected from 149 studies, including 312 patients. The meta-analysis showed that serum FSH level (95% confidence interval 0.19-0.77, P = 0.001) and serum LH level (95% confidence interval 0.25-0.91, P = 0.0005) were higher preoperation than postoperation. Serum FSH level decreased by 0.48 ng/dL after varicocelectomy. The mean decrease of the serum FSH was from 0.1 to 4.8 ng/dL. And serum LH decreased by 0.58 ng/dL. The mean decrease of the serum LH was from 0.2 to 2.1 ng/dL. This meta-analysis proves that varicocelectomy perhaps can decrease serum FSH and LH levels in patients with varicocele. And it might be related to the improvement of the function of Leydig cell. But it remains to need a large-scale multicenter randomized controlled study to be further confirmed.

Efficacy and safety of imidafenacin for overactive bladder in adult: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of imidafenacin for treating overactive bladder in adult.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized placebo-controlled trials of imidafenacin for the treatment of OAB. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also investigated.

RESULTS

Five publications involving a total of 1,428 patients were used in the analysis, which compared imidafenacin with propiverine and solifenacin. We found that imidafenacin was effective in treating OAB in our meta-analysis, which was similar to propiverine in its efficacy. The mean number of UI per week (the standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.23, 95% CI -0.19 to 2.65, p = 0.09), the mean number of urgency episodes per day (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.63, p = 0.17), the mean number of micturitions per day (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.31, p = 0.96), and the mean urine volume (ml) per micturition (SMD = -13.04, 95% CI -20.45 to -5.62, p = 0.0006) indicated that imidafenacin was similar to propiverine in its efficacy. Mean OABSS (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI -0.08 to 1.03, p = 0.09) indicated that imidafenacin was also similar to solifenacin in its efficacy. Besides, imidafenacin was better tolerated than propiverine in the safety, indicated by dry mouth (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.98, p = 0.04) and any adverse events (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.88, p = 0.006). Moreover, imidafenacin was also better tolerated than solifenacin in the safety, indicated by constipation (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.53, p = 0.001) and any adverse events (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.71, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that imidafenacin was similar to propiverine or solifenacin in its efficacy for OAB and was better tolerated than propiverine or solifenacin in the safety for OAB. We conclude that imidafenacin is preferable to propiverine or solifenacin from a perspective of safety.

The efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA in treating idiopathic OAB: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the drug for treating idiopathic OAB.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of idiopathic OAB. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated.

RESULTS

Eight publications involving a total of 1,320 patients were used in the analysis, including six RCTs that compared onabotulinumtoxinA with placebo. OnabotulinumtoxinA significantly decreased the mean number of urinary incontinence (UI) per day -2.77 versus -1.01 (the standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.68, 95% CI = -2.06 to -1.31, P < 0.00001); the mean number of micturitions per day -1.61 versus -0.87 (SMD = -1.82, 95% CI = -2.61 to -1.02, P < 0.00001); maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) 91.39 versus 32.32 (SMD = 63.82, 95% CI = 38.14 to 89.50, P < 0.00001) and volume voided 44.29 versus 7.36 (SMD = 33.05, 95% CI = 22.45 to 43.66, P < 0.00001) versus placebo and 29.20% versus 7.95% of patients became incontinence-free (odds ratio [OR] = 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.11 to 7.70, P < 0.00001). Safety assessments primarily localized to the urinary tract indicated onabotulinumtoxinA were often associated with complications resulting from postvoid residuals (PVR; P < 0.00001), urinary tract infections (UTI; P < 0.00001) and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC; P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicates that onabotulinumtoxinA to be an effective treatment for idiopathic overactive bladder symptoms with side effects primarily localized to urinary tract.

The efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors alone or in combination with alpha-blockers for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are both highly prevalent in aging men. Alpha-blockers and PDE-5 inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of LUTS/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and ED.

AIM

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors alone or in combination with alpha-blockers for the treatment of ED and LUTS.

METHODS

The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register of Controlled Trials, and the Chinese Biological Medical Database were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that referred to the use of a combination of PDE5 inhibitors and alpha-blockers for the treatment of ED and LUTS associated with BPH. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the maximum flow rate (Qmax), and International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain score were used in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Seven publications involving 515 patients were included in the meta-analysis. In the analysis, we found significantly improved IIEF, IPSS, and Qmax values in the combination use group compared with the use of PDE5 inhibitors alone (P = 0.04, 0.004, 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of PDE5 inhibitors and alpha-blockers results in additive favorable effects in men with ED and LUTS suggestive of BPH compared with PDE5 inhibitor monotherapy. The alpha-blockers may enhance the efficacy of the PDE5 inhibitors, which is beneficial for the treatment of ED and LUTS.

Degarelix versus goserelin plus bicalutamide therapy for lower urinary tract symptom relief, prostate volume reduction and quality of life improvement in men with prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and tolerability of degarelix for lower urinary tract symptom relief, prostate volume reduction and quality of life improvement in men with prostate cancer (PCa).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify all of the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used degarelix versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists plus antiandrogens therapy for the treatment of PCa. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.

RESULTS

Three publications involving a total of 466 patients were used in the analysis, including three RCTs that compared degarelix with goserelin plus bicalutamide therapy for PCa over 12 weeks. For the comparison of degarelix with goserelin plus bicalutamide therapy, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) reduction (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.97 to -0.72, p = 0.001) and IPSS ≥13 (SMD = -2.68, 95% CI = -4.57 to -0.78, p = 0.006) indicated that decreases in IPSS were greater in degarelix-treated patients than in goserelin plus bicalutamide-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis indicates that, compared with goserelin plus bicalutamide, degarelix has significantly more pronounced effects on lower urinary tract symptoms.

Urodynamic analysis and treatment of male Parkinson's disease patients with voiding dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an extrapyramidal neurological disorder. Urinary symptoms are frequently present in patients affected by PD. Symptoms such as urgency, frequency, nocturia, and urge incontinence significantly impact the patient's quality of life. We attempted to investigate the urodynamic changes and treatment of male PD patients with voiding dysfunction by means of a review.

METHODS

Comprehensive urodynamic examinations were performed in 141 male patients with PD associated with voiding dysfunction. Appropriate treatments were given to subgroups that were divided based on test results, and the changes in urodynamic parameters as well as the treatment efficacy were observed.

RESULTS

Detrusor hyperreflexia without bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was observed in 35 patients, who exhibited significant improvements in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), bladder volume at the first desire to void, post-void residual (PVR), and bladder compliance. Detrusor hyperreflexia associated with BOO was observed in 59 patients. The patients exhibited significant improvements in IPSS, Qmax, PVR, and bladder compliance. Detrusor dysfunction without BOO was observed in 19 patients, for whom the IPSS and the bladder volume at the first desire to void were improved after treatment. Detrusor dysfunction with BOO was found in 28 patients, with no significant improvement in the urodynamic parameters after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Urodynamic examination is recommended for male Parkinson's disease patients with voiding dysfunction. Early and effective treatment can improve the bladder function and quality of life of these patients.

The efficacy and safety of mirabegron in treating OAB: a systematic review and meta-analysis of phase III trials

PURPOSE

Mirabegron, a potent and selective β3-adrenoceptor agonist, has been developed for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the drug for treating OAB.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trials of mirabegron for the treatment of OAB. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis of phase III trials were conducted.

RESULTS

Four publications involving a total of 5,761 patients were used in the analysis, including four phase III RCTs that compared mirabegron with placebo. We found that mirabegron was effective in treating OAB in our meta-analysis. Co-primary efficacy end points: the mean number of incontinence episodes per 24 h (the standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.44, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -0.59 to -0.29, p < 0.00001); the mean number of micturitions per 24 h (SMD = -0.62, 95 % CI -0.80 to -0.45, p < 0.00001) and key secondary efficacy end points: mean volume voided per micturition; mean number of urgency episodes per 24 h indicated that mirabegron was more effective than the placebo. Safety assessments included common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) [OR 1.10, 95 % CI 0.93-1.31, p = 0.25), hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia TEAEs, urinary retention and discontinuations due to adverse event indicated that mirabegron was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that mirabegron to be an effective and safe treatment for OAB symptoms with a low occurrence of side effects. It offers promise as an effective oral agent for the treatment of OAB with a distinct efficacy/tolerability balance.

Incidence of and risk factors for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in kidney transplant recipients: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of immunosuppressants on the incidence of and risk factors for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in relative-donor kidney transplant recipients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the incidence of symptomatic BPH in kidney transplant recipients according to standard diagnostic criteria, the expression levels of keratinocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and serum testosterone, and the CD4/CD8 ratio in T lymphocytes. Results. The incidence of symptomatic BPH (50-59-year-old group, p = 0.010; 60-69-year-old group, p = 0.004; ≥ 70-year-old group, p = 0.032), testosterone level (50-59-year-old group, p = 0.045; 60-69-year-old group, p = 0.035; ≥ 70-year-old group, p = 0.041) and the CD4/CD8 ratio (50-59-year-old group, p = 0.013; 60-69-year-old group, p = 0.010; ≥ 70-year-old group, p = 0.015) of kidney transplant recipients with long-term calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and prednisone use were all lower than those values in a normal group that had not received transplants. The TGF-β (p < 0.001) expression level was higher in kidney transplant recipients than in the non-transplant group, and the keratinocyte growth factor expression level was not statistically different between the kidney transplant recipients and the non-transplant group.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney transplant recipients with long-term CNI and prednisone use may have a low incidence of symptomatic BPH, which may be related to TGF-β and keratinocyte growth factor expression, testosterone levels and lymphocyte infiltration. Further high-quality prospective studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.

The efficacy and safety of silodosin in treating BPH: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Pharmacological therapy is typically the first-line treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of silodosin for treating BPH.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCT) of silodosin for the treatment of BPH. The search included the following databases: PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trail Register of Controlled Trials. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Four publications involving a total of 2,543 patients were used in the analysis, including 3 RCTs that compared silodosin with placebo and 3 RCTs that compared silodosin with tamsulosin. We found that silodosin was effective in treating BPH in our meta-analysis. Total international prostate symptom score (IPSS) (P=0.92 SWD=2.92 95% CI=2.19-3.65 the mean decrease of total IPSS was from 6.4 to 10.6), voiding symptom score, storage symptom score, and quality-of-life score indicated that silodosin was more effective than the placebo. Silodosin's efficacy is similar to that of tamsulosin (P=0.37 SWD=1.14 95% CI=0.18-2.11) in our meta-analysis. However, the incidence of abnormal ejaculation was higher in patients treated with tamsulosin therapy compared with the placebo (234/1128=20.74% 12/680=1.76% 6/736=0.82%).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis proves silodosin to be an effective and safe treatment for the relief of lower urinary tract symptom associated with BPH. Silodosin and tamsulosin were similar in terms of efficacy. The major adverse event associated with silodosin treatment was abnormal ejaculation.

A study of the imbalance in B cell-expressed nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1-induced ADP degradation in graft injury during acute antibody-mediated rejection

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects and mechanisms of the imbalance in B cell-expressed nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (NTPDase 1)-induced ADP degradation on graft injury during acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR).

METHODS

The acute AMR animal model was established in male NTPDase 1-wild-type Balb/c nude mice. The levels of NTPDase 1 in B cells and NTPDase1 mRNA in grafted skin, changes in platelet activation markers and average platelet velocities were determined by luciferin/luciferase enzymatic, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, flow cytometry and inverted microscope. The pathological changes in grafted skin were observed by electron microscopy. The effects of pretreatment with different doses of exogenous NTPDase 1 on platelet activation and graft injury were studied.

RESULTS

The expression of B-cell NTPDase 1 was significantly increased at 30 min after the induction of acute AMR and restored to baseline levels after 7 days. The levels of NTPDase 1 mRNA in grafted skin were decreased at 30 min after the induction of acute AMR. After the induction of acute AMR, the levels of platelet activation markers increased significantly, whereas the average platelet velocity significantly decreased. After pretreatment with exogenous NTPDase 1, the expression of platelet activation markers significantly decreased, the average velocity of platelets increased significantly, and the necrosis of grafted skin and inflammatory reaction significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

An imbalance in the NTPDase 1-induced degradation of extracellular ADP may be a major cause of graft injury in acute AMR. Pretreatment with exogenous NTPDase 1 may effectively inhibit platelet activation and protect grafted skin.

Efficacy and safety of desmopressin for treatment of nocturia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blinded trials

PURPOSE

The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia.

METHODS

Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI web of knowledge, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese Biological Medical Database were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that referred to the efficacy and safety of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 619 participants were included for the meta-analysis, and 8 RCTs of cross-over design were also identified for the systematic review. The analysis revealed that desmopressin might significantly decrease the frequency of nocturnal voids, nocturnal urine volume and nocturnal diuresis, potentially resulting in an extended duration of the first sleep period and improved sleep quality. The adverse effects of desmopressin were similar to those observed in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Administered desmopressin was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for nocturia.

Hyperglycaemia-induced pro-inflammatory responses by retinal Müller glia are regulated by the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE)

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Up-regulation of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and its ligands in diabetes has been observed in various tissues. Here, we sought to determine levels of RAGE and one of its most important ligands, S100B, in diabetic retina, and to investigate the regulatory role of S100B and RAGE in Müller glia.

METHODS

Streptozotocin-diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. RAGE, S100B and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected in retinal cryosections. In parallel, the human retinal Müller cell line, MIO-M1, was maintained in normal glucose (5.5 mmol/l) or high glucose (25 mmol/l). RAGE knockdown was achieved using small interfering RNA (siRNA), while soluble RAGE was used as a competitive inhibitor of RAGE ligand binding. RAGE, S100B and cytokines were detected using quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, cytokine protein arrays or ELISA. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by RAGE was determined by western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with non-diabetic controls, RAGE and S100B were significantly elevated in the diabetic retina with apparent localisation in the Müller glia, occurring concomitantly with upregulation of GFAP. Exposure of MIO-M1 cells to high glucose induced increased production of RAGE and S100B. RAGE signalling via MAPK pathway was linked to cytokine production. Blockade of RAGE prevented cytokine responses induced by high glucose and S100B in Müller glia.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Hyperglycaemia in vivo and in vitro exposure to high glucose induce upregulation of RAGE and its ligands, leading to RAGE signalling, which links to pro-inflammatory responses by retinal Müller glia. These data shed light on the potential clinical application of RAGE blockade to inhibit the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

The insert region of RhoA is essential for Rho kinase activation and cellular transformation

RhoA is involved in multiple cellular processes, including cytoskeletal organization, gene expression, and transformation. These processes are mediated by a variety of downstream effector proteins. However, which effectors are involved in cellular transformation and how these proteins are activated following interaction with Rho remains to be established. A unique feature that distinguishes the Rho family from other Ras-related GTPases is the insert region, which may confer Rho-specific signaling events. Here we report that deletion of the insert region does not result in impaired effector binding. Instead, this insert deletion mutant (RhoDeltaRas, in which the insert helix has been replaced with loop 8 of Ras) acted in a dominant inhibitory fashion to block RhoA-induced transformation. Since RhoDeltaRas failed to promote stress fiber formation, we examined the ability of this mutant to bind to and subsequently activate Rho kinase. Surprisingly, RhoDeltaRas-GTP coprecipitated with Rho kinase but failed to activate it in vivo. These data suggested that the insert domain is not required for Rho kinase binding but plays a role in its activation. The constitutively active catalytic domain of Rho kinase did not promote focus formation alone or in the presence of Raf(340D) but cooperated with RhoDeltaRas to induce cellular transformation. This suggests that Rho kinase needs to cooperate with additional Rho effectors to promote transformation. Further, the Rho kinase catalytic domain reversed the inhibitory effect of RhoDeltaRas on Rho-induced transformation, suggesting that one of the downstream targets of Rho-induced transformation abrogated by RhoDeltaRas is indeed Rho kinase. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the insert region of RhoA is required for Rho kinase activation but not for binding and that this kinase activity is required to induce morphologic transformation of NIH 3T3 cells.

[The impact of early diagnosis and thrombolytic-anticoagulant therapies on outcome of pulmonary embolism]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of early diagnosis and thrombolytic followed by anticoagulant therapy in pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

46 patients diagnosed as PE were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with thrombolytic followed by anticoagulant therapy. Therapeutic effect was compared between two groups of patients with symptoms more or less than two weeks before establishment of diagnosis.

RESULT

36 patients were documented as PE by lung scan, 13 of 46 patients (28.3%) were misdiagnosed as other heart or lung diseases. All the patients had accompanying diseases, including leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (33/46, 71.7%) heart or lung diseases other than PE(23/46, 50%), and history of surgery (6/46, 3%). 93.1% of the patients with clinical history less than 2 weeks showed improvement, whereas only 52.9% of those with clinical history exceeding 2 weeks improved. There was significant difference between them.

CONCLUSION

In order to diagnose PE early, we should pay more attention to the risk factors of PE, especially DVT. The success of thrombolysis appears to depend on the interval between the onset of symptoms and start of thrombolytic therapy. Patients with clinical symptoms less than 2 weeks show better improvement.

Glucose toxicity and the development of diabetes in mice with muscle-specific inactivation of GLUT4

Using cre/loxP gene targeting, transgenic mice with muscle-specific inactivation of the GLUT4 gene (muscle GLUT4 KO) were generated and shown to develop a diabetes phenotype. To determine the mechanism, we examined insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and metabolism during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in control and muscle GLUT4 KO mice before and after development of diabetes. Insulin-stimulated whole body glucose uptake was decreased by 55% in muscle GLUT4 KO mice, an effect that could be attributed to a 92% decrease in insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake. Surprisingly, insulin's ability to stimulate adipose tissue glucose uptake and suppress hepatic glucose production was significantly impaired in muscle GLUT4 KO mice. To address whether these latter changes were caused by glucose toxicity, we treated muscle GLUT4 KO mice with phloridzin to prevent hyperglycemia and found that insulin-stimulated whole body and skeletal muscle glucose uptake were decreased substantially, whereas insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue and suppression of hepatic glucose production were normal after phloridzin treatment. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that a primary defect in muscle glucose transport can lead to secondary defects in insulin action in adipose tissue and liver due to glucose toxicity. These secondary defects contribute to insulin resistance and to the development of diabetes.

Photocatalytic degradation of AZO dyes by supported TiO2 + UV in aqueous solution

The photocatalytic degradation performance of photocatalysts TiO2 supported on 13-X, Na-Y, 4A zeolites with different loading content was evaluated using the photocatalytic oxidation of dyes direct fast scarlet 4BS and acid red 3B in aqueous medium. The results showed that the best reaction dosage of TiO2-zeolite catalysts is about 2 g/l and the photocatalytic kinetics follows first order for all supported catalysts. The photocatalytic activity order of the three series catalysts is 13X type >Y type >4A type. The physical state of titanium dioxide on the supports is evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET, and FTIR.

Structure and chromosomal localization of the human glycogenin-2 gene GYG2

Glycogenin-2 is one of two self-glucosylating proteins involved in the initiation phase of the synthesis of the storage polysaccharide glycogen. Cloning of the human glycogenin-2 gene, GYG2, has revealed the presence of 11 exons and a gene of more than 46 kb in size. The structure of the gene explains much of the observed diversity in glycogenin-2 cDNA sequences as being due to alternate exon usage. In some cases, there is variation in the splice junctions used. Over regions of protein sequence similarity, the GYG2 gene structure is similar to that of the other glycogenin gene, GYG. A genomic GYG2 clone was used to localize the gene to Xp22.3 by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Localization close to the telomere of the short arm of the X chromosome is consistent with mapping information obtained from glycogenin-2 STS sequences. Glycogenin-2 maps between the microsatellite anchor markers AFM319te9 (DXS7100) and AFM205tf2 (DXS1060), and its 3' end is 34.5 kb from the 3' end of the arylsulphatase gene ARSD. GYG2 is outside the pseudoautosomal region PAR1 but still in a region of X-Y shared genes. As is true for several other genes in this location, an inactive remnant of GYG2, consisting of exons 1-3, may be present on the Y chromosome.

Loop 6 of RhoA confers specificity for effector binding, stress fiber formation, and cellular transformation

Rho family GTPases regulate multiple cellular processes, including cytoskeletal organization, gene expression, and transformation. These effects are achieved through the interaction of GTP-bound proteins with various downstream targets. A series of RhoA/Rac1 and Rho/Ras chimeras was generated to map the domain(s) of RhoA involved in its association with two classes of effector kinase, represented by PRK2 and ROCK-I. Although the switch 1 domain was required for effector binding, the N terminus of Rho (residues 1-75) was interchangeable with that of Rac. This suggested that the region of Rho that confers effector binding specificity lay further C-terminal. Subsequent studies indicated that the "insert domain"(residues 123-137), a region unique to Rho family GTPases, is not the specificity determinant. However, a determinant for effector binding was identified between Rho residues 75-92. Rac to Rho point mutations (V85D or A88D) within loop 6 of Rac promoted its association with PRK2 and ROCK, whereas the reciprocal Rho(D87V/D90A) double mutant significantly reduced effector binding capacity. In vivo studies showed that microinjection of Rac(Q6IL/V85D/A88D) but not Rac(Q6IL) induced stress fiber formation in LLC-PK epithelial cells, suggesting that loop 6 residues conferred the ability of Rac to activate ROCK. On the other hand, the reciprocal Rho (Q6IL/D87V/D90A) mutant was defective in its ability to transform NIH 3T3 cells. These data suggest that although Rho effectors can utilize a Rho or Rac switch 1 domain to sense the GTP-bound state of Rho, unique residues within loop 6 are essential for determining both effector binding specificity and cellular function.

[Studies on immunoprotection of monoclonal antibodies against Cryptosporidium parvum]

AIM

To explore the immune protection of the monoclonal antibody (McAb) against Cryptosporidium parvum.

METHODS

On the basis of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell culture, the immunoprotection of McAb against C. parvum was screened by means of neutralization test in vitro, and verified by rat model and transmission electron microscopy of infected MDCK cells.

RESULTS

The number of C. parvum sporozoites recovered on the surface of rat intestinal epithelial cells and the mean output of oocyst were significantly reduced by McAb Z3D2 (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). The decreased Cryptos poridium at each development phase within infected MDCK cells and less damage of cell ultrastructure caused by Cryptosporidium were found in Z3D2 treated group.

CONCLUSION

McAb Z3D2 possesses highly effective protection against C. parvum.

[Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Cryptosporidium parvum]

AIM

To develop and characterize the monoclonal antibodies(McAbs) against Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum).

METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized with purified oocyst antigens of C. parvum from human isolates and McAbs against C. parvum were prepared by using hybridoma technique. The characterization of McAbs was studied by means of indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Four clones of hybridoma cell lines secreting McAbs against oocyst antigens of C. parvum were obtained. The immunoglobulin subclasses of these four McAbs were identified as IgM (Z4C8,Z3D7) and IgG1(Z2B6,Z3D2) and their light chains were kappa chain. IFA results showed that three McAb (Z4C8, Z3D7 and Z3D2) conjugates produced a diffuse fluorescence in the Cryptosporidium sporozoites (CSP) and one (Z2B6) produced local fluorescence in the oocyst wall of C. parvum. Four McAbs could recognize 4 of 42 polypeptide antigen bands of CSP with molecular weights of 20.5 kDa, 33 kDa, 60.5 kDa and 95 kDa, among which both Z4C8 and Z3D7 could recognize 20.5 kDa band that was defined as a principal antigenic protein of CSP.

CONCLUSION

These four McAbs possess their own characteristics of recognizing antigenic epitopes on CSP, but react specifically against antigens of C. parvum.