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To explore patients' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward varicocele in China and the relationship between treatment selection and KAP. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled varicocele patients at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (September to October 2023). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the relationship between clinical factors and KAP. A score >mean score for each dimension was defined as adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice. The patients were grouped according to varicocelectomy vs no surgery. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors independently associated with KAP. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed to examine how the KAP dimensions influenced each other. Results: Among 502 patients, 44.02%, 35.86%, and 20.12% were ≤ 30, 31– 40, and > 40 years old, respectively. Those who underwent varicocelectomy (n=407) had significantly higher knowledge (20 (15– 22) vs 0 (0– 6), P< 0.001), attitude (26 (24– 26) vs 14 (10– 18), P< 0.001), and practice (20 (17– 24) vs 8 (6– 16), P< 0.001) than those who did not. A higher proportion of patients with varicocelectomy were < 40 years old, more educated, had higher income, and were unmarried compared with those without surgery (all P< 0.001). High school or higher education level and varicocelectomy (irrespective of type) were independently associated with adequate knowledge (all P< 0.001). Knowledge, college/bachelor's degree education, and varicocelectomy type (irrespective of type) were associated with positive attitudes (all P< 0.05). In the SEM, knowledge directly influenced attitude, knowledge directly influenced practice, and attitude directly influenced practice (all P< 0.001). Having knowledge of the subject may direct varicocele patients to varicocelectomy. Conclusion: Chinese patients who underwent varicocelectomy exhibit appropriate KAP regarding varicocele, while non-surgery patients have poorer KAP. These results suggest that patients who did not undergo surgery should nevertheless be properly informed about their disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the common malignant tumors worldwide. MiR-183-5p has been reported involved in the initiation of human PCa, this study aimed to investigate whether miR-183-5p affects the development of prostate cancer. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the expression of miR-183-5p in PCa patients and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters based on TCGA data portal. CCK-8, migration assay and invasion and wound-healing assay were performed to detect proliferation, migration and invasion in PCa cells. Results: We found the expression of miR-183-5p was significantly increased in PCa tissues, and high expression of miR-183 was positively associated with poor prognosis of PCa patients. Over-expression of miR-183-5p promoted the migration, invasion capacities of PCa cells, whereas knockdown of miR-183-5p showed reversed function. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay showed TET1 was identified as a direct target of miR-183-5p, which was negatively correlation with miR-183-5p expression level. Importantly, rescue experiments demonstrated TET1 over-expression could reverse miR-183-5p mimic induced-acceleration of PCa malignant progression. Conclusion: Our results indicated that miR-183-5p could act as a tumor promoter in PCa and it accelerated the malignant progression of PCa by directly targeting and down-regulating TET1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the present study, we aimed to explore whether common genetic targets or signaling pathways existed in chemical cystitis. Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to search the related gene expression profiles. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by using GEO2R. The DAVID 6.8 Beta and R software were used to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and Gene Ontology function analysis of DEGs. The protein‐protein interaction network was constructed by STRING 11.0 to reveal the potential gene interactions. The expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) at the messnger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels was examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis analysis, respectively. Results: The GEO database was searched, and the gene expression profiles of GSE55986 and GSE68539 were downloaded. A total of 262 DEGs and 356 DEGs were identified from GSE55986 and GSE68539, respectively. We found that the p53 signaling pathway might play a key role in the development of chemical cystitis, and Cdk1 acted as a crucial gene in the p53 signaling pathway. Moreover, the experimental results of real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis analysis demonstrated that the expression of Cdk1 at the mRNA and protein levels in cystitis tissues was significantly increased in different animal models of chemical cystitis compared with the control group. Conclusion: Cdk1 might be a potential pathogenic genetic target for chemical cystitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Calpain small subunit 1 (Capns1) has shown its correlation with the metastasis and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, the expression and function of Capns1 in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have not been clarified. This study aimed to examine the expression of Capns1 in RCC tissues and cell lines and to assess its role performed in RCC. Methods: Capns1 expression was evaluated in 75 pairs of RCC and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of Capns1 in RCC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. The action of Capns1 in the proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion of RCC cells and the effects on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 expression were evaluated after Capns1 silence. Results: Capns1 expression was significantly higher in RCC tissues compared with the adjacent non-tumor tissues. Multivariate analysis showed that Capns1 overexpression was an independent poor prognostic marker in RCC. The silencing of Capns1 prohibited cell adhesion and impaired the migration and invasion ability of 786-O cells in vitro. Furthermore, Capns1 silence reduced MMP2 and MMP9 expression. Conclusion: Capns1 overexpression predicts poor prognosis and correlates with tumor progression in RCC. Capns1 expression might serve a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, inflammation has become widely recognized as a crucial component in tumor development and progression. Neutrophils are one of the most common inflammatory markers during hematological examinations. The prognostic value of neutrophils in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remains inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment neutrophil count in patients with mRCC. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were searched for data on the association between pretreatment neutrophil count and mRCC prognosis up to October 7, 2017. We sorted out relevant studies and extracted the hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: A total of 13 studies containing 3,021 patients with mRCC were summarized in the present meta-analysis. An elevated pretreatment neutrophil count yielded a worse OS (HR=2.17, 95% CI=1.68–2.79, P<0.001) and PFS (HR=1.78, 95% CI=0.91–3.49, P<0.001). Furthermore, we performed a subgroup analysis based on cut-off value, ethnicity, treatment method and analysis type. As a result, the association between pretreatment neutrophil count and survival was statistically significant in the subgroups of cut-off value, ethnicity, treatment method and analysis type. Conclusion: Our results show that the pretreatment neutrophil count is associated with mRCC outcomes and can be used as a valuable inflammatory marker for prognosis monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), which was defined based on peripheral blood counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, in patients with localized or locally advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Patients and methods: The prognostic value of SIRI was evaluated in a primary cohort consisting of 414 patients with localized or locally advanced CCRCC and then further validated in an independent cohort composed of 168 patients. Results: Kaplan–Meier survival analyses of both cohorts revealed that CCRCC patients with high SIRI levels exhibited poorer overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) compared with those with low SIRI levels. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses identified SIRI as a significant independent predictor for both OS (HR: 4.853; 95% CI: 2.362–9.972; P<0.001) and CSS (HR: 5.913; 95% CI: 2.681–13.040; P<0.001). Following propensity score matching analysis, SIRI remained an excellent predictor for both OS and CSS. The area under the curve for SIRI was larger than that of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic score in both cohorts. Conclusion: SIRI might be a better prognostic predictor than PLR, NLR, MLR, and MSKCC score in patients with localized or locally advanced CCRCC. Institutional review board approval number: (2010) Scientific Research Project No. 39 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This meta-analysis evaluated the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of RASSF1A promoter methylation in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and methods: The ORs or HRs and their 95% CIs were calculated. Trial sequential analysis was conducted. Results: Twenty-two articles that included 1,421 patients with RCC and 724 controls were identified. RASSF1A promoter methylation correlated with RCC in tissue, blood, and urine samples. On multivariate analysis, RASSF1A promoter methylation was associated with tumor grade (grade 3–4 vs 1–2: OR=3.59), clinical stage (stage 3–4 vs 1–2: OR=2.15), T classification (pT2–4 vs pT1: OR=2.66), histologic subtypes (papillary vs clear cell: OR=2.91), and cancer-specific survival (HR=1.78), but it was not linked to age, gender, lymph node status, distant metastasis, or overall survival. The Cancer Genome Atlas data also showed that RASSF1A methylation was significantly more likely to be seen in papillary vs clear-cell RCC (OR=23.19). Conclusion: RASSF1A promoter methylation may be associated with the development and progression of RCC, as well as poor cancer-specific survival. Methylation was more frequent in papillary vs clear-cell RCC. More studies are needed to confirm these findings in blood or urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Renal cancer accounts for about 3% of human cancer, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cancer. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are found to be the biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and the targets for tumor management. This study aimed to examine the expression of miR-337-3p in ccRCC and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying miR-337-3p-mediated ccRCC progression. METHODS: The miRNA and mRNA expression levels in ccRCC cells and tissues were measured by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation, cell adhesion, colony growth and cell invasion were examined by CCK-8 assay, cell adhesion assay, colony formation assay and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. The protein levels were detected by western blot assay. The effects of miR-337-3p on tumor growth in vivo was assessed in a nude mice xenograft model. RESULTS: MiR-337-3p was down-regulated in ccRCC cell lines, and miR-337-3p overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, colony growth and invasion, but enhanced cell adhesion in ccRCC; while knockdown of miR-337-3p exerted the opposite effects on ccRCC. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay showed that Calpain small subunit 1 (Capn4) was negatively regulated by miR-337-3p, and overexpression of miR-337-3p attenuated the miR-337-3p-mediated effects on ccRCC cellular functions. In addition, miR-337-3p also suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ccRCC. The in vivo tumor growth was markedly suppressed after miR-337-3p overexpression. Data from clinical data showed that down-regulation of miR-337-3p and up-regulation of Capn4 mRNA and protein were identified in the ccRCC tissues, and miR-337-3p expression level was inversely correlated with Capn4 mRNA expression level in ccRCC tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data suggested the tumor suppressive role of miR-337-3p in ccRCC. MiR-337-3p suppressed cell proliferation and metastasis in ccRCC partially via targeting Capn4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing number of findings demonstrate that nuclear receptor suppressor of variegation, enhancer of zeste, and trithorax domain-containing 3 (NSD3) is amplified and overexpressed in multiple cancer types. Nevertheless, the biological roles of NSD3 in carcinogenesis have not been well understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying NSD3 regulation in different cancers. In addition, NSD3 may serve as a potential druggable target for selective cancer therapy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, many studies have shown that the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level is related to the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We launched this meta-analysis to assess the prognostic value of serum LDH in patients with RCC. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for information on serum LDH and the outcome of RCC through June 14, 2016. The hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were extracted and integrated from the matching studies. Results: A total of 29 studies including 6629 patients with RCC were incorporated in this meta-analysis. Patients whose serum LDH levels were elevated had a lower OS (HR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.69–2.69, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the pooled data showed that a higher serum LDH level was a negative prognostic factor for PFS (HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.48–2.04, P < 0.001). Furthermore, subgroup analyses indicated elevated serum LDH was associated with poor survival in different tumor types. Elevated serum LDH was significantly associated with worse prognosis for patients with all stages of RCC (OS, HR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.09–5.33), metastatic RCC (OS, HR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.57–2.59; CSS, HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.49–2.15), and non-metastatic RCC (OS, HR = 3.67, CI = 1.33–10.13). Besides, elevated serum LDH also indicated a worse prognosis in subgroups of cut-off values, analysis types and ethnicity. Conclusions: Our results show that serum LDH levels are associated with the outcomes of RCC and can be used as a valuable biomarker for monitoring prognoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder with concurrent alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) elevation. A 60-year-old male was admitted for gross hematuria. Subsequent analyses revealed elevated serum AFP levels (970.20 ng/ml). He had no history of hepatitis, and hepatobiliary disease was not detected on computed tomography or ultrasound. Carcino-embryonic antigen was normal. The patient underwent radical cystectomy and was found to have a high-grade urothelial carcinoma of bladder on pathology. In addition, immunohistochemical staining of the tumor cells showed strong AFP positivity. Postoperatively, serum AFP levels decreased gradually to normal. In summary, urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder with AFP elevation is rare, and the mechanism and prognosis require further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney is a rare and polymorphic tumor, which has been previously considered to be a low-grade malignancy, predominantly occurring in women. To the best of our knowledge, MTSCC with bladder metastasis has never been reported. The current study presents five adult cases of MTSCC that included three male and two female patients. Among the male cases, two were of advanced stage, one with MTSCC and renal chromophobe cell carcinoma with bladder metastasis and the other with MTSCC with invasion of the renal vein. The other three cases with small masses were at an early stage. All five cases had a good prognosis and were without recurrence after several years of follow-up. A 70-year-old male with intermittent gross hematuria, intermittent renal colic, and groin radiation pain for a year (case 1), was incidentally detected to have a left renal density mass by total abdominal enhanced computed tomography scans. In the other four cases, renal masses were found by B-ultrasound. The patient in case 1 underwent a retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection and transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, and received gemcitabine hydrochloride via intravesical instillation therapy plus cisplatin chemotherapy every 3 months. The patient in case 2 underwent an open left radical nephrectomy and renal pedicle lymph node dissection. The other three patients underwent a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. All five patients had no recurrence or new metastasis in other organs after follow-up. In conclusion, the incidence of MTSCC in men and women is not as disparate as reported in previous publications. The characteristics of the images of the five adult cases in the present study showed a considerable consistency, with only minor differences. The malignancy and prognosis of MTSCC are still controversial, and thus inclusion and review of more cases is required to reach a definite final conclusion. Sunitinib and gemcitabine chemotherapy in combination with cisplatin may be effective for the therapy of MTSCC patients with metastasis, but a larger range of treatments needs to be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic significance of galectin-1 (Gal-1) expression in cancerous patients has been assessed for several years while the results remain controversial. Thus, we performed the first comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of Gal-1 expression in cancerous patients. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science to recruit studies on the prognostic impact of Gal-1 expression in cancerous patients. Eighteen studies containing 2674 patients were involved in this meta-analysis until March 30, 2018. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to estimate the effect using random-effects model. Results: The pooled results revealed that high Gal-1 expression in cancer tissue associated with a poor OS (HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.54–2.08, P < 0.001). In the subgroup of tumor type, it's observed that high Gal-1 expression was significant correlated with poor OS in digestive cancers without heterogeneity (HR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.64–2.30, P < 0.001; fixed-effects model; I2 = 20.1%, P = 0.276). Conclusions: Our present meta-analysis indicates that high Gal-1 expression might be a predictive factor of poor prognosis in cancers, particularly in digestive cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]