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Qudong Lu,1 Yang Yang,1 Hengshuai Zhang,1 Cheng Chen,2 Jiang Zhao,1 Zhenxing Yang,1 Yi Fan,1 Longkun Li,1 Huan Feng,1 Jingzhen Zhu,1 Shanhong Yi1 1Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Burns, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jingzhen Zhu; Shanhong YiDepartment of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 23-68774453Email zhujz1114@163.com; 2644057844@qq.comPurpose: Hyperalgesia and bladder overactivity are two main symptoms of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Cannabinoid receptors participate in the modulation of pain and bladder function. GPR18, a member of the cannabinoid receptor family, also participates in the regulation of pain and bladder function, but its underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this work, we sought to study the role of GPR18 in IC/BPS.Methods: A rat model of IC/BPS was established with cyclophosphamide (CYP). Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) measurement and cystometry were used to evaluate pain and bladder function, respectively. RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess the expression and distribution of GPR18. The role of GPR18 in pain and bladder function was studied by intrathecal injection of resolvin D2 (RvD2, a GPR18 agonist) and O-1918 (a GPR18 antagonist). Calcium imaging was used to study the relationship between GPR18 and TRPV1.Results: A rat model of IC/BPS, which exhibited a decreased PWT and micturition interval, was successfully established with CYP. The mRNA and protein expression of GPR18 was reduced in the bladder and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in rats with CYP-induced cystitis. Intrathecal injection of RvD2 increased the PWT and micturition interval. However, O-1918 blocked the therapeutic effect of RvD2. GPR18 was present in bladder afferent nerves and colocalized with TRPV1 in DRG, and RvD2 decreased capsaicin-induced calcium influx in DRG.Conclusion: Activation of GPR18 by RvD2 alleviated hyperalgesia and improved bladder function, possibly by inhibiting TRPV1 in rats with CYP-induced cystitis.Keywords: interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, GPR18, TRPV1, hyperalgesia, bladder overactivity, resolvin D2, O-1918

The previous study using Sertoli cells cultured in vitro has shown that the protective effects of astragaloside IV (AsIV) on cadmium (Cd)-induced damage to Sertoli cells and its membrane proteins. Yet, it is not known if AsIV has an equivalent effect on Cd-induced damage to the spermatogenesis microenvironment in rats. Using an in vivo model, Cd-induced damage to the spermatogenesis microenvironment and the protective effects of AsIV were studied. Eighteen male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/group): Cd group, CdA Cd: cadmium; SD: Sprague Dawley; ZO-1: zonal occludin-1; Cx43: connexin 43; BTB: blood-testis barrier; MAPKs: mitogen-activated protein kinases; OSP: oligodendrocyte-specific protein; Cxs: connexins; GJIC: gap junctional intercellular communication; ROS: reactive oxygen species; MDA: malondialdehyde; TGF: tumor growth factor; PBS: phosphate buffer saline; BSA: bovine serum albumin.

Objective: To design a new cold dissection instrument for bladder tumors that can be used under local anesthesia without the need for general or intralesional anesthesia. The instrument will be used for cold dissection of bladder tumors based on the existing cystoscopy routine operation channel. The device will be combined with the cocktail protocol to accomplish cold resection of bladder tumors under local anesthesia METHODS: 3-dmax mapping was used to design the instrument by combining the existing Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection technique in gastroenterology with the existing bladder injection needle and bipolar electrocoagulation equipment in the clinic. We also assessed the effect of "cocktail" anesthesia on the prevention of closed nerve reflex during tumor resection. RESULTS: The prototype this device was successfully designed using 3dmax. We then assessed if the injection needle, electrocoagulator, and ligature ring commonly used in clinical practice can be used in combination based on the existing cystoscopic access，The existing instruments used in the department of gastroenterology can complete the functions we imagined, and the physical size can meet the requirements of the existing cystoscope endoscope channel. We also demonstrated that the cocktail protocol was successfully in preventing the occurrence of Obturator reflex of bladder lateral wall tumor. CONCLUSION: The instrument was successfully developed and used for cold excision of bladder tumors in combination with the cocktail protocol. This instrument has wide clinical utility as its use can be extended to all scenarios requiring endoscopic resection, including gastroscopy.

Hengshuai Zhang, Xingyou Dong, Zhenxing Yang, Jiang Zhao, Qudong Lu, Jingzhen Zhu, Longkun Li, Shanhong Yi, Jie Xu Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jie Xu; Shanhong YiDepartment of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail xujie1981@tmmu.edu.cn; 2644057844@qq.comBackground: Cross-sensitization of pelvic organs is one theory for why symptoms of gut sickness and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome overlap. Experimental colitis has been shown to trigger bladder hyperactivity and hyperalgesia in rats. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays a key role in bladder function and central sensitization. We aim to study the role of CXCR4 and its inhibitor AMD3100 in colon-bladder cross-organ sensitization.Methods: The colitis model was established by rectal infusion of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to assess the expression and distribution of CXCR4. Intrathecal injection of AMD3100 (a CXCR4 inhibitor) and PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor) were used to inhibit CXCR4 and downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Intravesical perfusion of resiniferatoxin was performed to measure the pain behavior counts of rats, and continuous cystometry was performed to evaluate bladder voiding function.Results: Compared to the control group, CXCR4 was expressed more in bladder mucosa and colon mucosa, L6-S1 dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and the corresponding segment of the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) in rats with colitis. Moreover, intrathecal injection of the AMD3100 suppressed bladder overactivity, bladder hyperalgesia, and mastocytosis symptoms caused by colitis. Furthermore, AMD3100 effectively inhibited ERK activation in the spinal cord induced by experimental colitis. Finally, treatment with PD98059 alleviated bladder overactivity and hyperalgesia caused by colitis.Conclusion: Increased CXCR4 in the DRG and SDH contributes to colon inflammation-induced bladder overactivity and hyperalgesia partly via the phosphorylation of spinal ERK. Treatment targeting the CXCR4/ERK pathway might provide a potential new approach for the comorbidity between the digestive system and the urinary system.Keywords: pain, visceral hypersensitivity, sensory afferents, urgency, colitis, ERK

Hemorrhagic cystitis is an important complication of cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, and current therapies for the disease are limited. The natural flavonoid luteolin (LUT) has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its protective effect on cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced bladder toxicity has yet to be evaluated. This study aims to explore the protective effect of LUT on CYP-induced acute cystitis in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control (CON) group, CON + LUT group, CYP group, and CYP + LUT group. A single intraperitoneal injection of CYP was administered to establish an acute hemorrhagic cystitis model. HE staining was performed to detect the degree of bladder tissue damage, and TUNEL staining was performed to count apoptotic cells. Oxidative stress indicators were measured using commercial kits, and bladder surgery was performed to assess urinary function. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related indicators, TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway, and NF-κB pathway were detected by western blot. We found that LUT treatment reduced bladder bleeding, congestion, and edema caused by CYP. Compared with the CYP + LUT group, the level of apoptosis was more highly expressed in the CYP group. We also found that caspase-3, caspase-8, and Bax were significantly upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated after LUT treatment. In addition, LUT inhibited the activation of NF-κB signal pathway in the rat bladder tissue after CYP exposure. LUT treatment can also reduce the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) and TXNIP in the bladder. Finally, LUT can reduce the increase in the urination frequency and maximum urination pressure caused by cystitis. These results indicate that LUT displays effective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties in CYP-induced acute hemorrhagic cystitis rats by inhibiting the TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF-κB pathways. LUT may be a potent therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis.

Objective To explore the role of HCN channels in ureteral peristaltic dysfunction by comparing the changes in HCN channel levels between normal and tuberculous ureters. Methods A total of 32 specimens of human upper ureters were collected by nephrectomy from patients with renal tumor (control group, n = 16) or from patients with renal tuberculosis (experimental group, n = 16); the two groups did not receive radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or any other special treatment before the surgical procedure. An experimental study on smooth muscle strips of human upper ureters showed variation in contraction amplitude and frequency after adding ZD7288, a specific blocker of HCN channels. The expression of HCN channels in the ureter was confirmed by Western blot (WB) and by confocal analysis of double immunostaining for c-kit and HCN channel proteins. Results Before the addition of ZD7288, the experimental and control groups showed significant differences in the frequency and amplitude of the spontaneous contraction of isolated ureteral smooth muscle strips. After ZD7288 was added, the frequency and amplitude of the contractions of the ureteral smooth muscle strips were significantly lower in both groups. The differences observed before and after ZD7288 treatment in each group were significant (P

// Song Zhang 1 , Dong Zhang 1 , Shanhong Yi 2 , Mingfu Gong 1 , Caibao Lu 3 , Yuanqing Cai 1 , Xuefeng Tang 4 , Liguang Zou 1 1 Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China 2 Department of Urology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China 3 Department of Nephrology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China 4 Department of Pathology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China Correspondence to: Liguang Zou, email: cqxqyyzlg@163.com , zoulg@tmmu.edu.cn Keywords: lymphatic microvessel density, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, breast cancer, meta-analysis Received: August 04, 2016 Accepted: November 22, 2016 Published: December 01, 2016 ABSTRACT Lymph node status is one of the key parameters used for determining the stage of breast cancer progression. The relationship of lymphatic vessel density (LVD), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and lymph node metastasis (LNM) has not been clearly demonstrated yet. Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception up to 25 May 2016. Spearman correlation coefficient ( r ) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the relationship within each group. Based on pre-established inclusion criteria, 28 studies involving 2920 breast cancer patients were included in this study. The r values of LVD-LVI, LVD-LNM, and LVI-LNM were 0.45 (95% CI: 0.31 to 0.57), 0.32 (95% CI: 0.23 to 0.40), and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.28), respectively. Compared with intratumoral LVD, peritumoral LVD showed more robust correlation with LVI ( r = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.72) and LNM ( r = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.46). The patients in LNM positive group presented with higher LVI detection rate of 45.85%, while in LNM negative group with detection rate of 23.85%. The results describe a triangle relationship between LVD, LVI, and LNM in breast cancer. Both LVD and LVI are indicated to be valuable predictors of LNM occurrence. Compared with intratumoral lymphatic vessels, peritumoral lymphatics might be the main disseminate route for breast tumor cells.

Background Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has gradually become a severe type of kidney malignant tumor, which warrants an urgent need for highly efficacious therapeutic agents. Morusin, a typical prenylated flavonoid, has been revealed to possess anticarcinogenic effects against several cancers by inhibiting cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Methods Cells proliferation was examined by CCK-8. Migration assays were performed using a 24-well transwell chamber. Apoptotic cells were detected using the Annexin V PE/7-AAD apoptosis detection kit. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. Western blotting and quantitative real time (qRT) PCR were used to exam the change of target gene in mRNA and protein level. Nude mouse xenograft experiments were performed to identify vivo function of morusin. Results Here, we evaluated the effect of morusin against RCC. We treated three RCC cell lines, 769-P, 786-O, and OSRC-2, with morusin to study its effects on cell growth, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle and cancer-related pathways. Additionally, we assessed the effects of morusin on tumor growth using a nude mouse model. Morusin could inhibit cell growth and migration, induce cell apoptosis and downregulate apoptosis-related proteins, and disturb the cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Additionally, morusin could suppress RCC tumorigenesis in vivo. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathways were found to be involved in morusin-induced anti-cancer activity. P-p38 and P-JNK levels were up-regulated by morusin, while the ERK phosphorylation level was down-regulated. Conclusions Our results show that morusin could inhibit the growth of RCC cells in vitro and in vivo through MAPK signal pathways. Thus, morusin could be a potential anti-cancer agent for RCC.

BACKGROUND Several observational studies suggested that vitamin E intake is related to the risk of kidney cancer; however, the results of published studies are inconsistent. MATERIAL AND METHODS A meta-analysis was performed to assess the relationship between vitamin E intake and the risk of kidney cancer by searching PubMed and Medline through August 2015. We computed pooled relative risks (RR) and 95%CI of kidney cancer for the highest versus lowest level of vitamin E intake. RESULTS A total of 13 observational studies (7 case-control and 6 cohort) were included. The pooled RR (95%CI) of kidney cancer for the highest vs. the lowest level of vitamin E intake was 0.81 (0.69-0.94). In subgroup-analysis, this study found an inverse relationship between vitamin E intake and kidney cancer risk, which was not significantly modified by study design, study population, or sex distribution except in the cohort studies. CONCLUSIONS Results of the present study suggest an inverse relationship between vitamin E intake and kidney cancer risk. However, additional well designed cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that focus on the relationship between vitamin E intake and kidney cancer risk are needed.

Although microbubble-mediated ultrasound irradiation can enhance the prostate permeability, little is known about the mechanism. In our study, the healthy, adult male SD rats were divided into four groups: the BC, US, MB, and MMUS groups. A therapeutic ultrasound apparatus was used to treat the rats prostates in the presence of circulating MBs. Cefuroxime was injected to assess prostate permeability by HPLC. The structures of prostate tissues and TJs were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was used to assess claudin-1 expression. After treatment of microbubble-mediated ultrasound irradiation, the cefuroxime concentrations in the prostate were significantly increased. HE staining demonstrated that the gland epithelial cell layer became dropsical, thick, and disordered. In transmission electron microscopy, the TJs between adjacent capillary endothelial cells or gland epithelial cells were disjointed and partly interrupted. Furthermore, western blot showed the expression of claudin-1 was significantly decreased. However, these findings were not observed in the prostates exposed to microbubble or ultrasound alone, as well as the healthy control rats. In conclusion, microbubble-mediated ultrasound irradiation significantly enhanced the prostate permeability and improve the cefuroxime concentrations in prostate. The changes in TJs structure and the decreased claudin-1 expression may play important roles in this process.

Objective Vitamin E intake may reduce the risk of renal cell carcinoma, but the results were inconsistent. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between dietary vitamin E intake and the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Methods We searched PubMed to identify the relevant case-control studies up to June 2014. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also reviewed. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the association between dietary vitamin E intake and the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Results We identified 7 case-control studies regarding dietary vitamin E intake and risk of renal cell carcinoma, involving 5789 cases and 14866 controls. The odds ratio of renal cell carcinoma for the highest compared with the lowest dietary vitamin E intake was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.59-0.91), and heterogeneity was observed across studies. The association between dietary vitamin E intake and the risk of renal cell carcinoma was not significantly differed by gender, but this association were inconsistent in the North American and European populations. Conclusion Our study provided a evidence that there was a significant inverse association of dietary vitamin E intake with risk of renal cell carcinoma. However, this finding was based on the case-control studies, more well-designed cohort studies are needed.

Stem cells are regarded as possible cell therapy candidates for skeletal muscle regeneration. However, invasive harvesting of those cells can cause potential harvest-site morbidity. The goal of this study was to assess whether human urine-derived stem cells (USCs), obtained through non-invasive procedures, can differentiate into skeletal muscle linage cells (Sk-MCs) and potentially be used for skeletal muscle regeneration. In this study, USCs were harvested from six healthy individuals aged 25-55. Expression profiles of cell-surface markers were assessed by flow cytometry. To optimize the myogenic differentiation medium, we selected two from four different types of myogenic differentiation media to induce the USCs. Differentiated USCs were identified with myogenic markers by gene and protein expression. USCs were implanted into the tibialis anterior muscles of nude mice for 1 month. The results showed that USCs displayed surface markers with positive staining for CD24, CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD117, CD133, CD146, SSEA-4 and STRO-1, and negative staining for CD14, CD31, CD34 and CD45. After myogenic differentiation, a change in morphology was observed from 'rice-grain'-like cells to spindle-shaped cells. The USCs expressed specific Sk-MC transcripts and protein markers (myf5, myoD, myosin, and desmin) after being induced with different myogenic culture media. Implanted cells expressed Sk-MC markers stably in vivo. Our findings suggest that USCs are able to differentiate into the Sk-MC lineage in vitro and after being implanted in vivo. Thus, they might be a potential source for cell injection therapy in the use of skeletal muscle regeneration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The status of lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor for breast cancer. However, the presence of intratumoral lymphatic vessels in primary tumor lesions and the relationship between lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) have not been firmly established. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis study to investigate these issues. According to the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies, involving 1029 breast cancer patients, were included in this study. Using immunohistochemical staining, intratumoral lymphatic vessels were detected in 40.07% of breast cancer patients (240/599), and peritumoral lymphatics were detected in 77.09% (397/515). All studies demonstrated that peritumoral LVD was higher than intratumoral LVD, with a pooled standard mean difference and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.75 (1.28 to 2.21). Both intratumoral LVD and peritumoral LVD positively correlated with LNM, with correlation coefficients of 0.14 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.23) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.49), respectively. In summary, our study reports the overall detection rate of intratumoral lymphatics and demonstrates the associations between intratumoral LVD, peritumoral LVD, and LNM in breast cancer. Additionally, controlled studies with a larger number of subjects are needed to establish these relationships.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) is an intractable disease. Although bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are able to regulate inflammation in CBP, the effect of microbubble-mediated ultrasound- induced accumulation of BMMSCs on CBP remains unclear. To address this gap, a model of CBP was established in SD rats, which were then treated with BMMSCs alone (BMMSC group), BMMSCs with ultrasound (ultrasound group), BMMSCs with microbubble-mediated ultrasound (MMUS group) and compared with a healthy control group. A therapeutic-ultrasound apparatus was used to treat the prostate in the presence of circulating microbubbles and BMMSCs. The BMMSC distribution was assessed with in vivo imaging and the prostate structure with light microscopy. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. More BMMSCs were found in the prostate in the MMUS group than in the CBP, ultrasound and BMMSC groups. Inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrous tissue hyperplasia and tumor-like epithelial proliferation were significantly reduced in the MMUS group, as were the mRNA and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. Microbubble-mediated ultrasound-induced accumulation of BMMSCs can inhibit inflammation and decrease TNF-α and IL-1β expressions in the prostate of CBP rats, suggesting that this method may be therapeutic for CPB.

Some studies have suggested that vasectomy is associated with the increased risk of prostate cancer, however, this conclusion is not supported by all the published studies. In order to examine the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of cohort studies to clarify this controversial association. PubMed and Medline were used to identify the cohort studies that reported the association of vasectomy with prostate cancer risk from 1980 to January 2015. Based on a random effects model, the RR and 95% CI were used to assess the combined risk. In total, 10 cohort studies involving more than 7027 cases and 429914 participants were included. There was no significant relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk, the pooled RR (95%CI) was 1.11[0.98, 1.27] (P = 0.109). In subgroup-analysis, the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk was not significantly modified by the length of follow-up and population distribution except Americans. Omission of any single study had little effect on the pooled risk estimate. Little evidence of publication bias was found. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that vasectomy is not associated with the increased risk of prostate cancer. More studies based on other populations including the Chinese are needed.

Background Antisperm antibodies (ASA) in males cause the autoimmune disease ‘immune infertility’. The mechanism of ASA cause male infertility is not clear. Present studies have investigated the effect of ASA and their incidence in men with unexplained infertility, as well as to evaluate the correlation between the ASA and semen parameter alterations but have shown inconsistent results. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the association between ASA and basic semen parameters in infertility men. Methods Systematic literature searches were conducted with PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct/Elsevier, CNKI and the Cochrane Library up to October 2014 for case–control studies that involved the impact of ASA on semen parameters. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager. Standard mean differences (SMD) of semen parameters were identified with 95% CI in a random or fixed effects model. Results Eight studies were identified, including 238 cases of ASA positive infertility male and 929 ASA negative controls. Our results illustrated that the sperm concentration and sperm motility (a+b) from ASA positive patients were significantly lower than ASA negative controls (SMD (95% CI) − 23.64 [− 43.47, − 3.81], − 16.40 [− 27.92, − 4.88], respectively). However, semen liquefaction time in the ASA positive group was significantly longer than the control group (SMD (95% CI) 4.19 [1.72, 6.66]). There was no significant effect of ASA on the sperm volume, sperm viability, sperm progressive motility, sperm normal morphology and sperm abnormal morphology. Conclusions The present study illustrates that there was a significant negative effect of ASA on sperm concentration, sperm motility (a+b) and sperm liquefaction.

The blood-prostate barrier could be the major factor that preventing delivery of drugs to prostate tissue and leads to the failure of treatment. Studies indicate that ultrasonic sonoporation can break the blood-prostate barrier and increase the concentration of drugs, but the mechanism is still unclear. Tight junctions exist widely in the endothelial and epithelial cells of mammalians, and form the biological barrier, along with other factors. Through studies on the mechanism of ultrasound microbubbles opening the blood-brain barrier, researchers found that the main mechanism is to change the expression level of TJs proteins. Since there might be some similarities between the blood-brain barrier and the blood-prostate barrier, changing the expression level of TJs proteins may also be the main mechanism by which ultrasound microbubbles opens the blood-prostate barrier, which is worth further study.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) is caused by bacterial infection and maintains a condition of lower urinary tract infection. It may be a cause of male infertility. However, studies showed inconsistent results regarding the effect of CBP on several parameters of semen. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effect of CBP on basic semen parameters. A systematic review was conducted with Medline, PubMed, EMBASE and two Chinese databases (CNKI and WANG FANG) to identify relevant studies that involved the effect of CBP on semen parameters up to July 2014. Both RevMan5.2 and STATA 12.0 software were used for the statistical analysis. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were included. The study illustrated that sperm vitality, sperm total motility and the percentage of progressively motile sperm from CBP patients were significantly lower than controls (SMD(95%CI) −0.81[−1.14, −0.47], −1.00[−1.28, −0.73], −0.41 [−0.70, −0.12], P

Stem cells are regarded as possible cell therapy candidates for skeletal muscle regeneration. However, invasive harvesting of those cells can cause potential harvest-site morbidity. The goal of this study was to assess whether human urine-derived stem cells (USCs), obtained through non-invasive procedures, can differentiate into skeletal muscle linage cells (Sk-MCs) and potentially be used for skeletal muscle regeneration. In this study, USCs were harvested from six healthy individuals aged 25-55. Expression profiles of cell-surface markers were assessed by flow cytometry. To optimize the myogenic differentiation medium, we selected two from four different types of myogenic differentiation media to induce the USCs. Differentiated USCs were identified with myogenic markers by gene and protein expression. USCs were implanted into the tibialis anterior muscles of nude mice for 1 month. The results showed that USCs displayed surface markers with positive staining for CD24, CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD117, CD133, CD146, SSEA-4 and STRO-1, and negative staining for CD14, CD31, CD34 and CD45. After myogenic differentiation, a change in morphology was observed from 'rice-grain'-like cells to spindle-shaped cells. The USCs expressed specific Sk-MC transcripts and protein markers (myf5, myoD, myosin, and desmin) after being induced with different myogenic culture media. Implanted cells expressed Sk-MC markers stably in vivo. Our findings suggest that USCs are able to differentiate into the Sk-MC lineage in vitro and after being implanted in vivo. Thus, they might be a potential source for cell injection therapy in the use of skeletal muscle regeneration. Copyright © 2014 John WileySons, Ltd.

Background A lot of studies have investigated the correlation between x-ray cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) polymorphisms and bladder cancer risk, but the results in Asian population were still inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to ascertain the association of XRCC1 Arg194Trp, Arg280His and Arg399Gln polymorphisms with bladder cancer risk in Asian population. Methodology/Principal findings The association strength was measured with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). A total of 9 eligible studies, conducted in China, India and Japan, were identified. We observed a significant increased risk of bladder cancer in dominant model (OR = 1.199, 95% CI: 1.021,1.408, Pheterogeneity = 0.372), allele comparison (OR = 1.200, 95% CI: 1.057,1.362, Pheterogeneity = 0.107) of Arg194Trp, heterozygote comparison (OR = 1.869, 95% CI: 1.205,2.898, Pheterogeneity = 0.011) and dominant model (OR = 1.748, 95% CI: 1.054,2.900, Pheterogeneity = 0.01) of Arg280His. Pooled results estimated from adjusted ORs further validated these findings. No publication bias was detected. Subgroup analyses found that significant increased risk was only found among community-based studies not hospital-based studies. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion This is the first meta-analysis conducted in Asian investigating the correlation between XRCC1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to bladder cancer. Our meta-analysis shows that XRCC1 Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms are associated with a significantly increased risk of bladder cancer in Asian population.

Objective To explore the effect of microbubble-enhanced therapeutic ultrasound (MEUS) on prostate permeability and the blood-prostate barrier. Methods Experimental rabbits were assigned to 5 separate groups; the MEUS group, the MEUS 24-hour group, and the 3 control groups. A therapeutic ultrasound device was used to treat the rabbit prostates in vivo in combination with intravenous injection of microbubbles (MBs). Evans blue (EB) and lanthanum (La) nitrate were injected to assess the prostate permeability using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results The MEUS group exhibited a significant increase in EB exudation and EB staining of the glandular parenchyma compared with the control groups. In the MEUS group, LSCM showed that a bright red fluorescence of EB was extensively distributed in the intercellular space of extravascular stroma and the glandular epithelium. In addition, TEM showed that the tight junction between vascular endothelial cells was opened, and the La particles used as tracers were seen in the stroma and glandular epithelium. The alterations in the MEUS group were significantly different from those in the groups exposed to MBs or ultrasound alone. These alterations were also not observed in the MEUS 24-hour group. Conclusion MEUS enhanced the prostate permeability, and it effectively opened the blood-prostate barrier. Hence, MEUS may serve as a potential noninvasive therapy for targeted drug or gene delivery to the prostate. However, the relationship between the acoustic parameters of MEUS and prostate permeability or the bioeffects of MEUS needs to be evaluated in future studies.

Studies show that basic fibroblast growth factor can promote bladder regeneration. However, the lack of targeting delivery approaches limits its clinical application. We investigated a collagen based targeting system for bladder regeneration. A collagen binding domain was added to the native basic fibroblast growth factor N-terminal to allow it to bind to collagen.Sprague-Dawley rats underwent partial cystectomy. Collagen scaffolds loaded with collagen binding domain basic fibroblast growth factor, native basic fibroblast growth factor or phosphate buffered saline were grafted to the remaining host bladders, respectively. At days 30 and 90 reconstructed bladders were evaluated by histological analysis and urodynamics.This targeting basic fibroblast growth factor delivery system induced satisfying bladder histological structures. It promoted more vascularization and smooth muscle cell ingrowth. Urodynamics revealed well accommodated bladder tissue with volume capacity and compliance.Results show that the targeting delivery system consisting of collagen binding domain basic fibroblast growth factor and collagen membranes induced better bladder regeneration at the injury site. Thus, this targeting delivery system may be an effective strategy for bladder regeneration with potential clinical applications.

The metal ring pin stapler was initially developed for microvascular surgery and there has been little experience of their use in larger vessels. We determined if the titanium ring pin coupling system could be safely and rapidly applied for arterial reconstruction in clinical renal transplantation.The donor renal artery was end-to-end anastomosed to the internal iliac artery with titanium ring pin staplers in 36 patients. Anastomotic, clamp and total operative time and vascular problems were compared with those in the control group of sutured anastomosis in 39 transplant recipients.The completion of mechanical anastomosis required half the time of suture anastomosis. Mean clamp time was 17.8 minutes in the nonsuture group and 28.1 minutes in the control group. There was no significant difference in total operative time between the 2 groups. A small anastomotic line leak was noted in each group, which was temporary and self-limited. There were no postoperative anastomotic failures, postoperative bleeding episodes or need to revise the anastomosis (100% patency rate) in the 2 groups. Of the patients 61 were followed for 2 to 5 years. Transplant renal artery stenosis was observed in 1 patient in the nonsuture group but 3 in the control group.The anastomotic technique with the ring pin system is safe and simple, permitting an expeditious and everting anastomosis with a smooth intima-to-intima junction. Application of this technique may decrease warm ischemia time and the incidence of anastomotic artery stenosis, thus, improving outcomes.