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To assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) pathways-related genes and the risk of pre-eclampsia.In total 178 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (case group) and 100 healthy pregnant women (control group) during the third trimester were enrolled. The SNPs of VEGF rs3025039, rs2010963 and VEGFR1 rs3812867, rs55875014 and rs722503 loci were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. The levels of serum VEGF and sVEGFR1 were also determined. And their association with pre-eclampsia was analyzed.The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and sVEGFR1 of the case group were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the VEGF level was significantly lower than that in the control group (P0.05). Allelic frequencies of the VEGF (rs3025039, rs2010963) and VEGFR1 (rs3812867, rs55875014, rs722503) have fit the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P0.05). The frequency of T allele of VEGF at rs3025039 locus in the case group was higher than that in the control group (P0.05). There were significant differences in VEGF at rs3025039 locus under dominant and co-dominant models in case group (P0.05). Compared with those with CC, the risk was higher in patients with CT or TT genotypes (P0.05). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure and sVEGFR1 in pre-eclampsia pregnant women with CT or TT genotypes were significantly higher than those with the CC genotype, while their VEGF level was significantly lower (P0.05). No significant difference was found in allelic frequencies of other four loci between the two groups (P0.05).Polymorphisms of rs3025039 locus of VEGF gene is associated with the occurrence of pre-eclampsia. The variant at this locus may affect the activity of VEGF and influence the development of pre-eclampsia.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves as the most common and conserved internal transcriptional modification. However, the roles of m6A on cervical cancer (CC) tumorigenesis are still unclear. Here, results indicated that METTL3 was significantly upregulated in CC tissue and cells, which was closely correlated with the lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of CC patients. MeRIP-Seq analysis revealed the m6A profiles in CC cells. Functionally, METTL3 promoted the proliferation and Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis) of CC cells. Mechanistically, METTL3 targeted the 3’-Untranslated Region (3’-UTR) of hexokinase 2 (HK2) mRNA. Moreover, METTL3 recruited YTHDF1, a m6A reader, to enhance HK2 stability. These findings demonstrated that METTL3 enhanced the HK2 stability through YTHDF1-mediated m6A modification, thereby promoting the Warburg effect of CC, which might promote a novel insight for the CC treatment.

Background There is growing evidence discussing the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cervical cancer (CC). We performed this study to explore the impact of exosomal lncRNA urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1) in CC stem cells by sponging microRNA-122-5p (miR-122-5p) and regulating SOX2 expression. Methods CC stem cells (CD133+CaSki) and exosomes were extracted and identified. The synthesized UCA1- and miR-122-5p-related sequences were transfected into CaSki cells, CaSki cells-derived exosomes were extracted and then co-cultured with CD133+CaSki cells. The functional roles of UCA1 and miR-122-5p in self-renewal and differentiation ability of CC stem cells were determined using ectopic expression, knockdown/depletion and reporter assay experiments. An in vivo experiment was performed to verify the in vitro results. Results Up-regulated UCA1 and SOX2 and down-regulated miR-122-5p were found in CaSki-Exo. Exosomes promoted invasion, migration, proliferation and restrained apoptosis of CD133+CaSki cells. Silencing UCA1 or up-regulating miR-122-5p degraded SOX2 expression, and reduced invasion, migration and proliferation of CD133+CaSki cells while advanced apoptosis and suppressed the tumor volume and weight in nude mice. Conclusion Our study provides evidence that CaSki-Exo can promote the self-renewal and differentiation ability of CC stem cells while silencing UCA1 or up-regulating miR-122-5p restrains self-renewal and differentiation of CC stem cells.

To explore the effects of microRNA (miR)-27b-3p-mediated homeobox A10 (HOXA10) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endometriosis cells (hEM15A).First, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed for the measurement of miR-27b-3p and HOXA10 expression in hEM15A cells and human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Then, the targeted relationship of miR-27b-3p with HOXA10 was verified by conducting a dual-luciferase reporter experiment. Subsequently, qPCR and western blot were performed to determine the effect of miR-27b-3p on HOXA10 expression. Finally, Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell, and scratch assays were employed to determine the effects of miR-27b-3p and HOXA10 on the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of hEM15A cells.In hEM15A cells, miR-27b-3p expression was increased and showed a negative correlation with the expression of HOXA10 (P0.05). The dual-luciferase reporter experiment confirmed that miR-27b-3p targeted the HOXA10 gene. Furthermore, qPCR and western blotting showed that miR-27b-3p regulated the expression of HOXA10. The proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of hEM15A cells was significantly inhibited by suppressing miR-27b-3p expression or overexpressing HOXA10 (P0.05). Meanwhile, concurrent overexpression of miR-27b-3p and HOXA10 did not affect hEM15A cell activity (P0.05).Upregulation of miR-27b-3p can suppress HOXA10 expression, resulting in the enhancement of hEM15A cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Study Objective To demonstrate stepwise techniques for the successful use of the laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) technique for safely performing pectopexy. Design Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting An academic tertiary care hospital. Interventions Patient was a 48-year-old, gravida 2 para 2, having had 2 normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries, with stage III anterior vaginal prolapse and stage III uterine prolapse and posterior vaginal prolapse. The preoperative vaginal length was 6 cm. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is the current gold standard for pelvic organ prolapse demonstrating a low recurrence rate; however, it can be technically challenging to perform, particularly in women with obesity or in the event of an anatomic variation. The pectineal ligament, also known as Cooper's ligament, is familiar to surgeons and can be used for a tension-free mesh suspension in patients with prolapse. Integration of LESS and pectopexy is a novel alternative, minimally invasive approach that is more cosmetic, simpler, and effective. The key steps in LESS pectopexy include the following: • LESS total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy. • Anterior and posterior vaginal cuff dissection. • Exposure of the iliopectineal ligament (Cooper's ligament). • Tension-free mesh anchoring. • Reperitonealization. Measurements and Main Results The procedure was performed successfully in approximately 80 minutes with a postoperative vaginal length of 6 cm. Postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification was stage 0. Conclusion LESS is a feasible technique for pectopexy in patients with pelvic organ prolapse. A LESS pectopexy results in better cosmesis and offers an alternative for patients with challenging pelvic organ prolapse, such as those with obesity.

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of metformin (MET) and Sorafenib (SOR) in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Effects of MET and SOR on the area of endometrium and myometrium were detected. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry assays were carried out to detect the levels of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), mTORC2, LC3-II, P62, and Caspase-3 in rats and cultured cells. Furthermore, cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis was carried out to determine the apoptotic profiles of treated cells. MET and SOR could apparently decrease the areas of endometrium and myometrium in PCOS. MET notably enhanced the expression of LC3-II and Caspase-3 in PCOS while substantially reducing the level of mTORC1 and P62. Similarly, SOR also enhanced the expression of LC3-II and Caspase-3 in PCOS while substantially reducing the level of mTORC2 and P62. Treatment with MET and SOR significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC-94 and HEC-1-A cells while promoting their apoptosis by upregulating the expression of Caspase-3. In cells treated with MET, the expression of mTORC1 and LC3-II was upregulated while the expression of P62 was downregulated. Similarly, in cells treated with SOR, the expression of mTORC2 and LC3-II was also upregulated while the expression of P62 was also downregulated. Furthermore, MET showed no effect on mTORC2 expression, while SOR showed no effect on mTORC1 expression. In this study, we suggested that MET and SOR alleviated the risk of EH in PCOS via the mTORC1/autophagy/apoptosis axis and mTORC2/autophagy/apoptosis axis, respectively.

The outgrowth and metastasis of cervical cancer (CC) contribute to its malignancy. Pituitary Tumor Transforming Gene 1 (PTTG1) is upregulated in many types of cancer, and enhances tumor cell growth and metastasis. However, the activation and regulation of PTTG1 in CC, especially by its pseudogene PTTG3P, have not been shown. Here, we detected significantly higher levels of PTTG1 and PTTG3P in the resected CC tissue, compared to the paired adjacent normal cervical tissue. Interestingly, the PTTG3P levels positively correlated with the PTTG1 levels. High PTTG3P levels were associated with poor patients' survival. In vitro, PTTG1 were increased by PTTG3P overexpression, but was inhibited by PTTG3P depletion in CC cells. However, PTTG3P levels were not altered by modulation of PTTG1 in CC cells, suggesting that PTTG3P is upstream of PTTG1. Moreover, PTTG3P increased CC cell growth, likely through CCNB1-mediated increase in cell proliferation, rather than through decrease in cell apoptosis. Furthermore, PTTG3P increased CC cell invasiveness, likely through upregulation of SNAIL and downregulation of E-cadherin. Our work thus suggests that PTTG3P may promote growth and metastasis of CC through PTTG1.

Video Objective Pectopexy is the most effective procedure to treat pelvic organ prolapse and can be used as an alternative to sacrocolpopexy. The minimally invasive access for pectopexy is divided into single-port and multi-port with or without robotic assistance. Transumbilical natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (transumbilical laparoendoscopic single site surgery, transumbilical LESS) is an emerging minimally invasive approach, which reduces abdominal incision and enhances aesthetics. Pectopexy is an ingenious combination of the two approaches, which achieves a good clinical effect. These advantages outweigh the difficulties in learning the new technique. Our purpose was to show the surgical skills of the transumbilical LESS. Setting Xinxiang City Central Hospital Gynecologic Oncology, China Interventions Transumbilical single-site laparoendoscopic pectopexy was performed, which was a combination of laparoendoscopic and single-site surgeries. Conclusion Transumbilical LESS allows the surgeon to perform iliopectineal ligament after accessing the entire abdomen via a single port. This procedure can achieve a good clinical effect.

Study Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical application of early cervical application of nano-carbon tracer imaging of sentinel lymph node (the SLN) under laparoscopic 3D. Design 50 patients diagnosed with early cervical cancer patients, cervical injection nanometers from preoperative Carbon-suspended injection.3D laparoscopic direct recognition of black-stained lymph nodes as SLN and excision, followed by laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy + extensive hysterectomy (+ abdominal para-aortic lymph node sampling). Setting Xinxiang City Central Hospital Gynecologic Oncology, China. Patients or Participants 50 patients diagnosed with early cervical cancer patients were enrolled. Interventions 3D laparoscopic direct recognition of black-stained lymph nodes as SLN and excision, followed by laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy + extensive hysterectomy (+ abdominal para-aortic lymph node sampling). Measurements and Main Results A total of 1476 lymph nodes were removed from 50 patients. SLN was successfully detected. The detection rate of SLN was 100% (50/50). A total of 445 SLNs were detected, accounting for 43.20% (445/1030) of the total number of lymph nodes. SLNB detection sensitivity 100% (50/50), specificity 100.00% (50/50), SLN prediction of pelvic lymph node status and postoperative pathological examination coincidence rate of 100% (50/50), negative predictive value of 100.00% (50/50). Conclusion The metastatic state of SLN in early cervical cancer is consistent with the true metastatic state of pelvic lymph nodes, which has a more accurate pathological representative significance. Laparoscopic detection of SLN in early cervical cancer using nano-carbon tracer is a comparative method. Safe and feasible, SLNB has to replace traditional cervical cancer pelvic lymphadenectomy, narrowing the scope of surgery and reducing trauma.

Study Objective This study was the first to investigate the application of phthalocyanine green and nano-carbon suspension injection as a lymphatic tracer in laparoscopic radical resection of cervical cancer. The comparative value of its application in lymphatic imaging and sentinel lymph node identification was analyzed. The factors of the tracer results provide a reference for the application of clinical tracers. Design The patients were divided into nano-carbon group and indocyanine green group. Setting Xinxiang City Central Hospital Gynecologic Oncology, China. Patients or Participants Seventy-five patients with early stage cervical cancer were enrolled. Interventions Nano-carbon suspension injection and indocyanine green were injected from the cervix before operation, and black was recognized under laparoscopy. Lymph nodes and fluorescent lymph nodes were taken as SLN and excised. All patients underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy plus extensive hysterectomy (+ abdominal para-aortic lymph node sampling). All specimens were sent to routine examination. Measurements and Main Results There were no significant differences in age, tumor stage, and histological type between the two groups (P>0.05). SLN was detected in 25 cases of phthalocyanine green group, totaling 1006, the detection rate was 100%; the accuracy of SLN biopsy was 100%. There were 50 cases of nano-carbon suspension group, 39 cases of SLN were detected, a total of 1476, the discovery rate was 78%, the specificity was 76%; there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P> 0.05) However, the difference in the operation time between the two groups was statistically significant (P Conclusion The application of phthalocyanine green and nano-carbon suspension in the detection of SLN in cervical cancer is feasible, but the phthalocyanine green fluorescence detection method is more prominent in visual effect, which can significantly shorten the operation time.