Dongwen Wang

Epigenetic regulation of Elf5 is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in urothelial cancer.

E74-like factor 5 (Elf5) has been associated with tumor suppression in breast cancer. However, its role in urothelial cancer (UC) is completely unknown. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and methylation specific PCR (MSP) were done to detect Elf5 expression level and its promoter methylation. Results revealed that low expression of Elf5 on protein and mRNA levels were associated with tumor progression, early relapse and poor survival. In vitro, down-regulation of Elf5 can increase epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Aberrant Elf5 methylation was identified as major mechanism for Elf5 gene silence. Accordingly, restoration of Elf5 by infection or demethylating treatment effectively reversed EMT processes. In conclusion, we identified Elf5 as a novel biomarker of UC on several biological levels and established a causative link between Elf5 and EMT in UC.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in apoptosis of detrusor muscle in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has been proven to be associated with apoptosis and plays a critical role in the development of many diabetic complications. In the pathogenesis of diabetic cystopathy (DCP), the role of ERS is still unclear. Our study is aimed at the investigation of the involvement of ERS‐associated detrusor muscle apoptosis in streptozocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats.

Composition, microstructure and element study of urinary calculi

To better understand the basis of urinary calculi formation, we studied the composition, microstructure, and element analysis of different types of urinary calculi. Sixty people with urinary stones in Shanxi province were selected randomly. The composition of urinary stones was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The microstructure of material components was observed by a scanning electron microscopy and the elemental distribution and composition were analyzed by an X‐ray energy spectrometer. Furthermore, general information, BMI, history of medicine, chronic medical history, family history, and recurrence rates were collected. Female‐to‐male ratio was 1:2.5; median age was 43.2 years old. Of the patients, 13.3% were found definite family history and 46.6% of patients for recurrence history. It was found that mixed stones account for the largest proportion (65%), followed by calcium oxalate monohydrate calculi (26.67%). In mixed stones, the mixture of calcium oxalate monohydrate and hydroxyapatite had the largest proportion, accounting for 71.79%. Stones showed different microcosmic characteristics and element distribution. Stones varied widely in distribution, infrared spectrum, microstructure, and element composition, which provided an important basis for urinary calculi research regarding urinary stone formation.

Store operated calcium channels are associated with diabetic cystopathy in streptozotocin‑induced diabetic rats

Store operated calcium channels (SOCCs) have been suggested to play a critical role in many diabetic complications. Diabetic cystopathy (DCP) is common in patients with diabetes, but the role of SOCCs in DCP is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of SOCCs in DCP with streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Specifically, the authors investigated whether SOCCs were altered in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and, if so, how this may contribute to the contraction of bladder detrusor strips and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of bladder smooth muscle cells in diabetic rats. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 10 µM) and SKF-96365 (10 µM) were used to activate and inhibit SOCCs respectively, to research the effects of SOCCs on the contraction of the bladder detrusor strips in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats at the 4th, 8th and 12th week after the diabetic rat model was established. The changes of intracellular Ca2+ were also evaluated under confocal microscopy with pretreated Fluo-4AM. In addition, the expressions of Orai1 and STIM1 were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting at different time points. According to the results, the contractive frequency of diabetic bladder muscle strips was higher than that of controls in the 4th and 8th week. The increased fluorescence intensity was detected after using CPA and SKF-96365 in diabetic groups. The expressions of Orai1 and STIM1 changed in a time-dependent manner.

AB069. The observation on affection of TURED on obstructive azoospermia

Objective Explore the curative effect of obstructive azoospermia by using operation. Methods Eighteen18 patients treated by TURED operation in CSEA, 17 of them need cut-through verumontanum to find the openings of ejaculatory duct by 22# resectoscope, then take a bit of seminal fluid by using seminal vesicle mirror, and find semens in microscope. Three of them need use holmium laser to enlarge enlarge. All of them were required indwelling 14# catheter 2 days after operation, and encourage them to have sex soon. Results The 18 patients within about 1 week after operation. Fourteen of them can find semens in seminal fluid, one of them make a successful conception. Nine patients need to take medicine to improve the quality of semens. Conclusions Combined tiny operational trauma and rapid recovery, TURED is a valid approach to cure obstructive azoospermia and worth using widely.