Hong-Zhao Li

Relationship between the expression of RASSF1A protein and promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A gene in bladder tumor

SummaryTo investigate the relationship between the expression of RASSF1A protein and promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A gene, RASSF1A protein expression was measured by Western blotting in 10 specimens of normal bladder tissues and 23 specimens of bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC). The promoter methylation in BTCC and normal bladder tissues was detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The results showed that the expression level of RASSF1A protein was significantly lower in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. However, it was not correlated with its clinical stages and pathological grades. The frequency of promoter methylation of RASSF1A gene was higher in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. In 14 patients with the aberrant promoter methylation, 13 showed loss or low expression of RASSF1A protein. It is concluded that RASSF1A gene promoter methylation may contribute to the low level or loss of RASSF1A protein expression, the inactivation of RASSF1A gene and the genesis of BTCC. But, it may bear no correlation with its clinical stages and pathological grades.To investigate the relationship between the expression of RASSF1A protein and promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A gene, RASSF1A protein expression was measured by Western blotting in 10 specimens of normal bladder tissues and 23 specimens of bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC). The promoter methylation in BTCC and normal bladder tissues was detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The results showed that the expression level of RASSF1A protein was significantly lower in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. However, it was not correlated with its clinical stages and pathological grades. The frequency of promoter methylation of RASSF1A gene was higher in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. In 14 patients with the aberrant promoter methylation, 13 showed loss or low expression of RASSF1A protein. It is concluded that RASSF1A gene promoter methylation may contribute to the low level or loss of RASSF1A protein expression, the inactivation of RASSF1A gene and the genesis of BTCC. But, it may bear no correlation with its clinical stages and pathological grades.

DNA polymorphisms in exon 1 and promoter of the CDH1 gene and relevant risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

To investigate the association between DNA polymorphisms, including single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletion polymorphisms, in exon 1 and promoter of the CDH1 gene, and the risk of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder (TCCB).

Combined Extraperitoneal and Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Extended Partial Cystectomy for the Treatment of Urachal Carcinoma

PURPOSEnTo evaluate the application of laparoscopic extended partial cystectomy (PC) and bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for the treatment of urachal carcinomas (UrCs).nnnMETHODSnCombined laparoscopic extended PC and bilateral extended PLND was performed in 16 cases with UrCs in our hospital between April 2009 and December 2012. The surgical procedure included the dilation of the extraperitoneal space, circumscription of the umbilicus, dissection from the umbilicus caudad to the dome of the bladder, excision of the tumor, and the suture of the bladder. The average age of the patients was 52.8 years (35-73 years). The average tumor size was 3.2 cm (1.5-5.6 cm). A median follow-up period of 36 months was obtained to evaluate patient survival and recrudescence.nnnRESULTSnAll 16 procedures were completed laparoscopically without open conversion. The median operation time was 85 minutes (65-125 minutes), with a median estimated blood loss of 50 mL (30-110 mL). The median hospital stay was 5 days (4-7 days). The bladder margins were negative in all cases. However, five cases were confirmed postoperatively with positive lymph nodes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Histopathology confirmed mucous urachal adenocarcinoma in 11 cases, mixed carcinoma in 1 case, and papillary adenocarcinoma in 4 cases. After a median follow-up period of 36 months, the 2- and 3-year survival rates were 62.5% (10/16) and 50% (8/16), respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONnCombined laparoscopic extended PC and bilateral extended PLND is a safe and feasible method for treating patients with urachal malignancy.

A matched-pair comparison between bilateral intrafascial and interfascial nerve-sparing techniques in extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

The aim of this study was to validate the advantages of the intrafascial nerve-sparing technique compared with the interfascial nerve-sparing technique in extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. From March 2010 to August 2011, 65 patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) underwent bilateral intrafascial nerve-sparing extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. These patients were matched in a 1:2 ratio to 130 patients with localized PCa who had undergone bilateral interfascial nerve-sparing extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between January 2008 and August 2011. Operative data and oncological and functional results of both groups were compared. There was no difference in operative data, pathological stages and overall rates of positive surgical margins between the groups. There were 9 and 13 patients lost to follow-up in the intrafascial group and interfascial group, respectively. The intrafascial technique provided earlier recovery of continence at both 3 and 6 months than the interfascial technique. Equal results in terms of continence were found in both groups at 12 months. Better rates of potency at 6 months and 12 months were found in younger patients (age ≤ 65 years) and overall patients who had undergone the intrafascial nerve-sparing extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Biochemical progression-free survival rates 1 year postoperatively were similar in both groups. Using strict indications, compared with the interfascial nerve-sparing technique, the intrafascial technique provided similar operative outcomes and short-term oncological results, quicker recovery of continence and better potency. The intrafascial nerve-sparing technique is recommended as a preferred approach for young PCa patients who are clinical stages cT1 to cT2a and have normal preoperative potency.

Laparoscopic vs robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal tumours of >4 cm: a propensity score-based analysis

To compare perioperative data, functional and oncological outcomes between laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal tumours of >4 cm.

New Porcine Model for Training for Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation with Horn of Uterus to Mimic Enlarged Ureter

PURPOSEnTo develop a new porcine model with horn of the uterus to mimic an enlarged ureter for training for laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (LUR) and to evaluate its feasibility.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnTen female pigs were used in the training. The pig was placed to a dorsal position after an anesthetic was administered. The horn of the uterus near the bladder was dissected, then spatulated and trimmed to replace the enlarged ureter. LUR was performed according to standard operation steps. Four trainees completed the LUR procedure based on a mentor-trainee model to guarantee the success of the procedure and the quality of the anastomoses. The learning curve of operative time was analyzed. The anastomotic stoma was cut off postoperatively and checked extracorporeally. After the course, questionnaire surveys were sent to the trainees to investigate satisfaction of the training and assess the impact of the training on their learning of real LUR in future practice.nnnRESULTSnThis model reproduced the key technique steps of LUR. Four LUR procedures were performed on each pig. The operative time declined from 170.0 +/- 10.3 minutes to 90.3 +/- 3.7 minutes (P < 0.01) after the trainees had performed 10 LURs. There was proper stitching in each ureterovesical anastomosis. At the end of training, all trainees could accomplish a LUR procedure skillfully on the model; they were satisfied after the course and thought the training was helpful to future practice of LUR.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe new model was feasible and cost-effective for training in the basic skills of laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction procedures.