Spermiogenesis is a complex process of differentiation and morphologic alteration, in which sperm acrosome formation is an important stage. Acrosome is an essential component of the sperm head, which develops in four distinct phases: Golgi, cap, acro- somal, and maturation, each supported by precise and orderly regulation of various genes. The regulatory genes which act on Golgi ap- paratus include GOPC, Hrb, SPATA16, PICK1, and CK2α', those involved in the cap phase are Fads2, syntaxin 2, Kdm3a, and UBR7, and participating in acrosomal and maturation phases are KIFC1, Rnf19a, and DPY19L2. The abnormalities of these genes may affect male fertility by influencing the connection of the nuclear dense lamina and acroplaxome with the nuclear membrane and then the fusion and transportation of vesicles. This review focuses on the genes involved in different phases of acrosome formation.
Acrosome ; physiology ; Animals ; Golgi Apparatus ; Male ; Mice ; Sperm Head ; physiology ; Spermatids ; growth & development ; Spermatogenesis ; genetics ; Spermatozoa ; growth & development

To screen and evaluate protein biomarkers for the detection of gliomas (Astrocytoma grade I-IV) from healthy individuals and gliomas from brain benign tumors by using surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) coupled with an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm. SELDI-TOF-MS protein fingerprinting of serum from 105 brain tumor patients and healthy individuals, included 28 patients with glioma (Astrocytoma I-IV), 37 patients with brain benign tumor, and 40 age-matched healthy individuals. Two thirds of the total samples of every compared pair as training set were used to set up discriminating patterns, and one third of total samples of every compared pair as test set were used to cross-validate; simultaneously, discriminate-cluster analysis derived SPSS 10.0 software was used to compare Astrocytoma grade I-II with grade III-IV ones. An accuracy of 95.7%, sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 90% and negative predictive value of 100% were obtained in a blinded test set comparing gliomas patients with healthy individuals; an accuracy of 86.4%, sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 84.6%, positive predictive value of 90% and negative predictive value of 85.7% were obtained when patient's gliomas was compared with benign brain tumor. Total accuracy of 85.7%, accuracy of grade I-II Astrocytoma was 86.7%, accuracy of III-IV Astrocytoma was 84.6% were obtained when grade I-II Astrocytoma was compared with grade III-IV ones (discriminant analysis). SELDI-TOF-MS combined with bioinformatics tools, could greatly facilitate the discovery of better biomarkers. The high sensitivity and specificity achieved by the use of selected biomarkers showed great potential application for the discrimination of gliomas patients from healthy individuals and gliomas from brain benign tumors.
Adult ; Aged ; Algorithms ; Artificial Intelligence ; Astrocytoma ; blood ; classification ; diagnosis ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; Brain Neoplasms ; blood ; classification ; diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; blood ; Neural Networks (Computer) ; Peptide Mapping ; methods ; Protein Array Analysis ; methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; methods

Aim To explore the effect of genetic poly-morphisms of POR on the stable warfarin maintenance doses in Han Chinese patients receiving mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods The association between POR gene polymorphisms and warfarin doses of 185 Han Chinese patients were investigated through ANOVA or t test. SNPs of POR and VKORC1 were de-tected by Sequenom? DNA MassArray genotyping method. CYP2C9*3 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method ( PCR-RFLP ) . Patients ’ clinical characteris-tics, INR value and daily dose were obtained from their medical records. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 21. 0 software. Results No mutant carriers of POR rs17148944 , POR rs56256515 and rs72553971 were found in this study. The genotype frequencies of other SNPs were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg e-quilibrium. In the group of patients with CYP2C9*1*1 , the mutant type carriers ( T carriers ) of POR rs17685 had a significantly higher dose than CC carri-ers(3. 50 ± 1. 07) mg·d-1 vs (3. 14 ± 0. 94) mg· d-1,P =0. 03. Also, in the group of patients with CYP2 C9*1*1 and VKORC1 rs9934438 G allele carri-ers, the mutant type carriers ( T carriers ) of POR rs17685 had a significantly higher dose than CC carri-ers(4. 76 ± 0. 90) mg·d-1 vs (4. 08 ± 1. 03) mg· d-1 ,P=0. 04. No significant difference was found in different genotypes of POR rs2868177 . Conclusion These results illustrate that POR rs17685 T carrier is closely associated with a higher warfarin maintenance dose, suggesting that this SNP is useful for clinical guidance of warfarin.

Objective To estimate the incidence,mortality and 5-year prevalence of breast cancer in China,in 2008.Methods Data from 36 cancer registries and the Third National Death Survey in China (2004-2005) were used to estimate the incidence,mortality and 5-year prevalence of breast cancer in China in 2008.Mathematical models were used to predict the breast cancer incidence and mortality in the next 20 years.Results In 2008,the incidence of breast cancer was 169 452 (14.2％) with the incidence rate of 21.6/100 000,ranking the second among all the cancers.Deaths due to breast cancer was 44 908 (6.1％) with mortality as 5.7/100 000,which ranked the sixth among all the cancers.The 5-year prevalence rate of breast cancer in China was 120.8/100 000,taking up the proportion as 26.1％,ranking the first among all the cancers.Breast cancer was seen more frequently among people aged between 40 to 70.Our data on prediction showed that the incidence and mortality of breast cancer in China would gradually increase in the next 20 years.Conclusion Breast cancer was the second cause of incidence rates among all the cancers in China,with both increasing incidence and mortality.Population at most risk for breast cancer were those aged 40 to 70,who deserved special programs for prevention and control.

OBJECTIVETo culture human dental papilla cells (HDPCs)and to study its cytobiological characters in vitro.

METHODSHDPCs were isolated and cultured with explant culture technique in vitro; Type I collagen, fibronection and laminin were detected in HDPCs and its secreted matrix with the immunocyto-chemical stain; HDPCs were incubated in mineralized promoting solution containing 10 mmol/L beta-glycerophosphate, 100 mg/L of ascorbic acid and 10 nmol/L dexamethasone supplemented with 10% FBS and the form of mineralized nodules was tested with Alizarin Red S stainning.

RESULTSCultured HDPCs in vitro were well growing in DMEM/F12. Type I collagen, fibronection and laminin staining were all positive in both HDPCs and its secreted matrix, and laminin was stained with bunchiness in matrix. Mineralized nodules formed after cultured 27 days by Alizarin Red S stainning.

CONCLUSIONHDPCs isolated and cultured are well growing in vitro, have a capability of synthesizing and secreting matrix and in mineralized promoting solution, are able to form mineralizer, so, HDPCs have a capacity of seed cell of tissue engineering regeneration tooth.

Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; Dental Papilla ; Dexamethasone ; Glycerophosphates ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Tissue Engineering ; Tooth

Objective To establish an automatic synthesis method for 11C-carfentanil (CFN) as an novel opiate receptor radioligand and study its biodistribution in rats. Methods 11C-Triflate-CH3 was bubbled into 0.5 mg precursor desmethyl-CFN (which was dissolved in 0.15 ml DMSO) to generate 11C-CFN in a V-tube at room temperature. Sep-Pak C2 column was used for purification of 11C-CFN, which was eluted by 3ml binary system aqueous solution, 10 ml water thrice, and then I ml ethanol. The biodistribution (% ID/g) of 11C-CFN in SD rats was studied. SPSS 13.0 was used for statistical analysis. Non-normal distribution data were analyzed using nonparametric test. Results The synthesis time for 11C-CFN was 20 min (end of bombardment, EOB). The synthesis yield was (35.5 ± 2.2) % on average (n = 12, uncorrected)with the radiochemical purity over 98%. Biodistribution study in rats showed that the tracer had a high brain uptake, rapid blood clearance, and a metabolic pathway via liver and kidney. The highest tracer uptake was in thalamus (4.26 ± 0.89) % ID/g and striatum (4.05 ± 1.08) % ID/g at 5 min after injection, followed by cerebral cortex (2.63±0.89) %ID/g, pons (2.26 ±0.57) % ID/g, hippocampus (2. 17 ±0.55) %ID/g and cerebellum (2. 15 ±0.39) %ID/g. Conclusions The automatic synthesis of 11C-CFN is fast and reliable, and this radioligand can be used for opiate receptor imaging.

To investigate the effects of allicin on rats by NMR-based metabonomic method, the changes of endogenous metabolites in normal rat urine and the influences on metabolism were analyzed with bio-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) after intraperitoneal administration of allicin solution. The identified biochemical effects associated with allicin dosing included elevated then gradually recovered urinary levels of Kreb's cycle intermediates, such as citrate, alpha-ketoglutarate and succinate and increased concentrations of ketones. Meanwhile, decreased urinary concentrations of glucose, lactate, alanine, hippurate and trimethylamine oxide were observed. The PLS-DA revealed that the metabonomic profiles of allicin treated groups were obviously different from those of the control group. Allicin may change metabolism significantly in normal rats. The study of the pharmacologic mechanism of allicin by metabonomic method is practicable and it could be explored further.
Animals ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Male ; Metabolomics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sulfinic Acids ; metabolism ; urine

BACKGROUNDThe changes in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expressions were examined in the kidneys of diabetic rats to investigate the degradative pathway of collagen type IV (C-IV) and the protective effects of pioglitazone on an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy.

METHODSIn 54 SD rats used in our study, 18 served as normal controls. Diabetes mellitus was induced in 36 age- and weight-matched rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg); 18 of the diabetic rats were allocated at random to receive pioglitazone [20 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)] in their drinking water and 18 served as diabetic controls. Rats were killed after 2, 4, or 8 weeks of treatment. Kidneys were examined pathomorphologically and the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and C-IV were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the results were quantified by image analysis techniques.

RESULTSDiabetes mellitus was associated with a decrease in the expression of MMP-2 in the glomeruli (P < 0.05, vs control). By contrast, MMP-2 expression in the interstitium increased, but not significantly (P > 0.05, vs control). The expression of MMP-9 did not show any change when comparing the three groups (P > 0.05, vs control). STZ-diabetic rats were also associated with an increase in the expression of C-IV in the glomeruli and the interstitium (P < 0.05, vs control). All diabetes-associated changes in MMP-2 expression were attenuated by pioglitazone treatment in association with reduced C-IV accumulation.

CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that a decrease in MMP-2 expression in the glomeruli of diabetic rats may lead to impairment of C-IV degradation and contribute to the matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy. Pioglitazone treatment, which can attenuate the decrease of glomerular MMP-2 and the increase of C-IV degradation, has curative effects on diabetic nephropathy.

Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kidney Glomerulus ; enzymology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; analysis ; genetics ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; analysis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Streptozocin ; Thiazolidinediones ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVECorrection of craniofacial dysostosis with midface distraction osteotogenesis.

METHODSLe Fort III osteotomy has been employed through coronal route on patients with midface craniofacial dysostosis such as Crouzon and Apert syndrome. Then a REDII distraction device was set up, and the device bars directed. The distraction begins 6.4 days after the surgery, with a rate of 1 mm per day. When midface approaching the right position, i.e. an slightly over correction of occlusion is reached, the distraction stops and the device is held for the next 2-4 months.

RESULTSThere are 8 cases completed all the therapy with an average age of 11.9 years old. The midface had been moved averagely 9.7 mm forwards and 1.6 mm downwards. The features had been improved obviously and the occlusions reach nearly normal. The exophthalmos reduced from 20.3 mm to 11.9 mm. In cephalometry, SNA was averagely enlarged 9 degrees, and ANB enlarged 8.8 degrees. The snore during sleeping was also improved in 87.5% cases. No serious complication had occurred except minor one such as 1 case of seroma and 1 case of infection around pin on scalp. According to 5 months averagely follow-up, there is no recurrence in our list.

CONCLUSIONSMidface distraction osteotogenesis is propitious to teenage or severe cases of craniofacial dysostosis.

Adolescent ; Child ; Craniofacial Dysostosis ; surgery ; Face ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Traction ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical value of double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using oral and intravenous contrast agents in preoperative staging of gastric cancer.

METHODSSixty-two patients with biopsy-proven gastric cancer were enrolled into this study, and were examined by double contrast-enhanced gastric ultrasonography preoperatively. The results were compared with postoperative pathologic findings.

RESULTSThe accuracy of oral contrast-enhanced gastric ultrasonography and double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in determining the T stage of gastric cancer was 72.9% (T1: 66.7%, T2: 60.0%, T3: 76.9%, T4: 71.4%) and 88.1% (T1: 66.7%, T2: 80.0%, T3: 89.7%, T4: 100%), respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the two methods (P = 0.036). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and Youden index of oral contrast-enhanced gastric ultrasonography and double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in assessment of lymph node metastasis were 74.5%, 66.7%, 72.9%, and 0.41 versus 89.4%, 75.0%, 86.4%, 0.76, respectively. No significant difference in the accuracy of assessment for lymph node metastasis was observed (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDouble contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is useful for preoperative staging of gastric cancer, especially for T staging.

Adult ; Aged ; Contrast Media ; Endosonography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; methods ; Preoperative Care ; Prospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Sulfur Hexafluoride