1.Decoding the genetic and environmental forces in propelling the surge of early-onset colorectal cancer.
Jianhui ZHAO ; Haosen JI ; Kangning LI ; Guirong YU ; Siyun ZHOU ; Qian XIAO ; Malcolm DUNLOP ; Evropi THEODORATOU ; Xue LI ; Kefeng DING
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1163-1174
Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) shows a different epidemiological trend compared to later-onset colorectal cancer, with its incidence rising in most regions and countries worldwide. However, the reasons behind this trend remain unclear. The etiology of EOCRC is complex and could involve both genetic and environmental factors. Apart from Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, sporadic EOCRC exhibits a broad spectrum of pathogenic germline mutations, genetic polymorphisms, methylation changes, and chromosomal instability. Early-life exposures and environmental risk factors, including lifestyle and dietary risk factors, have been found to be associated with EOCRC risk. Meanwhile, specific chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, have been associated with EOCRC. Interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors in EOCRC have also been explored. Here we present findings from a narrative review of epidemiological studies on the assessment of early-life exposures, of EOCRC-specific environmental factors, and their interactions with susceptible loci. We also present results from EOCRC-specific genome-wide association studies that could be used to perform Mendelian randomization analyses to ascertain potential causal links between environmental factors and EOCRC.
Humans
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Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology*
;
Risk Factors
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Genome-Wide Association Study
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics*
2.The effect of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) stable knockdown on Adriamycin resistance of bladder cancer cell
Ke CHEN ; Jing XIE ; Yingsheng LIN ; Kefeng XIAO ; Jinan GUO
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(6):455-461
Objective:To investigate the effect of stable low expression of DNA methyltransferase 3b(DNMT3b)on the adriamycin(ADM)resistance of wild-type bladder cancer cells BIU-87 and BIU-87/ADM-resistant cells(BIU-87/ADM).Methods:Lentiviruses expressing DNMT3b siRNA and negative control siRNA were packaged. Stable DNMT3b-low-expressing BIU-87 cells(BIU-87-siRNA group),BIU-87/ADM cells(BIU-87/ADM-siRNA group),and corresponding control groups(BIU-87-NC group and BIU-87/ADM-NC group)were established via lentiviral infection. DNMT3b expression was detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot to validate siRNA interference efficiency. BIU-87-siRNA and BIU-87-NC cells were treated with 0.0125,0.025,0.05,0.1,and 0.2 mg/L ADM,while BIU-87/ADM-siRNA and BIU-87/ADM-NC cells were treated with 0.5,1,2,4,and 8 mg/L ADM. Cell survival rates were measured using the MTT assay to calculate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)and relative reversal rate. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of drug resistance-related genes(MRP1,P-gp and Survivin)was detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments were performed by subcutaneously inoculating BIU-87-siRNA,BIU-87/ADM-siRNA,and control group cells into nude mice. Tumor sizes were measured on days 7,10,13,16,20,and 25 to plot growth curves and assess the effect of DNMT3b low expression on ADM resistance.Results:Quantitative PCR showed that the relative mRNA expression of DNMT3b in BIU-87-siRNA and BIU-87-NC groups were(0.32 ± 0.08) vs.(1.00±0.12)( P < 0.01),and(0.30 ± 0.07) vs.(1.00 ± 0.11)in BIU-87/ADM-siRNA vs. BIU-87/ADM-NC groups( P < 0.01). Western blot confirmed significantly reduced DNMT3b protein levels in both siRNA groups( P < 0.01). After ADM treatment,BIU-87-siRNA cells exhibited lower survival rates compared to BIU-87-NC at 0.025,0.05,and 0.1 mg/L ADM( P < 0.05),with IC50 values of(0.14 ± 0.02)mg/L vs.(0.18 ± 0.03)mg/L( P > 0.05). For BIU-87/ADM-siRNA cells,survival rates at 1,2,4,and 8 mg/L ADM were significantly lower than controls( P < 0.05),with IC50 values of(7.10 ± 0.45)mg/L vs.(13.96 ± 1.20)mg/L and a relative reversal rate of 49.76%( P < 0.01). Apoptosis rates were significantly higher in siRNA groups( P < 0.01). mRNA and protein levels of MRP1,P-gp,and Survivin were reduced in both siRNA groups( P < 0.05),except for P-gp protein in BIU-87-siRNA cells( P > 0.05). In vivo,tumor volumes in siRNA groups were significantly smaller than controls by day 25( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Stable low expression of DNMT3b reverses ADM resistance in bladder cancer BIU-87/ADM cells.
3.Natural course of renal angiomyolipoma and risk factors for its progression
Zhongqing MIAO ; Dong DU ; Zeyu LIN ; Qizhi DU ; Han XUE ; Chunmei LUO ; Kefeng XIAO ; Hongtao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(3):192-197
Objective:To clarify the natural course of renal angiomyolipoma and the risk factors for its progression.Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study that included 401 patients diagnosed several times by ultrasound examination in the hospital physical examination system from January 2012 to June 2024. All patients were untreated. There were 128 male cases (31.90%) and 273 female cases (68.10%). The average age at initial diagnosis was (44.04 ± 10.24) years (range 22-78 years). The median longest diameter of the tumor at initial diagnosis was 9.0 (7.0, 11.5) mm. There were 359 cases (89.50%) with single tumors and 42 cases (10.50%) with multiple tumors. The patients were divided into the progression group(≥1 mm/year) and the non-progression group (<1 mm/year)based on the average growth rate of tumor. The differences in gender, age at initial diagnosis, initial tumor size, number of lesions and lesion site between the two groups were compared. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the above factors and the progression of renal angiomyolipoma. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors for progression.Results:A total of 401 cases were followed up for an average of (88.15 ± 21.09) months (range 48-140 months). The median maximum diameter of the tumors at the initial diagnosis was 9.0 (7.0, 11.5) mm, and at the end of the follow-up, it was 11 (8, 14) mm. The average growth rate was 0.38 mm/year, and the median growth rate was 0.25 (0, 0.60) mm/year. Among them, 341 cases (85.04%) were in the non-progression group with an average growth rate of 0.14 mm/year, and 60 cases (14.96%) were in the progression group with an average growth rate of 1.74 mm/year. The age of the progression group was lower than that of the non-progression group [(41.43 ± 9.64) years vs. (44.50±10.29) years], the initial maximum diameter of the tumors in the progression group was larger than that in the non-progression group [11.0 (8.0, 16.0) mm vs. 9.0 (7.0, 11.0) mm], and the proportion of multiple tumors in the progression group was higher than that in the non-progression group [14 cases (23.30%) vs. 28 cases (8.20%)], and the differences were all statistically significant ( P<0.05). Age at initial diagnosis( OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99), initial tumor size ( OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12) and number of lesions ( OR=2.96, 95% CI 1.38-6.34) were the risk factors for the growth of renal angiomyolipoma ( P<0.05), according to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions:The natural history of most renal angiomyolipoma shows slow growth or relative quiescence, with a small number showing a significant increasing trend. Age at initial diagnosis, initial tumor size and number of lesions were independent risk factors for the growth of renal angiomyolipoma.
4.From historical insights to future frontiers: exploration and innovation in the etiology and prevention of urolithiasis
Kunjie WANG ; Guohua ZENG ; Jianxing LI ; Kewei XU ; Xiaofeng GAO ; Changbao XU ; Bin CHEN ; Xiao YU ; Kefeng XIAO ; Jun LI ; Hao HU ; Hong LI ; Zhangqun YE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):721-724
Urolithiasis represents a prevalent clinical challenge marked by high recurrence rates and morbidity,with existing preventive strategies struggling to effectively curb its epidemic trajectory,thereby posing a significant threat to public health. The etiology of this condition is intricate,involving a complex network of interactions spanning classical supersaturation-crystallization theory,Randall’s plaque theory,and multifactorial elements such as cellular injury,inflammatory responses,metabolic derangements,the gut-kidney axis,immune dysregulation,and genetic predisposition. However,the critical mechanisms initiating stone formation and the early pathophysiological processes remain incompletely elucidated,constituting the core impasse in current preventive strategies. This review systematically synthesizes classical theories and cutting-edge advancements in urolithiasis etiology research,emphasizing the urgent need to integrate emerging technologies,including high-dimensional omics,advanced imaging modalities,and artificial intelligence,to dissect pivotal pathological nodes in early stone formation. Such interdisciplinary efforts are essential to overcome cognitive bottlenecks and ultimately achieve personalized,precision-based prevention strategies.
5.Study on the correlation between urinary crystals and components of urinary calculi
Jinan GUO ; Zhongqing MIAO ; Kefeng XIAO ; Hongtao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):734-738
Objectives:This study aims to investigate the correlation between urinary crystals and the components of urinary calculi in patients with urinary calculi,as well as the accuracy of urine crystals in predicting stone components.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 280 patients with positive urine crystal and urinary calculi from January 2022 to December 2024. There were a total of 280 patients consisting of 185 males and 95 females,aged from 23 to 80 years,with an average age of(49.1 ± 12.3)years. Among them,there were 243 cases of renal stones or both renal and ureteral stones,25 cases of ureteral stones,and 12 cases of bladder stones. In all cases,10 ml of morning urine was collected preoperatively and sent for examination within one hour. After centrifuging at 400 g for 1 minute,the urine sediment was examined under a microscope. All positive crystals were categorized into calcium oxalate,uric acid,calcium phosphate,magnesium ammonium phosphate,and cystine based on the morphology of the crystals. Calculi were collected after endoscopic surgery,calculi composition was analyzed using infrared spectroscopy,and the main component(the first predominant component)was recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using a 5×5 contingency table to analyze the correlation and contingency coefficient,and the positive predictive values of the urinary crystals for predicting calculi components were calculated. Results:Among the 280 patients,calcium oxalate crystals were found in 241 cases,uric acid in 25 cases,calcium phosphate in 7 cases,magnesium ammonium phosphate in 5 cases,and cystine in 2 cases. The main components of 280 calculi were calcium oxalate in 232 cases,uric acid in 21 cases,calcium phosphate in 24 cases,magnesium ammonium phosphate in 1 case,and cystine in 2 cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between urinary crystals and stone components( χ2 = 152.46, P < 0.01),and the contingency coefficient between crystals and calculi components was 0.809. The overall positive expected value of urine crystals was 87.5%(245/280),among which the positive expected value of calcium oxalate crystals was 91.7%(221/241),uric acid crystals was 72.0%(18/25),calcium phosphate was 42.9%(3/7),magnesium ammonium phosphate was 20.0%(1/5),and cystine was 100.0%(2/2). Conclusions:The urinary crystals of patients with calculi are significantly related to the main components of the calculi. Using urinary crystals to predict the components of the calculi has a relatively high accuracy.
6.The effect of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) stable knockdown on Adriamycin resistance of bladder cancer cell
Ke CHEN ; Jing XIE ; Yingsheng LIN ; Kefeng XIAO ; Jinan GUO
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(6):455-461
Objective:To investigate the effect of stable low expression of DNA methyltransferase 3b(DNMT3b)on the adriamycin(ADM)resistance of wild-type bladder cancer cells BIU-87 and BIU-87/ADM-resistant cells(BIU-87/ADM).Methods:Lentiviruses expressing DNMT3b siRNA and negative control siRNA were packaged. Stable DNMT3b-low-expressing BIU-87 cells(BIU-87-siRNA group),BIU-87/ADM cells(BIU-87/ADM-siRNA group),and corresponding control groups(BIU-87-NC group and BIU-87/ADM-NC group)were established via lentiviral infection. DNMT3b expression was detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot to validate siRNA interference efficiency. BIU-87-siRNA and BIU-87-NC cells were treated with 0.0125,0.025,0.05,0.1,and 0.2 mg/L ADM,while BIU-87/ADM-siRNA and BIU-87/ADM-NC cells were treated with 0.5,1,2,4,and 8 mg/L ADM. Cell survival rates were measured using the MTT assay to calculate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)and relative reversal rate. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of drug resistance-related genes(MRP1,P-gp and Survivin)was detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments were performed by subcutaneously inoculating BIU-87-siRNA,BIU-87/ADM-siRNA,and control group cells into nude mice. Tumor sizes were measured on days 7,10,13,16,20,and 25 to plot growth curves and assess the effect of DNMT3b low expression on ADM resistance.Results:Quantitative PCR showed that the relative mRNA expression of DNMT3b in BIU-87-siRNA and BIU-87-NC groups were(0.32 ± 0.08) vs.(1.00±0.12)( P < 0.01),and(0.30 ± 0.07) vs.(1.00 ± 0.11)in BIU-87/ADM-siRNA vs. BIU-87/ADM-NC groups( P < 0.01). Western blot confirmed significantly reduced DNMT3b protein levels in both siRNA groups( P < 0.01). After ADM treatment,BIU-87-siRNA cells exhibited lower survival rates compared to BIU-87-NC at 0.025,0.05,and 0.1 mg/L ADM( P < 0.05),with IC50 values of(0.14 ± 0.02)mg/L vs.(0.18 ± 0.03)mg/L( P > 0.05). For BIU-87/ADM-siRNA cells,survival rates at 1,2,4,and 8 mg/L ADM were significantly lower than controls( P < 0.05),with IC50 values of(7.10 ± 0.45)mg/L vs.(13.96 ± 1.20)mg/L and a relative reversal rate of 49.76%( P < 0.01). Apoptosis rates were significantly higher in siRNA groups( P < 0.01). mRNA and protein levels of MRP1,P-gp,and Survivin were reduced in both siRNA groups( P < 0.05),except for P-gp protein in BIU-87-siRNA cells( P > 0.05). In vivo,tumor volumes in siRNA groups were significantly smaller than controls by day 25( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Stable low expression of DNMT3b reverses ADM resistance in bladder cancer BIU-87/ADM cells.
7.Natural course of renal angiomyolipoma and risk factors for its progression
Zhongqing MIAO ; Dong DU ; Zeyu LIN ; Qizhi DU ; Han XUE ; Chunmei LUO ; Kefeng XIAO ; Hongtao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(3):192-197
Objective:To clarify the natural course of renal angiomyolipoma and the risk factors for its progression.Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study that included 401 patients diagnosed several times by ultrasound examination in the hospital physical examination system from January 2012 to June 2024. All patients were untreated. There were 128 male cases (31.90%) and 273 female cases (68.10%). The average age at initial diagnosis was (44.04 ± 10.24) years (range 22-78 years). The median longest diameter of the tumor at initial diagnosis was 9.0 (7.0, 11.5) mm. There were 359 cases (89.50%) with single tumors and 42 cases (10.50%) with multiple tumors. The patients were divided into the progression group(≥1 mm/year) and the non-progression group (<1 mm/year)based on the average growth rate of tumor. The differences in gender, age at initial diagnosis, initial tumor size, number of lesions and lesion site between the two groups were compared. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the above factors and the progression of renal angiomyolipoma. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors for progression.Results:A total of 401 cases were followed up for an average of (88.15 ± 21.09) months (range 48-140 months). The median maximum diameter of the tumors at the initial diagnosis was 9.0 (7.0, 11.5) mm, and at the end of the follow-up, it was 11 (8, 14) mm. The average growth rate was 0.38 mm/year, and the median growth rate was 0.25 (0, 0.60) mm/year. Among them, 341 cases (85.04%) were in the non-progression group with an average growth rate of 0.14 mm/year, and 60 cases (14.96%) were in the progression group with an average growth rate of 1.74 mm/year. The age of the progression group was lower than that of the non-progression group [(41.43 ± 9.64) years vs. (44.50±10.29) years], the initial maximum diameter of the tumors in the progression group was larger than that in the non-progression group [11.0 (8.0, 16.0) mm vs. 9.0 (7.0, 11.0) mm], and the proportion of multiple tumors in the progression group was higher than that in the non-progression group [14 cases (23.30%) vs. 28 cases (8.20%)], and the differences were all statistically significant ( P<0.05). Age at initial diagnosis( OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99), initial tumor size ( OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12) and number of lesions ( OR=2.96, 95% CI 1.38-6.34) were the risk factors for the growth of renal angiomyolipoma ( P<0.05), according to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions:The natural history of most renal angiomyolipoma shows slow growth or relative quiescence, with a small number showing a significant increasing trend. Age at initial diagnosis, initial tumor size and number of lesions were independent risk factors for the growth of renal angiomyolipoma.
8.From historical insights to future frontiers: exploration and innovation in the etiology and prevention of urolithiasis
Kunjie WANG ; Guohua ZENG ; Jianxing LI ; Kewei XU ; Xiaofeng GAO ; Changbao XU ; Bin CHEN ; Xiao YU ; Kefeng XIAO ; Jun LI ; Hao HU ; Hong LI ; Zhangqun YE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):721-724
Urolithiasis represents a prevalent clinical challenge marked by high recurrence rates and morbidity,with existing preventive strategies struggling to effectively curb its epidemic trajectory,thereby posing a significant threat to public health. The etiology of this condition is intricate,involving a complex network of interactions spanning classical supersaturation-crystallization theory,Randall’s plaque theory,and multifactorial elements such as cellular injury,inflammatory responses,metabolic derangements,the gut-kidney axis,immune dysregulation,and genetic predisposition. However,the critical mechanisms initiating stone formation and the early pathophysiological processes remain incompletely elucidated,constituting the core impasse in current preventive strategies. This review systematically synthesizes classical theories and cutting-edge advancements in urolithiasis etiology research,emphasizing the urgent need to integrate emerging technologies,including high-dimensional omics,advanced imaging modalities,and artificial intelligence,to dissect pivotal pathological nodes in early stone formation. Such interdisciplinary efforts are essential to overcome cognitive bottlenecks and ultimately achieve personalized,precision-based prevention strategies.
9.Study on the correlation between urinary crystals and components of urinary calculi
Jinan GUO ; Zhongqing MIAO ; Kefeng XIAO ; Hongtao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):734-738
Objectives:This study aims to investigate the correlation between urinary crystals and the components of urinary calculi in patients with urinary calculi,as well as the accuracy of urine crystals in predicting stone components.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 280 patients with positive urine crystal and urinary calculi from January 2022 to December 2024. There were a total of 280 patients consisting of 185 males and 95 females,aged from 23 to 80 years,with an average age of(49.1 ± 12.3)years. Among them,there were 243 cases of renal stones or both renal and ureteral stones,25 cases of ureteral stones,and 12 cases of bladder stones. In all cases,10 ml of morning urine was collected preoperatively and sent for examination within one hour. After centrifuging at 400 g for 1 minute,the urine sediment was examined under a microscope. All positive crystals were categorized into calcium oxalate,uric acid,calcium phosphate,magnesium ammonium phosphate,and cystine based on the morphology of the crystals. Calculi were collected after endoscopic surgery,calculi composition was analyzed using infrared spectroscopy,and the main component(the first predominant component)was recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using a 5×5 contingency table to analyze the correlation and contingency coefficient,and the positive predictive values of the urinary crystals for predicting calculi components were calculated. Results:Among the 280 patients,calcium oxalate crystals were found in 241 cases,uric acid in 25 cases,calcium phosphate in 7 cases,magnesium ammonium phosphate in 5 cases,and cystine in 2 cases. The main components of 280 calculi were calcium oxalate in 232 cases,uric acid in 21 cases,calcium phosphate in 24 cases,magnesium ammonium phosphate in 1 case,and cystine in 2 cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between urinary crystals and stone components( χ2 = 152.46, P < 0.01),and the contingency coefficient between crystals and calculi components was 0.809. The overall positive expected value of urine crystals was 87.5%(245/280),among which the positive expected value of calcium oxalate crystals was 91.7%(221/241),uric acid crystals was 72.0%(18/25),calcium phosphate was 42.9%(3/7),magnesium ammonium phosphate was 20.0%(1/5),and cystine was 100.0%(2/2). Conclusions:The urinary crystals of patients with calculi are significantly related to the main components of the calculi. Using urinary crystals to predict the components of the calculi has a relatively high accuracy.
10.Emphasis on awareness of early-onset colorectal cancer
Yeting HU ; Qian XIAO ; Kefeng DING ; Shu ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(5):430-435
The incidence and mortality rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) among people under 50 years old are showing an upward trend. Although traditional epidemiological studies have conducted relatively deep research and screened out environmental factors related to EOCRC, our understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and treatment of this disease is still far from sufficient. In this review, we clarify the current progress of EOCRC, with a particular focus on epidemiology, screening status, clinical symptoms, and prognosis. This provides new evidence for secondary prevention, including precision screening, and offers new ideas for improving the diagnosis and treatment of EOCRC.

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