Translocation of PKG1α acts on TRPV4-C1 heteromeric channels to inhibit endothelial Ca(2+) entry.

Aim: TRPV4-C1 heteromeric channels contribute to store-operated Ca(2+) entry in vascular endothelial cells. However, the negative regulation of these channels is not fully understood. This study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of PKG1α on TRPV4-C1 heteromeric channels.

Microvesicles mediate transfer of P-glycoprotein to paclitaxel-sensitive A2780 human ovarian cancer cells, conferring paclitaxel-resistance.

The overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) causes resistance to chemotherapy in human ovarian cancer. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we showed that, at membrane-bound protein level, P-gp was 'shared' between human ovarian cancer cells by the intercellular transfer of microvesicles (MVs).

A new experimental three-dimensional, reticular intrauterine device (3-DRIUD) composed of nitinol and silicone rubber.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore a new three-dimensional, reticular intrauterine device (3-DRIUD) composed of nitinol and silicone rubber and to observe the contraceptive effect of the device in rats.

Study Design: Two contraceptive experiments were performed. In the first, female rats underwent bilateral placement of a 20.

Effects of the crude extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willd on human sperm in vitro.

The aim of the present study is to analyze sperm membrane changes and the spermicidal effect in treatment with the crude extract from Polygala tenuifolia Willd (PTW) in vitro. The root of PTW was extracted in distilled water. Normal human spermatozoa were used to assess the spermicidal activity (Sander-Cramer assay) of the extract from the PTW root.

[Mechanism for sperm immobilization activity of extract from Platycodon grandiflorum in vitro].

Objective: To explore the mechanism of spermicidal effect of crude extract and platycodin-D from Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) root in vitro.

Methods: Between February 2006 and December 2009, 38 fertile and healthy adult males were selected as donors. PG root was extracted and platycodin-D purified.

Hsc70 binds to ultraspiracle resulting in the upregulation of 20-hydroxyecdsone-responsive genes in Helicoverpa armigera.

To probe the specific functions of the chaperone protein Hsc70 in 20-hydroxyecdysone signaling, we report on the roles of the Hsc70 from Helicoverpa armigera. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the genes for HaEcRB1 and HaUSP1 were upregulated in 5th molting and metamorphic molting larvae, whereas HaHsc70 maintained a constitutive expression level throughout larval development. Silencing HaEcRB1, HaUSP1 or HaHsc70 by RNAi inhibited the expression of a set of 20E-responsive genes.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a C-type lectin from the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera.

C-type lectins participate in pathogen recognition and other defense responses in innate immunity as well as in cell-cell interactions. A new cDNA encoding a 335-residue polypeptide containing two tandem C-type lectin domains was cloned from the haemocytes of Helicoverpa armigera (Ha-lectin). Northern hybridizations revealed that the mRNA of Ha-lectin was expressed constitutively in haemocytes, and was up-regulated following injections of bacteria, yeast, or virus.

Restoration of fertility in vasectomized men using percutaneous vasal or epididymal sperm aspiration.

Objective: To restore fertility of vasectomized men using percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration (PVSA) via intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Patients: Twenty-eight vasectomized men who required restoration of their fertility with PESA, PVSA and IUI.

Results: Of 28 vasectomy reversal subjects, 16 cycles of IUI using vasal sperm by percutaneous aspiration were performed in 16 subjects and 6 pregnancies were achieved.

Successful pregnancy and birth after intrauterine insemination using caput epididymal sperm by percutaneous aspiration.

Aim: To manage male infertility with obstructive azoospermia by means of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Methods: Ninety azoospermic patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (BAVD, n=58) or bilateral caudal epididymal obstruction (BCEO, n=32) requesting for fine needle aspiration (FNA), PESA and IUI were recruited. The obstruction was diagnosed by vasography and determination of the fructose, carnitine and alpha-glucosidase levels in the seminal fluid.

Percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and intrauterine insemination for infertile males with anejaculation.

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration (PVSA) in combination with intrauterine insemination (IUI) to treat infertile men with anejaculation.

Design: Clinical study.

Setting: Department of reproductive endocrinology and andrology of a family planning research clinic.

[Study on the sexual development of adolescent male].

Objectives: The investigation of the testicular volume, the penis length and the T, FSH, LH, PRL levels in serum were taken in 289 adolescent males to provide the valuable data for andrology.

Methods: The adolescent males were grouped according to their age. The testicular volume was measured with testicular model and the T, FSH, LH, PRL levels in serum were determined by immunoenzymetric assay.