MFAP2 enhances cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells by regulating autophagy.

Background: Cisplatin (CDDP) is of importance in cancer treatment and widely used in advanced gastric cancer (GC). However, its clinical usage is limited due to its resistance, and the regulatory mechanism of CDDP resistance in GC has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we first conducted a comprehensive study to investigate the role of MFAP2 through bioinformatics analysis.

Association of mitochondrial displacement loop polymorphisms with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: A preliminary study.

Objectives: To investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) were associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods: Altogether 40 participants were recruited and classified into three groups, including 20 that fulfilled the Rome III criteria for diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), 10 with constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C), and 10 healthy volunteers (controls). DNA was extracted from biopsy specimens of the colon obtained during routine colonoscopies.

Relationship between varicocele and sperm DNA damage and the effect of varicocele repair: a meta-analysis.

Varicocele, a cause of male infertility, occurs in nearly 40% of infertile males. It has been postulated that varicoceles may cause sperm DNA damage. Sperm DNA integrity has been recognized as one of the important determinants of normal fertilization and embryo growth in natural and assisted conception.

Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase P1 and bladder cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population.

Background: Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) is an important phase II enzyme involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and whose polymorphisms have been related to individual cancer risks. The objective of this study was to explore the association of GSTP1 A1578G (Ile105Val) polymorphism with susceptibility and clinicopathologic characteristics of bladder cancer in a Chinese population.

Methods: We investigated the distribution of GSTP1 A1578G polymorphism in 200 bladder cancer patients and in 200 age- and sex-matched cancer-free controls.

Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 and bladder cancer risk: a meta-analysis of 26 studies.

Studies investigating the association between glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) polymorphism and bladder cancer risk report conflicting results. The objective of this study was to quantitatively summarize the evidence for such a relationship. We performed a systematic search of the National Library of Medline and Embase databases.

Use of a new local anesthesia--intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia--in procedures on anterior urethra.

Background: Urologists often perform procedures on anterior urethra, which is one of the most sensitive parts in male patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia during procedures on anterior urethra in the outpatient clinic.

Methods: A dosage of 3 mL of 1% lidocaine was slowly injected into the glans penis of 51 male patients.

[In vivo HSV-TK gene transfer and the therapeutic effects of ganciclovir on bladder cancer in mice with HSV-TK gene transfer].

Objective: To explore an effective method for in vivo HSV-TK gene transfer and observe the therapeutic effect of ganciclovir (GCV) on bladder cancer in mice after receiving such gene transfer therapy.

Methods: Mice models bearing subcutaneous tumors of bladder cancer were established in 24 syngeneic mice, and HSV-TK gene transfer was performed by means of naked DNA plasmids, DNA-liposome complex or retroviral mediators respectively. GCV treatment was administered in all the mice and its effect on the growth of the tumor was subsequently observed.

Optical urethrotomy for anterior urethral stricture under a new local anesthesia: intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia.

Objectives: To determine the feasibility of routinely performing internal urethrotomy for anterior urethral stricture under intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

Methods: In a consecutive series of 23 patients with anterior urethral stricture, a dosage of 3 mL of 1% lidocaine was slowly injected into the glans penis. Next, optical urethrotomy was performed immediately with a cold-cutting knife.