Correlation between abnormal energy metabolism of ovarian granulosa cells and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity.

Context: Granulosa cells (GCs) that surround oocytes in mammalian reproduction play an active role in oocyte differentiation through proliferation and energy production.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the energy metabolism of ovarian GCs and the influence of GCs on the early embryonic development in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: The clinical characteristics and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment outcomes of 39 patients with PCOS and 68 patients with simple tubal factor infertility who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were analyzed and summarized.

Clinical significance of soluble major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related a in renal cell carcinoma patients.

Objective: Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related A (MICA) is a stress-inducible glycoprotein that can be shed as a soluble protein. This study was conducted to determine the expression of MICA in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and examine the clinical relevance of soluble MICA (sMICA) in this disease.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR analyses were performed to assess the expression of MICA in 48 pairs of RCC and adjacent normal renal tissues.

Two-year observation of a randomized trial on tacrolimus-based therapy with withdrawal of steroids or mycophenolate mofetil after renal transplantation.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of steroid or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) withdrawal from tacrolimus-based immunosuppressant regimen in renal allograft recipients.

Methods: A cohort of 45 patients following cadaveric renal allograft transplantation were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the regimen of combination of tacrolimus, steroid, and MMF: triple therapy group, steroid withdrawal group, and MMF withdrawal group. During 2 years, survival of patients and allografts, clinical acute rejection, adverse events, hepatic and renal allograft function, and blood lipids were monitored to evaluate the safety and feasibility of steroid or MMF withdrawal after renal transplantation.