Urine spermine and multivariable Spermine Risk Score predict high-grade prostate cancer.

Background: To investigate the role of urine spermine and Spermine Risk Score in prediction of high-grade prostate cancer (HGPCa, ISUP grade group ≥2).

Methods: Nine hundred and five consecutive men with elevated PSA were prospectively recruited from two hospitals. Core analyses focused on consecutive men with PSA 4-20 ng/mL (n = 600).

A novel homozygous splice site mutation in COL7A1 in a Chinese patient with severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an inherited blistering skin disorder caused by mutations in COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils in the dermo-epidermal junction. The development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most serious complications of this disease. We report herein a Chinese patient with the severe generalized subtype of RDEB (RDEB-sev gen) complicated by SCC.

Stem cell-like properties of human umbilical cord lining epithelial cells and the potential for epidermal reconstitution.

Background Aims: Stem cells are particularly attractive for many cell-based therapeutic interventions because of their ability to self-renew and their capacity to differentiate into site-specific differentiating cells. Restoration of the integrity of epithelial continuity is an essential aspect of wound repair and tissue regeneration. We are currently looking at the potential of human umbilical cord lining cells as a source of epithelial stem cells with appropriate differentiation capacity for potential epidermal reconstitution.

HA modulation of epidermal morphogenesis in an organotypic keratinocyte-fibroblast co-culture model.

Hyaluronan (HA) is a major extracellular matrix component of the skin. Amongst its biological functions is the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis. The mechanisms of action, however, remain unclear.

Expression of transforming growth factor beta isoforms and their roles in tendon healing.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) plays active roles in tendon healing. However, the differential effects of TGF-beta isoforms on tendon healing have not been investigated. In cultured tendon fibroblasts, we tested the effects of TGF-beta1, beta2, and beta3 on the mRNA levels of COL1A1 and COL3A1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

TGF-beta1 reverses the effects of matrix anchorage on the gene expression of decorin and procollagen type I in tendon fibroblasts.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 is known for its effect on the production of extracellular matrix in tendons. Elevated levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 have been reported in tendon adhesion and tendinosis, which suggests that transforming growth factor-beta1 plays an important role in matrix disturbances. Tendon adhesion involves excessive collagen deposition, whereas tendinosis is associated with increased proteoglycan deposition.

The roles of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 12 in stimulating the proliferation and matrix production of human patellar tendon fibroblasts.

Recombinant human (rh) bone morphogenetic protein 12 (BMP12) is proved to induce the formation of tendon and ligament tissues in animal experiments. But the roles of BMP12 on tissue regeneration in human tendons remain unexplored. In the present study, healthy human patellar tendon samples were collected for histological examination and preparation of tendon fibroblast culture.

Increased expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in patellar tendinosis.

Patellar tendinosis is characterized by longstanding localized and activity-related pain, swelling and tenderness on palpation, and characteristic features on magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography and during surgical excision. Histologic examination of tendinosis tissues shows disrupted collagen matrix, increased cellularity, and increased proteoglycan stainability, but lack of inflammatory cell infiltration despite the clinical signs resembling inflammation. Disturbances in inflammatory response may be associated with the development of tendinosis.