Effect of β radiation on TGF-β_1 and bFGF expression in hyperplastic prostatic tissues

Aim: To investigate the transforming growth factor β_1 (TGF-β_1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expressions in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the effect of β-radiation. Methods: TGF-β_1 and bFGF expression was studied by means of an immunohistochemical method in nine normal prostatic (NP) tissues, 15 hyperplastic prostatic tissues and 35 hyperplastic prostatic tissues treated with ^(90)Sr/^(90)Y. Results: The TGF-β_1 expression in the epithelium and stroma of normal prostatic tissues was 68.2 % ± 10.5 % and 29.7 % ± 4.6 %, respectively, while it was 64.8 % ± 9.3 % and 28.6 % ± 4.1%, respectively, in hyperplastic prostatic tissues. Compared with the controls, TGF-β_1 expression in the epithelia and stroma of BPH treated with ^(90)Sr/^(90)Y increased significantly (P < 0.01). The bFGF expression in epithelia and stroma of normal prostatic tissues was 17.4 % ± 3.7 % and 42.5 % ± 6.8 %, respectively, and was 46.3 % ± 8.2 % and 73.2 % ± 12.1%, respectivley, in hyperplastic prostatic tissues. Compared with the controls, expressions of bFGFin the epithelia and stroma of BPH treated with a ^(90)Sr/^(90)Y prostatic hyperplasia applicator decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Exposure of β-rays had noticeable effects on BPH tissues, enhancing TGF-β_1 expression and inhibiting bFGF expression.

Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Graphite Nanofibers Prepared by Microwave Irradiation and Its Electrocatalytic Activity

Platinum nanoparticles supported on graphite nanofibers (GNFs) were prepared bymicrowave assistant heating polyol process. TEM images showed that microwave prepared Ptnanoparticles supported on GNFs were small and uniform, and the average diameter was about 3.4nm. Cyclic voltammetric test showed that Pt/GNFs exhibited very high electrocatalytic activity formethanol oxidation.