Clinical significance of VEGF, ER and AR expression in seminoma

To evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) in the genesis and development of seminoma. Methods: The expression of VEGF, ER and AR was assayed by means of immuno-histochemical technique in 16 cases of seminoma and 10 cases of prostatic cancer (Pca). Results: The VEGF expression positive rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) in seminoma than in Pca, being 14/16(87.5 %) and (4/10, 40%), respectively. The AR expression positive rate was lower (P>0.05) in seminoma (9/16, 56.2%) than in Pca (9/10, 90%). The ER expression was negative in all the seminoma and Pca patients. Conclusion: In seminoma, the expression of VEGF is significantly increased, which may play a role in the genesis and development of the neoplasm. (Chin J Androl 2002; 16: 349)

Study on Mechanism of BushenYugong Granule(补肾育宫冲剂) inTreating Uterine Dysgenesia

Objective: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Bushen Yugong Granule (BSYGG, a Chinese medicinal preparation) in treating infertility due to uterine dysgenesia. Methods: (1) Clinical study: Serum level of sex hormone and endometrial contents of estradial receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in follicle period of 60 patients (the tested group) were measured and compared before and after treatment, and also compared with those of 70 normal women (the control group). (2) Experimental study: Rats were divided into the control group and 3 tested groups fed with different doses of BSYGG. Pathologic examination of pituitary, ovary and uterus of rats after BSYGG treatment were performed,and serum levels of ER, PR measu red. Also, an estrogen activity experiment was conducted in some young oophorectomized rats. Results: (1) Clinical study showed the difference of serum sex hormone levels between the tested and control group was insignificant. The percentage of patients in the tested groups with endometrial ER content over was lower than that in the control group (46.9% vs 72.4%) significantly (P<0.05), after treatment, it rose to 65.4%,a nd the change was significant, P<0.05. (2) Experimental study showed that the number of follicle, weight of uterus and serum E2 level increased significantly after BSYGG treatment. The endometrial content of ER in the control group was 29.25±17.03%, while in the tested groups, it was 67.75±24.56% to 83.00±9.87% after treatment, the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.005). Conclusion: BSYGG has an estrogen-like activity, it could increase the endometrial content of ER, enhance the effect of estrogen on uterus and promote the development of uterus, so as to elevate fertilization rate.