Does local vaginal estrogen after tension-free transobturator vaginal tape reduce overactive bladder symptoms in postmenopausal women? A prospective randomized, controlled study

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical estrogen after transvaginal tension-free vaginal tape-obturator(TVT-O)in the treatment of de novo overactive bladder symptoms that appear after surgery.Methods:This is a prospective randomized controlled study performed in the Urology and Gynecology Departments,Kasr Al Ainy Hospital,Cairo University,Cairo,Egypt.Two hundred and ten postmenopausal females presenting during the period between January 2017 and November 2020 with stress urinary incontinence were included in the study.Patients were divided into two groups,105 patients in Group A(treatment group)and 105 patients in Group B(control group).Patients in Group A underwent transvaginal TVT-O followed by local vaginal estrogen treatment for 6 months,while patients in Group B underwent transvaginal TVT-O only.The study included any postmenopausal female with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence.All patients had to fulfill a 3-day bladder diary,overactive bladder symptoms score,urine analysis,urodynamic study,and post-voiding residual urine measurement by abdominal ultrasound preoperatively and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.Results:At 6-month follow-up,daytime frequency was reduced to 8%in Group A(increased to 21%in Group B)with a statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.009).At 6-month follow-up,nocturia was 8%in Group A(11%in Group B)with no statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.469).There was a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards to urinary urgency at 6-month follow-up(p=0.024).There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative wound healing events as regards to cure,hyperemia,gapping,and wound infection 1 week after intervention between both groups(p=0.008).No local or systemic side-effects were reported from local estrogen use.Conclusion:Local vaginal estrogen treatment given to postmenopausal patients after midurethral sling procedures can reduce the symptoms of daytime frequency and urinary urgency.Long-term follow-up is needed.

Intricate roles of estrogen and estrogen receptors in digestive system cancers:a systematic review

Gender disparities are evident across different types of digestive system cancers,which are typically characterized by a lower incidence and mortality rate in females compared to males.This finding suggests a potential protective role of female steroid hormones,particularly estrogen,in the development of these cancers.Estrogen is a well-known sex hormone that not only regulates the reproductive system but also exerts diverse effects on non-reproductive organs mediated through interactions with estrogen receptors(ERs),including the classic(ERαand ERβ)and non-traditional ERs[G protein-coupled estrogen receptor(GPER)].Recent advances have contributed to our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying ERs in digestive system cancers.In this comprehensive review we summarize the current understanding of the intricate roles played by estrogen and ERs in the major types of digestive system cancers,including hepatocellular,pancreatic,esophageal,gastric,and colorectal carcinoma.Furthermore,we discuss the potential molecular mechanisms underlying ERα,ERβ,and GPER effects,and propose perspectives on innovative therapies and preventive measures targeting the pathways regulated by estrogen and ERs.The roles of estrogen and ERs in digestive system cancers are complicated and depend on the cell type and tissue involved.Additionally,deciphering the intricate roles of estrogen,ERs,and the associated signaling pathways may guide the discovery of novel and tailored therapeutic and preventive strategies for digestive system cancers,eventually improving the care and clinical outcomes for the substantial number of individuals worldwide affected by these malignancies.

Estrogen restores disordered lipid metabolism in visceral fat of prediabetic mice

BACKGROUND Visceral obesity is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and young adults and is commonly recognized as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.Estrogen[17β-estradiol(E2)]is known to offer protection against obesity via diverse me-chanisms,while its specific effects on visceral adipose tissue(VAT)remain to be fully elucidated.AIM To investigate the impact of E2 on the gene expression profile within VAT of a mouse model of prediabetes.METHODS Metabolic parameters were collected,encompassing body weight,weights of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues(VAT and SAT),random blood glucose levels,glucose tolerance,insulin tolerance,and overall body composition.The gene expression profiles of VAT were quantified utilizing the Whole Mouse Genome Oligo Microarray and subsequently analyzed through Agilent Feature Extraction software.Functional and pathway analyses were conducted employing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses,respectively.RESULTS Feeding a high-fat diet(HFD)moderately increased the weights of both VAT and SAT,but this increase was mitigated by the protective effect of endogenous E2.Conversely,ovariectomy(OVX)led to a significant increase in VAT weight and the VAT/SAT weight ratio,and this increase was also reversed with E2 treatment.Notably,OVX diminished the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism compared to HFD feeding alone,signaling a widespread reduction in lipid metabolic activity,which was completely counteracted by E2 adminis-tration.This study provides a comprehensive insight into E2's local and direct protective effects against visceral adiposity in VAT at the gene level.CONCLUSION In conclusion,the present study demonstrated that the HFD-induced over-nutritional challenge disrupted the gene expression profile of visceral fat,leading to a universally decreased lipid metabolic status in E2 deficient mice.E2 treatment effectively reversed this condition,shedding light on the mechanistic role and therapeutic potential of E2 in combating visceral obesity.

Comprehensive Analysis of Estrogen Receptor 1 Dysregulation in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Prognosis and Therapeutic Targeting - A Secondary Publication

The study investigates the expression pattern and regulatory mechanisms of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Utilizing UALCAN and GEPIA2 databases, significant down-regulation of ESR1 expression is observed in LIHC samples compared to normal controls, indicating its potential role in tumor progression. Further analysis reveals consistent down-regulation across different clinical variables including patient age, gender, race, and various stages of LIHC, affirming the regulatory role of ESR1 in tumor development and progression. Additionally, promoter methylation analysis demonstrates hypermethylation of ESR1 in LIHC samples, negatively correlating with its expression. This association persists across different clinical parameters, emphasizing the inverse relationship between ESR1 methylation and expression levels. Survival analysis indicates that up- regulation of ESR1 is associated with better overall survival, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker in LIHC. Furthermore, genetic mutation analysis using cBioPortal reveals a spectrum of alterations in ESR1, including amplification, missense mutation, deep deletion, splice mutation, and truncating mutation, highlighting the genetic complexity of ESR1 in LIHC. These findings collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of ESR1 dysregulation in LIHC and its clinical implications as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker.

Changes of Estrogen in Serum and Estrogen Receptor β in the Relevant Brain Regions Following Mating Behavior of the Male Mandarin Vole Microtus mandarinus

In order to investigate the estrogen and estrogen receptor β changes after mating behavior of male mandarin vole （Microtus mandarinus）, the radioimmunoassay （RIA） and immunohistochemistry methods were used to investigate changes of the serum estrogen （E） concentrations, estrogen immunoreactive neurons （E-IRs） and estrogen receptor β immunoreactive neurons （ERβ-IRs） in the relevant brain regions following mating behavior. Fifteen sexually matured male voles were randomly divided into three groups and treated differently： （1） control group： voles were exposed to clean hard-wood shavings （n=5）, （2） exposure group： voles were exposed to the soiled bedding for more than 24h on which estrous females had been placed （n=5）, and （3） mating group： voles were placed with an estrous female for more than 24h （n=5）. The results showed circulating serum E concentrations were significantly higher in the mating group than in the exposure group and the control group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group. E-IRs and ERβ-IRs were detected in the following brain regions related to mating behavior： the arcuate nucleus （ARC）, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis （BST）, lateral septal nucleus （LS）, medial amygdaloid nucleus （ME）, medial preoptic area （MPO） and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus （VMH）. The results showed that there were significantly more E-IRs in the six brain regions in the mating group than in the control group and the exposure group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group except for LS. There was no significant difference in ERβ-IRs in the six brain regions among the three groups, and there were some lighter -stained ERβ-IRs in these brain regions. The results suggested that estrogen affect mating activity of male mandarin voles, but ERβ might not play an important role in mating behavior of male mandarin voles. Instead, it might be through other receptors.

Effect of Estrogen and Antiestrogen on Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity of Endometrial Carcinoma Cell Line

Objective: To study the effect of estrogen and tamoxifen on chemotherapeutic sensitivity in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cells.Methods: DNA fragmentation as the criteria for apoptotic cell death was used to evaluate the value of estrogen, tamoxifen and adriamycin in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cells. DNA fragmentation was measured with the cell death ELISA.Results: Adriamycin and tamoxifen could induce apoptosis in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cell. The cell apoptosis level was decreased with the increasing of 17-β-estradiol concentration (P<0.001) and was inversely proportional to 17-β-estradiol concentration (IgM) (P<0.01). The cell apoptosis level was increased with the increasing of tamoxifen concentration (P<0.01) and was also directly proportional to tamoxifen concentration (IgM). Furthermore, the cell apoptosis level was increased significantly after treated with both tamoxifen and adriamycin.Conclusion: Estrogen may block apoptosis induced by adriamycin in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma cell. Tamoxifen can increase the sensitivity of endometrial carcinoma cell to adriamycin. Tamoxifen combined with chemotherapeutic drug may be of significant therapeutic benefit in ER(+) endometrial carcinoma. Key words endometrial carcinoma - estrogen - tamoxifen - adriamycin - cell apoptosis

Er掺杂PbF_(2)晶体的局域团簇结构与光谱性能研究

本文采用Bridgman法成功生长了一系列Er∶PbF_(2)晶体。利用基于密度泛函理论的第一性原理计算详细研究了Er^(3+)在PbF_(2)晶体中的团簇效应。首次获得了Er∶PbF_(2)晶体的上转换发光特性(发光强度、颜色变化)与团簇结构之间的关系。研究发现,随着Er^(3+)浓度增加,团簇从单聚体向高阶构型演化,Er^(3+)离子之间的距离先减小后增大,这使得上转换发光中的红色发射强度先增大后减小,红绿发光比也在Er^(3+)浓度高于6.5%(摩尔分数)后逐渐减小,即发光颜色可以从红色调整为黄绿色。该研究证明了稀土离子团簇的结构演化可以调控Er∶PbF_(2)的光谱特性,为多色发光材料的设计提供一种新方法。

Nd:YAG激光和Er:YAG激光治疗牙本质敏感的临床对比研究

目的探讨Nd:YAG激光和Er:YAG激光治疗牙本质敏感(Dentin Hypersensitivity,DH)的效果。方法收治佛山市第一人民医院2021年3月至2022年12月期间就诊的牙本质敏感93例患者共259颗牙,患者均在受到冷、酸、甜及刷牙等刺激后存在酸痛感,诊断为DH。随机分为3组,分别给予常规脱敏剂治疗组(31例患者,86颗患牙)、Nd:YAG激光治疗组(31例患者,90颗患牙)、Er:YAG激光治疗组(31例患者,83颗患牙)3种方法,其中激光组尝试改变激光照射参数及时间,寻求最好的治疗参数。对比3种脱敏方法的即刻效果、1周效果、1个月效果及3个月效果。结果治疗前3组对冷空气及机械刺激反应的VAS评分无明显差异(P>0.05);治疗后各个时间段Nd:YAG激光组和Er:YAG激光组对冷空气刺激反应均明显轻于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后各个时间段Nd:YAG激光组和Er:YAG激光组对机械刺激反应均明显轻于对照组(P<0.05)。3组经治疗后均获得一定疗效,Nd:YAG激光组和Er:YAG激光组的效果好于常规组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论Nd:YAG激光、Er:YAG激光治疗DH与常规脱敏方法相比,明显降低患者的冷空气和机械刺激反应,在一定程度上提升了治疗效果。

不同雌激素水平大鼠舌下神经核中ERα的表达

目的 研究雌性大鼠去卵巢对雌激素受体ERα在舌下神经核表达的影响。方法 选取90只8周龄雌性SD大鼠,体质量(250±25)g,随机等量分为假手术组(sham组)、去卵巢组(OVX组)、去卵巢+雌二醇组(OVX+E2组),建立不同雌激素水平大鼠模型。sham组去除大鼠卵巢周围少量脂肪,OVX组去除卵巢,OVX+E2组去除卵巢后皮下注射雌二醇;使用免疫组织化学检测ERα在舌下神经核表达;real-time PCR、Western blot检测ERα mRNA、蛋白表达。结果 三组大鼠舌下神经核均存在ERα阳性表达。与sham组比较,OVX组ERα mRNA及蛋白含量明显降低(P<0.01);与OVX组比较,OVX+E2组ERα mRNA及蛋白含量明显升高(P<0.01);sham组和OVX+E2组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 雌激素受体ERα在不同雌激素水平雌性大鼠舌下神经核均存在表达,ERα mRNA及蛋白的表达均受雌激素水平调节。

ER50-6焊丝激光焊接Q345B/304异种钢接头组织与性能

目的研究异种钢激光填丝焊接工艺对焊接组织与性能的影响规律,以降低Q345B/304异种钢激光焊接的成本,扩大异种钢激光焊接的应用范围,使其能够满足使用要求,实现Q345B/304异种钢激光焊接低成本的产业化应用。方法采用便宜的ER50-6碳钢焊丝代替价格高昂的ER308L不锈钢焊丝以及不锈钢药芯焊丝对Q345B/304异种钢进行激光焊接,主要采用填丝ER50-6焊丝对5 mm厚的Q345B/304异种钢板进行激光焊接,再结合焊缝区、熔合区及热影响区的纳观-微观-宏观多尺度表征和测试结果,研究不同工艺参数下焊接接头的组织与结构,同时结合焊接工艺参数和多尺度的表征结果,研究焊接接头硬度、焊缝中元素分布、物相特征、力学性能的变化规律。结果当激光功率为4.5 kW、焊接速度为6 mm/s、焊丝直径为1.2 mm、装配间隙为1 mm、送丝速度为2.5 m/min时,焊缝成形最好,且在焊缝中没有出现大量的M_(23)C_(6)和σ等有害相,焊接接头的力学性能等也完全满足使用要求。结论采用ER50-6焊丝对Q345B/304异种钢进行激光焊接,能够得到完全符合质量要求的焊接接头,且降低了焊接成本。

Er:YAG激光和传统车针去龋后牙本质粘接强度的比较

目的:比较使用不同模式Er:YAG激光以及传统车针去龋后牙本质与复合树脂的粘接强度。方法:选用人类离体磨牙模拟龋坏,分别采用Er:YAG激光中短脉冲(medium short pulse,MSP)模式、Er:YAG激光超短脉冲(super short pulse,SSP)模式和传统车针去除模拟的龋坏后,采用自酸蚀粘接剂将牙体标本与复合树脂粘接制成试件。使用万能试验机对试件进行拉伸试验,测得断裂负荷和粘接强度,并采用单因素方差分析和Tukey多重比较进行统计学分析。采用扫描电子显微镜观察3种不同去龋方式处理后的牙本质表面形态,以及涂布自酸蚀粘接剂并固化后试件的横截面形态。结果:使用Er:YAG激光MSP模式处理后牙本质与复合树脂的粘接强度最高,SSP模式处理后次之,传统车针处理后最低,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。扫描电子显微镜图像显示,Er:YAG激光MSP模式处理后的牙本质表面较平坦,牙本质小管内几乎没有残屑;Er:YAG激光SSP模式处理后的牙本质表面呈现鳞片状,牙本质小管内可见少量碎屑;而传统车针处理后牙本质小管大部分处于被表面牙本质部分甚至完全遮盖的状态,牙本质小管内充满残屑。结论:使用Er:YAG激光去龋相比传统车针去龋可以获得较好的牙本质粘接强度,且对牙本质小管的处理深度和洁净度明显优于传统车针去龋,其中MSP模式更佳。

Estrogen and insulin synergistically promote endometrial cancer progression via crosstalk between their receptor signaling pathways

Objective: Despite evidence that estrogens and insulin are involved in the development and progression of many cancers, their synergistic role in endometrial carcinoma(EC) has not been analyzed yet.Methods: Here, we investigated how estrogens act synergistically with insulin to promote EC progression. Cell growth in vitro and in vivo, effects of estradiol and insulin on apoptosis and cell cycle distribution, and expression and activation of estrogen receptor(ER), insulin receptor(InsR), and key proteins in the PI3K and MAPK pathways were examined after combined stimulation with estradiol and insulin.Results: Compared to EC cells treated with estradiol or insulin alone, those treated with both estradiol and insulin exhibited stronger stimulation. Estradiol significantly induced phosphorylation of InsR-β and IRS-1, whereas insulin significantly induced phosphorylation of ER-α. In addition, treatment with both insulin and estradiol together significantly increased the expression and phosphorylation of Akt, MAPK, and ERK. Notably, InsR-β inhibition had a limited effect on estradiol-dependent proliferation,cell cycle, and apoptosis, whereas ER-α inhibition had a limited insulin-dependent effect, in EC cell lines. Insulin and estradiol individually and synergistically promoted EC xenograft growth in mice.Conclusions: Estrogen and insulin play synergistic roles in EC carcinogenesis and progression by activating InsR-β and ER-α,promoting a crosstalk between them, and thereby resulting in the activation of downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways.

刺葡萄VdERD6L15基因克隆及功能分析

【目的】探究VdERD6L15在刺葡萄果实生长发育中的功能,从湘刺1号中克隆VdERD6L15基因及其启动子,进行基因功能研究和启动子活性分析。【方法】克隆VdERD6L15基因CDS序列,并对CDS进行生物信息学分析;构建VdERD6L15表达载体,并通过瞬时转化烟草确定VdERD6L15基因编码蛋白的亚细胞定位;同时,通过在己糖缺陷型酵母菌株EBY.VW4000中异源表达VdERD6L15探究其功能;此外,通过启动子截短试验确定VdERD6L15启动子的核心区域。【结果】成功克隆刺葡萄VdERD6L15基因编码序列,该编码序列长1461 bp,可编码486个氨基酸,具有膜蛋白特征,属于单糖转运蛋白家族。亚细胞定位试验确认VdERD6L15蛋白主要定位于液泡膜上。通过在酵母菌株EBY.VW4000中进行异源表达,验证了VdERD6L15具有转运葡萄糖的能力。利用PlantCARE数据库对VdERD6L15启动子顺式作用元件进行分析,发现其主要包含光响应元件、干旱胁迫和激素响应元件。通过GUS染色分析,进一步确定候选基因VdERD6L15启动子的关键调控区域位于-500 bp到-1000 bp之间。【结论】VdERD6L15是一个定位在液泡膜上的糖转运蛋白,具有转运葡萄糖的功能;VdERD6L15启动子的核心元件位于ATG上游500~1000 bp之间。

柴胡四物汤对围绝经期综合征模型大鼠血清E_(2)水平、子宫形态及ERα表达的影响

目的:通过观察柴胡四物汤对围绝经期综合征模型大鼠血清E_(2)水平、子宫形态及子宫、下丘脑ERα表达的影响,初步探讨柴胡四物汤治疗围绝经期综合征的作用机制。方法:将75只雌性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、西药组、柴胡四物汤高、中、低剂量组,采用双侧卵巢切除法造模,选取符合条件的60只大鼠纳入实验,每组10只。从术后第14天开始,连续给药28 d。给药结束后,观察各组大鼠子宫指数及形态学的改变;采用ELISA法检测血清E_(2)水平;采用RT-PCR法及Western Blot法检测子宫、下丘脑ERα的表达水平。结果:与假手术组比较,模型组血清E_(2)水平明显下降(P<0.01),子宫湿重、子宫指数显著下降(P<0.01),子宫体积明显缩小,宫腔变窄,腺体数量较少,内膜及肌层萎缩,子宫ERαmRNA及蛋白的表达水平明显下降(P<0.01),下丘脑ERαmRNA及蛋白的表达水平显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,西药组、柴胡四物汤高、中剂量组血清E_(2)水平明显升高(P<0.01),西药组、柴胡四物汤高、中、低剂量组的子宫指数明显上升(P<0.01),子宫腺体数量增加,内膜及肌层的萎缩程度有所缓解,西药组、柴胡四物汤高、中剂量组子宫ERαmRNA表达水平增加(P<0.01),西药组、柴胡四物汤高剂量组子宫ERα蛋白表达水平增加(P<0.01),西药组、柴胡四物汤高、中、低剂量组下丘脑ERαmRNA及蛋白的表达水平降低(P<0.01)。结论:柴胡四物汤可改善围绝经期的各类症状,其作用机制可能与升高围绝经期综合征模型大鼠血清E_(2)水平,改善子宫指数及萎缩程度,提高子宫ERα的表达并同时下调下丘脑ERα的表达有关。

Prognostic implications of estrogen receptor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression in primary gallbladder carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of estrogen receptor 1(ER1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A) expression in primary gallbladder carcinoma(GBC) to identify new prognostic markers for this malignancy.METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated ER1 and VEGF-A expression in 78 GBC and 78 cholelithiasis(CS) tissues. The results were correlated with clinicopathological features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between ER1 and VEGF-A expression and patients' prognosis. Further Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was also performed. RESULTS: ER1 and VEGF-A expression was significantly higher in GBC compared with CS(47/78 vs 28/78, P < 0.05; 51/78 vs 33/78, P < 0.05). ER1 expression was correlated with gender(P < 0.05) and VEGF-A expression was correlated with tumor differentiation in GBC patients(P < 0.05). In univariate analysis, age and tumor node metastasis(TNM) stage were factors associated with GBC prognosis(P < 0.05). Although there was no statistical difference between the expression of ER1 or VEGF-A and overall survival, the high expression of ER1 combined with VEGF-A predicted a poor prognosis for GBC patients(16.30 ± 1.87 vs 24.97 ± 2.09, log-rank P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, combined expression of ER1 and VEGF-A and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for GBC patients(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Combined expression of ER1 and VEGF-A is a potential prognostic marker for GBC patients. Clinical detection of ER1 and VEGF-A in surgically resected GBC tissues would provide animportant reference for decision-making of postoperative treatment programs.

Estrogen receptors in gastric cancer:Advances and perspectives

Worldwide, gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies with high mortality. Various aspects of thedevelopment and progression of gastric cancer continue to be extensively investigated in order to further our understanding and provide more effective means for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. Estrogen receptors(ERs) are steroid hormone receptors that regulate cellular activities in many physiological and pathological processes in different tissues. There are two distinct forms of ERs, namely ERα and ERβ, with several alternative-splicing isoforms for each. They show distinct tissue distribution patterns and exert different biological functions. Dysregulation of ERs has been found to be associated closely with many diseases, including cancer. A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the role of ERs in gastric cancer, the possible mechanisms underlying these roles, and the clinical relevance of deregulated ERs in gastric cancer patients. To date, inconsistent associations of different ERs with gastric cancer have been reported. These inconsistencies may be caused by variations in in vitro cell models and clinical samples, including assay conditions and protocols with regard to different forms of ERs. Given the potential of the deregulated ERs as diagnostic/prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for gastric cancer, it will be important to identify/confirm the association of each ER isoform with gastric cancer, to determine the specific roles and interactions that these individual ER isoforms play under specific conditions in the development and/or progression of gastric cancer, and to elucidate precisely these mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the achievements from early ER studies in gastric cancer to the most up-to-date discoveries, with an effort to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of ERs roles in gastric cancer and its possible mechanisms. Furthermore, we propose directions for future investigations.

Proliferation and phenotypic changes of stromal cells in response to varying estrogen/androgen levels in castrated rats

It is known that human benign prostatic hyperplasia might arise from an estrogen/androgen （E/T） imbalance. We studied the response of castrated rat prostate to different ratios of circulating E/T. The castrated male Wistar rats were randomly injected with E/T at different ratios for 4 weeks. The prostates of E/T （1：100） group showed a distinct prostatic hyperplasia response by prostatic index, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of a-smooth muscle actin （SMA）. In this group, cells positive for Vimentin, non-muscle myosin heavy chain （NMMHC） and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） increased in the stroma and epithelium. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain （SMMHC） and NMMHC increased. So E/T at a ratio of 1：100 can induce a stromal hyperplastic response in the prostate of castrated rats. The main change observed was an increase of smooth muscle cells, whereas some epithelial changes were also seen in the rat prostates.

Estrogen, estrogen receptors, and hepatocellular carcinoma: Are we there yet?

A protective role of the sex steroid hormone estrogenin hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) was suggested a few decades ago according to clinical data showing higher HCC morbidity and mortality among males. Several recent studies further confirmed the anti-cancer effects of estrogen in the liver. However, it remains to be identified how to exploit estrogen signalling within clinical settings for HCC treatment. There are several unresolved issues related to the estrogen pathway in liver cells. The main problems include the absence of a clear understanding of which estrogen receptor(ER) isoform is predominantly expressed in normal and malignant liver cells, the ER isoform expression difference between males and females, and which ER isoform should be targeted when designing HCC therapy. Some of those questions were recently addressed by Iyer and coauthors. The current editorial review critically analyses the study by Iyer et al(WJG, 2017) that investigated the expression of ER subtypes in liver samples collected from patients with a healthy liver, hepatitis C virus cirrhosis, and HCC. ER presence was evaluated in association with gender, intracellular localization, inflammation marker NF-kB, and proliferation-related effector cyclin D1. The study limitations and advantages are discussed in light of recent advances in the HCC and estrogen signalling areas.

Interleukin-1 and estrogen protect against disseminating dentoalveolar infections

Dentoalveolar bacterial infections cause localized tissue and bone destruction, but usually remain well-localized within teeth in immunocompetent hosts. However, in certain cases these infections may invade head and neck tissues, resulting in orofacial abscesses, cellulitis and sepsis, with resultant high morbidity and even mortality. In the present studies, we developed a novel model of spreading dentoalveolar infections in mice by treatment with neutralizing antibodies against both interleukin-la （IL-1a） and IL-1β. Surprisingly male but not female mice given anti-lL-1 antibodies developed orofacial abscesses, weight loss, splenomegaly and sepsis. Female mice developed abscesses and sepsis comparable to males following ovariectomy （OVX）, which was reversed by estrogen supplementation. Anti-lL-1 blockade inhibited IL-12, interferon y （IFNy） and IL-6 but not IL-IO expression in infrabony lesions, suggestive of a local anti-inflammatory response. There was greater infiltration of neutrophils and other inflammatory ceils into lesions in anti-lL-l-treated animals; however, blood leukocytes had reduced bacterial phagocytic and killing activity ex vivo. Estrogen directly stimulated IL-1 production by macrophages, suggesting that the resistance of females to disseminating dentoalveolar infections may be due to their heightened pro-inflammatory responses following bacterial challenge, leading to enhanced localization of these infections.

The Effect of GnRHa Induced Superovulation on Endometrial Morphology and Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor in Mouse

To evaluate the effect of GnRHa induced superovulation protocol on endometrial morphology and function. Material & Methods Forty ICR mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups, among them, 2 experimental groups were injected with GnRHa+HMG+hCG, another 2 groups were given saline of same volume as control group. The uterine tissues were investigated at 24 h and 48 h after administration (experimental group) or ovulation (control group).The endometrial thickness, the size of gland and glandular lumen, the total area of glandular cells, the average height of glandular epithelium were measured from routine histological slides using computerized image analysis. The SP immunohistochemistry techniques with monoclonal antibodies were employed to semi quantitatively analize the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in glandular cells. Results The endometrial thickness was not significantly different between experimental groups and control groups at 24 h and 48 h (P>0.05).The average area, perimeter, maximal diameter of single gland and glandular lumen, the total area, average height of glandular epithelium in experimental groups were significantly smaller than those of in control groups at equivalent time stages (all P<0.01). The asynchronous development of gland epithelium and stroma cells, namely, pesudostratified glandular epithelium and predecidual changes of stroma cells were seen at same time in experimental groups. The positive percentage (%) and expression intense of ER and PR in glandular epithelium cells were significantly lower in experimental groups than in control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The protocol with GnRHa had a negative effect on endometrial histological structure and down regulated the express of ER and PR, suggesting that this protocol effect on the endometrial morphology and function and could not facilitate the formation of a physiologic endometrium completely, which may be one of the causes of low pregnancy rates.