LEADeR role of miR-205 host gene as long noncoding RNA in prostate basal cell differentiation

Though miR-205 function has been largely characterized, the nature of its host gene, MIR205HG, is still completely unknown. Here, we show that only lowly expressed alternatively spliced MIR205HG transcripts act as de facto pri-miRNAs, through a process that involves Drosha to prevent unfavorable splicing and directly mediate miR-205 excision. Notably, MIR205HG-specific processed transcripts revealed to be functional per se as nuclear long noncoding RNA capable of regulating differentiation of human prostate basal cells through control of the interferon pathway. At molecular level, MIR205HG directly binds the promoters of its target genes, which have an Alu element in proximity of the Interferon-Regulatory Factor (IRF) binding site, and represses their transcription likely buffering IRF1 activity, with the ultimate effect of preventing luminal differentiation. As MIR205HG functions autonomously from (albeit complementing) miR-205 in preserving the basal identity of prostate epithelial cells, it warrants reannotation as LEADeR (Long Epithelial Alu-interacting Differentiation-related RNA)

Expression of the VEGF and angiopoietin genes in endometrial atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

Angiogenesis is critical for the growth and metastasis of endometrial cancer and is therefore an important therapeutic target. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a key molecule in angiogenesis, but the identification of related molecules and the angiopoietins suggests a more complex picture. We investigated the presence of transcripts for VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2 in benign endometrium, atypical complex hyperplasia (ACH) and endometrioid endometrial carcinoma using in situ hybridisation. We confirmed the presence of VEGF-A mRNA in the epithelial cells of cancers examined (13 out of 13), but not in benign endometrium or ACH. We also demonstrate, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, that levels of VEGF-B mRNA are significantly lower in endometrial cancer than benign endometrium. We conclude that loss of VEGF-B may contribute to the development of endometrial carcinoma by modulating availability of receptors for VEGF-A

SSR and AFLP based genetic diversity of soybean germplasm differing in photoperiod sensitivity

Forty-four soybean genotypes with different photoperiod response were selected after screening of 1000 soybean accessions under artificial condition and were profiled using 40 SSR and 5 AFLP primer pairs. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) for SSR and AFLP marker systems was 0.507 and 0.120, respectively. Clustering of genotypes was done using UPGMA method for SSR and AFLP and correlation was 0.337 and 0.504, respectively. Mantel's correlation coefficients between Jaccard's similarity coefficient and the cophenetic values were fairly high in both the marker systems (SSR = 0.924; AFLP = 0.958) indicating very good fit for the clustering pattern. UPGMA based cluster analysis classified soybean genotypes into four major groups with fairly moderate bootstrap support. These major clusters corresponded with the photoperiod response and place of origin. The results indicate that the photoperiod insensitive genotypes, 11/2/1939 (EC 325097) and MACS 330 would be better choice for broadening the genetic base of soybean for this trait

A retrospective study on IVF outcome in euthyroid patients with anti-thyroid antibodies: effects of levothyroxine, acetyl-salicylic acid and prednisolone adjuvant treatments

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Anti-thyroid antibodies (ATA), even if not associated with thyroid dysfunction, are suspected to cause poorer outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We retrospectively analyzed: (a) the prevalence of ATA in euthyroid infertile women, (b) IVF outcome in euthyroid, ATA+ patients, and (c) the effect of adjuvant treatments (levothyroxine alone or associated with acetylsalicylic acid and prednisolone) on IVF results in ATA+ patients. One hundred twenty-nine euthyroid, ATA+ women undergoing IVF were compared with 200 matched, ATA-controls. During IVF cycle, 38 ATA+ patients did not take any adjuvant treatment, 55 received levothyroxin (LT), and 38 received LT +acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)+prednisolone (P).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of ATA among euthyroid, infertile patients was 10.5%, similar to the one reported in euthyroid women between 18 and 45 years. ATA+ patients who did not receive any adjuvant treatment showed significantly poorer ovarian responsiveness to stimulation and IVF results than controls. ATA+ patients receiving LT responded better to ovarian stimulation, but had IVF results as poor as untreated ATA+ women. Patients receiving LT+ASA+P had significantly higher pregnancy and implantation rates than untreated ATA+ patients (PR/ET 25.6% and IR 17.7% vs. PR/ET 7.5% and IR 4.7%, respectively), and overall IVF results comparable to patients without ATA (PR/ET 32.8% and IR 19%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These observations suggest that euthyroid ATA+ patients undergoing IVF could have better outcome if given LT+ASA+P as adjuvant treatment. This hypothesis must be verified in further randomized, prospective studies.</p

MANAGEMENT OF BILIOPANCREATIC DIVERSION COMPLICATIONS

Background: In our Centre of bariatric surgery, active since 1974, we have never utilized the biliopancreatic diversion (BPD)for its incomplete reversibility and its surgical aggressiveness but, from the beginning of 80\u2019s, we have hospitalized for severe complications 20 patients who underwent this procedure in different centres and in different times. Here, we report our experience of management of BPD complications, particularly with reference to the last 7 patients treated in the last 3 years.All the patients were operated on the same type of BPD. Methods: The patients are all females, mean age 42.5 years (25 \u2013 47); mean weight pre-BPD 92.5 Kg (82 \u2013 114); mean weight at the moment of hospitalization 65 Kg (55-89); mean BMI pre-BPD 35,6 (34 \u2013 45); mean BMI at the moment of the hospitalization 25,3 (20 \u2013 36);mean follow-up 9,5 years (2 - 17).We observed these complications: insufficient weight loss (1 patient : from 91 to 89 Kg); excessive weight loss for persistent malabsorption ( 3 pts); severe osteomalacia for alteration of calcium and vitamin D metabolism (2 patients), 1 with spontaneous pertrocanteric fractures; severe hypoproteinemia ( 7 pts ); iron deficiency anaemia ( 6 pts). One patient had numerous haematic transfusions; severe and late dumping syndrome (1 pt); halitosis (3 pts); persistent diarrhea more than 5 evacuations/day (1 pt); liver failure (1 pt). Six patients were treated with hyperproteic and hypercaloric parenteral nutrition (PN), and with polyelectrolytes and polyvitaminics endovenous infusion for more than 60 days, in the hospital and/or at home, till to gain an acceptable metabolic balance.We have converted 3 patients to adjustable gastric banding according to Kuzmak and 2 patients had reversal; the others are still under medical care. Results: Hyperproteic and hypercaloric parental and oral nutrition obtained in all patients a good metabolic balance. Three patients didn\u2019t achieve a stable metabolic balance at the end of PN so that it was necessary a reversal of BPD or conversion to adjustable gastric banding in accordance with the patient, the internist and the psychologist. One patient had reversal for psychological indication.Post-operative course was uneventfull for 2 patients; 1 patient had an acute hemorrhagic gastritis in the first post-operative day, treated with medical care. One patient had a revision for intestinal occlusion. The patient who had an insufficient weight loss after BPD, had a good result after adjustable gastric banding (from 89 to 70 Kg, BMI 25).The other patients had an increase of 20 Kg one year after reversal. Conclusion: Our experience permits to underline that: 1) BPD can be better used in the morbidly obese patients with BMI > 40; 2) the choise of the patients must be careful, particulary by psychological point of view; 3) BPD requires a continous, constant and rigorous follow-up to prevent or to opportunely treat the metabolic complications such as all malabsorption bariatric procedures. These all complications can be successfully traited medically or surgically; 4) BPD doesn\u2019t permit the complete reversibility because of gastrectomy but only a partial functional one; 5) the metabolic complications and the failures of BPD can be treated by conversion into adjustable gastric banding

Adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity : results and complications

Background: Adjustable gastric banding is considered the most common procedure in Europe for the treatment of morbid obesity. We report our experience with this procedure, introduced in our Department of Surgery in 1993. Methods: From December 1993 to December 2005, 684 mor- bidly obese patients (139 males and 545 females) underwent adjustable gastric banding (AGB) in our Departments of Surgery. The first 323 patients were operated with perigastric procedure, and the following 361 patients with pars flaccida technique. 601 patients were operated with laparoscopic approach, 83 with open approach. The average follow-up is 5 years. Results: Mean BMI decreased from 42.2 to 30 kg/m2 at 5 years after the operation, with EWL of 54 %. The main early complica- tions were: intraoperative gastric perforation (5 patients, 1 of which was repaired in laparoscopy); hemorrhage from short gas- tric vessels (3 patients, repaired in laparotomy). The major late complications were: intragastric band migration (7 patients); irre- versible dilatation of the gastric pouch (42 patients, treated surgi- cally with band removal or repositioning). Conclusions: In our experience, laparoscopic AGB is a safe and effective procedure, suitable for most patients, and should be consid- ered as the first choice in the surgical treatment of morbid obesi

Il bypass bilio-intestinale : un'esperienza trentennale

AIM: Aim of our study was the evaluation of Italian experience with biliointestinal bypass in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1030 patients; mean age 36.1 years; preoperative mean weight Kg 136.7; mean preoperative BMI 48.9 kg/m 2; mean follow-up 6.8 years (1-28). 838 patients underwent open and 192 laparoscopic biliointestinal bypass. The laparoscopy operation was performed with five lap ports. Section of the jejunum 30 cm from the Treitz was made by linear stapler. The cholecysto-jejunal anastomosis was completed with 45 mm linear stapler. A sideto- side anastomosis between the proximal jejunum and the last 12-18 cm of the ileum was created by firing a 60 mm linear stapler. RESULTS: Weight loss was satisfactory in 93% of operated patients. Comorbilities (arterial hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea syndrome) solved in majority of the patients. The main late complications were incisional hernia in open technique and oxalic nephrolithiasis. The reversal rate was 2.5%. CONCLUSION: Our experience showed that biliointestinal bypass can obtain good results. Using laparoscopic technique it is possible to reduce pain, in-hospital time, respiratory and thromboembolic complications, convalescence and incisional hernia