Arch Med Sci
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Telocytes (TCs), also called interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC), CD34+ cells or PDGFRα+ cells (platelet-derived growth factor receptor α positive cells), a new type of cell of mesenchymal origin, were described over one decade ago. The unique nature of these cells still deserves attention from the scientific community. Telocytes make homo- and heterocellular contact with myocytes, immunocytes and nerves, have their own immunohistochemical and secretome profiles and thus might regulate local regenerative processes including angiogenesis and fibrosis. The aim of our study was to observe the missing link between angiogenesis and telocytes in leiomyoma, the most common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age. ⋯ Our results demonstrate TCs in human uterine fibroids and highlight their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of myometrial pathology in the context of angiogenesis.
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Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a leading cause of cardiac dysfunction. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial I/R injury. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms are unclear. The present study determined the role of circ-RHOJ.1 in regulating myocardial cell proliferation and apoptosis after I/R injury. ⋯ Circ-RHOJ.1 served as a molecular marker of myocardial I/R injury via regulation of miR-124-3p and NRG1 expression.
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There is an urgent need to find novel stable cell-free fetal (cff-) RNA in the maternal circulation to facilitate the advance of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to more effectively avoid birth defects. ⋯ We demonstrated the presence of cff-circRNA in the maternal circulation, which may shed new light on the development of NIPT.
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Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in young patients differ from middle-aged and elderly patients.
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide. The study aimed to understand the clinical characteristics of young COVID-19 patients. ⋯ Young patients have milder clinical manifestations, which may be related to higher education level, higher awareness and higher acceptance of the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as their good immune function.
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Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an X-linked recessive genetic syndrome that occurs as result of an androgen receptor mutation; it affects the normal masculinization process in chromosomal male patients. More than 900 androgen receptor mutations that can lead to AIS have been identified. ⋯ Patients with partial androgen insensitivity have ambiguous genitalia at birth and gynecomastia during puberty, whereas those with mild androgen insensitivity present a normal male phenotype but altered spermatogenesis during adulthood and pubertal gynecomastia. The diagnosis of AIS often proves to be a challenge; its management is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach to meet decision-making challenges in sex assignment, fertility and timing of gonadectomy, psychological outcomes and genetic counselling.