Background: Sirtuin-7 (SIRT7) is associated with the maintenance of tumorigenesis. However, its functional roles and oncogenic mechanisms in prostate cancer (PCa) are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of SIRT7 in PCa cell growth and androgen-induced autophagy. Methods: The LNCap and 22Rv1 PCa cell lines were subjected to quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR to characterize their genes encoding SIRT7, AR, and SMAD4. The proteins produced from these genes were quantified by western blotting and immunoprecipitation analysis. SIRT7-depleted cells were produced by transfection with plasmid vectors bearing short hairpin RNAs against SIRT7. The proliferation of each cell line was assessed by CCK8 and EdU assays. Autophagic flux was tracked by mRFP–GFP–LC3 adenovirus under an immunofluorescence microscope. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Tumors were induced in mouse axillae by injection of the cell lines into mice. Tumor morphology was examined by immunohistochemistry and relative tumor growth and metastases were compared by a bioluminescence-based in vivo imaging system. Results: SIRT7 depletion significantly inhibited cell proliferation, androgen-induced autophagy, and invasion in LNCap and 22Rv1 cells (in vitro) and mouse xenograft tumors induced by injection of these cells (in vivo). SIRT7 knockdown also increased the sensitivity of PCa cells to radiation. Immunohistochemical analysis of 93 specimens and bioinformatic analysis revealed that SIRT7 expression was positively associated with androgen receptor (AR). Moreover, the AR signal pathway participated in SIRT7-mediated regulation of PCa cell proliferation, autophagy, and invasion. SIRT7 depletion downregulated the AR signal pathway by upregulating the level of SMAD4 protein in PCa cells. Conclusion: SIRT7 plays an important role in the development and progression of human PCa and may be a promising prognostic marker for prostate cancer.

To evaluate stent-related symptoms (SRS) and the encrustation of stents in diabetic patients receiving loop-tail (LT) stents versus conventional double J (

Background: Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) is the most common type of symptomatic prostatitis that afflicts men due to various discomforts. Owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, astaxanthin (AST) can be used in the treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases. This study was conducted to assess the effects of AST and investigate the underlying mechanisms in a rat model of CNP. Methods: A rat model of CNP was established by intraprostatic carrageenan (0.1 mL 1% λ-carrageenan saline solution) injection. AST (40 and 80 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 4 weeks, and blood and prostate tissue samples were collected for examination. Results: The prostate weight and index were lower in AST-treated rats than in rats with CNP. In prostate tissue and serum, AST increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Meanwhile, AST reduced inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] expression in prostate tissue and serum. Besides, AST also reduced nerve growth factor expression in prostate tissue. Furthermore, AST inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation. Conclusions: This study showed that AST exerts antioxidant and protective effects against CNP, mediated through MAPK signaling suppression. The study results provide evidence supporting the potential use of AST in the treatment of CNP.