Background: Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation technology as a promising option for male fertility preservation has received increasing attention, along with efficient SSC purification technology as a necessary technical support; however, the safety of such application in patients with tumors remains controversial. Methods: In this study, we used a green fluorescent protein mouse xenograft model of B cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. We isolated and purified SSCs from the testicular tissue of model mice using density gradient centrifugation, immune cell magnetic bead separation, and flow cytometry. The purified SSCs were transplanted into convoluted seminiferous tubules of the nude mice and C57BL/6 male mice subjected to busulfan. The development and proliferation of SSCs in the recipient testis were periodically tested, along with whether B cell acute lymphocytic leukemia was induced following SSC implantation. The genetic characteristics of the offspring obtained from natural mating were also observed. Results: In testicular leukemia model mice, a large number of BALL cells infiltrated into the seminiferous tubule, spermatogenic cells, and sperm cells in the testis tissue decreased. After spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, the transplanted SSCs purified by immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometry methods colonized and proliferated extensively in the basement of the seminiferous tubules of mice; a large number of spermatogenic cells and sperm were found in recipient testicular tissue after 12 weeks of SSC transplantation. In leukemia detection in nude mice after transplantation in the three SSC purification groups, a large number of BALL cells could be detected in the blood of recipient mice 2–3 weeks after transplantation in the density gradient centrifugation group, but not in the blood of the flow cytometry sorting group and the immunomagnetic bead group after 16 weeks of observation. Conclusions: In this study, we confirmed that immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometry methods of purifying SSCs from the testicular tissue of the testicular leukemia mouse model could be safely applied to the SSC transplantation technology without concomitant tumor implantation. The results thus provide a theoretical basis for the application of tumor SSC cryopreservation for fertility preservation in patients with tumors.

Predator species of animal can absorb plant microRNA that can regulate target gene expression and physiological function across species. The herb Lycium barbarum, a traditional Chinese medicine, has a wide range of antitumor effects. However, there are no reports on the effects of microRNA derived from it on the cross-border regulation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the role and mechanism of the L. barbarum-derived microRNA miR166a (Lb-miR166a) in cross-border regulation of RCC. Our mRNA sequencing analysis showed that Lb-miR166a regulates the expression of various genes in tumor cells, including 1232 upregulated genes and 581 downregulated genes, which were enriched to 1094 Gene Ontology entries and 43 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that Lb-miR166a can inhibit the proliferation of RCC cells, promote the apoptosis of tumor cells, and inhibit the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells by regulating the expression of related genes. Furthermore, our in vivo tumor-bearing experiment showed that subcutaneous tumor formation volume decreased in Lb-miR166a mice, along with the number of liver metastases. This study elucidates the role and mechanism of Lb-miR166a in RCC treatment (Fig. 1). Our results further mechanistically confirm the antitumor properties of L. barbarum. Our study may contribute to the clinical development of a targeted drug for RCC treatment.

Objective: To explore the clinicopathological characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in young patients under 45 years of age, aiming to provide insights for early detection and improved prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 150 RCC patients aged 18 to 45 years treated at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from 2011 to 2023. Clinicopathological features, surgical outcomes, and long-term follow-up data were evaluated. Results: The study included 82 males and 68 females, with a mean age of 38.89 ± 5.56 years. Clear cell RCC was the most common subtype (72.6%), followed by chromophobe RCC (12%) and papillary RCC (4%). Other rare subtypes included XP11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion - associated RCC (2.7%) and collecting duct RCC (0.7%). In terms of clinical staging, 89% of patients were classified as T1 stage. Follow - up data, ranging from 12 to 153 months, showed that 11 patients died of the disease and 14 exhibited metastasis. Postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine (CREA)) levels were lower than preoperative levels, and patients who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) had worse renal function than those who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN). The 3 - year and 5 - year survival rates for the asymptomatic group were 100% and 97%, respectively, while for the symptomatic group, they were 94% and 83%, respectively. Single - factor Cox regression analysis revealed that symptoms, hypertension, clinical stage, pathological grade, and pathological type were independent risk factors for overall survival in young renal cancer patients. Conclusion: Young RCC patients present with unique clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors. Although the overall prognosis is relatively favorable, rare subtypes such as XP11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion - associated RCC and collecting duct RCC are associated with worse outcomes. Early detection through regular physical examinations and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. PN should be prioritized when feasible, and effective management of comorbidities like hypertension is essential.