Background:Parvin-β (ParvB), a potential tumour suppressor gene, is a focal adhesion protein. We evaluated the role of ParvB in the upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UUT-UC).Methods:ParvB mRNA and proteins levels in UUT-UC tissue were investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, the expression of ParvB in tissues from patients with UUT-UC at different stages was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, biological functions of ParvB in urothelial cancer cells were investigated using a doxycycline-inducible overexpression system and siRNA.Results:Western blot and mRNA analysis showed downregulation of ParvB expression in frozen UUT-UC tissue. Immunohistochemistry revealed high staining intensity of ParvB in normal urothelium, which decreased markedly at advanced stages of UUT-UC (P=0.0000). Moreover, ParvB was an independent prognostic indicator for disease-specific survival of patients with UUT-UC. Functional assays indicated that overexpression of ParvB in an urothelial cancer cell line resulted in decreased cell growth rate and ability to migrate. In contrast, knockdown of ParvB expression increased cell migration ability.Conclusions:Downregulation of ParvB expression significantly increased urothelial cancer cell growth and migration. Downexpression of ParvB level in UUT-UC correlated with tumour stage, and was an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for disease-specific survival of patients with UUT-UC.

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Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair disorder which affects the patients' psychology and social activities. Despite being the most prevalent alopecia in Malaysia, there are limited studies examining its psychological impact and patient's perception on AGA. This study assessed these effects and determined their contributing factors in AGA patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving all AGA patients attending dermatology clinics at two tertiary centers. Psychological impact was assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patient's perception was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Sixty male patients and 41 female patients were recruited. The median age of patients was 29 years. The ethnic composition was Malay (30.7%), Chinese (34.7%) and Indian (34.6%). More females experienced mild AGA-related anxiety and depression compared to males (P<0.001). Young (age<40 years) and single individuals experienced more anxiety and depression than older, married patients (P<0.001). Patients who adopted coping strategies reported more anxiety (P=0.002) and depression (P<0.001) compared to those who were not using any coping strategy. Women were more dissatisfied with their hair condition (VAS score=4 [3])) compared to men (VAS score=5 [3]; P=0.002). Conclusion: AGA impairs patients' psychology and affects their self-perception. Age less than 40 years old, female, unmarried, disease duration less than 4 years and adopting coping strategies were significant factors influencing the psychological impact and perception in AGA patients. Hence, early integration of psychological support to treatment of AGA is recommended.