Cell-Free Methylated PTGER4 and SHOX2 Plasma DNA as a Biomarker for Therapy Monitoring and Prognosis in Advanced Stage NSCLC Patients.

Notwithstanding some improvement in the earlier detection of patients with lung cancer, most of them still present with a late-stage disease at the time of diagnosis. Next to the most frequently utilized factors affecting the prognosis of lung cancer patients (stage, performance, and age), the recent application of biomarkers obtained by liquid profiling has gained more acceptance. In our study, we aimed to answer these questions: (i) Is the quantification of free-circulating methylated PTGER4 and SHOX2 plasma DNA a useful method for therapy monitoring, and is this also possible for patients treated with different therapy regimens? (ii) Is this approach possible when blood-drawing tubes, which allow for a delayed processing of blood samples, are utilized? Baseline values for mPTGER4 and mSHOX2 do not allow for clear discrimination between different response groups. In contrast, the combination of the methylation values for both genes shows a clear difference between responders vs. non-responders at the time of re-staging. Furthermore, blood drawing into tubes stabilizing the sample allows researchers more flexibility.

Protective Effects of Astaxanthin on Nephrotoxicity in Rats with Induced Renovascular Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Various effects of Astaxanthin were shown in the studies, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immunoregulatory effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of Astaxanthin on renovascular occlusion induced renal injury and to investigate the possible mechanisms. METHODS: The rats were randomly assigned into three groups as follows: Group 1: control group (n=12), Group 2: renal ischemia-reperfusion injury group (n=12), Group 3: renal ischemia-reperfusion + asthaxantine treated group (n=12). The control group and the renal ischemia-reperfusion group were given 2cc/kg/g olive oil for 7 days before establishing ischemia to renal tissue. Astaxanthin dissolved in olive oil was given orally to the renal ischemia+astaxanthin group for 7 days before inducing renal ischemia. Caspase-(3, 8, 9), GSH, SOD, Total Thiol, TNF-α, IL-6, 8-OHdG were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: Renal IRI was verified by analysing the pathological changes of renal tissues and the renal functions after renal reperfusion. Much less renal tubular damage was determined in the IRI+ASX group in comparison to the IRI group. Caspase-8, -9 and -3 immunoreactivity was observed to be minimal in the control group. Apoptosis was observed to be significantly reduced in the IRI + ASX group with respect to the IRI group and close to the level of the control group (p <0.05). Caspase-3 levels of tissue samples were significantly increased in the IRI group compared to the other groups, but significantly lower in the IRI+ASX group with respect to the IRI group (p<0.05). The TOS and OSI levels, indicating increased oxidative stress, were significantly lower in the IRI+ASX group with respect to the IRI group (p <0.001), but still higher than the control group (p <0.001). In addition to GSH, SOD and Total Thiol levels, TAS levels were also significantly higher in the IRI + ASX group in comparison to the IRI group (p <0.05). TNF-α, IL-6, lipid hydroperoxide, AOPP and 8-OHdG levels were lower in the IRI+ASX group than the IRI group (p <0.001). MPO, IL-6, TNF-α levels, representing the parameters indicating neutrophil infiltration and inflammation of the renal tissues, significantly increased in the IRI group with respect to the other groups (p <0.005). CONCLUSION: When all the data obtained in our study were evaluated, ASX was determined to prevent renal damage due to renovascular occlusion to a great extent, through complex mechanisms involving antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. Biochemical, histological and oxidative stress parameters were improved due to ASX.

A new surgical technique: transvesical prostate resection

ABSTRACT Objectives: Surgical treatment is indicated in patients where medical therapy fails to prove beneficial or in patients who develop complications related with bladder outlet obstruction. In our study, we developed a new surgical technique which can be defined as Transvesical Resection of Prostate (TVRP) without using the urethra. This method was previously described in our articles (1). Materials and Methods: A 62-years-old male patient, using an alpha blocker agent for 5 years, reported increased discomfort with urination. His findings were as follows: PSA: 1.2 ng/dL, prostate volume: 45 cc, digital rectal examination: benign, IPSS: 30, QoL: 5, Qmax: 6, urine volume: 225 cc, post-mictional residue: 65 cc. Eventually the patient was informed and prostate resection decision was made. Results: Suprapubic catheter was removed 1 day after surgery and the patient was discharged. Urethral catheter was removed 4 days after urine output became clear. No complications developed after the operation. At postoperative 1st month, Qmax was 22, urine volume was 260 cc, post-mictional residue was 40 cc, IPSS was 8, QoL was 1, and the pathology was benign prostate tissue. Conclusions: Urethral stricture is one of the most important postoperative complications of TURP. The incidence of urethral stricture is reported between 2.2% and 9.8% in different series (2-5). In this technique which we developed, urethra is not used and prostate is removed through the bladder, similar to open prostatectomies. For this reason, we suggest that it has an advantage over TURP, regarding urethral stricture development.

Feasibility of Transvesical Prostate Resection and Its Effect on Postoperative Complications.

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of transvesical prostate resection and its effect on urethral stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 99 patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction who underwent transvesical resection of prostate (TVRP; n = 48) and transurethral (TURP; n = 51) prostatectomy. We examined all the patients by means of digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, and evaluated them by international prostate symptom score, quality of life score, uroflowmetric assessment and PSA level, and established definitive diagnosis. We followed up the patients in first month, third month, and the first year of the operation and monitored once a year in the following years. RESULTS: In this study, totally 99 symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction patients were included (TVRP = 48 and TURP = 51). Mean age of the patients were 66.5 ± 8.2vs 68 ± 9.8years for our patients with TVRP and TURP, respectively. Two groups displayed similar values in terms of improvements in the Qmax and PVR, and there were no statistically significant differences in between. We obtained similar values for resection time and weight of resected prostate tissue in both groups. Urethral stricture was not observed in TVRP group. In TURP group however, stricture was observed in 4 (7.8%) patients in bulbar urethra in sixth month at average. And there was also a concomitant urethral meatal stricture in one of these patients. When the 2 groups were compared, the rate of urethral stricture was statistically significantly higher in the TURP group (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Resection of prostate without using urethra significantly reduces the incidence of urethral stricture due to mucosal damage.

Carotid artery intima-media thickness can predict the response of patients with erectile dysfunction to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.

This study investigated the role of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) as a morphological marker of the response of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) patients to tadalafil, one of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5-I). Through March-December 2016, 51 men with vasculogenic ED aged over 30 years were enrolled in this prospective study. Vasculogenic ED was accepted as a normal testosterone level, with penile colour Doppler ultrasonography showing arteriogenic ED, venogenic ED or mixed arteriogenic and venogenic ED. All patients underwent biochemical and hormonal blood tests, ultrasonographic evaluation of the common carotid artery (CCA) IMT and penile colour Doppler ultrasonography. On-demand tadalafil (10 mg or 20 mg in cases of a non-response to 10 mg) was administered to each patient for 2 months. ED was assessed using the short form of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) before and after the drug therapy. According to the patients' responses to the medication, they were grouped as non-responders or responders. Thirty-one of the 51 patients responded to tadalafil. The mean CCA IMT of the non-responders and responders was 0.9 ± 0.2 mm and 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, respectively (P = 0.000). The IMT of 90% of the non-responders was >0.67 mm, whereas it was >0.67 mm in 40% of the responders. The data were analysed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Chi-square test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Measurement of CCA IMT may offer an alternative and simple method to predict the response of vasculogenic ED patients to PDE5-Is.

A new surgical technique: transvesical resection of prostate - case series

ABSTRACT Objective: To protect the urethra from instrumentation related urethra injures and stricture, we developed a new surgical technique which can be defined as transvesical resection of prostate without using urethra. Materials and Methods: Our study included 12 consecutive bladder outlet obstruction patients treated with transvesical prostate resection in our clinic between March 2016 and May 2016. Detailed anamnesis, results of physical examination, digital rectal examination, routine lab tests, international prostate symptoms score, transrectal ultrasound, measurement of prostate-specific antigen levels and uroflowmetry was performed in all patients prior to surgery. Results: Hospitalization period following surgery was 1 day. Foley catheter and suprapubic cystostomy catheters were removed in a median period of 3.6 days and 1 day. Median mass of resected adenomas was measured as 21.8 gr. Median maximum flow rate was measured as 6mL/s. Median postvoid residual urine volume was 70.6 cc and median international prostate symptoms score and quality of life scores were 9 and 1.4, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, we would like to show the possible practicality of transvesical resection of prostate technique in this patient group. However, we think that this technique is very useful in special patient groups such as patients with bladder stones, priapism and penile prosthesis.

Mini-laparoscopic pyeloplasty in adults: Functional and cosmetic results.

PURPOSE: The study objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mini-laparoscopic pyeloplasty (mLP) in an adult population and to demonstrate the functional and cosmetic results. METHODS: Data for 29 patients (19 men and 10 women) undergoing mLP for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) from May 2014 to December 2016 in Turkey were collected in this prospective study. Inclusion criteria were age ? 18 years, body mass index (BMI) ? 30 kg/m2 and primary UPJO, and no previous surgery on the affected kidney or previous abdominal surgery. Postoperative Visual Analogue Scale scores and the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) were used. Demographic data, perioperative parameters, complications, and postoperative functional and cosmetic results were recorded. All statistical analyses were done by SPSS software. P value of <05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty-nine adults with a mean age of 29.4 ± 10.2 years (19-38 years) were included. The patients' mean BMI was 22.4 ± 4.3 kg/m2 (a range of 16-29 kg/m2). The procedures were performed using three ports (one 5 mm port for the camera and two 3 mm ports). Mean operative time was 119 ± 28.5 minutes (85-144 minutes). Major complications were not observed, as per the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications (grades IV-V). The mean VAS score was 1.2 ± 0.2 points. Functional obstruction was reported in one patient on renal scintigraphy at 12 months postoperatively. The success rate of mLP was 97%. The minimum and maximum PSAQ scores at month 3 postoperatively were 24 and 86, respectively. All the patients were satisfied with the intervention and with their cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: mLP is a safe, effective and feasible treatment method for UPJO in adult patients. This treatment modality offers excellent cosmetic and functional results following treatment for UPJO.

A new surgical technique: transvesical resection of prostate - case series.

OBJECTIVE: To protect the urethra from instrumentation related urethra injures and stricture, we developed a new surgical technique which can be defined as transvesical resection of prostate without using urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 12 consecutive bladder outlet obstruction patients treated with transvesical prostate resection in our clinic between March 2016 and May 2016. Detailed anamnesis, results of physical examination, digital rectal examination, routine lab tests, international prostate symptoms score, transrectal ultrasound, measurement of prostate-specific antigen levels and uroflowmetry was performed in all patients prior to surgery. RESULTS: Hospitalization period following surgery was 1 day. Foley catheter and suprapubic cystostomy catheters were removed in a median period of 3.6 days and 1 day. Median mass of resected adenomas was measured as 21.8 gr. Median maximum flow rate was measured as 6mL/s. Median postvoid residual urine volume was 70.6 cc and median international prostate symptoms score and quality of life scores were 9 and 1.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, we would like to show the possible practicality of transvesical resection of prostate technique in this patient group. However, we think that this technique is very useful in special patient groups such as patients with bladder stones, priapism and penile prosthesis.

Does a previous prostate biopsy-related acute bacterial prostatitis affect the results of radical prostatectomy?

ABSTRACT Objective To The standard technique for obtaining a histologic diagnosis of prostatic carcinomas is transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Acute prostatitis which might develop after prostate biopsy can cause periprostatic inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, we performed a retrospective review of our database to determine whether ABP history might affect the outcome of RP. Materials and Methods 441 RP patients who were operated in our clinic from 2002 to 2014 were included in our study group. All patients' demographic values, PSA levels, biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimen pathology results and their perioperative/ postoperative complications were evaluated. Results There were 41 patients in patients with acute prostatitis following biopsy and 397 patients that did not develop acute prostatitis. Mean blood loss, transfusion rate and operation period were found to be significantly higher in ABP patients. Hospitalization period and reoperation rates were similar in both groups. However, post-op complications were significantly higher in ABP group. Conclusion Even though it does not affect oncological outcomes, we would like to warn the surgeons for potential complaints during surgery in ABP patients.

Does a previous prostate biopsy-related acute bacterial prostatitis affect the results of radical prostatectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To The standard technique for obtaining a histologic diagnosis of prostatic carcinomas is transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Acute prostatitis which might develop after prostate biopsy can cause periprostatic inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, we performed a retrospective review of our database to determine whether ABP history might affect the outcome of RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 441 RP patients who were operated in our clinic from 2002 to 2014 were included in our study group. All patients' demographic values, PSA levels, biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimen pathology results and their perioperative/postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 41 patients in patients with acute prostatitis following biopsy and 397 patients that did not develop acute prostatitis. Mean blood loss, transfusion rate and operation period were found to be significantly higher in ABP patients. Hospitalization period and reoperation rates were similar in both groups. However, post-op complications were significantly higher in ABP group. CONCLUSION: Even though it does not affect oncological outcomes, we would like to warn the surgeons for potential complaints during surgery in ABP patients.

The Protective Effect of Naringenin-Oxime on Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity in Rats.

The aim of this study is to examine the protective effect of naringenin-oxime (NOX) on cisplatin-induced major organ toxicity and DNA damage in rats. Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats were equally split into five groups as follows: control (i.p., 0.1 ml of saline), Cis administration (i.p., 7 mg/kg b.w.), NOX treatment (i.p., 20 mg/kg b.w., daily for ten days), Cis + NOX20, and Cis + NOX40 combination (i.p., 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w., daily for ten days). Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) were obtained from blood. Malondialdehyde, glutathione, total antioxidant and oxidant status, and catalase were measured in serum, liver, and kidney, and oxidative stress index was calculated. In parallel, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were tested in liver and serum. We used 8-OHdOG as a marker for DNA damage in serum via ELISA and in PMBC via comet assay. Treatment with Cis elevated the levels of serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Pretreatments of NOX restored biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in serum, renal, and liver tissues (p < 0.01) and reduced 8-OHdG level, a finding further supported by comet assay in PBMC. Observations of the present study support the fact that treatment with NOX prevents Cis-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and genotoxicity by restoring antioxidant system.