Epigenetic DNA modifications and vitamin C in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia: Exploring similarities, disparities, and pathogenic implications.

OBJECTIVES: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Cancer (PC) are very common pathologies among aging men. Both disorders involve aberrant cell division and differentiation within the prostate gland. However, the direct link between these two disorders still remains controversial. A plethora of works have demonstrated that inflammation is a major causative factor in both pathologies. Another key factor involved in PC development is DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. METHODS: A broad spectrum of parameters, including epigenetic DNA modifications and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, was analyzed by two-dimensional ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in tissues of BPH, PC, and marginal one, as well as in leukocytes of the patients and the control group. In the same material, the expression of TETs and TDG genes was measured using RT-qPCR. Additionally, vitamin C was quantified in the blood plasma and within cells (leukocytes and prostate tissues). RESULTS: Unique patterns of DNA modifications and intracellular vitamin C (iVC) in BPH and PC tissues, as well as in leukocytes, were found in comparison with control samples. The majority of the alterations were more pronounced in leukocytes than in the prostate tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristic DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation and iVC profiles have been observed in both PC and BPH, suggesting potential shared molecular pathways between the two conditions. As a fraction of leukocytes may be recruited to the pathological tissues and can migrate back into the circulation/blood, the observed alterations in leukocytes may reflect dynamic changes associated with the PC development, suggesting their potential utility as early markers of prostate cancer development.

Unprecedentedly High Level of Intracellular Vitamin C and DNA Epigenetic Marks in Prostate: Relevant for Male Fertility?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Seminal plasma composition is affected by the physiological state of the prostate, the major male reproductive gland. Semen components, like vitamin C, can modulate sperm function. Vitamin C is an effective scavenger of free radicals and is an essential component of enzymes such as TET proteins involved in the DNA demethylation process. In the present study, a broad range of parameters which may influence the metabolic state of the prostate gland were analysed including blood and prostate tissue vitamin C, epigenetic DNA modifications and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in DNA of leukocytes and prostate tissues. METHODS: The experimental material were tissue samples from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), normal/marginal prostate tissues from prostate cancer patients, leukocytes from healthy donors, and blood plasma from BPH patients and healthy donors. We applied ultra-performance liquid chromatography methods with mass spectrometry and/or UV detection. RESULTS: We found an unprecedentedly high level of intracellular vitamin C in all analysed prostatic tissues (benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal, marginal ones), a value much higher than in leukocytes and most human tissues. DNA epigenetic patterns in prostate cells are similar to other soft tissues like the colon, however, its uniqueness is the unprecedentedly high level of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine and a significant increase in 5-formyl-2'-deoxycytidine value compared to aforementioned tissues. Moreover, the level of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, an established marker of oxidative stress, is significantly higher in prostate tissues than in leukocytes and many previously studied soft tissues. CONCLUSION: Our results pointed out that prostatic vitamin C (regarded as the main supplier of the vitamin C to seminal plasma) and the DNA modifications (which may be linked to the regeneration of prostate epithelium) may play important role to maintain the prostate health.

Not as black as it is painted? The impact of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic on surgical treatment of urological cancer patients in Poland - a cross-country experience.

Introduction: In the majority of Western European countries, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a dramatic reduction in urooncological surgeries. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on volume and patterns of urooncological surgery in Poland. Material and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 10 urologic centres in Poland. Data regarding major oncological procedures performed after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak (March 15, 2020 - May 31, 2020) were evaluated and compared with data from the respective period in 2019. Results: Between March 15, 2020 and May 31, 2020, a total of 968 oncological procedures were performed in participating centres. When compared to the respective period in 2019 (1063 procedures) the overall number of surgeries declined by 8.9%. The reduction was observed for transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) (20.1%) and partial nephrectomies (PN) (16.5%). Surgical activity considering radical nephrectomy (RN), nephroureterectomy (NU), and radical prostatectomy (RP) remained relatively unchanged, whereas radical cystectomy (RC) burden showed a significant increase (90.9%). Characteristics of patients treated with TURBT, RC, NU, PN, and RN did not differ significantly between the compared periods, whereas RP in the COVID-19 period was performed more frequently in patients with a higher grade group (p = 0.028) and positive digital rectal examination (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Surgical activity for urological cancers in Poland has been maintained during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Polish strategy in the initial period of the COVID-19 crisis mirrors the scenario of hard initial lockdown followed by adaptive lockdown, during which oncological care remained undisrupted and did not require particular priority triage.

Prospective Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Patients after Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer: A 12-Month Cohort Observation.

This study constitutes a prospective, three-stage evaluation of quality of life among patients receiving surgical treatment for colorectal cancer depending on the type of surgery performed (open anterior resection, laparoscopic anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, or Hartmann's procedure). The study included 82 patients treated at the Surgical Oncology Outpatient Department of the Oncology Center in Bydgoszcz from June 2019 to August 2021. The study tools consisted of diagnostic surveys and analyses of medical records. The standardized study tools were the surveys EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29. In addition, a proprietary questionnaire was developed to collect demographic data. Quality of life was measured at three time-points: the day before the surgery and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the domains of role functioning (III, p = 0.030), body image (II, p < 0.001; III, p < 0.001), sexual functioning (II, p = 0.037), buttocks/anal area/rectum pain (III, p = 0.031), and embarrassment (II, p = 0.022; III, p = 0.010). Statistically significant differences in the functional and symptom scale scores were also observed within each group at different stages of cancer treatment. As shown by our study, the quality of life of patients treated for colorectal cancer is determined not only by the operating technique but also by sociodemographic and clinical factors. The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques enables patients to return to their social roles more quickly and improves their self-assessment of body image.

Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Prostatectomy and Affective Temperament.

Purpose: Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignancies in men. The population of PC survivors is growing, and understanding the roles of different factors that affect quality of life (QoL) is important. We investigated the effects of affective temperament on the QoL of PC patients. Patients and Methods: All subjects (n=100) underwent medical evaluation [including demographic data, medical history, physical examination, biochemical tests, and assessment of urinary incontinence (ICIQ-UI SF scale) and erectile dysfunction (ED) (IIEF-5 and subjective ED scale)] and psychological evaluation [including assessment of affective temperament using the TEMPS-A scale, depression and anxiety (using HADS), and QoL (EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-PR25)]. The relationships between individual variables were examined. Results: Erection quality after treatment was associated with better QoL in most parameters. Similar strong relationships were observed between the urinary incontinence scale and QoL. Depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperaments were associated with decreased QoL. On the EORTC-PR25 scale, associations were observed between a depressive temperament and worse sexual function and urinary symptoms, between a cyclothymic temperament and worse urinary symptoms, and between an irritable temperament and worse sexual functioning. Multivariate analysis identified the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms measured by HADS as the most important psychological factors affecting QoL. Conclusion: QoL in PC survivors depends on many factors, including age, interval since diagnosis, tumor stage, treatment, complications, and affective temperament profile. Depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperaments were associated with poorer QoL in selected domains, which was not observed for a hyperthymic temperament. The temperament profile of patients was associated with mood and anxiety level, which were important determinants of a poorer QoL.

Sexual Functioning in Female Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Colorectal Cancer-A Single-Center, Prospective Triple Timepoint Yearly Follow-Up.

The study was aimed at assessing the quality of sexual functioning in female patients having undergone surgical treatment for cancer depending on the type of surgery. The prospective cohort consisted of 48 female patients (23 patients with stoma [A2] and 25 patients with maintained continuity of the GI tract [A1]). Study methods included a diagnostic survey and the analysis of medical records of patients. Research tools consisted of a standardized FSFI questionnaire and a proprietary form for evaluation of sociodemographic data. Measurements were performed at threetimepoints: On the day before the surgery (Measurement I) as well as six and 12 months after the surgery (Measurements II and III, respectively). Statistically significant differences in results were observed in Measurements II and III in the subscales of arousal (II:p = 0.0068, III:p = 0.0018), lubrication (II:p = 0.0221, III:p = 0.0134), orgasm (II:p = 0.0044, III:p = 0.0021), satisfaction (II:p = 0.0021, III:p = 0.0433), and pain/discomfort (II:p = 0.0343, III:p = 0.0473). In all cases, lower scores corresponding to lower quality of sexual functioning were observed in patients in whom stoma had been performed. Statistically significant differences in sexual functioning were observed at Measurements II and III in each group, with the results being significantly (p > 0.05) worse in patients having undergone Hartmann's procedure or abdominoperineal resection). Variables significantly affecting self-assessed sexual satisfaction included marital status, age, and modality of neoadjuvant treatment. Restoration of the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract is a chance for better self-assessment of the patient's quality of life as regards sexual functioning.

Clinical Significance of Gene Mutations and Polymorphic Variants and their Association with Prostate Cancer Risk in Polish Men.

Objectives: We tested the association of germline variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, CDKN2A, CYP1B1, HOXB13, MLH1, NBS1, NOD2 andPALB2 genes, as well as in 8q24 region, with prostate cancer (PC) risk and estimated their impact on disease clinical course, including overall survival time in Polish men with localized PC qualified for radical treatment.Materials and Methods: DNA of 110 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP), from each age group and with different stages of the disease. DNA samples of the control group consisted of 111 men, volunteers, without PC (age-matched to study group). Sanger sequencing, AS-PCR, RFLP-PCR, and multiplex-PCR were used for  variants detection.Results: The percentage of men with ≥1 germline variant was higher in PC group (52.7%) than in healthy men (37.8%) (P = .03). The presence of ≥2 variants was associated with shorter survival than the presence of one or no variant in the PC group (P = .14, trend). The HOXB13 G84E was detected in 2.9% of PC men and in no healthy men (P = .19, trend, OR = 7.21). A CHEK2 truncating mutation (1100delC or IVS2+1G>A) was detected in 2/110 (1.8%) PC patients and in no healthy men (P = .29, OR=5.14). The NBS1 I171V was detected in 2/110 (1.8%) PC patients and in no men from the control group (OR=5.14, P = .29, NS).Conclusions: We conclude that the presence of more than 2 germline variants was probably associated with shorter survival of patients with localized prostate cancer qualified for radical treatment. The HOXB13 (G84E), CHEK2 (1100delC or IVS2+1G>A) truncating variants and NBS1 (I171V) are associated with PC and hereditary form of the disease. The HOXB13 (G84E) and NOD2 (3020insC) single variants are associated with shorter and CYP1B1 (48CC, 119GG) single genotypes with longer overall survival.

Prostate-Specific Antigen and Testosterone Levels as Biochemical Indicators of Cognitive Function in Prostate Cancer Survivors and the Role of Diabetes.

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignancies in men. The increase in the number of PC survivors is associated with many problems including cognitive impairment. Early detection of such problems facilitates timely protective intervention. This study examined the association between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or testosterone (T) levels and cognitive function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Such a correlation could help identify patient groups at risk of cognitive impairment. Participants underwent clinical (demographic data, medical history, physical examination, and blood analyses) and neuropsychological assessment (cognitive test battery). Preoperative PSA or T levels were not associated with cognitive function. However, long-term follow-up after prostatectomy showed a strong correlation between PSA levels and the results of verbal memory and executive function tests. A trend toward significance was also observed for visuospatial memory. The levels of free T and total T were not correlated with cognitive function. Only the levels of free T after hormonal treatment were significantly correlated with executive functions. Comorbid diabetes affected these correlations. In conclusion, PSA levels at a distant postoperative time and free T level after hormonal treatment may be biomarkers of cognitive function.

Changing patterns of urologic emergency visits and admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective, multicenter, nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to examine the change in the number and severity of visits to the emergency departments (EDs) and subsequent admissions for urgent urologic conditions in the early stage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated data from 13 urologic centers in Poland and compared the number of visits to the EDs and subsequent admissions before and after the advent of COVID-19 in 2020, and before and after the escalating national restrictions. Furthermore, data on types of urologic complaints, crucial laboratory parameters, and post-admission procedures were analyzed. RESULTS: In total 1,696 and 2,187 urologic visits (22.45% decrease) and 387 and 439 urologic urgent admissions (11.85% decrease) were reported in given periods in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The year-over-year difference in daily mean visits was clear (36.1 vs. 46.5; p < 0.001). Declines were seen in all complaints but device malfunction. In 2020 daily mean visits and admissions decreased from 40.9 and 9.6 before lockdowns to 30.9 (p < 0.001) and 6.9 (p = 0.001) after severe restrictions, respectively. There was a trend towards more negative laboratory parameter profiles in 2020, with patients who visited the EDs after severe restrictions having twice as high median levels of C-reactive protein (15.39 vs. 7.84, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The observed declines in ED visits and admissions were apparent with the significant effect of national lockdowns. Our results indicate that some of the patients requiring urgent medical help did not appear at the ED or came later than they would have done before the pandemic, presenting with more severe complaints.

Polish Medical Students' Knowledge Regarding Human Papillomavirus's Ways of Transmission, Risk of Cancer Development and Vaccination, and Their Intention to Recommend Vaccination.

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with six types of cancer in men and women. A vaccine against HPV, preferably administered before initial sexual intercourse, has been proven to be highly effective in preventing these cancers. An effective healthcare provider recommendation has significant influence on HPV vaccine uptake; therefore, it is critical that medical students receive comprehensive training in this area. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of medical students regarding Human Papillomavirus's (HPV) ways of transmission, risk of cancer development, and vaccination against HPV. This study also investigated factors among medical students that would affect their intention to recommend HPV vaccination to others. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 1061 (678 women and 383 men) medical students who filled in our questionnaire. The medical students were divided into two subgroups: (1) pre-clinical medical students (MS pre-clinical; first-to third-year students; n = 683) and (2) clinical medical students (MS clinical; fourth-to six-year students; n = 378). RESULTS: A total259 (24.41%) of the 1061 medical students were vaccinated against HPV. We found a significant improvement in the general level of knowledge in the later years of education (4-6) compared to the early years of education (1-3). However, it was demonstrated that, despite medical education advancements, there are still significant gaps of knowledge about the relationship between HPV infection and cancers other than cervical cancer, as well as in relation to the routes by which HPV is transmitted. Medical students' intentions to recommend HPV vaccine to others were related to their own HPV-related knowledge and their own vaccination status. CONCLUSION: Medical students have gaps of knowledge regarding particular issues and aspects of HPV. It is necessary to further educate medical students in the field of prevention and in the treatment of lesions caused by HPV infection. Medical students' intention to recommend the HPV vaccine can be improved by including them and members of their families in the HPV vaccination program.

Randomized-Controlled Trial Examining the Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Men after a Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Pilot Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of pelvic floor muscle training (PMFT) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in men after they received radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: From November 2018 to September 2019, patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were assessed for eligibility. A total of 37 men were then randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). The EG group received supervised exercise twice a week for 12 weeks, and the CG did not receive any intervention. To objectify the results obtained in both groups before and after the intervention, the authors assessed myostatin concentration. Moreover, the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) was applied to assess the quality of life, and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to measure depression severity. RESULTS: Study results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of myostatin concentration in the EG following the treatment and no statistically significant differences in this parameter in the CG. In addition, a comparison of the EPIC-26 scores in the EG at the initial and final assessments revealed a statistically significant improvement in the quality of life in each domain. A comparison of the EPIC-26 scores in the CG at the initial and final assessments showed there is a statistically significant decline in quality of life in the "overall urinary problem" and "sexual" domain. A comparison of the BDI-II scores at the initial and final assessments showed a statistically significant decline in depressive symptoms in the EG and no statistically significant differences in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: PFMT is an effective treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) in men who received radical prostatectomy.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection: a combined technique.

INTRODUCTION: The important part of radical prostatectomy (RP) for high risk (HR) is extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). This method consists of two stages of surgery usually performed at the compartment (pre- or transperineally). AIM: We present our new combined technique of RP using two different approaches: a pre-peritoneal approach for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and a transperitoneal approach for ePLND. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients aged 53 to 75 years (mean age: 64 years) with prostate cancer who underwent LRP and ePLND using a combined technique. After the pre-peritoneal LRP, transposition of the trocars into the peritoneal cavity was performed without changing their location, except the extreme left trocar, which was inserted through a new approach. RESULTS: The total duration of surgery was 155 to 290 min (mean: 215 min); ePLND lasted from 35 to 85 min (mean: 56 min). The movement of trocars into the peritoneal cavity was a very simple maneuver, taking up to 1 min without any complications. The number of removed lymph nodes (LNs) ranged from 13 to 28 (mean: 16.8). A positive margin was found in 5 (16%) patients. We recognized positive nodes in 9 (30%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The combined technique is both feasible and safe. Performing the most difficult maneuver, removal of the prostate, in the first stage appears to be more comfortable for the operator. The timing of the PLND stage in the combined technique and the number of removed LNs do not differ from the standard lenticular access.

Simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy by retroperitoneal approach.

The indication for simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy and the choice of surgical technique is of key importance, as these patients are burdened with a large comorbidity. The paper reports our experience of seven successful and completed simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy procedures with retroperitoneal approach in the patient's flank position. Seven patients (mean age 34), were indicated for the removal of both kidneys before the planned transplant. Six patients underwent haemodialysis from 48 to 84 months, and one underwent peritoneal dialysis for 60 months. Two patients had undergone graftectomy. The indications were chronic infection or hypertension. The length of the kidneys ranged from 5.8 to 10cm. All procedures were performed by the laparoscopic technique with retroperitoneal approach, with the patient in the flank position. Three trocars were used on each side. The retroperitoneal space created did not require balloon dilatation. The kidneys were removed through the 10mm trocar hole after splitting. The duration of the procedure ranged from 150 to 240 minutes, average 139 minutes and blood loss ranged from100 to 250mL, average 142mL. There were no complications. In 6 patients, the postoperative dialysis was performed at zero-day. One patient continued peritoneal dialysis. Patients were discharged on the 2nd day, except one with peritoneal dialysis, who was discharged on the 3rd day. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy is a safe and effective technique, and it can be considered as an ideal approach for native nephrectomy. It allows for the preservation of peritoneal integrity and vessels for future vascular access.

Simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy by retroperitoneal approach

ABSTRACT The indication for simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy and the choice of surgical technique is of key importance, as these patients are burdened with a large comorbidity. The paper reports our experience of seven successful and completed simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy procedures with retroperitoneal approach in the patient's flank position. Seven patients (mean age 34), were indicated for the removal of both kidneys before the planned transplant. Six patients underwent haemodialysis from 48 to 84 months, and one underwent peritoneal dialysis for 60 months. Two patients had undergone graftectomy. The indications were chronic infection or hypertension. The length of the kidneys ranged from 5.8 to 10cm. All procedures were performed by the laparoscopic technique with retroperitoneal approach, with the patient in the flank position. Three trocars were used on each side. The retroperitoneal space created did not require balloon dilatation. The kidneys were removed through the 10mm trocar hole after splitting. The duration of the procedure ranged from 150 to 240 minutes, average 139 minutes and blood loss ranged from100 to 250mL, average 142mL. There were no complications. In 6 patients, the postoperative dialysis was performed at zero-day. One patient continued peritoneal dialysis. Patients were discharged on the 2nd day, except one with peritoneal dialysis, who was discharged on the 3rd day. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy is a safe and effective technique, and it can be considered as an ideal approach for native nephrectomy. It allows for the preservation of peritoneal integrity and vessels for future vascular access.

Urology resident training in laparoscopic surgery - results of the first national survey in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: For many urological procedures the open approach is being replaced by the laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopy technique requires special training conditions. A well-designed, step-by step training program is significantly important for shortening the learning curve. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate urology residents' (UR) experience in laparoscopic procedures, training patterns and facilities available in departments of urology in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey developed by the authors included 18 questions concerning laparoscopy training and was distributed among UR who participated in 2 courses in laparoscopic surgery for UR in Poland in 2017. The survey consisted of questions regarding the number of laparoscopic procedures, acquired laparoscopic experience, laparoscopic simulation training and motivation for further learning. RESULTS: Of the 2017 invited UR in Poland, 108 (34%) completed the survey. Seventy-two (78%) UR from the study group have access to laparoscopic surgery in their department. Only 20 (25%) of urology departments are equipped with a laparoscopy box and a small number of UR perform regular training. As a primary operator basic (varicocele repair) and advanced (e.g. radical nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy, nephron-sparing surgery) laparoscopic procedures are performed respectively by 55 (71%) UR and 8 (10%) UR. Most residents evaluated their laparoscopic skills as poor (15, 19%), very poor (31, 40%) or absent (10, 13%), while only 22 (28%) evaluated them as at least satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic technique is available in most Polish training centers. However, the majority of UR consider their skills unsatisfactory. Additionally, a large number of Polish UR do not have access to intensive training. UR considered that their availability of training courses and fellowships is low. Surgical exposure among Polish UR comprises mainly minor laparoscopic procedures.

G84E germline mutation in HOXB13 gene is associated with increased prostate cancer risk in Polish men.

We tested the association between HOXB13 G84E (rs138213197) germline mutation and PC risk in Polish men. DNA from 103 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients hospitalised because of PC and DNA from 103 men: volunteers, healthy at the time of the study. The G84E mutation was genotyped using Sanger sequencing. The HOXB13 G84E germline mutation was detected in 2.9% of PC men (3/103) and not detected in any healthy man. Two mutation carriers originated from two of 25 families fulfilling hereditary prostate cancer criteria (HPC) and one mutation carrier from one family among 78 families without HPC (PC frequency: 8% vs. 1.3%, OR = 6.70, p = 0.13). In two of three mutation carriers, disease was detected above 60 years of age. There was a trend for a lower probability of 5-year survival in patients with G84E than in patients without it (66.7% vs. 94.0%, p = 0.08). The HOXB13 G84E germline mutation is associated with increased prostate cancer risk in Polish men, with hereditary form of the disease, and probably with older age at PC onset (> 60 years of age) and shorter survival. However, it is not associated with PSA level, or PC stage or grade at the time of diagnosis.

Cognitive function, depression, and anxiety in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy with and without adjuvant treatment.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in developed countries. Both PC and treatment for PC have an adverse impact on physical and mental well-being, and are associated with decreased quality of life. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between neuropsychological symptoms and clinical course in PC patients undergoing radical prostatectomy with or without adjunct therapy. METHODS: The cohort comprised 100 patients aged 50-77 years who underwent radical, laparoscopic prostatectomy for PC. Twenty-three patients with a more advanced clinical stage also received adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy and hormonotherapy). Clinical evaluation included self-report assessment, physical examination, and biochemical tests (testosterone and prostate-specific antigen). In addition, the presence and intensity of sexual dysfunction, urinary dysfunction, anxiety-depressive symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction were assessed. RESULTS: The group of patients undergoing complex therapy was characterized by a significantly worse result of deferred memory (p=0.04). A significant correlation was found between post-surgery erectile function and scores for the visual working memory test (correct answers; VWMT-C; p=0.006) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression (p=0.045) and anxiety scores (p=0.02). A trend toward significance was also observed for simple reaction time (correct answers; p=0.09). A significant correlation was found between results for the delayed verbal memory test and all physical symptoms (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-total, p=0.02; International Index of Erectile Function-5, p=0.006). Similarly, a significant correlation was found between the VWMT-C and score for sexual dysfunction (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing both surgical and adjunct therapy for PC are at risk for psychological burden and cognitive disorders. In the present cohort, physical complications of therapy were associated with depression, anxiety, and delayed memory dysfunction. Furthermore, this study has proven that fewer complications after surgery are associated with better psychological and cognitive functioning. Appropriate neuropsychological and psychiatric care can improve compliance and quality of life among patients after prostatectomy.

A randomized-controlled trial pilot study examining the effect of extracorporeal magnetic innervation in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women.

INTRODUCTION: Peri- and postmenopausal women frequently suffer from urinary incontinence (UI). Generally, UI becomes more severe with age. It impacts physical, mental, and social functioning as well as the quality of life, often leading to depression. Extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) is a relatively new conservative treatment method for UI. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of ExMI in the treatment of stress UI in women. METHODS: A total of 52 women were included in the analysis: 28 participants were allocated to the experimental group (EG) and 24 to the control group (CG). The average age was 65.41 years (±SD 4.08). EG patients completed ExMI therapy. The treatment sessions lasted for 15 minutes, and occurred three times a week, for 4 weeks. No therapeutic intervention was applied to the CG. To objectify the treatment outcomes in both groups before and after the treatment, we measured myostatin concentration and performed the UI severity assessment (The Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale), perceived self-efficacy assessment (General Self-Efficacy Scale), and depression severity assessment (Beck Depression Inventory). RESULTS: The authors compared the EG results at the initial and final assessments and found a statistically significant improvement in severity of UI (P=0.001) and depression severity (P=0.006), and a decrease in myostatin concentration (P≤0.001). The authors did not find any statistically significant differences between all measured variables for the CG at the initial and final assessments. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between all measured variables for the EG and the CG at the final assessment. CONCLUSION: Further trials are needed to determine optimal treatment protocols for various UI types and to evaluate long-term outcomes of the ExMI treatment.

Determination of amino acids in urine of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostate growth.

Prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer diagnosed in men. Serum prostate-specific antigen levels and digital rectal exam are far from perfect when it comes to differentiation of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In this study, we attempt to determine whether amino acids can be used as prostate cancer biomarkers. Concentrations of derivatized amino acids and amines were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 100 urine samples from the two groups including samples provided before and after prostate massage were examined quantitatively for amino acid and amine concentrations with 50 urine samples collected from cancer patients and 50 samples from patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Arginine, homoserine, and proline were more abundant in urine samples of cancer patients compared with arginine, homoserine, and proline levels determined in urine collected from patients with benign growth. We also show that sarcosine is not a definitive indicator of prostate cancer when analyzed in urine samples collected either before or after prostate massage.