Dutasteride improves bone mineral density in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatic enlargement: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: We studied the effect of dutasteride on bone mineral density (BMD) in aging male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostatic enlargement. METHODS: We prospectively studied 17 patients with LUTS and prostatic enlargement. Before and 1 year after dutasteride (0.5 mg daily), we assessed International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostatic volume (PV), serum prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone. BMD in the lumbar and femur was measured by DEXA method. RESULTS: Dutasteride significantly reduced PV (from 51 ± 24 to 34 ± 17 ml, p < 0.001) and improved IPSS (from 15.1 ± 9.8 to 11.7 ± 10.3, p < 0.05). Serum PSA was significantly decreased (from 3.2 ± 2.6 to 1.0 ± 0.8 ng/ml, p < 0.001), while serum testosterone "was not changed" significantly. BMD of the lumbar "was not changed" significantly after dutasteride. BMD of the femur was significantly improved (from 0.75 ± 0.14 to 0.82 ± 0.16 g/cm(2), p < 0.01). In nine patients whose testosterone was increased after dutasteride, BMD of the lumbar (from 1.18 ± 0.26 to 1.22 ± 0.25 g/cm(2), p < 0.05) and femur (from 0.76 ± 0.12 to 0.84 ± 0.16 g/cm(2), p < 0.05) was significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Dutasteride has a potential to improve BMD with elevation of serum testosterone in aging male patients with LUTS and prostatic enlargement.

[Successful Management by Immunoglobulin for Sunitinib-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Advanced Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma].

An 81-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a right renal tumor with vena cava thrombus and multiple lung metastases that were detected by computed tomography (CT) scan during evaluation of respiratory discomfort. We started medical treatment with sunitinib at a dose of 50 mg daily in a 2-week-on, 1-week-off schedule after confirming clear cell renal cell carcinoma by tumor biopsy. After 2-week sunitinib treatment, thrombocytopenia continued and platelet count decreased to 1.8×10(9)/l at day 11 after stopping sunitinib. We needed to administer a total of 60 units platelet transfusion because of persistent thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration did not reveal myelosuppression or carcinoma invasion to bone marrow. Under the clinical diagnosis of drug-induced thrombocytopenia secondary to sunitinib, we started immunoglobulin therapy at day 23 after stopping sunitinib. Platelet count returned to normal 10 days after starting immunoglobulin. The patient developed exacerbating lung metastasis and carcinomatous lymphangiosis during subsequent course and died of renal cell carcinoma 79 days after starting sunitinib. Thrombocytopenia after sunitinib therapy is often encountered but prolonged thrombocytopenia is rare after stopping sunitinib. This case suggests that immunoglobulin therapy is effective for drug-induced prolonged thrombocytopenia through immunological mechanism.

[A Case Report of Suspected Tuberculous Granuloma in the Kidney after BCG Perfusion Therapy for Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis].

A 66-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital for bilateral renal pelvic tumors. Ureteroscopic biopsy revealed urothelial carcinoma (UC) of low grade (G1) of the renal pelvis. Renal sparing treatment with systemic chemotherapy and percutaneous tumor resection was performed. However, during subsequent follow up, a recurrent tumor was found on the left ureter. After ureteroscopic laser ablation of the tumor, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) perfusion therapy (once a week, total 6 weeks) was performed via a single J ureteral catheter with no adverse events. Later, another recurrent recurrence was found on the right ureter, and was managed by ureteroscopic laser ablation followed by BCG perfusion therapy via a single J ureteral catheter. However, the patient developed high fever with chill from the day after initial BCG perfusion therapy on the right side. Although we started antibiotics, high fever continued. Then antituberculous drugs were administered and his condition was improved. Computed tomographic scan revealed a right renal mass 57 mm in diameter, which was consistent with tuberculous granuloma. The tuberculous granuloma persisted despite the continuation of anti-tuberculous drugs. In exceptional cases of upper tract UC such as single kidney and bilateral tumor, BCG perfusion therapy has been used as adjunctive treatment to cure or prevent UC. However, dosages and administration methods of BCG perfusion therapy for upper tract UC still remain to be standardized. Serious adverse events after BCG perfusion therapy require prompt and proper management including the use of anti-tuberculous drugs.

[Efficacy of combination therapy with mirabegron for anticholinergic-resistant neurogenic bladder: videourodynamic evaluation].

Using a videourodynamic study, we examined the efficacy of combination therapy with mirabegron for anticholinergic-resistant neurogenic bladder. We retrospectively studied 7 patients with neurogenic bladder (5 males and 2 females) who had detrusor overactivity (DO) or low compliance bladder (＜10 ml/cmH2O) despite taking anticholinergic medication. Bladder deformity was categorized from G0 to G3 by Ogawa's classification. Mean age of study patients was 51 years (25-76). Underlying diseases were spinal cord injury in 3 patients, spina bifida in 2, spinal cord infarction in 1, and post-radical hysterectomy in 1. Preceding anticholinergic medication was solifenacin 5 mg in 1 patient, solifenacin 10 mg in 5, and tolterodine 4 mg in 1. Before mirabegron, bladder deformity was G1 in 4 patients, G2 in 1 and G3 in 2, and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was detected in 3 patients. Five and 4 patients had detrusor overactivity and low compliance bladder, respectively. Videourodynamic study was reevaluated at a mean of 7 months (2- 12 months) after mirabegron. After mirabegron, urinary incontinence was improved in all patients. G3 bladder deformity was improved to G2 and G1 in one patient each, and VUR disappeared in all 3 patients. DO disappeared in 2 of the 5 patients, and bladder compliance was improved in all 4 patients with low compliance bladder. In conclusion, combination therapy of mirabegron is effective and beneficial for anticholinergic-resistant neurogenic bladder.

Decreased urinary nerve growth factor reflects prostatic volume reduction and relief of outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic enlargement treated with dutasteride.

OBJECTIVES: To examine urinary nerve growth factor before and after dutasteride treatment, and to analyze correlations between clinical parameters and change of urinary nerve growth factor in patients with benign prostatic enlargement. METHODS: We prospectively studied 30 patients with benign prostatic enlargement who had not been satisfied with α-adrenergic antagonist monotherapy for more than 3 months. Before and 24 weeks after dutasteride add-on treatment, we assessed International Prostate Symptom Score, prostatic volume, filling cystometry and pressure-flow study. Urinary nerve growth factor was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and normalized to the urinary creatinine (nerve growth factor/creatinine) before and 24 weeks after dutasteride add-on treatment. RESULTS: In baseline characteristics before dutasteride, there was no significant correlation between urinary nerve growth factor/creatinine and any clinical parameters including age, International Prostate Symptom Score, prostatic volume, presence of detrusor overactivity, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, bladder outlet obstruction index or bladder contractility index. Dutasteride significantly reduced prostatic volume (from 68 ± 31 mL to 49 ± 28 mL) and improved International Prostate Symptom Score (from 17.2 ± 8.7 to 13.1 ± 6.8), storage (from 8.0 ± 4.3 to 6.0 ± 2.9) and voiding symptom subscore of International Prostate Symptom Score (from 9.3 ± 5.7 to 7.1 ± 4.5). In urodynamic study, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (from 77 ± 32 cmH2 O to 59 ± 24 cmH2 O) and bladder outlet obstruction index (from 62 ± 32 to 42 ± 27) were significantly decreased after dutasteride treatment. Urinary nerve growth factor/creatinine was significantly decreased after dutasteride from 2.61 ± 2.50 to 1.64 ± 1.68. The change of urinary nerve growth factor/creatinine significantly correlated only with the change of prostatic volume (r = 0.38) and bladder outlet obstruction index (r = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary nerve growth factor decreases in association with reduction of prostatic volume and relief of bladder outlet obstruction. Urinary nerve growth factor might be useful as a biomarker to monitor the improvement of bladder outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic enlargement.

[Perioperative complications of transurethral resection of bladder tumor in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy].

We examined perioperative complications of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. We retrospectively studied 276 patients who underwent TURBT in our institute from January 2007 to March 2013. The study group consisted of 105 patients (38%) who were receiving antithrombotic agents, and the other 171 patients (62%) without antithrombotic agents were assigned to the control group. The period of discontinuation of antithrombotic agents complied with our institutional rule. The most frequently used agent was aspirin (69 patients : 66%), followed by warfarin (25 patients : 24%). Fourteen patients receiving warfarin (56%) needed heparin bridging therapy. There was no significant difference in average operative time (51 minutes versus 54 minutes), or average days to removal of urethral catheter (3.7 days versus 3.3 days) between the study and control groups. Hemorrhagic and ischemic complications were noted in 11 (10.5%) and 2 (1.9%) patients in the study group and 11 (6.4%) and none (0%) of the patients in the control group, respectively, with no significant difference between the 2 groups. However, prevalence of hemorrhagic complications in patients receiving heparin bridging therapy (21.4%) was significantly higher than that in the control group. Ischemic complications in the study group included chest pain suggestive of angina in one patient and acute myocardial infarction leading to death in another patient. We should pay attention to hemorrhagic complications in patients receiving heparin bridging therapy and keep in mind the possibility of lethal ischemic complications after discontinuation of antithrombotic agents.

[Successful conservative management of blunt renal rupture in a girl].

An 11-year-old girl visited the emergency room of our hospital with complaints of pain, nausea and gross hematuria after abdominal injury due to a fall from a fence. Computed tomography (CT) showed ruptured right kidney, hematoma, urinoma, and slight liver damage in S7 area. According to the Classification of Renal Injury by the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma, this case was Type IIIb, but according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Severity Scale for the Kidney, it was Type V. Because her vital signs were stable after admission, conservative management was initiated. There was no progression of anemia, and blood transfusion was not required. Right ureteral stenting was performed on the 4th hospital day because of an increase in fluid accumulation around the right kidney. Percutaneous drainage was performed on the 9th hospital day because of a further increase in fluid accumulation around the right kidney. After percutaneous drainage, fluid accumulation around the kidney was improved, and the drainage tube was removed on the 20th hospital day. The patient was discharged on the 22nd day. Although the decreased blood flow in the ruptured portion of the right kidney was observed in a subsequent CT scan, renal scintigraphy showed a relatively well maintained function of the right kidney (split renal function; right 38% and left 62%). She had no increase in blood pressure one year after renal injury.

Relationship between overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome: a large-scale internet survey in Japan using the overactive bladder symptom score and Rome III criteria.

UNLABELLED: WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: There is known to be an association between overactive bladder (OAB) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study investigates the association between OAB and IBS using an internet-based survey in Japan. It is the first to investigate the prevalence and severity of OAB in the general population using the OAB symptom score questionnaire. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by using an internet-based survey in Japan. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were sent via the internet to Japanese adults. The overactive bladder symptom score was used for screening OAB, and the Japanese version of the Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of IBS was used for screening this syndrome. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of OAB and IBS was 9.3% and 21.2%, respectively. Among the subjects with OAB, 33.3% had concurrent IBS. The prevalence of OAB among men was 9.7% and among women it was 8.9%, while 18.6% of men and 23.9% of women had IBS. Concurrent IBS was noted in 32.0% of men and 34.8% of women with OAB. CONCLUSION: Taking into account a high rate of concurrent IBS in patients with OAB, it seems to be important for physicians to assess the defaecation habits of patients when diagnosing and treating OAB.

Urodynamic effects of dutasteride add-on therapy to alpha-adrenergic antagonist for patients with benign prostatic enlargement: prospective pressure-flow study.

AIMS: We prospectively investigated the effect of dutasteride on clinical and urodynamic parameters in patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in consecutive 52 patients with BPE who had not been satisfied with alpha-adrenergic antagonist monotherapy. Inclusion criteria were prostate volume (PV) ≥30 ml and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥8 or QOL index ≥3 under administration of an alpha-adrenergic antagonist without anticholinergic agent. Before and 24 weeks after dutasteride (0.5 mg daily) add-on treatment with preceding alpha-adrenergic antagonist, we assessed IPSS, uroflowmetry (UFM), filling cystometry, and pressure-flow study (PFS). RESULTS: Dutasteride add-on treatment significantly improved IPSS (from 18.4 ± 7.5 to 13.8 ± 7.3) and maximum flow rate (from 11.4 ± 5.6 to 13.0 ± 6.8 ml/sec). Maximum cystometric capacity on filling cystometry did not change significantly by dutasteride add-on treatment (221 ± 97 and 240 ± 104 ml before and after dutasteride add-on, respectively). All of the 41 patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) before dutasteride add-on treatment showed apparent reduction in the amplitude of involuntary detrusor contraction after dutasteride add-on treatment, including seven in whom DO disappeared. Dutasteride significantly reduced PV from 66.4 ± 31.9 to 47.6 ± 26.1 ml. In PFS, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (PdetQmax) significantly decreased from 71.5 ± 30.1 to 59.1 ± 24.9 cmH2O after dutasteride add-on treatment. Bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) also decreased significantly from 55.2 ± 31.9 to 42.3 ± 27.9, and obstruction grade assessed by the Schäfer nomogram significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Dutasteride can improve lower urinary tract symptoms by improving storage bladder function and relieving obstruction.

Effect of intrathecal administration of E-series prostaglandin 1 receptor antagonist in a cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis rat model.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of intrathecal administration of E-series prostaglandin 1 antagonist in cyclophosphamide-induced murine cystitis. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were used for this experimental study. Intrathecal administration of E-series prostaglandin 1 antagonist (ONO-8711; 0.5, 5 and 50 µg) in sham controls and rats with cystitis induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (300 mg/kg) was assessed by evaluating micturition pressure and intercontraction interval using a conscious-filling cystometry at 48 h after cyclophosphamide or saline injection. In both groups, prostaglandin E2 concentrations and the expression of E-series prostaglandin 1 receptor in the spinal cord were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: Rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis showed a shorter intercontraction interval compared with controls, where the cumulative intrathecal administration of ONO-8711 did not significantly change micturition pressure or intercontraction interval compared with the baseline. In rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, each dose of ONO-8711 significantly increased the intercontraction interval compared with the baseline (46% increase at 50 µg intrathecally). Polymerase chain reaction revealed the expression of E-series prostaglandin 1 receptor in the spinal cord of both sham and cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis rats. In rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, PGE2 concentration in the dorsal horn of the L5-6 spinal cord was significantly higher than that in controls (3.55 ± 1.24 vs 0.99 ± 0.06 pg/mg tissue). CONCLUSIONS: In rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, urinary frequency seems to be caused by prostaglandin E2 acting on E-series prostaglandin 1 receptor at the level of the spinal cord. Blockade of the spinal E-series prostaglandin 1 receptor by ONO-8711 might have a therapeutic potential in the control of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

[Solitary fibrous tumor of the adrenal gland with renal cell carcinoma and angiomyolipoma at the same time; a case report].

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a neoplasm of pleura and its occurrence in the retroperitoneal space is rare. We report a case of SFT of the adrenal gland associated with ipsilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and angiomyolipoma (AML). A 48-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for a left renal AML. Computed tomography (CT) in our hospital showed a left adrenal mass (25 x 20 mm). Because the adrenal tumor was nonfunctioning, she was followed at outpatient clinic. Four years later, CT showed an increase in the left adrenal tumor size (42 x 30 mm) and a left RCC. Left adrenectomy and partial nephrectomy for RCC and AML were simultaneously performed. Histological examination revealed adrenal SFT and clear cell carcinoma and AML of the kidney. We present a brief review on histological characteristics of retroperitoneal SFT and its occurrence in the adrenal grand region.

Influence of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists therapy on stool form in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of two α1-adrenoceptor (AR) antagonists, tamsulosin and silodosin, in treating patients with untreated lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH), with a focus on stool form. METHODS: This study was a non-blinded, open-label, prospective randomized comparative study. Tamsulosin or silodosin was administered to patients with untreated LUTS/BPH, and their efficacy and safety in the early stage of treatment were compared using the questionnaire of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)/quality of life (QOL), the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). RESULTS: The per protocol set consisted of 22 patients in tamsulosin group (mean age, 70.15 ± 5.70 years) and 20 patients in silodosin group (73.00 ± 6.48 years). The total IPSS and QOL score improved within 2 weeks in both groups. Although the overall GSRS score showed no significant change in either group, "hard stools" score was significantly decreased in silodosin first at week 2, then in both groups at week 4. Furthermore, the subscale score for "constipation" was significantly decreased only in silodosin at week 4. BSFS was significantly increased at week 4 in silodosin alone. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that silodosin was associated with increased digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and loose stools. Therefore, oral drugs for BPH need to be selected by taking into consideration the possibility of digestive symptoms including both the state and type of stools.

Urodynamic Efficacy and Safety of Mirabegron Add-on Treatment with Tamsulosin for Japanese Male Patients with Overactive Bladder.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate urodynamic efficacy and safety of mirabegron add-on treatment with tamsulosin for Japanese male patients with overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 26 consecutive male patients with OAB who had been taking tamsulosin. OAB was diagnosed by overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS). Before and 8 weeks after mirabegron add-on treatment with preceding tamsulosin, we assessed OABSS, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), free uroflowmetry (UFM), filling cystometry and pressure-flow study (PFS). RESULTS: Mean age and prostate volume of the study patients were 75 ± 7 years and 32 ± 19 mL, respectively. Mirabegron significantly improved OABSS (from 8.5 ± 2.3 to 4.7 ± 2.5, P < 0.001). On free UFM, mirabegron significantly increased voided volume (from 135 ± 47 to 182 ± 102 mL, P = 0.01), maximum (from 10.7 ± 3.7 to 13.5 ± 6.4 mL/sec, P < 0.01) and average flow rate (from 5.5 ± 1.9 to 7.1 ± 3.3 mL/sec, P < 0.01), while postvoid residual urine volume did not change significantly (from 47 ± 38 to 63 ± 61 mL, P = 0.23). Before mirabegron, 24 patients (92%) had detrusor overactivity (DO). After mirabegron add-on, maximum cystometric capacity significantly increased from 170 ± 98 to 212 ± 95 mL (P = 0.01) and DO disappeared in six patients (25%). In the other 18 patients with persistent DO, amplitude of involuntary contraction decreased and bladder volume at first involuntary contraction increased with statistical significance. On PFS, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (from 79 ± 31 to 68 ± 19 cmH2 O, P = 0.10) or bladder contractility index (from 126 ± 39 to 120 ± 27, P = 0.45) did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Mirabegron add-on treatment with tamsulosin has efficacy and safety because it improves storage symptom without impairment of bladder contractility during voiding in male patients with OAB.

Improvement of Overactive Bladder Symptoms and Bladder Ischemia with Dutasteride in Patients with Benign Prostatic Enlargement.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation of clinical and urodynamic parameters with bladder vascular resistance before and after dutasteride treatment in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic enlargement. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 30 consecutive patients with benign prostatic enlargement who had not been satisfied with alpha-adrenergic antagonist monotherapy. Before and 24 weeks after dutasteride add-on treatment, we assessed International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume (PV), urodynamic study and contrast-enhanced color Doppler ultrasonography to measure bladder vascular resistive index (RI). RESULTS: Twenty-four weeks after dutasteride, PV significantly decreased from 68 ± 29 to 48 ± 28 mL (P < 0.001), and there was significant improvement of IPSS (from 18.8 ± 7.7 to 13.4 ± 7.2, P < 0.001). Urgency score of IPSS was also significantly improved from 2.3 ± 1.9 to 1.4 ± 1.4 (P < 0.01) after dutasteride. On pressure-flow study, bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) (from 58 ± 36 to 38 ± 27, P < 0.001) and detrusor pressure at Qmax (PdetQmax) (from 73 ± 34 to 54 ± 25 cmH2 O, P < 0.001) were significantly improved. RI significantly decreased after dutasteride (from 0.548 ± 0.069 to 0.486 ± 0.064, P < 0.001). In 20 patients with persistent urgency after dutasteride, RI was less improved than in another 10 patients without urgency (change of RI 0.045 ± 0.091 vs. 0.096 ± 0.042, P < 0.05). Post-treatment BOOI and PdetQmax in patients with persistent urgency was significantly higher than in those without urgency after dutasteride (BOOI: 46 ± 28 vs. 24 ± 20, P < 0.05, PdetQmax: 62 ± 26 vs. 40 ± 17 cmH2 O, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of obstruction and improvement of bladder ischemia might play an important role in a beneficial impact of dutasteride on overactive bladder symptoms.

Association between Chronic Periodontal Disease and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Both Sexes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between chronic periodontal disease (CPD) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in both sexes. METHODS: The interview sheet of the CPD self-checklist and LUTS was distributed to 600 adult men and women (300 each) who visited the first dental examination at dental clinics. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire/Quality Of Life (IPSS/QOL) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were used to assess LUTS. The relationship between the CPD score and LUTS or OAB was examined. RESULTS: The interview sheet was collected from 88 men (50.9 ± 16.6 years old) and 97 women (51.1 ± 15.5 years old). There was no statistically significant correlation between the CPD score and age, or between the CPD score and the presence of LUTS in either men or women. However, urgency and weak stream score of IPSS were significantly correlated with the severity of CPD in both sexes. Significant correlation between the severity of CPD and the presence of OAB was only noted in men but not in women. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated for the first time that some storage and voiding symptoms were significantly associated with CPD in both sexes. Thus, although CPD and LUTS seem to have common pathophysiological factors, the interrelationship between CPD and LUTS is slightly different between men and women.

Effects of chronic treatment with cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, on female rat bladder in a partial bladder outlet obstruction model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether bladder dysfunction after bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) could be altered by treatment with cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor (PDE3i). METHODS: Twelve-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: groups 1 and 2, sham-operated rats and groups 3-5, BOO rats. Group 1 and 3 rats were given normal diet, group 2 and 5 rats were given high-dose PDE3i diet, and group 4 rats were given low-dose PDE3i diet. PDE3i was given within diet from the day of surgery. Four weeks after BOO, the bladder was excised and dissected into 4 longitudinal strips for isometric organ-bath assay. Contractile responses of bladder strips to electrical field stimulation (EFS), carbachol, and potassium chloride (KCl) were determined for each group. RESULTS: BOO induced a significant increase in bladder weight in groups 3-5 compared with groups 1 and 2. PDE3i treatment did not affect bladder weight in sham or BOO rats. Contractile forces in response to EFS, carbachol, and KCl in group 3 were about 20%-40% of those in group 1. Contractile responses to EFS or KCl in PDE3i-treated BOO rats were not significantly different from those in group 3. Only high dose of PDE3i treatment in BOO rats caused a statistically significant increase in the response to carbachol compared with group 3. CONCLUSION: PDE3i has a small but significant protective effect on the contractile dysfunction induced by a 4-week BOO in rats, although the increase in bladder mass was not altered. PDE3i could be a useful protection against contractile dysfunction of the obstructed bladder.

Bladder function in 17ß-estradiol-induced nonbacterial prostatitis model in Wistar rat.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate bladder function in a model of nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP) induced in castrated rats by 17ß-estradiol injection. METHODS: Ten-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, sham and NBP (both N = 8). NBP was induced by castration followed by daily subcutaneous injection of 17ß-estradiol for 30 days. On the 31st day after surgery, we investigated (1) voiding behavior, (2) bladder blood flow (BBF), (3) prostate and bladder weight, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and CXCL1) levels and (4) bladder contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS), carbachol and KCl. RESULTS: (1) Voiding behavior (average micturition volume, total urine volume and number of micturitions) and (2) BBF were not significantly different between the sham and NBP groups. (3) NBP led to a significant decrease in prostatic weight and increase in proinflammatory cytokine levels in the prostate, but NBP did not cause a significant change in bladder weight or proinflammatory cytokine levels in the bladder. (4) Bladder contractile forces in response to EFS, carbachol and KCl were not significantly affected by NBP. CONCLUSIONS: In this rat model, NBP did not cause a significant change in the level of proinflammatory cytokines in the bladder and affect bladder function.