Outcome comparison of radical prostatectomy versus seed brachytherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer using two biochemical recurrence definitions.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the outcome of radical prostatectomy (RP) with seed brachytherapy (BT) in clinically localized prostate cancer (LPCa) using two different biochemical recurrence (BCR) definitions. METHODS: Clinical data of 1117 patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) treated with either RP or BT as the basis of the multimodal therapy from a single tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. 843 LPCa patients (RP = 737, BT = 106) with at least one prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test after treatment were finally included. The BCR survival was evaluated by direct comparison and one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) analysis using surgical definition (PSA ≥ 0.2ng/ml) for RP and surgical/Phoenix definition (PSA nadir + 2ng/ml ) for BT. The propensity score (PS) was calculated by multivariable logistic regression based on the clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 43 months for RP patients and 45 months for BT patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show any statistically significant differences in terms of BCR-free survival (BFS) between the two groups when using Phoenix definition for BT (P > 0.05). Similar results were obtained in all D'Amico risk groups when stratified analyses were conducted. However, RP achieved improved BFS compared to BT in the whole cohort and all risk groups with the surgical definition for BT(P < 0.05). After adjusting PS, 192 patients were divided into RP and BT groups (96 each). RP presented a better BFS than BT when using the surgical definition (P < 0.001), but no significant difference was found when using the Phoenix definition (P = 0.609). CONCLUSION: Inconsistent BCR-free survival outcomes were acquired using two different BCR definitions for BT patients. RP provided comparable BFS with BT using the Phoenix definition but better BFS using the surgical definition, regardless of whether the PSM was performed. Our findings indicated that an exact BCR definition was critical for prognostic assessment. The corresponding results will assist physicians in pretreatment consultation and treatment selection.

[Mechanism of nuclear protein 1 in the resistance to axitinib in clear cell renal cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential mechanism of resistance to axitinib in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), with a view to expanding the understanding of axitinib resistance, facilitating the design of more specific treatment options, and improving the treatment effectiveness and survival prognosis of patients. METHODS: By exploring the half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of axitinib on ccRCC cell lines 786-O and Caki-1, cell lines resistant to axitinib were constructed by repeatedly stimulated with axitinib at this concentration for 30 cycles in vitro. Cell lines that were not treated by axitinib were sensitive cell lines. The phenotypic differences of cell proliferation and apoptosis levels between drug resistant and sensitive lines were tested. Genes that might be involved in the drug resistance process were screened from the differentially expressed genes that were co-upregulated in the two drug resistant lines by transcriptome sequencing. The expression level of the target gene in the drug resistant lines was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB). The expression differences of the target gene in ccRCC tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were analyzed in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) public database, and the impact of the target gene on the prognosis of ccRCC patients was analyzed in the Kaplan-Meier Plotter (K-M Plotter) database. After knocking down the target gene in the drug resistant lines using RNA interference by lentivirus vector, the phenotypic differences of the cell lines were tested again. WB was used to detect the levels of apoptosis-related proteins in the different treated cell lines to find molecular pathways that might lead to drug resistance. RESULTS: Cell lines 786-O-R and Caki-1-R resistant to axitinib were successfully constructed in vitro, and their IC50 were significantly higher than those of the sensitive cell lines (10.99 µmol/L, P < 0.01; 11.96 µmol/L, P < 0.01, respectively). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2 '-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay showed that compared with the sensitive lines, the proliferative ability of the resistant lines decreased, but apoptosis staining showed a significant decrease in the level of cell apoptosis of the resistant lines (P < 0.01). Although resistant to axitinib, the resistant lines had no obvious new replicated cells in the environment of 20 µmol/L axitinib. Nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) gene was screened by transcriptome sequencing, and its RNA (P < 0.0001) and protein expression levels significantly increased in the resistant lines. Database analysis showed that NUPR1 was significantly overexpressed in ccRCC tumor tissue (P < 0.05); the ccRCC patients with higher expression ofNUPR1had a worse survival prognosis (P < 0.001). Apoptosis staining results showed that knockdown ofNUPR1inhibited the anti-apoptotic ability of the resistant lines to axitinib (786-O, P < 0.01; Caki-1, P < 0.05). WB results showed that knocking downNUPR1decreased the protein level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), increased the protein level of BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), decreased the protein level of pro-caspase3, and increased the level of cleaved-caspase3 in the resistant lines after being treated with axitinib. CONCLUSION: ccRCC cell lines reduce apoptosis through theNUPR1 -BAX/ BCL2 -caspase3 pathway, which is involved in the process of resistance to axitinib.

[Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of young renal tumors with tumor thrombus].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze clinical data of patients under 40 years old who underwent surgical treatment for renal tumors with tumor thrombus from January 2016 to December 2022 at Peking University Third Hospital, and to evaluate the surgical effect and investigate the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. METHODS: The clinical data of 17 young patients with renal tumor thrombus were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinicopathological features and prognosis were summarized. The patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of symptoms, 2017 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) clinical stage, and postoperative combined adjuvant therapy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curve, and Log-rank test was used to compare the differences in postoperative survival time and progression-free survival time between the different groups. The relationship between clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: All the 17 patients received venous tumor thrombectomy, including 16 patients (94.1%) who underwent radical nephrectomy and 1 patient (5.9%) who underwent partial nephrectomy. Twelve patients (70.6%) had symptoms and 5 (29.4%) had no symptoms before operation. A total of 17 renal tumors were observed, with 2 patients (11.8%) identified as benign and 15 patients (88.2%) classified as malignant. Among the malignant tumors, 1 patient (6.7%) was diagnosed as clear cell carcinoma, while the remaining 14 patients (93.3%) were categorized as non-clear cell carcinoma. In terms of tumor stage, 8 patients (53.3%) were classified as stage Ⅲ according to the AJCC classification, while 7 patients (46.7%) were categorized as stage Ⅳ. Additionally, 6 patients (40%) received multiple adjuvant therapy, while 9 patients (60%) did not undergo such treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 78 months, with a median follow-up of 41 months. During this time, 3 patients (20%) died. The median survival time after surgery was 39.0 (2.3, 77.8) months, and the progression-free survival time was 16.4 (2.3, 77.8) months. There was no significant difference in postoperative survival time and progression-free survival time among young patients with renal tumor with tumor thrombus, based on the presence of symptoms before surgery (P=0.307, P=0.302), clinical stage of AJCC (P=0.340, P=0.492), and postoperative adjuvant therapy (P=0.459, P=0.253) group. CONCLUSION: The pathological types of young patients with renal tumor with tumor thrombus are more complex and varied due to symptoms, and the proportion of non-clear cell carcinoma in malignant tumor with tumor thrombus is higher. Symptomatic and non-clear cell carcinoma may be potentially associated with poor prognosis. Surgical operation combined with adjuvant therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for young patients with renal tumor and tumor thrombus.

[Predictive model of early urinary continence recovery based on prostate gland MRI parameters after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: Constructing a predictive model for urinary incontinence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) based on prostatic gland related MRI parameters. METHODS: In this study, 202 cases were included. All the patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer by prostate biopsy and underwent LRP surgery in Peking University Third Hospital. The preoperative MRI examination of all the patients was completed within 1 week before the prostate biopsy. Prostatic gland related parameters included prostate length, width, height, prostatic volume, intravesical prostatic protrusion length (IPPL), prostate apex shape, etc. From the first month after the operation, the recovery of urinary continence was followed up every month, and the recovery of urinary continence was based on the need not to use the urine pad all day long. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of early postoperative recovery of urinary continence. Risk factors were used to draw the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves of each model to predict the recovery of postoperative urinary continence, and the difference of the area under the curve (AUC) was compared by DeLong test, and the clinical net benefit of the model was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The average age of 202 patients was 69.0 (64.0, 75.5) years, the average prostate specific antigen (PSA) before puncture was 12.12 (7.36, 20.06) µg/L, and the Gleason score < 7 points and ≥ 7 points were 73 cases (36.2%) and 129 cases (63.9%) respectively, with 100 cases (49.5%) at T1/T2 clinical stage, and 102 cases (50.5%) at T3 stage. The prostatic volume measured by preoperative MRI was 35.4 (26.2, 51.1) mL, the ratio of the height to the width was 0.91 (0.77, 1.07), the membranous urethral length (MUL) was 15 (11, 16) mm, and the IPPL was 2 (0, 6) mm. The prostatic apex A-D subtypes were 67 cases (33.2%), 80 cases (39.6%), 24 cases (11.9%) and 31 cases (15.3%), respectively. The training set and validation set were 141 cases and 61 cases, respectively. The operations of all the patients were successfully completed, and the urinary continence rate was 59.4% (120/202) in the 3 months follow-up. The results of multivariate analysis of the training set showed that the MUL (P < 0.001), IPPL (P=0.017) and clinical stage (P=0.022) were independent risk factors for urinary incontinence in the early postoperative period (3 months). The nomogram and clinical decision curve were made according to the results of multivariate analysis. The AUC value of the training set was 0.885 (0.826, 0.944), and the AUC value of the validation set was 0.854 (0.757, 0.950). In the verification set, the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was performed on the model, and the Chi-square value was 5.426 (P=0.711). CONCLUSION: Preoperative MUL, IPPL, and clinical stage are indepen-dent risk factors for incontinence after LRP. The nomogram developed based on the relevant parameters of MRI glands can effectively predict the recovery of early urinary continence after LRP. The results of this study require further large-scale clinical research to confirm.

[Risk factors for massive hemorrhage after radical nephrectomy and removal of venous tumor thrombus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyze the risk factors of massive hemorrhage in patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus undergoing radical nephrectomy and removal of venous tumor thrombus. METHODS: From January 2014 to June 2020, 241 patients with renal cancer and tumor thrombus in a single center of urology at Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy and removal of venous tumor thrombus. The relevant preoperative indicators, intraoperative conditions, and postoperative data were statistically analyzed by using statistical software of SPSS 18.0. The main end point of the study was intraoperative bleeding volume greater than 2 000 mL. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relevant influencing factors. First, single factor Logistic regression was used for preliminary screening of influencing factors, and variables with single factor Logistic regression analysis P < 0.05 were included in multivariate Logistic regression. In all statistical analyses, P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among the 241 patients included, there were 60 cases of massive hemorrhage, 48 males and 12 females, with a median age of 62 years. The number of non-massive hemorrhage was 181. There were 136 males and 45 females, with a median age of 59 years. Univariate analysis showed that the clinical symptoms (both systemic and local symptoms, OR 2.794, 95%CI 1.087-7.181, P=0.033), surgical approach (open surgery, OR 9.365, 95%CI 4.447-19.72, P < 0.001), Mayo grade (Mayo 3-4, OR 5.257, 95%CI 2.806-10.886, P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (ASA level 3, OR 2.842, 95%CI 1.338-6.036, P=0.007), preoperative hemoglobin (OR 0.978, 95%CI 0.965-0.991, P=0.001), preoperative platelet count (OR 0.996, 95%CI 0.992-1.000, P=0.037), maximum tumor thrombus width (OR 1.061, 95%CI 1.033-1.091, P < 0.001), Complicated with bland thrombus (OR 4.493, 95%CI 2.264-8.915, P < 0.001), adrenalectomy (OR 3.101, 95%CI 1.614-5.958, P=0.001), segmental resection of the inferior vena cava (OR 2.857, 95%CI 1.395-5.852, P=0.004). There was a statistically significant difference in these aspects(P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in surgical approach (open surgery, OR 6.730, 95%CI 2.947-15.368;P < 0.001), Mayo grade (Mayo 3-4, OR 2.294, 95%CI 1.064-4.948, P=0.034), Complicated with bland thrombus (OR 3.236, 95%CI 1.492-7.020, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Combining the results of univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis, the surgical approach, Mayo grade, and tumor thrombus combined with conventional thrombus were associated risk factors for massive hemorrhage during surgery for renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus. Patients who undergo open surgery, high Mayo grade, and tumor thrombus combined with conventional thrombus are at a relatively higher risk of massive hemorrhage.

[Treatment outcome of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with renal tumors of moderate to high complexity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment outcome of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the patients with renal tumors of moderate to high complexity (R.E.N.A.L. score 7-10). METHODS: In the study, 186 patients with a renal score of 7-10 renal tumors who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in Peking University Third Hospital from February 2016 to April 2021 were selected. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed after examination. The patients were followed-up, and their postoperative hemoglobin, creatinine, complications, and length of hospital stay recorded. The data were represented by mean±standard deviation or median (range). RESULTS: There were 128 males and 58 females in this group, aged (54.6±12.8) years, with body mass index of (25.4 ± 3.4) kg/m2; The tumors were located in 95 cases on the left and 91 cases on the right, with maximum diameter of (3.1±1.2) cm. The patient's preoperative hemoglobin was (142.9±15.8) g/L, and blood creatinine was 78 µmol/L (47-149 µmol/L). According to preoperative CT images, the R.E.N.A.L. score was 7 points for 43 cases, 8 points for 67 cases, 9 points for 53 cases, and 10 points for 23 cases. All the ope-rations were successfully completed, with 12 cases converted to open surgery. The operation time was 150 minutes (69-403 minutes), the warm ischemic time was 25 minutes (3-60 minutes), and the blood loss was 30 mL (5-1 500 mL). There were 9 cases of blood transfusions, with a transfusion volume of 800 mL (200-1 200 mL). Postoperative hemoglobin was (126.2±17.0) g/L. The preoperative crea-tinine was 78 µmol/L (47-149 µmol/L), the postoperative creatinine was 83.5 µmol/L (35-236 µmol/L), the hospital stay was 6 days (3-26 days), and surgical results achieved "the trifecta" in 87 cases (46.8%). In the study, 167 cases were followed up for 12 months (1-62 months), including 1 case with recurrence and metastasis, 4 cases with metastasis, and 2 cases with other tumors (1 case died). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of renal tumors with R.E.N.A.L. score of 7-10. Based on the complexity of the tumor, with the increase of difficulty, the warm ischemia time and operation time tend to increase gradually, while "the trifecta" rate gradually decreases. The complications of this operation are less, and the purpose of preserving renal function to the greatest extent is achieved.

Clinical experience with the treatment of retroperitoneal vascular leiomyosarcoma originating from large veins.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal vascular leiomyosarcoma (RVLMS) is an extremely rare disease in clinical practice, and it has poor prognosis. This article is to explore the diagnosis and treatment of RVLMS and present our experience. METHODS: Data of RVLMS patients were continuously collected in our hospital from August 2018 to February 2020: two males and two females with a median age of 56 (min-max = 33-61) years were included. Patients in whom paraganglioma could not be excluded were asked to take phenoxybenzamine before surgery. A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting had been held and surgery was recommended. The operation procedures varied based on the tumor location, shape, and stage, and the core steps were "exposure of the retroperitoneum and tumor, identification of vital blood vessels, blocking the bloodstream, complete removal of the tumor and tumor thrombus, and release of blood flow". A Satinsky clamp was used to partially block the blood vessels. Follow-up was conveyed by revisits and phone calls. RESULTS: One patient underwent open surgery, and three patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, one of whom underwent conversion to open surgery. The procedures were finished successfully, with a median operative time of 314.5 (min-max = 224-467) mins. The median amount of intraoperative bleeding was 550 (min-max = 200-1500) ml, and three patients had transfusion during the operation. The mass was irregular in shape, with a median maximum size of 7.45 (min-max = 4.2-10.7) cm, and the pathological examination confirmed RVLMS, which has spindle-shape, high mitotic activity and atypia. One week after the operation, the median serum creatinine level was 85 (min-max = 70-99) µmol/L. The median follow-up time was 16 (min-max = 13-21) months, and 1 case reported asymptomatic recurrence. CONCLUSION: Uncharacteristic manifestations and imaging features contribute to the problematic diagnosis of RVLMS. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation and careful surgical planning are essential. Multicenter research is needed in the future to reach a dominant consensus.

Body mass index as an independent risk factor for inferior vena cava resection during thrombectomy for venous tumor thrombus of renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To define preoperative clinical and radiographic risk factors for the need of inferior vena cava (IVC) resection in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and IVC tumor thrombus. METHODS: We reviewed data of 121 patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus receiving radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy at our institution between 2015 and 2017, and 86 patients with Mayo I-IV level tumor thrombus were included in the final analysis. Clinical features, operation details, and pathology data were collected. Preoperative images were reviewed separately by two radiologists. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate clinical and radiographic risk factors of IVC resection. RESULTS: Of the 86 patients, 44 (51.2%) received IVC resection during thrombectomy. In univariate analysis, we found that body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, P = 0.003), primary tumor diameter (OR = 0.84, P = 0.022), tumor thrombus width (OR = 1.08, P = 0.037), tumor thrombus level (OR = 1.57, P = 0.030), and IVC occlusion (OR = 2.67, P = 0.038) were associated with the need for resection of the IVC. After adjusting for the other factors, BMI (OR = 1.18, P = 0.019) was the only significant risk factor for IVC resection. Multivariable analysis in Mayo II-IV subgroups confirmed BMI as an independent risk factor (OR = 1.26, P = 0.024). A correlation between BMI and the width (Pearson's correlation coefficient [PCC] = 0.27, P = 0.014) and length (PCC = 0.23, P = 0.037) of the tumor thrombus was noticed. CONCLUSION: We identified BMI as an independent risk factor for IVC resection during thrombectomy of RCC with tumor thrombus in a Chinese population. More careful preoperative preparation for the IVC resection and/or reconstruction is warranted in patients with higher BMI.

Triptorelin relieves lower urinary tract symptoms in Chinese advanced prostate cancer patients: a multicenter, non-interventional, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although triptorelin is increasingly used in China for biochemical castration, its effects on primary prostate cancer symptoms remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Chinese prostate cancer patients and the effectiveness of triptorelin on LUTS. METHODS: In this 48-week multicenter, non-interventional, prospective study, we enrolled patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Patients received triptorelin (15 mg) intramuscularly at baseline and at weeks 12, 24, and 36 with symptom assessment using the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS). The primary endpoints were the prevalence of LUTS at baseline per IPSS categories and the percentage of patients with moderate to severe LUTS (IPSS > 7) at baseline, having at least a 3-point reduction of IPSS score at week 48. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients were included; 211 (53.0%) and 160 (40.2%) among them had severe and moderate LUTS, respectively. Of the patients with IPSS scores available at baseline and at week 48 (n = 213), 81.2% achieved a reduction in IPSS of at least 3 points. Of the patients with moderate to severe LUTS at baseline and IPSS scores available at baseline and at week 48 (n = 194), 86.6% achieved a total IPSS reduction of at least 3 points. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of Chinese patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer scheduled to receive triptorelin as part of their standard treatment have severe or moderate LUTS. Triptorelin therapy resulted in sustained improvement of LUTS in these patients.

[Microdissection testicular sperm extraction for patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome: A report of 143 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application and outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS). METHODS: A total of 143 nonmosaic KS patients underwent micro-TESE in the Center of Reproductive Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital between July 2012 and August 2016. We analyzed their clinical and follow-up data and evaluated the outcomes. RESULTS: Spermatozoa were successfully retrieved from the testicular tissue in 44.76% (64/143) of the patients, 84.4% (54/64) by unilateral and 15.6% (10/64) by bilateral micro-TESE. Seventy-five of the KS patients were followed up in the years of 2014 and 2015. Of the 34 patients with successful sperm retrieval, 73.52% (25/34) achieved clinical pregnancy and 8 boys and 8 girls were already born in 14 of the 25 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The micro-TESE is a useful method for sperm retrieval in nonmosaic KS patients, with high rates of sperm retrieval, clinical pregnancy, and birth of biological offspring.

[Progress in diagnosis and treatment of adrenal metastases tumor].

The adrenal gland is a common site of metastases, only second to pulmonary, liver and bone. The prevalence of adrenal metastases in patients with a history of cancer is between 10%-25%.The most common sites of origin are cancers of the lung, kidney, breast, gastrointestinal tract, and skin (melanoma).The mainstays of adrenal metastases diagnosis are computerized tomogramphy (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomogramphy (PET). All patients should undergo complete hormonal evaluation to rule out functional adrenal tumors. Adrenal biopsy should be reserved for cases in which the results of non-invasive techniques are equivocal. In patients with isolated adrenal metastases, adrenalectomy is recommended, because of improved overall survival. For the patient with unresectable adrenal metastases tumor, radiotherapy and ablative therapy are feasible and useful methods for controlling adrenal metastases and offer patients opportunities for improved survival.

[Mechanisms of prostaglandin E2-induced bone marrow-derived progenitor cell differentiation].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the functions and mechanisms of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMPCs) maturation and its involved angiogenesis. METHODS: BMPCs harvested by flushing through the femoral and tibial bones and cultured. This population of cells was identified by immunofluorescence staining. From which, 1 µmol/L PGE2 was taken, and quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of endothelial markers and Kruppel like factor 2 (KLF2) in BMPCs. In vitro tube formation assay was performed to demonstrate the capacity of angiogenesis. Furthermore, PGE2 and its receptors EP2 and EP4 agonists were used to elucidate the regulation of PGE2 to KLF2. RESULTS: C-kit, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and vascular endothelial cadherin expressed in BMPCs. Treatment with PGE2 (1 µmol/L) significantly increased the differentiation of BMPCs. The mRNA levels of endothelial markers platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), were significantly upregulated in about 2 folds by PGE2 detected with Q-PCR assay. Matrigel tube formation assay also demonstrated PGE2 enhanced the ability of angiogenesis in BMPCs. In addition, the expression of KLF2 increased in more than 2 folds with PGE2 treatment compared with the control. Such effect of PGE2 could be blocked by EP4 blocking peptide. CONCLUSION: Promoting the differentiation of BMPCs, PGE2 reinforced their angiogenesis by binding to the receptor of EP4 in a KLF2-dependent manner.

[Efficacy and outcome of palliative TURP in patients with bladder outlet obstruction induced by advanced prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of palliative transurethral resection of the prostate (pTURP) in patients with server bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to prostatic obstruction induced by advanced prostate cancer. METHODS: All the 16 patients who had a pTURP between November 2007 and January 2015 due to BOO (high residual urine volume combined with hydronephrosis or urinary retention refractory to medical treatment) at our institution were retrospectively assessed. All the patients were diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer (III stage or IV stage). The clinical data, functional and oncological follow-up results were evaluated. The cancer specific survivals were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 73.8 years (63-81 years). Five cases were graded in stage III of prostate cancer and 11 in stage IV. The indications for pTURP were refractory urinary retention in 12 cases, and high residual urine volume with hydronephrosis in 4 cases. The mean prostate volume at pTURP was 43.2 mL (28-78 mL) and the mean PSA (prostate specific antigen) level before pTURP was 48.2 µg/L (2-107 µg/L). The patients had mean residual urine volume 166.4 mL (50-450 mL) and mean urinary flow rate 3.6 mL/s (0-6 mL/s, n=7) before pTURP. It took mean 62.9 min (35-94 min) in pTURP with mean estimated blood loss 126.9 mL (30-263 mL) and mean resected tissue 14.1 g (10-22 g). There were no transfusion cases. Postoperative mean serum PSA 20.5 µg/L (1-41 µg/L), residual urine volume 43.4 mL (0-400 mL) and urinary flow rate 10.1 mL/s (7-16 mL/s, n=7) were shown in these cases. A patient encountered persistent hematuria needing irrigation. Compared with preoperation, the patients had significantly lower serum PSA level (P<0.001), less residual urine volume (P<0.001) and more urinary flow rate (P=0.001) after pTURP. The mean follow-up after pTURP was 36 months (1-86 months). In addition, 2 patients received repeated pTURP. At the time of the latest analysis, 3 patients died from prostate cancer progression. As estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 2-, 3- and 5-year cancer specific survival rates after pTURP were 91%, 78% and 58%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite less resected tissue, greater delay in urination and reoperation rates, pTURP is a fairly effective procedure in patients with server BOO. Although a potential negative impact of pTURP on survival cannot be excluded, the estimated 3- and 5-year cancer specific survival rates in this series seem to justify this intervention.

[Prognostic factors for intravesical recurrence after surgery for upper tract urothelial carcinoma in renal transplant recipients].

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate clinicopathological independent prognostic factors for intravesical recurrence after nephroureterectomy for native upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: In this study, 38 patients clinically diagnosed as localized UTUC after renal transplantation were included, and treated by retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy between April 2006 and March 2013, after exclusion of those with a previous and/or concurrent history of bladder cancer. The clinicopathologic features, risk factors, and intravesical recurrence free survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses by Cox's proportional hazards regression model were used to identify independent risk factors for intravesical tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Of all the patients, 16/38 (42.1%) developed subsequent intravesical recurrence during a median follow-up period of 38 months (range 12 to 104 months), of whom, 12/16 (75.0%) developed recurrent bladder cancer within 2 years after nephroureterectomy, and the median interval between surgery and intravesical recurrence was 15.5 months (range 6 to 48 months). Multifocal tumors, native aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) and distal ureter involvement were determined as risk factors for intravesical recurrence by univariate analysis. The intravesical recurrence rate was 62.5% (5/8) in the group of native AAN, and 46.2% (12/26) in the group of multifocality. By multivariate analyses, multifocality (HR=2.603, 95% CI=1.529-8.906, P=0.019) and native AAN (HR=2.179, 95% CI=1.085-8.093, P=0.038) were identified as independent predictors for the development of recurrent bladder cancer after surgery for UTUC in renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of intravesical recurrence after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for UTUC in renal transplant recipients is high, and most subsequent bladder cancers recur within 2 years after surgery. Tumor multifocality and native AAN are significant independent risk factors in developing initial intravesical recurrence after laparoscopic surgery for primary UTUC after renal transplantation.

[Protective effect of phloroglucinol on renal ischemia and reperfusion injury].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanisms of Phloroglucinol (PG) on renal ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI). METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (16 rats per group): sham operated, saline-treated I/R (I/R), and PG-treated I/R (PG). I/R model: After removing the right kidney, renal I/R injury was induced by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion. The rats were administered with PG (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or saline 15 min before renal ischemia. The blood and kidneys were harvested 6 and 24 h after reperfusion. Renal function and histologic changes of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were assessed. Malondialdehyde (MDA),catalase (CAT),superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)were measured. Nuclear factor-kapa B (NF-κB) and caspase-3 in the kidneys were also measured. RESULTS: SCr and BUN were (103.9±10.4) µmol/L and (15.2±1.0) mmol/L in I/R group, and (81.8±13.4) µmol/L and (11.5±1.2) mmol/L in PG group 6 h after reperfusion. SCr and BUN were (154.9±12.1) µmol/L and (28.1±1.4) mmol/L in I/R group, (103.8±5.9) µmol/L and (16.0±1.0) mmol/L in PG group 24 h after reperfusion.PG treatment significantly attenuated renal dysfunction and histologic damage caused by I/R injury (P<0.05).The I/R-induced elevation in kidney MDA level decreased, where as reduced kidney SOD,CAT and GSH-Px were increased. What is more, the apoptotic tubular cells, the levels of active caspase-3,and active nuclear factor kappa B dramatically decreased after PG treatment. CONCLUSION: PG protects murine kidney I/R injury by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis.

[Rocuronium anesthesia induced anaphylactic shock: a case report].

Anaphylaxis is an acute and fatal systemic allergic reaction to an allergen, and it could be an unpredictable and life-threatening cause during anesthesia. The main purpose of this paper is to report a case of anaphylactic shock during the anesthesia induction and to review the prophylaxis and treatment of anaphylactic reactions and anaphylactoid reactions during the anesthesia period. A 63-year-old man, with a mass on his adrenal, was scheduled to a laparoscopic adrenal tumor excision. During the anesthesia induction period, after administrated sulfentanil, propofol and rocuronium, the blood pressure was decreased and the heart rate was increased. Then, the patient had rash on his whole body and developed an anaphylactic shock. After being treated with the anti-allergic agents and norepinephrine, the rash disappeared and the vital sign become stable. The patient felt nothing uncomfortable during the two weeks'follow-up. Anaphylactic reactions and anaphylactoid reactions are not rare during the anesthesia period. The most common inducements are muscle relaxant, latex and antibiotics. Anaphylactic reactions in the perioperative period are often serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, involving multiple organ systems in which the clinical manifestations are the consequence of the release of preformed mediators from mast cells and basophils. Before anesthesia, we should acquire the allergic history. During the anesthesia period, the vital sign and the skin should be observed carefully.

[Multiple primary neoplasms with renal neurilemmoma: a case report and literature review].

Multiple primary neoplasms are not common, those containing renal neurilemoma are even more rare. Our study involves the diagnosis and treatment of a female patient with multiple primary neoplasms with renal neurilemoma. She was previously diagnosed with left ovarian dermoid cyst, right posterior mediastinal neurilemmoma, left forearm neurilemmoma, and papillary thyroid carcinoma, underwent operation treatment. Physical examination reveals a left renal mass with a left adrenal tumor a month before, and underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenal nodule resection and left partial nephrectomy. Operation was successful, without conversions to open. Artery occlusion time was 18 min, and blood loss was 20 mL. Post operation pathologic result shows a left renal cellular leiomyoma neurilemmoma with focal cystic change, and tumor diameter was about 3 cm. Immunohistochemistry reports S-100 (+), Ki-67 (15%+), and short-term follow-up without recurrence. In our case of study, even though the tumors were heterochronism, they were both treated with surgical resection. Renal neurilemoma is benign. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is not only minimally invasive, fast in recovery, but most importantly preserves renal tissue to the largest extent. It can prevent preoperative pathological uncertainty, which often undergoes radical nephrectomy.

[Management of calyceal diverticular calculi with stenotic infundibulum by flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser infundibulectomy and lithotripsy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in treating calyceal diverticular calculi with stenotic infundibulum and to present our initial experience. METHODS: From Nov. 2012 to Nov. 2014, 10 patients with stone-bearing calyceal diverticulum and stenotic infundibulum underwent flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in our hospital, including 3 female patients and 7 male patients with an average age of 36.9 years (range: 20 to 62 years). There were 6 patients with right side while 4 patients with left side calyceal diverticular calculi. The average cumulative stone size was (1.33±0.43) cm. Five patients underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) before hospital admission but no stone was discharged. All the patients received intravenous urography (IVU) and CT-urography (CTU) preoperatively and underwent double-J stents placement 2 weeks before operations. A digital-fiber flexible ureteroscopy and 200 µm holmium laser fiber were used for treatment. Surgeries began with routine flexible ureteroscopy and methylene blue injection was used to identify the small ostium of infundibulum. Then infundibulectomy followed by lithotripsy was performed. All the patients receive double-J stents placement and traditional Chinese medicine for 1 to 3 months after operations. The stone clearance was estimated by kidney ureter bladder (KUB) within 3 months' follow up. RESULTS: The locations of calyceal diverticulum were upper pole in 7 patients, and interpolar regions in 4 patients. The average operation time was (123.7±59.6) min, and the average estimated blood loss was (29.3±32.1) mL. Successful flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser infundibulectomies were performed in all the 10 patients. Success rate was 100%. The stone clearance rates for 1 and 3 months after surgery were 50.0% and 80.0%, respectively, which were observed by KUB follow-up. Two patients had serious post-operative fever (>38.0 °C) in coexistence with chills. The mobidity of urosepsis was 20.0%. No major complications were identified. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, calyceal diverticular calculi with stenotic infundibulum can be treated safely and efficiently with flexible ureteroscopic homium laser lithotripsy. CTU and IVU should be completed preoperatively for calyceal diverticulum location and technique difficulty prediction. Retrograde methylene blue injection can be used to identify the ostium during surgery. And prolonged post-operation stone clearance was observed.

[Effect and impact of holmium laser versus thulium laser enucleation of the prostate on erectile function].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect and impact of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and 120-W thulium: YAG vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) on erectile function in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 93 cases of symptomatic BPH treated by HoLEP or 120 W ThuVEP. We made comparisons between the two groups of patients in the baseline and postoperative clinical and surgical indexes as well as their IPSS, quality of life (QOL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), and IIEF-EF scores before surgery and during the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: ThuVEP, in comparison with HoLEP, achieved a significantly shorter operation time ([57.6 +/- 12. 8] vs. [70.4 +/- 21.8] min, P = 0.001) and a higher laser efficiency ([0.71 +/- 0.18] vs. [0.62 +/- 0.19] g/min, P = 0. 021). At 1, 6, or 12 months of follow-up, no significant differences were observed in IPSS, OOL, Omax, and PVR between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both the HoLEP and ThuVEP groups showed low incidences of complications and remarkably improved IIEF-EF scores at 12 months postoperatively, but with no significant differences (both P > 0.05). However, in those with relatively normal erectile functions before operation, the mean IIEF-EF score was reduced from 22.8 +/- 2.2 preoperatively to 21.0 +/- 2.7 after HoLEP, (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Both HoLEP and 120W ThuVEP are effective and safe in the treatment of BPH. Compared with HoLEP, 120 W ThuVEP has even a higher laser efficiency. However, neither can significantly improve erectile function, and HoLEP may have a short-term negative impact on the relatively normal erectile function of the patient.

Penehyclidine hydrochloride ameliorates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of acute kidney failure by mechanisms that involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC), a selective anticholinergic agent, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antiapoptotic effects. Therefore, we investigated the ability of PHC to ameliorate renal I/R injury in Sprague-Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned to three groups (35 rats per group): sham operated, saline-treated I/R, and PHC-treated I/R. After removing the right kidney, renal I/R injury was induced by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion. The rats were administered PHC (0.45 mg/kg, intravenously) or saline 30 min before renal ischemia. The blood and kidneys were harvested at 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h after reperfusion. Renal function and histologic changes were assessed. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidneys were also measured. RESULTS: PHC treatment significantly attenuated renal dysfunction and histologic damage caused by I/R injury. The treatment also decreased malondialdehyde level and attenuated the reduction in superoxide dismutase activity in the kidney. Moreover, the levels of activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, and caspase 3 were lower in the PHC-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: PHC protected rat kidneys from I/R injury by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. Thus, PHC may represent a novel practical strategy for the treatment of renal I/R injury.