Presence of leucocytes in prostatic secretions correlates with the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms.

We investigated the correlation between the presence of leucocytes in expressed prostatic secretion and the lower urinary tract symptom severity by retrospectively reviewing 699 men with lower urinary tract symptoms. The patients were evaluated by the International Prostate Symptoms Score and the Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score and underwent expressed prostatic secretion testing. Patients were classified into groups 1 and 2 based on the expressed prostatic secretion leucocyte count. The mean total and storage score of the International Prostate Symptoms Score, and mean total Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score were higher in group 1. Urine flow metrics showed that voided volume and maximum flow rate were lower in group 1. The scores for International Prostate Symptoms Score questions 4, 6 and 7 and Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score question 2 were higher in group 1 and showed a weak positive correlation with expressed prostatic secretion. Voided volume and maximum flow rate showed the strongest correlation, although International Prostate Symptoms Score question 7 and Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score question 2 were the only independent predictors of expressed prostatic secretion. Therefore, leucocytes in expressed prostatic secretion are associated with the lower urinary tract symptom severity, particularly nocturnal urination symptoms.

Urinothorax after ultrasonography-guided renal biopsy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Urinothorax is defined as the presence of urine in the pleural space and is a rather rare cause of transudate pleural effusion. The potential etiologies are urinary tract obstruction and trauma. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion and the condition is completely reversible following relief of underlying disease. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 27-year-old man who developed urinothorax after renal biopsy. Urine leakage was confirmed with 99mTc DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentacetate) and single-photon emission computed tomography scans and retrograde pyelography. The pleural effusion was completely resolved by removing the leakage with a Foley catheter and a double J stent. CONCLUSIONS: Urinothorax has not been reported in patients doing renal biopsy in the literature. Based on our experience, urinothorax should be suspected, diagnosed, and managed appropriately when pleural effusion occurred after renal biopsy.

Measurement of renal function in a kidney donor: a comparison of creatinine-based and volume-based GFRs.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the performance of various GFR estimates compared with direct measurement of GFR (dGFR). We also sought to create a new formula for volume-based GFR (new-vGFR) using kidney volume determined by CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GFR was measured using creatinine-based methods (MDRD, the Cockcroft-Gault equation, CKD-EPI formula, and the Mayo clinic formula) and the Herts method, which is volume-based (vGFR). We compared performance between GFR estimates and created a new vGFR model by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the creatinine-based GFR estimates, the MDRD and C-G equations were similarly associated with dGFR (correlation and concordance coefficients of 0.359 and 0.369 and 0.354 and 0.318, respectively). We developed the following new kidney volume-based GFR formula: 217.48-0.39XA + 0.25XW-0.46XH-54.01XsCr + 0.02XV-19.89 (if female) (A = age, W = weight, H = height, sCr = serum creatinine level, V = total kidney volume). The MDRD and CKD-EPI had relatively better accuracy than the other creatinine-based methods (30.7% vs. 32.3% within 10% and 78.0% vs. 73.0% within 30%, respectively). However, the new-vGFR formula had the most accurate results among all of the analyzed methods (37.4% within 10% and 84.6% within 30%). CONCLUSIONS: The new-vGFR can replace dGFR or creatinine-based GFR for assessing kidney function in donors and healthy individuals. KEY POINTS: • Accurate prediction of GFR is crucial in kidney donors. • DTPA is accurate but costly, invasive, and clinically difficult to apply. • Volume-based GFR estimation performs as well as the Cr-based method. • New volume-based GFR estimation performs better among GFR estimation formulas.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Low- to Intermediate-risk Prostate Adenocarcinoma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for low- to intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma. Thirty-nine patients were retrospectively reviewed. The SBRT was delivered using the CyberKnife with the fiducial tracking method combined with In-tempo imaging. The gross target volume, which included the prostate only, was delineated on the fused CT/MRI scans. The prescription dose was delivered every other day as 5 fractions of 7.5 Gy. Venous blood was obtained before and after SBRT to assess the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Toxicity was evaluated using the CTCAE, v4.03. The median follow-up time was 30.0 months. The median initial PSA level was 7.7 ng/mL. PSA levels decreased in all patients treated with SBRT, and after 5 months, the median PSA was less than 2 ng/mL. The rate of overall 3-yr actuarial biochemical failure free survival was 93.9%. Acute side effects were generally comparable with those of previous studies. The PSA change and toxicity after SBRT for low- to intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma indicates favorable biochemical responses and tolerable levels of toxicity. Additionally short course treatment may produce cost benefit and convenience to patients.

Correlation between urine cytology results on the day after overnight continuous saline irrigation following transurethral resection of bladder tumor and bladder tumor recurrence.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between urine cytology results after overnight continuous saline irrigation (OCSI) following transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and bladder tumor recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with NMIBC between 2016 and 2020 after undergoing TURBT at our hospital. All patients received OCSI following TURBT and had urine cytology test at postoperative 1 day. Urine cytology was classified into three groups: Negative, low-grade urothelial neoplasm (LGUN)+atypical urothelial cells (AUC), and suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC)+high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) in each group was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients were included in this study. Based on urine cytology group (after OCSI), RFS did not reach the median value in the Negative group. In the LGUN+AUC group, the median RFS was 615.00 days. In the SHGUC+HGUC group, the median RFS was 377.00 days. In survival analysis, the Negative group had a longer RFS than the SHGUC+HGUC group (p=0.013). However, Cox regression analysis showed that SHGUC+HGUC was not an independent prognostic factor for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Urine cytology results after OCSI following TURBT in NMIBC were associated with bladder tumor recurrence. Specifically, SHGUC or HGUC in urine cytology after OCSI showed earlier recurrence than negative cases. However, further research is needed to accurately determine whether it is an independent prognostic factor.

Clinical outcome and safety of holmium laser prostate enucleation after transrectal prostate biopsies for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the clinical outcome and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TR biopsy) in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 556 patients who underwent HoLEP between 2014 and 2021. The patients were categorized into six groups: Group 1-A (n=45) underwent HoLEP within four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-B (n=94) underwent HoLEP more than four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-C (n=120) underwent HoLEP after a single TR biopsy. Group 1-D (n=19) underwent HoLEP after two or more TR biopsies. Group 1-total (n=139, group 1-A+group 1-B or group 1-C+group 1-D) underwent HoLEP post TR biopsy. Group 2 (control group, n=417) underwent HoLEP without prior TR biopsy. We examined perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The age, body mass index, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and comorbid diseases between group 1-total and group 2 were comparable. However, group 1-total exhibited significantly elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and larger prostate volumes (p<0.01). Perioperative factors like enucleation time, enucleation weight, and catheterization duration were notably higher in group 1-total (p<0.01). All groups showed significant improvements in IPSS, postvoid residual urine, and maximum flow rate during the 1-year postoperative period (p<0.05). The rates of postoperative complications were similar between group 1-total and group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Enucleation time and catheterization duration were significantly longer in the TR biopsy group. However, postoperative complications were not significantly different between TR biopsy and non-TR biopsy groups.

The Efficacy and Safety of 'Inverted Omega En-bloc' Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Size-Independent Technique for the Surgical Treatment of LUTS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, efficiency, and size-dependency of the 'Inverted omega En-bloc (Ʊ)' holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 716 consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP under the care of a single surgeon from 2014-2021. These patients were treated using the 'Inverted omega En-bloc' HoLEP technique for BPH. The patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (<40 mL, n=328), Group 2 (40-60 mL, n=221), and Group 3 (≤60 mL, n=167). Perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes were assessed and analyzed. RESULTS: The perioperative parameters, like enucleation time (45.8±26.9 min), morcellation time (13.2±47.5 min), and catheterization duration (1.6±1.2 d) significantly differed to favor smaller prostate sizes (p<0.01). Significant improvements in the IPSS (total, voiding, storage, and quality of life), post-void residual urine, and maximum flow rate were observed 3 months post-HoLEP and continued during the 1-year follow-up period in all groups (p<0.01). The postoperative complications included urethral stricture in 11 patients (1.5%), bladder neck contracture in 12 (1.7%), urinary incontinence in 14 (2.0%), and bladder injuries in 4 (0.6%). Bladder neck contractures occurred only in Group 1. The postoperative surgical management for complications included urethral sounding (n=9, 1.3%), endoscopic internal urethrotomy (n=2, 0.3%), and re-HoLEP for bladder neck contractures in (n=12, 1.7%). The rate of re-HoLEP for regrowing adenomas was 15 (2.1%). Postoperative medications exceeding 6 months were α-blocker (n=22, 3.1%), cholinergics (n=16, 2.2%), anticholinergics (n=58, 8.1%), antidiuretics (n=18, 2.5%), and daily PDE5 inhibitor (n=38, 5.3%). Thirty-four patients (4.7%) had postoperative incidental prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The inverted omega En-bloc HoLEP technique is safe and effective for the treatment of BPH. Moreover, 'Inverted omega En-bloc' HoLEP is a size-independent and effective method for all prostate sizes.

Pelvic floor muscle exercise with or without duloxetine for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence: A retrospective single-center study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and duloxetine treatment in the recovery from postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI). Participants were patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between 2018 and 2021 and who were able to attend follow-up appointments every 3 months for at least 12 months. Continence was defined as the use of ≤1 pad per day. PPUI was compared at each follow-up period by dividing the participants into the PFME group (PFME only after RP) and the PFME + DUL group (PFME and 30 mg duloxetine daily after RP). A total of 197 patients were included. No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. In the PFME group (n = 127), the PPUI was 77.17%, 27.56%, 17.32%, 12.60%, and 9.45% at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months, respectively. In the PFME + DUL group (n = 70), the PPUI was 62.50%, 17.86%, 12.50%, 8.93%, and 5.36%, respectively, at the same follow-up period. At 2 weeks, the PFME + DUL group demonstrated a better incontinence rate than the PFME group (P = .019). However, no significant differences were found in the incontinence rates between the 2 groups at each follow-up period after 3 months. Compared to PFME monotherapy, the combination therapy of PFME and duloxetine has short-term effectiveness in improving PPUI, but it does not have a significant long-term impact. Therefore, for early recovery from PPUI, duloxetine should be administered for a short period during PFME.

A prospective, multicenter study on the clinical effectiveness of abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Korea: Pre- vs. post-chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The proper treatment sequence for administering abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone (AAP) and chemotherapeutic agents has not yet been elucidated for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Hence, this study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of AAP in pre- and post-chemotherapy settings using real-world data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, open-label, observational study included 506 patients with mCRPC. Patients were classified according to the timing of chemotherapy into pre- and post-chemotherapy groups. The effectiveness and safety of AAP were compared between the groups; the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, PSA progression-free survival, and radiologic progression-free survival were assessed; and adverse drug reactions were recorded. RESULTS: Among the included patients, 319 and 187 belonged to the pre- and post-chemotherapy groups, respectively. Risk classification was similar between the two groups. The PSA response was 61.8% in the pre-chemotherapy group and 39.0% in the post-chemotherapy group (p<0.001). The median time to PSA progression (5.00 vs. 2.93 mo, p=0.001) and radiologic progression-free survival (11.84 vs. 9.17 mo, p=0.002) were significantly longer in the pre-chemotherapy group. Chemotherapy status was associated with PSA (hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.77) and radiologic progression (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.18-2.33) during AAP treatment. Adverse drug reactions were reported at similar frequencies in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this postmarketing surveillance, AAP benefited patients with mCRPC, especially in settings before chemotherapy was administered, resulting in a high PSA response and longer PSA and radiologic progression-free survival with tolerable adverse drug reactions.

Expression Patterns of ERα, ERß, AR, SIRT1, SIRT2, and SIRT3 in Prostate Cancer Tissue and Normal Prostate Tissue.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and ß (ERß), androgen receptor (AR), SIRT1, SIRT2 and SIRT3 in prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2010 to January 2015, 70 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy following a PCa diagnosis were enrolled in our study. Normal prostate tissue (NPT) and prostate cancer tissues (PCAT) were separated, and the expression of each receptor in each tissue was analyzed with immunochemical staining. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors affecting the development of PCa. RESULTS: ERß and AR were highly expressed in PCAT compared with NPT (p<0.05). SIRT2 was highly expressed in NPT and PCAT (p<0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that AR and SIRT2 affect PCa development. CONCLUSION: AR is a risk factor for PC, and SIRT2 is associated with a lower incidence of PCa.

Relationship between Hypogonadal Symptoms, Sexual Dysfunction and Chronic Prostatitis in Middle-Aged Men by Self-Reported Questionnaires, even without Biochemical Testosterone Deficiency.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) in men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the data of 408 enrolled men between January 2014 and January 2019. All participants completed the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM), international index of erectile function-5 (IIEF-5), National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), and premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) questionnaires. Participants were divided by ADAM positive (ADAM+: Group 1) and ADAM negative (ADAM-: Group 2). RESULTS: Total of 289 subjects were in Group 1 and 119 were in Group 2. The mean age was 53.8±7.8 years. The mean total testosterone was 4.8±1.2 ng/dL and showed no differences between the groups (p=0.839). In Groups 1 and 2, ED (IIEF≤21) was identified in 233 (80.6%) versus 37 (31.1%), respectively (p<0.001). The prevalence of PE (PEDT≥9) was 112 (38.7%) versus 13 (10.9%) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). However, PE (intravaginal ejaculation latency time<5 minutes) showed no differences between the groups (p=0.863). The incidence of chronic prostatitis (NIH-CPSI pain score≥4) showed significant differences with 49 (17.0%) versus 8 (6.7%) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.007). IIEF-5 total score showed the significantly highest negative correlation (r=-0.313, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Those who complained of LOH symptoms and positive results in the ADAM questionnaire need to be assessed concurrently with the above questionnaires. This could aid useful to detect of ED, PE, and chronic prostatitis co-occurrence.

Risk factors for postoperative urinary retention among women who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for postoperative urinary retention (POUR) among female patients by evaluating its occurrence in women who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Gyeongsang National University Hospital. METHODS: The medical records of female patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones between March 2014 and February 2018 were reviewed. Information was collected regarding patient age, body mass index (BMI), creatinine, absolute neutrophil count, duration of the operation and anesthesia, the amount of fluid infused, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and medical comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and lung, liver, heart, renal, and neurologic disease. Comparisons were made between the POUR and non-POUR groups, and both univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Seventeen of 591 patients (2.9%) developed POUR. There as a positive correlation between age and POUR (P = 0.040), and a negative correlation between BMI and POUR (P = 0.037). In addition, a history of neurologic disease was greater in the POUR group (P = 0.033), which also had a higher ASA class than the non-POUR group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that a high ASA class was a risk factor for POUR (hazard ratio 3.01; 95% confidence interval 1.13-7.99; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Medical care providers need to be aware of the risk factors for POUR, which is likely to prolong hospital stay for Foley catheter placement. A high ASA class is an important risk factor for POUR among female patients, so medical staff need to provide proper preoperative management strategies for patients with a high ASA class.

Primary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the upper ureter: A case report.

RATIONALE: The incidence of primary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is extremely rare in the urinary tract. In the present study, we investigated a case of primary LCNEC associated with the upper ureter. PATIENT CONCERN: A 58-year-old Korean female patient with right ureter mass, which was accidentally detected. An enhancing mass measuring 3.3 cm in size was found in the computed tomography (CT) scan. No definitive evidence of lymph node and distant metastasis was observed. DIAGNOSIS: Histopathological analysis revealed large atypical epithelial cells in upper ureter mass, based on neuroendocrine morphology. Immunohistochemistry was positive for synaptophysin, CD 56, and cytokeratin. Accordingly, the upper ureter mass was finally diagnosed as LCNEC stage III, pT3 cN0 cM0. INTERVENTION: Right nephroureterectomy was conducted. OUTCOMES: Multiple metastatic lesions were detected in the right adrenal, paracaval, and right pararenal space of the patient in a CT scan 3 months post-surgery. The patient chemotherapy and radiation therapy were proceeded for metastatic and recurred mass. But patient died by multiorgan failure LESSONS:: In summary, this case study demonstrated that LCNEC can develop even in the upper ureter for the first time, despite the absence of neuroendocrine cells in the normal urothelium. The occurrence of LCNEC in the ureter is still very rare but is possible. Therefore, further studies are needed to establish appropriate treatment strategies.

Metabolic Syndrome Is an Independent Risk Factor for Acquired Premature Ejaculation.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a risk factor for acquired premature ejaculation (PE) after considering the various risk factors, such as lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, and prostatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2017, records of 1,029 men were analyzed. We performed multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for PE, including the covariate of age, marital status, International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) score, serum testosterone levels, and all components of MetS. Acquired PE was defined as self-reported intravaginal ejaculation latency time ≤3 minutes, and MetS was diagnosed using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. RESULTS: Of 1,029 men, 74 subjects (7.2%) had acquired PE and 111 (10.8%) had MetS. Multivariate analysis showed that the IIEF overall satisfaction score (odds ratio [OR]=0.67, p<0.001), NIH-CPSI pain score (OR=1.07, p=0.035), NIH-CPSI voiding score (OR=1.17, p=0.032), and presence of MetS (OR=2.20, p=0.022) were significantly correlated with the prevalence of acquired PE. In addition, the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction scores and ejaculation anxiety scores progressively decreased as the number of components of MetS increased. CONCLUSIONS: MetS may be an independent predisposing factor for the development of acquired PE. Effective prevention and treatment of MetS could also be important for the prevention and treatment of acquired PE.

Perforation of inferior vena cava and duodenum by strut of inferior vena cava filter: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: An Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is an intravascular filter that is implanted into the IVC to prevent pulmonary embolism in medical, surgical, and trauma patients. The insertion of an IVC filter is a relatively safe procedure, but rarely may be associated with symptomatic perforation of the IVC wall, particularly in the long term. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: A 74-year-old-woman with a medical history of IVC filter insertion visited the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan showed perforation of the IVC wall and penetration into the duodenum by one of the filter's struts. INTERVENTIONS: We performed a laparotomy to remove the IVC filter. OUTCOMES: Postoperatively, the patient was admitted to the general ward. On hospital day 12, she was discharged without any complications. We followed her up and computed tomography did not show any abnormal findings six months after discharge. LESSONS: There is currently no evidence testifying to the benefits of IVC filter removal. Detailed, evidence-based guidelines on the indications, timing and procedure for IVC filter removal are needed. Documenting cases of long-term complications of IVC filter s such as in this patient serve to accelerate the publication of updated guidelines and are aimed at improving outcomes of similar cases in the future.

Overnight continuous saline irrigation after transurethral resection for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is helpful in prevention of early recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that many methods prevent recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), but it has rarely been reported that overnight continuous saline irrigation is effective in preventing recurrence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of overnight continuous saline irrigation in preventing recurrence after TURBT. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with NMIBC who underwent TURBT from January 2010 to May 2015 at our institution. Patients who underwent cystoscopy every 12 weeks during the first year after surgery were included. Patients with cancer stage ≥pT2, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis were excluded. The overnight continuous saline irrigation (OCSI) group and the no irrigation group were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 332 patients were included in the study. There were no differences in the basic characteristics of the patients between the two groups. In the OCSI group, the recurrence-free survival rate was higher than that in the no irrigation group, indicating that there was a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: After TURBT surgery, OCSI may help prevent early recurrence of NMIBC.

The Effect of Alcohol Administration on the Corpus Cavernosum.

PURPOSE: We studied the effects of alcohol administration on the corpus cavernosum (CC) using an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CC sections and the aortic ring of rabbits were used in an organ bath study. After acute alcohol administration, changes in blood alcohol concentration and electrical stimulation induced intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) percentage were compared in rats. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in the CC were measured using immunoassays. After chronic alcohol administration, ICP/MAP percentage, cAMP and cGMP were compared in rats. Histological changes were examined using the Masson trichrome stain and the Sircol collagen assay. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: Alcohol relaxed the CC in a dose-dependent manner, and the relaxation response was suppressed when pretreated with propranolol, indomethacin, glibenclamide, and 4-aminopyridine. In rats with acute alcohol exposure, the cAMP level in the CC was significantly greater than was observed in the control group (p<0.05). In rats with chronic alcohol exposure, however, changes in cAMP and cGMP levels were insignificant, and the CC showed markedly smaller areas of smooth muscle, greater amounts of dense collagen (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis of eNOS showed a less intense response, and western blotting showed that eNOS expression was significantly lower in this group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acute alcohol administration activated the cAMP pathway with positive effects on erectile function. In contrast, chronic alcohol administration changed the ultrastructures of the CC and suppressed eNOS expression, thereby leading to erectile dysfunction.

Differential expression of the sirtuin family in renal cell carcinoma: Aspects of carcinogenesis and prognostic significance.

OBJECTIVES: Sirtuins (1-7) are evolutionarily conserved NAD-dependent deacetylases that play an important role in carcinogenesis. However, their role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to examine the role of SIRTs in RCC carcinogenesis and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paraffin-embedded specimens from 102 patients who underwent extirpative renal surgeries for renal masses between January 2004 and December 2010 were examined. SIRT expression was compared between RCC and adjacent normal kidney tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Survival differences and cancer-specific survival were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS: SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 expression was significantly lower in RCC than in normal tissues (P = 0.001, P = 0.006, and P = 0.033, respectively), whereas the expression of other SIRT proteins did not differ significantly between the 2 tissues. SIRT3 expression was significantly associated with longer cancer-specific survival (HR = 0.133, P = 0.047), after adjusting for age, T stage, Fuhrman grade, Karnofsky performance status, and distant metastases. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with high-SIRT3 expression had relatively better survival than those with low-SIRT3 expression (P = 0.046, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 function as tumor suppressors in RCC. In particular, SIRT3 seems to have a favorable influence on the survival of patients with clear cell RCC.

The Correlation between Body Mass Index and Routine Parameters in Men Over Fifty.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and prostate volume (PV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Height, weight, PSA levels, PV, and IPSS were analyzed in 15,435 patients who underwent a prostate examination between 2001 and 2014. Patients aged <50 years or with a PSA level ≥10 ng/mL were excluded. The relationships between BMI and PSA, IPSS, QoL, and PV were analyzed by a scatter plot, one-way analysis of variance, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean age was 71.95±7.63 years, the mean BMI was 23.59±3.08 kg/m², the mean PSA level was 1.45±1.45 ng/mL, the mean IPSS was 15.53±8.31, the mean QoL score was 3.48±1.25, and the mean PV was 29.72±14.02 mL. PSA, IPSS, and QoL showed a tendency to decrease with increasing BMI, and there were statistically significant differences for each parameter (p≤0.001). PV showed a significant tendency to increase with BMI (p<0.001). In the correlation analysis, BMI showed a statistically significant correlation (p<0.001) with PSA, IPSS, and QoL, although the correlations were very weak. In contrast, BMI showed a significant correlation with PV (p<0.001), with a meaningful Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.124. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI was associated with lower PSA levels and higher IPSS and QoL scores. Meanwhile, PV increased with BMI. Although obese individuals had a greater PV, obesity did not aggravate lower urinary tract symptoms.