Right-Crossed, Fused Renal Ectopia L-Shaped Kidney Type with Urinary Chyluria.

Crossed fused renal ectopia combined with chyluria is extremely rare. Here we report the case of a patient who was admitted to our institution since milky urine and was finally found to have an L-shaped fused kidney and renal pelvis fistula. The patient was cured by renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy.

Castration impairs erectile organ structure and function by inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the changes and underlying mechanisms of erectile organ structure and function in castrated rats. In addition, the regulatory effects of an androgen on autophagy and apoptosis in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), especially the regulatory effect of androgen on the BECN 1-Bcl-2 interaction, were investigated. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (30/group): control group, castration group, and castration with testosterone supplementation group. The erectile function was examined both in vivo and in vitro, by electric stimulation of the cavernous nerve and corpus cavernosum strip bath test, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were performed to determine the levels of autophagy and apoptosis, and the structural changes in corpus cavernosum. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the castration group showed (1) lower erectile function: lower intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio, lower systolic and diastolic capability of corporal strips, and reduced expressions of eNOS and nNOS; (2) greater fibrosis: decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, lower expression of α-SMA, and higher expression of TGF-ß1; (3) inhibited autophagy: decreased autophagosomes, lower expressions of BECN1 and LC3-II; and (4) enhanced apoptosis: higher apoptotic index and decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Testosterone supplementation partially improved the effects of castration. CONCLUSIONS: Castration attenuates erectile function and induces corporeal fibrosis by inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis of CCSMCs in rats. Therefore, our study highlights the important role of androgens in maintaining the integrity of the structure and function of corpus cavernosum in rats through counter-regulation of autophagy and apoptosis, mainly by regulating BECN 1-Bcl-2 interaction.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in comparison with ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the management of impacted upper ureteral stones larger than 12 mm.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) with retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RPLU) as two minimally invasive techniques in the management of proximal ureteral stones larger than 12 mm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to October 2013, patients with impacted unilateral upper ureteral stones larger than 12 mm were enrolled including 182 males and 93 females with a medium age of 40 years (22-72 years). Patients were randomized to receive URSL (139 cases) with semirigid ureteroscope or RPLU (136 cases). RESULTS: Stone size was similar in RPLU and URSL groups (13.8 ± 1.9 vs 13.6 ± 1.4 mm, P = 0.312). Operating time and hospitalizing days in URSL group were significantly shorter than those in RPLU group (P < 0.001), whereas stone clearance rate was significantly higher in RPLU group (97.1 vs 89.9 %, P = 0.017). Ureteral strictures happened higher in URSL group (5 patients, 3.6 %) than RPLU group (2 patients, 1.5 %) with no statistical significance, while the strictures requiring surgical intervention were significantly higher in URSL group (4 cases) (2.9 vs 0 %, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: RPLU could provide better stone clearance rate than semirigid URSL for upper ureteral impacted stones larger than 12 mm. It may also reduce the chance of surgical intervention for postoperative ureteral stricture.

Clinical characteristics of somatic mutations in Chinese patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma.

Recent studies have shown that somatic mutations in the KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and CACNA1D genes are associated with the pathogenesis of aldosterone-producing adenoma. Clinical profile and biochemical characteristics of the mutations in Chinese patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma remain unclear. In this study, we performed DNA sequencing in 168 Chinese patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma and found 129 somatic mutations in KCNJ5, 4 in ATP1A1, 1 in ATP2B3, and 1 in CACNA1D. KCNJ5 mutations were more prevalent in female patients and were associated with larger adenomas, higher aldosterone excretion, and lower minimal serum K(+) concentration. More interestingly, we identified a novel somatic KCNJ5 mutation (c.445-446insGAA, p.T148-T149insR) that could enhance CYP11B2 mRNA upregulation and aldosterone release. This mutation could also cause membrane depolarization and intercellular Ca(2+) increase. In conclusion, somatic KCNJ5 mutations are conspicuously more popular than mutations of other genes in aldosterone-producing adenomas of Chinese patients. The T148-T149insR mutation in KCNJ5 may influence K(+) channel selectivity and autonomous aldosterone production.

Expression of kallikrein-related peptidase 7 is decreased in prostate cancer.

Recent evidence suggests that the human kallikrein 7 (KLK7) is differentially regulated in a variety of tumors. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of kallikrein-related peptidase 7 and KLK7 in our large collection of prostate samples. Between August 2000 and December 2012, 116 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer (PCa) and 92 with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) were recruited into the study. Using immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot, kallikrein-related peptidase 7 expression in BPH and PCa tissues was determined at the mRNA and protein levels. The relationships between kallikrein-related peptidase 7 mRNA expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed. A total of 64 of 92 (69.57%) benign cases showed positive staining for KLK7 and 23 of 116 (19.83%) malignant cases showed positive, the difference of KLK7 expression between PCa and BPH was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The expression level of kallikrein-related peptidase 7 mRNA was significantly decreased in PCa tissues compared with that in BPH tissues and normal prostate tissue. Kallikrein-related peptidase 7 mRNA exhibited different expression patterns in terms of localization depending on pathological category of PCa. Similarly, our western immunoblot analyses demonstrated that the protein expression levels of KLK7 was lower in PCa than in BPH tissues and normal prostate tissue. Kallikrein-related peptidase 7 and KLK7 expression are down-regulated in PCa and lower expression of kallikrein-related peptidase 7 closely correlates with higher Gleason score and higher prostate-specific antigen level.

[On-demand versus on-time dosing of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction: a prospective multi-center study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tadalafil on demand and on time in men with erectile dysfunction. METHODS: We conducted a multi-centered randomized controlled study on 120 ED males, who were assigned to take tadalafil at 10 mg/ 20 mg on demand before sexual activity and at the same dose on time twice a week for 8 weeks. Before and at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, and 1 month after withdrawal, we obtained the scores on IIEF-5, ED Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and the short form of Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales (SF-PAIRS) , and compared the safety and efficacy of medication between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Totally, 110 patients accomplished the trial, 56 in the on-time and 54 in the on-demand group. At 4 and 8 weeks of medication and 1 month after withdrawal, the IIEF-5 scores were improved in both the on-time and on-demand groups, even more significantly in the former than in the latter at 8 weeks of treatment (21.6 +/- 2.9 vs 18.5 +/- 1.7) and 1 month after withdrawal (20.9 +/- 2.1 vs 17.9 +/- 2.3) (P < 0.05). The EDITS scores were significantly higher in the on-time than in the on-demand group at 8 weeks of treatment (31.7 +/- 6.9 vs 28.6 +/- 5.8) and 1 month after withdrawal (30.6 +/- 4.7 vs 27.9 +/- 6.5) (P < 0.05). The scores on the sexual self-confidence, spontaneity and time-concern domains of SF-PAIRS were remarkably improved after medication as compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), even more significantly in the on-time than in the on-demand group at 1 month after withdrawal. Both dosing schedules were well tolerated and no significant differences were observed in safety between the two groups. CONCLUSION: On-time dosing of tadalafil is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of ED, and has an even better effect than on-demand dosing at 8 weeks of medication and 1 month after withdrawal.

Outcome of nephrostomy balloon dilation for vesicourethral anastomotic strictures following radical prostatectomy: a retrospective study.

To evaluate the efficacy of nephrostomy balloon dilation (NBD) for patients who developed vesicourethral anastomotic stricture (VAS) following radical prostatectomy. NBD was performed in patients who developed VAS following radical prostatectomy. Quality of life (QoL), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) were evaluated. Four hundred and sixty-three prostate cancer patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), and 86 underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Most patients (90.3%) had T2 or T3 prostate cancer and a pathological Gleason score of ≤ 7. Forty-five (8.2%) and four (4.7%) patients developed VAS due to radical or LRP, respectively. Forty (89%) patients underwent NBD, including three cases of repeat dilation. The median Qmax was 4 ml s-1 (interquartile range (IQR), 2.3-5.6) before dilation and improved to 16 ml s-1 (IQR, 15-19) and 19 ml s-1 (IQR, 18-21) at the 1- and 12-month follow-up, respectively (P < 0.01). Fifteen (37.5%) patients had urinary incontinence prior to dilation, whereas only three (7.5%) patients had incontinence 12 months following dilation (P < 0.01). The median IPSS score improved from 19 (IQR, 17-24) before dilation to 7 (IQR, 6-8) at 12 months following dilation, and the QoL score improved from 5 (IQR, 4-6) before dilation to 2 (IQR, 2-3) at 12 months following dilation (P < 0.01 in both). VAS occurs in a small but significant proportion of patients following radical prostatectomy. NBD offers an effective remedy for VAS.

KAT5 and KAT6B are in positive regulation on cell proliferation of prostate cancer through PI3K-AKT signaling.

Histone modifications play important roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) and genes involved in histone modifications are seemed as ideal targets for treatment of PCa patients. However, clinical trials have shown that those existing drugs exert the minimal antitumor activity and excess adverse effects on PCa patients. Therefore, it is of great interest to figure out novel specific biomarkers to guide the development of new drugs. In present study, an RNAi screening with 44 genes involved in histone modifications was applied to a PCa cell line, Du145. The results showed that nine genes were in positive regulation of Du145 cell growth. Then four selected genes (KAT2B, KAT5, KAT6B and HDAC1) were found to exert this effect by a gene-specific manner when silenced. And then KAT5 or KAT6B silenced cells were subjected to DNA microarray analysis. The common differentially expressed genes were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and found that PDEF signaling, EIF2 signaling and PI3K signaling was suppressed following by KAT5 or KAT6B silencing. Subsequent immunoblotting assay showed that AKT signaling was inhibited, which suggested that KAT5 or KAT6B regulates cancer cell growth through PI3K-AKT signaling. Together with our published data [31] that AURKA inhibitoin increased drug sensitivity of DU145, our work demonstrated the underlying mechanism that how the acetylation enzyme regulates cancer cells survial and might provide potential therapeutic targets for prostate cancer patients in future epigenetic drug development.

Long-term oral administration of 5α-reductase inhibitor attenuates erectile function by inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in corpus cavernosum of aged rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of long-term treatment of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) on erectile organ structure and function in aged rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty 16-month-old male rats were assigned to 2 groups: untreated or treated with 5ARIs. After 16 weeks, the erectile function was measured after electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. The weights and histopathologic features of the corpus cavernosum were examined. The levels of autophagy, apoptosis, and protein expression were also recorded. RESULTS: In the 5ARI-treatment group, the plasma and intraprostatic dihydrotestosterone concentration was lowered by 52.1% and 57.3%, respectively, and the weight of the corpus cavernosum and prostate had decreased by 22.4% and 35.6%, respectively. The in vivo erectile response to electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve had decreased significantly in the 5ARI-treatment group (P <.001). Masson's staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot all demonstrated decreased smooth muscle and increased collagen deposition and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase and LC3-II protein expression in the corpus cavernosum of the 5ARI-treatment group. Using transmission electron microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling, decreased autophagy, aggravated ultrastructural injury of mitochondria, and increased apoptosis were observed in the cavernous smooth muscle cells from the rats in the 5ARI-treatment group. CONCLUSION: Long-term 5ARI treatment did attenuate the erectile function of aged rats. The mechanisms might have been the decreased rate of autophagy and an increased rate of apoptosis in the cavernous smooth muscle cells, suggesting a new role for androgen in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the erectile organ. Additional studies are necessary to demonstrate the mechanisms of dihydrotestosterone in regulating the autophagy and apoptosis of the cavernous smooth muscle cells.

AURKA suppression induces DU145 apoptosis and sensitizes DU145 to docetaxel treatment.

The palliative therapy effect by docetaxel for CRPC patients makes it urgent to improve the therapy. It was suggested that PI3K and androgen receptor-directed combination therapy may be effective for prostate cancer (PCa) patients PTEN negative. However, for those patients PTEN positive, the mechanism of anti-apoptosis survival of cancer cells is not yet well defined. Amplification of AURKA has been detected in 5% of PCa. In this work, Du145, a PTEN positive PCa cell model, was employed to investigate the role of aurora kinase a (AURKA) on cell growth. Inhibition of AURKA expression by shRNA markedly reduced prostate cancer cell viability. Furthermore, we demonstrate that AURKA inhibition induced a remarkable downregulation of AKT activity and Bax induction. Moreover, specific inhibition of the activity of AURKA, but not other aurora family members, by small molecular chemical inhibitors induced significant cell killing effects. Notably, AURKA inhibition sensitized prostate cancer cells to docetaxel treatment. Our work suggests that AURKA-directed monotherapy or combination therapy with docetaxel could be a potent treatment for PCa patients in future.

Reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 may play a role in anti-inflammatory effect of hyaluronic acid in a rat model of severe non-bacterial cystitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in hyaluronic acid (HA) therapy in rats model of severe non-bacterial cystitis. METHODS: Cystitis models in Sprague-Dawley female rats were produced by combination of intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide (CYP) with intravesical protamine/lipopolysaccharide (PS/LPS). HA or heparin (0.5 ml) was introduced intravesically to rats' bladders followed PS/LPS. Bladder tissue was prepared for histology including mast cell presence and measurement of ICAM-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin 6 (IL-6). RESULTS: Cystitis model using intraperitoneal CYP and intravesical SP/LPS showed serious inflammation, higher mast cell count with elevated ICAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. After intravesical heparin or HA treatment, incidence of grades 3-4 bladder inflammation and tissue ICAM-1 level were only significantly lower in HA group (P = 0.017, P = 0.021, respectively), but not in heparin group (P = 0.12, P = 0.798, respectively). Remarkably lower level of TNF-α (P = 0.003) and ICAM-1 (P = 0.006) was detected in HA-treated rats compared with heparin-treated rats. Inflammation grade and ICAM-1 level had strong correlation (P < 0.001). IL-6 level after HA or heparin instillation had no difference. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical administration of HA decreased the severity of bladder inflammation, mast cell presence, and levels of ICAM-1 and TNF-α in a rat model of severe non-bacterial cystitis; its effect was more obvious than that of heparin. Reduction of ICAM-1 may play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect of HA.

[Experience in reducing intraoperative blood loss in radical retropubic prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To search for an effective method of reducing intraoperative blood loss in radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). METHODS: We performed RRP for 100 patients with prostate cancer, 50 (group A) with the Walsh or Poor method for handling the dorsal venous complex (DVC), and the other 50 (group B) through the following three additional procedures for hemostasis: first placing a #7 prophylactic suture in the distal position of DVC, then ligating the vascular bundle of the prostatic apex with continuous 4-0 Vicryl sutures, and lastly placing a 4-0 absorbable suture followed by freeing the neurovascular bundle (NVB) or freeing NVB before suturing the remained levator ani myofascia and the deep layer of Denovilliers' fascia above the rectal serosa with 4-0 Vicryl. We assessed the effects of the three hemostatic methods in RRP by comparing the volumes of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion, operation time and perioperative levels of hemoglobin. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups A and B in age, PSA, Gleason score, clinical stage, prostate volume, operation time and perioperative hemoglobin levels (P>0.05). The volumes of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion were markedly higher in group A ([1103.00 +/- 528.03] ml and [482.00 +/- 364.60] ml) than in B ([528.00 +/- 258.96] ml and [140.00 +/- 266.28] ml) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative blood loss in RRP could be significantly decreased by placing a prophylactic hemostatic suture in the distal position of DVC, continuous suture of the vascular bundle of the prostatic apex after cutting off the urethra, and placing a fine absorbable suture above NVB or continuous suture of the remained levator ani mony fascia and the deep layer of Denovilliers'fascia above the rectal serosa with absorbable sutures after freeing NVB.

Multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib: a novel strategy for sporadic malignant pheochromocytoma.

Sporadic malignant pheochromocytoma, a rare disease with poor prognosis, is always difficult to treat due in part to lack of effective agents. We presented three patients with advanced malignant pheochromocytoma treated by sunitinib, which indicates that sunitinib is an effective agent for this malignancy.

Safety and efficacy of levofloxacin versus ciprofloxacin for the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis in Chinese patients.

Levofloxacin is a synthetic fluoroquinolone that is usually used to treat chronic bacterial prostatitis. We investigated the safety and efficacy of levofloxacin compared with ciprofloxacin for the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis in Chinese patients. This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Four hundred and seventy-one patients with clinical symptoms/signs were enrolled into the study, and 408 patients were microbiologically confirmed chronic bacterial prostatitis, who were randomized to either oral levofloxacin (500 mg q.d.) or ciprofloxacin (500 mg b.i.d.) for 4 weeks. Bacterial clearance rate, clinical symptoms/signs, adverse reactions and disease recurrence were assessed. The clinical symptoms and signs (including dysuria, perineal discomfort or pain) and bacteria cultures in 209 patients treated with levofloxacin and 199 patients treated with ciprofloxacin were similar. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. One to four weeks after the end of 4 weeks treatment, the bacterial clearance rate (86.06% vs. 60.03%; P<0.05) and the clinical efficacy (including clinical cure and clinical improvement(93.30% vs. 71.86%; P<0.05)) were significantly higher in the levofloxacin-treated group than in the ciprofloxacin-treated group. The microbiological recurrence rate was significantly lower in the levofloxacin-treated group than in the ciprofloxacin-treated group (4.00% vs. 19.25%; P<0.05). Rates of adverse events and treatment-related adverse events were slightly lower in the levofloxacin-treated group than in ciprofloxacin-treated group. Levofloxacin showed some advantages over ciprofloxacin in terms of clinical efficacy and disease recurrence, with a low rate of adverse events, for the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis in Chinese patients.

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy using holmium laser for 187 patients with proximal ureteral stones.

BACKGROUND: Improving the success rate of ureteroscopic lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones is the hot issue in this field. Here we reported our experience on the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. METHODS: From 2005 to 2010, 187 consecutive patients with proximal ureteral stones who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy were enrolled. The initial 52 patients treated by semi-rigid ureteroscope alone were classified as group 1. The subsequent 135 patients treated by semi-rigid ureteroscope with the aid of stone basket and flexible ureteroscope were classified as group 2. RESULTS: In group 1, the overall stone-free rate was 67.3%. By a single procedure of ureteroscopic lithotripsy using a semi-rigid instrument, patients with ureteral stones below the 4th lumbar vertebra level achieved 91.7% stone-free rate, which was only 50% in patients with stones above the 4th lumbar vertebra level. Conversion to open surgery occurred in two patients since ureteral perforation was observed. In group 2, the stone-free rate achieved 93.2% with the aid of an N-Trap basket, which was significantly higher than that of patients without the aid of the basket (51.6%). Flexible ureteroscope was subsequently used in patients with fragment migration, thus making the overall success rate in group 2 increases to 97.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopic lithotripsy is a safe and efficacious treatment for proximal ureteral stones. A single procedure of ureteroscopic lithotripsy using semi-rigid ureteroscope could achieve a satisfactory stone-free rate in patients with proximal ureteral stones below the 4th lumbar vertebra level. However, patients with ureteral stones above the 4th lumbar vertebra level experienced higher stone-migration rate, which would decrease the success rate. Fortunately, the stone-free state could possibly be achieved with the aid of an N-trap basket and flexible ureteroscope.

Myxoid adrenal cortical tumor: report of four cases.

Myxoid adrenocortical neoplasms are rare. Surgical resection of the mass is the first-line therapy. Here we reported a total of four patients, aged 44­66 years, diagnosed with myxoid adrenocortical tumor. The clinical characteristics and immunohistochemical features of the tumor are discussed in the current literature.

Antitumor effects of human interferon-alpha 2b secreted by recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine on bladder cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to construct a recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (rBCG) that secretes human interferon-alpha 2b (IFNα-2b) and to study its immunogenicity and in vitro antitumor activity against human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and T5637. METHODS: The signal sequence BCG Ag85B and the gene IFNα-2b were amplified from the genome of BCG and human peripheral blood, respectively, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The two genes were cloned in Escherichia coli-BCG shuttle-vector pMV261 to obtain a new recombinant plasmid pMV261-Ag85B-IFNα-2b. BCG was transformed with the recombinant plasmid by electroporation and designated rBCG-IFNα-2b. Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood (PBMCs) and stimulated with rBCG-IFNα-2b or wild type BCG for 3 d, and then cultured with human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and T5637. Their cytotoxicities were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS: BCG was successfully transformed with the recombinant plasmid pMV261-Ag85B-IFNα-2b by electroporation and the recombinant BCG (rBCG-IFNα-2b) was capable of synthesizing and secreting cytokine IFNα-2b. PBMC proliferation was enhanced significantly by rBCG-IFNα-2b, and the cytotoxicity of PBMCs stimulated by rBCG-IFNα-2b to T24 and T5627 was significantly stronger in comparison to wild type BCG. CONCLUSIONS: A recombinant BCG, secreting human IFNα-2b (rBCG-IFNα-2b), was constructed successfully and was superior to control wild type BCG in inducing immune responses and enhancing cytotoxicity to human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and T5637. This suggests that rBCG-IFNα-2b could be a promising agent for bladder cancer patients in terms of possible reductions in both clinical dosage and side effects of BCG immunotherapy.

Effects of oral finasteride on erectile function in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Many clinical studies reported finasteride-related erectile dysfunction, but to date, few animal experiments have focused on it. AIM: To investigate the effects of oral finasteride on erectile function in a rat model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Erectile responses and morphological changes. METHODS: Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (25/group): (i) control; (ii) castration; (iii) castration with testosterone (T) replacement; and (iv) oral finasteride treatment. Four weeks later, erectile function was measured by the ratio of intracavernosal pressure and mean arterial blood pressure upon electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Serum T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and intraprostatic DHT were measured. The weights and histopathological features of the penile corpus cavernosum and prostate were examined. RESULTS: Serum T and DHT and intraprostatic DHT concentrations, erectile function, and mean weights of the corpus cavernosum and prostate were lowest in group 2. There was no significant difference in the serum T concentration and erectile function between groups 4 and 1. However, the serum and intraprostatic DHT concentrations were significantly lower in group 4 than in group 1 (both P < 0.001). The tissue weights of the corpus cavernosum and prostate were reduced by 25.9% and 92.3% in group 4 compared with group 1 (both P < 0.001). Histopathology revealed a significant atrophy of the prostate in groups 2 and 4. There was a significant decrease in the smooth muscle content in group 2, but not in groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: In a rat model, finasteride treatment for 4 weeks reduces the weight of the corpus cavernosum but appears not to affect the erectile responses to electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. As erection is a complex process involving important signaling in the brain, further studies are necessary to demonstrate the long-term effects of finasteride on both central and peripheral neural pathways of erection.

Engagement of integrinß1 induces resistance of bladder cancer cells to mitomycin-C.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether integrinß1 subunit is responsible for the resistance of bladder cancer cell to the therapeutic drug mitomycin-C (MMC), when grown on fibronectin (FN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of integrinß1 on bladder cancer T24 and 5637 cells was examined by the flow cytometer. The adhesion of cells to plates with the absence or presence of FN was determined. Analysis of apoptosis induced by MMC was assessed using the flow cytometer in combination with an integrinß1-blocking antibody or siRNA targeting the coding region of integrinß1. Western blot was used to study the expression change of integrinß1 and its downstream molecules. RESULTS: Bladder cancer T24 and 5637 cells express high level of integrinß1 (87.3% ± 2.3 and 90.1% ± 1.9, respectively). Cellular adhesion to FN was significantly reduced by the blocking of integrinß1. Blocking or silencing of integrinß1 significantly abolished the drug resistance of cells grown on FN to MMC (P <.05) and inhibited the activation of survival signals phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3-K)/Akt. CONCLUSION: Integrinß1-mediated cellular adhesion to FN confers drug resistance to MMC on bladder cancer cells. Knockdown of integrinß1 may abolish the drug resistance phenotype and sensitize bladder cancer cells to MMC.