Is there a relationship between testosterone and androgen receptor with prostatectomy outcomes?

INTRODUCTION:   Prostate cancer has a variable natural history and, despite the existence of biochemical recurrence (BCR) predictors, they are still limited in predicting outcomes.  The role of testosterone in advanced prostate cancer is well known, however its role in localized prostate cancer is still uncertain.  In the present study, we evaluated the relationship of testosterone levels and androgen receptor (AR) expression with oncological and functional outcomes, in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS:   Through a retrospective study, patients who underwent RRP, who had at least two preoperative total testosterone dosages, were analyzed and compared according to testosterone levels, oncological and functional outcomes.  After analyzing data, tissue samples were selected in a biorepository to carry out the AR and the AR-V7 expression. RESULTS:   After applying exclusion criteria, 212 patients were included in the analysis.  Thirty-two patients (15.1%) had low testosterone levels and, in this group, a lower rates of erectile function recovery were observed at 24 months (53.1% vs. 71.7%; p = 0.037), a higher rate of BCR (21.9% vs. 9.4%; p = 0.041) and higher International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade in biopsy products.  The AR expression was higher in patients with low testosterone, but there was no difference in relapse rates. CONCLUSIONS:   Lower levels of testosterone were related to lower rates of erectile function recovery at the end of 24 months after RRP, in addition to conferring higher rates of BCR and higher ISUP grades in biopsy.  Furthermore, patients with total testosterone < 300 ng/dL had higher expression of AR, but no difference in BCR rates.

The use of statins is related to a lower PSA level after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with holmium laser (HoLEP) for the treatment of BPH.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors that may be associated with a 2-month high baseline level of Total Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with Holmium Laser (HoLEP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of adult males undergoing HoLEP at a single tertiary institution from September 2015 to February 2021. Pre-operative epidemiological, clinical characteristics and post-operative factors were analyzed and a multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors independently related to PSA decline. RESULTS: A total of 175 men aged 49-92 years with a prostate size ranging from 25 to 450 cc underwent HoLEP, and after excluding data from patients due to loss of follow-up or incomplete data, 126 patients were included in the final analysis. The patients were divided into group A (n = 84), which included patients with postoperative PSA nadir lower than 1 ng/ml, and group B(n = 42), with postoperative PSA levels greater than 1 ng/ml. In the univariate analysis there was a correlation between the variation of the PSA value and the percentage of resected tissue (p = 0.028), for each 1 g of resected prostate there was a reduction of 0.104 ng/mL, furthermore there was a difference between the means of age of group A (71.56 years) and group B (68.17 years) (p = 0.042). In the multivariate analysis, the use of statins and lower postoperative PSA levels (p = 0.024; HR = 3.71) were correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that PSA after HoLEP is correlated with patient's age, the presence of incidental prostate cancer, and the use of statins.

Role of Ultrasound Elastography in Patient Selection for Prostatic Artery Embolization.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) on prostate elasticity as assessed using ultrasound elastography (US-E) and to describe baseline US-E's potential role in patient selection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective investigation that included 20 patients undergoing PAE to treat lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). US-E with measurement of the prostatic elastic modulus (EM) and shear wave velocity (SWV) was performed before PAE and at 1-month follow-up. Baseline, 3-month, and 1-year follow-up evaluations included prostate-specific antigen, uroflowmetry, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical assessment using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) metrics. RESULTS: Seventeen patients entered statistical analysis. US-E showed a significant reduction in mean prostatic EM (34.4 kPa vs 46.3 kPa, -24.7%, P < .0001) and SWV (3.55 m/s vs 4.46 m/s, -20.0%, P < .0001) after PAE. There were moderate positive correlations between baseline EM and 1-year IPSS (R = 0.62, P = .007) and between baseline SWV and 1-year IPSS (R = 0.68, P = .002). Baseline SWV ≥ 5.59 m/s and baseline EM ≥ 50.14 kPa were associated with suboptimal IPSS and QoL outcomes after PAE with high degrees of sensitivity (100%) and specificity (69-100%). CONCLUSIONS: PAE led to a positive effect on the BPH dynamic component related to prostatic elasticity. There was a moderate positive correlation between baseline prostatic elastographic parameters and 12-month IPSS. Measurement of baseline elastographic characteristics may become useful for the evaluation and selection of patients for PAE.

Prostatic Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: 10 Years' Experience.

Background Long-term experience with prostatic artery embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia remains limited. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long-term results of PAE for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Materials and Methods This retrospective single-center study was conducted from June 2008 to June 2018 in patients with moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia-related symptoms. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life score, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual volume, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostate volume were assessed. PAE was performed with 100-500-µm embolic microspheres. Mixed-model analysis of variance and Kaplan-Meyer method was accessed, as appropriate. Results A total of 317 consecutive men (mean age ± standard deviation, 65 years ± 8) were treated. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 96 months (mean, 27 months). Bilateral and unilateral PAE was performed in 298 (94%) and 19 (6%) men, respectively. Early clinical failure occurred in six (1.9%) and symptom recurrence in 72 (23%) men at a median follow-up of 72 months. Mean maximum improvement was as follows: IPSS, 16 points ± 7; quality-of-life score, 4 points ± 1; prostatic volume reduction, 39 cm3 ± 39 (39% ± 29); maximum urinary flow rate, 6 mL/sec ± 10 (155% ± 293); and postvoid residual volume, 70 mL ± 121 (48% ± 81) (P < .05 for all). Unilateral PAE was associated with higher recurrence (42% vs 21%; P = .04). Baseline PSA was inversely related with recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.9 per nanograms per milliliter of PSA; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8, 0.9; P < .001). Embolization with combined particle sizes (100-500 µm) did not relate to symptom recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 1.1 for 100-500-µm group vs 300-500-µm group and hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.5 for 100-500-µm group vs 100-300-µm group; P = .19).None of the patients presented with urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Conclusion Prostatic artery embolization was a safe and effective procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia with good long-term results for lower urinary tract symptoms. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

The role of bladder diverticula in the prevalence of acute urinary retention in patients with BPH who are candidates to surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The urinary bladder diverticula (BD) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a complication that can lead to urinary stasis, stone, urinary tract infection (UTI) and tumors. It's role in acute urinary retention (AUR) is not totally understood. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of BD size on AUR rates in patients with BPH candidates to surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 47 patients with BPH and BD who underwent BPH surgery associated to complete bladder diverticulectomy from 2006 to 2016. We analyzed risk factors for AUR in patients with BD using univariate, multivariate and correlation analysis. RESULTS: There was a difference in the size of the diverticula, with 6.8 cm vs. 4.5 cm among patients with and without AUR respectively (p=0.005). The ROC curve showed a correlation between the size of BD and the risk of AUR. The value of 5.15 cm presented a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 72%. The area under the curve was 0.75 (p=0.01). Comparing groups with BD >5.0 cm vs. ≤5.0 cm, the AUR incidence was 74% and 27.8% respectively with an OR of 2.65 (1.20-5.85) (p=0.005). In the multivariate analysis, only the size of the diverticula reached statistical significance (p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The diameter of BD is an independent risk factor for AUR in patients with BPH and BD who are candidates to surgery. A diameter greater than 5.15 cm increases the risk of AUR.

Can we predict which patients will experience resolution of detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate?

PURPOSE: We determined which clinical and urodynamic variables may be related to persistent detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 46 patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with transurethral prostate resection from 2011 to 2012. All patients underwent urodynamic analysis preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Clinical and urodynamic variables in the preoperative period were correlated with the resolution of detrusor overactivity postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients with detrusor overactivity in the preoperative period were older (65.2 vs 61.1 years, p = 0.041) and had a higher I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) (25.2 vs 19, p = 0.014) and higher maximum flow rate (8.6 vs 6.6 ml per second, p = 0.039). Patients with persistent detrusor overactivity were statistically older than those with resolution (69 vs 63 years, p = 0.043). Detrusor overactivity persisted in 63.6% of patients with maximum cystometric capacity less than 250 ml compared to 20% of those with greater than 250 ml (p = 0.024). When analyzing urodynamic variables together, we found a 66.7% chance of persistent detrusor overactivity in patients with maximum cystometric capacity less than 250 ml and detrusor overactivity amplitude greater than 40 cm H2O (p = 0.041). When these characteristics were associated with early detrusor overactivity, the chance of persistent detrusor overactivity was 83.3% (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced patient age together with low maximum cystometric capacity, and early and high detrusor overactivity amplitude are the most important predictors of persistent detrusor overactivity after relief of bladder outlet obstruction.

Prostatic artery embolization for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with prostates > 90 g: a prospective single-center study.

PURPOSE: To describe the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with spherical microparticles to treat lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with prostate volume > 90 g. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, single-center, single-arm study was conducted in 35 patients with prostate volumes ranging from 90-252 g. Mean patient age was 64.8 years (range, 53-77 y). Magnetic resonance imaging, uroflowmetry, and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were used to assess clinical and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Mean prostate size decreased significantly from 135.1 g before PAE to 91.9 g at 3 months of follow-up (P < .0001). Mean IPSS and quality-of-life index improved from 18.3 to 2.7 and 4.8 to 0.9 (P < .0001 for both), respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between prostate-specific antigen at 24 hours after PAE and IPSS 3 months after PAE (P = .0057). CONCLUSIONS: PAE is a safe and effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with prostate volume > 90 g. Excessively elevated prostate-specific antigen within 24 hours of PAE is associated with lower symptom burden in short-term follow-up.

Loss of TIMP-1 immune expression and tumor recurrence in localized prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Overexpression of MMPs has been related to biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. TIMP1 and TIMP2 are controllers of MMPs and the aim of this study is to evaluate the expression levels of MMPs and their regulators using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray of localized prostate cancer (PC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immune-expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP1, TIMP-2, MMP-14 and IL8, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in radical prostatectomy specimens of 40 patients with localized PC who underwent surgery between September 1997 and February 2000. Protein expression was considered as categorical variables, negative or positive. The results of the immune-expression were correlated to Gleason score (GS), pathological stage (TNM), pre-operatory PSA serum levels and biochemical recurrence in a mean follow up period of 92.5 months. RESULTS: The loss of TIMP1 immune-expression was related to biochemical recurrence. When TIMP1 was negative, 56.3% patients recurred versus 22.2% of those whose TIMP1 was positive (p=0.042). MMP-9, MMP-2, IL8 and MMP-14 were positive in the majority of PC. TIMP-2 was negative in all cases. CONCLUSION: Negative immune-expression of TIMP1 is correlated with biochemical recurrence in patients with PC possibly by failing to control MMP-9, an important MMP related to cancer progression.

Evaluation of AR, AR-V7, and p160 family as biomarkers for prostate cancer: insights into the clinical significance and disease progression.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of the p160 family, AR, and AR-V7 in different initial presentations of prostate cancer and their association with clinical endpoints related to tumor progression. METHODS: The study sample comprises 155 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and 11 healthy peripheral zone biopsies as the control group. Gene expression was quantified by qPCR from the tissue specimens. The statistical analysis investigated correlations between gene expression levels, associations with disease presence, and clinicopathological features. Additionally, ROC curves were applied for distinct PCa presentations, and time-to-event analysis was used for clinical endpoints. RESULTS: The AR-V7 diagnostic performance for any PCa yielded an AUC of 0.77 (p < 0.05). For locally advanced PCa, the AR-V7 AUC was 0.65 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the metastasis group had a higher expression of SRC-1 than the non-metastatic group (p < 0.05), showing a shorter time to metastasis in the over-expressed group (p = 0.005). Patients with disease recurrence had super-expression of AR levels (p < 0.0005), with a shorter time-to-recurrence in the super-expression group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Upregulation of SRC-1 indicates a higher risk of progression to metastatic disease in a shorter period, which warrants further research to be applied as a clinical tool. Additionally, AR may be used as a predictor for PCa recurrence. Furthermore, AR-V7 may be helpful as a diagnostic tool for PCa and locally advanced cancer, comparable with other investigated tools.

miR-21 may acts as an oncomir by targeting RECK, a matrix metalloproteinase regulator, in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is based mainly in histological aspects together with PSA serum levels that not always reflect the real aggressive potential of the neoplasia. The micro RNA (miRNA) mir-21 has been shown to regulate invasiveness in cancer through translational repression of the Metaloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor RECK. Our aim is to investigate the levels of expression of RECK and miR-21 in PCa comparing with classical prognostic factors and disease outcome and also test if RECK is a target of miR-21 in in vitro study using PCa cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine if RECK is a target of miR-21 in prostate cancer we performed an in vitro assay with PCa cell line DU-145 transfected with pre-miR-21 and anti-miR-21. To determine miR-21 and RECK expression levels in PCa samples we performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The in vitro assays showed a decrease in expression levels of RECK after transfection with pre-miR-21, and an increase of MMP9 that is regulated by RECK compared to PCa cells treated with anti-miR-21. We defined three profiles to compare the prognostic factors. The first was characterized by miR-21 and RECK underexpression (N = 25) the second was characterized by miR-21 overexpression and RECK underexpression (N = 12), and the third was characterized by miR-21 underexpression and RECK overexpression (N = 16). From men who presented the second profile (miR-21 overexpression and RECK underexpression) 91.7% were staged pT3. For the other two groups 48.0%, and 46.7% of patients were staged pT3 (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate RECK as a target of miR-21. We believe that miR-21 may be important in PCa progression through its regulation of RECK, a known regulator of tumor cell invasion.

Underexpression of MMP-2 and its regulators, TIMP2, MT1-MMP and IL-8, is associated with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Extracellular matrix homeostasis is strictly maintained by a coordinated balance between the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their regulators. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether MMP-2 and its specifi c regulators, TIMP-2, MT1-MMP and IL-8, are expressed in a reproducible, specific pattern and if the profiles are related to prognosis and clinical outcome of prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MMP-2, TIMP-2, MT1-MMP and IL-8 expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in freshly frozen malignant and benign tissue specimens collected from 79 patients with clinically localized PCa who underwent radical prostatectomies. The control group consisted of 11 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The expression profile of the MMP-2 and its regulators were compared using Gleason scores, pathological stage, pre-operative PSA levels and the fi nal outcome of the PCa. RESULTS: The analysis of 79 specimens of PCa revealed that MMP-2, TIMP-2, MT1-MMP and IL-8 were underexpressed at 60.0%, 72.2%, 62.0% and 65.8%, respectively, in malignant prostatic tissue in relation to BPH samples. Considering the prognostic parameters, we demonstrated that high Gleason score tumors (≥ 7) overexpressed MMP-2 (p = 0.048) and TIMP-2 (p = 0.021), compared to low Gleason score tumors (< 7). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that MMP-2 and its regulators are underexpressed in PCa. Alternatively, overexpression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 was related to higher Gleason score tumors. We postulate that alterations in metalloproteinase expression may be important in the control of tissue homeostasis related to prostate carcinogenesis and tumor behavior.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: initial experience in Brazil and a review of the literature.

CONTEXT AND PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy has become the standard of care for renal tumors less than 4 cm in diameter. Controversy still exists, however, regarding the best surgical approach, especially when minimally invasive techniques are taken into account. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) has emerged as a promising technique that helps surgeons achieve the standards of open partial nephrectomy care while offering a minimally invasive approach. The objective of the present study was to describe our initial experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and extensively review the pertinent literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2009 and February 2010, eight consecutive selected patients with contrast enhancing renal masses observed by CT were submitted to RALPN in a private institution. In addition, we collected information on the patients ' demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics and detailed operative, postoperative and pathological data. In addition, a PubMed search was performed to provide an extensive review of the robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy literature. RESULTS: Seven patients had RALPN on the left or right sides with no intraoperative complications. One patient was electively converted to a robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy. The operative time ranged from 120 to 300 min, estimated blood loss (EBL) ranged from 75 to 400 mL and, in five cases, the warm ischemia time (WIT) ranged from 18 to 32 min. Two patients did not require any clamping. Overall, no transfusions were necessary, and there were no intraoperative complications or adverse postoperative clinical events. All margins were negative, and all patients were disease-free at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a feasible and safe approach to small renal cortical masses. Further prospective studies are needed to compare open partial nephrectomy with its minimally invasive counterparts.

Immune expression of E-cadherin and α, ß and γ-Catenin adhesion molecules and prognosis for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are required for maintaining a normal epithelial phenotype, and abnormalities in CAM expression have been related to cancer progression, including bladder urothelial carcinomas. There is only one study that correlates E-cadherin and Α-, Β- and y-catenin expression with prognosis of upper tract urothelial carcinomas. Our aim is to study the pattern of immune expression of these CAMs in urothelial carcinomas from the renal pelvis and ureter in patients who have been treated surgically. Our goal is to correlate these expression levels and characteristics with well-known prognostic parameters for disease-free survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated specimens from 20 patients with urothelial carcinomas of the renal pelvis and ureter who were treated with nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy between June 1997 and January 2007. CAM expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray and correlated with histopathological characteristics and patient outcomes after a mean follow-up of 55 months. RESULTS: We observed a relationship between E-cadherin expression and disease recurrence. Disease recurrence occurred in 87.5% of patients with strong E-cadherin expression. Only 50.0% of patients with moderate expression and 0% of patients with weak or no expression of E-cadherin had disease recurrence (p = 0.014). There was also a difference in disease-free survival. Patients with strong E-cadherin expression had a mean disease-free survival rate of 49.1 months, compared to 83.9 months for patients with moderate expression (p = 0.011). Additionally, an absence of Α-catenin expression was associated with tumors that were larger than 3 cm (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated for the first time that immune expression of E-cadherin is related to tumor recurrence and disease-free survival rates, and the absence of Α-catenin expression is related to tumor size in upper tract urothelial carcinomas.

Physical activity effects on bladder dysfunction in an obese and insulin-resistant murine model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of physical activity in functional and molecular bladder alterations in an obese and insulin-resistant murine model. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomized into 1. physical activity and standard diet; 2. physical activity and high-fat diet; 3. no physical activity and standard diet; and 4. no physical activity and high-fat diet. Groups 1 and 2 were subjected to a 10-week swimming protocol. Urodynamic study (UDS) was performed, and the expression of genes in the bladder tissue related to the insulin pathway (IRS1/IRS2/PI3K/AKT/eNOS) was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 presented lower body weight gains than groups 3 (213.89 ± 13.77 vs 261.63 ± 34.20 grams (g), p = 0.04) and 4 (209.84 ± 27.40 vs 257.57 ± 32.95 g, p = 0.04), respectively. Group 4 had higher insulin level (6.05 ± 1.79 vs 4.14 ± 1.14 ng/ml, p = 0.038) and higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (1.95 ± 0.73 vs 1.09 ± 0.37, p = 0.006) than group 1. On UDS, group 4 had greater number of micturition (13.6 ± 4.21 vs 6.0 ± 1.82, p = 0.04), higher postvoid pressure (8.06 ± 2.24 vs 5.08 ± 1.23, p = 0.04), lower capacity (0.29 ± 0.18 vs 0.91 ± 0.41 ml, p = 0.008), and lower bladder compliance (0.027 ± 0.014 vs 0.091 ± 0.034 ml/mmHg, p = 0.016) versus group 1. High-fat diet was related to an underexpression throughout insulin signaling pathway, and physical activity was related to an overexpression of the pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The insulin signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of bladder dysfunction related to a high-fat diet. Physical activity may help to prevent bladder disfunction induced by a high-fat diet through the insulin pathway.

Association between integrin expression and prognosis in localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Integrins and other adhesion molecules are essential for maintaining the epithelial phenotype. Some studies have reported correlations between abnormalities in their expression and carcinogenesis, but their role in prostate cancer is unclear. Our aim was to study the expression profile of integrins in surgical specimens of prostate cancer and associate their expression patterns with patient outcomes. METHODS: We selected 111 patients with localized prostate cancer who had undergone radical prostatectomy. Of these patients, 60 had no tumor recurrence after a median follow-up of 123 months. Integrin expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray containing two tumor samples per patient. A semiquantitative analysis was employed. We measured the association between the expression of eight integrins and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that expression of alpha3 and alpha3beta1 was related to worse outcome. When alpha3 expression was strong and alpha3beta1 expression was positive, the odds of recurrence were 3.0- and 2.5-fold higher, respectively. Only 19% and 28% of patients were recurrence-free in a mean period of 123 months of follow up when their tumors showed strong alpha3 or positive alpha3beta1 immuno-expression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that the expression of integrin alpha3beta1 was independently associated with tumor recurrence after radical prostatectomy, suggesting that this integrin is a potential prognostic marker.

Improvements in Irritative Versus Obstructive Symptoms of the International Prostate Symptom Score After Prostatic Artery Embolization in 174 Patients, in a Single Center.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the improvements in irritative versus obstructive symptoms of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) after prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2018, 186 patients underwent PAE in a single center and 174 patients were retrospectively selected. The inclusion criteria were symptoms due to BPH, refractory to pharmacological treatment and IPSS ≥ 8. The mean age of the patients was 63.7 ± 7.2 years, the mean prostate volume 89.5 ± 42.5 cm3, and the mean IPSS 19.0 ± 6.2 points. Patient data were reviewed at baseline, 3, 12 and 24 months and compared using the ANOVA mixed models and the Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Obstructive subscores dropped more significantly than irritative subscores (p < 0.0001). The mean decrease in each IPSS item was frequency 2.4 (83%); urgency 0.8 (87%); nocturia 1.3 (49%); incomplete emptying 2.6 (83%); intermittency 2.3 (91%); weak stream 2.9 (82%); straining 1.6 (91%). The area under the curve for baseline obstructive scores was 0.7 (p = 0.006) and 0.59 (p = 0.182) for irritative scores. The most common BPH clinical manifestations include irritative and/or obstructive symptoms, the latter usually more prevalent. The IPSS drop observed after PAE suggests that it acts predominantly over obstructive symptoms (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Although a predominant improvement in obstructive symptoms may be observed after PAE, nocturia complaints may require special attention. The severity of baseline obstructive symptoms may significantly predict clinical outcomes.

Urinary biomarkers of inflammation and tissue remodeling may predict bladder dysfunction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the expression of urinary biomarkers of inflammation and tissue remodeling in patients with BPH undergoing surgery and evaluate the association of biomarkers with postoperative urodynamic outcomes MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed urine samples from 71 patients treated with TURP from 2011 to 2017. Urinary levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), matrix-metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nerve growth factor (NGF) and monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (by commercial ELISA kit) were measured, adjusted by urinary creatinine (Cr) and analyzed according to patients clinical and urodynamic characteristics (baseline and 12-month postoperative urodynamic) RESULTS: MMP-1/Cr levels were significantly higher among subjects with higher detrusor pressure on preoprative urodynamic. MCP-1/Cr levels were significantly higher amongs subjects with preoperative DO. Preoperative levels of NGF/Cr (0.13 vs 0.08, p = 0.005) and MMP-1/Cr (0.11 vs 0.04, p = 0.021) were predictors of persistent DO 12 months after surgery. The following factors were shown to be useful for predicting the persistence of DO in the postoperative period: NGF/Cr, with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.62-0.92) (p = 0.006), and MMP-1/Cr, with an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.56-0.88) (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: MMP-1/Cr was associated with higher detrusor pressure and MCP-1/CR with DO. NGF/Cr and MMP-1/Cr were shown to be predictors of persistent postoperative DO.

Genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases: susceptibility and prognostic implications for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer is the most common tumor in males in Brazil. Single nucleotide polymorphisms have been demonstrated to exist in the promoter regions of matrix metalloproteinase genes and they are associated with the development and progression of some cancers. We investigated the correlation between MMP1, 2, 7 and 9 polymorphisms with susceptibility to prostate cancer, and classic prognostic parameters of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted using conventional protocols. The DNA sequence containing the polymorphic site was amplified by real-time polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan(R) fluorescent probes. RESULTS: For the MMP1 gene the polymorphic allele was more common in the control group than in the prostate cancer group (p <0.001). For the MMP9 gene the incidence of the polymorphic homozygote genotype was higher in the prostate cancer group (p <0.001). For higher stage tumors (pT3) a polymorphic allele in the MMP2 gene was more common (p = 0.026). When considering Gleason score, the polymorphic homozygote genotype of MMP9 was more common in Gleason 6 or less tumors (p = 0.003), while a polymorphic allele in the MMP2 gene was more common in Gleason 7 or greater tumors (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: MMP1 and MMP2 may protect against prostate cancer development and MMP9 may be related to higher risk. In contrast, MMP9 polymorphism was associated with a lower Gleason score and MMP2 polymorphism was associated with nonorgan confined disease.

Effects of Prostatic Artery Embolization on the Dynamic Component of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia as Assessed by Ultrasound Elastography: A Pilot Series.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) on prostatic elasticity as assessed by Ultrasound Elastography (US-E), as well as to describe the feasibility and role of US-E as a novel tool in both pre- and post-PAE evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, single-center investigation that included eight patients undergoing PAE for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributed to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Baseline and 3-month follow-up evaluations were performed and included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetry, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and clinical assessment using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire and the IPSS-Quality of life (QoL) item. US-E with measurement of the prostatic Elastic Modulus (EM) was performed before PAE and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: After PAE, US-E showed a significant reduction of prostatic EM as assessed in kPa (33.14 vs. 47.24, - 29.8%, p = 0.002) and in m/s (3.75 vs. 4.63, - 19.0%, p < 0.001). Also, the transitional/peripheral zone ratio was significantly reduced by 45.36% (0.53 vs. 0.97, p < 0.05). All eight patients presented with significant LUTS improvement after PAE (p < 0.05 for IPSS, QoL, prostate volume, peak urinary flow rate and PSA). CONCLUSIONS: Findings described in this study suggest that PAE significantly reduces prostatic EM, leading to a positive effect on BPH dynamic component related to prostatic elasticity. Also, it features US-E as an additional tool for pre- and post-PAE evaluation, describing a novel indication for this technology.

The York-Mason technique for recto-urethral fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Recto-urethral fistula formation following radical prostatectomy is an uncommon but potentially devastating event. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the treatment of these fistulas. We present here our experiences treating recto-urethral fistulas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 8 cases of rectourethral fistula treated at our institution in the last seven years. Seven of the patients underwent repair of the fistula using the modified York-Mason procedure. RESULTS: The causes of the fistula were radical retropubic prostatectomy in five patients, perineal debridement of Fournier's gangrene in one, transvesical prostatectomy in one and transurethral resection of the prostate in the other patient. The most common clinical manifestation was fecaluria, present in 87.5% of the cases. The mean time elapsed between diagnosis and correction of the fistula was 29.6 (7-63) months. One spontaneous closure occurred after five months of delayed catheterization. Urinary and retrograde urethrocystography indicated the site of the fistula in 71.4% of the cases. No patient presented recurrence of the fistula after its correction with the modified York-Mason procedure. CONCLUSION: The performance of routine colostomy and cystostomy is unnecessary. The technique described by York-Mason permits easy access, reduces surgical and hospitalization times and presents low complication and morbidity rates when surgically correcting recto-urethral fistulas.