The effects of Cynodon dactylon (Poaceae family) and Dolichos biflorus (Fabaceae family) extracts on decreasing size and excretion of kidney and urinary tract stones: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Given high and growing prevalence rate of urolithiasis in most societies as well as the problems caused by this issue, it is necessary to apply more cost-effective and safer therapeutic methods, which are accessible for all the individuals worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate efficacy of herbal medicines named Cynodon dactylon and Dolichos biflorus on solving and excretion of renal and urinary tract stones in patients with urolithiasis. METHODS: This study included 96 patients with urolithiasis who were randomly allocated into three groups. The first group received the extract of D. biflorus seeds (1,600 mg), the second group received extract of C. dactylon rhizome (1,600 mg) and the third group received placebo for 21 days. In this study, we used an hydroalcoholic extract of D. biflorus and C. dactylon prepared by Soxhlet method. For each patient, the size of the stones, the amount of calcium in the urine, the number of stones excreted and their chemical substance type were measured. RESULTS: In this study, changes were observed at the significance level in the interventions groups of 1 and 2, and the placebo group in the left kidney, so that changes in size of the stone in left kidney as intergroup were significantly different in these three groups (p=0.02). The mean of changes in stone size in left kidney in the group C. dactylon was 3.78 ± 7.1 and in the group D. biflorus, it was 0.27 ± 0.6. CONCLUSIONS: A significant difference in the results of this study show that C. dactylon rhizome and D. biflorus seed extracts are able to decrease the size of the stone and can be effective on kidney stones excretion.

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Concentration with Spermiogram Parameters and Reproductive Hormones Among Infertile Iranian Males: a Cross-sectional Study.

Infertility is a health concern affecting more than 186 million people globally, and male factors play a role in almost half of cases. Recently, the possible impact of vitamin D on male reproduction has become the center of attention. Our study intended to assess the correlation between serum vitamin D concentrations with sperm parameters and sex hormones in infertile Iranian men compared to fertile men. This cross-sectional study was performed among the 114 couples who were referred to the Urology Clinic of Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad, Iran. According to the inclusion criteria, 57 patients were entered into the infertility group, and 57 cases entered into the fertile group. Semen quality assessment was performed based on WHO guidelines, and the serum was analyzed for 25-hydroxy vitamin D, LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and testosterone by ELISA method. Vitamin D level was significantly higher in the fertile group compared with infertile males (p < 0.001). Moreover, vitamin D level was positively correlated with some fertility indicators assessed by spermiogram test including sperm motility (p < 0.001, r = 0.483) and sperm count (p = 0.019, r = 0.216). Additionally, vitamin D was positively associated with testosterone level (p = 0.025, r = 0.210). There was no significant correlation between vitamin D concentrations with sperms morphology, LH, and FSH level. Our study showed a significantly lower vitamin D level in infertile males compared to the fertile group. In conclusion, our study results showed a positive correlation between serum vitamin D with sperm motility, sperm count, and serum testosterone level in fertile males compared to infertile men and suggest the beneficial effects of vitamin D on male reproduction.

The Therapeutic Effects of Intracavernosal Plaque Excision in Peyronie's Disease: A None Grafting or Tunical Excising Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Current surgical treatments in Peyronie's disease are accompanied by complications such as penile shortening, loss of sensation, erectile dysfunction and recurrence of disease. The aim of this study was the evaluation of clinical results of intracavernosal plaque excision in Peyronie's disease. METHODS: The operation was performed on 35 men. It was consisted of incising the tunica albuginea parallel to the plaque and through this incision, and the plaque was removed from the inside surface without excision or replacing the underlying tunica albuginea by grafts. All patients were evaluated before and periodically within 12 months after the surgery with measurement of penile length, curvature angle in the rigidity phase, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 51.4±5.3 years (range 42-59 years). The angle of penile curvature was 25-45° (mean=35°). Thirty patients (86%) obtained a nearly complete straightening of penis. All patients restored their previous penile length without any disorder of sensation within the glans penis and expressed improvement of sexual activity. CONCLUSION: Intracavernosal plaque excision is a simple, easy and minimal invasive method that does not result in penile shortening, loss of sensation or erectile dysfunction. In properly selected patients, this technique can lead to acceptable elimination of penile curvature and sexual satisfaction.

Effects of a Topical Saffron (Crocus sativus L) Gel on Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetics: A Randomized, Parallel-Group, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Erectile dysfunction is a man's persistent or recurrent inability to achieve and maintain erection for a satisfactory sexual relationship. As diabetes is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among diabetic men has been reported as 35% to 90%. This randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a topical saffron (Crocus sativus L) gel on erectile dysfunction in diabetic men. Patients were randomly allocated to 2 equal groups (with 25 patients each). The intervention group was treated with topical saffron, and the control received a similar treatment with placebo. The 2 groups were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire before the intervention and 1 month after the intervention. Compared to placebo, the prepared saffron gel could significantly improve erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients (P < .001). This preliminary evidence suggests that saffron can be considered as a treatment option for diabetic men with erectile dysfunction.

Bilateral laparoscopic gonadectomy in a patient with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome and bilateral sertoli-leydig cell tumor: a case report and brief review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (previously called testicular feminization) is specified by a 46 XY karyotype and negative sex chromatin, bilateral undescended testes, female genitalia appearance, and lack of mullerian derivatives. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old woman with complete (severe) androgen resistance underwent prophylactic laparoscopic bilateral gonadectomy because of the eventually increased risk of gonadal malignancy. Although the gonads appeared grossly normal, microscopic examination revealed bilateral well differentiated sertoli-leydig cell tumor (SLCT). DISCUSSION: Our Medline search revealed that this is the first reported case of bilateral sertoli-leydig cell tumor (SLCT) in androgen insensitivity syndrome.

The effects of varicocelectomy on the patients with premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation is one of the most problems in clinical practice. The association between varicocele and premature ejaculation was poorly understood. The effects of varicocelectomy on premature ejaculation in varicocele patient was studied. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the impacts of varicocelectomy on patients with both premature ejaculation and varicoceles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a clinical trial study, conducted on 124 patients (20-35 years old), with varicoceles and premature ejaculation (PE), since March 2011 to April 2013. Inguinal and sub inguinal varicocelectomy were performed for them. All patients had both impairment of spermiogram and PE. These patients were followed up for about 2 years and evaluated for PE, in addition to parameters of spermiogram, before and after the surgery. RESULTS: A total number of 124 patients with varicoceles and PE were enrolled into the study. Following the surgery 46 patients (37%) were fully treated (P < 0.001), 78 patients (63%) had improvements in PE symptoms changed to early ejaculation (P < 0.05) and 89 patients (72%) had improved parameters of spermiogram (P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In a significant number of patients who had clinical varicocele and not well responded to medical treatments for PE, varicocelectomy could effectively improve PE and spermiogram parameters.