Does Significant Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery Affect Sexual Function and Urinary Symptoms? An Iranian Study.

INTRODUCTION: For sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), obesity is identified as an independent risk factor. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of significant rapid weight loss by bariatric surgery on LUTS and sexual function among men and women with class III obesity. METHOD: A group of patients who were planned to undergo bariatric surgery was enrolled in the study. Male patients were given the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. In the female group, they filled in the female sexual function index (FSFI) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaires. Patients were followed up 1 year after their bariatric surgery. RESULTS: All questionnaires were completed by eighty-one patients. (mean age ± SD: 39.4 ± 9.2 years; mean body mass index (BMI) ± SD: 47.15 ± 5.4 kg/m2). The total score of the IPSS questionnaire decreased from 5.83 ± 3.01 preoperatively to 2.37 ± 1.66 postoperatively. The weight loss caused significant improvement in the storage phase of LUTS domains, but there were no considerable changes in the voiding phase. In the IIEF questionnaire, domains of sexual desire, overall satisfaction, and orgasmic function improved significantly. There was not a significant change in any FSFI domains after bariatric surgery. Mean ICIQ-SF decreased, but it was not substantial. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery can significantly improve the storage phase in men, but not the voiding phase. Sexual desire, orgasmic function, and overall satisfaction were significantly improved in men. No significant improvement in sexual function and UI in women was observed.

Quercetin can be a more reliable treatment for metastatic prostate cancer than the localized disease: An in vitro study.

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid that has been recognized to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effects of quercetin against prostate malignancy in vitro and the underlying resistance mechanism. IC50 values of quercetin were determined by MTT assay. Annexin-V/PI staining was used to measure the rate of apoptosis. DNA cell cycle was analysed by PI staining method. Real-time PCR was performed to assess mRNA levels of OPN isoforms, VEGF isoforms, P53 and KLK2. Migration potential, proliferative capability and nucleus morphology of cells were evaluated by the scratch-wound assay, colony-forming assay and Hoechst staining, respectively. Quercetin significantly increased the apoptosis rate of PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines, arrested the cell cycle at the sub-G1/G1 phase, and reduced the migration potential and colony-forming capability. Moreover, upregulation of apoptosis-related genes and downregulation of genes involved in proliferation and angiogenesis was also observed. Although our results elucidated that quercetin has antitumor effects on PC-3 and LNCaP, for the first time, we showed that quercetin treatment causes alterations in the expression of OPN and VEGF isoforms, which are cancer-promoting modulators through various processes such as angiogenesis and drug-resistance. Prostate malignant cells can dodge the anti-carcinogenic properties of quercetin via modulation of OPN and VEGF isoforms in vitro. Therefore, quercetin acts as a double-edged sword in prostate cancer treatment.

Assessment of the relationship between vitamin D with semen analysis parameters and reproductive hormones levels before and after kidney transplantation: An Iranian randomized and double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D's role is noticeable on homeostasis of calcium and phosphorous and bone mineralization. Some studies prove that vitamin D has a role in reproductive pathways in male and females and its direct relationship with serum androgen levels in males. The common problem of infertility can be seen in 10%-15% of couples. 25%-50% of all infertilities is due to a male factor, and fertility disturbances are common in male CKD patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to figure out the effect of serum vitamin D levels on semen analysis parameters and reproductive hormones before and after renal transplantation in ESRD patients. METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 70 ESRD males (21-48 years old) who were candidates for renal transplantation at Sina hospital between 2021 and 2022. Participants were divided into two groups randomly. First group was supplemented by vitamin D (50,000 units weakly until 3 months), and no intervention was done in the second group. Vitamin D levels, LH, FSH, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), calcium, total and free testosterone, PTH, sexual function, and semen analysis parameters were evaluated in a determined interval before and after (three and 6 months) kidney transplantation. RESULTS: Vitamin D levels were noticeably higher in case group in comparison to the control group (p-value < 0.01) but the difference in all other variables including calcium levels, LH, FSH, total and free testosterone, IIEF-5 score, PTH, GFR, and creatinine was insignificant (p-value > 0.05). The comparison of semen parameters of the case with control group including sperm count, morphology, volume, and motility didn't reveal a noticeable difference between the two groups (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prescription of vitamin D as a supplementation doesn't improve sperm quality (sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume) and reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, free and total testosterone) after kidney transplantation in male CKD patients.

Cadaveric kidney transplantation in an ESRD patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome-A case report.

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a congenital skeletal disorder with classic clinical triad consisting of short neck, low hairline, and limitation of neck movement. In addition to skeletal deformities, diagnosed cases of KFS may have other anomalies such as cardiac, neurologic, and genitourinary disorder. We report a case of KFS with associated anomalies such as short neck, limitation of neck movement, scoliosis of cervical spine, and dextrocardia who received successful cadaveric kidney transplantation. This article aims to present kidney transplantation as option of treatment in KFS patient with ESRD and emphasize on the difficulty in airway management of this patient.

Symptomatic kidney stones in an anuric patient on dialysis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Renal colic is a colicky-type of flank pain that can commonly be presented in patients undergoing dialysis especially if they are anuric considering the fact that there are multiple controversies and little published experience on this topic, we found it very important to report this case. We also aimed to increase awareness and emphasize the importance of renal colic in anuric patients on dialysis. CASE DESCRIPTION: We herein report a case of a 42-year old man with a chief complaint of bilateral colic flank pain, He had developed end stage renal disease due to ADPKD and was on hemodialysis since the past 5 years. Previously, he went through a series of workup but was left undiagnosed. Abdomen-pelvic and chest CT scan without contrast was performed showing bilateral renal pelvic stones and some nephrocalcinosis in both kidneys. bilateral ureteroscopy was performed and bilateral DJ was installed for a total of 6 weeks and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was done. With prompt diagnosis, the patient was pain free and stone free before discharge. The patient is also reported to be stone free 6 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Patients on dialysis are still capable of forming symptomatic renal tract stones even if they are anuric.

Primary renal osteosarcoma: A case report and review of literature.

Primary renal osteosarcoma is an exceedingly rare tumor with poor prognosis. It tends to spread to distant sites and has a low survival rate. In this report, we present a case of a 43-year-old female patient presented with flank pain, gross hematuria, weakness, and weight loss. The patient was diagnosed with primary renal osteogenic sarcoma. This case report aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features, pathogenesis, and treatment modalities of this neoplasm.

Developing a novel prediction model for the impact of varicocelectomy on postoperative fertility.

The objective of this study was to evaluate inflammatory markers as predictors of fertility after varicocelectomy and to develop a prediction model. This prospective cohort was conducted on patients with varicoceles who were presented to the clinic of Imam Reza hospital of Tehran during 2019-2020. Semen analysis, complete blood count (CBC), and scrotal ultrasonography was requested. Patients with abnormalities of semen analysis were chosen as candidates for varicocelectomy. 6 months after the operation, semen analysis was repeated. Hematologic and semen analysis parameters were recorded at baseline and follow-up visits. Treatment success was defined as 50% increase in total motile sperm count (TMSC) in cases with preoperative TMSC> 5 million/cc or 100% increase in TMSC in cases with preoperative TMSC< 5 million/cc. Patients were then categorized into two groups based on treatment success and statistical analysis was performed on these two groups. 124 infertile patients with varicocele were evaluated in our study. 52 patients (41.93%) showed improvements in semen analysis after varicocelectomy. After univariate and multivariate analysis three parameters were used in our predictive model as body mass index (BMI)>23.70 kg/m2 (4 scores), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >1.80 (3 scores), and TMSC<14.69 million (2 scores). A cut-off value of 5 was associated with an 87.5% sensitivity and an 84.6% specificity for the prediction of failure of varicocelectomy. Varicocelectomy can improve semen analysis parameters in almost all infertile men with varicocele. Using BMI, NLR, and baseline TMSC as the suggested scoring system can predict the success of varicocelectomy for improving fertility and determine the appropriate infertile candidates for surgery.

Choriocarcinoma transmitted with the transplant: Case study.

Choriocarcinoma is a rare kind of cancer, which may be either gestational or non-gestational. Choriocarcinoma is responsible for about a quarter of all documented neoplastic aneurysms. It is a descriptive case report of choriocarcinoma transmission from a donor, following kidney donation. A 45-year-old woman got a kidney from a 25-year-old woman who was taken to the hospital due to a non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage. She delivered a healthy baby 48 days before her brain death. The transplant was successfully done. Five weeks' post-transplantation, the recipient had pain and erythema in the surgical area. Regarding the high level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in her blood, diagnostic tests were performed. Following the confirmation of the cancer, a five-phase chemotherapy plan with various pharmaceutical regimens was initiated. Liver function test values rose after the final round of chemotherapy, and the patient developed hepatic encephalopathy. Considering the thrombocytopenia, dialysis, or hemoperfusion, which are normally performed to reduce liver enzymes, were not initiated. Finally, she died due to the hepatic failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although the nephrologists disagree on the optimal course of treatment, it seems that nephrectomy would be helpful in such instances. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of transplant-related choriocarcinoma in female donors of reproductive age who die because of intracerebral brain hemorrhage for unclear reasons. Every donor must undergo a thorough examination. It is critical to get documents, clarify history, and interview relatives.

Comparison of spermatic and peripheral blood gases and their correlation with spermogram pattern and varicocele grade in patients with a varicocele.

The relationship between infertility and varicocele is still a controversial topic. This study aimed to find the association between the venous blood gas (VBG) pattern of the spermatic veins and peripheral veins with varicocele grade and spermogram variables in infertile patients. A total of 47 patients with a varicocele were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were drawn simultaneously from the spermatic vein and a peripheral vein. The pH, partial pressure of oxygen, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate values of these samples were analysed. The mean age of participants was 30.48 ± 6.08. The mean volume of semen was 3.92 ± 1.57 mL, and the mean semen pH was 7.88 ± 0.22. The pH was higher (p < 0.01) in the spermatic vein compared with the peripheral vein. However, level of other parameters including pO2 (p = 0.662), pCO2 (p < 0.001), HCO3 concentration of serum (p < 0.01), and base excess (p = 0.172) were lower in the spermatic vein in comparison with the peripheral vein. Correlations between VBGs determinants of the varicocele patients' spermatic vein and sperm morphology and motility were insignificant. In conclusion, although the clinical significance of VBGs is evident, there are limited studies that investigated the VBGs in varicocele patients. We should consider that the deviation in blood gases may be the missing piece in the puzzle to understand the pathophysiology of varicocele. By knowing the pathophysiology more precisely, we can better decide the ideal treatment option for the patients.

The Prevalence of Renal Stones and Outcomes of Conservative Treatment in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nephrolithiasis is a rare complication in transplanted kidneys and limited information is available about its therapeutic options. This study aimed to review the conservative management of urinary lithiasis and its outcomes in renal transplanted patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature were performed in the Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases. Inclusion criteria were studies which include patients with kidney stones in transplanted kidney no matter de-novo or donated stones and use conservative treatment for all or part of their patients. Exclusion criteria were bladder and ureteral stones, full text unavailable, conference paper. (from January 1st, 1980, to the 19th May 2020). The results of included studies, in the final analysis, were combined using a random-effect model and using metaprop method prevalence and 95% CI of renal stone were reported. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies (14988 transplant patients) met the inclusion criteria for the final analysis. A total of 195 patients suffered from renal stone and the prevalence of renal stone was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.89% - 1.7%). The mean age of these patients was 43 years. analysis, the prevalence of conservative treatment in 195 patients was 35% (95% CI: 19%-51%). The mean stone size ranged from 0.29 cm to 1 cm. Three studies reported a stone-free rate of %100. Except for two studies that did not report complications, other studies reported zero percent. CONCLUSION: More than one-third of nephrolithiasis were conservatively managed in transplanted patients. Despite limited data, conservative treatment could be done in less than 4 mm stones with high Stone Free Rate (SFR) and very low complications.

Living versus deceased kidney transplantation: Comparison of complications.

INTRODUCTION: It is assumed that the outcome of kidney transplantation from living donors is more favorable than deceased donors. However, over the years there has been an overall improvement in transplant survival from both living and deceased donors. In this article we have evaluated and compared the most recent results in living and deceased donor kidney transplantations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred and forty six patients underwent kidney transplantation in our center from September 2009 to March 2014. The patients divided in two groups living (group A) and deceased (group B) donor transplantation groups. The patients were followed until September 2016. Acute rejection, graft survival, delayed graft function, renal artery thrombosis, graft nephrectomy, ureterocutaneous fistula, postoperative hypertension, mortality, hospital stay, hyperlipidemia, post transplantation diabetes and lymphocele rate measured and compared in two groups. RESULTS: Most variables were not different between the two groups except lymphocele and delayed graft function. Lymphocele was more prevalent in group A (13.8% vs 3.1%, p-value = 0.02) and delayed graft function results were more desirable in living donor transplantation group (group B). CONCLUSION: Although, delayed graft function was less common in transplantation from living donors, short, and long term graft survival was not significantly different in this study.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammation and proliferation are the cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and are the key components of its mechanism of action. In this study we sought to determine the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in BPH, because of its anti-inflammatory activities, and its effect on prostate volume and BPH symptoms. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on 108 participants >50 years of age who had either asymptomatic or mild BPH symptoms according to the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and control. The intervention group received 50 000 units of vitamin D3 and the control group received a placebo every two weeks for six months. Prostate ultrasound, routine clinical examinations, toucher rectal (TR), and laboratory tests were performed for all patients. After six months, the patients underwent another ultrasound evaluation, measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and completed the IPSS. Results of the evaluations before and after the intervention were compared between the groups using the chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression analysis. Repeated measure analysis was used to evaluate the effect of vitamin D intervention on the changes in the IPSS score. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 56 ± 9 years. In the control group, the mean prostate volume was higher compared to the intervention group (p < 0.001). The control group had a higher mean PSA level than the intervention group (p < 0.001). Although the IPSS score decreased over time in both groups, analysis of variance showed that the amount of change or decrease in IPSS score in the intervention group was significantly more than the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study support the effect of vitamin D in reducing prostate volume and PSA levels, and in improving BPH symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings to verify the use of vitamin D as a treatment for BPH.

Comparison of sexual function changes in recipients of kidney transplant in females receiving kidney from the living donor and deceased donor.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chronic renal failure can result in different sexual and reproductive problems for women. Due to lack of information about sexual dysfunction of women with transplanted kidney and superiority of either living or deceased donor, we designed this retrospective cohort study to compare sexual function changes in recipients of kidney transplant in two groups receiving kidney from the living donor and deceased donor using Female Sexual Function Index score. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We included 55 female patients who underwent kidney transplant from 22 May 2015 to 22 May 2016 in Sina Hospital (Tehran, Iran). Laboratory factors, including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, were evaluated before and after the transplantation. Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was used to evaluate sexual function of the patients before the transplant, 3 months after the transplant, and 9 months after the transplant. RESULTS: Our results revealed that there is significant improvement in the Female Sexual Function Index score of the patients after the transplant (p-value < .001). However, we found no significant difference between the scores of the patients with living donor and deceased donor (p-value > .05). Patients' age, creatinine level, low-density lipoprotein, and diastolic blood pressure are negative predictors of Female Sexual Function Index scores.

Comparing the length of penile mucosa in men with and without premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation is one of the prevalent disorders in men; almost one out of three men between 18 and 59 years old have this disorder with its leading sequel such as lack of self-confidence, anxiety, depression and unsatisfactory intercourse in men and their partners. This study aimed to compare the length of penile mucosa in men with and without premature ejaculation. METHOD: Three hundred and eighty patients referring to our hospital from March 2009 to March 2010 were enrolled in the study. First group comprised 190 men with premature ejaculation and second group included 190 men without premature ejaculation as control group that were chosen randomly. A questionnaire was designed to collect data and was completed for both groups. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), length of penile mucosa, length of penis and intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) were measured. RESULTS: The mean IELT in premature ejaculation group and control group were 47.58 ± 29.55 and 410.38 ± 190.2 s, respectively (p = 0.001). The mean penis length in premature ejaculation group and control group were 127.25 ± 16.23 and 127.03 ± 17.42 mm, respectively (p = 0.901, with nonsignificant difference); the mean penile mucosa in premature ejaculation group was 33.83 ± 11.54 mm and in control group was 31.40 ± 11.97 mm (p = 0.014, with significant difference). CONCLUSION: Longer penile mucosa can be one of the factors in causing premature ejaculation.

Effect of PTEN Gene Mutations and Environmental Risk Factors on the Progression and Prognosis of Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is the most frequent genitourinary malignancy in Iran. Environmental and genetic factors are the two factors linked with bladder cancer expansion. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PTEN gene and environmental risk factors on the progression and prognosis of bladder cancer. METHODS: We evaluated 55 tumor specimens and 66 bladder mucosa samples of non-cancerous patients between 2011 and 2013. All samples were analyzed for PTEN mutations using PCR and direct DNA sequencing methods. Demographic data collected, were analyzed using SPSS version 19.0 software and a P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients examined, tumor stage was T1, T2 (T2a, T2b) in 34 (61.8%) and 21 (38.2%) and tumor grade was high, low in 34 (61.8%) and 21 (38.2%), respectively. No mutations in the PTEN gene were found in patients with bladder cancer and control. Among the risk factors studied, only the occupation and history of urinary tract stones, were significantly associated with bladder cancer (P value<0.05). However, other risk factors did not show such a relationship. CONCLUSION: No mutation was found in PTEN gene of patients with bladder cancer. Therefore, mutations in this gene cannot predict the prognosis and progression of urothelial bladder cancer. On the other hand, significant rela-tionship was found between occupation and urinary stones with bladder cancer. This communication reflects the im-pact of these factors on the risk of bladder cancer.