Avocado Oil (Persea americana) Reduces Epithelial Proliferation on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of avocado oil on the histoarchitecture of the prostate of normal rats and on rats with induced benign prostatic hyperplasia using computerized histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. METHODS: Twenty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: the control group (CG), the avocado oil group (AOG) fed with avocado oil-based diet, the induced group (IG), and the avocado oil testosterone-induced group (AOIG). Prostate hyperplasia was induced by subcutaneous implantation of silicone pellets, filled with testosterone, to promote androgen stimulation. After 12 weeks, the rats were euthanized, and their prostates were removed. The material was prepared for paraffin processing and stained using hematoxylin-eosin and immunostaining for p63 nuclear antigen. RESULTS: The mean epithelial thickness obtained from AOIG (19.44 ± 2.62 µm) was significantly reduced compared to that from IG (27.02 ± 4.1 µm). The average alveolar area in AOIG was 0.100 ± 0.03, which was greater than that of CG. The immunostaining for p63 in basal cells in AOIG was 17.77% ± 2.72 of the total area, a result greater than that in AOG (12.13% ± 2.04) and CG (12.01 ± 2.05). Collagen remodeling was observed with thicker fibers predominating in CG and AOG over thinner fibers in IG and AOIG. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that avocado oil has a protective effect on the prostatic epithelium of Wistar rats subjected to long-term induced prostate hyperplasia.

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.

A Concise and Useful Guide to Understand How Alpha1 Adrenoceptor Antagonists Work.

Adrenoceptors are the receptors for catecholamines, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. They are divided in α (α1 and α2) and ß (ß1, ß2 and ß3). α1-adrenoceptors are subdivided in α1A, α1B and α1D. Most tissues express mixtures of α1-adrenoceptors subtypes, which appear to coexist in different densities and ratios, and in most cases, their responses are probably due to the activation of more than one type. The three subtypes of α1-adrenoceptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), specifically coupled to Gq/11. Additionally, the activation of these receptors may activate other signaling pathways or different components of these pathways, which leads to a great variety of possible cellular effects. The first clinically used α1 antagonist was Prazosin for Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH). It was followed by its congeners, Terazosin and Doxazosin. Nowadays, there are many classes of α-adrenergic antagonists with different selectivity profiles. In addition to SAH, the α1-adrenoceptors are used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and urolithiasis. This antagonism may be part of the mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressants. Moreover, the activation of these receptors may lead to adverse effects such as orthostatic hypotension, similar to what happens with antidepressants and with some antipsychotics. Structure-activity relationships can explain, in part, how antagonists work and how selective they can be for each one of the subtypes. However, it is necessary to develop new molecules which antagonize the α1- adrenoceptors or make chemical modifications in these molecules to improve the selectivity and pharmacokinetic profile and/or reduce the adverse effects of known drugs.

Complicaciones postoperatorias en pacientes con hiperplasia benigna de próstata según técnica quirúrgica

RESUMEN Introducción: La hiperplasia benigna de próstata tiene elevada prevalencia en mayores de 50 años. En quienes fracasa o es mal tolerado el tratamiento médico, se plantea cirugía. Objetivo: Analizar las complicaciones postoperatorias en pacientes operados por hiperplasia benigna de próstata, según diferentes técnicas. Métodos: Se analizaron 161 historias clínicas de pacientes de 60 o más años de edad, con diagnóstico de hiperplasia benigna prostática, intervenidos quirúrgicamente con las técnicas: adenomectomía abierta transvesical, retropúbica y endoscópica monopolar. Resultados: La variación de la hemoglobina ≥ 3mg/dl, con la técnica transvesical fue 17 % y con la retropúbica 27,3 %. El tiempo de sondaje vesical ≤ 4 días en la transvesical un 48,9 %; > 4 a < 7 días en la retropúbica en 59,1 % y ≤ 4 días en la endoscópica monopolar 68,5 %. La estancia hospitalaria ≥ de 5 días, en la transvesical 51,1 % y en la retropúbica 59,9 %; de 1 a < 3 días, con la endoscópica monopolar, 58,7 %. La infección del tracto urinario fue más frecuente con la transvesical (31,9 %), la infección del sitio operatorio (17 %); mientras que la orquiepididimitis fue más frecuente en la retropúbica (40,9 %). El síndrome posresección transuretral prostática monopolar, se presentó en el 17,4 % de los operados. Conclusión: La adenomectomía retropúbica fue la técnica quirúrgica con mayor frecuencia de complicaciones y la resección transuretral la de menor frecuencia. La retención aguda de orina por técnica retropúbica, fue la complicación más frecuente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Benign prostate hyperplasia has a high prevalence in people over 50 years of age. In those who fail or is poorly tolerated medical treatment, surgery is considered. Objective: To analyze postoperative complications in patients operated on for benign prostatic hyperplasia, according to different techniques. Methods: 161 medical records of patients 60 years of age or older, with a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, who underwent surgery with the techniques: open transvesical, retropubic and monopolar endoscopic adenomectomy were analyzed. Results: The variation of hemoglobin ≥ 3mg / dl, with the transvesical technique was 17% and with the retropubic one 27.3%. The time of bladder catheterization ≤ 4 days in the transvesical one 48.9%; > 4 to <7 days in the retropubic in 59.1% and ≤ 4 days in the monopolar endoscopic 68.5%. The hospital stay ≥ 5 days, in the transvesical 51.1% and in the retropubic 59.9%; from 1 to <3 days, with the monopolar endoscopic, 58.7%. Urinary tract infection was more frequent with transvesical (31.9%), surgical site infection (17%); while epididymo-orchitis was more frequent in retropubic (40.9%). Monopolar prostatic transurethral post-resection syndrome appeared in 17.4% of those operated on. Conclusion: Retropubic adenomectomy was the surgical technique with the highest frequency of complications and transurethral resection the least frequent. Acute retention of urine by retropubic technique was the most frequent complication.

The Role of Periprostatic Adipose Tissue on Prostate Function in Vascular-Related Disorders.

The lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are highly prevalent worldwide. Clinical and experimental data suggest that the incidence of LUTS-BPH is higher in patients with vascular-related disorders such as in pelvic ischemia, obesity and diabetes as well as in the ageing population. Obesity is an important risk factor that predisposes to glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders. Prospective studies showed that obese men are more likely to develop LUTS-BPH than non-obese men. Yet, men with greater waist circumferences were also at a greater risk of increased prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen than men with lower waist circumference. BPH is characterized by an enlarged prostate and increased smooth muscle tone, thus causing urinary symptoms. Data from experimental studies showed a significant increase in prostate and epididymal adipose tissue weight of obese mice when compared with lean mice. Adipose tissues that are in direct contact with specific organs have gained attention due to their potential paracrine role. The prostate gland is surrounded by periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), which is believed to play a paracrine role by releasing growth factors, pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, contractile and anti-contractile substances that interfere in prostate reactivity and growth. Therefore, this review is divided into two main parts, one focusing on the role of adipokines in the context of obesity that can lead to LUTS/BPH and the second part focusing on the mediators released from PPAT and the possible pathways that may interfere in the prostate microenvironment.

Prostate immunology: A challenging puzzle.

Mucosal immunity defines the relationship of surfaces in contact with the environment and integrates diverse tissues such as epidermis, gum, nose, gut, uterus and prostate with the immune system. Although considered part of a system, each mucosa presents specific immune features beyond the barrier and secretory functions. Information regarding the mucosal immunology of the male reproductive tract and the prostate gland in particular is scarce. In this review, we approach the prostate as an epithelial barrier and as part of the mucosal immune system. Finally, we also raise a series of questions that will improve the understanding of this gland, its role in reproduction and its sensitivity/resistance to disease.

Efficacy and tolerability of Roystonea regia lipid extract (D-004) and terazosin in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 6-month study.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common urological disease in aging men, frequently produces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Clinical studies have shown that terazosin relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder, facilitates bladder emptying, improves LUTS, increases maximum urinary flow, and reduces the residual volume of urine. D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of the Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia), presents a similar efficacy to Saw palmetto. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in short- and medium-term trials in patients with BPH. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of D-004 with terazosin for 6 months on LUTS in patients with BPH. METHODS: The present phase III study had an open, randomized, comparative design, with two parallel groups who received D-004 (320 mg/day) or terazosin (5 mg/day) for 6 months. The study included men at least 50 years of age, with evidence of the LUTS of moderate intensity according to the International Symptoms of the Prostate (IPSS). The effects on the IPSS Scale was the primary efficacy variable. The effects on the size of the prostate and the residual volume were secondary variables. The subjective self-perception of symptom relief at trial completion was a collateral outcome. Analysis was done by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: The study included 100 men with a diagnosis of BPH, confirmed by digital rectal examination and ultrasonography, and moderate LUTS (IPSS score >7, <19). Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Nine patients did not continue the study: one from group D-004 (due to protocol violation) and eight from the terazosin group (six due to adverse events and two due to protocol violation; p < 0.01). D-004 and terazosin significantly reduced the IPSS scores at the end of the 6 months of therapy by 74.2% and 66.1%, respectively, with respect to baseline values. Comparisons between groups performed showed that, at the end of the treatment, D-004 was more effective (p < 0.05) than terazosin in reducing the IPSS score. Although the average size of the prostate was reduced in both groups, this reduction reached statistical significance only for D-004. On the other hand, postvoid residual volume was significantly and similarly reduced in both groups. Both treatments were safe, while D-004 was better tolerated than terazosin. CONCLUSIONS: D-004 administered at a dose of 320 mg/day for 6 months showed comparable efficacy with terazosin (5 mg/day) in reducing the LUTS (IPSS score), producing a significant decrease in prostate volume and postvoid residual volume. Both treatments were safe, with better tolerability for D-004 as compared with terazosin.

Human Periprostatic Adipose Tissue: Secretome from Patients With Prostate Cancer or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) directs tumour behaviour. Microenvironment secretome provides information related to its biology. This study was performed to identify secreted proteins by PPAT, from both prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was performed in PPAT-conditioned media (CM) from patients with prostate cancer (CMs-T) (stage T3: CM-T3, stage T2: CM-T2) or benign disease (CM-BPH). RESULTS: The highest number and diversity of proteins was identified in CM-T3. Locomotion was the biological process mainly associated to CMs-T and reproduction to CM-T3. Immune responses were enriched in CMs-T. Extracellular matrix and structural proteins were associated to CMs-T. CM-T3 was enriched in proteins with catalytic activity and CM-T2 in proteins with defense/immunity activity. Metabolism and energy pathways were enriched in CM-T3 and those with immune system functions in CMs-T. Transport proteins were enriched in CM-T2 and CM-BPH. CONCLUSION: Proteins and pathways reported in this study could be useful to distinguish stages of disease and may become targets for novel therapies.

Realización del antígeno prostático específico desde el primer nivel de atención médica / Performance of prostate specific antigen from the first level of medical attention

Introducción: el antígeno prostático específico es considerado una proteína de síntesis exclusiva de la próstata. La determinación de sus niveles en sangre ha aumentado el diagnóstico precoz de las alteraciones prostáticas, encontrándose disponible en el primer nivel de atención médica. Objetivo: caracterizar la realización del antígeno prostático específico desde el primer nivel de atención médica. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva, observacional, de corte transversal en el Grupo Básico de Trabajo 1 del Policlínico Docente "Raúl Sánchez Rodríguez" de la ciudad de Pinar del Río en el período de enero a octubre del 2015. La muestra quedó constituida por 543 pacientes a los cuales se les realizó el antígeno prostático específico. Resultados: en la distribución de pacientes con medición de antígeno prostático específico realizados se destacó marzo con 12,8 por ciento y enero con 12,7 por ciento. Dentro de los resultados de la prueba sérica en los pacientes predominó el rango < 4,0 ng/mL con 92,3 por ciento. Prevaleció la hiperplasia benigna de próstata con un 3,5 por ciento. Conclusiones: se evidenció una adecuada realización de la prueba sérica de antígeno prostático específico desde el primer nivel de atención médica. Su correcta y oportuna realización garantizará el diagnóstico precoz, seguimiento y tratamiento de las afecciones prostáticas(AU)

Introduction: prostate specific antigen is considered a protein synthesis exclusively in the prostate. Determining blood levels increased early diagnosis of prostate abnormalities, and is available at the first level of medical attention. Objective: characterize the performance of prostate specific antigen from the Primary Health Care. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional observational research was carried out in the Basic Working Group 1 of the "Raúl Sánchez Rodríguez" Polyclinic, city of Pinar del Río in the period from January to October 2015. The universe was composed 543 patients who underwent prostate specific antigen. Medical ethics are respected. Results: in the distribution of patients with prostate specific antigen conducted March was 12,8 percent and 12,7 percent in January. Within the prostate specific antigen results in patients predominated the range < 4,0 ng/mL with 92,3 percent. The prevailing benign prostatic hyperplasia with 3,5 percent identified from prostate specific antigen. Conclusions: a suitable performance of the prostate specific antigen was evident from the first level of medical attention. Proper and timely implementation will ensure early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of prostate conditions(AU)

The beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist, mirabegron relaxes isolated prostate from human and rabbit: new therapeutic indication?

BACKGROUND: Alpha1 (α1)-blockers, 5-alpha reductase and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors are pharmacological classes currently available for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. Mirabegron, a beta-3 adrenoceptor (ß3-AR) agonist has been approved for the therapy of overactive bladder and may constitute a new therapeutic option for BPH treatment. This study is aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of mirabegron in human and rabbit prostatic smooth muscle. METHODS: In rabbit prostate, electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contraction and concentration-response curve (CRC) to mirabegron in phenylephrine pre-contracted tissues were carried out. The potency (pEC50 ) and maximal response (Emax ) values were determined. In human prostate, CRC to phenylephrine was carried out in the absence and presence of mirabegron. Immunohistochemistry analysis for ß3-AR was also carried out. RESULTS: In human prostate, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed the presence of ß3-AR on the transition zone and mirabegron reduced by 42% the phenylephrine-induced contractions. In rabbit prostate, mirabegron produced concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC50 : 6.01 ± 0.12; Emax : 106 ± 3%), which were fully resistant to the blockade of ß1-AR and ß2-AR. The ß3-AR blocker L748,337 caused a six-fold rightward shift in mirabegron-induced relaxations. Mirabegron (10 µM) reduced by 63% the EFS-induced contractions. Inhibitors of nitric oxide (L-NAME) and of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ) along with a cocktail of K+ channel blockers (apamin, charybdotoxin, glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium) all failed to significantly affect the mirabegron-induced rabbit relaxations. CONCLUSION: Mirabegron relaxes prostatic smooth muscle, providing an experimental support for the clinical investigation of its combination with an α1-blockers or PDE5 inhibitors in the treatment of BPH. Prostate 75:440-447, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Extracción asistida por microondas de lípidos de las semillas de Cucurbita pepo L. (calabaza) / Microwave-assisted extraction of Cucurbita pepo L. (pumpkin) seed lipids

Introducción: los lípidos presentes en las semillas de Cucurbita pepo L. ricos en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados han demostrado tener acción antiinflamatoria en la hiperplasia prostática benigna. El empleo de la energía de las microondas en la extracción de compuestos de origen natural tiene como ventaja principal, la rapidez del calentamiento, que permite significativos ahorros de tiempo y en consecuencia energía en el proceso, todo lo cual se manifiesta en una reducción de los costos en general. Objetivos: estudiar el efecto del tiempo en la obtención de los lípidos contenidos en las semillas de Cucurbita pepo L. mediante la extracción asistida por microondas. Métodos: se estudiaron diferentes tiempos (1, 5, 10 y 15 min) para extraer los lípidos de las semillas de Cucurbita pepo L., empleando etanol como disolvente. Se evaluó mediante espectroscopia de reflexión interna y cromatografía gaseosa la presencia de los ácidos grasos mayoritarios responsables de la actividad farmacológica. Resultados: se demostró que el tiempo de extracción de 1 min era el más adecuado. El análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo mediante espectroscopia de reflexión interna y cromatografía gaseosa, respectivamente, evidenció la presencia de los ácidos grasos en proporción mayoritaria reportados en la literatura con actividad sobre la hiperplasia prostática benigna. Conclusiones: los resultados demostraron la factibilidad del empleo de la energía de las microondas en la extracción del componente lipídico a partir de las semillas de Cucurbita pepo L

Introduction: lipids from Cucurbita pepo L. seeds, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, show an effective antiinflammatory effect in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The use of microwave energy in the extraction of natural compounds has among its main advantages quick heating, which saves time and energy in the process, thus reducing the general costs. Objectives: to study different extraction times to obtain lipids from Cucurbita pepo L. seeds through microwave-assisted extraction. Methods: lipids from Cucurbita pepo L. seeds were extracted with ethanol as solvent at several times (1, 5, 10 y 15 min).The evaluation was based on attenuated total internal reflection spectrometry and gas chromatography to detect the major fatty acids responsible for the pharmacological action. Results: the one-minute extraction time was the most efficient. Qualitative and quantitative analysis by attenuated total internal reflection spectrometry and gas chromatography indicated the presence of the major fatty acids reported in the literature as having pharmacological effect over benign prostate hyperplasia. Conclusions: the results demonstrated the feasibility of employing microwave energy in the extraction of the lipid component from Cucurbita pepo L. seeds

Finasterida e disfunção erétil: fato ou ficção? / Finasteride and erectile dysfunction: fact or fiction?

A finasterida é um inibidor seletivo da isoenzima 5-alfa redutase (SRD5A2) que converte testosterona em dihidrotestosteronana próstata e nos folículos pilosos, sendo usado desde a década de noventa para reduzir efeitos androgênicos no tratamento de sintomas e sinais de obstrução urinária por hiperplasia prostática benigna e na alopecia androgenética. Estudos recentes ? com baixo grau de evidência ? descreveram 92% de disfunção da ereção após seu uso, o que preocupa a mídia e o meio médico. Analisando-se estudos cegos randomizados placebo-controlados, a incidência média da referida disfunção foi 15% vs. 6% em controles de usuários de finasterida 5 mg para hiperplasia prostática benigna e 4% vs. 2% em homens jovens com uso de finasterida, 1 mg, para alopecia androgenética. A maioria dos casos foi reversível mediante descontinuação da droga ou não. A prevalência da disfunção aumentou com a idade, presença de manifestações de obstrução urinária e fatores de risco cardiovascular. No total, o uso cego de finasterida aumentou discretamente o risco relativo de disfunção da ereção, possivelmente por interferência sutil na produção de óxido nítrico pelo corpo cavernoso após redução de di-hidrotestosterona, que poderia potencializar outras causas de menor biodisponibilidade de óxido nítrico e disfunção endotelial. Entretanto, quando o aconselhamentomédico sobre efeitos sexuais adversos foi fornecido junto à prescrição de finasterida, o risco da disfunção quase triplicou, criando um efeito nocebo. Em conclusão, deve se avaliar função de ereção e fatores de risco para disfunção antes e durante o tratamento com finasterida. O tipo de informação que o médico deve dar junto à prescrição deve serembasado e dosado em cada indivíduo, no sentido de fazer mais bem do que mal.

Finasteride is a selective 5-alpha reductase isoenzymes (SRD5A2) inhibitor of the testosterone to dihydrotestosterone(DHT) conversion at the prostate and hair follicles, being used since the 90s to reduce androgenic effects in the treatment of lower urinary obstructive symptoms caused by begin prostate hyperplasia and also in androgenetic alopecia. Recent studies ? with a low grade of evidence ? described a percentage of 92% of erectile dysfunction after its use, raising midia and medical concern. Analyzing blinded randomized placebo-controlled studies, the meanincidence of erectile dysfunction was 15% vs. 6% in the control group of finasteride 5 mg users for begin prostate hyperplasia and 4% vs. 2% in younger men taking finasteride 1 mg for androgenetic alopecia. Most cases were reversible, upon drug discontinuation or not. Erectile dysfunction prevalence increased with age, the presence ofurinary obstructive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors. Altogether, blinded finasteride use slightly increased the relative risk of erectile dysfunction, the possible mechanism underneath being a subtle interference with corpus cavernous nitric oxide generation after DHT reduction that could potentiate other causes of nitric oxide reducedbioavailability and endothelial dysfunction. However, when medical advice about sexual adverse effects was given together with finasteride prescription, the risk of erectile dysfunction was almost three times higher, creating a nocebo effect. In conclusion, erectile function and erectile dysfunction risk factors should be assessed before and duringfinasteride therapy; the kind of information a physician should give along with the prescription should be well based and dosed, in the sense of doing more good than harm to an individual patient.

Incidence of histological prostatitis and its correlation with PSA density.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of asymptomatic, histologically proven prostatitis in men with symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia and to observe the correlation between asymptomatic prostatitis and prostate specific antigen (PSA) density. INTRODUCTION: The incidence of type IV prostatitis is unknown. There is a tendency to correlate the presence of inflammatory prostatitis with an elevation of PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2000 to January 2006, 183 patients who underwent surgical treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia as a result of obstructive or irritative symptoms were prospectively studied. In accordance with the histology findings, these patients were divided into two groups: group I included patients with the presence of histological prostatitis and group II included patients with the absence of histological prostatitis. The mean PSA densities were compared. RESULTS: Histological evidence of prostatitis was observed in 145 patients. In this group, the mean PSA density was 0.136 +/- 0.095. In 38 cases, there was no evidence of inflammation upon histological examination of the surgical samples. In these 38 cases, the mean PSA density was 0.126 +/- 0.129. No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups; the p-value is 0.124. CONCLUSION: Abnormal PSA density should not be attributed to the inflammatory prostatitis process.

Incidence of histological prostatitis and its correlation with PSA density

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of asymptomatic, histologically proven prostatitis in men with symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia and to observe the correlation between asymptomatic prostatitis and prostate specific antigen (PSA) density. INTRODUCTION: The incidence of type IV prostatitis is unknown. There is a tendency to correlate the presence of inflammatory prostatitis with an elevation of PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2000 to January 2006, 183 patients who underwent surgical treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia as a result of obstructive or irritative symptoms were prospectively studied. In accordance with the histology findings, these patients were divided into two groups: group I included patients with the presence of histological prostatitis and group II included patients with the absence of histological prostatitis. The mean PSA densities were compared. RESULTS: Histological evidence of prostatitis was observed in 145 patients. In this group, the mean PSA density was 0.136 ± 0.095. In 38 cases, there was no evidence of inflammation upon histological examination of the surgical samples. In these 38 cases, the mean PSA density was 0.126 ± 0.129. No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups; the p-value is 0.124. CONCLUSION: Abnormal PSA density should not be attributed to the inflammatory prostatitis process.

Low frequency of human papillomavirus detection in prostate tissue from individuals from Northern Brazil

The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) was evaluated in 65 samples of prostate tumours and six samples of prostates with benign prostatic hyperplasia from individuals from Northern Brazil. We used a highly sensitive test, the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test, to detect 37 high and low-risk HPV types. In this study, only 3 percent of tumour samples showed HPV infection. Our findings support the conclusion that, despite the high incidence of HPV infection in the geographic regions studied, HPV was not associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the frequency of HPV detection in prostatic tissue of individuals from Brazil.

The effects of lovastatin on conventional medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms with finasteride

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether or not statins have any impact on the progression of components of benign prostatic hyperplasia (lower urinary tract symptoms severity, prostate volume and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) when combined with other agents inhibiting growth of prostate cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a preliminary, clinical study. Eligible patients were aged > 50 yrs, with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) between 9 and 19, total prostate volume (TPV) > 40 mL, and serum PSA > 1.5 ng/mL. Patients were divided in two groups: those with and those without lipidemia. After selection, eligible BPH patients with lipidemia (n = 18) were prescribed lovastatin 80 mg daily and finasteride 5 mg daily, while eligible patients without lipidemia (n = 15) were prescribed only finasteride 5 mg daily. IPSS, TPV and serum PSA were evaluated at end point (4 months). RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups on the primary end point of mean change from baseline in IPSS (p = 0.69), TPV (p = 0.90) and PSA (p = 0.16) after 4 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term lovastatin treatment does not seem to have any effect on IPSS, TPV and PSA in men with prostatic enlargement due to presumed BPH.

O PSA como marcador tumoral é confiável? / PSA as tumor marker is reliable?

Considerado como um dos melhores marcadores tumorais, o antígeno prostático específico (PSA) é largamente utilizado. Valores acima de 4,ng/ml podem significar câncer de próstata (CaP). No entanto, doenças benignas podem alterar o seu valor e o câncer de próstata pode apresentar-se sem alterá-lo. O exame digital da próstata (EDP) e a dosagem de PSA são as melhores formas de diagnosticar e acompanhar os pacientes com mais de 40 anos.

One of the best tumors markers ever known, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is well advantage today. Values above 4.ng/ml can demonstrate prostate cancer. Although benign diseases would change the values of PSA and prostate cancers would not. Digital prostate exam (DPE) and PSA are the best way to diagnostic and watch men with over 40 years.