The relationship between anthropometric and metabolic risk factors and testicular function in healthy young men.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship of anthropometric and metabolic risk factors with seminal and sex steroidal hormone parameters in a screened population of healthy males. METHODS: The participants were healthy young men without chronic or congenital diseases. The body composition parameters that we investigated were measured weight, height, and waist circumference (WC), as well as bioelectrical impedance analysis. Semen samples were analyzed for semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology, seminal pH, and liquefaction time. Biochemistry analysis, including glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, was conducted on fasting blood samples. Testicular volume was calculated separately for each testis using ultrasonography. RESULTS: Body mass index exhibited an inverse association with total sperm count. WC showed negative correlations with numerous seminal parameters, including sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm morphology, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. The basal metabolic rate was associated with seminal pH, liquefaction time, and sperm motility. WC, fat mass percentage, and triglyceride levels exhibited negative correlations with sex hormone binding globulin. The measures of glucose metabolism were associated with a greater number of seminal parameters than the measures of cholesterol metabolism. C-reactive protein levels were inversely associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count. CONCLUSION: Anthropometric and metabolic risk factors were found to predict semen quality and alterations in sex steroidal hormone levels.

Trends in reader access and article processing charges among urology journals: A systematic review.

Introduction: This bibliometric study is designed to investigate the relations of urology journals with access types and article processing charges (APCs) to assess the changing paradigm in urology publishing. Methods: The three major databases: The Master Journal List directory by Clavirate Analytics, Scopus® and PubMed were queried for relevant journals in urology and subspecialties. Characterization of urology journals was undertaken, and citation metrics and APCs were compared across access types. A partial sampling was used to investigate the number of open access (OA) articles according to access types and correlations with both APCs and CiteScore. Results: Seventy-seven journals were included into the study. Gold and diamond OA journals comprised 35.4% of urology journals in 2009 and were increased to 49.3% in 2022. No significant difference was found for change in the CiteScore of 2017 and 2021 between the access types, F (2,63) = 0.152, P = 0.859, η2 = 0.005. A moderate positive correlation was found between APCs and CiteScore for both hybrid (rs [27] =0.431, P < 0.0005) and gold OA (rs [27] =0.489, P = 0.007) journals. The authors need to pay $1175 more to publish their articles in OA model in hybrid journals. The number of articles published in OA model by hybrid journals were not correlated with APCs (rs = 0.332, P = 0.078) but correlated with CiteScore (rs = 0.393, P = 0.035). Conclusions: A paradigm shift in urology publishing toward OA model has been occurring. Authors choose prestige, OA model, rapid publication, and less rigorous peer-review to publish their articles. APCs bear only moderate correlation with the citation metrics of the urology journals.

Prognostic importance of PD-L1 expression in bladder cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: PD-L1/PD-1 molecules are known as important mediators in immune-escape mechanisms of tumors. PD-L1 is highly expressed in various malignancies, including bladder cancer. However, the prognostic value of PD-L1 in bladder cancer patients remains controversial. AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues of bladder cancer patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: RNA was isolated from FFPE tumor tissues of 48 bladder cancer patients using the monophasic phenol and guanidine isothiocyanate method. Total RNA was converted to cDNA and gene expression levels were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The differential expression levels of the PD-L1 gene between tumor grade and cancer stage groups were analyzed by independent student's t-test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Statistically significantly increased PD-L1 expression was observed in the high-grade tumor group (p < 0.05). No significant difference in PD-L1 expression was found among pTa, pT1, and pT2 groups. In addition, the difference in overall survival was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: The results showed that high PD-L1 expression in bladder cancer was associated with tumor aggressiveness and grade. Despite the inability of the qRT-PCR to show the PD-L1 expression at different locations of tumor tissue, evaluation of PD-L1 mRNA expression by qRT-PCR, which is a highly sensitive and specific assay, appears to be a robust approach. Furthermore, these findings may contribute to a rationale for recommending anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy as an alternative to standard therapy for bladder cancer patients who are most likely to benefit from it.

Suprapubic bladder aspiration: A novel method in the diagnosis of retrograde ejaculation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of suprapubic bladder aspiration (SBA) in the diagnosis of retrograde ejaculation (RE) which is diagnosed with the observation of sperm in post-ejaculatory urine (PEU). However, sperm is also observed in PEU after the wash out of the retained ejaculate in the urethra with the expulsion of urine in several subjects. Therefore, detection of sperm in PEU in the diagnosis of RE is problematic and a better method is needed to overcome the ambiguity of positive PEU and to identify which patient experience true RE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of patients underwent an examination for RE over a two-year period at a single specialist centre. All patients underwent SBA and semen analysis. Sperm was investigated in urine aspirated from the bladder and in PEU. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (age range 18-62 years) underwent SBA and PEU for investigation of RE. Sperm was detected both in SBA and PEU in 19 patients, while 5 patients revealed sperm only in PEU. The mean number of sperm found in SBA was less than the mean number of sperm observed in PEU in all 19 patients. CONCLUSION: SBA is a reliable and feasible method in the diagnosis of RE and can distinguish the true RE in which sperm flows backward into the bladder from the retained ejaculate in the urethra. The whole ejaculate does not likely flow retrogradely and RE could be a partial leakage of the ejaculate into the bladder.

Is sexual dysfunction associated with periodontal status in perimenopausal women?: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between periodontal status and sexual dysfunction in perimenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 106 participants. After the evaluation of the sexual functioning of participants with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), their periodontal status and decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) were assessed using appropriate indexes and obtained results were recorded for comparisons. Participants were divided into two groups by the periodontal status. Patients with periodontitis were grouped by the stage and the extent of the disease. Besides, participants were grouped according to the bleeding on probing (BOP) ratios for more detailed analyses. RESULTS: A negative significant correlation was observed between total FSFI scores and each of the clinical periodontal parameters. Total FSFI scores and the scores of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain domains were significantly lower in periodontitis patients (p < .05). When the patients were grouped as having localized or generalized periodontitis or whether they had stage-I, -II, and -III periodontitis, no statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of general sexual dysfunction parameters across the groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Periodontal status in perimenopausal women may be associated with sexual dysfunction.

Total thiol can contribute to differentiating prostate cancer from BPH: Prostate Thiol Index as a new player.

To assess the distinctiveness of serum native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT) and disulfide (SS) levels in PCa patients, we created a new parameter, prostate thiol index (PTI) [tPSA (TTxPVxAge) -1/2 ]. We determined the performance of the PTI on PCa diagnosis. A total of 107 male patients (PCa:65; BPH:42) who were separated according to their Gleason scores, ISUP grades and EAU risk groups and 20 healthy subjects were included. The performances of the tests were determined. The PCa and BPH groups had lower NT and TT levels and higher SS levels than the control group. PCa patients had higher PTI, tPSA, fPSA, PSAD levels, lower fPSA%, PV and PSA-AV levels than BPH patients. TT, PTI, tPSA, fPSA, fPSA%, PSA-AV, PSAD and PV had significant diagnostic performances. PTI had the highest AUC value and accuracy, PSA-AV had the highest specificity, and fPSA had the lowest sensitivity. The performance of the PTI was the best in distinguishing PCa from BPH. PTI, tPSA and PSAD positively and PSA-AV negatively correlated with ISUP grades and EAU groups. TT can contribute to the discrimination of PCa from BPH and PTI may decrease unnecessary biopsies in clinical practice.

A novel prognostic risk factor for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: Triglyseride-glucose index.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are growing health problems in western countries. Recently reported triglyseride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable and accessible indicator of metabolic syndrome. TyG index could be used as a indicator of a prognostic risk factor for metabolic syndrome-related cancers. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic role of TyG index on oncological outcomes in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data from 200 men who underwent radical prostatectomy were used. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATSITICAL ANALYSE: TyG was calculated based on TyG index = Ln [TG (mg/dL) FPG (mg/dL)/2] formula. Patients were divided into two groups according to the 8.55 level as cut-off value for TyG index. Laboratory results, oncological outcomes and survivals were comparised statistically between groups. RESULTS: Mean ages of patients were 64.32 ± 6.1 years and median follow-up time was 61.6 ± 35 (range 4-140) month. Biochemical recurrens was observed in 42 (21%) patients. Positive correlation between TyG index, body mass index, waist circumference, prostate biopsy gleason score, clinical T stage, positive surgical margin, pathological T stage and biochemical recurrence were observed. There was no statistical significance in terms of survival between groups. CONCLUSION: Association between TyG index and prostate cancer may facilitate to predict unfavorable prognostic factors of radical prostatectomy. Increased TyG index may use as a predictive marker of positive surgical margin status before radical prostatectomy, BCR, advanced cT and pT stages after radical prostatectomy or worse biopsy gleason score in clinical practice.

The impact of diurnal variation of PSA on timing of measurement in prostate biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) synthesis is related to testosterone, which has a diurnal rhythm. PSA might have a diurnal variation and the timing of measurement could change the clinical practice for prostate biopsy. METHODS: Male patients complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms (group 1) and diagnosed with prostate cancer (group 2) were recruited into the study. Morning fasting blood samples were withdrawn between 9.00 and 11.00 am for the determination of biochemical parameters, PSA (PSA1), total testosterone (T1), and estradiol (E1) levels. In the afternoon, between 15.00 and 15.30 pm, blood samples were again obtained from the same participants at the same day and the serum concentration of PSA (PSA2), total testosterone (T2), and estradiol (E2) were measured. RESULTS: A total of 160 and 30 patients were enrolled in groups 1 and 2, respectively. One hundred forty (87.5%) and 26 (86.6%) patients had a decrease in the PSA levels when measured in the afternoon. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test determined a statistically significant difference between the PSA levels measured in the morning and in the afternoon in each group. An analysis of covariance test revealed no statistically significant difference in PSA concentration between the groups after adjustment for baseline concentration (F(1.187) = 0.203, P = .653). There was a weak positive correlation between PSA1/PSA2 and T1/T2, rs (160) = 0.163, P = .034. An extra unit increase in PSA1 concentration leads to a 0.805 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.781-0.830) and 0.828 (95% CI, 0.807-0.849) ng/mL increase in PSA2 concentration in groups 1 and 2, respectively, that is, patients with and without prostate cancer had a similar decrease in the PSA levels. When measured in the afternoon, 66.6% and 50% patients with a morning PSA level over 3 or 4 ng/mL had a PSA drop below these levels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PSA has a diurnal variation and the timing of measurement may alter the decision of the clinician for transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy.

The real-life management of overactive bladder: Turkish Continence Society multicenter prospective cohort study with short-term outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Turkish Continence Society aimed to analyze how overactive bladder (OAB) is being managed in routine practice by the urologists in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen urology departments were randomly selected to represent the whole population in this multicenter study. An online data entry and storage software was created for patient recruitment and data assessment. A survey including demographic data, daily habits, lower urinary tract symptoms, and Turkish-validated OAB-V8 and ICIQ-SF questionnaires were completed by all patients. Second part of the survey, including the questions about clinical evaluation and management of the patient, was completed by the treating physician. RESULTS: A total of 507 patients (394 female and 113 male) were included. Behavioral therapy was recommended to 73.2% of female and 81.4% of male patients although bladder diary was requested for 59.5% and 52.7% of the female and male patients, respectively. In the first visit, 86.1% of the female and 89.3% of the male patients were given antimuscarinics (P = .431). Antimuscarinic-related side effects occurred in 94.9% and 88.9% of the female and male patients, respectively (P = .937). However, the rate of medical treatment change due to antimuscarinic-related side effects was only 1.7% in female and 4.8% in male patients at the end of 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral therapy and antimuscarinics were the preferred initial treatment modalities of OAB in concordance with the guidelines. Despite guideline recommendations, bladder diaries were not utilized in half of the patients. Insufficient efficacy appeared to be the main reason for treatment modification.

The Association of Postvoiding Residual Volume, Uroflowmetry Parameters and Bladder Sensation.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether postvoiding residual bladder volume (PVR) and uroflowmetry parameters associate with bladder sensation in male patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and to find out the reliable time of these examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty men with bladder outlet obstruction underwent transabdominal ultrasound in order to measure postvoiding residual volume and uroflowmetry. At the first day, PVR was measured while the patients had mild bladder sensation. Patients emptied their bladder during uroflowmetry. The next day, same patients underwent a second uroflowmetry and PVR measurement while the patients had severe bladder sensation. The first and next day PVR and uroflowmetry parameters were compared and their correlation with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 69.7 ± 8.6 years. PVR measured at the first day while patients had mild bladder sensation was significantly found lower than the next day PVR (mean ± SD: 80.79 ± 72.18 vs 158 ± 115.82, p<0.001) and correlated with LUTS (rs =0.38, p=0.012). In contrary, uroflowmetry parameters at severe sensation of bladder (mean ± SD: Qmax:13.53 ± 6.32; Qave:5.32 ± 2.31) showed correlation with LUTS (rs = -0.492, p= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PVR measurement at mild bladder sensation correlates with LUTS and should be performed in the evaluation of male patients with BOO. However, uroflowmetry is advised to be performed when the patient has severe bladder sensation.

Is the 4.5-F ureteroscope (Ultra-Thin) an alternative in the management of ureteric and renal pelvic stones?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 7.5-9.5F ureteroscope (URS) with the 4.5-6.5F URS (Ultra-Thin) in terms of success and complication rates in adult patients with ureteric and renal pelvic stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 41 patients treated with 7.5-9.5F semi-rigid URS (Group 1) and 33 patients treated with the Ultra-Thin (Group 2) were prospectively included in the study. All patients underwent holmium laser ureteroscopic lithotripsy. In each group, when the selected ureteroscopic intervention failed to reach or disintegrate the stone, the URS was replaced with the other one. Outcome criteria were: success and complication rates, stone size and stone surface area, operative time, laser time, usage of guidewire, and postoperative JJ-catheter placement. RESULTS: The ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 36 of 41 (87.8%) and 24 of 33 (72.7%) patients was completed without a need to replace the URS with the other one in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.67). After replacement of the 7.5-9.5F URS with the Ultra-Thin for patients who failed in Group 1, the overall stone-free rate (SFR) improved to 97.5% (P = 0.014). In Group 2, after replacement of the Ultra-Thin with the 7.5-9.5F URS for the failed patients, the overall SFR improved to 96.9% (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the groups for complications. Postoperative JJ stenting was significantly less in Group 2 (21.2%) in comparison to Group 1 (46.3%) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The Ultra-Thin has a similar success rate as the 7.5-9.5F URS in the treatment of ureteric stones and is a feasible option in patients in whom a conventional URS cannot be advanced through any segment of the ureter.

Granular cell tumor of the urinary bladder.

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are extremely rare neoplasms of the bladder. In the literature, there are only a few reported cases. We present a GCT case with clinical, radiological, histomorphological, immünohistochemical findings and its differential diagnosis.

The Effect of Different Metabolic Syndrome: Definitions on the Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and LUTS in Men With Benign Prostatic Enlargement.

Because various criteria are used to define metabolic syndrome (MetS), this study examines the most relevant definition for patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Most studies regarding the link between MetS and BPE/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have used the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for diagnosis, while a few have used criteria from the International Diabetes Federation and/or American Heart Association. Patients with LUTS due to BPE are classified as having MetS or not by the aforementioned three definitions. Prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, storage and voiding subscores, maximum urinary flow rate, and the postvoid urine of patients with and without MetS were compared separately in the three different groups. Surgical and medical treatment prevalence was also compared between three groups. No matter which definition was used, the International Prostate Symptom Score, the storage and voiding symptom scores, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, and postvoid urine were significantly higher in the patients with MetS. The maximum urinary flow rate was similar between patients with and without MetS, according to all three different definitions. There was no significant difference in the aforementioned parameter between patients with MetS diagnosed with the three different definitions. Irrespective of which definition was used, the surgical treatment rate was not significantly different in patients diagnosed with than without MetS, or between the patients with MetS diagnosed with the three different definitions. The authors suggest that it does not matter which of the aforementioned three definitions is used during the evaluation of MetS in men with BPE/LUTS.

Is There a Relation between Reticular Formation and Storage Symptoms in Men.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal brainstem originated pathology in men with different types of lower urinary tract symptoms blink reflex latency times were assessed. METHODS: A total of 32 men, 16 with storage and 16 with voiding symptoms, were enrolled in the study. Blink reflex latency times were analyzed through electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve. Two responses in the orbicularis oculi muscle were recorded: the latency times for the early ipsilateral response, R1, and the late bilateral responses, R2. RESULTS: The mean ages of the patients with storage and voiding symptoms were 57.31 ± 6.87 and 58.06 ± 6.29 years, respectively. The R2 latency times were significantly longer in men with storage symptoms. However, the R1 latency times were similar for the two groups. CONCLUSION: Late blink latency times were long only in patients who had storage symptoms. An oligosynaptic path through the trigeminal nuclei, which includes one or two interneurons, is responsible for early response; however, late response is relayed through a polysynaptic path, including neurons in the reticular formation. It has also been shown that stimulation of the pontine reticular formation inhibits the micturition contraction. In some patients, storage symptoms may result from pathology that originates with the reticular formation and this pathology may lead to increases in late blink latency times. Additional studies are needed on other reflexes that are mediated through reticular formation, in order to show the possible dysfunction of the reticular formation in men with storage symptoms.

Association Between Prostate Volume and Red Cell Distribution Width.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate relation between red cell distribution width (RDW) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: The overall study population consisted of 942 men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), ranging in age from 60 to 85 years old. Patients with disorder or medication that can influence lower urinary tract or erythrocytes were excluded from the study. The relationship between RDW, white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were assessed with multivariate linear regression model. Patients were analyzed in four groups stratified according to the quartiles of prostate volume. The one-way analysis of variance (anova) was used to compare RDW, WBC CRP, and ESR between different quartiles of prostate volume. RESULTS: A graded and independent association of RDW with the prostate volume was identified (P = 0.001). RDW was significantly associated with prostate volume in multivariate linear regression model that was adjusted for age and hemoglobin. IPSS was significantly correlated with RDW, CRP and ESR. However significance was lost after adjustment for age and prostate volume. The RDW was significantly associated with the surgical treatment in the multivariate linear regression model that was adjusted for age and prostate volume. CONCLUSIONS: A correlation between an increased RDW and prostate volume was suggested by the new data from this study. This relation may be a consequence of inflammatory stress arising from BPH. The significant association between the easy, inexpensive RDW may provide a rational basis to include the RDW in algorithms for surgery risk prediction.

Overactive bladder and pontine reticular formation.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of overactive bladder (OAB) remains unclear. Observed neurogenic factors in the literature are limited to suprapontine or spinal pathologies. The blink reflex is a useful tool in the evaluation of brainstem functions. Blink reflex latency times were evaluated in order to reveal pathology in the brainstem. METHODS: A total of 60 women, 30 patients with idiopathic OAB and 30 healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. Blink reflex latency times were analyzed by electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve. Two responses in the orbicularis oculi muscle, early ipsilateral response (R1) and late bilateral response (R2) latency times, were recorded. RESULTS: Mean ages of the patients and controls were 51.9 ± 5.3 and 49.2 ± 6.2 years, respectively. R2 latency times were significantly higher in patients than in controls. However, R1 latency times were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest a significant relation between late blink latency times and OAB. An oligosynaptic path via the trigeminal nuclei is responsible for R1; however, R2 response is relayed through the reticular formation. Stimulation of pontine reticular formation inhibits micturition contraction. In some patients, idiopathic OAB may result from reticular formation-originated pathology. Additional studies on other reticular formation-mediated reflexes are needed to reveal possible dysfunction of reticular formation.

Systemic corticosteroid treatment in Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease is characterized by penile pain, plaque or indurated area in the tunica albugenia and penile curvature during erection. Peyronie's disease is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease. Intralesional corticosteroids have been studied in the treatment of Peyronie's disease due to its inflammatory pathogenesis but hardness of the penile plaque hinders the effective injection and activity of the compound and leads to local side effects. Corticosteroids are the most effective therapy for many inflammatory disorders and systemic use has not been studied in Peyronie's disease. Oral corticosteroids may decrease the pain, improve the penile curvature, reduce the plaque size, and inhibit the formation of fibrosis particularly in the acute inflammatory phase.

Increased bladder wall thickness in diabetic and nondiabetic women with overactive bladder.

PURPOSE: Bladder wall thickness has been reported to be associated with overactive bladder (OAB) in women. Diabetic women have an increased risk for OAB syndrome and may have an increased risk for bladder wall thickness. METHODS: A total of 235 female patients aged 40 to 75 years were categorized into four groups. The first group consisted of women free of urgency or urge urinary incontinence. The second group included nondiabetic women with idiopathic OAB. The third group consisted of women with diabetes and clinical OAB, and women with diabetes but without OAB constituted the fourth group. Bladder wall thickness at the anterior wall was measured by ultrasound by the suprapubic approach with bladder filling over 250 mL. RESULTS: The diabetic (third group) and nondiabetic (second group) women with OAB had significantly greater bladder wall thickness at the anterior bladder wall than did the controls. However, the difference was not significant between the diabetic (third group) and the nondiabetic (second group) women with OAB. Women with diabetes but without OAB (fourth group) had greater bladder wall thickness than did the controls but this difference was not significant. Additionally, the difference in bladder wall thickness between diabetic women with (third group) and without (fourth group) OAB was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that bladder wall thickness is increased in diabetic women with and without OAB. Additionally, nondiabetic women with OAB had increased bladder wall thickness. Further studies may provide additional information for diabetic and nondiabetic women with OAB, in whom the etiopathogenesis of the disease may be similar.

Increased pulse-wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular risk factors frequently coexist with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in both men and women, suggesting that atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction may play a major role in the development of LUTS. Arterial stiffness owing to decreased arterial compliance is one of the major signs of vascular ageing, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) can be used in establishing the extent and severity of vascular impairment. This study investigated the association of arterial stiffness and vascular atherosclerotic involvement with LUTS in men and overactive bladder (OAB) in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was prospective and cross-sectional, consisting of 66 patients with LUTS (38 men with LUTS, 28 women with OAB) and 62 controls without LUTS or OAB. Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (CF-PWV) was measured as an index of arterial stiffness. CIMT was measured with B-mode ultrasonography to assess vascular impairment. RESULTS: Patients with LUTS had significantly higher CF-PWV (9.8 ± 2.6 vs 7.0 ± 1.4 m/s, p < 0.001) and CIMT (0.89 ± 0.16 and 0.56 ± 0.31 mm, p < 0.001) compared with controls. Age and glucose were also different between LUTS and control groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). In the multivariate analyses, both CIMT ( = 0.429, p < 0.001) and PWV ( = 0.451, p < 0.001) were related to LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular impairment was found to be associated with LUTS in both men and women. Atherosclerosis-related vascular risk factors are also known to be related to LUTS and both disorders may have pathogenic interactions.