Obesity influence on bladder inflammation and cancer: a cystitis model.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the role of subclinical inflammation in obesity has gained prominence. An association between obesity and chronic inflammation has been observed in several studies that show a relationship between increased morbidity and high Body Mass Index (BMI). This study aims to compare inflammatory pathways in obese (by high-fat diet) and non-obese mice after exposure to an intravesical carcinogen in a cystitis model. METHODS: We divided 16 female, 7 week old mice into two groups: 1) CONTROL: standard diet, and 2) OBESE: high fat diet for 8 weeks. Both groups underwent a protocol for N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU) pro-inflammatory bladder instillation. Bladder was analyzed by histopathology and western blotting for proteins of the inflammatory pathway (JNK, NFκB, c-JUN, IKK), and immunohistochemistry (proliferation and apoptosis). RESULTS: While mice eating standard diet showed minimal histologic alteration in 4 of 5 (80%) bladder tissues, those eating a high fat diet showed moderate (60%) and intense (40%) chronic active inflammation with dysplasia foci, increased proliferation, apoptosis and inflammatory pathway activation with increased NFκB, and also IKKß, JNK, and c-JUN phosphorylation in the urothelium. CONCLUSION: A high-fat diet causes increased urothelial proliferation, apoptosis, and NFκB expression with cystitis exacerbation and dysplasia. Together, these results suggest that obesity induced by a high-fat diet increases the inflammatory pathway in the bladder with possible pre-malignant alterations.

The anti-clockwise spiralization of the linea nigra sign.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the morphology of the supra- and infraumbilical linea nigra in puerperal women. METHODS: The study was conducted from September 2017 to April 2018, and included 157 puerperal women admitted for childbirth care at the Obstetrics Department of a public maternity hospital of the city of São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The abdomen of subjects was photographed on the first or second day postpartum, with the patient lying symmetrically in dorsal decubitus at a standardized distance. Contrast was slightly adjusted and the morphological pattern of supra and infraumbilical linea nigra in the proximity of the umbilical scar was characterized. The images were independently analyzed by two researchers and only the matching results from both observers were used. RESULTS: Of the 157 observed cases, 139 (88.5%) images provided concordant results between the two researchers. Excluding 41 cases of absence or poor definition of the linea nigra, 98 images were analyzed. Supra- and infraumbilical linea nigra were analyzed separately and classified according to three directions (left, center and right of the umbilical scar). The combination of the supra- and infraumbilical images resulted in the formation of nine distinct patterns, being the most prevalent, in primiparous (72.2%) and multiparous women (50.0%), and the authors named as "anticlockwise spiralization of the linea nigra". CONCLUSION: The analysis of supra- and infraumbilical linea nigra in puerperal women showed a predominance of what the authors named "anti-clockwise spiralization of the linea nigra sign".

The anti-clockwise spiralization of the linea nigra sign / O sinal do espiralamento anti-horário da linea nigra

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the morphology of the supra- and infraumbilical linea nigra in puerperal women. Methods: The study was conducted from September 2017 to April 2018, and included 157 puerperal women admitted for childbirth care at the Obstetrics Department of a public maternity hospital of the city of São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The abdomen of subjects was photographed on the first or second day postpartum, with the patient lying symmetrically in dorsal decubitus at a standardized distance. Contrast was slightly adjusted and the morphological pattern of supra and infraumbilical linea nigra in the proximity of the umbilical scar was characterized. The images were independently analyzed by two researchers and only the matching results from both observers were used. Results: Of the 157 observed cases, 139 (88.5%) images provided concordant results between the two researchers. Excluding 41 cases of absence or poor definition of the linea nigra, 98 images were analyzed. Supra- and infraumbilical linea nigra were analyzed separately and classified according to three directions (left, center and right of the umbilical scar). The combination of the supra- and infraumbilical images resulted in the formation of nine distinct patterns, being the most prevalent, in primiparous (72.2%) and multiparous women (50.0%), and the authors named as "anticlockwise spiralization of the linea nigra". Conclusion: The analysis of supra- and infraumbilical linea nigra in puerperal women showed a predominance of what the authors named "anti-clockwise spiralization of the linea nigra sign".

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a morfologia da linea nigra supra e infraumbilical em puérperas. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado no período de setembro de 2017 a abril de 2018 e incluiu 157 puérperas admitidas para o parto no Serviço de Obstetrícia de uma maternidade pública da cidade de São Paulo (SP). O abdome das pacientes foi fotografado no primeiro ou segundo dia pós-parto, com a paciente deitada simetricamente em decúbito dorsal a uma distância padronizada. O contraste foi ligeiramente ajustado, e o padrão morfológico da linea nigra supra e infraumbilical na proximidade da cicatriz umbilical foi caracterizado. As imagens foram analisadas independentemente por dois pesquisadores, e apenas os resultados concordantes dos dois observadores foram utilizados. Resultados: Dos 157 casos observados, 139 (88,5%) imagens apresentaram resultados concordantes entre os dois pesquisadores. Excluindo 41 casos de ausência ou má definição da linea nigra, 98 imagens foram analisadas. As linea nigra supra e infraumbilicais foram analisadas separadamente e classificadas de acordo com três direções (esquerda, centro e direita da cicatriz umbilical). A combinação das imagens supra e infraumbilicais resultou na formação de nove padrões distintos, sendo os mais prevalentes nas primíparas (72,2%) e multíparas (50,0%), o que os autores denominaram "espiralamento anti-horário da linea nigra". Conclusão: A análise das linea nigra supra e infraumbilical em puérperas mostrou predominância do que os autores denominaram "sinal do espiralamento anti-horário da linea nigra".

Standardized clinical pathways for esophagectomy are not a reality in Brazil, even with a high prevalence of esophageal cancer and achalasia.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams for esophagectomy involve changes in routines with the implantation of expensive clinical practices and deviations from ingrained treatment philosophies. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams in São Paulo state, Brazil. METHODS: Institutions that routinely perform esophagectomies in São Paulo were contacted and questioned about the work team involved in the procedure and the presence of standardized routines in the preoperatory care. RESULTS: Fifteen centers answered the questionnaire: 10 (67%) public institutions and five (33%) private. There were seven (47%) medical schools, six (40%) with a residency program and two (13%) nonacademic institutions. The mean number of esophagectomies per year was 23. There was a multidisciplinary pre-operative team in nine (60%). There was a multidisciplinary postoperative team in 11 (73%). Early mobilization protocol was adopted in 12 (80%) institutions, early feeding in 13 (87%), routinely epidural in seven (47%), analgesia protocol in seven (47%), hydric restriction in six (40%), early extubation in six (40%), standardized hospitalization time in four (27%) and standardized intensive care time in two (13%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized teams is very low in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The presence of specialized surgeons is a reality and standardized protocols related directly to surgeons have higher frequency than those related to other professionals in the multidisciplinary team.

STANDARDIZED CLINICAL PATHWAYS FOR ESOPHAGECTOMY ARE NOT A REALITY IN BRAZIL, EVEN WITH A HIGH PREVALENCE OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AND ACHALASIA / PROTOCOLOS CLÍNICOS PERIOPERATÓRIOS PADRONIZADOS NÃO SÃO REALIDADE NO BRASIL MESMO COM ALTA PREVALÊNCIA DE CÂNCER DE ESÔFAGO E ACALÁSIA

Background:The adoption of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams for esophagectomy involve changes in routines with the implantation of expensive clinical practices and deviations from ingrained treatment philosophies. Aim:To evaluate the prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams in São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods:Institutions that routinely perform esophagectomies in São Paulo were contacted and questioned about the work team involved in the procedure and the presence of standardized routines in the preoperatory care. Results: Fifteen centers answered the questionnaire: 10 (67%) public institutions and five (33%) private. There were seven (47%) medical schools, six (40%) with a residency program and two (13%) nonacademic institutions. The mean number of esophagectomies per year was 23. There was a multidisciplinary pre-operative team in nine (60%). There was a multidisciplinary postoperative team in 11 (73%). Early mobilization protocol was adopted in 12 (80%) institutions, early feeding in 13 (87%), routinely epidural in seven (47%), analgesia protocol in seven (47%), hydric restriction in six (40%), early extubation in six (40%), standardized hospitalization time in four (27%) and standardized intensive care time in two (13%). Conclusion:The prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized teams is very low in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The presence of specialized surgeons is a reality and standardized protocols related directly to surgeons have higher frequency than those related to other professionals in the multidisciplinary team.

Racional:A adoção de protocolos padronizados por equipe multidisciplinar especializada no perioperatório de esofagectomia melhora a morbimortalidade da operação, porém envolve implantação de práticas por vezes custosas e mudanças de rotinas e filosofias arraigadas. Objetivo:Avaliar a ocorrência de protocolos padronizados e equipe multidisciplinar para esofagectomia no estado de São Paulo. Métodos:Foram contactadas instituições que realizam esofagectomias rotineiramente e questionadas a respeito da equipe envolvida no procedimento e a ocorrência de rotinas clínicas padronizadas no perioperatório dos pacientes.Resultados:Das 15 instituições respondedoras eram 10 (67%) públicas e cinco (33%) privadas; sete (47%) escolas médicas, seis (40%) com programa de residência e duas (13%) não acadêmicas. Estas realizavam em média 23 esofagectomias por ano. Nove (60%) instituiçoes possuíam equipe multidisciplinar especializada no pré-operatório e 11 (73%) no pós-operatório. Devido a existência de protocolos, foram adotados: mobilização precoce em 12 instituições (80%); alimentação precoce em 13 (87%); epidural rotineira em sete (47%), protocolo de analgesia em sete (47%), restrição hídrica em seis (40%), extubação precoce em seis (40%), tempo de hospitalização padrão em quatro (%) e tempo de UTI padrão em duas (13%) instituições. Conclusão:É baixa a ocorrência de protocolos padronizados e equipes multidisciplinares especializadas para esofagectomia no estado de São Paulo. Observa-se elevada prevalência de cirurgiões especializados e maior frequência de protocolos relacionados diretamente aos cirurgiões, em detrimento aos outros profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar.

Urothelial carcinogen resistance driven by stronger Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Uroplakin III (UP III) defense mechanisms: a new model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to illustrate the applicability and significance of the novel Lewis urothelial cancer model compared to the classic Fisher 344. METHODS: Fischer 344 and Lewis females rats, 7 weeks old, were intravesical instilled N-methyl-N-nitrosourea 1.5 mg/kg every other week for a total of four doses. After 15 weeks, animals were sacrificed and bladders analyzed: histopathology (tumor grade and stage), immunohistochemistry (apoptotic and proliferative indices) and blotting (Toll-like receptor 2-TLR2, Uroplakin III-UP III and C-Myc). Control groups received placebo. RESULTS: There were macroscopic neoplastic lesions in 20 % of Lewis strain and 70 % of Fischer 344 strain. Lewis showed hyperplasia in 50 % of animals, normal bladders in 50 %. All Fischer 344 had lesions, 20 % papillary hyperplasia, 30 % dysplasia, 40 % neoplasia and 10 % squamous metaplasia. Proliferative and apoptotic indices were significantly lower in the Lewis strain (p < 0.01). The TLR2 and UP III protein levels were significantly higher in Lewis compared to Fischer 344 strain (70.8 and 46.5 % vs. 49.5 and 16.9 %, respectively). In contrast, C-Myc protein levels were significantly higher in Fischer 344 (22.5 %) compared to Lewis strain (13.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: The innovative Lewis carcinogen resistance urothelial model represents a new strategy for translational research. Preservation of TLR2 and UP III defense mechanisms might drive diverse urothelial phenotypes during carcinogenesis in differently susceptible individuals.

Impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia pharmacological treatment on transrectal prostate biopsy adverse effects.

Background. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) pharmacological treatment may promote a decrease in prostate vascularization and bladder neck relaxation with theoretical improvement in prostate biopsy morbidity, though never explored in the literature. Methods. Among 242 consecutive unselected patients who underwent prostate biopsy, after excluding those with history of prostate biopsy/surgery or using medications not for BPH, we studied 190 patients. On the 15th day after procedure patients were questioned about symptoms lasting over a week and classified according to pharmacological BPH treatment. Results. Thirty-three patients (17%) were using alpha-blocker exclusively, five (3%) 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor exclusively, twelve (6%) patients used both medications, and 140 (74%) patients used none. There was no difference in regard to age among groups (P = 0.5). Postbiopsy adverse effects occurred as follows: hematuria 96 (50%), hematospermia 53 (28%), hematochezia 22 (12%), urethrorrhagia 19 (10%), fever 5 (3%), and pain 20 (10%). There was a significant negative correlation between postbiopsy hematuria and BPH pharmacological treatment with stronger correlation for combined use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and alpha-blocker over 6 months (P = 0.0027). Conclusion. BPH pharmacological treatment, mainly combined for at least 6 months seems to protect against prostate biopsy adverse effects. Future studies are necessary to confirm our novel results.

Is metabolic syndrome truly a risk factor for male lower urinary tract symptoms or just an epiphenomenon?

To define whether the association of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MS) is real or simply an epiphenomenon, 490 male adults (mean age 58 ± 9 years) underwent International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), physical and prostate digital examinations, blood analysis, and urinary tract transabdominal ultrasound with prostate volume measurement. Mild, moderate, and severe LUTS were found in 350 (71.4%), 116 (23.7%), and 24 (4.9%) patients, respectively. MS was present in 198 (40.4%) patients, representing 37.4% (131 of 350) of those with mild LUTS, 46.5% (54 of 116) of those with moderate, and 54.1% (13 of 24) of those with severe. The odds ratio of MS having moderate or severe LUTS was 2.1. MS was more common in older age, higher body mass index, and larger prostate size. Moderate and severe LUTS were more frequent in older age, lower levels of high density cholesterol, and higher blood pressure. Older age and body mass index had significant relative risk for lower urinary tract symptoms and only age remained independent factor for LUTS on multivariate analysis. Our results suggest that the association of male LUTS, prostate volume, and MS might be coincidental and related to older age.