Endocrine disruptors and prostate cancer. / Disruptores endocrinos y cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVES: Although prostate cancer is probably the most frequent cancer in men, little is known about its etiology. Clear evidence exists about variations in the incidence of prostate cancer between populations living in different countries. These variations could be explained by differences in lifestyle and a possible association with a set of substances that are able to intervene in the origin of the disease. METHODS: The reason that lifestyle may be the cause of prostate cancer is related to endocrine disruptors. These are a group of chemical substances that can mimic or alter hormone signaling. These disruptors are able to exert their effect at very low doses and act insidiously over the years, even being able to pass their effect on from one generation to the next. Cholesterol is an essential precursor in the synthesis of androgens, estrogens and other substances that are active in prostate cancer. Cholesterol is a central metabolite in lipid metabolism, the inflammatory response and other elements involved in the formation and progression of cancer. High cholesterol concentrations can give rise to the accumulation of androgens in tumor cells. Additionally, endocrine disruptors have been identified as being responsible for processes related with fertility, genital malformations and various hormonedependent cancers. Disruptors already identified include diethylstilbestrol, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. RESULTS: Though no clear direct association has yet been found in humans between most endocrine disruptors and prostate cancer, evidence suggests that an inadequate diet and contact with certain toxic agents predisposes to the disease. These disruptors are known to be especially relevant at particular times, such as during pregnancy, neonatal stages and puberty. CONCLUSIONS: The problem with these toxic agents is that their peculiarities and way of acting over time make their study difficult. Nonetheless, research must be encouraged given their importance.

Disruptores endocrinos y cáncer de próstata / Endocrine disruptors and prostate cancer

OBJETIVOS: Aunque el cáncer de próstata es, probablemente, el cáncer más frecuente en el varón, se conoce poco acerca de su etiología. Existen claras variaciones en la incidencia de cáncer de próstata entre las poblaciones de distintos países. Estas variaciones podrían explicarse por las diferencias en el estilo de vida y por una posible asociación con un conjunto de sustancias capaces de intervenir en el origen de la enfermedad. MÉTODOS: La razón por la que el estilo de vida puede ser causa del cáncer de próstata está relacionada con los disruptores endocrinos. Éstos son un grupo de sustancias químicas que pueden imitar o alterar la señalización hormonal. Dichos disruptores son capaces de ejercer su efecto a dosis muy bajas y actúan insidiosamente a lo largo de los años, incluso pudiendo trasmitir su efecto de una generación a la siguiente. El colesterol es un precursor esencial en la síntesis de andrógenos, estrógenos y otras sustancias activas en el cáncer de próstata. El colesterol es un elemento central en el metabolismo de los lípidos, la respuesta inflamatoria y otros elementos implicados en la formación y progresión del cáncer. Concentraciones altas de colesterol pueden dar lugar a la acumulación de andrógenos en las células tumorales. Además, los disruptores endocrinos han sido identificados como responsables de procesos relacionados con la fertilidad, malformaciones genitales y varios cánceres hormonodependientes. Los disruptores ya identificados incluyen dietilestilbestrol, diclorodifeniltricloroetano (DDT), bifenilos policlorados y dioxinas. RESULTADOS: Aunque aún no se ha encontrado en humanos una asociación directa y clara entre la mayoría de los disruptores endocrinos y el cáncer de próstata, la evidencia sugiere que una dieta inadecuada y el contacto con ciertos agentes tóxicos predisponen a la enfermedad. Se sabe que estos disruptores son especialmente relevantes en determinados momentos de la vida, como durante el embarazo, las etapas neonatales y la pubertad. CONCLUSIONES: El problema con estos agentes tóxicos es que sus peculiaridades y el modo de actuar en el tiempo dificultan su estudio. Sin embargo, dada su importancia, debería fomentarse su investigación

OBJECTIVES: Although prostate cancer is probably the most frequent cancer in men, little is known about its etiology. Clear evidence exists about variations in the incidence of prostate cancer between populations living in different countries. These variations could be explained by differences in lifestyle and a possible association with a set of substances that are able to intervene in the origin of the disease. METHODS: The reason that lifestyle may be the cause of prostate cancer is related to endocrine disruptors. These are a group of chemical substances that can mimic or alter hormone signaling. These disruptors are able to exert their effect at very low doses and act insidiously over the years, even being able to pass their effect on from one generation to the next. Cholesterol is an essential precursor in the synthesis of androgens, estrogens and other substances that are active in prostate cancer. Cholesterol is a central metabolite in lipid metabolism, the inflammatory response and other elements involved in the formation and progression of cancer. High cholesterol concentrations can give rise to the accumulation of androgens in tumor cells. Additionally, endocrine disruptors have been identified as being responsible for processes related with fertility, genital malformations and various hormonedependent cancers. Disruptors already identified include diethylstilbestrol, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. RESULTS: Though no clear direct association has yet been found in humans between most endocrine disruptors and prostate cancer, evidence suggests that an inadequate diet and contact with certain toxic agents predisposes to the disease. These disruptors are known to be especially relevant at particular times, such as during pregnancy, neonatal stages and puberty. CONCLUSIONS: The problem with these toxic agents is that their peculiarities and way of acting over time make their study difficult. Nonetheless, research must be encouraged given their importance

Nuevo horizonte en la lucha contra la resistencia bacteriana / New horizont in the fight against bacterial resistance

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Two-handed assisted laparoscopic surgery: Evaluation in an animal model.

PURPOSES: To evaluate in an animal model the feasibility of a novel concept of hand-assisted surgery consisting of inserting two hands into the abdomen instead of one. The chosen procedure was retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) that was performed in five pigs. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A Pfannestiel and a transverse epigastric incisions were made through which both hands were introduced. The scope was inserted through the umbilicus. The colon was moved medially and the dissection was performed as in open surgery using short conventional surgical instruments. COMMENTS: The surgery was fulfilled easily and safely in quite a similar way as in open surgery. Two-handed laparoscopy may be indicated in cases that still today require an open approach as apparently makes the operation easier and significantly shortens the surgery time. However, new opinions and trials are required.

Two-handed assisted laparoscopic surgery: Evaluation in an animal model

Purposes To evaluate in an animal model the feasibility of a novel concept of hand-assisted surgery consisting of inserting two hands into the abdomen instead of one. The chosen procedure was retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) that was performed in five pigs. Surgical Technique A Pfannestiel and a transverse epigastric incisions were made through which both hands were introduced. The scope was inserted through the umbilicus. The colon was moved medially and the dissection was performed as in open surgery using short conventional surgical instruments. Comments The surgery was fulfilled easily and safely in quite a similar way as in open surgery. Two-handed laparoscopy may be indicated in cases that still today require an open approach as apparently makes the operation easier and significantly shortens the surgery time. However, new opinions and trials are required. .

Transperineal laparoscopy: a new approach.

PURPOSE: We describe and evaluate a new transperineal laparoscopic approach for male patients, designed to facilitate laparoscopic prostatectomy and cystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We operated on 12 patients. We did three laparoscopic prostatectomies and nine laparoscopic cystectomies. On five, an ileal conduit was made, and on the other four, an orthotopic bladder was constructed. An incision was made in the perineum. A space was bluntly created between the rectum and the prostate. A cannula was then introduced up to the Douglas pouch, which was opened to enter the peritoneal cavity. RESULTS: One patient of the three prostatectomies needed incontinence pads. None of the four orthotopic bladder cases presented daytime incontinence. The urethra of one of the patients who had an ileal conduit was injured. No other significant complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Transperineal laparoscopy in male patients is a feasible technique that may be an alternative for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery in women, but further assessment is required.

Effect of american cranberry (Cysticlean) on Escherichia coli adherence to bladder epithelial cells. In vitro and in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The American cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) are the main responsible for its efficacy in urinary tract infections. Their mechanism of action is related to inhibition of Escherichia coli to urothelial cells. Cysticlean contains an extract of American cranberry which provides 118 mg of PACs per dose. The activity of Cysticlean tablets on Escherichia Coli adherence to bladder epithelial cells has been studied in vitro. Moreover, the activity of Cistyclean both in powder for oral suspension and tablets has been compared ex-vivo. METHODS: The rats received both Cysticlean preparations per orem, and urine from each animal was collected during the following 16 hours and preincubated with E. coli. Subsequently, bacteria were incubated with T24 cells. After 1 hour the number of bacteria adhered per cell was calculated. For the in vitro study, E. Coli preincubated at various concentrations of the products were incubated with T24 cells and the same process previously referred was carried out. RESULTS: Urine samples from rats taking Cysticlean powder for oral suspension and tablets (118 mg PACs/animal) showed an important inhibition of E. Coli adherence (83% and 52%respectively). The inferior dose of 59 mg PACs/animal also showed marked inhibition of E. Coli adherence (29% after Cysticlean tablets intake and 40% for powder). In vitro, Cysticlean showed inhibition of bacterial adherence in all tested concentrations: 5, 25 and 75 PACs mg/ml, diminishing the number og bacteria adhered to epithelial cells by 25%, 36% and 34% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cysticlean shows a significant inhibition of E. Coli adherence to urothelial cells. Cysticlean powder for suspensión preparation is more effective tha tablets. Cysticlean powder for suspensión is well tolerated, and compliance has been observed. Its use is very recommendable in pediatric urinary tract infection prophylaxis. Due to the variety of products with American cranberry extracts in the market, with different proanthocyanidins declared content, it would be interesting to compare their activity using established pharmacological methods.

Efecto del arandano americano (Cysticlean®) sobre la adherencia de Escherichia coli a células epiteliales de vejiga. Estudio in vitro y ex vivo / Effect of american cranberry (Cysticlean®) on escherichia coli adherence to bladder epithelial cells. In vitro and in vivo study

OBJETIVO: Las proantocianidinas (PACs) del arándano americano son las principales responsables de su eficacia en infecciones del tracto urinario. Su mecanismo de acción está relacionado con la inhibición de la adherencia de Escherichia coli a las células uroepiteliales. Cysticlean® contiene un extracto de arándano americano que proporciona 118 mg de PACs por comprimido o sobre. Se ha estudiado in vitro, la actividad de Cysticlean® comprimidos sobre la adherencia de Escherichia coli a células epiteliales de vejiga. Además, se ha comparado, ex vivo, la actividad de Cysticlean® sobres y comprimidos.MÉTODOS: Las ratas recibieron por vía oral los dos productos de Cysticlean®, y durante las 16 horas posteriores se recogió la orina de cada animal, que fue preincubada con E. coli. Posteriormente, las bacterias se incubaron con células T24. Después de una 1 hora, se calcula el número de bacterias adheridas por célula. Para el estudio in vitro, E. coli preincubadas con varias concentraciones de los diferentes productos, se incuban con células T24 y se sigue el proceso anterior.RESULTADOS: Las muestras de orina de ratas que habían ingerido Cysticlean® sobres y comprimidos (118 mg PACs/animal) muestran una importante inhibición de la adherencia de E.coli (83% y 52%, respectivamente). A la dosis inferior de 59 mg PACs/animal, también presenta una destacada inhibición (29% tras el consumo de Cysticlean® comprimidos y 40% tras el consumo de Cysticlean® sobres). In vitro, Cysticlean® ha mostrado inhibición de la adherencia bacteriana a todas las concentraciones ensayadas. A las concentraciones de 5, 25 y 75 mg de PACs/mL, disminuye un 25%, 36% y 34%, respectivamente, el número de bacterias adheridas a las células epiteliales(AU)

CONCLUSIONES: Cysticlean® muestra una importante inhibición de la adherencia de E. coli a las células uroepiteliales. Cysticlean® sobres es más efectivo que Cysticlean® comprimidos. Con el uso de Cysticlean® sobres, se ha observado buena tolerancia, fidelidad en el tratamiento y su uso es también muy recomendable en la profilaxis de infecciones urinarias en pediatría. Dada la heterogeneidad de productos a base de extractos de arándano americano en el mercado, y su diferente contenido declarado de proantocianidinas, resulta de interés la comparación de su actividad por métodos farmacológicos establecidos(AU)

OBJECTIVES: The American cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) are the main responsible for its efficacy in urinary tract infections. Their mechanism of action is related to inhibition of Escherichia coli to urothelial cells. Cysticlean ® contains an extract of American cranberry which provides 118 mg of PACs per dose. The activity of Cysticlean® tablets on Escherichia Coli adherence to bladder epithelial cells has been studied in vitro. Moreover, the activity of Cistyclean® both in powder for oral suspension and tablets has been compared ex-vivo.METHODS: The rats received both Cysticlean® preparations per orem, and urine from each animal was collected during the following 16 hours and pre-incubated with E. coli. Subsequently, bacteria were incubated with T24 cells. After 1 hour the number of bacteria adhered per cell was calculated. For the in vitro study, E. Coli pre-incubated at various concentrations of the products were incubated with T24 cells and the same process previously referred was carried out.RESULTS: Urine samples from rats taking Cysticlean® powder for oral suspension and tablets (118 mg PACs/animal) showed an important inhibition of E. Coli adherence (83% and 52% respectively). The inferior dose of 59 mg PACs/animal also showed marked inhibition of E. Coli adherence (29% after Cysticlean® tablets intake and 40% for powder). In vitro, Cysticlean® showed inhibition of bacterial adherence in all tested concentrations: 5, 25 and 75 PACs mg/ml, diminishing the number og bacteria adhered to epithelial cells by 25%, 36% and 34% respectively(AU)

CONCLUSIONS: Cysticlean® shows a significant inhibition of E. Coli adherence to urothelial cells. Cysticlean® powder for suspensión preparation is more effective tha tablets. Cysticlean® powder for suspensión is well tolerated, and compliance has been observed. Its use is very recommendable in pediatric urinary tract infection prophylaxis. Due to the variety of products with American cranberry extracts in the market, with different proanthocyanidins declared content, it would be interesting to compare their activity using established pharmacological methods(AU)

La teoría de Darwin y la cirugía robótica / Darwin's theory and robotic surgery

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[Multi-instruments cannula: a new concept of laparoscopy]. / Cánula multi-instrumentos: un nuevo concepto de laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVES: Five or six perforations of the abdominal wall increase the possibilities of organ injury, infection, or hernia. Laparoscopy originally offered great advantages and significant progress. Multiple abdominal ports are now considered superfluous, excessively traumatic and, today, hardly merit the term 'minimally-invasive-surgery'. All that led us to design a device to help surgeons meet new standards that can have several uses. METHODS: The instrument is a 4 cm diameter, 5 cm long cannula. The superior extremity or lid has five 5 mm sealed openings, one for the telescope and four for instruments. Below the lid and its notched retaining screw is the tap to insufflate the operating field. The peripheral flange limits insertion depth and seals the skin wound. Lids with more or less openings are available. The device has been proven first in a simulator, and then five pigs between 20 and 30 kg have been operated. In the first two cases the cannula was introduced through the umbilicus and a cystostomy with suture was carried out. In the other three cases nephrectomy was performed inserting the cannula through the flank. RESULT The experimental series has allowed us to get adapted to the cannula; we have verified that diameter and length of the device are optimal, and vision is excellent. Also the device is hermetic, since there is no loss of gas and the instruments are not trapped inside, what has allowed us to work and to suture without special difficulty. DISCUSSION: A single port through the abdomen or even transvaginally represent a real challenge to laparoscopy because in the 21st century to make 5 or 6 perforations in the abdominal wall appear untenable. Finally, with this system there are enormous possibilities for robotization with only one arm that includes the telescope and instruments, that sooner that we might imagine is going to revolutionize surgical practice.