Efficacy and safety of a hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon® ) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH): systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (HESr, Permixon® ; Pierre Fabre Médicament, Castres, France), at a dose of 320 mg daily, as monotherapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies in patients with LUTS/BPH identified through searches in Medline, Web of Knowledge (Institute for Scientific Information), Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and bibliographic references up to March 2017. Articles studying S. repens extracts other than Permixon were excluded. Data were collected on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ), nocturia, quality of life, prostate volume, sexual function, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Data obtained from RCTs and observational studies were analysed jointly and separately using a random effects model. A sub-group analysis was performed of studies that included patients on longer-term treatment (≥1 year). RESULTS: Data from 27 studies (15 RCTs and 12 observational studies) were included for meta-analysis (total N = 5 800). Compared with placebo, the HESr was associated with 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.98 to -0.31) fewer voids/night (P < 0.001) and an additional mean increase in Qmax of 2.75 mL/s (95% CI 0.57 to 4.93; P = 0.01). When compared with α-blockers, the HESr showed similar improvements on IPSS (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.57, 95% CI -0.27 to 1.42; P = 0.18) and a comparable increase in Qmax to tamsulosin (WMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.71 to 0.66; P = 0.95). Efficacy assessed using the IPSS was similar after 6 months of treatment between the HESr and 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs). Analysis of all available published data for the HESr showed a mean improvement in IPSS from baseline of -5.73 points (95% CI -6.91 to -4.54; P < 0.001). HESr did not negatively affect sexual function and no clinically relevant effect was observed on prostate-specific antigen. Prostate volume decreased slightly. Similar efficacy results were seen in patients treated for ≥1 year (n = 447). The HESr had a favourable safety profile, with gastrointestinal disorders being the most frequent ADR (mean incidence of 3.8%). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis, which includes all available RCTs and observational studies, shows that the HESr (Permixon) reduced nocturia and improved Qmax compared with placebo and had a similar efficacy to tamsulosin and short-term 5-ARI in relieving LUTS. HESr (Permixon) appears to be an efficacious and well-tolerated therapeutic option for the long-term medical treatment of LUTS/BPH.

Halothane-anesthetized rabbit: a new experimental model to test the effects of besipirdine and duloxetine on lower urinary tract function.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of besipirdine and its main metabolite, HP-748, as well as duloxetine and tomoxetine in the lower urinary tract (LUT) were studied using in vitro and in vivo techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For in vivo studies, besipirdine or duloxetine effects on cystometric parameters and striated sphincter electromyographic (SS-EMG) activity were investigated. On the isolated urethra, norepinephrine (NE) concentration-response curves (CRC) were performed in the presence of besipirdine, duloxetine or tomoxetine. Moreover, CRC to HP-748 were constructed in the absence or presence of prazosin. Potency (pEC(50)) and maximal responses (E(max)) were determined. RESULTS: Besipirdine at 1, 3 and 5 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) induced a significant increase in SS-EMG activity (250, 273 and 241%, respectively), bladder capacity (172, 197, and 235%, respectively), intercontraction interval (ICI; 208, 242, and 400%, respectively), and residual volume (181, 191, and 236%, respectively). Duloxetine at 2 mg/kg i.v. increased significantly SS-EMG activity (219%), micturition volume (222%), and ICI (205%). In the isolated urethra, besipirdine, tomoxetine and duloxetine significantly displaced to the left the NE CRC. In addition, HP-748 induced contraction of the isolated urethra with a pEC(50) of 5.89 and an E(max) of 37%. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the potential of besipirdine as a new drug for LUT dysfunctions such as stress and mixed urinary incontinence.

Síndrome metabólico y disfunción eréctil / Metabolic síndrome and erectile dysfunction

OBJETIVO: Puesta al día de un síndrome que en los pasados años ha ido incrementando las patologías coincidentes en el mismo, tales como obesidad, hipertensión, hipercolesterolemia, diabetes tipo II, con la reciente adición de la disfunción erectil y la androgenodeficienciaMÉTODO: Revisión global de la literatura tomando como referencia las últimas aportaciones y muy especialmente las debidas al profesor M. Serrano Ríos, de Madrid, y su grupoRESULTADOS: El síndrome metabólico parece actualmente consolidado como terminó universalmente aceptado, a pesar de su complejo itinerario semántico y nosologico. La inclusión de la disfunción erectil y la androgenodeficiencia le da más solidez patogénica y aproxima más al terreno profesional de la endocrinología a dos procesos prioritariamente urológicos. El urólogo recibe a su vez una nueva perspectiva de procesos que son inexcusablemente propios y a los que ha de atender con mayor amplitud exploratoria, analítica y terapéuticaCONCLUSIÓNES: El síndrome metabólico puede ser reconocido en la consulta urológica con más frecuencia de lo sospechado. El urólogo queda obligado, en este proceso típicamente médico, a ejercer con más dedicación y amplitud el compromiso médico de su especialidad médico quirúrgica(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To update a syndrome that has increased the number of pathologies included such as obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, type II diabetes mellitus, and the recent addition of erectile dysfunction and androgen deficiencyMETHODS: Global review of bibliography taking the last articles as a reference and mainly those from Prof. M. Serrano Rios and his group in Madrid.RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome seems to be consolidated as a universally accepted term, despite its complex semantic and gnoseologic itinerary. The inclusion of erectile dysfunction and androgen deficiency gives more pathogenic solidity and makes the professional field of endocrinology closer to two mainly urological processes.The urologist has a new perspective of processes that are of his own, that he has to take care of in a comprehensive manner, with physical examination, blood tests and therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome may be more frequently than suspected recognized in the urologist office. Urologists are compelled, in this typically medical process, to exercise with more dedication and fullness the medical compromise of our medical-surgical specialty(AU)

Luis Cifuentes: un ejemplar itinerario formativo, científico y profesional / Dr. Luis Cifuentes: An exemplary training, scientific and professional itinerary

Se describe el itinerario formativo de Luis Cifuentes, en una época en que la urología carecía de prestigio científico y limitado campo de actividad quirúrgica. Su excelente formación en ciencias básicas, su permanente y elegido contacto con los científicos más representativos de la época, su innovadora tesis doctoral y otras iniciativas, junto a su talante inquisidor y extraordinarias dotes personales, le permitieron llegar a la urología con un bagaje excepcionalmente rico en conocimientos. Con la ayuda de excelentes tutores nacionales e internacionales consiguió una formación urológica de tal calidad que su prestigio científico y profesional fue inmediatamente reconocido, así como su calidad clínica, dominio técnico, rigor investigador. Todo ello le permitió dejar rastro admirable y perdurable. Su itinerario formativo sigue siendo en nuestros días un modelo a seguir por las nuevas generaciones urológicas como complemento del marco oficial del sistema MIR (AU)

We describe the training itinerary of Dr. Luis Cifuentes, in a time in which Urology lacked of scientific prestige and was a limited field of surgery. His excellent education in basic sciences, his permanent voluntary contact with the most representative scientists of that time, his innovative PhD thesis, and other initiatives, altogether with his inquisitorial character and extraordinary personal aptitudes enabled him to get to Urology with an exceptionally rich burden of knowledge. With the help of excellent national and international mentors he achieved a urological training of such quality that his scientific and professional prestige was immediately recognized, as well as his clinical quality, technical expertise, and research rigor. All these led him to leave an admirable and everlasting trail. His training itinerary continues being a model to be followed by new generations of urologists as a complement to the MIR system (AU)

[Hematuria of papillary or medullar origin: a difficult diagnosis entity]. / Hematuria de origen papilar o medular: entidad de difícil diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVES: Renal haemangiomas of renal papillary or medullar origin are a difficult diagnosis entity, being one of the most frequent processes of chronic episodes of hematuria, secondary to benign disease, mainly in young patients. The objective of this paper is to show the difficulty of this diagnosis and the need to suspect it in cases with clinical history similar to the ones described in these cases. METHODS: We report 4 cases of spontaneous hematuria of renal origin, with clinical presentation as renal colic, from the historical case series of the Fundacion Jimenez Díaz-Capio, the last two from the years 2005-6. We present the diagnostic and therapeutic methodology employed, including angio-CT and flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS) as well as various treatment options. RESULTS: Hematuria was identified as "essential" when any relation with tumor or lithiasic pathologies was ruled out, and of renal origin when the source was clearly pointed. We interpreted it was related to angiomas or microangiomas of papillary or medullar origin. In one case, the vascular malformation was interpreted as an arterial venous fistula (AVF) at that level. Hematuria stopped spontaneously in two cases after exploratory URS. The eldest historical case required surgical expiration of the caliceal structures. CONCLUSION: Years ago, following the professional development of Urology as speciality, conventional surgery was carried out in all these cases, of very difficult diagnosis, with a very small number of cases undergoing a conservative approach based on the examination of renal cavities trying to observe and find the bleeding point. Most cases underwent complete or partial nephrectomy. Currently, the possibility of exploration of all renal cavities with the flexible ureterorenoscope enables a better diagnosis of the lesions and a more conservative treatment. The ultimate diagnosis of renal papillary angioma is the pathologic diagnosis, without pathognomonic data in the imaging tests. This pathology is thought of at the end of the diagnostic workup, and when the papillary area is identified as the source of bleeding. The historical case series, with the pathologic findings from nephrectomy specimens, permits us to point out this entity as papillary angioma, in patients with similar clinical presentation.

Hematuria de origen papilar o medular: entidad de díficil diagnóstico / Hematuria of papillary or medullar origin: a difficult diagnosis entity

Objetivo: Los hemangiomas renales de origen papilar o medular renal, es una entidad de difícil diagnóstico, siendo una de las causas más frecuentes de episodios crónicos de hematuria, por patología benigna, fundamentalmente en pacientes jóvenes (1). El objetivo de esta presentación es mostrar la dificultad de este diagnóstico y la necesidad de sospecharlo en cuadros con historia similar a la que expresan estos casos. Métodos: Se presentan 4 casos de hematuria espontánea de origen renal, con expresión clínica de dolor cólico, de la serie histórica del Servicio de Urología de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Capio, los dos últimos del año 2005-6. Se presenta la metodología diagnóstica y terapéutica realizada, incluidos los estudios de angioTAC y la URS (ureterorenoscopia flexible), asi como diversas opciones de tratamiento. Resultado: La hematuria se identificó como “esencial” al descartar la relación responsable con patología tumoral o litiásica, y de origen renal al señalar claramente su origen. Se interpretó relacionada con angiomas o microangiomas de origen papilar o medular. En un caso la malformación vascular fue interpretada como FAV (fístula arteriovenosa) a ese nivel. Tras la URS exploradora, la hematuria cedió espontáneamente en dos casos. El caso histórico más antiguo requirió la exploración quirúrgica de las estructuras calicilares. Conclusión: Hace años y siguiendo el desarrollo profesional de la Especialidad de Urología, todos estos casos, de gran dificultad diagnóstica, eran sometidos a cirugía convencional, en muy pocas ocasiones con actitud conservadora, basada ésta en la exploración de las cavidades renales, intentando observar y encontrar el lugar del sangrado activo. La mayoría de los casos eran sometidos finalmente a Nefrectomía total o parcial. La posibilidad actual, de poder explorar las cavidades renales en su totalidad con el ureterorenoscopio flexible, permite un mejor diagnóstico de las lesiones y un tratamiento más conservador. El diagnóstico último de angioma renal papilar es anatomo-patológico, sin existir datos patogneumónicos de diagnóstico por la imagen Se piensa en esta patología, al final del proceso diagnóstico, y al identificar la zona papilar como origen del sangrado. La serie histórica de casos clinicos, con los hallazgos anatomo-patológicos de las nefrectomías realizadas, permite señalar la entidad, como angioma papilar, en pacientes con clínica similar (AU)

Objectives: Renal haemangiomas of renal papillary or medullar origin are a difficult diagnosis entity, being one of the most frequent processes of chronic episodes of hematuria, secondary to benign disease, mainly in young patients (1). The objective of this paper is to show the difficulty of this diagnosis and the need to suspect it in cases with clinical history similar to the ones described in these cases. Methods: We report 4 cases of spontaneous hematuria of renal origin, with clinical presentation as renal colic, from the historical case series of the Fundacion Jimenez Díaz - Capio, the last two from the years 2005-6. We present the diagnostic and therapeutic methodology employed, including angio-CT and flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS) as well as various treatment options. Results: Hematuria was identified as “essential” when any relation with tumor or lithiasic pathologies was ruled out, and of renal origin when the source was clearly pointed. We interpreted it was related to angiomas or microangiomas of papillary or medullar origin. In one case, the vascular malformation was interpreted as an arterial venous fistula (AVF) at that level. Hematuria stopped spontaneously in two cases after exploratory URS. The eldest historical case required surgical expiration of the caliceal structures. Conclusion: Years ago, following the professional development of Urology as speciality, conventional surgery was carried out in all these cases, of very difficult diagnosis, with a very small number of cases undergoing a conservative approach based on the examination of renal cavities trying to observe and find the bleeding point. Most cases underwent complete or partial nephrectomy. Currently, the possibility of exploration of all renal cavities with the flexible ureterorenoscope enables a better diagnosis of the lesions and a more conservative treatment. The ultimate diagnosis of renal papillary angioma is the pathologic diagnosis, without pathognomonic data in the imaging tests. This pathology is thought of at the end of the diagnostic workup, and when the papillary area is identified as the source of bleeding. The historical case series, with the pathologic findings from nephrectomy specimens, permits us to point out this entity as papillary angioma, in patients with similar clinical presentation (AU)

El genoma del corynebacterium urealyticum ha sido completamente secuenciado: un progreso clave para conocer la uropatogenicidad y "estilo de vida" de este microorganismo / The Corynebacterium urealyticum genome has been completely sequenced: a key advance to know the uropathogenicity and «life style» of this microorganism

No disponible

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) as a novel prognostic marker in prostate carcinoma.

Combined immunodetection of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) has shown to successfully distinguish poorly- and well-differentiated prostate carcinoma (PCa). In the present study, we aimed to assess whether immunohistochemical evaluation of these factors, and also osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Ki67, in radical prostatectomy specimens can predict biochemical recurrence. Fifty nine PCa cases undergoing radical prostatectomy between 1995 and 1998, without history of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, were studied. Preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason-sum score, pathologic stage, perineural invasion, seminal vesicle involvement, and positive surgical margins were assessed in these patients. Biochemical recurrence, defined by PSA > 0.4 ng/mL at 90 days or later after prostatectomy, occurred in 32/59 patients. In these patients, positivity for OPG and RANKL in the tumoral epithelium was higher than in those patients with no biochemical recurrence. Using univariate analysis, Gleason-sum score, surgical margins, and seminal vesicle involvement, as well as OPG and RANKL immunostaining (using a score value corresponding to moderate staining as cut-off) were significant predictors of biochemical recurrence (p<0.05). Using the multivariate Cox model, among the evaluated factors only RANKL expression (hazard ratio 11.6; p <0.001) was an independent prognostic indicator. Our findings suggest that immunohistochemical evaluation of RANKL in the primary tumor is a potential risk factor in PCa patients.

[Infections of the urinary tract caused by permanent catheterization. Natural history, infective mechanisms and prevention strategies. An overall review based on our clinical experience and research]. / Infecciones del aparato urinario motivadas por la sonda permanente. Historia natural, mecanismos infectivos y estrategias de prevención. Una revisión de conjunto basada en nuestra experiencia clínica e investigaciones.

Permanent drainage of the urinary tract by catheters or tubes causes bacteriuria. The potential harmful effects of the indwelling catheter's bacteriuria are related to: time since the insertion of the catheter; location of the catheter (urethra, bladder, kidney); catheter composition (latex, silicone, etc.); type of ineffective bacteria and specific pathogenic mechanisms; health status of the urinary tract being drained (prior radiation therapy, tumors, etc.); patient's health status (diabetes, immunodeficiency) and mobility; incidents and manipulations of the catheter, such as obstruction, irrigation, or retrieval. The evaluation of all mentioned factors enables strategies for prevention of septic episodes in relation with indwelling catheters, strategies that can be individualized for greater efficiency. Despite these preventive measures, infections secondary to the indwelling catheter may cause extremely severe septic episodes. Today, the indwelling catheter bacteriuria constitutes the greater source of nosocomial infection and its prevention and treatment a health care action of the highest importance. The study of mechanisms implied in the formation of biofilms, their pathogenic potential and preventive measures have been an attractive field of clinical and experimental research over the last years. The objective of this review is to make a synthesis of the works performed by our group.

[Male aging in the Middle Ages: commentaries on the book by Arnau de Vilanova "Conservatio juventute preservatio senectute"]. / Envejecimiento masculino en la Edad Media: comentarios al libro de Arnau de Vilanova "Conservatio juventute preservatio senectute.

In the Middle Ages medical texts the notes about personal hygiene are scarce and they are dedicated to the Kings or the aristocracy. In his work Regimen sanitatis ad inclytum regen Aragorum, Amaldo de Vilanova underlines six things that are necessary for cleanliness, among which he includes his well-known proposition Conservatio juventute preservatio senectute. We compared his text with those from other authors with references to the issue and, once examined, Vilanova's work stands out. Doctors in the middle ages were already interested in aging and propositions considered today as modern are found described in various works from that period.

Infecciones del aparato urinario motivadas por la sonda permanente. Historia Natural, mecanismos infectivos y estrategias de prevención. Una revisión de conjunto basada en nuestra experiencia clínica e investigaciones / No disponible

El drenaje permanente, externo, del aparato urinario, mediante sondas y tubos, causa bacteriuria. Los potenciales efectos nocivos de la bacteriuria de la sonda permanente están relacionados con; tiempo de permanencia de la sonda; localización del catéter o sonda (uretra, vejiga, riñón); material que compone el catéter (látex, silicona, etc.); tipo de bacteria infectante y sus mecanismos patogénicos específicos; estado de salud del aparato urinario drenado (radiaciones previas, tumores, etc.); estado de salud del paciente portador de la sonda (diabetes, inmunodeficiencia) y motilidad del mismo; incidentes y manipulaciones de la sonda, tales como, obstrucciones, lavados o retirada de la misma. La valoración de todos los factores enumerados permite estrategias de prevención de los episodios sépticos relacionados con la sonda permanente, estrategias que pueden ser individualizadas para una mayor eficiencia. A pesar de estas medidas preventivas la infección motivada por la sonda permanente puede ocasionar episodios sépticos de extremada gravedad. La bacteriuria de la sonda permanente constituye hoy en día la mayor fuente de infección nosocomial y su prevención y tratamiento, una acción sanitaria de máxima importancia. El estudio de los mecanismos implicados en la formación de biofilms, su potencial patogénico y las estrategias preventivas han supuesto un atractivo campo de investigación clínica y experimental en los últimos años. Una síntesis de los trabajos realizados por nuestro grupo es el motivo de está revisión

Permanent drainage of the urinary tract by catheters or tubes causes bacteriuria. The potential harmful effects of the indwelling catheter`s bacteriuria are related to: time since the insertion of the catheter; location of the catheter (urethra, bladder, kidney); catheter composition (latex, silicone, etc.); type of ineffective bacteria and specific pathogenic mechanisms; health status of the urinary tract being drained (prior radiation therapy, tumors, etc.); patient`s health status (diabetes, immunodeficiency) and mobility; incidents and manipulations of the catheter, such as obstruction, irrigation, or retrieval. The evaluation of all mentioned factors enables strategies for prevention of septic episodes in relation with indwelling catheters, strategies that can be individualized for greater efficiency. Despite these preventive measures, infections secondary to the indwelling catheter may cause extremely severe septic episodes. Today, the indwelling catheter bacteriuria constitutes the greater source of nosocomial infection and its prevention and treatment a health care action of the highest importance. The study of mechanisms implied in the formation of biofilms, their pathogenic potential and preventive measures have been an attractive field of clinical and experimental research over the last years. The objective of this review is to make a synthesis of the works performed by our group

Envejecimiento masculino en la Edad Media: comentarios al libre de Arnau de Vilanova «Conservatio Juventute preservatio senectute» / Male aging in the Middle Ages: commentaries on the book by Arnau de Vilanova «Conservation juventute preservatio senectute»

En los textos médicos de la Edad Media las notas sobre las medidas de higiene personal son escasas y se encuentran dedicadas a los reyes o a la aristocracia. En su obra «Regimen sanitatis ad inclytumregen Aragorum», Arnaldo de Vilanova subraya seis cosas necesarias para el aseo, entre las que se incluye su famosa proposición «Conservatio juventute preservatio senectute». Hemos comparado el texto al de otros autores con referencias al tema y, una vez examinados, destaca el escrito por Vilanova. Los médicos en la Edad Media se encontraban ya interesados en el envejecimiento y propuestas consideradas hoy día como modernas las encontramos descritas en diversas obras de la época (AU)

In the Middle Ages medical texts the notes about personal hygiene are scarce and they are dedicated to the Kings or the aristocracy. In his work Regimen sanitatis ad inclytum regen Aragorum, Arnaldo de Vilanova underlines six things that are necessary for cleanliness, among which he includes his well-known proposition Conservatio juventute preservatio senectute. We compared his text with those from other authors with references to the issue and, once examined, Vilanova's work stands out. Doctors in the middle ages were already interested in aging and propositions considered today as modern are found described in various works from that period (AU)

[Chronic prostatitis: critical review of its current nosologic definition, classification and potential carcinogenesis]. / Prostatitis crónica: una revisión crítica de su actual definición nosológica, clasificación y potencial carcinogénesis.

Updated critical review of chronic prostatitis as a nosologic, anatomic-clinical entity of supposed microbiological or inflammatory origin. Scientific reasoning about the role of amicrobial inflammation in both caudal and cranial prostate, after new progresses, to reconsider the convenience of maintaining the current classification of chronic prostatitis, mainly in the section referred to "histological prostatitis". Analysis of scientific evidences relating prostatitis and "pelvic pain", the dominant syndrome in many patients and basement of the current terminological proposal: prostatitis-pelvic pain. The role of inflammation in the genesis of BPH and prostate cancer. Justification and convenience of a new term in logic consensus on prostatitis.

Prostatitis crónica: una revisión crítica de su actual definición nosológica, clasificación y potencial carcinogénesis / Chronic prostatitis: critical review of its current nosologic definition, classification and potential carcinogenesis

Revisión crítica actualizada de la prostatitis crónica, como entidad nosológica, anatomoclínica, supuestamente de origen microbiológico o inflamatorio. Argumentación científica, a la luz de los nuevos progresos, sobre el papel de la inflamación amicrobiana, tanto a nivel de la próstata craneal como de la caudal, para reconsiderar la conveniencia de mantener la clasificación actual de las prostatitis crónicas, y especialmente el apartado referido a la «prostatitis histológica». Análisis de evidencias relacionando la prostatitis «con el dolor pélvico», síndrome dominante en muchos pacientes y fundamento de la actual propuesta terminológica; prostatitis-dolor pélvico. Papel de la inflamación en la génesis de la HBP y cáncer de próstata. Justificación y conveniencia de un nuevo consenso terminológico sobre las prostatitis, en general (AU)

Updated critical review of chronic prostatitis as a nosologic, anatomic-clinical entity of supposed microbiological or inflammatory origin. Scientific reasoning about the role of amicrobial inflammation in both caudal and cranial prostate, after new progresses, to reconsider the convenience of maintaining the current classification of chronic prostatitis, mainly in the section referred to «histological prostatitis». Analysis of scientific evidences relating prostatitis and «pelvic pain», the dominant syndrome in many patients and basement of the current terminological proposal: prostatitis-pelvic pain. The role of inflammation in the genesis of BPH and prostate cancer. Justification and convenience of a new term in logic consensus on prostatitis (AU)

Immunohistochemical analysis of low-grade and high-grade prostate carcinoma: relative changes of parathyroid hormone-related protein and its parathyroid hormone 1 receptor, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand.

AIM: To investigate multiple bone cytokines produced by prostate carcinoma (PCa) as a novel strategy to differentiate potential aggressiveness in localised PCa using immunohistochemical analysis. METHODS: A total of 47 cases of PCa undergoing radical prostatectomy or transurethral prostatic resection at our institution (Fundación Jiménez Díaz (Grupo Capio), Madrid, Spain) between January 1991 and June 1998 were identified as low-grade (< or =4; n = 22) or high-grade (> or =7, excluding 7 (3+4) cases; n = 25) PCa according to Gleason grade. PCa specimens were immunostained for: parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein (PTHrP), the PTH1 receptor, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), as well as Ki67 (a proliferation marker) and CD34 (an angiogenesis marker). RESULTS: PCa samples showed an increased immunostaining for both osteoprotegerin and RANKL, associated with tumour grade and PTHrP positivity, in the tumoral epithelium. Using a score value of 4-corresponding to moderate staining - as cut-off, the best sensitivity value was for PTHrP (with C-terminal antiserum C6; 100 %); wheras the best specificity value was for RANKL (95 %). CONCLUSIONS: All the evaluated factors are overexpressed mainly in the high-grade tumours. Our findings indicate that, in most patients with PCa (with Ki67 values between 1% and 9%), sequential determination of C-terminal PTHrP and RANKL immunoreactivities is a useful approach to discriminate low-grade and high-grade tumours.

Comparative effects of clomipramine and duloxetine on detrusor and striated sphincter function in male and female rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: Serotonin and norepinephrine systems are involved in the neural control of lower urinary tract function. The aim of this study was to compare the response on striated anal sphincter electromyographic (SAS-EMG) activity and cystometric parameters, when duloxetine and clomipramine were intravenously administrated. METHODS: The effects of intravenous 1 and 2 mg./Kg. duloxetine or clomipramine on lower urinary tract function were studied in a total of 32 male and 32 female rabbits, under nonirritative conditions (intravesical infusion of saline) and in a model of bladder irritation (i.e., transvesical infusion of 0.5% acetic acid). A transurethral double-lumen catheter in male rabbits, and a subcutaneous cystostomy in female rabbits, were used for liquid infusion and recording of intravesical pressure during a cystometrogram. Simultaneously, SAS-EMG was recorded through electromyography electrodes placed in the perianal striated muscle. RESULTS: Cystometric parameters: Under irritative conditions, 2 mg./Kg. clomipramine in male rabbits and 1 or 2 mg./Kg. in female rabbits, depending on the dose, increased bladder capacity (BC), contraction duration (CD) and intercontraction interval (ICI), and decreased baseline pressure (BP). In male and female rabbits, duloxetine dose-dependently increased BC, CD and ICI. Under nonirritative conditions, clomipramine at 2 mg./Kg. and duloxetine dose-dependently solely increased BC in female rabbits. Electromyographic activity: A marked effect on SAS-EMG activity of duloxetine under irritative conditions was revealed in male and female rabbits. Under these conditions, clomipramine increased SAS-EMG activity only in female rabbits. Under nonirritative conditions, 2 mg./Kg. duloxetine increased SAS-EMG activity only in female rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: The stronger effects on the SAS-EMG activity were produced by duloxetine in female rabbits under irritated bladder conditions. Clomipramine, under irritative conditions, had a relaxing effect on intravesical pressure, which is not the case with duloxetine.