Maternal malnutrition associated with postnatal sugar consumption increases inflammatory response and prostate disorders in rat offspring.

Maternal malnutrition can alter developmental biology, programming health and disease in offspring. The increase in sugar consumption during the peripubertal period, a worldwide concern, also affects health through adulthood. Studies have shown that maternal exposure to a low protein diet (LPD) is associated with an increase in prostate disease with aging. However, the combined effects of maternal LPD and early postnatal sugar consumption on offspring prostate disorders were not investigated. The effects on aging were evaluated using a maternal gestational model with lactational LPD (6% protein) and sugar consumption (10%) from postnatal day (PND) 21-90, associating the consequences on ventral prostate (VP) rats morphophysiology on PND540. An increase was shown in mast cells and in the VP of the CTR + SUG and Gestational and Lactational Low Protein (GLLP) groups. In GLLP + SUG, a significant increase was shown in TGF-ß1 expression in both the systemic and intra-prostatic forms, and SMAD2/3p had increased. The study identified maternal LPD and sugar consumption as risk factors for prostatic homeostasis in senility, activating the TGFß1-SMAD2/3 pathway, a signaling pathway with potential markers for prostatic disorders.

A Rare Case of Prostatic Malakoplakia Associated with Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Malakoplakia is a chronic granulomatous condition that has been rarely seen affecting the prostate. Isolated malakoplakia of the prostate occurring together with prostatic adenocarcinoma is rarer still with only 9 previously recorded cases. We present a case diagnosed through needle biopsy with prostatic adenocarcinoma and then on subsequent prostatectomy was diagnosed with extensive malakoplakia occurring with the carcinoma. Patient was noted to have a urinary tract infection (UTI) 2 weeks after needle biopsy and notably, 4 of the 9 previously reported cases also presented with UTI following their biopsies. The theory that prostatic malakoplakia may be a complication of the prostate needle biopsy is logically possible, but due to the paucity in cases, it is difficult to infer causality.

The confusing pelvic cystic mass: A case of giant prostatic utricle cyst diagnosed by ultrasound.

The giant prostatic utricle cyst, located behindthe bladder with removable irregular mixed echo, communicating with the urethraat the level of the seminal colliculus, was diagnosed by ultrasound andverified by pathology and surgery.

Imaging findings of prostate tuberculosis by transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasound and comparison with 2D ultrasound and pathology.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) appearances of prostate tuberculosis (PTB) and its correlation with histopathology. METHODS: Clinical, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and CEUS data of 12 PTB patients confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed, and compared to the pathological findings to identify the pathological structures corresponding to different image enhancement areas. RESULTS: No specific characteristics could be found for the clinical appearances. Enlarged gland, hypoechoic lesions and calcification due to PTB could be found by TRUS, which were also non-specific. CEUS showed hypo- or non-enhanced lesions with varying size, which were related to different pathological stages of PTB. The incidence rate of non-enhanced lesions was 83.3%. The detection rate of suspected lesion by CEUS was significantly higher than that by TRUS (χ2 = 8.000, p = 0.005). Histopathology showed that the hypoenhanced area consisted of tuberculous granulomas, caseous necrosis and incomplete destruction of the glands, while the non-enhanced area consisted of caseous or liquified necrosis. CONCLUSION: CEUS could improve the detection rate of PTB lesions, and the diversity of its manifestations was related to different pathological structures. An enlarged, soft gland with non-enhanced on CEUS may provide valuable information for the diagnosis of PTB, but it is not a substitute for biopsy due to the diversity of CEUS findings. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: When the lesions of prostate gland are unclear in TRUS examination, CEUS is an ideal option for the detection of lesions, which is conducive to targeted guidance of biopsy areas.

A Clinical Trial Evaluating the Usefulness of Tailored Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Using Rectal-culture Screening Media Prior to Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this report is to introduce an on-going, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether tailored antimicrobial prophylaxis guided by rectal culture screening prevents acute bacterial prostatitis following transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB). Patients will be randomized into an intervention or non-intervention group; tazobactam-piperacillin or levofloxacin will be prophylactically administered according to the results of rectal culture prior to TRPB in the intervention group whereas levofloxacin will be routinely given in the non-intervention group. The primary endpoint is the occurrence rate of acute bacterial prostatitis after TRPB. Recruitment begins in April, 2021 and the target total sample size is 5,100 participants.

Müllerian duct cyst: Case report with updates in cellular origin, corresponding immunohistochemistry, and contrast to prostatic utricle cyst.

A 20-year-old male presented to the emergency department with lower abdominal pain, urinary retention, and constipation. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a large cyst on the posterior aspect of the prostate gland; he was ultimately diagnosed with a Müllerian duct cyst (MDC). Although much has been written on the radiologic diagnosis of such cysts, there is a paucity of recent literature concerning the pathological diagnosis. While older studies debated the Müllerian origin of a midline cyst abutting the poster prostate, we believe that with the advent of monoclonal PAX8 (which was positive in this lesion) and monoclonal PAX2 (which was negative), we have strong evidence that the present cyst is indeed of Müllerian origin. Further, there is debate in the literature as to whether MDC is synonymous or distinct from prostatic utricle cyst. We present an interdisciplinary analysis as to the merits and weaknesses of both sides of the debate and how data gathered from the current case could be used in a future, larger study to arrive at a more definitive conclusion.

Mast cell function in prostate inflammation, fibrosis, and smooth muscle cell dysfunction.

Intraurethral inoculation of mice with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (CP1) results in prostate inflammation, fibrosis, and urinary dysfunction, recapitulating some but not all of the pathognomonic clinical features associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In both patients with LUTS and CP1-infected mice, we observed increased numbers and activation of mast cells and elevated levels of prostate fibrosis. Therapeutic inhibition of mast cells using a combination of a mast cell stabilizer, cromolyn sodium, and the histamine 1 receptor antagonist cetirizine di-hydrochloride in the mouse model resulted in reduced mast cell activation in the prostate and significant alleviation of urinary dysfunction. Treated mice showed reduced prostate fibrosis, less infiltration of immune cells, and decreased inflammation. In addition, as opposed to symptomatic CP1-infected mice, treated mice showed reduced myosin light chain-2 phosphorylation, a marker of prostate smooth muscle contraction. These results show that mast cells play a critical role in the pathophysiology of urinary dysfunction and may be an important therapeutic target for men with BPH/LUTS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY LUTS-associated benign prostatic hyperplasia is derived from a combination of immune activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, hyperplasia, and smooth muscle cell contraction in prostates of men. Using a mouse model, we describe the importance of mast cells in regulating these multiple facets involved in the pathophysiology of LUTS. Mast cell inhibition alleviates both pathology and urinary dysfunction in this model, suggesting the potential for mast cell inhibition as a therapeutic that prevents and reverses pathology and associated symptomology.

Cellular senescence as a possible link between prostate diseases of the ageing male.

Senescent cells accumulate with age in all tissues. Although senescent cells undergo cell-cycle arrest, these cells remain metabolically active and their secretome - known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype - is responsible for a systemic pro-inflammatory state, which contributes to an inflammatory microenvironment. Senescent cells can be found in the ageing prostate and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and can be linked to BPH and prostate cancer. Indeed, a number of signalling pathways provide biological plausibility for the role of senescence in both BPH and prostate cancer, although proving causality is difficult. The theory of senescence as a mechanism for prostate disease has a number of clinical implications and could offer opportunities for targeting in the future.

Small RNAs as biomarkers to differentiate benign and malign prostate diseases: An alternative for transrectal punch biopsy of the prostate?

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer and the third most frequent cause of male cancer death in Germany. MicroRNAs (miRNA) appear to be involved in the development and progression of PCa. A diagnostic differentiation from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is often only possible through transrectal punch biopsy. This procedure is described as painful and carries risks. It was investigated whether urinary miRNAs can be used as biomarkers to differentiate the prostate diseases above. Therefore urine samples from urological patients with BPH (25) or PCa (28) were analysed using Next-Generation Sequencing to detect the expression profile of total and exosomal miRNA/piRNA. 79 miRNAs and 5 piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were significantly differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05 and log2-Fc > 1 or < -1). Of these, 6 miRNAs and 2 piRNAs could be statistically validated (AUC on test cohort > = 0.7). In addition, machine-learning algorithms were used to identify a panel of 22 additional miRNAs, whose interaction makes it possible to differentiate the groups as well. There are promising individual candidates for potential use as biomarkers in prostate cancer. The innovative approach of applying machine learning methods to this kind of data could lead to further small RNAs coming into scientific focus, which have so far been neglected.

Effect of Gloriosa superba linn (EEGS) on mPT and monosodium glutamate-induced proliferative disorder using rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hyperplasia, Tumors and cancers are various forms of proliferative disorders affecting humans. Surgery is the main treatment approach while other options are also associated with adverse effects. There is therefore a need for the development of better alternative therapy that is cost effective and readily available with little or no adverse effect. Some bioactive agents in medicinal plants exhibit their anti-proliferative potential by induction of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPT) opening. Gloriosa superba, a medicinal plant, is folklorically used in the treatment of tumors and cancers. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Gloriosa superba (EEGS) on mPT and monosodium glutamate-induced proliferative disorder in some specific tissues using rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isolated rat liver mitochondria were exposed to different concentrations (10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 µg/ml) of EEGS. The mPT pore opening, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation were assessed spectrophotometrically. Caspases 9 and 3 activities were carried out using ELISA technique. Histological assessment of the liver, prostate and uterus of normal and monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated rats were carried out. RESULTS: The results showed significant induction of mPT pore opening, release of cytochrome c, enhancement of mitochondrial ATPase activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and activation of caspases 9 and 3 activities by EEGS. The histological assessment revealed the presence of MSG-induced hepato-cellular damage, benign prostate hyperplasia and uterine hyperplasia which were ameliorated by EEGS co-administration. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that EEGS contains putative agents that can induce apoptosis via induction of mPT pore opening and as well protect against MSG-induced hepato-cellular damage and proliferative disorder in prostate and uterus.

Fosfomycin-trometamol (FT) or fluoroquinolone (FQ) as single-dose prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB): A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The increasing incidence of fluoroquinolones (FQ) resistance may lower its efficacy in preventing UTI following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB). We assessed the efficacy and safety of FQ and fosfomycin-trometamol (FT) in patients undergoing TRUS-PB. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted between April 2017 and June 2019 and enrolled men undergoing TRUS-PB and receiving a single-dose of FQ (FQ-arm) or FT (FT-arm) for UTI prophylaxis per physician's choice. The primary efficacy endpoint was self-reported TRUS-PB UTI. We assessed baseline factors associated with UTI with logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 222 men were enrolled, 141/222 (64%) received FQ, and 81/222 (36%) FT. The median age was 67.6 years [IQR, 61.4-72.1] and the Charlson score was 3 [IQR, 3-5]. The overall incidence of self-reported TRUS-PB UTI was 12% (24/197, (95%CI, 8%-17%)): 15% (17/116, (95% CI, 10%-17%)) in FQ-arm, versus 9% (7/81, 95% CI (5%-13%)) in FT-arm (RR = 0.55 (95% CI, 0.22-1.40), p-value = 0.209). No baseline characteristic was significantly associated with TRUS-PB UTI. Safety was similar between the arms: the rate of the reported adverse event was 31% (36/116, (95% CI, 25%-37%) in the FQ-arm versus 36% (28/81, (95% CI, 28%-41%)) in the FT-arm (RR = 1.17 (95% CI, 0.64-2.15), p = 0.602). CONCLUSIONS: TRUS-PB UTI prophylaxis with FT and FQ has similar efficacy and safety. A randomized comparison of these two antibiotics is warranted.

[Development of a large intraprostatic cyst following the use of a GnRH agonist-implant in a male dog with benign prostatic hyperplasia]. / Entwicklung einer großen intraprostatischen Zyste nach Einsatz eines GnRH-Agonist-Implantats bei einem Rüden mit benigner Prostatahyperplasie.

A male dog with benign prostatic hyperplasia and several small intraprostatic cysts was treated with a GnRH-agonist implant containing 4,7 mg deslorelin (Suprelorin®). Within 2 weeks after the implantation, the prior urethral bleeding worsened. A large intraprostatic cyst was detected sonographically. The patient was subsequently treated with osaterone acetate (0.4 mg/kg p. o. once a day for 7 days) and enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg p. o. once a day for 21 days). The clinical symptoms receded within 10 days. Within one month, the cyst regressed completely. The mechanisms of cyst enlargement are discussed.

The Clinical Implication of Incidental Prostatic Amyloidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinicopathologic features of patients with incidental prostatic amyloidosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We queried the genitourinary pathology database at Mayo Clinic Arizona for prostate specimens which showed amyloid deposits. Congo red stain was used for the diagnosis of amyloidosis and amyloid subtype was performed analysis using Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We reviewed the patient's medical charts for past or subsequent diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis and clinical course. RESULTS: Prostatic amyloidosis was identified in 7 patients between 2008-2018. Median age was 79 years (range 69-84) and median follow-up was 5 years (range 0-11). Benign prostate tissue was found in 4 patients, and prostate cancer was diagnosed in 3 patients. Amyloid subtyping was available in 6 patients and was consistent with Amyloid transthyretin Amyloidosis. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry did not detect an amino acid sequence abnormality in the transthyretin protein in any of the patients. Five of 6 patients were diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, which preceded and followed the diagnosis of prostatic amyloidosis in 1 and 4 patients, respectively. Of these 4 patients, 2 were diagnosed immediately and as a consequence of the diagnosis of prostatic amyloidosis, and the remaining 2 3 and 4 years later. CONCLUSION: Incidental prostatic amyloidosis should prompt systemic and cardiac evaluation for amyloidosis. In patients with suspected cardiac amyloidosis, prior prostate specimens should be reviewed for the presence of amyloidosis.

Single-stage Simultaneous Retrograde and Antegrade Endoscopic Treatment of Giant Prostatic and Bladder Urethral Calculi.

INTRODUCTION: Calculi encountered in the lower urinary tract typically reside within the bladder, less often in the urethra. In this video, we present a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for removal of the largest total stone volume in the lower urinary tract reported in the literature to date. METHODS: A 25-year-old male (body mass index 61 kg/m2) with neurogenic bladder presented with urosepsis and acute kidney injury secondary to obstructive uropathy. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated bilateral severe hydroureteronephrosis, a 4.2-cm bladder stone, and 3 urethral stones, including a 7.7-cm prostatic urethral stone and 2 membranous urethral stones (Fig. 1). Urgent bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes were placed. The patient elected for endoscopic management. RESULTS: The patient was placed in the supine lithotomy position. His buried penis and narrow urethra only accommodated a 16-French flexible cystoscope. Multiple stones were encountered in the membranous urethra. A 60-W SuperPulse Thulium Fiber laser at 2 J and 30 Hz was utilized to dust the urethral stones efficiently. Simultaneous ultrasound-guided percutaneous access into the bladder was obtained and ultrasonic lithotripsy via shockpulse was used to clear the bladder stone and prostatic stone from above. Total stone treatment time was 240 minutes. Suprapubic and urethral catheters were placed at the conclusion. Postoperative day 1 CT scan confirmed stone-free status and he was discharged postoperative day 2. Outpatient nephrostogram demonstrated patency of bilateral ureters and nephrostomy tubes were removed. CONCLUSION: Higher morbidity procedures including open or laparoscopic approaches have been described for management of large lower urinary tract stones. In this video, we demonstrate a minimally invasive approach of combined simultaneous antegrade and retrograde lithotripsy to achieve a stone-free status in this morbidly obese and complicated patient.

An unusual case of infected uterus masculinus in a dog.

BACKGROUND: Paraprostatic cysts are large structures that develop between the prostate gland and urinary bladder, usually in older, intact dogs. Their incidence is reported to be 1.1-5.3% in dogs with prostatic disease. The aetiology of paraprostatic cysts is not fully understood, but they are believed to develop from the uterus masculinus. Whereas the uterus masculinus has been reported to communicate with the urethra in men and horses, no communication between the uterus masculinus and urethra has been identified in dogs. CASE PRESENTATION: An entire male dog was presented with a bloody discharge from its penis and tenesmus of 5 days' duration. A diagnosis of cystic uterus masculinus was made on the basis of the findings of abdominal ultrasonography and histopathology of tissues obtained during an exploratory laparotomy. In addition, a Sertoli cell tumour affecting both testes was diagnosed following scrotal castration. The cystic uterus masculinus was completely resected, after which the tenesmus and bloody discharge resolved. Thus, cystic uterus masculinus should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a paraprostatic cyst when such a lesion develops as part of the feminising effect of a Sertoli cell tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic uterus masculinus should be considered as a differential diagnosis for tenesmus and penile discharge, and for structures resembling paraprostatic cysts. This case report confirms that a uterus masculinus can communicate with the urethra in dogs, as in other species, and demonstrates endocrine responsiveness, manifesting as epithelial and glandular metaplasia and mucus production, with the potential for subsequent infection.

A New Nomogram Allowing Physicians to Predict Patients at High Risk of Fever Occurring After Prostate Biopsy.

BACKGROUND To facilitate early treatment, we constructed a nomogram to predict risk of postoperative fever before prostate biopsy in patients with high risk of fever. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected information on patients undergoing prostate biopsy from January 2015 to December 2018 from their medical records, including clinical characteristics and laboratory test results. Finally, after strict screening, the prediction model was established in 440 patients who underwent a transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB). We divided these patients into a training group and validation group at a ratio of 7: 3, respectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to select the predictors and to develop the model. Calibration curve and C-index were used to evaluate the accuracy of the nomogram, while DCA was used to assess the clinical value. RESULTS The individualized predictive nomogram contained 3 clinical features - Biopsy-positive rate (BPR), Hematuria, and Urine WBC - significantly associated with post-biopsy fever. The nomogram had good discriminating ability in both the training group and validation group - the C-index was 0.774 (95% CI=0.717-0.832) in the training group and 0.808 (95% CI=0.706-0.909) in the validation group. Hosmer-Lemeshow test proved a good calibration curve fit. The DCA curve suggested that the nomogram would have good clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to develop a nomogram to predict fever after prostate biopsy via Biopsy-positive rate (BPR), Hematuria, and Urine WBC. Use of this nomogram might help prevent fever and infection, and could facilitate individualized medical treatment after prostate biopsy.

[Preoperative PSA levels and development of PSA after 180-W XPS greenlight laser treatment of the prostate: what is the reality in clinical routine practice?] / Präoperative PSA-Werte und PSA-Verlauf nach 180-Watt-XPS-Greenlight-Laserung der Prostata ­ wie ist die Realität im klinischen Alltag?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate preoperative levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and the postoperative development after 180-W XPS™ greenlight laser treatment of the prostate under real-world conditions. METHOD: Preoperative PSA levels were evaluated in 749 patients undergoing a 180-W XPS greenlight laser procedure from 2012 to 2017 in Witten, Germany, in relation to age, volume of the prostate, urinary tract infection, Foley catheter and co-morbidities. The postoperative development of PSA was identified by retrieving PSA levels from general practitioners or urologists. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 73.33 ±â€Š9.26 years. The prostate volume measured by rectal ultrasound was 42.42 ±â€Š18.33 ml. Median preoperative PSA was 2.59 ng/ml. In 268 patients (35.8 %), the PSA level was above 4 ng/ml. It was evaluated by prostate biopsy in 106 patients (39.6 %). 6 months after the surgical procedure (n = 86), PSA decreased to 1.25 ng/ml and increased slightly to 1.46 ng/ml after 12 months (n = 126). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a PSA level elevated to more than 4 ng/ml preoperatively is related to prostate volume (p = 0.001) the existence of a transurethral Foley catheter (p = 0.002), but not to age (p = 0.349), the existence of a suprapubic catheter (p = 0.207), an infection of the lower urinary tract (p = 0.966) and the number of co-morbidities mentioned in the discharge letter (p = 0.936). DISCUSSION: In line with expectations and clinical trials, there was a postoperative decrease of PSA by more than a half of the preoperative value. Significant factors related to preoperative elevation of the PSA level were prostate volume, a transurethral Foley catheter instead of the suprapubic type of catheter and a urinary infection. Although elevated PSA levels were seen in about one third of patients, evaluation by prostate biopsy was only performed in 39.6 % of these patients due to their performance status and other clinical issues.

Eight Days of Water-Only Fasting Promotes Favorable Changes in the Functioning of the Urogenital System of Middle-Aged Healthy Men.

The aim of this study was to determine whether, after 8 days of water-only fasting, there are changes in the efficiency of the lower urinary tract, the concentration of sex hormones, and the symptoms of prostate diseases in a group of middle-aged men (n = 14). For this purpose, before and after 8 days of water-only fasting (subjects drank ad libitum moderately mineralized water), and the following somatic and blood concentration measurements were made: total prostate specific antigen (PSA-T), free prostate specific antigen (PSA-F), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), prolactin (Pr), total testosterone (T-T), free testosterone (T-F), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), sex hormone globulin binding (SHGB), total cholesterol (Ch-T), ß-hydroxybutyrate (ß-HB). In addition, prostate volume (PV), volume of each testis (TV), total volume of both testes (TTV), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) values were determined. The results showed that after 8 days of water-only fasting, Qmax and IPSS improved but PV and TTV decreased significantly. There was also a decrease in blood levels of PSA-T, FSH, P, T-T, T-F, and DHEA, but SHGB concentration increased significantly. These results indicate that 8 days of water-only fasting improved lower urinary tract functions without negative health effects.

Targeting Wistar rat as a model for studying benign, premalignant and malignant lesions of the prostate.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to describe a suitable experimental model for studying aging-related prostate disorders including cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12-month old Wistar rats were kept in control conditions (n = 12) or treated (n = 16) for 6 months with Silastic implants filled with testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2). After the experiment period (at 18 months of age), animals were euthanized and the prostate and other organs were harvested, dissected, weighed, and processed for morphological, ultrastructural and molecular analyses. KEY FINDINGS: We demonstrated that male rats of Wistar strain nicely recapitulate the carcinogenesis process taking place in the aging prostate through the arising of benign, precancerous and malignant lesions, and above all yields a modest incidence of spontaneous PCa (~36%). Moreover, our results highlight that 100% incidence of PCa and precancerous lesions such as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and proliferative inflammatory atrophy were achieved in this rat strain after T + E2 treatment, without changing the broad spectrum of changes that naturally emerge in the prostate at advanced ages. Such enhancement of precancerous lesions and tumors was linked to a decreased expression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin in parallel with an increase in Vimentin and N-cadherin, hallmark modifications of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings provide solid evidence that aged Wistar rats may be an excellent model for studies regarding human prostate biology and related disorders including cancer.

[Detection of BRAF mutation in canine prostatic diseases]. / Nachweis der BRAF-Mutation bei kaninen Prostataerkrankungen.

OBJECTIVE: In the literature, the BRAF mutation is reported to have been identified in 80 % of the examined canine prostate carcinomas (PCa). The objectives of this study were to test for the BRAF mutation in canine PCa in our cohort of canine patients, to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the test for this mutation, as well as to identify the association between the presence of the BRAF mutation and the histologic picture of PCa. Moreover, the method was to be established in cytology samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biopsy samples (n = 70) and cytologic slides (n = 17) of 87 dogs with prostatic diseases were selected. Prostatic diseases were classified according to the literature as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH, n = 22), prostatitis (n = 14), squamous cell metaplasia of the prostate (PM, n = 2), atrophy following castration (n = 3) und PCa (n = 46; histologic diagnosis n = 35, cytologic diagnosis n = 11). Additionally, the Gleason score was determined for each PCa. DNA isolation was performed using commercially available kits. Exon 15 was examined using the TaqMan® SNP assay. The specificity and sensitivity of the test were calculated. RESULTS: A Gleason score of 6 and 7 was shown in 1 PCa each, in 33 cases the score ranged between 8 and 10. Sufficient amount of good-quality DNA was isolated from all samples. 28/46 PCa were tested positive for the BRAF mutation (sensitivity 61 %). The BRAF mutation was not evident in any of the dogs with BPH, prostatitis, PM or atrophy (specificity 100 %). PCa positive for the BRAF mutation exhibited a significantly higher Gleason score (p = 0.002) in comparison to PCa without this mutation. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BRAF mutation analysis is a highly specific method and may aid in confirming the diagnosis of PCa in histologically and cytologically questionable cases. PCa positive for BRAF mutation exhibited more criteria of malignancy than PCa without this mutation. The clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic relevance of these findings needs to be evaluated by further studies.