A Retrospective Analysis of 83 Patients with Testicular Mass Who Underwent Testis-Sparing Surgery: The Eurasian Uro-oncology Association Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we analyzed the histopathological, oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with distinct risk for testicular cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients who underwent TSS. Patients were categorized in high- or low-risk testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) according to the presence/absence of features compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Histology was categorized per size and risk groups. RESULTS: TSS was performed in 83 patients (86 tumors) of them, 27 in the high-risk group. Fifty-nine patients had a non-tumoral contralateral testis present. Sixty masses and 26 masses were benign and TGCTs, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in mean age (30.9 ± 10.32 years), pathological tumor size (14.67 ± 6.7 mm) between risk groups or between benign and malignant tumors (p = 0.608). When categorized per risk groups, 22 (73.3%) and 4 (7.1%) of the TSS specimens were malignant in the high- and low-risk patient groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the only independent variable significantly related to malignant outcome was previous history of TGCT. During a mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 22.7 months, no patient developed systemic disease. Local recurrence was detected in 5 patients and received radical orchiectomy. Postoperative testosterone levels remained normal in 88% of those patients with normal preoperative level. No erectile dysfunction was reported in patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSION: TSS is a safe and feasible approach with adequate cancer control, and preservation of sexual function is possible in 2/3 of patients harboring malignancy. Incidence of TGCT varies extremely between patients at high and low risk for TGCT requiring a careful consideration and counseling.

Laparoscopy versus robotic-assisted pyeloplasty in children: preliminary results of a pilot prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to compare the outcomes of conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) versus robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children. METHODS: A total of 53 patients with UPJO were randomized as LP (Group 1, n: 27) and RALP (Group 2, n: 26). Redo cases and patients with anatomical abnormalities were excluded. Urinary ultrasound was performed at postoperative 3, 6 and 12 months; whereas, diuretic renal scintigraphy was performed at 1 year. Failure was defined as progressive hydronephrosis on ultrasound, decline in renal function, or symptom relapse. All parameters were statistically compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55.53 ± 57.25 months. There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of patient gender, body mass index, laterality, preoperative renal function, renal pelvis antero-posterior diameter and presence of crossing vessel. Mean total operative time in LP group was longer than RALP (139 min vs 105 min, respectively, p = 0.001). The hospital stay was similar between the two groups. After a mean follow-up of 12.43 ± 5.34 months, the complication and success rates were found comparable. Only two patients required re-do pyeloplasty in LP group. The mean total cost of RALP procedure was approximately four times higher than LP. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first RCT comparing LP and RALP in pediatric population. Both LP and RALP are safe and effective in children with comparable success and complication rates. Operative time was longer for LP; whereas, total cost was higher for RALP.

Changes in Antimicrobial Resistance of Urinary Tract Infections in Adult Patients over a 5-Year Period.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the most common bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), the rate of antibiotic resistance of these uropathogens, and the changes in resistance rates over the years for adult patients diagnosed with UTIs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed urine cultures and antibiotic susceptibility results of patients >17 years of age from our outpatient clinic between 2014 and 2018. The most common uropathogens and their antibiotic resistance rates were identified in different age groups (18-39, 40-59, and ≥60 years) and with respect to gender and date of admission. In addition, the change in antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli between 2014 and 2018 was also examined. RESULTS: A total of 9,556 positive urine cultures were included. The most common uropathogen was E. coli, and its prevalence was higher in females than males (70.6 vs. 53.4%, respectively). The majority of isolates were from patients ≥60 years of age. E. coli resistance was most pronounced for ampicillin (61.56%), followed by trimeth-oprim-sulfamethoxazole (49.80%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (34.69%), and cefazolin (30.72%). E. coli resistance to ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid increased significantly with time (all p = 0.001). For E. coli, resistance to ciprofloxacin, one of the most commonly used antibiotics for UTI, increased from 17 to 43% from 2014 to 2018. CONCLUSION: Most of the uropathogens displayed high resistance to ampicillin, tri-methoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and were susceptible to meropenem, ertapenem, and imipenem. Fosfomycin and cefepime were useful in the empirical treatment of community-acquired UTIs. A surprisingly high increase was observed in the resistance of E. coli to antimicrobial agents from 2014 to 2018.

Comparative differences between T1a/b and T1e/m as substages in T1 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of the depth of lamina propria invasion in patients with T1 bladder cancer and to display comparative differences between the T1a/b and T1e/m substaging systems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 106 patients with primary stage T1 urothelial bladder tumours who underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2014. Pathologic specimens were re-evaluated to confirm the diagnosis of T1 and substaging by the same pathologist using two systems: T1a and T1b, and T1m and T1e. Age, tumour size, multiplicity, associated carcinoma in situ, tumour grade, and T1 substaging system were investigated to detect the relation between disease progression and recurrence. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was 52% for T1a (n=42) vs. 76% for T1b (n=20) (p=0.028) and 55% for T1m (n=32) vs. 62% for T1e (n=30), respectively (p=0.446). There was no significant difference between the substaging groups for disease progression: T1a (n=12, 15%) vs. T1b (n=7, 27%), and T1m (n=8, 13.8%) vs. T1e (n=11, 23%) (p>0.05). In the multivariate analysis, tumour size >3 cm (p=0.008), multiplicity (p=0.049), and substaging T1b (p=0.043) were independent predictive factors for tumour recurrence. According to the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method, recurrence-free survival was significantly different in patients with pT1a tumours compared with those with pT1b tumours (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Substaging T1 provides a prediction of disease recurrence. Regarding recurrence, T1a/b substaging can provide better knowledge of disease behaviour because it is predicted as more superior than T1 m/e, and it can help in determining the requirement for early cystectomy.

Assessment of hormonal activity in patients with premature ejaculation.

PURPOSE: Premature ejaculation is considered the most common type of male sexual dysfunction. Hormonal controls of ejaculation have not been exactly elucidated. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of hormonal factors in patients with premature ejaculation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three participants who consulted our outpatient clinics with complaints of premature ejaculation and 39 healthy men as a control group selected from volunteers were included in the study. A total of 102 sexual active men aged between 21 and 76 years were included. Premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires were used to assessment of premature ejaculation. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, total and free testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine and thyroxine were measured. RESULTS: Thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin levels were significantly lower in men with premature ejaculation according to premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (p=0.017, 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Luteinizing hormone level (OR, 1.293; p=0.014) was found to be an independent risk factor for premature ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are associated with premature ejaculation which was diagnosed by premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires. The relationship between these findings have to be determined by more extensive studies.

Overexpression of miR-145-5p inhibits proliferation of prostate cancer cells and reduces SOX2 expression.

We aimed to perform functional analysis of miR-145-5p in prostate cancer (PCa) cells and to identify targets of miR-145-5p for understanding its role in PCa pathogenesis. PC3, DU145, LNCaP PCa, and PNT1a nontumorigenic prostate cell lines were utilized for functional analysis of miR-145-5p. Its overexpression caused inhibition of proliferation through apoptosis and reduced migration in PCa cells. SOX2 expression was significantly decreased in both mRNA and protein level in miR-145-5p-overexpressed PCa cells. We proposed that miR-145-5p, being an important regulator of SOX2, carries a crucial role in PCa tumorigenesis.

Clinical significance of serum and urinary HER2/neu protein levels in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare serum and urinary HER2/neu levels between healthy control group and patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, we evaluated relationship of HER2/neu levels with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty-four patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (Group 2) and 40 healthy control group (Group 1) were included the study. Blood and urinary samples were collected from all patients and HER2/neu levels were measured by ELISA method. Blood and urinary HER2/neu levels and additionally, ratio of urinary HER2/neu levels to urinary creatinine levels were recorded. Demographic data and tumor characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: Mean serum HER2/neu levels were similar between two groups and statistically significant difference wasn't observed. Urinary HER2/neu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. Ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinine was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1, (p=0,021). Serum and urinary HER2/ neu levels were not associated with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression while ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinin levels were significantly higher in high-grade tumors. HER2/neu, the sensitivity of the test was found to be 20.5%, and the specificity was 97.5%, also for the urinary HER2/neu/urinary creatinine ratio, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 31.8% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary HER2/neu and ratio of urinary creatinine urine were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared to healthy subjects. Large series and controlled studies are needed for use as a tumor marker.

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney.

Synovial Sarcoma (SS) is a soft tissue neoplasm that occurs generally in the proximity of large joints. Here, we report a case of a 45-year-old man who was diagnosed with Primary SS of the kidney which is an extremely rare tumor that accounts for less than 2% of malignant renal tumors. We also review the literature on primary synovial sarcomas of the kidney and focus especially on the renal tumors' differential diagnosis.

Is there a relationship between severity of coronary artery disease and severity of erectile dysfunction?

INTRODUCTION: The correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease has been emphasized and ED has been recognized as a potential independent risk factor and/or predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the association between the number of occluded coronary arteries in myocardial infarction (MI) patients with the severity of ED, and investigated the influence of related risk factors in our study group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 183 male patients who underwent coronary angiography because of acute MI from November 2009 to May 2011 were included. Following the stabilization of patients after the treatment, each patient was evaluated for erectile functionality. Risk factors such as age, diabetes, smoking, waist circumference, hypertension, and hematologic parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Among 183 patients with a mean age of 55.2 years who underwent coronary angiography due to acute MI, 100 (54.64 %) had ED, while the ED rate was 45.36 % (44/97) in cases of single-vessel disease, 64.5 % (31/48) in cases of two-vessel disease, and 65.7 % (25/38) in cases of three-vessel disease. The mean IIEF score was 24.2 ± 4.3, 20.4 ± 4.9 and 20.5 ± 4.2 for single or two or three-vessel disease, respectively. The presence of hypertension aggravated ED only in patients with three-vessel disease and increased total and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with single-vessel or two-vessel disease were accompanied by significantly decreasing IIEF scores. CONCLUSION: The severity of ED correlated with the number of occluded vessels documented by coronary angiography, in male patients with acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the presence of hypertension had a significant influence over erectile function only in patients with three-vessel occlusion.

Bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of bilateral renal stones.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of bilateral renal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to February 2012, 42 patients who had undergone bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy were included in the study. The procedures were performed in the lithotomy position on an endoscopy table under general anesthesia, beginning on the side in which the stone size was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urograms (IVU), renal ultrasonography (USG) and / or non-contrast tomography (CT) scans were conducted for all patients. The success rate was defined as patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragment less than 4 mm. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (28 male, 14 female) with a mean age 39.2 ± 14.2 were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 24.09 ± 6.37 mm with a mean operative time of 51.08 ± 15.22 minutes. The stone-free rates (SFR) were 92.8% and 97.6% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The average hospital stay was 1.37 ± 0.72 days. In two patients (4.7%), minor complications (Clavien I or II) were observed, whereas no major complications (Clavien III-V) or blood transfusions were noted in the studied group. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral single-session RIRS and laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively with a high success rate and low complication rate in patients with bilateral renal stones.

The Relationship Between Lymphocyte Subtypes with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The immune system has an essential role in the development of cancer by showing both anti-tumor and pro-tumor activities. Understanding the immune func- tion of patients with malignancy is of clinical importance for the evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of the disease. We aimed to evaluate lymphocyte subtypes in peripheral blood samples of prostate cancer patients and their relationship with clinicopathologi- cal features and prognosis. METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven patients who underwent open radical prosta- tectomy were included in our study. The percentages of CD3+T lymphocyte, CD19+ B lymphocyte, CD16/56 natural killer cells, CD4+ helper T lymphocyte, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and CD45 total lymphocyte were evaluated for each patient using the blood sample taken into a hemogram tube before surgery. RESULTS: The pathological stage was T2 for 64 of the cases and T3 for 73. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 12.81 ± 6.20 months. The CD3+/CD4+ counts of the patients with pathological stage T2 were found to be statistically significantly higher than stage T3. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the prostate-specific antigen levels and CD3+/CD4+ percentages of the patients. There was no statistical significance between the percentages of lymphocyte subtypes and the presence of surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, adjuvant therapy, and cancer upgrade. CONCLUSION: We consider that the increase in the pathological stage and prostate-spe- cific antigen value and the decrease in the number of CD4+ T lymphocyte subtypes may be prognostic markers in prostate cancer patients.

A New Promising Pathway in Aggressive Prostate Cancer: Treg/mir-let8c/lin28b.

PURPOSE: The progress of prostate cancer entails complex contemporaneous tumor developmental events in diverse stages that they are still yet to be clarified. miRNAs might accompany to balance between regulatory and cytotoxic T cells in tumors. Here, we investigated miRNAs and Regulatory T cell (Treg) marker FOXP3 expressions within prostate cancer spectrum. METHODS: Thirty-eight prostate cancer patients enrolled within two groups to the study as having Gleason Score ≤ 7 (Group-1) and ≥ 8 (Group-2) that compared to 19 benign prostate hyperplasia controls. Twelve miRNAs expressions were analyzed by real time PCR from paraffin-embedded prostate tissue samples. Correlations between serum PSA levels, immunohistochemical staining of CD3, CD4, FOXP3 and miRNA expressions were analyzed. RESULTS: In our study, hsa-let7c-3p significantly 1,52 (p=0.018) and 1,84 (p=0.0095) fold down- regulated whereas, miR-141-3p was significantly 2,36 (p=0.0006) and 2,24 (p=0.001) fold upregulated in the prostate cancer patients compared to benign prostate hyperplasia in group 1 and 2, respectively. Only CD4 (p=0.004) and PSA (p<0.001) have statistically significant differences among groups when compared to benign prostate hyperplasia. miR-143-p, miR-221-3p, hsa-let7c-3p and miR-17-3p expressions were significantly correlated with regulatory T cell marker FOXP3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we reported significantly altered expression levels of miRNAs (miR-let7c, miR221, miR-146a, miR-141, miR-143, miR17) and correlations between Treg marker FOXP3 in the aggressive prostate cancer patients suggesting that prostate cancer progression might be under the regulation of crosstalk between Tregs and miRNAs.

Hyperthyroidism: a risk factor for female sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperthyroidism is a common hormonal disorder in women that may cause female sexual dysfunction (FSD). AIM: To assess sexual function in women with hyperthyroidism. METHODS: A total of 40 women with clinical hyperthyroidism and 40 age-matched voluntary healthy women controls were included in the study. All the subjects were evaluated with a detailed medical and sexual history, including a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire for sexual status and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for psychiatric assessment. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone (tT), free testosterone (fT), prolactin, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were measured. RESULTS: The mean total FSFI scores were 24.2 ± 9.96 in the hyperthyroidic group and 29 ± 10.4 in the control group (P < 0.0001). Desire (P < 0.040), arousal (P < 0.0001), lubrication (P < 0.0001), orgasm (P < 0.0001), satisfaction (P < 0.0001), and pain (P < 0.007) domain scores were also significantly lower in women with hyperthyroidism. The mean BDI score for hyperthyroidic patients was significantly greater than the score for the control group (P < 0.0001). The mean SHBG level in the hyperthyroidic group was found to be significantly higher than the level in the controls (P < 0.0001), whereas the mean fT level in the hyperthyroidic group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.0001). The FSFI score showed a significant negative correlation with the serum SHBG (r = -0.309, P = 0.005), free triiodothyronine (r = -0.353, P = 0.006) and free tetraiodothyronine (r = -0.305, P = 0.018) levels, BDI scores (r = -0.802, P = 0.0001) and positive correlation with tT (r = 0.284, P = 0.011), fT (r = 0.407, P = 0.001), and TSH (r = 0.615, P = 0.0001) levels. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of women with clinical hyperthyroidism had sexual dysfunction. Increased depressive symptoms, increased SHBG level, and decreased fT levels were all found to be associated with FSD in clinical hyperthyroidism.

Pseudosarcomatous fibromyxoid tumor of the prostate.

We present the case of a 61-year-old patient who was evaluated for benign infravesical obstruction due to a pseudosarcomatous fibromyxoid tumor of the prostate. This entity is rare and difficult to distinguish from a malignant lesion. A discussion of the pathological features and a review of the literature are given.

Reducing infectious complications after transrectal prostate needle biopsy using a disposable needle guide: is it possible?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the use of a disposable needle guide results in a decreased incidence of infectious complication after transrectal prostate needle biopsy (TPNB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty five patients who underwent 10-core TPNB were randomized into two groups. A pre-biopsy blood and urine examination was performed in both groups. Group 1 (25 patients) underwent biopsy with disposable biopsy needle guide and Group 2 (30 patients) underwent biopsy with reusable biopsy needle guide. All patients had a blood and negative urine culture before the procedure. The patients received ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day beginning the day before the biopsy and continued for 3 days after. Serum C-reactive protein levels and urine and blood specimens were obtained 48 h after the biopsy. Primary endpoint of the study was to determine the effect of needle guide on the bacteriologic urinary tract infection (UTI) rate and secondary end point was to determine symptomatic UTI. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 63.46 (range 55 to 68) years. There were no significant differences regarding the prostate-specific antigen level, prostate size, existence of comorbidity in two groups before the procedure. Bacteriologic and symptomatic UTI was detected in 4% vs. 6.6% and 4% vs. 3.9% in Group 1 and 2 relatively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a disposable needle guide does not appear to minimize infection risk after TPNB. Large scale and randomized studies are necessary to determine the effect of disposable needle guide on infection rate after TPNB.

Efficacy of three different alpha 1-adrenergic blockers and hyoscine N-butylbromide for distal ureteral stones.

PURPOSE: To evaluate hyoscine N-butyl bromide (HBB) and three different alpha-1 blockers in the treatment of distal ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 patients with stones located in the distal tract of the ureter with stone diameters of 5 to 10mm were enrolled in the present study and were randomized into 4 equal groups. Group 1 received HBB, Group 2 received alfuzosin, Group 3 received doxazosin and Group 4 received terazosin. The subjects were prescribed diclofenac injection (75 mg) intramuscularly on demand for pain relief and were followed-up after two weeks with x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urinary ultrasonography every week. The number of pain episodes, analgesic dosage and the number of days of spontaneous passage of the calculi through the ureter were also recorded. RESULTS: The average stone size for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was comparable (6.13, 5.83, 5.59 and 5.48 mm respectively). Stone expulsion was observed in 11%, 52.9%, 62%, and 46% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The average time to expulsion was 10.55 ± 6.21 days in group 1, 7.38 ± 5.55 days in group 2, 7.85 ± 5.11 days in group 3 and 7.45 ± 5.32 days in group 4. Alpha blockers were found to be superior to HBB (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Medical treatment of distal ureteral calculi with alfuzosin, doxazosin and terazosin resulted in a significantly increased stone-expulsion rate and decreased expulsion time when compared with HBB. HBB seems to have a negative effect on stone-expulsion rate.

Comparison of Intravesical Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Combination of Hyaluronic Acid-Chondroitin Sulfate Therapies in Animal Model of Interstitial Cystitis.

PURPOSE: Three intravesical treatment agents were compared in an interstitial cystitis rat model: chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and combined hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulfate. METHODS: Thirty-five female rats were divided into 5 groups: control (group I), isotonic (group II), chondroitin sulfate (group III), hyaluronic acid (group IV), and hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulfate (group V). Chemical cystitis was induced in all experimental groups by intravesical instillation of 1 mL of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 15 minutes via the transurethral route. The treatment was administered every other day for 3 sessions 2 days after inducing chemical cystitis. Groups II, III, IV, and V received 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl, 1 mL of 0.2% sodium chondroitin sulfate, 1 mL of low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, and 1 mL of 2% sodium chondroitin sulfate+1.6% sodium hyaluronic acid, respectively. On day 7, the animals were sacrificed and the bladders were removed for histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were found in vascular congestion (P=0.006). The grade of submucosal edema in groups II and IV was significantly higher than in group I (P=0.006, P=0.006, respectively). In group I, the grade of granulation tissue was lower than the other 4 groups, but no significant difference was found between the remaining groups (P=0.016). Neutrophil cell infiltration was more intense in groups II and IV than in group I (P=0.006, P=0.006, respectively). Significant differences in the leukocyte and mast cell count were detected between groups II and IV (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). Abnormal zonula occludens-1 and uroplakin-III immunoreactivity in group II was higher than in groups I, III, or V (P=0.002, P=0.010, respectively). Interleukin-8 expression was lower in group V than in group II (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: A single treatment of chondroitin sulfate and combined hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulfate treatment demonstrated efficacy by suppressing inflammation and achieving improvements in the urothelium.

Prognostic and clinicopathologic value of ki-67 and profilin 1 immunohistochemical expression in primary pT1 urothelial bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic and clinicopathologic value of Ki-67 and profilin 1 immunohistochemical expression in primary pT1 papillary urothelial bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 88 male and 13 female pT1 primary bladder cancer patients. Demographic characteristics, tumor histological grade, tumor number, presence of concomitant carcinoma in situ, tumor size, and status of recurrence or progression were recorded for each patient. Expression of Ki-67 and profilin 1 was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded tumor tissues. The Pearson's Chi-square test was used for the analysis of qualitative data, and the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used for the survival analysis. RESULTS: In the mean follow-up period of 52 months, 52 (51.5%) patients experienced recurrence, 24 (23.8%) patients experienced progression, and 17 (16.8%) patients died from bladder cancer-related causes. Ki-67 expression was significantly associated with tumor histological grade (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, Ki-67 positivity had significantly worse outcome for recurrence (P = 0.006) and mortality (P = 0.022). Ki-67-positive (Ki-67 index ≥15%) patients had shorter recurrence-free (P = 0.003), progression-free (P = 0.002), and cancer-specific (P = 0.003) survival. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between profilin 1 expression and clinicopathologic features and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Ki-67 is a highly predictive biomarker for recurrence-free, progression-free, and cancer-specific survival in pT1 bladder cancer patients, in whom prediction of recurrence and progression are difficult. Ki-67 expression can be safely combined with other prognostic factors. However, in pT1 bladder cancer patients, no significant relationship was found between profilin 1 expression and tumor characteristics or prognostic parameters.

Sexual dysfunction in women with clinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism is a common hormonal disorder in women that may affect the phases of female sexual function. AIM: To investigate female sexual function in patients with clinic hypothyroidism and subclinic hypothyroidism. METHODS: A total of 25 women with clinic hypothyroidism (group 4), 25 women with subclinic hypothyroidism [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) value 10 mU/L (group 3)], and 20 age matched voluntary healthy women controls (group 1) were included in the study. All the subjects were evaluated with a detailed medical and sexual history, including a female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire for sexual status and the Beck Depression Inventory for psychiatric assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The levels of serum TSH, thyroid hormones, prolactin (PRL), free testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, lipid profile, and blood glucose were measured. RESULTS: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was diagnosed in 14 of 25 patients (56%) in group 4, in 6 of 11 patients (54.6%) in group 3, in 2 of 14 patients (14.6%) in group 2, and while only 3 of 20 the control group of women (15%) had FSD (P = 0.006). The mean total FSFI scores were 23.9 in the group 4, 26.03 in the group 3, 29.2 in the group 2, and 32.30 in the control group (P < 0.0001). The mean BDI score for clinic hypothyroidic patients was significantly greater than the scores for the control group and for the group 2 (P = 0.017 and P = 0.043, respectively). The mean PRL levels for patients in group 4 and group 3 were found to be significantly higher than the level for controls (P < 0.0001), whereas other serum hormone levels were not different among groups. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percent of women with clinic hypothyroidism and subclinic hypothyroidism with TSH values >10 mU/L had sexual dysfunction. Hyperprolactinemia, hyperlipidemia, and depression were associated with FSD in clinic hypothyroidism. Different than clinic hypothyroidism depression was not associated with FSD in subclinic hypothyroidism with TSH values >10 mU/L.