Serum prolidase activity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify serum prolidase activity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with prostate cancers and to evaluate their relationships with each other.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 34 male patients with prostate cancer and with a mean age of 64.2 ± 4.4 were included in the study. The control group comprising 36 male patients (mean age 61.2 ± 3.4) was randomly selected among the volunteers. Serum samples for measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and prolidase levels were kept at -20°C until they were used.

RESULTS

Serum prolidase activity and MDA levels were significantly higher in prostate cancer patients than in controls (all, P < 0.05), while SOD, GPx, and CAT levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that increased prolidase seems to be related to increased oxidative stress along with decreased antioxidant levels in prostate cancer.

Serum levels of trace elements in patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Trace elements are major components of biological structures; however, excessive levels of these elements can be toxic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, serum levels of trace elements were measured in 30 patients with newly diagnosed as prostate cancer and 32 healthy volunteer by using furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

It was found that there was an increase in serum levels of Co, Cu, Mg and Pb (p<0.05), whereas a decrease in serum levels of Fe, Mn, and Zn levels in patients with prostate cancer (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These changes may be important in the pathogenesis of prostate cancers; however, further prospective studies are needed to identify relationships between prostate cancer and trace elements.

Peripheral mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage, plasma prolidase activity, and oxidative status in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

Prolidase plays a major role in collagen turnover, matrix remodeling, and cell growth. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be associated with an increased extracellular matrix deposition. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the plasma prolidase activity, oxidative status, and peripheral mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage in patients with BPH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-six male patients with BPH and 24 healthy male subjects were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from antecubital vein after an overnight fasting period, and the plasma was separated. Plasma prolidase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined. The peripheral lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage was determined using an alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay).

RESULTS

The plasma prolidase activity, TOS levels, OSI values, and peripheral mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage were significantly higher (P < 0.001), while the TAC levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in patients with BPH than controls. In BPH patients, the prolidase activity was significantly associated with TAC levels (r = -0.366, P < 0.05), TOS levels (r = 0.573, P < 0.001), and OSI (r = 0.618, P < 0.001) and peripheral mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage (r = 0.461, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that BPH might be associated with an increased oxidative stress, and also an increased plasma prolidase activity. Increased prolidase activity might play an important role in the etiopathogenesis and/or progression of BPH.

Dickkopf-1 levels in Turkish patients with bladder cancer and its association with clinicopathological features

BACKGROUND

Evidence indicates that Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) levels may be a biomarker for cancer risk. The aim of this study was to assess DKK-1 and its correlation with clinic-pathological features in patients with bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DKK-1 levels were determined in serum samples from 90 patients with bladder cancer before transurethral tumor resection. The concentrations of DKK-1 were determined by using enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Elevated preoperative DKK-1 levels were associated with tumor stage (p<0.001), grade (p<0.001) and histological grade (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study demonstrated that the level of serum DKK-1 is correlated with both disease progression and increase in the tumor grade. Preoperative serum DKK-1 elevation may thus represent a novel marker for the determination of bladder cancer and the detection of patients with a likely poor clinical outcome.

Preoperative levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 and -9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 relation to pathologic parameters in bladder carcinoma patients

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that preoperative serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and -9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) levels correlate with pathological features. Serum levels of MMP-7, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were determined in 90 bladder cancer patients and 40 healthy controls using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Preoperative serum MMP-7 and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in cancer patients than control groups (p<0.001). In contast, serum TIMP-1 levels were lower (p<0.001). Alteration in MMP-7, and MMP-9, and TIMP-1 production may contribute to tumor angiogenesis and be associated with clinic-pathological features.

Should ureteroscopy be considered as the first choice for proximal ureter stones of children?

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to analyze the ureter stones that had been treated using rigid ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithotripsy without mechanically dilating the ureteral orifice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records of 110 patients who had undergone rigid ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithotripsy due to ureteral stone between February 2005 and May 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The location and size of the stone and additional anomalies in the urinary tract on the preoperative direct urinary system (DUS) X-Ray, urinary system ultrasonography (USG), intravenous pyelography (IVP) if performed, and computed tomography (CT), were found from the records of the patients.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 5.2 (range 1-17 years). 74 (67.2%) of the patients were males and 36 (32.8%) were females. A total of 115 rigid ureteroscopies were performed on 110 patients. 72 (65%) of the stones were located in the lower ureter, 21 (19%) were located in the middle part of the ureter, and 17 (15.4%) were located in the upper ureter. The mean stone size was determined as 7.5 mm (range 5-15). The mean stone size was determined as 7.4 mm in the lower ureter, as 8.3 mm in the middle ureter, and 8.4 mm in the upper ureter. No difference was found between the sizes of the stones in different locations (p = 0.121). The stone free rate was found as 92.2% for all ureteral stones. The total stone free rate according to the location of the stones was determined as 79.2% in the upper ureter, as 94.4% in the middle ureter and 93,8% in the lower ureter (p = 0.022). The total complication rate was 7.6%. Complication rates were 7.2%, 4.1% and 10.7% for the lower, middle and upper ureter, respectively (p = 0.411) (Table I). No difference was found in terms of complication rates according to location of the stone in the ureter. No major perioperative or postoperative complications developed. A double J stent was inserted in 36 (32%) patients for 2-3 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that rigid ureteroscopy may be considered as the first choice for treatment of not only distal-middle ureter stones, but also for proximal ureter stones.

Beneficial influence of topical extra virgin olive oil application on an experimental model of penile fracture in rats

Penile fracture (PF) is known as a traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of corpus cavernosum. In this study, we aimed to investigate the healing influence of topical extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on PF through evaluating levels of some oxidative stress biomarkers for the first time. Histopathological evaluation was also realized. A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of six rats each as control group, in PF (alone) group, and PF + EVOO group. Experimental PF was formed via incising from the proximal dorsal side of the penis in the rats of all groups except control. While in PF (alone) group, fracture was formed and the incision was primarily closed, in PF + EVOO group in addition to foregoing processes, EVOO was also administrated topically twice a day for 3 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were killed and penectomy was carried out. While malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, lipid hyroperoxide, and total oxidant status significantly (p < 0.05) increased, reduced glutathione and total free sulfhydryl groups markedly (p < 0.05) decreased in PF (alone) group when compared with PF + EVOO group. Levels of these parameters were reversed to nearly normal values by topical EVOO application. Protection by EVOO is further substantiated via the improved histological findings in PF + EVOO group as against degenerative changes in the rats of PF (alone) group. Our data revealed that EVOO has protective effect in penile cavernosal tissue through probably its antioxidant, free radical defusing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

Tissue damage in kidney, adrenal glands and diaphragm following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

This study was designed to investigate whether exposure to short-term extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) produces histologic changes or induces apoptosis in the kidney, adrenal glands or diaphragm muscle in rats. The effect of shock waves on the kidney of male Wistar rats (n = 12) was investigated in an experimental setting using a special ESWL device. Animals were killed at 72 h after the last ESWL, and the tissues were stained with an in situ Cell Death Detection Kit, Fluorescein. Microscopic examination was performed by fluorescent microscopy. Apoptotic cell deaths in the renal tissue were not observed in the control group under fluorescent microscopy. In the ESWL group, local apoptotic changes were observed in the kidney in the area where the shock wave was focused. The apoptotic cell deaths observed in the adrenal gland of the control group were similar to those observed in the ESWL groups, and apoptosis was occasionally observed around the capsular structure. Apoptotic cell deaths in the diaphragm muscle were infrequently observed in the control group. Apoptosis in the ESWL group was limited to the mesothelial cells. This study demonstrated that serious kidney, adrenal gland and diaphragm muscles damage occurred following ESWL, which necessitated the removal of the organ in the rat model. It is recognized that the ESWL complications related to the kidney, adrenal gland and diaphragm muscles are rare and may be managed conservatively.

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteral stones in children

PURPOSE

In our study, we evaluated retrospectively the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of ureteral stones in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between the dates of 2005-2010, 62 children who were applied ESWL due to the ureteral stone in our Clinic and consisted of 42 males and 20 girls whose mean age was 6.6+/=3.1 were evaluated. 31 (50%) of the patients were upper ureteral stone, 10 (16.1%) of them were middle ureteral stone and 21 (33.9%) of them were lower ureteral stone. The sizes of the stones were 4 to 17 mm, the average was 7.1 mm. ESWL was performed in the supine position for upper ureteral stones, in the supine/prone position for middle and lower ureteral stones.

RESULTS

Stone-free rate was determined as 93.5% in three-month follow-up of the patients. Re-treatment was done at 14.5% of the patients. The implementation of ESWL was ended unsuccessfully at 4 children (6.5%). A significant difference was not detected between three-month stone-free rates in terms of the size of the stones and location. There was not any serious complication at any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

According to these findings ESWL with its high stone-free rates and negligible complications is the first method to be refered in the treatment of ureteral stones in children.

Serum prolidase activity, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide levels in patients with bladder cancer

Objectives

Prolidase is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family. It plays a major role in collagen turnover, matrix remodeling and cell growth. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates many processes such as collagen synthesis and matrix remodeling. Thus, NO may augment angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels in patients with bladder cancer and to determine their relationship with prolidase activity.

Design and methods

Thirty-five patients with bladder cancer and 32 controls were enrolled. Serum TAS, MDA, prolidase activity and NO levels were determined.

Results

Serum prolidase activity, NO levels and MDA levels were significantly higher in bladder cancer than controls (all, P < 0.05), while TAS levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results show that increased prolidase seems to be associated with increased NO levels and oxidative stress along with decreased antioxidant levels in bladder cancer.

Can renal infarction occur after renal cyst aspiration? Case report

Renal infarction (RI) is a rarely seen disorder, and the diagnosis is often missed. The two major causes of RI are thromboemboli originhating from a thrombus in the heart or aorta, and in-situ thrombosis of a renal artery. We report a case of RI that developed due to renal artery and vein thrombosis, as confirmed by pathological evaluation of the nephrectomy material, three weeks after renal cyst aspiration.

Serum trace element levels in patients with bladder cancer

Trace elements are essential components of biological structures, but they can be toxic at concentrations beyond those necessary for their biological functions. In the present study, groups of 35 patients with bladder cancer and 34 healthy volunteer controls were measured for trace elements using a furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum levels of Cd, Ni and Co were increased (p<0.05) and Mn and Zn were decreased (p<0.05) in patients with bladder cancer. In the present study, a relationship was seen between the level of trace elements and the occurrence of bladder cancer, suggesting that an increase in the serum level of Cd, Ni, Co and a decrease in the levels of Zn and Mn might be important causes of bladder cancer occurrence; however, defining such a cause-and-effect relationship needs several prospective studies to be done, which seems necessary with regard to the high prevalence of this cancer.

Comparison of cystoscopy with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images used in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with bladder tumors

PURPOSE

To compare diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) with cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with bladder tumor and to investigate any histopathological correlation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Totally 59 patients, between 31-85 years (mean age 60∓13) referred to our clinic due to a hematuria complaint were enrolled and evaluated by upper urinary system pathology and then DW-MRI (average 7 days) and cystoscopy. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of images were calculated.

RESULTS

While a mass in bladder was determined with cystoscopy in 43 out of 59 patients,the mass was not determined in 16 of the patients (n=34 malign, n=9 benign). While a mass was determined in 40 out of 59 patients with DW-MRI,the mass was not determined in 19 of the patients(n=40 malign, n=19 benign). Regarding ADC values, mean ADC values of 34 patients who were diagnosed with a bladder tumor (1.05∓0.22x10(-3) mm2/s), were significantly lower than the mean ADC values obtained from the normal bladder wall (1.830∓0.18x10(-3) mm2/s) whereas a statistically significant difference was found (p<0.001). ADC values in 9 patients with a benign lesion (1.73∓0.12x10(-3) mm2/s), were not found statistically different from the mean ADC values obtained from the normal bladder wall (1.78∓0.2x10(-3) mm2/s) (p>0.05). A significant difference was determined between ADC values of benign lesions and the ADC values of malign lesions (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

According to cystoscopy, values of DW-MRI's related with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were found, respectively 90%, 93% and 91%. As the DW-MRI is a non-invasive and a rapid technique, and does not contain ionized radiation and because it is accepted as an important marker of tumor cellularity, it may be used as an alternative in future diagnosis and follow-up of bladder tumors.

The effects of human chorionic gonadotrophin on normal testicular tissue of rats: dose-dependence and reversibility

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on rat testicular tissue, and its reversibility and dose dependence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were assigned to groups (10 rats/group) receiving 10, 30 or 50 IU/kg hCG subcutaneously once daily for 15 days; 10 controls received subcutaneous isotonic saline. At 1 and 3 months later, five rats in each group were killed and their testes removed. The testes were examined histologically to measure seminiferous tubular diameter and germinal membrane thickness. RESULTS At 1 month after hCG administration, the mean germinal membrane thickness in the testicular tissues of the hCG-treated rats was significantly less than in control rats, and was also significantly different between all of the hCG-treated groups (P < 0.05). However, at 3 months after hCG administration, all histological variables were similar to those in control rats (P > 0.05), and the mean germinal membrane thickness at 3 months after hCG administration was larger than that at 1 month (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the mean seminiferous tubular diameter between hCG-treated rats and control rats. CONCLUSION hCG impairs seminiferous tubule histology in the 'normal' descended testes of rats. This effect was dose-dependent, and the changes were reversed at 3 months after treatment. Thus, although hCG therapy might affect the seminiferous tubules of contralateral descended testes in cryptorchid boys, these effects might be reversible.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Deteriorates the Histology of Rat Testes

OBJECTIVES

It is not yet certain whether early hormonal treatment in cryptorchidism is safe for germ cells. We investigated the histologic effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy on descended testes of rats.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Thirty male Wistar albino rats were randomized into two groups. The rats of the hCG group (n=15) were administered 50 IU/kg/day hCG once daily via the subcutaneous route for 15 days. Fifteen rats received subcutaneous isotonic saline and acted as controls. At the first month, testicular tissue was obtained after scarification in both groups. The histological examination was performed to evaluate the seminiferous tubular diameter, germinal membrane thickness, and the percentage of the open seminiferous tubule lumen in each testis to compare the two groups.

RESULTS

The percentage of the open seminiferous tubular lumen in testicular tissues of hCG-treated rats was higher than that of controls (p<0.05). The mean germinal membrane thickness in testicular tissues of the hCG group was statistically lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference between mean seminiferous tubular diameter in testicular tissues of hCG-treated rats and controls, as expected (p>0.05). Additionally, there were two interesting cases of Sertoli cell only appearance in the hCG group.

CONCLUSIONS

We may assume that hCG impairs the seminiferous tubule histology in normal testes of rats. Thus, further experimental studies on dose dependency and the reversibility of these effects are warranted.

A Rare Case of an Adult Giant Hydroureteronephrosis due to Ureterovesical Stricture Presenting as a Palpable Abdominal Mass

The giant hydroureteronephrosis is a rare condition. We report a case of a unilateral giant hydroureteronephrosis in an adult patient presenting as palpable abdominal mass secondary to ureterovesical junction (UPJ) stricture. A 51-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of a palpable abdominal mass. Physical examination revealed a grossly distended abdomen that the upper margin of distension was at the level of the epigastrium and the lower one at the suprapubic region. Abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography demonstrated a very large cystic mass in the right side of retroperitoneum involving all the space from superiorly right sub-diaphragmatic area to the bladder inferiorly. The patient underwent exploration and a right giant hydroureteronephrosis as involving all the retroperitoneal space crossing midline to the left with a liquid content of approximately 7 l caused by stricture at the ureterovesical junction was seen. The hydronephrotic sac was thin and right nephroureterectomy was performed by opening the sac and draining-off the liquid. The literature was reviewed and the management of giant hydronephrosis was discussed.

Sparing surgery for an epiderom cyst of the testis: a case report and literature review

Epidermoid cyst of the testis is relatively rare and accounts for less than 1% of all testicular neoplasms. This condition usually occurs in young men and it is mostly detected by self-examination or routine physical examination. The case of a 27-year-old male with an epidermoid cyst of the testis is discussed. The diagnosis was based on ultrasonography and management was with testicular-sparing surgery. At 2-year follow-up, the patient had had no relapse or metastasis. In epidermoid cysts of the testis, high-frequency ultrasonography is a reliable diagnostic imaging method. Organ-preserving surgery is recommended in the management of these lesions.

Comparison of Transurethral Vaporization Using PlasmaKinetic™ Energy and Transurethral Resection of Prostate: 1-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PlasmaKinetic vaporization of prostate (PKVP) relative to standard transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March of 2001 and February of 2003, 75 patients aged 49 to 80 years (median 66 years) with a complaint of lower urinary-tract symptoms and a mean prostate volume of 50 +/- 6 cc were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the operating time, blood transfusion, postoperative irrigation period, and catheter-removal time. Patients were assessed at baseline and during the follow-up using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)).

RESULTS

The mean operation time for PKVP (40.3 +/- 15 minutes) was significantly shorter than that of TURP (55 +/- 11.1 minutes) (P < 0.001). The postoperative irrigation period was significantly shorter in the PKVP group (mean 6 +/- 3 hours) than in the TURP group (mean 20 +/- 8 hours) (P < 0.001). The mean catheter-removal time was significantly later after TURP (68 +/- 21 hours) than after PKVP (35 +/- 9 hours) (P < 0.001). The groups had comparable mean IPSS and Q(max) values at baseline, and both had significant improvement in these parameters after operation. For IPSS, especially at the third month after the operation, PKVP patients showed significantly greater improvement (P < 0.001). There was no difference in Q(max) values between the groups (P > 0.05). Whereas blood transfusion was necessary for two patients in the TURP group, there were no transfusions in the PKVP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the short operating time, smaller blood loss, shorter period of irrigation and catheterization, use of isotonic fluid, and absence of electrical current, PKVP is safe and advantageous. Although these early results have shown that this technique may be a good alternative among the minimally invasive methods for the surgical management of BPH, further studies with longer-term results are essential.