Echinacoside attenuates glandular fibrosis in benign prostatic hyperplasia via inhibiting MKK6/MK2 signaling pathway

Background:Lower urinary tract symptoms commonly occur in the elderly population and seriously constrain the quality of life.Glandular fibrosis is an important pathobiological process in benign prostatic hyperplasia and is also a main inducing factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia-associated lower urinary tract symptoms.Cistanches species is an important herbal medicine resource and is traditionally used in ameliorating renal and prostatic defects.Methods:This study was to investigate the potential protective function of echinacoside(a bioactive compound from Cistanches)against prostatic fibrosis in mice and human benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial-1 cell models.Results:It was found that echinacoside attenuated testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia and collagen deposition in mice,relieved prostate local inflammation and oxidative damage,and ameliorated prostatic epithelial-mesenchymal transition.Additionally,echinacoside inhibited the activation of the MKK6/MK2 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro.Conclusion:This study added new evidence for the anti-fibrotic function of echinacoside on the prostate and provided new insights for understanding its possible pharmacological mechanisms.

The incidence rate and histological characteristics of intimal hyperplasia in elastase-induced experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice

Intimal hyperplasia(IH)is a negative vascular remodeling after arterial injury.IH occasionally occurs in elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)mouse models.This study aims to clarify the incidence and histological characteristics of IH in aneurysmal mice.A retrospective study was conducted by including 42 male elastaseinduced mouse AAA models.The IH incidence,aortic diameters with or without IH,and hyperplasia lesional features of mice were analyzed.Among 42 elastase-induced AAA mouse models,10 mice developed mild IH(24%)and severe IH was found in only 2 mice(5%).The outer diameters of the AAA segments in mice with and without IH did not show significant difference.Both mild and severe IH lesions show strong smooth muscle cell positive staining,but endothelial cells were occasionally observed in severe IH lesions.There was obvious macrophage infiltration in the IH lesions of the AAA mouse models,especially in mice with severe IH.However,only a lower numbers of T cells and B cells were found in the IH lesion.Local cell-secreted matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)2 was highly expressed in all IH lesions,but MMP9 was only overexpressed in severe lesions.In conclusion,this study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of aneurysmal IH and its histological characteristics in an elastaseinduced mouse AAA model.This will help researchers better understand this model,and optimize it for use in AAA-related research.

Transperineal laser ablation of the prostate as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer: The results of a Delphi consensus project

Objective: To evaluate transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) with Echolaser® (Echolaser® TPLA, Elesta S.p.A., Calenzano, Italy) as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) using the Delphi consensus method.Methods: Italian and international experts on BPH and PCa participated in a collaborative consensus project. During two rounds, they expressed their opinions on Echolaser® TPLA for the treatment of BPH and PCa answering online questionnaires on indications, methodology, and potential complications of this technology. Level of agreement or disagreement to reach consensus was set at 75%. If the consensus was not achieved, questions were modified after each round. A final round was performed during an online meeting, in which results were discussed and finalized.Results: Thirty-two out of forty invited experts participated and consensus was reached on all topics. Agreement was achieved on recommending Echolaser® TPLA as a treatment of BPH in patients with ample range of prostate volume, from <40 mL (80%) to >80 mL (80%), comorbidities (100%), antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment (96%), indwelling catheter (77%), and strong will of preserving ejaculatory function (100%). Majority of respondents agreed that Echolaser® TPLA is a potential option for the treatment of localized PCa (78%) and recommended it for low-risk PCa (90%). During the final round, experts concluded that it can be used for intermediate-risk PCa and it should be proposed as an effective alternative to radical prostatectomy for patients with strong will of avoiding urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Almost all participants agreed that the transperineal approach of this organ-sparing technique is safer than transrectal and transurethral approaches typical of other techniques (97% of agreement among experts). Pre-procedural assessment, technical aspects, post-procedural catheterization, pharmacological therapy, and expected outcomes were discussed, leading to statements and recommendations.Conclusion: Echolaser® TPLA is a safe and effective procedure that treats BPH and localized PCa with satisfactory functional and sexual outcomes.

Alleviatory effect of isoquercetin on benign prostatic hyperplasia via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

We evaluated the effect of isoquercetin(quercetin-O-3-glucoside-quercetin,IQ)as a functional component of Abeliophyllum disistichum Nakai ethanol extract(ADLE)on prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis and its effects on the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Metabolites in ADLE were analyzed using UHPLC-qTOF-MS and HPLC.IQ was orally administered(1 or 10 mg/kg)to a testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model,and its effects on the prostate weight were evaluated.The effect of IQ on androgen receptor(AR)signaling was analyzed in LNCaP cells.Whether IGF-1 and IQ affect the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in BPH-1 cells was also examined.The metabolites in ADLE were identified and quantified,which confirmed that ADLE contained abundant IQ(20.88 mg/g).IQ significantly reduced the prostate size in a concentration-dependent manner in a BPH rat model,and significantly decreased the expression of AR signaling factors in the rat prostate tissue and LNCaP cells in a concentration-dependent manner.IQ also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activated by IGF-1 treatment in BPH-1 cells.In BPH-1 cells,IQ led to G0/G1 arrest and suppressed the expression of proliferation factors while inducing apoptosis.Thus,IQ shows potential for use as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical for BPH.

Current Status of Mongolian Medicine Treatment for Breast Hyperplasia

Through literature and clinical research,the current status of Mongolian medicine treatment for breast hyperplasia is discussed,such as oral administration of Mongolian medicine for treatment,oral administration of Mongolian medicine combined with external application for treatment,combination of Mongolian medicine acupuncture therapy and oral administration of Mongolian medicine for treatment,integrated treatment of Mongolian and Western medicine,and combination therapy of Mongolian and traditional Chinese medicine,providing new ideas and choices for clinical research.

Giant Brunner's gland hyperplasia of the duodenum successfully resected en bloc by endoscopic mucosal resection: A case report

BACKGROUND Duodenal Brunner's gland hyperplasia(BGH)is a therapeutic target when complications such as bleeding or gastrointestinal obstruction occur or when malignancy cannot be ruled out.Herein,we present a case of large BGH treated with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR).CASE SUMMARY An 83-year-old woman presented at our hospital with dizziness.Blood tests revealed severe anemia,esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 6.5 cm lesion protruding from the anterior wall of the duodenal bulb,and biopsy revealed the presence of glandular epithelium.Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)demonstr-ated relatively high echogenicity with a cystic component.The muscularis propria was slightly elevated at the base of the lesion.EMR was performed without complications.The formalin-fixed lesion size was 6 cm×3.5 cm×3 cm,showing nodular proliferation of non-dysplastic Brunner's glands compartmentalized by fibrous septa,confirming the diagnosis of BGH.Reports of EMR or hot snare polypectomy are rare for duodenal BGH>6 cm.In this case,the choice of EMR was made by obtaining information on the base of the lesion as well as on the internal characteristics through EUS.CONCLUSION Large duodenal lesions with good endoscopic maneuverability and no evident muscular layer involvement on EUS may be resectable via EMR.

Alterations of gut microbiota diversity, composition and metabonomics in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia rats

Background: Studies had shown many diseases affect the stability of human microbiota, but how this relates to benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) has not been well understood. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the regulation of BPH on gut microbiota composition and metabonomics.Methods: We analyzed gut samples from rats with BPH and healthy control rats, the gut microbiota composition and metabonomics were detected by 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC–MS/MS).Results: High-throughput sequencing results showed that gut microbiota beta-diversity increased(P<0.01) in the BPH group vs. control group. Muribaculaceae(P<0.01), Turicibacteraceae(P<0.05), Turicibacter(P<0.01) and Coprococcus(P<0.01) were significantly decreased in the BPH group, whereas that of Mollicutes(P<0.05) and Prevotella(P<0.05)were significantly increased compared with the control group. Despite profound interindividual variability, the levels of several predominant genera were different. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in several bacteria. BPH group vs. control group: Firmicutes(52.30% vs. 57.29%, P>0.05), Bacteroidetes(46.54% vs. 41.64%,P>0.05), Clostridia(50.89% vs. 54.66%, P>0.05), Ruminococcaceae(25.67% vs. 20.56%, P>0.05). LC–MS/MS of intestinal contents revealed that differential metabolites were mainly involved in cellular processes, environmental information processing, metabolism and organismal systems. The most important pathways were global and overview maps, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, digestive system and endocrine system. Through enrichment analysis, we found that the differential metabolites were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways, steroid hormone biosynthesis,ovarian steroidogenesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and bile secretion. Pearson correlation analysis(R=0.94) showed that there was a strong correlation between Prevotellaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Turicibacteraceae,Bifidobacteriaceae and differential metabolites.Conclusions: Our findings suggested an association between the gut microbiota and BPH, but the causal relationship between the two groups is unclear. Thus, further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential mechanisms and causal relationships between BPH and gut microbiota.

Management of urethral strictures and stenosis caused by the endo-urological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasiad-a single-center experience

Objective:Urethral stricture disease after endo-urological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)is a sparsely described complication.We describe management of five categories of these strictures in this retrospective observational case series.Methods:One hundred and twenty-one patients presenting with symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction after endo-urological intervention for BPH from February 2016 to March 2019 were evaluated.Among them,76 were eligible for this study and underwent reconstructive surgery.Preoperative and postoperative assessments were done with symptom scores,uroflowmetry,ultrasound for post-void residue,and urethrogram.Any intervention during follow-up was classed as a failure.The recurrence and 95%confidence interval for recurrence percentage were calculated.Results:The following five categories of patients were identified:Bulbo-membranous(33[43.4%]),navicular fossa(21[27.6%]),penile/peno-bulbar(8[10.5%]),bladder neck stenosis(6[7.9%]),and multiple locations(8[10.5%]).The average age was 69 years(range:60-84 years).Overall average symptom score,flow rate,and post-void residue changed from 21 to 7,6 mL/s to 19 mL/s,and 210 mL to 20 mL,respectively.The average follow-up was 34 months(range:12-58 months).Overall recurrence and complication rates were 10.5%and 9.2%,respectively.The recurrence in each category was seen in 3,1,2,1,and 1 patient,respectively.Overall 95% confidence interval for recurrence percentage was 4.66-19.69.Conclusion:Urethral stricture disease is a major long-term complication of endo-urological treatment of BPH.The bulbo-membranous strictures need continence preserving approach.Navicular fossa strictures require minimally invasive and cosmetic consideration.Peno-bulbar strictures require judicious use of grafts and flaps.Bladder neck stenosis in this cohort could be treated with endoscopic measures.Multiple locations need treatment based on their sites in single-stage as far as possible.

Current status of outcome reporting in randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine for mammary gland hyperplasia: A systematic review

Objective:To assess outcome indicators in clinical trials and provide a reference for establishing a core outcome set to treat hyperplasia of mammary gland(HMG)with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Methods:Eight online databases were searched from their inception to December 31,2022,to assess outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of HMG treated with TCM.The quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.All outcomes were extracted,classified,and described.Results:A total of 8249 articles were initially retrieved.Of these,70 articles were eligible and involved 10618 participants with HMG.A total of 17 outcome indicators with a frequency of 271 times were involved and were collected according to six outcome domains.Conclusions:The core outcomes of RCTs of HMG treated with TCM are large and divergent.There are problems in evaluation standards,primary and secondary outcomes,TCM characteristic indicators,long-term prognosis,and standardization of reporting.It is recommended to strengthen the trial design and actively construct the core outcome sets with TCM characteristics for HMG.

Gingival Hyperplasia during Pregnancy: Frequency and Clinical Presentation in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Yaoundé-Cameroon

Gingival hyperplasia or gingival overgrowth, which is a common trait of gingival disease, is characterized by an increase in the size of the gingiva. Gingival hyperplasia according to past reports has numerous etiological factors one of which is pregnancy due to increased hormone levels. Although pregnancy does not directly cause gingival hyperplasia, it may catalyze local etiological factors. Objectives: To determine the frequency and clinical aspects of gingival hyperplasia during pregnancy. Methodology: We conducted a cross sectional descriptive study from November 2021 to June 2022 at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire and clinical assessments done using dental consultation kits. Data were analyzed with the International Business Machine Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 21.0 software. Results: We recruited 231 eligible participants for our study. Of 231, 101 (43.7%) had gingival hyperplasia. Most of our study population were between 20 - 40 years old and gingival hyperplasia was most commonly found in the 3rd trimester (60.7%). We reported that 31.3% of our population had a plaque score 2 and only 7.8% had consulted a dentist during pregnancy. We also observed that 93.3% of our population manifested a mild/moderate form of the disease while 6.9% had a severe form. Our study showed that 72.3% and 27.3% had a localized and generalized form of the disease, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that gingival hyperplasia is a common pathology in pregnant women. It is most found in the third trimester. It presents more commonly as a localized form, and degree of severity is mostly moderate.

Fournier’s gangrene after insertion of thermo-expandable prostatic stent for benign prostatic hyperplasia:A case report

BACKGROUND Thermo-expandable urethral stent(Memokath 028)implantation is an alternative treatment for older patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic obstruction.Following prostatic urethral stent implantation,minor complications such as urinary tract infection,irritative symptoms,gross hematuria,and urethral pain have been observed;however,there are no reports of life-threatening events.Herein,we report a critical case of Fournier’s gangrene that occurred 7 years after prostatic stenting.CASE SUMMARY An 81-years-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia(volume,126 ccs;as measured by transrectal ultrasound)had undergone insertion of a thermoexpandable urethral stent(Memokath 028)as he was unfit for surgery under general anesthesia.However,the patient had undergone a suprapubic cystostomy for recurrent acute urinary retention 4 years after the insertion of prostatic stent(Memokath 028).We had planned to remove the Memokath 028;however,the patient was lost to follow-up.The patient presented to the emergency department 3 years after the suprapubic cystostomy with necrotic changes from the right scrotum to the right inguinal area.In digital rectal examination,tenderness and heat of prostate was identified.Also,the black skin color change with foulsmelling from right scrotum to right inguinal area was identified.In computed tomography finding,subcutaneous emphysema was identified to same area.He was diagnosed with Fournier’s gangrene based on the physical examination and computed tomography findings.In emergency room,Fournier’s gangrene severity index value is seven points.Therefore,he underwent emergent extended surgical debridement and removal of the Memokath 028.Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics were administered and additional necrotic tissue debridement was performed.However,the patient died 14 days after surgery due to multiorgan failure.CONCLUSION If Memokath 028 for benign prostatic hyperplasia is not working in older patients,its rapid removal may help prevent severe complications.

Study on the Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Combined with Underactive Bladder Detrusor Contraction by Transurethral Plasma Enucleation of the Prostate

Objective: Exploring the clinical efficacy of transurethral plasma enucleation of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with underactive bladder detrusor contractility. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 68 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and underactive detrusor muscle contractility treated by our department from July 2021 to July 2022. The above patients all met the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, excluding prostate cancer and urethral stricture. Urodynamics showed a decrease in the contractile force of the bladder detrusor muscle, and the surgical equipment used Olympus bipolar plasma resection equipment method. Divide the above patients into two groups: the experimental group of 34 patients who underwent transurethral plasma enucleation of the prostate and the control group of 34 patients who underwent transurethral plasma resection of the prostate. Evaluate the preoperative clinical baseline level and postoperative observation indicators of the two groups of patients, and compare the statistical differences between the two groups. Results: Both groups of patients successfully completed the surgery, and there were no serious complications such as rectal or bladder perforation during the surgery, with less bleeding. The postoperative QOL, IPSS, Qmax, and residual urine volume of patients undergoing transurethral plasma enucleation and resection of the prostate were significantly improved compared to those before surgery (P 0.05). Conclusion: Transurethral enucleation of the prostate has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia combined with weakened detrusor muscle contractility. Compared with traditional electric resection surgery, the efficacy is more significant. In terms of the main complications of the surgery, although there are slightly more patients with temporary urinary incontinence after prostate enucleation, there is no statistically significant difference compared to after electric resection, and they can recover to normal in the short term.

Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Colon in an Adult Patient after Covid-19 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the colon (NLHC) is an uncommon pathology in adults. The disease can be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally or symptomatic, which is often manifested by abdominal pain and motility disorders (diarrhea, constipation). The clinical presentation can also be alarming with rectal bleeding and obstructive symptoms that may be misinterpreted as a neoplastic process. In this paper, we report the case of a 58-year-old female patient with a previous history of appendicetomy. She presented with persistent abdominal pain, chronic constipation and black colored stools, following Covid-19 infection. The physical examination was unremarkable. Colonoscopy examination found a bulging, non-ulcerated mass, measuring 3.5 cm in greatest dimension, located at the right colic angle. Thoraco-abdomino-pelvic computed tomography was performed and showed right colonic wall thickening and enhanced nodule formation. Furthermore, metastatic localization was not detected. After a multidisciplinary meeting, a laparotomy with right hemicolectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed nodular lymphoid hyperplasia with CD20+, CD5&#8722;, CD10+ and BCL2&#8722;phenotype on immunohistochemistry. Besides, lymphocytes in interfollicular area are CD3+ T cells. Patient outcome was favorable after surgery and no additional treatment was necessary. Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the colon is a benign process whose endoscopic appearance can sometimes raise suspicion of malignancy. The diagnosis can only be established by histological evaluation. Immunohistochemistry is also essential to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out low-grade lymphoma. Clinical evolution is often favorable. However, endoscopic follow-up is necessary in all cases.

Study on the Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Mechanisms of Breast Lump Resolution Detergent in a Rat Model of Breast Hyperplasia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic mechanisms of a breast lump resolution detergent in a rat model of breast hyperplasia. Methods: A rat model of breast hyperplasia was established using injections of estradiol benzoate combined with progesterone. The effects of the breast lump resolution detergent on nipple height and diameter in the rat model were observed, along with its impact on serum levels of estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), and progesterone (P). Additionally, the study examined the morphological changes in breast tissue. The impact of the breast nodule detergent on blood rheology parameters was also observed. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of the breast nodule detergent was assessed using the cotton ball granuloma experiment, and the analgesic effect was observed using the writhing test. Results: The breast lump resolution detergent reduced nipple height and diameter in the rat model, decreased serum levels of E2, PRL, and P, and alleviated pathological changes in breast tissue. It also lowered hemorheological parameters including whole blood high, medium, and low shear viscosity, plasma viscosity, red blood cell hematocrit, red blood cell aggregation index, red blood cell deformability index, red blood cell electrophoresis time, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the acute “blood stasis” rat model. The detergent reduced the weight of cotton ball granulomas in mice and decreased the number of writhing episodes caused by acetic acid. Conclusion: The breast lump resolution detergent demonstrates favorable therapeutic effects in treating breast hyperplasia, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, exerting anti-inflammatory properties, and providing analgesic effects. The downregulation of serum E2 and PRL levels and the upregulation of P levels may be critical mechanisms underlying its efficacy.

Top 50 most cited articles on prostatic artery embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia:A bibliometric review

BACKGROUND Bibliometric analysis can be used to assess the current state of the literature and publication trends on a given topic.There has not been a review of this kind on prostatic artery embolization(PAE)for benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).PAE is a relatively new and somewhat controversial treatment option for BPH.Given the novelty and controversy,there has been much research published on the topic recently.AIM To survey the current state of research on PAE for BPH by using bibliometric analysis to analyze the top 50 most highly cited articles.METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed using the Web of Science database to identify the most cited articles published on PAE for BPH as of June 2022.Articles that did not primarily focus on PAE or BPH as an indication were eliminated.The 50 most cited articles were carried forward for analysis.RESULTS All but 6 articles were published in the last decade with contributions from 15 countries.Fifty-two percent of the studies had a C level of evidence.The majority were published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology.Twenty percent(n=10)of the articles were published in urologic journals.On average,articles published in urologic journals tended to be more recent.The mean year of publication for an article in a urological journal was 2016.6 compared to 2013.9 in a non-urologic journal(P=0.02).Seventy percent of the articles focused on clinical outcomes,while only 2%focused on practice guidelines.Self-citations accounted for 11.4 citations perarticle on average,corresponding to 14.7%of all citations analyzed.CONCLUSION The most influential papers on this topic represent a fairly recent body of work with contributions from a wide variety of countries and journals.The fact that articles in urologic journals were published significantly more recently than articles on the list in non-urologic journals may suggest that the field of urology is starting to accept PAE for a wider range of indications.Finally,while there has been much high-quality research published,more influential studies on practice guidelines and technique may be beneficial.

Large focal nodular hyperplasia is unresponsive to arterial embolization: A case report

BACKGROUND Focal nodular hyperplasia(FNH)commonly occurs in women;it is usually asymptomatic and sometimes difficult to differentiate from hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).CASE SUMMARY A large space-occupying lesion in the right lobe of the liver was incidentally detected in an adult man and diagnosed as HCC.Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was applied once monthly for 2 years,but the lesion did not decrease in size.It was revealed by biopsy to be FNH.Eleven years later,the patient underwent liver resection due to hemorrhage and the pathological examination confirmed FNH.CONCLUSION For a space-occupying lesion,it is prerequisite to pathologically confirm the diagnosis and the corresponding intervention can be effective.

Effect of two different extracts of red maca in male rats with testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia

Aim： To determine the effect of two different extracts of red maca in male rats. Methods： Prostatic hyperplasia was induced in male rats with testosterone enanthate （TE）. The study comprised six groups： one control group （group 1）, one group treated with TE （group 2）, two groups treated with TE and aqueous extract of red maca （groups 3 and 4）, one group treated with hydroalcoholic extract of red maca （group 5） and one group treated with finasteride （0.1 mg, group 6）. Differences in the aqueous extract dependent on the length of time of boiling, whether for 2 or 3 hours, for groups 3 and 4 was assessed. Extracts of red maca contained 0.1 mg of benzylglucosinolate. Thereafter, a doseresponse effect of different doses of benzylglucosinolates （0.02-0.08 mg） in red maca extracts was assessed. Results： Prostate weight was similar in rats treated with freeze-dried aqueous extract of red maca prepared after 2 and 3 hours of boiling. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of red maca, hydroalcoholic extract of red maca and finasteride reduced prostate weight in rats with prostatic hyperplasia. No difference was observed between the data obtained from aqueous extract or hydroalcoholic extract of red maca. A dose dependent reduction of prostate weight was observed with the increase of the dose of benzylglucosinolates in red maca extracts. Conclusion： The present study showed that hydroalcoholic or aqueous extract of red maca containing 0.1 mg of benzylglucosinolate can reduce prostate size in male rats in which prostatic hyperplasia had been induced by TE.

nfluence of immune inflammation on androgen receptor expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue

This study was designed to investigate the association between immune inflammation and androgen receptor （AR） expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH）. We retrospectively analyzed 105 prostatectomy specimens. An immune inflammation score for each specimen was defined by combining three immunohistochemical markers （CD4, CD8 and CD20）. The immunohistochemical markers were CD4 and CD8 for T lymphocytes, CD20 for B lymphocytes and AR antibody for the AR in BPH samples. Rates of CD4, CD8, CD20 and AR expression in BPH were 20 （19.0%）, 21 （20.0%）, 101 （96.2%） and 48 （45.7%）, respectively. Total prostate volume （TPV） was higher in the immune inflammation group than in the non-immune inflammation group （62.7 ml vs. 49.2 ml, t=-2.482, P〈0.05）. Patients in the immune inflammation group had a higher serum prostate-specific antigen （PSA） than those in the non-inflammation group （7.5 ng m1-1 vs. 5.4 ng m1-1, t=-2.771, P〈0.05）. Specifically, the immune inflammation group showed a higher rate of AR expression than the non-inflammation group （56.1% vs. 28.2%, χ2=7.665, P〈0.05）. Our study revealed a strong association between immune inflammation and TPV, serum PSA and AR expression in BPH tissue. Prostate hyperplasia caused by an immune inflammatory process may contribute to BPH progression over time. Therefore, the inflammatory response involved in BPH may be a prime therapeutic target.

Baicalin inhibits PDGF-BB-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through suppressing PDGFRβ-ERK signaling and increase in p27 accumulation and prevents injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia

The increased proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） are key events in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Baicalin, an herb-derived flavonoid compound, has been previously shown to induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in cancer cells through multiple pathways. However, the potential role of baicalin in regulation of VSMC proliferation and prevention of cardiovascular diseases remains unexplored. In this study, we show that pretreatment with baicalin has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMC pro- liferation, accompanied with the reduction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） expression. We also show that baicalin-induced growth inhibition is associated with a decrease in cyclin E-CDK2 activation and increase in p27 level in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, which appears to be at least partly mediated by blockade of PDGF recep- tor [~ （PDGFR~）-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2） signaling. In addition, baicalin was also found to inhibit adhesion molecule expression and cell migration induced by PDGF-BB in VSMCs. Furthermore, using an animal carotid arterial balloon-injury model, we found that baicalin significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia. Taken together, our results reveal a novel function of baicalin in inducing growth arrest of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs and suppressing neointimal hyperplasia after balloon injury, and suggest that the underlying mechanism involves the inhibition of cyclin E-CDK2 activation and the increase in p27 accumulation via blockade of the PDGFR^-ERK1/2 signaling cascade.

Evaluation of greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate for the treatment of high-risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Aim： To explore the feasibility and safety of greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate （PVP） on high-risk patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） and to evaluate their clinical and voiding outcome. Methods： A total of 85 high-risk patients with obstructive BPH underwent PVP with an 80 W potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser, which was delivered through a side-deflecting fiber with a 23 Fr continuous flow cystoscope. Operative time, blood loss, indwelling catheterzation, international prostate symptom score （IPSS）, quality of life score （QoL）, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume and short-term complication rates were evaluated for all patients. Results： All patients got through the perioperative period safely. The chief advantages of PVP were： short operative time （25.6 ± 7.6 min）, little bleeding loss （56.8 ± 14.3 mL） and short indwelling catheterization （1.6 ± 0.8 d）. The IPSS and QoL decreased from （29.6 ± 5.4） and （5.4 ± 0.6） to （9.5 ± 2.6） and （1.3 ± 0.6）, respectively. The vast majority of patients were satisfied with voiding outcome. The mean maximal urinary flow rate increased to 17.8 mL/s and postvoid residual urine volume decreased to 55.6 mL. These results are significantly different from preoperative data （P 〈 0.05）. No patient required blood transfusion or fluid absorption. There were few complications and very high patient satisfaction after operation. Conclusion： PVP has a short operative time and high tolerance, and is safe, effective and minimally invasive for high-risk patients, therefore it might be considered as a good alternative treatment for high-risk patients with obstructive urinary symptoms as a result of BPH.