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The cysteine protease Cathepsin B (CtsB) plays a critical role in multiple signaling pathways, intracellular protein degradation, and processing. Endogenous inhibitors regulate its enzymatic activity, including stefins and other cystatins. Recent data proved that CtsB is implicated in tumor extracellular matrix remodeling, cell invasion, and metastasis: a misbalance between cathepsins and their natural inhibitors is often considered a sign of disease progression. In the present study, we investigated CtsB and stefin A (StfA) expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). mRNA analysis unveiled a significant CTSB and STFA increase in RCC tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerogenic tissues and a higher CtsB expression in malignant tumors than in benign renal neoplasms. Further analysis highlighted a positive correlation between CtsB and StfA expression as a function of patient sex, age, tumor size, grade, lymph node invasion, metastasis occurrence, and survival. Alternative overexpression and silencing of CtsB and StfA confirmed the correlation expression between these proteins in human RCC-derived cells through protein analysis and fluorescent microscopy. Finally, the ectopic expression of CtsB and StfA increased RCC cell proliferation. Our data strongly indicated that CtsB and StfA expression play an important role in RCC development by mutually stimulating their expression in RCC progression.

Delayed ejaculation is a form of sexual disorders, which is characterized by constant or intermittent delays or absence of ejaculation and orgasm, despite normal sexual arousal and erectile function. Delayed ejaculation is one of the most studied and rare types of male sexual dysfunctions, which leads to depression, anxiety, and often is a reason of low self-esteem, reduced satisfaction of a man with his partner, and worsening of relationships between partners. In some cases, delayed ejaculation and anejaculation cause infertility. Current views on epidemiology, diagnostics and treatment strategy of delayed ejaculation are presented in the article.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition. Pharmacological management of ED involves medications produced by chemical synthesis. Despite high efficiency, their use is often accompanied by some side effects. Considering this, herbal preparations with sufficient efficacy and greater safety have received much attention.To compare the efficacy and safety of two herbal preparations (EFFEX Tribulus and Tribestan) based on Tribulus Terrestris herb dry extract in patients with ED.A total of 173 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 87 (group I) and 86 (group II) received EFFEX Tribulus and Tribestan, respectively. The mean age of patients was 42.2+/-11.5 years in group I and 42.8+/-11.2 years in group II. One hundred fifty two patients completed the study. The follow-up was 13 weeks (the herbal preparation dose was titrated at week five after the treatment initiation). The effectiveness of treatment was assessed on five follow-up visits using the IIEF, AMS, MSF, GAQ questionnaires, and a complex of diagnostic and laboratory studies.At visit five compared to visit 1, the mean IIEF erectile function domain score increased by 5.7+/-4.6 and 5.2+/-4.3 points in group I and II, respectively. In both groups, all other IIEF domain scores demonstrated a statistically significant increase. The AMS scores decreased from 32.93+/-10.04 to 25.02+/-7.62 points in group I and 31.78+/-10.37 to 24.55+/-7.31 points in group II. The SMF scores increased from 22.36+/-4.85 to 27.16+/-4.80 points in group I and from 22.13+/-3.69 to 26.10+/-5.69 points in group II. Besides, the use of the herbal preparations was associated with a decrease in the serum cholesterol level, more pronounced with increasing patient age (correlation coefficient -0.06, p=0.41).The herbal preparations EFFEX Tribulus and Tribestan have a similar efficacy and safety profiles.

Currently, transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TUR) is the gold standart treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Standard TUR for a bladder wall tumor has a high recurrence rate, which is caused mainly by malignant cell implantation during the surgery. Besides, specimens obtained with conventional TUR are insufficient for accurate pathological staging. The non-conformity of the standard TUR with the established oncological principle of dissecting through normal tissue prompted a search for the optimal surgical modality. En-bloc resection of the bladder wall tumor has been proposed as an alternative method for surgical management of NMIBC. This technique involves the resection of bladder tumor through the underlying muscle layer as a single piece thus providing high quality material for subsequent morphological study and reducing the risk of metastasizing by implantation of malignant cells. This paper presents an analysis of relevant research literature published in the last twenty years, describes all currently existing techniques of the bladder tumor resection using a variety of energy sources, including laser.

With growing experience in the HoLEP, it can replace TURP as the "gold standard" for the surgical management of BPH, and therefore this technique is the most studied surgical modality. Despite the proven effectiveness of HoLEP in the treatment of patients with BPH, its widespread use has been associated with both intra- and postoperative complications.To improve the results of surgical management of patients with BPH.The study comprised 310 patients who underwent HoLEP for BPH. HoLEP was performed using the Gillings technique.presence of LUTS (Qmax15 ml/s, Qav10 ml/s, presence of residual urine, I-PSS score5, QoL score2), absence of an active inflammatory process of the urogenital organs.Intraoperative complications included severe hemorrhage in 16 (5.2%), the bladder wall injury in 17 (5.5%) and the ureteral orifice injury in 2 (0.6%) patients. 275 (88.7%) had no intraoperative complications. Early postoperative complications included fever in 4 (1.3%), the bladder tamponade that required cystoscopy and evacuation of blood clots in 7 (2.3%) and acute urinary retention in 36 (11.8%) patients. 263 (84.6%) patients had no postoperative complications. Long-term postoperative complications comprised urinary incontinence in 39 (12.6%) patients and urethral strictures requiring surgical treatment in 9 (2.9%) patients. There were no long-term complications in 262 (84.5%) patients.HoLEP is an effective and safe surgical modality for treating patients with BPH with minimal complications, suitable for any size of the prostate.

To evaluate the effect of Androgel on the quality of life of patients with androgen deficiency (hypogonadism) and chronic prostatitis in everyday practice.This open multicenter observational non-interventional study comprised 401 men with testosterone deficiency and chronic prostatitis who were treated with topical applications of 1% testosterone gel of (Androgel) at a dose of 50 or 100 mg in routine clinical practice for three months. The primary endpoint was the health related quality of life. Also, the patients filled out AMS, I-PSS, NIH-CPSI questionnaires to assess the quality of life related to chronic prostatitis, lower urinary tract symptoms, and aging. Secondary endpoints included changes in the overall score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), changes in body weight and waist circumference, the reasons for treatment discontinuation and any adverse events that occurred during treatment.Mean total testosterone levels at baseline and three months were 9.5 (95% CI 9.2-9.7) nmol/L and 16.5 (95% CI 16.1-16.9) nmol/l (p0.001), respectively. There were statistically significant (p0.001) differences in scores on all questionnaires. Mean scores at baseline and at three months for AMS, IIEF-5, I-PSS, NIH-CPSI questionnaires were 44.6 (95% CI 43.2-45.9) and 25.8 (95% CI 24.8-26.7); 12.7 (95% CI 12.2-13.2) and 19.3 (95% CI, 18.8-19.8); 14.5 (95% CI 13.7-15.3) and 5.6 (95% CI 5.2-6.1); 27.8 (95% CI 26,5-29.1) and 10.0 (95% CI 9.1-10.9), respectively. There were positive changes in body weight and waist circumference: at baseline and three months these parameters were 95 (95% CI 93.6-96.3) and 91.4 (95% CI 90.1-92.7) kg and 102.9 (95% CI 101.8-104.1) and 98.3 (95% CI 97.3-99.3) cm, respectively. No clinically significant adverse events were observed during follow-up.Transdermal therapy with 1% testosterone gel (Androgel) is highly effective and safe in the management of androgen deficiency (hypogonadism). Its use in patients with chronic prostatitis and hypogonadism results in an improvement in low urinary tract symptoms, symptoms of chronic prostatitis, alleviates pelvic pain and thus leads to significant improvements in the quality of life.

The article reviews clinical trials on the effectiveness of combination therapy with 5-reductase inhibitors and -blockers in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These trials have demonstrated a significant improvement in the symptoms and quality of life in this group of patients. The authors outline main strategies offered by the Russian clinical guidelines for BPH patients.

Focal therapy involving destruction of prostate specific region containing a clinically meaningful tumor is a new treatment for prostate cancer. Despite the absence of long-term results of applying this method of treatment, there are prerequisites that allow to consider focal therapy as a method with a lower risk of side effects typical of conventional treatment. Focal laser thermocoagulation is a developing technique with a number of advantages, the most important of which is the ability to perform the treatment under the real-time magnetic resonance imaging control. This review describes the principles of laser thermocoagulation, and presents the data of already published clinical studies, as well as the eligibility criteria for focal laser thermocoagulation of prostate cancer. The prospects of development of the method are discussed.

Urethral strictures are a pressing issue in modern medicine. Substitution urethroplasty is considered one of the most effective treatment methods. However, despite the surgery showing good results, many problems remain unresolved, one being substitute material deficiency in extensive or recurrent strictures, as well as in cases requiring multistage surgeries, including those used to treat hypospadias. Graft removal also leaves the donor area prone to diseases and increases the length of surgery leading to a higher risk of intra- and postoperative complications. Tissue engineering (namely tissue-engineered products comprised of scaffolds and cells) may be a useful tool in dealing with these issues. The authors assessed the characteristics of a novel hybrid scaffold created from "reconstructed" collagen and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) mesh. The resulting composite product showed good mechanical properties and functional performance. The hybrid scaffold was non-cytotoxic and provided an adequate base for cell adhesion and proliferation. Biodegradation resulted in the scaffold being replaced by urothelium and urethral mucosa. The newly formed tissues possessed adequate structural and functional properties. Only one rabbit out of 12 developed urethral stricture at the site of scaffold implantation. The above-mentioned facts suggest that the novel hybrid scaffold is a promising tissue-engineered product with potential implication in substitution urethroplasty.

To assess the results of organ-sparing endoscopic treatment of patients with tumors of the upper urinary tract (UUT).Twenty four patients underwent percutaneous and ureteropyeloscopic interventions for tumors of the upper urinary tract and were followed up at the Urology Clinic, I.M. Sechenov First MSMU. Retrograde removal of benign tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter (tumors sized from 5 to 35 mm), percutaneous removal of papillary carcinoma of renal pelvis of a solitary kidney, percutaneous removal of papillary carcinoma of renal pelvis of only one functioning kidney and percutaneous removal of papillary carcinoma of the lower calyx of the L-shaped kidney were performed in 21, 1, 1 and 1 patients, respectively. The patients had stage T1 papillary cancer of the upper urinary tract. There were 7 (29.2%) men and 17 (70.8%) women with mean age 64+/-5 years. Electroresection/vaporization was carried out in 18 patients, and 6 patients were treated using Holmium laser.None of the endoscopic procedures required conversion to open surgery or a more extended surgical operation. There were no recurrences or impaired UUT urinary flow in patients with benign UUT tumors at different points of follow-up. In 3 cases of malignant UUT tumors no recurrences occurred during 12-20 months follow-up.and discussion. Nephroureterectomy with resection of the urinary bladder is the standard radical treatment of patients with tumors of the UUT. Technological advances in endoscopic and percutaneous surgery for UUT have allowed for organ-sparing procedures in patients with neoplasms of pelvicalyceal system and ureter. The absolute indications for such organ-sparing operations now include solitary kidney or only one functioning kidney and chronic renal failure. Endoscopic resection of the tumor and renal pelvic wall within healthy tissue, including by holmium laser, with tumor stage not exceeding T1 and followed by trans-fistula chemotherapy can be regarded as an effective treatment for patients with tumors of pelvicalyceal system.

Among the diseases complicating the course of calculous pyelonephritis, are among the leaders of diabetes mellitus, which is associated with reduced immune response, deterioration of renal hemodynamics, the reduced sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. The purpose of the study is to improve the results of treatment of patients with calculous pyelonephritis and diabetes mellitus type 2. The materials and methods of research. We studied 179 people. This was a retrospective pharmaco-epidemiological analysis of medical records of patients who were treated in 2009 and 2013, in hospital of Volgograd. Women in the study was greater than 99(by 55.4%), males - 80 (44,6%). All patients underwent standard clinical examination, with mandatory bacteriological urine analysis, ultrasound study of kidneys.During the observation period of 2009 and 2013 in patients with calculous pyelonephritis and type 2 diabetes, the major pathogens were representatives of the family Enterobacteriaceae. E.coli strains are constituted - 12 (54,5%), K. pneumoniae - 4 (18.1%) strains. In other etiologically significant microorganisms were Enterococcus spp. - 3 (13.6%) strain, P. aeruginosa - strain 2 (9%). The group of other (4.5%), we have carried pathogens isolated in the singular: Erobacter spp, S. aureus, and Klebsiella oxytoca. In patients with infection of the upper urinary tract and diabetes, there is a pronounced trend to decrease sensitivity to all groups of antibiotics. Sensitivity to unprotected penicillins and fluoroquinolones has decreased almost twice. Resistance to aminoglycosides of patients in this group increased by 23%. In patients with chronic calculous pyelonephritis and diabetes mellitus type 2 is high sensitivity of the main causative agents of infection to cephalosporins of the third and fourth generation (92%), protected beta-lactam penicillins (amoxicillin/clavulanate) - 86,4%, to carbapenemam is 89.4%.For the empiric treatment of infections of the upper urinary tract in patients with diabetes mellitus, can be recommended drugs: protected beta-lactam penicillins, cephalosporins of the third and fourth generation, carbapenem.

The review presents the results of studies on combination therapy of 5α-reductase inhibitors and α-blockers in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These data demonstrate a significant advantage of the combination therapy versus monotherapy in terms of quality of life and subjective symptoms as well as the safety, better results in the prevention of BPH progression and acute urinary retention, and reduced need for surgery.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most frequent complications of radical prostatectomy (RPE) performed for prostate cancer. Conservative methods of treatment include pelvic floor muscle training under the control of biofeedback (BFB). This method was applied in 87 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. 42 (48.3%) patients for 2-4 sessions had achieved skill of isolated contraction of the perineum muscles with minimal participation of anterior abdominal wall muscles. Another 45 (51.7%) patients required support in the form of biofeedback for two EMG channels. The best time for observed regression of clinical symptoms was 5.1 months. In patients with stable skill of isolated pelvic muscle contractions this parameter was 4 months, and in the absence of sustainable skill of isolated contractions - 9.4 months (p=0.001).

Treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis is one of the most urgent problems of modern urology. According to most of the existing recommendations, fluoroquinolones are the drugs of choice in treatment of prostatitis. Recently, however, many researchers have noted the increasing role of intracellular pathogens, and high activity of macrolides and tetracyclines against these pathogens. This article provides an overview of the literature on recommended and promising antibiotics used in the treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis.

Incidental prostate cancer (IPC)--cancer, identified by morphological evaluation of prostate tissue removed during transurethral resection (TUR) or open prostatectomy, in cases where the results of preoperative prostate biopsy revealed no prostate cancer. Literature review presents the data on the incidence of IPC, features of its diagnosis, prediction of tumor progression, and choice of treatment approaches. Many questions remain unresolved and require additional research.

Early diagnosis of prostate cancer (CaP) can be addressed by studying prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) as precancer (high-grade PIN or HGPIN). This article attempts to analyze the diagnostic role of telomerase as an early marker of carcinogenesis.Complex urological patient evaluation and assessment of telomerase activity.Out of 92 patients 44% were diagnosed with CaP, 49% with low-grade PIN (LGPIN) in association with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 7% with HGPIN in association with BPH. Active telomerase (AT) in prostate biopsy specimens was detected in 98% of patients with CaP, in 33% of patients with HGPIN, and in 20% of patients with LGPIN. In the event of simultaneous detection of AT and PIN in initial prostate biopsy specimens, further monitoring for 0.5-4.0 years revealed CaP development in 50-56% of cases. Further follow-up of patients with PIN and absent telomerase activity in initial biopsy specimens did not demonstrate the development of CaP. The PSA level was significantly higher in patients with active telomerase in the prostate tissue than in telomerase negative patients.Telomerase activity in the prostate tissue increases the risk of CaP development in patients with PIN. Detection of telomerase activity in prostate biopsy specimens from patients with PIN enables selection of a group of patients with high risk of CaP development and reduction of the number of prostate biopsies performed in other patients.

The article presents the results of an open, noncomparative, observational study of the efficacy and safety of continued use of the Serenoa repens (prostamol uno) plant extract at a dose of 320 mg 1 time a day for 10 years in 38 patients with early manifestations of BPH and the risk of its progression. The results of study showed the absence of progression, both on subjective criteria (IPSS, and QoL scores), and objective criteria (prostate volume, the rate of urination, residual urine volume). Furthermore, patients had no undesirable effects directly related to the use of this drug.

The results of a retrospective study of efficacy of prostamol uno in a standard single dose of 320 mg/day in prevention of chronic prostatitis recurrences and prostatic adenoma used for 5 years as an adjuvant to standard therapy of chronic prostatitis exacerbations were compared with those of standard course antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment alone. The analysis demonstrated that prostamol uno (Serenoa repens extract) in a dose 320 mg/day improves both subjective symptoms (data of IPSS, QoL scale) and objective ones (the absence of the disease progression and adverse effects, enhancement of the erectile function). Prostamol uno is effective for prevention of both recurrences of chronic prostatitis exacerbations and development of prostatic adenoma.

A study was made in the urological clinic of I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy with participation of 96 patients (mean age 48.24 +/- 9.19 years) with erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with hypogonadism. The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 30) received 1 intramuscular injection of testosterone undecanoate. Group 2 (n = 34) received on-demand monotherapy with vardenafil for 6 weeks. Group 3 (n = 32) received combined treatment with the above modalities in the same doses and duration. Before and 6 weeks after treatment the patients responded to IIEF-5 questionnaire. All the patients showed a significant improvement of the erectile function. Overall AMS score after the treatment rose more in patients of groups 1 and 3 (p0.001). In group 2 the changes were weaker but significant (p = 0.005). The domain of psychological AMS symptoms reduced insignificantly after treatment in group 2 (p = 0.535), but significantly in groups 1 and 3, respectively (p = 0.013 vs p = 0.001). Androgenic deficiency regressed in groups 1 and 3 but enhanced in group 2 (p = 0.001). Domain of sexual symptoms of the AMS scale reduced more significantly in patients of groups 2 and 3 (p0.001). Percentage of patients satisfied with the treatment results was 68.85, 70,6 and 90,6% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Thus, combined treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with hypogonadism (parenteral testosterone undecanoate and vardenafil) is more effective than monotherapy with androgen-containing drugs or inhibitors of phosphodiesterase of type 5.

The trial of efficacy and safety of two doses of the drug cernilton in patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis made in the Research Institute of Urology and I.M. Sechenov Medical Academy in 2008 gave evidence for subjective (NIH-CPSI, Sex-4, IPSS and other scales, QOL) and objective (leucocyte count in prostatic secretion) pronounced anti-inflammatory effects of the drug which persist for at least 6 months. Comparison of the two doses of cernilton showed significant differences in subjective response of the patients (NIH-CPSI and Symptom Frequency Scale). Cernilton is recommended as a medication of choice for treatment of patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis.

Tests for Mycoplasma hominis, M. genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum in males with suspected prostate cancer.Identification of mycoplasms was performed in prostate tissue samples using universal PCR as well as in serum samples of patients with suspected prostate cancer using ELISA for detection of IgG to M. hominis. Two hundred and fifty samples from each lobe of prostate were obtained from 125 patients with suspected prostate cancer by transrectal polyfocal biopsy. Blood samples were drawn from the same patients for ELISA.Out of 125 patients with suspected prostate cancer, 20.5% were positive for Mycoplasma by PCR. Between studied species, only M. hominis was found in big proportion of analyzed samples. Out of 118 serum samples, 30.5% were positive for IgG to M. hominis in ELISA.Fact of presence of Mycoplasma species in tissue of prostate was established in 20.5% pf patients with suspected prostate cancer. Obtained results show that M. hominis is frequently infects prostate tissue and that this infection was more common in patients with high grade prostatic interstitial neoplasia and prostate cancer than in patients with benign changes of prostate tissue or in persons without prostate disease. This allows to suggest that infection with M. hominis could play an important role in development of cancer.

The article presents 2-year pilot results of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of prostamol-UNO effects on symptoms progression, quality of life, tolerance and safety in patients with early prostatic adenoma. The drug was used in a single dose 320 mg/day for 36 months. Prostamol-UNO efficacy in arrest of the symptoms progression and quality of life was assessed with the use of IPSS and QoL (BS) questionnaires. Measurements were also made of changes in Qmax, urine volume, residual urine, size of the prostate.

The efficiency of treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors in combination with antibacterial drugs in chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) was studied in a randomized trial with participation of 103 CBP patients (mean age 36.2 +/- 8.4 years). Group 1 patients (n = 32) received levofloxacine (500 mg/day) monotherapy for 4 weeks. Group 2 patients (n = 34) received antibacterial treatment plus wardenafil in a dose 10 mg in the evening. Group 3 patients (n = 37) received combined treatment (fluoroquinolone + wardenafil), PDE-5 inhibitor was taken for more than 2 times a week 10-60 min before the coitus. Treatment efficacy was assessed with NIH-CPSI scale, count of bacteria and leukocytes in the pre- and postmassage urine portions, uroflowmetry. By NIH-CPSI scale, a significant (p0.001) improvement was seen in dysuria and quality of life in group 2. The control test discovered pyuria in postmassage urine in 7 (21.9%), 4 (11.8%) and 6 (16.2%) patients of group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Manifest bacteriuria was registered in 3 (9.4%), 2 (5.9%) and 3 (8.1%) patients, respectively. Uroflowmetry reported significant changes (p0.05) in urine volume only in patients of group 2. Efficacy of CBP treatment significantly rises in combination of antibacterial treatment with wardenafil.

Chronic prostatitis (CP) morbidity now makes up 8 to 35% in males aged 20-40 years (N.A. Lopatkin et al., 1998; O.L. Tiktinsky, 1999). In general population CP incidence rate is 5 to 8% (J.C. Nickel, 1999). Phytotherapy is now widely practiced in CP. A multicenter trial conducted by the authors demonstrates high efficacy ofpermixon in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The results of 6-month follow-up are presented.

The efficacy of the drug cernilton was studied in patients with prostatic adenoma (PA) and chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP). One group and two subgroups of patients were studied: 31 men with PA received cernilton for 3 months (group 1); 32 patients with CBP received antibacterial treatment (for 8 months) and cernilton for 3 months (group IIa); 30 CBP patients received standard antibiotic treatment for 2 months maximally (group IIb). All the patients were examined before the treatment and 3 months later. According to IPSS, patients of group 1 showed a significant (p0.001) regress of low urinary tract symptoms and improvement of quality of life. PSA in the serum lowered by 21.2%. Qmax significantly increased (p0.001), Vprost and Vres diminished. According to the scale NIH-CPSI, relief of pain, dysuria was greater, quality of life improved more in patients of group IIa than in group IIb (p0.05). The same trend was in the values Qmax, Vres and Vprost. Thus, it is evident that cernilton is effective in monotherapy of PA and combined treatment of CBP.

We studied a therapeutic effect of long-term and regular use of vardenafil which is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) in patients with erectile dysfunction (n=32, mean age 35.7 +/- 6.8 years). They received the drug daily for 1 month in a dose 10 mg in the evening without direct sexual realization of the drug action. Before the treatment, upon 1 and 2 months of therapy the patients filled in questionnaire International Index of Erectile Function Scale (IIEFS) and underwent pharmacoechodopplerography of the penis. The erection scores by IIEFS after 1 month of vardenafil therapy increased from 17.8 +/- 4.5 to 23.7 +/- 5.3 (p0.01). On posttreatment day 30 this parameter went down to 21.9 +/- 5.6 scores (p0.01). However, this value was significantly better than the baseline (p0.01). The same dynamics was observed in objective indices of penile hemodynamics. Thus, routine daily intake of vardenafil produces a significant and persistent improvement of erectile function.

In this open label prospective study in patients with category III prostatitis we assessed efficacy and safety of Sabal serrulata plant extract (prostamol Uno 320 mg) (group I, n=30) as compared to watchful waiting (group II, n=24). Efficacy was evaluated by means of NIH-CPSI, IPSS-QoL questionnaires, patients' general subjective assessment of treatment outcome, uroflowmetry and transrectal Doppler mapping (colour doppler and spectral doppler) of the prostate. Patients receiving prostamol Uno in comparison with watchful waiting group had significant improvement of mean NIH-CPSI (from 17.8 to 11.4 vs 17.1 to 16.5) and IPSS (from 13.0 to 6.3 vs 13.2 to 11.6) scores, Qmax values (from 12.9 ml/s to 17.8 ml/s vs 13.3 ml/s to 14.4 ml/s) and Doppler parameters of vascular resistance in the prostate. According to the patients' subjective assessment, moderate and significant improvement was reported by 76.7% patients in prostamol Uno group vs 23.3% in the watchful waiting group. There were no severe side effects. In prostamol Uno group one patient (3.3%) had moderate dyspepsia that resolved without termination of the drug administration. Prostamol Uno showed good efficacy and safety profile in patients with category III prostatitis.

Two cases are analysed to show possibility of severe erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment with long-term and regular intake of phosphodilesterase-5 (PDE-5) vardenaphil. A 39-year-old patient had cavernous fibrosis due to intracavernous introduction of vasoactive medication. Vardenafil was taken in a dose 20 mg in the evening for 6 months. At control examination ED relieved to a mild degree. Further intake of vardenaphil on demand is recommended. The other man 22 years of age had a severe erectile dysfunction after hip bones fracture and subsequent reconstruction of the urethra. He received vardenafil in a dose 10 mg in the evening for 3 months. After the treatment ED improved to a mild degree and further on-demand intake is recommended.

The study was made of 60 sexually active patients with prostatic hyperplasia after monopolar transurethral operations (mean age 61.3 years). 30 patients entered a control group, 30 ones--the study group. The latter received 10 mg vardenafil each other day for 7 weeks after the intervention. The patients filled in questionnaire, underwent dopplerography and electromyography of the penis. Questionnaire said that erection was worse after operation in 6 (20%) patients (p0.01) of the control group and none of the study group. The latter also showed better circulation. All the men with postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) had electromyographic signs of impaired autonomic innervation of the penis. Thus, ED after transurethral operations for prostatic hyperplasia is primarily neurogenic and is seen in 20% operated patients. Early vardenafil therapy is effective in prevention of postoperative ED.

The aim of the study was to elucidate influence of alpha1A adrenoblocker tamsulosine (omnique) on ischemic heart disease (IHD) symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As shown by Holter monitoring, 15 patients of group 1 having IHD, BPH and impaired miction, demonstrated ECG changes before voiding (ST depression, higher rate of supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles); 28 patients of group 2 had ECG changes unrelated to miction. Subjective and objective effects were registered in a month in all the patients. ECG parameters improved in 11 and 20 patients of group 1 and 2, respectively. Patients without ECG improvement had severe cardial pathology (three-vessel affection of the coronary arteries, effort angina of a high functional class, cardiac failure). Thus, miction impairment due to BPH aggravate IHD. Early administration of tamsulosine (omnique) for BPH improves the course of concomitant IHD in 72% patients.

The trial enrolled 155 patients (mean age 65 years) with documented benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tracts symptoms (LUTS) (IPSS6). All the patients received permixon in a dose 160 mg twice a day for 2 years. The data on 130 patients eligible for assessment were processed statistically by dynamics of IPSS, quality of life (QOL), index of sexual function (MSF-4), size of the prostate, urodynamic and biological parameters which were estimated in 6 (V6), 12 (V12), 18 (V18) and 24 months (V24). Clinical examination with registration of all side effects was made each 3 months. Permixon was found to noticeably reduce IPSS and QOL and increase maximal urine flow speed. The size of the prostate diminished insignificantly. Sexual function remained unchanged for 1 year and improved markedly within the second year (p = 0.001). Permixon had no effect on the level of prostate-specific antigen. Plasma hormones (testosterone, DHT, estradiol, LH, androstendion) did not change. Nine patients developed 10 side effects but they were unrelated to the treatment.

A total of 39 patients with prostatic hyperplasia (PH) admitted to the urological clinic of I. M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy from 1999 have been inserted a biodegradable catheter stent (BCS). Such stents degrade spontaneously to microfragments and come away with urine 4-12 months after catheterization. BCS were used in PH patients with marked urination disorders due to urethral compression by hyperplastic prostate in whom adenomectomy was contraindicated. BCS was used for elimination of a suprapubic fistula in the urinary bladder of 19 PH patients with contraindications to adenomectomy. 5-7 days before catheterization the urinary bladder was drained 2 times a day to reduce pyoinflammatory process. The cystostomic fistula closed within 24 h in all the patients. Adequate urination recovered. Urethral inflammation persisted for 4-6 weeks. It was treated with antibiotics with effectiveness 89.5% (in 17 of 19 patients). Pyoinflammation persisted in two patients who developed uroliths destructed later at endoscopic pneumatic cystolithotripsy. Control examination 6 months after the stent insertion found that the stent had destructed with evacuation of the fragments. In two patients two large fragments were locked in the urethra provoking acute ischuria. The fragments were removed by the forceps and urination became normal. None of the patients needed recystostomy. 32 stented patients 6 and 12 months after stenting had adequate urination (mean Qmax--12.3 and 10.8 ml/s, respectively). Mean residual urine--32 and 37 ml. BCS improves treatment outcomes and quality of life of PH patients with contraindications to adenomectomy.

Primary culture of prostatic adenocarcinoma is obtained from surgical material after radical prostatectomy. Typing of the obtained culture with antibodies to vimentin and cytokeratins has shown that the proportion of basic cell components--stromal and epithelial--in vitro correlates with such in the initial tumor tissue. In cultivation in different media active migration and proliferation of all cell types in the presence of embryonal serum and suppression of the stromal component in the medium where the serum was replaced for bovine hypophysis extract were observed. A comparative immunohistochemical analysis registered a release into culture of alpha SMA-positive myofibroblasts and active expression of TGF beta-1 in the medium containing serum. Design of dynamic mixed cell systems may serve a convenient model for investigation of stromal-epithelial interactions and their changes in cancer progression.

Dynamic MR prostatovesiculography (DMRP) is a new method of prostatic cancer diagnosis based on the ability of cancer tissue to accumulate contrast substance (omniscan) than benign tissue. Urologists from the I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy have examined 23 patients (5 patients with prostatic cancer and 18 suspects) who have undergone standard investigations (test for PSA, finger rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound investigation) and DMRP. DMRP detected prostatic areas suspected of malignancy. Taking biopsy from such areas verified diagnosis of prostatic cancer in 2 patients.

Specialists of the urologic clinic of the I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy studied effectiveness of lipidosterol extract Serenoa repens (permixon) in 26 patients with prostatic hyperplasia (total prostate-specific antigen was under 4 ng/ml). The trial has been performed from November 1995 up to now. The drug was taken before meal with a small quantity of water in a total daily dose 320 mg twice a day. Initial IPSS values ranged from 8 to 18 scores (mean 11.65 +/- 0.59). Life quality index was 1 to 4 scores (mean 2.46 +/- 0.15). Initial size of the prostate varied from 26 to 63 cm3 (mean 36.23 +/- 1.57 cm3). Maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) made up 8.7 to 14.6 ml/s (mean 11.83 +/- 0.31 ml/s). Residual urine was initially 0-60 ml (mean 10.58 +/- 2.91 ml). Permixon significantly reduced the disease symptoms and improved quality of life. 5 years of treatment decreased mean IPSS by 8.8 +/- 0.18 (75.5%). QOL--by 1.31 +/- 0.08 (53.3%), size of the prostate--by 10.81 +/- 0.55 cm3 (29.8%). Neither the symptoms nor quality of life became worse for these five years. The size of the prostate reduced in 16, unchanged in 9 and increased only in 1 patient. Qmax was initially under 15 ml/s and rose after the treatment by 4.13 +/- 0.51 ml/s (35%), on the average. Qmax rose above 15 ml/s in 16 patients. Residual urine increased during the treatment in one patient only. Permixon intolerance was not observed. Thus, continuous 5-year therapy with lipidosterol extract Serenoa repens (permixon) proved highly effective and safe in 26 patients with initial or moderate symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia.

A new technique of urinary tracts visualization--magnetoresonance urography (MRU)--for a year (2000) was applied in examination of 25 patients aged 17 to 63 years with ureteral concrements (n = 11), ureteropelvic stenosis (n = 10), ureteral stenosis (n = 2), urinary bladder tumor (n = 1), Ormond's disease (n = 1). MRU provides the same information about the obstruction and dilatation of the urinary tracts as excretory urography (EU). In cases of EU contraindication (allergy, renal failure) or lack of contrast substance excretion, MRU allows to avoid additional invasive diagnostic procedures. It also enables visualization of non-dilated urinary tracts in medicinal polyuria. Non-invasiveness, no need to contrast, absence of radiation load open wide perspectives for MRU application in various groups of patients including pregnant women.

The article is devoted to topical problem of modern urology, one of the lines of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)--transurethral electrosurgery. Physical principles which are the basis of transurethral electrosurgical interventions and influence of transurethral electrosurgery on prostatic tissue are described. Methods of necessary preoperative examination of patients with BPH are presented. The most often used transurethral electrosurgical technique for destruction of hyperplastic prostatic tissue is described. The results of 5-year use of combination of transurethral electroresection and electrovaporisation in the treatment of BPH and its complications are presented. Ways of prophylaxis of possible complications are proposed.

The results of operations on the organs of the abdominal cavity and the small pelvis in 70 men are analyzed. For evaluation of the condition of the urogenital system and urination parameters preoperatively all patients underwent ultrasound examination of the urine bladder and the prostate with the residual urine evaluation, uroflowmetry. Summary value of the symptoms was evaluated according to international system IPSS and the quality of life was assessed (QOL). 30 patients administered doxazosin according to the scheme: 2 preoperative days 2 mg/day, then 3 days--4 mg/day, and 3 postoperative days--4 mg/day. 5 patients dook tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day for 5 preoperative days and 3 postoperative days. 35 men took placebo, in this group acute anuria in postop period was detected in 4 patients (11.4%). All of them were over 60 years and had benign hyperplasy of the prostate, they initially had disturbances in urination (in average Qmax = 9.7 ml/sec, IPSS = 7, QOL = 3). Ischuria was absent in patients administered alpha 1-adrenoblockers. The authors suggest that probability of the development of acute retention of urine in postoperative period is higher in persons, suffering from benign hyperplasy of the prostate and in those, who have initial disturbances in urination. The use of alpha 1-adrenoblockers preoperatively and in early postoperative period allows minimizing probability of development of ischuria paradoxa in men.

The drug proskar (finasteride) belongs to 5 alpha-reductase blockers breaking the steps of prostatic adenoma pathogenesis. Proskar (Merck and Co. Inc., USA) was given to 38 patients with prostatic adenoma stage I and II (residual urine50 ml) admitted to urological clinic of the Moscow Medical Academy in 1993-1995. Daily dose was 5 mg. In patients with associated inflammation it was treated prior to proskar administration. To reject carcinoma, patients with elevated levels of prostatic specific antigen (4 ng/ml) were subjected to polyfocal biopsy of the gland. In any case, these patients received antiandrogens flutamide or androkur. Subjective response was achieved in 33 of 38 patients (86.8%). Better urination was reported in 29 patients (76.3%). Abdominal and transrectal ultrasonic scanning registered a decrease in the size of the prostate in 25 (65.8%) patients. Proskar was well tolerated, sexual disturbances occurred only in 2 patients. Proskar is effective in therapy of prostatic adenoma stage I. However, its intake must be long and regular, otherwise recurrent clinical symptoms and further growth of prostatic adenoma are possible.

The effect of prazosin on epinephrine-induced contractions of human benign prostatic hyperplasia strips was studied. It was shown that prazosin has a pronounced adrenoblocking activity (EC50 = 5.10(-9) g/ml) but fails to affect strip contractions induced by KCL. It is suggested that prazosin can be used in the treatment of patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Altogether 204 patients aged 43 to 81 were examined in the early postoperative period after adenomectomy of the prostate: 167 transvesical and 37 transureteral adenomectomies were performed. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was usually noted on the 4th-5th day after operation therefore investigations aimed at its detection, were conducted at that time. Passive VUR was detected in 72 patients, active VUR in 31 patients. Both passive and active VUR were diagnosed in 23 patients. Passive VUR was detected by means of routine cystography, X-ray TV cystography, direct radionuclide cystography and ultrasonic investigation. The presence of VUR in ultrasonic investigation was established by the signs of dilatation of renal pelves and calyces in filling in of the bladder with antiseptic solution. Ultrasonic investigation made it possible to diagnose VUR of III-IV degree. Its sensitivity was 32%. The sensitivity of direct radionuclide cystography was 92%, that of cystography 51%. Active VUR was detected by miction cystography and X-ray TV miction cystography on the day of removal of drainage tubes from the bladder. The sensitivity of these two methods was 57 and 100%, respectively. Unlike the radionuclide and ultrasonic methods, these two methods made it possible to assess the state of the bladder cervix and urethra. The authors proposed an optimum sequence of the use of diagnostic methods for early detection of VUR and prevention of severe complications.