Positive Correlation between Androgen Receptor CAG Repeat Length and Metabolic Syndrome in a Korean Male Population

PURPOSE: In epidemiological studies, there are various associations of androgen receptor (AR) CAG with several diseases or phenotypes. However, the relationship between CAG repeat length and metabolic syndrome (MS) remains unclear, especially in Asian populations. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between AR CAG repeat length polymorphism and MS in a Korean male population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored the relationship between AR CAG repeat length polymorphism and MS in a Korean male population (n=337) from 2013 to 2014. AR CAG repeat were determined by microsatellite fragment sizing. Components of MS and laboratory data (lipid profile, fasting glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)) were analyzed with AR CAG repeat length. RESULTS: The mean AR CAG repeat length was 22.3±4.7. Sixty-nine men (20.5%) were diagnosed with MS. Men with MS showed significantly longer AR CAG repeat lengths compared with men without MS (26.2 vs. 21.4, p < 0.001). With increasing CAG repeat, the number of components meeting the NCEP criteria increased significantly. AR CAG repeat length was associated significantly with high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride, and HbA1c levels. In the multivariate analysis, CAG repeat length, waist circumference, and levels of HDL were independently associated with MS. (odds ratio (OR)=1.37, 1.19 and 0.90, p < 0.001, 0.045, and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AR CAG repeat length was associated with MS and laboratory test results, such as those for HDL, triglycerides, and HbA1c, in Korean males. Longer CAG repeat length was identified as a risk factor for MS in Korean males.

Endoscopic Subureteral Injection for the Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children: Polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique(R)) versus Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer (Deflux(R))

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare cure rates and complications of polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique(R)) and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux(R)) in the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2001 to March 2008, 29 boys and 42 girls (total of 115 ureters) with a mean age of 6 years who had undergone endoscopic subureteral transurethral injection for VUR were enrolled. A single subureteral injection of Macroplastique was performed in 31 ureters in 23 children (group I; grade II: 4; grade III: 12; grade IV: 9; grade V: 6), and a single subureteral injection of Deflux was performed in 84 ureters in 48 children (group II; grade II: 24; grade III: 14; grade IV: 25; grade V: 21). Renal ultrasound was done 1 day after injection, and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was done at 3 months. Successful reflux correction was defined as absent or grade I reflux on follow-up VCUG. RESULTS: No significant difference in success rates was observed between group I and group II [80.6% (25/31) vs. 78.6% (66/84), respectively, p>0.05]. The following postoperative complications developed: ureteral obstruction in 2 ureters of group I and 3 ureters of group II, asymptomatic urinary tract infection in 3 patients of group I and 2 patients of group II, and bladder calcification by erosion or mucosal necrosis in 2 patients of group I. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in material properties, both Macroplastique and Deflux were safe for the treatment of children with VUR. Because of the risk of bladder mucosal necrosis and substantial decreases in volume after implantation, long-term follow-up is required.

The Efficacy and Safety of Tamsulosin 0.2mg/day on Sexual Function in BPH: A Multicenter Open-label, Non-comparative, 3 Months Observational, Phase IV Prospective Study / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin, 0.2mg/day on sexual function in Korean BPH patients. Patients and Methods: 116 patients (mean age: 60 yrs) with BPH were enrolled in this study and 0.2mg of tamsulosin was administrated every night for 3 months. Primary efficacy was evaluated with changes of IIEF and GEQ. Secondary efficacy parameters were changes of IPSS and QoL, uroflowmetry, changes of total IIEF and IIEF domain score according to the severity of IPSS, and retrograde ejaculation. RESULTS: Before treatment, patients of moderate IPSS (8-19) and severe IPSS (20-35) were 56% and 44% and QoL3 were 33.6% and 66.4%. In primary efficacy evaluation, total IIEF score was significantly increased from 37.0+/- 18.2 to 40.5+/- 18.9 (p<0.01). All domains of IIEF except orgasmic function were significantly improved. GEQ showed improvement of erection in 34.4% and intercourse ability in 30.1%. In secondary efficacy evaluation, IPSS was significantly decreased from 18.4+/- 6.9 to 12.9+/- 6.7 (p<0.01) and QoL was significantly improved from 3.8+/- 1.1 to 2.7+/- 1.4 (p<0.01). Qmax significantly increased from 14.2+/- 8.3 to 16.5+/- 11.3 ml/sec (p<0.01). Total IIEF score and EF domain score were significantly improved from 36.8+/- 18.5 to 41.8+/- 19.1 (p<0.01) and from 13.0+/- 7.1 to 14.7+/- 7.9 (p<0.01) in patients of moderate IPSS but no improvement in severe patients. Retrograde ejaculation occurred in 2 patients (2%). No serious adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin, 0.2mg/day was effective and safe dose for the improvement of LUTS and sexual function for Korean BPH/LUTS patients.

Risk Factors of the Infectious Complications and Causative Microorganisms after Transrectal Ultrasound-guided Prostate Needle Biopsy / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy (TRUS-PBx) is the standard procedure to diagnose prostate cancer. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of infectious complications, the species cultured and rates of resistance for antibiotics of microorganism in infectious complications after TRUS-PBx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 742 patients who underwent TRUS-PBx from January 2004 to May 2007. All patients were treated with intravenous ciprofloxacin and oral ciprofloxacin for 1 week after discharge. Patients who presented infectious complications were performed chest x-ray, blood analysis, urine analysis and culture studies. RESULTS: Among 742 patients, 15 patients (2.0%) developed infectious complications. There were no significant differences between the complication and non-complications groups in age, PSA, prostate volume, nodule, hypoechoic lesion on transrectal sonography and underlying medical diseases. Twelve cases were performed in outpatient department and 3 cases were in operation room and that suggests high frequency of infectious complication when transrectal prostate biopsy is performed in outpatient department (p=0.007). Six kinds of microorganisms were cultivated in 12 patients (1.9%). E. coli (7/12) was most common. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase suggesting nosocomial infection was positive in 3 cases of outpatient department. On logistic regression analysis, urethral catheter indwelling was a significant risk factor increasing infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: After TRUS-PBx, the rate of severe infectious complications and nosocomial infections were more frequent in outpatient department. And urethral catheter indwelling significantly increased infectious complication rate. So we should sublate the urethral catheter and keep in mind the aseptic technique at outpatient department.