Biometric Characteristics in Eyes with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Eyes with Acute Angle Closure

Purpose@#To investigate the biometric characteristics of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) according to the anterior chamber depth (ACD) by comparing them to patients with acute angle closure (AAC) and a control group. @*Methods@#A total of 130 eyes of 121 subjects (PEX, 49 eyes; AAC, 28 eyes; and control, 53 eyes) were included in the study. Axial length (AL), ACD, and lens thickness (LT) were measured with an IOL Master® 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). The total PEX (PXall) group was divided into a PEX with deep ACD group (PXd) and a shallow ACD group (PXs) based on an ACD of 2.70 mm. We compared the biometric results among the PXall, PXd, PXs, AAC, and control groups. @*Results@#There was no significant difference in AL between the PXall and control groups; however, the PXall group had a shallower ACD and thicker lenses. After dividing the PXall group into two groups based on ACD, the PXd group showed no difference in LT compared to the control group (p = 0.113). The LT of the PXs group was thicker than those of the PXd and control groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The PXs group had longer ALs than the AAC group (p = 0.025); however, there was no difference in LT or in the ratio of LT to AL (p = 0.222 and p = 0.076, respectively). @*Conclusions@#The biometric characteristics were different in eyes with PEX based on ACD. PEX patients with deep ACDs showed no difference in biometry compared to the control group; however, PEX patients with shallow ACDs showed characteristics of a thick LT, similar to AAC patients. There was no difference in the ratio of LT to AL among groups.

Association between Health Behaviors and a Family History of Cancer among Korean Women / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the health-related behaviors related to a family history of cancer (FHCA) among Korean women underwent cancer screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 8,956 women who underwent cancer screenings during 2001-2011 at the National Cancer Center, Korea, were analyzed. The association between health-related behaviors and a FHCA were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared to women with no FHCA, women with FHCA were more likely to smoke (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.65), to be exposed to passive smoking (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.65), and less likely to engage in regular exercise (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.41). Combined effects of selected health behaviors for FHCA were significant, although no statistically significant interactions were observed between selected health behaviors. Compared to women with no FHCA, women with FHCA were more likely to simultaneously smoke and be exposed to passive smoking (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.31) and to simultaneously smoke and be physically inactive (aOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.64). CONCLUSION: The study found that women with a FHCA exhibited unhealthy behaviors compared to women without FHCA. Higher emphasis on lifestyle modifications using a new standardized tool is strongly recommended for those with a FHCA, as well as individuals who are at high risk, together with their family members.

Maternal and grandmaternal obesity and environmental factors as determinants of daughter's obesity

Obesity may be the consequence of various environmental or genetic factors, which may be highly correlated with each other. We aimed to examine whether grandmaternal and maternal obesity and environmental risk factors are related to obesity in daughters. Daughters (n = 182) recruited from female students, their mothers (n = 147) and their grandmothers (n = 67) were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the daughter's obesity and maternal, grandmaternal, and environmental factors. Maternal heights of 161-175cm (OD: 8.48, 95% CI: 3.61-19.93) and 156-160 cm (2.37, 1.14-4.91) showed positive associations with a higher height of daughter, compared to those of 149-155 cm. Mothers receiving a university or a higher education had a significant OR (3.82, 1.27-11.50) for a higher height of daughter compared to those having a low education (elementary school). Mother having the heaviest weight at current time (59-80 kg, 3.78, 1.73-8.28) and the heaviest weight at 20 years of age (51-65 kg, 3.17, 1.53-6.55) had significant associations with a higher height of daughters, compared to those having the lightest weight at the same times. There was no association between the height, weight, and BMI of daughters and the characteristics and education of her grandmothers. In conclusion, although genetic factors appear to influence the daughter's height more than environmental factors, the daughter's weight appears to be more strongly associated with individual factors than the genetic factors.

Development of a Korean Diet Score (KDS) and its application assessing adherence to Korean healthy diet based on the Korean Food Guide Wheels

The most critical point in the assessment of adherence to dietary guidelines is the development of a practical definition for adherence, such as a dietary pattern score. The purpose of this study was to develop the Korean Diet Score (KDS) based on the Korean Food Balance Wheel and to examine the association of KDS with various lifestyle characteristics and biochemical factors. The dietary data of 5,320 subjects from the 4th Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were used for the final analysis. The food guide was composed of six food group categories; 'grain dishes', 'fish and meat dishes', 'vegetable dishes', 'fruits', 'milk' and 'oils and sugars'. Based on the recommended serving numbers for each group, the scores measuring adherence to this food guide were calculated from the dietary information from the 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire, and then its correlation with various characteristics was assessed. KDS was significantly associated with several clinical, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors as well as diagnosed disease history. The higher quintile group of KDS showed a significantly lower level in fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, current smoking and drinking as well as higher leisure time activity, house income and education. Furthermore, the KDS quintile group of women was inversely associated with hypertension, osteoporosis and diabetes. A higher KDS quintile was characterized with a higher intake of several critical nutrients, such as Ca, Fe and vitamins as well as a desirable nutrition balance such as the ratio of macronutrients. Our results demonstrate that KDS is a beneficial tool in assessing the adherence to a healthy diet based on the Korean dietary guidelines. We suggest that KDS could be a useful indicator for evaluating the dietary balance of the Korean population.

Identification of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Expression in Peripheral Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients: A Preliminary Study

PURPOSE: Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a kind of transcriptional repressor, is reportedly over-expressed in metastatic prostate cancer. In this study, we analyzed EZH2 mRNA in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood as a biomarker in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ber-EP4 coated immunomagnetic beads were used to harvest CTCs, and mRNA was isolated by oligo- dT conjugated immunomagnetic beads. Reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction for EZH2 mRNA was performed and the expression density was measured. The sensitivity of this test for detection of EZH2 mRNA was determined by serial dilutions of a human prostate cancer cell line. Blood samples were collected from 20 patients each with metastatic or localized prostate cancer and 10 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Sensitivity experiments showed that the test was highly sensitive as it could detect 10 tumor cells per 5mL. EZH2 mRNA expression was obtained from peripheral blood samples of patients and control subjects. EZH2 mRNA expression density in the metastatic prostate cancer group was significantly higher than in the control (p=0.023) and localized prostate cancer groups (p=0.019). There was no difference between the control and localized prostate cancer groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EZH2 mRNA expression in circulating epithelial cells represents a promising marker for detecting early metastasis in prostate cancer. However, more specific and sensitive techniques for detection of CTCs are needed to avoid mononuclear cell contamination.

Prognostic factors of cervical cancer stage IB2 treated surgically / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to identify pathologic and clinical risk factors that predicted survival in cervical cancer stage IB2 patients treated surgically. METHODS: The records of 52 patients with cervical cancer IB2 who underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection from 1997 to 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and pathologic variables included age, tumor size (TS), histologic type, involvement of resection margin, parametrium invasion, lymph node metastasis (LN), lymph-vascular space invasion, depth of invasion, treatment modality and adjuvant radiation therapy (RTx). Survival analyses were performed by the Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. Independent prognostic factors were determined by Cox's proportional hazards model. RESULTS: In the present study, median follow up was 46.5 months. With regard to the 2-year disease free survival rate and the 5-year survival rate, univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in subgroups according to age, histologic type, resection margin, parametrium, lymph-vascular space invasion, depth of invasion and treatment modality. Tumor size (p=0.0024), lymph node metastasis (p=0.0007) and radiation therapy (p=0.0398) significantly affected the 2-year disease free survival rate in univariate analysis. They (TS: p=0.0001, LN: p=0.0023, RTx: p=0.0428) also significantly affected 5-year survival rate in univariate analysis. Tumor size (RR 35.87, CI 2.94-438.26, p=0.01) and lymph node metastasis (RR 16.6, CI 1.36-202.05, p=0.03) affected 5-year survival rate in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In patients with cervical cancer stage IB2 who underwent operation regardless adjuvant radiation therapy, the important independent prognostic factors were tumor size and LN metastasis.

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus during Pregnancy / 대한주산의학회잡지

A herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) during pregnancy has been a rare occurrence with a reported incidence of 1:10,000 case. It is hard to diagnose because of the potentially hazardous effect of ionizing radiation to the fetus when complaining back pain during pregnancy. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide safe and useful modality and in general, back pain usually respond readily to conservative treatment. Cauda equina syndrome or severe and/or progressive neurologic deficit is a medical emergency that necessitates prompt surgery during pregnancy. She admitted at 31 weeks gestation for sudden development of right leg paresthesia and ankle motor weakness, an MRI showing compression on right nerve root at the level of L5~S1. After 4 weeks treated with bed rest and analgesics, we delivered by cesarean section and laminectomy at the same time. We have experienced a pregnancy with HNP, so report of this case with brief review of literature.

The Effect of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor on the Gene Expression Profile of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine-induced Rat Urinary Bladder Cancer / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 plays an important role in promoting cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis in human bladder cancer. In this study, we investigated the antitumor or antiangiogenic effects of selective COX-2 inhibitor on N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN)-induced rat bladder tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Fischer 344 rats (control) were given only 0.05% BBN, while 40 rats (experimental) were administered 1,500mg/ kg celecoxib once daily and this treatment started from 1 week before their BBN treatment. Ten rats from the control groups and the experimental groups were then sacrificed at 4, 12, 16 and 24 weeks after BBN treatment. We observed all the bladders macroscopically as well as microscopically, and we measured the COX-2 expression in the bladder tissues. Utilizing a cDNA microarray, we analyzed the significant differences of gene expression between the 12 week-control group and the 12 week-experimental group. RESULTS: The incidence of tumor was lower in the experimental group than in the control group from week 12 to week 24. The COX-2 expressions were more significantly decreased via the BBN induction (p<0.05) in the experimental groups than in the control groups after 4 weeks. For the 12 week-experimental group, there were 15 genes altered by the administration of selective COX-2 inhibitor, and the selective COX-2 inhibitor especially regulated transgelin, membrane metallo endopeptidase and apolipoprotein E of these 15 genes to prevent the incidence of bladder tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Selective COX-2 inhibitor has an inhibitory effect on BBN-induced rat bladder tumorigenesis. In the pre-neoplastic phase, selective COX-2 inhibitor regulates transgelin, membrane metallo endopeptidase and apolipoprotein E to prevent the incidence of bladder tumor.

The Effects of GAC on the Biochemical Profiles and Quality of Life of Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: In order to evaluate the effects of GAC, which is the combination of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) and genistein combined polysaccharide (GCP), we investigated the changes in the biochemical profiles and the quality of life of prostate cancer patients with androgen suppression after the administration of GAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two eligible metastatic prostate cancer patients between the ages of 54 and 84 were enrolled in this study, and they were supplemented with 5g GAC per day (n=23) or placebo (n=9) for a 6 months period. Blood and urine sample analysis were taken and the quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale Questionnaire (FACT-G) at baseline and at post intervention (after 3 and 6 months). RESULTS: Twenty six patients (n=18 in the GAC group and n=8 in the placebo group) completed the 6 months intervention. No statistically significant adverse events were reported by the study participants. GAC had no significant effect on the serum biochemical parameters. However, all 7 GAC-treated hypercholesterolemic patients had their cholesterol level decreased after 3 months treatment (p<0.02). Results of Comet assay showed significant decreases in tail moment (p<0.009) and tail length (p<0.004) at 6 months compared to baseline for the GAC group. Although the results of the VAS were inconsistent, the score for physical well-being was increased in GAC group on the FACT-G analysis (p<0.05 between baseline and 3 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of GAC 5g per day for 6 months showed a decrease in DNA damage of blood lymphocytes and in the total serum cholesterol level in hypercholesterolemic patients without any significant influences on the serum biochemical parameters of the metastatic prostate cancer patients. Further studies on the role of GAC are necessary to clarify the advantage of GAC supplementation in prostate cancer patients with androgen suppression.

The Effect of Isoflavone Intake on Serum Biochemical Profiles and Antioxidant System in Patients with Prostatic Diseases / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: There is growing evidence that soy isoflavones exert estrogenic activity and inhibitory effects of steroid metabolizing enzymes. The present preclinical study was undertaken to evaluate the short term effects of isoflavone supplementation on serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), lipid profile and the antioxidant system in elderly men with prostate diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, excluding those taking drugs that might influence the serum biochemical profiles and 10 metastatic prostate cancer (PC) patients were recruited. The patients were supplemented with soy isoflavones (150mg/day) for 2 months, after which blood was collected for analysis of the serum biochemical profiles. In the PC groups, the total antioxidant status (TAS) and comet assay were performed for evaluation of the antioxidant system. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline, the total cholesterol was significantly decreased in both the BPH and PC groups (p=0.034 and 0.032, respectively). The WBC was significantly increased in the BPH group (p=0.009), but the Hb, platelets, RBC, ALP, BUN/creatinine, GOT and GPT were unchanged in both groups. The PSA was decreased in both groups, but without statistical significance. However, the TAS levels in the 5 PC patients with a low baseline were increased. The Comet assay resulted revealed no change in the tail moment, but the tail length was significantly decreased (p=0.043) in the PC group. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical study suggests that short-term isoflavone supplementation has no harmful effects on the biochemical profiles. Although it may not regulate the PSA level completely, it showed improvements in the lipid profile and antioxidant system that might affect the biological progression of prostate disease. To assess whether soy isoflavone may be used in controlling human prostate disease, a long-term placebo controlled additional trial is warranted.

Perinatal Outcomes of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome according to Clinical Stage based on Sonographic findings / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: After classifing the twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) according to clinical stage by Quintero, we reviewed effectiveness and usefulness of clinical stage by Quintero in diagnosis and treatment of TTTS. METHODS: Twelve cases (16%) were diagnosed as TTTS among 75 examples (31.3%) of monochorionic twin pregnancy out of 240 cases of twin pregnancy born in our hospital between Mach 2000 and June 2004. For TTTS, the clinical stage was decided at the time of initial diagnosis, and any changes of it were observed according to the developments of pregnancy. Neonate was regarded as alive when 5 minutes Apgar score was above 7 after birth. Also we observed the vascular anastomosis of placenta, and classified the method of treatments and its results according to each clinical stage. RESULTS: Two cases were classified into the clinical stage 1 through 4 each, and 4 cases in the clinical stage 5. The higher the clinical stage, the shorter the duration between diagnosis and delivery (p<0.05). In cases of both survivors, compared to no survivors, the interval between diagnosis and delivery were long (p<0.05). In the clinical stage 4 and 5, we found many cases that didn't have placental vascular anastomosis between artery and artery, and in this case, there revealed poor perinatal outcomes. For 4 cases that fell in the clinical stage 1 and 2 and 4, we performed amnioreduction and for one case in the clinical stage 2, we did amnioseptostomy at the same time. In 4 cases with amnioreduction or amnioseptostomy, survival rate was 38%. CONCLUSION: The clinical classification system of TTTS by ultrasound would be helpful for planning treatments and also for predicting the outcomes.

Anti-angiogenic Effect of Selective Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor(ZD1839) against Murine Renal Cell Carcinoma Orthotopic Model / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: ZD1839(IressaTM) is a selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI) known to block the cell signaling pathway. However, the effect of ZD1839 in relation to renal cell carcinoma, which is highly angiogenic, has not been reported. Using an orthotopic model of murine renal cell carcinoma(Renca), we evaluated the inhibitory effect of ZD1839 on tumor growth and angiogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renca cells (1x10(4)cells/10microliter) were first adsorbed in Gelfoam and were implanted into the balb/cj mouse kidney followed by obturation with the agarose bar. Then, tumor formation was assessed every week for 4 weeks. IC50 was obtained for ZD1839 and genistein in vitro. 7 days after the implantation, the mice were divided into three groups, and normal saline, ZD1839(40mg/kg/day), and genistein (80mg/kg/day) were subcutaneously injected for 14 days. 21 days after the implantation, the mice were sacrificed, and tumor volume measurement and analysis of microvessel density(MVD) were performed using the factor VIII-related antigen and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). RESULTS: Renca tumors, which formed in the renal parenchyme and had a circular shape, reached the peak growth velocity between 14 and 21 days. MVD was the highest at 14 days of implantation. IC50 for ZD1839 and genistein were 4.68microM and 5.43microM, respectively. Tumor growth after the treatment with ZD1839 and genstein was inhibited by 86%(p<0.01) and 49%(p<0.05), respectively, compared to the control. MVD of ZD1839 and genistein-treated groups were 50%(p<0.01) and 29%(p<0.05) lower, respectively, and VEGF levels were 24%(p<0.05) and 27%(p<0.05) lower, respectively, compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: This orthotopic implantation method of the Renca cell is an effective model for demonstrating the effect of an angiogenesis inhibitor. Our results suggest that the anti-angiogenesis effect of ZD1839 in the Renca orthotopic implantation model partially contributes to the tumor growth inhibition, and that ZD1839 may be more effective than genistein in the tumor growth regulation through the inhibition of angiogenesis.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor Delayed the Tumorigenesis of N-Butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine-induced Rat Urinary Bladder Cancer Model / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in promoting cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis in human bladder cancer. The selective COX-2 inhibitor has antitumor activities in vivo and in vitro in a variety of tumor types. In this study, the antitumor or antiangiogenic effects of selective COX-2 inhibitor on N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine-induced rat bladder tumorigenesis were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Fischer 344 rats (Control group) were given only 0.05% BBN in water ad libitum, while 40 others (Experimental group) were administered 1,500mug/kg celecoxib once daily through the gavage tube, which started 1 week before the BBN treatment. Ten rats were used as the normal bladder. Ten rats from the control and experimental group were sacrificed 4, 12, 16, and 24 weeks after the start of the BBN treatment. All bladders were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. We also measured COX-2 expression, microvessel density (MVD), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein concentrations in the bladder tissues. RESULTS: Macroscopically and microscopically, the incidence of tumor was lower in the experimental group than in the control group from the 12th week to the 24th week. Each incidence of tumor in week 12, week 16, and week 24 was 20%, 50%, and 80% in the control group and 0%, 20%, and 40% in the experimental group, respectively. In both the control and experimental groups, COX-2 expression had a tendency to be concentrated in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of the papillary tumor and the endothelial cells adjacent to the vessel the basal layer of bladder. COX-2 and VEGF expression were significantly more decreased in the experimental groups than in the control groups after 4 weeks from the BBN induction (p<0.05). MVD was significantly decreased in the experimental group at week 16 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The selective COX-2 inhibitor has an inhibitory effect on BBN-induced rat bladder tumorigenesis because of its partially antiangiogenic properties. In the future, the selective COX-2 inhibitor could be expected to play an important role as a chemo-preventive agent and as therapeutic aids in bladder cancer if these inhibitory effects can be reproduced in human bladder tumorigenesis.

Expression of Heme Oxygenase-2 and Smooth Muscle Relaxation by Carbon Monoxide in Rat Prostate: Effects of Age and Castration / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Carbon monoxide (CO), as well as nitric oxide (NO), have been proposed as potential effectors in the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC), nerve-mediated relaxation of the prostate. Attempts were made to determine the localization and expression of heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2), and to observe the change in the relaxation of the smooth muscle induced by CO, depending on age and castration, in rat prostate glands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prostate smooth muscles, isolated from young (125+/-4.5g, n=18), adult (321+/-17.8g, n=18), old (413+/-6.4g, n=18) and castrated adult (318+/-15.2g, n=18) rats, were used. The HO-2 immunohistochemistry was observed using the rabbit anti-HO-2 polyclonal antibody. The expressions of HO-2 were measured by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. Polygraphy, connecting the force displacement transducer, was used to observe the relaxation effect of CO. To investigate the relaxation action of the CO mediated, to the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) enzyme inhibitors, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and methylene blue were added to the reaction solutions. RESULTS: The HO-2 was located in the nerve fibers of the rat prostates. A quantitative analysis of PCR products revealed greater decreased levels of HO-2 mRNA and protein expression in the young (p<0.05) and castrated adults (p<0.05) than in the normal adult rats. The relaxation effect of CO was greater in the adult than in the young (p<0.05), old and castrated adult rats (p<0.05), but the effect was inhibited by the addition of ODQ and methylene blue in all groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CO has an effect on the relaxation of rat prostate smooth muscle. The expression of HO-2 in the prostate became higher with increasing age, so it is estimated the relaxation effect of CO in the older adults will be higher than with the other ages. Androgen deprivation decreases relaxation effect of CO in prostate smooth muscle.

Expression of Neuroendocrine Cells in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and the Effect of Dihydrotestosterone / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Neuroendocrine (NE) cells of the prostate are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). By a comparative analysis of NE cell density in BPH tissue of men who were either exposed to or not exposed to 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, we investigated the relationship between NE cells and BPH, and the effect of androgen deprivation on NE cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prostate tissue specimens, obtained from 30 men by transurethral resection of the prostate or radical cystoprostatectomy, were used. Of the 30 patients, 10 had a prostate smaller than 25 ml (normal control), the other 20 had a prostate larger than 40ml, 10 of who had taken 5alpha-reductase inhibitor (finasteride) for 3 months before surgery (androgen blockade group), and 10 who had not (BPH group). The distribution of NE cells in the prostate was examined using the anti-chromogranin A (CgA) antibody, and the density of the CgA-positive cells was compared by an optical dissector method. Immunoblotting was performed using the neuron specific enolase (NSE) antibody. A Mann-Whitney U test was used in a statistical analysis. RESULTS: Most of the CgA-positive NE cells were localized between the acinar epithelial cells. The mean numbers of CgA-positive NE cells per acinus in the normal controls and the BPH groups were 1.67+/-0.78 and 4.45+/-2.54, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). However, the mean number of CgA-positive NE cells in the androgen blockade group, was 4.93+/-2.17, which was similar to the BPH group. In a NSE immunoblotting study, a distinct band was observed in the BPH and androgen blockade groups, but the density of the band was higher in the androgen blockade group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that NE cells may be involved in the hyperplastic process of BPH. Inhibition of dihydrotestosterone, caused by the oral administration of the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, failed to induce any significant change in the NE cells, probably due to the incomplete androgen blockade.