Increased peripheral CD4[+] CD25[high] Treg in prostate cancer patients is correlated with PSA

To determine peripheral frequencies of CD4[+]CD25[high]Foxp3[+] regulatory T cells [Treg] in prostate cancer [PCa] patients, and to investigate if there is a correlation between peripheral Treg and total serum prostate specific antigen [PSA] levels in PCa patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 56 subjects undergoing diagnostic prostate biopsies PSA >/= 2.5ng/ml were analyzed for Treg numbers. Association between the peripheral Treg and serum PSA values was first determined in the entire population, including people with no prostate pathology, PCa, and benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH] patients, and second, in 9 PCa patients before and after curative prostatectomy. In this study, the 3 groups were compared. This project was performed in the Akdeniz University Immunology laboratory, and the Urology outpatient clinic, Antalya, Turkey from December 2008 to January 2010. Peripheral Treg frequencies were significantly increased in the PCa patients [n=19, 3.23 +/- 1.59] compared with BPH patients [n=27, 1.66 +/- 0.80], and healthy subjects [n=10, 1.08 +/- 0.43] [p=0.007]. The percentage of Treg in BPH patients was also significantly higher than healthy subjects [p=0.007]. The increase of Treg in BPH and PCa patients was positively correlated with total serum PSA levels [r=0.75; p=0.007]. Peripheral Treg densities are correlated with PSA in BPH and PCa patients, suggesting that PSA may have a role in Treg induction and/or maintenance

Role of Scheimpflug imaging in the diagnosis and management of keratitis caused by caterpillar seta

A 16-year-old boy presented with a history of an accidental hit to the left eye by a butterfly [Lepidoptera]. One seta fragment was found to be embedded into the cornea and inflammation secondary to penetration of caterpillar seta was seen around the seta fragment. Scheimpflug imaging was performed in the area showing caterpillar seta. Corneal infiltration was imaged as a hyper-reflective area. Lesion dimensions were measured with calipers. Scheimpflug imaging is a potential tool for localization of corneal lesions, monitoring the progress of the injury and evaluating the treatment response objectively

Recent neuroanatomical studies on the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves: clinical reflections on radical prostatectomy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves have been used to describe the same structure ever since the publication of the first studies on the neuroanatomy of the lower urogenital tract of men, studies that were prompted by postoperative complications arising from radical prostatectomy. In urological surgery every effort is made to preserve or restore the neurovascular bundle of the prostate to avoid erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the postoperative potency rates are yet to be satisfactory despite all advancements in radical prostatectomy technique. As the technology associated with urological surgery develops and topographical studies on neuroanatomy are cultivated, new observations seriously challenge the classical teachings on the topography of the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and the cavernosal nerves. The present review revisits the classical and most recent data on the topographical anatomy of the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves and their implications on radical prostatectomy techniques.

Evaluation of penile hemodynamic status and adjustment of treatment alternatives in Peyronie's disease / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>Erectile dysfunction may be observed in up to 80% of patients with Peyronie's disease. An objective evaluation of the erectile function is attempted to work out in patients with Peyronie's disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Penile deformity, sexual function and penile vascular status were analyzed in 123 patients with Peyronie's disease, who had not received any pertinent treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Penile deformity, palpable plaque and pain on erection were seen in 112 (91%), 97 (78.8%) and 27 (21.9%) of the 123 patients, respectively. Of the 76 patients evaluated by color Doppler ultrasounography, veno-occlusive dysfunction as the vascular component for erectile dysfunction was found in 17 (22.3%), arterial insufficiency in 10 (13.1%) and a mixed picture in 23 (30.2%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The documentation of penile erectile function and the determination of the vascular status using color Doppler ultrasonography can guide the appropriate therapeutic choice.</p>