Impact of Treatment With Statins on Prostate-Specific Antigen and Prostate Volume in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: We investigated the impact on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume (PV) of statin medication for 1 year in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 791 patients in whom BPH was diagnosed. For analysis, the patients were divided into four groups according to their medications: group A, alpha-blocker; group B, alpha-blocker+statin; group C, alpha-blocker+dutasteride; group D, alpha-blockers+statin+dutasteride. To investigate changes in serum PSA, PV, and total cholesterol, we analyzed the data at the time of initial treatment and after 1 year of medication. RESULTS: After 1 year, group A showed a 1.3% increase in PSA and a 1.0% increase in PV. Group B showed a 4.3% decrease in PSA and a 1.8% decrease in PV. The difference in PV reduction between groups A and B was statistically significant (p<0.001). Group C showed a 49.1% reduction in PSA and a 22.9% reduction in PV. Group D showed a 51.6% reduction in PSA and a 24.5% reduction in PV. The difference in PV reduction between groups C and D was not statistically significant (p=0.762). By use of a multivariate logistic regression model, we found that the probability of PV reduction after 1 year was more than 14.8 times in statin users than in statin nonusers (95% confidence interval, 5.8% to 37.6%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Statin administration reduced PSA and PV in BPH patients. This finding may imply the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms and prevention of cardiovascular disease and chemoprevention of prostate cancer with statin treatment.

Wilms' Tumor in a Horseshoe Kidney

The incidence of horseshoe kidney is about 1 in 400 cases. The presence of Wilms' tumor with a horseshoe kidney is unusual, and the occurrence of Wilms' tumor in a horseshoe kidney is estimated at 0.4 to 0.9% of all Wilms' tumors. We report the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with a stage IV Wilms' tumor in a horseshoe kidney. The patient was treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. This case illustrates the role of preoperative chemotherapy for preserving renal function and aims to highlight the multimodality treatment of Wilms' tumor.

Tumor Establishment Features of Orthotopic Murine Bladder Cancer Models

PURPOSE: Animal tumor models are important for the evaluation of novel therapeutic modalities. Since the initial report of an orthotopic bladder tumor model, several modifications have been proposed to improve the tumor take rate. Here we compared the HCl-pretreated and electrocauterization-pretreated orthotopic murine bladder tumor models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MBT-2 murine bladder cancer cells were transurethrally implanted in the bladder of syngeneic C3H/He mice. The mice were divided into three groups according to pretreatment methods (electrocautery, HCl, and control group) and were subjected to pretreatment before instillation of MBT-2 tumor cells into the bladder. Mice were sacrificed on day 21, and bladders were harvested, weighed, and examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The tumor take rate of the control, electrocautery, and HCl groups was 0%, 54%, and 100%, respectively. The tumor take rate of the HCl group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01) and the electrocautery group (p=0.01). Pathologic reports revealed that all established bladder tumors were high-grade papillary urothelial carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: The HCl pretreatment model was a preferable murine bladder tumor model for evaluating further therapeutic interventions.

Efficacy and Safety of Tamsulosin for the Treatment of Non-neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction in Females: A 8-Week Prospective Study

We evaluated the therapeutic effects of tamsulosin for women with non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Women who had voiding dysfunctions for at least 3 months were included. Inclusion criteria were age > or =18 yr, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of > or =15, and maximum flow rate (Q(max)) of > or =12 mL/sec and/or postvoid residuals (PVR) of > or =150 mL. Patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction or anatomical bladder outlet obstruction were excluded. All patients were classified according to the Blaivas-Groutz nomogram as having no or mild obstruction (group A) or moderate or severe obstruction (group B). After 8 weeks of treatment, treatment outcomes and adverse effects were evaluated. One hundred and six patients were evaluable (70 in group A, 36 in group B). After treatments, mean IPSS, bother scores, Q(max), PVR, diurnal and nocturnal micturition frequencies and scored form of the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire (BFLUTS-SF) were changed significantly. Eighty-nine patients (84%) reported that the treatment was beneficial. The proportion of patients reported that their bladder symptoms caused "moderate to many severe problems" were significantly decreased. No significant difference were observed between the groups in terms of IPSS, bother score, Q(max), PVR, micturition frequency, and BFLUTS-SF changes. Adverse effects related to medication were dizziness (n=3), de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (n=3), aggravation of underlying SUI (n=1), fatigue (n=1). Tamsulosin was found to be effective in female patients with voiding dysfunction regardless of obstruction grade.

The Effects of Anthropometric Factors and Serologic Factors of the Metabolic Syndrome on Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels in Korean Men

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of anthropometric and serological parameters on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in Korean men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 92,891 healthy Korean men who visited our health promotion center for a general health checkup. The mean age of the participants was 42.6 years (range, 20-77 years). Exclusion criteria were a serum PSA level over 4.0 ng/dl or pyuria on urinalysis (>5 white blood cells/high power field). All participants were evaluated for several anthropometric factors (height, weight, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index [BMI], body surface area [BSA], fat mass, body fat percentage, and lean body mass) and for serologic parameters including components of the metabolic syndrome (fasting blood sugar, triglyceride [TG], and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) biochemically. We analyzed the relationship between serum PSA levels and the various anthropometric and serologic parameters. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, serum PSA levels were significantly positively correlated with age and with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after adjustment for age. On the other hand, serum PSA levels were negatively correlated with height, weight, BMI, BSA, fat mass, body fat percentage, lean body mass, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and TG. In the multivariate analysis, age and LDL-cholesterol had positive correlations with serum PSA levels, but BMI, BSA, fat mass, lean body mass, and TG were negatively correlated with PSA levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the serum PSA level is significantly influenced by age, the components of metabolic syndrome (BMI, TG), and serologic parameters such as LDL-cholesterol. The normal range of serum PSA should be considered in association with metabolic syndrome and anthropometric factors as well as age.

Spontaneous Renal Artery Dissection Complicated by Renal Infarction / 대한비뇨기과학회지

A previously healthy 44-year-old woman, with no notable medical history developed left flank pain. To rule out left renal infarction, enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT) was done and a wedge shaped hypointense lesion was identified in the left posteromedial aspect of the interpolar region. Renal angiography revealed an isolated renal artery dissection that was causing renal infarction due to narrowing of the main stem of the left renal artery. The patient experienced pain with severe uncontrolled hypertension. The patient was successfully treated by percutaneous angioplasty and renal artery stenting.

Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Lymphoepithelioma was originally described as a neoplasm in the nasopharynx. Tumors with histologic features similar to those of nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma have been identified in anatomic sites other than the nasopharynx, such as the salivary gland, lung, thymus and stomach; these tumors have been termed lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma(LELC). The etiology and pathogenesis of this neoplasm in the renal pelvis is not clear. We have experienced a case of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the renal pelvis and we report here on this along with a brief review of the relevant literature.

Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Lymphoepithelioma was originally described as a neoplasm in the nasopharynx. Tumors with histologic features similar to those of nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma have been identified in anatomic sites other than the nasopharynx, such as the salivary gland, lung, thymus and stomach; these tumors have been termed lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma(LELC). The etiology and pathogenesis of this neoplasm in the renal pelvis is not clear. We have experienced a case of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the renal pelvis and we report here on this along with a brief review of the relevant literature.

The Effect of Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Prostate Biopsies on Erectile Function / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of prostate biopsies on erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty nine patients who underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy between March 2006 and September 2006 were prospectively studied. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was assessed by using the self-administered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 at the day of biopsy, and at 1 and 3 months later. The concomitant ED-related systemic disease and medications were recorded. The severity of ED was classified into 5 categories. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 57.6 years (range: 32-74). The median IIEF-5 scores at biopsy and at 1 month and 3 months after biopsy were 15.6, 14.9 and 15.1, respectively (p>0.05). At the day of the biopsies, ED was reported by 28 patients (71.79%). Concomitant ED-related systemic disease and/or the use of medications were recorded for 18 patients (46.0%). One month and 3 months after biopsies, ED was reported for 31 (79.48%) and 30 (76.92%) patients, respectively. At 1 and 3 months later, 3 previously potent (7.69%) patients and 2 previously potent (5.13%) patients reported erectile dysfunction, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TRUS-guided prostate biopsy did not statistically affect erectile dysfunction. Even so, a prospective analysis with more patients is needed and the risk of acute erectile dysfunction should be discussed with the patients undergoing TRUS.

The Efficacy of Alfuzosin for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in Young and Middle Aged Patients / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Many studies about efficacy of alpha blocker to Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS) have shown variable results. The aim of this study was to confirm the efficacy of alpha blocker in young and middle aged patients with CP/CPPS to exclude the effect of benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty seven men with CP/CPPS were randomized in a single-blind fashion, to receive either; tosufloxacin(450mg/d)(group 1; 15 patients), or; tosufloxacin(450mg/d) and alfuzosin(10mg/d)(group 2; 42 patients) for 2 months. The NIH chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function-5(IIEF-5) were used to grade the symptoms and the quality of life(QoL) impact at the start and 1 and 2 months into the study. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in relation to age, duration and sub-factor scores of IPSS, NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5 at the baseline. No statistically significant difference in the NIH- CPSI total score was seen, but the urinary and QoL factors in group 2 showed greater improvement. A statistically significant difference was seen in the IPSS total score, especially, obstructive factor in group 2 showed greater improvement. The IIEF-5 total score was seen more increase, but it wasn't significant. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of alfuzosin demonstrated improvements in the NIH-CPSI(this was not significant.) and IPSS total score. Especially voiding factors were significantly improved in relation to the NIH-CPSI and IPSS scores in the alfuzosin treatment group.

Experience of Subureteral Polydimethylsiloxane Injection Treatment in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Our data was retrospectively reviewed to assess the efficacy, safety and costs of endoscopic subureteral polydimethylsiloxane (PDS, Macroplastique(R)) injection treatment for children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1997 and May 2006, a total of 24 (29 renal units) VUR patients, whose parents showed reluctance toward open surgery, underwent subureteral PDS injection treatment. All of the patients were postoperatively assessed by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and ultrasound to evaluate any complications and reflux. The medical costs of the injection treatment were compared with those of open surgery for VUR over the same period. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 15 months (range 2-72). Of the 29 renal units treated, 24 (82.8%) were cured. Hydronephrosis, which postoperatively developed in three renal units, was spontaneously improved or resolved after minimal endourological procedures. Temporary gross hematuria and voiding difficulty occurred in one patient each, but were also improved. The total medical costs of the injection treatment were cheaper than those of open surgery (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An endoscopic subureteral PDS injection is an effective and safe procedure; in addition, compared to open surgery, is an economic treatment for children with VUR.

Porcine vesical acellular matrix graft of tunica albuginea for penile reconstruction / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To characterize the feasibility of the surgical replacement of the penile tunica albuginea (TA) and to evaluate the value of a porcine bladder acellular matrix (BAM) graft.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Acellular matrices were constructed from pigs' bladders by cell lysis, and then examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Expression levels of the mRNA of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 receptor, neuregulin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the acellular matrix and submucosa of the pigs'bladders were determined through the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A 5 mm X 5 mm square was excised from the penile TA of nine rabbits. The defective TA was then covered in porcine BAM. Equal numbers of animals were sacrificed and histochemically examined at 2, 4 and 6 months after implantation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SEM of the BAM showed collagen fibers with many pores. VEGF receptor, FGF-1 receptor and neuregulin mRNA were expressed in the porcine BAM; BDNF mRNA was not detected. Two months after implantation, the graft sites exhibited excellent healing without contracture, and the fusion between the graft and the neighboring normal TA appeared to be well established. There were no significant histological differences between the implanted tunica and the normal control tunica at 6 months after implantation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The porcine BAM graft resulted in a structure which was sufficiently like that of the normal TA. This implantation might be considered applicable to the reconstruction of the TA in conditions such as trauma or Peyronie's disease.</p>

Symptomatic Analysis of Men with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

PURPOSE: Prostatitis is an extremely common syndrome that afflicts 2~10% of men and is now classified into NIH category. Of these, NIH category III(Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, CP/CPPS) varies widely in clinical presentation and response to treatment. We evaluated the characteristic symptoms of CP/CPPS based on NIH chronic prostatitis symptom index(NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function-5(IIEF-5) for the exploration of the future prospects of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 114 subjects agreed to participate in the study. The data from 99 patients were available for evaluation. The candidates with category IIIa and IIIb chronic pelvic pain syndrome were from 3rd decade to 6th decade for exclusion of effect of BPH. The NIH-CPSI, IPSS, IIEF-5 were used to grade symptoms and the quality of life impact at the start of the study. We investigated the correlation of the each domain of the scales categorized by age, location and multiplicity of the pain, and duration of the disease. Pearson's correlation method and ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 41.1+/-8.5(3rd decade; 8 patients, 4th decade; 30, 5th decade 47, 6th decade 14). There were significant correlation between IPSS total score and urinary domain of NIH-CPSI (R=0.82), and irritative domain of IPSS and urinary domain of NIH-CPSI(R=0.76) with pearson's method. Analysis of the scores categorized by age revealed that there were no difference in 2nd, 3rd, 4th decade, but 6th decades had high IPSS total score. Analysis of the scores categorized by location and multiplicity of the pain revealed that the most common site of the pain was perineum(34.3%), and the patients who had 3 or more painful area had higher scores in all domains of CPSI and IPSS except pain domain of NIH-CPSI than the patients who had 1 painful area. Analysis of the scores categorized by duration of the disease revealed that the IPSS scores of the patients suffered during 1 year or more were higher than the patient suffered during 6months or less. There was no significant correlation between IIEF-5 and other scales. CONCLUSION: In our study there was significant correlation between urinary domain of NIH-CPSI and total score of IPSS. So, urinary domain of NIH-CPSI could be helpful index when alpha-blocker is used for the treatment of CP/CPPS. And alpha-blocker could be more effective in patients who are older and have longer duration of the disease and have multiple painful areas.

Preliminary Study of Effects of Type V Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor(Vardenafil) on Oxytocin Expression in the Rat Paraventricular Nucleus / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effects of the type 5 phosphodiesterase(PDE-5) inhibitor, vardenafil on oxytocin expression in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN) of the hypothalamus were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spargue-Dawley rats received a 2-week oral treatment with vardenafil(0.25 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or(0.5 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or(1 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or (2 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or control(n=3). Oxytocin expression in the paraventricular nucleus was measured. These experiments were performed in the absence of sexual stimulation for at least 36 hours before the experiments. RESULTS: The number of oxytocin-positive cells in the PVN was 46.88+/-15.46/section in the control group, 61.42+/-26.37/section in the 0.25 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group, 78.00+/-33.44/section in the 0.5 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group, 78.81+/-37.18/section in the 1 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group and 94.61+/-57.38/section in the 2 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group. The number of oxytocin-positive cells in the PVN increased in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Daily vardenafil administration increases expression of oxytocin in the PVN in a dose-dependent fashion in the absence of sexual stimulation. Thus, these results imply that the PDE-5 inhibitor vardenafil has a direct effect on the erectile pathway in the central nervous system in the absence of sexual stimulation.

Preliminary Study of Effects of Type V Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor(Vardenafil) on Oxytocin Expression in the Rat Paraventricular Nucleus / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effects of the type 5 phosphodiesterase(PDE-5) inhibitor, vardenafil on oxytocin expression in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN) of the hypothalamus were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spargue-Dawley rats received a 2-week oral treatment with vardenafil(0.25 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or(0.5 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or(1 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or (2 mg/kg/day oral adminstration, n=5) or control(n=3). Oxytocin expression in the paraventricular nucleus was measured. These experiments were performed in the absence of sexual stimulation for at least 36 hours before the experiments. RESULTS: The number of oxytocin-positive cells in the PVN was 46.88+/-15.46/section in the control group, 61.42+/-26.37/section in the 0.25 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group, 78.00+/-33.44/section in the 0.5 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group, 78.81+/-37.18/section in the 1 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group and 94.61+/-57.38/section in the 2 mg/kg vardenafil-treated group. The number of oxytocin-positive cells in the PVN increased in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Daily vardenafil administration increases expression of oxytocin in the PVN in a dose-dependent fashion in the absence of sexual stimulation. Thus, these results imply that the PDE-5 inhibitor vardenafil has a direct effect on the erectile pathway in the central nervous system in the absence of sexual stimulation.

The Suppressive Effect of Bovine Colostrum Combined with Antibiotics on Renal Inflammation / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Bovine colostrum contains three times more immunoglobulin than human colostrums does. We investigated the effectiveness of administering Bovine colostrum combined with antibiotics in an animal model of ascending pyelonephritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: the normal group, the non-treated control group, the Bovine colostrum administered group, the antibiotic treatment group and the combined administration of antibiotics and Bovine colostrums group. After anesthetizing, an inoculum of 1 x 10(8) colony forming units per ml of Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC 25922 strain) was instilled into the bladder through the urethra and the urethra was occluded for 4 hours. We began treatment with ciprofloxacin (15mg/kg, for 5 days, intramuscularly) alone or Bovine colostrum (6ml/kg, for 5 days, orally) alone or with combination treatment 72 hours after inoculation. The rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after infection. Both kidneys were examined pathologically. We carried bacterial culture examinations of the urine and the kidney tissue. RESULTS: As the results of examining the cultures of the urine and kidney tissues, no bacteria were cultivated in the antibiotics treatment group and the combined treatment group. 66.7% of the control group and 33.3% of the bovine colostrum treatment group had positive urine cultures and 66.7% of the control group and 41.7% of the bovine colostrum treatment group showed a positive reaction on the kidney tissue culture. The severity of pyelonephritis, as noted on the pathological examination, was highest in the control group. The combined treatment group had the lowest degree of infection among all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of bovine colostrum in combination with antibiotics can significantly reduce the inflammation associated with ascending pyelonephritis.

Ureteral Endometriosis

Endometriosis represents extrauterine nonneoplastic endometrial tissue. It is most commonly diagnosed in women of childbearing age, with a peak age of 40 to 44 years. The incidence of genitourinary involvement ranges from 1% to 2%. Ureteral endometriosis is a rare entity, and its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. We report a case of ureteral endometriosis in a 44-year-old multiparous woman with a brief review of literature.

Papillary Urothelial Tumor of Bladder in 5-year-old Girl / 대한비뇨기과학회지

The occurrence of bladder tumors in the first 2 decades of life are rare neoplasias. Transitional cell tumors of the bladder are extremely a rare clinical disease entity. Here, a case of a papillary urothelial tumor in a 5-year-old girl is reported, with a brief review of the literature. Histologically, the tumor was a solitary and papillary urothelial tumor of low malignant potential (by WHO and the ISUP).

Expression of the mRNA of Growth Factor Receptors and Neurotrophic Factors in Porcine Vesical Submucosa and Acellular Matrix / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Several naturally-derived biopolymers have been introduced as implantable biomaterial for tissue reconstruction, and some of them are already being applied in various clinical fields. They serve as backbones for the regeneration of damaged tissue. It is well known that growth factors play an important role in this process and some of the naturally- derived biopolymers were known to contain several kinds of growth factors, but there are few reports about any growth factors in the various biopolymers. We tried to confirm the existence of growth factor receptors and neurogenic factors through the expression of the mRNA from the biopolymers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladders were harvested from adult pigs. Vesical submucosa was obtained with using mechanical decellulization technique. Acellular matrices were made from pig bladder with using a cell lysis technique, and they were examined by performing scanning electron microscopy. Expression of the mRNA of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 receptor, neuregulin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the acellular matrix and the submucosa of porcine bladder were examined for via reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The ultrastructure of the acelluar matrix shows collagen fibers with many pores. The mRNA's of VEGF receptor, FGF-1 receptor and neuregulin were expressed in the porcine vesical acellular matrix, whereas BDNF was not expressed. On the other hand, none of the mRNA's examined was expressed in the porcine vesical submucosa. CONCLUSIONS: This study's results shows that several growth factors are detected in the acellular matrix of the porcine bladder. These growth factors may play an important role for the growth of tissue when it is implanted in vivo. It is also assumed that there are more growth factors in naturally-derived biopolymers, and it would be useful to investigate the undefined components of naturally-derived biopolymers for developing new and advanced polymers.

Development of Experimental Model of Chronic Renal Failure in the Rat / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: An animal model with experimental uremia is an important research tool for the study of pathophysiological events that take place during chronic renal failure. Among the several techniques of making uremic models, the two-stage 5/6 nephrectomized rat model is the most popular method, but this modality has some disadvantages. The aim of this study was to simplify the complicated method for experimental uremic animal models in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. They were divided into three groups: 20 in the experimental group, 10 in the control group, and 10 in the Sham operation group. The ligation of the left renal vessels and 2/3 right renal partial nephrectomy using the 3-0 Silk tie of renal parenchyme were performed simultaneously in the experimental group. The BUN and serum creatinine were measured in all groups in intervals of every two weeks for a total time of nine weeks after nephrectomy. The kidneys of experimental rats were harvested and analyzed histologically. RESULTS: One week after operation, BUN and creatinine of the experimental group were increased compared to the control group and Sham operation group (p<0.001). At 9 weeks, increased levels of BUN and creatinine were maintained in the experimental group (p<0.001). Histologically, fibrotic changes of partially nephrectomized kidneys and decreased numbers of microorgans, such as the glomeruli and tubules, were observed in the experimental group. Four rats (4/20) in the experimental group died during this experiment. CONCLUSIONS: To induce chronic renal failure in rats, the one-stage procedure (2/3 nephrectomy using the suture tie and ligation of contralateral renal vessels) is an acceptable method with a low mortality rate.