Detection rate and clinical pattern of prostate cancer in Kuwait: a single-center experience

To determine the detection rate and clinical pattern of prostate cancer in Kuwait. One hundred and fifty-three males suspected of having prostate cancer based on elevation of prostate-specific antigen [PSA] of more than 4 ng/ml underwent transrectal-ultrasound [TRUS]-guided needle biopsy of the prostate between January 2003 and January 2008; these formed the study group. Analysis of prostate cancer was based on age, prostate volume, PSA level and on finding any abnormality based on a combination of the diagnostic tools. A diagnosis of prostate cancer was histologically confirmed in 42 [27.4%] patients. In those aged <55, 56-65, 66-75 and >76 years, the detection rates were 16.7, 17.6, 33.3 and 40.7%, respectively. In those with prostate volumes of >71, 51-70, 31-50 and <30 g, the detection rates were 18.2, 23.8, 30.8 and 42.9%, respectively. When the PSA levels were divided into groups of 4-10, 10-20, 20-100 and >100 ng/ml, the cancer detection rate was 11.8, 20.5, 47.1 and 83.3%, respectively. When 1, 2 and 3 of the 3 diagnostic tools [digital rectal examination, PSA, TRUS] were abnormal, the detection rate was 15.6, 27.9 and 80%, respectively. Our data showed that the prostate cancer rate differs according to the region and that the rate was low in our center. Higher PSA and higher number of diagnostic tools with abnormal findings were associated with a higher incidence of prostate cancer

Indications of the mechanisms involved in improved sperm parameters by zinc therapy

To determine possible indications of the mechanisms involved in improved sperm parameters by zinc therapy in asthenozoospermic men. Forty-five men with asthenozoospermia [>/= 40% immotile sperm] were randomized into four therapy groups: zinc only: n = 11; zinc + vitamin E: n = 12 and zinc + vitamins E + C: n = 14 for 3 months, and non-therapy control group: n = 8. Semen analysis was done according to WHO guidelines. Malone dialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase were determined in the semen and serum. Antisperm antibodies IgG, IgM and IgA were evaluated by immunobeads. Sperm chromatin integrity was determined by acid denaturation by acridine orange and sperm apoptosis by light and electron microscopy. The effect of zinc on in vitro induced sperm oxidative stress by NADH was evaluated. Asthenozoospermia was significantly associated with oxidative stress with higher seminal malone dialdehyde [8.8 vs. 1.8 mmol/l, p < 0.001] and TNF-alpha [60 vs. 12 pg/l, p < 0.001], and low total antioxidant capacity [1.8 vs. 8.4, p < 0.01], SOD [0.8 vs. 3.1, p < 0.01] and glutathione peroxidase [1.6 vs. 4.2, p < 0.05], compared to normozoospermia. Zinc therapy alone, in combination with vitamin E or with vitamin E + C were associated with comparably improved sperm parameters with less oxidative stress, sperm apoptosis and sperm DNA fragmentation index [DFI]. On the whole, there was no difference in the outcome measures between zinc only and zinc with vitamin E and combination of vitamins E + C. In the in vitro experiment zinc supplementation resulted in significantly lower DFI [14-29%, p < 0.05] compared to zinc deficiency. Zinc therapy reduces asthenozoospermia through several mechanisms such as prevention of oxidative stress, apoptosis and sperm DNA fragmentation

Reissner's fibre in rat: scanning electron microscope study

To study the detailed morphology of Reissner's fibre [RF] that lies on the floor of the fourth ventricle in an adult rat by scanning electron microscopy. Method: For these studies 7 Wistar rats weighing about 200 g were used. The animals were anaesthetised and perfused with 0.9% oxygenated saline followed by 3% glutaraldehyde. The brain stems were dissected out and processed for scanning electron microscopy. Observations: Scanning electron microscopic studies showed that the RF is longitudinally grooved and covered with fine granular material. At certain regions, cellular debris and large amounts of amorphous material are found attached to the RF. Interestingly, we have observed the presence of a knot-like swelling or convolution in the RF, in the fourth ventricle, prior to its entry into the central canal of the spinal cord, that has not been previously described. Furthermore, a dense network of supra-ependymal nerve fibres is found on the surface of the fourth ventricle, in the near vicinity of the RF. Although the functional significance of the knot-like structure is not understood, it is reasonable to believe that these structures may represent one of the regions of RF disintegration