Structural modifications of the prostate in hypoxia, oxidative stress, and chronic ischemia

PURPOSE: Clinical studies have reported a correlation between pelvic ischemia and voiding dysfunction in elderly men. The aim of this study was to identify and compare prostate structural modifications in cultured cells and in a rabbit model after exposure to hypoxia, oxidative stress, and chronic ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured human prostate smooth muscle cells (SMCs), epithelial cells (ECs), and stromal cells (SCs) were incubated under normoxia, hypoxia, and oxidative stress conditions by use of a computerized oxycycler system. We developed a rabbit model of chronic prostate ischemia by creating aorto-iliac arterial atherosclerosis. Markers of oxidative stress were examined by using fluorometric analysis and enzyme immunoassay. Prostate structure was examined by using Masson's trichrome staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation was found in SMCs exposed to hypoxia and in all cell types exposed to oxidative stress. We identified protein oxidation in ECs exposed to hypoxia and in all cell types exposed to oxidative stress. Markers indicating oxidative damage were present in chronically ischemic rabbit prostate tissue. These reactions were associated with DNA damage. Prostate ischemia resulted in epithelial atrophy, loss of smooth muscle, and diffuse fibrosis. TEM showed swollen mitochondria with degraded cristae, loss of membrane, loss of Golgi bodies, degenerated nerves, and disrupted cell-to-cell junctions. CONCLUSIONS: Human prostate cells exhibited differential reactions to hypoxia and oxidative stress with widespread DNA damage. Structural modifications in ischemic prostate tissue were similar to those in cells exposed to oxidative stress. Structural changes due to ischemia and oxidative stress may contribute to prostatic noncompliance in aging men.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of congenital double orifice of mitral valve deformmity / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To discuss the morphological features and diagnosis of congenial double orifice mitral valve (DOMV) deformity by echocardiography.Methods Twenty consecutive patients were examined.The changes of the morphology and flow dynamics of DOMV were studied,and other congenital cardiac abnormalities were also observed.These results were compared with those of surgery.Results Thirteen cases of adult patients were all with significant hemodynamic abnormalities,and underwent mitral replacement.One case of school child with muscular ventricular septal defect underwent mitral replacement because of obvious hemodynamic changes.Six cases were under 2 years old,2 cases with complete endocardial cushion defect accompanied with pulmonary hypertension,1 case with partial endocardial cushion defect accompanied with coarctation of the aorta underwent corrective operation.No significant hemodynamic abnormalities in 2 cases,1 case was associated with coarctation of the aorta and patent ductus arteriosus,the other patient with membranous ventricular septal defect.Severe stenosis in 1 case with papillary muscle dysplasia,because there was no suitable operation and take conservative therapy.Seventeen cases were confirmed by the results of open-heart surgery.Conclusions Echocardiography can provide an accurate method to diagnose DOMV and evaluate the hemodynamic changes.