Oxidative stress biomarkers in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and biomarkers of lipid and protein peroxidation in the blood serum of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The study was conducted on 36 intact male dogs of various breeds. The dogs were assigned to two groups: BPH group (n = 18) and non-affected group (n = 18). Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein. The antioxidant status of the serum was assessed using TAC. The levels of bityrosine, formylkynurenine and SH-groups were used as protein peroxidation biomarkers and the level of radical cations of N,N-diethyl-paraphenylene diamine (RC-DEPPD) was used as a marker for lipid peroxidation. TAC and the concentrations of SH-groups and RC-DEPPD in the serum were determined spectrophotometrically, the concentrations of bityrosine and formylokynurenine, were determined using spectrofluorimetric methods. RESULTS: The mean value of TAC in the serum was significantly lower (P = 0.01) in BPH dogs than in non-affected dogs (3.10 ± 0.56 vs 4.20 ± 1.60 µmol/g protein). Mean levels of protein and lipid oxidation biomarkers showed a trend towards oxidative imbalance, but there were no statistically significant differences between dogs with BPH and controls (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, significantly lower serum TAC in dogs with BPH compared to non-affected dogs suggests a potential involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of BPH in dogs. More studies are needed to clarify the role of oxidative stress in the development of BPH in dogs.

Long term results of childhood dysphonia treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the long term results of treatment and rehabilitation of childhood dysphonia. METHODS: This study included a group of adolescents (n=29) aged from 15 to 20 who were treated due to pediatric hyperfunctional dysphonia and soft vocal fold nodules during their pre-mutational period (i.e. between 5 and 12 years of age). The pre-mutational therapy was comprised of proper breathing pattern training, voice exercises and psychological counseling. Laryngostroboscopic examination and perceptual analysis of voice were performed in each patient before treatment and one to four years after mutation was complete. The laryngostroboscopic findings, i.e. symmetry, amplitude, mucosal wave and vocal fold closure, were graded with NAPZ scale, and the GRBAS scale was used for the perceptual voice analysis. RESULTS: Complete regression of the childhood dysphonia was observed in all male patients (n=14). Voice disorders regressed completely also in 8 out of 15 girls, but symptoms of dysphonia documented on perceptual scale persisted in the remaining seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: Complex voice therapy implemented in adolescence should be considered as either the treatment or preventive measure of persistent voice strain, especially in girls.

Affective temperament in women with functional aphonia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the affective temperament in women with functional aphonia. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Forty-one women with functional aphonia underwent an examination of affective temperament by means of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa and San Diego Autoquestionnaire. RESULTS: Compared with the reference group, women with functional aphonia show significantly higher rates of depressive and anxious temperament. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study are concordant with the previous findings, indicating elevated levels of depressive and anxious symptoms in aphonic patients. Implications for the therapy of functional aphonia as well as considerations for further studies are discussed.

Laryngovideostroboscopy in children--diagnostic possibilities and constraints.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report our experience with laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) in consecutively examined children patients. METHODS: The study included 150 children (2.5-14 years of age) diagnosed with dysphonia. Patients were divided into three age groups: group I - from 2.5 to 6 years of age (n = 31), group II - from 6 to 10 years of age (n = 73), and group III--from 10 to 14 years of age (n = 46). LVS was performed during the second visit. 3.5mg of dormicum were administered orally 30 min prior to LVS in all children from group I and in some patients belonging to group II. Local anesthesia of the pharyngeal mucosa was not needed in any case. RESULTS: In nine out of 150 children, it was not possible to perform LVS during the first attempt. In eight of these children, the examination was performed successfully during another visit with satisfactory LVS images obtained. LVS revealed soft vocal fold nodules in 85 patients along with other organic changes found in five children: congenital laryngeal web (n = 1), vocal fold cysts (n = 3), and vocal fold paralysis (n = 1). Hyper-functional dysphonia was diagnosed in the remaining 60 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In order to perform successful LVS in children patient, the purpose and methodology of this examination should be explained to parents on the first visit whereas an attempt to perform LVS should be undertaken during the second visit. Oral administration of dormicum 30min prior to the examination is advisable, particularly in younger children, and allows us to avoid the use of local anesthetics.