OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antiproliferative activity of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. (SM) on the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cell line DU-145, in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Prostate cancer cell line (DU-145) and normal prostate cell line (RWPE-1) were treated with SM at different concentrations (3.125, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg/mL) to investigate the antiproliferative effects. DNA laddering analysis was performed to investigate the apoptosis of DU-145 cells. Molecular mechanism was investigated by Western blot analysis of p53, Bcl-2, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and androgen receptor (AR). Six-week-old male BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into normal control group (n=101) and treated group (n=101) which administered 500 mg/kg SM for 2 weeks. Tumor volumes were measured. RESULTS: Treatment with SM resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cell number of DU-145 cells in comparison with RWPE-1. DNA laddering analysis indicated the apoptosis of DU-145 cells. Treatment with SM increased the expression of p53 and reduced the expression of Bcl-2 proteins. The levels of PSA were considerably reduced in SM-treated group compared to the controls, and a decrease in AR expression was observed when cells were treated with SM in the same pattern as a reduction in PSA. In the tumour xenograft study, SM given once a day for 2 weeks significantly inhibited tumour growth. CONCLUSION SM might contribute to the anticancer actions such as induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation of prostate cancer cells.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess whether nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP) is associated with improved recovery of urinary continence compared to non-nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nnsRP) in patients with localized prostate cancer and preoperative erectile dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 360 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer and an International Index of Erectile Function score of less than 17 were treated with nsRP or nnsRP in Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy or had a history of prostate-related surgery were excluded. Recovery of urinary continence was assessed at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Postoperative recovery of continence was defined as zero pad usage. The association between nerve-sparing status and urinary continence was assessed by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses after controlling for known predictive factors. RESULTS: Urinary continence recovered in 279 patients (77.5%) within the mean follow-up period of 22.5 months (range, 6-123 months). Recovery of urinary continence was reported in 74.6% and 86.4% of patients after nnsRP and nsRP, respectively, at 12 months (P=0.022). All groups had comparable perioperative criteria and had no significant preoperative morbidities. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and nerve-sparing status were significantly associated with recovery of urinary continence on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.254; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.478; P=0.026) and nerve-sparing status (HR, 0.713; 95% CI, 0.548-0.929; P=0.012) were independently associated with recovery of urinary continence. CONCLUSIONS: nsRP, as compared to nnsRP, improves recovery rates of urinary incontinence and decreases surgical morbidity without compromising pathologic outcomes.
Erectile Dysfunction* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Seoul ; Urinary Incontinence

Diabetes is related with a number of cystopathic complications. However, there have been no studies about the influence of alcohol consumption in the bladder of type 2 diabetes. Thus, we investigated the effect of moderate alcohol intake in the bladder of the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) diabetic rat. The non-diabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO, n=14) and the OLETF control group (n=14) were fed an isocaloric diet; the LETO (n=14) and the OLETF ethanol group (n=14) were fed 36% ethanol 7 g/kg/day. After ten weeks, muscarinic receptors, RhoGEFs, myogenic change, and the level of oxidative stress were evaluated. Moderate alcohol intake significantly decreased excessive muscarinic receptor and Rho kinase expressions in the OLETF rats compared with the LETO rats. In addition, iNOS and collagen expression were not changed in the OLETF rats in spite of alcohol consumption. Superoxide dismutase levels, which is involved in antioxidant defense, in the LETO rats were significantly decreased after alcohol consumption, however those in the OLETF rats were similar. Moderate alcohol consumption reduces the oxidative stress, and may prevent molecular and pathologic changes of the bladder of rats with type 2 diabetes.
Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/*complications/*metabolism/pathology ; Ethanol/*toxicity ; Humans ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred OLETF ; Reactive Oxygen Species/*metabolism ; Urinary Bladder/*drug effects/*metabolism/pathology

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in nocturia and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 96 patients who underwent LRP or RALP for clinically localized prostate cancer and completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, which provided a basis for assessing their symptoms. We also evaluated maximal flow rate and post-void residual urine volume over a follow-up period of at least 24 months. We divided the patients into three groups according to postoperative changes in the frequency of nocturia. RESULTS: Voiding symptoms significantly improved over the course of 24 months in patients who underwent LRP or RALP. However, most patients showed persistent or increased nocturia after LRP or RALP. Moreover, more than one third of the patients (33/96) presented with exacerbated nocturia (1.0+/-0.9 episodes of preoperative nocturia vs. 3.0+/-1.3 episodes of postoperative nocturia). Multiple regression analysis showed that preoperative IPSS storage sub-score had negative association with the nocturia after radical prostatectomy (p=0.005). However, patients' age, body mass index, preoperative prostate specific antigen, Gleason score, T-stage, and prostate volume had no association. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that nocturia was influenced by a range of factors, including other storage LUTS and the relief of bladder outlet obstruction after radical prostatectomy. Moreover, the preoperative storage symptoms are regarded as an important factor which influences the changes of nocturia after radical prostatectomy.
Body Mass Index ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm Grading ; Nocturia* ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate outcomes in adult patients with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) or Burkitt-like lymphoma treated with an rituximab plus hyper-CVAD (R-hyper-CVAD) regimen by focusing on tolerability and actual delivered relative dose intensity (RDI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients > or = 20 years of age and pathologically diagnosed with BL or Burkitt-like lymphoma were treated with at least one cycle of R-hyper-CVAD as the first-line treatment in this study. Eligible patients' case report forms were requested from their physicians to obtain clinical and laboratory data for this retrospective study. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (median age, 51 years) from 14 medical centers in Korea were analyzed, none of which were infected with human immunodeficiency virus. The majority of patients had advanced diseases, and 24 patients achieved a complete response (75.0%). After a median follow-up period of 20.0 months, 2-year event-free and overall survival rates were 70.9% and 81.4%, respectively. Eleven patients (25.6%) were unable to complete the R-hyper-CVAD regimen, including six patients due to early death. The RDIs of adriamycin, vincristine, methotrexate, and cytarabine were between 60% and 65%, which means less than 25% of patients received greater than 80% of the planned dose of each drug. Poor performance status was related to the lower RDIs of doxorubicin and methotrexate. CONCLUSION: R-hyper-CVAD showed excellent treatment outcomes in patients who were suitable for dose-intense chemotherapy. However, management of patients who are intolerant to a dose-intense regimen remains problematic due to the frequent occurrence of treatmentrelated complications.
Adult ; Burkitt Lymphoma ; Cytarabine ; Doxorubicin ; Drug Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; HIV ; Humans ; Korea ; Lymphoma* ; Methotrexate ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Vincristine

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of anthocyanins extracted from black soybean, which have antioxidant activity, on apoptosis in vitro (in hormone refractory prostate cancer cells) and on tumor growth in vivo (in athymic nude mouse xenograft model). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The growth and viability of DU-145 cells treated with anthocyanins were assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and apoptosis was assessed by DNA laddering. Immunoblotting was conducted to evaluate differences in the expressions of p53, Bax, Bcl, androgen receptor (AR), and prostate specific antigen (PSA). To study the inhibitory effects of anthocyanins on tumor growth in vivo, DU-145 tumor xenografts were established in athymic nude mice. The anthocyanin group was treated with daily oral anthocyanin (8 mg/kg) for 14 weeks. After 2 weeks of treatment, DU-145 cells (2x106) were inoculated subcutaneously into the right flank to establish tumor xenografts. Tumor dimensions were measured twice a week using calipers and volumes were calculated. RESULTS: Anthocyanin treatment of DU-145 cells resulted in 1) significant increase in apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, 2) significant decrease in p53 and Bcl-2 expressions (with increased Bax expression), and 3) significant decrease in PSA and AR expressions. In the xenograft model, anthocyanin treatment significantly inhibit tumor growth. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that anthocyanins from black soybean inhibit the progression of prostate cancer in vitro and in a xenograft model.
Animals ; Anthocyanins/*pharmacology ; Apoptosis/*drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Nude ; NAD/metabolism ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics/*pathology ; Receptors, Androgen/metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism ; *Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics/metabolism

PURPOSE: This single institutional study is aimed to observe the outcome of patients who received postoperative radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 59 men with histologically identified prostate adenocarcinoma who had received postoperative radiation after radical prostatectomy from August 2005 to July 2011 in Seoul St. Mary's Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea, was included. They received 45-50 Gy to the pelvis and boost on the prostate bed was given up to total dose of 63-72 Gy (median, 64.8 Gy) in conventional fractionation. The proportion of patients given hormonal therapy and the pattern in which it was given were analyzed. Primary endpoint was biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) after radiotherapy completion. Secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Biochemical relapse was defined as a prostate-specific antigen level above 0.2 ng/mL. RESULTS: After median follow-up of 53 months (range, 0 to 104 months), the 5-year bRFS of all patients was estimated 80.4%. The 5-year OS was estimated 96.6%. Patients who were given androgen deprivation therapy had a 5-year bRFS of 95.1% while the ones who were not given any had that of 40.0% (p < 0.01). However, the statistical significance in survival difference did not persist in multivariate analysis. The 3-year actuarial grade 3 chronic toxicity was 1.7% and no grade 3 acute toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION: The biochemical and toxicity outcome of post-radical prostatectomy radiotherapy in our institution is favorable and comparable to those of other studies.
Adenocarcinoma ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pelvis ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatectomy* ; Radiotherapy* ; Recurrence ; Seoul

PURPOSE: To investigate the type of nocturia and concomitant voiding dysfunction (VD) and the effect of desmopressin treatment on nocturia in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 84 women who experienced more than 2 nocturia episodes as recorded on a pretreatment frequency volume chart and who were treated with desmopressin. All patients underwent history taking, physical examination, urinalysis, International Prostate Symptom Score assessment, completion of a urinary sensation scale, and completion of a 3 day frequency volume chart. Nocturia was divided into nocturnal polyuria (NP), reduced nocturnal bladder capacity (RNBC), and mixed type. After treatment with desmopressin, a reduction in nocturia of over 50% compared with baseline was regarded as effective. RESULTS: Among 84 women, the most common concomitant VD was overactive bladder (OAB, 60.7%). NP was observed in 70.2% (59/84) of the women, RNBC in 7.1% (6/84), and mixed type in 22.6% (19/84). After medication with desmopressin, 73 women (86.9%) showed a significantly reduced number of nocturia episodes (1.4+/-1.5) compared with baseline (3.7+/-1.3, p<0.05). Eleven women (13.1%) did not show improvement. Of the 73 women who showed improvement, 41 women showed a reduction of more than 50% over baseline, and these women had a lower baseline urgency grade. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of women, nocturia coexisted with other VD such as OAB. Treatment with desmopressin effectively reduced the nocturia. However, other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as urgency may reduce the effect of desmopressin. Therefore, consideration of concomitant LUTS seems to be necessary to increase the treatment effect of desmopressin on nocturia in women.
Deamino Arginine Vasopressin ; Female ; Humans ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; Nocturia ; Physical Examination ; Polyuria ; Prostate ; Sensation ; Urinalysis ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive

PURPOSE: To assess the risk factors for developing urinary retention after removal of the urethral catheter on postoperative day 1 in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients who underwent Greenlight HPS laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy (PVP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 427 men who underwent Greenlight HPS laser PVP between 2009 and 2012, excluding patients in whom a catheter was maintained for more than 1 day because of urethral procedures. In all patients, a voiding trial was performed on postoperative day 1; if patients were unable to urinate, the urethral catheter was replaced before hospital discharge. The patients were divided into two groups: early catheter removal (postoperative day 1) and late catheter removal (urethral catheter reinsertion). Preoperative and perioperative parameters were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Catheters were successfully removed in 378 (88.6%) patients on postoperative day 1. In 49 patients, the catheters were reinserted and removed a mean of 6.45+/-0.39 days after surgery. In a multivariate analysis, a history of diabetes was the most significant predictor (p=0.028) of failure of early catheter removal, followed by operative time (p=0.039). There were no significant differences in age, prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, or urodynamic parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible, safe, and cost-effective to remove the urethral catheter on postoperative day 1 after Greenlight HPS laser PVP, but the procedure should be done carefully in patients who have history of diabetes or an extended operative time.
Catheters ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Operative Time ; Prostate ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Risk Factors ; Urinary Catheterization ; Urinary Catheters ; Urinary Retention ; Urodynamics ; Volatilization

PURPOSE: Male infertility is a serious problem, and its prevalence has been increasing. Therefore, we investigated the safety of a new herbal formula and its effects on sperm quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro cytotoxicity test in TM3 Leydig cells was performed to evaluate cell viability after administration of five types of herbs separately and of a new herbal formula containing these five. An in vivo test in male mice was performed to evaluate the influence of the new herbal formula on the reproductive organs and sperm quality. After the 8- and 28-day oral administration of the new herbal formula, the weights of the reproductive organs were measured and the sperm count and motility were evaluated. RESULTS: In the in vitro cytotoxicity test, less than 80% cell viability at concentrations of 500 mg/L and 1,000 mg/L of Rubus coreanus Miquel and Cuscuta chinensis Lam was observed. However, more than 80% cell viability was observed at all the tested concentrations of the new herbal formula. After the 8- and 28-day oral administration, there were no considerable changes in body weight. The weights of the testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles after the 8- and 28-day oral administration were similar to those of the control. The sperm count and activity were significantly improved compared with those of the control group at 8 and 28 days after 100, 200, and 400 mg of oral administration. CONCLUSIONS: The safety of the new formula and its positive effect on the sperm quality were observed after the oral administration of the formula.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Body Weight ; Cell Survival ; Cuscuta ; Epididymis ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; Leydig Cells ; Male ; Mice ; Phytotherapy ; Prevalence ; Seminal Vesicles ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa* ; Testis ; Weights and Measures