The male reproductive functions of the members of the Masherbrum (7821 m) Expedition in 1999 were examined via semen analyses and endocrine tests. Specimens were collected from three subjects who had stayed above 5100 m for 21 to 24 days and above 6700 m for 4 to 5 days before departure and 1 month, 3 months, and 2 yr after returning from the expedition. Semen analyses showed no change in the semen volume. Sperm counts decreased after 1 month and had not recovered after 3 months, but they had recovered after 2 yr in all subjects. An increase in abnormally shaped sperm was also observed after 1 month, but had nearly recovered to the preexpedition state after 3 months. Endocrine tests revealed slightly decreased testosterone in the blood after 1 month, which had decreased still further after 3 months. The tests were completely normal after 2 yr. We suggest that a high altitude sojourn may induce reversible spermatogenic and Leydig cell dysfunction.
Abstract. To determine the relationship between the serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and those of bone formation and resorption markers in prostate cancer patients, we measured the serum levels of the cytokines and examined their relationship to biochemical markers of bone turnover in 46 untreated patients with prostate cancer. The carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) levels were used as a parameter of bone formation, and the carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) levels were used as a marker of bone resorption. The relationship of these markers to the degree of bone metastasis was also examined. The serum levels of IL-6, PICP, ICTP, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were significantly higher in the patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis (n=23) than in the patients without bone metastasis (n=23). The serum levels of TNF-a in approximately 85% of the patients were under the detectable limit (5 pg/ml). The serum levels of IL-6 were not correlated with those of PICP or ICTP, but were related to the extent of bone metastasis. These results indicate that among patients with prostate cancer, IL-6 and TNF-a may not play major roles in the increased bone resorption in the patients with metastatic spread to bone. Our study thus demonstrated that the serum levels of IL-6 are closely related to the metastatic burden to osseous tissue in prostate cancer patients.
Laparoscopy is the method of choice for surgeons experienced in EAP resection because it is feasible and reproducible with appropriate preoperative planning, similar to LAP.
Background : Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that compensates for the progressive erosion of telomeres. The increasing interest in telomerase is motivated by the demonstration that most human carcinomas are telomerase positive. The potential use of telomerase activity in bladder carcinomas using a urine sample has been reported in several studies. However, little is known about the detection of telomerase activity in bladder carcinoma tissues. Herein, we investigate telomerase activity in bladder carcinoma tissues according to grade (G) and stage. Material and methods : Telomerase activity was assayed by polymerase chain reaction enzymelinked immunosorbent assay methods. Malignant lesions were assessed in 37 patients with bladder carcinoma and no malignant lesions were assessed in five patients with dysplasia or inflammatory bladder lesions. Results : Twenty-three out of 37 carcinoma samples were telomerase-positive and one out of five control samples without carcinoma was telomerase-positive. The positive rates according to stage and grade were 83.3% for superficial and 42.1% for invasive stages and 83.3% for G1, 66.7% for G2 and 40.0% for G3. Telomerase activity was correlated with lower grade and lower stage bladder carcinomas. Conclusion : These results strongly suggest that reactivation of telomerase may differ between superficial and invasive bladder carcinomas and also between low grade and high grade bladder carcinomas.
Hematospermia is supposed to be derived from pathological conditions in the seminal vesicle, prostate, testis, epididymis, or urethra. A recent advance in diagnostic procedures has demonstrated the seminal vesicle, the prostate, and midline cyst as potential sources of hematospermia. The authors describe a case of hematospermia caused by ejaculatory duct obstruction, in which a transurethral technique was successful. A 51-year-old male was referred to the authors' clinic with a chief complaint of hematospermia. Transurethral ultrasonography showed a cystic lesion surrounded with hyperechoic area in the middle of the prostate. Vasography demonstrated the distal dilation of the ejaculatory duct. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a high signal intensity area in the middle of the prostate. Urethrocystoscopy showed an enlarged cystic lesion with an orifice at the prostatic urethra, which was incised endoscopically. There was no complication observed postoperatively. Seven months after the technique, hematospermia resolved completely. A midline cyst should be considered a cause of hematospermia and the incidence of such cysts may be higher than that previously recognized. The transurethral technique is expected to be a successful treatment approach.
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