Access for PCNL using ultrasonography guidance is an acceptable alternative to fluoroscopy and decreases radiation hazards.

Background: The MTHFR C677T polymorphism is a genetic alteration affecting an enzyme involved in folate metabolism, but its relationship to host susceptibility to prostate cancer remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and prostate cancer by performing a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched for case-control studies investigating the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and prostate cancer. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to assess any link. Results: A total of 22 independent studies were identified, including 10,832 cases and 11,993 controls. Meta-analysis showed that there was no obvious association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer under all five genetic models. There was also no obvious association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer in the subgroup analyses of Caucasians. In contrast, MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with increased risk for prostate cancer in Asians with the allele model (C vs G: OR=1.299, 95 %CI =1.121-1.506, P=0.001, P heterogeneity =0.120, I 2 =45%), additive genetic model (CC vs TT: OR =1.925, 95 % CI= 1.340-2.265, P=0.00, P heterogeneity =0.587, I 2 =0.00%), recessive model (CC vs TT+TC: OR= 1.708, 95 % CI= 1.233-2.367, P=0.001, P heterogeneity =0.716, I 2 =0.00%), and heterozygote genetic model (CT vs TT: OR=2.193, 95 % CI =1.510-3.186, P=0.000, P heterogeneity =0.462, I 2 =0.00%). Conclusions: These results suggest that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism does not contribute to the risk of prostate cancer from currently available evidence in populations overall and Caucasians. However, the meta analysis indicates that it may play a role in prostate cancer development in Asians.

Background: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and prostate cancer are the most frequent cancers in the male genitourinary tract. Measurement of biological biomarkers may facilitate clinical monitoring and aid early diagnosis of TCC. The aim of the present investigation was to detect the mRNA levels of S100A12 and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in patients suffering from bladder TCC. Materials and Methods: To explore the involvement of S100A12 and RAGE genes, total RNA was harvested from cancer tissues and samples obtained from normal non-tumorized urothelium of the same patients. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was subsequently employed to determine the mRNA levels of S100A12 and RAGE. Results: The results showed that mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGE was significantly up-regulated in the cancer tissue. Conclusions: According to the results presented in the current study, mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGE might be as a useful biomarker for TCC. Therefore, this ligand-receptor axis possibly plays important roles in the development of TCC and may serve either as an early diagnostic marker or as a key factor in monitoring of response to treatment. More research is required concerning inhibition of the S100A12-RAGE axis in different cancer models.

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Introduction: To assessment of the efficacy and safety of transurethral cystolithotripsy of large bladder stones by holmium laser in the outpatient setting. Methods: In a prospective study, 48 consecutive adult patients with large bladder stones, were enrolled for transurethral cystolithotripsy. Patients older than 18 years, with bladder stones larger than 2 cm were enrolled. Urethral stricture, active urinary infection, and any anesthetic contraindications for operation, were the exclusion criteria. Demographic characteristics of patients, outcomes and complications related to operation and post operation period, were recorded. Results: Patients mean age was 46 ± 7.3 years. Male to female ratio was 45/3. Mean body mass index of patients was 28.5 ± 3.5. Mean stone size was 3.7 ± 1.6 cm. Mean operation time was 43.5 ± 15.5 minutes. Nearly complete stone clearance (98.5%) was achieved in all patients. Mean hospital stay was 6.5 ± 1.3 hours. No major complications were seen. Mean visual analog pain score (VAS) was 4.2 ± 2.1 and 1.4 ± 0.6, during and 1 hour after operation, respectively. During follow up of 22.4 ± 12.5 months, recurrence of bladder stone was not seen. No case of urethral stricture was detected. Conclusion: Transurethral holmium laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe alternative in selected patients with large bladder stones. This procedure can be easily performed in the outpatient setting.