ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the efficacy of tamsulosin and alfuzosin as medical expulsive therapy for ureteric stones.Patients and methodsIn all, 112 patients with ureteric stones of ⩽10 mm, located along the ureter, were randomly divided into three groups. In group I, 32 patients received no α-blockers (controls), in group II 40 patients received tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily, and in group III 40 patients received alfuzosin 10 mg daily. All patients were given analgesia and antibiotics when indicated. The follow-up was weekly for 4 weeks.ResultsThe mean stone size and age were comparable in the three groups. The stone expulsion rate was 44%, 85% and 75% in groups I, II and III, respectively. Half of the stones in group II passed within 2 weeks, half in group III passed within 3 weeks, while more than half of the stones in group I did not pass even after 4 weeks. The mean number of painful episodes was 2.45, 1.38 and 1.64 in groups I, II and III, respectively. The drug-related side-effects reported by patients were mild and transient.ConclusionThe use of tamsulosin or alfuzosin as medical expulsive therapy for ureteric stones in the three sections of the ureter (upper, middle and lower) was safe and effective, as shown by the increased overall stone expulsion rate, reduced stone expulsion time and fewer pain episodes. Tamsulosin was associated with a greater rate of stone expulsion than was alfuzosin.

Active smokers are exposed to reactive free radicals that are present in cigarette smoke. Oxygen free radicals, including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radical hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen, are highly reactive species that can cause a wide spectrum of cell damage including enzyme inactivation, lipid peroxidation, protein and lipoprotein oxidation, and DNA damage. Free radicals are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The purpose of the present study was to measure the total antioxidant status (TAS) in active cigarette smoking individuals in Mosul city. Twenty active smokers and twenty nonsmokers participated1in the study. Blood sample was taken from each individual and the TAS had been measured in the sera using the Cayman chemical antioxidant assay kit (USA). The results obtained from the study revealed a significant (P<0.001) reduction of the TAS in the smoker's group as compared with the non-smoker's group. In conclusion, smokers possess low TAS than non smokers which may be due to the presence of high amounts of free radicals in cigarette smoke that generate an oxidative stress in the smoker's body that may cause exhaustion of antioxidants of the body.

Both losartan and enalapril produced a significant reduction of markers of metabolic syndrome and may be regarded as effective drugs for treatment of hypertension in patients with markers of metabolic syndrome.

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