Jae Hung Jung

Orai1 and STIM1 are critical for cell migration and proliferation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

The intracellular Ca(2+) regulation has been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Notably, store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) is a major Ca(2+) entry mechanism in non-excitable cells, being involved in cell proliferation and migration in several types of cancer. However, the expression and biological role of SOCE have not been investigated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here, we demonstrate that Orai1 and STIM1, not Orai3, are crucial components of SOCE in the progression of ccRCC. The expression levels of Orai1 in tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in the adjacent normal parenchymal tissues. In addition, native SOCE was blunted by inhibiting SOCE or by silencing Orai1 and STIM1. Pharmacological blockade or knockdown of Orai1 or STIM1 also significantly inhibited RCC cell migration and proliferative capability. Taken together, Orai1 is highly expressed in ccRCC tissues illuminating that Orai1-mediated SOCE may play an important role in ccRCC development. Indeed, Orai1 and STIM1 constitute a native SOCE pathway in ccRCC by promoting cell proliferation and migration.

Initial Clinical Experience of Simultaneous Robot-Assisted Bilateral Partial Nephrectomy and Radical Prostatectomy

A 62-year-old male patient with prostate cancer and bilateral renal cell carcinoma underwent a simultaneous robot-assisted bilateral partial nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy. We describe our initial experience of combined operation with a port strategy allowing reuse of ports and surgical considerations because of prolonged pneumoperitoneum.

Laparoscopic and robot‐assisted vs open radical prostatectomy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer: a Cochrane systematic review

To determine the effects of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), or robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in men with localized prostate cancer.

The Effectiveness of Silodosin for Nocturnal Polyuria in Elderly Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter Study

Purpose: To investigate improvement in nocturia and nocturnal polyuria in nocturnal polyuria patients after silodosin administration by using a 3-day frequency volume chart. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter study. We enrolled nocturnal polyuria patients (nocturnal polyuria index [NPi]>0.33), aged ≥60 years, diagnosed with the 3-day frequency volume charts of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia taking α-blockers. Of the 54 patients, 30 (55.6%) completed the study according to the study protocol (per-protocol group), and 24 dropped out (dropout group). Results: Of the 24 patients in the dropout group, 5 withdrew consent due to side effects or lack of efficacy, 7 were lost to follow-up at 4 weeks, 8 were lost to follow-up at 12 weeks, and 4 dropped out due to failure to complete 3-day frequency volume charts at 12 weeks. In the per-protocol group, there was significant improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), especially question numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and the quality of life question (P=0.001, P=0.007, P<0.001, P=0.003, P=0.049, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). The Leeds sleep evaluation questionnaire (LSEQ) score for the sleep question improved from 64.36 to 70.43 (P=0.039). The NPi reduced from 0.4005 to 0.3573 (P=0.027); however, in many cases, there was no improvement in nocturnal polyuria itself. In intention-to-treat analysis, there were significant improvements in IPSS and LSEQ in 45 patients. Conclusions: In elderly nocturnal polyuria patients, silodosin monotherapy exhibits good efficacy in improving nocturia and nocturnal polyuria; however, the mean NPi was still >0.33. Considering the high dropout rate of our study due to no implementation of 3-day frequency volume charts, prospective and large-scale studies are needed to confirm our results.

Acute Epididymitis in Children: the Role of the Urine Test

Purpose Acute epididymitis is considered to have an important role in children with scrotal pain. Recent reports have shown that urinalysis is not helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of acute epididymitis owing to negative microbiological findings. Therefore, we analyzed clinical and laboratory characteristics to examine the diagnostic yield of urinalysis in children. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 139 patients who were diagnosed with acute epididymitis from 2005 to 2011. Diagnosis was based on symptoms, physical findings, and color Doppler ultrasonography (DUS). To investigate the characteristics of epididymitis in children, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (aged less than 18 years, 76 patients), group B (18 to 35 years old, 19 patients), and group C (older than 35 years, 44 patients). Results There were statistically significant differences in age, symptom duration, hospital stays, and lesion location in each group. White blood cell count and serum C-reactive protein levels, pyuria, and positive urine culture results were statistically higher in the older age group. The most common cause of acute epididymitis in children was idiopathic (96.1%). Conclusions In our group of children with epididymitis, 73 cases out of 76 (96.1%) resulted in negative pyuria in urinalysis. In addition, the most common cause of epididymitis was idiopathic. Because most urinalyses do not show pyuria, we believe that routine antibiotics may be not required in pediatric patients with epididymitis. If urinalysis shows pyuria with or without positive urine culture, antibiotics should be considered.

Clinical Significance of National Institutes of Health Classification in Patients With Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Purpose We determined the effects of alpha-blockers and quinolone in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) classified by National Institute of Health (NIH) consensus group. Materials and Methods Data from a total of 111 patients who were diagnosed with CP/CPPS between June 2010 and June 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were classified into group 1 (category IIIA, n=40) and group 2 (category IIIB, n=71). Treatment using alfuzosin and levofloxacin was given to both groups for 6 weeks. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index were measured before and after therapy. Results Group 1 had a significant decrease in total IPSS score, CPSI pain score, CPSI quality of life (QoL) score, and total CPSI score (p=0.043, p=0.006, p=0.015, and p=0.006, respectively). Group 2 had a significant decrease in IPSS voiding symptom score, IPSS storage symptom score, total IPSS, CPSI pain score, CPSI voiding score, CPSI QoL score, and total CPSI score (p=0.002, p=0.004, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.006, p=0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). The CPSI score was reduced by 6 points or more in 50.0% of patients (n=18) in group 1 and in 51.6% of patients (n=32) in group 2. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the changes in IPSS and CPSI scores across the 2 groups. Conclusions Although combination treatment reduced the CPSI score in both groups, there was no significant difference between the groups after combination treatment. We suggest that factors other than inflammation also contribute to symptoms associated with CP/CPPS.

Clinical Effects of Discontinuing 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Purpose To assess changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), prostate volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after discontinuation of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) combination therapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods From December 2003 to December 2012, data were collected retrospectively from 81 men more than 40 years of age with moderate to severe BPH symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]≥8). The men were classified into group 1 (n=42) and group 2 (n=39) according to the use of 5ARI therapy. A combination of dutasteride 0.5 mg with tamsulosin 0.2 mg was given daily to all patients for 1 year. For the next 1 year, group 1 (n=42) received the combination therapy and group 2 (n=39) received tamsulosin 0.2 mg monotherapy only. The IPSS, prostate volume, and PSA level were measured at baseline and at 12 and 24 months according to the use of dutasteride. Results Discontinuation of dutasteride led to significant deterioration of LUTS, increased prostate volume, and increased PSA level. The repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that the changes in IPSS, prostate volume, and PSA level over time also differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (p<0.001). Conclusions Withdrawal of 5ARI during combination therapy resulted in prostate regrowth and deterioration of LUTS. The PSA level is also affected by the use of 5ARI. Therefore, regular check-up of the IPSS and PSA level may be helpful for all patients who either continue or discontinue the use of 5ARI.

Treatment of Leukocytospermia in Male Infertility: A Systematic Review

Male factors account for 20% to 50% of infertility cases, and infection in the genitourinary tract may play a contributing role in up to 15% of male infertility. Leukocytospermia is a well-known indicator of infection or inflammation in the male sex glands and the urogenital tract. Although great deal of effort has been expended to elucidate definite management strategies in infertile men with leukocytospermia, the gold standard of treatment remains unclear. Until recently, broad spectrum antibiotics and antioxidants have been used in the treatment of leukocytospermia for male infertility to eliminate infection and reduce reactive oxygen free radicals produced inside cellular mitochondria as a result of inflammation. The present review reveals that antibiotics might improve sperm parameters, the rate of resolution of leukocytospermia, the bacteriologic cure rate, and even the pregnancy rate, although some reports conflict. Antioxidants might also have clinical benefits for sperm function as shown by in vitro studies. However, the data are insufficient to conclude whether antibiotics and antioxidants for the treatment of infertile men with leukocytospermia are effective or not. Better designed investigations into leukocytospermia are needed.

Simultaneous Robot-Assisted Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Partial Nephrectomy and Standard Radical Prostatectomy

Recently, patients with urologic malignancies are treated with robot-assisted surgery and the expanded role of robot-assisted surgery includes even those patients with two concomitant primary urologic malignancies. In an effort to further reduce port site-related morbidity, robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (RLESS) has been developed. Therefore, we present herein our early experience and feasibility of simultaneous RLESS partial nephrectomy and standard robotrobot-assisted laparoendoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) on 3 patients with synchronous renal masses and prostate cancer.

VEGFR-1 Expression Relates to Fuhrman Nuclear Grade of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1 signaling may play an important role in the progression of pathological angiogenesis that occurs in many tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therapeutic targeting directed against VEGF and VEGFR-2 has been proven to be successful for metastatic clear cell RCC (CCRCC). However, the expression of VEGFR-1 and its association with prognostic parameters of CCRCC in the tumorigenesis of renal cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the expression of VEGFR-1 and its prognostic significance in CCRCC. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for VEGFR-1 was performed on 126 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CCRCC tissue samples. Six of these cases were available for Western blot analyses. The results were compared with various clinicopathologic parameters of CCRCC and patients’ survival. Results: VEGFR-1 expression was detected in 59 cases (46.8%) of CCRCC. Higher VEGFR-1 expression was significantly correlated with a lower Fuhrman nuclear grade and the absence of renal pelvis invasion, although it was not related to patients’ survival. Western blot analyses showed higher VEGFR-1 expression in low grade tumors. Conclusion: VEGFR-1 expression may be associated with favorable prognostic factors, particularly a lower Fuhrman nuclear grade in CCRCC.