No 1 (2022)

Angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensin II, angiotensin II receptors of the first and second types represent the “classical” axis of regulation of the renin-angiotensin system. Objective: to analyze the role of the components of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of proliferative lesions of the prostate glan Materials and methods. The study included 63 patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy. The first group consisted of 19 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, the second group consisted of 19 men whose prostate cancer was detected during repeated biopsy, the third group consisted of 25 men with prostate cancer detected during primary prostate biopsy. The expression of angiotensin II type II (AT2-R) receptors in prostate tissue was evaluated using primary polyclonal antibodies Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor and the EnVision FLEX imaging system (Dako, Denmark) according to a standard technique. The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) was determined in the secret of the prostate gland, Results. It was found that the activity of ACE in the secret of the prostate gland in proliferative diseases is significantly higher than in the “healthy” prostate. The highest activity of ACE was noted for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the minimum - for prostate cancer. The expression of AT2-R in prostate tissues in proliferative diseases of the prostate gland has its own characteristics. The expression of AT2-R in the prostate stroma turned out to be the same, in the nuclei of epithelial cells, the level of expression of AT2-R decreased in the range of BPH-PIN-CP. Thus, an increase in the activity of ACE, the accumulation of angiotensin II in prostate secretions in proliferative prostate diseases against the background of a deficiency of AT2-R is the metabolic basis of malignant transformation of the prostate gland. Conclusion. The levels of ACE activity in prostate secretion and the expression of AT2-R in prostate tissue during primary prostate biopsy can be considered as promising prognostic tools for early detection of prostate malignancy.

Aim. To analyze the functional state of the kidneys and vascular stiffness in patients with urinary stone disease in an outpatient setting. Material and methods. A total of 110 patients with urinary stone disease aged 17-72 years were included in the study. The stone size was 2,67 (1,90 -3,49) mm. A clinical examination included evaluation of vascular stiffness, serum level of creatinine, cystatin C, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, uric acid and total cholesterol. The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on the formulas CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) and MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) and Hoek's equations using creatinine and cystatin C, respectively. Results. Most often, urinary stone disease was associated with arterial hypertension (75%), a sedentary lifestyle (66.3%), hypercholesterolemia (53.6%), obesity (47.2%), hyperuricemia (44.5%) and smoking (40.9%). The median and interquartile range of eGFR according to CKD-EPI, MDRD and Hoek's equations was 100.00 (78.00;113.00) ml/min, 96.00 (71.00;106.00) ml/min and 77.65 (61.50; 93.60) ml/min, respectively. The normal GFR was significantly more often detected by the formula CKD-EPI (66.3%) in comparison with the Hoek's equations (52.7%), p<0.05. A decrease in mild GFR was found in 21 (19.0%) patients according to CKD-EPI and 33 (30.0%) according to Hoek's equations (p<0.05). In the subgroup of patients with a mild to moderate decrease in GFR according to the Hoek's equations, stiffness index and resistive index were significantly higher than in the similar subgroup of patients with decrease of GFR measured using the CKD-EPI formula (p<0.05). A negative correlation between GFR calculated using three formulas and Augmentation Index was established. Conclusions. In patients with urinary stone disease, potential cardiovascular risk factors are very common. The study of serum cystatin C level with calculation of GFR according to Hoek's equations in individuals with urolithiasis allows to evaluate total renal nitrogen excretion, as well as the level of the cardiovascular risk in the early stages of the disease.

Background. COVID-19 aggravates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The optimal treatment regimen for patients with this disease during the COVID-19 pandemic is still under question. Objectives. The aim of the All-Russian observational study of Afalaza in the Treatment of LUTS in pAtieNTs with BPH during COVID-19 (ATLANT) was to obtain additional data on the efficacy and safety of Afalaza in this patient group. Methods. The study enrolled 73 men aged 46-65 years with LUTS and diagnosed BPH who suffered from COVID-19. All patients received Afalaza for 16 weeks. The dynamics of BHP indicators, erectile function, and quality of life were assessed after 4, 12, and 16 weeks of treatment. Results. Patients with LUTS/BHP who suffered from COVID-19 had a decrease in the total IPSS score from 21.6+8.6 to 6.4±2.4 (-70.4%) points after 16 weeks of treatment. There was a direct correlation between COVID-19 duration (and beginning of therapy) and the severity of symptoms after Afalaza treatment. According to the subjective assessment of patients, there was a significant increase in the quality of life and erectile function after 16 weeks of treatment. 9 mild AEs were registered in 12.3% of patients and were unrelated to the study drug. Conclusions. Results show that Afalaza may be a perspective drug for the treatment of LUTS/BPH in patients with COVID-19 and be used for this urological disease in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim. To study the efficiency of the treatment of patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis using the drug Prostatex. Materials and methods. A total of 72 patients aged 22 to 43 years with chronic abacterial prostatitis were included in the study. All patients received Prostatex in the form of suppositories 10 mg QD within 20 days. The duration of the follow-up was 1 month. Results. By the third visit from the start of treatment, there were almost no symptoms of the disease, according to the NIH-CPSI and IPSS questionnaires. In 67 (93.1%) patients, the prostate became an elastic, while in 69 (95.8%) men it was painless at palpation. In addition, a decrease in the prostate size, volume of residual urine and an improvement in urine flow rate were seen. Conclusion. Our results showed that monotherapy with Prostatex in patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis was effective and had pathogenetic rationale. This drug has a positive effect on the main symptoms of the disease, significantly reduces pain, urination disturbances, helps to reduce the prostate size and the volume of residual urine, improves prostate microcirculation and can be recommended for this category of patients.

Introduction. Up to 15% of couples around the world face the problem of infertility, while male factor in infertile marriages occurs in up to 50% of cases. Varicocele occurs in 15% of the male population and in 35% of men with infertility. For now, the only effective method of treating varicocele is operative. After surgical treatment, there is an improvement in spermogram parameters, however, it is not always possible to achieve normal value of each parameter. Purpose of the study. To assess the efficiency of BESTFertil in patients after varicocelectomy. Materials and methods. The single-center, prospective, randomized study at the University Clinic of Urology, Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov was conducted comparing the postoperative parameters of patients who underwent varicocelectomy, followed by the course of BESTFertil (main group) and without it (control group). A total of 63 patients were included in the study: the main group - 33 patients and the control group - 30 patients. The inclusion criteria for the study were: the presence of varicocele as the cause of pathospermia and / or the absence of pregnancy in marriage for 12 months or more ofregular sexual activity without contraception, in the absence of other organic pathology as a possible cause of infertility, age from 18 to 45 years. Patients from both groups underwent surgical treatment of varicocele - microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy according to the standard Marmar technique using an operative microscope. Patients from the main group received BESTFertil for 3 months according to the recommended scheme. Results. In the main group an average increase in the volume of ejaculate in 6 months was 0.48 ml (11.2% of the initial), the increase in concentration was 24.4 mln / ml (59.1%), the increase in motility was 25.2% (69.2%), morphologically normal forms - 3.4% (106.3%). A relapse of the disease was revealed in one patient, according to ultrasound and angiography, however, there was also a positive dynamic of spermogram parameters: an increase in ejaculate volume - 0.8 ml; increase in sperm concentration - 22 mln/ml; A + B motility-32%; morphologically normal forms - 1%. Four patients (16.7% of the total number of patients with infertile marriage in the main group) reported pregnancy. In the control group, an average increase in the volume of ejaculate in 6 months was 0.07 ml (1.7% of the initial), the increase in concentration was 11.7 mln / ml (27%), the increase in motility was 10.6% (32.7%), morphologically normal forms - 0.6% (9.8%). Two patients (9.1% of the total number of patients with infertile marriage in the control group) report pregnancy after treatment. One patient had a relapse of the disease, confirmed by angiography, despite his spermogram parameters correspond to normospermia. Conclusions. These results allow us to conclude that the course of BESTFertil in patients after treatment of varicocele allows to achieve a clinically and statistically significant increase in spermogram indicators such as ejaculate volume, its concentration, sperm motility and the number of morphologically normal forms, which can help patients achieve natural pregnancy or resort to assisted reproductive technologies.

Introduction. Parapelvic renal cysts are very common. Indications for surgical treatment are upper urine tract obstruction, pain and recurrent gross hematuria. Aim. To analyze the efficiency and safety of endoscopic transurethral and percutaneous laser marsupialization of parapelvic renal cysts. Materials and methods. A total of 9 patients were undergone to transurethral intrarenal marsupialization of parapelvic renal cysts from March 2016 to February 2021 (4 men, 5 women, aged 42-78 years). Another 2 patients (2 men, aged 46 and 52 years) were treated by percutaneous approach. The average size of the cyst according to contrast-enhanced multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) was 3.1±1.8 cm. In two cases, papillary tumor of the pelvis was suspected. The anteroposterior diameter of the pelvis was 2.6±1.3 cm; 9 patients had pain in the loin area, while in 7 patients recurrent gross hematuria was also an indication for surgical treatment. For marsupialization, a holmium (Ho:YAG) laser Auriga XL (Boston Scientific, USA) was used in 4 patients, and in other cases (n=7) a procedure was performed using a thulium fiber laser (Tm Fiber) Fiberlase U1 (IRE-Polus, Russia). In 3 patients, to clarify the site of incision of the cyst, intraoperative ultrasound was used. In all cases, after draining the cyst, an internal stent was placed inside the cyst for a period of 4-6 weeks. Results. The duration of transurethral surgery was 26±11 minutes, while percutaneous marsupialization of the cyst, which was performed in combination with percutaneous nephrolithotomy, took 10 and 18 minutes, respectively. The average catheterization time was 12±8 hours. Nephrostomy tube was removed on the 2nd day. The length of stay was 4±2 days. Febrile fever was noted in 1 patient (9%), which required a change in antibiotic therapy. During ultrasound control at discharge, the dilatation of the collecting system was not detected in any cases, while the residual cavity was found in 2 patients (18%). Follow-up contrast-enhanced MSCT and ultrasound within 3-30 months in all patients (n=11) showed no dilatation of the collecting system. In 1 (9%) patient, the residual cavity was preserved with a decrease in size to 1.2 cm without signs of upper urinary tract obstruction; the initial diameter of the cyst in this patient was 4.9 cm. There was no recurrence of gross hematuria. Conclusions. In our opinion, transurethral and percutaneous laser marsupialization of parapelvic renal cysts is an effective and safe method that allows definitive treatment for cysts up to 4 cm in size. If the cyst is larger than 4 cm, endoscopic removal should be balanced with the possibility of preserving the residual cavity. The most common complication of endoscopic treatment of intrarenal cysts is acute pyelonephritis with a rate of 9%.

A clinical case of a 21-year-old patient with polyorchism and torsion of the right testicle described. Polyorchism revealed in 2016. According to urgent indications, the operation performed on the right orchipexy. The postoperative period was uneventful. A control study after 2 years of pathology from the organs of the scrotum not revealed.

Duplex renal systems is a common anomalies. Incidence rate of 0.8% in healthy adult population and 2-4% in patients investigated for urinary tract symptoms. Urolithiasis management for patients with anomalies is complex and require proper imaging and planning. We have a patient with a partial duplex collecting system presented with a right renal calculus in a non-functioning lower moiety and multiple distal ureteric calculi. Preoperative planning done and surgery performed with good outcome without any early and late complications.

This review includes the facts of bladder treatment by means of laser technologies application in historical perspective. Advantages and disadvantages of different laser technologies were considered in comparison with the traditional TUR of the bladder wall.

The review of recent literature suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the etiology of male infertility, life style and environmental factors contributing to oxidative stress are common in males. Antioxidant defence system is described as a complex network of internally synthesised and externally supplied components. In men with oxidative stress infertility antioxidants (β-carotine, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and zinc) intake decreases reactive oxygen species production, improves sperm parameters and pregnancy rate.

The article presents the main electron microscopic signs of the main histological variants of renal cell carcinoma. The ultrastructural profiles of rare forms of renal cell carcinoma included in the latest International Histological Classification of Kidney Tumors (WHO, 2016) are considered.