Asymptomatic prostatic inflammation in men with clinical BPH and erectile dysfunction affects the positive predictive value of prostate-specific antigen

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that sexual dysfunction in elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia leads to prostatic inflammation, diagnosed by prostatic fluid interleukin-8 (IL-8), which lowers the positive predictive value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).MethodsOverall, 160 men with lower urinary tract symptoms between 50 and 75 years of age with an elevated PSA level of more than 4 ng/ml with normal digital rectal examination and 50 age-matched controls with normal PSA level were prospectively evaluated for prostatic fluid IL-8 levels. Erectile dysfunction was measured by self-administered questionnaire of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men. Total and free serum PSA levels and IL-8 in prostatic fluid were measured 6 to 8 weeks after a course of 400 mg of ofloxacin and 20 mg of piroxicam given daily for 2 weeks. Transrectal ultrasonography–guided biopsy was done only when PSA level did not decrease less than 4 ng/ml.ResultsMean ages of patients and controls were 63.18 (standard deviation [SD]±7.10) and 60.18 (SD+6.02) years, respectively. Mean concentration of IL-8 in prostatic fluid of the patients was significantly higher, i.e., 6678 pg/ml (SD±1985.7) than in control, i.e., 1543 pg/ml (SD±375.7) (P<0.001). Following anti-inflammatory treatment, there was a significant decrease in the mean level of IL-8 from baseline to 5622 pg/ml (SD±1870.66) (P<0.001). Corresponding to this, a significant decrease was noted in total PSA levels to less than 4 ng/ml in 105 (65.62%) patients. Men with the highest levels of IL-8 had a greater degree of erectile dysfunction.ConclusionMen with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction had significant inflammation of the prostate to cause spurious rise in PSA level resulting in an unnecessary biopsy.     

Normal Weight Obesity: An Underrecognized Problem in Individuals of South Asian Descent

PurposeObesity has attained pandemic proportions across the world, and its prevalence in developing countries is also on the rise. Nevertheless, there is still a large gap in understanding the reasons behind a disproportionately high prevalence of diabetes as opposed to a lesser degree of obesity seen in individuals of South Asian origin. This research letter highlights the importance of identifying individuals with normal weight obesity, which may partially bridge this knowledge gap.MethodsWe reviewed recently published evidence on normal weight obesity.FindingsNormal weight obesity is a common public health problem and may be prevalent in up to one-third of individuals of certain Asian ethnicities. Literature is emerging on its pathophysiology and association with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. More recently, normal weight obesity was also identified as an independent strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality. However, evidence is particularly lacking on its appropriate management.ImplicationsNormal weight obesity is an underrecognized yet widely prevalent problem in individuals of Asian descent. Further research on pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic options in individuals with normal weight obesity is needed to appropriately manage this condition.     

Utility of urine and serum lateral flow assays to determine the prevalence and predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-positive outpatients beginning antiretroviral therapy in Mwanza,Tanzania

Background

Detection of subclinical cryptococcal disease using cryptococcal antigen screening among HIV-positive individuals presents a potential opportunity for prevention of both clinical disease and death if patients with detectable cryptococcal antigen are identified and treated pre-emptively. Recently developed point-of-care cryptococcal antigen tests may be useful for screening, particularly in resource-limiting settings, but few studies have assessed their utility.

Methodology

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and factors associated with cryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-positive patients with CD4⁺ T-cell counts ≤200 cells/µL who were initiating ART, and also to evaluate the utility of the point-of-care urine lateral flow assay (LFA) cryptococcal antigen test using two different diluents, compared to gold standard serum antigen testing, as a screening tool. Urine and serum of outpatients initiating antiretroviral therapy at two hospitals in Mwanza were tested for cryptococcal antigen, and demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained using structured questionnaires and patients’ files. Patients with asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia received oral fluconazole in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations.

Results

Among 140 patients screened, 10 (7.1%) had asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia with a positive serum cryptococcal antigen. Four of these ten patients had CD4 counts between 100 and 200 cells/µL. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigen detected in urine using a standard (older) and a test (newer) diluent were 44 (31.4%) and 19 (13.6%), with Kappa coefficients compared to serum of 0.28 and 0.51 (p<0.001 for both). Compared to the new LFA diluent for urine cryptococcal antigen, the standard diluent had higher sensitivity (100% versus 80%) but lower specificity (74% versus 92%) using serum cryptococcal antigen as a gold standard.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that HIV-positive outpatients with CD4 counts <200 cells/µL, rather than 100, should be screened for asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia given its association with mortality if untreated. Agreement of the urine LFA with the serum LFA was not sufficient to recommend routine screening with urine LFA.     

Post-Resection Surveillance in GI Cancers

Recurrence after curative resection of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is common. Early detection of resectable recurrences may result in a curative resection. In un-resectable recurrences, early detection may improve the quality of life by palliation or with the use of newer chemotherapeutic drugs. The guidelines regarding follow-up of patients after curative resection of GI cancers are from the West which is very different from the Indian population in terms of a disease pattern and social milieu. The guidelines which are commonly used are also not strictly followed. We have proposed in this article the protocols which we follow at our centre after curative resection of GI cancer and how these are different from the guidelines proposed by the West.     

Lipid Lowering Activity of Guggulsterone from Commiphora mukul in Hyperlipaemic Rats

The lipid lowering action of guggulsterone, the active constituent of guggulipid, has been studied in triton and cholesterol fed hyperlipaemic rats. Serum lipids were found to be lowered by guggulsterone (50 mg/kg, b.w.) in triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipaemia. Chronic feeding of this drug (5 mg/kg, b.w.) in animals simultaneously fed with cholesterol (25 mg/kg, b.w.) for 30 days, caused lowering in the lipid and apoprotein levels of very low density and low density lipoproteins in experimental animals. Guggulsterone activates lipolytic enzymes in plasma and liver as well as stimulated receptor mediated catabolism of low density lipoprotein. The hypolipidaemic activity of this drug is mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, increased faecal bile acid excretion and enhanced plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity.