Suppression of atherogenesis by n-3 fatty acids in the cholesterol-fed rabbit.

The effects of n-3 fatty-acid supplementation on serum lipids, platelet aggregation, and the development of atherosclerotic lesions were studied in the cholesterol-fed rabbit. Serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values were significantly reduced in comparison with those of the nonsupplemented cholesterol-fed group (p less than 0.005, p less than 0.0025, respectively), though still higher than those of the control group (p less than 0.0025, p less than 0.0125 respectively). Platelet aggregation was reduced below that of the cholesterol-fed and the control levels (p less than 0.0005, p less than 0.0025, respectively). The endothelial injury encountered in cholesterol-fed rabbits was inhibited in the supplemented group. It is concluded that n-3 fatty acids suppress atherogenesis in this animal model by interfering with platelet aggregation and lipid metabolism.     

Do Prostatic Infarction,Prostatic Inflammation and Prostate Morphology Play a Role in Acute Urinary Retention?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is a role of prostatic infarction, prostatic inflammation and prostate morphology in acute urinary retention (AUR) etiology. METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive male patients who were admitted to our clinic with either AUR or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were involved in the study. Patient age ranged from 43 to 88 years (median age 70). Group 1 consisted of 53 (54%) patients with AUR, and Group 2 consisted of 45 (46%) patients with LUTS. In Group 1 and Group 2, 58.4% (n:31) and 62.2% (n:28) of the patients underwent transurethral prostate resection, 41.6% (n:22) and 37.8% (n:17) of the patients underwent suprapubic transvesical prostatectomy, respectively. Each patient was asked about the factors: smoking habits, taking previous general anesthesia and preexisting cardiovascular disease such as hypertention and atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease which may lead to AUR via prostatic infarct. Prostatic infarction, prostatic inflammation and prostatic morphology were examined in the patients' specimen. RESULTS: Mean age, median serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and prostatic inflammation ratio were significantly higher in Group 1. There were not significant differences between the groups regarding prostate volume, prostatic infarction ratio and a type of prostatic morphology. In the present study, except for taking previous general anesthesia and preexisting cardiovascular disease, only prostatic inflammation was found important contributory factor on AUR. AUR risk was 3.03 times higher in the patients with prostatic inflammation (95%CI 1.28-7.15) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: No significant effect of prostatic infarction was found on occurrence of AUR which was more frequent in elderly patients. Prostatic inflammation may have an important risk factor in AUR etiology. Additionally, serum PSA levels were higher in AUR group. No association was found between a type of prostatic morphology and AUR.     

Coronary bypass procedures in patients with renal artery stenosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: We present our experience on patients with renal artery stenosis undergoing myocardial revascularization procedures. METHODS: Eighteen patients with varying degrees of renal artery stenosis were operated for coronary artery bypass grafting between 1996 and 2003. The overall incidence was 0.15%. There were nine male and nine female patients with a mean age of 62 +/- 8.2 (40-72 years). Four had bilateral and eight had significant unilateral (>50%) renal artery stenoses. Preoperatively, three patients had renal arterial intervention (stenting), and one patient was on hemodialysis. The mean preoperative creatinine value was 2.6 +/- 2.7 mg/dL (range 0.7 to 9.3). The patients were followed medically: two patients underwent off-pump coronary bypass grafting and the others were operated on-pump. RESULTS: There was only one mortality and two patients required hemodialysis postoperatively. The postoperative mean creatinine values were 3.4 +/- 4.9 mg/dL (range 1.0 to 12.5). No electrolyte imbalances were noted except that one case revealed a transient metabolic acidosis. Five patients required inotropic support with dopamine and two needed diuretic infusions. Only five patients demonstrated a refractory hyper tensive period postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant correction of renal artery stenosis with CABG is usually not necessary, but the principles for renovascular diseases must be kept in mind and individually oriented strategies must be planned.