Concern For Men Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory activity of doum palm fruit extract used in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a frequent health concern in men over the age of 50. It is characterized by an increase in the size of the prostate, which can lead to urinary issues. In the past, the treatment of BPH was limited to surgery. However, the introduction of drugs such as Permixon, based on saw palmetto extract, has revolutionized the management of this disease. This natural plant extract is effective in relieving the symptoms of BPH and can also slow the progression of the disease. The Algerian population consumes several plants for this purpose, such as nettle, galangal, pumpkin seeds, and doum palm. The doum palm (Chamaerops humilis) is a bushy plant with fan leaves that is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. The terminal bud of this species is edible, however the doum palm has been appreciated by several societies throughout time for its multiple traditional uses and is primarily exploited for its fibers. In addition, this plant has aroused growing interest for its properties, especially in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of the doum palm by the protein denaturation method comparing it to Permixon extracts and corticosteroids in order to valorize this species and confirm its traditional use. Material and Methods: The fruits of Chamaerops humilis L. were dried, powdered, and extracted with aqueous water then screened by various chemical tests. The anti-inflammatory activity was estimated after dilution of each extract using the human serum albumin. Results: When evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect, we observed that the fruit extract exhibited significantly higher activity, with an IC50 of 446,02 mg/mL, too close to that of Permixon (IC50= 423.17 μg/mL) and exceeding that of corticosteroids (IC50= 602,21 mg/mL). All three extracts clearly demonstrated their ability to reduce inflammation. Conclusion: The aqueous extract was found to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent. These results offer promising novel perspectives in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, especially benign prostatic hyperplasia. Keywords: anti-inflammatory activity, benign prostatic hyperplasia, doum palm, Permixon, secondary active metabolites.

(329) Exploring the Incidence of Sexual and Reproductive Health Concern in Men with Cystic Fibrosis and CBAVD: An Analysis of a Multi-Institutional Database

Abstract Introduction Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetically inherited disease with a highly variable phenotype that results from a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Manifestations of CF include impacts on function of the lungs, liver, pancreas, and reproductive system. While CF is known to be associated with infertility due to congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), men with CF also frequently report additional sexual and reproductive health issues, often linked to low testosterone levels. Objective In this study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of low testosterone (T) in men with CF and CBAVD, and hypothesized hypothesized that low T would be under-evaluated and under-treated in the CF population compared to CBAVD and the general population. Methods We used TrinetX, a multi-institutional insurance claims database, to create a cohort of men over 18 years old with CF or CBAVD. We then queried each cohort to assess how many men had a T level measured, and if hypogonadal (below 300 ng/dL), how many received T therapy (TT). Results There were 14,033 men over age 18 years with a diagnosis of CF and 3,439 men over age 18 with a diagnosis of CBAVD in the TriNetX database. Serum T levels were measured in 10.1% of men with CF and 8.9% of men with CBAVD. While mean serum T level in both groups was within the normal range (defined as a total testosterone >300 ng/dL), 32.7% (n=464) of the men with CF and 43% (n=132) of the men with CBAVD were hypogonadal. The majority of men with T<300 ng/dL went on to appropriately receive TT: 59.3% of men with CF and 78% with CBAVD (figure 1). Conclusions Our data suggests that hypogonadism is highly prevalent in men with CF and CBAVD. These data suggest that despite a high rate of infertility in men with CF and CBAVD, the majority do not undergo hormonal evaluation. Investigation and appropriate treatment of TD may significantly improve quality of life. Disclosure No.

Navigating the unregulated terrain of testosterone boosters: a growing concern in men’s health

Navigating the unregulated terrain of testosterone boosters: a growing concern in men’s health

The Rights of Man: Libertarians’ concern for men’s, but not women’s, reproductive autonomy (A summary and recontextualization of existing research)

Libertarians claim individual autonomy as their central political principle, but historical and current evidence suggests this principle has been applied selectively. Reproductive decisions such as abortion can uniquely stress the concept of individual autonomy by placing into conflict the claimed rights of each biological parent to choose. We conducted two identical studies demonstrating that among US participants, libertarianism is associated with opposition to women’s reproductive autonomy but support for men’s. Self-identified libertarians tended to oppose women’s abortion rights, and support men’s right to both prevent women from having abortions (male veto), and withdraw financial support for a child when women refuse to terminate the pregnancy (financial abortion), and hostile sexism may account for libertarians’ selective support for men’s and not women’s reproductive autonomy. These results are discussed in the context of the recent reversal of the Roe vs. Wade supreme court ruling in the United States, imperiling a woman’s constitutional right to abortion.

Using Small Non-Coding RNAs in Extracellular Vesicles of Semen as Biomarkers of Male Reproductive System Health: Opportunities and Challenges

Reproductive dysfunction and urogenital malignancies represent a serious health concern in men. This is in part as a result of the absence of reliable non-invasive tests of diagnosis/prognosis. Optimizing diagnosis and predicting the patient's prognosis will affect the choice of the most appropriate treatment and therefore increase the chances of success and the result of therapy, that is, it will lead to a more personalized treatment of the patient. This review aims firstly to critically summarize the current knowledge of the reproductive roles played by extracellular vesicle small RNA components, which are typically altered in diseases affecting the male reproductive tract. Secondly, it aims to describe the use of semen extracellular vesicles as a non-invasive source of sncRNA-based biomarkers for urogenital diseases.

Influence of sex in alcohol-related liver disease: Pre-clinical and clinical settings.

Alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease globally. Traditionally, ArLD was mostly a concern in men rather than in women; however, such a sex gap is rapidly narrowing due to increasing chronic alcohol consumption among women. Female sex is more vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol with a higher risk of progression to cirrhosis and development of associated complications. The relative risk of cirrhosis and liver-related mortality is significantly higher in women than in men. Our review endeavors to summarize the current knowledge on sex differences in alcohol metabolism, pathogenesis of ArLD, disease progression, indication for liver transplant and pharmacological treatments of ArLD, and provide evidence in support of a sex-specific management of these patients.

The Epidemiological surveillance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in oral and genital tracts and the impact of HPV vaccination on male university students from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are of significant concern in men, given its potential impact on their health and the risk of transmission to partners. Understanding and addressing this infection in men is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing HPV-related diseases. Objective: To assess the impact of HPV vaccination, potential genotype shifts, and adverse effects, through a prospective study conducted with male university students. Methods:The study involved 286 volunteers who were examined at Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics at the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The HPV prevalence was evaluated using generic PCR, genotyped by DNA microarray and monitored adverse effects. Results: The findings of this study revealed the absence of moderate or severe adverse effects. Genetic shifts were observed, including the disappearance of oncogenic HPV types 16 and 18. Surprisingly, even after completing the full vaccine regimen, students still harbored HPV11 in the oral tract. Furthermore, persistent HPV 6 and 11 infections were identified in three students, who had pre-existing infections prior to vaccination, at the follow-up visit. Multivariate analysis uncovered independent associations, notably an increased risk of HPV infection in the oral tract among men who have sex with men. HPV prevalence rates remained low both before and after the vaccination scheme (T0: 14.7%, T1: 8.7%). Even after the full vaccination scheme, the prevalence remained similar at T2 (14.6%), with no statistically significant differences recorded. HPV11 emerged as the most prevalent type throughout the study, followed by HPV6. Vaccine genotypes were detected in a significant proportion of samples at T0 (85.4%), T1 (89.5%), and T2 (100%). Conclusion: Overall, this study suggests that vaccination may represent a promising approach to reducing HPV-related health risks. These findings shed light on the potential benefits and challenges of HPV vaccination, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and vaccination efforts.

EDUCATIONAL MOBILITY AS AN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “WORLD – MAN” PROJECT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE FLOODING PRESENT

The statement of basic materials. A new vision of philosophy is represented as one whose main task is compliance with new realities, where man and the world as realities become poly-paradigmatic, poly-essential, thus expanding the philosophical space of research. Innovative projects for the development of society arise, thanks to which philosophy becomes open to society. It is about the need to use new research paradigms to clarify modern processes. It is noted that today there are new forms of presentation of philosophy outside academic institutes. This new picture of philosophy presentation models states a public turn in the philosophy of the present. The public turn created a mosaic configuration of philosophy, including both popularizers of science and academic philosophers. Despite this, the problem of becoming a person as an agent remains undefined. The process of education as a mechanism for preserving the integrity of the individual is increasingly criticized. It is about the transformation of educational institutions as the formation of a post-university. The concept of “meaning of being” is involved in the analysis, which allows considering post-university as being (Z. Bauman, L. Donskis). P. Freire's concept of education as “reading the word and reading the world” was considered in the context of teaching as a dialogic method, which testifies to the reciprocity of thoughts and actions. It is about the need for cultural anthropotechnics for the subject's improvement of himself. An innovative approach to the education system meets the call to create a new generation of people, which is facilitated by educational mobility, which is possible under the conditions of openness. Educational mobility primarily acts as a project to enrich one's own thesaurus, in connection with the involvement of various cultural practices, and as a way of recognizing and adapting to those changes that are the realities of today, where mobility is a criterion for the preservation and existence of modern society. The concept of mobility is still debatable. Turning to educational mobility allows us to talk about its flexible configuration, where professional training and the existing cultural level intersect, which are aimed at forming a personality that must meet modern challenges. During educational mobility, the social role of an individual changes: from a subject who acts / learns to the formation of an individual who perceives the world holistically, thereby affirming the principle of unity in diversity, which resonates with the principle of multiculturalism and tolerance. Educational mobility corresponds to the principle of “man's concern for himself” (M. Foucault) and is associated with such processes as integration, modernization, transmission of experience and practices, deepening of interaction between all participants of both social and cultural interaction. This allows us to define educational mobility as a plane of social interaction, where a new network pattern of social institutions and social communities is formed.

A Trait‐like Component of Subjective Memory Concern in Men from Average Age 38 to 67 Years

AbstractBackgroundSubjective memory concern is a risk factor for dementia in older adults, yet it also appears to be stable over time. Few studies examine memory concern starting in midlife in cognitively normal adults or the role of genetic influences on memory concern. We focused on the stability of subjective memory concern from early midlife into older adulthood and its association with objectively assessed episodic memory and depressive symptoms. Using a classical twin design, we assessed genetic and environmental influences on longitudinally‐assessed subjective concern and its overlap with episodic memory and depressive symptoms.MethodWe examined 1,334 community‐dwelling men assessed in the Survey of Health and the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging, who were assessed for subjective memory concern at average ages 38, 56, 62, and 67. Objective episodic memory and depressive symptoms were assessed at 56, 62, and 67. Biometric twin models were used to estimate genetic and environmental influences over time, and correlated genetic and environmental influences between measures.ResultSubjective memory concern was highly stable after average age 38 and not significantly associated with age. Phenotypic models showed that subjective memory concern was more related to depressive symptoms (β = .46) than with episodic memory (β = ‐.12) within timepoint, as shown by non‐overlapping confidence intervals. There were no significant lagged associations of subjective memory concern with episodic memory or depressive symptoms. Heritability of subjective memory concern was 51% and remained stable over time; 49% of the variation was attributed to unshared environmental influences. There were also significant genetic correlations between subjective memory concern and both episodic memory and depressive symptoms.ConclusionSubjective memory concern was stable from age 38 to age 67, and over half of the variance was explained by genetic influences. There was also significant genetic overlap with depressive symptoms and episodic memory. The stability and heritability results provide strong support for a trait‐like component of subjective memory concern. To be most useful as an indicator of imminent cognitive decline and increased risk for dementia, it will be important to differentiate dynamic aspects of subjective concern from its trait‐related dimension.

Sexual and reproductive sequelae of Covid-19 in male patients: an integrative review

The emergence and proliferation of the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has had an incisive impact on the world, more specifically among health professionals who are on the front lines in the fight against this pathology. This study specifically highlights the reproductive and sexual health of men when affected by this pathology, which is yet another concern for men’s health, especially due to the real possibilities of having a worrying impact on male fertility, which is already constantly impacted by factors resulting from the environment and lifestyle habits of this population. The main objective of the study is to know the sexual and reproductive consequences of COVID-19 in male patients according to what the scientific literature indicates. For this, searches were carried out in databases such as: Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), BVS (Virtual Health Library), MEDLINE (Pubmed) and PEDro and on the Google Scholar search site, using the following keywords associations: COVID-19, sequelae, reproductive health, male patients, testicles, infertility, erectile dysfunction, penis. After the review study, it was inferred that it became evident that the sexual and reproductive sequelae in men contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 are severe to the point of harming the health and well-being of these patients. This assumption makes it clear that studies with male patients after COVID-19 should continue in order to establish better strategies for diagnosis and treatment of this population.

Transcriptomic Profiling Analysis of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cell Lines Treated with Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia.

Simple SummaryProstate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth cause of cancer mortality among men. Although localized and confined tumors are relatively curable, patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer are still problematic. Hypoxia, which is a marked characteristic of advanced solid tumors, has been suggested to induce the progression of prostate cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia on a castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line in inducing cancer progression using RNA sequencing analysis. Through RNA sequencing analysis, we prove that COL13A1, which is a key factor for the progression of metastasis, is closely related to metastatic prostate cancer. These results suggest that our findings indicate a novel strategy for the clinical management of mCRPC.Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is still a major concern in men’s health, with 375,000 cancer deaths annually. Hypoxia, which is a marked characteristic of advanced solid tumors, has been suggested to induce prostate cancer towards CRPC, metastasis and treatment resistance. To evaluate the effect of hypoxia on prostate cancer, two and five cycles of hypoxia and reoxygenation were administered using 22Rv1 cell lines and denominated as 22Rv1-CI and 22Rv1-PCI, respectively. Cancer cell migration was promoted in 22Rv1-CI compared to controls, and the expression of COL13A1 was significantly up-regulated in 22Rv1-CI according to differentially expressed gene analysis of RNA sequencing among groups. Cancer cell migration was impeded in a wound healing assay after transfecting si-COL13A1. Moreover, the expression of COL13A1 was also higher in the cell line originating from bone metastatic prostate cancer compared to other cell lines. Using the open database GEO, we also confirmed that the expression of COL13A1 was higher in bone metastatic prostate cancer tissue than in localized prostate cancer tissue in patients. Therefore, COL13A1 may be closely related to the bony metastasis of prostate cancer, and our findings may provide valuable information on the pathophysiology of the metastatic niche induced by hypoxia in patients with CRPC.

SENSIBILITE DU PRIX DE CIMENT AUX FLUCTUATIONS DU TAUX DE CHANGE DE FRANC CONGOLAIS PAR RAPPORT AU DOLLAR AMERICAIN A KINDU DE 2011 A 2020

In performing this research, the man concern is to verify whether the price of cement in Kindu is significantly influenced or not by fluctuations in the exchange rate of the congolese franc against the american dollar.
 From the statistical processing of our data, we understand that the price of cement in Kindu objects only the law of supply and demand, and that fluctuations in the exchange rate of the congolese franc against the american dollar have no significant influence.

An assessment of mythology in Gita Mehta’s a river sutra

This paper attempts to present an assessment of mythology and its significance in human life and Indian culture in Gita Mehta’s A River Sutra. It also looks at her utilization of Indian mythology and its symbolic meaning from a sociocultural standpoint. It is a project to investigate her usage of Indian mythology and its symbolic meaning in current culture. She interprets renunciation and self-realization in A River Sutra in a very realistic and practical way. The author’s concern for man’s eternal desire for existence and survival in modern life is evident in the Narmada story and the narrators of the six stories. She clarifies for misled Westerners and Indians alike that it is the active life of karma, not the passive renunciation, that leads to knowledge and enlightenment. As a result, only action, unselfish activity, may assist man in attaining perfection and excelling in life.

Shadows of Doubt: Thornton Wilder and Alfred Hitchcock's America at War

Abstract Before beginning his military service in the summer of 1942, Thornton Wilder collaborated with acclaimed suspense director Alfred Hitchcock to write the movie Shadow of a Doubt. Despite its simple premise regarding an all-American family endangered by a dark secret, the film reveals both men's concern with the war and the ideologies behind the aggression of the Axis Powers. This article explores how the collaboration built upon the two artists' shared sense of the uniqueness of their dramatic forms, including a similar democratic sensibility and a use of doubles to emphasize the audience's (and western civilization's) vulnerability to the appeal and threat of fascism.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Dalam Dukungan Suami Dengan Pemilihan Jenis Kontrasepsi Iud Pada Wanita Usia Subur di Kelurahan Ladang Bambu Kecamatan Medan Tuntungan

Intra-Uterine Devices are an effective, safe and convenient contraceptive option for many women Husband support in family planning is a tangible form of men's concern and responsibility. Husbands who are the head of the family must be wise in making decisions, both for themselves and for their family members including their wives. This community service aims to increase husband support with the selection of Intra uterine Device contraception in women of childbearing age. subjects in the community service activities were women of childbearing age in Mango Village, Ladang Bambu District, totaling 15 people. At the initial stage, an approach was made to the residents to deliver counseling material using the lecture method, the implementation of immunization assisted by the village midwife and continued with a question and answer session.Community service activities with the title "Community Empowerment in Increasing husband support with the selection of Intra Uterine Device contraceptive types in women of childbearing age in Mangga Village, Medan Tuntungan District, 2022" were carried out on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 09.00 WIB until completion. At the time of the activity, residents who came to register, then heard counseling material about increasing husband support with the selection of Intra Uterine Device contraceptive types in women of childbearing age, data collection was carried out which was assisted by the village midwife. It is expected for health workers to conduct health counseling to women of childbearing age, and mothers know the benefits of the type of contraceptive Intra Uterine Device in women of childbearing age.

Work-Life Balance among Fresh Male Graduates in Sri Lankan Context: A Qualitative Study

Work-life balance is a wide concept which involves prioritizing between work and life. Many research findings emphasize that work-life balance focuses more on women, but there is new clear indication which also emergent concern for men. The requirement of addressing the work-life balance related problems of men are becoming an upcoming trend in Sri Lankan workplace. The present study attempts to explore how do male employees perceive the concept of work life balance in Sri Lankan organisations. In addressing this primary objective, under interpretivism research philosophy and qualitative research methodology, face to face interviews with 12 working men were conducted. The data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. The findings of the study were revealed neglecting attitude towards the work life balance from young male employees even though they acknowledge it as an essential area in professional life. Moreover, it was apparent that respondents realize themselves as an enthusiastic cluster with lots of energy who can contribute more to the profession and grab more opportunities for their future, therefore, they compel to focus more on career than their personal life. However, almost all the participants perceived the concept of work life balance as gender irrespective concept. And also, young males believe that they are not much hassle on their family matters because respondents highlighted that their parents are continuously encouraging them to reach their career goals far as possible. It was noticeable that fresh male graduates are more concerned about their career development therefore they are given more priority towards the work life. Moreover, the study focused on the current practices available in the organizational context of Sri Lanka. Use of flexible working hours and supportive working environment subordinates are identified as effective practices. The Responsibility of organisations in helping the balance between work- and life is highlighted.
 Keywords: Work-life balance, Fresh male graduates, Work-life balance strategies

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium fluoroquinolone-resistance markers, and dual-class-resistance markers, in asymptomatic men who have sex with men.

IntroductionFailure of fluoroquinolones, the principal treatment option for macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma genitalium infections, has recently emerged. This is of particular concern for men who have sex with men (MSM), who have high proportions of macrolide-resistant M. genitalium infections. Treatment failure with moxifloxacin is likely the result of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in parC, whilst concurrent gyrA mutations may play a role.Gap StatementThe levels of fluoroquinolone resistance and dual-class (i.e. macrolide and fluoroquinolone) resistance in M. genitalium among asymptomatic MSM is unknown.AimTo (i) determine the proportion of fluoroquinolone resistance and dual-class resistance in M. genitalium infections among asymptomatic MSM, (ii) explore any clinical and behavioural associations with fluoroquinolone resistance, and (iii) determine the distribution of antibiotic resistance among M. genitalium mgpB sequence types (STs).Methodology M. genitalium positive samples (N=94) were obtained from 1001 asymptomatic MSM enrolled in a study at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (Carlton, Australia) between August 2016 and September 2017. Sanger sequencing was performed to determine the proportion of M. genitalium infections with SNPs in parC that have previously been associated with failure of moxifloxacin (corresponding to amino changes S83I, D83R, D87Y and D87N) and in gyrA (corresponding to amino acid changes M95I, D99N, D99Y and D99G). Associations between clinical/behavioural factors and parC SNPs were examined. Strain typing was performed by sequencing a portion of the mgpB gene.ResultsThe proportion of MSM with infections harbouring parC and gyrA SNPs was 13.0 % [95 % confidence interval (CI): 6.8–23.2 %] and 4.7 % (95 % CI: 1.1–13.4 %), respectively; dual-class resistance was 13.0 %. No significant clinical/behavioural associations were found. Antibiotic resistance was not restricted to specific mgpB STs.ConclusionOne in eight (13 %) of asymptomatic MSM with M. genitalium had an infection with dual-class-resistance mutations. Typing by mgpB sequence suggested fluoroquinolone resistance is arising from independent mutation events. This study illustrates that asymptomatic MSM may act as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant M. genitalium .

Factors Associated with Pre- and Post-Educational Intervention Knowledge Levels of HPV and Cervical Cancer Among the Male and Female University Students, Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infections are sexually transmitted and most frequently associated with cervical cancer in women, but they are also a public health concern in men. There is rising evidence that HPV’s role in other cancers, such as anal, vulva, vaginal, penis, head, and neck cancers. The present study aimed to understand the factors associated with HPV and cervical cancer knowledge levels of university students before and after an educational intervention.MethodsAn Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2018. A total of 638 study participants were selected using a simple random multistage sampling technique. A pretested questionnaire was used, consolidated the data, and analyzed with SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify which variables were associated with the knowledge levels.ResultsSix hundred thirty-eight study participants with a 100% response rate, and the mean age was 21.07 years (±SD, 1.96). Initial awareness of various broad categories was 4.09, and after the intervention, it increased to 23.4, with an average increase of 19.31 at 99% CI, p≤0.001 significance level. Before the educational intervention, students with <21 years of age [6.16, 95% CI: (2.21–17.18)] and ≤2.5 CGPA [3.44, 95% CI: (1.51–7.81)] were less knowledgeable over other counterparts. After educational intervention, the year of study was significantly associated with increased knowledge of overall and different broad categories of cervical cancer and HPV. Year of study, 1st-year students [AOR: 0.27, 95% CI: (0.14–0.51)] over third years and above are less knowledgeable. First-year students and CGPA ≤2.5 were less improved awareness over others.ConclusionThe educational intervention improved more than fourfold increase knowledge on cervical cancer and HPV, and the year of study was a key factor associated with overall improvement. This study suggests that educational intervention effectively strengthens our understanding of the spread of HPV and cervical cancer disease burden.

GC-MS-based metabolomics reveals new biomarkers to assist the differentiation of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Lack of efficient noninvasive biomarkers for differentiating prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a serious concern for men’s health worldwide. In this study, we aimed to improve the diagnostic capability of the existing noninvasive biomarkers for PCa. GC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics was employed to analyze plasma samples for 41 PCa patients and 38 BPH controls. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to screen for differential metabolites between PCa and BPH, followed by the selection of potential biomarkers through machine learning. The chosen candidate biomarkers were then verified by targeted analysis and transcriptome data. The results showed that twelve metabolites were significantly dysregulated between PCa and BPH, three metabolites including L-serine, myo-inositol, and decanoic acid could be potential biomarkers for discriminating PCa from BPH. Most importantly, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the involvement of the three potential biomarkers has increased the area under the curve (AUC) value of cPSA and tPSA from 0.542 and 0.592 to 0.781, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that the involvement of L-serine, myo-inositol, and decanoic acid can largely improve the diagnostic capability of the commonly used noninvasive biomarkers in the clinic for differentiating PCa from BPH.

Relugolix: a novel androgen deprivation therapy for management of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the foundation of treatment for patients with locally advanced, recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer, most commonly using luteinizing releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists. More recently, a new approach to ADT has emerged with the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, which aim to overcome some of the potential adverse physiologic effects of LHRH agonists. This article focuses on the newest GnRH antagonist, relugolix – a once-daily treatment and the only oral GnRH antagonist that has now been approved for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. In phase II and III studies, relugolix achieved rapid and sustained castration without the testosterone surge associated with LHRH agonists, thus avoiding the potential clinical consequences of tumor flare and the necessity for concomitant anti-androgen therapy. Relugolix also achieved rapid testosterone recovery, which may potentially reduce ADT-related adverse events and offer opportunities for combination and intermittent therapy strategies. Cardiovascular safety is a particular concern in men with prostate cancer and ADT further increases cardiovascular risk: indeed, LHRH agonists are required to have a drug label warning about an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Data from the phase III HERO study demonstrate an improved cardiac safety profile for the GnRH antagonist relugolix compared with the LHRH agonist leuprolide, including a significantly reduced risk for a major adverse cardiovascular event. Taken together, the data indicate that relugolix may mitigate some of the cardiovascular concerns surrounding ADT and has the potential to become a new standard of care for men with prostate cancer. In summary, relugolix represents a novel and recently available prostate cancer management strategy, incorporating the mechanistic advantages of GnRH antagonists and the potential benefits of oral administration.