New bipyridine gold(III) dithiocarbamate-containing complexes exerted a potent anticancer activity against cisplatin-resistant cancer cells independent of p53 status.

We synthesized, characterized and tested in a panel of cancer cell lines, nine new bipyridine gold(III) dithiocarbamate-containing complexes. In vitro studies demonstrated that compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 were the most cytotoxic in prostate, breast, ovarian cancer cell lines and in Hodgkin lymphoma cells with IC50 values lower than the reference drug cisplatin. The most active compound 1 was more active than cisplatin in ovarian (A2780cis and 2780CP-16) and breast cancer cisplatin-resistant cells.

Pharmacometabolomics study identifies circulating spermidine and tryptophan as potential biomarkers associated with the complete pathological response to trastuzumab-paclitaxel neoadjuvant therapy in HER-2 positive breast cancer.

Defining biomarkers that predict therapeutic effects and adverse events is a crucial mandate to guide patient selection for personalized cancer treatments. In the present study, we applied a pharmacometabolomics approach to identify biomarkers potentially associated with pathological complete response to trastuzumab-paclitaxel neoadjuvant therapy in HER-2 positive breast cancer patients. Based on histological response the 34 patients enrolled in the study were subdivided into two groups: good responders (n = 15) and poor responders (n = 19).

Association of the germline BRCA2 missense variation Glu2663Lys with high sensitivity to trabectedin-based treatment in soft tissue sarcoma.

We report an interesting clinical case of a patient carrying a specific BRCA2 germline variant affected by bone and hepatic metastases from a high grade uterine stromal sarcoma who obtained a complete metabolic response after only 3 cycles of trabectedin treatment (1.5 mg/m given intravenously over 24 hours every 21 days). Molecular investigations linked this outstanding positive pharmacological response with the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the mutated BRCA2 gene.

Semen quality impairment is associated with sexual dysfunction according to its severity.

Study Question: Is sexual dysfunction associated with severity of semen quality impairment in men with couple infertility?

Summary Answer: In males of infertile couples the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases as a function of semen quality impairment severity.

What Is Known Already: Infertile men are at a higher risk for sexual dysfunction, psychopathological and general health disorders. However, it has never been systematically investigated if these problems are associated with severity of semen quality impairment.

Sexual Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes at Diagnosis: Progression over Time and Drug and Non-Drug Correlated Factors.

Aims: To present the longitudinal data of the SUBITO-DE study, a prospective survey involving male patients with new or recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (<24 months).

Materials And Methods: Sexual function was assessed in male patients with T2DM at baseline (phase 1) and after a mean follow-up of 18 months (phase 2). Standard metabolic parameters and sexual and depressive symptoms were evaluated.

Thioflavones as novel neuroprotective agents.

Oxidative stress is associated with the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Identification of small molecules capable of protecting against oxidative stress is therefore of significant importance. In this context, a library of 76 hydroxy flavones, methoxy flavones and their 4-thio analogues has been evaluated for neuroprotection against HO-induced oxidative stress.

First-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors dropout: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

The discontinuation rate with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) remains very high. The aim of this study was to review and meta-analyze currently available data regarding dropout of the first-generation of PDE5i including sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil. An extensive Medline Embase and Cochrane search was performed including the following words: 'PDE5i', 'discontinuation'.

Corrigendum: Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Review.

[This corrects the article on p. 130 in vol. 33, PMID: 26770933.

Exosomes increase the therapeutic index of doxorubicin in breast and ovarian cancer mouse models.

Aim: To demonstrate that exosomes (exo) could increase the therapeutic index of doxorubicin (DOX).

Materials & Methods: Exosomes were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot. Tissue toxicity was evaluated by histopathological analysis and drug efficacy by measuring tumor volume.

The Role of Somatic Symptoms in Sexual Medicine: Somatization as Important Contextual Factor in Male Sexual Dysfunction.

Introduction: An important feature of somatic symptom disorder is the subjective perception of the physical symptoms and its maladaptive interpretation. Considering that psychological distress is often expressed through somatic symptoms, it is possible that they underlie at least a part of the symptoms in subjects complaining of sexual dysfunction. Nevertheless, studies on the impact of somatoform disorders in sexual dysfunction are scanty.

High Triglycerides Predicts Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Subjects With Sexual Dysfunction.

Introduction: The atherogenic role of triglycerides (TG) remains controversial. The aim of the present study is to analyze the contribution of TG in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) and to verify the value of elevated TG in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods: An unselected series of 3,990 men attending our outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied.

Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: The correlation among metabolic syndrome, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well established. In particular, CVD has been proposed as a potential risk factor for both LUTS progression and severity.

Objective: To evaluate whether LUTS severity can be considered as a significant risk factor of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the male population.

Gonadal agenesis with hypoplastic paramesonephric ducts (PMNDs) derivatives in dizygotic twins.

Unlabelled: The co-occurrence of gonadal agenesis alongside hypoplastic derivatives of the paramesonephric ducts has rarely been observed.

Patient(s): 16-year-old dizygotic twin sisters were referred to our department because of primary amenorrhea. X-ray, bone densitometry, ultrasonography, pelvic MRI and measurement of pituitary, ovary, and thyroid hormones were performed.

Testosterone supplementation and body composition: results from a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Purpose: The concept of testosterone (T) supplementation (TS) as a new anti-obesity medication in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is emerging. Data from placebo-controlled trials are more conflicting. The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze available observational and register studies reporting data on body composition in studies on TS in TDS.

Erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is a multidimensional but common male sexual dysfunction that involves an alteration in any of the components of the erectile response, including organic, relational and psychological. Roles for nonendocrine (neurogenic, vasculogenic and iatrogenic) and endocrine pathways have been proposed. Owing to its strong association with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, cardiac assessment may be warranted in men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

The Economic Burden of Hyponatremia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality observed in clinical practice. Several studies have demonstrated that hyponatremia is associated with an increased length of hospital stay and of hospital resource utilization. To clarify the impact of hyponatremia on the length of hospitalization and costs, we performed a meta-analysis based on published studies that compared hospital length of stay and cost between patients with and without hyponatremia.

DNA Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy.

DNA nanotechnology is an emerging and exciting field, and represents a forefront frontier for the biomedical field. The specificity of the interactions between complementary base pairs makes DNA an incredible building material for programmable and very versatile two- and three-dimensional nanostructures called DNA origami. Here, we analyze the DNA origami and DNA-based nanostructures as a drug delivery system.

Vascular and Chronological Age in Men With Erectile Dysfunction: A Longitudinal Study.

Introduction: Impaired penile color Doppler ultrasound predicts major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (MACE), particularly in men at low-risk. However, penile color Doppler ultrasound is not recommended in routine clinical checkups.

Aim: To evaluate whether the difference between vascular and chronological age (Δage), as derived from the SCORE algorithm, is a predictor of MACE in subjects consulting for erectile dysfunction (ED) independently from other CV risk factors, including penile color Doppler ultrasound parameters.

Endocrinologic Control of Men's Sexual Desire and Arousal/Erection.

Introduction: Several hormones and neurotransmitters orchestrate men's sexual response, including the appetitive (sexual desire) and consummative (arousal and penile erection) phases.

Aim: To provide an overview and recommendations regarding endocrinologic control of sexual desire and arousal and erection and their disturbances.

Methods: Medical literature was reviewed by the subcommittee of the International Consultation of Sexual Medicine, followed by extensive internal discussion, and then public presentation and discussion with other experts.