Effects of CYP2D6 allelic variants on therapy with tamsulosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objectives: Tamsulosin is a first-line drug for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Despite its high ratings for efficacy and safety, these parameters may vary due to genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 enzyme, which is involved in the metabolism of the drug. This variability may have great impact on the therapy of LUTS associated with BPH and may require an individualized approach to drug selection.

Genes associated with testicular germ cell tumors and testicular dysgenesis in patients with testicular microlithiasis.

Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is one of the symptoms of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). TM is particularly interesting as an informative marker of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). KIT ligand gene (KITLG), BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 (BAK1), and sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 4 (SPRY4) genes are associated with a high risk of TGCTs, whereas bone morphogenetic protein 7 gene (BMP7), transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 gene (TGFBR3), and homeobox D cluster genes (HOXD) are related to TDS.

Rectourethral fistula after repeat transrectal prostate biopsy.

Transrectal prostate biopsy is considered a relatively safe procedure, with a quite small number of complications. We report a patient with a rectourethral fistula after a repeat transrectal prostate biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first incident in the published literature.

Sildenafil citrate 100 mg starting dose in men with erectile dysfunction in an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled study: effect on the sexual experience and reducing feelings of anxiety about the next intercourse attempt.

Introduction: Sildenafil citrate 50 mg is the recommended starting dose for men with erectile dysfunction (ED); however, most men are later titrated to sildenafil 100 mg for improved efficacy.

Aim: Assess the tolerability and efficacy of sildenafil initiated at the 100-mg dose in men with ED.

Methods: Men with ED (score < or =25 on the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function) who had received < or =6 total doses of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and none within 4 weeks were randomized to 8 weeks of double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC), fixed-dose treatment (50 or 100 mg sildenafil or placebo) followed by 4 weeks of open-label flexible-dose sildenafil (50 or 100 mg).