Percutaneous angioplasty of internal pudendal artery stenosis with drug-eluting paclitaxel-coated balloons for the treatment of severe erectile dysfunction: a single-center pilot experience
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Clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of X-linked hypophosphataemia
X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare metabolic bone disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the PHEX gene, which is predominantly expressed in osteoblasts, osteocytes and odontoblasts. XLH is characterized by increased synthesis of the bone-derived phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which results in renal phosphate wasting with consecutive hypophosphataemia, rickets, osteomalacia, disproportionate short stature, oral manifestations, pseudofractures, craniosynostosis, enthesopathies and osteoarthritis. Patients with XLH should be provided with multidisciplinary care organized by a metabolic bone expert. Historically, these patients were treated with frequent doses of oral phosphate supplements and active vitamin D, which was of limited efficiency and associated with adverse effects. However, the management of XLH has evolved in the past few years owing to the availability of burosumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that neutralizes circulating FGF23. Here, we provide updated clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of XLH to improve outcomes and quality of life in these patients.
Immunogenicity of cell death and cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors
While immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the clinical management of various malignancies, a large fraction of patients are refractory to ICIs employed as standalone therapeutics, necessitating the development of combinatorial treatment strategies. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers have attracted considerable interest as combinatorial partners for ICIs, at least in part owing to their ability to initiate a tumor-targeting adaptive immune response. However, compared with either approach alone, combinatorial regimens involving ICD inducers and ICIs have not always shown superior clinical activity. Here, we discuss accumulating evidence on the therapeutic interactions between ICD inducers and immunotherapy with ICIs in oncological settings, identify key factors that may explain discrepancies between preclinical and clinical findings, and propose strategies that address existing challenges to increase the efficacy of these combinations in patients with cancer.
The role of the urologist in managing high flow priapism
High-flow priapism (arterial) is a prolonged erection caused by irregular cavernous arterial flow, often resulting from blunt perineal or penile trauma, or iatrogenic needle injury. This condition leads to the formation of an arteriolacunar fistula, causing unregulated arterial blood flow into the sinusoidal spaces of the penis. Unlike low-flow priapism, high-flow priapism typically presents with a partially erect, non-painful penis. The diagnosis is confirmed through characteristic findings on color Doppler ultrasound, which reveals turbulent high-velocity flow pinpointing the fistula’s location. Blood gas analysis typically reflects arterial values, helping to differentiate high-flow priapism from its low-flow counterpart. Although high-flow priapism was historically considered non-urgent, recent evidence suggests that delayed treatment may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, prompt intervention by urologists is crucial. The primary goal is to close the fistula, and the treatment plan should be individualized based on the severity and duration of the condition. Urologists play a critical role in managing this condition, offering a range of therapeutic options. These include conservative approaches, such as observation and compression, medical therapy, arterial embolization, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s condition, the fistula’s location, and the resources available. By ensuring timely and appropriate management, urologists can minimize complications and preserve erectile function.
Iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in muscle diseases and disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects
The muscular system plays a critical role in the human body by governing skeletal movement, cardiovascular function, and the activities of digestive organs. Additionally, muscle tissues serve an endocrine function by secreting myogenic cytokines, thereby regulating metabolism throughout the entire body. Maintaining muscle function requires iron homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that disruptions in iron metabolism and ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, are essential contributors to the progression of a wide range of muscle diseases and disorders, including sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms regulating iron metabolism and ferroptosis in these conditions is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing new strategies for disease treatment and/or prevention. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in the context of muscle injury, as well as associated muscle diseases and disorders. Moreover, we discuss potential targets within the ferroptosis pathway and possible strategies for managing muscle disorders. Finally, we shed new light on current limitations and future prospects for therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis.
Pelvic physical therapy for male sexual disorders: a narrative review
Pelvic physical therapy is an evidence-based, first-line treatment for many pelvic floor disorders and sexual dysfunction. Studies have shown that pelvic physical therapy programs can both improve pelvic floor dysfunctions and sexual function. This article aims to provide an overview of the current state of the art regarding pelvic physical therapy for male sexual dysfunction to inform healthcare providers who treat men with sexual dysfunction better. A literature review was performed in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct to find review articles, research articles, and case studies about the effect of pelvic physical therapy treatments for male sexual dysfunction. Twenty-six articles were found about various pelvic physical therapy interventions. Besides this overview of the literature, an overview of interventions used in clinical practice is also provided. This narrative review supports the potential efficacy of pelvic physical therapy in addressing male sexual dysfunction. Pelvic physical therapy approaches that comprise exercise modalities, electrotherapy approaches, manipulative techniques, lifestyle changes, behavioral suggestions, and pain management strategies, should be suggested for potential benefits in improving erectile function, premature ejaculation, and sexual dysfunction-associated chronic pelvic pain. More research is needed to examine the effect of pelvic physical therapy on hypoactive sexual desire and delayed ejaculation.
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