Volume 16, Number 4Review ArticlesErectile Dysfunction and Essential Hypertension: The Same Aging-related Disorder?Screening UpdateRaul I ClavijoMartin MinerJacob RajfeAn erection is a mechanical event dependent primarily on corporeal vascular dynamics wherein arterial inflow and storage of blood within the corpora is greater than the egress of blood from the corpora. The most common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of the corporal tissue to store the blood within the corporal sinusoids once inflow into the corpora begins. This failure to store is primarily due to a corporal smooth muscle dysfunction and, in most men, is most likely an aging-related occurrence. Because the corporal smooth muscle is embryologically and physiologically indistinguishable from the smooth muscle within our arterial system, the authors hypothesize that the aging-related dysfunction that occurs within the penis also occurs within the arterial system, and that this smooth muscle dysfunction within the arterial media is most likely the cause of what is called essential hypertension. This panvascular smooth muscle myopathy could explain why hypertension is the most common comorbidity associated with ED and appears to indicate that both ED and essential hypertension are the same disorder, albeit in two different organ systems. [Rev Urol. 2014;16(4):167-171 doi: 10.3909/riu0631] © 2014 MedReviews®, LLCHypertensionErectionEndotheliumSmooth muscle
Volume 19, Number 2Review ArticlesThe Association Between Hypertension and Prostate CancerDisease State ReviewNavin ShahVladimir IoffeA 2016 meta-analysis documented a possible association between hypertension and prostate cancer. We retrospectively reviewed our 3200 prostate cancer patients that were aged 51 to 76 years to determine the frequency of hypertension. Data was gathered on age, race (African American and white), hypertension, diabetes, and body mass index (BMI). Patients were subdivided into three groups: age 51 to 60 years, age 61 to 70 years, and age 71 to 76 years. Our study population consisted of 1388 (43%) African American patients and 1812 (57%) white patients. Hypertension was found in 1013 (73%) of African American patients and 1290 (72%) of white patients. Diabetes was found in 35% of African American patients and 24% of white patients. BMI over 30 kg/m2 (obesity) was found in 47% of African American patients and 45% of white patients. We found the frequency of hypertension to be 73% in African American and 72% in white patients, 18% and 44% relatively higher in African American vs white patients, respectively, compared with the general population (62% in African American vs 50% in white patients). The study also found a similar frequency of hypertension among African American and white prostate cancer patients, despite an approximate 12% difference in the general population. Based on these findings, we suggest that prostate cancer and hypertension share a common androgen-mediated mechanism and further prospective studies are recommended to confirm that hypertension is a risk factor for prostate cancer. [Rev Urol. 2017;19(2):113–118 doi: 10.3909/riu0758] © 2017 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerHypertensionAndrogenRisk factors
Volume 22, Number 1Review ArticlesObesity and Its Impact on Kidney Stone FormationDisease State ReviewDean G AssimosKyle WoodWilliam PooreCarter J BoydNikhi P SinghBarbara GowerThe prevalence of obesity is rising and places this cohort at risk for developing kidney stones. Some of the pathophysiologic responses that link obesity and kidney stone formation have been identified. Herein, we review the involved mechanisms driving this relationship and the impact of various weight loss strategies on kidney stone risk. [Rev Urol. 2020;22(1):17–23] © 2020 MedReviews®, LLCObesityKidney stonesDiabetesMetabolic syndromeHypertensionWeight managementObese animal models