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Objective: To discuss the novel biomarkers of microRNAs in prostate cancer., Data Sources: The literatures about microRNAs and prostate cancer cited in this review were obtained mainly from Pubmed published in English from 2004 to 2012., Study Selection: Original articles regarding the novel role of microRNAs in prostate cancer were selected., Results: MicroRNAs play an important role in prostate cancer such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. Especially microRNAs correlate with prostate cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), drug sensitivity, cancer microenvironment, energy metabolism, androgen independence transformation, and diagnosis prediction., Conclusions: MicroRNAs are involved in various aspects of prostate cancer biology. The role of microRNA in the initiation and development of prostate cancer deserves further study.

Background: Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is technically feasible for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction although it is still challenged by its technical difficulty and time-consuming. In this study, we compared the initial results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty versus a combined laparoscopic dissection and open reconstruction through a small incision in the treatment of UPJ obstruction., Methods: Sixty-four patients with primary UPJ obstruction underwent pyeloplasty: 32 patients underwent laparoscopic procedure and 32 patients underwent open assisted laparoscopic surgery including two steps, ie, laparoscopic dissection of the UPJ transperitoneally and then pyeloplasty via an extended small incision. The demographic data and intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up conditions of patients were compared between the two groups., Results: Preoperative data were comparable in the patients of the two groups. The operative time was shorter (60.9 minutes vs 157.7 minutes, P < 0.0001) and the complication rate was lower (9.4% vs 31.3%, P < 0.05) in the open assisted group than in the laparoscopic group. The estimated blood loss (42.3 ml vs 47.8 ml), time to have normal diet (37.6 hours vs 33.8 hours), and hospital stay (6.7 days vs 6.2 days) were equivalent. The operative success rate was 97% for the open assisted group and 91% for the laparoscopic group., Conclusions: The procedure of combined small incision with laparoscopy for UPJ obstruction is technically easy, and the results are promising. It can be used as an alternative to conventional procedures.