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In the last decades a growing interest has been dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and therapy of male genital pathologies, such as varicocele, infertility and erectile dysfunction in the population involved in sport activities. High incidence (up to 30%) of varicocele has been reported in a population of athletes and up to 60-80% in the subgroup of body-builders. The incidence of varicocele specifically increases with hours of training, in a linear model. Controversial data come from literature about the effects of physical activity on fertility, with prevalence of trials demonstrating worsening of seminal parameters. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that physical stress in healthy male athletes can interfere with LH levels. Bicycling is one of the major risk factors for erectile dysfunction, with incidence of 13-24%. This is due to the prolonged compression of perineal arteries leading to reduced chronic penile perfusion. Bioengineering studies have been the basis for industry to produce specifically shaped saddles that significantly reduce and minimize compressive effects. Finally, high frequency of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in cyclists has been related to increased incidence of erectile dysfunction in comparison with normal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment satisfaction, subanalysed by demographic variables, was evaluated in patients switching from successful intracavernosal prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) therapy to oral sildenafil citrate. The validated Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire was administered at the end of PGE1 therapy and after 12 weeks of sildenafil treatment in a multicentre, open-label study. Men with erectile dysfunction (n=176) who were switched from stable PGE1 therapy to sildenafil (25-100?mg) were equally satisfied with onset of action, duration of action, and confidence in ability to engage in sexual activity, but expressed greater overall treatment satisfaction with sildenafil (P<0.01), better ease of use (P<0.001), naturalness of erectile process (P<0.001), and intention to continue treatment (P<0.001). Partners (n=32) were overall more satisfied with sildenafil (P<0.05), and their responses correlated with patient satisfaction (r=0.68). Compared with PGE1 injection, these data suggest that patients may be less likely to discontinue taking sildenafil treatment for their erectile dysfunction.International Journal of Impotence Research (2003) 15, 444-449. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901049 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our purpose was to evaluate a pharmacological and dietary protocol of prophylaxis and treatment of acute actinic esophagitis during mediastinal radiotherapy. This phase II study was conducted on 29 patients affected by cancer not directly involving the esophagus. The irradiated volume included at least 10 cm of esophagus with a median dose of 46 Gy and the incidence of clinical acute esophagitis was scored with RTOG-EORTC tables. During the entire course of radiation therapy all patients were subjected to prophylaxis pharmacological therapy in addition to dietetic rules commonly used. All patients were evaluable, 9 (31%) had no acute esophageal toxicity, 20 (69%) had toxicity of degree 1, and no patient showed a toxicity of degree 2, 3, or 4, there were no toxicity-related related interruptions of the radiotherapy course. In conclusion, this low cost protocol seems to reduce the incidence and degree of acute radiation esophagitis (without added morbidity), compared with literature reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although hepatic steatosis is seen with increasing frequency in clinical practice, its prevalence and risk factors are unknown.Objective: To investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for hepatic steatosis, such as alcohol consumption and obesity.Design: Cross-sectional, observational study.Setting: Participants in the Dionysos Study.Patients: 257 participants assigned to one of four categories (67 controls, 66 obese persons, 69 heavy drinkers, and 55 obese heavy drinkers).Measurements: Ethanol intake, assessed by a validated questionnaire and expressed as daily (g/d) and lifetime (kg) consumption, and body mass, expressed as body mass index. Biochemical tests of liver and metabolic function and hepatic ultrasonography were done.Results: The prevalence of steatosis was increased in heavy drinkers (46.4% [95% CI, 34% to 59%]) and obese persons (75.8% [CI, 63% to 85%]) compared with controls (16.4% [CI, 8% to 25%]). Steatosis was found in 94.5% (CI, 85% to 99%) of obese heavy drinkers. Compared with controls, the risk for steatosis was higher by 2.8-fold (CI, 1.4-fold to 7.1-fold) in heavy drinkers, 4.6-fold (CI, 2.5-fold to 11.0-fold) in obese persons, and 5.8-fold (CI, 3.2-fold to 12.3-fold) in persons who were obese and drank heavily. In heavy drinkers, obesity increased the risk for steatosis by twofold (CI, 1.5-fold to 3.0-fold) (P < 0.001), but heavy drinking was associated with only a 1.3-fold (CI, 1.02-fold to 1.6-fold) increase in risk in obese persons (P = 0.0053). Elevated alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride levels are the most reliable markers of steatosis.Conclusions: Steatosis is frequently encountered in healthy persons and is almost always present in obese persons who drink more than 60 g of alcohol per day. Steatosis is more strongly associated with obesity than with heavy drinking, suggesting a greater role of overweight than alcohol consumption in accumulation of fat in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]