bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aromatase mRNA Levels in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tsugaya Masayuki , Harada Nobuhiro , Tozawa Keiichi , Yamada Yasuyuki , Hayashi Yutaro , Tanaka Shin , Maruyarna Kohji , Kohri Kenjiro 
Published: July 2007

Background: Estrogens are suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. In this study, the expression of aromatase messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was determined, and these levels were quantitated, in human prostatic tissues to evaluate the role of estrogens in the pathogenesis of BPH and prostate cancer.Methods: Prostatic tissues were obtained either by retropubic prostatectomy, radical prostatectomy, or radical cystectomy from patients with BPH, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. The expression of aromatase mRNA in the prostatic tissues was studied by Southern blot analysis of the reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction technique (RT‐PCR) products. Aromatase mRNA levels were measured in human prostatic tissues by the RT‐PCR using a fluorescent primer.Results: Aromatase mRNA was identified in all specimens by Southern blot analysis of the RT‐PCR products. The concentrations of aromatase mRNA (mean ± SD) which were measured by fluorometric quantitation in 16 of 19 patients with BPH and in 3 of 4 patients with prostate cancer, were 1.81 ± 3.02, and 0.84 ± 0.27, ± 10‐‐3 attomoles/μg of total RNA, respectively.Conclusions: These results demonstrate local formation of estrogen in the prostates of patients with BPH and prostate cancer. Controlled studies will be necessary to determine whether this may be a faclor in the development of BPH and prostate cancer.
Serum Interleukin‐6 levels after Urologic Operations
Authors: Igarashi Tatsuo , Takahashi Hidenori , Tanaka Masashi , Murakami Shino 
Published: July 2007

Background: Endourology, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and laparoscopic surgery are considered minimally invasive procedures; however, estimation of operative invasiveness has not been fully accomplished. We measured serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels, as an indicator for systemic reaction, to examine operative invasiveness of these operations in comparison with open surgery. Method: Serum IL‐6 levels were measured in 119 patients undergoing open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, endourology, and ESWL.Results: The median IL‐6 levels on day 1 after the operation varied according to operative procedures: 83.5 pg/mL (range, 15–340 pg/mL) for open surgery, 24.8 pg/mL (range, 12–42 pg/mL) for laparoscopic surgery, and 10.8 pg/mL (range, 0–85 pg/mL) for endourology and ESWL. The extent of tissue injury and blood loss were found to be 2 major factors responsible for the serum IL‐6 elevation.Conclusion: The minimally invasive character of endourology, ESWL, and laparoscopic surgery is attributable to low levels of tissue injury and blood loss, regardless of operative time.
Pyeloplasty in Hydronephrosis: Examination of Surgical Results from a Morphologic Point of View
Authors: Stein Raimund , Ikoma Fumihiko , Salge Stefanie , Miyanaga Takeaki , Mori Yoshinori 
Published: July 2007

Background: Dilatation of the upper urinary tract is the most common congenital urogenital anomaly. Pyeloplasty is the therapy of choice in those patients with significant obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction. There are not many reports concerning the operative long‐term results from a morphologic point of view. Furthermore, little information is available about children with giant hydronephrosis treated without resection of the dilated renal pelvis.Methods: Between 1973 and 1993, 231 children with 262 renal units (kidney, renal pelvis, ureter) were treated at our institution. Giant hydronephrosis was observed in 52 renal units. The clinical and follow‐up data were obtained from the patients' records. The dilatation of the upper urinary tract, confirmed by means of intravenous pyelogram, was divided into 5 grades.Results: In 215 renal units, reconstructive surgery was performed without reduction of the renal pelvis. Revision of the pyeloplasty was necessary in 5 of the 215 renal units. The dilatation of the upper urinary tract improved or remained stable in 99.4% of the renal units during the follow‐up period of 4.8 years (range, 1 month to 21 years).Conclusion: Surgical reconstruction of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a safe and successful procedure. The excision of the dilated pelvis does not seem to be necessary, even in patients with giant hydronephrosis.
Risk Factors in Urinary Calcium Oxalate Stone Formation and their Relation to Urinary Calcium Oxalate Supersaturation
Authors: Ogawa Yoshihide , Hatano Tadashi 
Published: July 2007

Background: We studied the effect of potential risk factors of urinary calcium oxalate saturation on calcium oxalate stone formation.Methods: Using the Equil2 program, the DG values of calcium oxalate in 390 clinical urine specimens were estimated in 5 healthy male individuals with and without citrate therapy.Results: Critical calcium‐oxalate supersaturation (DG value, > 2.8) was noted in 15 out of 390 urine specimens. Of the 15, 14 late night or morning specimens had critical calcium oxalate supersaturation, while only 1 afternoon specimen was supersaturated. Critical calcium oxalate supersaturation was often associated with hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria, while undersaturation was often associated with hypomagnesiuria, a high Ca/Mg ratio, and hypocitraturia.Conclusions: Hypomagnesiuria, hypocitraturia, and a high Ca/Mg ratio appear to be poor indicators of calcium‐oxalate supersaturation, and it is hard to predict the level of calcium‐oxalate saturation using single parameters.
Radical Prostatectomy for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: local Tumor Extension and Prognosis
Authors: Arai Yoichi , Kanamaru Hiroshi , Moroi Seiji , Ishitoya Satoshi , Okubo Kazutoshi , Suzuki Yuji , Yoshida Osamu 
Published: July 2007

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the frequency of local tumor extension and its effect on disease progression after radical prostatectomy.Methods: The study consisted of 66 consecutive men who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer without any prior hormonal therapy. Cases were stratified according to pathologic findings. Sites of capsular penetration were also evaluated.Results: The overall incidences of lymph node metastases, seminal vesicle invasion, capsular penetration, and positive surgical margin were, respectively, 23%, 32%, 55% and 35%. The disease progression rate in patients with positive lymph nodes differed significantly from that in those without nodal metastases (P < 0.0001). Although seminal vesicle invasion, capsular penetration, or positive surgical margin had an adverse effect on prognosis, the difference in progression missed statistical significance, when patients with positive lymph node metastases were excluded. The most common site of capsular penetration was posterolateral, in the area of the neurovascular bundle.Conclusions: Extraglandular tumor extension and positive surgical margins are common features of radical prostatectomy specimens. A nerve‐sparing operation should be performed selectively and with great caution. The markedly adverse effect of lymph node involvement on progression must be accounted for when evaluating other variables relating to progression.
Characterization of G Proteins in Obstructed Kidneys
Authors: Fukuzaki Atsushi , Kaneto Hiroyuki , Ishidoya Shigeto , Ikeda Shigenori , Orikasa Seiichi 
Published: July 2007

Background: Urinary tract obstruction has a marked effect on renal function. Activation of phospholipases which results in incremental production of vasoactive eicosanoids may contribute to the hemodynamic changes characteristic of an obstructed kidney. G proteins play an important role in transmembrane signal transduction, which controls phospholipase activities and eicosanoid production. The present study was designed to determine the presence of G proteins in obstructed kidneys in rats, and to characterize the differences between unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO).Methods: Several G‐protein α subunits (Gas, Gαi1,2, and Gαi3) and the β subunit (Gβ) were determined by immunoblotting and immunocytochemical techniques using specific antibodies against these G proteins.Results: lmmunoblots demonstrated a decreased Gαi3 content in the outer medullary tubules and a significantly lower Gβ level in the glomeruli of UUO. In BUO, there was an increased leeel of Gβ in the cortical tubules, and the Gαs level was markedly reduced in the inner medullary tubules.Immunocytochemical studies revealed that these G proteins were predominantly localized in the brush border side of the cortical tubules. However, we could not demonstrate staining differences between UUO and BUO.Conclusions: These results indicate that a modulation of G‐protein‐coupled transmembrane signal transduction may contribute to the renal functional changes in an obstructed kidney. A different level of expression of G‐protein subunits between UUO and BUO may be a factor in the differences of hemodynamics and renal tubular damage between UUO and BUO.
Gene Expression of TGF‐α, EGF and IL‐6 in Cultured Renal Tubular Cells and Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Aoyagi Teiichiro , Takishima Kunio , Hayakawa Masamichi , Nakamura Hiroshi 
Published: July 2007

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is thought to arise from the renal tubular cells (RTC). Assuming that proliferating RTC imply a premalignant change of RTC into RCC, messenger RNA expressions of growth factors in cultured RTC were compared to both cultured and frozen noncultured RCC.Methods: The expression of transforming growth factor‐alpha (TGF‐α), epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR) and Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were studied in surgically obtained RCC (n=17), cultured RCC (n=10), and autologous cultured RTC (n = 15). Quantitation of the PCR product was performed using a computer image analyzer which evaluated the intensity of each cytokine relative to β‐actin.Results: TGF‐α, EGFR and IL‐6 were detected in most of the cultured RTC, and both cultured and noncultured RCC were also expressed at high levels. In contrast to a high positivity of TGF‐α, EGF was not strongly positive in all specimens.Conclusions: Our results show that there is a predominant autocrine production of TGF‐α in RCC and RTC, suggesting that TGF‐α plays a distinct role in the proliferation of these cells. These studies also indicate that the mechanisms of proliferation and cytokine production of RCC and RTC are similar.
Ex Vivo Surgery for Renal Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Toshino Akihiko , Oka Akihiro , Kitajima Keiichi , Akiyama Kazumi , Mitsuhata Naoki , Mannami Rensuke , Yokoyama Masayoshi , Mannami Makoto 
Published: July 2007

Background: Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs), once considered rare, are being recognized with increasing frequency. The treatment of aneurysms of the first ramification of the main renal artery is still controversial. Methods: From November 1984 to May 1992, we treated 8 patients with RAA at the first ramification. All the patients were treated with an ex vivo technique and autotransplantation. Results: The results, evaluated with intravenous pyelogram and arteriography were satisfactory. No operative deaths and no complications were noted. Conclusion: We concluded that surgery with an ex vivo technique and autotransplantation is an excellent method of treating this type of lesion.
Phenotype Frequency of Human Leukocyte Antigens in Japanese Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma who Responded to Interferon‐α Treatment
Authors: Onishi Tetsuro , Ohishi Yukihiko , Iizuka Norio , Imagawa Kenichi 
Published: July 2007

Background: Because of the high cost, low overall response rate (10% to 20%), and poor quality of life during interferon therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma, it is important to distinguish patients likely to respond to treatment. The expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) may serve as a clinical marker for response to interferon treatment in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Methods: We compared HLA phenotype frequency in 37 Japanese patients with advanced renal cell Carcinoma who showed a favorable response to interferon‐α, in 93 similar patients, before treatment, who did not receive interferon‐α, and in 939 healthy Japanese volunteers (historical control data). Results: Six HLA antigens, B35, Bw48, Bw60, DRw6, DRw8, and DR9, were expressed at a significantly lower rate in the 93 pretreatment patients with renal cell carcinoma, compared with the control subjects. Three HLA antigens, excluding Bw60, DRw6, and DRw8, were expressed at a significantly higher rate in the patients who responded to interferon‐α, compared with the pretreatment patients with renal cell carcinoma and control subjects. Conclusion: Three HLA antigens, B35, Bw48, and DR9, were expressed at a significantly higher rate in patients with renal cell carcinoma who showed a sensitivity to interferon‐α, and could be important markers for clinical response to this antitumor therapy.
Transrectal Ultrasonography to Predict the Clinical Outcome of Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Kurita Yutaka , Ushiyama Tomomi , Suzuki Kazuo , Fujita Kimio , Kawabe Kazuki 
Published: July 2007

Background: This study evaluated the long‐term efficacy of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and determined whether the indices obtained with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) can predict the clinical response to TUMT.Method: Between November 1991 and June 1992, 43 patients with symptomatic BPH were treated with TUMT using the Prostcare device. The therapy consisted of a 1 ‐hour treatment under topical anesthesia. The findings of uroflowmetry and AUA symptom score before treatment were compared with those obtained dt each visit after the therapy. As the indices, the transition zone (TZ) volume, transition zone ratio (TZ ratio = TZ volume/total prostate volume), total prostate volume, and presumed circle area ratio (PCAR) were calculated. Results: There was a significant correlation between pretreatment TZ ratio and residual urine volume (r= 0.472, P= 0.0022). The efficacy rates calculated by response criteria on the 3 point scale at 2 months, 12 months, and 30 months were 44.2%, 30.2%, and 25%, respectively. The significant prognostic factors that predicted the clinical effect 1 year after treatment were the TZ ratio and intraprostatic temperature. After controlling for the treatment temperature, the multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that the TZ ratio was the significant predictor (p= 0.049) of 1 year efficacy of treatment.Conclusion: The present study showed that the efficacy rate of TUMT at 30 months was 25%, and that TKUS provides a simple parameter, the TZ ratio, which predicts the efficacy of TUMT.
Correlation of Transrectal Ultrasonography and Core Biopsies with Pathology Results in Radical Prostatectomy Specimens
Authors: Turkeri Levent , Tarcan Tufan , Biren Tuǧrul , Küllü Sevgi , Akdaş Atif 
Published: July 2007

Background: We compared preoperative tumor location, as identified by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), and TRUS‐guided core biopsies with the final histopathological examination of radical prostatectomy specimens. Methods: Thirty patients who had radical retropubic prostatectomy after evaluation with TRUS are included in the study. Diagnosis of prostate cancer was established with TRUS‐guided systematic (3 cores from base, mid and apex of the peripheral zone, and 1 core from the transition zone of each side of the prostate) and lesion‐directed core biopsies in all cases. Each prostate gland was halved for histopathological examination and results are reported in terms of “sides”. Results: Histopathological examination of the prostatectomy specimens revealed prostate cancer bilaterally in 29 glands (58 sides) and unilaterally in 1 gland. Preprostatectomy TRUS examinations missed cancer in 29 sides, and core biopsies were negative for cancer in 14 sides. Conclusion: This study revealed that 49% of prostate cancer lesions (n=29 sides) were not recognized on TRUS and 52% of those (n = 15 sides) were diagnosed only by additional systematic biopsies. Furthermore, even with TRUS‐guided systematic core biopsies, failure to detect the prostate cancer lesions may be as high as 24% (n = 14 sides).
Serum Prostate‐Specific Antigen Values for the Prediction of Clinical Stage and Prognosis in Patients with Prostate Cancer: An Analysis of 749 Cases
Authors: Kuriyama Manabu , Obata Koji , Miyagawa Yoshimasa , Nishikawa Eiji , Koide Takuya , Takeda Akihisa , Komeda Yoshinori , Kanbayashi Tomoyuki , Nakano Masaru , Miyake Koji 
Published: July 2007

Background: The clinical significance of pretreatment serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values was studied to determine the ability to predict clinical stage and prognosis using a relatively large number of patients with prostate cancer. Methods: Serum PSA values at diagnosis were analyzed from 749 patients with newly‐diagnosed prostate cancer and registered in the Tokai Urological Cancer Registry. Correlations between the PSA value, the clinical stage and prognosis of the patients were evaluated. Results: Serum PSA values at each stage of diagnosis showed positivity (≥ 3.6 ng/mL) in 23% (stage A1) to 91.2% (stage D2) of patients, and it was possible to obtain statistical differences between the stages, even between A1 and A2. Based on a cumulative study of PSA distribution, stages greater than A2 could be diagnosed using a cut‐off of 7.2 ng/mL, with a 99.2% positive predictive value (PPV), and a 16.2% negative predictive value (NPV). At a PSA level of 1 0.8 ng/mL, stages greater than B2 could be predicted with a PPV of 95.3% but an NPV of 40.3%. Pretreatment PSA values were a significant prognostic indicator in stage D2 patients using 100 to 150ng/mL as the cut‐off values. These differences were primarily found in the poorly differentiated group, which showed a statistical difference using cut‐off PSA values from 75 to 150 ng/mL. Conclusions: Serum PSA levels from a large number of patients can be used to predict the stage and prognosis of prostate cancer patients.
Comparison of Hormonal Therapy and Chemohormonal Therapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Clinical Stage D Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Miyake Hideaki , Hara Isao , Fujisawa Masato , Eto Hiroshi , Okada Hiroshi , Arakawa Soichi , Kamidono Sadao 
Published: July 2007

Background: In order to examine the usefulness of chemohormonal therapy, we conducted a multicentered randomized trial comparing hormonal therapy, using a luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) agonist, with chemohormonal therapy, hormonal therapy plus cyclophosphamide (CPM), in patients with newly diagnosed clinical stage D prostatic cancer. Methods: Between January 1991 and March 1995, 41 evaluable patients with stage D prostatic cancer were randomized into 2 groups: group A (hormonal therapy alone), goserelin acetate depot 3.6mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks; group B (chemohormonal therapy), goserelin acetate depot 3.6mg subcutaneously and CPM 1000mg/m2 intravenously every 4 weeks. The responses to the therapies were evaluated based on the criteria of The Japanese Urological Association. Results: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to objective and subjective response rates. No advantage in chemohormonal therapy was observed in the survival rate and progression‐free survival rate. However, the survival rate and progression‐free survival rate of responders were significantly higher than those of nonresponders in both groups. When the results were categorized by histologic grade patients with poorly‐differentiated adenocarcinoma had significantly higher response rates, survival rates, and disease‐progression‐free survival rates in Group B compared to similar patients in Group A. Conclusions: We conclude that chemohormonal therapy does not definitely improve the clinical response and prognosis of patients with stage D prostatic cancer; however, for patients with poorly‐ditferentiated adenocarcinoma, chemohormonal therapy is a useful treatment.
Effects of Alterations in Potassium and Calcium Concentrations on the Pressure Generated in Rat Whole Bladder In Vitro
Authors: Saito Masahiko , Ohmura Masaharu , Kondo Atsuo 
Published: July 2007

Background: Various physiologic systems maintain the ionic equilibrium essential tor normal neuron and smooth muscle function. These systems are impaired by nonphysiologic concentrations of extracellular cations. This study investigated the effects of altered extracellular concentrations of potassium and calcium on the in vitro pressure generation in the whole bladder of rats. Methods: Pressure increases in response to field stimulation, as well as low and high doses of bethanechol, were determined in a Krebs solution containing a normal amount of potassium, and in excess of 10mmol/L and 20mmol/L of potassium. Each of these solutions had calcium concentrations, that were low (0.8mmol/L), normal (2.5mmol/L), or high (7.5mmol/L). Results: The response to field stimulation was significantly decreased at the 20‐mmol/L concentration of potassium in the presence of the different concentrations of calcium. The response to field stimulation increased as the extracellular concentration of calcium increased. The pressure increase caused by a low dose of bethanechol was significantly enhanced by elevations in the concentrations of both potassium and calcium. There was no difference in the response to a high dose of bethanechol in the presence of the various concentrations of potassium and calcium. Conclusion: These findings indicated that changes in the cationic equilibrium that result in blocking of the neuronal sodium channels, as well as increasing the level of intracellular bound calcium in smooth muscle, alter bladder function in vitro.
Effects of Chronic Renal Failure on Hypothalamo‐Pituitary‐Testicular Axis Function and Fertility in Rats
Authors: Yamamoto Yasuhisa , Sofikitis Nikolaos , Miyagawa Ikuo 
Published: July 2007

Background: We evaluated the effects of chronic renal failure on hypothalamo‐pituitary‐testicular axis function in male Wistar rats. Methods: Chronic renal failure was induced by five‐sixths nephrectomy in male rats. Seven to 10 weeks after the surgery, serum urea and creatinine concentrations and hematocrits were evaluated, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) tests, and prolactin stimulating antl suppression tests were performed. In addition, androgen‐binding protein, epididymal sperm content, motility, ancl fertile potential were assessed. Results: Basal serum testosterone concentrations and the response of testosterone to hCG were significantly lower in rats with chronic renal failure than in controls. Basal serum gonadotropin levels were elevated in rats with chronic renal failure, but the gonadotropin response to GnRH did not differ from that in controls. Serum protactin IeveIs responded appropriately to stimuIation and suppression tests. Androgen‐binding protein levels, epididymal sperm content, motility, and fertile potential were significantly lower in uremic rats. Conclusions: Chronic rend failure in rats interferes with endocrinologic mechanisms and testicular functions. Thus, uremic rats have a low fertile potential.