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Biomedical subjects

A Kawauchi

Publications and source records attributed to A Kawauchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Significant decrease of the International Index of Erectile Function in male renal failure patients treated with hemodialysis.

In order to evaluate the erectile function in male renal failure patients treated with hemodialysis (HD), we investigated the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in patients and healthy controls. The subjects were 174 male patients treated with HD, of whom 43 had diabetes mellitus (DM) and the remaining 131 patients did not have DM. The controls were 1133 healthy males. We evaluated the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) using the erectile function (EF) score, which is one of the five domains of the IIEF, in each age group (upto 39 y old, 40-49 y old, 50-59 y old, 60-69 y old). The severity of ED was classified into five categories using EF in each age group. The univariate logistic regression analysis and multiple variate analysis of IIEF in HD patients were performed. The prevalence of ED in HD patients was significantly higher than that in the controls in each age group. The severity of ED in HD patients was also significantly higher than that in the controls in each age group. In the logistic regression analysis and multiple variate analysis of IIEF in HD patients, DM and age were significant risk factors on sexual dysfunction. ED was more prevalent in male renal failure patients treated with HD than in the controls. In the patient group, ED was more prevalent in older DM patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Erythrocyte aldose reductase correlates with erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Erythrocyte aldose reductase (AR) has been implicated in a variety of diabetic complications. The subjects were 62 diabetic patients, of whom 25 were treated with hemodialysis (chronic renal failure CRF group) and the remaining 37 did not have chronic renal failure (DM group). The controls were 20 healthy volunteers age-matched to the patients. The level of AR was measured by the quantitative determination kit for AR in all patients and controls. In this study, ED was diagnosed by 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). The average level of AR in the CRF group was significantly higher than that in the DM group and controls (P<0.001). The average level of AR in the DM group without ED was significantly lower than that in the DM group with ED and controls (P<0.005). These results suggest that the level of AR may be a useful modality for prediction of ED in diabetic patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Cisplatin-induced in vivo differentiation of human embryonal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differentiation of embryonal carcinoma (EC) by cisplatin, and the underlying mechanism, as untreated metastases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumours rarely consist of fully differentiated mature somatic tissues, but such mature metastases are more common after various treatments, including chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TTSC-3 human testicular EC line heterotransplanted into nude mice was used as a target. After treating tumour-bearing mice with intraperitoneal injections of varying doses of cisplatin, the histopathology of the tumours was assessed and various gene expressions in the tumours determined by cDNA-array technology. RESULTS: When cisplatin at 1 mg/kg/week was injected intraperitoneally into TTSC-3-bearing mice, there was no effect on tumour growth. However, injecting cisplatin at 5 mg/kg/week induced a marked regression of the tumour. In contrast, cisplatin at 3 mg/kg/week had a modest inhibitory effect on tumour growth and induced tumour dormancy. Histological examination showed that 5 weeks after injecting cisplatin (3 mg/kg/week), primitive mesenchymal-like cells increased, and 10 weeks afterward cartilage and well-developed glands (teratoma) were apparent; at > 15 weeks afterward there were no EC cells visible. cDNA probes from reverse-transcribed mRNAs of TTSC-3 treated with cisplatin or saline for 10 weeks were compared to identify genes differentially expressed in cisplatin-treated TTSC-3. Of 1176 different human cDNA transcripts in cisplatin-treated TTSC-3, three genes (tumour necrosis factor receptor 1, caspase 8 and Apaf1), which are associated with apoptosis, were expressed markedly more than after saline injection. CONCLUSIONS: The intermediate dose of cisplatin inhibited tumour growth of EC by inducing differentiation and enhancing apoptosis-related gene expression. These findings suggest that cisplatin may play a significant role in the differentiation of EC in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Alternative splicing isoforms of hippostasin (PRSS20/KLK11) in prostate cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Hippostasin is a kallikrein-like protease (PRSS20/KLK11), which is expressed preferentially in the hippocampus and prostate. We have reported that alternative splicing variants of human hippostasin are regulated in a tissue-specific manner. Brain-type hippostasin consists of 250 amino acids including a typical signal sequence, and is expressed in the brain and prostate. The prostate-type hippostasin, which has 32 extra amino acids at the N-terminal end, is expressed only in the prostate. METHODS: We analyzed the expression and localization of hippostasin in normal prostate tissue, BPH tissue, and prostate cancer cell lines. We performed northern blotting, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Hippostasin mRNA is expressed preferentially in the normal prostate and weakly in the testis. It was detected in prostate secretory epithelium. Hippostasin protein was localized in the prostate secretory epithelium, and western blotting showed that hippostasin was present in semen. All tested prostate cancer cell lines, including PSA-negative cell lines, expressed hippostasin. Interestingly, all the prostate cancer cell lines expressed only brain-type but not prostate-type hippostasin, while normal prostate and BPH expressed both types of hippostasin CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the possibility that hippostasin may be a useful marker by which prostate cancer and BPH can be distinguished.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2001

Follow-up study of bedwetting from 3 to 5 years of age.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between bedwetting and development in infancy. METHODS: Questionnaires concerning micturition habits and development at 3 and 5 years of age were completed by the parents of 157 children who had had their health checked by pediatricians at a group checkup at 3 years of age. RESULTS: The percentage of bedwetters in whom the frequency of bedwetting was at least once a month was 53% at 3 years of age and 21% at 5 years of age. The prevalent resolution period of bedwetting in infants was 2.5 to 3.5 years of age. The head circumference for boys at birth differed significantly between the bedwetters and nonbedwetters at both ages. Daytime symptoms were more frequent among bedwetters at both ages. Earlier toilet training had no influence on bedwetting at 5 years of age, although it led to earlier control at night at a younger age. Delays in speaking and walking might be factors connected to bedwetting. The prevalence of bedwetting in boys was higher than that in girls. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that daytime incontinence and sex were significant factors for bedwetting at 5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Daytime incontinence and sex were the significant factors for bedwetting in infancy. Head circumference for boys and developmental delays in speaking and walking might also be important factors.

Body Height↗
PubMed2001

Susceptibility to vesicoureteral reflux in Japanese is linked to HLA-DR antigen.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether vesicoureteral reflux is associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. METHODS: We evaluated 40 Japanese patients (27 males and 13 females) with reflux. HLA-DR low-resolution genotyping and high-resolution typing of HLA-DRB1 alleles were performed. The frequencies of the HLAs and alleles were calculated and compared with those previously reported in 493 healthy Japanese. RESULTS: Low-resolution typing showed that the frequency of the HLA-DR11 antigen was significantly higher in the patients with reflux than in the control group. High-resolution typing revealed that the frequencies of HLA-DRB1*1101 and 1502 alleles were significantly higher in the patients with reflux than in the control group. In the patients with and without renal scarring, the frequencies of the HLA-DR11 antigens and HLA-DRB1*1101 alleles were significantly lower in those with renal scarring. In the patients with and without the chief complaint of urinary tract infection symptoms, the frequencies of HLA-DR13 antigens and HLA-DRB1*1302 alleles were significantly lower in those with that chief complaint. CONCLUSIONS: The susceptibility to reflux is, in part, controlled by HLA genes themselves or an unknown gene or genes, the locus for which is located close to the DRB1 gene. The lack of a HLA-DRB1*1101 allele and DRB1*1302 allele in patients with reflux might be connected with renal scarring and urinary tract infection, respectively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Possible use of ultrasound estimated bladder weight in evaluating vesicoureteral reflux in children.

The present study was designed to reveal the possible use of ultrasound estimated bladder weight (UEBW) in evaluating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children in terms of possible implication of bladder hypertrophy in VUR. In 27 children with VUR, UEBW was measured by transabdominal ultrasound. The UEBW in an individual patient was evaluated quantitatively using the percent deviation from age matched UEBW. There was a significant difference noted in the percent deviation from age-matched UEBW between patients (n = 17) with primary VUR and those (n = 10) with secondary VUR (p <.05). When analyzed together in 27 patients, a significant positive correlation (p <.05) was recognized between the percent deviation from age-matched UEBW and VUR grade. This was also the case in ten patients with secondary VUR (p <.01), but not for 17 patients with primary VUR. The measurement of UEBW might be of clinical use in evaluating the pathogenesis as well as the severity of VUR in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The significance of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity in bladder cancer.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway of uracil and thymine catabolism. DPD is also the principal enzyme involved in the degradation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which is one of the anticancer chemotherapeutic agents currently used in the treatment of bladder cancer. Little is known about the significance of DPD activity in human cancers. We investigated the activity of DPD in 74 bladder cancers and the relationship between the DPD activity and the sensitivity to 5-FU. The levels of DPD activity in bladder cancer and normal bladder tissues were determined by the 5-FU degradation assay. The sensitivity to 5-FU was assessed by the microculture tetrazolium dye (dimethylthiazolyl-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; MTT) assay. The activity of DPD was approximately 2-fold higher in bladder cancer tissues compared with normal bladder tissues. DPD activity in invasive bladder cancers was approximately 2-fold higher than that in superficial cancers. In addition, the levels of DPD activity in grade 2 and grade 3 bladder cancers were approximately 3-fold and 4-fold higher than that in grade 1 cancers, respectively. Patients with superficial bladder cancer with a low DPD activity had a slightly longer postoperative tumour-free period than those with a high DPD activity over a 2-year follow-up period, but this was not significant. There was an inverse correlation between DPD activity in bladder cancer cells and their sensitivity to 5-FU. Furthermore, 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP), a potent DPD inhibitor, enhanced the sensitivity to 5-FU. The present study has demonstrated that the level of DPD activity correlated with the progression of the stage and an increase in the grade of the bladder cancer. These results suggest that an elevated DPD activity might be associated with the malignant potential of the bladder cancer. In addition, it might be possible to overcome 5-FU insensitivity by using DPD inhibitors in the treatment protocols of 5-FU-based chemotherapy for bladder cancers.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of reflux kidney using renal resistive index.

PURPOSE: We clarified the relationships of the renal resistive index, reflux and renal scarring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The resistive index in the interlobar artery was measured using power Doppler ultrasonography in 22 patients with reflux (reflux group), 13 with postoperative or resolved reflux (previous reflux group) and 20 who served as controls. RESULTS: Resistive index values in 11 kidneys with mid or high grade reflux were significantly higher than in 22 with low grade reflux and in the 40 normal kidneys. The resistive index in the 11 kidneys with reflux and scarring was significantly higher than in the 22 with reflux and without scarring, and in the 40 normal kidneys. The resistive index in the 14 kidneys with previous reflux and scarring was significantly higher than in 12 with previous reflux and without scarring, and in the 40 normal kidneys. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis in 25 kidneys with and 34 without scarring revealed that a discriminatory resistive index value of 0.71 was optimal for detecting renal scarring. When the resistive index cutoff value was 0.71, there was 76% sensitivity for diagnosing renal scarring, 91% specificity and 85% overall accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the possibility that an increased resistive index in kidneys with reflux predicts renal scarring. The resistive index measured with power Doppler ultrasonography may be a noninvasive and useful alternative for screening and following renal scarring.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[A case of primary adenocarcinoma of the female urethra].

A 53-year-old female visited our hospital with a complaint of acute urinary retention. Transvaginal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed extreme thickening of the urethral wall. Histopathological examination of the transvaginal needle biopsy suggested well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. She underwent total cysto-urethrectomy with partial vaginal wall resection and ileal conduit urinary diversion. Pathological diagnosis of the tumor was columnar adenocarcinoma invading into the vaginal wall and periurethral connective tissue. Fifty-eight cases of primary adenocarcinoma of the female urethra in the Japanease literature are briefly reviewed.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Are micturition systems influenced by sleep-arousal system?

To clarify a relation between contractile condition of the urinary bladder and vigilance condition, bladder pressure was monitored simultaneously with cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) in urethane-anesthetized rats. Slow waves of large amplitude and those of lower amplitude appeared in EEG alternately. The bladder showed no contractile activity in the former EEG condition, while it contracted intermittently or continuously to urinate in the latter EEG condition. The relative power of EEG delta waves was significantly different in these two conditions. These results suggest that activity of the micturition system changes according to vigilance conditions, which may serve to prevent enuresis during sleep.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Causes of nocturnal urinary frequency and reasons for its increase with age in healthy older men.

PURPOSE: We investigate the causes of nocturnal urinary frequency and reasons for its increase with age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All voided volumes and times were recorded for 3 days in 188 healthy older men without prostatic diseases during a mass screening program for prostatic diseases in Japan. Nocturnal urinary frequency for each night was defined as the frequency during sleep not counting the morning void. Relationships between nocturnal urinary frequency and functional bladder capacity, nocturnal bladder capacity, nocturnal urinary volume and sleep time were analyzed. Age related changes in functional and nocturnal bladder capacity, and nocturnal and diurnal urinary volume were evaluated. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis demonstrated nocturnal bladder capacity and urinary volume to be significant independent determinants of nocturnal frequency. In age related analysis nocturnal bladder capacity and diurnal urinary volume decreased with age, while nocturnal urinary volume did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal urinary volume and nocturnal bladder capacity were the significant determinants of nocturnal urinary frequency in healthy older men. The increase of nocturnal frequency with age was thought to be due to a decrease in nocturnal bladder capacity, since urinary volume did not change. In older men a decrease in water intake might influence age related changes in urinary volume.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2000

State dependent response of the locus caeruleus neurons to bladder distention.

PURPOSE: The precise mechanism by which normal persons wake upon urinary sensation is unclear. The locus caeruleus in the pons is suggested to be involved in the activating systems for arousal. We evaluated the effects of bladder distention on the neural activity in the l. caeruleus under different states of anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed on 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The spontaneous discharge rate of single neurons in and around the l. caeruleus was recorded with the rat under urethane anesthesia administered intraperitoneally, while the electroencephalogram was monitored simultaneously. The changes of the discharge rate of the neurons were observed during saline infusion into the bladder or during tail pinch stimulation. After recording the location of the neurons was confirmed histologically. RESULTS: Of 42 l. coeruleus neurons whose response was examined during deep anesthesia 31 showed an excitatory response to bladder distention, followed by a change in electroencephalogram pattern to a faster and smaller rate, while the remaining 11 showed no response. Of 28 l. coeruleus neurons examined during light anesthesia only 1 neuron was excited and the remaining 27 showed no response. Virtually all of the l. coeruleus neurons unresponsive to bladder distention were responsive to tail pinch stimulation. Of the nonnoradrenergic neurons ventromedial to the l. coeruleus 4 of 7 during deep anesthesia and 5 of 8 during light anesthesia showed an excitatory response to distention. CONCLUSIONS: The excitatory response of the l. coeruleus neurons to bladder distention was strongly affected by the state of anesthesia. The response was observed only during deep anesthesia and was accompanied by lightening of the anesthesia. L. coeruleus may be involved in arousal which is mediated by bladder distention.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1999

Firing of putative cholinergic neurons and micturition center neurons in the rat laterodorsal tegmentum during distention and contraction of urinary bladder.

The relation between unit activity in the laterodorsal tegmental (LDT) area and the state of the urinary bladder was examined in urethane-anesthetized rats. Neurons in the LDT area can be classified into two populations: broad-spike (possibly cholinergic) and brief-spike (non-cholinergic). When the rats showed cortical electroencephalographic activity with large amplitude lower frequency, indicative of deep anesthesia, more than 40% of the broad-spike neurons was excited and about 10% was inhibited by infusion of saline into the bladder. The response was followed by decrease in amplitude and slight increase in frequency of the cortical activity, i.e., lightening of anesthesia. During light anesthesia, excitation was observed only in less than 10% of the units, while 17% was inhibited. In the brief-spike neurons, a similar proportion (about 20%) was excited and less than 10% was inhibited by the distention during either state of anesthesia. About 10% of the broad-spike neurons in the LDT area and 30% of the brief-spike neurons examined were discharged prior to the bladder contraction. Such neurons of the brief-spike category were encountered frequently outside of the central gray; lateral, caudal and ventral to the main mass of cholinergic neurons in the LDT area. These results suggest the possible involvement of the broad-spike (cholinergic) neurons in the elevation of vigilance level caused by bladder distention. The brief-spike (non-cholinergic) neurons firing with relation to bladder contraction may be part of the micturition reflex center.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1999

Systematic treatment for nocturnal urinary frequency following a sleep-micturition chart.

Seven patients complaining of nocturnal urinary frequency were treated following a sleep-micturition chart. By clinical analysis of the data, the causes of nocturnal urinary frequency were divided into three diagnostic categories: a small bladder capacity group, a sleep disorder group and a large nocturnal urinary volume group. The three groups were treated by anticholinergic agents, sleeping pills and restriction of water intake at night respectively. With the administration of anti-cholinergic agents or sleeping pills nocturnal bladder capacity increased. By restriction of water intake at night nocturnal urinary volume decreased. In all patients nocturnal urinary frequency decreased and sleep efficiency was improved.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Locus coeruleus function in enuresis.

There are four neuronal networks projecting to many areas of the brain. All networks relate closely to arousal and sleep function. Among the four networks, the noradrenaline projection network, originating from the locus coeruleus (LC), is the system most typically responsible for arousal. This study shows that the LC is activated by the stimulation of bladder distension only while the patient is in deep sleep, not in light sleep. This finding corresponds with the mechanism of enuresis type I in our classification of enuresis, based on overnight simultaneous monitoring using electroencephalography and cystometry. The importance of arousal and sleep systems in the pathogenesis of enuresis is also discussed.

Arousal↗
PubMed1999

[Renal angiomyolipoma with marked extrarenal development: a case report].

A 28-year-old female complained of minimal fever elevation. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a left renal tumor of 10 cm in diameter. Ultrasonogram and CT, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography suggested a renal angiomyolipoma (AML) with marked extrarenal development. Partial nephrectomy was performed using a microwave tissue coagulater without clamping of the renal artery. The tumor weight was 800 g and the pathological diagnosis was AML. The management of large AML is reviewed in the literature. Nephron sparing surgery should be performed even in patients who have a larger tumor with extrarenal development.

Adult↗