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Biomedical subjects

Hiroshi Miyamoto

Publications and source records attributed to Hiroshi Miyamoto.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Legionella impletisoli sp. nov. and Legionella yabuuchiae sp. nov., isolated from soils contaminated with industrial wastes in Japan.

In this study, we tried to isolate legionellae from nine Legionella DNA-positive soil samples collected from four different sites contaminated with industrial wastes in Japan. Using culture methods with or without Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, a total of 22 isolates of legionellae were obtained from five of the nine samples. Identification of species and/or serogroups (SGs), performed by DNA-DNA hybridization and agglutination tests, revealed that the 22 isolates consisted of ten isolates of Legionella pneumophila including five SGs, five Legionella feeleii, and one each of Legionella dumoffii, Legionella longbeachae, and Legionella jamestownensis. The species of the remaining four isolates (strains OA1-1, -2, -3, and -4) could not be determined, suggesting that these isolates may belong to new species. The 16S rDNA sequences (1476-1488bp) of the isolates had similarities of less than 95.0% compared to other Legionella species. A phylogenetic tree created by analysis of the 16S rRNA (1270bp) genes demonstrated that the isolates formed distinct clusters within the genus Legionella. Quantitative DNA-DNA hybridization tests on the OA1 strains indicated that OA1-1 should be categorized as a new taxon, whereas OA1-2, -3, and -4 were also genetically independent in another taxon. Based on the evaluated phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, it is proposed that one of these isolates from the soils, OA1-1, be classified as a novel species, Legionella impletisoli sp. nov.; the type strain is strain OA1-1(T) (=JCM 13919(T)=DSMZ 18493(T)). The remaining three isolates belong to another novel Legionella species, Legionella yabuuchiae sp. nov.; the type strain is strain OA1-2(T) (=JCM 14148(T)=DSMZ 18492(T)). This is the first report on the isolation of legionellae from soils contaminated with industrial wastes.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed2006

Suppression of androgen receptor transactivation and prostate cancer cell growth by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 via interaction with androgen receptor coregulator ARA54.

The androgen receptor (AR) requires coregulators for its optimal transactivation. Whether AR coregulators also need interacting proteins to modulate their function remains unclear. Here we describe heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 as an associated negative modulator for the AR coregulator ARA54. hnRNP A1 selectively suppressed ARA54-enhanced wild-type and mutant AR transactivation via interruption of AR-ARA54 interaction and ARA54 homodimerization. Stable transfection of hnRNP A1 in the LNCaP cells suppressed AR-mediated cell growth and the expression of prostate-specific antigen, and this suppressive effect was abolished by the addition of ARA54-small interfering RNA. Small interfering RNA knockdown of endogenous hnRNP A1 enhanced cell growth and prostate-specific antigen expression in LNCaP cells. These results not only suggest that the loss of hnRNP A1 expression might activate the ARA54-enhanced cell growth and contribute to the prostate cancer progression, but also demonstrate the dual functional roles for ARA54 as an AR coregulator directly and as a mediator for the suppressive effect of hnRNP A1 indirectly. The novel finding that a protein can modulate AR function without direct interaction with AR might provide a new therapeutic approach to battle prostate cancer by targeting AR indirectly with fewer side effects.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2006

Transgelin functions as a suppressor via inhibition of ARA54-enhanced androgen receptor transactivation and prostate cancer cell growth.

The androgen receptor (AR) requires coregulators for its optimal function. However, whether AR coregulators further need interacting protein(s) for their proper function remains unclear. Here we describe transgelin as the first ARA54-associated negative modulator for AR. Transgelin suppressed ARA54-enhanced AR function in ARA54-positive, but not in ARA54-negative, cells. Transgelin suppressed AR transactivation via interruption of ARA54 homodimerization and AR-ARA54 heterodimerization, resulting in the cytoplasmic retention of AR and ARA54. Stable transfection of transgelin in LNCaP cells suppressed AR-mediated cell growth and prostate-specific antigen expression, whereas this suppressive effect was abolished by the addition of ARA54-small interfering RNA. Results from tissue surveys showing decreased expression of transgelin in prostate cancer specimens further strengthened the suppressor role of transgelin. Our findings reveal the novel mechanisms of how transgelin functions as a suppressor to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. They also demonstrate that AR coregulators, like ARA54, might have dual in vivo roles functioning as both a direct coactivator and as an indirect mediator in AR function. The finding that a protein can modulate AR function without direct interaction with AR might provide a new therapeutic approach, with fewer side effects, to battle prostate cancer by targeting AR indirectly.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Tyrosinase localization in mollusc shells.

In molluscan shellfish, pigmentation is frequently observed in the calcified shell, but the molecular basis of this process is not understood. Here, we report two tyrosinase proteins (Pfty1 and Pfty2) found in the prismatic shell layer of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata; this layer is recognized as the pigmented region in P. fucata. The protein sequences were deduced from the corresponding cDNAs and confirmed by MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis. The sequences suggest that both tyrosinases have two copper-binding sites in similar N-terminal domains that are homologous to tyrosinases of cephalopods and hemocyanins of gastropods. In turn, this suggests that bivalve tyrosinases are evolved from a common ancestral copper-binding protein in the mollusc. Pfty1 and Pfty2 were specifically expressed in the mantle, and their expression in the mantle is different from each other, suggesting that these tyrosinases have distinctive roles in melanogenesis in shells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Photosensitive neurogenic heart of the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica.

The heart of animals is regulated through the central nervous system in response to external sensory stimuli. We found, however, that the adult neurogenic heart of the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica has photosensitivity. The beat frequency of the isolated heart decreased in response to a light stimulus. Magnitude of the response was stimulus intensity dependent and the heartbeat frequency decreased to less than 80% of the dark value during illumination of the white light with an intensity of 6.0 mW cm-2. The spectral sensitivity curve of the heart photoresponse peaked at a wavelength around 520 nm. In response to 530 nm monochromatic light, the relationship between light intensity and response magnitude was linear and the threshold intensity was 7.26 x 1012 quanta cm-2 s-1. Bursting activity of the cardiac ganglion, which is located in the heart and acts as the cardiac pacemaker deceased in frequency in response to illumination by white light. This fact suggests that the heart photoresponse of L. exotica results from the photosensitivity of the cardiac ganglion neurons. The photoresponse of the heart therefore contributes to regulation of cardiac output in addition to other regulatory systems.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Eikenella corrodens in head and neck infections.

BACKGROUND: Eikenella corrodens (E. corrodens) is a Gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacillus that originally was thought to be an attenuated and indigenous bacterium. In recent years, a number of reports have documented that E. corrodens can be a potential pathogen not only in immunocompromised patients but also in hosts with normal immunity. We herein study E. corrodens infections of the head and neck encountered in our department. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients treated in our department for E. corrodens infections of the head and neck were retrospectively analyzed. Microbial specimens were subjected to light microscopic examination, aerobic culture using chocolate and sheep blood agar media, and anaerobic culture using Brucella HK agar medium. Cultured bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests by means of the broth microdilution method. RESULTS: There were 16 males and 6 females with an average age of 29.9 years. Two patients had malignancy, while the other patients had no particular risk factors or underlying diseases. Infected sites were the ear in 6 cases, pharynx in 12 cases (tonsil in 10 cases), paranasal sinuses in 3 cases, and salivary gland in 1 case. Seventeen patients suffered polymicrobial infections. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus were the most frequently detected pathogens coexisting with E. corrodens, and mixed infections of E. corrodens and Streptococcus milleri group bacteria were prone to form abscesses. Isolated E. corrodens was susceptible to third-generation cephems (MIC90 = 0.15-0.25 microg/ml), carbapenems (MIC90 < or = 0.15 microg/ml), and new quinolones (MIC90 < or = 0.15 microg/ml), and resistant to oxacillin (MIC90 > 8 microg/ml), cefazolin (MIC90 > 4 microg/ml), macrolides (MIC90 = 4-8 microg/ml), and clindamycin (MIC90 > 4 microg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: E. corrodens infections of the head and neck occur most frequently in the tonsil even in hosts with normal immunity. Coexistence with Streptococcus milleri group bacteria and the use of ineffective antibiotics can be exacerbating factors. First-choice drugs for E. corrodens infections should be third-generation cephems, carbapenems, or new quinolones.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The influence of proprioceptive impairment on hand function in patients with cervical myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical study. OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively evaluate hand function in patients with cervical myelopathy and to assess the influence of proprioceptive impairment on hand function in patients with cervical myelopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Clumsiness of the hands is one of the most common complaints in patients with cervical myelopathy. However, few reports have been published that evaluate hand dysfunction, and no reports have assessed the association between hand function and proprioceptive impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 129 patients (36 women and 93 men) with cervical myelopathy were examined. Hand function was evaluated as scores of ten subtests designed on the basis of various hand activities. The degree of proprioceptive impairment of the hand as well as that of light touch sensation loss is classified into four grades. Scores of the hand function test are compared according to the grade of proprioceptive impairment of the hands. RESULTS: Significant relation between the impairment of hand function and the extent of cervical myelopathy was observed. There was good correlation between the hand function scores and the grade of impairment of proprioception and light touch sensation. Furthermore, patients with impairment of proprioception obtained significantly lower scores in the hand function test than those with loss of light touch sensation. CONCLUSIONS: The hand function test is a useful battery to objectively and quantitatively evaluate impairment of cervical myelopathy, although longitudinal studies are needed to determine its practical usability. There was some relation between scores of hand function test and the extent of proprioceptive impairment. Thus, hand function test may be partly influenced by proprioceptive loss.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

C19-steroids as androgen receptor modulators: design, discovery, and structure-activity relationship of new steroidal androgen receptor antagonists.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the most abundant steroid in human circulating blood, is metabolized to sex hormones and other C19-steroids. Our previous collaborative study demonstrated that androst-5-ene-3beta,17beta-diol (Adiol) and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (Adione), metabolites of DHEA, can activate androgen receptor (AR) target genes. Adiol is maintained at a high concentration in prostate cancer tissue; even after androgen deprivation therapy and its androgen activity is not inhibited by the antiandrogens currently used to treat prostate cancer patients. We have synthesized possible metabolites of DHEA and several synthetic analogues and evaluated their role in androgen receptor transactivation to identify AR modulators. Steroids with low androgenic potential in PC-3 cell lines were evaluated for anti-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and anti-Adiol activity. We discovered three potent antiandrogens: 3beta-acetoxyandrosta-1,5-diene-17-one 17-ethylene ketal (ADEK), androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione 17-ethylene ketal (OAK), and 3beta-hydroxyandrosta-5,16-diene (HAD) that antagonized the effects of DHT as well as of Adiol on the growth of LNCaP cells and on the expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). In vivo tests of these compounds will reveal their potential as potent antiandrogens for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Androgen Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed2006

Sustained transgene expression in intervertebral disc cells in vivo mediated by microbubble-enhanced ultrasound gene therapy.

STUDY DESIGN: In vivo studies using a rat model were performed to determine the feasibility of microbubble-enhanced ultrasound gene transfer technique to the intervertebral disc. OBJECTIVES: 1) To establish this microbubble-enhanced ultrasound gene therapy technique for intervertebral disc cells in vivo without using viral vectors and 2) to estimate the duration of transgene expression in vivo. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Intervertebral disc degeneration and associated spinal disorders remain a formidable problem. Although gene therapy approaches have been reported as having promising therapeutic potential to regenerate the disc, concerns over safety issues using recombinant viral vectors limits its application. Successful gene transfer using ultrasound has been reported in muscle and cardiovascular systems in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different reporter plasmid DNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and firefly luciferase were used. Plasmid DNA was mixed with ultrasonography contrast agent (microbubbles) and injected into coccygeal intervertebral discs of Sprague-Dawley rats. The therapeutic ultrasound was irradiated on the surface of injected discs. Rats were killed 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after gene transduction. Harvested nucleus pulposus tissues were used for evaluation of transgene expression. The intact discs were used as a control. RESULTS: Seven days after gene transfection, considerable numbers of GFP-positive cells were observed in nucleus pulposus from the GFP-transfected group. Luciferase assay revealed that the ultrasound group demonstrated approximately an 11-fold increase in luciferase activity over the plasmid DNA-only group. Furthermore, transgene expression mediated by this method was observed, at least up to 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that ultrasound transfection method with microbubbles significantly enhanced transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA into the nucleus pulposus cells in vivo. Furthermore, the sustained transgene expression in vivo was possible up to 24 weeks. The long-term gene expression mediated by simple and safe procedure has important clinical applications, including the treatment of chronic types of disease such as degenerative disc diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Shematrin: a family of glycine-rich structural proteins in the shell of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata.

Random sequencing of molecules from a cDNA library constructed from mantle mRNA of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata was used to obtain information on organic matrix proteins in the shell. In the determined sequences, we identified 7 distinct cDNAs encoding similar glycine-rich domains. Complete sequence analysis of these cDNAs showed that the predicted sequences of the proteins, which we named shematrins, possessed similar domains comprising repeat sequences of two or more glycines, followed by a hydrophobic amino acid. In addition, in shematrin-1, -2 and -3, a repeat domain designated as XGnX (where X is a hydrophobic amino acid) was conserved. It is of further note that all the shematrin proteins have RKKKY, RRKKY or RRRKY as their C-terminal sequence. According to northern blot analysis, all shematrins are exclusively expressed in the mantle, and particularly in the edge region of the mantle; furthermore, peptide fragments similar to shematrin-1 and -2 were detected in the prismatic layer of shells by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis. These findings suggest that many of shematrins are synthesized in the mantle edge and secreted into the prismatic layer of the shell, where the protein family is thought to provide a framework for calcification.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Effects of cyclic mechanical stress on the production of inflammatory agents by nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus derived cells in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN: Cyclic mechanical stress (CMS) was applied to cultured nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus cells, and the production of inflammatory agents by these cells was evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the involvement of CMS in the production of inflammatory agents by disc cells. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It has been reported that CMS affects degeneration of the disc. However, little is known about the effect of CMS on the production of inflammatory agents by both cell types in vitro. METHODS: Cells derived from nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus of Sprague-Dawley rat tails were cultured with or without CMS applied by the Flexercell Strain Unit (Flexcell International Corp., Hillsborough, NC) in the presence or absence of inflammatory stimulus. Doses of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) were measured in the culture supernatants. Semiquantitative evaluations of the expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and phospholipase-A2 IIA messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) were also examined. RESULTS: Sole application of CMS on nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus cells increased PGE2 synthesis. Coincidence of CMS and inflammatory stimulus synergistically enhanced PGE2 synthesis of both cell types. Anulus fibrosus cells showed a stronger reactivity to these stimuli than nucleus pulposus cells. The expression of COX-2 mRNA of anulus fibrosus cells tended to correlate to the amount of PGE2, whereas COX-2 mRNA was constitutively expressed in nucleus pulposus cells, suggesting that the roles of COX-2 might be different between nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus. Phospholipase-A2 IIA mRNA was constitutively expressed in both cell types. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that CMS might be involved in the pathomechanism of pain induction of lumbar disc diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Formaldehyde exposure in a gross anatomy laboratory--personal exposure level is higher than indoor concentration.

GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: Cadavers for gross anatomy laboratories are usually prepared by using embalming fluid which contains formaldehyde (FA) as a principal component. During the process of dissection, FA vapors are emitted from the cadavers, resulting in the exposure of medical students and their instructors to elevated levels of FA in the laboratory. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has set a ceiling limit for FA at 0.3 ppm. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has set an air quality guideline defining two limit values for environmental exposure to FA: 0.08 ppm as an average for general workplaces and 0.25 ppm for specific workplaces such as an FA factory. Although there are many reports on indoor FA concentrations in gross anatomy laboratories, only a few reports have described personal FA exposure levels. The purpose of the present study was to clarify personal exposure levels as well as indoor FA concentrations in our laboratory in order to investigate the relationship between them. METHODS: The gross anatomy laboratory was evaluated in the 4th, 10th and 18th sessions of 20 laboratory sessions in total over a period of 10 weeks. Air samples were collected using a diffusive sampling device for organic carbonyl compounds. Area samples were taken in the center and four corners of the laboratory during the entire time of each session (4-6 hours). Personal samples were collected from instructors and students using a sampling device pinned on each person's lapel, and they were 1.1 to 6 hours in duration. Analysis was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Room averages of FA concentrations were 0.45, 0.38 and 0.68 ppm for the 4th, 10th and 18th sessions, respectively, ranging from 0.23 to 1.03 ppm. These levels were comparable to or relatively lower than the levels reported previously, but were still higher than the guideline limit for specific workplaces in Japan and the ACGIH ceiling limit. The indoor FA concentrations varied depending on the contents of laboratory sessions and seemed to increase when body cavity or deep structures were being dissected. In all sessions but the 4th, FA levels at the center of the room were higher than those in the corners. This might be related to the arrangement of air supply diffusers and return grills. However, it cannot be ruled out that FA levels in the corners were lowered by leakage of FA through the doors and windows. Average personal exposure levels were 0.80, 0.45 and 0.51 ppm for instructors and 1.02, 1.08 and 0.89 ppm for students for the 4th, 10th and 18th session, respectively. The exposure levels of students were significantly higher than the mean indoor FA concentrations in the 4th and 10th sessions, and the same tendency was also observed in the 18th session. The personal exposure level of instructors was also significantly higher than the indoor FA level in the 4th session, while they were almost the same in the 10th and 18th sessions. Differences in behavior during the sessions might reflect the differential personal exposure levels between students and instructors. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that, if a person is close to the cadavers during the gross anatomy laboratory, his/her personal exposure level is possibly 2 to 3-fold higher than the mean indoor FA concentration. This should be considered in the risk assessment of FA in gross anatomy laboratories. RECOMMENDATION AND OUTLOOK: If the risk of FA in gross anatomy laboratories is assessed based on the indoor FA levels, the possibility that personal exposure levels are 2 to 3-fold higher than the mean indoor FA level should be taken into account. Otherwise, the risk should be assessed based on the personal exposure levels. However, it is hard to measure everyone's exposure level. Therefore, further studies are necessary to develop a method of personal exposure assessment from the indoor FA concentration.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of impairment of hand function in patients with cervical myelopathy.

Clumsiness of the hands is one of the most common complaints in patients with cervical myelopathy. However, few reports have been published that evaluate hand dysfunction. One hundred and twenty-nine patients (36 women and 93 men) with cervical myelopathy were examined and results compared with those of age- and sex-matched controls. Hand function was evaluated as scores of 10 subtests designed on the basis of various hand activities. Patients with cervical myelopathy obtained significantly lower scores on the hand function test in each age-group than controls. There was good correlation between hand function scores and the extent of cervical myelopathy. Therefore, the hand function test is a useful battery to objectively and quantitatively evaluate impairment of cervical myelopathy, although longitudinal studies are needed to determine its practical usability.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Pancreatic abscess caused by Corynebacterium coyleae mimicking malignant neoplasm.

A 50-year-old female was referred to our hospital because of postprandial epigastric pain and pancreatic head mass. On admission, an elastic hard mass with tenderness was palpable in the epigastric region. Laboratory findings showed no abnormalities, except for a slightly elevated C-reactive protein value and iron deficiency anemia. Serum levels of pancreatic enzymes and tumor markers were also within the reference range. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 5-cm heterogenous mass at the head of the pancreas. Angiography showed that gastroduodenal artery was transformed and narrowed by the mass. Smooth stenosis of portal vein was also observed. Fusion CT-positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[F]fluoro-D-glucose demonstrated a focus of increased uptake in the pancreatic head mass. We suspected the mass of malignancy but, surprisingly, tumor size was gradually decreased without any therapies. Biopsy specimens from the mass of the pancreas showed marked inflammatory cell infiltration and marked interstitial fibrosis without malignant cells. Thereafter, we could isolate Corynebacterium coyleae from the biopsy specimen. We diagnosed the mass as a pancreatic abscess caused by C. coyleae and started with the intravenous antibiotics therapy. Subsequent follow-up CT and ultrasonography showed dramatic improvement in pancreatic mass. We present here a case of pancreatic abscess which was difficult to differentiate from malignant lesion by various imaging studies. Moreover, we could culture and identify C. coyleae which had never been reported to be the source of pancreatic abscess.

Abscess↗
PubMed2006

Isolation and identification of mycobacteria from soils at an illegal dumping site and landfills in Japan.

In order to study the diversity and community of genus Mycobacterium in polluted soils, we tried to isolate mycobacteria from 11 soil samples collected from an illegal dumping site and 3 landfills in Japan. Using culture methods with or without Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, a total of 19 isolates of mycobacteria were obtained from 5 soil samples and 3 of them were isolated only by the co-culture method with the amoeba. Conventional biochemical tests and sequencing of the hsp65, rpoB, and 16S rRNA genes were performed for species identification of 17 of the 19 isolates. Among the 17 isolates, there was one isolate each of Mycobacterium vanbaalenii, Mycobacterium mageritense, Mycobacterium frederiksbergense, M. vanbaalenii or Mycobacterium austroafricanum, and Mycobacterium chubuense or Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum. The remaining 12 isolates could not be precisely identified at the species level. A phylogenic tree based on the hsp65 sequences indicated that 2 of the 12 isolates were novel species. In addition, 4 isolates were phylogenically close to species that degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which induce some cancers in humans. These results demonstrated that there were many hitherto-unreported mycobacteria in the polluted soils, and suggested that some mycobacteria might play roles in the natural attenuation and engineered bioremediation of contaminated sites with other microorganisms.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed2005

Identification of steroid derivatives that function as potent antiandrogens.

We have hypothesized that some steroid derivatives bind to the androgen receptor (AR) with very low androgenic activity and therefore potentially function as better AR antagonists than clinically used antiandrogens, such as flutamide. Indeed, we previously found such a compound, 3beta-acetoxyandrosta-1,5-diene-17-one ethylene ketal (ADEK), with some estrogenic activity. Here we report the identification of 2 additional steroid derivatives, 3beta-hydroxyandrosta-5,16-diene (HAD) and androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione-17-ethylene ketal (OAK), as new potent antiandrogens. Like ADEK, HAD and OAK could interrupt androgen binding to the AR and suppress both dihydrotestosterone- and androstenediol-induced transactivations of wild-type and mutant ARs in prostate cancer cells. These 2 compounds also inhibited prostate-specific antigen expression in LNCaP as well as growth of different AR-positive prostate cancer cell lines stimulated by androgen. Significantly, HAD and OAK had only marginal agonist effects, as compared to hydroxyflutamide. More importantly, in contrast to ADEK, OAK was shown to possess marginal estrogenic activity. These results strengthen our hypothesis and suggest that selective steroid derivatives could be potent antiandrogenic drugs with less unfavorable effects for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Androgen Antagonists↗
PubMed2005

The prognosis of conservative treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis: analysis of patients over 70 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. OBJECTIVES: To identify outcomes of aged patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) treated conservatively and to examine factors that control the prognosis. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: There have been no reports evaluating the outcomes of conservative treatments for elderly LSS patients. METHODS: A total of 89 patients, 70 years of age and older, who underwent in-hospital conservative treatment were included. The Japanese Orthopedic Association's score (JOA score) and the disturbance level of activities of daily living (ADL) were used for evaluation. Nerve involvement was classified into radicular, cauda equina, and mixed type. Myelographic findings were classified into central defect with or without block and root defect. Associations between disturbance level of ADL, nerve involvement, and myelographic classifications were investigated. RESULTS: The mean JOA score increased from 11.1 points at admission to 15.9 points at discharge, with 14.3 points maintained at the follow-up; 48.8% of radicular type showed no obstacle in ADL at the follow-up compared with 33.3% of the other types; 13.3% of central defect with block showed no obstacle in ADL compared with 47.8% of the other types with significant difference. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of conservative treatment for aged LSS was relatively good. Radicular type may be a candidate for conservative treatment. However, patients with complete block in the myelogram may not respond favorably to conservative treatment.

Activities of Daily Living↗