Biomedical subjects

H Kanayama

Publications and source records attributed to H Kanayama.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Laparoscopy for impalpable testis: classification-based management.

BACKGROUND: The undescended testis represents one of the most common disorders of childhood. The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy for the abdominal testis and present a classification of the laparoscopic diagnostic findings to facilitate decision making. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2005, 95 patients (22 bilateral and 73 unilateral testes, for a total of 117 impalpable testes) with a mean age of 5 years underwent laparoscopy. The testis was managed according to a special classification of the diagnostic findings. Testicular position, size, and viability according to technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) were assessed during the follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: The laparoscopic findings were classified into six types: type 0 (no testis or vanished testis proximal to the internal ring; 9 patients [7.5%]); type 1 (atrophic intracanalicular testis; 6 patients [5.4%], for whom no further intervention was administered); type 2 (testis at the internal ring with looping vas; 15 patients [14.5%], for whom laparoscopic orchiopexy was performed); type 3 (testis at the internal ring without looping of the vas; 29 patients [24.7%], for whom laparoscopic orchiopexy also was performed; type 4 (high abdominal testes; 49 patients [41.9%], with Staged Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy performed for 47 testes and laparoscopic orchidectomy for 2 testes; and type 5 (persistence of Müllerian duct structures [PMDS] or other abnormalities; 7 testes [6%]). After a mean follow-up period of 3 years, the laparoscopic orchiopexy testes were of good size and viable, but four testes (8.7%) were at the neck of the scrotum. The laparoscopically staged Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy group showed atrophy in two testes (4.3%), and all were in the bottom of the scrotum. CONCLUSIONS: Classification of the laparoscopic findings facilitates decision making. Laparoscopic orchiopexy is a natural extension of diagnostic laparoscopy for the intraabdominal testis at the internal ring or that seen peeping from it. Laparoscopically staged Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy is the procedure of choice for the high intraabdominal testis not amenable to the one-stage procedure.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Expression of a splice variant of choline acetyltransferase in magnocellular neurons of the tuberomammillary nucleus of rat.

A splice variant of choline acetyltransferase mRNA has recently been identified in the pterygopalatine ganglion of rat. An antibody against this variant protein (designated pChAT) was demonstrated to immunolabel peripheral cholinergic neurons. In the present study, we investigated the expression of pChAT in rat brain. Amongst the brain regions examined, magnocellular neurons in the tuberomammillary nucleus of the posterior hypothalamus were immunohistochemically labelled with anti-pChAT antibody, whilst no immunolabelling was detected in cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain or striatum. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression of pChAT mRNA in the posterior hypothalamus. The distribution of pChAT-positive neurons in the tuberomammillary nucleus was compared with that of neurons positive for adenosine deaminase, which is contained in all neurons of this nucleus. After colchicine treatment to inhibit axonal transport of enzyme, virtually all pChAT-positive cells contained adenosine deaminase. Conversely, about 85% of adenosine deaminase-positive cells contained pChAT in the ventral area, whilst 19% of adenosine deaminase-positive cells were pChAT-positive in the dorsal area. Long axonal projections of pChAT-positive cells in the tuberomammillary nucleus were shown by retrograde labelling of these cells after injection of cholera-toxin B subunit into the cerebral cortex. This study demonstrates that a splice variant of choline acetyltransferase is expressed in the tuberomammillary nucleus of rat. The results raise the possibility that some of the known diverse projection areas of this nucleus may have a cholinergic component.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed2001

Gene expression profiling of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: gene identification and prognostic classification.

To better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the tumorigenesis and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), we studied the gene expression profiles of 29 ccRCC tumors obtained from patients with diverse clinical outcomes by using 21,632 cDNA microarrays. We identified gene expression alterations that were both common to most of the ccRCC studied and unique to clinical subsets. There was a significant distinction in gene expression profile between patients with a relatively nonaggressive form of the disease [100% survival after 5 years with the majority (15/17 or 88%) having no clinical evidence of metastasis] versus patients with a relatively aggressive form of the disease (average survival time 25.4 months with a 0% 5-year survival rate). Approximately 40 genes most accurately make this distinction, some of which have previously been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. To test the robustness and potential clinical usefulness of this molecular distinction, we simulated its use as a prognostic tool in the clinical setting. In 96% of the ccRCC cases tested, the prediction was compatible with the clinical outcome, exceeding the accuracy of prediction by staging. These results suggest that two molecularly distinct forms of ccRCC exist and that the integration of expression profile data with clinical parameters could serve to enhance the diagnosis and prognosis of ccRCC. Moreover, the identified genes provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of aggressive ccRCC and suggest intervention strategies.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

PubMed2001

Secondary amyloidosis of the bladder causing macroscopic hematuria.

Bladder involvement in amyloidosis is unusual. The case of an 80-year-old man with macroscopic hematuria caused by secondary amyloidosis of the bladder is described. Cystoscopic examination revealed only a diffuse edematous area and bleeding. No tumor-like lesions were identified. Transurethral biopsy revealed amyloid deposits. Macroscopic hematuria disappeared spontaneously after cystoscopy and bladder biopsy. The patient has been followed up without treatment and is currently free of symptoms.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Prognostic significance of immuno-proteosome subunit expression in patients with renal-cell carcinoma: a preliminary study.

Our purpose was to elucidate the clinical roles of the "immuno-proteosome," which is involved in the accelerated pathway of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted antigen presentation system, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The relative expression of six proteosome subunits (existing subunits X, Y, and Z and immunoproteosome subunits LMP7, LMP2, and MECL1) in 54 RCCs was investigated using RT-PCR analysis and was compared with clinicopathological measures, including patient outcome. Expression of the LMP7 and LMP2 genes was significantly low in high-grade tumors, and that of the LMP7 and MECL1 genes was significantly low in high-stage tumors. Low levels of LMP7, LMP2, and MECL1 expression were strongly associated with shortened survival (LMP7: P = 0.0002, LMP2: P < 0.0001, MECL1: P < 0.0047). The levels of subunits X, Y, and Z had no significant correlation with those measures. These findings suggest that RCCs with low level of immuno-proteosome subunit expression have a disorder in their antigen-presentation system. As a consequence, they may escape from immune surveillance and worsen patient outcome.

Antigen Presentation↗

PubMed2001

Association of a novel constitutional translocation t(1q;3q) with familial renal cell carcinoma.

Four cases of late onset clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a case of gastric cancer, and a case of exocrine pancreatic cancer were identified in a Japanese family. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanism for tumorigenesis in this family, extensive genetic studies were performed including routine and spectral karyotyping (SKY), fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH), loss of heterozygosity studies (LOH), and VHL mutation analysis. A germline translocation t(1;3)(q32-q41;q13-q21) was identified by karyotyping in five members of the family including all three RCC cases tested. The translocation was refined to t(1;3)(q32;q13.3) by FISH analysis using locus specific genomic clones, and the two breakpoints were mapped to a 5 cM region in 3q13.3 and a 3.6 cM region in 1q32. Both CGH and allelotyping using microsatellite markers showed loss of the derivative chromosome 3 carrying a 1q segment in the three familial RCCs analysed. Additional chromosomal imbalances were identified by CGH, including amplifications of chromosomes 5 and 7 and loss of 8p and 9. No germline VHL mutation was found but two different somatic mutations, a splice (IVS1-2A>C) and a frameshift (726delG), were identified in two RCCs from the same patient confirming their distinct origin. Taken together, these results firmly support a three step model for tumorigenesis in this family. A constitutional translocation t(1q;3q) increased the susceptibility to loss of the derivative chromosome 3 which is then followed by somatic mutations of the RCC related tumour suppressor gene VHL located in the remaining copy of chromosome 3.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

PubMed2001

[A case of tuberculosis of the prostate presenting as endoscopically cavitary change].

A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of terminal macroscopic hematuria. He had a history of left tuberculous epididymitis in 1994. On digital rectal examination, the prostate was found to be a normal size and slightly hard with no elasticity. Transcrectal ultrasound showed hypoechoic lesions in the peripheral zone. T1-weighted MRI demonstrated cavitary lesions and T2-weighted MRI demonstrated relatively low signal intensity in the same zone. Urethrography revealed various cystlike lesions in the prostatic urethra. Cystourethroscopy revealed cavitary change with many septa in the left lobe of the prostate. TUR-P was performed and histological findings of the specimen revealed tuberculosis of the prostate. The patient was treated with an antituberculous regimen of INH, RFP and EB.

Endoscopy↗

PubMed2001

Matrix metalloproteinases and bladder cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes which degrade the extracellular matrix or components of the basement membrane. They have essential roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. In bladder cancer, elevated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in tumor tissues, correlated with tumor stage, grade or prognosis, were reported in several studies. Moreover, high levels of serum or urine MMP and TIMP were observed in patients with bladder cancer especially in advanced cases. However, the true roles of MMPs and TIMPs in bladder cancer progression are not yet clarified. Here, we discuss the roles and clinical implications of MMPs in bladder cancer.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The apolipoprotein E genotype influences the risk for vasospastic angina.

It has been suggested that people with the epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism and the deletion (D) allele of the insertion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzymes, are at a greater risk for coronary artery disease. However, only a few studies have examined the relationships between vasospastic angina (VSA) and genotype, especially with the apoE polymorphism. In the present study, 76 patients with VSA without significant fixed coronary artery stenosis, 149 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) who had 75% or more luminal diameter narrowing and 213 healthy subjects were enrolled. The odds ratio for VSA of the epsilon4 allele carriers relative to the epsilon3/3 allele subjects compared with subjects with IHD and control subjects combined was 0.44 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.93, P=0.021), and that compared with control subjects alone was 0.36 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.78, P=0.005), implying that the presence of the epsilon4 allele indicates resistance to the development of VSA. In contrast, people with the epsilon2 allele showed a tendency to develop VSA more frequently than did patients with IHD (P=0.009), although the frequency of the epsilon2 allele did not differ between patients with VSA and control subjects. On the other hand, no recessive and dominant effects of the D alleles on VSA were found. These findings suggest that the risk of the occurrence of VSA may be reduced by the epsilon4 allele and increased by the epsilon2 allele. The ApoE polymorphism may be associated with IHD and VSA, probably due to the modulation of lipid metabolism.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Ectopic prostatic tissue in retrotrigone of the bladder: a case report].

We herein report a case of ectopic prostatic tissue in the retrotrigone of the bladder. A 35-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of bladder tumor which was incidentally discovered on abdominal ultrasonography (US). US and computed tomography (CT) showed a tumor in the bladder wall 1.5 cm in diameter. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an invasive bladder tumor. Cystoscopy showed a non-papillary, wide-based tumor in the retrotrigone of the bladder. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor was carried out and pathological findings showed ectopic prostatic tissue. This is the 8th case of ectopic prostatic tissue in the Japanese literature.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms and platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor in bladder cancer.

We analyzed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) isoforms and platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PDECGF) mRNA in bladder cancer. We also attempted to determine if correlation exists between their expression level and conventional clinical variables in patients with bladder cancer. Tissues obtained from 60 patients with bladder carcinoma were used for analysis. Expression levels of VEGF isoforms and PDECGF were examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Correlations between the expression levels of each VEGF isoform and PDECGF and histopathologic findings were evaluated. Four VEGF isoforms corresponding to VEGF121, 165, 189, and 206 were detected in bladder cancer tissue by RT-PCR. Gene expression of all VEGF isoforms as a ratio of the target to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) showed no correlation with pathologic stage of bladder cancer. However, with regard to relative expression levels of VEGF isoform, which is the ratio to the sum of total VEGF isoforms, the levels of VEGF206 and VEGF189 in tumor samples of grade pT2 or higher were significantly lower than those in tumors of grade pT1 or lower (P<.05). In contrast, the levels of VEGF121 in >/=pT2 tumors tended to be higher than those in </=pT1 tumors (P=.056). The expression level of PDECGF as a ratio to GAPDH in pT2</= tumors was significantly higher than that in either pTa or pT1 tumors (P<.05). Moreover, a higher expression level of PDECGF was observed in G3 tumors than in G1 tumors (P<.05). The results indicated that gene expression of VEGF isoforms do not play a significant role in tumor progression or invasion; however, the distribution of VEGF isoforms may play a role in tumor progression of bladder cancer. A high expression level of PDECGF correlated significantly with the tumor progression of bladder cancer.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Dynamic viscoelastic properties of photo-activated composite resins containing short glass fibres.

The dynamic shear modulus in torsion (G'), water absorption, thermal expansion and residual monomer of the reinforced materials produced by adding four short glass fibres (19 microm in mean diameter and 86.1--763 microm in mean length) and one spherical E glass (11.1 microm in mean diameter) were examined and discussed in comparison with those of the materials without filler. G' of short fibre reinforced composites increased with fibre length and reached a maximum value near 382 microm for a dry specimen and near 156 microm for a wet one. In addition, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the fibre reinforced composites and the amount of residual monomer decreased considerably compared with those of composites containing spherical glass. There was no significant difference in water absorption between the fibre reinforced composites and the composites containing spherical glass. Therefore, it was concluded that the reinforcement method of adding short glass fibres is favourable for improving the viscoelastic properties of the materials.

Absorption↗

PubMed2000

Analysis of CD44 isoform v10 expression and its prognostic value in renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of CD44 isoform v10 (CD44v10) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), analyse its role in RCC and its relationship with conventional clinical-histopathological experience. Materials and methods Sixty-four RCC specimens and five metastatic specimens were analysed immunohistochemically using a CD44v10 specific antibody. The expression of CD44v10 was compared with the histological grade and clinical or pathological stage of the tumours. RESULTS: Of the 64 primary tumour specimens, 22 (34%) expressed CD44v10 protein; all of these positive specimens were clear-cell and mixed-cell RCC. Staining was also positive in four of five metastatic specimens and negative in all four cases of granular cell carcinoma. CD44v10 expression was significantly correlated with the histological grade (P<0.0001), clinical stage (P = 0.0050) and pathological stage (P = 0.0143) of the tumours. The prognosis for patients with clear-cell RCC who were CD44v10-positive was worse than for patients who were CD44v10-negative (P<0.0001). In subgroups with different tumour stage (< or =pT2 or > or =pT3), the prognosis for patients with positive CD44v10 expression was also worse than for those with no expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of CD44v10 correlated significantly with histological grade, clinical and pathological stage, and with survival in patients with clear-cell RCC. CD44v10 protein may play a role in the progression of clear-cell and mixed-cell RCC, and thus the analysis of CD44v10 expression may provide useful prognostic information.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

The role of the activated form of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in urothelial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, reportedly associated with cancer cell invasion and metastasis in many human cancers) in urothelial tumours and thus define its role in this disease. Materials and methods The expression of both the activated form of MMP-2 and total MMP-2 (activated + latent form) was measured using gelatine zymography in tissue obtained surgically from 61 patients with urothelial cancer. The correlation between the level of the activated form of MMP-2 and clinical and histological variables was assessed. RESULTS: The expression of activated and total MMP-2 were significantly higher in invasive tumour tissue and both levels were correlated with histological grade. In particular, the level of activated MMP-2 was more closely correlated than that of total MMP-2 in invasive tumour tissue. Moreover, high levels of activated MMP-2 were strongly associated with shorter disease-specific survival (P = 0.0016). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that activated MMP-2 plays a significant role in invasion of urothelial cancer and that the level of activated MMP-2 expression is a useful prognostic indicator.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Cytokine gene therapy for cancer with naked DNA.

Plasmid DNA vectors (naked DNA) can easily be purified and transferred in vivo by intramuscular or intradermal injection. Naked DNA is stable in vivo, and long-term expression of the encoded protein is seen without chromosomal integration. Gene gun-mediated delivery of an expression plasmid is slightly more complicated but more efficient. These techniques have been applied to DNA vaccination or cytokine gene therapy for various diseases, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. We review cytokine gene therapy for cancer with naked DNA in animal models and present our preliminary data on gene gun-mediated in vivo transfection with the interleukin-12 gene in a murine renal cancer model. Because of its safety, simplicity, and low cost, cytokine gene therapy with naked DNA may become an important cancer treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Primary pulmonary hypertension with central sleep apnea: sudden death after bilevel positive airway pressure therapy.

An obese 23-year-old man with sleep-disordered breathing and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) had been administered oral beraprost sodium, anticoagulant warfarin, and home oxygen therapy, at another hospital as treatment for the PPH, but he had not experienced any symptomatic improvement. The patient had a body mass index of 32.4kg/m2, and complained of fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, excessive daytime sleepiness, and snoring. Arterial blood gas analysis showed a PaO2 and a PaCO2 of 70.9 and 31.2mmHg, respectively. A polysomnographic study revealed central sleep apnea with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 29.7episodes/h. The patient showed improvement of daytime sleepiness after starting nocturnal nasal bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy for the central sleep apnea, but his pulmonary hypertension, measured in the daytime, worsened. The patient died suddenly while walking to the bathroom in the morning 1 month after initiation of BiPAP therapy. It is necessary to consider the possibility of sudden death when nasal BiPAP therapy is given to a PPH patient with central sleep apnea.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Analysis of serum soluble interferon alpha/beta receptor levels in patients with urological diseases].

PURPOSE: In order to define the clinical significance of serum soluble Interferon alpha/beta receptor (sIFN alpha/beta R) levels, we determined sIFN alpha/beta R concentrations in serum of patients with urological benign and malignant diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum sIFN alpha/beta R levels were measured in normal control (n = 22), patients with benign diseases (n = 50) included urolithiasis (n = 16), prostatic hypertrophy (n = 13), and malignant diseases included bladder cancer (n = 49), renal cell carcinoma (n = 30) and prostate cancer (n = 36) by the enzyme linked immunosolbent assay (ELISA) using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The levels of serum sIFN alpha/beta R was correlated with the results of other hematoserological examinations, and clinical or pathological characters of each urological malignancies. RESULTS: The serum sIFN alpha/beta R levels (pg/ml) of patients with urolithiasis (2,370.6 +/- 640.6, p = 0.0002), benign prostatic hypertrophy (2,121.1 +/- 550.6, p = 0.0103), bladder cancer (2,512.3 +/- 1,012.3, p = 0.0006), renal cell carcinoma (2,686.4 +/- 1,510.9, p = 0.0046), prostate cancer (3,188.7 +/- 1,788.0, p = 0.0003) showed significantly higher values than those of controls (1,709.5 +/- 346.7). Moreover, we found statistically significant correlations among serum creatinine (Cr) levels and sIFN alpha/beta R levels. However, there were no correlations between the sIFN alpha/beta R levels and clinical stage, or histological grade in the patients with bladder cancer or prostate cancer, whenever the levels of sIFN alpha/beta R were corrected by serum Cr levels. On the other hand, high level of corrected serum sIFN alpha/beta R was observed in patients with high stage or high grade renal cell carcinoma, but not significant statistically. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum sIFN alpha/beta R was observed in patients with urological disease. Further examinations should be necessary to determine the clinical usefulness of serum sIFN alpha/beta R.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor by human renal cancer cells enhances angiogenesis of primary tumors and production of ascites but not metastasis to the lungs in nude mice.

We determined the role that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF), plays in the progression of human renal cell cancer in nude mice. Low metastatic and low VEGF/VPF-expressing human renal cancer cells SN12C were transfected with the VEGF165 cDNA or plasmid alone as control. VEGF165-transfected SN12C cells produced large amounts of biologically active VEGF in culture that did not affect cell doubling time or confluence. Subsequent to implantation into the renal subcapsule of nude mice, the VEGF165-transfected SN12C cells produced fast-growing (PCNA labeling), large tumors that expressed high levels of VEGF/VPF and were well vascularized (CD3-positive vessels). The tumors produced hyperpermeability of peritoneal blood vessels (Evans blue dye-leak assay), bloody ascites, and short survival time. Parental or control transfected SN12C cells produced less vascularized, slower growing tumors with no ascites. Regardless of in vivo expression level of VEGF, the incidence of spontaneous lung metastasis was low, suggesting that in itself, the expression of VEGF/VPF by renal cancer cells is not sufficient to produce metastasis.

Animals↗