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Biomedical subjects

Masato Fujisawa

Publications and source records attributed to Masato Fujisawa.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Radiation induces p53-dependent cell apoptosis in bladder cancer cells with wild-type- p53 but not in p53-mutated bladder cancer cells.

UNLABELLED: Purpose. It has been reported in several studies that the absence in cancer cells of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, mutations of which are frequently found in bladder cancer, increases their resistance to ionizing radiation. Other studies, however, suggest that mutations of the p53 gene could increase the radiosensitivity of cancer cells, although the evidence is still inconclusive. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between p53 status and radiation response in five different bladder cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods. Five different human bladder cancer cell lines (KK47: with wt- p53, RT4: with wt- p53, T24: with mutated p53, 5637: with mutated p53, UM-UC-3: with mutated p53) were used in the study. Cells were irradiated with 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 Gy, then trypsinized and re-plated for clonogenic survival assay, quantitative RT-PCR assay, flow-cytometry analysis and TUNEL assay. Results. The clonogenic assay demonstrated that KK47 and RT4 had significantly higher radiosensitivity than other cell lines. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that radiation induced increased expression of p53, Bax, and p21 mRNA in KK47 and RT4. After irradiation, G1 cell-cycle arrest was observed in KK47 and RT4 under flow cytometry analysis, while T24, 5637, and UM-UC-3 showed an increase in the proportion of G2 cells. Increased cell apoptosis was also observed under TUNEL assay in KK47 and RT4, but not in other cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that ionizing radiation induces p53-dependent cell apoptosis in bladder cancer cells with wt- p53 but not in those with mutated p53.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2003

Establishment of a prostatic small-cell carcinoma cell line (SO-MI).

BACKGROUND: Prostatic small-cell carcinoma is an extremely rare, highly aggressive disease. We established a cell line from this tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor tissue obtained from a 24-year-old Japanese man was used to establish the cell line. Cultured cells and tumors transplanted into nude mice were characterized by histologic, immunohistologic, immunocytologic, and molecular biologic methods. RESULTS: An immortal culture cell line (SO-MI) was successfully established. SO-MI cells adhered weakly to plastic surfaces in vitro, showing a 52- to 72-hr doubling time. SO-MI cells were heterotopically and orthotopically transplantable in nude mice. The cells were immunoreactive for NSE, chromogranin A, and NCAM, but not for ACTH, calcitonin, serotonin, gastrin, insulin, glucagons, LCA, EMA, PAP, PSA, androgen receptor, and p53. SO-MI cells secreted NSE in vitro and in vivo. SO-MI cells at passage 30 contained 50-59 chromosomes with a modal number of 55. PCR suggested that the p53 gene was deleted in SO-MI cells. RT-PCR detected no mRNA encoding androgen receptor in these cells. CONCLUSIONS: SO-MI cells retain the neuroendocrine nature of the original tumor, and should be useful in studying possible etiologies and new treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Lack of association between Y chromosome haplogroups and male infertility in Japanese men.

The Y chromosome carries several genes involved in spermatogenesis, which are distributed in three regions in the euchromatic part of the long arm, called AZFa (azoospermia factor a), AZFb, and AZFc. Microdeletions in these regions have been seen in 10-15% of sterile males with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. The relatively high de novo occurrence of these microdeletion events might be due to particular chromosome arrangements associated with certain Y chromosome haplogroups. To test whether there is any association between Y chromosome types and male infertility, we studied a sample of 84 Japanese oligozoospermic or azoospermic males. The patients were analyzed for the presence of Yq microdeletions and also typed with a battery of unique event polymorphisms (UEPs) to define their Y haplogroups. Six of the infertile patients presented likely pathological microdeletions detectable with the sequence tagged sites (STS) markers used. There was no significant association between Y chromosome haplogroups and the microdeletions. We also compared the Y haplogroup frequencies in our subset sample of 51 idiopathic azoospermia patients with 57 fertile control Japanese males, and did not observe any significant differences. Contrary to previous reports, our data suggest that Y microdeletions and other molecular events causally associated with male infertility in Japan occur independently of the Y chromosome background.

Chromosome Deletion↗
PubMed2003

Combination with CD/5-FC gene therapy enhances killing of human bladder-cancer cells by radiation.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to radiation and chemotherapy is a significant obstacle to the treatment of advanced bladder cancer. Gene therapy combined with radiation represents a new approach to cancer treatment. In the present study, we investigated whether adenovirally directed, cytosine deaminase (CD)/5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) gene therapy could induce cell toxicity and radiosensitization through the intracellular production of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in bladder-cancer cells. METHODS: Three human bladder-cancer cell lines, KK47 (wild-type p53+), T24 (p53 mutated) and 5637 (p53 mutated), were investigated. A recombinant adenovirus vector containing the CD gene (Ad-RSV-CD) was used. Cells were infected with Ad-RSV-CD and treated with 5-FC. Forty-eight hours after infection, the cells were irradiated and cytotoxicity assays performed to determine the extent of increase in in vitro cytotoxicity. A KK47 subcutaneous tumor-xenografts model was used in an animal study to examine the tumor growth inhibitory effect of this combination therapy. Ad-RSV-CD was directly injected into the tumor and daily 5-FC was intraperitoneally injected. Forty-eight hours after injection of Ad-RSV-CD, the tumor was irradiated. The tumor volume was measured every day. RESULTS: In all three cell lines, the combination treatment enhanced the cell killing of human bladder-cancer cells in vitro. It also enhanced the tumor-growth inhibition in the KK47 tumor model. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we demonstrated that CD/5-FC gene therapy combined with radiation therapy enhances cell killing of human bladder-cancer cells in in vitro and in vivo animal models.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2003

Distribution of type IV collagen subtypes in human testes and their association with spermatogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of type IV collagen [alpha1(IV) to alpha6(IV)] in testes and the association with spermatogenesis. DESIGN: Retrospective immunohistochemical study. SETTING: Division of Urology, Department of Organs Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, in a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Testicular biopsy specimens were obtained from 24 patients with varicocele, 5 with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO), and 5 normal volunteers. INTERVENTION(S): Collection of testicular tissue and blood and semen sampling. RESULT(S): Expression of type IV collagen subtypes assessed by immunohistochemistry and clinical parameters such as seminogram and hormonal findings. In normal testes, the alpha1(IV) chain was seen in the basement membrane (BM) of seminiferous tubules as strongly stained irregular, wavy double lines, and the alpha2(IV) chain was slightly detected, whereas other testes showed little staining. In patients with varicocele and Sertoli cell-only syndrome, the BM was thicker and alpha1(IV) and alpha2(IV) chains were stained more intensely in the BM of seminiferous tubules than in normal testes. The expression of alpha1(IV) chain, not alpha2(IV), significantly correlated positively with the BM thickness, and negatively with sperm concentration, tubular diameter, and Johnsen score. CONCLUSION(S): Overabundance of the alpha1(IV) chain is associated with increased BM thickness and possibly related to spermatogenic dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Complete resection of synovial sarcoma of prostatic fascia.

Synovial sarcomas primarily occur chiefly in the para-articular regions of the extremities and extremely rarely in the prostatic region. We report a patient with synovial sarcoma of the prostatic fascia. The patient underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy and at 6 months of follow-up, no evidence of another lesion or local recurrence was found.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed2003

Male genital malformations associated with right renal agenesis.

A 30-year-old man visited our department complaining of discomfort on micturition. Hypoplasia of the bilateral epididymis, impalpable vas deferens, and prostatic tenderness were noted. Diagnostic imaging revealed agenesis of the right kidney, cystic dilation of the right seminal vesicle, and a prostatic utricle cyst. Examination of the genital tract confirmed aplasia of the left seminal vesicle and vas deferens and hypoplasia of the right seminal vesicle. On the basis of postoperative extravasation of contrast medium to the right epididymis, cystic dilation of the right seminal vesicle was diagnosed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A new technique for creation of a sigmoid neobladder for urinary reconstruction: clinical outcome in 42 men.

OBJECTIVES: To present the results of a new technique for construction of a sigmoid neobladder after radical cystectomy. METHODS: Forty-two men, 43 to 74 years of age (mean age 62 +/- 8), underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer and had a sigmoid neobladder created using a modification of the standard ureterointestinal anastomosis with rotation of the reservoir. The mean follow-up of this retrospective study was 35 +/- 20 months (range 6 to 90). The blood chemistry was analyzed routinely during follow-up, and complications, continence, and voiding pattern were assessed at regular intervals. RESULTS: There were 21 early complications in 14 patients: persistent urinary leakage in 2; wound infection in 9; prolonged ileus in 4; leakage from the colonic anastomosis in 2; and pulmonary embolus in 2. One patient each had venous thrombus of the lower extremities and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colitis. One patient died in the perioperative period of massive pulmonary embolus, yielding a mortality rate of 2.4%. Eleven late complications occurred in 9 patients. Stenosis of the ureterointestinal anastomosis developed in 2 of 82 anastomoses, stenosis of urethral anastomosis in 4, and neobladder-ureteral reflux in 1. A reservoir stone was found in 1 patient, and adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the reservoir occurred in 1 patient each. One patient developed symptomatic hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, and routine electrolyte evaluation revealed a slight metabolic acidosis in 6 patients. Hypovitaminosis B(12) did not occur in any patients. Of the 42 patients, 40 could void volitionally without catheterization. Patient satisfaction on continence, by day and night, was 77.3% and 72.7%, respectively. The mean neobladder capacity and the mean residual urine volume was 375 +/- 116 mL (range 234 to 624) and 68 +/- 86 mL (range 4 to 365), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The modified sigmoid neobladder provides satisfactory results after radical cystectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Usefulness of MR-seminography using Gd-DTPA in intermediate magnetic field MRI equipment.

T(2)-weighted fast advanced spin-echo imaging with gadolinium (hereinafter referred to as "MR-seminography") of the genital tract was evaluated for its usefulness in non-invasive investigation into the morphology of these organs. Twenty healthy male volunteers who are confirmed as free of genital tract obstruction were entered into the study. The genital tract was imaged using the 0.5 T MRI system by fast advanced spin echo (FASE) method. Based on quantitative evaluation, visibility evaluation, and the visualization of the genital tract in each subject, the contrast-enhanced images were assessed in comparison with those at pre-injection of the contrast agent by four specialists. Also examined were the morphology of the seminal vesicle according to age group using "Ishigami-Mori's classification," and the age angle of the main ducts. MR-seminography produced high contrast images and revealed a significantly decreased signal in the pelvic organs under investigation. In the analysis of individual subjects, the area from the proximal portion of the vas deferens to the ampulla and the seminal vesicles was on the whole well visualized except for the distal portion of the vas deferens and the ejaculatory duct. With regard to seminal vesicle morphology, type II was predominant. The age angle showed a trend toward widening with age. MR-seminography is non-invasive, useful, and therefore a highly recommended procedure for observation of the morphology in the area from the proximal portion of the vas deferens to the seminal vesicle.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Clinical outcome of conservative therapy for stage T1, grade 3 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to retrospectively investigate the effectiveness of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and intravesical instillation therapy for stage T1, grade 3 (T1G3) transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 1997, 97 patients with T1G3 TCC of the urinary bladder were treated by TURBT and adjuvant intravesical instillation with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or other anticancer agents. The recurrence-free survival rates were evaluated according to several clinicopathological factors. The cases that progressed to muscle invasive disease were also analysed. RESULTS: In this series, the median follow-up period was 25 months (range, 5- 41) after the initial TURBT. Intravesical recurrence was noted in 44 patients (45%), and the 1, 2, and 3 year recurrence-free survival rates were 72%, 58%, and 42%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that the risk of intravesical recurrence was significantly higher for patients who did not receive BCG therapy, irrespective of age, gender, tumor size, multiplicity, pathological stage, concomitant carcinoma in situ, and lymphovascular involvement. Moreover, after a median of 10 months, disease progression occurred in seven patients (7%), of which only one patient was treated by BCG therapy after initial TURBT. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that intravesical instillation with BCG combined with TURBT is an effective conservative treatment for T1G3 TCC of the bladder. Patients with negative prognostic factors should be treated by BCG rather than other anticancer agents after TURBT.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2003

Fracture of the penis: nine cases with evaluation of reported cases in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the penis is a relatively rare condition that is defined as a rupture of the tumescent corpora cavernosa as a result of blunt trauma, most commonly during sexual intercourse or masturbation. The fracture is easy to recognize but treatment remains controversial. We, therefore, examined the treatment methods for penile fracture. METHODS: Between December 1990 and March 2001, eight patients underwent immediate surgical repair on the first or second day after fracture of the penis, and one patient underwent surgery on the 30th day after fracture, at Kansai Rosai Hospital. Patient age at presentation ranged from 15 to 55 years. Eight patients came to the hospital 2-23 h after the fracture occurred. All patients complained of penile swelling and ecchymosis. Three patients reported hearing a snapping sound. None of the patients demonstrated macroscopic hematuria. RESULTS: We treated all of the patients surgically. All patients showed a unilateral injured corporeal rupture. We took a circumferential coronal incision under the glans and repaired with absorbable stitch. At follow-up, eight of the nine patients who were available reported the achievement of an adequate erection for intercourse without erectile or voiding dysfunction. CONCLUSION: All patients were treated surgically and recovered successfully. Therefore, immediate repair is recommended for the treatment of penile fracture.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Adrenocorticotropin-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia treated by simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and was found to have Cushing's syndrome. Radiological and endocrinological findings suggested adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed, minimizing the number of trocar sites and operation time. Success was attributed to the careful selection of trocar sites to permit safe dissection.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2003

Soluble forms of Fas and Fas ligand concentrations in the seminal plasma of infertile men with varicocele.

PURPOSE: The Fas system in the testis has been identified as a key physiological regulator of apoptosis, an ongoing physiological process that limits the size of the germ cell population so it can be supported. Recently it was reported that the soluble form of Fas blocks Fas dependent apoptosis. In the present study we measured soluble Fas (sFas) concentrations in seminal plasma of oligozoospermic men with and without varicocele, and in normal men, looking for an association between seminal sFas and sFas ligand with spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 27 oligozoospermic men with varicocele, 59 oligozoospermic men without varicocele and 34 normal volunteers were included in this study. Patients were evaluated clinically according to the protocol of the World Health Organization. sFas and sFas ligand were measured using a commercially available double antibody enzyme linked immunoassay. Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and estradiol concentrations were determined by chemiluminescence assays. RESULTS: Seminal concentrations of sFas in oligozoospermic men with varicocele (3.6 +/- 2.4 ng/ml) were significantly lower than those in oligozoospermic men without varicocele (4.9 +/- 2.7 ng/ml, p = 0.0321) and normal men (5.1 +/- 2.4 ng/ml, p = 0.0201). The seminal sFas concentration significantly correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.517, p = 0.0058). After varicocelectomy the increase in sperm concentration significantly correlated with an increase in sFas in seminal plasma (r = 0.555, p = 0.0026). The serum concentration of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone or estradiol did not correlate significantly with the seminal sFas concentration. The sFas ligand concentration in seminal plasma was less than the limit of detection. CONCLUSIONS: The sFas concentration in seminal plasma shows a strong association with spermatogenesis. Subnormal levels of sFas may be responsible for increased apoptosis induced by the Fas system, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis in patients with varicocele.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Laparoscopic pyeloplasty for a secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction after renal trauma: a case report].

We report a case of secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction due to renal trauma treated by laparoscopic pyeloplasty. A 25-year-old man, who had renal trauma due to a traffic accident, complained of left lumbago and was diagnosed with left ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Endoscopic balloon dilation was performed twice, but the hydronephrosis did not change. Subsequently, laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed with no complications. After operation, lumbago disappeared and hydronephrosis and renal function improved. Secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction is rare, and this case seems to be the first case managed by laparoscopy in Japan.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in ischemia-reperfusion injury after living related-donor renal transplantation.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury during renal transplantation has been linked to early graft dysfunction and late graft failure. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by NO synthase (NOS), participates in the recovery from ischemia. We correlated the intensity of graft immunoreactivity for the endothelial NOS isoform (eNOS) during early reperfusion with graft function in 25 children receiving grafts from related donors. Renal allograft biopsy specimens were obtained before transplantation, 1 h after renal artery reperfusion, and 1 year after transplantation. Immunohistochemical staining for eNOS occurred mainly within the endothelium of glomerular capillaries and peritubular capillaries as well as in tubule cells. The mean intensity score for eNOS staining (0-9) was 3.0+/-1.4 before transplantation, 4.5+/-1.9 at 1 h, and 3.3+/-1.9 at 1 year (baseline vs 1 h, P<0.05). Creatinine clearance (ml/min) in patients with a 1-h eNOS score of below 5 and of at least 5, respectively, was 77.1+/-28.4 vs 104.3+/-25.3 at 1 month, 78.7+/-33.4 vs 105.2+/-24.4 at 3 months, 64.7+/-30.1 vs 100.1+/-25.3 at 1 year, 58.2+/-31.3 vs 84.7+/-18.8 at 3 years, and 71.2+/-19.7 vs 78.3+/-23.1 at 5 years ( P<0.05 for 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years). We concluded that elevated eNOS expression after reperfusion in living related-donor renal transplantation enhances the recovery from renal ischemia and, consequently, reduces late graft deterioration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Therapeutic strategy after microsurgical varicocelectomy in the modern assisted reproductive technology era.

In this study, we searched for prognostic factors at preoperative examination for the improvement in spermatogenesis of patients undergoing varicocelectomy. Eighty patients with varicocele testis underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy. Before surgery, the seminogram, testicular volume, varicocele grade, and serum FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, and estradiol were evaluated. Postoperatively, semen analysis was performed every 3 months. We assessed the associations between the preoperative variables and postoperative seminogram improvement. 0f 80 patients, 37 showed improvement, usually by 6 months. Patient age, duration of sterility, testicular volume, sperm motility, morphology, semen volume, serum LH, testosterone, prolactin, and estradiol showed little difference between responders and non-responders. A small left testis, or a grade III varicocele decreased the likelihood of improvement. Patients with a sperm count of 10-20 x 10(6)/ml were significantly more likely to respond to varicocelectomy than those with sperm counts <5 x 10(6)/ml. Patients with elevated FSH were less likely to respond, as were those with a Johnsen score below 6. Varicocelectomy alone is unlikely to improve sperm counts of patients with a sperm count below 5 x 10(6)/ml, high FSH, small left testes, or Johnsen scores below 6. In conclusion, for couples in this situation, assisted reproductive technology coupled with varicocelectomy should be proposed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Diverse patterns of acid-base abnormalities associated with a modified sigmoid neobladder.

In this study, we analyzed the pattern of metabolic acidosis in patients following the construction of a sigmoid neobladder and then search for the risk factors which affecting this. In 23 men aged 43-73 years and nine women aged 49-74 years who underwent sigmoid neobladder surgery, we performed physical examinations and blood tests every 3 months for 13-75 months (38.7+/-16.6: mean+/-SD). We monitored acid-base balance, serum electrolytes, creatinine, lipid and liver function in patients for up to 6 years postoperatively. Creatinine clearance over 24 h was determined preoperatively. According to pH and base excess measured during follow-up, patients were classified into three groups (normal, 17 patients; temporary acidosis, eight patients; persistent acidosis, seven patients). Patients with temporary acidosis could compensate spontaneously by 1 year without being given sodium bicarbonate; those with persistent acidosis could not compensate spontaneously and five of them required medication with sodium bicarbonate after 1 year. Serum creatinine in patients with persistent acidosis was consistently higher during follow-up than in the other two groups. Preoperative creatinine clearances in the normal, temporary, and persistent groups were 94.25+/-27.47, 95.19+/-18.63, and 69.18+/-16.18 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively, being significantly lower in the persistent group ( P<0.05). In this group, patients with creatinine clearances less than 70 ml/min/1.73 m(2) could not compensate for metabolic acidosis. Normal and temporary groups showed different changes of serum chloride and bicarbonate during follow-up (respectively higher and lower) although the renal functions of the two groups were similar. Chloride and bicarbonate varied reciprocally with pH and base excess. Temporal hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis was observed until a year after surgery. In conclusion, temporary acidosis can be caused in some patients in spite of normal renal function, although it is difficult to predict it. In addition, careful follow-up is required, especially in patients with a creatinine clearance <70 ml/min/1.73 m(2) who can encounter persistent acidosis.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗