Seiji Aruga

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy : the initial 3 cases

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed on 3 patients with primary aldosteronism. Traction with 2 steel skewers placed subcutaneously over the costal arch was combined with conventional intraperitoneal carbon dioxide gas insufflation. This combination provided a good operative field at 8 mm. Hg insufflation pressure. The laparoscopic approach to the adrenal gland requires neither a large skin and muscle incision nor resection of rib(s), and offers lower morbidity and rapid convalescence. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a new minimally invasive operation for the treatment of adrenal adenoma.

BIOLOGICAL ROLE OF HGF/MET PATHWAY IN RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

PURPOSE Several lines of evidence show that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor MET play a significant role in the progression of various cancers including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our objectives were to evaluate the gene expression of HGF and MET in RCC, and to examine the effect of HGF on the biological activities of cultured RCC cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined the gene expression of HGF and MET in 27 primary RCC tumors by quantitative competitive RT-PCR. The effects of HGF on in vitro chemoinvasion assay and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and the induction of Fas-induced apoptosis were studied by transfection of HGF cDNA to cultured RCC cells, Caki-1. RESULTS HGF mRNA and MET mRNA were detected in all surgical specimens. The level of expressed HGF mRNA was proportional with the volume of tumor (r = 0.50, p = 0.015). Caki-1 cells overexpressing HGF cells showed enhanced in vitro invasiveness in the chemoinvasion assay and increased activity of 92 kDa type IV collagenase (MMP-9). The sensitivity to Fas-induced cell death was reduced in HGF transfectants, which was reversed by the presence of anti-HGF antibody. CONCLUSIONS HGF enhanced the invasive properties of cultured RCC cells and inhibited Fas-induced apoptosis in vitro. Both HGF and MET mRNA were expressed in RCC tissues tested. Our results indicate that HGF/MET pathway may have a significant role in the progression of RCC.

Associations between renal sodium-citrate cotransporter (hNaDC-1) gene polymorphism and urinary citrate excretion in recurrent renal calcium stone formers and normal controls.

Purpose:  Urinary citrate is a potent inhibitor of renal stone formation. Its excretion is regulated by Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter‐1 (NaDC‐1), which is expressed on the apical membrane of renal proximal tubules. Many patients with calcium urolithiasis exhibit hypocitraturia, however, the mechanisms are not perfectly understood. We examined whether or not the I550V polymorphism in human NaDC‐1 gene (hNaDC‐1) influenced urinary citrate excretion.

Chronic acid ingestion promotes renal stone formation in rats treated with vitamin D3

Objective:  Although hypercalciuria, a well‐established adverse effect of vitamin D3, can be a risk factor of renal stone formation, the risk of nephrolithiasis has not been well defined. The consumption of a diet high in acid precursors is often cited as a risk factor for the development of calcium‐based kidney stones. In the present study, we investigated the effect of chronic acid ingestion on kidney stone formation in rats treated with calcitriol (1–25[OH]2 D3).

Effect of cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery on lower urinary tract dysfunction in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

To examine the outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urodynamic test results after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).