Yasuyoshi Fujiuchi

Expression of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) on prostate cancer cell lines

Membrane-type metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) is a transmembrane metalloproteinase, which activates proMMP-2 and expressed on the cell surface in many invasive cancer cells. We investigated the expression of MT1-MMP in prostate cancer cell lines. MT1-MMP protein and mRNA were expressed in PC-3, DU-145 and TSU-pr1 cells (androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines), but in LNCaP cells (androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell line). MT1-MMP protein was negative and mRNA was low to detect by RT-PCR. Cell lysate of PC-3 cleaved proMMP-2 to the active form. In addition, both hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) increased Matrigel invasion and induced the expression of MT1-MMP protein in DU-145 prostate cancer cells. These results suggest that MT1-MMP is indeed the tumor-specific activator of proMMP-2 in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells and plays an important role in the invasive properties of prostate cancer cells.

Serum active hepatocyte growth factor (AHGF) in benign prostatic disease and prostate cancer

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is secreted as an inactive single‐chain precursor called pro‐HGF. Pro‐HGF is converted to an active two‐chain form by HGF activator and matriptase. We attempted to clarify whether serum levels of active HGF (AHGF) could be used as a marker of prostate cancer.

Early quality of life outcomes in patients with prostate cancer managed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy.

Objectives:  To evaluate the early quality of life outcomes in prostate cancer patients managed by high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy as monotherapy.

Comparative Study between AudiovisualSexual Stimulation Test and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Test Using RigiScan Plus in the Evaluatio n of Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction: Although the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test is considered the gold standard for the differential diagnosis of psychogenic versus organic erectile dysfunction (ED), concerns have recently been raised regarding the financial and time expenditure it demands. We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of the audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS) test as an alternative to the NPT test. Patients and Methods: A total of 43 patients with ED were examined. Each patient filled in an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. The evaluation of each patient consisted of AVSS and NPT tests which were performed using the RigiScan Plus. The results obtained with the two tests were compared. The patients with normal NPT patterns were presumed to have a psychogenic etiology of their ED and those with abnormal NPT patterns to have an organic etiology. Results: The overall IIEF score was 32.5 ± (SD) 9.2, and the erectile domain score was 12.2 ± 4.5. Twenty-three patients had normal responses to the AVSS test, while 20 had abnormal responses. Twenty-two of the former 23 patients and 9 of the latter 20 patients had normal NPT patterns. Therefore, the AVSS test discriminated psychogenic ED with 71% sensitivity and 92% specificity. The overall accuracy of the test in this study was 77%. Conclusions: The AVSS test is simple, practical, and inexpensive, and its diagnostic accuracy is comparable to that of the NPT test. We conclude that the AVSS test should be the examination of choice for the primary etiological diagnosis in ED.

Efficacy of DynaCT for surgical navigation during complex laparoscopic surgery: an initial experience

BackgroundPrecise understanding of surgical anatomy is required during complex laparoscopic surgery (CLS). The purpose of this study was to present our initial operative experience with CLS facilitated by surgical navigation through DynaCT technology.MethodsIntraoperative computed tomography (CT) images of two CLS cases were obtained by a C-arm DynaCT system (Artis Zeego, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). Image reconstruction was performed on a workstation to define particular anatomical structures of the target tumor. The reconstructed CT images were repeatedly displayed on a submonitor. The surgeon then compared the CT images with a laparoscopic image of the surgical field, thus providing a virtual map to the surgeon.ResultsUsing the near-real-time surgical navigation system, the surgeon could visualize the surgical anatomy and easily perform the CLS. All procedures were performed successfully with a satisfactory diagnostic yield.ConclusionThis novel technology has great potential for application in CLS because it enables generation of accurate depictions of small target tumors and increases the surgeon’s confidence during the procedure.

Laparoscopic Resection of Adrenal and Extra-Adrenal Pheochromocytoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Laparoscopic resection of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma (EAPs) necessitates meticulous surgical procedures because of changes in anatomic disposition and/or proximity to major blood vessels. Complete resection can be traumatic and may cause an increase in catecholamine levels. We present our experiences with laparoscopic resection of EAP (LEAP) and compare the intraoperative hemodynamics with those during laparoscopic resection of adrenal pheochromocytoma (LAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of five patients who underwent LEAP (retrocaval EAP, n=2; interaortocaval EAP, n=1; periadrenal EAP, n=2) and five who underwent LAP between October 2001 and October 2011. We also evaluated fluctuations in blood pressure (BP) reported during both surgeries. RESULTS The tumors were successfully resected under laparoscopic guidance in both groups, and conversion to open surgery or blood transfusion was not needed. Intraoperative hypertension (BP>200 mm Hg) was observed in three LEAP and four LAP patients, whereas intraoperative hypotension (BP<80 mm Hg) was observed in five LEAP and three LAP patients. No significant differences were observed between groups, however. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopy is the method of choice for surgeons experienced in EAP resection because it is feasible and reproducible with appropriate preoperative planning, similar to LAP.

Serum pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (31-98) in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma

OBJECTIVES To clarify whether serum levels of pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) (31-98) could be a useful marker in patients with prostatic carcinoma. GRP is produced and secreted by prostatic neuroendocrine cells. METHODS Serum levels of ProGRP(31-98) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 107 patients with prostatic carcinoma. RESULTS The mean serum levels of ProGRP(31-98) in patients with distant metastasis and hormone-resistant prostate cancer were significantly elevated compared with those in patients with organ-confined disease. Significantly elevated levels of ProGRP(31-98) were detected in 9 patients with prostatic carcinoma before any treatment. During hormone-resistant prostate cancer progression, ProGRP(31-98) levels were elevated in 9 patients (23%). Of the 9 patients with Stage D3 and elevated serum ProGRP, 4 had a normal serum prostate-specific antigen level. CONCLUSIONS ProGRP may be a potential tumor marker for prostate cancer. Additional studies in large groups of patients are needed to define the clinical value of ProGRP.

Differential effect of chromogranin A fragments on invasion and growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of various chromogranin A (CgA) fragments on the invasion, haptotactic migration, and growth of prostate cancer cells. METHODS We investigated the effect of five kinds of CgA fragments (79-115, 286-301, 324-341, 344-374, and 356-374) on the invasion of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells through a reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) and the haptotactic migration of these cells using a Transwell cell culture chamber assay. Cell growth was assessed by the WST-1 Cell Counting Kit. RESULTS CgA (79-115) inhibited the invasive ability of PC-3 and DU-145 cells (P = 0.035 and P = 0.037, respectively). CgA (79-115) also inhibited the haptotactic migration of these cells (P = 0.031 and P = 0.021). On the other hand, other CgA fragments had no significant effect. CgA (79-115) also inhibited the cell growth of PC-3 cells (P = 0.012) and DU-145 cells (P < 0.001). CgA (324-341), CgA (344-374), and CgA (356-374) inhibited the cell growth of DU-145 cells (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that some CgA fragments may affect the invasion and growth of prostate cancer cells.

Effect of Carboplatin on Rat Spermatogenesis

To examine the effect of carboplatin on testicular function, carboplatin was administered to mature male Sprague-Dawley rats. Four weeks after carboplatin treatment, the serum level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) significantly increased in animals treated with 30 mg kg-1 carboplatin (p < 0.02). After 8 weeks of administration, the sperm count and motility in the cauda epididymis decreased in the rats treated with 30 mg kg-1 carboplatin (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). The percentage of a-type tubules and the diameter of seminiferous tubules were also significantly reduced in the group treated with 30 mg kg-1 carboplatin (p < 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively). The serum levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone were not changed, although the serum level of FSH increased in the animals treated with 20 and 30 mg kg-1 carboplatin (each, p < 0.005). All parameters returned to normal values 12 weeks after the treatment. In conclusion, carboplatin impairs spermatogenesis by possibly damaging the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells but does not affect the Leydig cell function.

Factors influencing patient satisfaction with antimuscarinic treatment of overactive bladder syndrome: results of a real-life clinical study.

To investigate patient satisfaction with antimuscarinic treatment of overactive bladder syndrome, and to identify factors having a significant influence on satisfaction.