Application of cytokine drug delivery systems to the immunotherapy of renal cell carcinoma in mice

We have investigated the antitumor effects of human lymphoblastoid interferon (HLBI) mini-pellets, interleukin-2 (IL-2) entrapped in liposome (IL-2 liposome) and an immune complex of IL-2 and monoclonal antibody against IL-2 (IC-1). The HLBI mini-pellets were administered to nude mice bearing a human renal cancer cell line (KU-2). HLBI levels remained detectable both in the tumor tissue and the serum up to 10 days after peritumor injection. The HLBI mini-pellet significantly suppressed tumor growth by peritumor administration. The antitumor effect of IL-2 liposome on Renca, a murine renal cancer, resulted in the inhibition of tumor growth. An accumulation of Lyt-2(-) and L3T4 lymphocytes was seen in the tumor tissue which was treated with IL-2 liposomes. The IC-1 was prepared by mixing IL-2 and anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody at a molar ratio of 2: 1. Plasma IL-2 levels were sustained longer in mice given the IC-1 than in mice given IL-2 alone. The IC-1 complex exerted a more significant antitumor effect by local administration in Renca-bearing mice than the administration of IL-2 alone. We speculated that these effects were a result of sustained tumor IL-2 levels due to the increase in molecular weight. The results we obtained indicate that the cytokine drug delivery system has a long-acting cytotoxicity by administration to the tumor sites through efficient stimulation of the local immune response, and thus provides a useful tool for treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

Serum glycated albumin: Potential use as an index of glycemic control in diabetic dogs

Measurements of serum fructosamine, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin (GA) complement serum glucose concentration for better management of diabetes mellitus (DM). Especially, the serum fructosamine test has long been used for diagnosing and monitoring the effect of treatment of DM in dogs. However, fructosamine tests are currently not performed in veterinary medicine in Japan. GA and fructoasmine levels have been shown to strongly correlate. However, the clinical implications of using GA remain to be elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was threefold: 1) Determine whether GA% is altered by acute hyperglycemia in normal dogs, simulating stress induced hyperglycemia; 2) Demonstrate that GA% does not dynamically change with diurnal variation of blood glucose concentration in diabetic dogs; and 3) Investigate whether GA% is capable of providing an index of glycemic control for 1-3 weeks in diabetic dogs as is the case with diabetic human patients. Our study demonstrated that serum GA% remains very stable and unaltered under acute hyperglycemic conditions (intravenous glucose injection) and in spite of diurnal variation of blood glucose concentration. Furthermore, serum GA% can reflect long-term changes (almost 1-3 weeks) in blood glucose concentration and the effect of injected insulin in diabetic dogs.

Simultaneous determination of serum mannose and glucose concentrations in dog serum using high performance liquid chromatography

Serum mannose and glucose concentrations in dogs before and after eating a meal were determined simultaneously with a recently established HPLC method combined with a UV and fluorescence detection system of p-aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester (ABEE)-derivatized monosaccharides. In this newly established HPLC method, detection limits were 0.09 micromol/L for mannose and 0.04 mmol/L for glucose. Linearity of peak areas vs. amounts of mannose and glucose in the range of 0.27-320 micromol/L and 0.13-64 mmol/L were observed, respectively. The value of the glucose content measured by the HPLC method was in good agreement with that of the commonly used enzymatic method (control). Serum glucose concentrations in dogs 90 min after the meal were almost the same as those before the meal, whereas serum mannose concentrations decreased significantly after the meal. This HPLC method may be useful for determination of monosaccharides in animal blood.

Plasma metabolite concentrations and hepatic enzyme activities in pregnant Romney ewes with restricted feeding

Plasma metabolite concentrations and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in plasma, peripheral leukocytes and liver of pregnant Romney ewes with restricted feeding were measured to assess those metabolites and enzymes as indicators for evaluating metabolic conditions in the ewes. The body weights and plasma lactate concentrations of the low-feeding ewes (about 1.0 times maintenance) were significantly lower than those of the high-feeding ewes (about 1.5 times maintenance). There were no significant differences in plasma protein, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, pyruvate and immunoreactive insulin concentrations and plasma and leukocyte enzyme activities between both groups. Hepatic malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly higher and hexokinase activities were significantly lower in the low-feeding ewes than in the high-feeding ewes. Restricted feeding could maintain pregnancy and some plasma metabolites and peripheral leukocyte enzymes may be useful indicators for evaluating metabolic changes in ewes.

Changes in metabolite, energy metabolism related enzyme activities and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) populations in beef heifers with two differing liveweight change profiles in New Zealand

Metabolite and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations, energy metabolism related enzymes activities and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) populations were measured in blood of pregnant Angus heifers with differing liveweight change profiles (gaining or losing), in New Zealand to investigate the meanings of those parameters in the restricted feeding beef heifers. Beef heifers losing liveweight (-412 g/day) showed significantly lower concentrations of plasma IRI, and higher concentrations of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) than heifers gaining liveweight (483 g/day). The cytosolic and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities and MDH/lactate dehydrogenase (M/L) ratio in leukocytes of the liveweight losing heifers were significantly higher than those the liveweight gaining heifers. Percentages of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3 positive cells and natural killer (NK) cells in PBMC decreased significantly in the liveweight losing heifers compared to those in the liveweight gaining heifers. Plasma IRI and FFA concentrations, leukocyte cytosolic and mitochondrial MDH activities and CD3 positive and NK cell populations may be useful markers to evaluate metabolic conditions and immunity in the restricted feeding beef heifers.

Comparison of Plasma Metabolite Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Beef Cattle Raised by Different Feeding Systems in Korea, Japan and New Zealand

Concentrations of metabolites and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism were measured in plasma of Korean and Japanese beef cattle, which were raised by the indoor feeding system programmed to feed larger amount of roughage in their growing periods and larger amount of concentrate diet in their finishing periods (Japanese feeding system), and grazing New Zealand beef cattle. By the Japanese beef grading system, Korean and Japanese beef cattle showed high beef quality score, average grade 3.3 and 3.6, respectively. The plasma free fatty acid and lactate concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in Korean beef cattle were significantly higher than those in Japanese beef cattle. The plasma lactate concentration in Korean beef cattle was 8.40 mmol/l, which was similar to the values observed in lactic acidosis. The higher activities of plasma LDH, MDH and AST may indicate slight liver damage by slightly acidotic conditions in Korean beef cattle. New Zealand beef cattle fed on pasture which they harvest by grazing showed significantly lower plasma glucose, cholesterol, lactate and IRI concentrations and enzyme activities than those in Korean and Japanese beef cattle fed on larger amount of concentrate diets. Plasma metabolite concentrations and energy metabolism-related enzyme activities may be good indicators for evaluating metabolic conditions of beef cattle raised by different feeding systems.

Changes in peripheral leukocytes enzymes activity and plasma metabolite concentrations in growing Holstein calves

Plasma metabolite and immunoreactive insulin concentrations and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in peripheral leukocytes were measured in growing Holstein calves. A ratio of girth of abdomen divided by girth of thorax (A/T ratio) of calves was significantly elevated after weaning, and the A/T ratio maybe a good indicator to evaluate rumen development. Plasma glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were changed in calves accompanying change in feeding. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase with pyruvate as substrate (LDH-P) and hexokinase (HK) in cytosolic fractions of peripheral leukocytes decreased significantly after weaning the calves reflecting the change of energy source from milk replacer with high percentages of fat and glucose and lactose as absorbable carbohydrate to pelleted feed containing starch as less absorbable carbohydrate and roughage. Some peripheral leukocyte enzymes such as LDH and HK may be good indicators to evaluate changes in energy metabolism of growing calves.

Stable isotope-labeling studies on the oxidative coupling of caffeic acid via o-quinone

The formation of ortho-quinone from ortho-diphenol is a key step in its dimerization. An NMR analysis of the oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid (caffeic acid) by NaIO4 revealed the formation of 3-(3',4'-dioxo-1',5'-cyclohexadienyl) propenoic acid (o-quinone) prior to the formation of furofuran-type lignan 4,8-exo-bis (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-2,6-dione. Both electrolytic and enzymatic oxidation of caffeic acid also generated o-quinone. The yields of o-quinone from caffeic acid were quantified by NMR and HPLC analyses. A stable isotope-labeling study of the formation of lignans directly proved the random radical coupling of semiquinone radicals formed from a set of caffeic acid and o-quinone.

[Clinical efficacy of leuprolide acetate and combined treatment with estramustine for advanced prostate cancer]

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Twenty-two institutes have organized Keio University Prostate Cancer Study Group to study clinical efficacy and safety of Leuprolide acetate (Leuplin) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (clinical stage D1 and D2). Cotreatment of Leuplin and Estramustine phosphate disodium (Estracyt) has been performed to investigate its clinical efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and two cases of advanced prostate cancer were treated either with Leuplin alone (group I), Leuplin and Estracyt (group II) or Estracyt alone (group III). After 12 weeks treatment, clinical effects against subjective symptoms (pain, voiding difficulty, performance status and body weight), serum testosterone level, tumor size and serum PSA level were examined to investigate short-term effect of each treatment. The treatment had been continued for 24 months and the treatment effects including progression free survival and overall survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Clinical efficacy after 12 weeks treatment were examined among 97 cases (group I; 35 cases, group II; 36 cases, group III; 26 cases). The background of those patients in each group was statistically equal. Treatment effects against subjective symptoms and serum testosterone level statistically revealed no significant difference among 3 groups. Treatment effects against primary tumor, bone metastatic lesion, lymphnode metastatic lesion and serum PSA level were investigated and anti-tumor effect was characterized by total efficacy rate (complete remission rate plus partial remission rate) of each treatment group. Treatment efficacy rates for each lesion and PSA demonstrated no statistical difference among 3 treatment groups. Total efficacy rate of group I, II and III were 88.2%, 84.0% and 78.3%, respectively, which statistically revealed no significant difference. Total efficacy rate of each group after completing 24 months treatment was; group I 80.0%, group II 55.6% and group III 83.3%, which statistically showed no significant difference among 3 treatment groups. The median day for progression free survival of group I, II and III were 661, 731 and 517, respectively. The overall survival rate of group I, II and III after completing 24 months treatment were 77.5%, 83.0% and 72.4%, respectively. Both progression free survival rates and overall survival rates revealed no significant difference among 3 groups. Side effects during 24 months treatment were seen in 8.6% of group I, 47.2% of group II and 26.9% of group III, and these occurrence rates were significantly different among the groups (p = 0.0013).

CONCLUSION

Although number of the cases had not been able to continue the treatment for their side effects, the statistical characterization demonstrated that cotreatment of Leuplin and Estracyt had no greater treatment effect than monotreatment of each drug.

Role of cathepsin D in prostatic cancer cell growth and its regulation by brefeldin A

We investigated a possible relationship between brefeldin A (BFA), an antibiotic, and cathepsin D (Cat.D), a lysosomal protease, in prostate cancer proliferation. Effects of BFA (30 ng/ml) were examined on the growth of three human prostatic cancer cell lines, PC-3, DU-145, and LNCaP cells. Its effect on Cat.D in these cancer cells was assessed by Western blots and compared with Cat.D expressed in clinical prostate specimens (n = 55). BFA profoundly (> 70%) inhibited the growth of all three cancer cell lines. Western blots revealed that expression of procathepsin D (Pro.Cat.D) was markedly increased with BFA, whereas actively proliferating (control) cells greatly exhibited mature Cat.D. Analysis of prostate specimens then showed predominant Pro.Cat.D expression in non-cancerous tissues while also showing enhanced expression of mature Cat.D in all cancer specimens. Therefore, BFA-induced growth inhibition in prostatic cancer cells is associated with a blocking of Cat.D maturation (activation), suggesting a possible role of Cat.D in prostate cancer proliferation/development.

Induction of apoptosis in human prostatic cancer cells with beta-glucan (Maitake mushroom polysaccharide)

PURPOSE

To explore more effective treatment for hormone-refractory prostate cancer, we investigated the potential antitumor effect of beta-glucan, a polysaccharide of the Maitake mushroom, on prostatic cancer cells in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human prostate cancer PC-3 cells were treated with various concentrations of the highly purified beta-glucan preparation Grifron-D(R) (GD), and viability was determined at 24 h. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay and in situ hybridization (ISH) were performed to unravel the antitumor mechanism of GD.

RESULTS

A dose-response study showed that almost complete (>95%) cell death was attained in 24 h with GD > or = 480 microg/mL. Combinations of GD in a concentration as low as 30 to 60 microg/mL with 200 microM vitamin C were as effective as GD alone at 480 microg/mL, inducing >90% cytotoxic cell death. Simultaneous use with various anticancer drugs showed little potentiation of their efficacy except for the carmustine/GD combination (approximately 90% reduction in cell viability). The significantly (twofold) elevated LPO level and positive ISH staining of GD-treated cells indicated oxidative membrane damage resulting in apoptotic cell death.

CONCLUSION

A bioactive beta-glucan from the Maitake mushroom has a cytotoxic effect, presumably through oxidative stress, on prostatic cancer cells in vitro, leading to apoptosis. Potentiation of GD action by vitamin C and the chemosensitizing effect of GD on carmustine may also have clinical implications. Therefore, this unique mushroom polysaccharide may have great a potential as an alternative therapeutic modality for prostate cancer.

Glyoxalase I phenotype as a potential risk factor for prostate carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To elicit a possible link between glyoxalase I (Gly-I), a detoxifying enzyme, and the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa), we investigated Gly-I phenotypic expression in the prostatic tissue and red blood cells (RBCs) from patients with PCa.

METHODS

Eighty-seven clinical specimens, including 42 PCa tissue samples, 20 RBC samples, and 25 matched pair (prostate and RBC) samples from patients at prostatectomy were examined. The Gly-I phenotypes in these specimens were assessed by nondenaturing starch-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Of the 87 patients, 63 (72.4%) were white, 15 (17.2%) were black, and 9 (10.4%) were another ethnicity (eg, Hispanic, Asian, Indian). Three Gly-I phenotypes were detected in these specimens as fast, intermediate, and slow-moving bands on the gel. The fast phenotype was the most common form found in the white (34 [54%] of 63) and black (8 [53.3%] of 15) patients, but the third ethnic group was too small for proper analysis. To validate this finding, the data from the white patients were compared with the Gly-I phenotypic frequencies in U.S. populations. The data analysis confirmed that a higher incidence (54%) of the fast type in our white patients was statistically significant (P <0.0001) compared with its phenotypic frequency of 30.6% in the general U.S. white population.

CONCLUSIONS

The significantly high frequency (P <0.0001) of the fast Gly-I phenotype was detected among patients with PCa, suggesting it is a potential risk factor for PCa. Whether its increased incidence in whites reflects the lack of sample numbers for other ethnic groups needs additional investigation.

Methylglyoxal-induced apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma: potential modality for prostate cancer treatment

OBJECTIVE

To examine the cellular effects of methylglyoxal (MG), a toxic physiological metabolite, on human prostatic cancer PC-3 cells.

METHODS

The effects of MG on cell growth and viability were evaluated first, and then its effects on the cell cycle and the glycolytic process were analyzed by Western blots and specific assays. Possible MG-induced apoptosis was also assessed by DNA analysis using agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

MG > or =3 mM caused severe growth inhibition, resulting in nearly 100% cell death by 24h. The time course study revealed that expression of cyclin D(1), cdk2, and cdk4 was significantly (>50%) downregulated in 3 h of MG (3 mM) exposure, followed by the dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein by 6 h. Both the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and the cellular lactate level were also reduced by approximately 50 and 80%, respectively, following 6-hour MG exposure. Induction of apoptosis by MG was indicated by partial degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and further confirmed by discrete DNA fragmentation detected on an agarose gel.

CONCLUSION

MG is capable of inducing apoptosis in prostatic cancer PC-3 cells, due primarily to a blocking of the cell cycle progression (G(1) arrest) and glycolytic pathway. Therefore, MG could be a potent apoptosis inducer, which may have a potential for prostate cancer treatment.

JTE-522 selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin production in inflammatory tissues

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

To investigate the effect of JTE-522, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, on prostaglandin (PG) production and COX expression in rats.

SUBJECTS

Male rats (4-8 weeks old) were used for in vivo experiments, while for in vitro assay, rat peritoneal macrophages were used.

TREATMENT

JTE-522 (1-100 mg/kg) and indomethacin (0.03-10 mg/kg) were administered orally. JTE-522 and reference compounds (0.01-10 microM) were subjected to COX expression.

RESULTS

JTE-522 inhibited the development of carrageenin-induced paw edema and PGE2 production in inflammatory paws at a dose of 10 mg/kg. On the other hand, JTE-522 (1-100 mg/kg) did not affect A23187-stimulated thromboxane B2 release from whole blood or the PGE2 level in gastric mucosa. JTE-522 did not suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced COX-2 expression in peritoneal macrophages.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that JTE-522 selectively inhibits PG production mediated by COX-2 in inflammatory tissues. JTE-522 may thus represent a novel type of anti-inflammatory drug without adverse effects on the gastro-intestinal tract.

Adverse effects of oxidative stress on renal cells and its prevention by antioxidants

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent reports suggest that reactive oxygen species; e.g., hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), could be the primary cause of various drug-induced renal injuries. We investigated the effects of H(2)O(2) on renal cells to understand its mode of action and to explore cytoprotection from such a fatal injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Renal proximal tubular LLC-PK(1) cells were exposed to various concentrations of H(2)O(2), and cell viability was determined at specified times. Lipid peroxidation assay and Western blot analysis of heat shock proteins (Hsp70 and Hsp90) were performed to assess the cellular effects.

RESULTS

The dose-response study showed that H(2)O(2) > or = 100 microM was severely cytotoxic. Even a 1-h exposure was sufficient to induce >95% cell death in 24 h. Lipid peroxidation was significantly (>50%) increased, while Hsp90, but not Hsp70, was partially degraded, to an approximately 85-kDa fragment, after a 3-h H(2)O(2) exposure. However, such cytotoxic cell death was remarkably ( approximately 90%) prevented by the antioxidants pyruvate or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and Hsp90 remained intact.

CONCLUSION

Hydrogen peroxide-induced renal cell death involves increased lipid peroxidation and partial degradation of Hsp90. Both pyruvate and NAC are capable of detoxifying H(2)O(2) to maintain cell viability and Hsp90 integrity. Acute renal injuries associated with oxidative stress might preventable by appropriate antioxidants.

1,2-Hydride Shift in the Biosynthesis of Pinguisane-type Sesquiterpenes

A (2)H-NMR analysis of 6α-hydroxy-3-oxo-pinguis-5(10)-ene-11,6-olide produced by axenic culture of liverwort Aneura pinguis in the presence of [4-(2)H2]-labeled mevalonate clarified the presence of a 1,2-hydride shift and retention of deuterium at the C-4 position in the biosynthesis of pinguisane-type sesquiterpenes from FPP.

Ammonium-chloride-induced prostatic hypertrophy in vitro: urinary ammonia as a potential risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia

To test the possibility that urinary ammonia could be a risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we explored the cellular effects of ammonium chloride (NH(4)Cl) on prostatic cancer cells used as an experimental model. Following treatment of human prostatic cancer DU-145 cells with the varying concentrations of NH(4)Cl for 3 days, cell growth was inhibited by approximately 50% at 5 mM NH(4)Cl and almost completely inhibited at 10 mM NH(4)Cl. However, the individual cell size in these treated cells became approximately 2-fold larger and cellular protein content was also up to 2.5-fold greater than in untreated cells. This protein increase appeared to result from the reduced protein degradation, verified by metabolic labeling with [(14)C]valine. Western blot analysis further suggested that such reduced protein turnover could in part be due to the inactivation of a lysosomal acid protease, cathepsin D. Taken together, these studies demonstrate NH(4)Cl-induced hypertrophy in prostatic cancer cells, as evidenced by the growth inhibition, cell enlargement, and cellular protein increase. Therefore, ammonia is not an inert metabolic product; instead, its chronic effects on the prostate may ultimately lead to significant cellular and biochemical alterations of the prostate such as BPH.

Brefeldin A-induced apoptosis in prostatic cancer DU-145 cells: a possible p53-independent death pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the growth inhibitory mechanism of brefeldin A (BFA), an antiviral antibiotic, in androgen-independent prostatic cancer DU-145 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The inhibitory effects of BFA (30 ng/mL) on cell growth were monitored by cell counting and viability tests after specified exposures. Flow cytometry and western immunoblot analysis were performed to examine the effects of BFA on the cell cycle and on specific growth regulators. The possible induction of apoptosis by BFA was further assessed by in situ hybridization (ISH) assay and by qualitative DNA analysis using agarose-gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Cell growth was completely inhibited with BFA (30 ng/mL), accompanied by 40-50% cell death. Cell cycle analysis revealed that this growth inhibition coincided with an 85% reduction in the S-phase cell population. Western blots showed that the expression of cell cycle-dependent kinases (cdk2 and cdk4), cyclin D1 and p53 was significantly reduced, while WAF1 was increased, after BFA treatment. Apoptosis was confirmed by both the ISH assay, which showed the characteristic brownish staining of BFA-treated cells, and by DNA analysis, which revealed the internucleosomal DNA ladder.

CONCLUSION

BFA-induced growth inhibition in DU-145 cells is primarily due to the modulation of specific G1 cell-cycle regulators, blocking the G1-S phase progression. Such a growth arrest ultimately results in apoptosis, presumably through a p53-independent pathway.

Glyoxalase I activity in human prostate cancer: a potential marker and importance in chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To provide information on the activity of Gly-I in prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed qualitative Gly-I assay on prostate tissues.

RESULTS

Gly-I activity between prostate cancer and noncancerous specimens differed substantially and significantly, although such activity also varied somewhat among cancer specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Gly-I activity is indeed higher in cancerous than in noncancerous specimens, suggesting that it may play a role in prostate cancer homeostasis and survival.

Analysis of cathepsin D forms and their clinical implications in human prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To assess cathepsin D (Cat.D) status in the prostate, we analyzed the different Cat.D forms in human prostate tissues using Western immunoblots.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell extracts were prepared from prostate tissues (n = 42) obtained from radical prostatectomy, adopting the tissue homogenization method. Expression of the different Cat.D forms was analyzed using Western blots. The catalytic activity of Cat.D was assayed by acid treatment, in which cell extracts were incubated in acidic buffer (pH 3 to 4) at 37C for 1 hour.

RESULTS

Pathologically confirmed normal (NML), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer (CAP) specimens all expressed Cat.D, but as two distinct forms. Both NML and BPH predominantly expressed an inactive procathepsin D (Pro.Cat.D), while CAP notably exhibited an active mature Cat.D. The assessment of Cat.D activity, using PSA (prostate specific antigen) as a physiological substrate, showed that such activity was consistently higher in CAP than in NML/BPH specimens. Further studies revealed that the mode of Cat.D activation in CAP specimens appeared to be primarily due to acid-induced autoproteolysis (self-degradation) of mature Cat.D.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that expression and activity of Cat.D varies among prostate specimens. A greater expression of mature Cat.D with a higher catalytic activity in CAP specimens is the most notable difference from NML/BPH. Therefore, the differential expression/activity of Cat.D forms may be a useful indicator for assessing prostate cancer status.

Hydrolysis of androgen receptor by cathepsin D: its biological significance in human prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To elicit the biological role of a lysosomal protease, cathepsin D (CatD) in prostate cancer, by investigating its regulatory effect on the androgen receptor (AR) using human prostate cancer LNCaP cells and prostate tissue specimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell extracts were prepared from LNCaP or prostate specimens by cell lysis and tissue homogenization. Proteolytic assays were performed by incubating these extracts in acidic buffer (pH 3-4) at 37 degrees C. The resulting effects on AR and CatD were then analysed using Western immunoblots.

RESULTS

The Western blots showed that AR was virtually hydrolysed with acid treatment, because endogenous CatD was activated; this activation only occurred at pH 3.2-3.5, but no specific acid appeared to be required. Further analyses suggested that CatD activation could be attributed to acid-induced autoproteolysis of mature CatD. Similar assays were also performed on prostate tissues, including normal and malignant specimens. These studies revealed that CatD-mediated AR hydrolysis was observed only in cancer specimens, while no such hydrolysis occurred in normal specimens.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous CatD can hydrolyse AR, thereby possibly modulating AR function/metabolism in LNCaP cells, and in cancer specimens. CatD activity also appears to differ significantly between normal and malignant tissue. Thus, CatD may play a pivotal role as a growth modulator in androgen-dependent prostate cancer.

The effects of brefeldin A (BFA) on cell cycle progression involving the modulation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) in PC-3 prostate cancer cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of brefelding A (BFA) on the growth of the androgen-independent human prostate cancer PC-3 cells, focusing on cell cycle regulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BFA is a fungal macrocyclic lactone with an antiviral activity. PC-3 cells were cultured with various concentrations of BFA for indicated times and cell growth was monitored at each time point. Cell cycle analysis was performed to explore the mechanism of BFA-induced growth inhibition. To further investigate the cell cycle regulation, cell cycle-controlling factors, such as the retinoblastoma gene product (pRB) and its regulatory components cdk2, cdk4, and cyclin D1, were analyzed by Western immunoblots.

RESULTS

BFA was a potent growth inhibitor at a concentration of 30 ng./ml., resulting in a > 70% reduction in cell number at 3 days. Cell cycle analysis revealed a cell arrest in the G1 to S phase transition. Western blots further showed that BFA induced dephosphorylation of pRB accompanied by down regulation of cdk2, cdk4, and cyclin D1 expression. The extended pRB dephosphorylation in control cell lysates was also observed by the addition of BFA-treated lysates, but was prevented by the inclusion of phosphatase inhibitors in assay mixtures.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that BFA may be a potent cell cycle modulator, which post-translationally regulates pRB phosphorylation possibly by down-regulating cdk2, cdk4, and cyclin D1 and/or by up-regulating a phosphatase(s) capable of dephosphorylating pRB. Thus, BFA-induced growth inhibition in PC-3 cells appears to be at least partially due to the modulation of a pRB-mediated growth pathway.

Differential diagnosis of primary benign and malignant retroperitoneal tumors

BACKGROUND

Clinical differential diagnosis between malignant and benign tumors is important in order to select a therapeutic strategy for a primary retroperitoneal tumor.

METHODS

The clinical findings and radiological features of 25 patients with primary retroperitoneal tumors were retrospectively evaluated to find those signs that might contribute to the preoperative distinction between benign and malignant tumors.

RESULTS

Of 25 primary retroperitoneal tumors, 15 were benign. This may reflect the increased number of incidentally found small benign tumors. There were significant associations between the presence of symptoms and malignancy (P < 0.05), between irregular margins on imaging and malignancy (P < 0.05) and between the absence of calcification and malignancy (P < 0.05). Malignant tumors were significantly larger than benign tumors (11.45 +/- 1.90 cm vs. 5.31 +/- 0.43 cm). A retroperitoneal tumor scoring system was developed to distinguish primary retroperitoneal benign tumors from their malignant counterparts based on the: 1) maximum diameter equal to or larger than 5.5 cm, 2) presence of symptoms, 3) absence of calcification, 4) presence of irregular margins, and 5) presence of cystic degeneration or necrosis. A significant correlation was found between the incidence of malignant tumors and the total retroperitoneal tumor score (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the size of tumor, the presence of symptoms, irregular margins, and the absence of calcification may be valuable predictors of primary retroperitoneal malignant tumor.

Control of cell cycle regulatory proteins and modulation of STAT1 proteins by IFN-gamma in human prostatic JCA-1 cells

The addition of human recombinant IFN-gamma (10(2) and 10(3) IU/ml) inhibited human prostatic JCA-1 cell growth by 27% and 64%, respectively. Since the high dose of IFN-gamma elicited an increase in G(1) concomitant with a decrease in G(2)/M phases of the cell cycle, changes in the expression of cell cycle regulatory protein molecules were analyzed by Western blots. Results of these experiments show that IFN-gamma down regulated the G(1)/S transition molecules, e.g., cyclin D1, the cyclin-dependent protein kinase Cdk4, and the retinoblastoma gene product (pRB), but increased the G(2)/M transition molecules, e.g., cyclin B1 and p34(cdc2) (Cdk1). Possible modulation of Cdk-inhibitors (CDKIs), e.g., p53 and p21(WAF1), which have checkpoint functions in the cell cycle, by IFN-gamma, was also studied. The p53 was induced by both 10(2) and 10(3) IU/ml IFN-gamma. At 10(3) IU/ml, IFN-gamma inhibited p21(WAF1), increased the expression of STAT1 alpha, and sustained the elevated STAT1 alpha for up to 96 h. Thus several mechanisms may be involved in the antiproliferative effects of IFN-gamma.

Screening of H-ras gene point mutations in 50 cases of bladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Mutation converts the H-ras gene into an activated oncogene in about 10% of human bladder cancers. Codons 12 and 61 are the major "hot spots" for activation. A simple and accurate method to detect point mutations in these codons may be clinically useful for early diagnosis of bladder cancer.

METHODS

Bladder cancer samples from 50 patients, plus 10 samples of normal bladder mucosa, were analyzed for possible point mutation of the H-ras gene at either codon 12 or codon 61. The H-ras gene DNA segments that include these 2 codons were amplified by PCR methods, then the possible presence of a point mutation was evaluated at each codon by susceptibility of the respective DNA segments to digestion with the restriction enzyme and by dot blot hybridization assay. A bladder cancer patient who had an H-ras gene mutation was examined to see whether the mutation was also detectable in the cells released in the urine.

RESULTS

Definite or possible point mutations were found in 6 (12%) out of 50 bladder cancer patients, while no mutation was detected in normal mucosa. A point mutation could also be detected in cells isolated from the patient's urine sample.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of point mutations at codon 12 or codon 61 of the H-ras gene found in this study was similar to that previously estimated for human bladder cancer by DNA transfection assay. The method we have used for detecting point mutations of the H-ras gene provides a simple and highly accurate way to detect mutated cancer cells even in the urine. It may be clinically usable for early diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Role of reactive oxygen species in cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum-induced cytotoxicity on bladder cancer cells

This study was undertaken to investigate the intracellular induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (CDDP) and the augmentation of their cytotoxicity in bladder cancer cells (KU7) by enhancement of ROS generation by the glutathione (GSH) depletors buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) and diethylmaleate (DEM). CDDP-induced cytotoxicity in KU7 cells and its modulation by GSH depletors were determined using spectrophotometric measurement with crystal violet staining. The effects of GSH depletors on intracellular GSH levels were confirmed using the GSH reductase-DTNB recycling method. Intracellular ROS generation induced by CDDP with or without GSH depletors was estimated from the amount of intracellular dichlorofluorescein (DCF), an oxidized product of dichlorofluorescein (DCFH), which was measured with an anchored cell analysis and sorting system. The cytotoxic effects of CDDP (IC50 15.0 +/- 2.5 microM) were significantly enhanced by BSO (IC50 9.3 +/- 2.6 microM, P < 0.01) and DEM (IC50 10.3 +/- 0.3 microM, P <0.01). BSO and DEM produced a significant depletion in intracellular GSH levels (9.6 +/- 0.4 nmol 10(-6) cells, 17.9 +/- 1.0 nmol 10(-6) cells) compared with the controls (30.5 +/- 0.6 nmol 10(-6) cells). Intracellular DCF production in KU7 cells treated with CDDP (1.35 +/- 0.33 microM) was significantly enhanced by the addition of BSO (4.43 +/- 0.33 microM) or DEM (3.12 +/- 0.22 microM) at 150 min. These results suggest that ROS may play a substantial role in CDDP-induced cytotoxicity and that GSH depletors augment its cytotoxicity through an enhancement of ROS generation in bladder cancer cells.

Role of proliferative activity estimated by bromodeoxyuridine labeling index in determining predictive factors of recurrence in superficial intermediately malignant bladder tumors

PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown that factors predictive of tumor recurrence include a history of the disease, multiple tumors at diagnosis, and high tumor grade and stage. Additional biological marker for predicting tumor recurrence could potentially be used in the decision making process and could alter the frequency of clinical cystoscopy. We attempted to clarify whether the tumor proliferative activity estimated by bromodeoxyuridine, which is believed to be a thymidine analogue, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy status correlates well with tumor recurrence as an objective parameter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated 103 patients with superficial grade 2 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with transurethral resection. Mean followup plus or minus standard deviation was 49.5 +/- 11.3 months (minimum 36). Tumor specimens were obtained by transurethral cold-cup biopsy, with bromodeoxyuridine in vitro pulse labeling then performed under hyperbaric oxygen. The flow cytometric determination of the bromodeoxyuridine labeled cell index and DNA ploidy were estimated.

RESULTS

When the tumor was classified according to the bromodeoxyuridine labeled cell index the 5-year no recurrence rates were 82.0 and 27.1% for an index of less than 5.3 and more than 5.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the 5-year no recurrence rates were 75.1% for DNA diploid compared to 29.3% for DNA aneuploid tumors, respectively. Multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards model showed that the most important risk factor for tumor recurrence was a bromodeoxyuridine labeled cell index of more than 5.3% (risk ratio 5.31, p < 0.001), followed by DNA ploidy (risk ratio 2.61, p < 0.05). Tumor stage, initial lesion versus recurrence and single versus multiple tumors did not influence the risk factor for tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that bromodeoxyuridine labeling status can be used as an objective risk factor for bladder cancer recurrence.

Regulation of growth, PSA/PAP and androgen receptor expression by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the androgen-dependent LNCaP cells

The involvement of vitamin D in prostate carcinogenesis was investigated using the human prostatic LNCaP cells. Incubation of the LNCaP with 100 nM 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for 2 days resulted in a 30-40% suppression of cell growth, which was accompanied by a greater than 70% down-regulated expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The intracellular and secreted forms of PSA showed a 2-fold increase following a 48 h culture in the presence of vitamin D3. The vitamin D3-elicited PSA increases were preceded by an induction of androgen receptor (AR) expression, as measured by Western blot analysis and by binding assays using [3H]R1881 as the ligand. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the growth inhibitory effects of vitamin D3 is partially mediated through its ability to modulate PCNA expression. Moreover, vitamin D3 may effect increases in PSA expression indirectly by up-regulating androgen receptors.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (1994). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

Susceptibilities of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia spp. isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during June 1994 to May 1995 to various antimicrobial agents were compared with those in the same period of previous years according to a classification, uncomplicated UTIs, complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, and complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. No remarkable changes were found in susceptibilities of Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp. and Serratia spp. The susceptibilities of E. faecalis to amikacin and quinolones were better than those in 1993. As for S. aureus, susceptible strains to all drugs increased in uncomplicated UTIs. Against E. coli in 1993, the antimicrobial activities of piperacillin, cefotiam and aminoglycosides have decreased, however, in 1994, these activities have turned to the better state. As for Klebsiella spp. susceptible strains to ABPC decreased. The susceptibilities of P. mirabilis to all drugs except minocycline were good. Against P. aeruginosa in 1993, the activities of aminoglycosides have decreased, but, in 1994, these activities have turned to the better state. These data should be considered in clinical treatment of various urinary tract infections.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (1994). II. Background of patients]

Clinical background was investigated on 628 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during period from June, 1994 to May, 1995. 1. Distributions of sex, age and urinary tract infections Among over sixties males, the majority was taken by complicated urinary tract infections. Among females, the uncomplicated urinary tract infections was most frequent without a relation of age. As for over 40 females, the increase of complicated UTI was admitted. 2. Distribution of sex, age and pathogens isolated from UTIs In uncomplicated UTIs, Escherichia coli was most frequently isolated without a relation of age, and next Enterococcus faecalis and CNS. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. faecalis were isolated the most frequent. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, P. aeruginosa was most frequently isolated, and next E. faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. 3. Administration of antimicrobial agents and pathogens isolated from UTIs In uncomplicated UTIs, pathogens, after administration of antibiotics, isolated from patients have obviously decreased from 216 to 32 isolates. And also, pathogens of complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, have decreased from 127 to 50 isolates. However, in complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, pathogens after or before administration of antibiotics, were not revealed an obvious change. 4. Pathogens and UTIs with or without factor and operation In uncomplicated UTIs with or without factor and operation, E. coli was mainly detected. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter and with factor and operation E. faecalis was mainly detected, and next E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Without factor and operation, E. coli was mainly detected. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter and with factor and operation, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis and S. aureus were mainly detected at 23.5%, 15.0%, 15.0%, respectively. Without factor and operation, Proteus spp. 22%, and next E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa 10% and 12%, were detected, respectively. The distribution of pathogens, in the case of Proteus spp. and P. aeruginosa has been obviously varied by the influence of factor and operation.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (1994). I. Susceptibility distribution]

The frequencies of isolation and susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents were investigated on 567 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in 10 hospitals during the period of June 1994 to May 1995. Of the above total bacterial isolates, Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 26.8% and a majority of them were Enterococcus faecalis. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 73.2% and most of them were Escherichia coli. 1. Enterococcus faecalis. Ampicillin (ABPC) and imipenem (IPM) showed the highest activities against E. faecalis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 1 microgram/ml. Vancomycin (VCM) was also active with the MIC90 of 2 micrograms/ml. Piperacillin (PIPC) and biapenem (BIPM) were also active with the MIC90s of 4 micrograms/ml and 8 micrograms/ml, respectively. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 16 micrograms/ml or above. 2. Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA. VCM showed the highest activities against S. aureus isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 1 microgram/ml against both S. aureus and MRSA. Arbekacin (ABK) was also active with the MIC90 of 2 micrograms/ml. The others except minocycline (MINO) were not so active with the MIC90s of 64 micrograms/ml or above. 3. Staphylococcus epidermidis. MINO showed the strongest activity against S. epidermidis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 0.25 microgram/ml. ABK was also active with the MIC90 of 1 microgram/ml. Cephems were active with the MIC90s of 2 approximately 16 micrograms/ml, but penicillins and quinolones were not so active with the MIC90s and 64 approximately 128 micrograms/ml. 4. Citrobacter freundii. Gentamicin (GM) showed the highest activities against C. freundii isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 1 microgram/ml. IPM was also active with the MIC90 of 2 micrograms/ml. Cefpirome (CPR) and cefozopran (CZOP) were also active with the MIC90s of 4 micrograms/ml and 8 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 5. Enterobacter cloacae. IPM showed the highest activities against E. cloacae. Its MIC90 was 0.5 microgram/ml. GM and amikacin (AMK), ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and tosulfloxacin (TFLX) were also active with the MIC90s of 4 micrograms/ml. Penicillins and cephems except latamoxef (LMOX), cefmenoxime (CMX), CPR and CZOP showed lower activities with the MIC90s of 256 micrograms/ml or above. 6. Escherichia coli. Most of antimicrobial agents were active against E. coli. CPR, CZOP, IPM, carumonam (CRMN), CPFX and TFLX showed the highest activities against E. coli. The MIC90s of them were 0.125 microgram/ml or below. Cefotiam (CTM), flomoxef (FMOX) CMX, ceftazidime (CAZ), and LMOX were also active with the MIC90s of 0.25 microgram/ml. Penicillins were not so active with the MIC90s of 128 micrograms/ml or above. 7. Klebsiella pneumoniae. CRMN showed the highest activities against K. pneumoniae. Its MIC90 was < or = 0.125 microgram/ml. CZOP was also active with the MIC90 of 0.25 microgram/ml. Penicillins were not so active with the MIC90s of 128 micrograms/ml or above. 8. Proteus mirabilis. P. mirabilis was susceptible to a majority of drugs. CMX, CAZ, LMOX, CRP, cefpodoxime (CPDX), CRMN, CPFX and TFLX showed the highest activities against P. mirabilis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 0.125 microgram/ml or below. MINO was not so active with the MIC90 of 128 micrograms/ml. 9. Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most of the agents were not so active against P. aeruginosa. IPM showed MIC90 of 8 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 16 micrograms/ml or above. CPFX showed MIC50 of 0.5 microgram/ml.

[Experience of 143 cases of laparoscopic surgery in urology--clinical outcome in comparison to open surgery]

(BACKGROUND). The clinical outcome of laparoscopic surgery performed in 143 patients, including laparoscopic adrenalecotmy, nephrectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and varicocele ligation is reported. (METHODS). In patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (32 cases), laparoscopic nephrectomy (7) or PLND (44), the following parameters were evaluated and compared to those obtained in patients undergoing the same surgeries but by conventional open procedure; operation time, hospital stay, pain killer doses and the time necessitated for ambulation. (RESULTS). The operation was successful in 95.8% (137/143). Open laparotomy was necessitated in 4 patients to control bleeding (two in adrenalectomy and two for PLND) and in one nephrectomy case due to massive adhesion with the descending colon. The major complication occurred in 4.2% of the cases, but without mortality. The laparoscopic adrenalectomy, nephrectomy and PLND had an average operating time of 260, 304 and 139 minutes, respectively, while the open surgery for each procedure required 251, 212 and 128 minutes, respectively (p = 0. 24 approximately 0.82). Likewise, the total dose of pain killer was 0.8, 1.8 and 0.9 for the former, whereas it was 3.2, 6.0 and 3.9 for the latter, respectively (p < 0.01). The average hospital stay for laparoscopic surgery was 4.9, 6.4 and 4.7 days in the same order, whereas open adrenalectomy or nephrectomy required about 14 days (p < 0.001). Convalescence was completed within significantly shorter term in patients with laparoscopic surgery. Potential complications of laparoscopic surgery included not only those unique to pneumoperitoneum (8.1%), but also those which may be encountered during any endoscopic operation such as compartment syndrome in the lower extremities. The physiologic changes accompanying increased intra-abdominal pressure affected renal function, characterized by a significant decrease in urinary output (p < 0.02), which, however, resumed to normal range within several hours after the operation without causing permanent renal dysfunction. (CONCLUSION). These results suggest that the laparoscopic surgery in certain area in urology has less morbidity and equal accuracy compared with conventional open surgery.

Pharmacokinetics and antitumor effects of an interleukin-2 immunocomplexing agent in murine renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Conventional therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using systemic administration of interleukin-2 (IL-2) has shown limited anti-tumor action. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effects of a newly developed immune complex of IL-2 (IC) against RCC.

METHODS

IC was prepared by mixing IL-2 and an anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody at a molar ratio of 2:1. The pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor effects of IC were then studied in a murine RCC line, Renca.

RESULTS

Serum IL-2 levels were sustained longer in mice given IC than in mice given IL-2 alone after either subcutaneous or intratumoral injections. After an intratumoral injection of IC, the IL-2 concentration in the tumor nodules remained higher compared with mice given IL-2 alone. The anti-tumor effect was most pronounced in mice treated with intratumoral injections of IC.

CONCLUSIONS

Results obtained here indicate that an immune complex of IL-2 provides a useful tool for the treatment of RCC by altering the pharmacokinetics of IL-2 in vivo.

Cytokine gene modification of bladder cancer cells for the establishment of bladder cancer vaccine

A bladder tumor vaccine in mouse models was established by introducing interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene into mouse bladder cancer cells (MBT-2). Mice injected with non-modified MBT-2 cells did not reject subsequent challenge of MBT-2 cells. Mice injected with IL-2-gene-modified MBT-2 cells (MBT-2/IL-2) rejected subsequent challenge of unmodified MBT-2 cells but not 38C13 cells, which have the same genetic background but different antigenicity. According to these results, an injection of MBT-2/II.-2 can establish specific immunity against parental MBT-2 cells in mice, which is also demonstrated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes assay. Vaccinations with MBT-2/IL-2 cured 60% of bladder cancer which had been pre-established in mice. These results suggest that tumor cells genetically modified with IL-2 gene can act as a tumor vaccine which is expected to be a new method for immunotherapy of cancers.

Newly developed equipment and methods in the treatment of BPH: analysis of present status

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common disease among the aged male population. A variety of symptoms are mainly caused by obstructive changes at the prostatic urethra. Transurethral resection (TURP) has been the gold standard of treatment, but new equipment and methods such as TUMT, HIFU, TUNA, and laser prostatectomy have been developed and are being tested for clinical application. Our experience with new equipment and methods show that their effectiveness has yet to be conclusively evaluated by objective parameters, while subjective improvements have been seen with less invasive treatments such as TUMT, HIFU and TUNA. Laser prostatectomy confirmed its advantages in hemostasis but comparison of each treatment is difficult because of different pathological changes created by different energy sources shown by MRI. Further studies are required to examine the new equipment and methods and for identification of the treatment of choice for BPH.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1993). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

Susceptibilities of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia spp. isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during June 1993 to May 1994 to various antimicrobial agents were compared with those in the same period of previous years according to a classification, uncomplicated UTIs, complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, and complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. The susceptibilities of E. faecalis to chloramphenicol decreased. As for S. aureus, susceptible strains to minocycline (MINO) decreased in complicated UTIs. As for Citrobacter spp., and Enterobacter spp., their susceptibilities were not observed an obvious change. Against E. coli, the activities of cefotiam decreased in complicated UTIs, and aminoglycosides decreased. As for Klebsiella spp., susceptible strains to aminoglycosides decreased. The susceptibilities of P. mirabilis to all drugs except aminoglycosides and MINO were good. The susceptibilities of P. aeruginosa to quinolones isolated from complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter increased, but susceptible strains to aminoglycosides decreased. The susceptibilities of Serratia spp. to MINO has decreased. These data should be considered in clinical treatment of various urinary tract infections.

Establishment of a human cell line secreting neuron-specific enolase from a primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the retroperitoneal cavity

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is one of the small round cell malignancies of presumed neural crest origin for which an effective treatment has not yet been established. In the present study, a human cell line, designated KU-9, was established from a 27-year-old male patient with PNET of the retroperitoneal cavity and has been successfully maintained in nude mice and in culture. On histological examination, the primary tumor was composed of poorly differentiated small round cells arranged in clusters showing a variety of mitotic changes, and contained Homer-Wright rosettes. The histopathological appearance of the KU-9 xenografts was similar to that of the primary tumor. Electron microscopy revealed neurosecretory granules and cytoplasmic processes in the xenograft. No significant amplification of N-myc gene was observed in the KU-9 cells. The KU-9 cells showed chromosome numbers ranging from 56 to 61 with consistent structural abnormalities being add(2)(q31), +add(11)(p11.2), +add(13)(p11.1), and +del(22)(q12). Cultured KU-9 cells grew exponentially with a doubling time of about 50 h and a time-dependent increase in medium levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was noted. Serum levels of NSE in KU-9 tumor-bearing nude mice were significantly elevated and a linear relationship between the serum NSE levels and the tumor NSE content or tumor volume was observed, suggesting that serum levels of NSE may reflect the PNET tumor burden and tumor extent. These results indicate that the KU-9 cell line provides a reproducible model system which could be useful in gaining some insight into the histogenesis and oncogenesis of PNET and in establishing an effective treatment for PNET.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1992). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

Susceptibilities of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia spp. isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 11 hospitals during June 1992 to May 1993 to various antimicrobial agents were compared with those in the same period of previous years according to a classification, uncomplicated UTIs, complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, and complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. The susceptibilities of E. faecalis isolated from uncomplicated UTIs to quinolones has decreased. As for S. aureus, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., P. mirabilis and Serratia spp., which were detected very few in 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992, their susceptibilities were not observed an obvious change. E. coli, all strains were highly susceptibilities to latamoxef and cefozopran. And the susceptibilities of E. coli isolated from uncomplicated UTIs and complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter to minocycline has decreased in 1991, but they has been indicated a trend of recovery in 1992. The difference in according UTI's classification of the susceptibilities of Klebsiella spp. to minocycline in 1991 has not recognized in 1992. And the susceptibilities of Klebsiella spp. isolated from complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter to quinolones has decreased. The susceptibilities of P. aeruginosa isolated from complicated UTIs to quinolones has been indicated a trend of recovery. These data should be considered in clinical treatment of various urinary tract infections.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1993). II. Background of patients]

Clinical background was investigated on 734 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during the period from June, 1993 to May, 1994. 1. Distribution of sex, age and infections Among over fifties males, the majority was taken by complicated urinary tract infections. Among females, the uncomplicated urinary tract infections was most frequent without a relation of age. 2. Distribution of sex, age and pathogens isolated from UTIs In uncomplicated UTIs, Escherichia coli was most frequently isolated without a relation of age, and next Klebsiella spp. and CNS. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis were the most frequent. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were most frequently isolated, and next E. faecalis. 3. The frequency of complexed infections in UTIs The frequency of complexed infections has increased from in uncomplicated UTIs to complicated UTIs. 4. Administration of antibiotics and pathogens isolated from UTIs In uncomplicated UTIs, pathogens, after administration of antibiotics, isolated from patients have obviously decreased from 222 to 33 isolates. And also, pathogens of complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, have decreased from 205 to 50 isolates. However, in complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, pathogens after or before administration of antibiotics, were not revealed an obvious change. 5. Pathogens and UTIs with or without factor and operation In uncomplicated UTIs with or without factor and operation, E. coli was mainly detected. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter and with or without factor and operation, E. coli and E. faecalis were mainly detected. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter and with factor and operation, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis were mainly detected, 22.0% and 14.1%, respectively. Without factor and operation, was detected, E. faecalis 21.1%, and next Proteus spp. 15.8%. The distribution of pathogens, in the case of Serratia spp., has been obviously varied by the influence of factor and operation.