Chloride ion modulates cell proliferation of human androgen-independent prostatic cancer cell.

In the present study, we investigated if the intracellular Cl(-) affects cell growth and cell cycle progression of androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 cells. PC3 cells cultured in a medium containing 113 mM Cl(-) for 96 h grew up 9-fold in cell number, while PC3 cells cultured in an 8 mM-Cl(-)-containing culture medium showed complete arrest of cell growth even after culture for 96 h. Exposure of cells to the 8 mM-Cl(-) culture medium diminished phosphorylation levels of Rb and cdc2, which are respectively key accelerators of transition from G(1) to S phase and G(2) to M phase in cell cycle progression. Culturing cells in the 8 mM-Cl(-)-containing culture medium upregulated the protein expression level of p21 (a CDK inhibitor) inhibiting transition of G(1) to S phase, and diminished the incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU; a thymidine analogue) into DNA. These results suggest that cells cultured in the low Cl(-) medium prolonged the duration of all phases of the cell cycle (G(1), S, and G(2)/M), thereby abolishing overall cell cycle progression. Effects of culturing cells in the low Cl(-) culture medium on cell cycle progression would be mediated via a change in the intracellular Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(-)](i)), since [Cl(-)](i) was decreased under a low Cl(-) culture medium. To clarify this possibility, we studied effects of furosemide and bumetanide, Na+/K+/2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC) inhibitors, on proliferation of PC3 cells. Furosemide and bumetanide decreased [Cl(-)](i) and cell growth of PC3 cells. These results suggest that a change in [Cl(-)](i) would play a critical role in this growth mechanism.

Radiofrequency ablation for renal tumors: our experience.

OBJECTIVES: To report our results of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal tumors and to assess predictors of therapeutic efficacy. METHODS: Forty patients (median age 73 years) with renal tumors were treated with RFA under local or epidural anesthesia. All of them had high surgical risk or refused radical surgery. Tumors were punctured percutaneously using the Radionics Cool-tip RF System under computed tomography or ultrasonographic guidance. Median tumor diameter was 24 mm. After RFA, contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 1 month. Complete response (CR) was defined as no enhancement inside the tumor. Factors related to the outcome and to renal function were assessed. RESULTS: Median follow up was 16 months. CR was observed in 34 cases (85.0%). A significant difference in CR rate was observed between tumors < or =30 mm and those >30 mm. Outcomes tended to be better for tumors in the mid to lower kidney, and those away from the renal hilum. Recurrence was observed in one case (2.9%), but a CR was obtained again by additional RFA. Out of a total of 77 RFA procedures, complications occurred in only three cases (3.9%), and conservative treatment was possible in all cases. Serum creatinine levels 3 months after RFA did not differ from those before RFA. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous RFA is a safe and effective treatment for small renal tumors in patients with high surgical risk or who refuse radical surgery.

Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome with thermolability in the androgen receptor.

We report case of partial androgen insensitivity syndrome in a 12-year-old boy referred to our clinic complaining of bilateral gynecomastia and left undescended testicle. Laparoscopy for undescended testicle and bilateral mastectomy were performed, and the left testicle was absent. When skin fibroblasts of the scrotum obtained during surgery were cultured to analyse the androgen receptors, a slight thermolability was observed. Genomic examination of the androgen receptor gene could not detect any mutations.