Prevalence and impact on daily life of lower urinary tract symptoms in Japan: Results of the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey (JaCS 2023).

OBJECTIVES: A large-scale nationwide epidemiological survey of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was conducted via the Internet in 2023 to clarify the current prevalence of LUTS and evaluate its impact on daily life in Japan. METHODS: The survey was conducted among individuals aged 20-99 years old who had anonymously registered with a Japanese online research company. The survey consisted of 48 questions related to LUTS and daily life. RESULTS: A total of 6210 participants (3088 females and 3122 males), who were selected by probability sampling based on the composition of the Japanese population (age range: 20-99), were recruited. The overall prevalence of LUTS was 77.9% among the subjects aged ≥20 and 82.5% among those aged ≥40. The prevalence of LUTS differed between the sexes and trends toward significant increases in prevalence with age were seen for almost all LUTS. Furthermore, the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) was 11.9% among the subjects aged ≥20 and 13.8% among those aged ≥40. This study also showed that LUTS negatively affected daily life. However, the percentage of subjects who visited a physician to receive treatment for LUTS was low, including for participants with a history of treatment for LUTS, although this increased with age. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LUTS, including OAB, increased with age and negatively affected daily life. However, since the percentage of patients who visit a physician to receive treatment for LUTS remains low, further educational activities regarding LUTS are necessary.

Postoperative Bladder Neck to Pubic Symphysis Ratio Predictive for De Novo Overactive Bladder after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate the incidence and clinical predictive factors of de novo overactive bladder (OAB) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), including a Retzius-sparing (RS) approach, in the same period at a single institution. METHODS: Of a total of 113 patients with localized prostate cancer, 81 received conventional RARP (CON-RARP) and 32 received RS-RARP at our institution. The basic characteristics data of patients and self-assessment questionnaires, including IPSS and OABSS, were obtained preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months after RARP. In addition, a retrospective biomarker analysis was also performed of predictive clinical parameters obtained from cystography that included a postoperative bladder neck to pubic symphysis (BNPS) ratio. RESULTS: Patients' basic characteristics were similar between CON-RARP and RS-RARP groups. With respect to the surgical procedure, anastomosing time was found to be significantly longer for patients in the RS-RARP compared to the CON-RARP group (p < 0.01). Compared to the CON-RARP group, the RS-RARP group showed a significantly lower postoperative BNPS and aspect ratio (p < 0.001). The incidence of de novo OAB in patients of the CON-RARP group was greater than for those in the RS-RARP group (40.7% CON-RARP vs. 25.0% RS-RARP), though this was not significant. Regarding the emergence of de novo OAB, the following were revealed in univariate analysis to be independent prognostic factors: age > 64 years (hazards ratio [HR]: 4.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-12.3), postoperative BNPS ratio > 0.44 (HR: 8.7, 95% CI: 6.43-54.5), postoperative aspect ratio > 1.18 (HR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.49-7.61). Additionally, multivariate analysis identified a sole significant prognostic factor: postoperative BNPS ratio > 0.44 (HR: 13.3, 95% CI: 4.33-41.1). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the postoperative BNPS ratio may be a practical predictive indicator of the emergence of de novo OAB after RARP.

Change in the central control of the bladder function of rats with focal cerebral infarction induced by photochemically-induced thrombosis.

The photochemically-induced thrombosis (photothrombosis) method can create focal cerebral infarcts anywhere in the relatively superficial layers of the cerebrum; it is easy to implement and minimally invasive. Taking advantage of this versatility, we aimed to establish a new rat model of urinary frequency with focal cerebral infarction, which was characterized by its simplicity, nonlethal nature, and high reproducibility. The prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex, which are involved in lower urinary tract control, were targeted for focal cerebral infarction, and urinary parameters were measured by cystometrogram. Cystometric analysis indicated that micturition intervals significantly shortened in photothrombosis-treated rats compared with those in the sham operative group on Days 1 and 7 (P < 0.01), but prolonged after 14 days, with no difference between the two groups. Immunopathological evaluation showed an accumulation of activated microglia, followed by an increase in reactive astrocytes at the peri-infarct zone after photothrombotic stroke. Throughout this study, all postphotothrombosis rats showed cerebral infarction in the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex; there were no cases of rats with fatal cerebral infarction. This model corresponded to the clinical presentation, in that the micturition status changed after stroke. In conclusion, this novel model combining nonlethality and high reproducibility may be a suitable model of urinary frequency after focal cerebral infarction.

Novel case of androgen receptor-positive cancer of unknown primary without serum prostate-specific antigen elevation that became progression free in the long term after primary combined androgen blockade.

INTRODUCTION: The prognosis of cancer of unknown primary is very poor. Such a prognosis can be improved by characterizing primary characteristics and developing tailored site-specific therapy, especially for androgen receptor-positive adenocarcinoma. However, in such cases without elevated prostate-specific antigen, the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy is unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report a case that presented with a retroperitoneal cancer of unknown primary that was confirmed as an androgen receptor-positive adenocarcinoma without prostate-specific antigen elevation. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any suspicious cancer lesions in the prostate. Furthermore, malignant cells were not present in a prostate biopsy specimen. In spite of the prostate-specific antigen level, on the basis of immunohistochemical analyses, including NKX3.1, the patient was first treated with androgen deprivation therapy, leading to long-term progression-free survival. CONCLUSION: Early androgen deprivation therapy based on immunohistochemical analyses might lead to a good outcome in androgen receptor-positive adenocarcinoma cancer of unknown primary patients regardless of prostate-specific antigen level.

Pelvic Anatomical Features After Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Intended for Early Recovery of Urinary Symptoms.

Purpose: To elucidate factors contributing to early urinary continence recovery after retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) by evaluating postoperative pelvic anatomical features between RS-RARP and conventional RARP (CON-RARP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined 50 men who underwent RS-RARP (n = 25; the RS-RARP group) and CON-RARP (n = 25; the CON-RARP group) between October 2017 and June 2018. Perioperative outcomes and postoperative urinary continence were assessed in both groups. Anatomical features including the bladder neck-to-pubic symphysis ratio (determined from cystograms) and membranous urethral length (MUL) (determined from magnetic resonance imaging) were evaluated. Result: The daily urinary incontinence rate at discharge was significantly lower in the RS-RARP group than in the CON-RARP group (0.046 [range: 0.014-0.160] vs 0.357 [range: 0.139-0.616], p < 0.001). Postoperative urinary continence at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 80%, 92%, 96%, and 96% in the RS-RARP group and 24%, 40%, 68%, and 84% in the CON-RARP group, respectively (p < 0.001). The urgency scores in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) questionnaire at 1 and 3 months were significantly lower in the RS-RARP than in the CON-RARP group (p = 0.028 and 0.033, respectively). The quality of life (QOL) indices were more significantly improved in the RS-RARP group than in the CON-RARP group 1 month (p = 0.027) and 3 months (p = 0.045) postoperatively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a postoperative MUL of 12.1 mm (area under the curve: 0.852) was the optimal cutoff value predictive of continence recovery after 1 month. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that RS-RARP (odds ratio [OR]: 23.6; p < 0.001) and prostate volume (OR: 0.926; p = 0.049) were the independent factors of a longer MUL. Conclusions: RS-RARP results in an early continence recovery and a better urgency score in the IPSS by suppressing the descent of the bladder and maintaining a long MUL. RS-RARP may contribute to a better QOL recovery after RARP.

A kit ligand, stem cell factor as a possible mediator inducing overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether c-kit ligand, stem cell factor (SCF) affects the biological behavior of overactive bladder (OAB) and discuss the role of SCF as a possible mediator inducing OAB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, we performed an immunohistochemical study to examine the localization of SCF in the guinea pig and human bladder. Next, urinary SCF levels were measured in patients with OAB and in control subjects to evaluate a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of OAB. Third, we examined the effect of SCF administration on the urinary bladder using guinea pigs to obtain additional information about SCF. The animals were administered with mouse SCF, and cystometry was performed. The following urodynamic parameters were analyzed: inter-contraction interval, maximum voiding pressure, pressure threshold, detrusor baseline pressure, and the number of non-voiding contractions. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical study showed that the expression of SCF was observed throughout the bladder wall, but especially in the urothelium of guinea pig and human bladder. Medians and IQRs of urinary SCF and SCF/creatinine levels in OAB patients (85.9 pg/mL [42.8, 199.0] and 1.30 [0.56, 2.71], respectively) were significantly higher than in control subjects (18.9 pg/mL [5.0, 43.6] and 0.26 [0.13, 0.43], respectively). SCF administration dose-dependently shortened the intercontraction interval and an increased number of non-voiding contractions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our present data suggest that SCF produced in the urinary bladder may act as a possible mediator by binding to c-kit, which is expressed in ICC-like cells in the suburothelial and muscle layers, to control bladder function.

Potassium-sodium citrate prevents the development of renal microcalculi into symptomatic stones in calcium stone-forming patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of potassium-sodium citrate on the development of computed tomography-detected renal microcalculi into symptomatic stones in calcium stone-forming patients. METHODS: Patients (aged 20-80 years) with history of calcium component stones who visited Nagoya City Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, between April 2009 and June 2014 were included. They were retrospectively divided into those who did not receive potassium-sodium citrate (non-citrate group, n = 157) and those who did (citrate group, n = 60). For patients in both groups, we evaluated blood and urine biochemistry and sediment, number of computed tomography-detected microcalculi, number of asymptomatic microcalculi disappearances, and pain events. Observations were made at study initiation and 12 months later. RESULTS: The citrate group showed a significantly increased urine pH (P < 0.001) and daily citrate excretion (P < 0.001) over the study period. The non-citrate group showed increased numbers of microcalculi at study completion (P = 0.002); over the same period, the number of microcalculi in the citrate group decreased significantly (P = 0.03). Additionally, multivariable analysis showed more asymptomatic microcalculi disappearances (odds ratio 2.84, 95% confidence interval 1.49-5.39) and fewer pain events (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.16-0.72) in the citrate group than in the non-citrate group. A sex-adjusted analysis showed more asymptomatic microcalculi disappearances (odds ratio 3.96, 95% confidence interval 1.57-10.02) and fewer pain events (odds ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.70) in women than in men after citrate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Potassium-sodium citrate prevents the development of renal microcalculi into symptomatic stones in calcium stone-forming individuals.

Adrenal Neuroblastoma in an Adult: Effect of Radiotherapy on Local Progression after Surgical Removal.

Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old man with neuroblastoma, which is extremely rare in adults. His tumor was resected, but it recurred four months later. Radiotherapy reduced tumor size, and the patient remained in good health three years after surgical tumor removal. The residual tumor and the treatments administered to this patient were evaluated. We have also reviewed the literature.

Interleukin-18 may lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia via thrombospondin-1 production in prostatic smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: Although inflammation plays an important role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), little is known about the exact mechanism underlying this pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the relationship between the inflammatory reaction and BPH. METHODS: cDNA microarray analysis was used to identify changes in inflammation-related gene expression in a recently established rat model that mimics human BPH. To investigate the genes identified in the analysis, quantitative (q)RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, and a cell proliferation assay were conducted using BPH model tissues, human prostate tissues, and normal human prostate cultured cells. RESULTS: Of the 31,100 genes identified in the cDNA analysis, seven inflammatory-response-related genes were expressed at a >2-fold higher level in rat BPH tissues than in normal rat prostate tissues. The levels of the most commonly expressed pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-18, significantly increased in rat BPH tissues. In humans, IL-18 was localized in the epithelial and stromal components, while its receptor was strongly localized in smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, in human prostate smooth muscle cell line (PrSMC), IL-18 effected dose-dependent increases in the phosphorylated Akt and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) levels. TSP-1 promoted proliferation of the human prostate stromal cells (PrSC). CONCLUSIONS: IL-18 may act directly in BPH pathogenesis by inducing TSP-1 production in prostatic smooth muscle cells via Akt phosphorylation.

Novel effect of the inhibitor of mitochondrial cyclophilin D activation, N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin, on renal calcium crystallization.

OBJECTIVES: To experimentally evaluate the clinical application of N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin, a novel selective inhibitor of cyclophilin D activation. METHODS: In vitro, cultured renal tubular cells were exposed to calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals and treated with N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin. The mitochondrial membrane was stained with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester perchlorate and observed. In vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control group, an ethylene glycol group (administration of ethylene glycol to induce renal calcium crystallization), a N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin group (administration of N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin) and an ethylene glycol + N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin group (administration of ethylene glycol and N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin). Renal calcium crystallization was evaluated using Pizzolato staining. Oxidative stress was evaluated using superoxide dismutase and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine. Mitochondria within renal tubular cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS: In vitro, calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals induced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, which was remarkably prevented by N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin. In vivo, ethylene glycol administration induced renal calcium crystallization, oxidative stress, mitochondrial collapse and cell apoptosis in rats, which were significantly prevented by N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we first report a new treatment agent determining renal calcium crystallization through cyclophilin D activation.

Long-term follow-up of nephrotoxicity in rats administered both melamine and cyanuric acid.

BACKGROUND: Melamine was recently identified as a risk factor for renal calculi following the milk powder contamination in China. However, the long-term natural history of melamine exposure and its renal effects remain unknown. We evaluated renal function and other adverse health effects using a rat model administered melamine and cyanuric aid, considering age and sex. METHODS: Twelve male F334/N rats each of ages 6, 10, and 26 weeks (N = 36) were equally assigned to Group M + C or controls. Group M + C rats were administered 12 mg · kg(-1) · day(-1) of melamine and cyanuric acid for 28 days. Serum and urine samples and kidney sections were evaluated on day 28. Six-week-old male and female F344/N rats were administered 12 mg of melamine and cyanuric acid for 28 days. Body weights were measured weekly; on days 0, 28, 90, and 180 after the 28-day period of melamine and cyanuric acid administration, serum samples and kidney sections were obtained. RESULTS: Although the control group had no crystals, 6-week-old Group M + C rats had more crystals compared to the 10- and 26-week old Group M + C rats. Male rats also had significantly more crystals than females of the same age. Male rats were affected to a greater extent than females. CONCLUSION: Younger rats experienced more severe renal failure and greater renal crystal deposition following melamine and cyanuric acid administration. However, after melamine and cyanuric acid administration cessation, crystal deposition and renal failure improved and did not cause growth arrest. Therefore, early diagnosis of melamine-associated calculi is critical.

Bladder neck sling suspension during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to improve early return of urinary continence: a comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience of a novel technique, bladder neck sling suspension technique, in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and evaluate its efficacy for improving early continence outcomes after RARP in comparison with that of the standard technique. METHODS: Fifty-seven consecutive patients underwent RARP between August 2011 and April 2012. We performed RARP with and without bladder neck sling suspension technique for 27 (sling group) and 30 (nonsling group) patients, respectively, and compared the urinary outcome between the groups. Both subjective and objective assessments of urinary incontinence were performed before and after RARP. RESULTS: The International Prostate Symptom Score (P <.05) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (P <.05) in the sling group were significantly lower, and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary incontinence score (P <.05) in the sling group was higher than those in nonsling group, 4 weeks after RARP. In addition, mean pad weight gain on 1-hour pad test in the sling group was significantly smaller than that in the nonsling group, 4 weeks after RARP (P <.05). Both patient perception and objective data of urinary incontinence 4 weeks after RARP were better in the sling group than in the nonsling group. Valsalva maneuver during cystography demonstrated that the mean posterior urethrovesical angle in the sling group was smaller than that in the nonsling group (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Bladder neck sling suspension technique is a simple and feasible procedure in RARP and can improve the early return of continence after RARP, although additional larger studies are required to confirm this finding.

Increased crystal-cell interaction in vitro under co-culture of renal tubular cells and adipocytes by in vitro co-culture paracrine systems simulating metabolic syndrome.

We established an experimental co-culture system for renal tubular cells and adipocytes to investigate kidney stone formation mechanisms under metabolic syndrome (MetS) conditions and examined the interaction between these cells morphologically and genetically. M-1s and 3T3-L1s were cultured individually (control, CON), with 24-h culture media from each cell type added to the other cell type (replacement, RP) in 2-layer co-culture dishes for 24 h (transwell, TW). M-1s were then exposed to calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals, and attached (14)C-labeled COM crystals were quantified. Expression of kidney stone- and adipocyte-related genes was analyzed. The radioactivity of adherent COM crystals significantly increased in TW and was relatively higher in RP compared to CON. M-1s demonstrated significant upregulation of adiponectin (Adipoq) in RP and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1) in TW compared to CON before COM crystal exposure, and significant downregulation of Spp1 in TW and upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), interleukin 6 (Il-6), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (Ccl2) compared to CON after COM crystal exposure. 3T3-L1s showed significant upregulation of Spp1, Adipoq, Tnf-α, and Ccl2 compared to CON. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of co-culture medium revealed significantly increased TNF-α in TW. Our results highlight the potential for paracrine interactions between renal tubular cells and adipocytes and suggest that MetS conditions may lead to kidney stone formation.

Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery for large calculi: simultaneous use of flexible ureteroscopy and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy overcomes the disadvantageous of percutaneous nephrolithotomy monotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the standard procedure for the removal of large renal calculi. The development of the "minimally invasive PCNL" (mini-PCNL) has reduced the complications of the surgery; it also appears to be associated with less morbidity than the conventional PCNL (con-PCNL). This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of endoscopic intrarenal surgery, using the prone-split leg position, using flexible ureteroscopy and mini-PCNL (mini- endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery [ECIRS]) by retrospectively comparing this technique with mini-PCNL and con-PCNL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 161 consecutive patients who were observed for the follow-up of large renal calculi between February 2004 and January 2013 were selected for mini-ECIRS (60), mini-PCNL (19), or con-PCNL (82). Mini-ECIRS was performed with patients in the prone split-leg position via 18F minipercutaneous tract and 14F ureteral access sheath. The mini-PCNL was performed via 18F percutaneous tract and con-PCNL performed via the 30F tract. Mean size of the renal calculi removed via mini-ECIRS, mini-PCNL, and con-PCNL were 39.2, 38.4, and 34.6 mm, respectively. RESULTS: Average surgical time for mini-ECIRS was shorter than that for mini-PCNL and con-PCNL (120.5 vs. 181.9 vs 134.1 min, respectively; P<0.001). The stone-free rate for mini-ECIRS was significantly higher than that of the other procedures (initial rates 81.7% vs. 38.9% vs. 45.1%, respectively; P<0.001; rates after further treatment 86.7% vs. 61.1% vs. 61.0%, respectively; P=0.002). Only one patient in the mini-ECIRS group needed blood transfusions. The decrease in hemoglobin during mini-ECIRS and mini-PCNL was significantly lower than that during con-PCNL (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: Mini-ECIRS is better than monotherapy with mini-PCNL or con-PCNL. The study results show that mini-ECIRS is a safe, efficient, and versatile procedure that can be effective for the management of renal calculi.

Laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy without hilar clamping using a microwave tissue coagulator.

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience and evaluate the possibility of nonhilar clamp laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) partial nephrectomy by using a microwave tissue coagulator. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2010 to May 2012, all patients with an exophytic, solitary, enhancing small (≤4.0 cm) renal mass were chosen to receive the study treatment. A multichannel port provided both a retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approach. A rigid, articulating apparatus was used to perform dissection, exposure of tumor, tissue coagulation, and resection without hilar clamping. Pathologic and hematologic data, subjective evaluation of pain, and scar appearance were analyzed. RESULTS: Nonhilar clamp LESS partial nephrectomy by using a microwave tissue coagulator was performed in seven patients (mean operative time, 208 min; mean blood loss, 39 mL; mean renal mass size, 1.7 cm); one procedure with uncontrolled bleeding needed to be converted to conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. No transfusion was necessary. Pathologic investigation demonstrated six renal-cell carcinomas and one oncocytoma. The hemoglobin level decreased by a mean of 1.1 g/dL. Patients did not complain about pain, and they had great satisfaction with the results. The mean duration of hospital stay was 13.8 days. CONCLUSIONS: LESS partial nephrectomy without hilar clamping by using a microwave tissue coagulator is possible for renal masses, confers postoperative outcomes comparable to the standard counterpart, and assures patient satisfaction. By use of a microwave tissue coagulator, additional trocars were not necessary, and LESS partial nephrectomy could be accomplished through a single port, which reduced invasion and increased the cosmetic satisfaction of the patients.

Impact of official technical training for urologists on the efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy.

To evaluate the efficacy of company-initiated training of urologists on shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment results, we retrospectively assessed 602 patients who underwent SWL in Nagoya City University Hospital between January 2004 and June 2011 using Lithotripter S (Dornier MedTech, Japan). Training-provided by a training specialist of the company in June 2010-focused on the targeting of renal and proximal ureter stones with a combination of radiography and ultrasonography (US). The stretcher wedges were positioned in the semi-prone position or the semi-supine position for middle and distal ureter stones, respectively. Success rates between 519 pre-training treatments and 83 post-training treatments were compared. Patient age and stone location, burden, number, and composition did not significantly differ between pre- and post-training. Training improved the overall success rate from 66.3 to 87.2 % (P < 0.0001). The mean number of SWL treatments decreased from 1.8 ± 1.8 to 1.4 ± 1.3 (P = 0.01). The first SWL treatment success rate increased from 67.1 to 83.7 % (P = 0.002), and the need for multiple treatments decreased. The frequency of detection of renal and proximal ureter stones by both radiography and US increased from 10.5 % before training to 58.2 % after training (P < 0.0001). Significant factors for successful SWL were determined to be training and prone position for distal ureter stones by multivariate analysis and ultrasonic detection for renal and proximal ureter stones by univariate analysis. Skills in targeting stones using ultrasonography and selecting the proper therapeutic position are essential for improving the success rate of stone removal.

Oxygen nano-bubble water reduces calcium oxalate deposits and tubular cell injury in ethylene glycol-treated rat kidney.

Renal tubular cell injury induced by oxalate plays an important role in kidney stone formation. Water containing oxygen nano-bubbles (nanometer-sized bubbles generated from oxygen micro-bubbles; ONB) has anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ONB water on kidney stone formation in ethylene glycol (EG)-treated rats. We divided 60 rats, aged 4 weeks, into 5 groups: control, the water-fed group; 100 % ONB, the 100 % ONB water-fed group; EG, the EG treated water-fed group; EG + 50 % ONB and EG + 100 % ONB, water containing EG and 50 % or 100 % ONB, respectively. Renal calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition, urinary excretion of N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and renal expression of inflammation-related proteins, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the crystal-binding molecule hyaluronic acid were compared among the 5 groups. In the control and 100 % ONB groups, no renal CaOx deposits were detected. In the EG + 50 % ONB and EG + 100 % ONB groups, ONB water significantly decreased renal CaOx deposits, urinary NAG excretion, and renal monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, osteopontin, and hyaluronic acid expression and increased renal superoxide dismutase-1 expression compared with the EG group. ONB water substantially affected kidney stone formation in the rat kidney by reducing renal tubular cell injury. ONB water is a potential prophylactic agent for kidney stones.

Long-term survival of a patient with invasive signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder managed by combined s-1 and Cisplatin adjuvant chemotherapy.

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is extremely rare and patient survival is very poor. The disease usually presents at advanced stages because the cancer progresses rapidly. The only option for effective treatment is radical cystectomy, and no effective chemotherapy has been established for this variant. We report a case of signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder with a long-term survival of 90 months owing to radical cystectomy and combination adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and cisplatin. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the long-term therapeutic activity of combination S-1 and cisplatin adjuvant chemotherapy against invasive signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

A replication study for three nephrolithiasis loci at 5q35.3, 7p14.3 and 13q14.1 in the Japanese population.

A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) reported three novel nephrolithiasis-susceptibility loci at 5q35.3, 7p14.3 and 13q14.1. Here, we investigated the association of these loci with nephrolithiasis by using an independent Japanese sample set. We performed case-control association analysis using 601 patients with nephrolithiasis and 201 control subjects. We selected seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs12654812 and rs11746443 from 5q35.3 (RGS14-SLC34A1-PFN3-F12); rs12669187 and rs1000597 from 7p14.3 (INMT-FAM188B-AQP1); and rs7981733, rs1170155, and rs4142110 from 13q14.1 (DGKH (diacylglycerol kinase)), which were previously reported to be significantly associated with nephrolithiasis. rs12654812, rs12669187 and rs7981733 were significantly associated with nephrolithiasis after Bonferroni's correction (P=3.12 × 10(-3), odds ratio (OR)=1.43; P=6.40 × 10(-3), OR=1.57; and P=5.00 × 10(-3), OR=1.41, respectively). Meta-analysis of current and previous GWAS results indicated a significant association with nephrolithiasis (P=7.65 × 10(-15), 7.86 × 10(-14) and 1.06 × 10(-9), respectively). We observed a cumulative effect with these three SNPs; individuals with three or more risk alleles had a 5.9-fold higher risk for nephrolithiasis development than those with only one risk allele. Our findings elucidated the significance of genetic variation at these three loci in nephrolithiasis in the Japanese population.