Depression: Tsujimura A

Namiki M, Akaza H, Shimazui T, Ito N, Iwamoto T, Baba K, Kumano H, Koh E, Tsujimura A, Matsumiya K, Horie S, Maruyama O, Marumo K, Yanase T, Kumamoto Y, Anonymous00062, Anonymous00063. · No affiliation provided · Int J Urol. · Pubmed #18452452 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Tsujimura A, Takada S, Matsuoka Y, Nakayama J, Takao T, Miyagawa Y, Nonomura N, Okuyama A. · Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. · Aging Male. · Pubmed #18570062 No free full text.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of saikokaryukotsuboreito (SKRBT), which is widely used for a variety of clinical conditions, neuropsychiatric disorders, for patients with LOH-related symptoms. Twenty-two eugonadal patients over 40 years of age with LOH-related symptoms were included in this study. SKRBT was given orally to these patients three times daily to a total of 7.5 g/day for more than two months. Laboratory and endocrinological profiles were reviewed, and LOH symptoms were judged by means of several health assessment instruments such as the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale, Self-rated Depression Scale (SDS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Total AMS scores and AMS subscores were significantly decreased after the treatment. The KHQ, general health perception and impact on life scores were also significantly decreased, although no significant improvement was observed in other KHQ factors or the SDS score or IPSS. The serum concentrations of testosterone fractions did not change with treatment. Laboratory values did not change, and no adverse effects were identified after treatment. We conclude that SKRBT may be considered for treatment of patients with LOH-related symptoms for eugonadal patients.

Tsujimura A, Matsumiya K, Takao T, Miyagawa Y, Takada S, Koga M, Iwasa A, Takeyama M, Okuyama A. · Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. · Aging Male. · Pubmed #16390742 No free full text.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for patients with partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM). Twenty-one patients over 50 years of age with PADAM symptoms were included in this study. Laboratory and endocrinologic profiles were reviewed as appropriate, and PADAM symptoms were judged by means of several questionnaires such as the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale, short version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Laboratory and endocrinologic values and symptom scores were evaluated and compared before and after treatment by hCG injection. The treatment period was 8.0 +/- 5.0 months (3.0-24.0 months). Serum concentrations of testosterone, including total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, and calculated bioavailable testosterone, increased significantly. AMS total scores and subscores decreased significantly after treatment. However, IIEF-5 and SDS scores did not improve. With respect to adverse effects, laboratory tests showed that only red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin level increased significantly after treatment, however, these values remained within the normal range. No adverse effect was identified after treatment. We conclude that hCG injection may be considered as a treatment for PADAM.

Tsujimura A, Matsuki M, Takao K, Yamanishi K, Miyakawa T, Hashimoto-Gotoh T. · Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RINDG, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto, Japan. · Front Behav Neurosci. · Pubmed #18958194 links to  free full text

Abstract: KF-1 was originally identified as a protein encoded by human gene with increased expression in the cerebral cortex of a patient with Alzheimer's disease. In mouse brain, kf-1 mRNA is detected predominantly in the hippocampus and cerebellum, and kf-1 gene expression is elevated also in the frontal cortex of rats after chronic antidepressant treatments. KF-1 mediates E2-dependent ubiquitination and may modulate cellular protein levels as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, though its target proteins are not yet identified. To elucidate the role of kf-1 in the central nervous system, we generated kf-1 knockout mice by gene targeting, using Cre-lox recombination. The resulting kf-1(-/-) mice were normal and healthy in appearance. Behavioral analyses revealed that kf-1(-/-) mice showed significantly increased anxiety-like behavior compared with kf-1(+/+) littermates in the light/dark transition and elevated plus maze tests; however, no significant differences were observed in exploratory locomotion using the open field test or in behavioral despair using the forced swim and tail suspension tests. These observations suggest that KF-1 suppresses selectively anxiety under physiological conditions probably through modulating protein levels of its unknown target(s). Interestingly, kf-1(-/-) mice exhibited significantly increased prepulse inhibition, which is usually reduced in human schizophrenic patients. Thus, the kf-1(-/-) mice provide a novel animal model for elucidating molecular mechanisms of psychiatric diseases such as anxiety/depression, and may be useful for screening novel anxiolytic/antidepressant compounds.

Tsujimura A, Takada S, Matsuoka Y, Hirai T, Takao T, Miyagawa Y, Nonomura N, Okuyama A. · Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. · Int J Urol. · Pubmed #18479356 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The first-line treatment for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, whether lifetime HRT is necessary has not been settled. We evaluated LOH-related symptoms and endocrinologic values after discontinuation of HRT in patients with LOH who had benefited from it. METHODS: Twenty-five men (mean age 54.2 years, range 40-73) in whom HRT had been effective and who were available for follow-up 3 months after the discontinuation of HRT were studied. LOH-related symptoms were judged according to the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale and other questionnaires. Laboratory and endocrinologic values and LOH-related symptoms were assessed before HRT, at the end of HRT, and 3 months after its discontinuation. RESULTS: Serum testosterone levels increased significantly with HRT. However, they returned to the pretreatment levels after discontinuation of HRT. The total AMS score decreased significantly after HRT, and a significant improvement was maintained 3 months after discontinuation. The somatovegetative and psychological subscores of the AMS also improved, although the sexual subscore did not change significantly. A slight improvement was also observed in the short version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score after HRT. However, changes in these scores did not reach statistical significance. No other changes in the endocrinologic profile and no severe adverse effects were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in symptoms may remain after discontinuation of HRT in patients with LOH even though their endocrinologic status declines. Our findings may encourage physicians to discontinue HRT if LOH-related symptoms have improved after several months of HRT.

Tsujimura A, Matsumiya K, Matsuoka Y, Takahashi T, Koga M, Iwasa A, Takeyama M, Okuyama A. · Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. · J Urol. · Pubmed #14634412 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Symptoms of partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM), such as sexual dysfunction and depression, are receiving increased attention. Currently bioavailable testosterone (BT) is considered the most reliable marker for establishing the presence of hypogonadism. We clarified the relationship between BT and other hormones with respect to patient age and PADAM symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 130 patients who visited our special clinics for sexual function were included in this study. Endocrinological profiles were evaluated as appropriate, and sexual dysfunction and depression as symptoms of PADAM were assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. The relationship between age and several measures of testosterone, between BT and other hormonal measures, and between BT and PADAM symptoms were analyzed. RESULTS: Although serum total testosterone did not decrease with age, sex hormone binding globulin increased significantly. BT and free testosterone decreased significantly, and total and free testosterone correlated significantly with BT. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 score for erectile function increased significantly with increases in BT. However, the relationship between the depression score and BT was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that BT is a useful marker for diagnosing and treating patients with PADAM because BT correlates significantly with age and International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores. We emphasize that measuring serum testosterone is necessary in aging males.