Publications by authors named "E Kikuchi"
Objectives: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease that involves periarthritis of the TMJ and destruction of cartilage tissue in the mandibular condyle. However, the role of proinflammatory cytokines in the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) remains inconclusive. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on the expression of MMPs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Adverse events, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), are significant concerns in prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with Iodine 125 (I-125) low-dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (PB). Alpha antagonists and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are used to manage these events. The present study compared the efficacy of low-dose tadalafil with that of tamsulosin for concomitant ED and LUTS in PCa patients treated with I-125 LDR PB.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and has been linked to COVID-19 severity, but little is known about its levels in pregnant women in Hokkaido, Japan.
- The study measured vitamin D2 and D3 levels in 206 pregnant women and analyzed their relationship with seasonal changes and sunshine exposure.
- Results showed that nearly all participants were vitamin D deficient, highlighting the need for interventions to improve vitamin D levels for the health of pregnant women and their babies.
Purpose: Twenty five years have passed since the first national survey on erectile dysfunction (ED) in Japan. The Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine conducted a nationwide survey on the actual status of sexual function targeting men over 20 years old in Japan using validated questionnaires commonly used in clinical practice.
Materials And Methods: Japanese men aged 20 to 79 years participated in our online epidemiological study on sexual dysfunction.
Article Synopsis
- Fertility preservation and reproductive treatments in Japan involve significant out-of-pocket expenses for adolescents and young adults, with current healthcare policies lacking in insurance coverage for these services.
- Patients can apply for government subsidies under specific conditions, but the costs and amounts paid vary by facility.
- A study conducted with 186 fertility preservation facilities revealed that about one-third of the expenses are shouldered by patients, highlighting the need for improved pricing and insurance options to ensure ongoing access to care.