A retrospective study for long-term oncologic and obstetric outcomes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure: focus on surgical margin and human papillomavirus.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term oncological and obstetric outcomes following the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and investigate the risk factors for recurrence and preterm birth. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent LEEP for CIN 2-3 between 2011 and 2019. Demographic information, histopathological findings, postoperative cytology, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status were collected and analyzed. The Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test were used for risk factor analysis. RESULTS: A total of 385 patients treated with the LEEP were analyzed. Treatment failure, including recurrence or residual disease following surgery, was observed in 13.5% of the patients. Positive surgical margins and postoperative HPV detection were independent risk factors for CIN1 + recurrence or residual disease (HR 1.948 [95%CI 1.020-3.720], p = 0.043, and HR 6.848 [95%CI 3.652-12.840], p-value < 0.001, respectively). Thirty-one patients subsequently delivered after LEEP, and the duration between LEEP and delivery was significantly associated with preterm-related complications, such as a short cervix, preterm labor, and preterm premature rupture of the membrane (p = 0.009). However, only a history of preterm birth was associated with preterm delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Positive HPV status after LEEP and margin status were identified as independent risk factors for treatment failure in patients with CIN who underwent LEEP. However, combining these two factors did not improve the prediction accuracy for recurrence.

The Involvement of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in the Development of Hyperalgesia during the Early Postoperative Period.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperalgesia frequently occurs after surgery and is associated with adverse effects on surgical outcomes. Thus, we aimed to examine whether the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function after surgery is involved in the development of postoperative hyperalgesia. METHODS: Surgery- and pain-related variables were measured 24 and 48 h after the first and second total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in postmenopausal patients undergoing 1-week-interval staged bilateral TKA. Two sets of saliva samples were consecutively collected from patients before (pre-T1) and 1 week after (post-T1) the first TKA (n = 69). HPA axis function was analyzed in a subgroup of 20 patients with a typical cortisol awakening response (CAR) in both the sets of saliva samples. RESULTS: Surgery-related variables were comparable between the first and second TKAs. However, pain-related variables (pain ratings and the amount of opioid analgesics consumed) were greater after the second than the first TKA. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion during the post-awakening period (CARauc and Daucawk, respectively) was higher at post-T1 than at pre-T1, but the molar CARauc/Daucawk ratio was comparable between the time points examined. No relationship was observed between the pre-T1 CARauc and pain ratings after the first TKA. However, post-T1 CARauc showed a positive correlation with pain ratings after the second TKA. Postoperative pain ratings were negatively correlated with Daucawk and positively correlated with the molar CARauc/Daucawk ratio at all examined time points. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The results suggest that adrenocortical steroidogenic activity favoring the production of cortisol over DHEA after surgery may contribute to the development of hyperalgesia during the early postoperative period.

Observation of acetyl phosphate formation in mammalian mitochondria using real-time in-organelle NMR metabolomics.

Recent studies point out the link between altered mitochondrial metabolism and cancer, and detailed understanding of mitochondrial metabolism requires real-time detection of its metabolites. Employing heteronuclear 2D NMR spectroscopy and 13C3-pyruvate, we propose in-organelle metabolomics that allows for the monitoring of mitochondrial metabolic changes in real time. The approach identified acetyl phosphate from human mitochondria, whose production has been largely neglected in eukaryotic metabolism since its first description about 70 years ago in bacteria. The kinetic profile of acetyl phosphate formation was biphasic, and its transient nature suggested its role as a metabolic intermediate. The method also allowed for the estimation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) enzyme activity through monitoring of the acetyl-CoA formation, independent of competing cytosolic metabolism. The results confirmed the positive regulation of mitochondrial PDH activity by p53, a well-known tumor suppressor. Our approach can easily be applied to other organelle-specific metabolic studies.

Clusterin stimulates the chemotactic migration of macrophages through a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein-coupled receptor and Gßγ-dependent pathways.

Clusterin induces the expression of various chemotactic cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in macrophages and is involved in the cell migration. According to the results of this study, clusterin induced the directional migration (chemotaxis) of macrophages based on a checkerboard analysis. The chemotactic activity of clusterin was prevented by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating that the Gαi/o-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) was involved in the chemotactic response of clusterin. Clusterin-stimulated chemotaxis was abrogated in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with gallein (a Gßγ inhibitor), indicating the involvement of Gßγ released from the GPCR. In addition, inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC, U73122) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K, LY294002), the key targets of Gßγ binding and activation, suppressed chemotactic migration by clusterin. The phosphorylation of Akt induced by clusterin was blocked by pretreatment with gallein or LY294002 but not with U73122, indicating that Gßγ released from the PTX-sensitive Gi protein complex activated PLC and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways separately. The activation of cellular MAP kinases was essential in that their inhibitors blocked clusterin-induced chemotaxis, and Gßγ was required for the activation of MAP kinases because gallein reduced their phosphorylations induced by clusterin. In addition, the inflammation-induced migration of macrophages was greatly reduced in clusterin-deficient mice based on a thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model system. These results suggest that clusterin stimulates the chemotactic migration of macrophages through a PTX-sensitive GPCR and Gßγ-dependent pathways and describe a novel role of clusterin as a chemoattractant of monocytes/macrophages, suggesting that clusterin may serve as a molecular bridge between inflammation and its remodeling of related tissue by recruiting immune cells.

Expression of CD30 in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease.

Acute GVHD (aGVHD) remains a major source of morbidity after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. CD30 is a cell-surface protein expressed on certain activated T cells. We analyzed CD30 expression on peripheral blood T-cell subsets and soluble CD30 levels in 26 patients at the time of presentation of aGVHD, before the initiation of treatment, compared with 27 patients after hematopoietic cell transplantation without aGVHD (NONE). Analysis by flow cytometry showed that patients with aGVHD had a greater percentage of CD30 expressing CD8(+) T cells with the difference especially pronounced in the central memory subset (CD8(+)CD45RO(+)CD62L(+)): GVHD median 12.4% (range, 0.8%-33.4%) versus NONE 2.1% (0.7%, 17.5%), P < .001. There were similar levels of CD30 expression in naive T cells, CD4(+) T cells, and regulatory (CD4(+)CD127(low)CD25(+)) T cells. Plasma levels of soluble CD30 were significantly greater in patients with GVHD: median 61.7 ng/mL (range, 9.8-357.1 ng/mL) versus 17.4 (range, 3.7-142.4 ng/mL) in NONE (P < .001). Immunohistochemical analysis of affected intestinal tissue showed many CD30(+) infiltrating lymphocytes present. These results suggest that CD30 expression on CD8(+) T-cell subsets or plasma levels of soluble CD30 may be a potential biomarker for aGVHD. CD30 may also represent a target for novel therapeutic approaches for aGVHD.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Korean Soybean Sauce (Ganjang) on Mice with Induced Colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation of the gut, is caused by several factors. Among these factors, microbial factors are correlated with the gut microbiota, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) via anaerobic fermentation. Fermented foods are known to regulate the gut microbiota composition. Ganjang (GJ), a traditional fermented Korean soy sauce consumed worldwide, has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-colitis, and antihypertensive activities. However, its effects on the gut microbiota remain unknown. In the present study, we aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of GJ manufactured using different methods and investigate its effect on SCFA production in the gut. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of GJ in the gut, we performed animal experiments using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. All GJ samples attenuated DSS-induced colitis symptoms, including reduced colonic length, by suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, GJ administration modulated SCFA production in the DSS-induced colitis model. Overall, GJ exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing DSS-induced symptoms via regulation of inflammation and modulation of SCFA levels in a DSS-induced colitis model. Thus, GJ is a promising fermented food with the potential to prevent IBD.

Cardiomyocyte specific deficiency of serine palmitoyltransferase subunit 2 reduces ceramide but leads to cardiac dysfunction.

The role of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) and de novo ceramide biosynthesis in cardiac ceramide and sphingomyelin metabolism is unclear. To determine whether the de novo synthetic pathways, rather than ceramide uptake from circulating lipoproteins, is important for heart ceramide levels, we created cardiomyocyte-specific deficiency of Sptlc2, a subunit of SPT. Heart-specific Sptlc2-deficient (hSptlc2 KO) mice had a >35% reduction in ceramide, which was limited to C18:0 and very long chain ceramides. Sphingomyelinase expression, and levels of sphingomyelin and diacylglycerol were unchanged. But surprisingly phospholipids and acyl CoAs contained increased saturated long chain fatty acids. hSptlc2 KO mice had decreased fractional shortening and thinning of the cardiac wall. While the genes regulating glucose and fatty acid metabolism were not changed, expression of cardiac failure markers and the genes involved in the formation of extracellular matrices were up-regulated in hSptlc2 KO hearts. In addition, ER-stress markers were up-regulated leading to increased apoptosis. These results suggest that Sptlc2-mediated de novo ceramide synthesis is an essential source of C18:0 and very long chain, but not of shorter chain, ceramides in the heart. Changes in heart lipids other than ceramide levels lead to cardiac toxicity.

Clusterin attenuates the development of renal fibrosis.

Upregulation of clusterin occurs in several renal diseases and models of nephrotoxicity, but whether this promotes injury or is a protective reaction to injury is unknown. Here, in the mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model, obstruction markedly increased the expression of clusterin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), type I collagen, and fibronectin. Compared with wild-type mice, clusterin-deficient mice exhibited higher levels of PAI-1, type I collagen, and fibronectin and accelerated renal fibrosis in response to obstruction. In cultured rat tubular epithelium-like cells, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of clusterin inhibited the expression of TGF-ß-stimulated PAI-1, type I collagen, and fibronectin. Clusterin inhibited TGF-ß-stimulated Smad3 activity via inhibition of Smad3 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. Moreover, intrarenal delivery of adenovirus-expressing clusterin upregulated expression of clusterin in tubular epithelium-like cells and attenuated obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. In conclusion, clusterin attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. These results suggest that upregulation of clusterin during renal injury is a protective response against the development of renal fibrosis.

Effects of Cheonggukjang (Fermented Soybean) on the Development of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer and is caused by multiple factors. Chronic inflammation, known to cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is closely associated with CRC. Cheonggukjang (CJ), a traditional Korean fermented soybean, is a functional food with anti-inflammatory effects in the intestines, but its anti-cancer effects have not yet been explored. In this study, we investigated the cancer-protective effects of cheonggukjang in an azoxymethane/DSS (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) mouse model. The CJ alleviated AOM/DSS-induced pathological symptoms such as colonic shortening, increased spleen weight, tumor formation, and histological changes. It also modulated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels via the suppression of NF-κB and inflammatory mediator signaling pathways. Furthermore, the CJ improved intestinal integrity by regulating mucin-associated and tight junction proteins. In addition, it suppressed tumor growth by regulating apoptosis and proliferation. These results highlight the anti-tumor effects of CJ in an AOM/DSS-induced CAC mouse model.

Change in glottic view during intubation using a KoMAC videolaryngoscope: A retrospective analysis.

Intubation with videolaryngoscopy has become popular in various clinical settings. However, despite the use of a videolaryngoscope, difficult intubation still exists and intubation failure has been reported. This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of the 2 maneuvers in improving the glottic view during videolaryngoscopic intubation. The medical records of patients who underwent videolaryngoscopic intubation and whose glottal images were stored in electronic medical charts were reviewed. The videolaryngoscopic images were divided into 3 categories according to the applied optimization techniques as follows: conventional method, with the blade tip located in the vallecular; backward-upward-rightward pressure (BURP) maneuver; and epiglottis lifting maneuver. Four independent anesthesiologists scored the visualization of the vocal folds using the percentage of glottic opening (POGO, 0-100%) scoring system. A total of 128 patients with 3 laryngeal images were analyzed. The glottic view was the most improved in the epiglottis lifting maneuver among all the techniques. The median POGO scores were 11.3, 36.9, and 63.1 in the conventional method, BURP, and epiglottis lifting maneuver, respectively (P < .001). There were significant differences in the distribution of POGO grades according to the application of BURP and epiglottis lifting maneuvers. In the POGO grades 3 and 4 subgroups, the epiglottis lifting maneuver was more effective than the BURP maneuver in improving the POGO score Inadequate visualization of the vocal folds occurred even when intubation was performed using a videolaryngoscope. The application of optimization maneuvers, such as BURP and epiglottis lifting by the blade tip, could improve the glottic view.

Clusterin induces the secretion of TNF-α and the chemotactic migration of macrophages.

Tumor associated macrophages are known to be closely linked with tumor progression and metastasis. On the other hand, clusterin is overexpressed in several tumor types and regarded as a putative tumor-promoting factor due to this overexpression and the subsequent induction of chemoresistance. In our previous study, clusterin was found to induce the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in macrophages, and MMP-9 is known to be essential for tumor cell migration and invasion via basement membrane breakdown. Because paracrine interactions between tumor cells and surrounding macrophages regulate metastasis, these findings raise the possibility that clusterin promotes the secretion of cytokines in macrophages in addition to MMP-9. Here, we demonstrate that clusterin upregulates the expressions of chemotactic cytokines, that is, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß (MIP-1ß), regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in Raw264.7 macrophages. In particular, clusterin stimulated TNF-α secretion via the activations of ERK, JNK, and PI3K/Akt pathways in a time and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, clusterin-induced TNF-α secretion was found to play a critical role in the chemotactic migration of Raw264.7 macrophages. It was also found that clusterin acts directly as a chemoattractant for macrophages. Together, these results suggest that clusterin stimulates the expression and secretion of TNF-α, which plays a critical role in promoting macrophage chemotaxis, via ERK, JNK, and PI3K/Akt pathways. Collectively, these findings describe a novel function for clusterin as an inducer of TNF-α in macrophages and their chemotactic migration, and suggest that clusterin has a tumor-promoting effect.

Clinical significance of clusterin expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Clusterin is known to be expressed in many human neoplasms, and is believed to participate in the regeneration, migration, and anti-apoptosis of tumor cells. However, few reports have addressed the relationship between the manifestation of clusterin and clinicopathologic parameters in pancreas cancer patients. In the present study, the authors investigated the expression of clusterin and its clinical significance in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed for clusterin in tumor tissues obtained from patients who received pancreatic resection with radical intent, and the associations of clusterin expression with various clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed in addition to the relation between its expression and survival. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity for clusterin was observed in 17 of the 52 (33%) pancreatic adenocarcinomas examined. In addition, clusterin positivity was found to be associated with preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen level, perineural invasion, and, most strongly, lymph node metastasis. The survival analysis identified tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis as the only significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Although not an independent prognostic factor, clusterin immunoreactivity can be used in conjunction with lymph node metastasis to predict survival in cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Essential role of clusterin in pancreas regeneration.

Based on our previous observations that clusterin induction accompanies pancreas regeneration in the rat, we sought to determine if regeneration might be impaired in mice that lacked clusterin. We studied the impact of absent clusterin on morphogenic and functional features of regenerating pancreas. Clusterin induction was accompanied in the regenerating pancreas by a robust development of new lobules with ductules, acini, and endocrine islets in wild type after partial pancreatectomy. In clusterin knock-out mice, however, pancreatectomy resulted in a poor formation of regenerating lobule. In particular, regeneration of beta-cells was also significantly reduced and was associated with persistent hyperglycemia. Duct cells obtained from pancreatectomized clusterin knock-out mice exhibited impaired beta-cell formation in vitro; this was restored by administration of exogenous clusterin. We suggest that clusterin plays a critical role to promote both exocrine and endocrine regeneration following pancreas injury, as well as for in vitro beta-cell regeneration.

Comparison of laxative effects of fermented soybeans (Cheonggukjang) containing toxins and biogenic amines against loperamide-induced constipation mouse model.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cheonggukjang is a traditional fermented soybean paste with significant health-promoting effects. On the other hand, there have been insufficient studies on the safety and efficacy of Cheonggukjang, which is produced using traditional methods containing toxins and biogenic amines (BAs). This study compared the laxative effect of Cheonggukjang, containing high or low levels of toxins and BAs (HTBC or LTBC) in a loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: To induce constipation, Lop (5 mg/kg) was administered orally to ICR mice twice a day for 4 days, and the dose was increased to 8 mg/kg after a 3-day rest period. Cheonggukjang (500 mg/kg, HTBC, or LTBC respectively) was administered for four weeks before the Lop treatment. RESULTS: The number of stools, fecal weight, water contents, gastrointestinal transit, and histological alterations were recovered significantly in the HTBC or LTBC groups. HTBC and LTBC administration did not induce significant changes in body weight, dietary intake, and behavior. The opioid-receptor downstream signaling pathway in colon tissues was also evaluated. The c-Kit, stem cell kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinases subfamilies, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38, were all downregulated in the HTBC or LTBC-administered mice colon compared to the Lop group. CONCLUSION: These results show that Cheonggukjang, containing high levels of toxins and BAs, have a similar laxative effect in a mouse model of Lop-induced constipation.

α-Lipoic acid prevents neointimal hyperplasia via induction of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/Nur77-mediated apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and accelerates postinjury reendothelialization.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether α-lipoic acid (ALA), a naturally occurring antioxidant, inhibits neointimal hyperplasia by inducing apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and to examine its potential effects on reendothelialization and platelet aggregation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Restenosis and late stent thrombosis, caused by neointimal hyperplasia and delayed reendothelialization, are significant clinical problems of balloon angioplasty and drug-eluting stents. ALA treatment strongly induced apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and enhanced the expression and cytoplasmic localization of Nur77, which triggers intrinsic apoptotic events. Small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of Nur77 diminished this proapoptotic effect of ALA. Moreover, ALA increased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase completely blocked ALA-induced vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and Nur77 induction and cytoplasmic localization. In balloon-injured rat carotid arteries, ALA enhanced Nur77 expression and increased TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in the neointima, leading to inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia. This preventive effect of ALA was significantly reduced by infection of an adenovirus encoding Nur77 small hairpin (sh)RNA. Furthermore, ALA reduced basal apoptosis of human aortic endothelial cells and accelerated reendothelialization after balloon injury. ALA also suppressed arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. CONCLUSIONS: ALA could be a promising therapeutic agent to prevent restenosis and late stent thrombosis after angioplasty and drug-eluting stent implantation.

Anti-obesity effects of alpha-lipoic acid mediated by suppression of hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a fuel sensor in the cell and is activated when cellular energy is depleted. Here we report that alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA), a cofactor of mitochondrial enzymes, decreases hypothalamic AMPK activity and causes profound weight loss in rodents by reducing food intake and enhancing energy expenditure. Activation of hypothalamic AMPK reverses the effects of alpha-LA on food intake and energy expenditure. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of glucose decreases hypothalamic AMPK activity, whereas inhibition of intracellular glucose utilization through the administration of 2-deoxyglucose increases hypothalamic AMPK activity and food intake. The 2-deoxyglucose-induced hyperphagia is reversed by inhibiting hypothalamic AMPK. Our findings indicate that hypothalamic AMPK is important in the central regulation of food intake and energy expenditure and that alpha-LA exerts anti-obesity effects by suppressing hypothalamic AMPK activity.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Weigela subsessilis Callus Extract via Suppression of MAPK and NF-κB Signaling.

Weigela subsessilis is used in folk medicine to treat pain and allergic syndromes in Korea. However, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of W. subsessilis callus extract remain unexplored. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the W. subsessilis callus of pharmacological activity. Therefore, we first established in vitro calluses of W.subsessilis via plant tissue culture methods. We then evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of W. subsessilis callus extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The W. subsessilis callus extract showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These effects were regulated via suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling through LPS-induced translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. W. subsessilis callus extract also showed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in Propionibacterium acnes-treated HaCaT keratinocyte cells. These results indicate that W. subsessilis callus extract has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting its possible application in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

eNOS plays a major role in adiponectin synthesis in adipocytes.

Nitric oxide (NO) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis. We recently reported that adiponectin synthesis is regulated by mitochondrial function in adipocytes. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in adiponectin synthesis by producing NO and enhancing mitochondrial function in adipocytes. We examined the effects of eNOS knockdown on adiponectin synthesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and also examined plasma adiponectin levels and the mitochondria in adipose tissue of eNOS knockout (eNOS(-/-)) mice with and without chronic administration of a NO donor. In cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes, eNOS siRNA decreased rosiglitazone-induced adiponectin secretion, which was associated with decreases in mitochondrial proteins and biogenesis factors. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were reduced in adult eNOS(-/-) mice compared with age-matched wild-type mice. Mitochondrial contents in adipose tissue were reduced in eNOS(-/-) mice, and this was associated with decreased expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors, increased levels of 8-hydroxyguanosine, a biomarker of oxidative stress, and morphological abnormalities in mitochondria. Rosiglitazone-induced increases in adiponectin expression and mitochondrial content were also reduced significantly in eNOS(-/-) mice. Chronic administration of a NO donor reversed mitochondrial abnormalities and increased adiponectin expression in adipose tissue of eNOS(-/-) mice. eNOS plays an important role in adiponectin synthesis in adipocytes by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and enhancing mitochondrial function.

Protective role of clusterin/apolipoprotein J against neointimal hyperplasia via antiproliferative effect on vascular smooth muscle cells and cytoprotective effect on endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: Clusterin is induced in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during atherosclerosis and injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. However, its functional roles in VSMCs and endothelial cells remain controversial and elusive. This study was undertaken to clarify the role of clusterin in neointimal hyperplasia and elucidate its mechanism of action. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of clusterin (Ad-Clu) repressed TNF-alpha-stimulated expression of MCP-1, fractalkine, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MMP-9, leading to inhibition of VSMC migration. Both Ad-Clu and secreted clusterin suppressed VSMC proliferation by inhibiting DNA synthesis, but not by inducing apoptosis. Ad-Clu upregulated p53 and p21(cip1/waf1) but downregulated cyclins D and E, leading to suppression of pRb phosphorylation and subsequent induction of G1 arrest in VSMCs. Clusterin deficiency augmented VSMC proliferation in vitro and accelerated neointimal hyperplasia in vivo, but concomitantly impaired reendothelialization in wire-injured murine femoral arteries. Moreover, Ad-Clu significantly reduced neointimal thickening in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Clusterin also diminished TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and restored endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression suppressed by TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that upregulation of clusterin during vascular injury may be a protective response against, rather than a causative response to, the development of neointimal hyperplasia.

A use of poly-L-lactide, D-lactide sheet on posterior orbital floor fracture.

We present the cases of orbital posterior wall fractures that were fixed with poly-l-lactide, D-lactide (PLDLA) sheets. Poly-L-lactide, D-lactide sheet (0.5-mm thickness) was shaped exactly to fit to the area of orbital floor, and then an extended 1 cm was bent across on the infraorbital rim. That part was fixed with 2 absorbable screws to prevent the sheet from crumpling. Orbital floor fractures of 6 patients (3 posterior-one-half defects and 3 posterior-two-thirds defects) were repaired using PLDLA sheets. Diplopia in 5 patients before surgery was improved, usually within 6 months postoperatively. Clinical enophthalmos was not appreciated in any patient. However, preoperative exophthalmometry measured -1.3 +/- 0.3 mm and postoperatively -0.4 +/- 0.2 mm, respectively. Poly-l-lactide, d-lactide sheet is applicable to safely repair the orbital posterior floor fracture.