Effects of Banxia Xiexin Decoction () on Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis of Human A549 Lung Cancer Cells / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examinie the synergistic effects of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (, Known as Banhasasim-tang in Korean) extract (BXDE) on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in the A549 human lung cancer cell lines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A549 cells were treated with varying concentrations (50-200 μg/mL) of cisplatin and BXDE alone or in combination for 96 h. We used 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan assay and flow cytometry to analyze cell viability and apoptosis, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The exposure of cells to cisplatin and BXDE alone or in combination decreased cell viability dose- and time-dependently (P<0.05), which was found to be mediated by the apoptotic pathway as confirmed by the increase in the annexin V/propidium iodide- stained cell population and a ladder pattern of discontinuous DNA fragments. Furthermore, the apoptosis was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp (OMe) fluoromethylketone (z-VAD-FMK).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>BXDE significantly potentiated apoptotic effects of cisplatin in A549 cells. Moreover, apoptosis induced by BXDE might be the pivotal mechanism mediating its chemopreventative action against cancer.</p>

Crotonis Fructus Extract Inhibits 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate-Induced Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 via the Activator Protein-1 Pathway in MCF-7 Cells / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Metastatic cancers spread from the primary site of origin to other parts of the body. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is essential in metastatic cancers owing to its major role in cancer cell invasion. Crotonis fructus (CF), the mature fruits of Croton tiglium L., have been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disturbance in Asia. In this study, the effect of the ethanol extract of CF (CFE) on MMP-9 activity and the invasion of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated MCF-7 cells was examined. METHODS: The cell viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of MMP-9 was examined by Western blotting, zymography, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. An electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay was performed to detect activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity and cell invasiveness was measured by an in vitro Matrigel invasion assay. RESULTS: CFE significantly suppressed MMP-9 expression and activation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CFE attenuated the TPA-induced activation of AP-1. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the inhibitory effects of CFE against TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and MCF-7 cell invasion were dependent on the protein kinase C δ/p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/AP-1 pathway. Therefore, CFE could restrict breast cancer invasiveness owing to its ability to inhibit MMP-9 activity.

SPA0355 attenuates ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury in mice

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to oxidative stress and acute inflammatory responses that cause liver damage and have a considerable impact on the postoperative outcome. Much research has been performed to develop possible protective techniques. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of SPA0355, a synthetic thiourea analog, in an animal model of hepatic I/R injury. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent normothermic partial liver ischemia for 45 min followed by varying periods of reperfusion. The animals were divided into three groups: sham operated, I/R and SPA0355 pretreated. Pretreatment with SPA0355 protected against hepatic I/R injury, as indicated by the decreased levels of serum aminotransferase and reduced parenchymal necrosis and apoptosis. Liver synthetic function was also restored by SPA0355 as reflected by the prolonged prothrombin time. To gain insight into the mechanism involved in this protection, we measured the activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which revealed that SPA0355 suppressed the nuclear translocation and DNA binding of NF-kappaB subunits. Concomitantly, the expression of NF-kappaB target genes such as IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and iNOS was significantly downregulated. Lastly, the liver antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione were upregulated by SPA0355 treatment, which correlated with the reduction in serum malondialdehyde. Our results suggest that SPA0355 pretreatment prior to I/R injury could be an effective method to reduce liver damage.

CT Imaging Findings of Ruptured Ovarian Endometriotic Cysts: Emphasis on the Differential Diagnosis with Ruptured Ovarian Functional Cysts

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of abnormal CT findings in patients with surgically proven ruptured endometriotic cysts, as compared with those abnormal CT findings of ruptured ovarian functional cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 13 retrospectively identified patients with surgically confirmed ruptured ovarian endometriotic cysts and who had also undergone preoperative CT scanning during the previous seven years. As a comparative group, 25 cases of surgically confirmed ruptured ovarian functional cysts were included. We assessed the morphologic features of the cysts and the ancillary findings based on CT. RESULTS: For the endometriotic cysts, the mean maximum cyst diameter was significantly larger than that of the functional cysts (70.1 mm versus 36.4 mm, respectively, p < 0.05). The endometriotic cysts frequently had a multilocular shape and a thicker cyst wall, as compared to that of functional cysts, and these differences were statistically significant. Among the ancillary findings, endometriotic cysts showed a significantly higher prevalence of loculated ascites, ascites confined to the pelvic cavity without extension to the upper abdomen, and peritoneal strandings and infiltrations (p < 0.05). Although 11 of the 25 cases of functional cysts showed active extravasation of contrast material at the ovarian bleeding site, only one of 13 cases of endometriotic cysts showed active extravasation. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of ruptured endometriotic cyst should be suspected for a woman in whom CT reveals the presence of multilocular or bilateral ovarian cysts with a thick wall and loculated ascites confined to the pelvic cavity with pelvic fat infiltrations.

Silibinin Enhances Ultraviolet B-Induced Apoptosis in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Chemotherapies for breast cancer generally have strong cellular cytotoxicity and severe side effects. Thus, significant emphasis has been placed on combinations of naturally occurring chemopreventive agents. Silibinin is a major bioactive flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle with chemopreventive activity in various organs including the skin, prostate, and breast. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory action of silibinin in breast cancer has not been completely elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effect of silibinin in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and determined whether silibinin enhances ultraviolet (UV) B-induced apoptosis. METHODS: The effects of silibinin on MCF-7 cell viability were determined using the MTT assay. The effect of silibinin on PARP cleavage, as the hallmark of apoptotic cell death, and p53 protein expression in MCF-7 cells was analyzed using Western blot. The effect of silibinin on UVB-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: A dose- and time-dependent reduction in viability was observed in MCF-7 cells treated with silibinin. Silibinin strongly induced apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells, and induction of apoptosis was associated with increased p53 expression. Moreover, silibinin enhanced UVB-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION: Silibinin induced a loss of cell viability and apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the combination of silibinin and UVB resulted in an additive effect on apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that silibinin might be an important supplemental agent for treating patients with breast cancer.

A Case of Hepatic Cyst Infection Diagnosed by 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease / 대한신장학회지

Infection of hepatic cyst is a serious complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Early diagnosis of infected cyst is crucial and usually requires conventional modalities, including ultrasound and computed tomography. However, their contribution is limited because of nonspecific results. We report a case of hepatic cyst infection for which 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) scan allowed the exact localization of the infected cyst and the precise drainage procedure. A 48-year-old woman with ADPKD presented with fever and RUQ pain. Contrast enhanced computed tomography did not show any evidence of complicated or infected cysts in both kidneys and liver. Though she had been treated by antibiotics for 7 days, patient's symptoms were not improved. However, 18F-FDG PET-CT scan revealed infected cyst in the left lobe of liver exactly. After percutaneous drainage based on 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging, the hepatic cyst infection was controlled. Therefore, 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging could be a valuable tool to identify the exact localization of cyst infection, which may contribute to drain the infected cyst. We report this case with a brief review of relevant literature.

Cordycepin inhibits UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression by suppressing the NF-kappa B pathway in human dermal fibroblasts

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) has been shown to exhibit many pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infection activities. However, the anti-skin photoaging effects of cordycepin have not yet been reported. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of cordycepin on matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and -3 expressions of the human dermal fibroblast cells. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR revealed cordycepin inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and -3 expressions in a dose-dependent manner. UVB strongly activated NF-kappa B activity, which was determined by I kappa B alpha degradation, nuclear localization of p50 and p65 subunit, and NF-kappa B binding activity. However, UVB-induced NF-kappa B activation and MMP expression were completely blocked by cordycepin pretreatment. These findings suggest that cordycepin could prevent UVB-induced MMPs expressions through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation. In conclusion, cordycepin might be used as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.

A Case of Tuberous Sclerosis Complicated with Massive Bleeding of Renal Angiomyolipoma / 대한신장학회지

Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a systemic, autosomal dominant disorder resulting from mutations in one of two genes, TSC1 (encoding hamartin) or TSC2 (enconding tuberin). TSC causes seizure, mental retardation and hamartomatous tumors in multiple organs, including facial angiofibromas, cortical tubers, pulmonary lymphangiomatosis, renal angiomyolipomas and polycystic kidney disease. Renal angiomyofibromas may cause serious complications such as life threatening retroperitoneal hemorrhage or hematuria. The following is a report concerning a 41-year-old man with TSC who suffered spontaneous hemorrhage within the angiomyofibroma of the left kidney and underwent curative selective renal embolization. Then larger angiomyolipoma was suggested to be more likely to bleed, so secondary prophylactic selective renal embolization was done into five angiomyolipomas of the right kidney. After selective embolization, tumor size decreased and renal function was preserved. This patient did not show neurologic abnormality and family history of tuberous sclerosis. However, the brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed typical signs of tuberous sclerosis, and the computerized tomography of the abdomen showed bilateral renal angiomyolipomas and polycystic renal lesion. Herein we present a rare case of bilateral renal angiomyolipomas with spontaneous hemorrhage and preserved renal function after curative and prophylactic selective embolization.

TNF-alpha upregulates PTEN via NF-kappaB signaling pathways in human leukemic cells

TNF-alpha plays a variety of biological functions such as apoptosis, inflammation and immunity. PTEN also has various cellular function including cell growth, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Thus, possible relationships between the two molecules are suggested. TNF-alpha has been known to downregulate PTEN via NF-kappaB pathway in the human colon cell line, HT-29. However, here we show the opposite finding that TNF-alpha upregulates PTEN via activation of NF-kappaB in human leukemic cells. TNF-alpha increased PTEN expression at HL-60 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but the response was abolished by disruption of NF-kappaB with p65 anisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. We found that TNF-alpha activated the NF-kappaB pathways, evidenced by the translocation of p65 to the nucleus in TNF-alpha-treated cells. We conclude that TNF-alpha induces upregulation of PTEN expression through NF-kappaB activation in human leukemic cells.

A novel thiol compound, N-acetylcysteine amide, attenuates allergic airway disease by regulating activation of NF-kappaB and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Recent studies have demonstrated that antioxidants are able to reduce airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in animal models of allergic airway disease. A newly developed antioxidant, small molecular weight thiol compound, N-acetylcysteine amide (AD4) has been shown to increase cellular levels of glutathione and to attenuate oxidative stress related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. However, the effects of AD4 on allergic airway disease such as asthma are unknown. We used ovalbumin (OVA)-inhaled mice to evaluate the role of AD4 in allergic airway disease. In this study with OVA-inhaled mice, the increased ROS generation, the increased levels of Th2 cytokines and VEGF, the increased vascular permeability, the increased mucus production, and the increased airway resistance in the lungs were significantly reduced by the administration of AD4. We also found that the administration of AD4 decreased the increases of the NF-kappaB and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) levels in nuclear protein extracts of lung tissues after OVA inhalation. These results suggest that AD4 attenuates airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by regulating activation of NF-kappaB and HIF-1alpha as well as reducing ROS generation in allergic airway disease.

Low-density lipoprotein protects Vibrio vulnificus-induced lethality through blocking lipopolysaccharide action

Lipoprotein plays a role in the host defense against bacterial infection, and its serum level has been demonstrated to be an important prognosis factor of survival. We have previously demonstrated that LDL directly inactivates the hemolytic activity of Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin (VVC) in vitro. The object of this study was therefore to examine whether the LDL-mediated inactivation of VVC leads to protection against lethal infection of V. vulnificus in vivo, using wild and VVC-deficient V. vulnificus strains. Unexpectedly, we found that LDL protects mouse lethality induced by VVC-deficient as well as wild V. vulnificus strain. We also demonstrated that LDL blocks V. vulnificus LPS-induced lethality in mice. These results suggest that LDL preferentially act on endotoxin rather than exotoxin in the protection against V. vulnificus-induced mice lethality.

Ferucarbotran-Enhanced MR Imaging of the Radiofrequency Ablation Zones in the Normal Rabbit Liver: Comparison with the Conventional MR Imaging

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the findings of ferucarbotran-enhanced MR imaging of the radiofrequency (RF) ablation zones in normal rabbit livers and we compared the findings with the conventional MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RF ablation zones were created in the livers of 12 rabbits in vivo by using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode with 1-cm active tip, and RF energy (maximum power: 30 Watt) was applied for three minutes. Three rabbits were sacrificed immediately and then at three days, two weeks and six weeks after RF ablation. Before sacrifice, the T1- and T2-weighted images (WI) and the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WIs were obtained and compared regarding the signal intensity of ablation zone, the laminar pattern of the signal intensity and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the ablation zone to the liver parenchyma. RESULTS: On T1- and T2WIs, the RF ablation zones showed two to four laminar patterns of signal intensity according to the time. Meanwhile, on the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2WIs, the RF ablation zones showed high signal intensity without a laminar pattern regardless of time. The CNRs of the ablation zones to the liver parenchyma on the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WIs (18.2+/-5.9) were significantly higher than those of the TIWIs (1.6+/-1.5) and T2WIs (2.7+/-1.9) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: On the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WI, the RF ablation zones showed high signal intensity without a distinct laminar pattern and significantly higher lesion conspicuity than did the conventional T1- and T2WIs. Therefore, the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WI shows the RF ablation zone more accurately and clearly than do the conventional T1- and T2WIs.

Papillary Cystitis Mimicking Transitional Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Polypoid cystitis is a rare entity and, to our knowledge, has not been described in the radiologic literature.It is frequently found in patients with indwelling catheters and is characterized by inflammation and edema of thelamina propria. We encountered a case of papillary cystitis which on a sonogram showed a solid mass withinhomogeneous internal echopattern ; on CT, a poorly-defined inhomogeneous, dense, soft-tissue density mass withenhancement and perivesical extension ; and on T2 weighted MR images an inter mediate SI mass.

Ablation of Symptomatic Cysts Using Absolute Ethanol in 11 Patients with Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of cyst ablation with absolute ethanol in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with symptomatic cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using absolute ethanol, cyst ablation was performed in 11 patients with documented ADPKD who suffered cyst pain refractory to medical treatment. An ethanol solution was instilled into the largest symptomatic cysts through a catheter. We assessed the therapeutic efficacy of the procedure by tracking subjective pain relief during a 3 to 24-month follow-up period after ablation. RESULTS: At follow-up, we found that the duration of subjective pain relief was 12 to 24 months in seven patients, 4 to11 months in one, and less than 3 months in three. CONCLUSION: Selective ablation of a symptomatic cyst may be a valid option in managing chronic pain caused by one or a few large cysts in ADPKD patients.

Adenocarcinoma Arising from the Tailgut Cyst: A Case Report

Tailgut cyst is a rare congenital anomaly arising in the retrorectal space. Malignancy arising from the tailgut cyst is very rare. We experienced a case of adenocarcinoma arising from the tailgut cyst. The findings of this rare tumor are bony destruction of the sacrum on plain radiograph, a cystic mass on ultrasound, a low attenuation mass with calcification and enhancement on CT, and a multiseptated cystic mass containing solid component on MRI.

MR Findings of Nasal Cavity Lesions Showing the Infundibular Widening on CT

PURPOSE: Several kinds of nasal cavity lesions located in the region of the infundibulum on CT. At such time,the visualization of these lesions is very sinilar. The purpose of this study was to differentially diagnose thesenasal cavity lesions through evaluation of the MR findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 51 cases of pathologicallyproven nasal cavity masses which on CT showed infundibular widening, we retrospectively evaluated the MR findings.The cases involved prolapsed antral mucosa from sinusitis(n=15), inverted papilloma(n=10), antrochoanalpolyp(n=10), aspergillosis(n=9), and nasal polyp(n=7). All patients underwent both CT and MR. imaging. RESULTS: In all cases, CT findings were similar ; soft tissue masses filling the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity wereassociated with infundibular widening caused by pressure on the uncinate process, leading to erosion. Differentialdiagnosis by CT was very difficult ; MR T2 weighted imaging was most effective for differential diagnosis of thesenasal cavity masses. Prolapsed antral mucosa showed central inhomogeneous mixed signal intensity, with aperipheral rim of hyperintensity along the sinus wall and nasal component. Antrochoanal polyps showed homogeneousbright signal intensity of the antral and nasal component. Aspergillosis showed central dark signal foci. Invertedpapillomas showed mixed intermediate and high intensity mixed with high signal intensity. Nasal polyps showedstriation mixed of intermediate and high signal intensity, while nasal polyp showed striation of intermediate andhigh intensity. On Gd-enhanced T1 weighted images, prolapsed antral mucosa and antrochoanal polyp showedperipheral rim enhancement of the antral and nasal component. In contrast, inverted papilloma and nasal polypshowed intense enhancement of the mass and can be separate from the sinus inflammatory disease. CONCLUSION: Various nasal cavity masses showing infundibular widening on CT can be differentiated on MR images, especially ofthese are T2 weighted or contrast enhanced T1 weighted.

MR Findings of Struma Ovarii

PURPOSE: To characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of struma ovarii, a rare ovarian tumor composedsolely or predominantly of thyroid tissue or the tumor in which hyperthyroidism results from the ovarian thyroidtissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In seven patients, MR images (T1-weighted with or without gadolinium enhance-mentand T2-weighted) were obtained in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes using 1.5-T MR units, and in three ofseven patients the fat saturation technique were performed. MR findings were retrospectively evaluat-ed for thesite, size, components, signal intensity, presence and degree of contrast enhancement, and associat-ed findings.These and pathologic findings were compared. RESULTS: MR images showed unilateral complex masses composed ofmultiple cysts and some solid components, corresponding pathologically to thyroid follicles containing colloid andthe stroma with abundant blood vessels and fibrous tissue. Cystic portions of the tumors had variable signalintensities on T1-weighted images, and high signal intensities on T2-weighted images. Some hyperintense cysticareas seen on T1-weighted images were due to hemorrhage (n=1) and colloid components (n=3). Solid portions of thetumors were isointense relative to adjacent muscles (with intense contrast enhancement), as seen on T1-weightedimages, and iso- or hyperintense on T2-weighted images. CONCLUSION: Struma ovarii has a characteristic MRappearance of a complex mass composed of multiple cysts and intensely enhanced solid components.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Differentiating of Torsion of the Ovarian Tumor With or Without Necrosis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether MRI is helpful for differentiating torsion of ovarian tumor, with or without necrosis MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the MRI findings of nine patients with surgically confirmed torsion of the ovarian tumor, comparing them with the surgical and pathologic findings. The MRI findings were analyzed for contrast enhancement of twisted tumor, and the presence, signal intensity and contrast enhancement of twisted vascular pedicle. RESULTS: In all nine patients, MRI revealed a twisted vascular pedicle. Six patients with necrotic ovaries showed either no enhancement (n=4) or linear peripheral enhancement of twisted tumors (n=2), and lack of enhancement (n=5) or peripheral enhancement(n=1) of twisted vascular pedicles. In four of six patients with necrosis, T1-weighted MR images demonstrated a hyperintense pedicle; in three without necrosis, postcon-trast T1-weighted MR images revealed well-enhanced twisted tumors (n=2) and twisted vascular pedicles (n=3). CONCLUSION: By depicting a lack of contrast enhancement and high signal intensity within a twisted vascular pedicle, MRI can help differentiate torsion of ovarian tumor with or without necrosis.

The Value of Intrarenal Resistive Index in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of the intrarenal resistive index (RI),measured by Doppler sonography, in order to assess intrarenal vascular resistance in autosomal dominant polycystickidney disease (ADPKD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 26 patients with ADPKD, RI was measured by Dopplersonography and correlated with the presence of hypertension, renal function (creatinine clearance) and anatomicalrenal severity index (RSI), thus indicating renal morphologic abnormalities during B-mode sonography . RESULTS:RI was significantly higher in 18 hypertensive ADPKD patients (0.64+/-0.65) (Mean+/-1SD; range: 0.52-0.74) than ineight normotensive patients (0.59+/-0.50) ( 0.48-0.64) (p<0.05). Statistically significant inverse correlation wasfound between RI values and creatinine clearance (r=-0.45, p<0.05), and statistically significant correlation wasfound between RI values and RSI, indicating the degree of renal parenchymal involvement. CONCLUSION: RIcorrelates with the development of hypertension, renal function and renal morphologic abnormality scoring by RSIduring B-mode Doppler sonography, and measured in this way may thus be used to assess renal vaseular resistance inADPRD patients.

Computed tomography of chronic or recurrent paranasal sinusitis

No abstract available.