Imaging features of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: a report of 34 cases.

AIM: To investigate the imaging features of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is a rare benign arthropathy with cartilaginous proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations of 34 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ were reviewed retrospectively. Imaging features including the lesion epicentre, destruction/sclerosis of surrounding bone, calcification, periosteal reaction, osteophyte, lesion size, and joint space dimensions were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-one of thirty-four patients (91.2%) showed the superior joint space as the lesion epicentre. For the mandibular condyle, more than one-third of patients (14/34; 41.2%) showed no destruction, and more than half of patients (19/34; 55.9%) showed no sclerosis. Conversely, >70% of patients showed destruction and sclerosis of the articular eminence/glenoid fossa, while >80% of patients (28/34; 82.4%) presented with various calcifications, including the ring-and-arc (9/34; 26.5%) and popcorn (13/34; 38.2%) types. The mean joint space on the affected side was significantly larger than that of the unaffected side (p<0.001). More than three-fourths of patients (76.9%) experienced no interval increase in lesion size during an average of 1.6 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ demonstrated several imaging features, including the lesion centre being located in the superior joint space, resultant articular eminence/glenoid fossa-oriented bone changes, ring-and-arc and popcorn calcification, joint space widening, and self-limiting growth. These imaging features may be helpful in differentiating synovial chondromatosis from other lesions of the TMJ.

Prenylflavonoids isolated from Macaranga tanarius stimulate odontoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells and tooth root formation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase B pathways.

AIM: To identify odontogenesis-promoting compounds and examine the molecular mechanism underlying enhanced odontoblast differentiation and tooth formation. METHODOLOGY: Five different nymphaeols, nymphaeol B (NB), isonymphaeol B (INB), nymphaeol A (NA), 3'-geranyl-naringenin (GN) and nymphaeol C (NC) were isolated from the fruit of Macaranga tanarius. The cytotoxic effect of nymphaeols on human DPSCs was observed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effect of nymphaeols on odontoblast differentiation was analysed with Alizarin Red S staining and odontoblast marker expression was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The molecular mechanism was investigated with Western blot analysis. In order to examine the effect of INB on dentine formation in the developing tooth germ, INB-soaked beads were placed under the tooth bud explants in the collagen gel; thereafter, the tooth bud explant-bead complexes were implanted into the sub-renal capsules for 3 weeks. Tooth root formation was analysed using micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM) values of three independent experiments, and results are compared using a two-tailed Student's t-test. The data were considered to have statistical significance when the P-value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: Three of the compounds, NB, INB, and GN, did not exert a cytotoxic effect on human DPSCs. However, INB was most effective in promoting the deposition of calcium minerals in vitro (P < 0.001) and induced the expression of odontogenic marker genes (P < 0.05). Moreover, this compound strongly induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and protein kinase B (AKT) (P < 0.05). The inhibition of p38 MAP, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and AKT substantially suppressed the INB-induced odontoblast differentiation (P < 0.001). In addition, isonymphaeol B significantly induced the formation of dentine and elongation of the tooth root in vivo (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prenylflavonoids, including INB, exerted stimulatory effects on odontoblast differentiation and tooth root and dentine formation via the MAP kinase and AKT signalling pathways. These results suggest that nymphaeols could stimulate the repair processes for dentine defects or injuries.

Transplant outcomes in kidney recipients with lupus nephritis, and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite improved survival of patients with lupus nephritis (LN), some require kidney transplantation because of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the transplant outcomes of these patients and other recipients have not been thoroughly compared. METHODS: In total, 1848 Korean kidney recipients who underwent transplantation from 1998 to 2017 at two tertiary referral centers were evaluated retrospectively. Among them, 28 recipients with LN, and 50 control recipients matched by age, sex, and donor type, were compared with respect to graft and patient survival. We pooled our data with 17 previous cohort studies in which the graft survival of recipients with LN was described in detail. RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 9.5 years (maximum 21 years), graft failure (GF) occurred in 10.7% and 16.0% of LN and control recipients, respectively. No differences were found in the rates of GF and death-censored graft failure or patient survival between the two groups. The risks of acute T cell-mediated and antibody-mediated rejection were also similar between the two groups. The pooled analysis showed similar 1- and 5-year graft survival rates between LN and control recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation is an acceptable option in patients with concurrent LN and ESRD.

Imaging features of chondrosarcoma of the temporomandibular joint: report of nine cases and literature review.

AIM: To investigate the imaging features of chondrosarcoma of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and integrated positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT images of nine patients with histopathologically confirmed chondrosarcoma of the TMJ were reviewed retrospectively. Imaging features regarding the direction of lesion growth, bone destruction, infiltration into the tendon of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) in the pterygoid fovea, enhancement pattern, calcification, periosteal reaction, markedly hyperintense T2 signal area, and qualitative PET signal intensity were evaluated. RESULTS: Seven of nine patients (77.8%) presented with lesion growth that was outward from the medulla of the mandibular condyle. Infiltration into the tendon of LPM in the pterygoid fovea was observed in all cases, and 77.8% (7/9) of them demonstrated >50% infiltration. All the lesions showed a mixed peripheral and internal enhancement, and revealed a markedly hyperintense T2 signal intensity area, which showed no enhancement. Although five of nine cases demonstrated higher FDG uptake compared with that of the liver, the other four cases showed less FDG uptake than that of the liver. CONCLUSION: Chondrosarcoma of the TMJ demonstrated several imaging features, including outward growth from the mandibular condyle, resultant infiltration into the tendon of LPM in the pterygoid fovea, various patterns of internal enhancement, and a markedly hyperintense T2 signal intensity area. These imaging features may be helpful to differentiate chondrosarcoma from other lesions of the TMJ.

Astrocytic water channel aquaporin-4 modulates brain plasticity in both mice and humans: a potential gliogenetic mechanism underlying language-associated learning.

The role of astrocytes in brain plasticity has not been extensively studied compared with that of neurons. Here we adopted integrative translational and reverse-translational approaches to explore the role of an astrocyte-specific major water channel in the brain, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), in brain plasticity and learning. We initially identified the most prevalent genetic variant of AQP4 (single nucleotide polymorphism of rs162008 with C or T variation, which has a minor allele frequency of 0.21) from a human database (n=60 706) and examined its functionality in modulating the expression level of AQP4 in an in vitro luciferase reporter assay. In the following experiments, AQP4 knock-down in mice not only impaired hippocampal volumetric plasticity after exposure to enriched environment but also caused loss of long-term potentiation after theta-burst stimulation. In humans, there was a cross-sectional association of rs162008 with gray matter (GM) volume variation in cortices, including the vicinity of the Perisylvian heteromodal language area (Sample 1, n=650). GM volume variation in these brain regions was positively associated with the semantic verbal fluency. In a prospective follow-up study (Sample 2, n=45), the effects of an intensive 5-week foreign language (English) learning experience on regional GM volume increase were modulated by this AQP4 variant, which was also associated with verbal learning capacity change. We then delineated in mice mechanisms that included AQP4-dependent transient astrocytic volume changes and astrocytic structural elaboration. We believe our study provides the first integrative evidence for a gliogenetic basis that involves AQP4, underlying language-associated brain plasticity.

Impact of whole egg intake on blood pressure, lipids and lipoproteins in middle-aged and older population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Effects of whole egg consumption on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk in the middle-aged and older population remain unclear due to inconsistent findings from observational and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impacts of whole egg and egg category (whole eggs versus egg substitutes) intake quantity on CVD risk factors from systematically searched RCTs. Egg substitutes were hypothesized to have minimal effects of the blood lipid and lipoprotein profile as they are void of dietary cholesterol. METHODS AND RESULTS: As many as 434 studies identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Medline (Ovid) databases were screened and data were extracted from 8 selected RCTs. Quality of the selected studies were assessed and the overall effect sizes of weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated using a random effects model. Non-differential effects in blood pressures, lipids and lipoproteins were observed when >4 whole eggs/week compared to ≤4 whole eggs/week were consumed. Intake of >4 whole eggs/week compared to equivalent amounts of egg substitutes caused greater elevations in blood total cholesterol (WMD: 0.198 mmol/L; 95% CIs: 0.056, 0.339), HDL cholesterol (WMD: 0.068 mmol/L; 95% CIs: 0.006, 0.130) and LDL cholesterol (WMD: 0.171 mmol/L; 95% CIs: 0.028, 0.315) but did not differentially affect triglycerides concentration. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results support the notion that quantity of whole egg intake does not affect CVD risk factors and consuming egg substitutes may also be beneficial compared to whole eggs on lowering CVD risk in the middle-aged and older population.

Adipochemokines induced by ultraviolet irradiation contribute to impaired fat metabolism in subcutaneous fat cells.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is now appreciated as the pivotal regulator of metabolic and endocrine functions. Subcutaneous (SC) fat, in contrast to visceral fat, may protect against metabolic syndrome and systemic inflammation. We demonstrated that chronic as well as acute ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to the skin induces loss of underlying SC fat. UV-irradiated SC fat may produce chemokines or cytokines that modulate lipid homeostasis and secretion of adipokines. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate UV-induced specific adipochemokines implicated in UV-induced modulation of SC fat. METHODS: Primary cultured adipocytes were treated with conditioned medium from UV- or sham-irradiated skin cells. Young and older healthy participants provided SC fat from sun-exposed and sun-protected skin. Sun-protected skin from other participants was irradiated with UV. Differentially expressed adipochemokines were screened by cytokine array, and confirmed in vitro and in vivo. The functions of select adipochemokines involved in lipid metabolism were examined via short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of cognate receptors. RESULTS: Specific adipochemokines, including C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL) family members such as CXCL5/ENA-78, and C-C motif chemokine (CCL) family members such as CCL20/MIP-3α and CCL5/RANTES, were greatly induced in SC fat by UV exposure. They could impair triglyceride synthesis via downregulation of lipogenic enzymes and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 through their respective cognate receptors, CXC chemokine receptor type (CXC-R)2, C-C chemokine receptor type (CCR)-6, and CCR-5. In addition, UV irradiation induced infiltration of adipose tissue macrophages responsible for the secretion of several chemokines into SC fat. CONCLUSIONS: These UV-induced adipochemokines may be implicated in the reduction of lipogenesis in SC fat, leading to impairment of fat homeostasis and associated comorbidities such as obesity.

Anti-inflammatory character of Phelligridin D modulates periodontal regeneration in lipopolysaccharide-induced human periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Phelligridin D is a hispidin analogue from the mushroom Phellinus baumii that is widely used as a food source in East Asia. This study tested phelligridin D for the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). The objective of this study was to clarify whether the anti-inflammatory function of phelligridin D affects periodontal regeneration for supporting the HPDLCs of teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Primary HPDLCs were isolated from healthy teeth and then cultured. The anti-inflammatory function, mechanism and differentiation molecules were verified with reactive oxygen species generation and western blot analysis in LPS-induced HPDLCs. RESULTS: HPDLCs showed increased inflammatory molecules (intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and decreased osteogenic proteins (bone morphogenetic protein-7, Osterix and runt-related transcription factor 2) by LPS treatment. Phelligridin D decreased inflammatory molecules and increased osteogenic molecules via downregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-jun N-terminal kinases pathway among the mitogen-activated protein kinase, followed by blocking of nuclear factor kappa-B translocation from cytosol to nucleus. In addition, phelligridin D showed antioxidant properties by reducing reactive oxygen species activity. Finally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant function of phelligridin D promoted the periodontal differentiation of HPDLCs. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that phelligridin D supports teeth on the alveolar bone against outside stress, and may be used as an anti-inflammatory compound for the prevention of periodontitis or periodontal regenerative related disease.

A comparison between McGrath MAC videolaryngoscopy and Macintosh laryngoscopy in children.

BACKGROUND: This prospective, randomised, controlled study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the McGrath VL compared with Macintosh laryngoscopy in children with expected normal airway during endotracheal intubation, by comparing the time to intubation and difficulty of intubation. METHODS: Eighty-four patients aged 1-10 years who underwent endotracheal intubation for elective surgery were randomly assigned to the McGrath group (n = 42) or the Macintosh group (n = 42). Anaesthesia was induced with 2.5-3.0 mg/kg of propofol and sevoflurane 5-8 vol%. Orotracheal intubation was performed 2 min after injection of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg with McGrath VL or Macintosh laryngoscope; the primary outcome was the time to intubation. The Cormack and Lehane glottic grade, intubation difficulty score (IDS), and success rate on intubation were assessed. Haemodynamic changes were also recorded. RESULTS: As the primary outcome, median time to intubation [interquartile range] did not differ between the McGrath group and the Macintosh group (25.0 [22.8-28.3] s vs. 26.0 [24.0-29.0] s, P = 0.301). The incidence of grade I glottic view was significantly higher in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (95% vs. 74%, P = 0.013). Median IDS was lower in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (0 [0-0] vs. 0 [0-1], P = 0.018). There were no significant differences in success rate on intubation or haemodynamics between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: McGrath VL provides better laryngeal views and lower IDS but similar intubation times and success rates compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope in children with normal airway.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Schisandrin C promote mitochondrial biogenesis in human dental pulp cells.

AIM: To examine the properties of Schisandrin C as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, and whether its characteristics promote mitochondrial biogenesis in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). METHODOLOGY: HDPCs were extracted from fresh third molars and cultured for experiments. Reactive oxidative stress (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) formation were analysed by a Muse cell analyser. Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to identify the presence of antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial biogenesis with specific antibody. An unpaired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Schisandrin C inhibited lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory molecules; interleukin 1 beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, NO production, ROS formation, nuclear factor kappa B translocation (P < 0.05) through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Schisandrin C increased the expression of superoxide dismutase enzymes as well as haem oxygenase-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha through the phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 pathways (P < 0.05). The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Schisandrin C promoted mitochondrial biogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Schisandrin C has the potential to reduce inflammation and oxidation and to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, Schisandrin C may be considered for use as an anti-inflammatory compound for oral inflammation through mitochondrial biogenesis.

Predisposition to and effects of methamphetamine use on the adolescent brain.

Adolescence is a period of heightened vulnerability both to addictive behaviors and drug-induced brain damage. Yet, only limited information exists on the brain mechanisms underlying these adolescent-specific characteristics. Moreover, distinctions in brain correlates between predisposition to drug use and effects of drugs in adolescents are unclear. Using cortical thickness and diffusion tensor image analyses, we found greater and more widespread gray and white matter alterations, particularly affecting the frontostriatal system, in adolescent methamphetamine (MA) users compared with adult users. Among adolescent-specific gray matter alterations related to MA use, smaller cortical thickness in the orbitofrontal cortex was associated with family history of drug use. Our findings highlight that the adolescent brain, which undergoes active myelination and maturation, is more vulnerable to MA-related alterations than the adult brain. Furthermore, MA-use-related executive dysfunction was greater in adolescent MA users than in adult users. These findings may provide explanation for the severe behavioral complications and relapses that are common in adolescent-onset drug addiction. Additionally, these results may provide insights into distinguishing the neural mechanisms that underlie the predisposition to drug addiction from effects of drugs in adolescents.

The rate of and risk factors for frequent hospitalization in systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the Korean lupus network registry.

Objectives The survival rate of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has improved in the last few decades, but the rate of hospitalization and health care costs for these patients remain higher than in the general population. Thus, we evaluated the rate of hospitalization and associated risk factors in an inception cohort of Korean patients with lupus. Methods Of the 507 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus enrolled in the KORean lupus NETwork, we investigated an inception cohort consisting of 196 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus presenting within 6 months of diagnosis based on the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. We evaluated the causes of hospitalization, demographic characteristics, and laboratory and clinical data at the time of systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis of hospitalized patients and during a follow-up period. We calculated the hospitalization rate as the number of total hospitalizations divided by the disease duration, and defined "frequent hospitalization" as hospitalization more than once per year. Results Of the 196 patients, 117 (59.6%) were admitted to hospital a total of 257 times during the 8-year follow-up period. Moreover, 22 (11.2%) patients were hospitalized frequently. The most common reasons for hospitalization included disease flares, infection, and pregnancy-related morbidity. In the univariate regression analysis, malar rash, arthritis, pericarditis, renal involvement, fever, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index > 12, hemoglobin level < 10 mg/dl, albumin level < 3.5 mg/dl, and anti-Sjögren's syndrome A positivity were associated with frequent hospitalization. Finally, multivariate analysis showed that arthritis, pericarditis, and anti-Sjögren's syndrome A antibody positivity at the time of diagnosis were risk factors for frequent hospitalization. Conclusions Our results showed that frequent hospitalization occurred in 11.2% of hospitalized patients and arthritis, pericarditis, and anti-Sjögren's syndrome A antibody positivity at the time of diagnosis were risk factors for frequent hospitalization.

Ucma, a direct transcriptional target of Runx2 and Osterix, promotes osteoblast differentiation and nodule formation.

OBJECTIVE: Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Osterix (Osx) are the master transcription factors in bone formation. Nonetheless, genes acting downstream of both Runx2 and Osx have yet to be fully characterized. Here, we investigate the downstream targets of both Runx2 and Osx in osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA microarray analysis was conducted on calvarial RNA from wild-type, Runx2 heterozygous, Osx heterozygous, and Runx2/Osx double heterozygous embryos. Expression and transcriptional responses of the selected target gene were analyzed in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. RESULTS: The expression of unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (Ucma) was decreased in Runx2/Osx double heterozygous embryos. In contrast, Ucma expression was increased in osteoblasts overexpressing both Runx2 and Osx. Ucma expression was initiated mid-way through osteoblast differentiation and continued throughout the differentiation process. Transcriptional activity of the Ucma promoter was increased upon transfection of the cells with both Runx2 and Osx. Runx2-and Osx-mediated activation of the Ucma promoter was directly regulated by Runx2-and/or Sp1-binding sites within its promoter. During osteoblast differentiation, the formation of mineralized nodules in Ucma-overexpressing stable clones occurred earlier and was more enhanced than that in the mock-transfected control. Mineralized nodule formation was strongly augmented in the cells cultured in a medium containing secretory Ucma proteins. CONCLUSION: Ucma is a novel downstream gene regulated by both Runx2 and Osx and it stimulates osteoblast differentiation and nodule formation.

Long-term follow up of HIV-1-infected Korean haemophiliacs, after infection from a common source of virus.

In the early 1990s, 20 haemophiliacs (HPs) were infected with a common source of HIV-1 viruses through the contaminated clotting factor IX. The aim of this study is to review 20 HPs infected with a common source of virus. The enrolled patients have been consecutively treated with Korean red ginseng (KRG), zidovudine (ZDV) or two-drug therapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We determined full-length pol gene over 20 years and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and reviewed medical records. Eighteen HPs experienced various opportunistic infections or clinical manifestations. There were significant inverse correlations between the HLA prognostic score and the annual decrease in CD4+ T-cell counts prior to HAART (AD) (P < 0.05) and the amount of KRG and the AD (P < 0.01). From 1998, the HPs had been treated with HAART. Each of the two patients died without and with HAART regimen respectively. At present, 16 HPs have been alive with HAART. Among the 16 HPs, 12 and 4 are on HAART-plus-KRG and HAART only respectively. Eleven HPs including 2 HPs with G-to-A hypermutations had revealed resistance mutations. Ten and two HPs have shown poor adherence and incomplete viral suppres-sion on HAART respectively. Virological failure based on WHO guidelines was not observed on KRG-plus-HAART. Two HPs revealed additional resistance mutations against two classes on KRG-plus-HAART. As a nationwide study, we first report overall features on clinical course of Korean haemophiliacs. Further education on the importance of drug adherence is needed.

Presence of macronodules in thoracic sarcoidosis: prevalence and computed tomographic findings.

AIM: To assess the prevalence and radiological findings of macronodules in patients with thoracic sarcoidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected regarding 226 patients with pathologically proven thoracic sarcoidosis. Among them, macronodules defined as well-defined nodules greater than 5 mm were found in 58 patients. The macronodules were evaluated by their number, size, margin, shape, lobar location, distance from the pleura, and temporal change. Patients were classified into two groups, patients with macronodules (n = 58) and without macronodules (n = 168). The level of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), systemic involvement, and the maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV) on (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in both groups were then compared. RESULTS: A total of 216 macronodules were identified in 58 patients. The mean number of macronodules per patient was 3.3, and the mean size was 6.3 mm. Most of the macronodules were located in lower lobes (63.4%) and showed round-to-ovoid (95.8%) shape. The mean distance from the pleura was 5 mm. In 76% of the 63 nodules that were followed using CT scanning, any interval changes in size was also accompanied by the same change in mediastinal lymphadenopathy. On comparison of the two groups, the presence of lymphadenopathy, parenchymal involvement, and the maxSUV of thoracic lymphadenopathy were shown to be statistically different. CONCLUSION: Well-defined macronodules greater than 5 mm were not uncommonly seen in patients with thoracic sarcoidosis. The macronodules are usually located in the lower lobes near the pleura, and the interval changes in mediastinal lymphadenopathy may be associated with similar changes in the size of nodules.

Effect of mycophenolic acid on proliferation of dermal papilla cells and induction of anagen hair follicles.

BACKGROUND: Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil, has anti-inflammatory effects, and is widely used as an immunomodulatory agent. However, the beneficial effect of MPA in hair-loss disorders is not fully understood. AIM: To investigate the direct effect of MPA on dermal papilla cells (DPCs), and to examine the hair growth-stimulating effects of MPA topically applied to mouse skin. METHODS: Cultured DPCs were treated with various concentrations of MPA and analysed by MTT assay. Expressions of hair growth-related genes, including Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related genes and cellular apoptosis-regulating genes, such as Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-9, were examined using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and western blotting. The Wnt/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was analysed by western blotting. The effect of topically applied MPA on anagen hair follicle induction after microneedle (MN) treatment with or without minoxidil (MXD) was evaluated by histopathological examination and RT-PCR. RESULTS: MPA showed a promoting effect on DPC proliferation, which was associated with increased Axin2 transcription levels. In addition, phospho-ERK protein was detected in the MPA-treated DPCs. An increased Bcl-2/Bax transcript ratio contributed to cellular proliferation, and this was maintained in the MPA-treated environment. Topically applied MPA promoted anagen hair follicle induction in mice. The effect of MPA on hair follicles was compatible with that of MXD, and this effect was accelerated by MN treatment. CONCLUSIONS: MPA promotes proliferation of DPCs and induction of anagen hair follicles in mice. This finding raises the possibility that MPA could be used as a treatment option for hair-loss disorders.

The Effects of Gilts Housed Either in Group with the Electronic Sow Feeding System or Conventional Stall.

This experiment was conducted to assess the welfare and productivity of gestating gilts in groups with the electronic sow feeding (ESF) system compared to conventional stalls. A total of 83 gilts (Yorkshire×Landrace) were housed into individual stalls to be artificially inseminated. Gilts confirmed pregnant were introduced to their treatment, conventional stalls (ST) or groups with the ESF system. All gilts were taken to the farrowing crates one week prior to their expected farrowing date. In the gestation period, there were no significant differences between gilts allocated to ST and ESF on growth performance. However, backfat thickness gain (p = 0.08) and body condition score (BCS) at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.10) tended to be higher in ESF gilts than ST. Likewise, gilts housed in group showed significantly higher estimated body muscle contents at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.02) and body muscle change during gestation (p = 0.01). There was a trend for a shorter parturition time in ESF gilts (p = 0.07). In the lactation period, group housed gilts showed a tendency to increased BCS changes (p = 0.06). Reproductive performance did not differ with the exception of piglet mortality (ST = 0.2 no. of piglets vs ESF = 0.4 no. of piglets; p = 0.01). In blood profiles, ST gilts showed a higher cortisol level at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.01). Weaning to estrus interval was shorter in gilts housed in ESF than ST (p = 0.01). In locomotory behaviors, ESF gilts recorded a tendency to elevate locomotion score at 36, 70, and 110 days of gestation (p = 0.07, p = 0.06, and p = 0.06, respectively). Similarly, ESF gilts showed significantly higher incidence of scratches at 36, 70, and 110 days of gestation (p = 0.01). Moreover, farrowing rates were higher in stall treatment (97.6%) compare to group housing treatment (95.2%). In conclusion, while group housed gilts with ESF system positively affected welfare status in combination with less physiologically stressful environments and activity, it negatively effects piglet mortality, farrowing rates and injuries of gilts.

Early-stage chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, and osteoporosis as risk factors of sarcopenia in aged population: the fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV), 2008-2009.

UNLABELLED: Sarcopenia means the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with aging. In this study, we found that insulin resistance, chronic kidney disease stage 3, and osteoporosis at the femur neck were closely associated with sarcopenia in elderly men. These conditions modified to slow down the progression of sarcopenia. INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is known to have multiple contributing factors; however, its modifiable risk factors have not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to identify the most influential and modifiable risk factors for sarcopenia in elderly. METHODS: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study using data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV), 2008-2009. This study included 940 men and 1,324 women aged 65 years and older who completed a body composition analysis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Sarcopenia was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by height(2) of less than 1 standard deviation below the sex-specific mean for a younger reference group. RESULTS: Using univariate analysis, age, body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), limitations in daily activities, regular exercise, high-risk drinking, family income, osteoporosis, daily energy, and protein intake were associated with sarcopenia in men; age, BMI, limitations in daily activities, regular exercise, occupation, osteoporosis at the total hip, and daily energy intake were associated with sarcopenia in women. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, HOMA-IR ≥2.5 (odds ratio [OR] for sarcopenia, 2.27; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.21-4.25), chronic kidney disease stage 3 (OR, 3.13; 95 % CI, 1.14-8.61), and osteoporosis at the femur neck (OR, 6.83; 95 % CI, 1.08-43.41) were identified as risk factors for sarcopenia in men. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis at the femur neck should be modified to prevent the acceleration of skeletal muscle loss in elderly men.