Eupatilin treatment inhibits transforming growth factor beta-induced endometrial fibrosis in vitro / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#Endometrial fibrosis, the primary pathological feature of intrauterine adhesion, may lead to disruption of endometrial tissue structure, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. At present, no ideal therapeutic strategy exists for this fibrotic disease. Eupatilin, a major pharmacologically active flavone from Artemisia, has been previously reported to act as a potent inducer of dedifferentiation of fibrotic tissue in the liver and lung. However, the effects of eupatilin on endometrial fibrosis have not yet been investigated. In this study, we present the first report on the impact of eupatilin treatment on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced endometrial fibrosis. @*Methods@#The efficacy of eupatilin on TGF-β–induced endometrial fibrosis was assessed by examining changes in morphology and the expression levels of fibrosis markers using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. @*Results@#Eupatilin treatment significantly reduced the fibrotic activity of TGF-β–induced endometrial fibrosis in Ishikawa cells, which displayed more circular shapes and formed more colonies. Additionally, the effects of eupatilin on fibrotic markers including alpha-smooth muscle actin, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, were evaluated in TGF-β–induced endometrial fibrosis. The expression of these markers was highly upregulated by TGF-β pretreatment and recovered to the levels of control cells in response to eupatilin treatment. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that suppression of TGF-β–induced signaling by eupatilin might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of endometrial fibrosis.

Endometrial profilin 1: a key player in embryo-endometrial crosstalk / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#Despite extensive research on implantation failure, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between the embryo and the maternal endometrium, which is critical for successful pregnancy. Profilin 1 (PFN1), which is expressed both in the embryo and in the endometrial epithelium, acts as a potent regulator of actin polymerization and the cytoskeletal network. In this study, we identified the specific role of endometrial PFN1 during embryo implantation. @*Methods@#Morphological alterations depending on the status of PFN1 expression were assessed in PFN1-depleted or control cells grown on Matrigel-coated cover glass. Day-5 mouse embryos were cocultured with Ishikawa cells. Comparisons of the rates of F-actin formation and embryo attachment were performed by measuring the stability of the attached embryo onto PFN1-depleted or control cells. @*Results@#Depletion of PFN1 in endometrial epithelial cells induced a significant reduction in cell-cell adhesion displaying less formation of colonies and a more circular cell shape. Mouse embryos co-cultured with PFN1-depleted cells failed to form actin cytoskeletal networks, whereas more F-actin formation in the direction of surrounding PFN1-intact endometrial epithelial cells was detected. Furthermore, significantly lower embryo attachment stability was observed in PFN1-depleted cells than in control cells. This may have been due to reduced endometrial receptivity caused by impaired actin cytoskeletal networks associated with PFN1 deficiency. @*Conclusion@#These observations definitively demonstrate an important role of PFN1 in mediating cell-cell adhesion during the initial stage of embryo implantation and suggest a potential therapeutic target or novel biomarker for patients suffering from implantation failure.

Botulinum toxin type A enhances the inhibitory spontaneous postsynaptic currents on the substantia gelatinosa neurons of the subnucleus caudalis in immature mice

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) has been used therapeutically for various conditions including dystonia, cerebral palsy, wrinkle, hyperhidrosis and pain control. The substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) receive orofacial nociceptive information from primary afferents and transmit the information to higher brain center. Although many studies have shown the analgesic effects of BoNT/A, the effects of BoNT/A at the central nervous system and the action mechanism are not well understood. Therefore, the effects of BoNT/A on the spontaneous postsynaptic currents (sPSCs) in the SG neurons were investigated. In whole cell voltage clamp mode, the frequency of sPSCs was increased in 18 (37.5%) neurons, decreased in 5 (10.4%) neurons and not affected in 25 (52.1%) of 48 neurons tested by BoNT/A (3 nM). Similar proportions of frequency variation of sPSCs were observed in 1 and 10 nM BoNT/A and no significant differences were observed in the relative mean frequencies of sPSCs among 1–10 nM BoNT/A. BoNT/A-induced frequency increase of sPSCs was not affected by pretreated tetrodotoxin (0.5 µM). In addition, the frequency of sIPSCs in the presence of CNQX (10 µM) and AP5 (20 µM) was increased in 10 (53%) neurons, decreased in 1 (5%) neuron and not affected in 8 (42%) of 19 neurons tested by BoNT/A (3 nM). These results demonstrate that BoNT/A increases the frequency of sIPSCs on SG neurons of the Vc at least partly and can provide an evidence for rapid action of BoNT/A at the central nervous system.

Milk Intake is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: Using Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007~2010 / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study aimed to examine associations between milk intake and metabolic syndrome. The subjects included 1,928 males and 3,103 females, aged 19 to 64 years, from the data of 'The Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2007-2010'. Daily intake of milk and dairy products was obtained by a 24 hour dietary recall method and divided into two categories by equivalent weight of one serving. The average individual intakes of milk and dairy products were 59.4 g and 74.1 g per day respectively. Milk intake was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54~0.89), central obesity (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62~0.91), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59~0.90). The total intake of dairy products was also inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.60~0.92), central obesity (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62~0.86), hypertension (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65~0.99). The association between intakes of milk and dairy products and metabolic syndrome was significant in women, but not in men. These results indicate that increased consumption of milk and its products is associated with a reduced likelihood of metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome risk factors. Further research on causal relationship and dose-response association between milk intake and metabolic syndrome risk is necessary prior to applying the observed results in nutrition policies and programs to prevent the metabolic syndrome.

The Clinical Outcome of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for the Primary Treatment of Choledocholithiasis

PURPOSE: For choledocholithiasis, many doctors routinely use ERCP/EST to avoid the need for common bile duct exploration. But, ERCP/EST has some weakpoints. So it may not be a first choice for management, especially in secondary hospitals. Therefore, we investigated and reviewed results of LCBDE as a first treatment for common bile duct stones. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of 60 cases that could be reviewed by their medical charts and who underwent LCBDE performed by the same surgeon at the Yeosu Chonnam Hospital between March, 1996 and August, 2009. The clinical data were compared between each two groups (1996~1999 vs 2000~2009 years, primary closure vs T tube drainage). RESULTS: Between groups A and B, there were no significant differences in preoperative status of the patient except for age (60.5 vs 72.6). The average operative time was decreased in group B (171.6 mins vs 143.0 mins) and the number of trocars was decreased in group B (4 vs 3.2). There were 13 postoperative complications. Among them, 11 were cases of bile leakage. All of the bile leakage cases were in group B. And there were more bile leakages in the primary repair group than in T tube drainage group (50% vs 8.9%). But, 10 cases of bile leakage were improved completely by observation and conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: LCBDE is a safe and useful treatment that has several advantages and can overcome problems not solved by ERCP. Fatal complications were not increased in the primary repair group compared with the T tube drainage group.

Morphometric analysis of bone in the ovariectomized rat using in vivo micro-CT / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to observe the bony change in the OVX rat longitudinally and to study the alendronate effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Sprague-Dewley rats, eight-week old each, were randomly assigned into three groups: one of those sham-operated (N=4), the other two were OVX: saline-treated (N=7) and alendronate-treated group (N=7). The saline-treated group was administered with saline solution (0.1 mL/100 g) daily, while the alendronate- treated group was given alendronate (1 mg/kg, Sigma-Aldrich Corp. Korea) daily. Micro-CT scannings of the lumbar were consecutively done at baseline, at 3-week intervals during 9 weeks. Two and three dimensional bony analysis were done. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with Piximus (GE Lunar Co. USA). The average values of these three methods were compared with each group. RESULTS: After 6 weeks the BMD of the OVX group showed lower tendency than that of sham group. After 6 weeks many 3D parameters of micro-CT showed higher values in the OVX-alendronate group compared with the OVXsaline group. Most 2D bony parameters were higher in the OVX-alendronate group compared with the OVX-saline group at 9 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study showed low BMD of the OVX group after 6 weeks and showed the effect of alendronate on the BMD and bony structures of ovariectomized rats. This study also showed usefulness of in vivo micro-CT in monitoring individual bone changes over time.

Study of bony trabecular characteristics using bone morphometry and micro-CT / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: The research was done to investigate the effectiveness of 2D bony morphometry and microstructure of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) on the osteoporotic bony change. We performed the bone morphometric analysis of proximal femur in ovariectomized rabbits with BMD and micro-CT examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one female (Newzealand, about 16 weeks old, 2.9-3.4 kg) rabbits were used. Three rabbits were sacrificed on the day when experiment began (Baseline). The remaining 18 rabbits were divided into two groups. One group was ovariectomized bilaterally (OVX) and the other animals were subjected to sham operation (Sham). Bone specimens were obtained from the right and left femur of sacrificed rabbits. At intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 months respectively, BMD tests were performed on the proximal femur by using PIXImus 2 (GE Lunar Co. USA), 2-dimensional bone morphometric analysis by custome computer program and 2D / 3D bone structure analysis by micro-CT (Skyscan1072, Antwerpen, Belgium). Statistical analysis was carried out for the correlation between bone morphometry , micro-CT and BMD RESULTS: BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N of micro-CT parameters showed higher values in sham group than OVX group. N.Nd/Ar.RI, N.NdNd, N.NdTm, N. TmTm, PmB/Ar.RI, 3-D BoxSlope of 2D morphometric parameters showed higher values in Sham group than OVX group.The micro-CT parameters of Tb.Sp, Tb.N were statistically significant correlated with BMD respectively. Several 2D morphometric parameters were statistically significant correlated with BMD respectively. CONCLUSION: Several parameters of 2D bony morphometry and micro-CT showed effective aspects on the osteoporotic bony change.

Relationship between the morphologic features of alveolar trabecular bone and systemic osteoporosis / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the preliminary use of morphologic operation (MO) in analyzing trabecular pattern of alveolar bone for the predicting systemic osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study subjects consisted of 35 females (average age 48.5 years) and 25 males (average age 25.8 years). Bone mineral density BMD (grams/cm2) of lumbar spine and proximal femur of these subjects were measured by a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected from the digitized periapical radiographs of subjects' posterior jaw. A custom computer program processed morphology operations of ROIs. We compared mean values of 11 MO variables according to the osteoporotic group divided by the T-scores of DEXA. We also studied correlation between radiographic density and these MO variables. RESULTS: The mean radiographic densities insignificantly correlated with MO variables. There were statistically significant differences among the values of 9 MO variables according to the osteoporotic group. CONCLUSION: Morphologic operation can be effective in analyzing trabecular pattern of alveolar bone for the predicting osteoporosis.

Clinical Study of Hypophosphatemic Rickets

PURPOSE: Hypophosphatemic rickets is a hereditary disease, characterized by hypophosphatemia due to renal phosphate wasting, impaired renal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, rachitic bone deformities and impaired growth. The purpose of this study is to provide clinical profiles of patients with hypophosphatemic rickets in our hospital. METHODS: Between July 1983 and February 2004, 56 patients were diagnosed as having hypophosphatemic rickets. The medical records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical manifestations, family histories, laboratory data, treatment outcomes were described. RESULTS: Fifty six patients were enrolled in this study. The average age at symptom onset and diagnosis were 20 months and 5 years respectively. Fourteen patients had family histories. The main clinical manifestations were bow legs and short stature. There was a significant negative correlation between the ages and the height z-scores at the time of diagnosis(r=-0.47, P=0.005). Initial laboratory data showed normocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate and a normal range of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Radiographic examinations of bone revealed fraying, widening and cupping of the metaphyseal ends. Treatment consisted of Joulie solution and vitamin D metabolites, and resulted in improved biochemical and radiographic findings. However, height z-scores remained essentially unchanged(P=0.224). Complications of treatment were frequently observed, including hyperparathyroidism, nephrocalcinosis, and hypercalciuria. Sixteen patients had corrective osteotomy and 4 of them underwent leg lengthening together. CONCLUSION: There was a gap of several years between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. Early treatment seems to be essential to growth. For the earlier treatment, the offsprings of affected parents should be followed up closely.

A Case of Colitis Cystica Profunda Mixed with Juvenile Retention Polyp in a 7-month-old Infant / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Colitis cystica profunda is a rare benign condition characterized by the presence of mucus-filled cysts in the submucosa of the colon and the rectum. Although it may diffusely involve the entire colon, this disease primarily affects the pelvic colon and rectum. It has rarely been described in the pediatric literature. The surgical treatment has been widely advocated. We report a 7-month-old case, successfully treated by colonoscopic polypectomy without complication. Histologically, components of juvenile retention polyp were mixed with colitis cytsica profunda.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of masticator space / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

A 16-year-old female was admitted to Wonkwang dental hospital with a chief complaint of painful ulceration on right buccal mucosa around mandibular 3rd molar area. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed relative large soft tissue mass on the infratemporal fossa and masseter muscle region. By the feature of T1-weighted and T2-weighted of MR imaging, we suspected this mass as a kind of myogenic sarcoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies established a definitive diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. A review of the literature was also presented.

TREATMENT OF PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMA ON PALATE: A CASE REPORT

Case Reports Of Osteosarcoma In Mandible

Sarcoma is a malignant tumor originated from bone, cartilage, fat tissue, nerve, blood vessel, bone marrow, endothelium, etc. and for this reason it exhibits considerable variation not only clinical but histologic appearance. Osteosarcoma occurs chiefly in young persons and in patients older than 40 years it is usually associated with Paget's disease, irradiated bone, multiple hereditary exostosis or polyostotoc fibrous dysplasia and sometimes with preceding trauma. Radiographically it is divided into three forms: an osteoblastic or sclerosing type, an osteolytic type, and mixed type. Histologically it is divided into osteoblastic type, chondroblastic type, fibroblastic type. The treatment of osteosarcoma is radical excision, combined chemotherapy but the prognosis is poor and overall 5-year survival rate is 20-40%. We present two different type sarcomas of 22-year-old male and 56-year-old male patients which we performed surgical excision, combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy.