A Novel Method to Differentiate Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro into Estrogen-Secreting Cells

BACKGROUND@#The advantages of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) over other mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) include higher proliferation rates, various differentiation potentials, efficient immune-modulating capacity, and ease of obtainment. Specifically, TMSCs have been shown to differentiate into the endodermal lineage. Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis and is associated with higher incidences of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular attacks during the postmenopausal period. Therefore, stem cell-derived, estrogen-secreting cells might be used for estrogen deficiency. @*METHODS@#Here, we developed a novel method that utilizes retinoic acid, insulin-like growth factor-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and dexamethasone to evaluate the differentiating potential of TMSCs into estrogen-secreting cells. The efficacy of the novel differentiating method for generation of estrogen-secreting cells was also evaluated with bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs. @*RESULTS@#Incubating TMSCs in differentiating media induced the gene expression of cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), which plays a key role in estrogen biosynthesis, and increased 17b-estradiol secretion upon testosterone addition. Furthermore, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 gene expression levels were significantly increased in TMSCs. In bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived MSCs, this differentiation method also induced the gene expression of CYP19A1, but not CYP17A1, suggesting TMSCs are a superior source for estrogen secretion. @*CONCLUSION@#These results imply that TMSCs can differentiate into functional estrogen-secreting cells, thus providing a novel, alternative cell therapy for estrogen deficiency.

A Novel Method to Differentiate Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro into Estrogen-Secreting Cells

BACKGROUND@#The advantages of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) over other mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) include higher proliferation rates, various differentiation potentials, efficient immune-modulating capacity, and ease of obtainment. Specifically, TMSCs have been shown to differentiate into the endodermal lineage. Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis and is associated with higher incidences of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular attacks during the postmenopausal period. Therefore, stem cell-derived, estrogen-secreting cells might be used for estrogen deficiency. @*METHODS@#Here, we developed a novel method that utilizes retinoic acid, insulin-like growth factor-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and dexamethasone to evaluate the differentiating potential of TMSCs into estrogen-secreting cells. The efficacy of the novel differentiating method for generation of estrogen-secreting cells was also evaluated with bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs. @*RESULTS@#Incubating TMSCs in differentiating media induced the gene expression of cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), which plays a key role in estrogen biosynthesis, and increased 17b-estradiol secretion upon testosterone addition. Furthermore, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 gene expression levels were significantly increased in TMSCs. In bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived MSCs, this differentiation method also induced the gene expression of CYP19A1, but not CYP17A1, suggesting TMSCs are a superior source for estrogen secretion. @*CONCLUSION@#These results imply that TMSCs can differentiate into functional estrogen-secreting cells, thus providing a novel, alternative cell therapy for estrogen deficiency.

Expression of Alpha-catenin/E-cadherin and Clinical Significance of Metastatic Factors in Stage III Advanced Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: Among the cell adhesion molecules, alpha-catenin and E-cadherin play an important part in maintaining normal cell structure. The change in expression of cell adhesion molecules affects the invasion and metastasis of a tumor and the prognosis for patients. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the expression of cell adhesion molecules and the histopathologic characteristics of stage III colon cancer. METHODS: The relationship between the immunohistochemical expression of cell adhesion molecules and tumor progression were statistically analyzed in 40 patients with stage III colon cancer. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant correlations between loss of membranous alpha-catenin and E-cadherin expressions and such variables as histologic differentiation and lymph node disease based on the criteria of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). A significant correlation, however, existed between depth of mural invasion and loss of expressions of both alpha-catenin and E-cadherin (P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). Expressions of both alpha-catenin and E-cadherin were also significantly decreased in patients showing liver metastases during follow-up (P=0.019 and P=0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical analyses of alpha-catenin and E-cadherin expressions may be available as predictors for distant metastasis, especially in stage III colon cancer. Such analyses may also help to identify appropriate therapeutic strategies and the need for intensive follow-up in patients with stage III colon cancer.

Developmental Pattern and Treatment in Colon Diverticular Disease

PURPOSE: Colon diverticula has continuously increased in Korea. This study is to identify the changes in the developmental patterns of colon diverticula and in the methods of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients who were diagnosed colon diverticular disease and hospitalized at Red Cross Hospital from April 1994 to March 2005 were enrolled. This retrospective assessment was performed by analyzing the hospital records of clinical characteristics such as demographics (age, sex), physical findings, distribution of diverticula, diagnosis methods, applicable treatments depending on severity and the stage of the disease, and complications and recurrences with whether the patient underwent a emergency or an elective operation. RESULTS: The median age was 51.8 years, with 37 males and 29 females. Of the 66 cases, right-side colon diverticula was found in 47 cases, and left side in 15 cases. Transverse and descending colon diverticula occurred concurrently in 2 cases, with 2 entire colon cases. The median number of diverticula per patient was 4.6. Of the 29 operation cases, a right colectomy was done in 10 along with 6 appendectomy and diverticulectomy cases. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients, of these 6 occurred in patients who had undergone an emergency operation, and 1 in a patients who had undergone an elective operation; 6 in right colon diverticular disease, and 1 in left color diverticular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Colon diverticular disease has increased with noticeable increases in left side and both-sides diseases. A one-stage operation is mainly performed for surgical treatment while fewer undergo a two-stage operation. Post-operative complications occurred in 7 cases. Exact preoperative diagnosis and an elective operation that allows bowel preparation are regarded as more crucial factors than the extension of the operation in decreasing the developmental rate and the severity of postoperative complications.

Clinical Study and Factors Influencing Postoperative Morbidity in Perforated Peptic Ulcer Patients

PURPOSE: After the introduction of peptic ulcer medication, a marked decrease took place in the number of patients with uncomplicated peptic ulcers subjected to elective surgery. This decline, however, was not associated with a decrease in the number of patients admitted with peptic ulcer perforation. Also, the morbidity and mortality were increased because the perforated peptic ulcers mostly occurred in elderly patients with medical illnesses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative morbidity in patients with a perforated peptic ulcer. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2005, 110 consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for perforated peptic ulcer at Seoul Red Cross Hospital department of general surgery, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The overall morbidity and the mortality rates were 23.6 and 5.45%, respectively. The most common postoperative complication was postoperative ileus, followed by wound infections and pulmonary complications. The most common cause of death was sepsis. A univariate analysis showed sex, age, a delayed operation, site and size of perforation, the size of crater, comorbid diseases, and type and duration of operation were associated factors; however, the multivariate analysis showed age, a delayed operation, size of perforation, comorbid diseases, and type and duration of operation were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Age, a delayed operation, size of perforation, comorbid diseases, and type and duration of operation were independent risk factors for a perforated peptic ulcer. Therefore, to decrease the postoperative morbidity, comorbid diseases must be treated during the perioperative period, perforated peptic ulcer must be correctly diagnosed immediately and short time consuming operative procedures must be performed.

The Clinical Analysis of Colonic Diverticulitis Accompanying Acute Abdomen

PURPOSE: With the gradual changes in diet pattern, the incidence of diverticular disease have progressively increased. The diverticular disease including diverticulitis is difficult to diagnose prior to the operation as it mimics common acute abdominal conditions like acute appendicitis. Also, controversies abound as regards the optimal treatment, ranging from conservative treatment to colon resection. The aim of the present paper was to review diagnosis and treatment strategy followed by a clinical appraisal. METHODS: We studied retrospectively 101 patients who were diagnosed as colonic diverticulitis for 10 years period between January, 1991 and December, 2000 at Seoul Red Cross Hospital, Dept. of Surgery. RESULTS: There were 59 males and 42 females. The male to female ratio was 1.4 : 1. During admission, everyone complained abdominal pain as an initial symptom, especially on the right lower quadrant. The right colon was the most common site with single diverticulitis. The diagnosis of diverticulitis was performed by ultrasonography, CT scan, and colon study, barium enema, colonofiberscopy except in 17 cases which were diagnosed preoperatively having appendicitis. Two treatment groups were identified. Group I (n=48) received conservative treatment with or without appendectomy, while group II (n=53) underwent definitive surgery. Overall, there was no difference in clinical outcome except for the duration of antibiotics between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In treating uncomplicated diverticulitis, the conservative treatment should be considered at first. Conservative treatment with systemic antibiotics have resulted in a comparable outcome to that of the surgical group with low morbidity and low recurrence rate. Therefore, without serious complications such as hemorrhage, fistula, septic condition, inability to exclude carcinoma, clinical deterioration, young age, right colon diverticulitis, chronic stricture or the use of steroid, we propose that a conservative approach be adopted.

A Case of Gastric Volvulus in a 3-year-old Female / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Acute gastric volvulus is uncommon but surgically emergent. Normally, the stomach is held in position by four ligaments: gastrophrenic, gastrohepatic, gastrosplenic, and gastrocolic. In addition, relative fixation of the pylorus and esophagus provides further anchorage. A normal diaphragm also helps to prevent abnormal displacement of abdominal viscera and development of gastric volvulus. Volvulus may be organoaxial, mesenteroaxial, or a combination of both. Organoaxial volvulus is the rotation of the stomach around an axis extending from the hiatus of the diaphragm to the pylorus. Mesenteroaxial volvulus is the rotation of the stomach around an axis transecting the lesser and greater curvatures of the stomach. The symptoms of gastric volvulus depend on its type, the extent and degree of rotation and obstruction, and associated defects. Classic clinical features of acute gastric volvulus, as by Borchardt in 1904, include unproductive retching, acute, localized epigastric distention, and the inability to pass a NG tube. The Presence and severity of these features depend on the degree of gastric obstruction of both the gastroesophageal junction and pyloric outlet. It may be suspected on plain abdominal radiographs and usually confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series. Acute volvulus requires immediate surgical repair, fixation to avoid recurrence, and correction of any underlying anatomic abnormality. Any associate defect should be repaired and the stomach must be fixed. The authors report a case of an 3-year-old girl who had a mesenterioaxial gastric volvulus.

Results of Delorme's Procedure for Rectal Prolapse

PURPOSE: This retrospective study was designed to review and analyze the results of Delorme's procedure for rectal prolapse. METHODS: Between 1990 and 1999, twenty-nine patients with rectal prolapse underwent Delorme's procedure. These patients had had no previous operation for rectal prolapse. This study was proceeded retrospectively through the out-patient clinic and by telephone questionnare. RESULTS: Twelve cases (41%) were males and 17 cases (59%) were females. Mean age was 55.5 years (range, 23~86 years). The duration of the symptoms was ranged from 3 months to 60 years, with the mean period of 12.2 years. The follow-up period after the operation was from 3 months to 10 years (mean follow-up, 45 months). The internal rectal prolapses were 11 cases (38%), and the complete rectal prolapses were 18 cases (62%). The common preoperative bowel habits were incontinence with 6 cases (21%) and constipation with 10 cases (34%). After the operation, incontinence and constipation were improved in 4 cases (67%) and 6 cases (60%) respectively. Additional 2 cases of constipation occurred among 19 cases who hadn't had it preoperatively but the use of laxative helped in improving the symptom. The mean operation time was 71 minutes and in 24 cases (83%), the operation was proceeded with spinal anesthesia. In 27 cases (93%), the amount of bleeding during the operation was less than 100 cc, and in 1 case (3.4%), blood transfusion was needed because the amount was more than 400 cc. The three patients (10%) had postoperative complications(one perianal abscess due to anastomotic dehiscence and two urinary retention). There was one case of recurrence (3.4%) after the operation and no postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Delorme's procedure has the short operation time, causes less bleeding and is possible with regional anesthesia. Delorme's procedure has low complication rate, results in good bowel function and has a low recurrence rate. Therefore, Delorme's procedure can be performed with satisfactory outcome in elderly patients and the poor general conditioned patients as well as younger patients. As recurrence rates is low and continence is improved, this procedure may be the preferred initial treatment of all patients with rectal prolapse.

Management of Enterocutaneous Fistula

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to help access the treatment of enterocutaneous fistula patients. METHODS: We experienced 35 cases of enterocutaneous fistulas at Seoul Red Cross Hospital from January 1993 to December 1997 and we reviewed the patient's charts retrospectively. RESULTS: The ratio of men and women was 1.7 : 1. The most prevalent age group was the 7th decade (12 cases, 34.3%). The most frequent site of the enterocutaneous fistula was the large colon (11 cases,31.4%). The etiology of the all cases was postoperative complication. The most common underlying disease was malignancy (11 cases, 31.4%). The latent period of the fistula after an operation was most commonly 6 to 10 days (18 cases, 51.4%). Fistulography was the most accurate diagnostic method (90.9%). According to the amount of daily drainage, high output fistulas occurred in 10 cases (28.6%), and low output fistulas in 25 cases (71.4%). Twenty five (25) patients (71.4%) were treated conservatively, 10 patients (28.6%) were treated surgically. The methods of operation were bowel resection and anastomosis (6 cases), an fistulectomy (2 cases), and a bypass procedure (2 cases). The overall mortality was 3 cases (8.6%). The most common cause of death was sepsis and multiple organ failure. CONCLUSION: Prevention of an enterocutaneous fistula is of utmost importance, but once it occurs early detection, which is essential to improve the patient's general condition, avoidance of infection, and proper judgment as to the time of operation are important to the survival rate.

Clinical Review of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Gallstones have been one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases to surgeons which open cholecystectomy has been the standard operation for the past one hundred years. Recently, operations with a laparoscope have become popular and are spreading worldwide. METHODS: A clinical analysis of 200 cases who had been treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease in Seoul Red Cross Hospital for 4 years from July 1993 to June 1997 was done according to age, sex, advantage, and complication. RESULTS: The results were as follows. 1) Among the 200 cases, there were 69 male patients and 131 female patients, with a female to male ratio of 1.9:1. The most prevalent age group was the 6th decade with 59 cases (29.5%) and the 7th decade with 43 cases (21.5%), the 5th decade with 41 cases (20.5%) and the 4th decade with 29 cases (14.5%) in order of frequency. 2) The associated diseases were hypertension with 25 cases (12.5%), diabetes mellitus with 12 cases (6.0%), cardiopulmonary disease with 11 cases (5.5%), and hepatitis with 10 cases (5.0%) in order of frequency. 3) The cases of previous abdominal operations were 75 cases (37.5%). The most frequent operations were appendectomy with 33 cases (16.5%), C-section with 12 cases (6.0%), laparoscopic tubal ligation with 11 cases (5.5%), salphingo- oophorectomy with 8 cases (4.0%) and T.A.H with 8 cases (4.0%) in order of frequency. 4) The most frequent pathologic diagnosis was chronic cholecystitis with 187 cases (93.5%). 5) The operation time ranged from 30-180 minutes with an average of 81 minutes. The operation time for the first 10 cases was 77 minutes, but it was been reduced to 58 minutes in the last 10 cases. 6) Conversion to an open cholecystectomy during the operation was done in 6 cases (3.0%), and the cause of conversion were uncontrolled bleeding with 2 cases (1.0%), severe adhesion with 2 cases (1.0%) and GB empyema with 2 cases (1.0%). 7) Postoperative analgesics were needed in 81 cases (40.5%) on the operative day, 71 cases (35.5%) on the 1st postoperative day, 26 cases (12.5%) on the 2nd postoperative day, 6 cases (3.0%) on the 3rd postoperative day, and 3 cases (1.5%) on the 4th postoperative day, and the use of analgesics was reduced as times went by. 8) The length of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 10 day with an average of 4.13 day, and 74 cases (37.0%) experienced a 3 to 6 day hospitalization, which was the most common hospital stay. 9) The total postoperative complication rate was 5.0% (n=10) with 2 cases (1.0%) of wound infection and 2 cases (1.0%) of ileus, and there was no postoperative mortality.

Fournier's Gangrene

Fournier's gangrene is a rare malignant surgical infection of the perineum, scrotum, and low abdominal areas. It usually occurs after anorectal infections, genitourinary infections, and traumatic injuries. We experienced 12 cases of Fournier's gangrene from 1988 to 1996; the mean age was 60.25 years with an age range of 30 to 83, and the male to female ratio was 11 :1. The most common disease associated with Fournier's gangrene was Diabetes mellitus, 3 cases (27.2%), and the most common cause of the gangrene was perianal abscess, 6 cases (54.5%). We do aggressive surgical debridement combined with a broad spectrum antibiotics therapy on all patients. There were two colostomy cases:one involved severe perianal tissue necrosis; the other was a in rectal cancer perforation. The most commonly cultured organism was E. coli, 5 cases (41.6%). There was one mortality; that patient was died from Adult respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis on the 13th admission days. The average number of admission days were 54.25 days. The mortality from Fournier's gangrene is still high; thus, an important factor in treatment is the suspicion of this disease entity, and examination under anesthesia with aggressive surgical debridement with massive systemic antibiotic therapies is essential.

Fournier's Gangrene

Fournier's gangrene is a rare malignant surgical infection of the perineum, scrotum, and low abdominal areas. It usually occurs after anorectal infections, genitourinary infections, and traumatic injuries. We experienced 12 cases of Fournier's gangrene from 1988 to 1996; the mean age was 60.25 years with an age range of 30 to 83, and the male to female ratio was 11 :1. The most common disease associated with Fournier's gangrene was Diabetes mellitus, 3 cases (27.2%), and the most common cause of the gangrene was perianal abscess, 6 cases (54.5%). We do aggressive surgical debridement combined with a broad spectrum antibiotics therapy on all patients. There were two colostomy cases:one involved severe perianal tissue necrosis; the other was a in rectal cancer perforation. The most commonly cultured organism was E. coli, 5 cases (41.6%). There was one mortality; that patient was died from Adult respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis on the 13th admission days. The average number of admission days were 54.25 days. The mortality from Fournier's gangrene is still high; thus, an important factor in treatment is the suspicion of this disease entity, and examination under anesthesia with aggressive surgical debridement with massive systemic antibiotic therapies is essential.

A comparative study of DNA ploidy pattern by flow cytometry and AG-NORs in colon adenocarcinoma

No abstract available.

A clinical study of thyroid nodules

No abstract available.

Clinical review of the acute appendicitis in patients over the age of 60

No abstract available.

Primary malignant lymphoma of the appendix: one case report and review of literature

No abstract available.

A clinical study on acute appendicitis in children

No abstract available.

A clinical study of traumatic hemoperitoneum

No abstract available.

Stercoraceous Ulcer of the Cecum: A case report / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Stercoraceous ulcerations of the colon are produced by hard fecaloma that collect in the coton. Bleeding and more seriously perforation are complications of these ulcerations. These are generally thought to be rare, but this may reflect the difficulty of establishing the diagnosis, both before and during operation. This disease is relatively neglected as well. This is reflected by the small number of case reported in the literature. Authors report a case of stercoraceous ulcer of cecum which confirmed under the colonofiberscopy and managed in the Department of General Surgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University,