Possible Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Central Nerve System

Technological advances of mankind, through the development of electrical and communication technologies, have resulted in the exposure to artificial electromagnetic fields (EMF). Technological growth is expected to continue; as such, the amount of EMF exposure will continue to increase steadily. In particular, the use-time of smart phones, that have become a necessity for modern people, is steadily increasing. Social concerns and interest in the impact on the cranial nervous system are increased when considering the area where the mobile phone is used. However, before discussing possible effects of radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on the human body, several factors must be investigated about the influence of EMFs at the level of research using in vitro or animal models. Scientific studies on the mechanism of biological effects are also required. It has been found that RF-EMF can induce changes in central nervous system nerve cells, including neuronal cell apoptosis, changes in the function of the nerve myelin and ion channels; furthermore, RF-EMF act as a stress source in living creatures. The possible biological effects of RF-EMF exposure have not yet been proven, and there are insufficient data on biological hazards to provide a clear answer to possible health risks. Therefore, it is necessary to study the biological response to RF-EMF in consideration of the comprehensive exposure with regard to the use of various devices by individuals. In this review, we summarize the possible biological effects of RF-EMF exposure.

Alterations in Spontaneous Movement, Corticosterone, and Cytokines in Mice Exposed to 835 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation / 체질인류학회지

Although commercialization of mobile phones has raised much concerns about the effects of radiofrequency radiation on the human body, few experimental studies have been conducted on the effects of radiofrequency radiation on physiological homeostasis, immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, we presently investigated the effect of 835 MHz radiofrequency radiation on spontaneous wheel exercise, hormone and cytokines levels in the plasm of mice. Mice were divided into 4 groups as control, exercise, radiofrequency radiation, radiofrequency radiation & exercise group. The body weight, corticosterone and blood cytokine levels were checked for 10 weeks. Followed by the exposure to radiofrequency radiation for 6 hours a day, the more increase in body weight was observed in the radiofrequency radiation & exercise group than in the spontaneous exercise group. When the amount of spontaneous exercise was measured for 10 weeks, the amount of exercise was increased in the both control and spontaneous exercise group, while the amount of exercise was decreased in the radiofrequency radiation group. To determine whether the homeostasis, immune and inflammatory responses are indirectly affected by radiofrequency radiation exposure, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 (p70), TNF-α, IFNγ, and GM-CSF were measured by ELISA kit, respectively. As a result, the blood levels of IL-6, IL-12 (p70) and TNF-α in the spontaneous exercise group were higher than that of control group, and each cytokine levels in the radiofrequency radiation & exercise group were lower than that of control group. However, the corticosterone, IL-1β, IFNγ and GM-CSF didn't show statistically significant differences in all groups. It has been confirmed that exposure to high frequency electromagnetic waves for a long time can affect the amount of exercise, body weight, and some inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12 (p70) and TNF-α.

The distribution of calbindin-D28k, parvalbumin, and calretinin immunoreactivity in the inferior colliculus of circling mouse / 대한해부학회지

The circling mice with tmie gene mutation are known as an animal deafness model, which showed hyperactive circling movement. Recently, the reinvestigation of circling mouse was performed to check the inner ear pathology as a main lesion of early hearing loss. In this trial, the inner ear organs were not so damaged to cause the hearing deficit of circling (cir/cir) mouse at 18 postnatal day (P18) though auditory brainstem response data indicated hearing loss of cir/cir mice at P18. Thus, another mechanism may be correlated with the early hearing loss of cir/cir mice at P18. Hearing loss in the early life can disrupt the ascending and descending information to inferior colliculus (IC) as integration site. There were many reports that hearing loss could result in the changes in Ca²⁺ concentration by either cochlear ablation or genetic defect. However, little was known to be reported about the correlation between the pathology of IC and Ca²⁺ changes in circling mice. Therefore, the present study investigated the distribution of calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs), calbindin-D28k, parvalbumin, and calretinin immunoreactivity (IR) in the IC to compare among wild-type (+/+), heterozygous (+/cir), and homozygous (cir/cir) mice by immunohistochemistry. The decreases of CaBPs IR in cir/cir were statistically significant in the neurons as well as neuropil of IC. Thus, this study proposed overall distributional alteration of CaBPs IR in the IC caused by early hearing defect and might be helpful to elucidate the pathology of central auditory disorder related with Ca²⁺ metabolism.

Comparison of Injury Patterns between All-terrain Vehicles and Motorbike Riders in Jeju Island

PURPOSE: As the usage rate of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) the number of injuries caused by ATVs is also surging. This has led to an increase in social attention to the safety of ATVs and the law for ATV safety standards was revised in 2009 and 2011. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of ATV injury compared with motorbike injury after implementation of the ATV safety policy. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional observation study was conducted using emergent department (ED)-based indepth injury surveillance system data from 2011 January to 2014 December. Demographics, injury-related characteristics, injury severity, and outcomes of patients related to ATV and motorbike injury visiting our ED were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used for major adverse event (MAE), which was defined as any intensive care, emergent operation, or death between ATV and motorbike related injury adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 101 ATV- and 584 motorbike-related injuries. Females had more ATV-related injuries (63.4% vs 32.9%, p<0.001) during leisure activities (93.1%) with higher helmet usage (73.3% vs 62.0%, p=0.01) and lower usage in terms of emergency medical service (23.8% vs 46.4%, p<0.001), automobile insurance (10.9% vs 54.1%, p<0.001) compared with motorbike-related injuries. MAE in ATV-related injuries was less likely in a univariate logistic model (unadjusted odd ratios [ORs] 0.489, 95% confidential intervals [Cis] 0.282 to 0.848), but the multivariate logistic model showed no significant difference (adjusted ORs 1.018, 95% CIs 0.376 to 1.414). CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed no significant difference in occurrence of clinical major adverse events between motorbikes and ATVs-related injury on Jeju Island. However, considering the high injury prevalence in young age, female, and passengers during leisure activities, development of an education and injury prevention program will be needed for this vulnerable population.

Alteration of Striatal Tetrahydrobiopterin in Iron-Induced Unilateral Model of Parkinson's Disease

It has been suggested that transition metal ions such as iron can produce an oxidative injuries to nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, like Parkinson's disease (PD) and subsequent compensative increase of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) during the disease progression induces the aggravation of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in striatum. It had been established that the direct administration of BH4 into neuron would induce the neuronal toxicity in vitro. To elucidate a role of BH4 in pathogenesis in the PD in vivo, we assessed the changes of dopamine (DA) and BH4 at striatum in unilateral intranigral iron infused PD rat model. The ipsistriatal DA and BH4 levels were significantly increased at 0.5 to 1 d and were continually depleting during 2 to 7 d after intranigral iron infusion. The turnover rate of BH4 was higher than that of DA in early phase. However, the expression level of GTP-cyclohydrolase I mRNA in striatum was steadily increased after iron administration. These results suggest that the accumulation of intranigral iron leads to generation of oxidative stress which damage to dopaminergic neurons and causes increased release of BH4 in the dopaminergic neuron. The degenerating dopaminergic neurons decrease the synthesis and release of both BH4 and DA in vivo that are relevance to the progression of PD. Based on these data, we propose that the increase of BH4 can deteriorate the disease progression in early phase of PD, and the inhibition of BH4 increase could be a strategy for PD treatment.

Differential Effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine on Motor Behavior and Dopamine Levels at Brain Regions in Three Different Mouse Strains

Developing an animal model for a specific disease is very important in the understanding of the underlying mechanism of the disease and allows testing of newly developed new drugs before human application. However, which of the plethora of experimental animal species to use in model development can be perplexing. Administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a very well known method to induce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in mice. But, there is very limited information about the different sensitivities to MPTP among mouse strains. Here, we tested three different mouse strains (C57BL/6, Balb-C, and ICR) as a Parkinsonian model by repeated MPTP injections. In addition to behavioral analysis, endogenous levels of dopamine and tetrahydrobiopterin in mice brain regions, such as striatum, substantia nigra, and hippocampus were directly quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Repeated administrations of MPTP significantly affected the moving distances and rearing frequencies in all three mouse strains. The endogenous dopamine concentrations and expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase were significantly decreased after the repeated injections, but tetrahydrobiopterin did not change in analyzed brain regions. However, susceptibilities of the mice to MPTP were differed based on the degree of behavioral change, dopamine concentration in brain regions, and expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, with C57BL/6 and Balb-C mice being more sensitive to the dopaminergic neuronal toxicity of MPTP than ICR mice.

Anti-Depressant Like Effect of Methyl Gallate Isolated from Acer barbinerve in Mice

In the present study, the anti-depressant like effect of methyl gallate (MG) isolated from the stem bark of Acer barbinerve was examined in ICR mice. Body weight (BDW) and blood glucose (BDG) levels significantly decreased in the repeated restraint stress (RRS) group (2 h/day for 14 days) compared to the no stress (NS) group. To examine the effect of MG on RS-induced BDW loss and hypoglycemia, MG (10 mg/kg) and the anti-depressant fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) were administered daily for 14 days. Orally administered MG and fluoxetine significantly attenuated the RS-induced BDW loss and hypoglycemia. Interestingly, MG administered mice showed increased BDG levels in the normal and glucose feeding condition. Chronic RS-subjected mice showed immobilized and depressed behaviors. The effect of MG on the depressed behaviors was evaluated using the tail-suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST). In both tests, RS-induced immobilized behaviors were significantly reversed in MG and fluoxetine administered groups. Taken together, MG significantly attenuated the RS-induced BDW loss, hypoglycemia, and depressed behaviors. Considering that decreased BDG levels (hypoglycemia) can cause depression, MG may exert its anti-depressant like effect by preventing hypoglycemia. Our results suggest that MG isolated from A. barbinerve can exert anti-depressant like effect, and could be used as a new and natural anti-depressant therapy.

Effect of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb Extract on the Antinociception and Mechanisms in Mouse

In the present study, the antinociceptive profiles of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract were examined in ICR mice. Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract administered orally (200 mg/kg) showed an antinociceptive effect as measured by the tail-flick and hot-plate tests. In addition, Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract attenuated the writhing numbers in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Furthermore, the cumulative nociceptive response time for intrathecal (i.t.) injection of substance P (0.7 microg) was diminished by Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment with yohimbine (alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) attenuated antinociceptive effect induced by Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract in the writhing test. However, naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) or methysergide (5-HT serotonergic receptor antagonist) did not affect antinociception induced by Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract in the writhing test. Our results suggest that Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract shows an antinociceptive property in various pain models. Furthermore, this antinociceptive effect of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract may be mediated by alpha2-adrenergic receptor, but not opioidergic and serotonergic receptors.

Lactosylceramide Mediates the Expression of Adhesion Molecules in TNF-alpha and IFNgamma-stimulated Primary Cultured Astrocytes

Here we have investigated how lactosylceramide (LacCer) modulates gene expression of adhesion molecules in TNF-alpha and IFNgamma (CM)-stimulated astrocytes. We have observed that stimulation of astrocytes with CM increased the gene expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. D-Threo-1-phenyl- 2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP) and N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NBDNJ), inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase (GLS) and LacCer synthase (galactosyltransferase, GalT-2), inhibited the gene expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and activation of their gene promoter induced by CM, which were reversed by exogenously supplied LacCer. Silencing of GalT-2 gene using its antisense oligonucleotides also attenuated CM-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, which were reversed by LacCer. PDMP treatment and silencing of GalT-2 gene significantly reduced CM-induced luciferase activities in NF-KB, AP-1, GAS, and STAT-3 luciferase vectors-transfected cells. In addition, LacCer reversed the inhibition of NF-KB and STAT-1 luciferase activities by PDMP. Taken together, our results suggest that LacCer may play a crucial role in the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 via modulating transcription factors, such as NF-KB, AP-1, STAT-1, and STAT-3 in CM-stimulated astrocytes.

Neuroprotective Effect of Visnagin on Kainic Acid-induced Neuronal Cell Death in the Mice Hippocampus

Visnagin (4-methoxy-7-methyl-5H-furo[3,2-g][1]-benzopyran-5-one), which is an active principle extracted from the fruits of Ammi visnaga, has been used as a treatment for low blood-pressure and blocked blood vessel contraction by inhibition of calcium influx into blood cells. However, the neuroprotective effect of visnagin was not clearly known until now. Thus, we investigated whether visnagin has a neuroprotective effect against kainic acid (KA)-induced neuronal cell death. In the cresyl violet staining, pre-treatment or post-treatment visnagin (100 mg/kg, p.o. or i.p.) showed a neuroprotective effect on KA (0.1 microgram) toxicity. KA-induced gliosis and proinflammatory marker (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and COX-2) inductions were also suppressed by visnagin administration. These results suggest that visnagin has a neuroprotective effect in terms of suppressing KA-induced pathogenesis in the brain, and that these neuroprotective effects are associated with its anti-inflammatory effects.

Activation of PPARalpha Attenuates IFNgamma and IL-1beta-induced Cell Proliferation in Astrocytes: Involvement of IL-6 Independent Pathway

The present study demonstrates the effect of fibrates, agonists of PPARalpha on cytokines-induced proliferation in primary cultured astrocytes. Alone or combination treatment with cytokines, such as IL-1beta (10 ng/ml), IFNgamma (10 ng/ml), and TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml) cause a significant increase of cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. Treatment of astrocytes with bezafibrate and fenofibrate (0, 5, and 10 micrometer) reduced the IFNgamma and IL-1beta-induced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. To address the involvement of IL-6 on the IFNgamma and IL-1beta-induced cell proliferation, released IL-6 level was measured. IFNgamma and IL-1beta cause an increase of released IL-6 protein level in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, pretreatment with IL-6 antibody (0, 0.1, 1, 2.5, and 5 ng/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the IFNgamma and IL-1beta-induced cell proliferation. However, bezafibrate and fenofibrate did not affect increased mRNA and protein levels of IL-6 in IFNgamma and IL-1beta-stimulated astrocytes. Taken together, these results clearly suggest that activation of PPARalpha attenuates the IFNgamma and IL-1beta-induced cell proliferation through IL-6 independent pathway.

Antinociception Effect and Mechanisms of Campanula Punctata Extract in the Mouse

In the present study, the antinociceptive profiles of Campanula punctata extract were examined in ICR mice. The Campanula punctata contain a large dose of saponin. Campanula punctata extract administered orally (200 mg/kg) showed an antinociceptive effect as measured by the tail-flick and hot-plate tests. In addition, Campanula punctata extract attenuated the writhing numbers in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Furthermore, the cumulative nociceptive response time for intrathecal (i.t.) injection of substance P (0.7 microgram) was diminished by Campanula punctata extract. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment with yohimbine (alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) attenuated antinociceptive effect induced by Campanula punctata extract in the writhing test. However, naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) or methysergide (5-HT serotonergic receptor antagonist) did not affect antinociception induced by Campanula punctata extract in the writhing test. Our results suggest that Campanula punctata extract shows an antinociceptive property in various pain models. Furthermore, this antinociceptive effect of Campanula punctata extract may be mediated by alpha2-adrenergic receptor, but not opioidergic and serotonergic receptors.

Antidepressant-like Effect of Kaempferol and Quercitirin, Isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten

Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten. is widely cultivated in Jeju Island (South Korea) for use in manufacture of health foods. This study described antidepressant effect of two flavonoids (kaempferol and quercitrin) isolated from the Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten. The expression of the hypothalamic POMC mRNA or plasma beta-endorphin levels were increased by extract of Opintia ficus-indica var. saboten or its flavoniods administered orally. In addition, antidepressant activity was studied using tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST) and rota-rod test in chronically restraint immobilization stress group in mice. After restraint stress (2 hrs/day for 14 days), animals were kept in cage for 14 days without any further stress, bet with drugs. Mice were fed with a diet supplemented for 14 days and during the behavioral test period with kaempferol or quercitrin (30 mg/kg/day). POMC mRNA or plasma beta-endorphin level was increased by extract of Opintia ficus-indica var. saboten and its flavoniods. In addition, immobility time in TST and FST was significantly reduced by kaempferol or quercitrin. In rota-rod test, the time of permanence was maintained to the semblance of control group in turning at 15 rpm. Our results suggest that two flavonoids (kaempferol and quercitrin) isolated from the Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten. show a potent antidepressant effect.

Affection of Wnt/beta-catenin in Titanium Particles Challenged Osteoblasts / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The intracellular mechanisms that lead to periprosthetic osteolysis including impaired bone forming activity of osteoblast remain incompletely characterized. To determine the possibility that Ti-particles play a role to regulate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in impaired osteogenesis, we analyzed the stability of beta-catenin and the transcriptional changes of regulators for Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ti-particles were prepared by sterilizing and counted on the microscopy. Transcriptional changes of OPG, RANKL, LRP5, LRP6, DKK1 and sFRP2 were determined by real-time RTPCR. Protein level of beta-catenin and GSK3beta was detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: After 4 hours of treatment of Ti-particles, OPG/RANKL mRNA ratio was significantly decreased. And also, decreased protein levels of beta-catenin and phospho-GSK3beta were detected. Using immunofluorescence stain, it was confirmed that Ti-particles suppressed nucleus staining of beta-catenin induced by Wnt3a conditioned medium. The results of real-time RT-PCR showed reduced level of LRP5 and LRP6 transcripts, and induced level of DKK1 and sFRP2 transcripts by challenging of Ti-particles CONCLUSION: Our report suggests that Ti-particles may play a crucial role in the regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in osteoblast through the transcriptional changes of membrane receptors and extracellular inhibitors for Wnt.

The comparison of cephalometric measurements between measuring methods in digital and conventional lateral cephalometric radiograph / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To compare cephalometric measurement between measuring methods in digital and conventional lateral cephalometric radiograph. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty digital and conventional lateral cephalometric radiographs were selected. In digital group, cephalometric measurements were performed manually using hardcopies and automatically using VCeph(TM) program on the monitor. In conventional group, the same measurements were performed manually on conventional films, and for automatic measurement conventional films were digitized by scanner. All measurements were performed twice by 4 observers, and 24 cephalometric variables were calculated and the time spent for each measurement was recorded. The differences in measurements data and the time spent for each measurement were compared within each group. Intra-observer and inter-observer comparisons were performed. RESULTS: In both groups, no statistically significant difference between manual and automatic measurements was observed and most of the variables didn't show statistically significant differences between methods. The observer with less experience tended to show statistically significant differences of measurements between methods, and differences from other observers. The differences of measurements between methods in digital group were lesser than those of conventional group with statistical significance in 8 variables out of 24. With automatic method and in digital group, the spent time was shorter. CONCLUSION: With direct digital radiograph, automatic method using manually idenitified landmarks can be preferable in cephalometric analysis.

Relation of the radiologic findings and labeling index of Ki-67, PCNA and cytokeratin in unicystic ameloblastoma, dentigerous cyst and odontogenic keratocyst / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the proliferation potential of the epithelial cells between unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), dentigerous cyst (DC), and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and to correlate this proliferation potential with the radiographic features of these three pathoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of PCNA, Ki-67, and cytokeratin as a proliferation marker were assessed for 15 cases of UA, 15 cases of DC, and 15 cases of OKC. The degree of immunochemical expression of three proliferation markers were correlated with the radiographic features, especially cortical expansion (negative and positive) and shape of border (scalloped and round). RESULTS: Using PCNA and Ki-67, OKC showed the highest proliferation potential and UA the lowest. Statistically significant differences were found between the OKC and the UA (p< 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was present according to the radiographic features in all pathoses. Using cytokeratin, there was no significant differences of proliferation potential among three pathoses. CONCLUSIONS: OKC epithelium has the most intense proliferation potential, followed by the dentigeous cyst and then unicystic ameloblastoma. There is no significant relation between the radiographic features and the proliferation potential of epithelium of these three pathoses.

Evaluation of masticatory muscles of mandibular asymmetry patients by computed tomography / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the size of the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscle between the affected and the unaffected side of the patients who have the chief complaints of the mandibular asymmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty two patients (male: 4, female: 18, average age: 21.3 year-old) were radiographed using posterior-anterior (P-A) cephalography and computed tomography (CT). On P-A cephalography, the degree of deviation was determined by the distance from the mentum to the vertical reference line through the crista galli and the anterior nasal spine. On the scanned tracing papers of the maximum cross-sectional area of the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscle using axial CT images, the pixel number was measured. The ratio of the affected : unaffected sides were obtained. For the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscle, the relationship between the muscular volume and degree of skeletal hypoplasia was studied. RESULTS: The half cases showed no skeletal asymmetry. The lateral pterygoid muscle of the affected side was larger significantly than unaffected side (p.0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two sides in the cases of skeletal asymmetry. There was only significant difference in the cases without skeletal asymmetry (p.0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To some extent, the slight mandibular hypoplasia could affect the growth of some masticatory muscles.

The relationships between panoramic indices and dental implant failure / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: Several panoramic indices have been suggested to assess bone quality from the morphology and width of mandibular cortex on panoramic radiography. The purpose of this study was to compare dental implant failure group with control group in panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical index (MCI), and gonion index (GI) and to determine the effect of these panoramic indices on dental implant failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was designed. Test group (n = 42) consisted of the patients who had their implants extracted because of peri-implantitis. Control group (n = 139) consisted of the patients who retained their implants over one year without any pathologic changes and had been followed up periodically. They had dental implants installed in their mandibles without bone augmentation surgery from 1991 to 2001. The following measures were collected for each patients: 1) PMI, MCI, and GI were measured twice at one-week interval on preoperative panoramic views; and 2) age, sex, implant length, implant type, installed location, occluding dentition state, and complication were investigated from the chart record. RESULTS: The PMI showed moderate level of repeatability. The intra-observer agreement of MCI and GI were good. There was statistically significant difference in PMI between two groups. There were significant different patterns of distribution of MCI and GI between two groups. Among the panoramic indices, PMI and MCI showed significant correlation with dental implant failure. CONCLUSION: Panoramic indices can be used as reference data in estimating bone quality of edentulous patients who are to have implants installed in their mandibles.

Benign neurilemmoma in the infratemporal fossa involving maxillary sinus and pterygopalatine fossa / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

Neurilemmoma is a benign tumor of the nerve sheath that arises on cranial and spinal nerve roots as well as along the course of peripheral nerves. A case of a neurilemmoma that arose in the left infratemporal fossa of a 29-year-old male was presented. Plain radiographs, enhanced computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large, well-circumscribed, heterogeneously enhanced mass with extension into the pterygopalatine fossa. Displaced by the large mass, bowing-in of the posterior maxillary antral wall was noted and a provisional diagnosis of a benign soft tissue tumor was made. The mass was completely excised and a diagnosis of neurilemmoma was confirmed.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: a report of three cases / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a pleomorphic soft tissue sarcoma. Three cases of MFH were reported in our study. The first case involved in the right infratemporal fossa of a 32-year-old female was presented. MR imaging revealed a 5.0x3.3 cm soft tissue mass of inhomogeneous high signal intensity. The second case was found in the right hard palate of a 66-year-old male. CT demonstrated bone destruction and MR imaging showed a 4x4 cm sized soft tissue mass of heterogeneous high signal intensity. The final case was found in the left masticator space of a 37-year-old male. The CT image showed a large mass with massive bone destruction of the left mandibular ramus, while the MRI displayed a soft tissue mass, 8 cm diameter. Our cases exhibited the general features of MFH. MRI is essential in the imaging of MFH, namely to depict tumor borders and demonstrate relationships with adjacent structures.