Albizzia julibrissin Suppresses Testosterone-induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating 5α-Reductase Type 2 – Androgen Receptor Pathway

Albizzia julibrissin (AJ) is an herbal medicine that shows low toxicity, promotes promoting blood circulation and mitigates the inflammation and has mild side effects. Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases that occurs in older males and often results in lower urinary tract symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of AJ against BPH using LNCaP cells and Sprague Dawley rats treated with testosterone. Treatment with AJ extract reduced the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in vitro. In vivo, rats were divided into 6 groups: 1 (Normal Control); 2 (Testosterone propionate (TP) alone); 3 (TP + finasteride); 4 (TP + AJ 10 mg/kg); 5 (TP + AJ 50 mg/kg); 6 (TP + AJ 300 mg/kg). The groups treated with AJ showed reduced the relative prostate weights and BPH-related proteins were altered, with decreased AR, PSA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) observed by western blot. Histopathological analysis revealed the therapeutic effect of AJ, with a decreased thickness of epithelial cells and reduced level of PCNA and 5α-reductase type 2. These results suggest that AJ extract could ameliorate testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia.

NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 silencing modulates cytoprotection related protein expression in cisplatin cytotoxicity

NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) is a down-stream target gene of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and performs diverse biological functions. Recently, NQO1 is recognized as an effective gene for the cytotoxic inserts with its diverse biological functions, which is focused on antioxidant properties. The aim of present study was to assess the impact of NQO1 knockdown on cytoprotection-related protein expression in cisplatin cytotoxicity by using small interfering (si) RNA targeted on NQO1 gene. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin on ACHN cells was assessed in a dose- and time-dependent manner after siScramble or siNQO1 treatment. After cisplatin treatment, cells were subjected to cell viability assay, western-blot analysis, and immunofluorescence study. The cell viability was decreased in the siNQO1 cells (50%) than the siScramble cells (70%) after 24 h of cisplatin (20 µM) treatment. Moreover, cytoprotection-related protein expressions were markedly suppressed in the siNQO1 cells after cisplatin treatment. The expression of Nrf2 and Klotho were decreased by 20% and 40%, respectively, of that in siScramble cells. Nrf2 and Klotho activation were also decreased in cisplatin treated siNQO1 cells, confirmed by cytoplasm-to-nuclear translocation. Our findings demonstrate that the increased cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was accompanied by suppressed Nrf2 activation and Klotho expression in siNQO1 cells.

Giant Cell Tumor of the Mandible

A 53-year-old woman presented with left mandibular area pain, trismus, and facial numbness that had persisted for 4 years. Physical examination revealed a 3x5 cm, hard, non-tender, and round mass on the left mandibular area. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansile tumor involving the left mandibular ramus and temporomandibular joint area with bone destruction, extending to the base of middle cranial fossa and left zygomatic bone. The mass at the segment of left mandible and zygomatic bone, and base of middle cranial fossa was removed. Pathological examination of the mass revealed a giant cell tumor. The defect was reconstructed with iliac bone for the mandible and temporal bone and fascia for the cranial bone and dura. The case is described along with a review of the literature.

A Case of Cochlear Implantation in Otosclerosis Histologically Diagnosed / 대한이비인후과학회지

Otosclerosis is a localized disorder of bone metabolism involving the endochondral bone of the otic and labyrinthine capsule. Both "advanced" and "very advanced" otosclerosis refer to the state of otosclerotic involvement of the otic capsule, which has progressed to result in profound deafness with undetectable bone and air conduction thresholds. Shea et al. estimated that 1.6% of patients with otosclerosis had developed profound hearing losses, and that hearing improvements after stapes surgeries in these patients were lower than the case of "not-advanced" otosclerosis. Stapedectomy and hearing aid amplification could be tried, but cochlear implantation is an established intervention for patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss due to otosclerosis. Although the reported results of cochlear implantations in otosclerosis patients are not significantly different from those of other cochlear implantees not affected by otosclerosis, in former conditions, potential ossification of cochlea, facial nerve stimulation, and instability of the results might take place. We report a case of otosclerosis histologically diagnosed for the first time here in Korea, and for which cochlear implantation was successfully performed.

A Case of Otosclerosis with Meniere's Symptom / 대한평형의학회지

It has been postulated that otosclerosis may produce vertigo by several mechanisms. An association between otosclerosis and Meniere's disease has been proposed on both a clinical and histopathologic basis but the causal relationship is controversial. We report a case of bilateral otosclerosis in a man manifesting vertiginous symptoms. Fifty one year-old man was examined for rotational vertigo and poor hearing in his both ear for ten years. The audiogram revealed left sided hearing loss of a conductive type and right sided sensorineural hearing loss, and caloric asymmetry. Meniere's disease was suspected, but temporal bone CT showed low attenuated lesion around bilateral cochlear and semicircular canal. A diagnosis of otosclerosis was made. He was recommended sodium fluoride therapy. Severe endolymphatic hydrops manifesting itself as Meniere's disease can be the result of otosclerosis, so vertiginous and concurrent hearing symptoms should not be overlooked.

Successful Treatment of Tracheal Stenosis with Slide Tracheoplasty after the Failure of Resection with End-to-End Anastomosis

The combined effects of inhaled irritant gases and heat in burn patients can result in the development of laryngotracheal strictures. Several factors could adversely affect the development of tracheal stenosis and cause the growth of granulation tissue. Yet the current treatment options for this condition are limited because of the paucity of case reports. We report here on a case of a patient who experienced recurrent upper tracheal stenosis after an inhalation injury. She displayed repetitive symptoms of stenosis even after several laryngomicrosurgeries and resection with end-to-end anastomosis. Finally, 5 yr after the burn injury, slide tracheoplasty was successfully performed and the postoperative check-up findings and the increased airway volume seen on imaging were all satisfactory.