Rosiglitazone, a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma Agonist, Restores Alveolar and Pulmonary Vascular Development in a Rat Model of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

PURPOSE: We tested whether rosiglitazone (RGZ), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist, can restore alveolar development and vascular growth in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat model of BPD was induced through intra-amniotic delivery of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and postnatal hyperoxia (80% for 7 days). RGZ (3 mg/kg/d, i.p.) or vehicle was given daily to rat pups for 14 days. This model included four experimental groups: No BPD+vehicle (V), No BPD+RGZ, BPD+V, and BPD+RGZ. On D14, alveolarization, lung vascular density, and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were evaluated. RESULTS: Morphometric analysis revealed that the BPD+RGZ group had significantly smaller and more complex airspaces and larger alveolar surface area than the BPD+V group. The BPD+RGZ group had significantly greater pulmonary vascular density than the BPD+V group. Western blot analysis revealed that significantly decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR-2 by the combined exposure to intra-amniotic LPS and postnatal hyperoxia were restored by the RGZ treatment. RVH was significantly lesser in the BPD+RGZ group than in the BPD+V group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RGZ can restore alveolar and pulmonary vascular development and lessen pulmonary hypertension in a rat model of BPD.

Proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii Suppresses Host Cell Autophagy

Autophagy is a process of cytoplasmic degradation of endogenous proteins and organelles. Although its primary role is protective, it can also contribute to cell death. Recently, autophagy was found to play a role in the activation of host defense against intracellular pathogens. The aims of our study was to investigate whether host cell autophagy influences Toxoplasma gondii proliferation and whether autophagy inhibitors modulate cell survival. HeLa cells were infected with T. gondii with and without rapamycin treatment to induce autophagy. Lactate dehydrogenase assays showed that cell death was extensive at 36-48 hr after infection in cells treated with T. gondii with or without rapamycin. The autophagic markers, LC3 II and Beclin 1, were strongly expressed at 18-24 hr after exposure as shown by Western blotting and RT-PCR. However, the subsequent T. gondii proliferation suppressed autophagy at 36 hr post-infection. Pre-treatment with the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), down-regulated LC3 II and Beclin 1. The latter was also down-regulated by calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor. Monodansyl cadaverine (MDC) staining detected numerous autophagic vacuoles (AVs) at 18 hr post-infection. Ultrastructural observations showed T. gondii proliferation in parasitophorous vacuoles (PVs) coinciding with a decline in the numbers of AVs by 18 hr. FACS analysis failed to confirm the presence of cell apoptosis after exposure to T. gondii and rapamycin. We concluded that T. gondii proliferation may inhibit host cell autophagy and has an impact on cell survival.

Evaluation of sexual function and problem in Korean women Using BISF-W questionnaire / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sexual function and problems of the Korean women. METHODS: We use BISW-F questionnaire for outpatients visiting department of OBGYn in St, Mary's hospital during 1, March, 2001-30, Jun, 2001. RESULTS: Problems affecting sexual function are elevated in premenopaused women after hysterectomy. Non-hormone replacement therapy group of post menopaused women show increased sexual desire, orgasm and relationship satisfaction opposed to hormone replacement therapy group. CONCLUSION: Premenopaused women think hysterectomy make some problem in their sexual function. Hormone replacement therapy is good to sexual function in post menopaused women.

A Comparative Study of Obese Children and Normal Children on Dietary Intake and Environmental Factors at an Elementary School in Inchon / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this survey was to investigate the relationship among obese children, dietary intake and environmental factors. Therefore, this survey compared obese children with normal children on dietary intake and environmental factors. The survey were 110 obese children and 110 normal children whose age, height, and sex were same as the obese children of 21 elementary school in Inchon. The statistical analysis of data was completed using SAS program. The results were summarized as follows : 1) The student's obesity was related to parent's obesity and number of their siblings. There were significant differences between obese groups and normal group for these two factors. 2) Meal time of the obese group showed more irregularity than that of the normal group. Otherwise, the normal group were more "piclity" about special food than the obese group(p<0.05). Also obese children showed unconsious eating while reading or watching TV(p<0.01). The normal group attended physical education class more eagerily the obese group(p<0.001). There was no significant difference between obese children and normal children for learning habits. 3) Obese children shoed higher intake of nutrients compared to normal children. Among all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins showed significant differences. Therefore, further study on obese children and their intake of minerals and vitamin is needed. Also, in order to prevent factors which influence obesity, nutrition education at home as well as school was needed.