Effect of Korean Herbal Formula (Modified Ojayeonjonghwan) on Androgen Receptor Expression in an Aging Rat Model of Late Onset Hypogonadism

PURPOSE: Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) despite a few contraindications and side-effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether modified Ojayeonjonghwan (KH-204, Korean herbal formula) improved LOH. KH-204 is a strong antioxidant herbal formula. We evaluated the effect of Korean herbal prescription on androgen receptor (AR) expression in an aged rat model of LOH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen-month-old rats were used as aged LOH rat models. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three equal groups of six animals each and treated with one of the following: 1) normal control group (oral administration with distilled water, n=6), 2) KH-204 200 group (oral administration with 200 mg/kg of KH-204, n=6), and 3) KH-204 400 group (oral administration with 400 mg/kg of KH-204, n=6). After four weeks of treatment (once daily, distilled water or KH-204), serum testosterone levels, changes in testicular and epididymal weight, Western blotting analysis of AR expression and measurement of oxidative stress were examined. RESULTS: Treatment with the herbal formulation KH-204 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (1) increased the weights of testis and epididymis; (2) increased the level of serum testosterone; (3) increased the level of superoxide dismutase and reduced the level of 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine; and (4) upregulated AR expression in testicular tissue. CONCLUSIONS: KH-204 might be an effective alternative for LOH. It improves antioxidant mechanisms and increases testicular AR expression without side-effects.

Longevity and Stress Resistant Property of 6-Gingerol from Zingiber officinale Roscoe in Caenorhabditis elegans

In order to discover lifespan-extending compounds made from natural resources, activity-guided fractionation of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) ethanol extract was performed using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model system. The compound 6-gingerol was isolated from the most active ethyl acetate soluble fraction, and showed potent longevity-promoting activity. It also elevated the survival rate of worms against stressful environment including thermal, osmotic, and oxidative conditions. Additionally, 6-gingerol elevated the antioxidant enzyme activities of C. elegans, and showed a dose-depend reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in worms. Further studies demonstrated that the increased stress tolerance of 6-gingerol-mediated worms could result from the promotion of stress resistance proteins such as heat shock protein (HSP-16.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-3). The lipofuscin levels in 6-gingerol treated intestinal worms were decreased in comparison to the control group. No significant 6-gingerol-related changes, including growth, food intake, reproduction, and movement were noted. These results suggest that 6-gingerol exerted longevity-promoting activities independently of these factors and could extend the human lifespan.

Improvement of Persistent Detrusor Overactivity through Treatment with a Phytotherapeutic Agent (WSY-1075) after Relief of Bladder Outlet Obstruction

PURPOSE: Many patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia need treatment for remaining storage symptoms after surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of the phytotherapeutic agent WSY-1075 on persistent detrusor overactivity (DO) after the relief of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were assigned to 3 groups: control (n=6), persistent DO (n=6), and persistent DO treated with the phytotherapeutic agent WSY-1075 (n=6). Persistent DO after relief of partial BOO was generated in the rat model, and 6 of the rats with this condition were orally administered WSY-1075. After 4 weeks of administration, cystometry was performed. Additionally, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and superoxide dismutase were measured to evaluate oxidative stress in the bladder. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α, were analyzed, as were the M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors of the bladder. RESULTS: Significantly increased contraction pressure and a decreased contraction interval were observed in the persistent DO group after relief of BOO. Moreover, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and M3 muscarinic receptors were significantly increased. After treatment with WSY-1075, significantly reduced DO was observed by cystometry in comparison with the persistent DO group. Additionally, significantly decreased levels of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and M3 muscarinic receptors in the bladder were observed after treatment with WSY-1075. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with WSY-1075 improved persistent DO after the relief of BOO mediated by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Further studies are necessary to identify the exact mechanism of the treatment effect of WSY-1075.

Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Anthocyanin Extracted from Black Soybean on Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Rat Model / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigated the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of anthocyanins extracted from black soybean on the chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) rat model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, including control, ciprofloxacin, anthocyanins and anthocyanins with ciprofloxacin groups (n=8 in each group). Then, drip infusion of bacterial suspension (Escherichia coli Z17 O:K:H) into Sprague-Dawley rats was conducted to induce CBP. In 4 weeks, results of prostate tissue, urine culture, and histological analysis on the prostate were analyzed for each group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The use of ciprofloxacin, anthocyanins, and anthocyanins with ciprofloxacin showed statistically significant decreases in bacterial growth and improvements in the reduction of prostatic inflammation compared with the control group (P<0.05). The anthocyanins with ciprofloxacin group showed a statistically significant decrease in bacterial growth and improvement in prostatic inflammation compared with the ciprofloxacin group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results suggest that anthocyanins may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, as well as a synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin. Therefore, we suggest that the combination of anthocyanins and ciprofloxacin may be effective in treating CBP to obtain a higher rate of treatment success.</p>

Corrigendum: Improvement of Persistent Detrusor Overactivity through Treatment with a Phytotherapeutic Agent (WSY-1075) after Relief of Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Current affiliation of Su Jin Kim has been changed, but it was not reflected in the process of publishing. The publishing office and editorial office would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor in Buccal Cheek Mucosa

A solitary fibrous tumor is a relatively uncommon neoplasm that usually occurs in the pleura but occurs extremely rarely in the oral cavity. Reported herein is a rare case of a solitary fibrous tumor in the buccal cheek mucosa. A 50-year-old man visited the authors' hospital due to a buccal cheek mass whose size had increased. Excisional biopsy was done under local anesthesia. After the excisional biopsy, the patient was diagnosed to have a solitary fibrous tumor. In immunohistochemistry, the patient's solitary fibrous tumor was characterized by the expression of CD34 and CD99 on the neoplastic cells, and negativity for Bcl-2 and S-100. No recurrence or complication occurred for a period of 5 years. The growth of a primary solitary fibrous tumor in the buccal cheek mucosa is extremely rare and has been rarely reported in the South Korean medical literature. A solitary fibrous tumor must be distinguished from other spindle cell tumors. Presented herein is a case of primary solitary fibrous tumor in the buccal cheek mucosa. The relevant literature is briefly reviewed.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Deokgu Thermomineral Water Balneotherapy on Oxazolone-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Murine Model

BACKGROUND: Although the therapeutic mechanism of balneotherapy for atopic dermatitis has not been clarified, many atopic patients who visit thermomineral springs have shown clinical improvements. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of thermomineral water balneotherapy on the atopic dermatitis murine model. METHODS: The oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis murine model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of balneotherapy with Deokgu thermomineral water compared with distilled water. Histologic evaluation and confocal microscopic imaging were performed to analyze the lesional expression of cluster-of-differentiation (CD)4 and forkhead box p3 (Foxp3). Lesional mRNA expression of interleukin (IL) 33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and Foxp3 was evaluated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with the distilled water bath group, confocal microscopic evaluation of CD4 and Foxp3 merged images showed increased expression of regulatory T cells in the thermomineral balneotherapy group. The lesional mRNA level of IL-33 showed a reduced trend in the thermomineral balneotherapy group, whereas the level of mRNA of Foxp3 was increased. TSLP showed a decreased trend in both distilled water and thermomineral water bath groups. There was a trend of reduced expression in lesional IL-33 mRNA but increased cell count of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in thermomineral balneotherapy compared with distilled water bath. CONCLUSION: Therefore, thermomineral balneotherapy can be an effective and safe adjuvant therapeutic option for atopic dermatitis.

Utilization of Western and Traditional Korean Medicine for Children and Adolescents with Mental Disorders: a Nationwide Population-based Study from 2010 to 2012

When in need of medical treatment, Korean citizens have a choice of practitioners of western medicine (WM) or Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM). However, the two branches frequently conflict with one another, particularly with regard to mental disorders. This study was designed to compare the utilization of WM and TKM, focusing on child/adolescent patients with mental disorders. We analyzed F-code (Mental and behavioral disorders) claims from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, including data from 0-18-year-old patients from 2010 to 2012. Slightly more men than women utilized WM, while TKM use was almost evenly balanced. WM claims increased with advancing age, whereas utilization of TKM was common for the 0-6 age group. In WM and TKM, the total number of claims relying on the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) was 331,154 (92.78%) and 73,282 (97.85%), respectively, and the number of claims relying on medical aid was 25,753 (7.22%) and 1,610 (2.15%), respectively. The most frequent F-coded claim in WM was F90 (Hyperkinetic disorders), with 64,088 claims (17.96%), and that in TKM was F45 (Somatoform disorders), with 28,852 claims (38.52%). The prevalence of a single disorder without comorbidities was 168,764 (47.29%) in WM and 52,615 (70.25%) in TKM. From these data, we conclude that WM takes prevalence over TKM in cases of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as in psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. On the other hand, patients utilizing TKM more commonly present with physical health problems including somatoform problems, sleep, and eating disorders.

The Poisoning Information Database Covers a Large Proportion of Real Poisoning Cases in Korea

The poisoning information database (PIDB) provides clinical toxicological information on commonly encountered toxic substances in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the coverage rate of the PIDB by comparing the database with the distribution of toxic substances that real poisoning patients presented to 20 emergency departments. Development of the PIDB started in 2007, and the number of toxic substances increased annually from 50 to 470 substances in 2014. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with toxic exposure who visited 20 emergency departments in Korea from January to December 2013. Identified toxic substances were classified as prescription drug, agricultural chemical, household product, animal or plant, herbal drug, or other. We calculated the coverage rate of the PIDB for both the number of poisoning cases and the kinds of toxic substances. A total of 10,887 cases of intoxication among 8,145 patients was collected. The 470 substances registered in the PIDB covered 89.3% of 8,891 identified cases related to poisoning, while the same substances only covered 45.3% of the 671 kinds of identified toxic substances. According to category, 211 prescription drugs, 58 agricultural chemicals, 28 household products, and 32 animals or plants were not covered by the PIDB. This study suggested that the PIDB covered a large proportion of real poisoning cases in Korea. However, the database should be continuously extended to provide information for even rare toxic substances.

Comparison of effect of electroacupuncture and nefopam for prevention of postanesthetic shivering in patients undergoing urologic operation under spinal anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Shivering during spinal anesthesia is a frequent complication and is induced by the core-to-peripheral redistribution of heat. Nefopam has minimal side effects and prevents shivering by reducing the shivering threshold. Electroacupuncture is known to prevent shivering by preserving the core body temperature. We compared the efficacies of electroacupuncture and nefopam for the prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Ninety patients scheduled for elective urological surgery under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into the control group (Group C, n = 30), the electroacupuncture group (Group A, n = 30), and the nefopam group (Group N, n = 30). Groups C and A received 100 ml of isotonic saline intravenously for 30 minutes before spinal anesthesia, while Group N received nefopam (0.15 mg/kg) mixed in 100 ml of isotonic saline. Group A received 30 minutes of electroacupuncture before receiving anesthesia. Shivering scores, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, body temperature and side effects were recorded before, and at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after spinal anesthesia. RESULTS: The incidence of postanesthetic shivering was significantly lower in Group N (10 of 30) and Group A (4 of 30) compared with that in Group C (18 of 30)(P < 0.017). Body temperature was higher in Group N and Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters were not different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: By maintaining body temperature during spinal anesthesia, electroacupuncture is as effective as nefopam in preventing postanesthetic shivering.

The Effect of Subjective Xerostomia and Salivary pH in Salivary Glands Stimulated by Laughter Therapy in Frail Elderly Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of subjective xerostomia and salivary pH in salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy in frail elderly women. METHODS: The research used a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected from July 2, 2015 to September 30, 2015. A sample of 41 frail female elderly patients was recruited at A Nursing Home in K City, Korea. We measured xerostomia and salivary pH using a questionnaire and BCP test paper (pH 5.6~7.2). Laughter therapy was given once a week for four weeks (3 items). Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, paired t-test and Cronbach's using the SPSS 18.0 program. RESULTS: There were significant differences in salivary pH according to oral health (t=-2.06, p<.05). There were significant differences in xerostomia (t=4.41, p<.001) and salivary pH (t=-7.94, p<.001) after salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy. CONCLUSION: Salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy improved xerostomia and salivary pH of the frail elderly. Therefore, salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy may be useful in promoting and maintaining oral health among the frail elderly in the rapidly increasing population of old people.

Application of Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality to Urology / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Recent developments in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality have introduced a considerable number of new devices into the consumer market. This momentum is also affecting the medical and health care sector. Although many of the theoretical and practical foundations of virtual reality (VR) were already researched and experienced in the 1980s, the vastly improved features of displays, sensors, interactivity, and computing power currently available in devices offer a new field of applications to the medical sector and also to urology in particular. The purpose of this review article is to review the extent to which VR technology has already influenced certain aspects of medicine, the applications that are currently in use in urology, and the future development trends that could be expected.

Protective Effects of KH-204 in the Bladder of Androgen-Deprived Rats

PURPOSE: We investigated the protective effects of the herbal formulation KH-204 in the bladder of androgen-deprived rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats aged eight weeks were randomly divided into four groups, containing eight rats each: sham operation only (normal control group), androgen-deprived only (androgen-deprived control group), and androgen-deprived followed by treatment with 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg of KH-204. After 0.5 mg/kg of leuprorelin was subcutaneously injected in the androgen-deprived groups, the oral administration of either distilled water in the two control groups or KH-204 in the treatment group was continued for four weeks. Serum testosterone levels, RhoGEF levels, nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-related parameters, oxidative stress, and histologic changes were evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: Treatment with the herbal formulation KH-204 (1) increased serum testosterone levels; (2) restored the expression of RhoGEFs, endothelial NO synthase, and neuronal NO synthase; (3) increased the expression of superoxide dismutase; and (4) decreased bladder fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the positive effects of KH-204 on the urinary bladder may be attributed to its antioxidant effects or to an elevation in NO-cGMP activity.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a New Herbal Formula (WSY-1075) in a Nonbacterial Prostatitis Rat Model

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of a new herbal formula (WSY-1075) in a nonbacterial prostatitis rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prostatitis was induced in male Wistar rats (n=32) by treatment with 17 beta-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone for 4 weeks. After the induction of prostatitis, the rats were randomly divided into one of four treatment groups: control (n=8), ciprofloxacin (n=8), WSY-1075 (100 mg/kg) (n=8), and WSY-1075 (400 mg/kg) (n=8). After 4 weeks of treatment, the prostatic proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-8) levels and histological findings were noted. RESULTS: The ciprofloxacin and WSY-1075 treatment groups showed significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokine levels compared with the control group. Histologically, treatment with ciprofloxacin and WSY-1075 significantly suppressed the severity of prostatitis lesions compared with those in the control group. No differences in the proinflammatory cytokine levels or histologic findings were observed with the dose dependent treatment of WSY-1075. CONCLUSIONS: The new herbal formula, WSY-1075, showed effective anti-inflammatory activities in the prostate and may be useful for the clinical treatment of nonbacterial prostatitis. Our findings suggest that WSY-1075 has a beneficial effect on the prevention and treatment of nonbacterial prostatitis.

The Effect of Anthocyanin on the Prostate in an Andropause Animal Model: Rapid Prostatic Cell Death by Apoptosis Is Partially Prevented by Anthocyanin Supplementation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-apoptotic effect of the antioxidant reaction of anthocyanin on the prostate in an andropause animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n=12 in each): control (Group I), andropause (Group II), andropause treated with anthocyanin (Group III). For induction of andropause, Group II and III underwent bilateral orchiectomy. Group III was treated with daily oral anthocyanin (160 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and their blood and prostates were examined pathohistologically and evaluated for oxidative stress and apoptosis. Oxidative stress was assessed by the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and apoptosis in the prostate was identified by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling assay. RESULTS: Group II showed markedly increased activity of SOD in serum over that observed in Group I, whereas the rats in Group III showed reduced oxidative stress compared to Group II. Despite no significant differences in prostate weight between Group II and III (p=0.078), the apoptotic index was significantly greater in Group II than Group I, and was significantly lesser in Group III than Group II. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the oxidative stress caused by low testosterone may be another inducer of apoptosis, and this apoptosis may partly contribute to the overall apoptosis of the prostate in the andropause animal model. Therefore, anthocyanin supplementation may contribute to preventing excessively rapid cell death by apoptosis in the prostate in an animal model of andropause.

Preliminary Report on the Safety of a New Herbal Formula and Its Effect on Sperm Quality

PURPOSE: Male infertility is a serious problem, and its prevalence has been increasing. Therefore, we investigated the safety of a new herbal formula and its effects on sperm quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro cytotoxicity test in TM3 Leydig cells was performed to evaluate cell viability after administration of five types of herbs separately and of a new herbal formula containing these five. An in vivo test in male mice was performed to evaluate the influence of the new herbal formula on the reproductive organs and sperm quality. After the 8- and 28-day oral administration of the new herbal formula, the weights of the reproductive organs were measured and the sperm count and motility were evaluated. RESULTS: In the in vitro cytotoxicity test, less than 80% cell viability at concentrations of 500 mg/L and 1,000 mg/L of Rubus coreanus Miquel and Cuscuta chinensis Lam was observed. However, more than 80% cell viability was observed at all the tested concentrations of the new herbal formula. After the 8- and 28-day oral administration, there were no considerable changes in body weight. The weights of the testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles after the 8- and 28-day oral administration were similar to those of the control. The sperm count and activity were significantly improved compared with those of the control group at 8 and 28 days after 100, 200, and 400 mg of oral administration. CONCLUSIONS: The safety of the new formula and its positive effect on the sperm quality were observed after the oral administration of the formula.

The Effects of New Herbal Formula (KBMSI-1) on the Penile Erection and Corpus Cavernosum in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of new herbal formula (KBMSI-1) on erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 12 weeks and divided into three groups; control (n=8), diabetes (DM) (n=8), DM+KBMSI-1 200 mg/kg treatment (n=8) groups. The DM groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Distilled water was administered in the control and DM group. To investigate the penile erection, intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) were recorded in all groups. Serial sections of the penis were used to perform Masson's trichrome stain. We analyzed the expression of nNOS and eNOS concentration in the isolated corpus cavernosum by western blotting. RESULTS: Peak ICP/MAP ratio was markedly increased in the treatment group with KBMSI-1 compared with DM group (p<0.05). Masson's trichrome staining of corpus cavernosum showed increase in smooth muscle volume and the regular arrangement of collagen fibers in KBMSI-1 treatment group compared with DM group. Western blot analysis revealed that the penile expressions of nNOS and eNOS protein were significantly higher in KBMSI-1-treated group than in DM group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that herbal formulation of KBMSI-1 enhances the penile erection and the level of eNOS and nNOS expression of penile corpus cavernosum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.

Long-Term Follow-Up Results of Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with the 120 W Greenlight HPS Laser for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: With the use of 12 months of follow-up data, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the 120 W Greenlight high performance system (HPS) laser for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from 104 patients who were diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and who underwent PVP with the 120 W Greenlight HPS Laser. Postoperative parameters, including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR), were assessed and compared with preoperative baseline values. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 71.1+/-7.7. The baseline mean prostate-specific antigen level was 3.8+/-2.7 ng/ml, the mean prostate size was 43.9+/-20.6 g, the mean preoperative IPSS was 18.4+/-8.5, the mean QoL score was 4.1+/-1.0, the mean Qmax was 9.9+/-5.5 ml/sec, and the mean PVR was 89.6+/-207.1 ml. During surgery, the mean operation time was 21.8+/-11.3 minutes, the mean lasing time was 16.9+/-10.5 minutes, and the mean total applied energy was 170,068+/-63,181 J. At 1 month, significant improvements were observed in total IPSS (11.5+/-6.7, p<0.05), voiding symptom score (6.1+/-5.4, p<0.05), and QoL score (2.2+/-1.5, p<0.05); however, there were no significant improvements in storage symptom score (4.8+/-3.8, p=0.06), Qmax (12.6+/-10.2, p=0.06), and PVR (40.1+/-30.5, p=0.41). However, 3 months after surgery, all postoperative follow-up parameters showed significant improvements, and the 6- and 12-month data showed sustained improvement of postoperative follow-up parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements were observed in subjective and objective voiding parameters, which were evident at 3 months after PVP and were sustained throughout a period of 12 months after PVP.

The Effect of Selenium-rich Hot Spring Water on Serum Leptin and IGF-1 in a Rat Model / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: There have been reports that a higher serum level of selenium is related to a lower incidence of prostate cancer. Serum leptin and IGF-1 are factors related to metabolic syndromes which are also known to be related to prostate cancer, and the higher their levels, the higher the possibility of prostate carcinogenesis. Thus, we measured the serum levels of leptin and IGF-1 in rats that were given selenium-rich hot spring water to drink in an attempt to elucidate the role of selenium on prostate cancer prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of twelve white SD rats was included in the study, and they were further divided into a control group (Group 1, n=6) induced to drink normal saline, and those rats that drank selenium-rich hot spring water for 4 weeks (Group 2, n=6). The hot spring water that we used was from the Kum-jin region of Korea, which contains a rich supply of the minerals selenium, vanadium, calcium and magnesium. The concentration of selenium in the hot spring water was 480 microgram/l. The two groups were each given 50 ml/day of normal saline or selenium-rich hot spring water. After the period of the experiment, we drew blood samples from both groups and measured their serum leptin and IGF-1 levels using ELISA. RESULTS: The serum leptin level (pg/ml) was 964.04+/-127.77 in Group 1, and 531.92+/-151.04 in Group 2, allowing us to confirm that it was significantly less in those that drank the selenium-rich hot spring water (p<0.05). Also, the serum IGF-1 levels (pg/ml) were 1,247.72+/-53.85 and 933.03+/-113.69 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, which again, illustrated the significantly lower level in those rats that were given selenium-rich hot spring water (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Significantly decreased serum levels of leptin and IGF-1 were observed in rats that drank selenium-rich hot spring water. A study of the long-term effect of selenium-rich hot spring water on prostate cancer is necessary; if it is indeed proven to have long-term effects, we believe it will become valuable in clinical practice.

Grid Laser Photocoagulation After Intravitreal Triamcinolone for Macular Edema Associated With Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of macular laser photocoagulation after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: In this retrospective study we reviewed the medical records of patients who had been treated with an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide for macular edema due to BRVO and followed up for more than six months. We divided the eyes into two groups, namely, the IVTA-only group and the additional grid laser group after IVTA. Visual acuity, macular thickness, intraocular pressure, and abundance of IVTA were compared. RESULTS: A total of 41 eyes underwent IVTA, 21 of which were treated with additional macular grid photocoagulation. The difference in best corrected visual acuity before IVTA between the two groups was not statistically significant. Laser photocoagulation was performed at an average of 2.8 months after IVTA. Final VA and foveal thickness improved significantly after IVTA in both groups and showed no significant difference between the two groups. After six months a second injection was required in six eyes in the IVTA group and one eye in the photocoagulation group due to recurrence of macular edema, the difference of which was significant (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: IVTA in BRVO patients improved macular edema and visual acuity. Combined grid photocoagulation after IVTA lowered the recurrence rate of macular edema. Grid photocoagulation can be considered as a useful adjuvant for avoiding repeated administration of intravitreal triamcinolone.