LINC00926 is involved in hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction via miR-3194-5p regulating JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Vascular endothelial cell (VEC) dysfunction is associated with the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 926 (LINC00926), a kind of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has been found to be abnormally expressed in CHD patients. However, the biological role of LINC00926 has not been reported. In our research, we intended to explore the regulatory mechanism of LINC00926 in hypoxia-exposed HUVEC cells (HUVECs). In our in vitro study, HUVECs were exposed under hypoxic conditions (5% O2) for 24 h. RT-qPCR and Western blotting assay were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay and in vitro angiogenesis assay were performed to measure cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and tube formation, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the target of LINC00926 and miR-3194-5p, which was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The results showed that LINC00926 was highly expressed in CHD patients and hypoxia-exposed HUVECs. LINC00926 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, migration and tube formation and increased cell apoptosis. MiR-3194-5p was a target of LINC00926 and can target binding to JAK1 3'UTR. LINC00926 could up-regulate JAK1 and p-STAT3 levels via miR-3194-5p. In addition, overexpressed LINC00926 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and tube formation and increased cell apoptosis via miR-3194-5p/JAK1/STAT3 axis. In summary, LINC00926 aggravated endothelial cell dysfunction via miR-3194-5p regulating JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs.

MicroRNA-27a alleviates IL-1ß-induced inflammatory response and articular cartilage degradation via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in articular chondrocytes.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease of the articular cartilage, and inflammatory response and articular cartilage degradation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of OA. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been potentially involved in the pathogenesis of OA. However, little is known about the role of miRNAs in the inflammatory response and articular cartilage degradation in OA and the underlying molecular mechanism. In the present study, we analyze miRNA profiles in the articular tissues from OA patients using microarray. miR-27a has attracted considerable interest for its suppressive effects on inflammation. Subsequently, the expression levels of miR-27a were validated in the articular tissues of OA patients and IL-1ß-stimulated chondrocytes. Using this IL-1ß-induced chondrocyte injury model, we found that upregulation of miR-27a suppressed articular cartilage degradation, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory response as reflected by reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Moreover, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), one upstream molecule of NF-κB signaling pathway, was identified as a direct target of miR-27a in chondrocytes. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that overexpression of TLR4 by pcDNA-TLR4 markedly abrogated the inhibitory effects of miR-27a on the inflammatory response and the degeneration of articular cartilage induced by IL-1ß. Our findings suggest that miR-27a may be considered as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of OA.

Long-term Results of Reduced-fluence Photodynamic Therapy Combined with Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effects of reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (RF-PDT) combined with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 21 patients with PCV that were followed up for more than 24 months after RF-PDT and anti-VEGF combination therapy were retrospectively reviewed. The patients received intravitreal anti-VEGF (bevacizumab 1.25 mg, ranibizumab 0.5 mg, or aflibercept 2.0 mg) within 7 days of PDT. Patients were retreated with either RF-PDT and anti-VEGF injection, or with only anti-VEGF injection, as indicated. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT), which were measured before and after combination therapy. RESULTS: During follow-up, the mean logMAR BCVA significantly improved from 0.75 at baseline to 0.54 at 12 months and 0.52 at 24 months (p=0.009 and p=0.032, respectively). The mean CFT significantly decreased from 409.8 µm at baseline to 234.1 µm at 12 months and 245.9 µm at 24 months (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). In 20 eyes (90.9%), the BCVA remained stable or improved. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of this combination therapy for 24 months resulted in stabilized vision and anatomical improvement. RF-PDT combined with intravitreal anti-VEGF injection could be an effective treatment modality for patients with PCV.

Long-term Changes of Endothelial Cell Density after Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Fragmentation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term changes in cornea endothelial cell density (ECD) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with fragmentation. METHODS: Twenty patients (20 eyes) who underwent PPV with fragmentation and who were followed up for 2 years were enrolled in this retrospective study. The cornea ECD, coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality (HA) were calculated using a specular microscopy at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, and 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: The preoperative mean ECD was 1,782 ± 623 cells/mm², and the postoperative mean ECD did not significantly change at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Additionally, there were no significant changes in CV or HA. At 2 years after surgery, the mean ECD was 1,722 ± 532 cells/mm², the mean CV was 35.50 ± 3.03%, and the mean HA was 53.00 ± 4.91%. There were no significant changes in ECD, CV, or HA preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the mean ECD did not significantly decrease after PPV with fragmentation at 2 years after surgery. A PPV with fragmentation was an appropriate surgical procedure for patients with low cornea endothelial cell density.

The comparative risk of developing postoperative complications in patients with distal radius fractures following different treatment modalities.

In this study, we performed a network meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of seven most common surgical procedures to fix DRF, including bridging external fixation, non-bridging external fixation, K-wire fixation, plaster fixation, dorsal plating, volar plating, and dorsal and volar plating. Published studies were retrieved through PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. The database search terms used were the following keywords and MeSH terms: DRF, bridging external fixation, non-bridging external fixation, K-wire fixation, plaster fixation, dorsal plating, volar plating, and dorsal and volar plating. The network meta-analysis was performed to rank the probabilities of postoperative complication risks for the seven surgical modalities in DRF patients. This network meta-analysis included data obtained from a total of 19 RCTs. Our results revealed that compared to DRF patients treated with bridging external fixation, marked differences in pin-track infection (PTI) rate were found in patients treated with plaster fixation, volar plating, and dorsal and volar plating. Cluster analysis showed that plaster fixation is associated with the lowest probability of postoperative complication in DRF patients. Plaster fixation is associated with the lowest risk for postoperative complications in DRF patients, when compared to six other common DRF surgical methods examined.

Involvement of Notch1/Hes signaling pathway in ankylosing spondylitis.

We aimed to investigate the role of Notch1/Hes signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of abnormal ossification of hip ligament in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). 22 AS patients scheduled for artificial hip arthroplasty were randomly chosen as AS group. As controls, we used 4 patients diagnosed with transcervical fracture who underwent hip replacement surgery. Notch1 and Hes mRNA expressions were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RFQ-PCR). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect Notch1 and Hes protein expression. Correlation analyses of Notch-l and Hes with AS-related clinical factors were conducted with spearman's correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis. RFQ-PCR results showed significant differences in Notch1 and Hes mRNA expressions between AS group and the control group (all P<0.05). IHC analysis further indicated positive nuclear signals of Notch1 and Hes protein, indicating functional activation of the Notch1 and Hes pathways. Semi-quantitative IHC showed a higher Notch1 and Hes expression levels in AS group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis suggested that Hes protein expression was positively associated with the clinical course of the disease in AS patients. In conclusion, Notch1 and Hes overexpression was clearly detected in hip joint ligaments of AS patients, Hes protein expression was associated with the clinical course of AS. Taken together, we suggest that signaling pathways mediated by Notch1-Hes may contribute to ligament ossification of hip joints in AS patients.

Role of growth differentiation factor-5 and bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor in the development of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.

The present study was designed to evaluate the role of growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) and bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPR-II) in the development of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). A total of 24 patients with lumbar IDD (experiment group) and 6 patients with lumbar vertebral fracture (control group) were enrolled in the study. Tissue samples of IVD from the experiment group and control group were obtained during lumbar fusion operation, respectively. Fixation and decalcification of IVD tissue were performed, and then HE staining was carried out to observe the morphological changes of the lumbar IVD tissues. The expression of GDF-5 and BMPRII in human lumbar IVD was detected by immunohistochemical staining. HE staining results showed that non- and minimal degeneration was found in 11 cases (score range, 0-3), moderate degeneration in 12 cases (score range, 4-8), and severe degeneration in 7 cases (score range, 9-12). According to the immunohistochemical results, the positive expression rates of GDF-5 and BMPRII in NP were higher than those in AF of the non- and minimal degeneration group, moderate degeneration group and severe degeneration group (all P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in GDF-5 or BMPRII positive expression was observed among the normal, non- and minimal, moderate and severe degeneration groups in neither NP area nor AF area (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that GDF-5 and BMPRII expressed both in normal and degenerated IVD tissues, and GDF-5 might have an inhibition effect on degenerated lumbar IVD, suggesting that gene therapy may be a useful approach in producing physiological effects during early- and late-phase of lumbar IDD.

Analysis of Internal Optical Aberrations in Eyes with Different Types of Cataract

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the patterns of internal optical aberrations in eyes with different types of cataract. METHODS: Eighty eyes of 70 cataract patients were included in the present study. Internal optical aberrations were measured with a KR-1W wavefront aberrometer before cataract operation. Types of cataract were classified into three groups; cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataracts. The differences in the results of the wavefront data of 6-mm pupil diameter zones were compared among three groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparing data. RESULTS: A total of 80 eyes consisting of 30 cortical cataracts, 30 nuclear cataracts and 20 posterior subcapsular cataracts were found. In the 6-mm pupil diameter zone, the average internal spherical aberrations by original value were 0.042 microm of cortical cataracts, -0.092 microm of nuclear cataracts and -0.109 microm of posterior subcapsular cataracts. The average internal spherical aberrations by absolute value were 0.122 microm of cortical cataracts, 0.533 microm of nuclear cataracts and 0.202 microm of posterior subcapsular cataracts. The internal spherical aberrations by original value were not statistically significantly different, but by absolute value were statistically significantly different (p = 0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test). Nuclear cataracts have a much higher positive or negative value than other cataract groups in the distribution of internal spherical aberrations by original value for each type of cataract. Other than this difference, the internal astigmatism and internal high order aberrations were not statistically significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The change in internal spherical aberrations of nuclear cataract from the original value was larger than cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract. Therefore, nuclear cataracts have much higher positive or negative values than other cataract groups.

Adherence to Preservative-Free Dorzolamide/Timolol Fixed Combination Assessed by Counting the Unused Single-Dose Units

PURPOSE: To investigate the actual adherence to treatment with preservative-free dorzolamide-timolol fixed combination (DTFC) eyedrops of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients by counting the number of unused single-dose units of DTFC. METHODS: This study included 34 POAG patients newly prescribed with preservative-free DTFC eyedrops (formulated in single-dose units). The enrolled patients were asked to bring the unused DTFC units on their next visit after 2 weeks of treatment with DTFC. On their second visit, they were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the self-reported adherence and the number of unused DTFC single-dose units was counted. The actual adherence (%) was calculated by dividing the expected number of used DTFC units by the actual number of used DTFC units. The correlation between the self-reported adherence and the measured adherence was assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (93.5%) patients answered they adhered to the medication by more than 90% and 2 (6.5%) answered they instilled the eyedrops at 80-90% of the dosing schedule. However, after counting the unused DTFC single-dose units, 9 (29.0%) patients showed an actual adherence of <90%. Moreover, the actual adherence of 3 (9.7%) patients was <60%. Unexpectedly, 4 (12.9%) patients showed the actual adherence exceeding 100% (196%, 1 patient; 107-132%, 3 patients). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a large difference between the self-reported and the actual adherence to treatment by counting the unused single-dose units of eyedrops. Preservative-free topical anti-glaucoma medications (formulated in single-dose units) provide clinicians an opportunity to assess the actual adherence of glaucoma patients by counting the unused units of eyedrops.

Influence of Watching 3D Television on Refractive Error in Children with Exodeviation

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of watching three-dimensional (3D) television (TV) on the angle of deviation and refractive error in children with exodeviation. METHODS: Twenty-three volunteers with exodeviation, aged 6 to 12 years, without any ocular abnormalities other than refractive error and exodeviation were recruited for this study. The subjects watched 3D TV for 50 minutes at a viewing distance of 2.8 meters. The image disparity of 3D contents was -1 to 1 degree. Refractive errors were measured before and immediately after watching TV and after a 10-minute rest. The changes in angle of deviation were also obtained. Refractive errors and angle of deviation before and after watching 3D TV were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 9.30 +/- 1.58 years. The mean baseline angle of deviation was 13.04 +/- 5.25 (6-30) prism diopters (PD), which did not change significantly immediately after watching 3D TV and after a 10-minute rest (p = 0.452). The mean refractive errors were -2.15 +/- 1.55 D in the right eye and -2.06 +/- 1.55 D in the left eye before and changed to -2.14 +/- 1.57 D and -2.11 +/- 1.45 D, respectively, immediately after watching 3D TV. After a 10 minute rest, the mean refractive errors were 2.14 +/- 1.53 D in the right eye and -2.07 +/- 1.53 D in the left eye. All changes in refractive errors were not statistically significant (p = 0.991 in right eye, 0.495 in left eye). The amount of myopic shift in both eyes immediately after watching 3D TV was correlated with the angle of exodeviation (r = 0.468, p = 0.024). However, the correlation disappeared after a 10-minute rest (r = 0.345, p = 0.107). CONCLUSIONS: Watching properly made 3D contents on 3D TV for 50 minutes at more than 2.8 meters of viewing distance did not affect the refractive error in children with exodeviation. Further studies on the relationship between the amount of myopic shift and the angle of exodeviation are necessary.

A Clinical Study of Skin Problems of The Amputee / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: There has been no clinical study of skin problems of the amputee in Korea and at Veterans Hospital, we have experienced so many skin problems of amputees. OBJECTIVE: We tried to observe skin problems of amputees and to relate them with sweating, poor hygiene, poor fit of socket, mechanical trauma, and duration of wearing prosthesis. METHODS: 125 extremity amputees who visited the Seoul Veterans Hospital during the period of 5 years from Jan. 1994 to Dec. 1998 were analyzed clinically. RESULTS: The study results are summarized as follows: 1. Among the 125 extremity amputees, the number of male patients was 124(99.2%) and that of female patients was 1(0.8%). The age distribution showed a peak incidence in the 7th decade(30.4%), followed by the 5th decade(28.8%), 6th decade(24.8%), and the mean age was 56.4 years. 2. The most common type of amputation was below the knee amputation(74 cases), the second was above the knee amputation(37 cases). 3. The duration of wearing prosthesis was above 20 years in 88 patients(70.4%), 16-20 years in 15(12%), 11-15 years in 11(8.8%), and 1-5 years in 6(4.8%). 4. The skin problems of the amputees were superficial fungal infection, chronic ulcer, intertriginous dermatitis, callus, corn, verrucous hyperplasia, verruca which were 63 cases(50.4%), 26 cases(20.80%), 17 cases(13.6%), 6 cases(4.8%), 5 cases(4%), 5 cases(4%), 3 cases(2.4%) respectively. 5. The predisposing factors of the dermatoses were mechanical trauma(84 cases) which acted as a cause of the chronic ulcer, intertriginous dermatitis, corn and callus, sweating(80 cases) and poor hygiene(11 cases) as those of superficial fungal infection, and poor fitting(6 cases) as that of verrucous hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: Superficial fungal infection and chronic ulcer were the main skin problems of the amputee. The longer the duration of wearing prosthesis, the more skin problems developed. The mechanical trauma and sweating were the major predisposing factors of stump dermatoses, especially of chronic ulcer and superficial fungal infection. Amputation is only the beginning of a long period of rehabilitation, and the treatment of the patient and the affected skin goes on for the rest of the patient's life. This clinical study suggests that the dermatologist must be concerned of the care of amputee's skin problems.

Chemotherapy induced severe neutropenia / 대한암학회지

No abstract available.