Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai ethyl acetate fraction protects the liver against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and fat accumulation in mice

Sasa (S.) quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae), which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, is a type of bamboo grass distributed widely in Jeju Island, Korea. S. quelpaertensis leaves are used for therapeutic purposes in traditional Korean medicine. This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of the S. quelpaertensis ethyl acetate fraction (SQEA) in a mouse model to mimic alcoholic liver damage. The mice were administered orally with 30% alcohol (5 g/kg) once per day with or without SQEA treatments (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 days consecutively. Alcohol consumption increased the serum alcohol content and histopathological changes but reduced the liver weight. Moreover, the livers of the alcohol group exhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and lipid droplet coating protein perilipin-2. On the other hand, SQEA dosedependently attenuated the alcohol-induced serum ethanol content and liver histopathological changes but increased the liver weight.Moreover, SQEA attenuated the level of CYP2E1 and inhibited alcohol-induced lipogenesis in the liver via decreased perilipin-2 expression. These results suggest that SQEA can provide a potent way to reduce the liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai ethyl acetate fraction protects the liver against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and fat accumulation in mice

Sasa (S.) quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae), which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, is a type of bamboo grass distributed widely in Jeju Island, Korea. S. quelpaertensis leaves are used for therapeutic purposes in traditional Korean medicine. This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of the S. quelpaertensis ethyl acetate fraction (SQEA) in a mouse model to mimic alcoholic liver damage. The mice were administered orally with 30% alcohol (5 g/kg) once per day with or without SQEA treatments (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 days consecutively. Alcohol consumption increased the serum alcohol content and histopathological changes but reduced the liver weight. Moreover, the livers of the alcohol group exhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and lipid droplet coating protein perilipin-2. On the other hand, SQEA dosedependently attenuated the alcohol-induced serum ethanol content and liver histopathological changes but increased the liver weight.Moreover, SQEA attenuated the level of CYP2E1 and inhibited alcohol-induced lipogenesis in the liver via decreased perilipin-2 expression. These results suggest that SQEA can provide a potent way to reduce the liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

Health Behaviors and Lifestyle Patterns of Elderly Living Alone in Korea

BACKGROUND: Korea's population is aging rapidly. Aged people who lead a solitary life are in a state of social isolation and face a greater risk of lower quality of life. The purpose of this study was to analyze the health behaviors and lifestyle patterns of aged people who lead a solitary life in Korea.METHODS: We analyzed 4,471 subjects (1,933 men and 2,538 women)-aged people aged 65 or above-based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2013–2015). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted with age, household income level, occupational status, and geographical region.RESULTS: Socioeconomic status was lower in aged people who lead a solitary life than in those living with family. The ORs for frequent eating out alone (OR=2.93; 95% CI 1.83–4.38), daily eating out alone (OR=2.40; 95% CI 1.25–4.60), smoking (OR=1.57; 95% CI 1.06–2.32), feeling sick or uncomfortable (OR=1.59; 95% CI 1.08–2.36), feeling depressed (OR=4.10; 95% CI 2.53–6.65), and suicide ideation (OR=2.06; 95% CI 1.21–3.51) were significantly higher in male subjects who lead a solitary life. The ORs for frequent eating out alone (OR=1.57; 95% CI 1.10–2.24) and inadequate sleep duration (OR=1.29; 95% CI 1.03–1.61) were significantly higher in female subjects who lead a solitary life.CONCLUSION: Aged people who lead a solitary life exhibited unhealthy behaviors and poor mental health. The elderly men who lead a solitary life faced higher risk of poor health than the women. Integrated management of lifestyle behaviors is required to improve the quality of health in aged people who lead a solitary life.

Comparison of sedation outcome according to the dose of chloral hydrate in children requiring laceration repair

PURPOSE: To compare the sedation outcome according to the dose of per os chloral hydrate in children who underwent laceration repair in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This retrospective study was performed to the children who underwent sedation using chloral hydrate for laceration repair in the ED from January 2015 through November 2015. A total of 370 children aged younger than 6 years underwent the sedation. We compared the induction time, duration of sedation, and ED length of stay (EDLOS) between the single dose (50 mg/kg) and additional dose (plus 25 mg/kg) groups. RESULTS: Of 370 children, 335 (90.5%) were sedated successfully, 284 (76.8%) were sedated with initial dose (the single dose group), and 51 (13.8%) were sedated with additional dose (the additional dose group). The induction time and EDLOS were longer in the additional dose group (induction time: 31.0 ± 17.2 minutes vs. 96.2 ± 25.4 minutes, P < 0.001; EDLOS: 137.2 ± 35.5 minutes vs. 193.0 ± 36.0 minutes, P < 0.001). The duration of sedation showed no difference between the 2 groups (44.4 ± 24.0 minutes vs. 42.0 ± 20.8 minutes; P = 0.500). No one had serious adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Additional dose of chloral hydrate can increase the induction time and EDLOS without increasing the duration of sedation and causing serious adverse reactions. This information may improve the efficiency of ED workflow when shared with parents of the children.

Protective effect of phloroglucinol against gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress in hair follicles

When exposed to gamma-rays, hair follicular cells immediately go through apoptosis, which hampers their rapid differentiation essential for the regeneration of hair. Phloroglucinol (PG) is a phenolic compound of Ecklonia cava, brown algae abundant in Jeju island, Korea. Containing plentiful polyphenols, PG is known for its instructive effects by inhibiting apoptosis, scavenging oxygen radicals, and protecting cells against oxidative stress. In this study, we demonstrate that PG rescues radiosensitive hair follicular cells from gamma radiation-induced apoptosis and DNA damage. To identify protective capacity of PG on hair follicles, we irradiated with 8.5 Gy (1.5 Gy/min) of gamma-rays to the whole body of C57BL/6 mice at day 6 after depilation with or without PG. In mice exposed to radiation, the expression of proapoptotic molecule p53 was downregulated in the skin of PG treated group. On immunohistochemical observation of the skin, PG inhibited the immunoreactivity of p53 and cleaved caspase-3. PG treatment protected hair follicular cells from cell death due to gamma-radiation. Our results suggest that PG presents radioprotective effects by inhibiting apoptosis of radiosensitive hair follicular cells and can protect hair follicular cells from gamma-ray induced damage.

Protective effect of Hizikia fusiforme on radiation-induced damage in splenocytes / 대한수의학회지

The immune system is specifically sensitive to oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation because of its rapid proliferative activity. For this reason, an instructive immune system is one of the best ways to minimize side effects, such immunodeficiency, of gamma radiation. Over the past few decades, several natural plants with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties have been identified as adjuncts for nontoxic and successful radiotherapy. Hizikia fusiforme extract (HFE) containing plentiful dietary fiber and fucoidan is known for its instructive antioxidant capacity, immunomodulation abilities, and immune activation. In this study, we determined whether HFE protects radiosensitive immune cells from gamma radiation-induced damage. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with gamma-ray. The effect of HFE on the ionizing radiation damage of immune cells was then evaluated with an MTT assay, 3H-thymidine incorporation assay, and PI staining. We found that HFE stimulated the proliferation of gamma-ray irradiated immune cells without cytotoxic effects. We also observed that HFE not only decreased DNA damage but also reduced gamma radiation-induced apoptosis of the immune cells. Our results suggest that HFE can protect immune cells from gamma-ray damage and may serve as an effective, non-toxic radioprotective agent.

Increased expression of galectin-9 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis / 대한수의학회지

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of human multiple sclerosis (MS), reflects pathophysiologic steps in MS such as the influence of T cells and antibodies reactive to the myelin sheath, and the cytotoxic effect of cytokines. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a member of animal lectins that plays an essential role in various biological functions. The expression of Gal-9 is significantly enhanced in MS lesions; however, its role in autoimmune disease has not been fully elucidated. To identify the role of Gal-9 in EAE, we measured changes in mRNA and protein expression of Gal-9 as EAE progressed. Expression increased with disease progression, with a sharp rise occurring at its peak. Gal-9 immunoreactivity was mainly expressed in astrocytes and microglia of the central nervous system (CNS) and macrophages of spleen. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that Gal-9+CD11b+ cells were dramatically increased in the spleen at the peak of disease. Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-R1 and p-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was observed in the CNS of EAE mice, suggesting that TNF-R1 and p-JNK might be key regulators contributing to the expression of Gal-9 during EAE. These results suggest that identification of the relationship between Gal-9 and EAE progression is critical for better understanding Gal-9 biology in autoimmune disease.

Successful Implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Through a Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava / 대한내과학회지

The prevalence of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in the general population has been estimated to be approximately 0.3%, as determined by autopsy. PLSVC is hemodynamically insignificant if it is not associated with other congenital cardiac anomalies, and usually goes unrecognized until a left superior approach to the heart is required. Here, we report a 60-year-old male diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, who had survived an episode of sudden cardiac arrest with documented ventricular fibrillation. PLSVC was recognized incidentally while implanting an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The ICD was successfully implanted through the left superior vena cava via the coronary sinus using a straight stylet and an active fixation device.

Radio-protective effect of sulfated polysaccharide purified from Ecklonia cava against small intestinal stem cells of gamma-ray irradiated mice / 동물의과학연구지

Our previous research on sulfated polysaccharide purified from Ecklonia cava, a brown alga found in Jeju island, Korea, showed that sulfated polysaccharides modulate the apoptotic threshold of intestinal cells, thereby preventing intestinal damage caused by ionizing radiation. In this study, we investigated the ability of sulfated polysaccharide to augment restoration of small intestinal stem cells from gamma-ray-induced damage. In our results, sulfated polysaccharide treatment increased the numbers of Ki-67-positive cells as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-expressing cells in the small intestine compared with those of irradiated only mice. Meanwhile, exposure to irradiation increased the number of paneth cells, which are frequently associated with intestinal inflammation, whereas sulfated polysaccharide treatment reduced the number of paneth cells in the small intestinal crypt. Conclusively, our data suggest that reduction of iNOS-expressing cells and paneth cells in sulfated polysaccharide-treated mice contributes to the inhibition of radiation-induced intestinal inflammation.

Acute Pyelonephritis Complicated by Renal Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Patient without any Thrombotic Risks / 감염과화학요법

Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is not an uncommon condition amongst patients with nephrotic syndrome or malignancy. Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is associated with risk factors such as intravenous drug use, pelvic thrombophlebitis, and suppurative processes in the head and neck. However, acute pyelonephritis is a rare cause of RVT and SPE. Case reports on RVT and SPE due to acute pyelonephritis are rare. In most of the earlier cases, patients had underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, renal carcinoma, calyceal stones, and hyperhomocysteinemia. We report a case of acute pyelonephritis complicated by RVT and SPE that occurred in a patient without any predisposing risk factors for thromboembolism. RVT and SPE were diagnosed using computed tomography and ventilation/perfusion scan. The patient recovered with antibiotics and anticoagulation therapy without any surgical interventions.

Acute Pyelonephritis Complicated by Renal Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Patient without any Thrombotic Risks / 감염과화학요법

Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is not an uncommon condition amongst patients with nephrotic syndrome or malignancy. Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is associated with risk factors such as intravenous drug use, pelvic thrombophlebitis, and suppurative processes in the head and neck. However, acute pyelonephritis is a rare cause of RVT and SPE. Case reports on RVT and SPE due to acute pyelonephritis are rare. In most of the earlier cases, patients had underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, renal carcinoma, calyceal stones, and hyperhomocysteinemia. We report a case of acute pyelonephritis complicated by RVT and SPE that occurred in a patient without any predisposing risk factors for thromboembolism. RVT and SPE were diagnosed using computed tomography and ventilation/perfusion scan. The patient recovered with antibiotics and anticoagulation therapy without any surgical interventions.

Recurrent Erlotinib-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

Erlotinib (Tarceva(R)) has been considered to be a new, promising oral chemotherapy agent for local advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib is regarded as relatively safe, but interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to erlotinib has been reported on an infrequent basis in Asia. We report an histologically confirmed case of recurrent erlotinib-induced ILD. Although, the patient was highly responsive to the first erlotinib treatment, the therapy was discontinued due to erlotinib-induced ILD. After intravenous high dose methylpredinisolone treatment, ILD was improved rapidly by radiologic studies, but the particular lung cancer re-emerged. We restarted the patient erlotinib on low-dose oral methylpredinisolone, resulting in a recurrence of erlotinib-induced ILD. Our case suggests that re-administration of erlotinib should be performed on a limited basis in patients that have developed ILD on previous use, even if a therapeutic effect can be estimated.

Recurrent Erlotinib-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

Erlotinib (Tarceva(R)) has been considered to be a new, promising oral chemotherapy agent for local advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib is regarded as relatively safe, but interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to erlotinib has been reported on an infrequent basis in Asia. We report an histologically confirmed case of recurrent erlotinib-induced ILD. Although, the patient was highly responsive to the first erlotinib treatment, the therapy was discontinued due to erlotinib-induced ILD. After intravenous high dose methylpredinisolone treatment, ILD was improved rapidly by radiologic studies, but the particular lung cancer re-emerged. We restarted the patient erlotinib on low-dose oral methylpredinisolone, resulting in a recurrence of erlotinib-induced ILD. Our case suggests that re-administration of erlotinib should be performed on a limited basis in patients that have developed ILD on previous use, even if a therapeutic effect can be estimated.

A case of symptomatic splenic infarction in vivax malaria

Splenic infarction is a rare complication in malaria cases, and is caused primarily by Plasmodium falciparum. Recently in South Korea, only P. vivax has prevailed since 1993. Although the probability that symptomatic splenic infarction may occur in vivax malaria cases is considered relatively high, there have never been any case reports describing the occurrence of symptomatic splenic infarction in cases of vivax malaria. A 34-year-old man presented with fever that had persisted for 5 days. P. vivax infection was verified using a peripheral blood smear, and chloroquine was utilized to treat the fever successfully. Six days later, the patient developed pain in the left upper abdomen, which was diagnosed as splenic infarction by computed tomography.

A case of symptomatic splenic infarction in vivax malaria

Splenic infarction is a rare complication in malaria cases, and is caused primarily by Plasmodium falciparum. Recently in South Korea, only P. vivax has prevailed since 1993. Although the probability that symptomatic splenic infarction may occur in vivax malaria cases is considered relatively high, there have never been any case reports describing the occurrence of symptomatic splenic infarction in cases of vivax malaria. A 34-year-old man presented with fever that had persisted for 5 days. P. vivax infection was verified using a peripheral blood smear, and chloroquine was utilized to treat the fever successfully. Six days later, the patient developed pain in the left upper abdomen, which was diagnosed as splenic infarction by computed tomography.