Alterations in Serum Levels of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B Ligand and Osteoprotegerin in Patients with Head Injury and Fracture

PURPOSE: Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) have been shown to be important regulators of osteoclastogenesis during bone remodeling, and their expressions were examined during fracture healing in a mouse model of tibial fracture. However, studies linking RANKL and OPG in patients with head injury and fracture are lacking. We evaluated the changes in serum levels of RANKL and OPG in patients with head injury and fracture (head injury group) and in patients with fracture (fracture group) and compared these with levels found in healthy control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18 male patients of head injury and fracture and 20 male patients of fracture alone were enrolled. 20 healthy men were recruited to serve as controls. Within the first few hours of admission to hospital, at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injury 20 ml of blood were obtained from 18 patients with head injury and fracture and 20 patients with fracture only. RESULTS: RANKL levels were significantly lower in the head injury group than in the fracture group at 8 and 12 weeks after injury. OPG levels were significantly higher in the head injury group than in the fracture group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injury. RANKL/OPG ratios were significantly lower in the head injury group than in the controls immediately after and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injury, and were significantly lower in the head injury group than in the fracture group at 8 and 12 weeks after injury. CONCLUSION: We have shown changes in the profiles of RANKL, OPG and RANKL to OPG ratio. The altered RANKL, OPG and RANKL/OPG ratio in the head injury group lasted longer than in those of the fracture group.

Clinical Result of Planned posterior Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorrhexis in Adult Cataract patients: 1 year follow-up

No Abstract Available.

The Effect of Short Term Use of Azopt in Normal Koreans

Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension, 1%)is a carbonic anhydrase type II inhibitor,which reduces intraocular pressure by suppression of aque-ous humor production in ciliary process. It was developed as an agent which has little systemic side effect and was adjusted to physiologic ophthalmic environment. We observed the effect of intrao- cular pressure, pulsatile ocular blood flow and side effect to investigate the clinical effectiveness of Azopt in normal Azopt was instilled to 10 eyes of 10 volunteers and artificial tear was instilled to the other 10 eyes of 10 volunteers three times daily, respectively. We measured intraocular pressure by Goldman applanation tonometer at twohours, 8 hours, 1 day and 7 days after instillation. Pulsatile ocular blood flow, pupil diameter, blood pressure and pulse rate were also measured. Decrease of intraocular pressure after instillation of Azopt was statistically significant (p<0.05), compared with the pressure before instillation of Azopt and the decrease of pressure after instillation of artifical tear. No systemic side effect and ophthalmic discomfort was noted except for temporary visual blurring. Therefore we expect that Azopt will have a great effect on glaucoma patients in Korea who must be treated for long duration.