Standardized rice bran extract improves hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells and ovariectomized rats

RESULTS@#RBS supplementation improved serum triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in OVX rats. Histological analysis showed that RBS significantly attenuated hepatic fat accumulation and decreased hepatic lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, RBS suppressed the estrogen deficiency-induced upregulation of lipogenic genes, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. @*CONCLUSIONS@#RBS and γ-oryzanol effectively reduced lipid accumulation in a HepG2 cell hepatic steatosis model. RBS improves OVX-induced hepatic steatosis by regulating the SREBP1-mediated activation of lipogenic genes, suggesting the benefits of RBS in preventing fatty liver in postmenopausal women.

Prognostic Factors for Improved Daytime Sleepiness after Uvulopalatal Flap for Obstructive Sleep Apnea / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate pre-operative factors for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and determine the correlation these factors have with the improvement of daytime sleepiness based on the change of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score before and after uvulopalatal flap (UPF). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Twenty-two patients with OSA who had received UPF surgery were enrolled in the study. We checked age, body mass index (BMI), size of tonsils, and position of palate. Using the Muller maneuver, we quantified the degree of obstruction at the velopharynx and the tongue base level. The cephalometric variables were checked by X-ray. Apnea-hypopnea index, respiratory distress index, and lowest oxygen saturation were obtained by portable monitoring. Finally, we obtained ESS score before and after UPF. The correlation between the aforementioned pre-operative factors and changes in ESS score was evaluated. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between the change in ESS score and patients' age (R=0.168, p=0.031), BMI (R=0.642, p=0.004), and posterior airway space (PAS)(R=0.378, p=0.029). Patients who were older than 40 years old (p=0.030), obese patients with BMI> or =25.0 (p=0.001), and those who had reported severe daytime sleepiness before surgery (pre-operative ESS score >10, p<0.01) reported greater improvement of daytime sleepiness after UPF. CONCLUSION: We propose age, BMI, and wider PAS as predictors for greater improvement of daytime sleepiness after UPF in patients with OSA.

Histologic Changes of Vocal Fold Aging in a Rat Model / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aging causes atrophy in mucosa of vocal folds, resulting in various deleterious changes in phonation. Eventually, these changes impair an elderly individual's ability to communicate with others and affect their quality of life. This investigation was carried out to determine the morphological characteristics of vocal folds in two different aged groups of rats, and to perform a validation of a rat model of age-related changes in larynx. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Larynges were obtained from 12 rats, of which 6 rats were 6 months old and the others 18 months old. The middle portion of each vocal folds were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome (MT), Alcian blue (AB) and compared. RESULTS: Extracellular matrix in lamina propria of vocal folds presented lower density in 18 months-old rats than in 6 months-old rats (p<0.05). Also more severe fibrosis was observed in 18 months-old rats than in 6 months-old rats (p<0.05). Six months-old rats showed higer concentration of hyaluronic acid than did 18 months-old rats (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Aged vocal folds showed increased fibrosis and decreased density of collagen and hyaluronic acids in the lamina propria compared to young vocal fold.

Solitary Metastasis of Gastric Carcinoma to the Cerebellopontine Angle

Internal auditory canal (IAC) and cerebellopontine metastases are very rare lesions and their diagnosis is very difficult due to their similarity to vestibular schwannoma in clinical characteristics and radiologic findings. Our case is peculiar and differs from previously reported cases of malignant metastasis to the IAC in two aspects: 1) solitary IAC metastasis occurred without distant metastasis and 2) symptoms due to IAC metastasis preceded outbreak of primary lesion symptoms or diagnosis of primary lesion. In our literature search, no correlating cases have been reported. In this peculiar case, rapid progression of otologic symptoms, short duration of onset from hearing impairment to facial palsy, and laterally eccentric contrast enhancement in gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may have been clues for metastatic lesion.

Comparison of Collecting Methods of Nasal Fluids Using Albumin after Nasal Provocation in Allergic Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although different methods of collecting nasal fluid exist and can influence the result of the study, there have not been any studies made yet to compare the different methods. The authors aimed to evaluate the usefulness of these methods by comparing the albumin concentration of nasal fluid after nasal provocation in patients with allergic rhinitis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In 22 patients with allergic rhinitis, we measured the change of nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea after nasal provocation using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In Group A (n=10), the nasal lavage and direct suction method were used and in Group B (n=12), nasal lavage and filter paper method were used. Nasal fluids were obtained before, 20 min after and 8 hours after provocation. The concentration of albumin was calculated using rate nephelometry. RESULTS: Patients' nasal symptoms were aggravated in early allergic reaction but subsided in late reaction. There was meaningful increase of albumin concentration with the use of direct suction and filter paper methods. In contrast, there was no significant increase of concentration with the use of lavage method. CONCLUSION: The filter paper method is superior in the quantitative analysis of mediators in nasal fluid after nasal provocation in allergic patients. The lavage method, however, is considered inappropriate because of its dilution effect.