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OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the possible protective effect of Citrus aurantium peel extract (CAE) against apoptosis in cholestatic liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation in mice.@*METHODS@#Male ICR mice were divided to 5 groups: 1) Control group (Sham-operated mice), 2) Cholestatic liver injury group induced by bile duct ligation (BDL), 3) BDL mice treated with silymarin (200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, 4) BDL mice treated with 50 mg/kg CAE for 4 weeks, 5) BDL mice treated with 200 mg/kg CAE for 4 weeks. Mice were sacrificed and liver fibrosis was evaluated by serum and hepatic tissue biochemistry tests and liver histopathological examination. Effects of CAE on inflammation and apoptosis gene regulation were investigated through real-time PCR. CAE effect on lipid metabolism related signaling was determined by western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#In BDL mice, administration of CAE for 4 weeks markedly attenuated liver fibrosis based on histopathological alteration. Serum and hepatic tissue biochemistry results revealed that CAE (50 and 200 mg/kg) decreased the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, nitric oxide, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis showed that CAE regulated inflammation, apoptosis, and lipid metabolism factors increased by BDL. Interleukin family, tumor necrosis factor α, and related apoptosis factors mRNA levels were increased by BDL treatment. However, these increases were suppressed by CAE administration. In addition, CAE effectively increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, and related cytoprotective proteins.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CAE can efficiently regulate BDL-induced liver injury with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the possible protective effect of Citrus aurantium peel extract (CAE) against apoptosis in cholestatic liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation in mice. Methods Male ICR mice were divided to 5 groups: 1) Control group (Sham-operated mice), 2) Cholestatic liver injury group induced by bile duct ligation (BDL), 3) BDL mice treated with silymarin (200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, 4) BDL mice treated with 50 mg/kg CAE for 4 weeks, 5) BDL mice treated with 200 mg/kg CAE for 4 weeks. Mice were sacrificed and liver fibrosis was evaluated by serum and hepatic tissue biochemistry tests and liver histopathological examination. Effects of CAE on inflammation and apoptosis gene regulation were investigated through real-time PCR. CAE effect on lipid metabolism related signaling was determined by western blot analysis. Results In BDL mice, administration of CAE for 4 weeks markedly attenuated liver fibrosis based on histopathological alteration. Serum and hepatic tissue biochemistry results revealed that CAE (50 and 200 mg/kg) decreased the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, nitric oxide, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis showed that CAE regulated inflammation, apoptosis, and lipid metabolism factors increased by BDL. Interleukin family, tumor necrosis factor α, and related apoptosis factors mRNA levels were increased by BDL treatment. However, these increases were suppressed by CAE administration. In addition, CAE effectively increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, and related cytoprotective proteins. Conclusions CAE can efficiently regulate BDL-induced liver injury with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.
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OBJECTIVE: Speedy surgical orthodontics (SSO), an innovative orthodontic treatment, involves the application of orthopedic forces against temporary skeletal anchorage devices following perisegmental corticotomy to induce movement of specific dental segments. Herein, we report the biological effects of SSO on the teeth and periodontal structures. METHODS: Five beagle dogs were divided into 2 groups and their 6 maxillary incisors were retracted en masse by applying 500 g orthopedic force against a single palatal mini-plate. Retraction was performed without and with perisegmental corticotomy in groups I and II, respectively. All animals were killed on the 70th day, and their periodontal structures were processed for histologic analyses and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The linear distance between the third maxillary incisor and canine was used as a benchmark to quantify the retraction amount. RESULTS: Retraction was markedly faster and retraction amount greater in group II than in Group I. Surprisingly, Group II did not show any root resorption despite extensive retraction, while Group I showed prominent root surface irregularities. Similarly, SEM showed multiple resorption lacunae in Group I, but not in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: SSO is an effective and favorable orthodontic approach for major en masse retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth.
Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Electronics , Electrons , Incisor , Microscopy , Orthodontics , Orthopedics , Root Resorption , ToothABSTRACT
No abstract available.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We analyzed the surgical and functional outcomes of 100 consecutive laparo-scopic radical prostatectomies (LRP) performed by a single surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2007 and May 2010, a total of 100 consecutive patients underwent LRP for prostate cancer at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of these patients to determine surgical and functional results. We compared surgical and functional outcomes between three groups divided on the basis of operation period (Group 1; first 40 cases; Group 2; next 30 cases; Group 3; last 30 cases). RESULTS: The operative time decreased significantly as the surgeon's experience increased over time (P<0.01). The learning curve for operative time was surpassed after approximately 40 cases. The overall positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 17.5% in Group 1, 16.7% in Group 2, and 10% in Group 3. For organ-confined disease, the PSM rate was 2.5%, 6.7%, and 3.3% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The continence rate (absence of a pad) was 73.2% and the social continence rate was 94.7% at 12 months after surgery. There was a significant difference in continence (absence of pad) between the early (Group 1) and late group (Group 3) at 1, 3, and 6 months (P<0.0001). The continence rate was not affected by whether the pubic bone-anchoring procedure or the Rocco suture method was used. The overall potency rate was 16.7% and 48.6% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. For bilateral nerve-sparing cases, the potency rate was 20% and 57.1% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical and functional outcomes indicate that even in this 'robotic era', LRP is still an attractive treatment option for patients with localized prostate cancer, especially in areas with limited access to surgical robots.
Subject(s)
Humans , Laparoscopy , Learning Curve , Medical Records , Operative Time , Prostatectomy , Prostatic Neoplasms , Retrospective Studies , Sutures , Urinary IncontinenceABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using fibrin glue polymer designed to produce tissue-engineered cartilage by in vitro culture and to determine the optimal fibrinogen and chondrocyte concentrations required to generate cartilage and to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the generated cartilages. The most favorable fibrinogen and chondrocyte concentrations were determined by measuring the volume and weight gains, evaluating the histologic changes and measuring the biomechanical properties after construction of 12 different chondrocyte-fibrin glue constructs. The results are as follows. 1. The fibrin glues without chondrocytes degraded during 8 weeks of culture period. 2. The construct gains more weight in those with higher chondrocyte and fibrinogen concentration. 3. Histologic analysis of the generated cartilage showed nearly homogeneous cartilage when using 80 mg/cc fibrinogen and 4 x 10(7) chondrocyte/cc at 8 weeks in vitro culture. 4. The compressive modulus is higher in constructs with higher fibrinogen concentration and is 35.4 -36.8% of the normal joint cartilage. 5. The yield stress is higher in constructs with higher fibrinogen concentration and is 11% of the normal joint cartilage. This study demonstrates that fibrin glue is a suitable polymer for generation of cartilage by in vitro culture method. The construct with 80 mg/cc fibrinogen and 4 x 10(7) chondrocyte/cc yields the best quality of cartilage at 8 weeks when analyzed by weight and volume changes, histology and biomechanical properties. The compressive modulus and yield stress of the generated cartilage are lower than those of normal joint cartilage, and may still be adequate for the purpose of craniofacial reconstruction which seeks more pliant cartilage not requiring weight bearing strength.
Subject(s)
Adhesives , Cartilage , Chondrocytes , Fibrin Tissue Adhesive , Fibrin , Fibrinogen , Joints , Polymers , Weight Gain , Weight-BearingABSTRACT
Sex identification may be described in terms of some characteristics. Any individual with testicular formation and contraindiction of any of the anatomical criteria of sex may be considered as a male pseudohermaphrodite. Most of them have genitalia that are more feminine than masculine, are best raised as females. We report a 26-year-old male pseudohermaphrodite who was phenotypically female with amenorrhea, little breast development and little sexual hair. For treatment, multidisciplinary team approach including pubic hair transplantation is needed to enhance self-image and confidence in intersexuality.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY , Amenorrhea , Breast , Disorders of Sex Development , Genitalia , HairABSTRACT
Horseshoe Expander is one of Slow Maxillary Expansion(SME) which aims to accommodate the contra-lateral expansion and midpalatal suture expansion of the palate. The appliance consists of skeleton type screw embedded in split Horseshoe appliance. It is the objectives of the presentation to manifest the changes in dental & craniofacial components subsequent to the application of Horseshoe Expander. The subjects for this study consisted of 32 patients (mean age: 12.7). Frontal, lateral cephalometric headfilm were taken and study casts were fabricated before and after expansion. 24 items were measured, compared preexpansion with postexpansion. Especially, palatal volume was measured by means of "Hydro-measurement method". Tooth axis measurement on the dental casts were made with Universal bevel protractor, and Horseshoe Expander group were compared with RME group. This study of changes to maxillary expansion with Horseshoe Expander revealed the following significant results. 1. Triangular-shaped expansion pattern appeared in frontal cephalometric headfilm. 2. Palatal plane, occlusal plane, mandibular plane and upper incisor to FH increased in lateral cephalometric headfilm. 3. Palatal volume increased significantly. A slight bite opening, reduction of occlusal contact points showed in dental casts. 4. A 2.2:1 ratio of the amount of intermolar width in maxilla(orthodontic movement) to maxillary width (orthopedic movement) was determined. 5. Horseshoe Expander group has less buccal tipping tendency than RME group, by taking high correlation coefficients in the upper second premolar and first molar. It was suggested that Horseshoe Expander showed less orthodontic changes, less buccal tipping tendency. In addition, it was effective in maxillary expansion.
Subject(s)
Humans , Axis, Cervical Vertebra , Bicuspid , Dental Occlusion , Incisor , Molar , Palatal Expansion Technique , Palate , Skeleton , Sutures , ToothABSTRACT
Paroxysmal itching is a rare symptom in multiple sclerosis and it was first reported in 1975 by Osterman and Westerberg. It has been suggested that paroxysmal itching may be due to the activation of axons in CNS via abnormal synapses between demyelinated axons. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and ibuprofen are known to be effective in the treatment of paroxysmal itching. We report a case of paroxysmal itching of 4 months' duration in a 41-year-old female with multiple sclerosis who suffered from severe paroxysmal itching on the left side of her neck and chest. The itching did not respond to carbamazepine, but it was partially controlled with ibuprofen.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Axons , Carbamazepine , Ibuprofen , Multiple Sclerosis , Neck , Phenytoin , Pruritus , Synapses , ThoraxABSTRACT
In Behcet's disease(BD), there is a marked increase in vascular complication. Venous thrombosis is a major feature of the disease, although arterial thrombosis is rarely described. In Behcet's disease, thrombosis occurs in 20 to 30% of patients. We present two cases of Behcet's disease admitted to our hospital whose chief complaint was progressive increases in swelling and pain in their legs. In the first case, routine coagulation tests and sero-immunological tests were within normal limits, however, protein C and S activity were significantly decreased in the patient. So these findings suggest that auto-immune acquired protein S deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis of thrombotic events in BD.
Subject(s)
Humans , Leg , Protein C , Protein S Deficiency , Thrombosis , Venous ThrombosisABSTRACT
Nevus sebaceus has a well-documented neoplastic potential, and multiple tumors arising in nevus sebaceous have been reported. However, the development of three or more tumors is extremely rare. We report a case of nevus sebaceus in a 56-year-old male associated with basal cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma and eccrine hidrocystoma.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Carcinoma, Basal Cell , Carcinoma, Verrucous , Hidrocystoma , NevusABSTRACT
Dermatomyofibroma is a recently described, benign acquired plaque-like cutaneous proliferation of fibroblast and myofibroblast. Clinically, it is located in or around the shoulder and measures from 1 to 2 cm in greatest diameter. Histologically, these are non-encapsulated but well-circumscribed, plaque-like lesions located in the reticular dermis, and composed of fascicles of monomorphic myofibroblasts, oriented parallel to the skin surface. We report a 25-year-old man with a 1.5X1.5 cm sized skin colored plaque-like mass on his left shoulder and showed the histologic finding of dermatomyofibroma.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Dermis , Fibroblasts , Myofibroblasts , Shoulder , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recently, concerns regarding protection provided by sunscreens in the UVA spectrum have been raised. But there is no standard testing protocol for quantifying this protection. OBJECTIVE: As an ideal test methodology, the PFA test using the concept of minimal pigment darkening dose(MPPD) was evaluated to determine its ability to quantify the UVA protection provided by a sunscreen. METHODS: Sunscreen products were tested on unsensitized women subjects with both UVA from a Sellas UVA lamp in a protocol similar to the sun protection factor test(SPF) and UVB by the SPF protocol. RESULTS: The protection factors in UVA ranged from 5.0 to 5.3 depending on the type of absorber and the UVB blocking filter. CONCLUSION: This test method provides a realistic in vivo estimate of the amount of UVA protection provided by sunscreens.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Sun Protection Factor , Sunscreening AgentsABSTRACT
Pulmonary Aspergillomas usually arise from proliferation of Aspergillus in preexisting parenchymal cavities.202 college students (99 men, 103 women) aged 18% 26 years. Fasting blood samples were. The most common symptom in this disorder is hemoptysis, which may be minimal in amount or it may be massive & life threatening. The optimum therapy for pulmonary aspergilloma is controversial. The major options available include surgical resection of the lesion, a number of medical therapies, or simple observation of the patient for a time. Surgery is the most effective treatment but it is limited to some patient because most patients haute underlying pulmonary disease. Thus the various form of medical therapy was available with successful result. The authors present a case of percutaneous intracavitary amphoterician B injection for the treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma & its successful effect for the repetitive hemoptysis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Amphotericin B , Aspergillus , Fasting , Hemoptysis , Lung DiseasesABSTRACT
The spinal injuries were classified into bursting fracture, fracture-dislocation, seat-belt injury, compression fracture according to the three column theory by Denis. The bursting fracture and fracture-dislocation required the most careful planning. So, myelography, computerized tomography enabled us to diagnose the spinal fracture including retropulsed bony fragment into the spinal canal. There was much controversy as to appropriate treatment af unstable thoraco-lumbar fractures. The frequent surgical treatment of thoraco-lumbar spinal fractures was still posterior spinal instrumentation including Harrington rod system. Since 1964, the use of anterior spinal instrumentation had been started by Dwyer, Dunn, Kostrik, Slot, and Zielke used anterior spinal instrumentation in unstable thoraco-lumbar spinal fractures, but not popular. This study suggested the experience to accomplish the decompression of the neural elements and stabilization of the spine by using Kandea device in unstable thoraco-lumbar spinal fractures. 12 patients treated with this Kaneda device in unstable thoraco-lumbar spinal fractures were analyzed from Dec. 1988 to May, 1989 at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ewha Womans University Hospital. We obtained the following conclusions. The results were as follows. 1. The common injury mechanism was falling down in 5 cases, the frequent injury site was 1st lumbar vertebra. 2. According to Denis classification, the bursting fractures were in 8 cases(68% ), the fracture-dislocations were in 4 cases(33%). 3. The average preoperative kyphotic angulation was 24.5 degrees(range 8 to 45) and postoperative angulation was 5 degrees(range 2 to 15), the correction rate was 79.6% and correction degree was average 19.5 degrees. 4. The advantages were the fixation of one level above and below the injury site, sufficient neural decompression, firm spinal stabilization, early mobilization with a brace and elimination of the 2nd posterior procedure. 5. The fixation of vertebral plate was difficult due to the invariable size of vertebral plates, especially, in upper thoracic spinal fracture and children's fracture.