Steamed Ginger Extract Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects in Helicobacter pylori-infected Gastric Epithelial Cells through Inhibition of NF-κB

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has traditionally been used as a treatment for inflammatory diseases in the Asian region. Recently, anti-inflammatory effects of steamed ginger extract (GGE03) have been reported, but its association with Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori)-induced gastritis has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of GGE03 in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. Our studies revealed that the GGE03 suppressed the growth of H. pylori. GGE03 markedly reduced the expression of the H. pylori-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-8, TNF-α, IL-6, inducible NOS (iNOS) and IFN-γ. We also demonstrated that GGE03 treatment inhibited the H. pylori-activated NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, the treatment with GGE03 significantly attenuated nitric oxide production and myeloperoxidase activity in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. These anti-inflammatory effects of GGE03 were more effective than ginger extract. Finally, we investigated the minimum effective concentration of GGE03 to inhibit H. pylori-induced inflammation. Our findings suggest that GGE03 not only inhibits the growth of H. pylori, but also attenuates H. pylori-induced inflammation.

Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy under Local Anesthesia: Analysis of the Effectiveness and Tolerability / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: This study attempted to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of ureteroscopic lithotripsy under local anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients(male 91; female 109) underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy under local anesthesia; and the results evaluated. Pain perception during the local ureteroscopic procedure was compared with that of cystoscopy, using a visual analogue pain scale(semantic differential) recorded by the patient(0-no pain; 10-maximal pain). RESULTS: The overall success rate was 93%(185/200). The success rates of upper, mid and lower ureteral stones were 83(5/6), 78(14/18) and 94%(166/176), respectively. The success rates in stones less than 10mm and more than 10mm were 94 (166/176) and 86%(30/35), respectively. There were 5 cases(3%) of complications: ureteral injury(1), pyelonephritis(2) and ureteral stricture(2). Although the mean pain scale score was higher in the ureteroscopy(3.33+/-1.75) than the cystoscopy group (3.13+/-1.92), this was not statistically significant(p>0.05). Most of the patients tolerated the pain during the procedure, with only two requiring general anesthesia. The postoperative pain was also tolerable in most patients, with only 8(4%) requiring more analgesics after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness and morbidity of ureteroscopic lithotripsy, under local anesthesia, was found to be comparable with many other previous reports, and most of the patients could tolerate the pain of the procedure. Therefore, ureteroscopic lithotripsy can be performed effectively and safely under local anesthesia.

The Value of Cystoscopy as an Initial Diagnostic Modality for Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria

For the patients who visit outpatient clinics due to asymptomatic microscopic hematuria, cystoscopy has been looked upon as rather invasive compared to other diagnostic methods. We tried to elucidate the actual diagnostic value of cystoscopy in the initial evaluation of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. We reviewed the results of cystoscopic examinations in 213 patients who visited our hospital due to asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. No definite lesion that could explain the microscopic hematuria was detected by means of IVP, urine cytology, and other nephrologic evaluations for all the patients. Among the abnormal cystoscopic findings in 55 patients, the lesions suspected to be directly related to microscopic hematuria were classified as 'significant lesions' (31 patients, 17.6%) which include entities such as bladder cancer (1.31%). 27 of 31 patients with significant lesions (85.2%) were over 50 yr old, and furthermore, 3 patients who were diagnosed as bladder tumor by cystoscopy were over 60 yr. Cystoscopy should be utilized as initial diagnostic modality in lder patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria to rule out any possibility of bladder cancer occurrence. Further studies are needed to justify implementation of cystoscopy as an initial diagnostic modality in younger patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria.

Treatment of Bone Defect with Ilizarov Apparatus in the Tibia / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Bone defect of the long bone continues to challenge orthopedic surgeons. It is usually very difficult to obtain union. Ilizarov ext. fixation has recently gained popularity as a multifactorial approach to the management of tibial bone defect because nonunion, bone defects, limb shortening, and deformity can all be addressed simultaneously with the Ilizarov apparatus. From February 1992 to May 1993 at the department of orthopedic surgery, Inje University Pusan Paik Hospital, 9 patients aged from 8 to 37 years were treated for tibial bone defect. The causes were open comminuted fractures with initial bone loss and bone defect after removal of infected necrotic bone. Bony defect size was ranged from 2cm to 14cm, averaging 7.2cm. Bony defects were gradually closed by the Ilizarov's internal bone transport technique, and final equalization of leg length discrepancy was achieved by means of external lengthening technique. Soft tissue defects were treated with secondary closure, split thickness skin graft, and muscle flap. The average healing index was 42.8 days/cm. According to Paley's classification the complications were developed as follows; The problem included pin tract infection(9), knee flexion contracture(4), and intractable pain(1), the obstacles included delayed union(3) and premature consolidation(1), the complication included nonunion(9) and equinus ankle(1). At an average 1 years follow up, according to Paley and Catagnl's classification, body and functional results were either excellent or good in 7 cases. So, we recommend that Ilizarov technique is very useful treatment for open fracture with bone loss, bone defect after removal of infected necrotic bone and limb shortening.