SPA0355 prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice

Estrogen withdrawal in post-menopausal women leads to overactivation of osteoclasts, which contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Inflammatory cytokines are known as one of mechanisms of osteoclast activation after estrogen deficiency. SPA0355 is a thiourea derivative that has been investigated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its efficacy in bone resorption has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SPA0355 on the development of osteoporosis and to explore its mode of action. In vitro experiments showed that SPA0355 inhibited receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages. This effect appears to be independent of estrogen receptor activation as ICI 180,782 failed to abrogate its effects on osteoclasts. Further signaling studies revealed that SPA0355 suppressed activation of the MAPKs, Akt, and NF-κB pathways. SPA0355 also increased osteoblastic differentiation, as evidenced by its effects on alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization nodule formation. Intraperitoneal administration of SPA0355 to ovariectomized mice prevented bone loss, as verified by three-dimensional images and bone morphometric parameters derived from µCT analysis. Noticeably, SPA0355 did not show hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity and also had little effect on hematological parameters. Taken together, the results indicate that SPA0355 may protect against bone loss in ovariectomized mice by stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and by inhibition of osteoclast resorption. Therefore, SPA0355 is a safe and potential candidate for management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Clinical value of the biochemical and nutritional parameters of intensive-care unit patients on mechanical ventilation / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The nutritional status of critical-ill patients is important for recovering from the disease itself. Therefore, this present study was designed to assess the biochemical and nutritional parameters of Intensive-Care Unit (ICU) patients on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medicial records of 126 patients (male/female=72/54) who were on mechanical ventilationin the ICU. The nutritional parameters such as serum total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, phosphorus, total cholesterol, % lymphocytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) were measured at the beginning of mechanical ventilation. We also measured the outcome variables such as the duration of mechanical ventilation, the ICU length of stay and the hospitalization period. We analyzed the relationship between the nutritional parameters and the outcome variables of ICU patients on mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The level of hemoglobin was negatively correlated with the outcome variables; the ICU length of stay (p<0.05), the hospitalized period (p<0.01), and the duration of mechanical ventilation (p<0.01). The creatinine level was positively correlated with the outcome variables; the ICU length of stay (p<0.01), the hospitalized period (p<0.01) and the duration of mechanical ventilation (p<0.05). On the multiple regression analysis, the serum total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, BUN and creatinine were independent factors affecting the duration of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that ICU patients with mechanical ventilation have a risk for malnutrition and anemia. So, an adequate nutritional intervention is required for these patients in order to decrease the prevalence of malnutrition and anemia.

Delayed Rupture of Mycotic Hepatic Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Infective Mitral Endocarditis-First Case in Korea

Mycotic aneurysms of the hepatic artery are usually caused by mycotic infection in patients suffering with bacterial endocarditis. Mycotic aneurysms have become very rare recently due to early intensive antibiotic treatment for infective endocarditis. Despite of the non-specific symptoms, these aneurysms show a high possibility of sudden death if thye ruptured. Therefore, early detection and surgical repair of aneurysms are very important. We report here on a case of hepatic artery mycotic aneurysm that presented as sudden shock and rupture.

A Case of Minimal Change Disease Presenting Bilateral Popliteal Arterial Thrombosis / 대한신장학회잡지

Thrombosis is one of the important complications of nephrotic syndrome. The mechanism of vascular thrombosis in nephrotic syndrome is under debate, but the hypercoagulable state is regarded as a predisposing factor to that. Most of vascular thrombosis in nephrotic syndrome have occurred in veins. Arterial thrombosis is relatively uncommon and often related with steroid or diuretic use. We experienced a case of bilateral popliteal arterial occlusion due to femoral arterial thrombosis as the first presentation of nephrotic syndrome. A 59-year old male patient was admitted with complaints of pain on left lower extremity for five days. The diagnosis of thrombosis in left popliteal artery was made by arterial angiography. The emergent thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation was performed. During anticoagulation, another episode of bilateral popliteal arterial occlusion was occurred once again. He had heavy proteinuria, and renal pathology revealed minimal change disease. There was no recurrence of thrombosis for 1 year after treatment with steroid and warfarin.

A Case of Rhizobium radiobacter Primary Bacteremia in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

Rhizobium radiobacter, which has been previously discribed as Agrobacterium radiobacter, is a group of phytopathogenic organisms widely distributed in soil. Over the past decade, increasing number of infections due to Rhizobium radiobacter has been reported. Rhizobium radiobacter is now recognized as rare human pathogens affecting mostly immunocompromised hosts and is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with indwelling catheters. We report a case of bacteremia due to Rhizobium radiobacter in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient. The patient was admitted for fever. In the blood culture, Rhizobium radiobacter was isolated. These symptoms and signs were successfully resolved with antibiotics.

A Case of Rhizobium radiobacter Primary Bacteremia in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

Rhizobium radiobacter, which has been previously discribed as Agrobacterium radiobacter, is a group of phytopathogenic organisms widely distributed in soil. Over the past decade, increasing number of infections due to Rhizobium radiobacter has been reported. Rhizobium radiobacter is now recognized as rare human pathogens affecting mostly immunocompromised hosts and is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with indwelling catheters. We report a case of bacteremia due to Rhizobium radiobacter in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient. The patient was admitted for fever. In the blood culture, Rhizobium radiobacter was isolated. These symptoms and signs were successfully resolved with antibiotics.

The effects of growth hormone administration on the markers of cardiovascular disease in growth hormone deficient adults / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Subjects with growth hormone-deficiency (GHD) have increased cardiovascular mortality, and growth hormone (GH) replacement may modulate cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of GH administration on the markers of cardiovascular disease in subjects with GHD. METHODS: 37 subjects (12 men and 25 women) with GHD and 65 normal subjects were enrolled in this study. GH or placebo were given for 3 months at a dose adjusted for normal serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) level. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, lean body mass, fat mass, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, IGF-I, lipid profile, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), plaminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), apolipoprotein AI, and quality of life-assessment of growth hormone deficiency in adults (QoL-AGHDA) were measured at baseline and month 3. RESULTS: Subjects with GHD showed higher levels of triglyceride, CRP, and PAI-1, but lower level of fasting glucose than normal subjects. Fat mass, CRP, and PAI-1 levels decreased in GH recipients (fat mass; 21.9+/-6.6 to 21.3+/-6.7%, p<0.05, CRP; 2.73+/-2.11 to 1.47+/-1.29 mg/L, p<0.001, PAI-1; 48.9+/-33.2 to 31.6+/-28.5 ng/mL, p<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol levels increased in GH recipients (fasting blood glucose; 4.58+/-0.46 to 4.81+/-0.36 mmol/L, p<0.05, total cholesterol; 5.36+/-1.31 to 6.17+/-1.12 mmol/L, p<0.01). Placebo recipients showed decrease in waist-hip ratio (0.93+/-0.05 to 0.92+/-0.04, p<0.05) and increase in fasting blood glucsoe (4.63+/-0.38 to 4.89+/-0.45 mmol/L, p<0.05) and uric acid (319.6+/-89.2 to 335.6+/-89.2 micro mol/L, p<0.05). QoL-AGHDA score improved in both groups (GH recipients; 10.0+/-6.0 to 7.4+/-5.5, p<0.01, placebo recipients; 9.8+/-4.4 to 6.7+/-3.4, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated favourable effects of GH on cardiovascular disease through modulating CRP and PAI-1 plasma level in subjects with GHD.