Licochalcone D Inhibits Skin Epidermal Cells Transformation through the Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathways

Cell transformation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is a critical event in cancer initiation and progression, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Licorice extract contains various bioactive compounds, which have been reported to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the cancer preventive efficacy of licochalcone D (LicoD), a chalcone derivative in licorice extract, in EGF and TPA-induced transformed skin keratinocyte cells. LicoD effectively suppressed EGF-induced cell proliferation and anchorage-independent colony growth. EGF and TPA promoted the S phase of cell cycle, while LicoD treatment caused G1 phase arrest and down-regulated cyclin D1 and up-regulated p21 expression associated with the G1 phase. LicoD also induced apoptosis and increased apoptosis-related proteins such as cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-7, and Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein). We further investigated the effect of LicoD on the AKT signaling pathway involved in various cellular processes and found decreased p-AKT, p-GSK3β, and p-NFκB expression. Treatment with MK-2206, an AKT pharmacological inhibitor, suppressed EGF-induced cell proliferation and transformed colony growth. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of LicoD as a preventive agent for skin carcinogenesis.

The Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Transfusion in Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: Although allogeneic blood transfusion is the most common method of transfusion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there are reports showing significant decrease in the amount of allogeneic transfusion and incidence of side effects after combined use of autologous transfusion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of using an autologous transfusion device in TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent TKA at our institution from January 2003 to January 2014 were divided into two groups: group A (n=127) who received allogeneic transfusion only in TKA and group B (n=118) who received autologous transfusion via an autologous transfusion device and allogeneic transfusion. In both groups, the patients were transfused when the hemoglobin level was below 9 g/dL. In group B, blood collected by the autologous transfusion device was transfused only once after surgery. The total blood loss volume, total transfusion volume, and the presence of side effects were assessed based on medical records. RESULTS: Group A received 294.6 mL more allogeneic transfusion than group B (p<0.001). There were no significant differences with regard to the development of side effects between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Application of an autologous transfusion device during TKA can be effective in reducing the allogeneic transfusion volume. Moreover, allogeneic transfusion was not necessary after autologous transfusion in some patients.

Meloxicam-induced Erythema Multiforme / 대한정형외과연구학회지

Erythema multiforme is an acute cutaneous reaction which manifests as macular patches and edematous papules commonly involving the hands, feet, forearm and mucous membranes. It is thought to be caused by viral and bacterial infections, neoplasms, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and also by pharmaceuticals such as sulfonamides, phenytoin, barbiturates, penicillins, carbamazepines. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been also reported as a possible cause. However, meloxicam that is a kind of cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor has not been rarely reported as a cause of erythema multiforme. Therefore, we report a case with a review of the literature.

Apoptosis and Ultrastructural Changes of Glomerular Endothelial Cells of Mice with Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Nephropathy / 대한해부학회지

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) in mice induced by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ) three times at divided dosages; the first dosage of 50 mg/kg STZ was given to mice after 12-h fasting, followed by the second 50mg/kg STZ at 24-h after the first injection, and the third dosage of 100 mg/kg was given at 72-h after the first injection. The plasma glucose and creatinine levels gradually increased after the STZ treatment, indicating the onset of DB. Histopathological examination of the kidneys of mice treated with STZ revealed focal areas of mesangial proliferation with increased periodic acid-Schiff-positive materials. At 4 and 6 weeks diabetic groups after STZ treatment showed severely degenerated nuclei of the mesangial and endothelial cells. These results indicate that apoptic histopathological changes occurs in the kidney of the STZ-induced diabetic mellitus.