Ca2+ is a Regulator of the WNK/OSR1/NKCC Pathway in a Human Salivary Gland Cell Line

Wnk kinase maintains cell volume, regulating various transporters such as sodium-chloride cotransporter, potassium-chloride cotransporter, and sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) through the phosphorylation of oxidative stress responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) and STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK). However, the activating mechanism of Wnk kinase in specific tissues and specific conditions is broadly unclear. In the present study, we used a human salivary gland (HSG) cell line as a model and showed that Ca2+ may have a role in regulating Wnk kinase in the HSG cell line. Through this study, we found that the HSG cell line expressed molecules participating in the WNK-OSR1-NKCC pathway, such as Wnk1, Wnk4, OSR1, SPAK, and NKCC1. The HSG cell line showed an intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increase in response to hypotonic stimulation, and the response was synchronized with the phosphorylation of OSR1. Interestingly, when we inhibited the hypotonically induced [Ca2+]i increase with nonspecific Ca2+ channel blockers such as 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, gadolinium, and lanthanum, the phosphorylated OSR1 level was also diminished. Moreover, a cyclopiazonic acid-induced passive [Ca2+]i elevation was evoked by the phosphorylation of OSR1, and the amount of phosphorylated OSR1 decreased when the cells were treated with BAPTA, a Ca2+ chelator. Finally, through that process, NKCC1 activity also decreased to maintain the cell volume in the HSG cell line. These results indicate that Ca2+ may regulate the WNK-OSR1 pathway and NKCC1 activity in the HSG cell line. This is the first demonstration that indicates upstream Ca2+ regulation of the WNK-OSR1 pathway in intact cells.

Anatomic Variation of the Anterior Belly of Digastric Muscle and Positional Relationship between the Posterior Belly of Digastric and Stylohyoid Muscle / 체질인류학회지

The digastric muscle is located in the suprahyoid region which consists of anterior belly, intermediate tendon and posterior belly. This muscle is an important landmark when performing an operation of submental and upper neck region. Previous researches have reported about variations of the anterior and posterior belly of digastric muscle. However, there are few studies about the general morphology of the digastric muscle and the relationship with surrounding muscles. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphology of the anterior belly of digastric muscle and confirm the topographic relationship between the digastric muscle and the stylohyoid muscle of Korean. Thirty-four cadavers (21 males, 13 females; mean age 65 years; range 24~89 years) were used in this study. The skin, subcutaneous tissues, superficial fascia and platysma were removed and a detailed dissection was performed, with extreme care being taken not to damage underlying the muscles of submental and upper neck region. After the dissections, all specimens were sketched and photographed. In 8 specimens, we observed the accessory bellies of the anterior belly of digastric muscle. We classified the accessory bellies into the crossover type (five specimens, 14.7%) that cross the mandibular raphe and unilateral type (three specimens, 8.82%). The findings resulting from observation of the anatomical relationship between the posterior belly of digastric and stylohyoid muscles, the posterior belly of digastric muscle perforated the stylohyoid muscle in 32 cases (65%) out of 49 sides. This case was subdivided into the belly of the stylohyoid muscle lean to the lateral (twenty-one specimens, 42.9%) or medial side (eleven specimens, 22.4%) of the posterior belly of digastric muscle. In 17 specimens (35%), the stylohyoid muscle existed on the medial side of the posterior belly of digastric muscle.

Alteration of Expression of Ca(2+) Signaling Proteins and Adaptation of Ca(2+) Signaling in SERCA2(+/-) Mouse Parotid Acini

PURPOSE: The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), encoded by ATP2A2, is an essential component for G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-dependent Ca(2+) signaling. However, whether the changes in Ca(2+) signaling and Ca(2+) signaling proteins in parotid acinar cells are affected by a partial loss of SERCA2 are not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In SERCA2(+/-) mouse parotid gland acinar cells, Ca(2+) signaling, expression levels of Ca(2+) signaling proteins, and amylase secretion were investigated. RESULTS: SERCA2(+/-) mice showed decreased SERCA2 expression and an upregulation of the plasma membrane Ca(2+) ATPase. A partial loss of SERCA2 changed the expression level of 1, 4, 5-tris-inositolphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs), but the localization and activities of IP3Rs were not altered. In SERCA2(+/-) mice, muscarinic stimulation resulted in greater amylase release, and the expression of synaptotagmin was increased compared to wild type mice. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a partial loss of SERCA2 affects the expression and activity of Ca(2+) signaling proteins in the parotid gland acini, however, overall Ca(2+) signaling is unchanged.

The Change of the Maximal Bite-force after Botulinum Toxin A Injection for Lower Face Contouring

The temporary effects of muscle atrophy, followed by chemodenervation due to acetylcholine blockade at the neuromuscular junction by botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A) were mainly used for the treatment of hypertrophied muscle. In the treatment of masseter hypertrophy or cosmetic contouring of the lower face with injection of botulinum toxin type A, these muscle atrophy causes the change of the bite-force inevitably. Although several reports about the histological change of muscle, ultrasound and computerized tomography measurement studies of the change of muscle thickness in the treatment of masseter hypertrophy with injection of BTX-A have become available recently, it is necessary to study further the change of the bite-force and the relationship between the bite-force and clinical effects after the botulinum toxin A injection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change of maximal bite-forces after botulinum toxin type A injections for treating the contouring of the lower face. Botulinum toxin type A(BTXA(R), Lanzhou, China) of 25U per side was carried out in 7 subjects. The change of maximal bite-forces was evaluated at pre-injection and 2 week, 4 week, 8 week, 12 week post-injections using bite- force measuring machine(MPM-3000, Japan). There were statistically significant differences between pre-injection and 2 week, 4 week, 8 week post-injections(p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between pre-injection and 12 week post-injection. In conclusion, the change of maximal bite-forces after BTX-A injections according to the period was similar to the histological change of the muscle. The clinical effects last more longer than maximal bite force. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate further these difference with more larger samples and the relationship between the change of maximal bite force and clinical effects.

A Population Study of X-chromosomal STRs, DXS9898, DXS6809, DXS7424 and DXS10011 in Koreans / 대한법의학회지

A population study of the X-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci DXS9898, DXS6809, DXS7424 and DXS10011 was carried out by single multiplex PCR in a sample of 300 unrelated Korean individuals (150 males and 150 females). For accurate and reproducible STR typing, sequenced allelic ladders were constructed and GenoTyper macro was programmed. In this study, four types of the repre-sentative repeat sequence structure of DXS10011 were observed and the allele loss at DXS9898 was observed in 13 of 450 chromosomes (2.9%). The inter-population comparison of the allele frequencies at the 4 X-STRs showed significantly different distributions (p<0.01) for Koreans and Germans except DXS10011. All statistical parameters for forensic efficiency showed that the 4 X-chromosomal STRs are highly informative. Especially, DXS10011 is expected to be the most useful marker for forensic practice.

The Usefulness of Panoramic Radiography in Human Identification / 대한법의학회지

Panoramic radiography, which can show dental characteristics in one film and evaluate postmortem information, may be highly valuable in human identification. The purpose of this study is to evaluate usefulness of human identification with dental characteristics shown in panoramic radiography through panoramic radiographies of 300 randomly selected patients who visited Yonsei University Dental Hospital. Dental characteristics of each film were classified into 8 types and diversity of dental characteristics was evaluated by turning the informations into codes. Diversity of panoramic radiography using both maxillary and mandibular dental characteristics was 99.58%. When mandibular dental characteristic (98.99%) was used alone, the diversity was found to be higher than that of maxillary dental characteristic (97.92%). Maxillary dental characteristics showed diversity in the order of right molars (92.32%), left molars (92.02%), and incisors (41.54%), while that of mandible was in the order of right molars (96.09%), left molars (95.70%), and incisors (18.97%). As a result, human identification using panoramic radiography proved to be useful not only when the whole teeth are present but also when only molars are present. Therefore, it is expected to be applied more economically and practically in identifying a large number of victims from mass disasters as well as wars.

Polymorphism and forensic efficiency of 5X-STR loci in Korean / 대한법의학회지

This study intends to examine the polymorphism of 5 STR loci inX-chromosome (GATA172D05, HPRTB, DXS8377, DXS101, HumARA) and to evaluate usefulness of them in forensic identification. 100 unrelated Korean men and women were selected. DNA was extracted from these sample and PCR was performed to amplify it. And using automated DNA sequencer and computer program, the genotype and allele frequency of them were investigated and analyzed. The following results were obtained: 1. The genetic analysis of 5 STR loci inX-chromosome was performed with quadruplex PCR for GATA172D05, HPRTB, DXS8377, HumARA and monoplex PCR for DXS101. 2. Polymorphism information content of 5 loci is higher than 0.5, the high information content is observed. The heterozygosity is higher in DXS8377, DXS101, HumARA than others. 3. The power of discrimination is revealed high in all 5 loci in women, but in men DXS8377 and HumARA is higher than others. 4. The mean exclusion chance is revealed high in DXS8377 and HumARA which have more alleles than others in trio case and motherless case. 5. The difference of allele frequency is observed with other population group in DXS8377, DXS101, HumARA of Korean population group. Based on the results of this study, the allele frequency and population data of 5 STR loci inX-chromosome may be useful in forensic investigation.

A Korean population study for the COfiler STR loci (D3S1358, D16S539, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D7S820) / 대한법의학회지

In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officially launched its national DNA database. This database, named the combined DNA Index System (CODIS), included one gender-determining amelogenin and 13 polymorphic short tandem repeats (STR) loci. To introduce a new STR system, a population database for the relevant population must be established for the statistical analysis of forensic cases. AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit (Profiler Plus Kit) and AmpFlSTR COfiler PCR Amplification Kit (COfiler Kit) are required to obtain information from all the 13 CODIS core STR loci. Study on 9 STR loci using Profiler Plus kit was already performed in a Korean population, but not yet on 6 STR loci using COfiler Kit. This study intends to evaluate usefulness of 6 COfiler STR loci (D3S1358, D16S539, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D7S820) in forensic identification. Buccal swab samples obtained from 300 randomly selected unrelated Koreans. DNA was extracted from the buccal swab samples and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the COfiler Kit to amplify it. And using automated DNA sequencer and computer program, the allele and genotype frequency distribution is investigated and statistical analysis was performed for the PCR products. The following results were obtained: 1. The observed heterozygosity at each STR locus ranged from 0.650 to 0.800 and the expected heterozygosity at each STR locus ranged from 0.642 to 0.787. 2. The polymorphism information content (PIC) at each STR locus ranged from 0.583 to 0.752 and is higher than 0.5 for all loci to have relatively high information content. 3. The power of discrimination (PD) at each STR locus ranged from 0.811 to 0.921 and the combined power of discrimination is calculated to be 0.999996. 4. The mean exclusion chance (MEC) at each STR locus ranged from 0.386 to 0.576 and the combined mean exclusion chance is calculated to be 0.98088. Based on the results of this study, 6 COfiler STR loci may be useful in forensic identification including finding an individual in relation to criminal case and paternity testing.

Sequence Analysis of ABO Gene in Korean for Individual Identification / 대한법의학회지

This study intends to evaluate usefulness of ABO gene in forensic identification. The genotype and allele frequency of ABO gene was investigated and the power of identification information of ABO gene was calculated. 100 unrelated Korean individuals were selected. DNA was extracted from sample and PCR and sequencing were performed to analyze sequence of exon 6 and exon 7 in ABO gene, the following results were obtained: 1. The polymorphic nucleotide positions of ABO gene are 216, 297 in exon 6 (2 positions) and 467, 526, 579, 646, 657, 681, 703, 771, 796, 803, 829, 930 in exon 7 (12 positions) in Korean. 2. Amomg Korean population, 18 ABO genotypes and 7 alleles were observed. O01 is most frequent (27.6%) and then A102 (22.0%), B101 (22.0%), O02 (21.0%). 3. In A type allele, the frequencies of A101 and A102 are 21.4%, 78.6% respectively. And in B type, B101 is 97.7%, the most part of them. In O type, O01 is 56.0%, O02 is 42.0% and O04 is 2.0%. 4. The observed heterozygosity and the expected heterozygosity is 0.670, 0.784 each. The polymorphism information content (PIC) is 0.744. The power of discrimination (PD) and the mean exclusion chance (MEC) are calculated to be 0.924 and 0.576. Based on the results of this study, the determination of ABO genotype by sequencing may be useful in forensic identification including finding an individual in relation to criminal case, paternity test, and confirming possible relationships between family members.

Individual Identification of Human Remains from the Korean War / 대한법의학회지

During the exhumation of victims of Korean War, among the memorial activities of Korean War, we found a dead body in a tomb in Kyung-Ju city. With the testimony of natives we could find the family related with the body. Using bone and teeth of it we determined that it was male and about 20 years old or more and the result was unite with the insistence of the bereaved family. With the photography offered by the family and the skull we did the photographic superimposition and according to the result we could not exclude that it was the same person with him. We performed mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) sequencing and it reveals that the dead body and the family have same maternal inherited mtDNA. Finally, We could identify the dead body. At present it is very difficult thing to collect much data of victims of Korean War because it passed over 50 years. But if we find the bereaved family of them we can identify them more accurate and more objective with the forensic identification method like sex determination, age estimation, superimposition and mtDNA sequencing and so on.

Metric and Non-metric Traits of the Teeth in Past and Present Koreans / 체질인류학회지

Teeth play an important role in mastication and phonation as well as in esthetics. Since metric and non-metric characteristics of teeth can be used in anthropological comparison, archeology and identification, they are very important in physical anthropology, archeology and forensic odontology. However, this subject has rarely been studied in Koreans and therefore data on the anthropological characteristics are scarce. Researchers have measured 5 factors on each tooth and 9 non-metric characteristics of 1085 teeth collected from Gaya, Korea and Chosun people and 1397 teeth collected from the present Koreans (both female and male). Metric and non-metric traits of the teeth were compared in past and present Koreans. Comparing the measurement of the teeth in past and present Koreans, no difference in the faciolingual diameter was seen while slight difference was seen in the mesiodistal diameter of past and present Koreans. Non-metric traits of Koreans showed that 96.4% of past Koreans and 94.2% of present Koreans had shoveling in the maxillary central incisior while 93.1% of past Koreans and 90.6% of present Koreans had shoveling in the maxillary lateral incisor. Therefore shoveling was present in a higher rate in the past Koreans. The result on the comparison of the lingual cusp number on mandibular second premolars, showed that while past Koreans had 1 (48.0%) or 2 (52.0%) lingual cusps, present Koreans had 1 (52.3%), 2 (46.7%) or 3 (1.0%) lingual cusps. The Terra's tubercle was seen on the mesial surface in 53.7% of maxillary first premolar in the present Koreans and 48.7% of maxillary second premolar showed no tubercle. Meanwhile, past Koreans showed a higher rate of Terra's tubercle than present Koreans. Frequence of Carabelli's tubercle in the maxillary first molar was 18.4% in past Koreans and 36.2% in present Koreans. The most common form of occlusal groove pattern in the maxillary first molar was '4' (94.3% in past Koreans, 94.3% in present Koreans) and in the maxillary second molar was '4-' (40.5% in past Koreans, 76.5% in present Koreans). In both the past and present Koreans, The 'Y5' pattern of occlusal groove pattern was most common in the mandibular first molar and '+4' pattern in the mandibular second molar.

Individual Identification / 대한법의학회지

It is noteworthy that most unidentified dead are unnatural and violent deaths. The accurate identification of a decedent permits certification of death and notification of next of kin. Only then may they proceed with the probate of wills, apply for disbursement of benefits and insurance, and begin to work through the grieving process. Law enforcement agencies need positive identification to pick up the leads of investigation to develop suspects, establish the corpus delicti of homicide and reconstruct the sequence of events of a crime. Agencies and a variety of consultants are involved in recognizing and developing the unique features of a decedent that lead to identification. Cooperative working relations with newspaper and other media will help in publicizing the need for persons with information to come forward diagrammatically. In this paper, 5 individual identification cases in unexpected or homicidal deaths are described. The comparison between the postmortem and antemortem records show that the victims are correctly identified.

Individual Identification / 대한법의학회지

It is noteworthy that most unidentified dead are unnatural and violent deaths. The accurate identification of a decedent permits certification of death and notification of next of kin. Only then may they proceed with the probate of wills, apply for disbursement of benefits and insurance, and begin to work through the grieving process. Law enforcement agencies need positive identification to pick up the leads of investigation to develop suspects, establish the corpus delicti of homicide and reconstruct the sequence of events of a crime. Agencies and a variety of consultants are involved in recognizing and developing the unique features of a decedent that lead to identification. Cooperative working relations with newspaper and other media will help in publicizing the need for persons with information to come forward diagrammatically. In this paper, 5 individual identification cases in unexpected or homicidal deaths are described. The comparison between the postmortem and antemortem records show that the victims are correctly identified.

Differences in the Metric Dimensions of Craniofacial Structures with Aging in Korean Males and Females / 체질인류학회지

In order to identify the sexual difference and the aging changes on the cranial metric dimensions and to clarify the anthropological characteristics of Korean skulls, authors took the radiographs of lateral skull projections and made out perspective drawings and measured 33 cranial metric dimensions using 32 standard points of normal Korean 373 heads. The results were as follows. 1. 4 items of metric dimensions on the calvarial thickness were greater in the male than the female and all the calvarial thicknesses of younger adults were thicker than the older adults. 2. As a result of measuring 11 items of skull size including the maximum cranial length (glabella to opisthocranion diameter) and the cranial height (basion to vertex diameter), all average metric dimensions of the skull were shown the sexual difference. 3. Among the metric dimensions of skull size, the maximum cranial length (glabella to opisthocranion diameter) was not different between the younger and older adults, but the cranial height (basion to bregma diameter) was greater in the younger than the older adults. 4. In according to the metric dimensions of the cranial base, the length and the angle of the cranial base were shown the sexual difference, that is, all dimensions on the cranial basewere greater in the males. 5. The breadth and height of pituitary fossa were greater in the older female than the younger females. 6. Metric dimensions on the sella position related to other cranial landmarks were shown the sexual difference, but there were no differences between the younger and older adults. 7. Metric dimensions on the frontal sinus were shown the greatest sexual difference and there were the differences between the younger and older males, not in the females. Taken all together, all the basic anthropological data of Korean crania in this study will be helpful to the sexual discrimination, and will be applied to other basic medical and dental sciences.

Association of DNA patterns and nucleolar organizer regions with clinical outcome in invasive cervical carcinoma / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.