Nanoliposomes of L-lysine-conjugated poly(aspartic acid) Increase the Generation and Function of Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable polymers have increasingly been recognized for various biological applications in recent years. Here we examined the immunostimulatory activities of the novel poly(aspartic acid) conjugated with L-lysine (PLA). METHODS: PLA was synthesized by conjugating L-lysine to aspartic acid polymer. PLA-nanoliposomes (PLA-NLs) were prepared from PLA using a microfluidizer. The immunostimulatory activities of PLA-NLs were examined in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs). RESULTS: PLA-NLs increased the number of BM-DCs when added to cultures of GM-CSF-induced DC generation on day 4 after the initiation of cultures. Examination of the phenotypic properties showed that BM-DCs generated in the presence of PLA-NLs are more mature in terms of the expression of MHC class II molecules and major co-stimulatory molecules than BM-DCs generated in the absence of PLA-NLs. In addition, the BM-DCs exhibited enhanced capability to produce cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions also confirmed that the BMDCs were more stimulatory on allogeneic T cells. PLA- NL also induced further growth of immature BM-DCs that were harvested on day 8. CONCLUSION: These results show that PLA-NLs induce the generation and functional activities of BM-DCs, and suggest that PLA-NLs could be immunostimulating agents that target DCs.

Nanoliposomes of L-lysine-conjugated poly(aspartic acid) Increase the Generation and Function of Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable polymers have increasingly been recognized for various biological applications in recent years. Here we examined the immunostimulatory activities of the novel poly(aspartic acid) conjugated with L-lysine (PLA). METHODS: PLA was synthesized by conjugating L-lysine to aspartic acid polymer. PLA-nanoliposomes (PLA-NLs) were prepared from PLA using a microfluidizer. The immunostimulatory activities of PLA-NLs were examined in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs). RESULTS: PLA-NLs increased the number of BM-DCs when added to cultures of GM-CSF-induced DC generation on day 4 after the initiation of cultures. Examination of the phenotypic properties showed that BM-DCs generated in the presence of PLA-NLs are more mature in terms of the expression of MHC class II molecules and major co-stimulatory molecules than BM-DCs generated in the absence of PLA-NLs. In addition, the BM-DCs exhibited enhanced capability to produce cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions also confirmed that the BMDCs were more stimulatory on allogeneic T cells. PLA- NL also induced further growth of immature BM-DCs that were harvested on day 8. CONCLUSION: These results show that PLA-NLs induce the generation and functional activities of BM-DCs, and suggest that PLA-NLs could be immunostimulating agents that target DCs.

Biologic changes of implants and grafts in rhinoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An array of materials have been used for rhinoplasty, however, the fate of these materials after rhinoplasty is not all clear. This study was performed to find post-operative gross and microscopic changes of the implants and grafts (cartilage, Gore-Tex , and Alloderm), and to guide selection of implants and graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We took the implants and grafts out from nine patients who underwent revision rhinoplasty for cosmetic problems, and studied gross and microscopic charaterizations. RESULTS: Autologous cartilages showed minor volume reduction and remodeling in gross examination, and mild degeneration, peripheral fibrosis, and fibroblast in-growth without inflammation under microscopic examination. Gore-Tex , which was a little difficulty to remove, had good volume preservation with focal in-growth of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. A gross examination of Alloderm showed preserved volume, but thin, soft and weak appearance. A microscopic examination of Alloderm showed well preserved collagen materials without inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Cartilages have good biocompatibility and stabilization, but it is necessary to study absorption and remodeling. We found that Gore-Tex is a good volume filler for dorsal augmentation, whereas Alloderm is a good material for camouflage.

A Case of Multiple Intramuscular Lipoma of the Tongue / 대한이비인후과학회지

Although lipomas are among the most common benign tumors, their occurrences in the oral cavity has been reported infrequently, accounting for only 2.2% to 4.4% of all benign tumors in this site. Especially, lipomas of the tongue are rare tumors that are represented by less than 0.5% of all benign tumors in the oral cavity. There are two types of solitary lipomas, the cutaneous (superficial) type and the deep-seated (subfascial) type. The deep and soft tissue-infiltrating lipomas are classified into between-muscle groups (intermuscular lipoma) or within-muscle groups (intramuscular lipoma). Intramuscular lipoma is composed of mature adipose tissues that infiltrate into muscles in a diffuse manner, and the entrapped muscle fibers exhibited varying degrees of atrophic change. We experienced a case of bilateral multiple intramuscular lipomas of the tongue which was cured by surgery.

Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite formation in nasal secretion after allergen challenge in the allergic rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence has shown that nitric oxide (NO) levels are increased in allergic rhinitis. However, the role of this molecule in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis is still poorly understood. Peroxynitrite (OONO-), the reactive metabolites of NO, causes nitrotyrosine formation by the nitration of tyrosine residues, and promotes deleterious effects on protein function. We attempted in this study to clarify whether NO and nitrotyrosine in the nasal secretion could be increased in the early or the late phase reaction after allergen challenge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were obtained from thirteen patients with allergic rhinits to Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus with the filter paper absorption method. The samples were collected right before, 30 minutes after, and 8 hours after the allergen challenge. Then we estimated the concentrations of nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-). Nitrotyrosine in nasal secretions was determined by Western blot analysis in three patients. RESULTS: The nitrite/nitrate concentration in nasal secretions did not show significant changes between the baseline, the early, and the late phase (p>0.05). In the Western blot analysis, the concentration of nitrotyrosine was increased in the late phase. CONCLUSIONS: Although the NO was not increased after the allergen challenge, nitrotyrosine, the evidence of the peroxynitrite effect to tyrosine residues of the protein, was increased in the late phase of the reaction rather than the early phase. Because the peroxynitrite is an metabolite of NO, we can estimate that the overall NO effect has an influence on the late phase of the allergic reaction, and it can be presumed that NO has an influence on the long-term deterioration on the nasal mucosa by cytotoxic effect of peroxynitrite, rather than on the immediate reaction of allergic rhinitis.

Acute Frontal Osteomyelitis Managed by Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Case Report / 대한이비인후과학회지

Frontal osteomyelitis, frequently characterized by the classical sign of Pott's puffy tumor, is a serious life-threatening complication of frontal sinus infection. Anterior extension of the frontal sinus infection leads to osteomyelitis of the frontal bone and subperiosteal abscess. Surgical options are necessitated by the location and extent of infection, and include trephination, frontal sinus obliteration, and craniotomy. Recent advances in endoscopic sinus surgery have provided surgeons another access to the frontal recess. Examination of the frontal recess and removal of obstructive ethmoidal cells or diseased mucosa becomes feasible with nasal endoscopes. We report a recent encounter with a case of frontal osteomyelitis managed by endoscopic sinus surgery in a 22-year-old healthy male. We think that endoscopic sinus surgery is a good approach which can be carried out for the treatment of frontal sinus diseases and its complication.

Correlation between Clinical History, Skin Test, RAST and Nasal Provocation Test in Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Correct diagnosis for allergic rhinitis is important for optimal management. A thorough history should be taken, followed by general and endoscopic examinations and confirmatory investigations. The role of diagnostic tests in the evaluation of patients with allergic rhinitis continues to evolve. This clinical study was performed to identify the relationship between clinical history and diagnostic tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaire surveys for clinical history, skin test, RAST, and nasal provocation test (acoustic rhinometry and symptom score) to the house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) were performed in 100 patients from July, 1996 to August, 1998 at Inha University Hospital. The relationship between clinical history (change of syagoides pteronyssinus antigen (Allergopharma, Reinbeck, USA) was sprayed and 15 with PC-SAS. (ver 6.120) RESULTS: There was no correlation between clinical history and the diagnostic tests. However there was a correlation between the results of either skin or RAST testing and those of nasal provocation test. CONCLUSIONS: More careful and complete history taking is needed for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The combined use of RAST, skin testing and nasal provocation test yields more information.