Anti-Allodynic Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide in an Animal Model of Neuropathic Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Background@#Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model is one of the representative models of the neuropathic pain model. Neuropathic pain in a chronic post-ischemic pain (CPIP) mimics the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The administration of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which has regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects, has been studied and is used in clinical practice treating various diseases. However, the analgesic effect of PDRN in a neuropathic pain or CRPS model remains unknown. @*Methods@#PDRN (3.3, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was administered into the subcutaneous (SC) layer of the hind paws of SNL and CPIP models. Mechanical anti-allodynic effects were then investigated using the von Frey test. In the immunohistochemical examination, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the spinal cord were harvested and examined for the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) after the 20 mg PDRN injection. @*Results@#Mechanical allodynia was significantly alleviated by administration of PDRN in SNL and CPIP mice at all of the time point. As the dose of PDRN increased, the effect was greater. The 20 mg PDRN injection was found to have the most effective anti-allodynic effect. The increased expression of GFAP in DRG and the spinal cord of SNL and CPIP model decreased following the administration of PDRN than vehicle. @*Conclusion@#SC administration of PDRN results in the attenuation of allodynia and activation of astrocytes in neuropathic pain or CRPS models. We propose that PDRN can have significant potential advantages in neuropathic pain treatment.

Influence of beverage type and ingestion time on tooth corrosion / 대한치과재료학회지

This study was conducted to analyze the effects of beverages on tooth corrosion by selecting drinks that are enjoyed by modern people. Drinks were selected for carbonated beverages (Coca Cola), energy drinks (Red Bull), orange juice, beer (Hite) and water (Evian). Bovine tooth was immersed for 1 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours. The root mean square (RMS) values were obtained by scanning the bovine tooth at pre-immersion and immersion time after impression making. Two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey-test were used to compare differences between groups (α=0.05). The RMS value tended to increase with longer immersion times in all beverages, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between before immersion-1hr and before immersion-48 hr. The mean of RMS according to the type of beverage was significantly different and there was a significant difference according to the change of immersion time (p < 0.05). In order to prevent tooth corrosion, it is necessary to change the method of ingestion or to reduce the time of ingestion.

Therapeutic Effects of a Light Emitting Diode at a Variety of Wavelengths on Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice

No abstract available.

Successful Tracheal Intubation Using Rigid Video-Stylet in a Ptiaent with Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica / 계명의대학술지

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare dysplastic disease of the trachea characterized by cartilaginous or bony nodules in the tracheobronchial lumen. Rigid video-stylet is an intubating device that provides favorable conditions even in the difficult cases. In this report, we describe a successful airway management using the rigid video-stylet in a 62-year-old man with unanticipated difficult intubation later diagnosed for TO. He was planned for elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy under general anesthesia. He was healthy without any airway symptoms. With the rigid video-stylet, we not only performed successful tracheal intubation but also examined endotracheal lumen simultaneously. Using the rigid video-stylet, we noticed multiple whitish projecting nodules in the trachea, which were the typical findings for TO.

Recent Trend in the Incidence of Premalignant and Malignant Skin Lesions in Korea between 1991 and 2006

We evaluated the recent trend in the incidence of premalignant and malignant skin lesions between 1991 and 2006. Among 571,057 newly registered dermatology out-patients from our 8 affiliated university hospitals, 2,598 were diagnosed with a premalignant (899, 0.16%) or malignant skin lesions (1,699, 0.30%). Of 899 premalignant cases, 71.2% were actinic keratosis (AK), and 24.6% were Bowen's disease. Of 1,699 malignant cases, 46.2% were basal cell carcinoma, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (19.1%) and melanoma (7.1%). This 16-yr survey was divided equally into two time periods to compare the incidence of premalignant and malignant skin lesions at different time settings. Between 1991 and 1998, the incidence of cutaneous premalignancy was 0.10% which doubled during 1999-2006. For cutaneous malignancy, the incidence was 0.25% during 1991-1998 and 0.34% in 1999-2006. Incidence of AK among the new outpatients was 0.07% in 1991-1998 which staggered up to 0.15% in 1999-2006. These findings show an increase of both premalignant and malignant skin lesions, AK in particular in the dermatology outpatient-based incidence.

Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis among Korean Adults Visiting Health Service Center of the Catholic Medical Center in Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea

The point prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) among Korean adults visiting the Health Service Center for health check-ups was assessed. AD was diagnosed based on the questionnaires filled by patients and through physical examination by dermatologists. A total of 3,563 persons completed the questionnaires, and 2,032 persons were examined by the dermatologists. According to the questionnaires, the prevalence of AD was 7.1%, and from the dermatologists' examination, it was 2.6% overall, which decreased with age significantly. The prevalence in men was higher than that of women. Grading the severity of AD according to their eczema area and severity index scores, 70.6% were classified as being mild, 25.5% moderate, and 3.9% severe. Interestingly, concomitance of psoriasis and AD was found in 0.5% of those examined by the dermatologists. Our results suggest that AD is one of the most common skin diseases not only in children but also in adults in Korea.

Amiodarone Induced Blue-gray Pigmentation / 대한피부과학회지

Amiodarone (AD) is a benzofuran derivative that has been used for the treatment of recurrent arrhythmia and as a coronary vasodilator in Europe since 1964. AD-related hyperpigmentation develops after an average of 20 months of continuous AD treatment and with a minimal total dose of 160 g AD in less than 10% of the patients. A 49-year-old man presented with asymptomatic blue-gray patches that had slowly developed on the face over the previous 3 months. He had been taken amiodarone continuously for 39 months (cumulative dose: 974 g). A skin lesion biopsy from the face showed many dermal melanophages containing brown granules. The AD was discontinued and he begin using sunscreen and is courrently being followed-up. The skin discoloration was still evident, but slightly diminished at five month's follow up.

Vitiligo-like Depigmentation Associated with Metastatic Melanoma of an Unknown Origin

Although malignant melanoma usually occurs after the diagnosis of vitiligo-like depigmentation, the latter is rarely followed by the former. We herein report on such a case in which recognition of the vitiligo-like depigmentation preceded diagnosing the metastatic melanoma by several months. A 56-year-old woman had first developed vitiligo-like depigmentation on the forehead, eyelids, neck and back 18 months previously and thereafter she detected a hard mass in the left axilla 2 months previously. Based on the histologic findings, the axillary mass was diagnosed as metastatic melanoma. To evaluate the primary tumor focus, thorough examinations that included PET-CT, bone scan and sigmoidoscopy were performed, but we couldn`t find any the original primary tumor. Our case suggests that the vitiligo-like depigmentation could be a sign that heralds metastatic melanoma.

Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis in a Patient with Pulmonary Tuberculosis / 대한피부과학회지

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis is a common form of cutaneous tuberculosis. Most cases of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis appear as secondary infections of skin, however concomitant primary internal organ involvement rarely occurs. To our knowledge, only three cases of coexistence of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis and pulmonary tuberculosis have been reported in literatures to date. We report on another case of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, which occurred in a middle-aged, Korean woman with pulmonary tuberculosis, and review the literatures.

Interaction between Neuronal Depolarization and MK-801 in SH-SY5Y Cells and the Rat Cortex

OBJECTIVE: The interaction between MK-801, a model of psychosis and KCl-induced depolarization or electroconvulsive shock (ECS), a therapeutic model of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), was investigated in SH-SY5Y cells and the rat frontal cortex. METHODS: SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with 1 microM MK-801 for 15 min, followed by cotreatment with 100 mM KCl for 5 min. MK-801 was reintroduced after the KCl was washed out, and the samples were incubated before harvesting. For the experiments in rats, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with MK-801 followed by ECS. Immunoblot analyses of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) (Ser9), AKT (Ser473) and extracellular legulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in SH-SY5Y cells and the rat frontal cortex were performed. RESULTS: KCl-induced neuronal depolarization resulted in the transient dephosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and GSK3beta (Ser9), followed by increased phosphorylation of the enzymes in SH-SY5Y cells. Cotreatment with MK-801 and KCl inhibited the initial dephosphorylation of AKT and GSK3beta produced by KCl-induced neuronal depolarization. Similarly, ECS resulted in the transient dephosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and GSK3beta (Ser9), whereas cotreatment with MK-801 inhibited the initial dephosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and GSK3beta (Ser9) produced by ECS in the rat frontal cortex. No significant interaction was observed between MK-801 and KCl in the dephosphorylation of ERK1/2. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that an antagonistic interplay between MK-801 and neuronal depolarization by KCl or ECS is involved the regulation of AKT (Ser473) and GSK3beta (Ser9) phosphorylation.

A Case of Scrofuloderma with Cervical Lymphadenitis / 대한피부과학회지

Scrofuloderma results from contiguous extension of an underlying tuberculous focus secondary to local tissue breakdown. The underlying focus may be a tuberculous bone or joint or even epididymis, but it occurs most commonly over a lymph node, particularly the cervical lymph node. A 29-year-old man presented with a tender, erythematous, linear, fluctuating plaque and nodules on the right side of his neck. He had pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis. A biopsy specimen from the skin lesion showed caseation necrosis surrounded by granulomatous infiltration, composed of epithelioid cells, mononuclear cells and Langhans' giant cells in the dermis. Acid-fast bacilli were identified on AFB staining. Herein, we report a typical case of scrofuloderma associated with cervical lymphadenitis.

A Case of Acquired Blaschko Dermatitis in a Child; A Variant of Lichen Striatus, or Not?

Acquired Blaschko dermatitis is a rare inflammatory linear eruption that presents as multiple lines of itching papules and vesicles following the Blaschko's lines. Only ten cases have been reported in literatures since Grosshans' first description in 1990 and all cases have been in adults. A 2-year-old girl presented with a 4-month history of a slightly pruritic papulovesicular eruption, which was limited to the left side of her body, along the Blaschko's line. A skin biopsy revealed interface dermatitis. The eruption initially failed to respond to treatment with topical steroids but responded to systemic steroids. We present the first case of acquired Blaschko dermatitis in a child with a review of the relevant literature.

A Case of Giant Acquired Digital Fibrokeratoma Resembling Supernumerary Digit / 대한피부과학회지

Acquired digital fibrokeratomas are rare, benign, fibrous and hyperkeratotic skin tumors. The tumors usually occur in adults as solitary, dome-shaped lesions. Fingers and toes are the most frequent localization. We report a case of acquired digital fibrokeratoma in a 62-year-old male who presented with a 1x1x3 cm sized, firm, hyperkeratotic, protruding mass on his left 5th toe. Histologically, an increase collagen bundles with neovascularization in the dermis and overlying acanthosis and orthokeratosis were noted. The patient showed no recurrence 6 months after surgical resection.

Inhibition of gamma ray-induced apoptosis by stimulatory heterotrimeric GTP binding protein involves Bcl-xL down-regulation in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) transduce extracellular signals into intracellular signals by activating effector molecules including adenylate cyclases that catalyze cAMP formation, and thus regulate various cellular responses such as metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis. cAMP signaling pathways have been reported to protect cells from ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis, but however, the protective mechanism is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the signaling molecules and the mechanism mediating the anti-apoptotic action of cAMP signaling system in radiation-induced apoptosis. Stable expression of a constitutively active mutant of G alpha s (G alpha sQL) protected gamma ray-induced apoptosis which was assessed by analysis of the cleavages of PARP, caspase-9, and caspase-3 and cytochrome C release in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. G alpha sQL repressed the gamma ray-induced down-regulation of Bcl-xL protein, but transfection of Bcl-xL siRNA increased the gamma ray-induced apoptosis and abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of G alpha sQL. G alpha sQL decreased the degradation rate of Bcl-xL protein, and it also restrained the decrease in Bcl-xL mRNA by increasing the stability following ionizing irradiation. Furthermore, prostaglandin E2 that activates G alpha s was found to protect gamma ray-induced apoptosis, and the protective effect was abolished by treatment with prostanoid receptor antagonist specific to EP2/4R subtype. Moreover, specific agonists for adenosine A1 receptor that inhibits cAMP signaling pathway augmented gamma ray-induced apoptosis. From this study, it is concluded that Galphas-cAMP signaling system can protect SH-SY5Y cells from gamma ray-induced apoptosis partly by restraining down-regulation of Bcl-xL expression, suggesting that radiation-induced apoptosis can be modulated by GPCR ligands to improve the efficiency of radiation therapy.

A Case of 5-fluorouracil-induced Phototoxicity / 대한피부과학회지

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite which prevents thymine synthesis and suppresses the utilization of preformed uracil. A variety of cutaneous reactions have been reported with the use of systemic 5-FU, the most common being photosensitivity. We report a case of 5-FU induced phototoxicity in a 73-year-old male. The patient had tender and slightly pruritic scaly and crusted erythema on sun-exposed areas. A biopsy revealed necrotic keratinocytes with epidermal degeneration. After the cessation of 5-FU, the skin lesions showed a marked improvement, and there was no further photosensitivity to the skin.