Vertical Interfragmentary Doubled Suture for Displaced Patella Fractures: Sequential Compressive Tightening with Nice Knot

In the treatment of displaced patella fractures, open reduction and internal fixation is essential for patellofemoral congruency and restoration of the knee extension mechanism. Various surgical techniques and materials can be used, and their clinical outcomes are favorable. However, soft-tissue and skin irritation, pain, and limited range of motion due to metallic hardware can occur, and removal of hardware such as screws and K-wire may be required after bony union. We present a vertical interfragmentary suture technique for patella fractures using sequential compressive tightening with the Nice knot. This knot-tying technique is low profile, provides stable fixation enough to hold displaced fractures, and does not require a secondary procedure for hardware removal.

Recent Advances in the Development of TGF-β Signaling Inhibitors for Anticancer Therapy

TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in both physiologic and pathologic processes, including cancer. Importantly, TGF-β has a dual role in tumorigenesis, acting as a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter, depending on the stage of tumor development. The aberrantly upregulated production of TGF-β has been strongly implicated in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as immune evasion. Therefore, hyperactivated TGF-β signaling is considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Numerous inhibitors of overactivated TGF-β signaling have been developed, and some of them are currently in clinical trials. This review focuses on the TGF-β signaling that contributes to tumor progression and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment and presents recent achievements on TGF-β signaling inhibition as a single or combined therapeutic approach in cancer therapy.

Recent Advances in the Development of TGF-β Signaling Inhibitors for Anticancer Therapy

TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in both physiologic and pathologic processes, including cancer. Importantly, TGF-β has a dual role in tumorigenesis, acting as a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter, depending on the stage of tumor development. The aberrantly upregulated production of TGF-β has been strongly implicated in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as immune evasion. Therefore, hyperactivated TGF-β signaling is considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Numerous inhibitors of overactivated TGF-β signaling have been developed, and some of them are currently in clinical trials. This review focuses on the TGF-β signaling that contributes to tumor progression and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment and presents recent achievements on TGF-β signaling inhibition as a single or combined therapeutic approach in cancer therapy.

The Role of Tripartite Motif Family Proteins in TGF-β Signaling Pathway and Cancer

TGF-β signaling plays a tumor suppressive role in normal and premalignant cells but promotes tumor progression during the late stages of tumor development. The TGF-β signaling pathway is tightly regulated at various levels, including transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Ubiquitination of signaling components, such as receptors and Smad proteins is one of the key regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β signaling. Tripartite motif (TRIM) family of proteins is a highly conserved group of E3 ubiquitin ligase proteins that have been implicated in a variety of cellular functions, including cell growth, differentiation, immune response, and carcinogenesis. Recent emerging studies have shown that some TRIM family proteins function as important regulators in tumor initiation and progression. This review summarizes current knowledge of TRIM family proteins regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway with relevance to cancer.

Association of appendicular skeletal muscle mass with carotid intima-media thickness according to body mass index in Korean adults / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The combined effects of obesity and appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) on atherosclerosis, especially in middle-aged populations, remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of ASM on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) according to body mass index (BMI) in middle-aged Korean adults.METHODS: Herein, 595 men and 1,274 women aged 30–64 years completed questionnaires and underwent health examinations as part of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Etiology Research Center cohort. ASM was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis and adjusted for weight (ASM/Wt). IMT was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography; highest quartile of IMT was defined as gender-specific top quartile of the IMT values. Higher BMIs was defined as a BMI over 25.0 kg/m2.RESULTS: Compared to the highest ASM/Wt quartile, the lowest ASM/Wt quartile was significantly associated with highest quartile of IMT in men with lower BMIs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 7.13), but not in those with higher BMIs (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.91). In women, there was no significant association of low skeletal muscle mass with highest quartile of IMT, regardless of BMI.CONCLUSION: Low appendicular skeletal muscle mass is associated with carotid arterial wall thickening in men with lower BMIs, but not in men with higher BMIs. Our findings suggest that the risk of atherosclerosis may be low in middle-aged Korean men with appropriate body weight and skeletal muscle mass maintenance.

Comparison of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed measurements of physical activity according to socio-demographic characteristics in Korean adults / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown relatively low correlations between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed physical activity (PA). However, this association differs by socio-demographic factors, and this relationship has not been fully investigated in the general population. Thus, we investigated the correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA and whether it differed by demographic and socioeconomic factors among the Korean general population.METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 623 participants (203 men and 420 women) aged 30 to 64 years, who completed a PA questionnaire and wore a wrist-worn accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist for 7 days. We examined the agreement for metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/wk) between the 2 measures and calculated Spearman correlation coefficients according to demographic and socioeconomic factors.RESULTS: The kappa coefficient between tertiles of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed total MET-min/wk was 0.16 in the total population, suggesting overall poor agreement. The correlation coefficient between the 2 measurements was 0.26 (p < 0.001) in the total population, and the correlation tended to decrease with increasing age (p for trend < 0.001) and depression scores (p for trend < 0.001).CONCLUSION: We found a low correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA among healthy Korean adults, and the correlation decreased with age and depression score. When studying PA using accelerometers and/or questionnaires, age and depression need to be considered, as should differences between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA.

Multiple Sequential Physeal Injuries with Vitamin D Deficiency / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Vitamin D plays a major role in bone metabolism, and its deficiency has an impact on fracture risk and healing. Low vitamin D levels are a cause of poor bone mineralization and have been associated with a significantly higher risk of physeal injury in children. This paper presents a case of a 13-year-old boy with a vitamin D deficiency, who sustained multiple sequential epiphyseal injuries at various areas. This report suggests that vitamin D deficiency is not only a significant cause of the clinical disease itself, but also an important factor affecting the successful recovery of injuries.

Supplementary Technique for Unstable Clavicle Shaft Fractures: Interfragmentary Wiring and Temporary Axial K-Wire Pinning

BACKGROUND: Treatment of unstable clavicle fractures remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons, but the evolution of treatment strategies has allowed for reliable results with minimal complications. Although several surgical options exist, open reduction with plating remains the treatment of choice for clavicle fractures. The purpose of this study is to determine an easy way to achieve successful preplating reduction while minimizing surrounding soft tissue damage during treatment of midshaft fractures of the clavicle. METHODS: A retrospective study included all consecutive adult patients operated on by a single surgeon for acute displaced clavicular midshaft fracture between January 2010 and October 2014. Hybrid technique with interfragmentary cerclage wiring, temporary axial K-wire pinning, or their combination was used in all patients. The demographic data and clinical outcomes, including operation time, union time, restoration of anatomy, shoulder functional score, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 54 male and 19 female patients, with an average age of 39.3 years (range, 18 to 77 years) for males and 58.3 years (range, 39 to 77 years) for females. They were followed up for 24 months (range, 12 to 44 months). All patients had reliable bone union after surgery using interfragmentary cerclage wiring and temporary axial K-wire fixation; fracture union was obtained at an average of 11.7 weeks (range, 8 to 21 weeks) postoperatively. Additionally, there was no postoperative loss of fracture reduction or plate loosening. At the final follow-up, all patients had regained excellent functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The cognizant effort to achieve anatomic reduction without surrounding soft tissue insult before definitive plating allows excellent radiologic and functional outcomes. Interfragmentary cerclage wiring and temporary axial K-wire pinning can overcome difficulties associated with unstable clavicle fractures to allow proper fracture reduction. In this article, we introduce a concise technique for achieving the desired outcomes reliably and efficiently when treating unstable clavicle midshaft fractures.

Comparison of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed measurements of physical activity according to socio-demographic characteristics in Korean adults / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown relatively low correlations between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed physical activity (PA). However, this association differs by socio-demographic factors, and this relationship has not been fully investigated in the general population. Thus, we investigated the correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA and whether it differed by demographic and socioeconomic factors among the Korean general population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 623 participants (203 men and 420 women) aged 30 to 64 years, who completed a PA questionnaire and wore a wrist-worn accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist for 7 days. We examined the agreement for metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/wk) between the 2 measures and calculated Spearman correlation coefficients according to demographic and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: The kappa coefficient between tertiles of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed total MET-min/wk was 0.16 in the total population, suggesting overall poor agreement. The correlation coefficient between the 2 measurements was 0.26 (p < 0.001) in the total population, and the correlation tended to decrease with increasing age (p for trend < 0.001) and depression scores (p for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found a low correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA among healthy Korean adults, and the correlation decreased with age and depression score. When studying PA using accelerometers and/or questionnaires, age and depression need to be considered, as should differences between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA.

Association of appendicular skeletal muscle mass with carotid intima-media thickness according to body mass index in Korean adults / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The combined effects of obesity and appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) on atherosclerosis, especially in middle-aged populations, remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of ASM on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) according to body mass index (BMI) in middle-aged Korean adults. METHODS: Herein, 595 men and 1,274 women aged 30–64 years completed questionnaires and underwent health examinations as part of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Etiology Research Center cohort. ASM was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis and adjusted for weight (ASM/Wt). IMT was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography; highest quartile of IMT was defined as gender-specific top quartile of the IMT values. Higher BMIs was defined as a BMI over 25.0 kg/m2. RESULTS: Compared to the highest ASM/Wt quartile, the lowest ASM/Wt quartile was significantly associated with highest quartile of IMT in men with lower BMIs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 7.13), but not in those with higher BMIs (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.91). In women, there was no significant association of low skeletal muscle mass with highest quartile of IMT, regardless of BMI. CONCLUSION: Low appendicular skeletal muscle mass is associated with carotid arterial wall thickening in men with lower BMIs, but not in men with higher BMIs. Our findings suggest that the risk of atherosclerosis may be low in middle-aged Korean men with appropriate body weight and skeletal muscle mass maintenance.

Association of appendicular skeletal muscle mass with carotid intima-media thickness according to body mass index in Korean adults / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#The combined effects of obesity and appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) on atherosclerosis, especially in middle-aged populations, remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of ASM on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) according to body mass index (BMI) in middle-aged Korean adults.@*METHODS@#Herein, 595 men and 1,274 women aged 30–64 years completed questionnaires and underwent health examinations as part of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Etiology Research Center cohort. ASM was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis and adjusted for weight (ASM/Wt). IMT was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography; highest quartile of IMT was defined as gender-specific top quartile of the IMT values. Higher BMIs was defined as a BMI over 25.0 kg/m2.@*RESULTS@#Compared to the highest ASM/Wt quartile, the lowest ASM/Wt quartile was significantly associated with highest quartile of IMT in men with lower BMIs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 7.13), but not in those with higher BMIs (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.91). In women, there was no significant association of low skeletal muscle mass with highest quartile of IMT, regardless of BMI.@*CONCLUSION@#Low appendicular skeletal muscle mass is associated with carotid arterial wall thickening in men with lower BMIs, but not in men with higher BMIs. Our findings suggest that the risk of atherosclerosis may be low in middle-aged Korean men with appropriate body weight and skeletal muscle mass maintenance.

Comparison of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed measurements of physical activity according to socio-demographic characteristics in Korean adults / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Previous studies have shown relatively low correlations between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed physical activity (PA). However, this association differs by socio-demographic factors, and this relationship has not been fully investigated in the general population. Thus, we investigated the correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA and whether it differed by demographic and socioeconomic factors among the Korean general population.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study included 623 participants (203 men and 420 women) aged 30 to 64 years, who completed a PA questionnaire and wore a wrist-worn accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist for 7 days. We examined the agreement for metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/wk) between the 2 measures and calculated Spearman correlation coefficients according to demographic and socioeconomic factors.@*RESULTS@#The kappa coefficient between tertiles of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed total MET-min/wk was 0.16 in the total population, suggesting overall poor agreement. The correlation coefficient between the 2 measurements was 0.26 (p < 0.001) in the total population, and the correlation tended to decrease with increasing age (p for trend < 0.001) and depression scores (p for trend < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#We found a low correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA among healthy Korean adults, and the correlation decreased with age and depression score. When studying PA using accelerometers and/or questionnaires, age and depression need to be considered, as should differences between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA.

A Repair of Sagittal Band for Subluxation of the Extensor Tendons at the Metacarpophalangeal Joint / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Subluxation of the extensor tendon that result from sagittal band injury at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint can lead to joint pain and limit the range of motion in fingers. Upon the injury mechanism, other causes except rheumatoid arthritis are relatively uncommon, and studies regarding the operative management are also sparse. We performed a direct repair of sagittal band and attempted to report clinical results of our experience in patients without application of conservative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 26 patients who underwent operative treatment for extensor tendon subluxation. There were 23 males and 3 females with the mean age of 39.9 years old. All patients had an injury on the long finger, and presenting an ulnarward extensor tendon subluxation. Nine patients were injured from the direct blow, 14 patients from the flicking finger, and 3 patients from the resisted finger flexion. The mean time interval between the injury and operation was 27.5 days. The mean duration of follow-up was 14.6 months. As clinical results, authors evaluated visual analogue scale, MCP joint range of motion, total active motion (TAM), 3rd finger tip pinch power, and recurrence of extensor tendon. RESULTS: The mean final MCP joint flexion was 89.6° with 22.8° of extension. The mean TAM was 248° without a significant difference between opposite hands. The mean tip-pinch power was 3.4 kg (7.5 lb), which also did not have any significant difference with contralateral hand. Herein, we did not experience subluxation recurrence, and all but one was pain-free at the final outpatient clinic follow-up. CONCLUSION: A direct repair of the sagittal band for the extensor tendon subluxation presented a favorable clinical outcome. Therefore, we can suggest that such a method can be a treatment option for patients not undergoing conservative management.

A Comparison of Results between AO Hook Plate and TightRope for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes with respect to acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation depending on the surgical method: Hook plate (HP) versus TightRope (TR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2009 and May 2012, 51 patients with Rockwood type III-V lesions received clinical and radiographic follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods (HP: n=32; TR: n=19). Radiological follow-up included comparative coracoclavicular distance (CCD) measurements as a percentage of the uninjured shoulder. For clinical follow-up, a standardized functional shoulder assessment with the Constant score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Korea shoulder score (KSS) were carried out. RESULTS: Comparing the functional results, no differences were observed between the two groups (Constant score: HP, 78.5; TP, 81.4; UCLA score: HP, 29.2; TP, 29.9; KSS: HP, 79.2; TP, 80.7). Time to restoration of the range of motion (ROM) above shoulder level was longer in the HP group than in the TR group. However, the ROM at 1 year postoperation and final follow-up revealed similar results between the two groups. The AC joints were well reduced in both groups, the CCD increased to 44.7% in the HP group and to 76.5% in the TR group at the final follow-up; however, no one was significantly superior to the others. Furthermore, there were 8 cases (25.0%) and 5 cases (26.3%) of AC joint arthritis in the HP group and TR group, respectively. However, the observed AC joint arthritis has a poor correlation between clinical symptom and radiological results in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both HP and TR fixation could be a recommendable treatment option in acute unstable AC joint dislocation. Both groups showed excellent radiologic and functional results at the final visit. Moreover, there was no significant difference in statistics, except for the time to restoration of ROM above shoulder level.

A Comparison of Results between AO Hook Plate and TightRope for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes with respect to acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation depending on the surgical method: Hook plate (HP) versus TightRope (TR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2009 and May 2012, 51 patients with Rockwood type III-V lesions received clinical and radiographic follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods (HP: n=32; TR: n=19). Radiological follow-up included comparative coracoclavicular distance (CCD) measurements as a percentage of the uninjured shoulder. For clinical follow-up, a standardized functional shoulder assessment with the Constant score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Korea shoulder score (KSS) were carried out. RESULTS: Comparing the functional results, no differences were observed between the two groups (Constant score: HP, 78.5; TP, 81.4; UCLA score: HP, 29.2; TP, 29.9; KSS: HP, 79.2; TP, 80.7). Time to restoration of the range of motion (ROM) above shoulder level was longer in the HP group than in the TR group. However, the ROM at 1 year postoperation and final follow-up revealed similar results between the two groups. The AC joints were well reduced in both groups, the CCD increased to 44.7% in the HP group and to 76.5% in the TR group at the final follow-up; however, no one was significantly superior to the others. Furthermore, there were 8 cases (25.0%) and 5 cases (26.3%) of AC joint arthritis in the HP group and TR group, respectively. However, the observed AC joint arthritis has a poor correlation between clinical symptom and radiological results in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both HP and TR fixation could be a recommendable treatment option in acute unstable AC joint dislocation. Both groups showed excellent radiologic and functional results at the final visit. Moreover, there was no significant difference in statistics, except for the time to restoration of ROM above shoulder level.

Surgical Outcomes after Olecranon Plating with Retrograde Coronoid Process Screw Fixation through the Plate Hole in the Bifocal Fracture of the Proximal Ulna / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Bifocal fracture of the proximal ulna is a fracture of the olecranon accompanied by fracture of the coronoid process. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the clinical results of the author's technique in bifocal fracture of the proximal ulna. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (10 men, 5 women) treated at CHA Bundang Medical Center from April 2006 to October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent internal fixation using a locking compression plate (LCP) with retrograde screw fixation of the coronoid process through a screw hole of the plate. Mean age of the patients was 42.6 years and the mean follow-up period was 18.6 months. Comminuted coronoid fractures with hard to screw fixation, complex injuries combined with open damage, and complete ligament rupture were excluded. Fracture union and articular congruity were examined on the follow-up radiographs. Range of motion, disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and Mayo elbow performance score were evaluated for functional analysis. RESULTS: Fracture union was achieved and articular step off was less than 2 mm in all patients on the follow-up radiographs. The mean value of modified Mayo elbow score was 92.14 (80–100) and DASH score was 7.11 at last follow-up. The mean range of motion of elbow was 128o. There was one case of small heterotopic ossification as a radiographic complication which had no functional deficit. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation of bifocal multifragmentary articular fractures of the proximal ulna with anatomically contoured LCP olecranon plate and retrograde long screws could be a recommendable surgical procedure. This study showed that the precontoured plate with retrograde coronoid process screw fixation can produce good clinical and radiographic outcomes in bifocal fractures of the proximal ulna. We recommend this procedure in this type of fracture.

Pathologic Femoral Neck Fracture Due to Fanconi Syndrome Induced by Adefovir Dipivoxil Therapy for Hepatitis B

In Fanconi syndrome, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia is caused by proximal renal tubule dysfunction which leads to impaired reabsorption of amino acids, glucose, urate, and phosphate. We present a rare case of a 43-year-old Korean male who was found to have insufficiency stress fracture of the femoral neck secondary to osteomalacia due to Fanconi syndrome. He had been receiving low-dose adefovir dipivoxil (ADV, 10 mg/day) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection for 7 years and he subsequently developed severe hypophosphatemia and proximal renal tubule dysfunction. The incomplete femoral neck fracture was fixed with multiple cannulated screws to prevent further displacement of the initial fracture. After cessation of ADV and correction of hypophosphatemia with oral phosphorus supplementation, the patient's clinical symptoms, such as bone pain, muscle weakness, and laboratory findings improved.

Pathologic Femoral Neck Fracture Due to Fanconi Syndrome Induced by Adefovir Dipivoxil Therapy for Hepatitis B

In Fanconi syndrome, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia is caused by proximal renal tubule dysfunction which leads to impaired reabsorption of amino acids, glucose, urate, and phosphate. We present a rare case of a 43-year-old Korean male who was found to have insufficiency stress fracture of the femoral neck secondary to osteomalacia due to Fanconi syndrome. He had been receiving low-dose adefovir dipivoxil (ADV, 10 mg/day) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection for 7 years and he subsequently developed severe hypophosphatemia and proximal renal tubule dysfunction. The incomplete femoral neck fracture was fixed with multiple cannulated screws to prevent further displacement of the initial fracture. After cessation of ADV and correction of hypophosphatemia with oral phosphorus supplementation, the patient's clinical symptoms, such as bone pain, muscle weakness, and laboratory findings improved.

Targeting Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming as Anticancer Therapeutics

Cancer cells rewire their metabolism to satisfy the demands of growth and survival, and this metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as an emerging hallmark of cancer. Lipid metabolism is pivotal in cellular process that converts nutrients into energy, building blocks for membrane biogenesis and the generation of signaling molecules. Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer cells show alterations in different aspects of lipid metabolism. The changes in lipid metabolism of cancer cells can affect numerous cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The potential dependence of cancer cells on the deregulated lipid metabolism suggests that enzymes and regulating factors involved in this process are promising targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the features associated with the lipid metabolic pathways in cancer, and highlight recent advances on the therapeutic targets of specific lipid metabolic enzymes or regulating factors and target-directed small molecules that can be potentially used as anticancer drugs.

Role of Inhibitory Transforming Growth Factor-β Signal Smad7 in Helicobacter pylori-associated Gastric Damage / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine implicated in the susceptibility, development, and progression of gastrointestinal cancer and certain other neoplasms. In the later stages of cancer, TGF-β not only acts as a bystander of host-immune response, but also contributes to cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. In the current study, we generated gastric mucosal cells that stably express Smad7, and explored the Helicobacter pylori-associated biological changes between mock-transfected and Smad7-transfected RGM1 cells. METHODS: RGM1 cells stably transfected with Smad7 were infected with H. pylori, and molecular changes in apoptotic markers and inflammatory mediators were examined. Several candidate genes were explored in Smad7-overexpressing cells after H. pylori infection. RESULTS: Overexpression of Smad7 in RGM1 cells significantly increased the H. pylori-induced cytotoxicity compared to mock-transfected cells. Exaggerated increases in inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase 2, inducible NO synthase, and augmented apoptosis were noted in Smad7-overexpressing cells, whereas mitigated heme oxygenase 1 was noted in Smad7- overexpressing cells. These phenomena were reversed in cells transfected with Smad7 siRNA. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that inhibition of Smad7 is a possible target for mitigating H. pylori-associated inflammation.