Two Cases of Aquagenic Wrinkling of the Palms in Korean Healthy Women: Easily Overlooked Disease

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms (AWP) is a rare condition, which is characterized by appearance of whitish papules and plaques and an excessive wrinkling and swelling of the palmar skin after exposure to water. Herein, we report two cases of AWP. A 17-year-old woman presented prickling focal various sized whitish papules, plaques with wrinkles on both palms after water contact for 6 months ago. Histologic findings were consistent with AWP. A 26-year-old woman presented asymptomatic multiple various sized whitish papules, plaques with wrinkles on both palms after water contact for 1 year ago. Both patients underwent a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conduct receptor test but were negative and improved without any treatment.

Paradoxical Responses to Oxybutynin Treatment in Localized Hyperhidrosis: Case Report / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Influence of Local Myocardial Infarction on Endothelial Function, Neointimal Progression, and Inflammation in Target and Non-Target Vascular Territories in a Porcine Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have worse clinical outcomes than those with stable coronary artery disease despite revascularization. Non-culprit lesions of AMI also involve more adverse cardiovascular events. This study aimed to investigate the influence of AMI on endothelial function, neointimal progression, and inflammation in target and non-target vessels. METHODS: In castrated male pigs, AMI was induced by balloon occlusion and reperfusion into the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Everolimus-eluting stents (EES) were implanted in the LAD and left circumflex (LCX) artery 2 days after AMI induction. In the control group, EES were implanted in the LAD and LCX in a similar fashion without AMI induction. Endothelial function was assessed using acetylcholine infusion before enrollment, after the AMI or sham operation, and at 1 month follow-up. A histological examination was conducted 1 month after stenting. RESULTS: A total of 10 pigs implanted with 20 EES in the LAD and LCX were included. Significant paradoxical vasoconstriction was assessed after acetylcholine challenge in the AMI group compared with the control group. In the histologic analysis, the AMI group showed a larger neointimal area and larger area of stenosis than the control group after EES implantation. Peri-strut inflammation and fibrin formation were significant in the AMI group without differences in injury score. The non-target vessel of the AMI also showed similar findings to the target vessel compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: In the pig model, AMI events induced endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and neointimal progression in the target and non-target vessels.

Validity and Reliability of Korean Version of the Aging Voice Index (KAVI)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Voice disorder is recognized as a major problem because it negatively affects the elderly's social participation and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of Korean aging voice index (KAVI), which assesses the quality of life related to the voice of the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was conducted on 211 elderly people aged 65 years or older : 111 patients with voice disorder (mean age 69.8, range 65–80 years) and 100 nomorphonic participants (mean age 70.6, range 65–82 years). Aging voice index was translated into Korean and used and Korean voice-related quality of life (KVQOL) was conducted to verify KAVI. The validity (item validity, concurrent validity, and construct validity) and reliability (test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability) of KAVI. RESULTS: The item validity (ICC=0.895) and construct validity (r=0.765) showed a high correlation, respectively. And concurrent validity (r=0.748), test-retest reliability (0.851), and internal consistency reliability (α=0.832) were statistically significant in voice disorder group. In addition, there was a significant difference between the voice disorder and the nomorphonic group in AVI total score. CONCLUSION: KAVI is a validated and reliable quality of life tool that will be useful for assessing the presence and effectiveness of interventions in clinical settings.

A Retrospective Study of Skin Tumor of the Nose according to Its Anatomical Location / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The nose plays an important aesthetic, functional role and is located at the center of the face. Due to the characteristics of its anatomical location, the nose is easily exposed and damaged due to weathering, trauma, and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide information on the most common benign and malignant tumors according to their location on the nose. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 217 patients who visited the Department of Dermatology at Chosun University Hospital and underwent biopsy for suspected skin tumors in the past 6 years. The tumor was classified as benign, pre-cancerous, and malignant. Differences in the distribution of the anatomical locations of each disease group were analyzed according to the eight anatomical locations of the nose. RESULTS: Based on the external nose anatomy, the most common site where skin tumors usually occurred was the nasal alar (29%), followed by the nasal dorsum and nasal sidewall (23.5% and 20.2%, respectively). The most common skin tumor was malignant tumor (72.3%), followed by benign tumor (21.1%) and premalignant disease (6.4%). CONCLUSION: I In this study, among patients who underwent biopsy for suspected tumor in the nose, the most common neoplasm was malignant skin tumor and the most common anatomical location was the nasal alar. Therefore, a rapid diagnosis and treatment of skin tumors that occur in the nasal alar wound be necessary.

Effects of Injection Laryngoplasty with Hyaluronic Acid in Patients with Vocal Fold Paralysis

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of injection laryngoplasty (IL) with hyaluronic acid in patients with vocal fold paralysis (VFP). METHODS: A total of 50 patients with VFP participated in this study. Pre- and post-IL assessments were performed, which included analyzing the sustained vowel /a/ phonation, and the patient reading 1 Korean sentence from the “Walk” passage that comprised 25 syllables in 10 words. To investigate the effect of IL on vocal fold function, acoustic analysis (acoustic voice quality index, cepstral peak prominence, maximum phonation time, speaking fundamental frequency) was conducted and auditory-perceptual (grade and overall severity), visual judgment (gap), and self-questionnaire (voice handicap index-10) assessments were performed. RESULTS: The patients with VFP showed statistically significant differences between pre-and post-IL assessments for acoustic and auditory-perception, visual judgment, and self-questionnaire assessments. CONCLUSION: The patients with VFP showed positive change in vocal fold function between pre- and post-IL measurements. The findings showed that IL with hyaluronic acid is an effective method to improve vocal fold function in patients with VFP.

Cases of acute mercury poisoning by mercury vapor exposure during the demolition of a fluorescent lamp factory

BACKGROUND: In 2015, workers dismantling a fluorescent lamp factory in Korea were affected by mercury poisoning from exposure to mercury vapor. CASE PRESENTATION: Eighteen out of the 21 workers who participated in the demolition project presented with symptoms of poisoning and, of these, 10 had persistent symptoms even at 18 months after the initial exposure to mercury vapor. Early symptoms of 18 workers included a general skin rash, pruritus, myalgia, sleep disturbance, and cough and sputum production. Following alleviation of these initial symptoms, late symptoms, such as easy fatigue, insomnia, bad dreams, and anxiety disorder, began to manifest in 10 out of 18 patients. Seven workers underwent psychiatric care owing to sleep disturbance, anxiety disorder, and depression, and three workers underwent dermatologic treatment for hyperpigmentation, erythematous skin eruption, and chloracne-like skin lesions. Furthermore, three workers developed a coarse jerky movement, two had swan neck deformity of the fingers, and two received care at an anesthesiology clinic for paresthesia, such as burning sensation, cold sensation, and pain. Two workers underwent urologic treatment for dysfunction of the urologic system and impotence. However, symptomatic treatment did not result in satisfactory relief of these symptoms. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the perils of mercury and prevention of mercury exposure are critical for preventing health hazards caused by mercury vapor. Chelation therapy should be performed promptly following mercury poisoning to minimize damage.

Effect of Stents Coated with Artemisinin or Dihydroartemisinin in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin are drugs used to treat malaria. These drugs suppress inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-intima hyperplasia effect of a novel drug-eluting stent with artemisinin or dihydroartemisinin in a porcine coronary restenosis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pigs were randomized into four groups; in the first, the coronary arteries (20 pigs, a total of 40 coronary arteries, with 10 coronary arteries in each group) was implanted with bare metal stents (BMS, n=10); the second group was given polymer-coated stents (PCS, n=10); the third group was treated with artemisinin-eluting stents (AES, n=10); and the fourth group was given dihydroartemisinin-eluting stents (DAES, n=10). Histopathologic analysis was performed 28 days after stenting. RESULTS: The injury and fibrin scores among the four groups were not significantly different. However, the internal elastic lamina, lumen area, and neointima area were significantly different. Moreover, the percent area of stenosis (46.2±18.66% in BMS vs. 89.4±10.92% in PCS vs. 83.3±17.07% in AES vs. 36.7±11.20% in DAES, p<0.0001) and inflammation score (1.0 [range: 1.0-1.0] vs. 3.0 [range: 2.25-3.0] vs. 3.0 [range: 1.0-3.0] vs. 2.0 [range: 1.75-3.0] in BMS, PCS, AES, and DAES, respectively; p<0.001) were markedly decreased in the DAES group compared to the PCS group. CONCLUSION: DES, which uses a natural substance, dihydroartemisinin, showed a neointima and inflammatory suppressive effect in a porcine coronary restenosis model.

The Control of Drug Release and Vascular Endothelialization after Hyaluronic Acid-Coated Paclitaxel Multi-Layer Coating Stent Implantation in Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is highly biocompatible with cells and the extracellular matrix. In contrast to degradation products of a synthetic polymer, degradation products of HA do not acidify the local environment. The aim of this study was to fabricate an HA-coated paclitaxel (PTX)-eluting stent via simple ionic interactions and to evaluate its effects in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HA and catechol were conjugated by means of an activation agent, and then the stent was immersed in this solution (resulting in a HA-coated stent). After that, PTX was immobilized on the HA-coated stent (resulting in a hyaluronic acid-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent [H-PTX stent]). Study groups were divided into 4 groups: bare metal stent (BMS), HA, H-PTX, and poly (L-lactide)-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent (P-PTX). Stents were randomly implanted in a porcine coronary artery. After 4 weeks, vessels surrounding the stents were isolated and subjected to various analyses. RESULTS: Smoothness of the surface was maintained after expansion of the stent. In contrast to a previous study on a PTX-eluting stent, in this study, the PTX was effectively released up to 14 days (a half amount of PTX in 4 days). The proliferation of smooth muscle cells was successfully inhibited (by 80.5±12.11% at 7 days of culture as compared to the control) by PTX released from the stent. Animal experiments showed that the H-PTX stent does not induce an obvious inflammatory response. Nevertheless, restenosis was clearly decreased in the H-PTX stent group (9.8±3.25%) compared to the bare-metal stent group (29.7±8.11%). CONCLUSION: A stent was stably coated with PTX via simple ionic interactions with HA. Restenosis was decreased in the H-PTX group. These results suggest that HA, a natural polymer, is suitable for fabrication of drug-eluting stents (without inflammation) as an alternative to a synthetic polymer.

Auditory-Perceptual and Acoustic Evaluation in Measuring Dysphonia Severity of Vocal Cord Paralysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the criterion-related concurrent validity of two standardized auditory-perceptual assessments and the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) for measuring dysphonia severity in patients with vocal cord paralysis (VCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 210 patients with VCP and 236 normal voice subjects were asked to sustain the vowel [a:] and to read aloud the Korean text “Walk”. A 2 second mid-vowel portion of the sustained vowel and two sentences (with 26 syllables) were recorded. And then voice samples were edited, concatenated, and analyzed according to Praat script. Two standardized auditory-perceptual assessment (GRBAS and CAPE-V) were performed by three raters. RESULTS: The VCP group showed higher AVQI, Grade (G) and Overall Severity (OS) values than normal voice group. And the correlation among AVQI, G, and OS ranged from 0.904 to 0.926. In ROC curve analysis, cutoff values of AVQI, G, and OS were < 3.79, < 0.00, and < 30.00, respectively, and the AUC of each analysis was over .89. CONCLUSION: AVQI and auditory evaluation can improve the early screening ability of VCP voice and help to establish effective diagnosis and treatment plan for VCP-related dysphonia.

Novel Fabrication of MicroRNA Nanoparticle-Coated Coronary Stent for Prevention of Post-Angioplasty Restenosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: MicroRNA 145 is known to be responsible for cellular proliferation, and its enhanced expression reportedly inhibits the retardation of vascular smooth muscle cell growth specifically. In this study, we developed a microRNA 145 nanoparticle immobilized, hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the gene therapy, we used disulfide cross-linked low molecular polyethylenimine as the carrier. The microRNA 145 was labeled with YOYO-1 and the fluorescent microscopy images were obtained. The release of microRNA 145 from the stent was measured with an ultra violet spectrophotometer. The downstream targeting of the c-Myc protein and green fluorescent protein was determined by Western blotting. Finally, we deployed microRNA 145/ssPEI nanoparticles immobilized on HA-coated stents in the balloon-injured external iliac artery in a rabbit restenosis model. RESULTS: Cellular viability of the nanoparticle-immobilized surface tested using A10 vascular smooth muscle cells showed that MSN exhibited negligible cytotoxicity. In addition, microRNA 145 and downstream signaling proteins were identified by western blots with smooth muscle cell (SMC) lysates from the transfected A10 cell, as the molecular mechanism for decreased SMC proliferation that results in the inhibition of in-stent restenosis. MicroRNA 145 released from the stent suppressed the growth of the smooth muscle at the peri-stent implantation area, resulting in the prevention of restenosis at the post-implantation. We investigated the qualitative analyses of in-stent restenosis in the rabbit model using micro-computed tomography imaging and histological staining. CONCLUSION: MicroRNA 145-eluting stent mitigated in-stent restenosis efficiently with no side effects and can be considered a successful substitute to the current drug-eluting stent.

Effect of Atorvastatin-Eluting Stents in a Rabbit Iliac Artery Restenosis Model / 전남의대학술지

Statins have pleiotropic effects, which include the inhibition of neointima hyperplasia, the inhibition of vascular inflammation, and platelet inhibition. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an atorvastatin-eluting stent (AES) in a rabbit iliac artery overstretch restenosis model. Ten rabbits were used in this study (10 rabbits, 10 iliac arteries for each stent). An AES and paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) were implanted in the left and right iliac arteries in a rabbit (2 stents in each rabbit). The stents were deployed with oversizing (stent/artery ratio 1.3:1), and histopathologic analysis was assessed at 28 days after stenting. There were no significant differences in the injury score, lumen area, or inflammation score. There were significant differences in the neointimal area (0.7+/-0.18 mm2 in the AES group vs. 0.4+/-0.25 mm2 in the PES group, p<0.01), in the percentage stenosis area (14.8+/-5.06% in the AES group vs. 10.5+/-6.80% in the PES group, p<0.05), and in the fibrin score (0.4+/-0.51 in the AES group vs. 2.7+/-0.48 in the PES group, p<0.001). Although the AES did not suppress neointimal hyperplasia compared with the PES, it showed a superior arterial healing effect in a rabbit iliac artery overstretch restenosis model.

Mechanical and Histopathological Comparison between Commercialized and Newly Designed Coronary Bare Metal Stents in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model / 전남의대학술지

The aim of this study was to compare the stent designed by Chonnam National University Hospital (designated as CNUH) with commercial cobalt-chromium coronary stent in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model. CNUH stent was subjected to mechanical performance tests. Pigs were randomized into two groups in which the coronary arteries (10 pigs, 10 coronaries in each group) had either CNUH stent or control commercial bare metal stent. Histopathologic analysis was assessed at 28 days after stenting. In mechanical performance tests, CNUH stent showed 2.65N, 35.1N, 0.52N, 1.94%, 4.29% in the flat plate radial compression, radial force, 3 point bending, Foreshortening and recoil test, respectively. There was no significant difference in the injury score, internal elastic lamina (IEL), lumen area, neointima area, percent area stenosis, inflammation score and fibrin score between the two groups (1.2+/-0.35, 4.1+/-0.41 mm2, 2.7+/-0.56 mm2, 1.6+/-0.47 mm2, 36.7+/-11.2%, 1.2+/-0.62, 0.2+/-0.34 in CNUH stent group vs. 1.2+/-0.38, 3.7+/-0.64 mm2, 2.5+/-0.49 mm2, 1.5+/-0.61 mm2, 36.3+/-12.17%, 1.1+/-0.12, 0.4+/-0.46 in commercial stent group, respectively). In the mechanical performance test, CNUH stent showed the moderated performance under the guideline of FDA. CNUH stent demonstrated similar histological reactions compared with commercial cobalt-chromium stent in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model.

Mechanical and Histopathological Comparison between Commercialized and Newly Designed Coronary Bare Metal Stents in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model / 전남의대학술지

The aim of this study was to compare the stent designed by Chonnam National University Hospital (designated as CNUH) with commercial cobalt-chromium coronary stent in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model. CNUH stent was subjected to mechanical performance tests. Pigs were randomized into two groups in which the coronary arteries (10 pigs, 10 coronaries in each group) had either CNUH stent or control commercial bare metal stent. Histopathologic analysis was assessed at 28 days after stenting. In mechanical performance tests, CNUH stent showed 2.65N, 35.1N, 0.52N, 1.94%, 4.29% in the flat plate radial compression, radial force, 3 point bending, Foreshortening and recoil test, respectively. There was no significant difference in the injury score, internal elastic lamina (IEL), lumen area, neointima area, percent area stenosis, inflammation score and fibrin score between the two groups (1.2+/-0.35, 4.1+/-0.41 mm2, 2.7+/-0.56 mm2, 1.6+/-0.47 mm2, 36.7+/-11.2%, 1.2+/-0.62, 0.2+/-0.34 in CNUH stent group vs. 1.2+/-0.38, 3.7+/-0.64 mm2, 2.5+/-0.49 mm2, 1.5+/-0.61 mm2, 36.3+/-12.17%, 1.1+/-0.12, 0.4+/-0.46 in commercial stent group, respectively). In the mechanical performance test, CNUH stent showed the moderated performance under the guideline of FDA. CNUH stent demonstrated similar histological reactions compared with commercial cobalt-chromium stent in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model.

Effect of Atorvastatin-Eluting Stents in a Rabbit Iliac Artery Restenosis Model / 전남의대학술지

Statins have pleiotropic effects, which include the inhibition of neointima hyperplasia, the inhibition of vascular inflammation, and platelet inhibition. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an atorvastatin-eluting stent (AES) in a rabbit iliac artery overstretch restenosis model. Ten rabbits were used in this study (10 rabbits, 10 iliac arteries for each stent). An AES and paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) were implanted in the left and right iliac arteries in a rabbit (2 stents in each rabbit). The stents were deployed with oversizing (stent/artery ratio 1.3:1), and histopathologic analysis was assessed at 28 days after stenting. There were no significant differences in the injury score, lumen area, or inflammation score. There were significant differences in the neointimal area (0.7+/-0.18 mm2 in the AES group vs. 0.4+/-0.25 mm2 in the PES group, p<0.01), in the percentage stenosis area (14.8+/-5.06% in the AES group vs. 10.5+/-6.80% in the PES group, p<0.05), and in the fibrin score (0.4+/-0.51 in the AES group vs. 2.7+/-0.48 in the PES group, p<0.001). Although the AES did not suppress neointimal hyperplasia compared with the PES, it showed a superior arterial healing effect in a rabbit iliac artery overstretch restenosis model.

Histopathological Comparison among Biolimus, Zotarolimus and Everolimus-Eluting Stents in Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the histolopathogical effects among the biolimus, zotarolimus, and everolimus eluting stent (EES) in the porcine coronary restenosis model. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Pigs were randomized into three groups in which the coronary arteries (15 pigs, 10 coronaries in each group) had either a biolimus A9 eluting stent (BES, n=10), zotarolimus eluting stent (ZES, n=10) or an EES (n=10). Histopathologic analysis was performed at 28 days after stenting. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the injury score among the three groups. There was a significant difference in the internal elastic lamina, lumen area, neointima area, percent area stenosis, and the fibrin and inflammation score among the three groups (4.3+/-0.53 mm2, 2.5+/-0.93 mm2, 1.8+/-1.03 mm2, 40.7+/-20.80%, 1.7+/-0.41, 1.4+/-0.72 in the BES group vs. 5.1+/-0.55 mm2, 2.3+/-1.14 mm2, 2.8+/-1.00 mm2, 55.4+/-21.23%, 2.0+/-0.39, 1.6+/-0.76 in the ZES group vs. 4.4+/-0.53 mm2, 1.7+/-1.22 mm2, 2.8+/-1.23 mm2, 64.0+/-26.00%, 1.8+/-0.76, 2.1+/-0.90 in the EES group, respectively). BES is more effective in inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia compared to ZES and EES (p<0.0001). According to the fibrin and inflammation score, BES and EES are more effective in decreasing the fibrin deposition compared to ZES (p<0.001). Moreover, BES and ZES are more effective in reducing the inflammatory reaction compared to EES (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The result demonstrates that BES shows better histopathological characteristics than ZES and EES at one month after stenting in the porcine coronary restenosis model.

Single coronary artery originating from the right aortic sinus without a left anterior descending and circumflex artery in conventional swine / 한국실험동물학회지

Single coronary artery is a rare coronary artery anomaly. Very few previous reports of this anatomical malformation in swine have been found. A 22 kg Yorkshire X Landrace F1 crossbred castrated male swine was presented for enrollment in a coronary stent implantion study. Coronary angiography revealed a single coronary artery arising from the right aortic sinus. The right coronary artery and anomalous left coronary artery were implanted with novel coronary stents without any side effects.

Reverse Abdominoplasty with Augmentation Mammoplasty Using Breast Implant: A Case Report

PURPOSE: The reverse abdominoplasty has been reported infrequently as a procedure to improve the upper abdominal wall contour. Especially, there have been rare cases on the surgical techniques with augmentation mammoplasty using implant. It is known to maintain the result. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the senior surgeon's patients who underwent reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty. A 63-year-old female was dissatisfied with her contracted breast and upper abdominal contour after previous abdominal wall liposuction. We performed reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty through same inframammary incision. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of the upper abdominal wall and breast contour. There was no perioperative complication. The patients was satisfied with the results and retained a good shape during the 3 months follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty is an acceptable technique that provides good results and should be considered in cases of upper abdominal laxity with capsular contracture on both breasts.

A Case Report of a Giant Epidermal Nevus on the Scalp

PURPOSE: Epidermal nevi are hamartomas of the skin with multiple clinical variants. Normally, epidermal nevi present at an early age, are found on the head and neck area, and have a female predominance. Only very rarely do epidermal nevi have an adult onset. Most lesions are small and giant Epidermal nevi (> 5 cm at its greatest diameter) are quite rare. Huge verrucous plaque was observed on the scalp of a 70-year-old man. He had been reclusive for a long time, and this problem might have played a crucial role in the development of the giant epidermal nevi. METHODS: A punch biopsy and MRI imaging were performed. The huge mass was resected. A local flap and split thickness skin graft was used for reconstruction. RESULTS: The histology examination revealed the characteristic findings of epidermal nevus. Postoperatively, the patient did not suffer from complications or recurrence. CONCLUSION: A rare case of a huge epidermal nevus on the scalp of an elderly man was treated with a surgical excision. This is the oldest patient reported with an adult onset epidermal nevus in Korea.

Roles of Orphan Nuclear Receptor Small Heterodimer Partner in Bone Development: Microcomputed Tomographic Analysis of Bone Microarchitecture in SHP Knockout Mice / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: Orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP) is involved in osteoblastic differentiation. This study was undertaken to demonstrate a role of SHP in in vivo bone development using microcomputed tomographic (microCT) analysis of SHP knockout (KO) mice. MATERIAL & METHODS: Tibia bones were harvested from 1-, 4-, 8- and 20-week-old wild type (WT) and SHP KO mice. The microarchitecture of tibial bone was analyzed using a microCT (Skyscan 1172; Skyscan, Kontich, Belgium). Samples were scanned at a resolution of 17 microm (isotropic). The X-ray was operated with 50 kV, 200 microA of energy, 1.2 sec of exposure time, and a 0.5 mm thick aluminum filter. Projections were acquired over an angular range of 180degrees. For quantification of the bone mineral density (BMD), the microCT was calibrated using 2 standard phantoms with densities of 0.25 and 0.75 g/cm3. The image slices were reconstructed and analyzed using CT analyzer software (CTan, Skyscan). RESULTS: The CT values of tibial trabecular bone were significantly decreased in SHP KO compared to WT at 20-week-old mice determined by microCT; (bone volume / tissue volume [BV/TV, 40%], BMD [80%], and trabecular number [Tb.N, 50%]). However, the CT values were not significantly different between WT and SHP KO in cortical bone. Furthermore, the qualitative indices of trabecular bone such as the structure model index (SMI) and the polar moment inertia (PMI) did not differ between WT and SHP KO mice. CONCLUSION: These microCT results supports that SHP may act as a positive regulator of trabecular bone formation.