Gamma-aminobutyric acid-salt attenuated high cholesterol/high salt diet induced hypertension in mice

Excessive salt intake induces hypertension, but several gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplements have been shown to reduce blood pressure. GABAsalt, a fermented salt by L. brevis BJ20 containing GABA was prepared through the post-fermentation with refined salt and the fermented GABA extract. We evaluated the effect of GABA-salt on hypertension in a high salt, high cholesterol diet induced mouse model. We analyzed type 1 macrophage (M1) polarization, the expression of M1 related cytokines, GABA receptor expression, endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, and medial thicknesses in mice model. GABA-salt attenuated diet-induced blood pressure increases, M1 polarization, and TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in mouse aortas, and in salt treated macrophages in vitro. Furthermore, GABA-salt induced higher GABAB receptor and endothelial NOS (eNOS) and eNOS phosphorylation levels than those observed in salt treated ECs. In addition, GABA-salt attenuated EC dysfunction by decreasing the levels of adhesion molecules (E-selectin, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1]) and of von Willebrand Factor and reduced EC death. GABA-salt also reduced diet-induced reductions in the levels of eNOS, phosphorylated eNOS, VSMC proliferation and medial thickening in mouse aortic tissues, and attenuated Endothelin-1 levels in salt treated VSMCs. In summary, GABA-salt reduced high salt, high cholesterol diet induced hypertension in our mouse model by reducing M1 polarization, EC dysfunction, and VSMC proliferation.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid-salt attenuated high cholesterol/high salt diet induced hypertension in mice

Excessive salt intake induces hypertension, but several gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplements have been shown to reduce blood pressure. GABAsalt, a fermented salt by L. brevis BJ20 containing GABA was prepared through the post-fermentation with refined salt and the fermented GABA extract. We evaluated the effect of GABA-salt on hypertension in a high salt, high cholesterol diet induced mouse model. We analyzed type 1 macrophage (M1) polarization, the expression of M1 related cytokines, GABA receptor expression, endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, and medial thicknesses in mice model. GABA-salt attenuated diet-induced blood pressure increases, M1 polarization, and TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in mouse aortas, and in salt treated macrophages in vitro. Furthermore, GABA-salt induced higher GABAB receptor and endothelial NOS (eNOS) and eNOS phosphorylation levels than those observed in salt treated ECs. In addition, GABA-salt attenuated EC dysfunction by decreasing the levels of adhesion molecules (E-selectin, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1]) and of von Willebrand Factor and reduced EC death. GABA-salt also reduced diet-induced reductions in the levels of eNOS, phosphorylated eNOS, VSMC proliferation and medial thickening in mouse aortic tissues, and attenuated Endothelin-1 levels in salt treated VSMCs. In summary, GABA-salt reduced high salt, high cholesterol diet induced hypertension in our mouse model by reducing M1 polarization, EC dysfunction, and VSMC proliferation.

Esophageal Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy with Enteral Feeding Using a Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube / 대한흉부외과학회지

Early diagnosis followed by primary repair is the best treatment for spontaneous esophageal perforation. However, the appropriate management of esophageal leakage after surgical repair is still controversial. Recently, the successful adaptation of vacuum-assisted closure therapy, which is well established for the treatment of chronic surface wounds, has been demonstrated for esophageal perforation or leakage. Conservative treatment methods require long-term fasting with total parenteral nutrition or enteral feeding through invasive procedures, such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or a feeding jejunostomy. We report 2 cases of esophageal leakage after primary repair treated by endoscopic vacuum therapy with continuous enteral feeding using a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.

Isolated Unilateral Absence of Pulmonary Artery Associated with Contralateral Lung Cancer

Unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly that may present with various symptoms, depending on the nature and severity of other cardiovascular anomalies. Furthermore, contralateral lung surgery in patients with UAPA is extremely rare, and clinical experience is limited. This report describes a case of surgical treatment of contralateral primary lung cancer in a patient with isolated UAPA. A 56-year-old man was diagnosed with primary lung cancer accompanied by isolated UAPA on the contralateral side. He underwent meticulous cardiorespiratory function tests preoperatively. We performed a right lower lobectomy. Although in the immediate postoperative period, the patient suffered from a mild decline in his respiratory function, he recovered uneventfully. The present case shows that preoperative awareness of UAPA and meticulous perioperative management enable contralateral lung surgery to be performed safely.

Esophageal Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy with Enteral Feeding Using a Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube

Early diagnosis followed by primary repair is the best treatment for spontaneous esophageal perforation. However, the appropriate management of esophageal leakage after surgical repair is still controversial. Recently, the successful adaptation of vacuum-assisted closure therapy, which is well established for the treatment of chronic surface wounds, has been demonstrated for esophageal perforation or leakage. Conservative treatment methods require long-term fasting with total parenteral nutrition or enteral feeding through invasive procedures, such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or a feeding jejunostomy. We report 2 cases of esophageal leakage after primary repair treated by endoscopic vacuum therapy with continuous enteral feeding using a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.

Prosthetic Grafting and Arteriovenous Fistula for the Surgical Management of a Common Femoral Vein Injury Using a Staged Approach

A 27-year-old female patient was referred due to an edematous left lower extremity. Both saphenous veins had been ablated with an endovenous laser procedure used to treat varicose veins. Venography revealed that the left common femoral vein had been divided and that thrombosis was present at the site of division. No veins were available around the thighs. The patient was treated using a staged procedure. During the first stage, a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft was used to repair the common femoral vein, and an arteriovenous fistula was constructed from the femoral artery to the graft using a short segment of cephalic vein to increase graft patency. The edema was relieved postoperatively and the graft was patent. During the second stage, which was performed 6 months later, the fistula was occluded by coil embolization. The staged procedure described herein provides an alternative for venous reconstruction when autologous vein is unavailable.

The Effect of Pulsatile Versus Nonpulsatile Blood Flow on Viscoelasticity and Red Blood Cell Aggregation in Extracorporeal Circulation

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) can induce alterations in blood viscoelasticity and cause red blood cell (RBC) aggregation. In this study, the authors evaluated the effects of pump flow pulsatility on blood viscoelasticity and RBC aggregation. METHODS: Mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: a nonpulsatile pump group (n=6) or a pulsatile pump group (n=6). After ECC was started at a pump flow rate of 80 mL/kg/min, cardiac fibrillation was induced. Blood sampling was performed before and at 1, 2, and 3 hours after ECC commencement. To eliminate bias induced by hematocrit and plasma, all blood samples were adjusted to a hematocrit of 45% using baseline plasma. Blood viscoelasticity, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, arterial blood gas analysis, central venous O2 saturation, and lactate were measured. RESULTS: The blood viscosity and aggregation index decreased abruptly 1 hour after ECC and then remained low during ECC in both groups, but blood elasticity did not change during ECC. Blood viscosity, blood elasticity, plasma viscosity, and the aggregation index were not significantly different in the groups at any time. Hematocrit decreased abruptly 1 hour after ECC in both groups due to dilution by the priming solution used. CONCLUSION: After ECC, blood viscoelasticity and RBC aggregation were not different in the pulsatile and nonpulsatile groups in the adult dog model. Furthermore, pulsatile flow did not have a more harmful effect on blood viscoelasticity or RBC aggregation than nonpulsatile flow.

A Korean Multi-Center Survey about Warfarin Management before Gastroenterological Endoscopy in Patients with a History of Mechanical Valve Replacement Surgery

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in the West allow the continued use of warfarin under therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) level. In Korea, no guidelines have been issued regarding warfarin treatment before EGD. The authors surveyed Korean cardiac surgeons about how Korean cardiac surgeons handle warfarin therapy before EGD using a questionnaire. Participants were requested to make decisions regarding the continuation of warfarin therapy in two hypothetical cases. METHODS: The questionnaire was administered to cardiac surgeons and consisted of eight questions, including two case scenarios. RESULTS: Thirty-six cardiac surgeons at 28 hospitals participated in the survey, and 52.7% of the participants chose to stop warfarin before EGD in aortic valve replacement patients without risk factors for thromboembolism. When the patient’s INR level was 2, 31% of the participants indicated that they would choose to continue warfarin therapy. For EGD with biopsy, 72.2% of the participants chose warfarin withdrawal, and 25% of the participants chose heparin replacement. In mitral valve replacement patients, 47.2% of the participants chose to discontinue warfarin, and 22.2% of the participants chose heparin replacement. For EGD with biopsy in patients with a mitral valve replacement, 58.3% of the participants chose to stop warfarin, and 41.7% of the participants chose heparin replacement. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that attitudes regarding warfarin treatment for EGD are very different among Korean surgeons. Guidelines specific to the Korean population are required.

Bronchial Artery Aneurysm Presenting as Hematemesis and Mediastinal Hemorrhage

Hematemesis is a rare manifestation of a ruptured bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) in the mediastinum. It is difficult to diagnose a ruptured BAA presenting as hematemesis, because it can be confused with other diseases, such as Boerhaave's syndrome, variceal disease, or a perforated ulcer. In this report, we describe a case of BAA resulting in hematemesis and mediastinal hemorrhage.

3D Printing Technology and Its Applications for Tissue/Organ Regeneration / 대한이식학회지

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has been used frequently in regenerative or translational medicine. In addition, recent advances in 3D printing technologies have opened the door to 3D bio-printing, which uses cells, biocompatible materials, and scaffolding simultaneously to generate 3D functional tissues. Although tissue generation by bio-printing such as multilayered skin, bone, bladder, and vascular grafts has shown good results, there are still several challenges related to printing of entire organs, particularly modulation of vascular formation during organ regeneration. This article provides a background and introduction to bio-printing for creation of artificial organs and tissues.

Surgical Planning by 3D Printing for Primary Cardiac Schwannoma Resection

We report herein a case of benign cardiac schwannoma in the interatrial septum. A 42-year-old woman was transferred from a clinic because of cardiomegaly as determined by chest X-ray. A transthoracic echocardiography and chest computed tomography examination revealed a huge mass in the pericardium compressing the right atrium, superior vena cava (SVC), left atrium, and superior pulmonary vein. To confirm that the tumor originated from either heart or mediastinum, cine magnetic resonance imaging was performed, but the result was not conclusive. To facilitate surgical planning, we used 3D printing. Using a printed heart model, we decided that tumor resection under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) through sternotomy would be technically feasible. At surgery, a huge tumor in the interatrial septum was confirmed. By incision on the atrial roof between the aorta and SVC, tumor enucleation was performed successfully under CPB. Pathology revealed benign schwannoma. The patient was discharged without complication. 3D printing of the heart and tumor was found to be helpful when deciding optimal surgical approach.

Endovascular Rescue of a Narrowed Aorto-Aortic Bypass Graft in a Patient with Takayasu's Arteritis

We report a case of successful endovascular treatment of a pseudoaneurysm and the obstruction of an aorto-aortic bypass graft, which had been performed to treat Takayasu's arteritis fifteen years prior, at the thoracic aorta. Along with the immediate relief of proximal hypertension that had caused severe heart failure, the successful exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm and the patency of the stem graft were maintained three years after the procedure.

Partial Pericardial Defect Incidentally Discovered During Coronary Bypass Surgery

A 71-yr-old male patient with three vessel coronary artery disease underwent a coronary artery bypass graft. The patient was found to have a large pericardial defect at the apex of the heart that measured approximately 18 cm in circumference. The edge of the pericardial defect impinged on the epicardial coronary arteries. The left phrenic nerve descended via the dorsal boundary of the pericardial defect. Following coronary artery bypass grafting, the pericardial defect was repaired with a polytetrafluorethylene patch. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Induced after Postoperative ICU Care: Case Reports / 대한구급학회지

'Takotsubo cardiomyopathy' or 'stress-induced cardiomyopathy' is a newly described clinical entity that's characterized by transient left ventricular apical ballooning and left ventricular apical dyskinesis in the absence of any angiographic feature of significant coronary artery disease. The cause of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is unclear, but catecholamines probably play a role in the genesis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We report here on two cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy that occurred during ICU care.

Retrograde Autologous Priming: Is It Really Effective in Reducing Red Blood Cell Transfusions during Extracorporeal Circulation? / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Retrograde autologous priming (RAP) is known to be useful in decreasing the need of transfusions in cardiac surgery because it prevents excessive hemodilution due to the crystalloid priming of cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. However, there are also negative side effects in terms of blood conservation. We analyzed the intraoperative blood-conserving effect of RAP and also investigated the efficacy of autotransfusion and ultrafiltration as a supplemental method for RAP. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 2005 to December 2007, 117 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass operations using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled. Mean age was 63.9+/-9.1 years (range 36~83 years) and 34 patients were female. There were 62 patients in the RAP group and 55 patients in he control group. Intraoperative autotransfusion was performed via the arterial line. RAP was done just before initiating CPB using retrograde drainage of the crystalloid priming solution. Both conventional (CUF) and modified (MUF) ultrafiltrations were done during and after CPB, respectively. The transfusion threshold was less than 20% in hematocrit. RESULT: Autotransfusions were done in 79 patients (67.5%) and the average amount was 142.5+/-65.4 mL (range 30~320 mL). Homologous red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was done in 47 patients (40.2%) and mean amount of transfused RBC was 404.3+/-222.6 mL. Risk factors for transfusions were body surface area (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00~0.63, p=0.030) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01~1.08, p=0.019). RAP was not effective in terms of the rate of transfusion (34.5% vs 45.2%, p=0.24). However, the amount of transfused RBC was significantly decreased (526.3+/-242.3ml vs 321.4.+/-166.3 mL, p=0.001). Autotransfusion and ultrafiltration revealed additive and cumulative effects in decreasing transfusion amount (one; 600.0+/-231.0 mL, two; 533.3+/-264.6 mL, three; 346.7+/-176.7 mL, four; 300.0+/-146.1 mL, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Even though RAP did not appear to be effective in terms of the number of patients receiving intraoperative RBC transfusions, it could conserve blood in terms of the amount transfused and with the additive effects of autotransfusion and ultrafiltration. If we want to maximize the blood conserving effect of RAP, more aggressive control will be necessary - such as high threshold of transfusion trigger or strict regulation of crystalloid infusion, and so forth.

Descending Thoracic Aorto-bifemoral Artery Bypass Grafting in a Leriche's Syndrome / 대한흉부외과학회지

Extra-anatomic graft bypass is frequently performed instead of standard infrarenal aorto-iliac reconstruction in patients with Leriche syndrome in whom the thrombus extends to the level of the renal arteries. However, many different surgical options are still being attempted due to the unsatisfying long-term graft patency. We performed a descending thoracic aorto-bifemoral bypass graft with 14 and 14-7-7 mm artificial vessels through a posterolateral thoracotomy, a median laparotomy, and a longitudinal inguinal incision in a 48-year-old male who suffered from claudication with Leriche syndrome. After surgery, the patient recovered well and was discharged. The patient walked well without any symptoms during the 6 month follow-up period in the outpatient department. We have concluded that descending thoracic aorto-bifemoral bypass grafting could be considered as an alternative method for patients with Leriche syndrome in whom standard infrarenal aorto-iliac reconstruction is unsuitable.

Repair of Posttraumatic Tricuspid Regurgitation Using Artificial Chordae and an Annuloplasty Ring / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 52-year-old man was taken to the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident. An echocardiogram showed moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation due to rupture of the anterior chordae. An operation to repair the traumatic tricuspid regurgitation was recommended; however, the patient refused because he was asymptomatic. Two years later, he developed mild generalized edema and dyspnea. The echocardiogram revealed progressive severe tricuspid regurgitation and annular dilatation. We treated the posttraumatic tricuspid regurgitation successfully using artificial chordae and ring annuloplasty.

High Grade Sarcoma Arising from the Chest Wall of a Chronic Tuberculous Empyema: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 50 year old male patient was admitted due to fever and left upper-quadrant abdominal pain. He had a history of previous treatment for pulmonary TB and splenectomy due to aplastic anemia. A large peritoneal abscess with connection to a chronic left side tuberculous empyema thoracis was diagnosed on admission. Chest CT also revealed a soft tissue lesion on the left anterior chest wall. Staged drainage of the peritoneal lesion followed by left side pleuropneumonectomy with chest wall resection was performed. The pathologic studies showed a high grade sarcoma of the chest wall.

Awake OPCAB: Initial Experience / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: High thoracic epidural anesthesia allows awake coronary artery bypass grafting, avoiding the drawbacks of mechanical ventilation and general anesthesia. Materian and Method: From April, 2005 to September, 2005, 12 patients were underwent awake coronary artery bypass grafting using high thoracic epidural anesthesia. There were 1 female and 11 male patients, with a mean age of 66+/-6 years. Off pump coronary artery bypass grafting was performed through a median sternotomy using arterial grafts. RESULT: There were no mortality. Pneumothorax was developed during surgery in 8 patients. Five patients required secondary intubation because of pneumothorax (n=3), bowel herniation (n=1), and hemothorax after chest tube insertion (n=1). Postoperative coronary angiography was performed before discharge in all patients and all the grafts were patent. CONCLUSION: Our intial experience demonstrated the feasibility of awake off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Further study is required to define the indications, advantages and limitations of this strategy.

Awake OPCAB: Initial Experience / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: High thoracic epidural anesthesia allows awake coronary artery bypass grafting, avoiding the drawbacks of mechanical ventilation and general anesthesia. Materian and Method: From April, 2005 to September, 2005, 12 patients were underwent awake coronary artery bypass grafting using high thoracic epidural anesthesia. There were 1 female and 11 male patients, with a mean age of 66+/-6 years. Off pump coronary artery bypass grafting was performed through a median sternotomy using arterial grafts. RESULT: There were no mortality. Pneumothorax was developed during surgery in 8 patients. Five patients required secondary intubation because of pneumothorax (n=3), bowel herniation (n=1), and hemothorax after chest tube insertion (n=1). Postoperative coronary angiography was performed before discharge in all patients and all the grafts were patent. CONCLUSION: Our intial experience demonstrated the feasibility of awake off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Further study is required to define the indications, advantages and limitations of this strategy.