Alteration of mitochondrial DNA content modulates antioxidant enzyme expressions and oxidative stress in myoblasts

Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative stress in cells. On the other hand, modulation of the cellular antioxidant defense system by changes in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content is largely unknown. To determine the relationship between the cellular mtDNA content and defense system against oxidative stress, this study examined a set of myoblasts containing a depleted or reverted mtDNA content. A change in the cellular mtDNA content modulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes in myoblasts. In particular, the expression and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase were inversely correlated with the mtDNA content in myoblasts. The depletion of mtDNA decreased both the reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) slightly, whereas the cellular redox status, as assessed by the GSH/GSSG ratio, was similar to that of the control. Interestingly, the steady-state level of the intracellular ROS, which depends on the reciprocal actions between ROS generation and detoxification, was reduced significantly and the lethality induced by H₂O₂ was alleviated by mtDNA depletion in myoblasts. Therefore, these results suggest that the ROS homeostasis and antioxidant enzymes are modulated by the cellular mtDNA content and that the increased expression and activity of GPx and catalase through the depletion of mtDNA are closely associated with an alleviation of the oxidative stress in myoblasts.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Mirtazapine and Sertraline in Treatment of Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Depression: A Randomized Open Label Trial / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of mirtazapine in Korean veterans diagnosed with PTSD, by comparing it with sertraline, a drug approved for use in PTSD in the USA. METHODS: Efficacy was eveluated by Clinician Adninistered PTSD Scale (CAPS-2), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depressin (HAMD-17) and the Clinical Global lmpresaion Scale (CGI), at baseline and week 1, 2, 6. Response was defined as a > or =30% decrease in CAPS-2 total score, a > or =50% decrease in total HAMD-17 score, and s CGI-I score<3. RESULTS: 51 patients on mirtazapine (measn age/duration of illness:59.1/33.5 yrs) and 49 on sertratine (mean age/duration of illness:60.6/35.6 years) completed the study. Mean daily dosage was 34.1 mg for mirtazapine and 101.5 mg for sertraline. On CAPS-2 total score more patients responded in the mirtazapine group at weak 1 (13 vs. 2%) and week 2 (51vs. 31%). At week 6 this difference was statistically significant (88 vs. 69%, p=0.039), CAPS-2 total score. HAMD-17 total score and CGI-I score decreased significantly in both groups, with no significant differences between groups on all time points. Main side effects for the rnirtazapine group:dry mouth (19.8%) and constipation (19.6%), somnolence (15.7%), weight gain (1.96%). For the sertraline group:indigestion (14.3%), palpitation (6.1%) agitation (2.0%), epigastric soreness (2.0%), insomnia (2.0%), sexual dysfunction (2.0%). CONCLUSION: Mirtazapine appeared to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for PTSD in Korean veterans.

c-Fos expression in the rat trigeminal sensory nucleus complex following tooth movement / 대한치과교정학회지

The c-fos is known as neuronal marker of second neurons which is activated by noxious peripheral stimulation. To investigate the changes of c-fos expression in the trigeminal n icleus complex during tooth movement, immunohistochemical study was performed. Experimental rats(9 weeks old, 210 gm, 21 rats) were divided into seven groups( normal, i hour group, 3 hour group, 6 hour group, 12 hour group, 1 day group, 3 day group). Rats in the normal group were anesthesized without orthodontic force. Rats in the experimental groups were applied orthodontic force (approximately 30 gm) to upper right maxillary molar. Frozen sections of brain stem were immunostained using rabbit antisera. The changes of c-fos expression were observed with respect to rostrocaudal distribution, laminar organization, and duration of orthodontic force application. The study results were as follows. · The c-fos nuclei in the dorsal part were observed from ipsilateral transition zone of subnucleus interpolaris and subnucleus caudalis to Ci cervical dorsal horn rostrocaudally. The maximal peak point was the rostral part of subnucleus caudalis. The greatest proportion of c-fos cells were located within lamina I and II. · The c-fos nuclei in the dorsal part were observed from the most caudal part of subnucleus interpolaris to the middle part of the subnucleus caudalis. · The number of c-fos imniunoreactive dot increased at 1 hour group, reached its maximum at the 3 and 6 hour groups, and showed a decreasing trend after 12 hours. These results imply that nociceptive stimulation caused by continuous orthodontic force might be modulated by transition zone of subnucleus interpolaris and subnucleus caudalis, subnucleus caudalis, C1 spinal dorsal horn.

Aneathetic Management in Pregnant Myaethenics for Elective Cesariaa-section / 대한마취과학회지

Myasthenia gravis is relatively common in young women and therefore sometimes associated with pregnancy. Since pregnancy influences the course of the myasthenia gravis, and the drugs used for its treatment may influence gestation, the obstetrical management of myas-thenic patient merits special consideration. In myasthenia gravis, it is generally thought that the anesthesia of chice is regional anesthesia during vaginal delivery and general anesthesia during Cesarian section. But in Cesarina section for a pregnant myasthenic with pulmonary disease, epidural or subarachnoid block may be preferable to avoid postoperative hazards. We performed epidural anesthesia with lidocaine in a 39-year-old elderly primigravida myasthenic with COPD and obtained good intra and postoperative results.