Age-related Changes in the Sirtuin1-NFE2-related Factor 2 Signaling System in the Kidney / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Renal aging-related changes are characterized by oxidative stress. SIRT1 regulates cellular conditions by activating Nrf2. The present study investigated the processes of renal changes by antioxidant enzymes and the relationship between SIRT1 and Nrf2. METHODS: We used male 2-, 12-, and 24-month-old C57BL/6 mice. We measured renal function, histological changes, oxidative stress, and expression of SIRT1–Nrf2 signaling in the kidneys. RESULTS: 24-month-old mice exhibited increased albuminuria and serum creatinine. Creatinine clearance was decreased in 24-month-old mice compared with 12-month-old mice. There were increases in mesangial volume and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in 24-month-old mice. Moreover, oxidative stress marker, 3-Nitrotyrosine, expression and apoptosis were increased in 24-month-old mice. The 24 h urinary 8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine excretion increased with aging. The levels of expression of SIRT1 and nuclear Nrf2 were decreased in 24-month-old mice. The antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQO-1 were down-regulated in 24-month-old mice. Another antioxidant enzyme, SOD2, was decreased in 24-month-old mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that SIRT1 was down-regulated with aging, and this may be related to changes in the expression of target molecules including Nrf2. As a result, oxidative stress was induced. The pharmacological targeting of these signaling molecules may reduce the pathological changes associated with aging in the kidney.

Erratum: Age-related Changes in the Sirtuin1-NFE2-related Factor 2 Signaling System in the Kidney / 대한내과학회지

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Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Diagnosed in a Patient with Acromegaly / 대한내과학회지

Acromegaly is a rare disorder caused by excessive amounts of growth hormone. The incidence of colorectal, breast, and thyroid carcinomas is increased in acromegaly. However, there have been few reports on hematological malignancies in acromegaly. We describe a patient who developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia during the course of acromegaly. A 35-year-old woman presented in February 2012 with unexplained lactation and amenorrhea for 4 months. Her growth hormone level was 12.6 microg/L, insulin-like growth factor 1 592.26 ng/mL, and prolactin 242 microg/L. A pituitary macroadenoma secreting GH and prolactin causing acromegaly was diagnosed. Considering her fertility, the dopamine agonist cabergoline 0.5 mg was administered in March 2012. In February 2014, she presented with cytopenia (hemoglobin 12.2 g/dL, white cell count 2.69 x 10(9)/L, platelets 39 x 10(9)/L) and hepatosplenomegaly. A bone marrow examination showed acute B cell lymphoblastic leukemia. She underwent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. A follow-up bone marrow biopsy showed remission.

Diversity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Korean Ginseng Leaves

We investigated the diversity of the foliar endophytes of Korean ginseng. Endophytic fungi were isolated from healthy leaves of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and field-cultivated ginseng (FCG) at 4 sites in Chungbuk Province. A total of 24 species of fungal endophytes were identified using molecular approaches. Additionally, the diversity of these endophytic fungi was compared between MCG and FCG. The major isolated endophytes were Edenia gomezpompae and Gibberella moniliformis in the MCG and FCG samples, respectively. The results suggest that ginseng endophytes have different community structures in different environments, and this understanding may prove useful in ginseng cultivation.

Primary Amyloidosis with Involvement of Stomach, Duodenum and Colon

We report the case of a 57-year-old woman with abdominal discomfort. The patient had anemia and hypoalbuminemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy revealed diffuse infiltrative lesions at the stomach, duodenum, and ascending colon. Multiple biopsies were taken and histological examination of the biopsies from the stomach, duodenum and colon showed amyloid deposits stained positively with Congo red. Immunohistochemistry study showed positive sign of kappa and lambda chain at light chain stain. In addition, monoclonal components at serum electrophoresis confirmed the diagnosis of amyloid light-chain amyloidosis. The patient was treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone.

Feasibility of Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography for the Assessment of Distorted Biventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Cor Pulmonale

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the feasibility of real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) for the analysis of biventricular ejection fractions and volume measurements in patients with cor pulmonale and the correlations of RT3DE results with 64-slice multi-detector cardiac computed tomography (64-MDCT) results. METHODS: This study included a total of 22 patients (59.3 +/- 16.6 years of age; 10 males and 12 females) who showed flattening or reverse curvature of the interventricular septum and severe pulmonary hypertension [mean right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure = 66.8 +/- 19.7 mmHg] on 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography due to cor pulmonale. Biventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were measured by RT3DE and 64-MDCT. The severity of D-shaped deformation was evaluated by using left ventricular (LV) eccentricity index (ratio of diameters parallel/perpendicular to the interventricular septum on parasternal short axis images of the papillary muscle level). RESULTS: There were moderate correlations between biventricular volumes measured by RT3DE and 64-MDCT except for LV end-systolic volume (59.8 +/- 17.1 vs. 73.2 +/- 20.2 mL, r = 0.652, p = 0.001 for LV end-diastolic volume; 30.6 +/- 9.1 vs. 30.8 +/- 12.5 mL, r = 0.361, p = 0.099 for LV end-systolic volume; 110.1 +/- 42.9 vs. 171.1 +/- 55.3 mL, r = 0.545, p = 0.009 for RV end-diastolic volume; and 80.9 +/- 35.0 vs. 128.7 +/- 45.1 mL, r = 0.549, p = 0.005 for RV end-systolic volume respectively). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that RT3DE may be a modest method for measuring distorted biventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes in patients with cor pulmonale.

Effects of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Depressive Symptoms in Chronic Stable Angina Patients

OBJECTIVE: Depression is present in 1 of 5 outpatients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and a well-documented risk factor for recurrent cardiac events and mortality. We examined the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), on depressive symptoms, in chronic stable angina (CSA) patients. METHODS: On prospective and non-randomized trial, consecutive CSA patients (n=171), who had undergone coronary angiography from January 2006 to December 2007, were included. Patients were subdivided into PCI and non-PCI groups, and then completed 21-item the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), at the baseline and pre-discharge, to assess the depressive symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 108 (63%) patients were assigned to the non-PCI group, and 63 (37%) patients to the PCI group. Using an independent t-test, we found that patients with PCI were significantly older (non-PCI vs. PCI; 57+/-11 vs. 64+/-10, years, p<0.001), had more joint disease (12.0 vs. 27.0%, p=0.013), more stroke history (5.6 vs. 17.5%, p=0.012) and higher incident of family history of cardiovascular disease (28.7 vs. 46.0%, p=0.025), but less religion (54.6 vs. 36.5%, p=0.002) and private health insurance (43.5 vs. 20.6%, p=0.002). The mean difference of BDI-II score between the baseline and pre-discharge was higher in patients with PCI (OR: 1.266; 95% CI: 1.146-1.398, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, PCI contributes independently to higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in CSA patients during hospitalization; Routine assessment and management of PCI related depressive symptoms are justified.

A Case of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Congestive Heart Failure in a 80-Year-Old Man

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a rare clinical finding in adult patients. Considering the increase in cases of PDA discovered incidentally on echocardiograms at young ages, and the life-shortening effect of PDA, it is rare to diagnose PDA in old patients. We report a case of an 80-year-old patient who experienced symptoms of congestive heart failure showed findings suggestive of PDA in echocardiogram and confirmed the diagnosis through a cardiac catheterization and a coronary angiography. After percutaneous occlusion of PDA with an Amplatzer duct occlusion device, symptoms related to congestive heart failure improved.

Comparison of Magnetic Navigation System and Conventional Method in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Is Magnetic Navigation System Is More Effective and Safer Than Conventional Method?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although there have been so many reports of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) with magnetic navigation system (MNS), it is not necessarily obvious that MNS is more effective than conventional ablation. We performed AF ablation with MNS and compared the clinical outcomes and radiofrequency ablation parameters with those of conventional ablation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred eleven consecutive patients (conventional group, n=70 vs. MNS group, n=41) undergoing catheter ablation of AF were enrolled. We compared and analyzed the procedural parameters, namely fluoroscopic time, procedural time, acute procedural success and 3 months success rate of both groups. RESULTS: The MNS group was associated with slightly larger left atrial size (43.7+/-6.3 mm vs. 41.2+/-6.3 mm, p=0.04), significantly longer total procedure time (352+/-50 minutes vs. 283+/-75 minutes, p<0.0001), and shorter total fluoroscopic time (99+/-28 minutes vs. 238+/-45 minutes, p<0.0001) than the conventional group. The MNS and conventional group did not differ with respect to acute procedural success, AF recurrence, atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia recurrence, or total arrhythmia recurrence. While no complications were observed in the MNS group, eight cases of significant pericardial effusion occurred in the conventional group. CONCLUSION: The MNS system seems to be effective and safe in the catheter ablation of AF, particularly in the population of patients with persistent AF and slightly dilated left atria.

Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy following Pacemaker Implantation

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called apical ballooning syndrome or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a unique reversible cardiomyopathy that is frequently precipitated by a stressful event, and is described as a typical form of acute transient left ventricular dysfunction. The classic situation is postmenopausal women presenting with chest pain or dyspnea. The overall prognosis is favorable. We report a case of a 75-year-old female patient who came to our hospital with dizziness, which was found to be caused by transient apical ballooning following permanent pacemaker implantation.

The Feasibility and Efficacy of a Large-Sized Lasso Catheter Combined With 3 Dimensional Mapping System for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether a large-sized Lasso catheter could increase the success rate of immediate complete pulmonary vein (PV) antral isolation and improve the outcome of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study included 107 consecutive patients (67 males, mean age: 57.8+/-9.7 years) who underwent PV mapping and ablation due to symptomatic drug-refractory AF. The first 43 patients underwent isolation of both ipsilateral PVs using the Carto-Merge 3 dimensional mapping system (group 1). The other 64 patients underwent isolation of both ipsilateral PVs using the same technique with a large-sized (a diameter of 30 to 35 mm) Lasso cathe-ter (group 2). When ipsilateral PVs did not show any potential after the initial circumferential ablation, we defined this as 'immediate complete antral isolation (ICAI)'. We compared the AF recurrence rate of both groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of the clinical characteristics between group 1 and group 2. All the patients were followed-up for 1 year. The ICAI rate of group 1 and group 2 was significantly different (21% vs. 78%, p<0.001), and the AF recurrence rates of group 1 and group 2 were also different (34.9% vs. 18.8%, p=0.042). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the use of a large-sized Lasso catheter was a significant predictive factor for preventing recurrence (odds ratio: 0.489, 95% confidence interval: 0.136-0.927). CONCLUSION: It is likely that a large-sized Lasso catheter plays an important role in achieving ICAI and in lowering the rate of AF recurrence.

A Clinical Case of Axillary Web Syndrome after Glandular Tissue and Skin Removal for Axillary Osmidrosis

PURPOSE: The axillary web syndrome(AWS) is a self-limiting cause of morbidity in the early postoperative period after axillary surgery. This article presents a rare complication developed after surgical treatment for axillary osmidrosis. METHODS: A 55-year-old male patient underwent surgical excision of skin and glandular tissue for axillary osmidrosis. Three weeks after the surgery, he visited our department due to a visible web of left axillary skin overlying palpable cord extends into the medial ipsilateral arm. There was a taut and tender cord of tissue under the skin and shoulder abduction was limited to less than 90degrees degrees. He was diagnosed with AWS and treated with conservative management. RESULTS: Four months later, AWS resolved completely without any treatment and patient was free of pain or motion restriction. CONCLUSION: Axillary web syndrome has been described as frequent complication after axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel node biopsy, but not after surgical treatment of axillary osmidrosis. Surgeons must be aware of the risk of axillary web syndrome after treatment of axillary osmidrosis.

The Inferior Orbital Wall Reconstruction by Titanium Micro-mesh Remodeling

PURPOSE: The inferior orbital wall is the most vulnerable to injury and inadequate reconstruction of inferior orbital fracture result in postoperative complications include enophthalmos, ocular dystopia and diplopia. Although the anatomical reconstruction of the inferior orbital wall is necessary to prevent these complications, the complexity of inferior orbital wall makes it difficult. We fabricated and remodeled the titanium micro-mesh plate for the anatomical reconstruction of inferior orbital wall. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with inferior orbital wall blow-out fracture were operated and twelve of them presented large extensive fracture. We intraoperatively fabricated and remodeled the Titanium-micro mesh to angulated lazy S shape similar to contralateral uninjured orbit. The preoperative and postoperative facial CT scan verified the 3-dimensional and anatomical reconstruction of the fractures. The mean follow-up was 19.7 months and postoperative complications was evaluated. RESULTS: All cases showed the exact anatomical reconstruction, but there were minor complications in two cases. one patient had postoperative diplopia until 3months after surgery and the other patient had persistent enophthalmos(2mm), but no further surgical correction was required. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive understanding of orbital convexity is the most important factor for anatomical reconstruction of inferior orbital fracture. We could prevent postoperative complications after inferior orbital wall reconstruction by intraoperative fabrication and anatomical remodeling of Titanium micro-mesh.

The Inferior Orbital Wall Reconstruction by Titanium Micro-mesh Remodeling

PURPOSE: The inferior orbital wall is the most vulnerable to injury and inadequate reconstruction of inferior orbital fracture result in postoperative complications include enophthalmos, ocular dystopia and diplopia. Although the anatomical reconstruction of the inferior orbital wall is necessary to prevent these complications, the complexity of inferior orbital wall makes it difficult. We fabricated and remodeled the titanium micro-mesh plate for the anatomical reconstruction of inferior orbital wall. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with inferior orbital wall blow-out fracture were operated and twelve of them presented large extensive fracture. We intraoperatively fabricated and remodeled the Titanium-micro mesh to angulated lazy S shape similar to contralateral uninjured orbit. The preoperative and postoperative facial CT scan verified the 3-dimensional and anatomical reconstruction of the fractures. The mean follow-up was 19.7 months and postoperative complications was evaluated. RESULTS: All cases showed the exact anatomical reconstruction, but there were minor complications in two cases. one patient had postoperative diplopia until 3months after surgery and the other patient had persistent enophthalmos(2mm), but no further surgical correction was required. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive understanding of orbital convexity is the most important factor for anatomical reconstruction of inferior orbital fracture. We could prevent postoperative complications after inferior orbital wall reconstruction by intraoperative fabrication and anatomical remodeling of Titanium micro-mesh.

A Fatal Case of Simultaneous, Very Late Thrombosis Involving Three Drug-Eluting Stents in Three Coronary Arteries

Late stent thrombosis is one of the most serious complications associated with morbidity and mortality after coronary drug-eluting stent implantation, and is mainly caused by the withdrawal of antiplatelet agents. We report our experience of late stent thrombosis simultaneously involving three different coronary arteries in a young male patient who was treated with three drug-eluting stents two years ago. The patient stopped taking antiplatelet agents for several days. The patient did not recover from cardiogenic shock, even after repeated ballooning with thrombus aspiration, intra-aortic balloon pumping, and temporary pacing during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Intracoronary Stent Deployment without Antiplatelet Agents in a Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Deciding on the appropriate antiplatelet therapy is a challenge when treating patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We describe here a case of PCI in a patient with chronic, refractory ITP. A 61-year-old woman presented with exertional chest pain and a low platelet count (4 x 109/L) at admission. Coronary angiography revealed 99% stenosis of the mid left anterior descending artery and 95% stenosis of the mid left circumflex artery. Antiplatelet agents couldn't be administered because of the risk of bleeding. After transfusion of platelets and administering intravenous immunoglobulin, we deployed baremetal stents in both lesions without administering any antiplatelet agents. Although focal in-stent restenosis developed 5 months later, there was no episode of stent thrombosis despite not using antiplatelet agents. The present case suggests that the rate of stent thrombosis may be lower was previously thought and antiplatelet therapy may be considered on a case by case for patient suffering with thrombocytopenia.

Clinical Implication of Natriuretic Peptides and Left Atrial Volume for the Screening Methods of Advanced Diastolic Dysfunction in the Community

BACKGROUND: Recently, B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and left atrial volume index (LAVi) were known to correlate with indices of LV diastolic function. As a screening method, we tried to evaluate the efficacy to BNP, ANP, and LAVi to predict the advanced diastolic dysfunction that means myocardial relaxation abnormality and elevated LV filling pressure. METHODS: In 100 patients who referred for echocardiography, Doppler recording of the mitral inflow and tissue Doppler imaging of the mitral annulus were obtained and classified into 4 diastolic function grades (normal, impaired relaxation, pseudonormal, and restrictive). Advanced diastolic dysfunction was defined as pseudonormal and restrictive physiology. LAVi was measured by modified Simpson's method in apical 4-chamber view at end-systole. Plasma levels of BNP and ANP were measured on the same day as echocardiogram was done. RESULTS: BNP and ANP levels were increased as diastolic function grade was worsening (BNP : 60+/-92, 108+/-204, 778+/-1,023 and 1,426+/-1,421 pg/ml, p<0.001; ANP: 22+/-30, 23+/-26, 94+/-92, 96+/-61 pg/ml, p<0.001). LAVi was also increased as diastolic dysfunction was advanced: 24+/-7 ml/m2, 27+/-9 ml/m2, 37+/-12 ml/m2, 45+/-12 ml/m2, p<0.001. The areas under the curve of receiver-operator characteristic curve for BNP, ANP and LAVi to detect the advanced diastolic dysfunction were 0.91, 0.88 and 0.84, respectively. BNP of 137 pg/ml, ANP of 34 pg/ml, and LAVi of 30 ml/m2 were the best values of sensitivity and specificity, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that BNP, ANP and LAVi provide meaningful sensitivity and specificity for the detection of advanced diastolic dysfunction, respectively. Among these, BNP is better than ANP or LAVi for the screening method to predict the advanced diastolic dysfunction.

A Case of Giant T wave and QT Prolongation Associated with Acute Pulmonary Edema

A variety of clinical conditions are known to result in a giant T wave and a marked QT prolongation. We report a case of a giant T wave and a QT prolongation after the resolution of an acute cardiogenic but nonischemic pulmonary edema.

A case of abdominal actinomycosis simulating Dieulafoy's ulcer / 대한내과학회지

Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative and granulomatous disease caused by Actinomyces species and characterized by sulfur granule formation. Depending on the site of primary infection, it is generally classified as cervicofacial, thoracic and abdominal type. Abdominal actinomycosis is often difficult to diagnose before operation because of low frequency and no characteristic clinical features of the disease. As it progresses chronically, it can be misdiagnosed such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or other abscess. The diagnosis is usually based on histologic demonstration of sulfur granules in pus or surgically resected specimen. In vast majority of cases, treatment has consisted of long-term antibiotic therapy coupled with surgical resection. We experienced a case of colonic actinomycosis initially diagnosed as Dieulafoy's ulcer and confirmed by colonoscopic biopsy. Treatment with intravenous penicillin for 4 weeks was successful independently, and we report this case with a brief review of literatures.

Urticaria Reaction by Oral Polyethylene Glycol Ingestion / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Administration of oral PEG electrolyte lavage solution for colonoscopy preparation has been well tolerated by patients and physicians. Overall incidence of adverse reactions of PEG is low. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are relatively common side effects and serious adverse reactions are rare. PEG is absorbed by intestinal mucosa in very small amount but this minimal absorption could be sufficient to provoke the appearance of systemic reaction in susceptible patients. Allergic reaction manifested as the contact dermatitis in patient treated with the local preparation containing PEG is rarely reported and the case of hypersensitivity response followed oral PEG lavage is more rare. We report a patient who had experienced the urticaria reaction mainly at the trunk after oral PEG intake for colonoscopy preparation.