The nuclear 16-kD protein methylation increases in the early period of liver regeneration in a hepatectomized rat

Methylation events play a critical role in various cellular processes including regulation of gene transcription and proliferation. We observed that methyltransferase activity underwent time-dependent changes in the cytosol of the rat hepatocytes upon partial hepatectomy. However, any change in the methylation of nuclear proteins is not clear during hepatocyte proliferation. The nuclear fraction possesses basal level of methyltransferase to catalyze methylation of several proteins ranging from 7 to 70 kD prior to any hepatecmony. The specific p16 (16 kD) band was transiently and heavily methylated post 1 day hepatectomy, and then became non- detectable, but not in the control liver. Methylation of p16 band was completely inhibited by exogenously added histones, particularly 2AS, 1, 2A and 2B subtypes. The methylated p16 protein remains stable in either acid or alkali- induced demethylation conditions, indicating that methylation is not likely to occur on isoaspartyl or C-terminal cysteinyl residues. Exogenous addition of non-hydrolyzable GTP caused a dose- dependent suppression of a p16 methylation suggesting that G-proteins might play a role as an endogenous methylation inhibitor in vivo. Taken together, we have identified the proliferation event associated-methylation of the nuclear p16 protein in the hepatocytes undergoing liver regeneration.

Suture Omentopexy of Perforated Duodenal Ulcer: Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery

PURPOSE: Perforated duodenal ulcer can be treated by variable methods ranging from non-operative management to immediate definitive acid-reduction surgery. With the current availability of potent H2 blocker, proton pump inhibitor, and effective Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication regimens, ulcer recurrence is usually low and the need for definitive surgery has been reduced. Furthermore, the introduction of laparoscopic closure makes the principles of conventional surgical approach weakened at present and surgeons are faced with the choice of definitive surgery or omental patch repair, open or laparoscopic surgery. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic omental patch repair in comparison with conventional surgery and to investigate the status of H. pylori infection and the role of eradication of H. pylori. In addition, we tried to introduce our unique surgical experience using a 3-port technique. METHODS: We treated 31 patients of perforated duodenal ulcer laparoscopically and compared with 30 patients operated by conventional omental patch repair. The patients treated by laparoscopy were evaluated for H. pylori status postoperatively. H. pylori infected patients received 1 or 2 weeks course of Omeprazole plus Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin. RESULTS: Laparoscopic repair was successful in 26 cases and the conversion rate was 16.1%. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of operative time and mortality. Morbidity was comparable between both groups, but the wound infection was more common in the open group. The clinical course and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group. H. pylori infection rate was 47% and there were 2 cases of ulcer recurrence and 2 cases of reperforation in H. pylori negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic closure of perforated duodenal ulcer using a 3-port technique is a technically feasible and safe alternative to open repair, with early recovery and low morbidity. H. pylori is positive in about half of perforated duodenal ulcer patients and should be eradicated in positive patients. Other risk factors on ulcer perforation should be identified.

A Case of Dissolution of Barium-impaction by Gastrografin / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Ileus caused by impaction of hardened residual barium stagnated in the colon, a rare complication of barium-enema examination, constitutes a particularly serious problem when it occurs in congenital megacolon patients. The administration of gastrografin in such case has proven efficacy in dissolution of impacted barium refratory to routine means of evacuation. We experienced a case of barium-impaction occurred in 6-months old male who had congenital megacolon. Gastrografin enema was a safe and simple method used in the management of this case.

Metabolic consequences after trauma / 대한법의학회지

In the multiply traumatized patients, the distinguising feature is the hypermetabolic response to the insult. These response includes an alteration in energy needs and productions, preferential catabolism of body glucose, fat and protein stores,. limitation of intake by anorexia,. decreased intestinal absorption if the gut is poorly perfused,. production of immune cells and acute phase proteins,. fever,. sodium and fluid retention due to the influence of hormones and oxidative stress. The degree of hypermetaboism is proportional to the severity of the injury, and is influenced by the type of injury. The hypermetabolic response is thought to maximize a healing reponse to injury. This cataboism is partly mediated by the counter-regulatory hormones, ACTH, GH, catecholamines and glucagon. These hormones maintain the supply of glucose and result in hyperglycemia to provide energy and precursors to maintain the metabolic and immunological response. In addition to the hormonal response, the invasion of pathogens and the injury itself will activate the immune system to elicit widespread metabolic changes. This activation of immune response leads to the production of the immunoglobulin, complement proteins and cytokines. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, the key mediators of inflammation, are IL-1, IL-6 and TNF, which not only mediate and modulate immune system activity but also cause widespread metabolic changes. These widespread metabolic changes are.control the other cytokine production, .protect healthy tissues from the effects of free radicals and other oxidant molecules,.remove from the blood stream nutrients that may assist pathogen multiplication. However, excessive or inappropriate production of cytokines has been associated with morbidity and mortality. Since in these hypermetabolic patients, nutritional support should therefore always commence as early as possible in order to provide sufficient energy and avoid further complications.