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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) has a central role in regulating muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism. PGC-1α stimulates muscle growth and muscle fiber remodeling, concomitantly regulating lactate and lipid metabolism and promoting oxidative metabolism.Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thumb.) has been widely employed as a traditional herbal medicine and possesses antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, hypolipemic, hypoglycemic, and anticancer properties. We investigated whether G. pentaphyllum extract (GPE) and its active compound, gypenoside L (GL), affect muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism via activation of the PGC-1α pathway in murine C2C12 myoblast cells.MATERIALS/METHODS: C2C12 cells were treated with GPE and GL, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels. Myh1 was determined using immunocytochemistry.Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation was measured using the 2′7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay. @*RESULTS@#GPE and GL promoted the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes and elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of Myh1 (type IIx). GPE and GL also significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of the PGC-1α gene (Ppargc1a), lactate metabolismregulatory genes (Esrra and Mct1), adipocyte-browning gene fibronectin type III domaincontaining 5 gene (Fndc5), glycogen synthase gene (Gys), and lipid metabolism gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b gene (Cpt1b). Moreover, GPE and GL induced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, p38, sirtuin1, and deacetylated PGC-1α. We also observed that treatment with GPE and GL significantly stimulated the expression of genes associated with the anti-oxidative stress response, such as Ucp2, Ucp3, Nrf2, and Sod2/i>. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The results indicated that GPE and GL enhance exercise performance by promoting myotube differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism through the upregulation of PGC-1α in C2C12 skeletal muscle.
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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#The effectiveness of natural compounds in improving athletic ability has attracted attention in both sports and research. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) leaves are used to make traditional herbal medicines in Asia. The active components of G.pentaphyllum, dammarane saponins, or gypenosides, possess a range of biological activities. On the other hand, the anti-fatigue effects from G. pentaphyllum extract (GPE) and its effective compound, gypenoside L (GL), remain to be determined.MATERIALS/METHODS: This study examined the effects of GPE on fatigue and exercise performance in ICR mice. GPE was administered orally to mice for 6 weeks, with or without treadmill training. The biochemical analysis in serum, glycogen content, mRNA, and protein expressions of the liver and muscle were analyzed. @*RESULTS@#The ExGPE (exercise with 300 mg/kg body weight/day of GPE) mice decreased the fat mass percentage significantly compared to the ExC mice, while the ExGPE showed the greatest lean mass percentage compared to the ExC group. The administration of GPE improved the exercise endurance and capacity in treadmill-trained mice, increased glucose and triglycerides, and decreased the serum creatine kinase and lactate levels after intensive exercise. The muscle glycogen levels were higher in the ExGPE group than the ExC group. GPE increased the level of mitochondrial biogenesis by enhancing the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) protein and the mRNA expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial DNA, peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor-δ, superoxide dismutase 2, and by decreasing the lactate dehydrogenase B level in the soleus muscle (SOL). GPE also improved PGC-1α activation in the SOL significantly through AMPK/p38 phosphorylation. @*CONCLUSIONS@#These results showed that GPE supplementation enhances exercise performance and has anti-fatigue activity. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanism was elucidated. Therefore, GPE is a promising candidate for developing functional foods and enhancing the exercise capacity and anti-fatigue activity.
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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Petasites japonicus Maxim (P. japonicus) has been used as an edible and medicinal plant and contains many bioactive compounds. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of P. japonicus on osteogenesis.MATERIALS/METHODS: The leaves and stems of P. japonicus were separated and extracted with hot water or ethanol, respectively. The total phenolic compound and total polyphenol contents of each extract were measured, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of each extract was evaluated to determine their effect on bone metabolism. To investigate the effect on osteoblast differentiation of the aqueous extract of P. japonicus leaves (AL), which produced the highest ALP activity among the tested extracts, collagen content was measured using the Sirius Red staining method, mineralization using the Alizarin Red S staining method, and osteocalcin production through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. Also, realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression levels of Runt-related transcriptional factor 2 (Runx2) and Osterix. @*RESULTS@#Among the 4 P. japonicus extracts, AL had the highest values in all of the following measures: total phenolic compounds, total polyphenols, and ALP activity, which is a major biomarker of osteoblast differentiation. The AL-treated MC3T3-E1 cells showed significant increases in induced osteoblast differentiation, collagen synthesis, mineralization, and osteocalcin production. In addition, mRNA expressions of Runx2 and Osterix, transcription factors that regulate osteoblast differentiation, were significantly increased. @*CONCLUSIONS@#These results suggest that AL can regulate osteoblasts differentiation, at least in part through Runx2 and Osterix. Therefore, it is highly likely that P. japonicus will be useful as an alternate therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Petasites japonicus Maxim (P. japonicus) has been used as an edible and medicinal plant and contains many bioactive compounds. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of P. japonicus on osteogenesis.MATERIALS/METHODS: The leaves and stems of P. japonicus were separated and extracted with hot water or ethanol, respectively. The total phenolic compound and total polyphenol contents of each extract were measured, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of each extract was evaluated to determine their effect on bone metabolism. To investigate the effect on osteoblast differentiation of the aqueous extract of P. japonicus leaves (AL), which produced the highest ALP activity among the tested extracts, collagen content was measured using the Sirius Red staining method, mineralization using the Alizarin Red S staining method, and osteocalcin production through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. Also, realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression levels of Runt-related transcriptional factor 2 (Runx2) and Osterix. @*RESULTS@#Among the 4 P. japonicus extracts, AL had the highest values in all of the following measures: total phenolic compounds, total polyphenols, and ALP activity, which is a major biomarker of osteoblast differentiation. The AL-treated MC3T3-E1 cells showed significant increases in induced osteoblast differentiation, collagen synthesis, mineralization, and osteocalcin production. In addition, mRNA expressions of Runx2 and Osterix, transcription factors that regulate osteoblast differentiation, were significantly increased. @*CONCLUSIONS@#These results suggest that AL can regulate osteoblasts differentiation, at least in part through Runx2 and Osterix. Therefore, it is highly likely that P. japonicus will be useful as an alternate therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
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PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of each component of the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) classification system for the first recurrence of endometriosis after conservative laparoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As this was a retrospective cohort study, data were collected by reviewing medical records. A total of 379 women ages 18 to 49 years were included. Women who underwent conservative laparoscopy with histologic confirmation of endometriosis at Gangnam Severance Hospital between March 2003 and May 2010 were included. Individual components of the rAFS classification system as well as preoperative serum CA-125 levels were retrospectively analyzed to assess their prognostic values for recurrence of endometriosis. RESULTS: Of 379 patients, 80 (21.2%) were found to have recurrence of endometriosis. The median duration of follow-up was 19.0 months, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 31.8+/-6.7 years. In endometriosis of advanced stage, younger age at the time of surgery, bilateral ovarian cysts at the time of diagnosis, a rAFS ovarian adhesion score >24, and complete cul-de-sac obliteration were independent risk factors of poor outcomes, and a rAFS ovarian adhesion score >24 had the highest risk of recurrence [hazard ratio=2.948 (95% CI: 1.116-7.789), p=0.029]. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that of the rAFS adnexal adhesion scores, the ovarian adhesion score rather than the tubal adhesion score was associated with a significantly increased risk of recurrent endometriosis. The preoperative serum CA-125 level may be also a significant prognostic factor for recurrence, as known. However, it seemed to only have borderline significance in affecting recurrence in the current study.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Cohort Studies , Endometriosis/classification , Fertility , Follow-Up Studies , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Laparoscopy/methods , Prognosis , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Tissue Adhesions , Treatment Outcome , United StatesABSTRACT
Endometriosis, which is the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in extrauterine locations, is a benign gynecologic disease that may cause dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Endometriosis is a relatively common disease that is estimated to occur in 6~10% of reproductive-aged women. Various theories have been proposed regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis, but a definitive theory remains obscure. Diagnosis of endometriosis in postmenopausal women is rare, but it has been reported in 2~5% of postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy. However, endometriosis can also occur in postmenopausal women not receiving hormone therapy, altogether indicating the complex pathogenesis of endometriosis. We report left ovarian endometriosis in a postmenopausal woman who had a hysterectomy a uterine myoma 16 years ago and review the relevant literature.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Dysmenorrhea , Endometriosis , Genital Diseases, Female , Hysterectomy , Infertility , Menopause , Myoma , Pelvic PainABSTRACT
Endometriosis, which is the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in extrauterine locations, is a benign gynecologic disease that may cause dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Endometriosis is a relatively common disease that is estimated to occur in 6~10% of reproductive-aged women. Various theories have been proposed regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis, but a definitive theory remains obscure. Diagnosis of endometriosis in postmenopausal women is rare, but it has been reported in 2~5% of postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy. However, endometriosis can also occur in postmenopausal women not receiving hormone therapy, altogether indicating the complex pathogenesis of endometriosis. We report left ovarian endometriosis in a postmenopausal woman who had a hysterectomy a uterine myoma 16 years ago and review the relevant literature.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Dysmenorrhea , Endometriosis , Genital Diseases, Female , Hysterectomy , Infertility , Menopause , Myoma , Pelvic PainABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the factors which influence the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in pre- and post-menopausal women. We also investigated the association of menopause with arterial stiffness measured by baPWV. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 241 postmenopausal women who attended the health promotion center for a routine checkup. Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the parameters influencing baPWV in pre- and postmenopausal women. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent parameters related to increased of arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed that diastolic blood pressure (DBP; beta = 0.402, P = 0.009) was identified as an independent determinant for baPWV in premenopausal women, and DBP (beta = 0.329, P = 0.021) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; beta = 0.210, P = 0.016) were identified as independent determinants for baPWV in postmenopausal women. The odds ratio (95% CI) of menopause for a high baPWV was 2.666 (1.025~6.937). CONCLUSION: The NLR is associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Consequently, inflammation is thought to play a crucial role in increased arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Menopause is associated with a high baPWV, suggesting that changes in the concentrations of sex hormones during the menopausal transition may influence arterial stiffness in clinically healthy women.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Blood Pressure , Gonadal Steroid Hormones , Health Promotion , Inflammation , Logistic Models , Menopause , Odds Ratio , Pulse Wave Analysis , Retrospective Studies , Vascular StiffnessABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the factors which influence the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in pre- and post-menopausal women. We also investigated the association of menopause with arterial stiffness measured by baPWV. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 241 postmenopausal women who attended the health promotion center for a routine checkup. Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the parameters influencing baPWV in pre- and postmenopausal women. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent parameters related to increased of arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed that diastolic blood pressure (DBP; beta = 0.402, P = 0.009) was identified as an independent determinant for baPWV in premenopausal women, and DBP (beta = 0.329, P = 0.021) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; beta = 0.210, P = 0.016) were identified as independent determinants for baPWV in postmenopausal women. The odds ratio (95% CI) of menopause for a high baPWV was 2.666 (1.025~6.937). CONCLUSION: The NLR is associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Consequently, inflammation is thought to play a crucial role in increased arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Menopause is associated with a high baPWV, suggesting that changes in the concentrations of sex hormones during the menopausal transition may influence arterial stiffness in clinically healthy women.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Blood Pressure , Gonadal Steroid Hormones , Health Promotion , Inflammation , Logistic Models , Menopause , Odds Ratio , Pulse Wave Analysis , Retrospective Studies , Vascular StiffnessABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic factors for predicting spontaneous pregnancy after laparoscopic surgical treatment of endometriosis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed in 82 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic surgery with subsequent pathological confirmation of the endometriosis at Gangnam Severance Hospital from January 2003 to March 2008. We investigated the spontaneous pregnancy rate during the 12 months following surgical treatment and administration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone agonist (GnRH agonist). Factors associated with clinical characteristics, blood tests and operative findings were compared with pregnant and non-pregnant women. RESULTS: The number of patients succeed to spontaneous pregnancy was 32 and failed to pregnancy was 50. Cumulative pregnancy rate was 39.02%. Mean pregnancy duration after surgical treatment was 5.96+/-3.43 months. r-AFS stage or grouping into two stages (mild/severe) (P=0.018), r-AFS score (P=0.008) and cul-de-sac obliteration (P=0.038) was significantly different between pregnant and non-pregnant group. Complete cul-de-sac obliteration was the independent factor of pregnancy failure in women with endometriosis after laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: Complete cul-de-sac obliteration may be the important factors for predicting spontaneous pregnancy outcome in women with endometriosis after laparoscopic surgical treatment.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Endometriosis , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone , Hematologic Tests , Laparoscopy , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy Rate , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the characteristics, hematologic findings, microbiologic results, and radiologic findings of the patients with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome (FHCS) to those without perihepatitis. METHODS: From January 2003 to June 2006, 120 patients of PID with FHCS and 212 patients of PID only were included in this study. Patients' medical records including cervical cultures, chlamydia polymerase chain reaction (PCR), abdomen and pelvic computed tomography (CT), and transvaginal sonography were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: PID with FHCS group had significantly higher incidence of right upper quadrant abdominal pain (p<0.01) and significantly lower incidence of lower abdominal pain than PID only group (p<0.01). PID with FHCS group was associated with significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in comparison to that of PID only group. In addition, significantly higher incidence of chlamydia infection and intrauterine device user were noted in PID with FHCS group. CONCLUSIONS: In PID patients with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, accompanied by elevated ESR, suspicion of chlamydia infection, and intrauterine device in situ, physicians should actively perform procedures including abdomen and pelvic CT and laparoscopic surgery for early diagnosis of FHCS.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Abdomen , Abdominal Pain , Blood Sedimentation , Chlamydia , Chlamydia Infections , Early Diagnosis , Hepatitis , Incidence , Intrauterine Devices , Laparoscopy , Medical Records , Pelvic Inflammatory Disease , Peritonitis , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
Uterine arteriovenous malformations are very rare but potentially life threatening lesions. These lesions may be congenital or acquired, but especially occur in patients with a history of curettage, abortion or pregnancy. Color doppler ultrasonography is the preferred method of diagnosing of arteriovenous malformations. In many cases, hysterectomies are performed. But if patients want pregnancies, embolization therapy and conservative treatment are effective therapy. We have experienced a clinical case of uterine arteriovenous malformation, which is presented with a brief review of literature.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Arteriovenous Malformations , Cesarean Section , Curettage , Hysterectomy , Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color , Uterine Hemorrhage , UterusABSTRACT
Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva is a rare intraepithelial neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva is rarely associated with an underlying vulvar adenocarcinoma, but underlying malignant tumor must be evaluated. We experienced a case of vulvar adenocarcinoma associated with Paget's disease and present with a brief review of literature.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Carcinoma in Situ , Paget Disease, Extramammary , Recurrence , VulvaABSTRACT
Smooth muscle tumors are very common tumors in the uterus and related adjacent structures but occur rarely in the retroperitoneum. Traditionally, most retroperitoneal smooth muscle tumor are believed to be malignant. But well-differentiated smooth muscle tumors with lack of atypia, necrosis, and significant mitotic activity appear to have a benign behaviors. Laparotomy revealed a huge solid tumor in the retroperitoneal space, about 50 cm in diameter, and histologically diagnosed as a smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). We report a case of primary retroperitoneal smooth muscle tumor with a brief review of literatures.