Expression of LONP1 Is High in Visceral Adipose Tissue in Obesity, and Is Associated with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Background@#The nature and role of the mitochondrial stress response in adipose tissue in relation to obesity are not yet known. To determine whether the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in adipose tissue is associated with obesity in humans and rodents. @*Methods@#Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was obtained from 48 normoglycemic women who underwent surgery. Expression levels of mRNA and proteins were measured for mitochondrial chaperones, intrinsic proteases, and components of electron-transport chains. Furthermore, we systematically analyzed metabolic phenotypes with a large panel of isogenic BXD inbred mouse strains and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) data. @*Results@#In VAT, expression of mitochondrial chaperones and intrinsic proteases localized in inner and outer mitochondrial membranes was not associated with body mass index (BMI), except for the Lon protease homolog, mitochondrial, and the corresponding gene LONP1, which showed high-level expression in the VAT of overweight or obese individuals. Expression of LONP1 in VAT positively correlated with BMI. Analysis of the GTEx database revealed that elevation of LONP1 expression is associated with enhancement of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in VAT. Mice with higher Lonp1 expression in adipose tissue had better systemic glucose metabolism than mice with lower Lonp1 expression. @*Conclusion@#Expression of mitochondrial LONP1, which is involved in the mitochondrial quality control stress response, was elevated in the VAT of obese individuals. In a bioinformatics analysis, high LONP1 expression in VAT was associated with enhanced glucose and lipid metabolism.

Expression of LONP1 Is High in Visceral Adipose Tissue in Obesity, and Is Associated with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Background@#The nature and role of the mitochondrial stress response in adipose tissue in relation to obesity are not yet known. To determine whether the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in adipose tissue is associated with obesity in humans and rodents. @*Methods@#Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was obtained from 48 normoglycemic women who underwent surgery. Expression levels of mRNA and proteins were measured for mitochondrial chaperones, intrinsic proteases, and components of electron-transport chains. Furthermore, we systematically analyzed metabolic phenotypes with a large panel of isogenic BXD inbred mouse strains and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) data. @*Results@#In VAT, expression of mitochondrial chaperones and intrinsic proteases localized in inner and outer mitochondrial membranes was not associated with body mass index (BMI), except for the Lon protease homolog, mitochondrial, and the corresponding gene LONP1, which showed high-level expression in the VAT of overweight or obese individuals. Expression of LONP1 in VAT positively correlated with BMI. Analysis of the GTEx database revealed that elevation of LONP1 expression is associated with enhancement of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in VAT. Mice with higher Lonp1 expression in adipose tissue had better systemic glucose metabolism than mice with lower Lonp1 expression. @*Conclusion@#Expression of mitochondrial LONP1, which is involved in the mitochondrial quality control stress response, was elevated in the VAT of obese individuals. In a bioinformatics analysis, high LONP1 expression in VAT was associated with enhanced glucose and lipid metabolism.

Distribution of lymphocele following lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecological malignancies

Objective@#This study identified the distribution of lymphocele, as well as the factors associated with lymphocele formation, in patients undergoing pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph node dissection (PLND and/or PALND) for gynecologic malignancies. @*Methods@#This study was retrospective, and data were collected from patients who underwent surgical procedures including lymphadenectomy due to gynecologic malignancies from March 2013 to May 2016. Lymphocele was defined by postoperative computer tomography within 2 weeks after surgery. @*Results@#A total of 116 patients underwent lymphadenectomy, of whom, 47 (42.0%) developed lymphocele and 14 (12.1%) had symptomatic lymphocele formation. The affecting factors of lymphocele formation were PLND concomitant with PALND and a large amount of blood loss ≥600 mL (P=0.030 and P=0.006, respectively). All clinical factors were not significantly different between patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic lymphocele. Lymphocele developed more frequently in the left side (67.1%) of the body compared to the right side (48.7%), and in the pelvic area (75.9%) compared to the para-aortic area (24.1%, P<0.001, both). @*Conclusion@#Lymphocele formation is more prevalent in the left and pelvic area of the body compared to the right and paraaortic side. PLND concurrent with PALND and large amounts of blood loss were significant risk factors for lymphocele formation.

Distribution of lymphocele following lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecological malignancies

Objective@#This study identified the distribution of lymphocele, as well as the factors associated with lymphocele formation, in patients undergoing pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph node dissection (PLND and/or PALND) for gynecologic malignancies. @*Methods@#This study was retrospective, and data were collected from patients who underwent surgical procedures including lymphadenectomy due to gynecologic malignancies from March 2013 to May 2016. Lymphocele was defined by postoperative computer tomography within 2 weeks after surgery. @*Results@#A total of 116 patients underwent lymphadenectomy, of whom, 47 (42.0%) developed lymphocele and 14 (12.1%) had symptomatic lymphocele formation. The affecting factors of lymphocele formation were PLND concomitant with PALND and a large amount of blood loss ≥600 mL (P=0.030 and P=0.006, respectively). All clinical factors were not significantly different between patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic lymphocele. Lymphocele developed more frequently in the left side (67.1%) of the body compared to the right side (48.7%), and in the pelvic area (75.9%) compared to the para-aortic area (24.1%, P<0.001, both). @*Conclusion@#Lymphocele formation is more prevalent in the left and pelvic area of the body compared to the right and paraaortic side. PLND concurrent with PALND and large amounts of blood loss were significant risk factors for lymphocele formation.

Lower limb compartment syndrome by reperfusion injury after treatment of arterial thrombosis post-laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for cervical cancer

Compartment syndrome is a clinical condition associated with decreased blood circulation that can lead to swelling of tissue in limited space. Several factors including lithotomy position, prolonged surgery, intermittent pneumatic compressor, and reperfusion after treatment of arterial thrombosis may contribute to compartment syndrome. However, compartment syndrome rarely occurs after gynecologic surgery. In this case, the patient was diagnosed as compartment syndrome due to reperfusion injury after treatment of arterial thrombosis, which occurred after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for cervical cancer. Despite its rarity, prevention and identifying the risk factors of complication should be performed perioperatively; furthermore, gynecologist should be aware of the possibility of complications.

Two pregnancy cases of uterine scar dehiscence after laparoscopic myomectomy

Uterine scar dehiscence following laparoscopic myomectomy rarely occurs but can compromise both maternal and fetal well-being in subsequent pregnancy. We here present two cases of pregnancy complicated by preterm birth that resulted from uterine scar dehiscence following laparoscopic myomectomy. First case was a nulligravida who had scar dehiscence at 26 weeks of gestation after having a laparoscopic myomectomy 3 months prior to conception. Two weeks later, we observed her fetal leg protruding through the defect. The other case was a primigravida with a history of prior cesarean delivery, whose sonography revealed myomectomy scar dehiscence at 31 weeks of gestation. Within a few hours after observing, the patient complained of abdominal pain that was aggravating as fetal leg protruded through the defect. In both cases, babies were born by emergency cesarean section. Conservative management can be one of treatment options for myomectomy scar dehiscence in preterm pregnancy. However, clinicians should always be aware of the possibility of obstetric emergencies.

Laparoscopic assisted adenomyomectomy using double flap method

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative prognosis and progression in patients who received laparoscopic-assisted adenomyomectomy using the double flap method. METHODS: The pelvic cavity was explored by the conventional laparoscopic method, and drainage was achieved through a 5-mm trocar. After a small incision in the abdomen, the uterus was incised from the fundus to the upper cervical margin until exposing the endometrial cavity. Adenomyotic tissue was removed using a scalpel, scissors, or monopolar electrical bovie. The endometrial cavity was repaired with interrupted sutures using 2-0 vicryl. One side of the serosal flap was used to cover the endometrial side of the uterus. The second serosal flap covered the first flap after removal of the serosal surface of the first flap. RESULTS: From January 2008 to March 2012, there were 11 cases of laparoscopic-assisted adenomyomectomy at Chungnam National University Hospital. Nine cases were analyzed, excluding two cases with less than one year of follow-up. The average patient age was 37.0 years and average follow-up duration was 32.8 months. All patients showed improvement in dysmenorrhea (P < 0.001) and hypermenorrhea (P = 0.001) after surgery and were evaluated by visual analogue scale score. However, symptoms of adenomyosis were aggravated in three patients. Adenomyosis was progressed in the side opposite the site of operation. One patient required a total laparoscopic hysterectomy 27 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted adenomyomectomy using the double flap method is effective for uterine reduction and relief of dysmenorrhea and hypermenorrhea. Conservative management and careful follow-up are needed because adenomyosis can recur or progress in some patients.

Two-port access versus four-port access laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the surgical outcomes between two-port access and four-port access laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. METHODS: Four hundred and eighty nine patients who had received two-port access laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (n=175) and four-port access laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (n=314) in Chungnam National University Hospital from January 2009 to August 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The data were compared between the bilaterality of the cysts and cyst diameter of less than 6 cm and 6 cm or more. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient's age, parity, body weight, body mass index and history of previous surgery between the two-port and four-port access laparoscopy group. Bilaterality of ovarian cysts was more in fourport access laparoscopy group (13.7% vs. 32.5%, P=0.000). There were no significant differences in operation time, hemoglobin change, hospital stay, adhesiolysis, transfusion, and insertion of hemo-vac between the two-port and four-port access laparoscopy group for size matched compare. However additional analgesics were more in four-port access laparoscopy group for unilateral ovarian cystectomy. CONCLUSION: Two-port access laparoscopic surgery was feasible and safe for unilateral and bilateral ovarian cystectomy compare with four-port access laparoscopic surgery.

Meconium peritonitis: prenatal diagnosis and postnatal outcome / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To detect meconium peritonitis for the fetal period is important for prenatal counseling. The aim of this study was to evaluate prenatal ultrasound finding for diagnosing meconium peritonitis and postnatal clinical course and outcomes. METHODS: The prenatal and postnatal medical records of all patients to our institutions with confirmed meconium peritonitis were reviewed, with emphasis on prenatal ultrasound findings, postnatal investigations, operative findings, outcomes of meconium peritonitis. RESULTS: Fourteen fetuses were confirmed to have meconium peritonitis at birth by operation. Eight cases were diagnosed correctly because of prenatal ultrasound showing ascites and calcification/dilated or hyperechoic bowel loops. In the other 6 cases, prenatal ultrasound showed only ascites. One patient was operated on first day of life and its intra-operative finding was malrotation of small bowel, volvulus with strangulation, perforation and jejunal atresia. Most cases were operated on 2nd or 3rd day of life. Intra-operative findings were ileal atresia and perforation in 11 cases and jejunal atresia and perforation in 3 cases. Four patients underwent ileostomy but all patients survived and prospered. CONCLUSION: All patients do not present typical prenatal ultrasound findings of meconium peritonitis. Therefore, even in pregnancies associated with isolated ascites, meconium peritonitis should be taken into consideration. Favorable outcome of intrauterine meconium peritonitis is reassuring in prenatal counselling and stems from multidisplinary team approach.

One case of vulva metastasis from cervical squamous cell carcinoma / 대한산부인과학회지

Metastasis to the skin occurs rarely in gynecologic cancer. Although carcinoma of the cervix is the fifth most common malignancy in Korean women, cutaneous involvement originating from cervical cancer is unusual. Common pattern of occurrence is multiple nodule in abdomen, vulva, lower extremities. We report a case of metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of cervix to vulva. The patient was diagnosed with cervical cancer IIA. The extensive skin lesion on the vulva occurred 3 months after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radical hysterectomy and concurrent chemoradiation. We have experienced such a case and report the case with brief review of literatures.

Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula / 대한산부인과학회지

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is one of the most serious surgical complication in gynecologic surgery. Surgical approach to repair this condition can be performed by transvaginal or transabdominal. However, laparoscopic repair of VVF may be an alternative surgical method. We present four cases of VVF treated with transperitoneal laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic repair is a feasible, safe and efficacious minimally invasive approach for the management of VVF. We believe that this method provides excellent results and may result in lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery than the abdominal or transvaginal approaches.

Endometrial pathologies in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal hormone that functions as a selective estrogen-receptor (ER) modulator in breast tissue. It is the first-choice drug for the postoperative treatment of ER-positive breast cancer patients. However, tamoxifen, if administered for a prolonged duration, has estrogen-like effects on the uterus, leading to an increased risk for the development of endometrial diseases such as endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial polyp, and endometrial cancer. This study was designed to investigate the effects of tamoxifen treatment on endometrium in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Fifty-five tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients visited an outpatient gynecology clinic. We analyzed the endometrial pathology with consideration to the duration of tamoxifen treatment the patient symptoms and the endometrial thickness, as measured by transvaginal ultrasonography. Endometrial polypectomy was performed to obtained polyps from women presenting with abnormal bleeding (17 polyps from postmenopausal women who had not been treated with tamoxifen and 14 from women who had been treated with this drug). To investigate the effects of tamoxifen treatment on the endometrial polyps, we performed immunohistochemical staining for ER, the progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki67 on the polyps obtained from both groups of women. RESULTS: In 29 (52.7%) of 55 tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients, the endometrium was more than 10 mm thick, and in 19 (65.5%) of these patients, the abnormalities noted comprised 11 endometrial polyps, 5 endometrial carcinomas, 2 submucosal myomas, and 1 endometrial hyperplasia. The incidence of endometrial proliferation was significantly higher in patients who had been treated with tamoxifen for less than 1 year (P=0.037) than in those who had been treated for more than 1 year. Although the endometrial carcinomas, submucosal myomas, and endometrial hyperplasia were found in the patients who had been treated for more than 1 year, this result was not statistically significantwhen compared with the other group. As compared to the endometrial polyps obtained from women who had not received tamoxifen treatment, those obtained from patients who had received the treatment exhibited significantly lower levels of ER expression (P=0.000) in the glands and increased levels of PR (P=0.031) and Ki-67 expression (P=0.000) in the stroma. CONCLUSIONS: During tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer, the endometrial pathology should be investigated if transvaginal ultrasonography reveals the tissue to be more than 10 mm thick. Although tamoxifen has significant effects on the expression of hormone receptors, the mechanism underlying the development of endometrial polyps does not appear to be mediated by the ER.

Fetal ductus arteriosus constriction and heart failure following maternal cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor ingestion: A case report / 대한산부인과학회지

We report a case of premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus following maternal ingestion of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor at 37 weeks' gestation. Fetal sonography at 38+2 weeks' gestation revealed tricuspid regurgitation, absent transpulmonary valve flow, right heart enlargement, and pericardial effusion. An immediate delivery resulted in a good postnatal outcome with dramatic improvement in the clinical and echocardiographic findings. Maternal exposure to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially late in gestation, can cause premature constriction of the ductus arteriosus, heart failure, and fetal death. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs late in gestation should be considered in limited cases with close fetal heart monitoring.

A case report of Extragonadal endodermal sinus tumor occurring in the appendix and mesentery / 대한산부인과학회지

Endodermal sinus tumor (EST) is a rare malignant germ cell tumor arising usually in the gonads such as the testis or ovary. However, 10-15% of EST cases may arise in the extragonadal sites, such as sacrocoxygeal area, mediastinum, vagina, brain and retroperitoneum in a frequent occurring order. To our knowledge there are only 2 case reports of extragonadal EST, one originating from the omentum in 1998, and another which was localized in the pelvis in 2003. We report one case of extragonadal sinus tumor which arose in appendix and mesentery in the 19-year-old female with a review of the literature.

The factors influencing pregnancy after surgery in infertile patients with severe endometriosis / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is assumed to be one of the causes of infertility, although the mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic factors for the fertility in women with severe endometriosis. METHODS: Clinical data of 78 consecutive infertile patients who had taken surgery for stage III and IV endometriosis were retrospectively analyzed in two groups: A- pregnant after surgery (n=43, 55.1%): B- non-pregnant after surgery (n=35, 44.9%). All patients were treated with GnRHa after surgery. Each group were compared age, BMI, duration of infertility, stage of endometriosis, size and number of endometrioma, peritoneal implant outside the pelvic cavity, peritubal adhesion, ovarian adhesion and cul-de-sac obliteration. RESULTS: Among these factors, duration of infertility (p=0.03), peritoneal implant (p=0.01), tubal adhesion (p=0.04) and ovarian adhesion (p=0.02) were significantly different. However, patients' age, BMI, size and number of endometrioma, cul-de-sac obliteration and stage of endometriosis did not showed significantly different. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the duration of infertility and tubal and ovarian adhesion are important factors for predicting pregnancy after surgery in severe endometriosis.

What is the risk factor of preeclampsia?: Hospital-based case-control study / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess several variables that are known as the risk factor of preeclampsia. METHODS: We have studied with 279 pregnant women who were diagnosed with preeclampsia and went through delivery in Chungnam University from January, 1998 to December, 2002. For control group, we chose 364 non-hypertensive pregnant women who went through delivery from January, 2002 to December, 2002 through random process. Through reviewing each patient's chart, we collected data regarding age, parity, past medical history, past obstetric history, family history, presence of gestational diabetes, height, body weight, before and at the time of delivery, delivery mode and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using x2-test, Student t-test. A value of p below 0.05 was considered to show statistical significance. RESULTS: During the study period, 298 women had preeclampsia so that the incidence of preeclampsia was 6.0%. Age and past medical history were not related to preeclampsia. The primiparous women in this study are likely to show a higher incidence of preclampsia (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16-1.5, p=0.017). In addition, women whose BMI are ranged from 25.0 kg/m2 to 30.0 kg/m2 (p=0.027), and ranged from 30.0 kg/m2 to 40.0 kg/m2 (p=0.027) had a higher incidence of preeclampsia. By using a multiple logistic regression analysis about the BMI changes, we found out that there was a higher rate of preeclmapsia among pregnant women with over 7.11 kg/m2 BMI increasement compared with BMZ before pregnancy (OR=2.97, 95% CI 2.22-3.99, por=25.0 kg/m2, previous preeclampsia, family history of chronic hypertension, twin gestation showed an increased risk of preeclampsia.