Informed consent forms for gynecologic cancer surgery: recommendations from the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology

The sociomedical environment is changing. In the traditional physician-patient relationship, the physician was authoritative and the patient was obedient. The contractual relationship featured patient consent to the physician’s decision. Today, the physician must explain fully the planned medical treatment, and any alternative, to the patient, who has the right to choose her treatment after considering the benefits and side-effects. The Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology thus decided to standardize the surgical consent forms to meet the legal requirements of modern medicine, improve patient understanding of the surgical details, and protect medical staff from legal disputes. To determine the format and content, subcommittees for each cancer type collected and reviewed all relevant articles and the current consent forms of domestic medical institutions. After several meetings, 16 basic items to be included for each type of gynecologic cancer were selected. Also, to help patients understand the surgical details, figures were included. The revised forms were legally reviewed in terms of the appropriateness of the format and content. We also developed English versions to provide adequate information for foreign patients. We hope that these efforts will promote trust between patients and physicians, and contribute to effective treatment by laying a foundation of mutual respect.

Human papillomavirus genotype-specific risk in cervical carcinogenesis / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of genotype-specific human papillomavirus (HPV) infections for the spectrum of cervical carcinogenesis and the distribution of HPV types according to age and different cervical lesions METHODS: This study included HPV-positive women who underwent cervical biopsy at the Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017. HPV genotyping was conducted using a Cheil HPV DNA chip kit. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 400 normal, 399 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 400 CIN 2, 400 CIN 3, and 389 cervical cancer cases. HPV 16 was the most common type found with a prevalence of 9.5% in normal, 6.8% in CIN 1, 15.0% in CIN 2, 44.5% in CIN 3, and 64.3% in cervical cancer. The most common HPV types were 16, 52, 58, 53, 51, 56, 68, and 18 in all study samples. HPV 16, 31, 33, and 58 were more common in CIN 2/3 and cancer, and HPV 39, 51, 53, 56, 66, and 68 were more common in CIN 1 and normal cases (p<0.001). In CIN 3 and cervical cancer, HPV 16 was the most common type in all age groups. HPV 52 was the most common type in CIN 2 (all age groups) and in CIN 1/normal (age ≤30 years) cases. Among the high-risk HPV types, 16, 31, 33, 52, and 58 showed significant risk for high-grade disease. CONCLUSIONS: HPV 16, 31, 33, 52, and 58 showed the significant risk of high-grade disease for cervical carcinogenesis.

A rare case of gastric-type mucinous adenocarcinoma in a woman with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Adenocarcinoma of the cervix is less common than squamous cell carcinoma. Minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (adenoma malignum) is considered an extremely well-differentiated variant of GAS. An association exists between GAS and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, which is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and multiple hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tracts. The incidence of GAS in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is estimated to be 11–17%. We present a rare case of adenoma malignum, diagnosed using colposcopic biopsy in a woman with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, which was histopathologically confirmed to be GAS after surgery.

Currarino syndrome in an adult woman

Currarino syndrome is a hereditary disease characterized by the triad of sacral agenesis, anorectal malformation, and presacral mass. Most patients are diagnosed in childhood, and this condition rarely manifests in adulthood. In women, gynecological malformations associated with Currarino syndrome have been reported, such as bicornuate uterus, rectovaginal fistula, and septate uterus. We present a rare case of a 29-year-old woman with a suspected pelvic mass who was diagnosed with Currarino syndrome.

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and its relationship with recurrence after conization / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Impaired local cellular immunity contributes to persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands PD-ligand-1 (L1) and PD-L2 are negative regulators of T cell activity in various cancers, but few studies exist. The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathologic and immunologic parameters (PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2) related to the persistence/recurrence of CIN after conization. METHODS: Medical records of 652 patients diagnosed with CIN and underwent conization were reviewed. The associations between clinicopathologic parameters (e.g., age, parity, initial HPV load, etc.) and persistence/recurrence of CIN were analyzed. Expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 was assessed on 100 conization specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in women matched for propensity-score (50 with persistence/recurrence and 50 without). RESULTS: Initial HPV load (>1,000 relative light unit) and positive margin were shown to be significantly associated with CIN persistence/recurrence (p=0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that margin status was an independent predictor of persistence/recurrence (hazard ratio=8.86; 95% confidence interval=1.67–16.81; p < 0.001). On IHC analysis, none of the patients expressed PD-L1. PD-1+ T cells were observed in 25 of 100 patients. Also, PD-1+ T cells were significantly correlated with increasing grade of CIN (p=0.031). In addition, patients with persistence/recurrence had increased expression of PD-1 compared with those without (36% vs. 14%, respectively; p=0.020). Although PD-L2 expression did not differ between 2 groups, it was significantly higher in patients with high-grade CIN compared to low-grade (34.7% vs. 12%, respectively; p=0.041). CONCLUSION: Positive surgical margin and expression of PD-1+ T cells were associated with CIN persistence/recurrence after conization.

Risk factors for cytological progression in HPV 16 infected women with ASC-US or LSIL: The Korean HPV cohort

OBJECTIVE: This study was to identify the risk factors for cytological progression in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). METHODS: We analyzed data from women infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) who participated in the Korean HPV cohort study. The cohort recruited women aged 20–60 years with abnormal cervical cytology (ASC-US or LSIL) from April 2010. All women were followed-up at every 6-month intervals with cervical cytology and HPV DNA testing. RESULTS: Of the 1,158 women included, 654 (56.5%) and 504 (43.5%) women showed ASC-US and LSIL, respectively. At the time of enrollment, 143 women tested positive for HPV 16 (85 single and 58 multiple infections). Cervical cytology performed in the HPV 16-positive women showed progression in 27%, no change in 23%, and regression in 50% of the women at the six-month follow-up. The progression rate associated with HPV 16 infection was higher than that with infection caused by other HPV types (relative risk [RR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–2.84; P=0.028). The cytological progression rate in women with persistent HPV 16 infection was higher than that in women with incidental or cleared infections (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between cigarette smoking and cytological progression (RR, 4.15; 95% CI, 1.01–17.00). CONCLUSION: The cytological progression rate in HPV 16-positive women with ASC-US or LSIL is higher than that in women infected with other HPV types. Additionally, cigarette smoking may play a role in cytological progression.

Effects of infections with five sexually transmitted pathogens on sperm quality / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of infections with human papillomavirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mycoplasma genitalium in the semen of Korean infertile couples and their associations with sperm quality. METHODS: Semen specimens were collected from 400 men who underwent a fertility evaluation. Infection with above five pathogens was assessed in each specimen. Sperm quality was compared in the pathogen-infected group and the non-infected group. RESULTS: The infection rates of human papillomavirus, C. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, M. hominis, and M. genitalium in the study subjects were 1.57%, 0.79%, 16.80%, 4.46%, and 1.31%, respectively. The rate of morphological normality in the U. urealyticum-infected group was significantly lower than in those not infected with U. urealyticum. In a subgroup analysis of normozoospermic samples, the semen volume and the total sperm count in the pathogen-infected group were significantly lower than in the non-infected group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that infection with U. urealyticum alone and any of the five sexually transmitted infections are likely to affect sperm morphology and semen volume, respectively.

A case report of a young girl with mucinous borderline tumor of the ovary

Ovarian tumors are relatively rare in children and adolescent. The incidence of malignancies in these groups is 1% to 1.5%. The common histologic type is non-epithelial type such as germ cell tumors or sex cord-stromal tumors and only 10% to 17% of those are epithelial tumors. It is important to accurately diagnose in the early these rare tumors for proper staging and treatment to save the patient's life and fertility. We present a case of a 13-year-old girl with a giant ovarian mucinous borderline tumor.

Surgical and obstetrical outcomes after laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical and obstetrical outcomes of patients with early cervical cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: We analyzed data from women who underwent laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between July 2000 and October 2014. RESULTS: Of a total of 12 patients, 91.7% were FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stages IA2 and IB1. Seven patients (58.3%) had squamous cell carcinoma. The median tumor size was 1.87 cm (range, focal to 4.6 cm) and two patients (16.7%) had a tumor lager than 2 cm. Lymphovascular space invasion in the tumor lesion was reported in six patients (50%). The following surgical complications were observed: neurogenic bladder (one patient), hemoperitoneum (one patient), and infection (one patient). A total of 33.3% had attempted to conceive, resulting in two pregnancies and two healthy babies. All pregnancies were achieved by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Each woman underwent cesarean delivery because of premature pre-labor rupture of membranes at gestational weeks 27.3 and 33.3. After a median follow-up time of 4.4 years (range, 1 to 8 years), there were no recurrences or deaths. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy should be offered as an alternative treatment for women with early stage cervical cancer who want to preserve their fertility.

Surgical and obstetrical outcomes after laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical and obstetrical outcomes of patients with early cervical cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: We analyzed data from women who underwent laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between July 2000 and October 2014. RESULTS: Of a total of 12 patients, 91.7% were FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stages IA2 and IB1. Seven patients (58.3%) had squamous cell carcinoma. The median tumor size was 1.87 cm (range, focal to 4.6 cm) and two patients (16.7%) had a tumor lager than 2 cm. Lymphovascular space invasion in the tumor lesion was reported in six patients (50%). The following surgical complications were observed: neurogenic bladder (one patient), hemoperitoneum (one patient), and infection (one patient). A total of 33.3% had attempted to conceive, resulting in two pregnancies and two healthy babies. All pregnancies were achieved by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Each woman underwent cesarean delivery because of premature pre-labor rupture of membranes at gestational weeks 27.3 and 33.3. After a median follow-up time of 4.4 years (range, 1 to 8 years), there were no recurrences or deaths. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy should be offered as an alternative treatment for women with early stage cervical cancer who want to preserve their fertility.

The Impact of High-Risk HPV Genotypes Other Than HPV 16/18 on the Natural Course of Abnormal Cervical Cytology: A Korean HPV Cohort Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) other than HPV 16/18 on the natural course of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population was derived from the Korean HPV cohort (2010-2014). Women aged 20 to 60 who satisfied the criteria of having both HPV infection and abnormal cervical cytology of either ASC-US or LSIL were recruited from five institutions nationwide. Enrolled patients underwent cervical cytology and HPV DNA testing every 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 1,158 patients were enrolled. The 10 most common HPV types were HPV 16 (12.3%), 58 (10.0%), 56 (8.8%), 53 (8.4%), 52 (7.7%), 39 (6.2%), 18 (6.0%), 51 (5.7%), 68 (5.1%), and 66 (4.6%). Among these patients, 636 women were positive for high-risk HPVs other than HPV 16 or 18, and 429 women were followed for more than 6 months. Cytology evaluations showed progression in 15.3% of women, no change in 22.6%, and regression in 62.1% of women at 12 months. In cases of HPV 58 single infection, a more highly significant progression rate, compared to other high-risk types, was observed at 6 months (relative risk [RR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04 to 5.30; p < 0.001) and 12 months (RR, 5.03; 95% CI, 2.56 to 9.91; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HPV genotypes numbered in the 50s were frequent in Korean women with ASC-US and LSIL. HPV 58 was the second most common type, with a high progression rate of cervical cytology.

Combined SYBR Green real-time polymerase chain reaction and microarray method for the simultaneous determination of human papillomavirus loads and genotypes

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the principle of the Cheil HPV DNA Chip assay and evaluate its accuracy. In order to quantify the human papillomavirus (HPV) load and identify HPV genotypes simultaneously, this assay combined the two methods: SYBR Green quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA microarray. METHODS: We designed novel consensus primer sets that target the conserved region of the HPV L1 gene for quantifying and detecting a broad range of HPV types by quantitative real-time PCR. Subsequently, using the PCR products, DNA microarray was performed with 36 HPV type-specific probes. To validate this method, direct sequencing and correlation analysis among HPV genotype, viral load, and cytological abnormality was performed by Cohen’s kappa values, two-sided McNemar chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and odds ratios. RESULTS: The kappa value of the Cheil HPV DNA Chip was 0.963 (95% confidence interval, 0.919 to 0.98), which was significantly higher than the value of 0.527 (95% confidence interval, 0.447 to 0.59) obtained using a conventional HPV DNA Chip. HPV16 (χ²=62.28, P<0.01), HPV33 (χ²=7.18, P<0.01), and HPV58 (χ²=9.52, P<0.01), which are classified as high-risk HPVs, were detected at significant levels in samples with high-grade lesions. And viral loads tended to be higher in groups with high odds ratios. CONCLUSION: The Cheil HPV DNA Chip is an effective diagnostic assay for simultaneously detecting HPV genotypes and loads in cervical samples.

Human Papillomavirus Prevalence and Type Distribution Among 968 Women in South Korea

BACKGROUND: Geographic variation in the prevalence of carcinogenic types and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution is closely associated with the impact of HPV prophylactic vaccines. We determined the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes among healthy women in Korea. METHODS: This study included 968 healthy women who were examined at a health promotion center of the Korea University Guro Hospital between January and June 2013. Each participant had a Pap test and a HPV DNA test using the Anyplex™ II HPV 28 Detection system, which detects 19 high-risk HPVs (HR HPVs) and 9 low-risk HPVs (LR HPVs). Women with abnormal cytology and/or positivity for HR HPVs were referred to colposcopic biopsy. RESULTS: Overall HR HPV prevalence based on the assay was 33.7%. Among them, 225 women had single infection and 101 women had multiple infection. The most frequently occurring HR HPV types were 53 (6.5%), 52 (6.1%), 58 (4.8%), 16 (4.5%), and 68 (4.2%). The most frequently occurring LR HPV types were 54 (5.4%), 70 (3.8%), 42 (3.6%), 61 (3.4%), and 44 (3.1%). The prevalence of HPV 16 was highest (17.6%) among women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and HPV 16 was strongly associated with a diagnosis of CIN2/3 (odds ratio = 20.5; 95% confidence interval: 3.9-107.1; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: HPV 53, 52, 58, 16, and 68 were common HR HPV types among healthy Korean women. HPV16 was the most common type in high-grade CIN lesions, as shown in most studies worldwide. The results might be useful information for cervical cancer prevention in South Korea.

DNA methylation in human papillomavirus-infected cervical cells is elevated in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: DNA methylation has been shown to be a potential biomarker for early cancer detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate DNA methylation profiles according to liquid-based Pap (LBP) test results and to assess their diagnostic value in a Korean population. METHODS: A total of 205 patients with various Papanicolaou test results were enrolled to this study (negative, 26; atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 39; low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 44; high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 48; and cancer, 48). DNA methylation analysis of four genes, ADCYAP1, PAX1, MAL, and CADM1, was performed on residual cervical cells from LBP samples using a quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing method. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the four methylated genes for cancer detection, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn. Sensitivities and specificities were also tested at cutoffs determined from the ROC curves. RESULTS: Cervical cancer cells showed dramatically increased methylation levels for the four genes analyzed. ADCYAP1 and PAX1 also trended toward elevated methylation levels in HSIL samples, although the levels were much lower than those in cancer cells. The sensitivities of methylated ADCYAP1, PAX1, MAL, and CADM1 for the detection of cancer were 79.2%, 75.0%, 70.8%, and 52.1%, and the specificities were 92.0%, 94.0%, 94.7%, and 94.0%, respectively. Methylated ADCYAP1 and PAX1 demonstrated relatively better discriminatory ability than did methylated MAL and CADM1 (area under the curves 0.911 and 0.916 vs. 0.854 and 0.756, respectively). CONCLUSION: DNA methylation status, especially in the ADCYAP1 and PAX1 genes, showed relatively good specificity, ranging from 90% to 94%. The possible additive and complementary roles of DNA methylation testing with respect to conventional cervical cancer screening programs will need to be validated in prospective population-based studies.

Type-specific persistence or regression of human papillomavirus genotypes in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the type-specific human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence or regression in women with or less than low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients with or less than cytological low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (or histologically CIN 1 when biopsy was performed) combined with HPV infection. The cohort was collected from July 2006 to November 2011 at Korea University Guro Hospital. Follow-up was performed with liquid-based Papanicolaou test, hybrid capture 2 test, AnyplexTM II HPV 28 Detection, colposcopic biopsy if necessary every 4 months. All patients were prospectively observed without treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients were enrolled. Of these, 21 patients whose minimum follow-up periods were less than 8 months were excluded. Finally, one hundred sixteen patients were included and followed-up. Median follow-up period was 16 months. In case of high-risk HPVs, HPV 53 was the most prevalent type, followed by HPV 52, 68, 66, and 16. HPV 16 took 10.6 months to regress spontaneously, which was the longest period among the 10 most prevalent high-risk HPV genotypes. In case of spontaneous regression, HPV clearance was always accompanied by lesion clearance. A total of 13 patients showed disease progression either cytologically or histologically. Two cases of CIN 3 were confirmed by colposcopy-directed biopsy during follow-up, which were subsequently managed by conization. CONCLUSION: HPV 16 is the most persistent HPV genotypes. Studies with longer term follow-up and larger sample size are needed to demonstrate whether persistence of HPV 16 is directly correlated with progression of low-grade lesions.

Comparison of the Seeplex HPV4A ACE and the Cervista HPV assays for the detection of HPV in hybrid capture 2 positive media / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To validate the efficacy of Seeplex HPV4A ACE for the detection of high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 genotypes as compared to the PCR method and the Cervista HPV assays in cervical swab samples. METHODS: Besides liquid-based cytology, additional 97 cervical swab samples were collected for HPV genotyping by HPV4A ACE, Cervista HPV assays, and PCR method. To check the statistical differences, we also conducted the paired proportion test, Cohen's kappa statistic, and a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Seeplex HPV4A ACE and the Cervista HPV HR showed substantial agreement with PCR for detection of HR HPVs (88.3%, kappa=0.767 and 81.7%, kappa=0.636, respectively). Seeplex HPV4A ACE also showed substantial agreement with the Cervista HPV 16/18 test (89.5%, kappa=0.628). Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of Seeplex HPV4A ACE and Cervista HPV HR were 91.4% vs. 84.5% and 73.4%, vs. 72.7%, respectively, when those higher than low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were regarded as abnormalities. HPV genotyping for HPV 16/18 detected cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs) better than HR HPV tests (66.7% vs. 24.6% by HPV4A ACE, 52.6% vs. 25.9% by Cervista HPV assays in CIN II or more, relatively). CONCLUSION: Seeplex HPV4A ACE is an effective method as the PCR and the Cervista HPV assays for the detection of HR HPVs and for genotyping of HPV 16 and 18.

Analysis of failed arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To investigate what factors are associated with a failed arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to attempt to estimate efficacy of arterial embolization. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, 60 patients at Korea University Medical Cencter underwent arterial embolization to control obstetrical hemorrhage. In all cases, arterial embolization was performed because of intractable hemorrhage unresponsive to conservative management. Medical records and angiographic results were reviewed. Arterial embolization failure was defined as the requirement for subsequent surgical procedure to control PPH with the procedure, and its results. RESULTS: Arterial embolization was attempted in 60 of deliveries. Failures occurred in 7 of 60 cases (11.7%) and in 4 of 7 cases (57.1%) of abnormal placentation (placenta previa totalis with or without placenta accrete or increta). Comparison of the failed and successful arterial embolization groups showed no differences in maternal characteristics, clinical status, and angiographic finding. Amount of total transfusion in failed arterial embolization group were larger than successful group although hemoglobin before embolization was not different. CONCLUSION: The only factor significantly associated with failed arterial embolization was an abnormal placentation. Arterial embolization is a safe and highly effective method to control PPH.

Prophylactic Hypogastric Artery Ballooning in a Patient with Complete Placenta Previa and Increta

Abnormal attachment of the placenta (Placenta accreta, increta, and percreta) is an uncommon but potentially lethal cause of maternal mortality from massive postpartum hemorrhage. A 33-yr-old woman, who had been diagnosed with a placenta previa, was referred at 30 weeks gestation. On ultrasound, a complete type of placenta previa and multiple intraplacental lacunae, suggestive of placenta accreta, were noted. For further evaluation of the placenta, pelvis MRI was performed and revealed findings suspicious of a placenta increta. An elective cesarean delivery and subsequent hysterectomy were planned for the patient at 38 weeks gestation. On the day of delivery, endovascular catheters for balloon occlusion were placed within the hypogastric arteries, prior to the cesarean section. In the operating room, immediately after the delivery of the baby, bilateral hypogastric arteries were occluded by inflation of the balloons in the catheters previously placed within. With the placenta retained within the uterus, a total hysterectomy was performed in the usual fashion. The occluding balloons were deflated after closure of the vaginal cuff with hemostasis. The patient had stable vital signs and normal laboratory findings during the recovery period; she was discharged six days after delivery without complications. The final pathology confirmed a placenta increta.

The utility of the human papillomavirus DNA load for the diagnosis and prediction of persistent vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA load for the diagnosis and prediction of persistent vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with a pathological diagnosis of VAIN was performed. Eligible women (N=48) were followed for cytology and HPV DNA test, and colposcopic biopsies were taken at 3- to 6-month intervals. Thirty-seven patients were followed for more than 6 months; their HPV DNA test results were compared to the cytology results for the prediction of disease prognosis. RESULTS: The degree of VAIN was more severe in patients with a high initial HPV DNA load (p=0.009). Patients with VAIN 2 and VAIN 3 were older than those with VAIN 1 (p=0.005 and 0.008, respectively). In 26 out of 37 patients (70.3%), the VAIN resolved. The other patients had persistent lesions with no progression to invasive vaginal carcinoma. The last follow-up HPV DNA load was significantly higher in the group with persistent VAIN compared to the group with resolved VAIN (p<0.0001). Negative cytology was observed in 25 out of 26 patients in the VAIN resolved group and in nine out of 11 patients in the VAIN persistent group (p=0.205). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the HPV DNA test, especially for viral load, was more effective for the diagnosis and prediction of persistent VAIN than cytology.

The Anti-inflammatory Effect of Retinoid on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Nephropathy / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: An inflammatory mechanism has been suggested to contribute to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Although retinoid, a known anti-inflammatory agent, has been reported to be beneficial in some experimental renal diseases, it has not been shown whether it prevents disease progression in diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, we investigated whether all-trans retinoic acid inhibits inflammatory changes and improves renal function during the early stages of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: We evaluated anti-inflammatory effect of retinoid on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. Anti-inflammatory effect was determined by the expression of monocyte chemoattractant peptide-1 (MCP-1). RESULTS: Urinary protein excretion was significantly higher in diabetic rats at four weeks after the induction of diabetes mellitus compared with controls, and proteinuria in the group with retinoic acid treatment was decreased (1.25+/-0.69 vs. 0.78+/-0.72 mg/mg Cr, p=0.056). Urinary excretion of MCP-1 was rapidly increased at two days after induction of diabetes mellitus in diabetic rats, and further increased until four weeks of age compared with control rats. Retinoic acid treatment suppressed to 30% reduction of the urinary level of MCP-1 compared with vehicle treated diabetic rats (119.3+/-74.2 vs. 78.1+/-62.7 pg/mg Cr, p=0.078). Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant increase in staining for MCP-1 protein in the diabetic kidney, and retinoic acid treatment significantly suppressed intrarenal MCP-1 protein synthesis. CONCLUSION: Retinoic acid suppressed proteinuria and inflammatory changes in diabetic rats. These results suggest that retinoic acid may have an anti- inflammatory effect in diabetic nephropathy.