Platelets Induce Proliferation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via CD154-CD40 Pathway Independently of VEGF

BACKGROUND: Platelets take part in repairing the lesions of endothelial damage. To understand the molecular mechanism of this process, we tested the hypothesis that CD154 expressed on activated platelets stimulates proliferation of human endothelial cells. METHODS: The expression levels of CD154 and CD40 on platelets and endothelial cells, respectively, were measured by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Function-blocking monoclonal antibody against CD154 was developed after immunization with CD154- transfected L cells. RESULTS: An anti-CD40 agonist antibody and soluble CD154 both induced significant proliferation of endothelial cells. In addition, a function-blocking anti-CD154 antibody inhibited the platelet-induced proliferation of endothelial cells, indicating that the CD154-CD40 pathway is involved in these cellular interactions. An anti-VEGF antibody failed to inhibit the proliferation. This, in addition to the fact that very small amounts of VEGF are released from platelets or endothelial cells, suggests that VEGF does not play an important role in the platelet-stimulated proliferation of endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that platelets induce proliferation of endothelial cells by CD154-CD40 interactions independently of VEGF.

Characterization and Detection of Enteric Viruses in Surface Water, Finished Water, Tap Water by Total Culturable Virus Assay (TCVA) Method

The information of species and quantity of enteric viruses in surface water, finished water, and tap water is important in helping understand the pathogenesis of viruses, providing information about health and hygiene, improving handling technique of drinking water, and establishing the standards of water quality. Using standard total culturable virus assay-most probable number (TCVA-MPN) method, we tried to detect infectious enteric viruses in surface water, finished water, and tap water samples that were collected and evaluated according to the information collection rule (ICR). The results obtained with TCVA method were compared to the results from both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and integrated cell culture-RT-PCR (ICC-RT-PCR) method. Five of 86 samples (5.8%) were positive as determined by the TCVA-MPN method. Two of 86 samples (2.3%) were positive for reovirus as determined by the RT-PCR and ICC-RT-PCR, and contained infectious reovirus. One of 86 samples (1.7%) was positive for coxsackievirus type B3 as determined by the RT-PCR and ICC-RT-PCR.

Detection of antibodies against glucose 6-phosphate isomerase in synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis using surface plasmon resonance (BIAcore)

We have used a surface plasmon resonance biosensor (SPR, BIACORE 2000) to detect antibodies against glucose 6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) in synovial fluids of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Recombinant human GPI proteins fused with or without NusA were expressed in E. coli, purified to homogeneity and immobilized in flow cells of CM5 sensor chips. The flow cells immobilized with NusA protein or bovine serum albumin were used to monitor non-specific binding. Synovial fluid samples from RA patients showed a significantly higher level of binding to recombinant GPI proteins than samples from OA patients. Proteins which bound to the recombinant GPI proteins were confirmed to be immunoglobulin through the administration of anti-human immunoglobulin. NusA fusion protein was excellent for this assay because of a low background binding activity in the SPR analysis and its advantage of increased solubility in recombinant protein production. These results suggested a useful utilization of recombinant NusA-GPI fusion protein for the detection of autoantibodies against GPI in RA patients.

The Relationship Among Umbilical Cord Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 and Interleukin-6 Concentration, Funisitis, Amniotic Fluid Infection and Neonatal Outcome / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether funisitis is associated with changes in the umbilical cord plasma concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and neonatal outcome. METHODS: The relationship among the presence of funisitis, IL-6 and MMP-8 concentrations in umbilical cord plasma at birth, the results of amniotic fluid culture performed within 5 days of birth was examined in 83 consecutive singleton births (20-35 weeks' gestation). Funisitis was diagnosed in the presence of neutrophil infiltration into the umbilical vessel wall or Wharton's jelly. The IL-6 and MMP-8 concentration was measured with a specific immunoassay. Amniocentesis was performed in 47 patients within 5 days of birth. RESULTS: (1) Funisitis was present in 21.7% of patients. (2) Patients with funisitis had a significant higher cord plasma IL-6 concentration, but had no significant difference in cord plasma MMP-8 concentration. (3) Clinical chorioamnionitis was more common in patients with funisitis than those without funisitis. (4) A cord plasma IL-6 > 6.34 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 75.4% in the identification of funisitis. (5) No correlation between cord blood plasma IL-6 concentration and MMP-8 concentration was found. (6) There was no significant correlation between gestational age at birth and cord blood plasma MMP-8 concentrations, but there appeared to be a trend to increase of cord plasma MMP-8 concentrations as gestational ages at birth were increased. (7) Neonates with congenital sepsis had a significantly higher cord plasma IL-6 and MMP-8 concentration than those without congenital sepsis. CONCLUSION: In patient with funisitis, umbilical cord plasma IL-6 concentrations were higher than those without funisitis, but umbilical cord plasma MMP-8 concentrations had no significant difference in each group. The umbilical cord plasma IL-6 and MMP-8 can be useful as a predictor of the occurrence of congenital sepsis in preterm infant.

A Case of Amniotic Fluid Embolism during the Labor / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Amniotic fluid embolism continues to be a life-threatening. It is an unexpected and rare complication of pregnancy often presenting with sudden maternal cardiovascular collapse, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and maternal death. In the past, the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism was made when a woman presented with one of those clinical hallmarks and at autopsy fetal squamous and amniotic fluid cells were found within the maternal pulmonary arteries. However, several studies have demonstrated that squamous cells, trophoblasts, and other debris of fetal origin may commonly be found in the central circulation of women with conditions other than amniotic fluid embolism. Thus, this finding is neither sensitive nor specific. We present a case that was diagnosed clinically as amniotic fluid embolism by characteristic signs and symptoms during the labor, resulting in maternal death.

Ultrasound Measurement of Korean Fetal Growth Parameters by Gestational Age in Midtrimester Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: This study was done to formulate Korean fetal biometry charts of midtrimester presenting percentile values as a function of gestational age. METHODS: The relationships between the ultrasound measurement of 5 fetal parameters (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, transverse cerebellar diameter) and nuchal skinfold thickness and menstrual age were determined by a cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 215 normal healthy pregnant Korean women with known last menstrual period and regular menstrual period who had been performed genetic amniocentesis at our hospital and for whom complete pregnancy outcome information was available. All ultrasound examination was performed by one expert examiner. For each of the 5 parameters, the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles were determined. RESULTS: Ready-to-use fetal measurement charts in midtrimester are presented in a format giving the percentile values as a function of gestational age. CONCLUSION: These fetal biometry charts, obtained from midtrimester, Korean women can be used as a reference value.

Latex anaphylaxis during labor: case report / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Allergy to latex gloves has been described as an unusual complication during labor. However, IgE mediated hypersensitivity reaction to natural rubber have recently been identified as an international health problem. In this first case report in Korea, latex anaphylaxis during labor is described in an operating room nurse who has been continuously exposed to latex gloves. Because of the increasing frequency of latex allergy, obstetrician should take care and give more attention to the clinical history, as well as be aware of this possibility especially in high risk groups.

A case of acardiac twin with conservative management / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Acardiac twin is a rare complication of multifetal pregnancy. The literatures report an incidence of 1% among monochorionic twin pregnancies, i. e. 1 of 35,000 pregnancies. The absence of identifiable fetal heart structures in one twin and reduction anomalies in many organ systems suggest the diagnosis. It has been hypothesized that in the presence of artery-to-artery and vein-to-vein anastomoses in a monozygotic placenta, blood is perfused by hemodynamically advantaged pump-twin to the recipient twin by retrograde flow. The principal perinatal problems associated with acardiac twinning are congestive heart failure of pump-twin, maternal polyhydramnios, preterm delivery and intrauterine death. The outcome is invariably fatal for the acardiac twin and 50-75% of the normal twin. Management options include observation, medical therapy, and selective termination of acardiac twin. The most appropriate intervention for the various clinical presentations of this disorder is undetermined, and conservative nonintervention is often appropriate. Long-term follow-up data on surviving pump twins are lacking. We experienced a case of acardiac twin gestation which showed satisfactory outcome with conservative management, so we present the case with a brief review of the literature.

Pregnancy associated with kyphoscoliosis / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of pregnancies in women with kyphoscoliosis. METHOD: A total of 15 patients (17 pregnancies) complicated by kyphoscoliosis were reviewed among 19,717 deliveries between Jan. 1991 and Apr. 2001, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital. Their prenatal course, mode of deliveries, and pregnancy outcomes were scrutinizingly investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of kyphoscoliosis in this study was one per 1160 deliveries. The mean age of these patients in their pregnancies was 30.6+/-4.4 years (range 23-38), mean height 143.5+/-14.0 cm (range 124-160), and mean weight 55.8+/-14.4 kg (range 38-96). The causes of kyphoscoliosis included idiopathic (n=8), spinal tuberculosis (n=3), external trauma (n=3), poliomyelitis (n=1), spinal muscular atrophy (n=1), and progressive muscular dystrophy (n=1). The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 2.098+/-0.774 L (range 0.54-3.59) and mean vital capacity (VC) % predicted was 68.2+/-20.6% (range 24-105) prior to delivery. Vaginal delivery was performed in 4 cases, and cesarean section in 13. Fetal growth restriction was identified in 7 cases, and one case had both fetal heart anomaly and imperforate anus. Two babies were managed in neonatal intensive care unit; preterm birth at 34 weeks in one case, and term birth with low apgar score in the other. Maternal pulmonary complication was developed in two cases, the lowest two values of FVC and VC % predicted, one was FVC 0.86 L, VC % predicted 33% and the other was FVC 0.54L, VC % predicted 24%. These mothers were managed with transnasal oxygen therapy in one, artificial oxygen therapy in the other. CONCLUSION: The maternal and perinatal risks in pregnancy associated with kyphoscoliosis may be dependent on maternal pulmonary function prior to delivery.

Pregnancy associated with kyphoscoliosis / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of pregnancies in women with kyphoscoliosis. METHOD: A total of 15 patients (17 pregnancies) complicated by kyphoscoliosis were reviewed among 19,717 deliveries between Jan. 1991 and Apr. 2001, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital. Their prenatal course, mode of deliveries, and pregnancy outcomes were scrutinizingly investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of kyphoscoliosis in this study was one per 1160 deliveries. The mean age of these patients in their pregnancies was 30.6+/-4.4 years (range 23-38), mean height 143.5+/-14.0 cm (range 124-160), and mean weight 55.8+/-14.4 kg (range 38-96). The causes of kyphoscoliosis included idiopathic (n=8), spinal tuberculosis (n=3), external trauma (n=3), poliomyelitis (n=1), spinal muscular atrophy (n=1), and progressive muscular dystrophy (n=1). The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 2.098+/-0.774 L (range 0.54-3.59) and mean vital capacity (VC) % predicted was 68.2+/-20.6% (range 24-105) prior to delivery. Vaginal delivery was performed in 4 cases, and cesarean section in 13. Fetal growth restriction was identified in 7 cases, and one case had both fetal heart anomaly and imperforate anus. Two babies were managed in neonatal intensive care unit; preterm birth at 34 weeks in one case, and term birth with low apgar score in the other. Maternal pulmonary complication was developed in two cases, the lowest two values of FVC and VC % predicted, one was FVC 0.86 L, VC % predicted 33% and the other was FVC 0.54L, VC % predicted 24%. These mothers were managed with transnasal oxygen therapy in one, artificial oxygen therapy in the other. CONCLUSION: The maternal and perinatal risks in pregnancy associated with kyphoscoliosis may be dependent on maternal pulmonary function prior to delivery.

The effect of both oophorectomy on serotonin level in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the female Sprague-Dawley rat / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of chronic deprivation of estradiol on the serotonin level in Sprague-Dawley rat's cerebral cortex and hippocampus. METHODS: One hundred of female Sprague-Dawley rats were taken care for seven to eight weeks, then they were randomly assigned into two group; fifty rats underwent bilateral oophorectomy & the remaining rats were the control group. Six months after oophorectomy, brain tissue was extracted from cerebral cortex and hippocampus and then homogenated: this was done in the both groups. The upper layer of the homogenated substance was taken and frozen and finally dried up. The next process was marking with PITC, quantification through HPLC and comparing with authentic serotonin. Protein quantity was measured by using Bradford method. RESULTS: Comparison between the bilateral oophorectomy group and the control group for serotonin content in the cerebral cortex was 134.2+/-14.3 nmol/mg protein(mean+/-SEM) and 122.5+/-11.6 nmol/mg protein in each group. As for the serotonin content in the hippocampus was 148.8+/-13.9 nmol/mg protein and 132.9+/-13.7 nmol/mg protein in each group. It shows that, there was no significant difference in the serotonin level, in the two areas mentioned above. CONCLUSION: The effect of estradiol on the serotonin level may be dependent on the hormonal change duration. Chronic effect of hypoestrogenism might have no effect on tryptophan hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase, thus not changin the serotonin level. These data supported the previous findings that chronic hypoestrogenism had no effect on serotonin level.