Suppressive Impact of Ginsenoside-Rg2 on Catecholamine Secretion from the Rat Adrenal Medulla

This study was designed to characterize the effect of ginsenoside-Rg2 (Rg2), one of panaxatriol saponins isolated from Korean ginseng root, on the release of catecholamines (CA) in the perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla, and also to establish its mechanism of action. Rg2 (3~30 µM), administered into an adrenal vein for 90 min, depressed acetylcholine (ACh)-induced CA secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner.Rg2 also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion induced by 3-(m-chloro-phenyl-carbamoyl-oxy)-2-butynyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (McN-A-343), 1.1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP), and angiotensin II (Ang II). Also, during perfusion of Rg2, the CA secretion induced by high K+ , veratridine, cyclopiazonic acid, methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoro-methyl-phenyl)-pyridine-5-carboxylate (Bay-K-8644) depressed, respectively. In the simultaneous presence of Rg2 and Nω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), the CA secretion induced by ACh, Ang II, Bay-K-8644 and veratridine was restored nearly to the extent of their corresponding control level, respectively, compared to those of inhibitory effects of Rg2-treatment alone. Virtually, NO release in adrenal medulla following perfusion of Rg2 was significantly enhanced in comparison to the corresponding spontaneous release. Also, in the coexistence of Rg2 and fimasartan, ACh-induced CA secretion was markedly diminished compared to the inhibitory effect of fimasartantreated alone. Collectively, these results demonstrated that Rg2 suppressed the CA secretion induced by activation of cholinergic as well as angiotensinergic receptors from the perfused model of the rat adrenal gland.This Rg2-induced inhibitory effect seems to be exerted by reducing both influx of Na + and Ca 2+ through their ionic channels into the adrenomedullary cells as well as by suppressing Ca 2+ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least through the elevated NO release by activation of NO synthase, which is associated to the blockade of neuronal cholinergic and AT 1 -receptors. Based on these results, the ingestion of Rg2 may be helpful to alleviate or prevent the cardiovascular diseases, via reduction of CA release in adrenal medulla and consequent decreased CA level in circulation.

Comparing Inhaler Use Technique Based on Inhaler Type in Elderly Patients with Respiratory Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#The aim of this study was to investigate inhaler device handling in elderly patients. Inhaler devices with respect to misuse and error correction were also compared. @*Methods@#Inhaler use technique was assessed using standardized checklists at the first visit and 3-month follow-up visit after retraining. The primary outcome was difference in the acceptable use ratio among inhaler devices. Secondary outcomes included differences in error correction, the most common step of misuse, and factors affecting the accuracy of inhaler use. @*Results@#A total of 251 patients (mean age, 76.4 years) were included. The handling of 320 devices was assessed in the study. All patients had been trained before. However, only 24.7% of them used inhalers correctly. Proportions of acceptable use for Evohaler, Respimat, Turbuhaler, Ellipta, and Breezhaler/Handihaler were 38.7%, 50.0%, 61.4%, 60.8%, and 43.2%, respectively (p=0.026). At the second visit, the acceptable use ratio had increased. There were no significant differences among inhaler types (Evohaler, 63.9%; Respimat, 86.1%; Turbuhaler, 74.3%; Ellipta, 64.6%; and Breezhaler/Handihaler, 65.3% [p=0.129]). In multivariate analysis, body mass index, Turbuhaler, and Ellipta showed positive correlations with acceptable use of inhalers, whereas Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test score showed a negative correlation. @*Conclusion@#Although new inhalers have been developed, the accuracy of inhaler use remains low. Elderly patients showed more errors when using pressurized metered-dose inhalers than using dry powder inhalers and soft-mist inhalers. However, there were no significant differences in misuse among inhaler devices after individual training. Results of this study suggests that repeat training is more important than inhaler type.

Suppressive Impact of Ginsenoside-Rg2 on Catecholamine Secretion from the Rat Adrenal Medulla

This study was designed to characterize the effect of ginsenoside-Rg2 (Rg2), one of panaxatriol saponins isolated from Korean ginseng root, on the release of catecholamines (CA) in the perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla, and also to establish its mechanism of action. Rg2 (3~30 µM), administered into an adrenal vein for 90 min, depressed acetylcholine (ACh)-induced CA secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner.Rg2 also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion induced by 3-(m-chloro-phenyl-carbamoyl-oxy)-2-butynyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (McN-A-343), 1.1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP), and angiotensin II (Ang II). Also, during perfusion of Rg2, the CA secretion induced by high K+ , veratridine, cyclopiazonic acid, methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoro-methyl-phenyl)-pyridine-5-carboxylate (Bay-K-8644) depressed, respectively. In the simultaneous presence of Rg2 and Nω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), the CA secretion induced by ACh, Ang II, Bay-K-8644 and veratridine was restored nearly to the extent of their corresponding control level, respectively, compared to those of inhibitory effects of Rg2-treatment alone. Virtually, NO release in adrenal medulla following perfusion of Rg2 was significantly enhanced in comparison to the corresponding spontaneous release. Also, in the coexistence of Rg2 and fimasartan, ACh-induced CA secretion was markedly diminished compared to the inhibitory effect of fimasartantreated alone. Collectively, these results demonstrated that Rg2 suppressed the CA secretion induced by activation of cholinergic as well as angiotensinergic receptors from the perfused model of the rat adrenal gland.This Rg2-induced inhibitory effect seems to be exerted by reducing both influx of Na + and Ca 2+ through their ionic channels into the adrenomedullary cells as well as by suppressing Ca 2+ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least through the elevated NO release by activation of NO synthase, which is associated to the blockade of neuronal cholinergic and AT 1 -receptors. Based on these results, the ingestion of Rg2 may be helpful to alleviate or prevent the cardiovascular diseases, via reduction of CA release in adrenal medulla and consequent decreased CA level in circulation.

Thromboembolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection: Analysis and Literature Review / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND@#Tuberculosis is associated with hypercoagulation; however, there are few reports of cases thromboembolism and tuberculosis at the same time in the real world. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence and clinical course of thromboembolism in patients diagnosed with tuberculosis.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were diagnosed with both tuberculosis and thromboembolism including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center from January 2000 through March 2015.@*RESULTS@#Among the 7905 tuberculosis patients, 49 (0.6%) exhibited PTE, DVT, or both at or after the time of tuberculosis diagnosis. All patients treated for tuberculosis started with isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide. Eight patients were switched to treatment with second-line medication because of resistance or adverse events. About half of the patients (n = 21, 44.7%) had thrombosis at the time of tuberculosis diagnosis. Of 48 patients treated for thromboembolism, 36 received warfarin. A total of 20 patients improved symptom caused by thrombosis, and 10 patients were confirmed cure by image study such as computed tomography or doppler ultrasonography. Eight patients who were treated with warfarin had persistent thrombosis. Five patients (10.2%) experienced major bleeding that required hospitalization. All of these bleeding events were associated with warfarin therapy.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Careful attention to PTE/DVT is needed at the time of diagnosis of tuberculosis and during anti-tuberculosis therapy. Warfarin therapy administered with anti-tuberculosis medication requires frequent monitoring to prevent major bleeding.

The effect of Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation Direction and Puncture Distance on the Recirculation Rate of Hemodialysis Patients / 중환자간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of recirculation rate according to cannulation direction and interval among hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF).METHOD: The research used repeated measures design. This study was conducted among thirty patients who received hemodialysis three times a week for longer than a year through AVF at the I University hospital. Three different types of interventions were administered to the participants each week for three weeks. Needles were placed at a different distance and in a different direction each week: 7 cm apart from each other in antegrade direction during the first week, 5 cm apart in retrograde direction in the following week, and 7 cm apart in retrograde direction in the third week.RESULTS: No significant differences in the recirculation rate were found due to any of the three tested methods (p = 1.00).CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that, if the patients have well-functioned AVF, we can choose an appropriate intervention from among the three methods in consideration of the patient's diverse needs.

Intermediate risk of multidrug-resistant organisms in patients who admitted intensive care unit with healthcare-associated pneumonia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) was proposed asa new pneumonia category in 2005, and treatment recommendations includebroad-spectrum antibiotics directed at multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens.However, this concept continues to be controversial, and microbiological data arelacking for HCAP patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study was conductedto determine the rate and type of antibiotic-resistant organisms and theclinical outcomes in patients with HCAP in the ICU, compared to patients withcommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with pneumonia(n = 195) who admitted to medical ICU in tertiary teaching hospital fromMarch 2011 to February 2013. Clinical characteristics, microbiological distributions,treatment outcomes, and prognosis of HCAP (n = 74) were compared tothose of CAP (n = 75) and HAP (n = 46). RESULTS: MDR pathogens were significantly higher in HCAP patients (39.1%) thanin CAP (13.5%) and lower than in HAP (79.3%, p < 0.001). The initial use of inappropriateantibiotic treatment occurred more frequently in the HCAP (32.6%) andHAP (51.7%) groups than in the CAP group (11.8%, p = 0.006). There were no differencesin clinical outcomes. The significant prognostic factors were pneumoniaseverity and treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: MDR pathogens were isolated in HCAP patients requiring ICU admissionat intermediate rates between those of CAP and HAP.

Spontaneously Regressed Immunoglobulin IgG4-related Lung Disease Presenting as Multiple Cavitary Nodules / 대한내과학회지

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related disease was recently recognized as a systemic fibro-inflammatory disease characterized by dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis with IgG4-positive cells in the target tissues. This disease can localize to a single organ or be diffuse in multiple organs. Pulmonary manifestation in IgG4-related lung disease presents as various sized nodules, lung masses, patchy ground-glass opacities, consolidation, thickened bronchovascular bundles, nodular pleural lesions, and interstitial lung disease. Traditional treatment for IgG4-related lung disease includes systemic (cortico) steroids. Here, we report a case of IgG4-related lung disease presenting as multiple cavitary nodules that spontaneously regressed without systemic steroid use.

Inhibitory Effects of Ginsenoside-Rb2 on Nicotinic Stimulation-Evoked Catecholamine Secretion

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ginsenoside-Rb2 (Rb2) can affect the secretion of catecholamines (CA) in the perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla. Rb2 (3~30 microM), perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min, inhibited ACh (5.32 mM)-evoked CA secretory response in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Rb2 (10 microM) also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion evoked by DMPP (100 microM, a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist) and high K+ (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer). Rb2 itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Also, in the presence of Rb2 (50 microg/mL), the secretory responses of CA evoked by veratridine (a selective Na+ channel activator (50 microM), Bay-K-8644 (an L-type dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel activator, 10 microM), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor, 10 microM) were significantly reduced, respectively. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of Rb2 (10 microM) and L-NAME (an inhibitor of NO synthase, 30 microM), the inhibitory responses of Rb2 on ACh-evoked CA secretory response was considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with the inhibitory effect of Rb2-treatment alone. Practically, the level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of Rb2 (10 microM) was greatly elevated compared to the corresponding basal released level. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Rb2 inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by nicotinic stimulation as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla. It seems that this inhibitory effect of Rb2 is mediated by inhibiting both the influx of Ca2+ and Na+ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and also by suppressing the release of Ca2+ from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, which is relevant to neuronal nicotinic receptor blockade.

Diagnostic Yield of Bronchial Washing Fluid Analysis for Hemoptysis in Patients with Bronchiectasis

PURPOSE: Bronchiectasis is the main cause of hemoptysis. When patients with bronchiectasis develop hemoptysis, clinicians often perform bronchoscopy and bronchial washing to obtain samples for microbiological and cytological examinations. Bronchial washing fluids were analyzed from patients with bronchiectasis who developed hemoptysis, and the clinical impacts of these analyses were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of patients who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy for hemoptysis in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, a university affiliated tertiary referral hospital, between January 2006 and December 2010 were reviewed. Among them, patients who had bronchiectasis confirmed by computed tomography and had no definite cause of hemoptysis other than bronchiectasis were reviewed. The demographic characteristics, bronchoscopy findings, microbiological data, pathology results and clinical courses of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were reviewed. Bacteria, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were isolated from bronchial washing fluids of 29.5%, 21.3%, and 0.8% patients, respectively. Suspected causal bacteria were isolated only from bronchial washing fluid in 19 patients, but this analysis led to antibiotics change in only one patient. Of the 27 patients in whom NTM were isolated from bronchial washing fluid, none of these patients took anti-NTM medication during the median follow-up period of 505 days. Malignant cells were not identified in none of the patients. CONCLUSION: Bronchial washing is a useful method to identify microorganisms when patients with bronchiectasis develop hemoptysis. However, these results only minimally affect clinical decisions.

The Impact of Lifestyle Behaviors on the Acquisition of Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza Infection: A Case-Control Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lifestyle behaviors and health habits on the risk for acquiring pandemic influenza (H1N1) virus infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study in a secondary care hospital in South Korea between November 2009 and August 2010. We enrolled patients with H1N1 infection, as confirmed by a positive result of the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay; for each patient, we enrolled 4 age- and gender-matched controls with no history of H1N1 infection or severe acute respiratory illness during the H1N1 pandemic in South Korea (1:4 match). RESULTS: During the study period, 33 cases and 132 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. The case group had a higher percentage of current smokers (p<0.01), fewer subjects reporting regular physical activity (p=0.03), or regular vitamin supplementation (p<0.01), and more subjects reporting a higher annual incidence of the common cold (p=0.048) as compared to the control group. In the multivariable analysis, 2 factors were independently associated with the acquisition of H1N1 infection: current smoking [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=5.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.60-19.16; p<0.01] and a higher annual incidence of the common cold (adjusted OR=1.24; 95% CI, 1.002-1.53; p=0.048). CONCLUSION: A current smoking status and a history of frequent colds were associated with an increased risk of acquiring H1N1 infection.

Comparison of Inhibitory Effects between Enalapril and Losartan on Adrenal Catecholamine Secretion

BACKGROUND: The present study was attempted to compare enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor with losartan an angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blocker in the inhibitory effects on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the perfused model of the rat adrenal gland. METHODS: The adrenal gland was isolated and perfused with Krebs-bicarbonate. CA was measured directly by using the fluorospectrophotometer. RESULTS: Both enalapril and losartan during perfusion into an adrenal vein for 90 minutes inhibited the CA release evoked by acetylcholine (ACh), 1.1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium (DMPP, a selective Nn agonist), high K+ (a direct membrane-depolarizer), 3-(m-chloro-phenyl-carbamoyl-oxy-2-butynyl-trimethyl ammonium (McN-A-343, a selective M1 agonist), and Ang II in a time-dependent manner. Also, in the presence of enalapril or losartan, the CA release evoked by veratridine (an activator of voltage-dependent Na+ channels), 6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-pyridine-5-carboxylate (BAY-K-8644, an L-type Ca2+ channel activator), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor) were significantly reduced. Based on the same concentration of enalapril and losartan, for the CA release evoked by ACh, high K+, DMPP, McN-A-343, Ang II, veratridine, BAY-K-8644, and cyclopiazonic acid, the following rank order of inhibitory potency was obtained: losartan > enalapril. In the simultaneous presence of enalapril and losartan, ACh-evoked CA secretion was more strongly inhibited compared with that of enalapril- or losartan-treated alone. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results demonstrate that both enalapril and losartan inhibit the CA secretion evoked by activation of both cholinergic and Ang II type-1 receptors stimulation in the perfused rat adrenal medulla. When these two drugs were used in combination, their effects were enhanced, which may also be of clinical benefit. Based on concentration used in this study, the inhibitory effect of losartan on the CA secretion seems to be more potent than that of enalapril.

Influence of Fimasartan (a Novel AT1 Receptor Blocker) on Catecholamine Release in the Adrenal Medulla of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The aim of this study was to determine whether fimasartan, a newly developed AT1 receptor blocker, can affect the CA release in the isolated perfused model of the adrenal medulla of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Fimasartan (5~50 microM) perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced dose- and time-dependently inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high K+ (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer), DMPP (100 microM) and McN-A-343 (100 microM). Fimasartan failed to affect basal CA output. Furthermore, in adrenal glands loaded with fimasartan (15 microM), the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 microM, an activator of L-type Ca2+ channels), cyclopiazonic acid (10 microM, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase), and veratridine (100 microM, an activator of Na+ channels) as well as by angiotensin II (Ang II, 100 nM), were markedly inhibited. In simultaneous presence of fimasartan (15 microM) and L-NAME (30 microM, an inhibitor of NO synthase), the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high K+, DMPP, Ang II, Bay-K-8644, and veratridine was not affected in comparison of data obtained from treatment with fimasartan (15 microM) alone. Also there was no difference in NO release between before and after treatment with fimasartan (15 microM). Collectively, these experimental results suggest that fimasartan inhibits the CA secretion evoked by Ang II, and cholinergic stimulation (both nicotininc and muscarinic receptors) as well as by membrane depolarization from the rat adrenal medulla. It seems that this inhibitory effect of fimasartan may be mediated by blocking the influx of both Na+ and Ca2+ through their ion channels into the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells as well as by inhibiting the Ca2+ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, which is relevant to AT1 receptor blockade without NO release.

Erratum: Addition of Acknowledgements. Measurement of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Stable Bronchiectasis / 결핵및호흡기질환

The acknowledgement was omitted from this article.

Measurement of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Stable Bronchiectasis / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) can be measured easily, rapidly, and noninvasively for the assessment of airway inflammation, particularly mediated by eosinophil, such as asthma. In bronchiectasis (BE), the pathogenesis has been known as chronic airway inflammation and infection with abnormal airway dilatation; however, there are little studies to evaluate the role of FeNO in BE. METHODS: From March 2010 to February 2012, 47 patients with BE, diagnosed by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), performed FeNO, compared with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All patients carried out a complete blood count including eosinophil count, chemistry, sputum examination, and spirometry, if indicated. A retrospective analysis was performed to elucidate the clinical role of FeNO in BE patients. RESULTS: The mean FeNO levels in patients with BE was 18.8+/-1.5 part per billion (ppb), compared to 48.0+/-6.4 and 31.0+/-4.3 in those with asthma and COPD, respectively (p<0.001). The FeNO levels tended to increase along with the disease severity scores by HRCT; however, it was statistically not significant. FeNO in BE with a co-infection of nontuberculous mycobacteria was the lowest at 17.0+/-3.5 ppb among the study population. CONCLUSION: FeNO in BE was lower than other chronic inflammatory airway diseases, particularly compared with asthma. For clinical application of FeNO in BE, more large-scaled, prospective studies should be considered.

A Case of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mimicking Benign Solitary Cyst

Lung cancer with cyst formation is a rare entity. We report a 63-year-old man who underwent surgical treatment of primary lung cancer, which mimics benign solitary cyst. We incidentally found his pulmonary cyst by a low dose chest tomography and followed up for 2 years. Rapid growth of cyst and focal wall thickening evoke us to have a suspicion of its malignancy. Left lower lobectomy via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed without any preoperative pathologic confirmation. The postoperative pathological finding revealed squamous cell carcinoma with carcinoma in situ on the cyst wall. We emphasize the need for physicians to be aware of the potential of lung cancer in patients with growing pulmonary cyst.

New Diagnostic Methods for Tuberculosis / 대한내과학회지

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important public issues for its global burden of mortality and morbidity. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of active TB are crucial in effective TB control because of lacking truly effective preventive strategy. In recent decades, drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) has emerged as an expanding threat, prompt and reliable laboratory detection of of DR-TB are urgently needed to limit the spread of them. Recently, nonmolecular and molecular assays has been developed for early detection of active TB with or without detection of drug resistance. Broth-based culture systems are capable of producing positive results in 3 weeks or less and many automated system can be widely used for drug susceptibility test. Nucleic acid amplication (NAA) assays have high specificity and positive predictive value, high sensitivity in smear positive specimens. Line probe assays shows high sensitivity for detecting resistance to rifampin and variables sensitivity for detecting resistance to isoniazid. XpertMTB/RIF assay, an automated rapid PCR device, showed high sensitivity and specificity for TB and rifampin resistance. Although new diagnostic methods can decrease turn-around time with considerable diagnostic accuracy and convenience, they are not a replacement for culture and conventional drug susceptibility test for diagnostic limitation in special situations.

Positive Tuberculin Skin Test or Interferon-Gamma Release Assay in Patients with Radiographic Lesion Suggesting Old Healed Tuberculosis

Radiographic lesions suggesting old healed tuberculosis (TB) is considered a risk factor for the subsequent development of active TB. The aim of this study was to estimate the positive rates of tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) in persons with old healed TB. Participants with lesions suggesting old healed TB on chest images and controls without such lesions were prospectively enrolled between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2011. TST and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) were performed. In total, 193 participants with old healed TB and 126 controls were recruited. The rates of positive TST and QFT-GIT among patients with old healed TB were 54.6% and 77.7%, respectively. The rates of positive TST and QFT-GIT among patients without old healed TB were 38.9% and 61.9%. Sixteen percent of participants with old healed TB showed negative results by both TST and QFT-GIT. The positive rate of TST waned among participants with old healed TB who were older than 60 yr, whereas QFT-GIT positivity was unaffected by age. The positive rates of TST and IGRA among participants with radiographic lesions suggesting old healed TB was higher than without those lesions. In addition, IGRA may be more accurate than TST for the detection of latent TB infection, especially in populations of individuals older than 60 yr.

Inhibitory Effects of Olmesartan on Catecholamine Secretion from the Perfused Rat Adrenal Medulla

The present sutdy aimed to determine whether olmesartan, an angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker, can influence the CA release from the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla. Olmesartan (5~50 micrometer) perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition of the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high K+ (56 mM, a direct membrane-depolarizer), DMPP (100 micrometer) and McN-A-343 (100 micrometer). Olmesartan did not affect basal CA secretion. Also, in adrenal glands loaded with olmesartan (15 micrometer), the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 micrometer, an activator of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels), cyclopiazonic acid (10 micrometer, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Ca2+ -ATPase), veratridine (100 micrometer, an activator of voltage-dependent Na+ channels), and Ang II (100 nM) were markedly inhibited. However, at high concentrations (150~300 micrometer), olmesartan rather enhanced the ACh-evoked CA secretion. Taken together, these results show that olmesartan at low concentrations inhibits the CA secretion evoked by cholinergic stimulation (both nicotininc and muscarinic receptors) as well as by direct membrane depolarization from the rat adrenal medulla, but at high concentrations it rather potentiates the ACh-evoked CA secretion. It seems that olmesartan has a dual action, acting as both agonist and antagonist at nicotinic receptors of the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla, which might be dependent on the concentration. It is also thought that this inhibitory effect of olmesartan may be mediated by blocking the influx of both Na+ and Ca2+ into the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells as well as by inhibiting the Ca2+ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, which is thought to be relevant to the AT1 receptor blockade, in addition to its enhancement on the CA secreton.

A Case of Severe Human Metapneumovirus Pneumonia Requiring Mechanical Ventilation in an Immunocompetent Adult / 결핵및호흡기질환

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently recognized human respiratory pathogen, which is known to be associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections mainly in children, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly. The clinical manifestations of hMPV infections are similar to those of the human respiratory syncytial virus infection, which range from mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Recently, hMPV has come to be thought of as the cause a similar spectrum of disease in adults as that seen in children; however, most of the reports of hMPV infections have focused on infection in children. We report a case of severe hMPV pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation in an immunocompetent adult in Korea.

Gastric Metastasis of Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma Mistaken for Primary Gastric Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

The stomach is a rare site for metastasis, with autopsy incidence rates of 0.2% to 1.7%. This low rate makes diagnosis of metastatic gastric cancer challenging for clinicians. The authors report a case of a 64-year-old man diagnosed with gastric metastasis of primary lung adenocarcinoma that was initially mistaken for primary gastric cancer, as well as a review of the medical literature.