Effects of caloric restriction on the expression of lipocalin-2 and its receptor in the brown adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed mice

Obesity causes inflammation and impairs thermogenic functions in brown adipose tissue (BAT). The adipokine lipocalin 2 (LCN2) has been implicated in inflammation and obesity. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of caloric restriction (CR) on LCN2-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress in the BAT of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Mice were fed a HFD for 20 weeks and then either continued on the HFD or subjected to CR for the next 12 weeks. CR led to the browning of the white fat-like phenotype in HFD-fed mice. Increased expressions of LCN2 and its receptor in the BAT of HFD-fed mice were significantly attenuated by CR. Additionally, HFD+CR-fed mice had fewer neutrophils and macrophages expressing LCN2 and iron-positive cells than HFD-fed mice. Further, oxidative stress and mitochondrial fission induced by a HFD were also significantly attenuated by CR. Our findings indicate that the protective effects of CR on inflammation and oxidative stress in the BAT of obese mice may be associated with regulation of LCN2.

Atorvastatin pretreatment attenuates kainic acid-induced hippocampal neuronal death via regulation of lipocalin-2-associated neuroinflammation

Statins mediate vascular protection and reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Recent work indicates that statins have anticonvulsive effects in the brain; however, little is known about the precise mechanism for its protective effect in kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures. Here, we investigated the protective effects of atorvastatin pretreatment on KA-induced neuroinflammation and hippocampal cell death. Mice were treated via intragastric administration of atorvastatin for 7 days, injected with KA, and then sacrificed after 24 h. We observed that atorvastatin pretreatment reduced KA-induced seizure activity, hippocampal cell death, and neuroinflammation. Atorvastatin pretreatment also inhibited KA-induced lipocalin-2 expression in the hippocampus and attenuated KA-induced hippocampal cyclooxygenase-2 expression and glial activation. Moreover, AKT phosphorylation in KA-treated hippocampus was inhibited by atorvastatin pretreatment. These findings suggest that atorvastatin pretreatment may protect hippocampal neurons during seizures by controlling lipocalin-2-associated neuroinflammation.

Cilostazol attenuates kainic acid-induced hippocampal cell death

Cilostazol is a selective inhibitor of type 3 phosphodiesterase (PDE3) and has been widely used as an antiplatelet agent. Cilostazol mediates this activity through effects on the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling cascade. Recently, it has attracted attention as a neuroprotective agent. However, little is known about cilostazol's effect on excitotoxicity induced neuronal cell death. Therefore, this study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of cilostazol treatment against hippocampal neuronal damage in a mouse model of kainic acid (KA)-induced neuronal loss. Cilostazol pretreatment reduced KA-induced seizure scores and hippocampal neuron death. In addition, cilostazol pretreatment increased cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and decreased neuroinflammation. These observations suggest that cilostazol may have beneficial therapeutic effects on seizure activity and other neurological diseases associated with excitotoxicity.

Inguino-Femoral Hernia in Women

PURPOSE: Inguino-femoral hernias in women are less common than that in a man, and we have had limited experience for hernia repair in women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of inguino-femoral hernias in females and to establish the choice of specific treatment for inguino-femoral hernia in females. METHODS: This retrospective study was based on the medical records of 566 patients who underwent 657 cases of herniorrhaphies for treating inguino-femoral hernia in adult females from January 1998 to June 2006. We evaluated the incidence of hernia, the operative technique and the length of the operation, the complications and the postoperative recurrence rate. The operative findings and median time to reoperation for a recurrent hernia were also evaluated. RESULTS: During the 8.5-year period, we performed 2,931 herniorrhaphies in 2,274 patients. Of these, 657 herniorrhaphies were done in females (22.4%). The types of hernia in females were indirect inguinal hernia (67.3%), direct inguinal hernia (10.2%), the pantaloon type (10%) and femoral hernia (14.9%). Femoral hernia was more frequent in females (14.9%) compared to males (3.5%) (P<0.001). The overall rate of reoperation due to incarceration in the females was higher (2.5%) than that in the men (1.1%)(P<0.001). Femoral hernias in females was found at reoperation in 39.7% compared with 17.2% in the males (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of inguino-femoral hernia in females was higher than the results of most published studies and the reoperation rate was higher in females. The increased frequency of femoral hernia at reoperation in females suggests avoiding injuries to the posterior wall of the inguinal canal and the need for exploration of the femoral canal at the time of the primary operation.

Intramedullary K-wire Fixation for Displaced Fracture of Distal Radius

PURPOSE: To evaluate indications and effectiveness of intramedullary K-wire fixation for distal radial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty one fractures of distal radius treated with intramedullary K-wire fixation from April 2001 to September 2002 were evaluated. The mean age was 67.8(range 46~82). Severely comminuted intra-articular fractures and Barton's fractures were excluded. One or two K-wires were added percutaneously. To assess the functional result, we used Green and O'Brien score system. The radiographic assessment included a scoring system based on measurements of radial length, radial inclination, volar tilt and step-off of the radial articular surface. RESULTS: Average follow up period was 13.5 months. In functional result, excellent and good result were obtained in 18 cases (86%). In radiologic result, mean loss of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt were 0.9 mm, 1.4degrees, 0.9degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION: The advantages of intramedullary K-wire fixation were relatively simple procedure, low occurrence of soft tissue complications and early wrist motion. Intramedullary K-wire fixation was good to maintaining reduction in osteoporotic bone.

Surgical Treatment of Post-traumatic Elbow Stiffness / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We analyzed the clinical results of surgical treatment in patients with post-traumatic stiff elbow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed surgical release in 22 elbows with posttraumatic stiffness of extraarticular origin. The average preoperative arc was 48.3 degrees, with an average flexion contracture of 39.5 degrees and an average further flexion of 87.2 degrees. Depending on their radiographic findings, cases were divided on the basis of whether ectopic ossification was present (16 cases) or not (6 cases); and as to whether the articular surface was involved (11 cases) or not (11 cases). The postoperative final arc and ratio of desired gain were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The average final arc was 108.9 degrees in the ectopic ossification group and 85.7 degrees in the non-ectopic ossification group, and showed a significantly higher arc in the ectopic ossification group. The ratios of desired gain were 89.3% and 62.6%, respectively, being significantly higher in the ectopic ossification group. In terms of articular surface involvement, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: When performing operative treatment for post-traumatic stiff elbow, assessment of the cause plays an important role. In case of ectopic ossification, satisfactory results can be expected with operative treatment after the ectopic bone has matured.

Second-Look Arthroscopy after ACL Reconstruction: Comparison of Patellar Tendon Autografts with Hamstring Tendon Autografts / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the healing status of reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscal repair through second-look arthroscopy after arthroscopic reconstruction of the ACL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 81 cases by second-look arthroscopy among 397 cases that received ACL reconstruction during the period from June 1996 to December 2000. Second-look arthroscopy was conducted on average 18.8 months after reconstruction. 53 cases received a patellar tendon autograft, 28 cases received a hamstring tendon autograft and 29 cases received meniscal repair. We measured graft tension using displacement by probing, and synovial coverage by visual analysis at second-look arthroscopy. The improvements in Lysholm knee scores and KT-2000 arthrometer results were evaluated to compare patellar and hamstring tendons. RESULTS: The patellar tendon group showed normal tension in 41 cases and lax tension in 12 cases. The hamstring tendon group showed normal tension in 22 cases and lax tension in 6 cases. In the patellar tendon group, synovial coverage was good in 38 cases, half in 4 cases, and pale in 11 cases, whereas the hamstring tendon group was good in 25 cases, half in 2 cases, and pale in 1 case. Synovial coverage was better in the hamstring tendon group (p<0.05). Although there was no statistical significance, the hamstring tendon group was superior to the patellar tendon group in terms of graft tension, Lysholm knee scores and KT-2000 arthrometer results. CONCLUSION: The hamstring tendon group with ACL reconstruction was superior to the patellar tendon group, but long term follow-up will be necessary to further evaluate results.

The effect on somatostatin for patients with diarrhea caused by intensive chemotheray of acute graft-cersus-host reaction after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation / 대한혈액학회지

No abstract available.

A Clinical Study of Intertrochanteric Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The prime objective in treating the intertrochanteric fracture is to achieve bony stability at the fracture site using an appropriate fixation nail plate to maintain a stabilized position. Since the introduction of the Smith-Petersen nail, numerous internal fixation devices have been developed. Complications after surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur though rarely resulting in non-unions or aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, varus deformities or delayed unions are frequent. Recently a compression hip screw is popular because it can provide more secure internal fixation. The authors treated 41 cases of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur during a 5. 5 year period from January, 1975 to June, 1980. 1. Of 41 cases of intertrochanteric fractures, 9 cases were stable fractures, and 32 cases were unstable. 2. Of 4I cases of intertrochanteric fractures, 9 were treated conservatively, and 32 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Of the fixation devices, compression hip screws were used in 17 cases, Jewett nail plates in 12 cases, Mclaughlin plate in 2 cases, and a Judet plate in a case. 3. Of the 32 cases treated by open reduction, reduction with medial displacement by the Dimoe- Hughston method was used in 10 cases, 3 of which were fixed with compression hip screws and 7 with Jewett nails. The remaining 22 were anatomically reduced. 4. The average time until weight bearing in conservatively treated patients began was 17. 7 weeks but in the surgically treated patients weight bearing started after 5. 5 weeks, and in patients treated with a compression hip screw patient conld bear weight 3. 7 weeks after surgery. 5. The average fracture union time was 16. 6 weeks in conservatively treated patienta, 16. 3 weeks in operatively treated patients (14. 6 weeks in compression hip screw fixation group, 18 weeks in Jewett nail, 21 weeks in Mclaughlin plate,16 weeks in Judet plate). 6. There were complications in 8 cases; 3 in the conservatively treatment group, and 5 in the internal fixation group. Of 5 internal fixation cases, 2 complications were caused by technical error. 7, After comparison of the result of treatment obtained by 4 different types of iaternal fixation devices, our conclusion is that compression hip screw is the device of choice for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.

Synovial Chondromatosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon benign lesion characterized by multiple cartilagenous and osteocartilagenous nodules of the synovium and loose bodies. The affection is monoarticular and most commonly involves the knee and has an unknown etiology. Of the five cases of synovial chondromatosis experienced by the authors, both knee joints were involved in a case, two the elbow joint, and one the proximal phalanx of the left middle finger. The diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis was made by the histopathological findings of the excised masses.