Ghrelin Downregulates Lipopolysaccharide/ Leptin-Induced MUC5AC Expression in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells

Objectives@#. Obesity, which induces chronic low-grade systemic inflammation in the human body, is a known risk factor for various diseases. Recent studies have shown associations between various otorhinolaryngological diseases and obesity. In particular, inflammatory sinonasal diseases have been found to be strongly associated with obesity-related proinflammatory mediators. Many studies have been conducted to identify therapeutic agents for controlling obesity-related inflammatory airway diseases. Ghrelin, an endogenous peptide from the stomach, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in a wide range of tissues. However, the effect of ghrelin on the regulation of mucus secretion has not yet been studied in the human nasal mucosa. Therefore, we investigated the effects of ghrelin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/leptin-mediated MUC5AC expression and mechanisms involved in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). @*Methods@#. In HNEpCs, the effect and signaling pathways of ghrelin on LPS/leptin-induced MUC5AC expression were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassays, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. @*Results@#. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a) was expressed in the HNEpCs. Ghrelin downregulated LPS/leptin-induced MUC5AC expression, which was abolished by D-Lys-3-growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (D-Lys-3-GHRP-6). Ghrelin significantly inhibited LPS/leptin-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). These ghrelin-mediated changes in MAPK activation were abolished by D-Lys-3-GHRP-6. These results showed that ghrelin inhibits LPS/leptin-induced MUC5AC overexpression by modulating the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways in HNEpCs. @*Conclusion@#. These findings suggest that ghrelin is a potential therapeutic agent for treating obesity-related inflammatory sinonasal diseases.

Autologous Costal Cartilage Augmentation Technique for Treatment of Empty Nose Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

Empty nose syndrome is a rare complication caused by excessive removal of normal tissues after nose surgery. The main symptoms of empty nose syndrome are paradoxical nasal obstruction, dryness, crust and dyspnea. Medical treatments such as irrigation, humidification, and ointment are not very effective, so surgical treatments to reconstruct the normal nasal cavity using implant materials are often considered. If the implant is not properly inserted, the symptoms persist and the implant must be removed again, resulting in the only donor site complications. Therefore, it is essential to treat the implant well and insert it precisely. Here we describe a surgical procedure to manage implant materials using autologous costal cartilage in the form of block, diced, and crushed cartilage for augmentation technique.

Changes in Mucin Production in Human Airway Epithelial Cells After Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Vapor With or Without Nicotine

Objectives@#. The emergence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has created new perceptions of the tobacco market. Unlike traditional tobacco, the greatest advantage of e-cigarettes is that they have less smell and are convenient and inexpensive. Most e-cigarette smokers believe that e-cigarette smoking is less harmful than traditional smoking. Information on the effects of e-cigarettes on human health is limited, and the issue remains controversial. @*Methods@#. We studied the effects of e-cigarette vapor on mucin (MUC5AC and MUC5B) and the change of MUC5AC and MUC5B from e-cigarette liquid with or without nicotine in respiratory epithelial cells. The effects of e-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine on mucin, along with the involved signaling pathways, were investigated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, enzyme immunoassays, and immunoblot analysis with several specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA. @*Results@#. E-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine stimulated MUC5AC, but not MUC5B, expression in respiratory epithelial cells. In addition, we showed that e-cigarette vapor with and without nicotine induced MUC5AC expression via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] 1/2 and p38) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathways in human airway epithelial cells. @*Conclusion@#. E-cigarette vapor with and with nicotine significantly increased MUC5AC expression in human airway epithelial cells.

Changes in Mucin Production in Human Airway Epithelial Cells After Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Vapor With or Without Nicotine

Objectives@#. The emergence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has created new perceptions of the tobacco market. Unlike traditional tobacco, the greatest advantage of e-cigarettes is that they have less smell and are convenient and inexpensive. Most e-cigarette smokers believe that e-cigarette smoking is less harmful than traditional smoking. Information on the effects of e-cigarettes on human health is limited, and the issue remains controversial. @*Methods@#. We studied the effects of e-cigarette vapor on mucin (MUC5AC and MUC5B) and the change of MUC5AC and MUC5B from e-cigarette liquid with or without nicotine in respiratory epithelial cells. The effects of e-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine on mucin, along with the involved signaling pathways, were investigated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, enzyme immunoassays, and immunoblot analysis with several specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA. @*Results@#. E-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine stimulated MUC5AC, but not MUC5B, expression in respiratory epithelial cells. In addition, we showed that e-cigarette vapor with and without nicotine induced MUC5AC expression via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] 1/2 and p38) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathways in human airway epithelial cells. @*Conclusion@#. E-cigarette vapor with and with nicotine significantly increased MUC5AC expression in human airway epithelial cells.

Peroxiredoxin 2 Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide Induced Mucin Expression and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#Peroxiredoxin (Prx) is an antioxidant enzyme involved in signaling pathway. Prx2 is the most abundant in mammalian gray matter neurons and has protective role under oxidative stress. MUC5AC and MUC5B are typical mucin genes in human airway epithelial cells. Even if free radicals play a key role in chronic respiratory inflammatory diseases, the effects of the Prx2 on mucin expression and oxidative stress are not clearly known. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Prx2 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MUC5AC/5B expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human airway epithelial cells.Subjects and Method In NCI-H292 cells and human nasal epithelial cells, the effects of Prx2 on LPS-induced MUC5AC/5B expression and ROS production were investigated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry analysis. @*Results@#MUC5AC, MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production were increased by LPS. ROS production was also increased by LPS. Prx2 suppressed the LPS-induced MUC5AC mRNA expression and protein production as well as ROS production. However, Prx2 did not inhibit MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production. N-acetylcysteine, diphenyleneiodonium, and apocynin also inhibited LPS-induced ROS production. @*Conclusion@#These results may show that Prx2 suppresses LPS-induced MUC5AC expression via ROS in human airway epithelial cells.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Attenuates TGF-β1-Induced MUC4/5AC Expression and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#Ginsenoside Rb1 is the main metabolite of Panax ginseng. It is known to have many beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, antitumoral and antioxidant effects. However, the therapeutic effects of ginenoside Rb1 on inflammatory airway diseases have not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on the TGF-β1-induced mucin gene expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human airway epithelial cells.Materials and Method We evaluated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on the changes of MUC4, MUC5AC, occludin, claudin 4, claudin 18, neural (N)-cadherin, and epithelial (E)-cadherin expression by TGF-β1 in NCI-H292 cells using reverse, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot. @*Results@#TGF-β1 significantly increased MUC4/5AC expression. Rb1 inhibited TGF-β1- induced MUC4/5AC expression. In addition, TGF-β1 significantly attenuated occludin, claudin 18, and E-cadherin expressions but induced claudin 4 and N-cadherin expressions. On the other hand, Rb1 reversed changes in the TGF-β1- mediated expressions of cell junction molecules. @*Conclusion@#These results suggest that ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates TGF-β1-induced MUC4/5AC expressions and EMT in the human airway epithelial cells. These findings are important data demonstrating the potential of ginsenoside Rb1 as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory airway diseases.

Effect of Tobacco-specific Nitrosamines on MUC5AC Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Background and Objectives@#Nicotine is oxidized into tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs; NAB, NAT, NNN, NNAL, NNK) at high temperature and high pressure. TSNAs are associated with airway diseases characterized by mucus hypersecretion as a major pathophysiologic phenomenon. The aim of study is to investigate the effect of TSNAs on mucin overexpression and its molecular mechanism in human airway epithelial cells.Materials and Method: The cytotoxicity of TSNAs was evaluated using EX-Cytox and inverted microscopy. The mRNA and protein levels of MUC5AC and MUC5B were measured using real-time PCR and ELISA. @*Results@#NAB, NNN, NNAL, and NNK did not affect cell viability. NAT did not affect cell viability up to a concentration of 100 μM in human airway epithelial cells. NAT, NNN, NNAL, and NNK significantly induced MUC5AC expression, but not MUC5B expression. NAB did not affect the expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B. Propranolol (a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) inhibited NAT, NNN, NNAL, and NNK-induced MUC5AC expression, whereas α-bungarotoxin (an α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist) only inhibited NNN- and NNK-induced MUC5AC expression. @*Conclusion@#These results suggested that NAT, NNN, NNAL, and NNK induce MUC5AC expression through β-adrenergic receptor and/or α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in human airway epithelial cells, which may be involved in mucus hypersecretion in inflammatory airway diseases.

Effect of Resolvin D1 and E1 on Mucin Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucin is an important component of mucus that performs the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and particles, lubrication of organs, and protection of airway. It is hyper-secreted in inflammatory airway diseases and is associated with morbidity and mortality of the affected patients. Resolvin, an autacoid of a specific lipid structure, exhibits anti-inflammatory property against inflammatory airway diseases although its effects on mucin secretion by human airway epithelial cells have not yet been demonstrated. In this regard, we investigated the effects of Resolvin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mucin expression in human airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In mucin-producing human NCI-H292 epithelial cells, the effects and brief signaling pathways of Resolvin D1 (RvD1) and Resolvin E1 (RvE1) on the LPS-induced MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B expression were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: RvD1 attenuated LPS-induced MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production in human NCI-H292 cells while RvE1 did not. RvD1 significantly blocked LPS-induced activated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPK and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) while RvE1 did not. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RvD1 attenuates LPS-induced MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B expressions via ERK1/2 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways in airway epithelial cells. Therefore, RvD1 may modulate the control of mucus-hypersecretion in inflammatory airway diseases.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induces MUC5AC and MUC5B Expression in Human Nasal Airway Epithelial Cells

OBJECTIVES: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known to be associated with inflammatory airway diseases, and three major transmembrane receptors: double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER kinase, inositol requiring enzyme 1, and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) play important roles in ER stress-related proinflammatory signaling. However, the effects of ER stress and these three major signaling pathways on the regulation of the production of airway mucins in human nasal airway epithelial cells have not been elucidated. METHODS: In primary human nasal epithelial cells, the effect of tunicamycin (an ER stress inducer) and 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, ER stress inhibitor) on the expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B was investigated by reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay, and immunoblot analysis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was used to identify the mechanisms involved. RESULTS: Tunicamycin increased the expressions of MUC5AC and MUC5B and the mRNA expressions of ER stress-related signaling molecules, including spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and ATF6. In addition, 4-PBA attenuated the tunicamycin-induced expressions of MUC5AC and MUC5B and the mRNA expressions of ER stress-related signaling molecules. Furthermore, siRNA knockdowns of XBP-1, CHOP, and ATF6 blocked the tunicamycin-induced mRNA expressions and glycoprotein productions of MUC5AC and MUC5B. CONCLUSION.: These results demonstrate that ER stress plays an important role in the regulation of MUC5AC and MUC5B via the activations of XBP-1, CHOP, and ATF6 in human nasal airway epithelial cells.

Triptolide Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced MUC5AC/5B Expression via Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The representative mucin genes in the human airway are MUC5AC and MUC5B, which are regulated by several inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances. Triptolide (TPL), udenafil, betulinic acid, changkil saponin, and glucosteroid are some of the many anti-inflammatory substances that exist. TPL is a diterpenoid compound from the thunder god vine, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of immune inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, nephritis and asthma. However, the effects of TPL on mucin expression of human airway epithelial cells have yet to be reported. Hence, this study investigated the effect of TPL on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B expression in human airway epithelial cells. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The NCI-H292 cells and the primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells were used to investigate the effects of TPL on LPS-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay, and Western blot. RESULTS: TPL significantly decreased the LPS-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production. TPL also significantly decreased the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TPL down regulates MUC5AC and MUC5B expression via inhibition of NF-kB activation in human airway epithelial cells. This study may provide important information about the biological role of triptolide on mucus-secretion in airway inflammatory diseases and the development of novel therapeutic agents for controlling such diseases.

Clusterin Induces MUC5AC Expression via Activation of NF-κB in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

OBJECTIVES: Clusterin (CLU) is known as apolipoprotein J, and has three isoforms with different biological functions. CLU is associated with various diseases such as Alzheimer disease, atherosclerosis, and some malignancies. Recent studies report an association of CLU with inflammation and immune response in inflammatory airway diseases. However, the effect of CLU on mucin secretion of airway epithelial cells has not yet been understood. Therefore, the effect and brief signaling pathway of CLU on MUC5AC (as a major secreted mucin) expression were investigated in human airway epithelial cells. METHODS: In the tissues of nasal polyp and normal inferior turbinate, the presence of MUC5AC and CLU was investigated using immunohistochemical stain and Western blot analysis. In mucin-producing human NCI-H292 airway epithelial cells and primary cultures of normal nasal epithelial cells, the effect and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway of CLU on MUC5AC expression were investigated using immunohistochemical stain, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay, and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: In the nasal polyps, MUC5AC and CLU were abundantly present in the epithelium on immunohistochemical stain, and nuclear CLU (nCLU) was strongly detected on Western blot analysis. In human NCI-H292 airway epithelial cells or the primary cultures of normal nasal epithelial cells, recombinant nCLU increased MUC5AC expression, and significantly activated phosphorylation of NF-κB. And BAY 11-7085 (a specific NF-κB inhibitor) and knockdown of NF-κB by NF-κB siRNA (small interfering RNA) significantly attenuated recombinant nCLU-induced MUC5AC expression. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that nCLU induces MUC5AC expression via the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in human airway epithelial cells.

Clinical significance of saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test in nystagmography / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test are clinically useful tests to accurately diagnose vertigo. However, there have only been a few studies regarding a correlation between the anatomical site of the lesion and the abnormality of eyeball movement in patients with vertigo.METHODS: The medical records of 97 patients with vertigo between January 2006 and June 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. We classified many kinds of abnormalities regarding the saccade test, smooth pursuit test and optokinetic nystagmus test into several categories and analyzed the localizing lesion of vertigo.RESULTS: According to the saccade test, both total saccade abnormality (S-total) and slow velocity of saccade (S-type 3) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo. According to the smooth pursuit test, symmetrical unidirectional smooth pursuit abnormality (SP-type 2) was observed to be significantly higher in the peripheral lesion over vertigo. Moreover, according to the optokinetic nystagmus test, total optokinetic nystagmus abnormalities (OKN-total) were shown to be significantly useful findings in the diagnosis of the central lesion of vertigo. The coexisting abnormalities of all three tests (S+SP+OKN abnormalities) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that all these tests, saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test, are very useful to distinguish between the central lesion and the peripheral lesion of vertigo. However, these tests are not beneficial in localizing the central lesion of vertigo.

Clinical significance of saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test in nystagmography / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test are clinically useful tests to accurately diagnose vertigo. However, there have only been a few studies regarding a correlation between the anatomical site of the lesion and the abnormality of eyeball movement in patients with vertigo. METHODS: The medical records of 97 patients with vertigo between January 2006 and June 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. We classified many kinds of abnormalities regarding the saccade test, smooth pursuit test and optokinetic nystagmus test into several categories and analyzed the localizing lesion of vertigo. RESULTS: According to the saccade test, both total saccade abnormality (S-total) and slow velocity of saccade (S-type 3) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo. According to the smooth pursuit test, symmetrical unidirectional smooth pursuit abnormality (SP-type 2) was observed to be significantly higher in the peripheral lesion over vertigo. Moreover, according to the optokinetic nystagmus test, total optokinetic nystagmus abnormalities (OKN-total) were shown to be significantly useful findings in the diagnosis of the central lesion of vertigo. The coexisting abnormalities of all three tests (S+SP+OKN abnormalities) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that all these tests, saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test, are very useful to distinguish between the central lesion and the peripheral lesion of vertigo. However, these tests are not beneficial in localizing the central lesion of vertigo.

Effect of High-Insulin on MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Insulin is a peptide hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood to skeletal muscles. Insulin has been reported to be closely related to cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine disease. However, the effect of insulin on production of major mucins in human airway epithelial cells has not been reported. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between high levels of insulin and mucin in human airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed the effect of high level of insulin on MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B expression using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in human airway epithelial cells. RESULTS: In human NCI-H292 airway epithelial cells, high level of insulin significant increased MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B mRNA expression and glycoprotein production. In the primary cultures of normal nasal epithelial cells, high level of insulin also increased MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B expression. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that insulin plays a role in control of mucus hypersecretion in human airway epithelial cells.

Two Case of Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy after Injection of Epinephrine during Middle Ear Surgery / 대한이비인후과학회지

Epinephrine is a common use to control bleeding for wide surgeon's range of vision during surgery. However, it may be occurred with some major complications such as reversible cardiomyopathy, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a reversible cardiomyopathy, which is related with sudden surge of catecholamine such as epinephrine, and increase of physical activity and emotional stress. It has been postulated that SIC is a relatively uncommon syndrome with difficult definition. But recently SIC is an increasingly recognized disease entity and is accepted as a unique form of reversible cardiomyopathy. However, SIC rarely is occurred when standard dose of epinephrine is used during a surgery under general anesthesia. Therefore, we presented two patients with SIC after subcutaneous injection of epinephrine during middle ear surgery.

The Analysis of Anxiety, Depression, and Type D Personality in Patients with Tinnitus / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tinnitus is a disease with high prevalence and a wide range of etiologies. Tinnitus has a lot of impact on the patients, causing psychological distress such as anxiety and depression. Type D personality is related to the negative emotions including to anxiety and depression. Therefore, the goal of this study was to understand the relationship between tinnitus and anxiety/depression/type D personality. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Ninety three patients with chronic subjective tinnitus, who visited the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery in Yeungnam University Hospital from May, 2012 to October, 2012. The tinnitus patients were asked to complete a survey: regarding demographic data, otologic history, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A), type D personality scale 14 (DS-14), and tinnitus handicap inventory (THI). RESULTS: The tinnitus patients had significantly higher levels of type D personality (58.1%). In the tinnitus patients, as the score of THI increased, the BDI and HAM-A scores increased. As the DS-14 score increased, the THI scores increased. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the tinnitus patients have high prevalence of type D personality compared to that shown in the general population. And the handicap of tinnitus is related to anxiety, depression and type D personality.

Effect of Anthocyanidin on MUC5AC and MUC5B Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Naringenin and delphinidin are types of anthocyanidin, which are flavonoids and thus have anti-inflammatory property. Moderate consumption of natural dietary naringenin and delphinidin is believed to do anti-inflammatory action, but the action mechanism is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of naringenin and delphinidin on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B expressions in airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In NCI-H292 cells and cultured nasal polyp epithelial cells, the effects of naringenin and delphinidin on IL-1beta- and LPS-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B expressions were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Delphinidin attenuated IL-1beta- and LPS-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA and glycoprotein expression in a dose-dependent pattern in NCI-H292 cells and in cultured nasal polyp epithelial cells. Naringenin partially attenuated IL-1beta- and LPS-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA and glycoprotein expression at a high dose. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that delphinidin attenuates MUC5AC and MUC5B expressions in the airway epithelial cells. Between anthocyanidin and delphinidin, delphinidin exhibits greater potential as an ideal therapeutic agent for the control of mucus-hypersecretion in the treatment of airway inflammatory diseases.

Effect of Geranium Essential Oil on Food Intake via Olfactory Stimulus / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, obesity has become one of the major health problems in our society. To overcome this problem, keeping a balance between food intake and energy expenditure is very important. Many natural substances including essential oils have been suggested for their potential effect on reducing weight. This study was performed to evaluate whether aroma inhalation of essential oil has a role in appetite regulation and works on the central nervous system through the olfactory stimulus. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Food intake was measured after 30 minutes of treatment with essential oil in overnight fasted Sprague-Dawley rats. In the control group, saline was used instead of essential oil. Changes in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression levels in the hypothalamus were measured following 30 minutes of treatment with geranium essential oil using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of the seven essential oils, geranium significantly decreased the amount of food intake compared to the control group. Geranium essential oil significantly increased POMC mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, but did not change the NPY mRNA expression. The increased POMC mRNA expression was reversed by treatment with xylocaine, which blocks the olfactory perception. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that geranium essential oil has anorexic effect through the activation of POMC neurons in the hypothalamus via olfactory stimulus.

A Case of Hamartoma Originated from the Palatine Tonsil / 대한이비인후과학회지

Hamartoma is a tumor-like malformation in which the tissues are arranged haphazardly with an excess of one or more of its components, although the underlying reasons for the occurrence of hamartoma is not fully understood. Hamartoma commonly originates from the lung, kidney and intestine. However, hamartoma is very rare in the head and neck, especially in the palatine tonsil. Presenting symptoms of hamartoma are typically vague and nonspecific. Complete surgical removal of the hamartoma is the treatment of choice as incomplete treatment leaves the risk of recurrence. Recently, we have experienced a 22 year-old male patient who presented with a mass at the posterior pillar area of the right palatine tonsil of several years. The mass was resected completely and confirmed histologically as a hamartoma. Therefore, we report this case with a brief literature review.