Involvement of DR4/JNK pathway-mediated autophagy in acquired TRAIL resistance in HepG2 cells

Although tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anticancer agent, a number of cancer cells demonstrate TRAIL resistance. To date, various molecular targets leading to TRAIL resistance have been elucidated by many researchers, but the mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. In the present study, we obtained TRAIL-resistant cells from the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 by exposing cells to recombinant human TRAIL (rhTRAIL), and determined a mechanism for TRAIL resistance. The selected TRAIL-resistant cells (HepG2-TR) were insensitive to rhTRAIL and triggered autophagy in response to rhTRAIL. The inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine or the knockdown of ATG5 partially restored rhTRAIL-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity, indicating that protective autophagy occurred in the cells. Notably, rhTRAIL-induced autophagy was mediated through DR4 in HepG2-TR cells, but not in parental HepG2 cells. In addition, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase was involved in DR4-mediated autophagy in HepG2-TR cells. Our results suggest a novel mechanism of TRAIL resistance which is regulated through alterations in DR4 function, which may extend our understanding of the mechanisms of TRAIL resistance.

The effect of herbal medicine on nerve growth factor in estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovaries in rats

A type of polycystic ovary resembling some aspects of human polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be induced in the rat with a single injection of long-acting estradiol valerate. Among several theories behind the development of polycystic ovaries (PCO), the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system draws much attention, and herbal medicine is known to relieve the abnormal symptoms of PCO. Two herbal formulas, Changbudodam-Tang (cang fu dao tan tang) and Yongdamsagan-Tang (long dan xie gan tang), were used in the present study. The administration of herbal medicine was done every other day for 60 days. The morphological changes of ovaries from herbal medicine treatment were compared to those from an oil-treated control group and an estradiol valerate-injected group. This study also examined the possible hypothesis of neurogenic participation in terms of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the pathology of ovarian dysfunction. The nerve growth factor was analyzed in the central nervous system and ovaries by immunohistochemistry. The main findings of the present study were: (1) PCO were fully developed in rats with a single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate, (2) PCO resulted in the expression of NGF in the ovaries and the brain tissues, and (3) herbal medicine administration significantly decreased the elevated NGF staining in the ovaries without affecting the brain tissues significantly.

Prognostic significance of cyclooxygenase-2 expression and nuclear p53 accumulation in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is believed to be an important enzyme related to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). p53 has been reported to be a negative regulator of COX-2 expression in in vitro studies. The aim of this study was to investigate COX-2 expression and its relationship with nuclear p53 accumulation and their prognostic significance in CRC.

METHODS

COX-2 expression and nuclear p53 accumulation were examined by immunohistochemistry in 231 sporadic CRCs. Their prognostic significance and interrelationship were statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

We found 42.4% of the 231 cases of CRCs with positive COX-2 expression. Nuclear p53 accumulation was observed in 46.8% of cases. There was no significant correlation between COX-2 expression and nuclear p53 accumulation. COX-2 expression had no correlation with patient survival, whereas nuclear p53 accumulation was significantly correlated with poor patient survival on univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that COX-2 expression does not play a role in the prognosis of CRC and COX-2 expression is not affected by the status of nuclear p53 accumulation in CRC. In addition, our findings support that nuclear p53 accumulation may be a useful prognostic marker for patients with CRC.

Impaired skin and mammary gland development and increased gamma-irradiation-induced tumorigenesis in mice carrying a mutation of S1152-ATM phosphorylation site in Brca1

The tumor suppressor BRCA1 interacts with many proteins and undergoes multiple modifications on DNA damage. ATM, a key molecule of the DNA damage response, phosphorylates S1189 of BRCA1 after gamma-irradiation. S1189 of BRCA1 is known as a unique ATM phosphorylation site in BRCA1 exon 11. To study the functions of ATM-dependent phosphorylation of BRCA1-S1189, we generated a mouse model carrying a mutation of S1152A (S1152 in mouse Brca1 corresponds to S1189 in human BRCA1) by gene targeting. Brca1(S1152A/S1152A) mice were born at the expected ratio, unlike that seen in previous studies of Brca1-null mice. However, 36% of Brca1(S1152A/S1152A) mice exhibited aging-like phenotypes including growth retardation, skin abnormalities, and delay of the mammary gland morphogenesis, with an increase in apoptosis. Mutant mice were hypersensitive to high doses of gamma-irradiation, displaying shortened life span and reduction in intestinal villus size, associated with increased apoptosis. Aging-unaffected 18-month-old Brca1(S1152A/S1152A) female mice also showed mammary gland abnormalities with increased levels of cyclin D1 and phospho-ER-alpha, such as Brca1-Delta11 mutation. On low-dose gamma-irradiation, they suffered a marked increase in tumor formation with an abnormal coat pattern. Furthermore, Brca1(S1152A/S1152A) embryonic fibroblasts failed to accumulate p53 on gamma-irradiation with delayed phosphorylation of p53-S23. These observations indicate that ATM-mediated phosphorylation of S1189 is required for BRCA1 functions in the modulation of DNA damage response and in the suppression of tumor formation by regulating p53 and apoptosis.

Scrub typhus hepatitis confirmed by immunohistochemical staining

Scrub typhus is an acute febrile disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (O. tsutsugamushi). We report herein the case of a woman who presented with fever and elevated serum levels of liver enzymes and who was definitively diagnosed with scrub typhus by histopathological examination of liver biopsy specimens, serological tests and nested polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal anti-O. tsutsugamushi antibody showed focally scattered positive immunoreactions in the cytoplasm of some hepatocytes. This case suggests that scrub typhus hepatitis causes mild focal inflammation due to direct liver damage without causing piecemeal necrosis or interface hepatitis. Thus, scrub typhus hepatitis differs from acute viral hepatitis secondary to liver damage due to host immune responses, which causes severe lobular disarray with diffuse hepatocytic degeneration, necrosis and apoptosis as well as findings indicative of hepatic cholestasis, such as hepatic bile plugs or brown pigmentation of hepatocytes.

Cerebellar pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in an infant

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare brain tumor and typically occurs in the superficial cerebral hemispheres of young subjects. We report a case of PXA in the cerebellum of a 3-month-old infant in view of its unusual location and age. The patient presented with a 1-month history of upward eyeball gazing difficulty. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of occurrence of this neoplasm in the cerebellum of an infant. We report the morphologic and immunophenotypical features, and literature review with regard to the clinicopathologic aspects of a case of unusual PXA.

Sopungyangjae-tang inhibits development of dermatitis in nc/nga mice

Sopungyangjae-Tang (SYT) is a traditional Korean decoction used for the treatment of dermatitis. The aim of this study was to confirm whether or not SYT has a preventive effect on the development of atopic dermatitis in dinitrochlorobenzene-applied Nc/Nga mice. SYT was administered orally to Nc/Nga mice, which led to the remarkable suppression of the development of dermatitis, as determined by a histological examination and the serum IgE levels. Moreover, SYT inhibited the production of thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and its mRNA expression in a keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, which had been stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) or activator protein-1 (AP-1) is one of the key steps in the signaling pathways mediating induction of TARC. In this study, SYT selectively suppressed NF-kappaB activation, which may be essential for TARC expression in TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma treated keratinocytes. The inhibitory effect of SYT on NF-kappaB activation and TARC production might be associated with the anti-dermatitic effects of SYT.

Mature teratoma of the uterine cervix with lymphoid hyperplasia

A rare case of an extragonadal teratoma, which occurred primarily in the uterus, is described. The tumor developed in the uterine cervix as a conventional cervical polyp, 3 months after an elective abortion in a 27-year-old woman. Microscopically, the solid 2.2 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm mass was a mature teratoma with exuberant lymphoid elements. It consisted of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal derivatives. The lymphoid elements may have been a lymphoid hyperplasia, a chronic inflammatory reaction or a component of the teratoma. However, as the lymphoid tissues had no spatial relation to the teratomatous components, the possibility of a teratomatous element was excluded. This could be regarded as a result of an immunological reaction to the tissues composing the tumor, rather than just a chronic inflammatory response because the lymphoid reaction was present in the tumor, the tumor-host interface and the perivascular areas. Because of the patient's history of an abortion and a lymphoid reaction, the possibility of fetal remnants implantation was raised, so DNA typing to compare the teratoma portion with a normal portion of the host was performed. We found the teratoma portions to be in accordance with that of the host, and hence ruled out fetal remnants implantation. This case showed that a mature teratoma of the uterine cervix may manifest as a feature of implanted fetal tissue. In addition, a real teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of uterine teratomatous lesion, even when detected in patients with a recent history of pregnancy and lymphoid hyperplasia.

Clinical evaluation of demineralized bone allograft for sinus lifts in humans: a clinical and histologic study

PURPOSE

Severe alveolar bony resorption in the edentulous posterior maxilla and pneumatization of the maxillary sinus wall make traditional implant placement impossible in the posterior maxilla. To reconstruct the severely resorbed maxilla for dental implant placement, 1 successful technique is to elevate the maxillary sinus floor using demineralized bone matrix (DBM) grafts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of DBM grafts in the human maxilla.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine months after grafting, at the time of dental implantation, biopsy samples were taken from the grafted areas of 8 patients and were analyzed histologically.

RESULTS

All the sinus lifts were successful in the clinical study conducted after implantation. Resorption of the graft materials and new bone formation were observed, and there was direct deposition of bone on the surface of the graft particles.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that limited maxillary sinus lift with DBM graft material is a clinically reliable preimplant procedure.

Protective effect of nectandrin B, a potent AMPK activator on neointima formation: inhibition of Pin1 expression through AMPK activation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neointima is considered a critical event in the development of vascular occlusive disease. Nectandrin B from nutmeg functions as a potent AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators. The present study addressed whether nectandrin B inhibits intimal hyperplasia in guide wire-injured arteries and examined its molecular mechanism.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Neointima was induced by guide wire injury in mouse femoral arteries. Cell proliferation and mechanism studies were performed in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) culture model.

KEY RESULTS

Nectandrin B increased AMPK activity in VSMC. Nectandrin B inhibited the cell proliferation induced by PDGF and DNA synthesis. Moreover, treatment of nectandrin B suppressed neointima formation in femoral artery after guide wire injury. We have recently shown that Pin1 plays a critical role in VSMC proliferation and neointima formation. Nectandrin B potently blocked PDGF-induced Pin1 and cyclin D1 expression and nectandrin B's anti-proliferation effect was diminished in Pin1 overexpressed VSMC. PDGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt was marginally affected by nectandrin B. However, nectandrin B increased the levels of p53 and its downstream target p21 and, also reversibly decreased the expression of E2F1 and phosphorylated Rb in PDGF-treated VSMC. AMPK inhibition by dominant mutant form of adenovirus rescued nectandrin B-mediated down-regulation of Pin1 and E2F1.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Nectandrin B inhibited VSMC proliferation and neointima formation via inhibition of E2F1-dependent Pin1 gene transcription, which is mediated through the activation of an AMPK/p53-triggered pathway.

A myxoid liposarcoma arising in a leiomyoma of the uterus: a case report

BACKGROUND

A liposarcoma is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma found in adults, however, a liposarcoma arising in uterus is extremely rare. Indeed, a liposarcoma coexistent with a leiomyoma is even rarer and there is only one case has been reported in the English literature to date.

CASE

We describe a case of the uterine liposarcoma arising in a leiomyoma in 48-year-old woman who presented with dysmenorrhea, brownish vaginal discharge, and a rapidly enlarging lower abdominal mass. The tumor emerged from the lower segment of the endometrium and filled the endometrial cavity as a polypoid lesion. The authors of this study documented the adipocyte origin of the tumor with immunohistochemical and electron microscopical studies, the available literature was reviewed and the possible histogenesis was discussed.

CONCLUSION

We herein report a case of very rare primary liposarcoma arising in a submucosal uterine leiomyoma.

Role of Pin1 in UVA-induced cell proliferation and malignant transformation in epidermal cells

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation (λ = 320-400 nm) is considered a major cause of human skin cancer. Pin1, a peptidyl prolyl isomerase, is overexpressed in most types of cancer tissues and plays an important role in cell proliferation and transformation. Here, we demonstrated that Pin1 expression was enhanced by low energy UVA (300-900 mJ/cm(2)) irradiation in both skin tissues of hairless mice and JB6 C141 epidermal cells. Exposure of epidermal cells to UVA radiation increased cell proliferation and cyclin D1 expression, and these changes were blocked by Pin1 inhibition. UVA irradiation also increased activator protein-1 (AP-1) minimal reporter activity and nuclear levels of c-Jun, but not c-Fos, in a Pin1-dependent manner. The increases in Pin1 expression and in AP-1 reporter activity in response to UVA were abolished by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment. Finally, we found that pre-exposure of JB6 C141 cells to UVA potentiated EGF-inducible, anchorage-independent growth, and this effect was significantly suppressed by Pin1inhibition or by NAC.

Efficacy of p16 and Ki-67 immunostaining in the detection of squamous intraepithelial lesions in a high-risk HPV group

p16 and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry can be used as an ancillary method for the diagnosis of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) versus atrophic change and atypical squamous metaplasia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of these two immunohistochemical markers in the accurate interpretation of cervical biopsies and correlate this data with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection status. The study included 103 formalin-fixed cervical punch and cone biopsy samples, with corresponding HPV DNA test data. Histopathological staining with hematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical staining for p16 and Ki-67 were reviewed by two pathologists. The positivity of p16 and Ki-67 increased significantly with the severity of the cervical lesion in patients with a high-risk-HPV (HR-HPV) infection status (P<0.001). However, there was discordance in the HPV-negative group. Furthermore, concomitant diffuse, strong and block positive staining of p16, and a high Ki-67 index were implicated in high-grade SIL in the HR-HPV group. Thus, the two markers were efficient in advancing the diagnostic accuracy of cervical biopsies in the HR-HPV group; however, application of immunohistochemical results should be carefully considered in the HPV-negative group.

G(alpha)12/13 induction of CYR61 in association with arteriosclerotic intimal hyperplasia: effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate

OBJECTIVE

Gα(12/13) play a role in oncogenic transformation and tumor growth. Cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61) is a growth-factor-inducible angiogenic factor. In view of potential overlapping functions between Gα(12/13) and CYR61, this study investigated the role of these G proteins in CYR61 induction in association with hyperplastic vascular abnormality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Overexpression of activated Gα(12) or Gα(13) induced CYR61 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Gene knockdown and knockout experiments revealed that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) treatment induced CYR61 via Gα(12/13). JunD/activator protein-1 (AP-1) was identified as a transcription factor required for CYR61 transactivation by S1P. Deficiencies in Gα(12/13) abrogated AP-1 activation and AP-1-mediated CYR61 induction. c-Jun N-terminal kinase was responsible for CYR61 induction. Moreover, deficiencies of Gα(12/13) abolished c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent CYR61 induction by S1P. N-acetyl-l-cysteine or NADPH oxidase inhibitor treatment reversed CYR61 induction by S1P, indicating that reactive oxygen species are responsible for this process. The levels of Gα(12/13) were increased within thickened intimas and medias in wire-injured mouse femoral arteries, which was accompanied by simultaneous CYR61 induction. Moreover, Gα(12/13) and CYR61 were costained in the arteriosclerotic lesions immediately adjacent to human tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Gα(12/13) regulate AP-1-dependent CYR61 induction in VSMCs and promote VSMC migration, and they are upregulated with CYR61 in arteriosclerotic lesions.

Myxopapillary ependymoma of the fourth ventricle

Myxopapillary ependymoma is a benign variant of ependymoma, occurring almost exclusively in the cauda equina region of the back. Here, we report an extremely rare case of primary myxopapillary ependymoma, and also present our review of the existing literature. This tumor occurred in the fourth ventricle of a 62-year-old woman. The patient had complained of dizziness and general weakness, persisting for the prior 6 months. The patient underwent surgical removal of the tumor. Imaging studies of the spine were normal. Microscopically, the cut sections of the tumor revealed papillary formation surrounding areas containing both hyalinized blood vessels and myxoid degeneration. The histological findings were consistent with those of tumors originating in the filum terminale. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was doing well on follow-up, 15 months after surgery. This is the second reported case of fourth ventricular myxopapillary ependymoma.

Role of reactive oxygen species-dependent protein aggregation in metabolic stress-induced necrosis

Cancer cells in the inner region of avascularized solid tumours experience metabolical stress by hypoxic and glucose depletion (OGD) and are prone to die by necrosis to form a necrotic core, a common feature of solid tumours. Unlike in apoptosis, where the cellular contents remain packed in the apoptotic bodies that are removed by macrophages, necrosis is characterized by cell membrane rupture, and the release of many cellular proteins including tumour promoting cytokine high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) into the extra-cellular space. Although ROS produced by metabolic stress are known to cause membrane damage leading to the plasma membrane rupture, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we show that some cellular proteins including pro-apoptotic molecules p53, caspase-3, and caspase-9 and a pro-autophagic molecule beclin 1 are not released into the extracellular space but rather aggregated in the cytosol during GD-induced necrosis and that the protein aggregation occurs in a ROS-dependent manner. We also found that Snail, the transcription factor that is induced by GD, was not translocated to the nucleus and aggregated in the cytosol. In addition, Snail interference appeared to block metabolic stress-induced protein aggregation, indicating a critical role(s) of Snail in the protein aggregation. These results demonstrate that in metabolically stressed cancer cells, ROS induce a specific set of cellular proteins to form insoluble aggregates that are highly toxic to cells and trigger the necrosis-associated membrane rupture and HMGB1 release to promote tumour progression.

Guided bone regeneration using demineralized allogenic bone matrix with calcium sulfate: case series

PURPOSE

The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the effect of guided bone regeneration using demineralized allogenic bone matrix with calcium sulfate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Guided bone regeneration using Demineralized Allogenic Bone Matrix with Calcium Sulfate (AlloMatrix™, Wright. USA) was performed at the time of implant placement from February 2010 to April 2010. At the time of the second surgery, clinical evaluation of bone healing and histologic evaluation were performed. The study included 10 patients, and 23 implants were placed. The extent of bony defects around implants was determined by measuring the horizontal and vertical bone defects using a periodontal probe from the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual sides and calculating the mean and standard deviation of these measurements. Wedge-shaped tissue samples were obtained from 3 patients and histologic examination was performed.

RESULTS

In clinical evaluation, it was observed that horizontal bone defects were completely healed with new bones, and in the vertical bone defect area, 15.1% of the original defect area remained. In 3 patients, histological tests were performed, and 16.7-41.7% new bone formation was confirmed. Bone graft materials slowly underwent resorption over time.

CONCLUSION

AlloMatrix™ is an allograft material that can be readily manipulated. It does not require the use of barrier membranes, and good bone regeneration can be achieved with time.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its relationship to p53 accumulation in colorectal cancers

PURPOSE

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is an inducible isoform responsive to cytokines, mitogens, and growth factors, and is believed to be an important enzyme related to colorectal cancer (CRC). Existing evidence suggests that COX-2 expression is normally suppressed by wild-type p53 but not mutant p53, suggesting that loss of p53 function may result in the induction of COX-2 expression. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between COX-2 expression and p53 levels in CRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with sporadic colorectal adenocarcinoma (n=161) who underwent curative surgery in Chosun University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Expression of COX-2 and p53 proteins was examined by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded cancer tissue blocks, and the relationship between COX-2 and/or p53 expression with clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed.

RESULTS

Expression of COX- 2 was positive in 47.8% of colorectal cancers, and significantly associated with the depth of tumor invasion (p= 0.042). In contrast, p53 was positive in 50.3% of the cases, and was associated with both age (p=0.025) and the depth of tumor invasion (p=0.014). There was no correlation between COX-2 expression and p53 expression (p=0.118).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that COX-2 expression might play an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer. However, COX-2 expression was not associated with mutational p53. Further studies are needed to clarify the regulatory mechanisms governing COX-2 overexpression in colorectal cancers.

Effects of various implant materials on regeneration of calvarial defects in rats

The purpose of the present study was to determine the best implant material, the best conditions to substitute absorbable membrane for non-absorbable membrane, and the factors influencing guided regeneration of critical size defects using experimental rats. An 8-mm circular transosseous calvarial bony defect was made and implant materials, such as demineralized freeze-dried bone (DFDB), absorbable membrane (BioMesh; Samyang Co., Seoul Korea), non-absorbable membrane (Millipore filter; Micro Filtration System, MA, USA) or a combination of these materials, was placed on the defect. As for the results of sequential time-based guided bone regeneration, histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and histomorphometric aspects were observed, and a statistical comparative analysis was performed, with control group of a soft tissue flap. Bone formation was significantly enhanced when DFDB was retained within the defect with a protective absorbable membrane. Inframembranous DFDB-filling was required to prevent membrane collapse and to preserve spaces for bone regeneration. The absorbable membrane which was recommended to overcome the disadvantages of the non-absorbable membrane should remain intact for more than 5 weeks in order for it to be effective. The macrophages recruited by grafts were involved partly in decreasing bone regeneration via the sequential events of releasing fibronectin, and in chemotactic effect of the fibronectin to fibroblasts and collagen lay-down. Thus, the activity of new bone formation was dependent upon the physical barrier effect of the membrane, such as the preserving ability to secure spaces and the suppression ability of early infiltration of collagen and epithelium, inducible ability of inflammation by the implant material, and potential in guiding bone regeneration of the grafts.

Cadmium adaptation is regulated by multidrug resistance-associated protein-mediated Akt pathway and metallothionein induction

To elucidate the mechanisms involved in adaptation of lung epithelial cells to cadmium (Cd), we established a cell line that exhibits Cd-resistance (RWI38). RWI38 showed approximately 5-fold greater Cd-resistance (MTT assays) than WI38 cells, and cross-resistance to Zn and cisplatin. RWI38 cells also demonstrated an upregulated level of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and metallothionein (MT) (as shown by Western blot analysis and RT-PCR studies). The protein level of MRP decreased after Cd exposure in WI38 cells, but was sustained at high levels in RWI38 cells, leading led to enhanced calcein efflux. Cd induced Akt phosphorylation in RWI38 but not WI38 cells; this was prevented by probenecid or siRNA for MRP, both of which led to enhanced cell death, as demonstrated by capsase-3 activation and decreased cell viability. These results suggest a functional role for MRP in the regulation of the Akt pathway as well in the efflux pumping of drugs, thereby contributing toward the adaptation of cells to Cd toxicity. The findings of this study could be potentially beneficial in the design of therapeutic targets for Cd-induced tumor progression.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin on peri-implant bone defects in dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tooth ash and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) grafts into bone defects around implants on bone formation. Six adult dogs were used as experimental subjects. Graft materials were used to create a particulate material. Forty-eight tapered-type implants, 3.7 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length, and with surface treated with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, were used as implant fixtures. Using a trephine bur, four bone defects were formed and implants were placed in the femurs of the adult dogs. Bone grafts were not performed in the control group. Tooth ash was grafted into the defects in group 1. In group 2, a mixture of tooth ash and PRP (1:1 ratio by volume) was grafted into the defects. In group 3, a mixture of tooth ash and PRF (ratio of 1:1) was grafted in the defect area. Animals were sacrificed after 4 or 8 weeks. Based on histopathological examination, the amount and rate of new bone formation were evaluated. Histomorphometric examination revealed that the rate of new bone formation in group 3 of the 4-week group was significantly higher than that in the control group. In addition, in the 8-week group, a significant increase in new bone formation was confirmed in group 3. In this study, a bone graft method using a mixture of tooth ash and PRF was found to increase new bone formation compared to the method using PRP. In addition, it was confirmed that this effect was more prominent in the initial stage of the bone graft.

Cadmium-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes is not associated with death receptor-related caspase-dependent pathways in the rat

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal of considerable environmental and occupational concern. The liver is the major target organ of Cd toxicity that follows from repeated exposure to Cd. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of cell death of Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model. Eighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected daily with a dose of Cd acetate (30μM/kg body weight, subcutaneously). After 1, 2 and 7 days rats were euthanized and blood and liver tissues were sampled for analysis. Biochemical analyses of the level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were undertaken. Histopathological and Western blot analyses for liver cellular damage and cell death were also performed. The results for the Cd-treated group of animals were compared to those from 12 control rats. The serum AST/ALT levels increased significantly 24h after CD exposure. From the Western blot analyses, activation of Bid, independent of caspase-8 was seen and Bax induced the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol from mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner. The level of Bcl-2 was decreased. Eventually, caspase-9 and caspase-3 were activated, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was cleaved in a dose-dependent manner. A histopathological analysis and DNA fragmentation test showed apoptotic cell death of the hepatocytes increased over time. These results suggest that Cd-induced liver cell apoptosis in the rat, over a period of 7 days, may not be related to the death-receptor pathway. Moreover, apoptosis is dose-dependent and associated with the decrement of Bcl-2.

Role of Korean red ginseng total saponins in rat infertility induced by polycystic ovaries

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Korean red ginseng total saponins (GTS) on ovarian morphology and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in the ovaries, pituitary, and hippocampus.

DESIGN

Polycystic ovary (PCO) rat model induced by estradiol valerate (EV).

SETTING

University research laboratory.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty sexually mature female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 190-210 g.

INTERVENTION(S)

Female Sprague-Dawley rats (190-210 g) were separated into three groups: EV control (n = 10), EV plus GTS (n = 10), and oil control (n = 10).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Ovarian morphology and NGF protein expression.

RESULT(S)

Polycystic ovary was fully developed in rats with a single intramuscular injection of EV. Increased expression of NGF was noted in the ovaries and the brain of rats with PCO. GTS administration attenuated NGF expression in the ovaries but not in the brain.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our findings suggest a role for GTS in the regulation of NGF expression in female rats with PCO.

Intrarenal epidermal cyst

An epidermal cyst is a very unusual cause of a renal mass, with only three cases reported in English literature. The authors report a case of this in a 51-year-old man with left flank pain and hematuria. A 5 x 4 cm-sized cystic mass, having an irregular margin with stippled calcification, was identified in the lower pole of the left kidney. A retroperitoneal laparoscopic simple nephrectomy was performed under the assumption that it was a renal tumor. Histologically, the tumor was identical in appearance to an epidermal cyst within the skin. Aberrant ectodermal implantation during embryogenesis has been postulated as a histogenesis of intrarenal epidermal cyst. However, the present case had a history of renal stone, which was treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Therefore, the authors suspected the pathogenetic mechanism of this lesion was a metaplasia of traumatic origin. The diagnosis of an epidermal cyst was not made preoperatively in the present case, or in the cases described in the literature. This diagnosis should be included in the differentiation of calcified intrarenal masses.

Granular cell tumor of the cecum with extensive hyalinization and calcification: a case report

A granular cell tumor (GCT) is a benign neoplasm of unclear histogenesis that is generally believed to be of nerve sheath origin. GCT is not common and most often affects the tongue, skin and soft tissue, although it may occur anywhere in the body. We experienced a case of GCT that arose in the cecum of a 55-year-old man. The GCT was removed by laparoscopic resection. In addition to the tumor, endoscopic examination revealed the presence of a 5-mm-polyp in the descending colon and multiple tiny polyps in the sigmoid colon and rectum. Histological examination demonstrated a cecal tumor 1.5 cm x 1.0 cm x 0.7 cm with a hard consistency; in cut sections, mixed cells with yellowish and whitish portions were seen. The tumor was located between the mucosa and subserosa, and was composed of plump histiocyte-like tumor cells with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, which were immunoreactive for S-100 protein, vimentin, neuron-specific enolase, inhibin-alpha and calretinin. The tumor showed extensive hyalinization and focal dystrophic calcification. Immunohistochemical profiles did not confirm any particular cell type for the histogenetic origin of the GCT, including a nerve sheath origin. Extensive hyalinization and calcification showing involution of tumor cells suggest benign clinical behavior of GCT.