Lipid peroxidation: a possible role in the induction and progression of chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the destruction of the periodontium during inflammatory periodontal diseases. The imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant activity may be a key factor in the damaging effects of ROS. This study aimed to determine the lipid peroxidation levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva, and glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in saliva in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva were collected from 13 patients and 9 healthy control subjects during the preliminary study, and from 21 patients during the subsequent study. Lipid peroxidation level, GSH level and GPx activity were determined by spectrophotometric assay.

RESULTS

The preliminary study found that when comparing patients to healthy controls, the gingival crevicular fluid samples produced the following results, respectively: higher lipid peroxidation concentration (microm) (by sites: 167.55 vs. 53.71, p < 0.0001; by subjects: 151.99 vs. 50.66, p < 0.005) and total amount (pmol) (by sites: 93.02 vs. 8.47, p < 0.0001, by subjects: 80.44 vs. 7.84, p < 0.0005). In saliva samples, lower GSH concentration (microm) (373.04 vs. 606.67, p < 0.05), higher lipid peroxidation concentration (microm) (0.66 vs. 0.13, p < 0.0005), and no difference in GPx activity were found in patients than in those of healthy controls. The subsequent study showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement of clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing attachment level, probing pocket depth and gingival crevicular fluid volume), decreases in gingival crevicular fluid lipid peroxidation levels (concentration and total amount) at the sites after the completion of phase 1 periodontal treatment. Similarly, the periodontal treatment resulted in a significant decrease of lipid peroxidation concentrations (p < 0.05), increase in GSH concentration (p < 0.001), and no change in GPx activity in saliva samples.

CONCLUSION

The increased levels of lipid peroxidation may play a role in the inflammation and destruction of the periodontium in periodontitis.

SPL7013 gel as a topical microbicide for prevention of vaginal transmission of SHIV89.6P in macaques

SPL7013 is a dendrimer with a polyanionic outer surface that allows multiple interactions with target sites. It potently binds and blocks HIV-1 and chimeric simian/HIV-1 viruses (SHIVs) replication in vitro. Gels containing different concentrations of SPL7013 were used as topical microbicides in female pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) to study their ability to prevent vaginal transmission of SHIV(89,6P). On virus challenge, all untreated macaques (8/8) and seven of eight macaques treated with placebo gel were infected within 2 weeks postinfection (PI) and showed high plasma viremia and dramatic CD4(+) cell decline within 4 weeks PI. In contrast, 6/6 macaques, 5/6 macaques, and 2/6 macaques treated with 5% w/w (50 mg/ml), 3% w/w (30 mg/ml), and 1% w/w (10 mg/ml) SPL7013 gels, respectively, resisted viral challenge. The results showed that animals treated with SPL7013 showed a dose-dependent resistance to virus challenge. Neither SPL7013 nor placebo gels produced any adverse effects following the single application in the study. These results showed that 3-5% w/w SPL7013 gels were effective in blocking vaginal transmission of SHIV in macaques after single gel application followed by single virus challenge. These results suggest that SPL7013 gel may be a promising anti-HIV microbicide formulation for further evaluation.

Elevated serum levels of a c-erbB-2 oncogene product in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

OBJECTIVES

Amplification of the proto-oncogene c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu) has been shown to be a prognostic marker in many kinds of cancer including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In order to obtain further information on the c-erbB-2 gene product p185, it is necessary to quantify expression levels. In this study we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the extracellular domain of p185 to determine whether a soluble oncoprotein fragment can be detected in the serum of OSCC patients.

METHOD

Sera from 84 OSCC patients, 51 breast cancer patients (as positive controls), and 15 healthy controls were assayed in an ELISA. To study c-erbB-2 overexpression in OSCC, and breast cancer tissue samples we used an immunohistochemical technique.

RESULTS

The mean serum value (ng/ml, mean/SD) for the normal controls was 8.46/1.29. We chose the 95% level of normal controls as a cut-off to distinguish individuals with elevated levels. The breast cancer patients' and OSCC patients' serum values were 13.83/6.82 and 13.1/4.56, respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) were observed between normal control and OSCC, normal control and the breast cancer group. Immunohistochemically detectable p185 (intermediate to high) was noted in 30 of 61 OSCC, and 24 of 51 breast cancer patients. There was a trend of association of serum oncoprotein fragment levels with tumor stages, but not with tumor sizes, nodal stages, metastases, and oral habits including betel quid chewing, alcohol drinking and smoking in the OSCC group.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study raise the possibility that soluble c-erbB-2 protein levels in serum is a useful parameter for monitoring the disease status as well as the effect of therapy on patients with OSCC.

Loperamide increases glucose ultilization in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

1. Loperamide has an ability to lower the plasma glucose concentration in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which loperamide regulates plasma glucose concentrations in the absence of insulin. 2. Loperamide, at a dose sufficient (17.6 microg/kg) to activate mu-opioid receptors, significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in STZ-diabetic rats. The mRNA and protein levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) in soleus muscle, detected by northern and western blotting, respectively, were increased after repeated intravenous administration of loperamide (17.6 micro g/kg) to STZ-diabetic rats over 3 days. Moreover, similar treatment with loperamide (17.6 microg/kg) for 3 days reversed the elevated mRNA and protein levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in the liver of STZ-diabetic rats to near the levels seen in normal rats. 3. These results suggest that activation of mu-opioid receptors by loperamide can increase glucose utilization in peripheral tissues and/or reverse the higher gene expression of PEPCK to inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby lower plasma glucose in diabetic rats lacking insulin.

Macaca fascicularis vs. Macaca nemestrina as a model for topical microbicide safety studies

Preclinical studies of topical microbicide products, using appropriate animal models for assessing the safety of repeated use are essential. The pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) model has been used to assess the safety of vaginally and rectally applied topical microbicide products. The availability of sexually mature female pig-tailed macaques has become extremely restricted. Currently, M. fascicularis is more readily available, and was therefore evaluated as an alternative model for topical microbicide pre-clinical evaluation. Twenty sexually mature M. fascicularis were assessed for feasibility to mimic the established models. The rectal and cervicovaginal microenvironments of the M. fascicularis were determined to be similar to those of M. nemestrina and humans. The gross anatomy was significantly smaller than that of the pig-tailed macaque, such that colposcopic examinations and multiple biopsies would not be possible. Thus, the M. fascicularis may not be useful for vaginally applied topical microbicide safety studies yet adequate for assessing safety of rectally applied topical microbicide products.

Cyanovirin-N inhibits AIDS virus infections in vaginal transmission models

The cyanobacterial protein cyanovirin-N (CV-N) potently inactivates diverse strains of HIV-1 and other lentiviruses due to irreversible binding of CV-N to the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120. In this study, we show that recombinant CV-N effectively blocks HIV-1(Ba-L) infection of human ectocervical explants. Furthermore, we demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of CV-N gel in a vaginal challenge model by exposing CV-N-treated female macaques (Macaca fascicularis) to a pathogenic chimeric SIV/HIV-1 virus, SHIV89.6P. All of the placebo-treated and untreated control macaques (8 of 8) became infected. In contrast, 15 of 18 CV-N-treated macaques showed no evidence of SHIV infection. Further, CV-N produced no cytotoxic or clinical adverse effects in either the in vitro or in vivo model systems. Together these studies suggest that CV-N is a good candidate for testing in humans as an anti-HIV topical microbicide.

Oral administration of an edible-mushroom-derived protein inhibits the development of food-allergic reactions in mice

BACKGROUND

Food allergy is a common disease without effective treatment. Since strict elimination of food allergens may be difficult, strategies for effective intervention are urgently needed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the prophylactic use of orally administrated FIP-fve, an immunomodulatory protein isolated from the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes, in a murine model of food allergy.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized twice intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA), at an interval of 2 weeks. Before and during each period of immunization, FIP-fve (200 microg per mouse) or phosphate-buffered saline was given orally every other day with a total of five doses. Then OVA-specific antibodies and cytokine profiles were determined. Subsequently, the mice were orally challenged with OVA. Symptoms of anaphylaxis, levels of plasma histamine, and histology of intestines were examined.

RESULTS

Mice receiving oral FIP-fve treatment during sensitization to OVA had an impaired OVA-specific IgE response with a Th1-predominant cytokine profile. These mice were protected from systemic anaphylaxis-like symptoms induced by subsequent oral challenge with OVA.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of FIP-fve has a Th1-skewing effect on the development of the allergen-specific immune response, and may serve the purpose of immunoprophylaxis for food allergy and other allergic diseases.

Cyanovirin-N gel as a topical microbicide prevents rectal transmission of SHIV89.6P in macaques

Cyanovirin-N (CV-N), an 11-kDa cyanobacterial protein, potently inactivates diverse strains of HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and also prevents virus-to-cell fusion, virus entry, and infection of cells in vitro. These properties make CV-N an attractive candidate for use as a topical microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV. We evaluated the efficacy of gel-formulated, recombinant CV-N gel asa topical microbicide in male macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that were rectally challenged with a chimeric SIV/HIV-1 virus known as SHIV89.6P. All of the untreated macaques were infected and experienced CD4+T cell depletion. In contrast, none of the macaques that received either 1% or 2% CV-N gel showed evidence of SHIV89.6P infection. Neither CV-N nor placebo gels produced any adverse effects in any macaque following the rectal application. These results indicate that CV-N gel as a topical microbicide can prevent rectal transmission of SHIV in macaques. These studies encourage clinical evaluation of CV-N as a topical microbicide to prevent sexual transmission of HIV in humans.

Analysis of 4.3 kilobases of divergent locus B of macaque retroperitoneal fibromatosis-associated herpesvirus reveals a close similarity in gene sequence and genome organization to Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

We previously identified retroperitoneal fibromatosis-associated herpesvirus (RFHV) as a simian homolog of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in a fibroproliferative malignancy of macaques that has similarities to Kaposi's sarcoma. In this report, we cloned 4.3 kb of divergent locus B (DL-B) flanking the DNA polymerase gene from two variants of RFHV from different species of macaque with a consensus degenerate hybrid oligonucleotide primer approach. Within the DL-B region of RFHV, viral homologs of the cellular interleukin-6, dihydrofolate reductase, and thymidylate synthase genes were identified, along with a homolog of the gammaherpesvirus open reading frame (ORF) 10. In addition, a homolog of the KSHV ORF K3, the modulator of immune recognition-1, was identified. Our data show a close similarity in sequence conservation, gene content, and genomic structure between RFHV and KSHV which strongly supports the grouping of these viral species within the same RV-1 rhadinovirus lineage and the hypothesis that RFHV is the macaque homolog of KSHV.

Increase in adenosine A1 receptor gene expression in the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Adenosine A1 receptor (A1-AR) activation can lower plasma glucose in diabetic rats lacking insulin. We investigated the change in A1-AR gene expression in diabetic rats.

METHODS

The incorporation of [U-(14)C]-glucose into glycogen was carried out to evaluate the effect of N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) on glucose utilization in vitro. The plasma glucose concentration was assessed by the glucose oxidase method. The mRNA and protein levels of A1-AR in isolated liver were detected by Western blotting analysis and Northern blotting analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

The effect of CPA, an agonist of A1-AR, on glycogen incorporation in hepatocytes isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats) was more marked than that from the normal rats. However, similar glycogen synthesis was not modified by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), an activator of protein kinase C, in the isolated hepatocytes from both the normal and the STZ-diabetic rats. A change in response at the receptor level can thus be considered. The mean level of liver mRNA transcripts encoding A1-AR was increased in STZ-diabetic rats to about 250% of that in normal rats. Exogenous insulin at a dose sufficient to normalize the plasma glucose of STZ-diabetic rats reversed the mRNA level of A1-AR in the liver after a four-day treatment. Similar results were also observed in STZ-diabetic rats that received treatment with phlorizin for four days. Moreover, the protein level of A1-AR was higher in the liver of STZ-diabetic rats than that in the normal rats. Similar treatment with exogenous insulin or phlorizin reversed the elevated protein level of A1-AR in the liver of STZ-diabetic rats to near the normal level. Therefore, correction of hyperglycemia in STZ-diabetic rats can reverse the higher gene expression of A1-AR in liver.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results suggest that an increase in plasma glucose is responsible for the higher gene expression of A1-AR in the liver of STZ-diabetic rats.

Plasma glucose-lowering effect of beta-endorphin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The effect of beta-endorphin on plasma glucose levels was investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats). A dose-dependent lowering of plasma glucose was observed in the fasting STZ-diabetic rat fifteen minutes after intravenous injection of beta-endorphin. The plasma glucose-lowering effect of beta-endorphin was abolished by pretreatment with naloxone or naloxonazine at doses sufficient to block opioid mu-receptors. Also, unlike wild-type diabetic mice, beta-endorphin failed to induce its plasma glucose-lowering effect in the opioid mu-receptor knock-out diabetic mice. In isolated soleus muscle, beta-endorphin enhanced the uptake of radioactive glucose in a concentration-dependent manner. Stimulatory effects of beta-endorphin on glycogen synthesis were also seen in hepatocytes isolated from STZ-diabetic rats. The blockade of these actions by naloxone and naloxonazine indicated the mediation of opioid mu-receptors. In the presence of U73312, the specific inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), the uptake of radioactive glucose into isolated soleus muscle induced by beta-endorphin was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner, but it was not affected by U73343, the negative control of U73312. Moreover, chelerythrine and GF 109203X diminished the stimulatory action of beta-endorphin on the uptake of radioactive glucose at a concentration sufficient to inhibit protein kinase C (PKC). The data obtained suggest that activating opioid mu-receptors by beta-endorphin may increase glucose utilization in peripheral tissues via the PLC-PKC pathway to lower plasma glucose in diabetic rats lacking insulin.

Effects of buyang huanwu decoction on peripheral nerve regeneration using silicone rubber chambers

This study investigated the effect of buyang huanwu decoction on the regeneration of a 10-mm gap of rat sciatic nerve created between the proximal and distal nerve stumps, which were sutured into silicone rubber tubes. Empty silicone rubber tubes with no further treatment were used as controls. Six weeks after implantation, 89% of the animals orally administered the buyang huanwu decoction exhibited regeneration across the nerve gaps, whereas only 70% had regenerated in the control group. Both qualitative and quantitative histology of the regenerated nerves revealed a more mature ultrastructural organization with significantly higher numbers of myelinated axons, larger endoneurial areas, higher axon densities and a larger percentage of axon area per total nerve area in the buyang huanwu group than in the controls. These results showed that the buyang huanwu decoction had a growth-promoting effect on the regenerated nerves.

Effect of acupuncture stimulation on peripheral nerve regeneration using silicone rubber chambers

The purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture could affect the regeneration of a 10-mm gap of rat sciatic nerve created between the proximal and distal nerve stumps, which were sutured into silicone rubber tubes. Empty silicone rubber tubes with no further treatment were used as controls. Six weeks after implantation, the animals received the acupuncture or the electroneedling treatment exhibited a more mature ultrastructural nerve organization with significantly higher numbers in the axon density, the blood vessel area, and the percentage of blood vessel area occupied in total nerve area than the controls. In addition, the electroneedling could combine both the needling and the electrical stimulation to potentiate the nerve-growth promoting effect of the acupuncture treatment. These results showed that acupuncture treatment could elicit positive effects on regenerated peripheral nerves.

Stimulatory effect of paeoniflorin on the release of noradrenaline from ileal synaptosomes of guinea-pig in-vitro

The effect of paeoniflorin (an active principle of Paeoniae Radix, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine) on the release of noradrenaline (norepineprhine) from nerve terminals was investigated using guinea-pig isolated ileal synaptosomes. Release was determined as the amount of noradrenaline, quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection, from samples incubated with paeoniflorin or vehicle. Paeoniflorin stimulated the release of noradrenaline in a concentration-dependent manner without an effect on the level of lactate dehydrogenase in the bathing medium. Tetrodotoxin abolished the action of paeoniflorin at concentrations sufficient to block sodium channels. The depolarizing effect of paeoniflorin on the membrane potential was also illustrated by a concentration-dependent increase in the fluorescence of bisoxonol. Moreover, the effect of paeoniflorin on bisoxonol fluorescence in ileal synaptosomes seems more potent than that of 4-aminopyridine. That paeoniflorin causes influx of calcium ions via the depolarization of nerve terminals could be considered. The noradrenaline-releasing action of paeoniflorin was abolished by removal of calcium chloride from the bathing medium. This action of paeoniflorin was also attenuated by Rp-cAMP atconcentrations sufficientto inhibitthe action of cyclicAMP. Therefore, paeoniflorin could induce a calcium-dependent and cyclic-AMP-related release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve terminals of guinea-pig ileum. Guanethidine inhibited the noradrenaline-releasing action of paeoniflorin in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of paeoniflorin on the increase of bisoxonol fluorescence was not modified by atropine. Release of noradrenaline by paeoniflorin from noradrenergic nerve terminals was characterized. These findings suggest that paeoniflorin can stimulate tetrodotoxin-sensitive depolarization of membranes to result in a calcium-dependent and cyclic-AMP-related release of noradrenaline from noradrenergic nerve terminals.

The effectiveness of Tsu-San-Li (St-36) and Tai-Chung (Li-3) acupoints for treatment of acute liver damage in rats

This study investigated the effects of acupuncture on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute liver injury in male rats (n=36). The experimental groups were injected with CCl4 before, during, or after acupuncture therapy. Acupoints similar to the human Tsu-San-Li (St-36) and Tai-Chung (Li-3) were needled bilaterally. Rats treated with CCl4 had higher levels of serum glutamate-oxalate-transaminase (sGOT) and serum glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase (sGPT). Comparing the experimental groups, biochemical and pathological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduced when rats were acupunctured after, not before, CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Acupuncture at the Tsu-San-Li and Tai-Chung acupoints cannot prevent acute liver injury but may be effective in treating liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.

Effects of percutaneous electrical stimulation on peripheral nerve regeneration using silicone rubber chambers

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 0.8-1 mA, 2 Hz of percutaneous electrical stimulation could affect the regeneration of a 10-mm gap of rat sciatic nerve created between the proximal and distal nerve stumps, which were sutured into silicone rubber tubes. Six weeks after implantation, though the group receiving the electrical stimulation had a lower success percentage of regeneration (57%) compared with the controls receiving no stimulation (70%), quantitative histology of the successfully regenerated nerves revealed that the mean values of the axon density, blood vessel number, blood vessel area, and percentage of blood vessel area in total nerve area in the group with the electrical stimulation were all significantly larger than those in the controls (p < 0.05). These results showed that the electrical stimulation could elicit rehabilitating effects on the regenerated nerves.

Mechanism for nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of histone deacetylase 7

Here we show that HDAC7, a member of the class II histone deacetylases, specifically targets several members of myocyte enhancer factors, MEF2A, -2C, and -2D, and inhibits their transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DNA-bound MEF2C is capable of recruiting HDAC7, demonstrating that the HDAC7-dependent repression of transcription is not due to the inhibition of the MEF2 DNA binding activity. The data also suggest that the promoter bound MEF2 is potentially capable of remodeling adjacent nucleosomes via the recruitment of HDAC7. We have also observed a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HDAC7 and dissected the mechanism involved. In NIH3T3 cells, HDAC7 was primarily localized in the cytoplasm, essentially due to an active CRM1-dependent export of the protein from the nucleus. Interestingly, in HeLa cells, HDAC7 was predominantly nuclear. In these cells we could restore the cytoplasmic localization of HDAC7 by expressing CaMK I. This CaMK I-induced nuclear export of HDAC7 was abolished when three critical serines, Ser-178, Ser-344, and Ser-479, of HDAC7 were mutated. We show that these serines are involved in the direct interaction of HDAC7 with 14-3-3. Mutations of these serine residues weakened the association with 14-3-3 and dramatically enhanced the repression activity of HDAC7 in NIH3T3 cells, but not in HeLa cells. Data presented in this work clearly show that the signal dependent subcellular localization of HDAC7 is essential in controlling its activities. The data also show that the cellular concentration of factors such as 14-3-3, CaMK I, and other yet unknown molecules may determine the subcellular localization of an individual HDAC member in a cell type and HDAC-specific manner.

Prophylactic effect of four prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine on alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate and carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in rats

AIM

To study the prophylactic effects of four Chinese traditional prescriptions against experimental liver injury.

METHODS

Liver toxins, alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were used to induce acute liver injury. Simo Yin(SMY), Guizhi Fuling Wan (GFW), Xieqing Wan (XQW), and Sini San (SNS) were fed (500 mg/kg, in saline, po) to the rats before toxin administration. All the animals were killed 48 h after toxin insulted. Serum index of liver function and hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) were estimated. Histopathological observation was conducted simultaneously.

RESULTS

The rats treated with ANIT exhibited elevations of serum total bilirubin (TBI), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate-oxalate- transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase (GPT), as well as cholestasis and parenchyma necrosis. In rats, challenged with ANIT, receiving the pre-treatment of prescriptions of SMY, XQW, and SNS, the biochemical and morphological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduced. The increased LPO level in liver tissue, associated with the provoked serum GOT and GPT levels were the salient features observed in CCl4-insulting rats. Pre-treatment of four prescriptions showed a remarkable protective effect, and also was effective in counteracting the free radical toxicity by bringing about a significant decrease in peroxidative level.

CONCLUSION

These recipes ameliorate liver damage induced by both ANIT and CCl4 despite the differences in their mechanisms of injury. Therefore they may be able to exert hepatoprotective effects through more than one mechanism of action because they contained a mixture of anti-hepatotoxic ingredients with mutual reinforcement and assistance.

Effects of huangqi jianzhong tang on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes

AIM

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZT) on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes.

METHODS

Sixteen male and eight female judo athletes in Hsin-Ming senior high school were randomly and stratified divided into control and experimental group, which received placebo and HQJZT respectively during the five-week training program. The measurement of the hematological and biochemical parameters was performed twice, just before and after the training. The data was analyzed with paired-t test and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The values of RBC, Hb, and Hct were obvious decreased after intervention, while the value of GOT, GPT, BUN, and CK was elevated.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated the hematological and biochemical changes were caused by the physical training but not the effects of HQJZT. The HQJZT had no adverse effects on the judo athletes in our study.

An alternative dressing for skin graft immobilization: negative pressure dressing

The key difficulty of skin grafting is keeping the graft immobilized on uneven surfaces involved with motion, such as the nuchal area, axilla, web spaces, and the perineal area. This study reports the development of a new idea of negative pressure dressing (NPD) to maintain good immobilization of the skin graft and, at the same time, not cause any significant distress in the patient's daily life. Furthermore, the components of this dressing are available in ordinary hospitals. In this report, there are eight cases of skin grafts which were applied by this method, and the average success rate was approximately 97%. Therefore, use of negative pressure dressings to safeguard immobilization of the skin graft is an appropriate alternative method for grafts on uneven or mobile surfaces.

Measurement of the volume of the pedicled TRAM flap in immediate breast reconstruction

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is now accepted as the standard for breast reconstruction, but achieving symmetrical breast reconstruction is still a challenge. A precise estimate of the volume of the flap is necessary to reconstruct a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast. Many methods have been developed to overcome this problem, but they have not been suitable for the pedicled TRAM flap. By using a self-made device based on the Archimedes' principle, the authors can calculate accurately the volume of the pedicled TRAM flap and predict reliably the breast volume intraoperatively. The "procedure" is based on a self-made box into which the pedicled TRAM flap is placed. Warm saline is added to the box and the flap is then removed. Flap volume is calculated easily by determining the difference between the preestimated volume of the box and the volume of the residual water. From February to May 2000, this method was used on 28 patients to predict breast volume for breast reconstruction. This study revealed that the difference of the maximal chest circumferences (the index of the breast volume) demonstrates a positive correlation with the difference of the volumes and weights between the mastectomy specimen and the net TRAM flap. However, a more closely positive correlation exists between the differences of maximal chest circumference volume (r = 0.677) than maximal chest circumference weight (r = 0.618). These data reveal that the reconstructed breast's volume has a closer relationship with the volume of the net pedicled TRAM flap, rather than with its weight.

Reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a bovine jugular vein graft fixed with a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin) in a canine model

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate a newly developed biologic valved conduit fixed with genipin used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract in a canine model.

METHODS

Fresh bovine jugular veins with a retained native valve procured from a slaughterhouse were used as raw materials to fabricate the valved conduits. A naturally occurring crosslinking agent, genipin, was used to fix the procured jugular veins. The glutaraldehyde-fixed counterpart was used as a control. A canine model was used in the study.

RESULTS

Echocardiography revealed that the motion of the valvular leaflets in both the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-fixed conduits was satisfactory. The transvalvular pressure gradients of both studied groups were minimal. No endothelium-like cells were observed on the luminal surface of the conduit and the valvular leaflet for the glutaraldehyde-fixed group throughout the entire course of the study. In contrast, endothelium-like cells were observed on the entire surface of the genipin-fixed valved conduit retrieved at 6 months postoperatively in all the cases studied. There was no evidence of luminal fibrous peel in any the valved conduits studied. Degradation of valvular leaflet in one of the glutaraldehyde-fixed conduits was observed. In this particular case, thrombus formation was also observed on the surface of the valvular leaflet. On the other hand, no apparent degradation or thrombus formation was observed on the surfaces of the genipin-fixed valvular leaflet and conduit. A significantly more severe inflammatory reaction was observed for the glutaraldehyde-fixed conduit than for its genipin-fixed counterpart throughout the entire course of the study. The calcium contents of the samples before implantation and those retrieved at distinct implantation duration were minimal for both the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-fixed tissues.

CONCLUSION

Although further studies are necessary, the genipin-fixed valved conduit appears to have great potential in helping mitigate the complications observed in the commercially available conduits.

Effects of Ginsenoside Rb2 and Rc on inferior human sperm motility in vitro

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of two constituents of Panax notoginseng flower extract, Ginsenoside Rb2 and Rc, on human sperm motility and progression in vitro. Semen samples were collected from 20 patients with sperm motility between 20% and 40% of normal. All samples had sperm counts of over 20 million per milliliter, in accordance with the World Health Organization standard. Sperm were separated by a Percoll discontinuous gradient technique, and divided into a Percoll sperm control group, and three Ginsenoside Rb2 experimental groups (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml) and three Ginsenoside Rc experimental groups (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml). The results showed that at concentrations of 0.01 mg/ml and 0.001 mg/ml, Ginsenoside Rc enhanced both sperm motility and sperm progression significantly at the end of the 1st and 2nd hour. However, the three concentrations of Ginsenoside Rb2 did not increase sperm motility at the 1st or 2nd hour, but promoted sperm progression at the 2nd hour, when compared to the Percoll group.

Nonendoscopic harvest of the gastrocnemius muscle flap through a small incision

Traditional gastrocnemius flap harvest requires a long skin incision, starting from the popliteal fossa to the mid leg. The authors designed three instruments to facilitate harvest of this flap through a small incision without the help of an endoscope in 10 patients. All 10 gastrocnemius muscle flaps survived with a 100% success rate.