Comparison of erythrocyte membrane fatty acid contents in renal transplant recipients and dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Alterations of erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (FA) composition play important roles in cellular function because they change the membrane microenvironment, including transmembrane receptors. The erythrocyte membrane oleic acid content is higher among patients with acute coronary syndrome and also in dialysis patients. However, available data are limited concerning erythrocyte membrane FA content in kidney transplant recipients (KTP). We sought to test the hypothesis that erythrocyte membrane FA content among KTP were different from those in dialysis patients.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 35 hemodialysis, 33 peritoneal dialysis 49 KTP, and 33 normal control subjects (CTL). Their erythrocyte membrane FA content were measured by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

The mean ages of the enrolled dialysis patients, KTP, and CTL were 56.4 ± 10.1, 48.9 ± 10.4, and 49.5 ± 8.3 years, respectively. Mean kidney transplant duration was 89.8 ± 64.8 months and mean dialysis duration, 49.0 ± 32.6 months. The intakes of vegetable lipid and vegetable protein including total calories were significantly increased among KTP versus dialysis patients. Total cholesterol (P < .001) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL; P < .001) levels were significantly higher and C-reactive protein was significantly lower among KTP compared with dialysis patients. The erythrocyte membrane content of palmitoleic acid (P < .001) was significantly higher but oleic acid (P < .001) significantly lower in KTP compared with dialysis patients. The erythrocyte membrane contents of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly higher, and linoleic acid and the omega-6 FA to omega-3 FA ratio (P < .001) significantly lower in KTP compared with dialysis patients. The erythrocyte membrane content of oleic acid was independently associated with monounsaturated fatty acid (beta = 0.771, P < .001), eicosapentaeonic acid (beta = -0.244, P = .010), and HDL (beta = -0.139, P = .049) in KTP.

CONCLUSIONS

FA contents of erythrocyte membranes were significantly different in KTP compared with dialysis patients. These differences may have been associated with improved dietary intake and immunosuppression after kidney transplantation.

Expression of MUC1 and MUC4 in gallbladder adenocarcinoma

Background

Recent reports have indicated that overexpression of mucin (MUC) 1 and/or MUC4 correlates with the occurrence and progression of extra-hepatobiliary malignancy. In this study, we investigated the expression of MUC1 and MUC4 and their prognostic significance in gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We examined 54 surgical gallbladder adenocarcinoma samples by immunohistochemistry for MUC1 and MUC4 expression. Staining was evaluated as a sum score of extent and intensity, dividing the samples into low and high expression groups.

Results

The low expression group for both MUC1 and MUC4 was 10 samples (18.5%), and the high expression group was 44 samples (81.5%). High MUC1 expression was significantly correlated with more differentiated tumors (p=0.033), whereas high expression of MUC4 correlated with negative nodal status (p=0.012). Other pathological features were not correlated with MUC expression. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that neither MUC1 nor MUC4 expression correlated with survival.

Conclusions

Although there were some correlations found, a prognostic role for either MUC1 or MUC4 expression in gallbladder carcinoma was not identified in this study. Further investigation is required.

Additional effects of bisphenol A and paraben on the induction of calbindin-D(9K) and progesterone receptor via an estrogen receptor pathway in rat pituitary GH3 cells

There are concerns about the combined estrogenic effects of chemicals since mixtures of these chemicals exist in our environment. This study investigated potential additional interactions between bisphenol A (BPA) and isobutylparaben (IBP), which are major xenoestrogens used in the manufacture of plastics, cosmetics, drugs, and other products. The combined effects of these two chemicals were analyzed by measuring the expression of calbindin-D(9k) (CaBP-9k) in rat pituitary cancer GH3 cells. GH3 cells were treated with single and combination doses of both chemicals (BPA single doses: 10(-7), 10(-6) and 10(-5) M; IBP single doses: 10(-7), 10(-6) and 10(-5) M, and each of the BPA and IBP doses combined). Prior to treatment, cells were temporarily transfected with a plasmid containing an ERE-luciferase reporter gene. Luciferase activity was measured as an indicator of ER activation by 17β-estradiol (E2), BPA, and IBP. BPA (10(-5) M) combined with IBP (10(-7) M and 10(-6) M) induced a significant increase in the luciferase activity. Twenty-four hours after treatment, dose-dependent effects were observed in both single and combined dose groups, and several combination doses induced significant increases in the expression of CaBP-9k and progesterone receptor (PR) at both transcriptional and translational levels. Pre-treatment with ICI 182,780, a pure estrogen antagonist, significantly reversed BPA- and IBP-induced CaBP-9k and PR upregulation in GH3 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that BPA and IBP may have additionally increased estrogenic potency via an estrogen receptor-mediated pathway.

Clinicopathologic Implications of PIWIL2 Expression in Colorectal Cancer

Background

There are no established reports about the expression of the Piwil gene, a subfamily of the Piwi gene involved in RNA silencing and self-renewal, in colorectal carcinomas. It is known that the degree of PIWIL2 expression is higher in colorectal carcinomas. But its clinicopathologic significance remains undetermined. This study reassessed the relationship between PIWIL2 expression and the clinicopathologic parameters in colorectal carcinomas.

Methods

An immunohistochemistry of PIWIL2 expression was done in 60 cases of colorectal carcinoma. This was followed by an analysis of the correlation between PIWIL2 expression and clinicopathologic features and a survival analysis.

Results

There were 44 cases (73.3%) where the degree of PIWIL2 expression was relatively higher. The high degree of PIWIL2 expression was significantly correlated with the lower degree of differentiation (p=0.039), deep invasion (p=0.019) and perineural invasion (p=0.027). The overall survival was longer in patients with the lower degree of PIWIL2 expression than in those with the higher degree of PIWIL2 expression.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the degree of PIWIL2 expression was relatively higher in colorectal carcinomas and it was significantly correlated with variable clinicopathologic indicators for a poor prognosis. This indicates that PIWIL2-positive cells contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer.

Southeast Asian foot-and-mouth disease viruses in Eastern Asia

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks recently affected 2 countries (Japan and South Korea) in eastern Asia that were free of FMD without vaccination. Analysis of viral protein 1 nucleotide sequences indicated that FMD serotype A and O viruses that caused these outbreaks originated in mainland Southeast Asia to which these viruses are endemic.

Risk factors for osteoporosis in long-term survivors of intracranial germ cell tumors

SUMMARY

We measured bone mineral densities in 28 intracranial germ cell tumor long-term survivors. There was the high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, 25.0% and 42.9%, respectively, and three additional risk factors, male sex, a low lean mass, and adult growth hormone replacement, were identified.

INTRODUCTION

Intracranial germ cell tumor long-term survivors (iGCTLS) have many risk factors for osteoporosis, including irradiation from cancer therapy and multiple hormone deficiencies. However, no study of bone mineral density (BMD) has been conducted in iGCTLS because these tumors are rare. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis and to identify risk factors associated with reduced bone mass in iGCTLS.

METHODS

We evaluated BMD and body composition of 28 iGCTLS (10.9 ± 5.2 years after cancer treatment; 13 males) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To determine risk factors, we analyzed the medical history, including the nature of the tumor, treatment modality, endocrine status, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle, and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Twenty-five percent of iGCTLS were diagnosed with osteoporosis and 42.9% with osteopenia. Most males (92.3%) had low BMD. Lean mass (LM) was positively correlated with BMD in all regions of interest, and the starting age of adult growth hormone (GH) replacement was negatively correlated with the BMD Z-score at the femur neck. In logistic regression analysis, male sex and low LM were related to low BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The iGCTLS had a high prevalence of low BMD. We found that male sex, low LM, and delayed start of adult GH replacement were risk factors for osteoporosis. Therefore, the BMD of all iGCTLS should be evaluated, and if it is low, proper management should be started early.

Diagnosis and control measures of the 2010 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease A type in the Republic of Korea

In January 2010, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) occurred for the first time in 8 years in Korea. The outbreaks were because of A serotype, different from the O type, which had occurred previously in 2000 and 2002. The FMD outbreaks were identified in seven farms, consisting of six cattle farms where viruses were detected and one deer farm where only FMDV antibody was detected. The seven farms were within 9.3 km of each other. All susceptible animals within 10 km radius of the outbreak farms were placed under movement restrictions for 3-11 weeks. No vaccination took place to facilitate the clinical observation of infected animals and virus detection. After clinical observations and serological tests within the control zones showed no evidence of FMD infection, the movement restrictions were lifted, followed by FMD-free declaration (23 March) at 80 days after the first outbreak on 2 January. This communication describes the outbreak of FMD A serotype, and control measures applied to eradicate the disease in Korea.

Dual-energy CT in the evaluation of intracerebral hemorrhage of unknown origin: differentiation between tumor bleeding and pure hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Detection of underlying tumor in patients with unknown-origin acute ICH may be difficult because acute hematoma may mask enhancement of tumor on postcontrast CT. We intended to investigate the clinical utility of DECT in differentiating tumor bleeding from pure ICH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a dual-source CT scanner, we obtained TNC single-energy and postcontrast DECT scans for 56 patients with unknown-origin spontaneous ICH. From the 2 sets of postcontrast DECT images obtained with different tube energy, EA (equivalent to conventional postcontrast CT), VNC, color-coded iodine overlay, fusion images of iodine overlay and VNC images were produced. The diagnostic performances of fusion, EA, and combined EA and TNC images for detecting underlying tumors were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 56 patients, 17 had primary or metastatic tumors (18 lesions) and 39 had nontumorous ICH. The sensitivities of fusion, EA, and combined EA and TNC images for detecting brain tumors were 94.4%, 61.1%, and 66.7%, respectively, and their specificities were 97.4%, 92.3%, and 89.7%, respectively. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.964, 0.786, and 0.842, respectively. Overall, the diagnostic performance of fusion images was significantly superior to EA (P = .006) and combined EA and TNC (P = .011) images.

CONCLUSIONS

DECT may be useful in detecting underlying tumors in patients with unknown-origin ICH.

Detection of residual brain arteriovenous malformations after radiosurgery: diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced four-dimensional MR angiography at 3.0 T

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of four-dimensional MR angiography (4D-MRA) at 3.0 T for detecting residual arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) after Gamma Knife (Elekta Instrument AB, Stockholm, Sweden) radiosurgery (GKRS).

METHODS

We assessed 36 angiographically confirmed AVMs in 36 patients who had been treated with GKRS. 4D-MRA was performed after GKRS and the time intervals were 39.4 ± 26.0 months [mean ± standard deviation (SD)]. 4D-MRA was obtained at 3.0 T after contrast injection, with a measured voxel size of 1 × 1 × 1 mm and a temporal resolution of 1.1 s (13 patients) or a voxel size of 1 × 1 × 2 mm and a temporal resolution of 0.98 s (23 patients). X-ray angiography was performed as the standard reference within 53 ± 47 days (mean ± SD) after MRA. To determine a residual AVM, the 4D-MRA results were independently reviewed by two readers blinded to the X-ray angiography results. We evaluated diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of 4D-MRA for detection of a residual AVM.

RESULTS

A residual AVM was identified in 13 patients (13/36, 36%) on X-ray angiography. According to Readers 1 and 2, 4D-MRA had a sensitivity of 79.6% and 64.3%, a specificity of 90.9% and 100%, a PPV of 84.6% and 100% and an NPV of 90% and 81.5%, respectively, and a diagnostic accuracy of 86.1% for Readers 1 and 2, for detecting residual AVMs after GKRS.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic accuracy of 4D-MRA at 3.0 T seems high, but there is still the possibility of further improving the spatiotemporal resolution of this technique.

A rapid molecular strategy for early detection and characterization of Vietnamese foot-and-mouth disease virus serotypes O, A, and Asia 1

A one-step RT-PCR method using newly designed primers VN-VP1F/VN-VP1R targeting the full VP1 capsid protein-coding gene, combined with direct sequencing of its PCR product, has been developed successfully for universal detection and characterization of Vietnamese FMDV serotypes O, A, and Asia 1 directly from clinical samples. The one-step RT-PCR amplified 821-bp dsDNA products covering the entire VP1 gene of FMDV serotypes O, A, and Asia 1. The obtained dsDNA products were suitable for direct sequencing, cloning, and other molecular epidemiology studies of Vietnamese FMDV strains, which eliminated the need for cell culture and virus purification. This one-step RT-PCR system was applied to detect and characterize 55 field FMDV strains, including 34 serotype O, 17 serotype A, and 4 serotype Asia 1 isolates collected from endemic outbreaks in Vietnam from 2005 to 2010. Interestingly, the PCR products obtained from the present PCR method could be used as DNA templates for the second PCR typing method using serotypes O, A, and Asia 1-specific primers (Le et al., 2011). The use of the second PCR amplification increased markedly the sensitivity of the test for FMDV detection. The present RT-PCR method promises to be an effective tool for molecular epidemiological studies of FMD in Vietnam.

Soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 secreted by human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell reduces amyloid-β plaques

Presently, co-culture of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) with BV2 microglia under amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) exposure induced a reduction of Aβ42 in the medium as well as an overexpression of the Aβ-degrading enzyme neprilysin (NEP) in microglia. Cytokine array examinations of co-cultured media revealed elevated release of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) from hUCB-MSCs. Administration of human recombinant ICAM-1 in BV2 cells and wild-type mice brains induced NEP expression in time- and dose-dependent manners. In co-culturing with BV2 cells under Aβ42 exposure, knockdown of ICAM-1 expression on hUCB-MSCs by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the induction of NEP in BV2 cells as well as reduction of added Aβ42 in the co-cultured media. By contrast, siRNA-mediated inhibition of the sICAM-1 receptor, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), on BV2 cells reduced NEP expression by ICAM-1 exposure. When hUCB-MSCs were transplanted into the hippocampus of a 10-month-old transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease for 10, 20, or 40 days, NEP expression was increased in the mice brains. Moreover, Aβ42 plaques in the hippocampus and other regions were decreased by active migration of hUCB-MSCs toward Aβ deposits. These data suggest that hUCB-MSC-derived sICAM-1 decreases Aβ plaques by inducing NEP expression in microglia through the sICAM-1/LFA-1 signaling pathway.

Field application of a recombinant protein-based ELISA during the 2010 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease type A in South Korea

A recombinant protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (RP ELISA) exists for the detection of antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type A. In this study, the efficacy of the RP ELISA was compared to that of other current tests by examining sera collected in the field during an FMD type A outbreak in South Korea in 2010. The RP ELISA detected early antibodies to FMDV with the same sensitivity as the liquid-phase blocking ELISA (LPB ELISA), identifying FMD farm outbreaks correctly on a herd basis. In addition, the two assays exhibited a high correlation coefficient (γ(2)=0.83) when testing thirty seven sera from one outbreak farm exhibiting various antibody titers. The sensitivity and specificity of the RP ELISA relative to the LPB ELISA were 84% and 97%, respectively, and excellent agreement (kappa=0.82) was observed between the two tests. Taken together, the RP ELISA should be a useful alternative to the LPB ELISA for the detection of early antibodies to FMDV type A during an outbreak.

Influence of long-term statin use in type 2 diabetic patients on thyroid nodularity in iodine-sufficient area

Statins have marked beneficial effects on lipid profile, but also have pleiotropic actions. A previous study in an iodine-deficient area suggested that statin use is associated with reduced thyroid volume and nodularity. We performed this study to investigate how long-term statin use in type 2 diabetic patients affects thyroid nodularity in iodine-sufficient area.We recruited euthyroid type 2 diabetic patients, receiving statin therapy continuously for at least 5 years (statin group) and, age and sex matched statin-naive type 2 diabetic patients (control group). Subjects with past history of cancer, thyroid disease or treatment with lithium or amiodarone; family history of thyroid cancer; palpable goiter or thyroid nodule, and/or positive thyroperoxidase antibody were excluded. The prevalence, number, and volume of thyroid nodules, size of thyroid were evaluated in all subjects by high resolution ultrasound.Prevalence of non-palpable thyroid nodules of statin group (n=70) and control group (n=98) were 51 and 53%, respectively. There was no difference of prevalence, number, and volume of non-palpable thyroid nodules and size of thyroid between statin and control group. But, the patients aged between 60 and 65 years from statin group showed lower prevalence of non-palpable thyroid nodules than the patients with same age interval from control group (4 out of 12 patients, 33%, statin group; 19 out of 27 patients, 70%, control group; P=0.04).Long-term statin use in elderly type 2 diabetic patients was associated with lesser prevalence of thyroid nodules in an iodine-sufficient area. Our data might support a possible antiproliferative effect of statins on thyroid in old type 2 diabetic patients. But, the effect was not as strong as that in an iodine-deficient area and further studies with enough numbers of subjects and revised design will be needed.

Prevalence of echocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in patients with Graves' disease: before and after antithyroid treatment

BACKGROUND

Right-sided heart failure with clinical manifestation is only occasionally seen in patients with Graves' disease (GD). Recent studies revealed that pulmonary hypertension (PHT) detected by echocardiography was not rare in patients with GD. We performed this study to investigate the prevalence of PHT in patients with GD before and after antithyroid treatment, and to assess potential mechanisms from the relationship with clinical and echocardiographic features.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Serial echocardiographic examinations were performed in 64 patients with newly diagnosed GD before and after antithyroid treatment to measure cardiac factors, such as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs), cardiac output, total vascular resistance, left ventricular filling pressure and right ventricular (RV) function. PHT was defined as PAPs of at least 35 mmHg.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PHT in untreated GD patients was 44% (28 out of 64 patients). The presence of systemic hypertension was associated with PHT, especially with pulmonary venous hypertension. GD patients with PHT showed reduced RV function represented by higher RV myocardial performance index without difference of pulmonary vascular resistance, RV wall thickness and peak systolic velocity of free wall side of tricuspid annulus. Follow-up echocardiography was performed in 20 out of 28 GD patients with PHT, and PHT disappeared in all except one patient.

CONCLUSION

PHT is a frequent and reversible complication in patients with GD. Our study suggests that PHT in GD may not be related to underlying autoimmune process and increased pulmonary blood flow from thyrotoxicosis might contributes to the pathogenesis of PHT related to GD.

Clinical outcome of preemptive kidney transplantation in patients with diabetes mellitus

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) caused by diabetic nephropathy is increasing throughout the world. The survival of diabetic patients treated by transplantation has improved nowadays. Although recent studies have demonstrated preemptive kidney transplantation to be associated with better graft survival in CKD patients, the effect of pre-transplantation dialysis on graft outcomes among diabetic ESRD patients is unclear. This analysis summarized our experience with preemptive kidney transplantation in diabetic ESRD patients by retrospectively comparing 70 such patients transplanted between 1995 and 2009. These 70 patients were divided into two groups: 30 patients underwent preemptive and the other 40 transplantation after maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. We compared graft survivals, acute rejection episodes, postoperative complications, and delayed graft function rates. The 10-year patient survival of 100% in the preemptive group was similar to that of the nonpreemptive group (85%, P = .11). But the 10 year graft survival was higher among the preemptive than the nonpreemptive group (100% vs 75%, P = .02). Pre-transplantation modality did not affect graft survival. Therefore, preemptive kidney transplantation should be applied to eligible patients with diabetic ESRD.

Childhood obesity in ambulatory children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy in Korea

OBJECTIVE

Childhood obesity is an emerging health issue in Korea. We investigated the prevalence of obesity and its trend over time in ambulatory Korean children with CP.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,397 children with CP between 1995 and 2008. The data were grouped into 4 time periods (1995-1997, 1998-2002, 2003-2004 and 2005-2008). The prevalence of obesity over each period and its relationship to gender, birth weight, age, and gross motor function classification system were investigated.

RESULTS

The percentage of obese children was 5.8%, overweight children 11.2%, and underweight children 10.4%. The prevalence of obesity significantly increased from the first time period to the third time period. The prevalence of obesity found in our study was significantly lower than the report from the U.S.A. during same time period between 1994 and 2004 (p<0.05). The prevalence of obesity significantly decreased with age as well.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of obesity in our subjects significantly increased and has reached a plateau in recent years. Compared to the prevalence of childhood obesity in ambulatory individuals with CP in the U.S.A. study, the prevalence in our study was significantly lower.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma of the uterine cervix in a woman presenting with postmenopausal bleeding: a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) of the uterine cervix is a rare mesenchymal malignancy that occurs in adolescents and young adults.

CASE REPORT

A 52-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with profuse vaginal bleeding of one month's duration with severe anemia. The pelvic examination revealed a 3 cm mass on the posterior lip of the uterine cervix. On magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor had high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. A modified radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Immunohistochemical staining for TFE3 and electron microscopic examination revealed an ASPS of the uterine cervix.

DISCUSSION

The better prognosis of cervical ASPS, compared to the soft counterparts, may be related to early clinical detection, small size, resectability, and demarcation of the tumor.

Abstract P3-10-25: The Prognosis of Metaplastic Breast Cancer Patients Compare to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Metaplastic breeast cancer (MBC) is a rare, heterogenous cancer characterized by admixture of adenocarcinoma with metaplastic elements, low hormone receptor expression and poor outcome. This study was planned to assess the clinicopathological chacteristics and immunohistochemical findings of MBC compared to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) including the triple-negative subtype (TN-IDC). Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 47 MBC and 1,346 IDC patients. Two hundred eighteen TN-IDC patients were included in the 1,346 IDC patients. Between 2005 and 2009, these patients were undergone surgical treatment at the Samsung Medical Center. Patients were reviewed clinicopathologic factors, immunohistochemistry of biologic factors such as ER, PR, HER-2, p53, Ki67, cytokeratine (CK) 5/6, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and treatment modalities (type of operation, use of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy). Result: The MBC patients presented with a larger tumor size (&gt;T1, 66.0% vs. 44.3.%, P = 0.008), lower lymph node involvement (N0, 73.3% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.03), higher histologic (HG) and nuclear grade (NG) (HG3, 70.0% vs. 41.5%, P = 0.001; NG3,82.6% vs. 46.9%, P &lt; 0.001), fewer estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 positivity (ER+, 4.3% vs. 69.2%, P &lt; 0.001; PR+, 6.4% vs. 63.5%, P &lt; 0.001; HER2+, 0% vs. 27.6%, P &lt; 0.001), higher p53, CK5/6 and EGFR expression (p53+, 63.8% vs.38.8%, P &lt; 0.001; CK5/6+, 71.9% vs.21.5%, P &lt; 0.001; EGFR+, 93.9% vs.21.6%, P &lt;0.001) and more TN subtypes (93.6% vs. 16.2%, P &lt; 0.001) compared to the IDC group. There was no significant difference in clinicopathological characteristics with MBC and TN-IDC except EGFR over expression (EGFR+, 93.9% vs.69.0%, P = 0.017). In follow-up duration (median 30 months, range 2-56 months), seven (14.9%) MBC patients and 98 (7.2%) IDC patients recurred. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 78.1% in the MBC group and 91.1% in IDC group (P &lt;0.001). The 3-year DFS rate was not significantly difference between MBC group and TN-IDC group (78.1% vs. 84.9%, P = 0.114). However, in patients with lymph node metastasis who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, the 3-year DFS rate was 44.4% in MBC group and 72.5% in TN-IDC group (P = 0.025).

Discussion: In our result, MBC show poorer clinical outcome than IDC. It is not shown significant difference between MBC and TN-IDC. However, MBC patients with nodal metastasis have poorer prognosis than TN-IDC patients with metastasis despite adjuvant chemotherapy.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-25.

Efficacy and safety of ethanol ablation for thyroglossal duct cysts

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

TGDC is a common congenital neck lesion, which has been treated by surgery. Although surgery is curative, it has drawbacks such as scars and surgical morbidity. Therefore, we applied EA as an alternative treatment technique. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of EA for TGDC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2005 and July 2008, we performed EA in 11 patients with TGDC who refused surgery. All patients were confirmed as having benign lesions before treatment. US-guided aspiration of the cystic fluid was followed by injection of absolute ethanol (99%). The injected volume of ethanol was 50%-80% of the volume of fluid aspirated. We evaluated the therapeutic outcome, including volume reduction of the TGDC, improvement of cosmetic problems and symptoms, and complications.

RESULTS

The initial volume of the cysts ranged from 0.67 to 29.39 mL (mean, 6.0 mL). The procedure was performed in 1-3 sessions (mean, 1.4 sessions). Follow-up US was performed in 10 patients from 3 to 29 months (mean, 13.6 months). The mean volume of the cyst was 6.0 ± 8.4 mL, and volume reduction was 43.9%-100% (mean, 81.3%, P = .005) at last follow-up. Therapeutic success (volume reduction of >50%) was observed in 8 patients (8/10, 80%). Significant improvement of symptom- (P = .005) and cosmetic-grading scores (P = .003) was observed at last follow-up. No significant complications were observed during the procedure or follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS

EA seems to be an effective and safe treatment method for TGDC.

The Influence of Diabetes on the Relationship between N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide and Body Mass Index

This study evaluated the influence of diabetes on the relationship between N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and body mass index (BMI). Simultaneous NT-proBNP and echocardiographic Doppler examinations were performed in 1117 patients with dyspnoea undergoing cardiac catheterization. Patients were divided into BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (obese), 23 − 25 kg/m2 (overweight) and < 23 kg/m2 (non-obese) groups. In the 803 non-diabetic patients, mean plasma NT-proBNP levels in non-obese, overweight and obese patients showed a significant negative correlation with BMI (862.3 ± 228.8 pg/ml, 611.5 ± 149.7 pg/ml, 278.3 ± 172.5 pg/ml, respectively). In the 314 patients with diabetes, there was no correlation between BMI and NT-proBNP. This study demonstrated that obese patients had reduced concentrations of NT-proBNP compared with non-obese patients, despite having higher left ventricular filling pressures. NT-proBNP was not reduced in obese patients with diabetes. These results suggest that factors other than cardiac status impact on NT-proBNP concentration.

The effects of hormone therapy on metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal Korean women

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean postmenopausal women and to investigate the effect of hormone therapy status and reproductive characteristics on body composition and MetS risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a cross-sectional study involving a cohort of 2005 postmenopausal Korean women. We defined MetS using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria proposed by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines. The criteria for abdominal obesity were adopted from the cut-offs suggested by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity. Participants with three or more of the following conditions were classified as having MetS: waist circumference ≥ 85 cm; blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg; fasting plasma triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl; high density lipoprotein cholesterol < 50 mg/dl; glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl and/or receiving treatment for their condition.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MetS was 22.1% in the study population and increased with age. After adjusting for age and related reproductive characteristics, it was found that ever-use of hormone therapy (prior or current) was associated with decreased risk of postmenopausal MetS. Among individual risk factors for MetS, current hormone therapy seemed to be associated with decreased prevalence of abdominal obesity and better glucose metabolism and prior use of hormone therapy were associated with lower risk of abdominal obesity and high blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal hormone therapy is associated with decreased risk of MetS in postmenopausal Korean women.

Multiple shRNAs driven by U6 and CMV promoter enhances efficiency of antiviral effects against foot-and-mouth disease virus

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an economically significant animal disease because of the speed of its transmission. The current vaccine for FMD provides no protection until 7 days post-vaccination, thus reducing its effectiveness in the case of an outbreak. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising antiviral approach because it can induce a protective response much more rapidly. This study is the first report to apply multiple short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression systems to inhibit foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) replication. Three different shRNAs, one targeting 2B region and two targeting 3C region, were driven by three RNA Polymerase III (Pol III) promoters, U6 or a combination of two U6 promoters and one RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) promoter, CMV. The adenoviruses simultaneously expressing three different shRNAs in a single construct had significantly enhanced antiviral effects compared with those expressing only a single shRNA, those expressing double shRNAs or a mixture of adenoviruses expressing a single shRNA and the adenovirus expressing double shRNAs, both in vitro and in vivo. The adenoviruses had broad antiviral effects against seven serotypes of FMDV, including O, A, Asia1, C, SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 in vitro, but differed in their efficacy. The adenovirus expressing multiple shRNAs driven by three U6 promoters had strong antiviral effects in suckling mice challenged with O, A, and Asia1 serotype of FMDV.

Heterogeneity and genetic variations of serotypes O and Asia 1 foot-and-mouth disease viruses isolated in Vietnam

Six field foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDVs), including four serotype O and two serotype Asia 1 strains, were collected from endemic outbreaks in 2005, 2006, and 2007 from four different provinces in Vietnam. The viruses were isolated and genetically characterized for their complete genomic sequences. The genetic analysis based on the complete genomic coding sequences revealed that the four serotype O FMDVs were related to each other, sharing 95.2% nucleotide (nt) identity and 97.5-97.6% amino acid (aa) identity. Genetic analysis and a phylogenetic tree, based on the VP1 gene of FMDV, showed that the four present Vietnamese serotype O strains have a high level of identity with other serotype O representatives of the Mya-98 lineage of the Southeast Asian (SEA) topotype. The four viruses were all clustered into the Mya-98 lineage of the SEA topotype, sharing 92.3-95.6% nt and 93.4-96.7% aa identity. This finding of the Mya-98 lineage was different from previous reports that the Vietnamese serotype O strains belonged to the Cam-94 lineage of the SEA topotype and two other topotypes, Middle East-South Asia (ME-SA) and Cathay. For the two serotype Asia 1 FMDVs, the genetic analysis based on the complete genomic coding sequences as well as on the VP1 gene revealed that they belonged to two genogroups, IV and V. Of note, the As1/VN/QT03/2007 strain of genogroup V, isolated in 2007, was very closely related to the pandemic Asia 1 strain which caused FMD outbreaks in China (Asia1/WHN/CHA/06, FJ906802) and Mongolia (Asia1/MOG/05, EF614458) in 2005, sharing 99.0-99.3% nt and 99.5-100% aa identity. In contrast, the second strain As1/VN/LC04/2005 of genogroup IV, isolated in 2005, was closely related to all referenced Vietnamese serotype Asia 1 strains found in the GenBank databases, sharing 86.4-100% nt and 90.9-100% aa identity with each. This study is the first description of the full-length genomic sequence of Vietnamese FMDV serotypes O and Asia 1 and may provide the evidence of the concurrent circulation of different serotypes and subtypes of FMDV in recent years in Vietnam.

Molecular characterization of serotype A foot-and-mouth disease viruses circulating in Vietnam in 2009

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a major cause of endemic outbreaks in Vietnam in recent years. In this work, six serotype A foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDV), collected from endemic outbreaks during January and February of 2009 in four different provinces in Vietnam, were genetically characterized for their complete genome sequences. Genetic analysis based on the complete viral genome sequence indicated that they were closely related to each other and shared 99.0-99.8% amino acid (aa) identity. Genetic and deduced aa analysis of the capsid coding gene VP1 showed that the six Vietnamese strains were all classified into the genotype IX from a total of 10 major genotypes worldwide, sharing 98.1-100% aa identity each other. They were most closely related to the type A strains recently isolated in Laos (A/LAO/36/2003, A/LAO/1/2006, A/LAO/6/2006, A/LAO/7/2006, and A/LAO/8/2006), Thailand (A/TAI/2/1997 and A/TAI/118/1987), and Malaysia (A/MAY/2/2002), sharing 88.3-95.5% nucleotide (nt) identities. In contrast, Vietnamese type A strains showed low nt identities with the two old type A FMDVs, isolated in 1960 in Thailand (a15thailand iso43) and in 1975 in the Philippines (aphilippines iso50), ranging from 77.3 to 80.9% nt identity. A multiple alignment based on the deduced amino acid sequences of the capsid VP1 coding gene of type A FMDV revealed three amino acid substitutions between Vietnamese strains and the strains of other Southeast Asian countries (Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines). Alanine was replaced by valine at residue 24, asparagine by arginine at residue 85, and serine by threonine at residue 196. Furthermore, type A FMDV strains recently isolated in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia all have one amino acid deletion at residue 140 of the capsid VP1 protein compared with the two old type A FMDV strains from Thailand and the Philippines as well as most other type A representatives worldwide. This article is the first to report on the comprehensive genetic characterization of type A FMDV circulating in Vietnam.

Susceptibility and factors of pertussis vaccination adherence in Korean health care workers

OBJECTIVE

To examine pertussis susceptibility and identify factors that might influence commitment to pertussis vaccination plan among Korean health care workers.

METHODS

The susceptibilities were examined using Bordetella pertussis IgG ELISA. The individual and related behaviors and cognition and affect factors were measured.

RESULTS

Approximately 20% of subjects were susceptible to pertussis. Only perceived sensitivity and social support system were found to have significant direct effects on commitment to vaccination plan.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination with pertussis among health care workers is certainly needed in Korea. In practice, when developing educational programs, perceived sensitivity and support systems need to be specifically considered.

Sjögren’s syndrome myelopathy: spinal cord involvement in Sjögren’s syndrome might be a manifestation of neuromyelitis optica

Objective

To evaluate clinical characteristics, aquaporin (AQP)-4 antibody results, and probability of developing symptoms of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome myelopathy (SSM).

Methods

We identified eight patients with spinal cord involvement from 112 patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) referred to the neurology department. The clinical characteristics and AQP-4 antibody status, based on immunoprecipitation of EGFP-tagged AQP-4, of the patients with SSM were assessed.

Results

All patients with SSM had extensive spinal cord lesions, high mean annual relapse rates, and poor response to steroid treatment. Of the eight patients with SSM, seven patients satisfied the revised diagnostic criteria for NMO or showed positive results from AQP-4 antibody testing; one patient had incomplete follow-up. The clinical manifestations and AQP-4 autoantibody status of patients with SSM did not differ significantly from those of NMO patients without SS.

Conclusion

All patients with SSM had poor prognosis with high mean annual relapse rates, and most seemed to have the clinical and immunological characteristics of NMO. Early aggressive immune therapies should be considered in patients with SSM irrespective of the presence or absence of optic neuritis.

Effects of bisphosphonate on the endochondral bone formation of the mandibular condyle

The development of the mandibular condylar cartilage is important for the overall growth of the mandible. However, there have been a few researches into medical approaches aimed at controlling condylar growth. This study examined the effects of bisphosphonate on the growth of the condylar cartilage. Alendronate (3.5 mg/kg/week) was administered to postnatal day 1 SD rats for 7 and 10 days. The thickness of each chondrocyte layer and the level of MMP-9 expression were measured. The anteroposterior diameter of the developing condyle was unaffected by the alendronate treatment for 7 days (P > 0.05). The total thickness of the cartilage layers was also unaffected by the treatment for 7 days (P > 0.05). In particular, there was no change in the thickness of the perichondrium and reserve cell layer at the measured condylar regions (P > 0.05). However, the thickness of the proliferating cell layer was reduced significantly, whereas the thickness of hypertrophied cartilage layer was increased (P < 0.05). The number of chondroclasts engaged in hypertrophied cartilage resorption was reduced significantly by the alendronate treatment (P < 0.05). The level of MMP-9 expression was reduced at both the transcription and translation levels by the alendronate treatment for 7 and 10 days. These results indicate that alendronate (>3.5 mg/kg/week) inhibits the longitudinal growth of the mandibular condyle by inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation and the resorption of hypertrophied cartilage for ossification.

Brain abnormalities in Sjogren syndrome with recurrent CNS manifestations: association with neuromyelitis optica

Background and objectives

Optic neuritis or longitudinally extensive myelitis in Sjogren syndrome (SS) suggests a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, brain abnormalities of SS remain to be elucidated for the association with neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Methods

Twelve primary SS patients (all women, 42 ± 13.2 years) who had recurrent central nervous system (CNS) manifestations with brain involvement were retrospectively identified. Brain MRI, and neurologic and serologic findings were analyzed with the measurement of anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab).

Results

All patients showed brain lesions characteristic of NMO as follows: 1) the involved sites adjacent to the third and fourth ventricles and in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, 2) unique configurations, such as the longitudinal course from the internal capsule to the midbrain, large cerebral or cerebellar lesions over 3 cm, and cavity-like formations. AQP4-Ab was positive in six of eight patients tested, and all the seropositive patients showed lesions with increased diffusion, suggestive of vasogenic edema. Four patients met the revised criteria of NMO, and nine had features of NMOSDs. Of the remaining three patients showing only brain involvement, one had AQP4-Ab.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that SS patients with recurrent CNS involvement have brain abnormalities characteristic of NMO and AQP4-Ab in Korea. The presence of AQP4-Ab in one SS patient with only brain involvement may suggest that the coexistence of NMO should be explored in SS patients with recurrent CNS manifestations, even without optic neuritis or myelitis.

A recombinant protein-based ELISA for detecting antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia 1

A recombinant protein-based ELISA was evaluated for detecting antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia 1. The recombinant protein (rP13C) was derived from the P1 precursor and 3C protease genes that were cloned into a single expression vector and expressed in insect cells. This protein elicited a low titer of FMDV neutralizing antibodies in pigs. Its utility as a diagnostic antigen was explored in a blocking ELISA using monoclonal antibodies. The rP13C ELISA yielded higher endpoint titers than the liquid phase blocking (LPB) ELISA and virus neutralization test performed on sera from goats challenged with FMDV post-vaccination. The rP13C ELISA correctly scored the FMD international reference weak positive serum. The relative sensitivity between the rP13C ELISA and LPB ELISA was equivalent for vaccinated sera. With this comparable sensitivity, the rP13C ELISA exhibited a specificity of 99.7% for domestic naive swine, bovine and caprine sera. This report demonstrates that an ELISA using recombinant proteins has the potential to replace the LPB ELISA using an inactivated FMDV antigen as a simple and robust serological tool for screening antibodies to FMDV serotype Asia 1.

Comparison of the characteristics for in-hospital and out-of-hospital ischaemic strokes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients who are being admitted to a hospital due to diseases other than stroke may develop a stroke (in-hospital stroke; IHS).

METHODS

We enrolled 111 consecutive patients who developed IHS outside a neurology ward during a 5-year period at a single hospital. The frequency, characteristics, and outcomes for IHS patients were compared with patients who develop ischaemic stroke outside of the hospital (out-of-hospital stroke; OHS).

RESULTS

Forty-six percent of IHS occurred in the department of cardiology or cardiovascular surgery and 60% were associated with surgery or procedures. In comparison with the OHS patient group, the IHS patient group showed an increased frequency of cardiac disease, leukocytosis, and anemia. Cardioembolism, stroke of other determined etiologies, and an incomplete evaluation were more common in the IHS group, whereas large artery atherosclerosis was more frequent in the OHS group. The IHS group had up to a 10-fold higher mortality than the OHS group, with sepsis being the most common cause of death in the IHS group.

CONCLUSIONS

IHS has distinct etiologies and stroke mechanisms from OHS. The prevention and management of infection could decrease mortality in IHS patients.

Alterations in AMPA receptor phosphorylation in the rat striatum following acute and repeated cocaine administration

Protein phosphorylation is an important mechanism for the posttranslational modulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors and is subject to regulation by changing synaptic inputs. In this study, we investigated the regulation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor GluR1 subunit phosphorylation by cocaine exposure in the rat dorsal striatum in vivo. We found that acute cocaine challenge followed by 6 days of repeated systemic injections of cocaine (20 mg/kg once daily) enhanced the sensitivity of the GluR1 subunit in its phosphorylation at serine 831 (Ser831) in the dorsal striatum. This enhancement of the sensitivity of Ser831 phosphorylation was reduced, at the receptor and ion channel level, by blocking (1) group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), (2) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, and (3) L-type voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels. Similar reduction of the enhancement was also induced, at the protein kinase level, by inhibiting (1) protein kinase C, (2) calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, and (3) c-Jun N-terminal kinases. In addition, inhibition of protein phosphatase 1/2A or calcineurin increased GluR1-Ser831 phosphorylation in the dorsal striatum of normal rats, whereas inhibition of these phosphatases did not further enhance the Ser831 phosphorylation in rats pretreated with 7 daily injections of cocaine. These data suggest that the phosphorylation of AMPA receptor GluR1 subunits at Ser831 is subject to upregulation by acute and repeated cocaine administration. Complex signaling integrations among glutamate receptors, Ca(2+) channels, protein kinases, and protein phosphatases participate in this upregulation.

Effect of exercise training on A-FABP, lipocalin-2 and RBP4 levels in obese women

OBJECTIVE

Lipocalin family proteins, including adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), lipocalin-2 and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), have recently been identified as novel adipokines associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. We have evaluated the effect of exercise training on lipocalin family proteins and inflammatory markers.

STUDY SUBJECTS

Thirty obese Korean women and 15 age-matched nonobese control subjects were studied.

DESIGN

Concentrations of the lipocalin family proteins were compared between obese and nonobese women and were evaluated before and 3 months after an exercise programme consisting of aerobic exercise (45 min/session, 300 kcal/day) and muscle strength training (20 min/session, 100 kcal/day) five times a week.

RESULTS

Obese women exhibited higher A-FABP levels compared to nonobese women (21.4 +/- 6.4 microg/l vs. 13.6 +/- 4.4 microg/l, P < 0.001). However, neither lipocalin-2 nor RBP4 levels were significantly different between the two groups, although the difference in lipocalin-2 was marginally significant (P = 0.054). Circulating A-FABP levels were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lipocalin-2 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. After 3 months of the exercise training programme, serum A-FABP levels decreased significantly from 21.4 +/- 6.4 microg/l to 19.3 +/- 6.8 microg/l (P = 0.038), along with a reduction in weight, BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels. There was no significant change in the lipocalin-2 and RBP4 levels, although IL-6 levels increased after the exercise programme.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training with weight loss induced a significant reduction in circulating A-FABP levels in obese Korean women.

Potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitors purified from the red alga Grateloupia elliptica

Diabetes mellitus is a most serious and chronic disease whose incidence rates are increasing with incidences of obesity and aging of the general population over the world. One therapeutic approach for decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia is to retard absorption of glucose by inhibition of alpha-glucosidase. Two bromophenols, 2,4,6-tribromophenol and 2,4-dibromophenol, were purified from the red alga Grateloupia elliptica. IC(50) values of 2,4,6-tribromophenol and 2,4-dibromophenol were 60.3 and 110.4 microM against Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-glucosidase, and 130.3 and 230.3 microM against Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-glucosidase, respectively. In addition, both mildly inhibited rat-intestinal sucrase (IC(50) of 4.2 and 3.6mM) and rat-intestinal maltase (IC(50) of 5.0 and 4.8mM). Therefore, bromophenols of G. elliptica have potential as natural nutraceuticals to prevent diabetes mellitus because of their high alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

Protein-templated semiconductor nanoparticle chains

Cadmium sulfide and lead sulfide semiconducting nanoparticle chains have been fabricated for the first time by exploiting a general property of proteins, amyloidogenicity. The diameter of the CdS and PbS nanowires was tuned in the range of ∼50 to ∼350 nm by changing the process parameters. The nanoparticle chains were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Different clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features between Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A and 2A

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is the more frequent cause of demyelinating CMT, and CMT2A is the most common cause of axonal CMT. We conducted a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study on 39 CMT1A and 21 CMT2A patients to compare their neuroimaging patterns and correlate with clinical features. CMT1A patients showed selective fatty infiltration with a preference for anterior and lateral compartment muscles, whereas CMT2A patients showed a preference for superficial posterior compartment muscles. Early-onset CMT2A patients showed more severe leg fatty atrophy than late-onset CMT2A patients. In late-onset CMT2A, soleus muscle was the earliest, and most severely affected than the other leg muscles. Selective involvement of intrinsic foot muscles is a characteristic pattern of minimal CMT1A and CMT2A. Our MRI study demonstrates different patterns of fatty infiltration involving superficial posterior compartment muscles in CMT2A (partial T-type), and peroneal nerve innervated muscles in CMT1A (P-type).

Therapeutic application of RNA interference against foot-and-mouth disease virus in vitro and in vivo

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an economically important animal disease because of the speed of its transmission. Routine vaccination may not be effective for early protection in an outbreak situation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used in a rapid and effective antiviral approach. However, siRNA has limitations when used in disease prevention, such as a short duration of action. In this study, we have demonstrated that treatment with siRNA after FMD virus (FMDV) infection has an antiviral effect and could be effective in control of FMDV. We applied adenoviruses expressing siRNA both before and after FMDV infection in vitro and in vivo. Treatment after FMDV infection gave effective viral inhibition, but a combination of treatment before and after FMDV infection gave the best results in IBRS-2 cells. We obtained high survival rates in suckling mice by the use of therapeutic injections following challenge. The results of this study suggest that treatment with siRNA could enhance antiviral effects and may be helpful in the control of FMDV in an outbreak.

Effect of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) plasma protein on the gelation of Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) Surimi

The effect of rainbow trout plasma protein (RPP) on the gelation of Alaska pollock surimi was determined to evaluate the possibility of its commercialization as a new protein additive. For modori gel, the breaking force, deformation, whiteness, and water holding capacity increased as the addition amount of RPP (0 to 0.75 mg/g) increased, and decreased at higher concentration of RPP (0.75 to 1.50 mg/g) (P < 0.05). Protein solubility of modori gel in the mixture of SDS, urea, and beta-mercaptoethanol decreased as the addition amount of RPP increased up to 0.75 mg/g, and increased at higher concentration of RPP (0.75 to 1.50 mg/g) (P < 0.05). The contents of trichloroacetic acid-soluble peptide decreased as the addition amount of RPP (0 to 1.50 mg/g) increased (P < 0.05). Based on the result of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), most myosin heavy chain of surimi was not degraded when RPP was added. Thus, RPP was supposed to act as a protease inhibitor in the gelation of Alaska pollock surimi. An RPP of 0.75 mg/g was the optimal concentration to prevent the gel weakening of Alaska pollock surimi. Compounds with molecular weights less than 10 kDa in RPP had no significant effect on the gelation of Alaska pollock surimi based on the result of the dialyzed RPP.

Change of biophysical properties of the skin caused by ultraviolet radiation-induced photodamage in Koreans

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation affects the function and complexion of the skin by inducing changes in physical properties through formation of erythema, proliferation of epithelial cells, DNA damage, activation or inactivation of various enzymes and proteins, and free radical formation. In this study, the authors intended to observe the overall course of changes in barrier function and reflectance of the skin induced by photodamage, and healing reaction in the course of time, and alteration of the skin complexion.

METHODS

The subjects were chosen from 15 healthy Korean men 20-35 in age, that fall into the category of Fitzpatrick's skin types II, III, and IV without history of recent exposure to sunlight, photosensitivity, or having taken any drugs that induce phototoxicity or photoallergic reactions. The subjects were artificially exposed to suberythemogenic dose [0.5 minimal erythemal dose (MED), 0.75 MED], 1 MED and high dose (2.5 MED) by solar simulator, and changes in skin barrier function and skin reflectance were assessed with a Tewameter, a Corneometer, and a Colorimeter for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increased abruptly at Day 1 of single solar UV (SSUV) exposure, and slowly returned to the original level from Day 2/Day 3. In the case of exposure with 0.75 MED, it returned to the original level at Day 4 of exposure, and at Days 7 and 28 in the cases of 1 MED and 2.5 MED exposure, respectively. Water-holding capacity sharply declined at Day 1 of exposure, hitting the lowest point at Day 2, and then slowly recovered starting on Day 3. In the case of exposure with 0.75 MED and 1 MED, it returned to the original level at Days 7 and 28 in the case of 2.5 MED exposure. The a(*) values abruptly increased and reached the peak at Day 1 and slowly returned to the original level at Day 2, while the b(*) values slowly increased at Day 3, peaking at Day 7 and slowly returning to the original level thereafter. The L(*) values abruptly declined at Day 1, maintaining plateau through Day 7 and slowly returning to the baseline level thereafter. The individual typology angle (ITA degrees ) were compatible with L(*) values change. The erythema index increased abruptly at Day 1 of SSUV exposure, peaking at Day 2 and slowly returned to the original level starting at Day 3. Melanin index slowly started to increase on Day 3 of SSUV exposure, peaking at Day 7 and gradually returned to the original level thereafter. However, L(*), a(*), b(*), erythema index, and melanin index did not return to the original level during the 28-day course of this study.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that in the skin of Korean subjects, changes in skin barrier function and delayed melanization do occur even in exposure to a suberythemogenic dose of SSUV. Also, given the fact that restoration of barrier function occurs as the process of melanization begins, melanization is considered to be a useful predictive indicator of the restoration of the skin barrier function after sunburn.

AP214, an analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, ameliorates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury and mortality

Sepsis remains a serious problem in critically ill patients with the mortality increasing to over half when there is attendant acute kidney injury. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits many forms of inflammation including that with acute kidney injury. We tested whether a new alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue (AP214), which has increased binding affinity to melanocortin receptors, improves sepsis-induced kidney injury and mortality using a cecal ligation and puncture mouse model. In the lethal cecal ligation-puncture model of sepsis, severe hypotension and bradycardia resulted and AP214 attenuated acute kidney injury of the lethal model with a bell-shaped dose-response curve. An optimum AP214 dose reduced acute kidney injury even when it was administered 6 h after surgery and it significantly improved blood pressure and heart rate. AP214 reduced serum TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels with a bell-shaped dose-response curve. Additionally; NF-kappaB activation in the kidney and spleen, and splenocyte apoptosis were decreased by the treatment. AP214 significantly improved survival in both lethal and sublethal models. We have shown that AP214 improves hemodynamic failure, acute kidney injury, mortality and splenocyte apoptosis attenuating pro- and anti-inflammatory actions due to sepsis.

The effect of anesthetic method for prophylactic cervical cerclage on plasma oxytocin: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

This study compared the changes in plasma oxytocin, intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative uterine activity in patients who underwent elective Shirodkar cerclage for cervical incompetence with general or spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

Thirty-seven singleton pregnant patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, controlled comparison of general (n=17) and spinal anesthesia (n=20) for elective Shirodkar suture in the second trimester. Plasma oxytocin concentration was measured before, 1 h after, and 24 h after the procedure. Uterine activity was recorded by external tocography twice daily for 30 min over a three-day period.

RESULTS

Plasma oxytocin concentration did not change significantly after cerclage in either group. There were no significant differences between the two groups at any time. None of the patients reported painful contractions during study period. Two (11.8%) and four patients (20.0%) in the general and spinal groups, respectively (NS), showed increased uterine activity but these symptoms disappeared without treatment. The systolic blood pressure in the spinal group was significantly lower after anesthesia compared with the baseline and was significantly lower than in the general group during the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthetic method used for elective Shirodkar procedure did not affect the perioperative changes in plasma oxytocin nor postoperative uterine activity.

Visceral adipose tissue as a predictor for metabolic risk factors in the Korean population

AIMS

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We have investigated the appropriate VAT cut-off values for predicting metabolic risk factors in the Korean population.

METHODS

We assessed 276 men and 540 women aged 17-69 years who were undergoing regular health examinations. Anthropometry, metabolic risk factors and VAT area determined by computed tomography were measured. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to define VAT cut-off points for metabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

Based on the first quintile of VAT, the odds ratios for having metabolic risk factors increased significantly with each VAT quintile in both men and women. Using ROC analysis, the appropriate VAT cut-offs for metabolic risk factors were 100 cm(2) in men and 70 cm(2) in women. Regression lines indicated that, in men, a VAT of 100 cm(2) corresponded to a waist circumference of 88.1 cm and a body mass index (BMI) of 24.9 kg/m(2); in women, a VAT of 70 cm(2) corresponded to a waist circumference of 84.0 cm and a BMI of 25.1 kg/m(2).

CONCLUSION

VAT cut-offs of 100 cm(2) in men and 70 cm(2) in women are useful for defining visceral obesity in Korean subjects. These VAT cut-offs were validated by the ethnic-specific cut-offs for waist circumference and BMI for Korean individuals.

Application of recombinant chum salmon cystatin to Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) surimi to prevent gel weakening

Recombinant chum salmon cystatin (RC) expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was purified by His-select nickel affinity chromatography. The specific inhibitory activities of RC against papain and cathepsin L were 7.45 and 10.24 U/mg, respectively. RC was stable over pH 5.0 to 7.0 and at temperature below 65 degrees C. RC was used to prevent the gel weakening of Alaska pollock surimi. RC at 100 microg/g showed the highest inhibitory activity against the autolysis of surimi based on the analysis of TCA-soluble peptides. As the concentration of RC increased, both the breaking force and deformation of modori gel greatly increased (P < 0.05). The addition of RC resulted in less expressible drip, which coincided with the increase of whiteness. More myosin heavy chain (MHC) was retained as the addition of RC increased. Therefore, RC could prevent the degradation of proteins in Alaska pollock surimi and was better than egg white (EW). Thus, RC could be applied to Alaska pollock surimi to prevent gel weakening and RC at 100 microg/g was the optimal concentration.

Effect of exercise training on plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels

OBJECTIVE

Visfatin, a novel adipokine, was revealed to be associated with obesity and to have insulin-mimetic effect. Eotaxin, which is an important chemokine in asthma, was recently reported to be associated with obesity in mice and humans. We evaluated the effect of exercise training on plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels in association with cardiovascular risk factors.

DESIGN

Forty-eight non-diabetic Korean women were evaluated before and after a 12 week exercise program including aerobic exercise (45 min/session, 300 Kcal/day) and muscle strength training (20 min/session, 100 Kcal/day) five times per week.

RESULTS

Plasma visfatin concentrations were elevated in obese subjects (body mass index, BMI> or =25 kg/m2) when compared with non-obese subjects (16.4 +/- 13.4 ng/ml vs 7.7 +/- 5.2 ng/ml, P = 0.006), and eotaxin concentrations were elevated in subjects with central obesity (waist circumference, WC> or =80 cm) when compared with those without central obesity (73.6 +/- 17.8 pg/ml vs 64.2 +/- 4.2 pg/ml, P = 0.005). In multiple regression analyses, visfatin levels were associated with BMI (R2 = 0.255) and eotaxin levels were associated with WC and body weight (R2 = 0.307). After the exercise program, body weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance of participants were decreased. Furthermore, plasma visfatin levels were significantly decreased from 13.6 +/- 12.0 to 7.7 +/- 7.9 ng/ml (P = 0.026) and eotaxin levels were reduced from 72.0 +/- 16.7 to 66.9 +/- 14.2 pg/ml (P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise training with weight loss induced a significant reduction of plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels in non-diabetic Korean women.

GLTSCR2 Sensitizes Cells to Hypoxic Injury without Involvement of Mitochondrial Apoptotic Cascades

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to identify novel genes that induce hypoxic cell death to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced cell death. Through this process the GLTSCR2 gene was found. The purpose of this work was to investigate the role of GLTSCR2 in hypoxic cell death pathways.

METHODS

This work focuses on an investigation of roles and mechanisms of GLTSCR2 in hypoxic cell death by means of subtractive hybridization, RT-PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemistry, cell death assay, transient gene overexpression, and determination of mitochondrial membrane potential.

RESULTS

We found that GLTSCR2 was transcriptionally suppressed by hypoxia, and ectopic expression of GLTSCR2 sensitized cells to hypoxic injury. Interestingly, while the majority of hypoxia-inducible pro-death proteins signal through mitochondrion-dependent pathways, GLTSCR2-overexpressed cells underwent apoptosis in a mitochondrion- and caspase-independent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our data categorizes GLTSCR2 as a proapoptotic protein sensitizing cells to hypoxic injury when overexpressed.