OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the location of leptin and receptors of ovary specimens obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy by immunohistochemical staining and to determine the effect of leptin on the steroidogenesis of cultured granulosa cells. METHOD: In the culturing process of the granulosa cells, FSH (1 IU/ml)and leptin (50 ng/ml), IGF-I (50 ng/ml) was administered to each study group (Group I: FSH; Group II: FSH, leptin; Group III: FSH, IGF-I, leptin), and the levels of estradiol, progesterone, androstenedione in the culture media was measured by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis was conducted by one-way ANOVA with Scheffe test. RESULTS: The results showed that leptin and leptin receptors were both found to be strongly stained in granulosa and theca cells, and also in some interstitial cells. Leptin receptors were also observed in cultured granulosa cells. While there was no statistically significant difference in the androstnedione concentrations between the groups, estradiol concentrations was significantly decreased in Group IV (2202.0+/-151.14 pg/ml) compared to Group III (2859.0+/-122.6 pg/ml), and progesterone concentrations were also significantly decreased in Group II(4696.3+/-190.6 ng/ml) and Group IV (4517+/-206.78 ng/ml) compared to Group III(5546.0+/-179.5 ng/ml). CONCLUSTION: The study result of this study suggest that leptin is directly involved in the regulation of ovarian functions, in particular steroidogenesis.
Androstenedione ; Culture Media ; Estradiol ; Female ; Granulosa Cells* ; Humans* ; Hysterectomy ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Leptin* ; Ovary ; Progesterone ; Radioimmunoassay ; Receptors, Leptin ; Theca Cells

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins(PGs), and exists in two forms, COX-1 and COX-2. COX has been reported to be involved in early implantation by secretion of PGs which causes permeability of vessels and reaction of decidual cells around the implantation site. Recently, in mice and sheep studies, COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the endometrium has been reported to be different according to implantation and stages of the estrous cycle, but expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle has not yet been established. The purpose of this stuffy was to observe the variances of COX-1 and COX-2 expression by immunohistoehemical staining in endometrial samples obtained from human hysterectomy specimens and biopsies of women of reproductive age according to different stages of the menstrual cycle. Also, we attempted to observe COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium obtained during the mid-secretory phase, which were cultured separately. COX-2 showed a cyclic pattern of expression according to the different stages of the menstrual cycle and was strongly expressed particularly at the mid-secretory phase which corresponds to the time of implantation. However, COX-1 tended to be increased in the early proliferative, and mid- and late secretory phases, but was also expressed in the whole menstrual cycle showing no particular pattern. In the separately cultured cells COX-1 was expressed in epithilial cells and COX-2 in the stromal cells. The above results suggest that since COX-2 is expressed at the same time as implantation and cultured cells display a specific secretory pattern, COX-2 has inductive endocrine enzyme properties and has an important effect on endometrial cells during implantation. Also, COX-2 expression in endometrial cells may be utilized as a useful marker of endometrial maturation.
Animals ; Arachidonic Acid ; Biopsy ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclooxygenase 1* ; Endometrium* ; Estrous Cycle ; Female ; Humans* ; Hysterectomy ; Menstrual Cycle ; Mice ; Permeability ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Sheep ; Stromal Cells

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of in-hospital mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Despite improvement in coronary care, the in-hospital mortality rate of cardiogenic shock is very high in conventional conservative therapy. Recently, it was suggested that coronary angioplasty may reduce the mortality associated with cardiogenic shock. METHOD: Thirteen consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent coronary angioplasty were studied. Shock was not induced by mechanical complications, arrhythmia, hypovolemia and other reversible cause. We collected and analyzed the clinical, hemodynamic survivor groups. RESULTS: Of 13 patients, 11 had successful reperfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery and 2 had unsuccessful reperfusion. Of 11 patients with successful angioplasty, 8 survived at the time of hospital discharge. All patents with unsuccessful angioplasty died in the hospital. Therefore overall hospital survival rate was 62% and the rate increased to 73% in patients with successful reperfusion. Survivor and non-survivor groups in clinical, hemodynamic and angiographic variables were similar except systolic blood pressure and the presence of successful reperfusion. CONCLUSION: In patients with cardiogenic shock, the patency of infarct-related coronary artery was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. This findings support aggressive interventional strategy in patient with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.
Angioplasty ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Blood Pressure ; Coronary Vessels ; Hemodynamics ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Hypovolemia ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Reperfusion ; Shock ; Shock, Cardiogenic* ; Survival Rate ; Survivors

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of in-hospital mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Despite improvement in coronary care, the in-hospital mortality rate of cardiogenic shock is very high in conventional conservative therapy. Recently, it was suggested that coronary angioplasty may reduce the mortality associated with cardiogenic shock. METHOD: Thirteen consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent coronary angioplasty were studied. Shock was not induced by mechanical complications, arrhythmia, hypovolemia and other reversible cause. We collected and analyzed the clinical, hemodynamic survivor groups. RESULTS: Of 13 patients, 11 had successful reperfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery and 2 had unsuccessful reperfusion. Of 11 patients with successful angioplasty, 8 survived at the time of hospital discharge. All patents with unsuccessful angioplasty died in the hospital. Therefore overall hospital survival rate was 62% and the rate increased to 73% in patients with successful reperfusion. Survivor and non-survivor groups in clinical, hemodynamic and angiographic variables were similar except systolic blood pressure and the presence of successful reperfusion. CONCLUSION: In patients with cardiogenic shock, the patency of infarct-related coronary artery was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. This findings support aggressive interventional strategy in patient with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.
Angioplasty ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Blood Pressure ; Coronary Vessels ; Hemodynamics ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Hypovolemia ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Reperfusion ; Shock ; Shock, Cardiogenic* ; Survival Rate ; Survivors

To investigate the significance of precordial ST-segment depression in acute inferior myocardial infarction, electrocardiographic findings in 51 consecutive patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction were analysed with clinical findings and coronary artery angiography. Thirty patients(Group A) had no or <1.0mm ST depression, and twenty one patients(Group B) had > or =1.0mm ST depression in two or more precordial(VI-6) leads were included in this study. Patients in Group B thd greater summed ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, AVF(6.3+/-6.1 vs 2.4+/-2.3mm, p<0.05), higher plasma peak CK levels(1776.8+/-1503.3 vs 5666.6+/-587.7 IU/L, p<0.05), higher plasmal peak CK-MB levels(141.2+/-1553.3 vs 34.1+/-35.7 IU/L, p<0.05), more prevalence of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery disease (46.6% vs 16.6%, p<0.05) than patients in Group A. There was no significant difference between Group A and Group B in the LV ejection fraction, delta area decreasing rate, infarction related asynergy, complications during hospitalization and cardiac events during follow up period. In conclusion, patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction who have associated with precordial ST depression had more extensive myocardial damage probably due to concomitant left anterior descending coronary artery disease.
Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Coronary Vessels ; Depression* ; Electrocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Infarction ; Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction* ; Plasma ; Prevalence

Study design. This retrospective study analyzes the influence of lumber rotation on fusion extent in King type III AIS treatment by CD instrumentation. Objectives. To establish a guideline for fusion in King type III AIS Summary Study of background data. Rotational characteristics of the lumber curve may significantly affect the postoperativ e behavior of uninstrumented lumbar curve thus calling for a different lumbar rotation. Methods. Sixteen King type III AIS treated with CD were divided into two groups by the direction of lumbar curve rotation. It was opposite direction (OD) to the rotation of the major curve in 9 and same direction (SD) in 7. In OD, 6 were treated by selective thoracic fusion (TF) and 3 were fused to the stable vertebra (SV). In SD, 6 were treated by TF and 1 was fused to the SV. They were evaluated for balance, major and fractional curve correction after a minimum follow up of 2 years. Result. In OD, all curves were balanced regardless of the fusion extent with satisfactory curve correction. In SD-TF, all were clinically balanced with major curve correction of 75%, but all the fractional curve were overcorrected, adding on the major curve. In SD-SV, the curve was balanced with stable lumbar curve. Conclusion. In King type III curve with lumbar curve rotated to the opposite direction, selective thoracic fusion is sufficient. However, when the fractional curve is rotated in the same direction, fusion to the stable vertebra may be a safer choice.
Adolescent* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis* ; Spine

We repoarted a rare case of AML atypical M2 who developed granulocytic granulocyte sarcoma in the meninges which was induced complete remission with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), daunorubicin and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). Morphological and immunophenotypic study of leukemic cells in this patient suggested acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, leukemic clees lacked both t (15;17) and PML-RARalpha gene rearragement, rather showed t (8;21). The patient was diagnosed as AML atypical M2.
Cytarabine ; Daunorubicin ; Drug Therapy* ; Granulocytes ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; Meninges* ; Sarcoma ; Sarcoma, Myeloid* ; Tretinoin*

Intestinal T-cell lymphomas are fairly uncommon, and can sometimes be associated with enteropathy. Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is commonly accompanied by a nonspecific mucosal ulceration, similar to that observed as a complication of celiac disease. The clinical course of EATL is quite unfavorable, and tends to have a generally poor prognosis. When a tumor invades the bowel wall and is treated with corticosteroids and chemotherapy, cell lysis with perforation often occurs, particularly in case of lymphoma. Recent data indicate that extensive resection may improve local control, and eliminate the risk of early mortality due to visceral perforation or hemorrhaging in unresected lesions during chemotherapy. Here, we report the case of a 51-year-old male who was diagnosed with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma after colonoscopy, and presented with EATL after emergent exploratory laparatomy. We also include a review of the literature regarding this uncommon entity.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Celiac Disease ; Colonoscopy ; Drug Therapy* ; Enteropathy-Associated T-Cell Lymphoma* ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lymphoma* ; Lymphoma, T-Cell ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Prognosis ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a heterogeneous group of disorders that often present with severe chest or back pain. It includes acute aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma (IMH), dissecting aneurysm, and penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU). The clinical picture of AAS and its prognosis have not been studied in a large number of Korean patients. Therefore, we organized a multi-center registry to identify the clinical characteristics and treatment patterns, as well as long-term outcomes in Korean patients with AAS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Five-hundred twenty-eight patients, who had been diagnosed with AAS, were enrolled into this registry from 10 centers. On a retrospective basis, we collected demographic, laboratory, imaging data, as well as follow-up clinical outcomes by reviewing medical records from individual centers. All the data were collected in core lab and analyzed in detail. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 60.1+/-14.5 years; the male-to-female ratio was M : F=297 : 231. The prevalent risk factors for AAS included hypertension (361, 68.4%) and diabetes (52, 11.1%). The components of AAS that are included in this study are acute AD (446, 84.5%), IMH (57, 10.7%), and PAU (11, 2.1%). By type of AAS, patients diagnosed with Stanford A were 45.6% of enrolled patients, whereas those with Stanford B were 54.4% of enrolled patients. Among nearly half of the patients were treated with medicine (55.7%) alone, whereas 40.0% underwent surgery and 4.3% underwent endovascular treatment. Overall, the in-hospital event rate was 21.2% and the in-hospital death rate was 8.1%. The mean follow-up duration was 42.8 months and there showed 22.9% of total event and 10.1% of death during this period. CONCLUSION: By organizing a multi-center registry of AAS, we could identify the characteristics of AAS in real-world Korean patients. Further, prospective study is warranted with a larger number of patients.
Aneurysm, Dissecting ; Aortic Diseases ; Back Pain ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Medical Records ; Population Characteristics ; Prognosis ; Pyridines ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thiazoles ; Thorax ; Ulcer

The protein identity of sarcosine-insoluble outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Helicobacter pylori J99 was determined with the basic study of understanding the function of proteins. A sarcosine-insoluble OMPs was resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis with immobilized pH gradient strips. The most abundant proteins were shown in the alkaline pI regions (6.0~11.0) with molecular masses of 10 to 100 kDa. We have performed an extensive proteome analysis by quadrupole time of flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Here, of 50 spots processed, 42 spots were identified, which represented 16 genes and we newly detected 8 kinds of proteins (JHP0119, JHP0388, JHP1046, JHP1405, JHP0073, JHP0551, JHP1382, JHP0552) from the sarcosin-insoluble fraction of H. pylori J99. Those may be used to elucidate the characterization of the OMPs of H. pylori J99, which will help identify new potential target proteins for vaccine development and drug therapy.
Electrophoresis ; Helicobacter ; Helicobacter pylori ; Mass Spectrometry ; Membrane Proteins ; Membranes ; Proteins ; Proteome ; Proton-Motive Force ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry