A poor prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is partly due to the invasiveness and metastasis of the tumor. A key element in tumor invasion and metastasis in the degradation of extracellular matrix is matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study was performed to determine the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 of oral SCCs with regard to the histologic invasiveness and differentiation in 5 normal oral mucosa and 36 oral SCCs. The histologic invasiveness of oral SCCs were classified into 4 grades. The differentiation of oral SCCs was divided into 3 grades. The streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemical staining, using MMP-2 and MMP-9 monoclonal antibodies, was performed to determine the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. The expression of MMP-2 was positive in 6 of 17 oral SCCs with weak invasiveness and was positive in 7 of 19 oral SCCs with strong invasiveness. The MMP-2 expression did not increase significantly with respect to the invasiveness of oral SCCs (P>0.05). The expression of MMP-9 was strongly positive in 6 out of 17 SCCs with weak invasiveness and was strongly positive in 14 of 19 SCCs with strong invasiveness. The MMP-9 expression increased significantly with respect to the invasiveness of oral SCCs; the stronger the expression, the stronger the invasiveness (P<0.05). The expression of MMP-9 was in 57.9% of well differentiated SCCs, 57.1% of moderately differentiated ones, and 33.3% of poorly differentiated SCCs. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 did not increase significantly with respect to the histologic differentiation. We conclude that with respect to the invasiveness, the MMP-9 expression increases significantly in oral SCCs but the MMP-2 expression does not; and that with respect to the histologic differentiation, their expressions do not increase significantly. These results suggeste that MMP-9 can be used as a tool to evaluate the invasiveness of oral SCCs.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Extracellular Matrix ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2* ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; Mouth Mucosa ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis

PURPOSE: During the first days of life, neonates born in Korean hospitals typically encounter a number of stressful and painful events. In recent investigations, it was shown that there is a dose-response effect of increasing concentration of sucrose, resulting in reduction in crying time in healthy full-term infants. We assessed the use of sucrose to reduce pain in neonates with routine blood sampling by heel prick and the use of non-sucrose sweet substances(Aspartam), Dexrtose which we use to reduce pain in neonates with the same procedure. METHODS: A total of 135 neonates born in the KonKuk University Hospital were randomly assigned to 9 experimental groups. 2ml of the test solution was given by syringe into the infant's mouth over less than one minute. After 2 minutes, the nurse lanced the infants heel immediately and gently squeezed two times, and then a bandage was applied to the wound and the foot released. Crying during sampling and during the three minutes after sampling(recovery phase) was recorded on audio tape and later the duration of crying was analysed blindly. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in total crying time as compared with the controls. There was a significant reduction in first crying time as compared with the controls. There was a significant reduction in crying time at the end of each minute in all the groups as compared with the controls. There was no significant difference in heart rate and oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that sucrose, aspartam and dextrose induce an effective analgesic effect in neonates.
Bandages ; Crying ; Foot ; Glucose ; Heart Rate ; Heel ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn* ; Mouth ; Oxygen ; Sucrose* ; Syringes ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: The dysfunction of the proteasome system has been implicated in neuronal degeneration. Apocynin, a specific inhibitor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, the effect of apocynin on the neuronal cell death induced by proteasome inhibition has not been studied. METHODS: Using differentiated PC12 cells, in the respect of cell death process the suppressive effect of apocynin on the proteasome inhibition-mediated apoptosis was examined. RESULTS: The proteasome inhibitors MG132 and MG115 induced a decrease in Bid and Bcl-2 protein levels, an increase in Bax and p53 levels, mitochondrial depolarization, efflux of cytochrome c into cytosol and increase in caspases (-8, -9 and -3) activities. Treatment with apocynin attenuated the proteasome inhibitor-induced changes in the apoptosis-related protein levels, formation of reactive oxygen species, glutathione (GSH) depletion and cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Apocynin may attenuate the proteasome inhibitor-mediated apoptosis in differentiated PC12 cells by inhibiting the activation of the mitochondria-mediated pathway and the caspase-8- and Bid-dependent pathways. The preventive effect of apocynin appears to be attributed to inhibition of the production of reactive oxygen species and the depletion of cellular GSH contents.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; Apoptosis* ; Caspases ; Cell Death ; Cytochromes c ; Cytosol ; Glutathione ; NADP ; Neurons ; Oxidoreductases ; PC12 Cells* ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex* ; Proteasome Inhibitors ; Reactive Oxygen Species

BACKGROUNDThe association of emerging biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine and fibrinogen with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is still uncertain in Asian population including Koreans and little is known about the combined effect of biomarkers on the risk of CAD.

METHODSA total of 10 650 subjects (6538 men and 4112 women) were enrolled in this study. A 10-year CAD risk was calculated using Framingham risk score modified by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and levels of circulating hs-CRP, homocysteine and fibrinogen were measured using validated assays.

RESULTSThe 10-year CAD risk gradually augmented with increase in the circulating levels of hs-CRP, homocysteine and fibrinogen. For the highest quartile of hs-CRP, odds ratio (OR) of high-risk for CAD (10-year risk ≥ 20%) compared with the lowest quartile was 3.97 (95%CI: 2.51 - 6.29). For homocysteine and fibrinogen, ORs in the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile were 5.10 (95%CI: 3.05 - 8.53, P < 0.001) and 1.46 (95%CI: 0.69 - 3.11, P = 0.325), respectively. OR of high-risk for CAD in both the highest quartile of hs-CRP and homocysteine was 9.05 (95%CI: 5.30 - 15.45) compared with the below median of hs-CRP and homocysteine.

CONCLUSIONSThe present study demonstrated that hs-CRP and homocysteine are well associated with the 10-year CAD risk estimated using NCEP ATP III in Koreans and combination of hs-CRP and homocysteine can have strong synergy in predicting the development of CAD.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Coronary Artery Disease ; epidemiology ; metabolism ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; metabolism ; Homocysteine ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Uncomplicated myocardial infarction is often the harbinger of future cardiac events such as unstable angina pectoris,recurrent myocardial infarction or death. The feasibility and safety of exercise testing performed soon after myocardial infarction have been established but the prognostic value of exercise test after myocardial infarction remain inconclusive. The object of this study is to determine whether exercise test results can be utilized to predict of future cardiac events after uncomplicated myocardial infarction. METHODS: The study group comprised 149 patients with an uncomplicated myocradial infarction. A low level exercise test was performed before discharge from the hospital 8 to 10 days after myocardial infarction. The exercise thst results was considered positive if there was new > or =1mm horizontal or downsloping ST segment depression at 0.08 sec after the J point compared with baseline. The patients were followed for the development of new cardiac events. RESULTS: 1) The exercise test after acute myocardial infarction was performed in 149 patients without complication. The mean duration of exercise test was 14 min(range 1-20 min) and the mean work-load(Metabolic equivalents) was 3.7+/-1.1 METs. 2) 37 patients had ST-segment depression, 13 had ST-segment elevation and 27 had an inadequate blood pressure response to exercise. During the exercise, there were angina in 5 patients, dyspnea in 17 and no symptom in 127 patients. 3) During the follow-up period(1 to 75 month, mean 27.4 month), 29 patients experienced post-myocardial infarction angina, 1 had recurrent myocardial infarction, 4 had revascularization therapy(PTCA 2, CABG 2),5 had ischemic cardiomyopathy and 5 died a cardiac death. 4) The patients with cardiac events such as cardiac death, myocardial infarction and post MI angina had a significantly shorter exercise duration(13.1+/-4.0 and 14.6+/-2.7min, p<0.05), lower exercise tolerance(3.5+/-1.0 and 3.9+/-1.0 METs, p<0.05) and lower peak heart rate(117 +/- and 126+/-5, p<0.05). 5) The ST-segment depression, lower exercise tolerance(<3.0 METs) and history of hypertension were associated significantly with cardiac events(p<0.05) but ST-segment elevation, inadequate blood pressure response to exercise, the use of thrombolytic agents and non-Q wave infarction did not predict future cardiac events. Conclusions: The exercise test after acute myocardial infarction is safe and of limited value for predicting patients at risk of cardiac events in the follow-up period. The ST-segment depression and lower exercise tolerance(<3.0 METs) can predict cardiac events and the prognosis of the patients of this group can be improved with aggressive management and careful follow-up.
Angina, Unstable ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiomyopathies ; Death ; Depression ; Dyspnea ; Exercise Test* ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Infarction ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Prognosis

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a primitive sarcoma originating in the deep soft tissue and composed of fibrocytic and histiocytic cells in a storiform pattern. It is rare but the most common soft tissue sarcoma of adulthood. MFH occurred in various epithelial organs derived from the supportive mesenchymal elements. The lung represents an extremely rare primary site. We have experienced one case of MFH, arising in the lung parenchyme in 67 years old male patient with cough for 6 months. The patient was taken right upper lobe and right middle lobe lobectomy with good post-operative results. But another MFH was recurred in the left upper lobe 3 months after complete resection. So he had been treated with chemotherapy and radiofrequency ablation of tumor. Then he continued to be treated with chemotherapy
Aged ; Catheter Ablation ; Cough ; Drug Therapy ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous* ; Humans ; Lung* ; Male ; Sarcoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is mandatory to be differentiated from other hepatic tumorous conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma and adenoma. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical, radiological and pathological features of FNH cases reported in Korea. METHODS: We have searched the journals from the web site "http://koreamed.org" using keywords "focal nodular hyperplasia" and "liver" - total of 38 cases of FNH, 37 cases from 17 published articles and one case from our experience confirmed histologically, were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty eight cases were diagnosed between gestational age of 36 weeks and 67 years. Seventeen female patients (45%) had no history of taking oral contraceptives. Twenty cases (52.6%) experienced clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain and palpable mass. Computed tomography revealed contrast-enhancement in 34 nodules (85%) and typical central stellate scar in 9 (22.5%) of 40 nodules. Magnetic resonance imaging showed T1 weighted low signal in 18 (60%) and T2 weighted high signal in 22 (73.3%) of 30 nodules. Six (60%) of 10 cases showed hypervascular staining on hepatic angiography. Among 38 cases, 32 (84.2%) cases had single nodule and their mean size was 3.9 cm (0.5-16 cm). Pathologically, fibrous septa, proliferation of bile ductules and arterial wall thickening were seen in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the FNH cases reported in Korea, there were some differences in clinical aspects of sex ratio, accompanying clinical symptoms, and relationship with oral contraceptives, compared with previous reports. Further prospective studies are needed by means of nation-wide clinical survey and analysis.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Contraceptives, Oral ; Female ; Focal Nodular Hyperplasia/*diagnosis/pathology/radiography ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sex Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), also known as osteonectin or basement-membrane-40 (BM-40), is a member of a family of matricellular proteins, whose functions are to modulate cell-matrix interactions, growth and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. In this study, the expression of SPARC was evaluated and its correlations with clinicopathological parameters were investigated. METHODS: The researchers analyzed the expression patterns of SPARC by using immunohistochemistry in 332 cases of colorectal cancer of tissue microarray. The clinicopathological characteristics were defined by using the TNM criteria of the Union for International Cancer Control. Clinicopathological factors such as age, sex, histologic type of the tumor, pathologic tumor stage, TNM stage, and lymphovascular invasion were evaluated according to the SPARC expression. RESULTS: The hazard ratios expressing SPARC in tumor cells, in the stroma, and in both tumor cells and the stroma were 2.10 (P = 0.036), 3.27 (P = 0.003) and 2.12 (P = 0.038), respectively. Patient survival was decreased in patient expressing SPARC in the stroma, and this result showed statistical significance (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that SPARC expression in a tumor and in the stroma correlates with disease progression and may be used as a prognostic marker for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Neoplasms ; Cysteine ; Disease Progression ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Osteonectin ; Prognosis ; Proteins

PURPOSE: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), also known as osteonectin or basement-membrane-40 (BM-40), is a member of a family of matricellular proteins, whose functions are to modulate cell-matrix interactions, growth and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. In this study, the expression of SPARC was evaluated and its correlations with clinicopathological parameters were investigated. METHODS: The researchers analyzed the expression patterns of SPARC by using immunohistochemistry in 332 cases of colorectal cancer of tissue microarray. The clinicopathological characteristics were defined by using the TNM criteria of the Union for International Cancer Control. Clinicopathological factors such as age, sex, histologic type of the tumor, pathologic tumor stage, TNM stage, and lymphovascular invasion were evaluated according to the SPARC expression. RESULTS: The hazard ratios expressing SPARC in tumor cells, in the stroma, and in both tumor cells and the stroma were 2.10 (P = 0.036), 3.27 (P = 0.003) and 2.12 (P = 0.038), respectively. Patient survival was decreased in patient expressing SPARC in the stroma, and this result showed statistical significance (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that SPARC expression in a tumor and in the stroma correlates with disease progression and may be used as a prognostic marker for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Neoplasms ; Cysteine ; Disease Progression ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Osteonectin ; Prognosis ; Proteins