The average life expectancy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has improved dramatically following the advent of highly active anti-retroviral therapy. However, this increased life expectancy has led to a greater incidence of non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and other malignancies. Increased bone fragility is also a significant concern, with the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures 3- and 2-times more likely, respectively, among HIV-infected patients. Bone mineral density screenings for osteoporosis will therefore become more important as the HIV-infected population ages. Here, we describe six cases of osteoporotic fractures in HIV-infected patients in Korea.
Bone Density ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; HIV ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Life Expectancy ; Mass Screening ; Osteoporosis ; Osteoporotic Fractures*

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical and biological properties of orthodontic bonding agents containing silver- or zinc-doped bioactive glass (BAG) and determine the antibacterial and remineralization effects of these agents. METHODS: BAG was synthesized using the alkali-mediated solgel method. Orthodontic bonding agents containing BAG were prepared by mixing BAG with flowable resin. Transbond™ XT (TXT) and Charmfil™ Flow (CF) were used as controls. Ion release, cytotoxicity, antibacterial properties, the shear bond strength, and the adhesive remnant index were evaluated. To assess the remineralization properties of BAG, micro-computed tomography was performed after pH cycling. RESULTS: The BAG-containing bonding agents showed no noticeable cytotoxicity and suppressed bacterial growth. When these bonding agents were used, demineralization after pH cycling began approximately 200 to 300 µm away from the bracket. On the other hand, when CF and TXT were used, all surfaces that were not covered by the adhesive were demineralized after pH cycling. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that orthodontic bonding agents containing silver- or zinc-doped BAG have stronger antibacterial and remineralization effects compared with conventional orthodontic adhesives; thus, they are suitable for use in orthodontic practice.
Adhesives ; Dental Cements ; Glass* ; Hand ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Methods

Medicinal plants are potential sources of anticancer agents screening. A large number of phytochemicals, including triterpenoids, have been reported to have significant cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. From the fruits of Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., thirteen triterpenoids (1 – 13) were isolated and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against Hela and HL-60 cells. As results, 8 (oleanolic acid) showed significant effects on Hela with IC50 values of 5.5 µM, and moderate effects on HL-60 cells with IC₅₀ values of 55.9 µM. Meanwhile, 10 (oleanderic acid) and 11 (3β-acetoxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on Hela with IC₅₀ value of 55.0 and 68.8 µM, respectively. Moreover, 10 showed cytotoxic effect on HL-60 cell line with IC₅₀ value of 63.9 µM. To our knowledge, this is the first report that oleanderic acid was isolated from L. japonicum and investigated in cytotoxic effects on Hela and HL-60 cells.
Antineoplastic Agents ; Fruit ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Ligustrum ; Mass Screening ; Nerium ; Oleaceae ; Phytochemicals ; Plants, Medicinal

Anticancer activities of Licochalcone D (LCD) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant HCT116 (HCT116-OxR) were determined. Cell viability assay and soft agar assay were used to analyze antiproliferative activity of LCD.Flow cytometry was performed to determine effects of LCD on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) dysfunction, and multi-caspase activity in CRC cells. Western blot analysis was used to monitor levels of proteins involved in cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathways. LCD suppressed the growth and anchorageindependent colony formation of both HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that LCD induced cell cycle arrest and increased cells in sub-G1 phase. In parallel with the antiproliferative effect of LCD, LCD up-regulated levels of p21 and p27 while downregulating cyclin B1 and cdc2. In addition, phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were increased by LCD. Inhibition of these kinases somehow prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD. Moreover, LCD increased ROS and deregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of multiple caspases. An ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD, supporting that ROS generation and caspase activation mediated LCD-induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In conclusion, LCD exerted antitumor activity in CRC cells by inducing ROS generation and phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. These results support that LCD could be further developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating CRC.

Anticancer activities of Licochalcone D (LCD) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant HCT116 (HCT116-OxR) were determined. Cell viability assay and soft agar assay were used to analyze antiproliferative activity of LCD.Flow cytometry was performed to determine effects of LCD on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) dysfunction, and multi-caspase activity in CRC cells. Western blot analysis was used to monitor levels of proteins involved in cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathways. LCD suppressed the growth and anchorageindependent colony formation of both HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that LCD induced cell cycle arrest and increased cells in sub-G1 phase. In parallel with the antiproliferative effect of LCD, LCD up-regulated levels of p21 and p27 while downregulating cyclin B1 and cdc2. In addition, phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were increased by LCD. Inhibition of these kinases somehow prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD. Moreover, LCD increased ROS and deregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of multiple caspases. An ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD, supporting that ROS generation and caspase activation mediated LCD-induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In conclusion, LCD exerted antitumor activity in CRC cells by inducing ROS generation and phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. These results support that LCD could be further developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating CRC.

Anticancer activities of Licochalcone D (LCD) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant HCT116 (HCT116-OxR) were determined. Cell viability assay and soft agar assay were used to analyze antiproliferative activity of LCD.Flow cytometry was performed to determine effects of LCD on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) dysfunction, and multi-caspase activity in CRC cells. Western blot analysis was used to monitor levels of proteins involved in cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathways. LCD suppressed the growth and anchorageindependent colony formation of both HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that LCD induced cell cycle arrest and increased cells in sub-G1 phase. In parallel with the antiproliferative effect of LCD, LCD up-regulated levels of p21 and p27 while downregulating cyclin B1 and cdc2. In addition, phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were increased by LCD. Inhibition of these kinases somehow prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD. Moreover, LCD increased ROS and deregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of multiple caspases. An ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD, supporting that ROS generation and caspase activation mediated LCD-induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In conclusion, LCD exerted antitumor activity in CRC cells by inducing ROS generation and phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. These results support that LCD could be further developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating CRC.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is defined as the presence of multiple gas filled cysts in the wall of gastrointestinal tract, and was first reported by Duvernoi in 1730 from the pathologic findings at autopsy. The etiology and pathogenesis of this relatively rare but distinctive disorder remain unresolved. We recently experienced a case of PCI, in a 28-year old woman with chronic constipation for about 10 years. The case is presented with review of the literature.
Adult ; Autopsy ; Constipation ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This is a comparative, randomized, multi-centered, angiographic trial for the comparison of TNK-tPA with rt-PA, in Korean patients with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty four patients that were eligible for thrombolysis, diagnosed with an AMI, were randomized into two groups:TNK-tPA (single bolus injection, 25-50 mg weight adjusted;n=25) or rt-PA (accelerated intravenous infusion, up to 100 mg;n=29) at the emergency room. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with a TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) III flow 90 min following the administration of the study drug. The secondary endpoints were an infarct-related artery patency at 90 min, the percentage of patients with ST segment resolution at 60 and 180 min, and at 30 days mortality. RESULTS: The baseline demographic data, including age, sex and body weight, and a medical history of prior myocardial infarction and risk factors were no different between the TNK-tPA and rt-PA groups. The pain-to-needle and door-to-needle times were also no different. The ST segment resolution was no different between the two groups. A TIMI grade 3, on a coronary angiogram, 90 min following the drug administration, was observed in 19 (76.0%) of the TNK-tPA and 17 (58.6%) of the rt-PA (p=0.24) patients. However, a TIMI grade more than 2 was higher in the TNK-tPA (100%;25/25) than in rt-PA group (72.4%;21/29)(p=0.0052). The in-hospital adverse events, and clinical outcomes at 30 days, were no different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: TNK-tPA is more convenient, and may be a preferred thrombolytic agent, for the revascularization of an AMI.
Arteries ; Body Weight ; Coronary Disease ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Myocardial Revascularization ; Risk Factors ; Thrombolytic Therapy

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the potential pharmacokinetic interactions of the anticancer agent gefitinib (Iressa®) and the oriental medications Guipi Decoction (, GPD, Guibi-tang in Korean) and Bawu Decoction (, BWD, Palmul-tang in Korean).

METHODSMethylcellulose (MC, control), GPD (1,200 mg/kg), or BWD (6,000 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats either as a single dose or multiple doses prior to gefitinib administration. To examine the effects of a single dose of the herbal medicines, gefitinib (10 mg/kg) was orally administered after 5 min or 1 h of MC or the herbal medicine pretreatments. To examine the effects of the multiple doses of the herbal medicines, gefitinib (10 mg/kg) was orally administered following 7 consecutive days of the administration of MC or each herbal medicine. The plasma concentrations of gefitinib were determined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. The plasma concentration-time profiles of gefitinib were analyzed with a noncompartmental analysis.

RESULTSGefitinib was rapidly absorbed and showed a monoexponential decline with an elimination half-life of 3.7-4.1 h. The pharmacokinetics of gefitinib was not affected by GPD pretreatment. However, a significantly lower maximum plasma concentration (C, P<0.05) and area under the curve (P<0.05), and a delayed time to reach C (T, P<0.01) were observed in both single- and multipledose BWD-pretreated rats compared with the control rats.

CONCLUSIONSBWD and not GPD might delay and interfere with gefitinib absorption. Further evaluations of the clinical significance of these findings are needed.

Animals ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Male ; Quinazolines ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Time Factors