PURPOSE: To study the short term effects of hypercholesterolemia on corpus cavernosal tissue, we performed isometric tension studies and RT-PCR was used to identify mRNA expression of VEGF on isolated strips of corpus cavernosum, on rabbits which underwent partial ligation of the abdominal aorta and received a diet containing 2% cholesterol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: New Zealand White rabbits were divided into a control group(n=6) fed with a regular diet and a hypercholesterolemic group(n=10) which underwent partial ligation of the abdominal aorta and received a diet containing 2% cholesterol. After 3 weeks, the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and cavernosal smooth muscle pathophysiology was studied. To characterize the cavernosal smooth muscle reactivity in hypercholesterolemia, we performed isometric tension studies with phenylephrine(PE), acetylcholine(Ach), sodium nitroprusside(SNP) and electrical field stimulation(ES). RT-PCR was used to identify the mRNA expression of VEGF. RESULTS: PE-induced cavernous smooth muscle contraction in the hypercholesterolemic group was increased compared with the control group(p<0.05), while relaxation by Ach and ES in PE pretreated cavernosal smooth muscle in the hypercholesterolemic group was decreased(p<0.05). Relaxation by SNP in PE pretreated cavernosal smooth muscle was not different between any experimental groups. Expression of VEGF mRNA in cavernosal smooth muscle was significantly increased in the hypercholesterolemic group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Hypercholesterolemia caused a significant increase in PE-induced contraction of cavernosal tissue. Hypercholesterolemic cavernosal tissue retained the ability of relaxation induced by endothelium-independent, but relaxation induced by endothelium-dependant was impaired. Furthermore, expression of VEGF mRNA in cavernosal tissues was up regulated in the hypercholesterolemic group. This study showed that a short period of hypercholesterolemia could induce pathophysiologic change of cavernosal tissue.
Aorta, Abdominal ; Cholesterol ; Diet ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Hypercholesterolemia* ; Ligation ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth ; Rabbits* ; Relaxation ; RNA, Messenger ; Sodium ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

No abstract available.
Female ; Obstetric Labor, Premature* ; Pregnancy ; Ritodrine*

The objective of the study was to observe the effect of n-3 PUFA on cell proliferation and apoptosis by determining mRNA and protein of COX-2 and eicosanoid product and the mRNA and protein of Bu and Bcl-2 related to apoptosis in colon carcinogenesis of 1,2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated rats. Ninety male Sprague Dawley rats weighing about 170g were divided into 3 groups, control and n-3 PUFA supplemented groups (FO group: 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA; 2FO group: 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA) and fed experimental diet for 14 weeks. All rats were intramuscularly injected with DMH 15 mg/kg twice a week for 6 weeks to deliver total dose of 180 mg/kg body weight. Compared with the control group, 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA significantly reduced the levels of mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 and 2-series eicosanoids (TXB2 and PGE2 and decreased cell proliferation in colonic mucosa. However, high levels of n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly increased the levels of mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, TXB2 and PGE2. and increased cell proliferation which was similar level to that of control group. Compared with the control group, n-3 PUFA, regardless of the amount, significantly increased apoptotic index in colonic mucosa. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses showed that the levels of mRNA and protein expression of Bax were significantly increased by 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA, but decreased by 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA. The analyses also showed the levels of mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 were significantly reduced by 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA, but increased by 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in mRNA and protein was significantly reduced by 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA but increased by 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA. Overall, these results indicate that n-3 PUFA could be effective in preventing colon carcinogenesis by reducing cell proliferation with lower level of COX-2 and 2-series eicosanoid, and increasing apoptosis by inducing pro-apoptotic gene, Bax and inhibiting anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-2 in the colonic mucosa of DMH-treated rats. However, high level of n-3 PUFA supplementation could stimulate colon carcinogenesis by increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Body Weight ; Carcinogenesis* ; Cell Proliferation ; Colon* ; Control Groups ; Diet ; Dimenhydrinate ; Dinoprostone ; Eicosanoids ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3* ; Genes, bcl-2 ; Humans ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA, Messenger

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is one of the most important factors in the progression and me-tastasis of malignancies. Angiogenesis is a multistep process requiring the interaction of numerous factors able to stimulate the growth and development of new vessels. But, understanding of the mechanism involved in VEGF expression is unclear. METHODS: Expressions of p53 and VEGF, and neovasculiarization were examined in 19 cases of surgically resected non-small cell carcinoma of the lung by the immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, VEGF mRNA expressions were quantified in all cases using the real-time quantitative RT-PCR. These results were compared with clinicopathologic parameters such as histologic grade and stage. RESULTS: Tumors with high aberrant p53 expressions showed significantly higher VEGF mRNA ex-pressions and microvessel counts than those with low p53 expressions. Expressions of p53 as well as VEGF and micovessel counts were closely associated with the tumor stage, but not with the histologic grade and other clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that aberrant p53 expression may play a role in the regulation of VEGF expression and may be involved in controlling angiogenesis in non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Growth and Development ; Lung* ; Microvessels ; RNA, Messenger* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

PURPOSE: To compare postoperative optical qualities between two types of 1-piece aspheric intraocular lenses using the double-pass technique. METHODS: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalent were evaluated in the subject groups; the first which included 25 eyes implanted with Tecnis(R) ZCB00 and the second which included 16 eyes implanted with Acrysof(R) IQ SN60WF. In addition, modulation transfer function (MTF) cut-off, Strehl ratio, and objective scattering index (OSI) were measured 6 months after cataract surgery in the 2 subject groups using Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS, Visiometrics S.L., Terrasa, Barcelona, Spain) which is based on the double-pass technique. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the spherical equivalent, UCVA, BCVA, and OSI between the 2 groups. However, both the MTF cut-off, and Strehl ratio showed statistically significant differences. The MTF cut-off (28.0 +/- 7.79 vs. 20.4 +/- 9.51 c/deg, p = 0.025) and Strehl ratio (0.14 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.12 +/- 0.05, p = 0.042) were higher in the Tecnis(R) ZCB00-implanted group. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in characteristics of intraocular lenses subtly affects the vision quality as measured by values such as MTF cut-off and Strehl ratio after cataract surgery. OQAS based on the double-pass technique is considered useful in more objective estimates of the real retinal image quality after cataract surgery which is difficult to explain simply by measuring visual acuity.
Cataract ; Lenses, Intraocular* ; Retinaldehyde ; Visual Acuity

PURPOSE: To prepare the appropriate guideline in choosing the internal fixatives for the intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 95 cases of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur from January, 1999 to December, 2003. We fixed the fracture with Proximal Femoral Nail in 37 cases (PFN group), Dynamic Hip Screw in 56 (DHS group), Dynamic Condylar Screw in 2 cases (DHS group). We reviewed operation time, blood loss during operation, changes in neck-shaft angle and sliding of lag screw. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the parameters between the 2 groups in stable fracture. In unstable fractures, operation time in PFN group and DHS group revealed 103.9 and 128.2 minutes respectively; mean amount of blood loss during operation revealed 523.2 and 573.1 ml respectively. Mean changes in the neck-shaft angle at final follow-up in PFN group and DHS group revealed 4.6 degrees and 4.1 degrees; sliding of lag screw averaged 3.4 and 6.5 mm respectively. Among the DHS group, cases of additional fixation with trochanteric supporting plate revealed 3.1 degrees of changes in neck-shaft angle and 4.2 mm of lag screw sliding. CONCLUSION: In cases of stable fractures, any fixative might suffice. In cases of unstable fractures, there were no significant differences in results of treatment between these two groups, however, PFN group revealed shoter operation time and less blood loss during operation. It seemed to be necessary to apply additional fixation with trochanteric supporting plate when using DHS in unstable cases.
Aged* ; Femur* ; Fixatives* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Hip Fractures* ; Humans

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (USFNA) is a very useful procedure for the diagnosis and management of thyroid diseases. It is very safe procedure and complications have been rarely reported. We experienced a case of an extensive hemorrhage after USFNA of the thyroid nodule in a patient undergoing long-term aspirin therapy. We emphasize that it is very important to obtain a patient history carefully before performing a USFNA.
Aspirin* ; Biopsy* ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle* ; Diagnosis ; Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Thyroid Diseases ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Nodule*

PURPOSE: To analysis the efficacy of MRI in assessing fracture configuration and frequency of associated soft tissue injuries in tibial plateau fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the plain films and MRI of 47 cases with tibial plateau fractures,every fracture was classified by findings on plain film and MRI respectively according to the Schatzker system and they were compared with each other. The degree of displacement and depression of the fracture fragments were measured on plain film and MRI. RESULTS: MRI was more accurate in determining the classification of the fracture and measuring the displacement and depression of fragments. Fracture classifications were changed in 12 cases. Especially in Schatzker VI cases, articular step off over 2 mm and articular fragments over 2X2 cm were revealed in detail by MRI. Evidence of internal derangement of the knee was found in 38 (80.8%) cases. CONCLUSION: Most of the cases with acute tibial plateau fracture were commonly associated with ligamentous and meniscal injuries. MRI can aid in accurate evaluation of tibial plateau fracture patterns and decision of treatment plan.
Classification ; Depression ; Knee ; Ligaments ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Soft Tissue Injuries

To determine th effects of experimental extrahepatic cholestasis in the pharmacodynamics of vecumnium, the author administered vecuronium 500 ug/kg intravenously to six normal cats(control group), and into each of six cats with hepatic failure (hepatic failure group) and cholestasis (cholestasis group). The hepatic failure was induced with galactosamine hydrochloride and the cholestasis with the ligation of the common bile duct and cystic duct, 16 hours and 8 days prior to the neuromuscular study, respectively. The force of the anterior tibialis muscle in response to supramaximal common peroneal nerve stimulations were recorded. The time intervals from vecuronium administration to attain 100% twitch depression (onset time), from vecumnium administration to recovery of 25% twitch tension (duration) and from 25% to 75% twitch recovery (recovery index) were compared among the three groups. The results are as follows: 1) There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to rectal temperature, heart rate and mean arterial pressure immediately before vecuronium administration. 2) According to the differences of base excesses, the pH of arterial blood was significantly lower in the hepatic failure and cholestasis groups than in the control groups. 3) After induction of the hepatic failure and cholestasis group, SGOT, SGPT and prothrombin time were significantly increased when compared to the preinduction data in the two groups and data from the control group. Total bilirubin, BUN and creatinine concentration after cholestasis was significantly higher than those of the control group and the hepatic failure group. 4) The onset time in the hepatic failure and cholestasis group was slightly prolonged as compared with that in the control group. However, there was no statistical significance. The duration was significantly longer in hepatic failure and cholestasis than in the control group, and also the recovery index was significantly increased in the hepatic failure and cholestasis groups, as compared with the control group, There were no significant differences between the hepatic failure and cholestasis groups. These vesults indicate that experimental extrahepatic cholestasis induced by complete obstruction of biliary tract prolongs the duration and recovery index of vecuronium, and the effects may be caused by the impairment of direct biliary excretion, hepatic dysfunction and renal impairment.
Alanine Transaminase ; Animals ; Arterial Pressure ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Biliary Tract ; Bilirubin ; Cats* ; Cholestasis* ; Cholestasis, Extrahepatic ; Common Bile Duct ; Creatinine ; Cystic Duct ; Depression ; Galactosamine ; Heart Rate ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Ligation ; Liver Failure* ; Neuromuscular Blockade* ; Peroneal Nerve ; Prothrombin Time ; Vecuronium Bromide*

During temporomandibular joint (TMJ) formation, discomalleolar ligament (DML) and anterior malleolar ligament (AML) are formed within the dorsal end of the 1st branchial arch. But, DML is known as a remnant or the degenerated tissue through the TMJ development. There is few reports said that damage of AML and DML cause the damage of middle ear during surgical procedures. Especially, in case of anterior disk displacement of TMJ, aural symptom can be made via DML due to hyperextension anteriorly. A few studies have been reported about DML and AML in embryological and histological points of view, morphology and clinical aspects of DML and AML are still unclear. Four fetuses and sixteen adult hemi -sectioned heads were dissected to clarify the topographical relationship of AML and DML and to find out the anatomico -clinical relevance related with temporomandibular disorder. In fetal specimens, DML was firmly attached from the disk of the TMJ to the malleus. Also, AML in which distinguished into the superior and inferior lamellae was running anteriorly and continuous with the sphenomandibular ligament (SML) through the future petrotympanic fissure (PTF). DML attached to the malleus was observed in all adult specimens and was expanded broadly to the disk and capsule of the TMJ as shown the V -shaped ligament structures. The average distance between the anterior aspects of the malleolar head to the anterior wall of the tympanic cavity was 1.13 mm(0.75 ~1.59), and the length of the DML from the anterior aspect of the malleolar head to the attached site to the TMJ capsule at the PTF was 5.37 mm (4.53 ~6.07). The average width of the DML at the PTF was 6.06 mm (4.72 ~7.46). Most of the posterior attachments of the DML were the cases in which DML was directly attached to the malleus (68.7%). In all specimens, DML was attached to the disk and capsule of TMJ and attached to the anteromedial border of the PTF concurrently. In this study, two morphological patterns of AML were observed according to the presence of the bony ridge on the Huguiers canal in the PTF. The bony ridge of the Huguiers canal showed DML and AML separately in 56.3%, and the fused pattern of DML and AML was observed in 43.7%. AML was not distinguished with two lamellae in most specimens, superior ligament fibers were attached to the anteromedial border of the PTF and most of the inferior lamella was entering the gap in PTF and continuous with the SML. Average length from the anterior aspect of the malleolar head to the exit point of the AML on the PTF was 8.40 mm(6.62 ~11.42), and the shortest distance between the AML and chorda tympani was 2.01 mm(1.25 ~3.02). Taken all together, DML and AML were not the rudimentary, but the distinguishable structures in adults. Through the various morphological findings, DML and AML were separated ligamentous structures in which might be given rise from the divergent origin. And the anterior hyperextension of the disk of TMJ did not lead the movement of the malleus in the tympanic cavity, whereas, the movement of the malleus followed by the traction of the AML and SML was observed in a few cases. So, this results can be explained the possibility of the clinical symptom on the middle ear in case of the over -traction of the AML and SML.
Adult* ; Branchial Region ; Chorda Tympani Nerve ; Ear, Middle ; Fetus* ; Head ; Humans* ; Ligaments* ; Malleus ; Running ; Temporomandibular Joint ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ; Traction