BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that modified or oxidized lipoproteins play a key role in the process of atherogenesis, particularly in hyperlipidemic individuals. Low density lipoprotein(LDL) is modified by oxygen free radical from damaged tissue or inflammatory cells. Further changes in the LDL molecule lead to an oxidized form (oxidized LDL), which is recognized by the macrophage scavenger receptor. Scavenger receptors on macrophages recognize and bind oxidized LDL. As uptake continues, the macrophages change to lipid-laden foam cells, the components of the fatty streak, which is the precursor atherosclerotic lesion. Antioxidants are known to prevent modification of LDL by free radicals and possibly also atheroma formation. This study was designed to compare the total antioxidant status and other lipid profiles in vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups in Korean adults to see the effect of diet modification on antioxidant status. METHODS: 174 vegetarian and 150 non-vegetarian male adults were recruited for lipid test including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and total antioxidant status during annual routine physical examination. RESULT: 1) Total antioxidant status was significantly high in vegetarian group(1.390+/-0.288 mmol/L) compared to non-vegetarian group(1.155+/-0.290 mmol/L)(p< 0.001). 2) In non-vegetarian group, total antioxidant status was significantly low in smokers(1.041+/-0.288 mmol/L) compared to non-smokers(1.227+/-0.328 mmol/L)(p< 0.001). 3) Correaltions between lipid profiles and total antioxidant status in vegetarian and combined groups were not significant. CONCLUSION: Total antioxidant status in vegetarian group was significantly higher compared to non-vegetarian group. Among non-vegetarian group, smoker group showed lower total antioxidant status compared to non-smoker group. And there was no significant correlations between lipid profiles and total antioxidant status.
Adult ; Antioxidants ; Atherosclerosis ; Cholesterol ; Foam Cells ; Food Habits ; Free Radicals ; Humans ; Lipoprotein(a) ; Lipoproteins ; Macrophages ; Male ; Oxygen ; Physical Examination ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Receptors, Scavenger ; Triglycerides

Myocardial free wall rupture is the most serious complication of acute myocardial infarction. Although it is not uncommon, it is difficult to treat successfully. We report a case of acute inferior myocardial infarction complicated with left ventricular free wall rupture that occurred 8 hours after onset of chest pain. In this case, progression of mild pericardial effusion to cardiac tamponade was monitored by transhtoracic echocardiography. Pericardiocentesis and draninage failed to treat cardiac tamponade, and surgical repair was performed successfully. The patient discharged uneventfully on 28th day and followed regularly at the outpatient department.
Cardiac Tamponade ; Chest Pain ; Echocardiography ; Heart Rupture* ; Humans ; Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction* ; Myocardial Infarction ; Outpatients ; Pericardial Effusion ; Pericardiocentesis ; Rupture

PURPOSE: To investigate the hemodynamic risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), we analyzed the characteristics of descending aorta (DA) blood flow in preterm neonates, who later developed NEC. METHODS: This was an observational case-control study on 53 preterm neonates at a tertiary referral center. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected from 23 preterm neonates with NEC (NEC group), and compared with those of 30 preterm neonates without NEC (control group). Echocardiography was done at a median (interquartile range) of 5 (3–9) days after birth and 2 (1–2.5) days before the diagnosis of NEC. RESULTS: Basic clinical characteristics including gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, breast feeding status, use of umbilical catheters, and mode of invasive ventilator care were similar between the groups. Compared with the control group, the lowest diastolic velocity of DA was significantly decreased, whereas the diastolic reverse flow and the ratio of diastolic reverse to systolic forward flows were significantly increased in the NEC group. In addition, the resistive index (RI) of DA was significantly increased in the NEC group and showed a positive association with the development of NEC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increasing RI of DA was an independent risk factor for the development of NEC (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: Significant changes in DA flow characteristics including decreased diastolic velocity and increased diastolic reverse flow along with increased peripheral vascular resistance were observed before the development of NEC in preterm neonates. These findings may help clinicians stratify in advance neonates at a risk of developing NEC and may help improve outcomes in these neonates.
Aorta, Thoracic* ; Apgar Score ; Birth Weight ; Breast Feeding ; Case-Control Studies ; Catheters ; Critical Care ; Diagnosis ; Echocardiography ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing* ; Gestational Age ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Logistic Models ; Parturition ; Risk Factors ; Splanchnic Circulation ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Vascular Resistance ; Ventilators, Mechanical