Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent mitogen and angiogenic protein that may function as an autocrine growth regulator in a variety of malignancies. However, the prognostic value of bFGF expression in bladder cancer has not been adequately studied. We examined tumor tissues of 22 superficial and 25 invasive bladder cancers to define the prognostic value of bFGF expression. We performed immunohistochemical staining of bFGF in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded bladder tissue sections using rabbit polyclonal antibody. Microvessels were identified by immunohistochemistry using antibodies to endothelial marker, factor VIII-related antigen. The staining of bFGF were significantly correlated with grade and T stage (p<0.05). The elevated expression of bFGF in patients with invasive bladder cancer was significant correlated with recurrence and 2 year survival (p<0.05). However, no significantly correlation was observed between level of bFGF and vascular counts in frozen sections derived from bladder cancers. These results suggest that the bFGF expression has an important prognostic value in patients with bladder cancer. Immunohistochemical study for bFGF may become a valuable method to predict long-term survival and necessity for adjuvant therapy in patients with bladder cancer.
Antibodies ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2* ; Frozen Sections ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microvessels ; Recurrence ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* ; Urinary Bladder* ; von Willebrand Factor

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the role of NO in cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity of rats, especially in association with expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and the effects of iNOS inhibitor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male, Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 170-190gm were used. Nephrotoxicity was induced by single intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin(10mg/kg). Aminoguanidine sulfate (300mg/kg), a relatively specific iNOS inhibitor, was administrated 30 minutes prior to cisplatin administration. Individual kidneys were obtained from control, cisplatin single treated and cisplatin combined with aminoguanidine treated rats at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72hours and 7days after cisplatin administration. Serum BUN/creatinine(mg/dl), the unit weight of rat kidney (kidney wet weight/body weight) were estimated. HE stain was performed for histologic evaluation of nephrotoxicity. The expressions of iNOS were assessed by Western blotting and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Serum BUN/creatinine levels in aminoguanidine treated groups were suppressed its increment significantly at 12, 24 and 48 hours compared with cisplatin single treated groups (p<0.05). The unit weight of kidneys in aminoguanidine treated groups were decreased significantly at 24 and 48hours compared with cisplatin single treated groups (p<0.05). Western blotting represents intense iNOS protein bands (117KDa) at 24,48 and 72hours in cisplatin single treated groups. RT-PCR assay for iNOS mRNA (429bp) were weakly expressed in control groups and intense expressions were identified cisplatin single treated and cisplatin combined with aminoguanidine treated groups at 6, 12, 24 and 72hours. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it is suggested that cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity may be partly mediated by NO. Aminoguanidine may delay or suppress the cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity of rat kidney.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cisplatin* ; Humans ; Kidney ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA, Messenger

No abstract available.
Agranulocytosis* ; Granulocytes* ; Humans

BACKGROUND: Resistance to the potent growth inhibitory effects of TGF- (transforming growth factor-) is a characteristic of many malignancies. TGF- insensitivity has been attributed to alterations in the number and function of the TGF- receptors as well as disturbances of downstream signal transduction. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of TGF-1 and its receptors in human colorectal cancer tissue and determine its relationship with cancer growth and with prognostic factors. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining of TGF-1, TGF-RI, and TGF-RII was performed on 20 human colorectal adenomas, 30 carcinomas and 10 normal mucosas as a control. RESULTS: The staining indices of TGF-1, TGF-RI, and TGF-RII increased in adenomas and carcinomas compared with normal mucosas and adenomas, respectively. In adenomas the staining index of TGF-1 significantly increased with the severity of atypism. The staining index of TGF-RII increased in the carcinomas in the right colon and rectum, compared with those in the left colon. CONCLUSION: The enhanced expression of TGF-1, TGF-RI and II in the colorectal carcinoma suggests an important role of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
Adenoma ; Carcinogenesis ; Colon ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Humans* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mucous Membrane ; Rectum ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

BACKGROUND: The DYT1 dystonia is primary torsion dystonia (PTD) caused by a GAG deletion in DYT1 gene on chromosome 9 and transmits as autosomal dominant trait. It usually begins as limb-onset dystonia in childhood and tends to spread to other sites and has been reported as the most common cause of early onset PTD in Ashkenazi Jews. However, the frequency of DYT1 mutation in Korean patients with sporadic PTD has not been reported. METHODS: We examined dystonia patients who visited the Neurologic Clinic of Asan Medical Center between Jan 2001 and March 2002. The sporadic PTD patients of them were screened by genotyping with their peripheral blood samples. RESULTS: The 66 patients with sporadic PTD were recruited and two of them showed DYT1 mutation on Chromosome 9. One patient had segmental dystonia with cervical onset; the other had generalized dystonia with left leg onset. None of the patients with focal dystonia showed a DYT1 mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The DYT1 dystonia comprise a small portion of PTD without familial history in Korea. The DYT1 gene test should be considered in the early-onset or spreading type dystonia despite the absence of familial background in primary dystonia patient.
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Dystonia ; Dystonia Musculorum Deformans* ; Dystonic Disorders ; Humans ; Jews ; Korea ; Leg

OBJECTS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive differentiation training program-Korean version(a training program of attention and conceptual abilities) on cognitive function, psychopathology and problem solving skills in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: A total of patients diagnosed as schizophrenia using DSM-IV were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The training group went through a total of 22 sessions of cognitive differentiation training (60min/sessionX2sessions/wkX11wks). The attention-placebo control group received psychoeducation program during the same period. Arithmetic, vocabulary, similarities, picture completion of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Korean version, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Social Problem Solving Scales were administered to all patients, both before and after the training program. RESULTS: In the arithmetic scores(F=6.35, af=1, p=0.018) of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Korean version, and total scores(F=6.35, af=1, p=0.018) and problem solving skill scale scores (F=4.88, af=1, p=0.036) of social problem solving scale, interaction effects of training was significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that cognitive differentiation training program-Korean version is effective on improving auditory attention and problem solving skills in patients with schizophrenia.
Adult ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Education ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Problem Solving ; Psychopathology ; Rehabilitation* ; Schizophrenia ; Social Problems ; Vocabulary ; Weights and Measures

BACKGROUND: Many patients with "cold hands/feet syndrome" have been taking herbal medicine or medicine to improve blood circulation without proven evidence. Raynaud's disease had been neglected in primary care. This study was conducted to investigate the recognition for Raynaud's disease and "cold hands/feet syndrome" by family doctors. METHODS: A questionnaire was posted to 905 family doctors who were in practice from January to July 2003. RESULTS: Among the 274 respondents, 58 (21%) reported that they have seen patients with "sensitive to cold" frequently and 208 (76%) doctors have seen such patients sometimes. Only 8 (3%) doctors answered that they have never seen patients with such symptoms. When such patients see a doctor and complain of "cold hands/feet syndrome", most doctors (60%) prescribed medicine that improved blood circulation (83%) or calcium channel blockers (9%). In case of questions like 'Do you suspect "cold hands/feet syndrome" or "sensitive to cold" contain Raynaud's disease?', 132 (48%) doctors answered 'yes'. And among the 132 doctors, only 15 (11.2%) doctors thought that those patients with "cold hands/feet syndrome" had Raynaud's disease. In addition when the doctors diagnosed the condition as Raynaud's disease, 54% prescribed medicine that improved blood circulation (52%) or calcium channel blockers (40%). CONCLUSION: Most doctors prescribe medicine that improves blood circulation for cold hands/feet syndrome. Many doctors also prescribe medicine to improve blood circulation for Raynaud's disease frequently. The result of our study suggests that there is a need to train doctors so that recognized and diagnosed Raynaud's disease can be correctly.
Blood Circulation ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Herbal Medicine ; Humans ; Primary Health Care ; Raynaud Disease*

BACKGROUND: Many patients with "cold hands/feet syndrome" have been taking herbal medicine or medicine to improve blood circulation without proven evidence. Raynaud's disease had been neglected in primary care. This study was conducted to investigate the recognition for Raynaud's disease and "cold hands/feet syndrome" by family doctors. METHODS: A questionnaire was posted to 905 family doctors who were in practice from January to July 2003. RESULTS: Among the 274 respondents, 58 (21%) reported that they have seen patients with "sensitive to cold" frequently and 208 (76%) doctors have seen such patients sometimes. Only 8 (3%) doctors answered that they have never seen patients with such symptoms. When such patients see a doctor and complain of "cold hands/feet syndrome", most doctors (60%) prescribed medicine that improved blood circulation (83%) or calcium channel blockers (9%). In case of questions like 'Do you suspect "cold hands/feet syndrome" or "sensitive to cold" contain Raynaud's disease?', 132 (48%) doctors answered 'yes'. And among the 132 doctors, only 15 (11.2%) doctors thought that those patients with "cold hands/feet syndrome" had Raynaud's disease. In addition when the doctors diagnosed the condition as Raynaud's disease, 54% prescribed medicine that improved blood circulation (52%) or calcium channel blockers (40%). CONCLUSION: Most doctors prescribe medicine that improves blood circulation for cold hands/feet syndrome. Many doctors also prescribe medicine to improve blood circulation for Raynaud's disease frequently. The result of our study suggests that there is a need to train doctors so that recognized and diagnosed Raynaud's disease can be correctly.
Blood Circulation ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Herbal Medicine ; Humans ; Primary Health Care ; Raynaud Disease*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between neruopsychiatric manifestations and auto-antibodies in patients with neruopsychiatric lupus. METHODS: 233 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were admitted or visited Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital from January 1993 to March 1996 were included in this study. The medical records of this group were reviewed in detail according to a predefined protocol with special emphasis upon any neruopsychiatric manifestations of the illness. RESULTS: 1) Among patients with SLE, 45(20.1%) had neruopsychiatric manifestations during the course of the disease. 2) The positivity of anticardiolipin antibody and antiribosomal P antibody is more frequent in neruopsychiatric group than that of non-neruopsychiatric lupus(56.3% vs. 22.9%, 44.1% vs. 21.5%, respectively, p<0.05). 3) The frequency of anticardiolipin antibody and lupus anticoagulant is more frequent in thrombotic group than that of non-thrombotic group(69.2% vs. 26.3%, 50.0% vs. 12.1%, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that investigation of the autoantibodies such as anticardiolipin antibody, antiribosomal P antibody, and lupus anticoagulant may be useful for early detection and management of SLE patients who have neruopsychiatric manifestations.
Antibodies, Anticardiolipin ; Autoantibodies* ; Humans ; Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Medical Records

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the dosimetric benefits and treatment efficiency of carotid-sparing TomoHelical 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (TH-3DCRT) for early glottic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten early-stage (T1N0M0) glottic squamous cell carcinoma patients were simulated, based on computed tomography scans. Two-field 3DCRT (2F-3DCRT), 3-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (3F-IMRT), TomoHelical-IMRT (TH-IMRT), and TH-3DCRT plans were generated with a 67.5-Gy total prescription dose to the planning target volume (PTV) for each patient. In order to evaluate the plan quality, dosimetric characteristics were compared in terms of conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) for PTV, dose to the carotid arteries, and maximum dose to the spinal cord. Treatment planning and delivery times were compared to evaluate treatment efficiency. RESULTS: The median CI was substantially better for the 3F-IMRT (0.65), TH-IMRT (0.64), and TH-3DCRT (0.63) plans, compared to the 2F-3DCRT plan (0.32). PTV HI was slightly better for TH-3DCRT and TH-IMRT (1.05) compared to 2F-3DCRT (1.06) and 3F-IMRT (1.09). TH-3DCRT, 3F-IMRT, and TH-IMRT showed an excellent carotid sparing capability compared to 2F-3DCRT (p < 0.05). For all plans, the maximum dose to the spinal cord was < 45 Gy. The median treatment planning times for 2F-3DCRT (5.85 minutes) and TH-3DCRT (7.10 minutes) were much lower than those for 3F-IMRT (45.48 minutes) and TH-IMRT (35.30 minutes). The delivery times for 2F-3DCRT (2.06 minutes) and 3F-IMRT (2.48 minutes) were slightly lower than those for TH-IMRT (2.90 minutes) and TH-3DCRT (2.86 minutes). CONCLUSION: TH-3DCRT showed excellent carotid-sparing capability, while offering high efficiency and maintaining good PTV coverage.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Carotid Arteries ; Humans ; Prescriptions ; Radiotherapy, Conformal* ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Spinal Cord