No abstract available.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell*

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) on the quality of life and sexual function in patients with a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients treated with ILC were prospectively evaluated. The treatment outcome was evaluated 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year after the ILC with the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), the prostate volume, the peak urinary flow rate (Q-max), the post-void residual urine (PVR), and the quality of life assessment score. In addition, a self-reporting questionnaire including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were completed before and 3 months after treatment to determine the impact on sexual function. RESULTS: ILC showed significant improvement in the clinical and voiding parameters (IPSS, Q-max, PVR, prostate size). After ILC, 76% of patients were satisfied with the treatment and the quality of life score improved significantly after 3 months. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the pretreatment and post-treatment erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction. However, the overall satisfaction score decreased from the pre-operative value of 3.05 to a post-operative value of 2.27 (p<0.05). An ejaculation loss or severe decrease in ejaculate volume was reported in 11 (23%) of the 46 patients followed up after ILC. Interestingly, only 5 (45%) of the 11 patients with a loss of ejaculation or severe decrease in ejaculate reported a deterioration of their sex life, while only 1 (4%) of the 23 without any change in ejaculate volume reported such deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant changes in sexual desire, erectile function, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction with ILC. However, the overall satisfaction decreased after ILC. Post-treatment sexual dysfunction appears to be mainly related to the impaired ejaculatory function.
Ejaculation ; Humans ; Laser Coagulation* ; Male ; Orgasm ; Prospective Studies ; Prostate ; Prostatic Hyperplasia* ; Quality of Life* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a widely distributed protein kinase C (PKC) substrate and has been implicated in actin cytoskeletal rearrangement in response to extracellular stimuli. Although MARCKS was extensively examined in various cell culture systems, the physiological function of MARCKS in the central nervous system has not been clearly understood. We investigated alterations of cellular distribution and phosphorylation of MARCKS in the hippocampus following kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures. KA (25 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to eight to nine week-old C57BL/6 mice. Behavioral seizure activity was observed for 2 h after the onset of seizures and was terminated with diazepam (8 mg/kg, i.p.). The animals were sacrificed and analyzed at various points in time after the initiation of seizure activity. Using double-labeling immunofluorescence analysis, we demonstrated that the expression and phosphorylation of MARCKS was dramatically upregulated specifically in microglial cells after KA-induced seizures, but not in other types of glial cells. PKC alpha, beta I, beta II and delta, from various PKC isoforms examined, also were markedly upregulated, specifically in microglial cells. Moreover, immunoreactivities of phosphorylated MARCKS were co-localized in the activated microglia with those of the above isoforms of PKC. Taken together, our in vivo data suggest that MARCKS is closely linked to microglial activation processes, which are important in pathological conditions, such as neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Up-Regulation/drug effects ; Time Factors ; Seizures/chemically induced/*metabolism ; Protein Kinase C-delta/analysis ; Protein Kinase C-alpha/analysis ; Protein Kinase C/*analysis ; Protein Biosynthesis/drug effects ; Phosphorylation/drug effects ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microglia/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Membrane Proteins/*analysis/metabolism ; Kainic Acid/*toxicity ; Isoenzymes/analysis ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/*analysis/metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change of clinical characteristics of prostatic cancer after the introduction of PSA (Prostate specific antigen) assay and TRUS (Transrectal ultrasonography), we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 155 patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma who were managed at Seoul National University Hospital from January 1985 to December 1994. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were stratified into 2 groups (Group I: 45pts{1985-1989} and Group II: 110pts{1990-1994}) by the year 1990 when our hospital began to use PSA assay and TRUS to detect prostatic cancer. PSA was measured by monoclonal radioimmunometric assay (ELSA-PSA). Tumor staging consisted of DRE (digital rectal. examination), TRUS, CT, MRI, simple bone X-ray and radionuclide bone scan. Clinical characteristics of 2 groups were compared. RESULT: Proportion of younger pts increased in group II but this was not statistically significant (p>0.05 by chi-square test). Number of pts were annually increasing , especially after the year 1990 when PSA assay and TRUS were introduced into clinical practice. Despite use of PSA and TRUS, the number of clinically localized pts did not differ between 2 groups. There was no difference in distribution of chief complaints between 2 groups. There were 3 pts who were detected by increased PSA alone. CONCLUSION: Prostate cancer incidence is increasing and will substantially increase in the future on the basis of increasing tendency to the old population, improved cancer detection and improved public awareness. More than 70% of pts have metastases or regional extension (Stage C or D). These dismal statistics constitute the main reason for early detection programs in the population at large.
Adenocarcinoma ; Humans ; Incidence ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul

Background: and Purpose Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). We investigated the medical behaviors of experts in Korea when they are diagnosing and treating NMOSD. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire on the diagnosis and treatment of NMOSD was distributed to experts in CNS demyelinating diseases. Results: Most respondents used the 2015 diagnostic criteria for NMOSD and applied a cerebrospinal fluid examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine, and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody testing to all suspected cases of NMOSD. All respondents prescribed steroid pulse therapy as an first-line therapy in the acute phase of NMOSD, and 67% prescribed azathioprine for maintenance therapy in NMOSD. However, details regarding monitoring, the tapering period of oral steroids, second-line therapy use in refractory cases, management during pregnancy, and schedule of follow-up MRI differed according to the circumstances of individual patients. We analyzed the differences in response rates between two groups of respondents according to the annual number of NMOSD patients that they treated.The group that had been treating ≥10 NMOSD patients annually preferred rituximab more often as the second-line therapy (p=0.011) and had more experience with rituximab treatment (p=0.015) compared with the group that had been treating <10 NMOSD patients. Conclusions This study has revealed that NMOSD experts in Korea principally follow the available treatment guidelines. However, the differences in specific clinical practices applied to uncertain cases that have been revealed will need to be investigated further in order to formulate suitable recommendations.

Mediastinal inflammatory pseudotumor is a rare benign disease with its capability for local invasion and rapid growth. We present a case of middle-mediastinal inflammatory pseudotumor and report its contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and pathologic findings.
Adult ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/*diagnostic use ; Granuloma, Plasma Cell/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Mediastinal Diseases/*diagnosis ; Positron-Emission Tomography/*methods ; Radiopharmaceuticals/*diagnostic use ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-6 (IL6) is an important regulator of cellular hypertrophy through the gp130/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. We tested the hypothesis that IL6 and its downstream gp130/JAK2/STAT3 pathway participated in high glucose (HG)–induced podocyte hypertrophy. METHODS: IL6 levels in the media and lysates of podocytes were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blots were performed to determine the protein expression levels of gp130/JAK2/STAT3 among podocytes cultured with normal glucose (NG), NG + mannitol, NG + recombinant IL6, HG, and HG + IL6-neutralizing antibodies (IL6NAb). Immunoprecipitation was examined to determine whether gp130 interacted with JAK2 in response to HG or IL6. Podocyte hypertrophy was verified using protein/cell counts and flow cytometry. RESULTS: IL6 levels were significantly increased in the media and lysates of podocytes cultured in HG compared with the NG groups. The nuclear phospho-STAT3/STAT3 ratio was increased by HG and NG + IL6 and was attenuated in the HG + IL6NAb groups, indicating that nuclear STAT3 was activated following JAK2 and cytosolic STAT3 activation in response to IL6 secreted by HG-stimulated podocytes. Immunoprecipitation showed increased phospho-JAK2 recruitment to gp130 in the HG and NG + IL6 groups, and the addition of IL6NAb in the HG group significantly abrogated these increases. Podocyte hypertrophy was significantly increased in the HG and NG + IL6 compared with the NG condition and was diminished by the addition of IL6NAbs to the HG group. CONCLUSION: IL6 might play a prominent role in the local activation of JAK2/STAT3 in podocyte hypertrophy under HG conditions. In vivo studies examining this pathway are warranted.
Antibodies ; Blotting, Western ; Cytosol ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Flow Cytometry ; Glucose ; Hypertrophy* ; Immunoprecipitation ; Interleukin-6 ; Mannitol ; Phosphotransferases ; Podocytes* ; Transducers

Hemosuccus pancreaticus is an unusual gastrointestinal hemorrhage through the main pancreatic duct. We report a rare case of hemosuccus pancreaticus due to a simple mucinous cyst of the pancreas. A 52-year-old man who had been followed-up for a suspected branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) visited the emergency room due to hematochezia. Endoscopy showed active bleeding from the ampulla. Computed tomography revealed hemorrhage in a 2.0-cm cystic mass in the pancreatic body. The patient was diagnosed with hemosuccus pancreaticus caused by bleeding into the main pancreatic duct from suspected IPMN. Elective laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was a simple mucinous cyst with squamous metaplasia based upon the pathological finding involving the absence of ovarian-type stroma. In conclusion, it should be recognized that a pancreatic cyst including simple mucinous cyst may cause hemosuccus pancreaticus, and these cysts should be viewed as neoplastic and approached similarly as other mucinous pancreatic neoplasms.
Diagnosis ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Endoscopy ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Metaplasia ; Middle Aged ; Mucins* ; Pancreas* ; Pancreatectomy ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatic Neoplasms

Pancreatic cancer is a notorious disease with a poor prognosis and low survival rates, which is due to limited advances in understanding of the molecular mechanism and inadequate development of effective treatment options over the decades. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a novel soluble protein named pancreatic adenocarcinoma up-regulated factor (PAUF) acts on tumor and immune cells and plays an important role in metastasis and progression of pancreatic cancer. Here we show that PAUF promotes adhesiveness of pancreatic cancer cells to various extracellular matrix (ECM). Our results further support a positive correlation of activation and expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a key player in tumor cell metastasis and survival, with PAUF expression. PAUF-mediated adhesiveness was significantly attenuated upon blockade of the FAK pathway. Moreover, PAUF appeared to enhance resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to anoikis via modulation of FAK. Our results suggest that PAUF-mediated FAK activation plays an important role in pancreatic cancer progression.
Anoikis/genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/*metabolism ; Focal Adhesions/genetics/*metabolism ; Humans ; Lectins/genetics/*metabolism ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/enzymology/genetics/*metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src)/metabolism ; Signal Transduction/genetics

PURPOSE: In previous studies, therapeutic hypothermia (HT) in hemorrhagic shock (HS) had beneficial effects on the hemodynamic and metabolic parameters, and on the survival. The mechanism is uncertain. We hypothesized that the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NF-kappaB could be associated with the beneficial effects of therapeutic HT in HS. METHODS: Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to normothermia (36~37degrees C, NT group) or moderate hypothermia (27~30degrees C, HT group). They underwent volumecontrolled (2 ml/100 g weight) HS (90 minutes) and partial resuscitation with shed blood (1 ml/100 g). RESULTS: In the HS and post-resuscitation phase, the mean arterial pressures were higher in the HT group than in the NT group and PaO2 was higher in the HT group than in the NT group. The lactate level was lower in the HT group than in the NT group (1.1+/-1.1 nmol/L vs 6.4+/-5.0 nmol/L, p=0.021). Serum concentrations of IL-1 beta and IL-6 and activated p65 NF-kappaB levels in the lung tissue were higher in NT group than in the HT group (p<0.05). Lung malondialdehyde contents and the expression of iNOS mRNA were significantly decreased in the HT group compared to the NT group (63.8+/-6.2 nmol/g vs 44.6+/-4.5 nmol/g, p<0.001; 1313.0+/-924.4 vs 9088.4+/-3984.0 arbitrary units, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that in HS, therapeutic HT inhibits lipid peroxidation, activation of NF-kappaB, and gene expression of iNOS in the lung. These factors might be the mechanism of the beneficial effects of HT in HS.
Animals ; Arterial Pressure ; Cytokines ; Gene Expression ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hypothermia ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Lactic Acid ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Lung ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; NF-kappa B ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Resuscitation ; RNA, Messenger ; Shock, Hemorrhagic