Human colon epithelial cells secrete an array of proinflammatory cytokines that includes IL-8, MCP-1, GM-CSF, TNF alpha and IL-6. This response may serve to attract neutrophils and macrophags to the site of infection. In addition to IL-8 and MCP-1, the chemokine family contains other members, which, alone or in combination, can recruit and/or activate inflammatory and lymphoid cells. In this study, we asked whether colon epithelial cells express a broader array of chemokines than previously described. The colon epithelial cell line, Caco-2, was stimulated for 3h with IL-1 alpha, or was infected with Salmonella dublin. RNA was extracted and chemokine mRNA levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR using internal RNA standards. Ex pression of GRO alpha, GRO beta, GRO gamma and IP-10 increased by bacterial infection or IL-l alpha stimulation. These data strongly support the notion that epithelal cells are an important and integral component of the host's natural immune system.
Bacterial Infections ; Chemokines ; Colon* ; Cytokines ; Epithelial Cells* ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Humans* ; Immune System ; Interleukin-1alpha ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Lymphocytes ; Neutrophils ; RNA ; RNA, Messenger ; Salmonella

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder characterized by absence or diminished numbers of structures derived from the ectoderm, and it is reported to be inherited as an x-linked recessive trait. It is recognized clinically by anhidrosis, hypotrichosis, anodontia or reduced numbers of teeth with deformed shape and characteristic facial features. In addition, otolaryngological manifestations include atrophic rhinitis, sensorineural hearing loss, and conductive hearing loss and satyr ear, among others. Early diagnosis of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia can prevent fatal hyperpyrexia and appropriate genetic counseling can be followed to make a reasonable future plans for the pediatric patient. A 2-month-old infant was referred with symptoms of intermittent nasal obstruction and crust formation in both nasal cavities. The nasal endoscope demonstrated atrophic changes of nasal mucosa and radiologic study showed an unerupted conical shaped tooth. The diagnosis of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia was confirmed with the finger impression test that revealed deficiency of sweat pores. We report a case of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with a review of the literature.
Anodontia ; Diagnosis ; Ear ; Early Diagnosis ; Ectoderm ; Ectodermal Dysplasia* ; Endoscopes ; Fingers ; Genetic Counseling ; Hearing Loss, Conductive ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; Humans ; Hypohidrosis ; Hypotrichosis ; Infant ; Nasal Cavity ; Nasal Mucosa ; Nasal Obstruction ; Rhinitis, Atrophic* ; Sweat ; Tooth

Background/Aims: Esophageal cancer is not an uncommon cancer in Korea, however, the prognosis still remains very poor with a 5 year survival rate bemg less than l0% mainly becauae of the delayed diagnosis. Although chromoscopy with lugol solution has been received to diagnose the esophageal cancer in an early stage without difficulty, its clinical use has not been popular yet in Korea. This study was performed prospectively to evaluate the usefulness of the chromoscopy for the detection of superficial esophageal cancer in risk patients for esophageal cancer. Methods: Ninety-five patients were selected among persons who received gasiroscopy at Asan Medical Center between Jan. 1996 and May 1996 and were prospectively included for chromoscopy. Inclusion criteria for the chromoscopy were patients older than 60 years of age with smoking history of more than 30 packyears, and/or past or family history of cancers. After conventional endoscopic examination, lugol solution was sprayed to stain the glycogen granules in the epithelial cells. The size of unstained lesion was measured and stainability was classified into 5 grades. All lesions unstained were biopsied for histological diagnosis.(continue...)
Chungcheongnam-do ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Epithelial Cells ; Esophageal Neoplasms* ; Glycogen ; Humans ; Korea ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Survival Rate

PURPOSE: Percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) uses a new energy source, microwave, in the treatment of solid neoplasms. We evaluated the efficacy of PMCT for nodular hepatic tumors in nine patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1998 and June 1999, we performed PMCT in six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), two with one and three metastatic nodules each from colon cancer, and one with adenomatous hyperplasia. Four patients were female and five were male, and their age ranged between 44 and 71 (mean, 58.8) years. Under sonographic guidance a 14-gauge guiding needle was inserted percutaneously toward the lesion, and within it a needle electrode was precisely positioned. Microwave 2450MHz in frequency and with 60 or 80 watt emission was generated for 80~90 seconds. We evaluated the ultrasound findings obtained during the procedure, pre-PMCT and follow-up CT images, changes in tumor marker(AFP or CA19-9) levels and the results of liver function tests, and complications arising during the six-month period following PMCT. RESULTS: Immediately after microwave emission, characteristic hyperechogenicity appeared on the realtime sonogram. Two patients with HCC underwent CT before PMCT, and typical enhancement during the arterial phase and washout during the portovenous phase was observed. In one patient, two metastatic lesions from colon cancer showed delayed enhancement on pre-PMCT CT. Initial follow-up CT, performed between 1 and 4 weeks after the PMCT procedure, showed that eight lesions-including two HCCs which were highly enhanced on CT before PMCT-showed no contrast enhancement, and three others showed delayed enhancement. Two of the eight lesions which showed no contrast enhancement at initial follow-up CT were markedly decreased in size (from 2.9 and 4.0 cm to 1.0 and 2.0 cm, respectively) at subseqent follow-up 3 months and 6 months later, respectively. One of the three lesions showing delayed enhancement had increased in size from 4.1 to 5.5 cm at subsequent follow-up CT, 2 months later. Serum AFP or CA19-9 levels decreased in four of six patients (66.7%) who were followed up for 6 months. Transient elevation of aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels were noted in all patients. PMCT-related complications included intrahepatic arterioportal shunt in two patients, pleural effusion in one, skin burn in one, intraperitoneal hemorrhage in one, and mild fever, abdominal pain and nausea in seven. No complications were serious, however. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary experiences suggest that PMCT is a safe and effective treatment modality for nodular hepatic tumors.
Abdominal Pain ; Aspartic Acid ; Burns ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Electrodes ; Female ; Fever ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Liver Function Tests ; Liver Neoplasms ; Male ; Microwaves* ; Nausea ; Needles ; Pleural Effusion ; Skin ; Ultrasonography

The anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract of Angelica gigas (EAG) were investigated in vitro and in vivo using croton oil-induced inflammation models. Croton oil (20 microgram/mL) up-regulated mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-I and COX-II in the macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, resulting in the release of high concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). EAG (1~10 microgram/mL) markedly suppressed croton oil-induced COX-II mRNA expression and PGE2 production. Application of croton oil (5% in acetone) to mouse ears caused severe local erythema, edema and vascular leakage, which were significantly attenuated by oral pre-treatment with EAG (50~500 mg/kg). Croton oil dramatically increased blood levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and PGE2 without affecting tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and nitric oxide (NO) levels. EAG pre-treatment remarkably lowered IL-6 and PGE2, but did not alter TNF-alpha or NO concentrations. These results indicate that EAG attenuates inflammatory responses in part by blocking the COX-PGE2 pathway. Therefore, EAG could be a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Angelica/*immunology ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics/*immunology ; Cyclooxygenase 2/genetics/*immunology ; Dinoprostone/genetics/immunology ; Inflammation/drug therapy/enzymology/*immunology ; Interleukin-6/blood ; Macrophages ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nitric Oxide/blood ; Phytotherapy/*methods ; Plant Extracts/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Plant Roots/immunology ; RNA, Messenger/chemistry/genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood

Swallowing caustic materials may produce full-thickness burn and loss of esophageal function. Caustics, both acid and alkalis, can corrode and destroy living tissue. Full-thickness burn of esophiageal epithelium causes severe stricture which frequently requires surgical repair. Recently, non-operative dilatation of luminal stenosis has been utilized. Esophageal endoscopic endoprosthesis has been used widely in malignant esophageal stricture but not in benign stricture. In recurrent benign esophageal stricture following repetitive balloon dilatation, we experienced a case of an 18-year-old woman with severe stricture which was successfully managed by esophageal endoprosthesia So we report this case with the review of the literature.
Adolescent ; Alkalies ; Burns ; Caustics ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Deglutition ; Dilatation ; Epithelium ; Esophageal Stenosis* ; Female ; Humans ; Lye* ; Phenobarbital

Swallowing caustic materials may produce full-thickness burn and loss of esophageal function. Caustics, both acid and alkalis, can corrode and destroy living tissue. Full-thickness burn of esophiageal epithelium causes severe stricture which frequently requires surgical repair. Recently, non-operative dilatation of luminal stenosis has been utilized. Esophageal endoscopic endoprosthesis has been used widely in malignant esophageal stricture but not in benign stricture. In recurrent benign esophageal stricture following repetitive balloon dilatation, we experienced a case of an 18-year-old woman with severe stricture which was successfully managed by esophageal endoprosthesia So we report this case with the review of the literature.
Adolescent ; Alkalies ; Burns ; Caustics ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Deglutition ; Dilatation ; Epithelium ; Esophageal Stenosis* ; Female ; Humans ; Lye* ; Phenobarbital

The increasing number of prostatic biopsies, performed for the investigation of patients at risk of prostate cancer, will result in the more frequent identification of uncommon forms of prostatic pathology. Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by the extracellular deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils, and may be either systemic or localized. Localized amyloidosis of the prostate is very rare. Herein, we report the case of a 34-year-old man with localized amyloidosis of the prostate, which was found via a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy due to an increased serum prostate-specific antigen level.
Adult ; Amyloid ; Amyloidosis* ; Biopsy ; Humans ; Pathology ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Neoplasms

PURPOSE: To characterize autonomic dysfunction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH), we measured heart rate variability(HRV) and analyzed them compared with those of normal population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ECG signals were obtained from 11 male patients(mean age, 63.1 years) and 23 healthy male controls(mean age, 57.0 years) in resting state. We analyzed their parameters of HRV and compared them between groups. RESULTS: Time domain analysis including standard deviation of NN interval(SDNN), square root of mean of sum of squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals(RMSSD) in patients with BPH were not significantly different with those of controls. There were suggested evidence of decreased total power(TP), high frequency (HF) in patients with BPH(p<0.05) while no significant difference in other frequency domain such as very low frequency(VLF), low frequency(LF) and LF/HF ratio. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study shows that patients with BPH have different results on HRV study comparing to controls. With the exception of LF and LF/HF ratio, all parameters of HRV in patients with BPH lower than normal controls. TP, HF in patients with BPH significantly lower than that of normal controls. The decreased values of HRV study means that they may have some kinds of disease or imbalance in autonomic nervous system(ANS). So we suggest that HRV study may be a tool to describe the possibility of altered ANS activity in patients with BPH.
Autonomic Nervous System ; Electrocardiography ; Heart Rate* ; Heart* ; Humans ; Male

No abstract available.
Humans