BACKGROUND: In order to evaluate the prevalence of enterovirus and cytomegalovirus infections to terminally failing hearts, the presence of enteroviral RNA and cytomegaloviral DNA was screened in the explanted hearts of transplantation recipients. METHODS: RNA and DNA extractions were performed from explanted failing hearts (N=22) and normal hearts (N=5). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of enterovirus and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cytomegalovirus were performed. In situ RT-PCR and in situ PCR were performed with positive nucleic acids of viruses. RESULTS: The positivity of enterovirus in failing hearts was 4.4% (1/22) and 0% (0/5) in normal hearts in nested RT-PCR. There was no significant difference in positivity of enteroviral RNA between failing and normal hearts. Nuclei of myocardium was stained in dark-violet color with in situ RT-PCR. The positivity of cytomegalovirus in failing hearts was 45% (10/22) and 40% (2/5) in nested PCR. There was no significant difference in positivity of cytomegaloviral DNA between failing and normal hearts. Nuclei of myocardium was stained in dark-violet color with in situ PCR. Positive chambers of cytomegalovirus were in decreasing tendency according to increasing patient's age. CONCLUSION: Enterovirus was very rarely observed in explanted terminally failing hearts and cytomegalovirus was frequently found both in explanted failing hearts and normal. These viruses have little direct causal relationship with the development of heart failure.
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; Cytomegalovirus Infections* ; Cytomegalovirus* ; DNA ; Enterovirus* ; Heart Failure ; Heart* ; Humans* ; Mass Screening* ; Myocardium ; Nucleic Acids ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; RNA

PURPOSE: The detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast-cancer patients by using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may provide a good guide for postoperative therapy. To evaluate effectiveness of RT-PCR for the detection of micrometastasis, we have compared the results of conventional, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with those of RT-PCR. METHODS: We conducted RT-PCR amplifications of MUC1 and cytokeratin (CK) 19 on lymph nodes from 40 breast- cancer patients and conducted IHC staining for cytokeratin. The results of histological examination and cytokeratin IHC staining were compared with the RT-PCR results for the detection of lymph-node micrometastases. RESULTS: Nineteen of 40 cases (47.5%) were lymph-node positive and twenty-one cases (52.5%) were lymph-node negative. Using RT-PCR MUC1 and CK19 expressions were detected in all positive lymph nodes and in 4 (19.0%) and 5 (23.8%), in negative nodes, respectively. Not all positive nodes were stained by IHC (94.7%), and none of the negative lymph nodes were stained by IHC. Thus, IHC staining was ineffective in detecting micrometastases. CONCLUSION: Detection of MUC1 and CK19 by using RT- PCR can be a more accurate and useful method than IHC staining for the detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast cancer.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Humans ; Keratin-19* ; Keratins* ; Lymph Nodes* ; Neoplasm Micrometastasis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

PURPOSE: The detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast-cancer patients by using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may provide a good guide for postoperative therapy. To evaluate effectiveness of RT-PCR for the detection of micrometastasis, we have compared the results of conventional, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with those of RT-PCR. Breast cancer, Lymph node micrometastases, MUC1, Cytokeratin 19, RT-PCR ] METHODS: We conducted RT-PCR amplifications of MUC1 and cytokeratin (CK) 19 on lymph nodes from 40 breast- cancer patients and conducted IHC staining for cytokeratin. The results of histological examination and cytokeratin IHC staining were compared with the RT-PCR results for the detection of lymph-node micrometastases. RESULTS: Nineteen of 40 cases (47.5%) were lymph-node positive and twenty-one cases (52.5%) were lymph-node negative. Using RT-PCR MUC1 and CK19 expressions were detected in all positive lymph nodes and in 4 (19.0%) and 5 (23.8%), in negative nodes, respectively. Not all positive nodes were stained by IHC (94.7%), and none of the negative lymph nodes were stained by IHC. Thus, IHC staining was ineffective in detecting micrometastases. CONCLUSION: Detection of MUC1 and CK19 by using RT- PCR can be a more accurate and useful method than IHC staining for the detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast cancer.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Humans ; Keratin-19* ; Keratins* ; Lymph Nodes* ; Neoplasm Micrometastasis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the mitochondrial DNA in failing and normal hearts. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from 18 failing and 4 normal hearts. The DNA was digested with each 50 units of BamH I, Pvu II, Pst I, and hybridized using DNA fragments encoding CO II (cytochrome oxidase II) and CO IU. They were detected using 'Fluorescein Gene Images' system. RESULTS: The light microscopic feature of failing myocardium was compatible with that of primary cardiomyopathy. In southern blot analysis, there was no significant difference in mitochondrial DNA amounts between normal and failing hearts. The amount of mitochondrial DNA in hearts, whether normal or failing, was greater than that in lymphocytes. There were no abnormal bands except 16.6kb-normal band using the enzyme BamH I, Pvu II from failing and normal hearts. After digesting with Pst I, 2.1kb band was found using probe CO II and 14.5kb band using probe CO III. CONCLUSION: The amount of mitochondrial DNA in hearts, whether normal or failing, was greater than that in lymphocytes, which suggests that the heart is an active organ in the energy metabolism. Abnormal band was not found in southern blot analysis of the mitochondrial DNA from failing and normal hearts. The more sensitive method such as PCR is required to detect the presence of sma11 amount of mutated DNA.
Blotting, Southern ; Cardiomyopathies ; DNA ; DNA, Mitochondrial* ; Energy Metabolism ; Heart Failure ; Heart* ; Lymphocytes ; Myocardium ; Oxidoreductases ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is rare and it is characterized by intravascular nodular masses of benign smooth muscle that may extend to variable site such as uterus, pelvic veins, inferior vena cava, right sided heart and eventually lung. We experienced an unusual case of IVL originating from the uterus and extending to the lung parenchyma and treated by combined surgery, so we report it with a brief review of the literatures.
Heart ; Leiomyomatosis* ; Lung* ; Muscle, Smooth ; Uterus ; Veins ; Vena Cava, Inferior

BACKGROUND: Depletion of nutritional reserves and significant weight loss can lead to an increased risk of morbidity, reduced chemotherapy response, and shorter survival in patients with cancer. Numerous methodologies are used for the assessment of nutritional status. However, it remains unclear which of these tools is the most appropriate in the setting of cancer chemotherapy. The PINI (prognostic inflammatory nutritional index) is a simple scoring system that has been used to evaluate nutritional status and prognosis in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was designed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status after the palliative chemotherapy and prognosis in advanced metastatic cancer. METHODS: This study included 130 patients with ECOG PS (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status) 1~3 in advanced metastatic cancer following the palliative chemotherapy. ECOG PS, body mass index, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, PINI ratio, and survival time were evaluated. RESULTS: In 130 patients, the median age was 57 years. The ECOG PS was 1 68 patients, 2 43, 3 19. The mean value of PINI was PS 1 16.0+/-47.8, PS 2 55.6+/-106.9, PS 3 106.3+/-141.6. The mean survival was PS 1 144.0+/-71.8, PS 2 68.9+/-41.2, PS 3 32.0+/-6.9 days. In the PS 3 group, the mean values of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher than in the PS 1 group. In the PS 3 group, the mean values of albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin were significantly lower than in the PS 1 group. The survival time was correlated with the ECOG PS (r=-0.602, p<0.001,), PINI (r=-0.318, p<0.001,), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (r=-0.265, p=0.002), C-reactive protein (r=-0.345, p<0.001), albumin (r=0.324, p<0.001), prealbumin (r=0.260, p=0.003) and transferrin (r=0.277, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PINI may be a useful scoring system for the assessment of nutritional status and prognosis in advanced metastatic cancer following palliative chemotherapy, but the ECOG PS is most strong correlation with the survival time.
Body Mass Index ; C-Reactive Protein ; Critical Illness ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Nutrition Assessment ; Nutritional Status* ; Orosomucoid ; Prealbumin ; Prognosis* ; Transferrin ; Weight Loss

Multiple pterygium syndrome is an inherited condition characterized by joint pterygium and flexion contracture, in association with other abnormalities such as fetal hydrops, cystic hygroma, club foot, intrauterine growth retardation and hypoplastic lungs. It is usually inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, although X-linked recessive inheritance is also reported. The pathogenesis has been suggested to be early onset fetal akinesia, fragile collagen or generalized edema. Prenatal diagnosis of multiple pterygium syndrome is possible by demonstrating severe limb contractures, absence of fetal limb motion and progressive fetal edema in mid-pregnancy, but in case with a family history of this syndrome, ultrasound studies should be started in the first trimester. We have experienced a multiple pterygium syndrome with a history of recurrent fetal hydrops, so report on the prenatal sonographic findings of this case with brief review of literatures.
Collagen ; Contracture ; Edema ; Extremities ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Foot ; Humans ; Hydrops Fetalis ; Joints ; Lung ; Lymphangioma, Cystic ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Pterygium* ; Ultrasonography ; Wills

To support the ovarian hormone hypothesis in the etiology of breast cancer, a hospital-based case-control study with community controls was conducted to evaluate the relationship of intervals among menstrual and reproductive events to the risk of breast cancer in Korea. The cases were 190 breast cancer patients, who had been histologically diagnosed at Seoul National University Hospital from Jan. 1, 1993 to Jun. 30, 1994. Included were cancer-free women, who had undertaken the Gynecological examination at the same hospital (n=190). Women recruited for a survey of diabetes prevalence in Yonchon County, adjacent to Seoul City, were taken as a community control group (n=190). Information on menstrual and reproductive factors with other life-styles was collected through a direct interview by the well-trained interviewers. The adjusted odds ratios and the 95% confidence intervals were based on the unconditional logistic regression model. Likelihood ratio test for trend was applied for the ordinal variables. Early age at menarche, late age at natural menopause, late age at first full term pregnancy, and fewer number of full term pregnancies are independently associated with the high risk of breast cancer in Korea. Moreover, the interval between the age at menarche and the age at natural menopause of community controls (29.9+/-6.15 years) was significantly shortened compared to breast cancer cases (34.9+/-4.42 years). Particularly noteworthy was that intervals between the age at menarche and the age at first full term pregnancy of both control groups (9.0+/-3.72 years for hospital controls; 7.2+/-4.04 years for community controls) were significantly shortened compared to breast cancer cases (11.0+/-4.51 years). These findings support the hypothesis that the longer exposure to ovarian hormones during the reproductive years, the higher the risk of breast cancer.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms/*epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Human ; Korea/epidemiology ; Menstruation/*physiology ; Middle Age ; Pregnancy ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Risk Factors

To support the ovarian hormone hypothesis in the etiology of breast cancer, a hospital-based case-control study with community controls was conducted to evaluate the relationship of intervals among menstrual and reproductive events to the risk of breast cancer in Korea. The cases were 190 breast cancer patients, who had been histologically diagnosed at Seoul National University Hospital from Jan. 1, 1993 to Jun. 30, 1994. Included were cancer-free women, who had undertaken the Gynecological examination at the same hospital (n=190). Women recruited for a survey of diabetes prevalence in Yonchon County, adjacent to Seoul City, were taken as a community control group (n=190). Information on menstrual and reproductive factors with other life-styles was collected through a direct interview by the well-trained interviewers. The adjusted odds ratios and the 95% confidence intervals were based on the unconditional logistic regression model. Likelihood ratio test for trend was applied for the ordinal variables. Early age at menarche, late age at natural menopause, late age at first full term pregnancy, and fewer number of full term pregnancies are independently associated with the high risk of breast cancer in Korea. Moreover, the interval between the age at menarche and the age at natural menopause of community controls (29.9+/-6.15 years) was significantly shortened compared to breast cancer cases (34.9+/-4.42 years). Particularly noteworthy was that intervals between the age at menarche and the age at first full term pregnancy of both control groups (9.0+/-3.72 years for hospital controls; 7.2+/-4.04 years for community controls) were significantly shortened compared to breast cancer cases (11.0+/-4.51 years). These findings support the hypothesis that the longer exposure to ovarian hormones during the reproductive years, the higher the risk of breast cancer.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms/*epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Human ; Korea/epidemiology ; Menstruation/*physiology ; Middle Age ; Pregnancy ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Risk Factors

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to assess the relationship between cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and the risk of bgreast cancer in Korea. Histologically confirmed incident cases of breast cancer(n=146) were selected from the inpatients at the Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and Borame Hospital during 1994 to 1997. Women ithout self-reported past history of any malignandies were regarded as controls and selected at the same hospitals during the same period(n-153). Information on life-styles including cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and reproductive history were obtained by direct interview using standardixed questionnaire. Each case was matched with one control by 5-year age category(n=146). Adjusted odds ratios and 90% confidence intervals were estimated by unconditional linear logistic regression model. For smokers, age at first smoking was significantly associated with the breat cancer risk(adjusted OR=14.1, 90% CI=1.24-364.2). Particularly noteworthy was an increasing tendency of the breast cancer risk with the duration of alcohol consumtion in years aong alcohol drinkers(ptrend<0.1). These findings suggest that cigarette smoking at an earlier age and alcohol intake might contribute to the risk factor of breast cancer in Korean women. Further investigation on the association between genetic polymorphism of xenobiotic metabolism enxymes of environmental carcinogens and breast cancer should be needed.
Alcohol Drinking* ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Carcinogens, Environmental ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Korea* ; Logistic Models ; Metabolism ; Odds Ratio ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Reproductive History ; Risk Factors ; Seoul ; Smoke ; Smoking* ; Tobacco Products* ; Surveys and Questionnaires