BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that a GRE/TRE composite sequence, which is located between 200 bp and 220 bp relative to the transcriptional start site of rat TRH gene, is responsible for the dexamethasone (DEX)- and TPA-induced transcriptional activation, and the transcriptional activation by DEX is mediated by interaction between glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and a TRE-binding transcriptional factor such as c-Jun. However, a non-specific binding with the transciption factors can not be excluded as the mutants used in the previous report could not inhibit the binding of GR and c-Jun completely, and it remains unclear which one of the two TRE-like sequences is critical for the interaction of the two transcription factors. METHODS: Luciferase expressing plasmids that contain a part of rat TRH promoter including the composite GRE sequence or its mutants were transfected into HeLa cells by Fugene 6. After the cells were incubated overnight with DEX or/and TPA, the luciferase activity was measured in a chemiluminometer. A gel retardation assay was performed after binding of the labeled composite sequence or its mutants with GR and c-Jun. RESULTS: DEX and TPA increased the transcriptional activity of the wild type composite sequence by 3 folds and 4 folds, respectively, and the combined stimulation increased the activity by 10 folds. The mutants of which all 6 nucleotides of the GRE half site were replaced and removed almost did not bind to GR and eould not enhance the transcriptional activity at all in response to DEX. The GRE-deleted mutant bound to c-Jun with a remarkably lower affinity and showed a lower response to TPA, whereas the GRE-replaced mutant bound to c-Jun with a similar affinity and showed a similar response to TPA compared to those of the wild type. In response to the combined simulation with DEX and TPA, the mutants showed 30-40% of the trancriptional activity of the wild type. Basal transcriptional activity of all the TRE mutants was significantly lower than that of the wild type. While they almost could not bind to c-Jun, their binding affinity to GR was comparable to that of the wild type. Whereas the DEX- and TPA-induced transcriptional activity of 5 TRE mutant was 10% and 15% of that of the wild type, it responded to those agents in a similar pattern as the wild type. The 3 TRE mutant and the mutant of both TRE sites did not respond to DEX and TPA. The GRE-deleted mutant hardly formed the DNA-protein complex as did the wild type, while the GRE -replaced mutant could form the complex in a less amount with nuclear extract of HeLa celL CONCLUSION: These results suggest that GRE/TRE composite sequence of rat TRH gene specifically binds to GR and c-Jun, providing a site for interaction between the two transcription factors, and that both TRE sites play an important role in basal transcription, and that the 3 TRE site is more critical in the interaction between GRE and TRE for DEX-induced transcriptional activation. (J Kor Endocrinol 14:278-292, 1999)
Animals ; Dexamethasone ; Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Luciferases ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed* ; Nucleotides ; Plasmids ; Rats* ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid ; Response Elements* ; Transcription Factors ; Transcriptional Activation

BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that the promoter of rat TRH gene has GRE half site (TGTTCT) between -210 bp and -205 bp flanking with similar sequences of TPA response element (TRE), TAGTCA, at a distance of several base pairs from the GRE half site. It promps us to hypothesize that this composite GRE/TRE sequence can provide a site for interaction between glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and c-Jun. Thus, we investigated whether the composite sequence mediates transcriptional regulation induced by dexamethasone (DEX) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phobol-13-acetate (TPA), and whether it binds GR and c-Jun. METHODS: A luciferase expressing plasmids that contain a part of rat TRH promoter including the composite sequence or their mutants were transfected into HeLa cells by Fugene 6. After the cells were incubated overnight with DEX and TPA, the luciferase activity was measured in a chemiluminometer. A gel retardation assay was performed after binding of the labeled composite sequence or its mutants with GR and c-Jun. RESULTS: DEX increased the transcriptional activity of the plasmid containing the wild type GRE by 2.5 folds, and TPA increased the transcriptional activity by 4 folds. The simultaneous stimulation with DEX and TPA synergistically increased the transcriptional activity by 10 folds. Two mutants whose GRE half sits were altered showed no responses to DEX, and suppressed the TPA-induced or both agents-induced transcriptional activity by 50%. Two mutants whose TRE-like sites were altered suppressed the DEX-induced transcriptional activity by 20%, TPA-induced trarptional activity by 25%, and both agents-induced transcriptional activity by 50%. Gel retardation assay showed that the composite sequence fonned a complex with GR and its mutants bound to GR with remarkably less affinity. c-Jun also bound to the composite sequence to form two cornplexes with less affinity compared to the AP-1 consensus sequence. The mutants of the TRE-like sequence bound to c-Jun with a significantly lower affinity compared to that of the wild type. Simulateous binding of the composite sequence with GR and c-Jun did not form any larger complex. The complex of GR and the composite sequence was much smaller than that formed by c-Jun, suggesting that GR binds to the composite sequence as a monomer. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the composite sequence of GRE half site and TRE-like site on the promoter of rat TRH gene provides binding sites for GR and c-Jun, which mediate the interaction between two signal transduction pathways. (J Kor Soc Endocrinol 14:265-277, 1999)
4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic Acid ; Animals ; Base Pairing ; Binding Sites ; Consensus Sequence ; Dexamethasone ; Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Luciferases ; Plasmids ; Rats ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid ; Response Elements ; Signal Transduction ; Transcription Factor AP-1

Adenomyotic cyst is very rare disease, their sizes are mostly lesser 5mm. The intrauterine adenomyotic cyst may arise from progressive expansion of cyst due to progressive menstrual bleeding. Authors experienced a case of large adenomyotic cyst within myometrium occuring in a l9-year-old woman, and who was accompanied with endometriosis. The cyst was about 3 x 3em sized, and had chocolate colored thick viscous contents, We experienced one case of adenomyotic cyst which was thought to be degenerated uterine myoma, so we report the case with a brief review of the concerned literatures.
Animals ; Cacao ; Endometriosis* ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Leiomyoma ; Mice ; Myometrium* ; Rare Diseases

The ultimate goal of blood donor screening for anti-hepatitis C virus(HCV) antibodies is the specific exclusion of vital carriers from the blood donor population. Recently, a third-generation anti-HCV screening (Lucky HCD 3.0) and immunoblot assay (Lucky Confirm) using antigens derived from the core and different nonstructural regioris (NS3, NS4 and NS5) of the HCV vital genome were developed. To evaluate the usefulness of these assays, anti-HCV reaction patterns of the RIBA-2 and the presence of HCV-RNA detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) were examined in 180 sera, which were repeatedly positive in Abbott EIA-2, and HCV seroconversion panel sera. The reaction intensity of HCD 3.0 was higher than that of HCD 2.0. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for vital carrier state of HCD 3.0 were 98.4% and 85.4%, respectively. HCD 3.0 assay enabled the detection of the antibody response 2 weeks earlier than did other second-generation EIAs. RT-PCR testing of sera with RIBA-2-indetermihate results showed that 33.3%(10/30) had evidence of HCV-RNA. However, all of nine Lucky Confirm-indeterminate cases were negative for HCV-RNA. The sensitivity and specificity of Lucky Confirm test were 99.2% and 76.4%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 90.5% and 97.7%, respectively.
Antibodies ; Antibody Formation ; Blood Donors ; Carrier State ; Genome ; Humans ; Immunoenzyme Techniques* ; Mass Screening ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUND: Even though there were developments in various treatment techniques for acute arterial occlusion this disease still has high rate of mortalities and limb amputations. We investigated the combined diseases symptoms location of occlusion type of treatment complication and prognosis in our patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study recruited 48 patients (42 men, 6 women, mean age 57.7 years) who received the operation from January 1995 toDecember 1998. We investigated the post-operation course via medical record review or telephone interview with patients or their family members. RESULT: The most common combined diseases were atherosclerosis in 30 patients. other diseases were 17 diabetes mellitus 16 hypertension and 12 atrial firillation. Pain and clod sensation were noticed in all patients paresthesia in 5 patients fibrillation. Pain and cold sensation were noticed in all patients paresthesia in 5 patients and lower extremity paralysis in 11 patients. In 29 patients the time interval from the onset of symptom to admission was over 72 hours and 15 patients were admitted within 24 hours. The distribution of arterial occlusion location was at 28 femoral arteries 14 popliteal arteries and 6 iliac arteries. All the patients were received embolectomy and 5 patients were received additional bypass grafting. Postoperative complications were 12 reocclusions. 6 compartment syndromes 6 skin necrosis and 2 acute renal failure. The mortality rate was 16.7% (8/48) and the amputation rate was 25%. CONCLUSION: This study revealed 25% reocclusion 25% limb amputation and 16.7% mortaliyt. To improve the prognosis of acute lower extrements arterial occlusion early diagnosis and understand the underlying diseases prompt treatment and operation additional operation including interventional radiologic examination and thorough postoperative care would be appreciated.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Amputation ; Atherosclerosis ; Compartment Syndromes ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Early Diagnosis ; Embolectomy ; Extremities ; Female ; Femoral Artery ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Iliac Artery ; Interviews as Topic ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Medical Records ; Mortality ; Necrosis ; Paralysis ; Paresthesia ; Popliteal Artery ; Postoperative Care ; Postoperative Complications ; Prognosis ; Sensation ; Skin ; Transplants

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of fast walking training on a treadmill on the spinal alignment and muscle thickness of normal adults. METHODS: A total of 36 college students in their twenties participated in the study for eight weeks, and they were divided into the normal walking, fast walking, and speed change groups. All the groups were measured in a pre-test before training. The subjects performed exercise three times per week for six weeks. A post-test was conducted six weeks after training began, and a follow-up test was done two weeks after the training ended.Trunk and pelvic tilts were measured in Formetric 4D for the spinal alignment of the subjects. The muscle thickness was examined in the trunk with an ultrasound test. Repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to test the main effects and interactions among the measurement variables according to time and group. RESULTS: ignificant differences were observed in the pelvic tilt according to time. There were significant differences in the external oblique, internal oblique, transverse abdominal muscle according to time. The post-test results showed significant differences in the left external oblique, internal oblique muscles between before training, six weeks into training, and two weeks after the completion of training. There were significant interactions in the left oblique muscles according to the time and group. CONCLUSION: These findings have some value for patient rehabilitation and clinical applications and interventions through walking training.
Abdominal Muscles ; Adult ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Muscles* ; Rehabilitation ; Ultrasonography ; Walking

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of the hemostasis of prophylactic aprotinin after cardiac valve replacement was evaluated from January 1994 to December 1996 at Pusan National University Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In a randomized study, 20 patients received aprotinin(2x106 KIU as a loading dose for 30 minutes after anesthesia, 1x106 KIU for priming and 5x105 KIU/hr as a maintenance dose from the completion of loading dose till skin closure) and another 20 untreated patients served as controls. RESULT: Aprotinin produced a significant reduction in postoperative blood loss compared with controls and significantly decreased total exposure to allogenic blood products compared with the control group(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that aprotinin effectively reduces postoperative blood loss and trasfusion in patient undergoing cardiac valve replacement.
Anesthesia ; Aprotinin* ; Busan ; Heart Valves ; Heart* ; Hemostasis* ; Humans ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; Skin ; Thoracic Surgery*

BACKGROUND: Medtronic-Hall mechanical valve is a world widely using prosthesis. But, in Korea, the clinical result from Medtronic-Hall valve replacement is not frequenthy available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1986 to May 1990, 50 patients underwent valve replacement surgery with Medtronic-Hall valve at Pusan National University Hospital. Seventeen were male and thirty three were female and ra nging in age from 16 to 70 years of age (mean=35 years). RESULTS: The causes of valvular lesion were rheumatic in 43 patients, bicuspid aortic valve in 3 patients, degenerative lesion in three patients and bacterial endocarditis in one patient. The operative procedures were mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 38, aortic valve replacement (AVR) in 5 and double valve replacement (DVR) in 7. The most commonly used valve size was 21mm in AVR, 29mm in MVR. Concomitant surgical procedures were performed in 15 patients; left atrial thrombectomy in 9, left atrial auricle obliteration in 6 and tricuspid annuloplasty in 5 (Kay: 2, DeVega: 3). New York Heart Association functional class was mostly Class I or II (91.5%) preoperatively and Class IIIor IV (87.2%) after operation. The findings of postoperative echocardiogram of LAD, LVESD, LVEDD were reduced compared with preoperative period and ejection fraction was increased compared with preoperative period. Postoperative complications were massive bleeding in three, low cardiac output syndrome in two, thromboembolism in one and fulminant hepatitis in one patient. There were three hospital deaths and their causes were low cardiac output syndrome in two and rupture of left ventricle in one patient. The 5 year survival rate was 93.65+/-0.71% and 10 year actuarial survival rate was 88.27+/-6.42%. CONCLUSIONS: Medtronic-Hall mechanical valve has low valve related complication rate. It's durability and hemodynamic performance is comparable to other mechanical valves.
Aortic Valve ; Bicuspid ; Busan ; Cardiac Output, Low ; Endocarditis, Bacterial ; Female ; Heart ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Heart Ventricles ; Hemodynamics ; Hemorrhage ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mitral Valve ; Postoperative Complications ; Preoperative Period ; Prostheses and Implants ; Rupture ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Survival Rate ; Thrombectomy ; Thromboembolism

Hepatic masses show different enhancing patterns in N bolus computed tomography: Hepatocellular carcinoma shows high-attenuation in the early enhancing phase and low-attenuation in the late enhancing phase, hemangioma shows peripheral dot-like high-attenuation in the early enhancing phase and central high-attenuation in the late enhancing phase, and metastatic cancer and cholangiocelluar carcinoma show peripheral high-attenuation rim in the early enhancing phase and central portion gradulally high attenuation in the late enhancing phase. but sometimes enhancing patterns of the hepatic masses are confuse. To evaluate the significance of the AFP level and HBsAg in differentiation of the hepatic masses, we retrospectively analyzed AFP level and HBsAg' in 228 pathologically or radiologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinomas, and 137 pathologically nonhepatocellular cacinomas. The results were as follows In hepatocellular carcinoma, AFP level above 20ng/ml was 77.8% and HBsAg positve was 72.6%. In nonhepatocellular carcinoma, AFP level above 20ng/ml was 3.7% and HBsAg positve was 16.1%. We concluded that AFP level and HBsAg are helpful to distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma from nonhepatocellular carcinoma, when IV bolus computed tomogram finding is uncertain.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Hemangioma ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens* ; Retrospective Studies

Phylloides tumor is very similar to giant fibroadenoma in that they have benign appearance in breast radiologic image. Fibroadenoma has no malignant potential, but phylloides tumor is locally recurrent, invasive and may occasionally metastasize. It thus appears that evaluation of the differential point of the two tumor groups by radiologic study is very important. We retrospectively compared sonographic find;.ngs of 6 cases of phylloides tumor with those of 4 cases of fibroadenoma, which proved pathologically in Ye mgnam University Hospital from 1984 to 1986. The mean age of the patients were 31.8 years old(from 14 to 41 years old) in phylloides tumor and 28.8 years old (from 17 to 40 years old) in giant fibroadenoma, respectively. The viewpoints of this analysis were size, shape and contour of the masses, internal echo pattern, posterior enhancement, and especially the existence of peripheral cyst or septal band echo. We found that diffenentiation of these two tumors by sonography was difficult. But peripheral cyst was found only in phylloides tumor and septal band echo was found largely in giant fibroadenoma. Although the existence of peripheral cyst or septal band echo in the breast mass was not pathognomonic findings, we suggest that the existence of septal band echo is preferential finding to fibroadenoma, and peripheral cyst is preferential finding to phylloides tumor.
Breast ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Fibroadenoma* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography