As prediction of rapidly aging society, bone health is considered increasingly important and received more attention than ever. Bone health is regulated by balancing between bone resorptive osteoclasts and bone formative osteoblasts. Disruption of balance between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts results in bone disease. Natural products have recently received much attention as an alternative tool for the development of novel therapeutic strategy. Baicalein is reported it has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Baicalein also has been known that it has both promotive effect on MC3T3-E1 cell line and inhibitory effect on RAW 264.7 cell line. However, the inhibitory mechanism of baicalein using bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs) on osteoclast differentiation remains not clear. In this study, the suppressive mechanism by baicalein on osteoblast differentiation was evaluated. Bicalein inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in BMMs in a dose dependent manner without any toxicity. Baicalein suppressed phosphorylation of protein kinaseB (Akt), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipaseCgamma2 (PLCgamma2). Furthermore, Baicalein suppressed the induction of RANKL-induced c-Fos and Nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1), essential genes on osteoclastogenesis. In BMMs, Bicalein inhibited the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), cathepsinK, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). Moreover, baicalein promoted differentiation of osteoblast on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Taken together, these results suggest that baicalein has a potential for treating bone lytic diseases, such as osteoporosis, periodontitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Acid Phosphatase ; Aging ; Antioxidants ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Biological Products ; Bone Diseases ; Bone Marrow* ; Cell Line ; Genes, Essential ; Macrophages* ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Osteoblasts ; Osteoclasts* ; Osteoporosis ; Periodontitis ; Phospholipase C gamma ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; RANK Ligand ; RNA, Messenger

Dexmedetomidine, which is a selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, was recently introduced into clinical practice for its analgesic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine in a vincristine-evoked neuropathic rat models. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with vincristine or saline (0.1 mg/kg/day) using a 5-day-on, 2-day-off schedule for 2 weeks. Saline and dexmedetomidine (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/kg) were injected to rats developed allodynia 14 days after vincristine injection, respectively. We evaluated allodynia at before, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min, and 24 hr after intraperitoneal drug (normal saline or dexmedetomidine) injection. Saline treatment did not show any differences for all the allodynia. Maximal paw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimuli were 3.0 +/- 0.4, 9.1 +/- 1.9, 13.0 +/- 3.6, 16.6 +/- 2.4, and 24.4 +/- 1.6 g at saline, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/kg dexmedetomidine injection, respectively. Minimal withdrawal frequency to cold stimuli were 73.3 +/- 4.2, 57.1 +/- 6.8, 34.3 +/- 5.7, 20.0 +/- 6.2, and 14.3 +/- 9.5 g at saline, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/kg dexmedetomidine injection, respectively. Dexmedetomidine shows a dose-dependent antiallodynic effect on mechanical and cold stimuli in vincristine-evoked neuropathic rat models (P < 0.05).
Analgesics/*therapeutic use ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects ; Dexmedetomidine/*therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hyperalgesia/chemically induced/*drug therapy ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Male ; Pain Threshold ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vincristine/toxicity

Dexmedetomidine, which is a selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, was recently introduced into clinical practice for its analgesic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine in a vincristine-evoked neuropathic rat models. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with vincristine or saline (0.1 mg/kg/day) using a 5-day-on, 2-day-off schedule for 2 weeks. Saline and dexmedetomidine (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/kg) were injected to rats developed allodynia 14 days after vincristine injection, respectively. We evaluated allodynia at before, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min, and 24 hr after intraperitoneal drug (normal saline or dexmedetomidine) injection. Saline treatment did not show any differences for all the allodynia. Maximal paw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimuli were 3.0 +/- 0.4, 9.1 +/- 1.9, 13.0 +/- 3.6, 16.6 +/- 2.4, and 24.4 +/- 1.6 g at saline, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/kg dexmedetomidine injection, respectively. Minimal withdrawal frequency to cold stimuli were 73.3 +/- 4.2, 57.1 +/- 6.8, 34.3 +/- 5.7, 20.0 +/- 6.2, and 14.3 +/- 9.5 g at saline, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/kg dexmedetomidine injection, respectively. Dexmedetomidine shows a dose-dependent antiallodynic effect on mechanical and cold stimuli in vincristine-evoked neuropathic rat models (P < 0.05).
Analgesics/*therapeutic use ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects ; Dexmedetomidine/*therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hyperalgesia/chemically induced/*drug therapy ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Male ; Pain Threshold ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vincristine/toxicity

Selenium (Se) is known to prevent several cancers while the relationship between high iron and the risk of colorectal cancer is controversial. To investigate the effects of Se in colon carcinogenesis, we subjected three different levels of Se and high-iron diet to a mouse model of colon cancer in which animals were treated with three azoxymethane (AOM) injections followed by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) administration. There were five experimental groups including vehicle group [normal-Fe (NFe, 45 ppm)+medium-Se (MSe, 0.1 ppm)], positive control group (AOM/DSS+NFe+MSe), AOM/DSS+high-Fe (HFe, 450 ppm)+low-Se (LSe, 0.02 ppm), AOM/DSS+HFe+MSe, and AOM/DSS+HFe+high-Se (HSe, 0.5 ppm). The animals were fed on the three different Se diets for 24 weeks. The incidence of colon tumor in the high-Se diet group (AOM/DSS+HFe+HSe) showed 19.4% lower than positive control group, 5.9% lower than AOM/DSS+HFe+MSe diet group, and 11.1% lower than AOM/DSS+HFe+LSe group. The tumor multiplicity was significantly higher in the low-Se diet group (AOM/DSS+HFe+LSe) compare to all other AOM/DSS treated groups. In the high-Se diet group, the activity of hepatic GPx was comparable to that of positive control group, and significantly higher than those of low-Se or medium-Se diet groups. Expression level of hepatic GPx-1 showed similar results. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level (indicator of oxidative stress) in the low-Se diet group showed the highest compared to the other groups, and it was significantly higher than positive control group. In the high-Se diet group the level of MDA in the liver was significantly lower than all other AOM/DSS treated groups. High-Se diet group showed significantly lower proliferative index than low-Se and medium-Se groups. The apoptotic indices in low-Se group and medium-Se group were significantly lower than positive control group. However, apoptotic index of high-Se diet group was significantly higher than all other AOM/DSS treated groups. These findings suggest that dietary Se supplement may have protective effect against colon cancer by decreasing proliferation, increasing apoptosis of tumor cells, and reducing oxidative stress in mice with high iron diet.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Azoxymethane ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Dextrans ; Diet ; Incidence ; Iron ; Liver ; Malondialdehyde ; Mice ; Oxidative Stress ; Selenium ; Sodium ; Sulfates

The role of selenium (Se) in modulating colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM) followed by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was investigated in mice. Five-week old ICR mice were fed on diets containing different concentrations (0.02, 0.1 or 0.5 ppm) of Se for 24 weeks. Animals received three (0-2nd weeks) intraperitoneal injections of AOM (10 mg/kg body weight), followed by 2% DSS with drinking water for additional 1 week. There were 4 experimental groups including vehicle control group, positive control group given AOM/DSS with AIN-93G normal diet containing 0.1% Se (NSe), a low (0.02 ppm)-Se diet group (LSe) and a high (0.5 ppm)-Se diet group (HSe). Hematology was analyzed with a blood cell differential counter. Liver Se was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for proliferative activity and apoptotic index by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. HSe group showed a low incidence of colonic tumor (64.7%), compared with the NSe positive control (75%) and LSe (77.8%) groups. In contrast, HSe group exhibited lower rate of PCNA-positive cells (39.3+/-6.9%) than positive control (64.3+/-0.3%) and LSe (57.3+/-2.9%) groups. In addition, apoptotic index of HSe group was higher than those of positive control and LSe groups. These results indicate that Se is a chemopreventive agent for colon carcinogenesis induced by AOM+DSS in male ICR mice.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Azoxymethane ; Blood Cells ; Cell Proliferation ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Dextrans ; Diet ; Drinking Water ; Hematology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Liver ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Organothiophosphorus Compounds ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Selenium ; Sodium ; Spectrum Analysis ; Sulfates

The role of selenium (Se) in modulating colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM) followed by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was investigated in mice. Five-week old ICR mice were fed on diets containing different concentrations (0.02, 0.1 or 0.5 ppm) of Se for 24 weeks. Animals received three (0-2nd weeks) intraperitoneal injections of AOM (10 mg/kg body weight), followed by 2% DSS with drinking water for additional 1 week. There were 4 experimental groups including vehicle control group, positive control group given AOM/DSS with AIN-93G normal diet containing 0.1% Se (NSe), a low (0.02 ppm)-Se diet group (LSe) and a high (0.5 ppm)-Se diet group (HSe). Hematology was analyzed with a blood cell differential counter. Liver Se was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for proliferative activity and apoptotic index by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. HSe group showed a low incidence of colonic tumor (64.7%), compared with the NSe positive control (75%) and LSe (77.8%) groups. In contrast, HSe group exhibited lower rate of PCNA-positive cells (39.3+/-6.9%) than positive control (64.3+/-0.3%) and LSe (57.3+/-2.9%) groups. In addition, apoptotic index of HSe group was higher than those of positive control and LSe groups. These results indicate that Se is a chemopreventive agent for colon carcinogenesis induced by AOM+DSS in male ICR mice.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Azoxymethane ; Blood Cells ; Cell Proliferation ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Dextrans ; Diet ; Drinking Water ; Hematology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Liver ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Organothiophosphorus Compounds ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Selenium ; Sodium ; Spectrum Analysis ; Sulfates

We present an unusual case of a penile cavernosal abscess. This patient did not improve clinically despite repeat percutaneous aspiration of the abscess and administration of oral fluoroquinolone. Surgical drainage was required. Culture of pus and infected tissues were negative. Three months postoperatively, penile deviation to the left side and erectile dysfunction occurred but the patient was able to have sexual intercourse by using the medication of oral vardenafil. Colchicine was administered orally to the patient for 9 months and the penile curvature was improved.
Abscess* ; Coitus ; Colchicine ; Drainage ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Humans ; Male ; Penis ; Suppuration ; Vardenafil Dihydrochloride

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pulmonary complications are amongst the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality during liver transplantation. Postoperative mechanical ventilation and tracheal extubation are important parts of postoperative critical care. However, there are no comparative studies on postoperative mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care units admission between cadaveric whole liver transplantation and living related liver transplantation groups, which are different from anesthetic and surgical procedures. In our present study, we have compared mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU admission and its influencing factors between the two groups. METHODS: We have retrospectively studied 67 cases and depending on the surgical procedures, we divided them into two groups; control group undergoing cadaveric whole liver transplantation and experimental group undergoing living related liver transplantation. Each group was evaluated based on operation time, time of mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU admission, amounts of infused fluid and transfusion during operation, preoperative and extubation O2 index, serum creatinine levels, and preoperative and intraoperative risk score. RESULTS: The mechanical ventilation time in experimental group was observed to be shorter than in control group, and serum creatinine level during the 3rd postoperative day in experimental group was lower than in control group (P<0.05). However, there was no difference in duration of ICU admission, O2 index, fluid amount and transfusion, and risk score between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that living related liver transplantation reduces mechanical ventilation time with no effect on ICU admission periods. Higher risk score is correlated with prolongation of postoperative mechanical ventilation.
Airway Extubation ; Cadaver* ; Creatinine ; Critical Care ; Intensive Care Units ; Liver Transplantation* ; Liver* ; Mortality ; Respiration, Artificial* ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of TKRA (Total knee replacement arthroplasty)for the treatment of stiff knee. METHODS & MATERIALS: TKRA has been performed for 18 cases of stiff knee ( ROM < 50 degrees ) between January 1994 and December 2000. 16 cases which have been followed up for more than 2 years were analysed. Average follow-up was 3.3 years(2-6 years). 3 were male and 13 were female. The average age was 55.8 years(34-75years). Sequales of infection were most with 6 cases and followed by osteoarthritis (4 cases, 2 cases had been performed arthroscopic debridement) and rheumatoid arthritis (3 cases) and traumatic arthritis (3 cases) in order. TKRA was performed on average 12.2 years (1-40 years) after knee stiffness has been developed. We evaluate the results with ROM, HSS score and complications. RESULTS: Average ROM was increased from 31.6 degrees(0 degrees-50 degrees) preoperatively to 95.4 degrees(80 degrees-120 degrees) postoperatively. 5 degrees of flexion contracture was present in only 1 case. Average HSS score was improved from 59.6 points preoperatively to 84.6 points postoperatively. The patella tendon was partially ruptured in 1 case during surgery, but by brace application and rehabilitative exercise, ROM was improved to 90 degrees, 1 year post operatively. There were 1 superficial skin infection which was resolved by revision of wound and skin graft, and deep infection in 3 cases, which needed knee fusion finally. CONCLUSION: TKRA is a good method for improving function in knee stiffness although infection risk is high.
Arthritis ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Arthroplasty* ; Braces ; Contracture ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee* ; Male ; Osteoarthritis ; Patellar Ligament ; Skin ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: The drug-resistant tuberculosis has recently decreased in Korea, but it is still one of the major obstacles in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Unfortunately there are no reliable ways to figure out the drug sensitivity pattern of the M. tuberculosis in the starting point of treatment. At least several months which is critical for the success of treatment have to be passed away before getting the report of drug-sensitivity test. The aim of this study was to find out the clinical and radiological parameters that make it possible to predict the drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and to make a correct decision on the antituberculosis drug regimens. METHOD: We studied 253 pulmonary TB patients with sputum and/or bronchial washing fluid culture-positive diagnosed at the Chung-Ang University Young-San Hospital in the period of 1989-1994. The differences in the clinical and raiological variables between the drug-sensitive and the drug-resistant tuberculosis patients were evaluated. RESULTS: In 66 out of 253 patients(26.1%), drug resistant tuberculosis to at least one antituberculosis drug were found. Patients with retreatment showed higher resistance rate than those with initial treatment (30/69,43.5% vs 36/184, 19.5%, p<0.01). Patients with cavitary TB showed higher resistance rate than those with non-cavitary TB( (24/54, 44.4% vs 42/199, 21.1%, p<0.05). Among patients with initial treatment, those with far-advanced TB showed a higher drug resistance rate than those with minimal lesion(9/23, 36.9% vs 10/82, 12.5%, p<0.05). Patients with culture positive only in the bronchial washing fluid showed lower resistance rate than those with sputum culture positive(7/63, 11.1% vs 59/190, 31.1%, p<0.05) CONCLUSION: Prior treatment history for pulmonary tuberculosis, the presence of cavity & far advanced tuberculosis in the radiologic exam, sputum rather than solely bronchial washing culture positivity would be the related factors to the drug resistance. So in the patients with such characteristics, it is needed to try to find out the drug sensitivity pattern of the infecting tuberculosis organism as soon as possible.
Drug Resistance ; Humans ; Korea ; Retreatment ; Sputum ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*