In this study, we investigated the effects of pelargonidin, an anthocyanidin found in many fruits and vegetables, on endothelium-independent vascular contractility to determine the underlying mechanism of relaxation. Isometric contractions of denuded aortic muscles from male rats were recorded, and the data were combined with those obtained in western blot analysis. Pelargonidin significantly inhibited fluoride-, thromboxane A2-, and phorbol ester-induced vascular contractions, regardless of the presence or absence of endothelium, suggesting a direct effect of the compound on vascular smooth muscles via a different pathway. Pelargonidin significantly inhibited the fluoride-dependent increase in the level of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) phosphorylation at Thr-855 and the phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-dependent increase in the level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation at Thr202/Tyr204, suggesting the inhibition of Rho-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) activities and subsequent phosphorylation of MYPT1 and ERK1/2. These results suggest that the relaxation effect of pelargonidin on agonist-dependent vascular contractions includes inhibition of Rho-kinase and MEK activities, independent of the endothelial function.
Animals ; Anthocyanins ; Aorta* ; Blotting, Western ; Endothelium* ; Fluorides ; Fruit ; Humans ; Isometric Contraction ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Muscles ; Myosin-Light-Chain Phosphatase ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; Protein Kinases ; Rats* ; Relaxation ; rho-Associated Kinases ; Vasoconstriction* ; Vegetables

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin condition accompanied by symptoms such as edema and hemorrhage. Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean dish consisting of various probiotics. In this study, the therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP55 isolated from Kimchi was studied in AD-induced mice. Orally administered Lactobacillus strain, CJLP55, suppressed AD symptoms and high serum IgE levels. CJLP55 administration reduced the thickness of the epidermis, infiltration of mast cells and eosinophils into the skin lesion, enlargement of axillary lymph nodes, and increase in cell population in axillary lymph nodes. CJLP55 treatment decreased the production of type 2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-6,which were stimulated by house dust mite extracts, in the axillary lymph node cells. Orally administered CJLP55 exhibited a therapeutic effect on house dust mite-induced AD in NC/Nga mice after onset of the disease by altering immune cell activation. The Lactobacillus strain, CJLP55, isolated from Kimchi, suppressed AD. Our results suggest its possible use as a potential candidate for management of AD.
Animals ; Cytokines ; Dermatitis ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dust ; Edema ; Eosinophils ; Epidermis ; Hemorrhage ; Immunoglobulin E ; Interferons ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-12 ; Interleukin-5 ; Interleukins ; Lactobacillus ; Lactobacillus plantarum ; Lymph Nodes ; Mast Cells ; Mice ; Probiotics ; Pyroglyphidae ; Skin ; Th2 Cells ; Therapeutic Uses*

No abstract available.
Biomarkers* ; Propionibacterium acnes* ; Propionibacterium* ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins*

No abstract available.
Biomarkers* ; Propionibacterium acnes* ; Propionibacterium* ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins*

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea; it is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women. The incidence rate in Korea has continuously increased since 1999 when the National Cancer Registry statistics began. Currently; there are several screening modalities; that have been recommended by expert societies, including fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, computed tomographic colonography The annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has been used in adults aged 50 and older as part of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea since 2004. Although several study results from regional or national colorectal cancer screening programs in other countries have been reported, the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea has not yet been evaluated with evidence-based methods. Herein report the consensus statements on the National Screening Guideline for colorectal cancer developed by a multi-society expert committee in Korea, as follows: 1) We recommend annual or biennial FIT for screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic adults, beginning at 45 years of age and continuing until 80 years (recommendation B). 2) There is no evidence for the risks or benefits of FIT in adults older than 80 years (recommendation I). 3) Selective use of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening is recommended, taking into consideration individual preference and the risk of colorectal cancer (recommendation C). 4) There is no evidence for the risks or benefits of double-contrast barium enema for colorectal cancer screening in asymptomatic adults (recommendation I). 5) There is no evidence for the risks or benefits of computed tomographic colonography for colorectal cancer screening in asymptomatic adults (recommendation I).
Adult ; Barium ; Colonography, Computed Tomographic ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Consensus ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Enema ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Male ; Mass Screening* ; Occult Blood

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the MADIT II criteria, a low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is one of the most important predicting factors for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in post myocardial infarction (PMI) patients, and it is a reasonable indication for ICD implantation. The aim of this study is to reveal the incidence and the prognostic value of the non-invasive parameters and whether the MADIT II criteria for ICD implantation can be applied to Korean PMI patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During the period from January 2001 to June 2005, 640 PMI survivors were included in this study. The incidence of an abnormal SAECG, premature ventricular complex (PVC) counts > or = 10/hr, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) on ambulatory ECG and a low (< or = 30%) LVEF were studied and used as risk stratification markers for later adverse arrhythmic events. RESULTS: The incidence of PVCs > or = 10/hr and NSVT on the ambulatory ECG was 14.3% and 7.5%, respectively. 29 patients (4.9%) had a LVEF of less than 30%. Arrhythmic events occurred in 9 of the 29 patients (31%). SCD or adverse arrhythmic events occurred in 42 of the 640 patients. The percentage of patients who were using beta-blocker was lower than that in the MADIT II study group (55% vs 70%, respectively). In the adverse arrhythmic event (+) group, the percentage of beta-blocker use was significantly lower than that in the arrhythmic event (-) group (32.5% vs 58%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The MADIT II criteria and PVCs > or = 10/hr or NSVT on the ambulatory ECG can be suggested as the indications for implanting an ICD in Korean PMI patients. The use of beta-blocker is important for preventing adverse arrhythmic events.
Death, Sudden, Cardiac* ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Incidence ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Risk Assessment ; Stroke Volume* ; Survivors ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Ventricular Premature Complexes

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and radiographic results associated with the use of autogenous bone graft with preservation of cortical bone in the patients with severe bone defect of the proximal medial tibia in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2003, thirty three primary total knee arthroplasty were performed with autogenous bone graft for severe peripheral defect of the proximal medial tibia. After sclerotic bone of defect site was removed by the burr, reconstruction of medial wall was done by use of resected bone, which was fixed by wedge-shaped bone. Autogenous cancellous bone was grafted in the central type bone defect area. We reviewed the result using the HSS knee rating scores and observed the radiographic changes. RESULTS: The mean HSS knee rating score was 43.5 preoperatively and was 91.3 at last follow-up. Radiologically, union of the tibial bone grafts were impossible to determine, but there were no evidence of the displacement of grafted bone, osteolysis and loosening of the inserted implants. CONCLUSION: The method of autogenous bone graft applied with preservation of cortical bone and wedge bone graft could be supposed as useful in the reconstruction of the tibial bone defects as well as in the stability of the tibial component.
Arthroplasty* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee* ; Osteolysis ; Tibia ; Transplants*

PURPOSE: To compare the roentgenographic results between Image-free navigation system-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the OrthoPilot(R) and conventional TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 120 primary TKA that operated by one surgeon, 60 cases were operated with a Image-free navigation system (OrthoPilot(R) 4.0, Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) (group A) and 60 cases were operated with conventional method (manual alignment system) (group B). The alignment of the lower extremity and the position of the components were determined on postoperative long-leg standing anteroposterior radiogram and lateral radiogram. RESULTS: Mechanical axis was significantly more accurate in group A than group B(95% compared with 80%). The coronal inclination of femoral component to mechanical axis (theta) was significantly more accurate in group A than group B(96.7% compared with 80%). There were no significant differences between two groups in the sagittal inclination of femoral component(gamma), the coronal inclination of tibial component (beta) and the sagittal inclination of tibial component(delta). In all five measurements being excellently implanted, a significantly higher number was in group A(60% compared with 40%). CONCLUSION: Image-free navigation system-assisted TKA using the OrthoPilot(R) led to significantly increased precision of restoration of the alignment of the lower extremity and the position of the components compared with the conventional method. Potential benefits in long-term outcome and functional improvement require further investigation.
Arthroplasty ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Knee ; Lower Extremity

Achalasia can be provoked by organic causes, and it is called secondary achalasia. Sometimes it is very difficult to distingush secondary achalasia from primary achalasia. We report a case of secondary achalasia due to recurrence of stomach cancer. A 45-year-old man came to our hospital due to three months history of dysphagia and regurgitation. Barium esophagogram showed concentric narrowing at the distal esophagus and dilatation of proximal esophagus. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed stenosis of gastroesophageal junction and the endoscope could not pass through it, but there was no evidence of malignancy. Esophageal manometry showed aperistalsis, compatible with achalasia. Abdominal CT showed soft tissue density near the gastroesophageal junction. However it was not possible to differentiate whether it was due to adhesion or malignancy. For correct diagnosis and treatment, explorolaparotomy was performed and it was diagnosed as secondary achalasia due to recurrence of stomach cancer.
Barium ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Deglutition Disorders ; Diagnosis ; Dilatation ; Endoscopes ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Esophageal Achalasia* ; Esophagogastric Junction ; Esophagus ; Humans ; Manometry ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence* ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Stomach* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that the most spontaneously-arising epidermal cysts might be related to follicular infundibulum and palmoplantar epidermal cyst (PPEC) has been suggested to be caused from traumatic implantation of epidermal fragments. In addition there were several recent reports of human papillomavirus (HPV) implicating in formation of PPEC and also similar reports in Korean dermatologic literature. But the latter failed to reveal the presence of HPV in PPEC or a specific type of HPV by molecular biologic methods. OBJECTIVE: We tried to identify the presence of HPV and its subtype in PPEC. METHODS: After reviewing routine histopathologic findings recalling HPV infection in 8 PPECS, we undertook immunohistochemistry using polyclonal HPV antibody and polymerase chain reactions with 3 sets of HPV primers. To confirm the actual location of HPV in cyst in situ hybridization with HPV 60 probe was also done. RESULTS: All cases showed more than one feature of HPV infection. The positive reactions were 3 out of 8 on immunohistochemistry and 5 out of 8 on polymerase chain reaction. All cases (4 of 4) were positive on in situ hybridization and they were found in the horny layer and/or wall of cysts. CONCLUSION: PPEC in Korea may show similar typical histopathologic features with those reported in Japan. The HPV were detected in almost PPEC by molecular methods and their subtype was all HPV 60.
Epidermal Cyst* ; Gammapapillomavirus* ; Humans* ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Japan ; Korea ; Polymerase Chain Reaction