PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligand troglitazone in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) enhances the apoptotic response of DLD-1 colon cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of troglitazone, PDT, and troglitazone in combination with PDT on cell viability and apoptosis were assessed in DLD-1 cells. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using the tetrazolium-based MTT assay, and apoptosis was evaluated via cell staining with propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V-FITC. The levels of pro-caspase-3 were measured via Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Treatment of troglitazone and PDT induced the growth retardation and cell death of DLD-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. The combination treatment significantly suppressed cell growth and increased the apoptotic response of DLD-1 and resulted in apoptosis rather than necrosis, as shown by PI/annexin V staining and degradation of procaspase-3. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: These results document the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of PDT in combination with the PPARγ ligand troglitazone and provide a strong rationale for testing the therapeutic potential of combination treatment in colon cancer.
Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Caspase 3 ; Cell Death ; Cell Survival ; Colon* ; Colonic Neoplasms* ; Necrosis ; Photochemotherapy* ; Propidium

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligand troglitazone in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) enhances the apoptotic response of DLD-1 colon cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of troglitazone, PDT, and troglitazone in combination with PDT on cell viability and apoptosis were assessed in DLD-1 cells. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using the tetrazolium-based MTT assay, and apoptosis was evaluated via cell staining with propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V-FITC. The levels of pro-caspase-3 were measured via Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Treatment of troglitazone and PDT induced the growth retardation and cell death of DLD-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. The combination treatment significantly suppressed cell growth and increased the apoptotic response of DLD-1 and resulted in apoptosis rather than necrosis, as shown by PI/annexin V staining and degradation of procaspase-3. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: These results document the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of PDT in combination with the PPARγ ligand troglitazone and provide a strong rationale for testing the therapeutic potential of combination treatment in colon cancer.
Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Caspase 3 ; Cell Death ; Cell Survival ; Colon* ; Colonic Neoplasms* ; Necrosis ; Photochemotherapy* ; Propidium

PURPOSE: The efficacy of stenting for the right-side colonic malignant obstruction is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of self-expandable metallic stent insertion for the right-side colonic malignant obstruction and its clinical benefits. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 460 patients who underwent right hemicolectomy for right-side colon cancer from January 2006 to January 2014 at Korea University Anam Hospital. Twenty four patients who developed malignant obstruction in the right -side colon were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Self-expandable metallic stent insertion was attempted in 14 patients, and initial technical success was achieved in 13 patients (92.9%). No immediate stent-related complications were reported. Complete relief of obstruction was achieved in all of the 13 patients. Eleven patients who failed stenting underwent emergency operation. All of the 13 patients with stent underwent laparoscopic surgery and only one case was converted to open. Only three patients in the emergency group underwent laparoscopic surgery but one was converted. Operative time and number of retrieved lymph nodes did not differ between the two groups. Postoperative hospital stay (9.8+/-3.2 in stent group vs. 16.3+/-10.9 days in emergency group, p=0.082) tended to be shorter in the stent group. Estimated blood loss (38.5+/-138.7 in stent group vs. 381.8+/-411.9 in emergency group, p=0.010) and duration for resuming diet (3.2+/-2.2 in stent group vs. 6.6+/-7.0 days in emergency group, p=0.017) were significantly better in the stent group. CONCLUSION: Self-expandable metallic stent appears to be safe and feasible in the right-side colonic malignant obstruction. It facilitates minimally invasive surgery and may result in better short-term surgical outcome.
Colon* ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Diet ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Korea ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Nodes ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Stents* ; Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive

A rubber tip disconnection of Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device (PTD) may occur occasionally. We experienced 5 cases of a rubber tip disconnection among 453 mechanical thrombectomy sessions with the use of PTD. We present a report about these five cases and suggest possible causes for the occurrences.
Aged ; Catheter Obstruction/*etiology ; Equipment Failure Analysis/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Renal Dialysis/*instrumentation ; Rubber ; Thrombectomy/*instrumentation ; Treatment Outcome

STUDY DESIGN: A nation-wide, outpatient-based, cross-sectional survey with the use of questionnaires. PURPOSE: To evaluate the pain, disability and satisfaction of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There are no nation-wide data in Korea on the degree of pain, disability and satisfaction with treatment in patients with OVCFs. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey of 573 patients with OVCFs. After excluding incomplete questionnaires (missing more than 30% of the variables), 430 patient-physician-matched data sets were collected for this survey. RESULTS: Patients with OVCFs were managed with conservative treatment in 63% and with a vertebroplasty in 37%. The means of the latest visual analogue scale (VAS, 5.2) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 47.7) scores checked at the time of survey were significantly higher than those VAS and ODI scores prior to OVCFs (the prefracture VAS and ODI scores, 3.6 and 26.3, respectively; p<0.001 for both comparisons). However, the means of the latest VAS and ODI scores were insignificantly different between the conservative and vertebroplasty groups, irrespective of the duration from the fractures. Overall, 75% of patients were satisfied with their clinical outcomes. However, the percentages of patient's satisfaction were not significantly different between the conservative and vertebroplasty groups. Eighty-eight percent of patients felt some or marked deterioration of their general health condition following OVCFs. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that although most patients with OVCFs were satisfied with their clinical outcomes, their subjective general health conditions, as well as their pain and disability, did not recover to the prefracture state.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fractures, Compression* ; Humans ; Korea ; Vertebroplasty ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to explore whether individual variations in the concentration of growth factors (GFs) influence the biologic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs). METHODS: The concentrations of 7 representative GFs in activated PRP (aPRP) were measured using ELISA. The effects of PRP on the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of HMSCs were examined using several concentrations of aPRP from 3 donors; the relationships between the GF levels and these biologic effects were then evaluated using 10% aPRP from 5 subgroups derived from 39 total donors. HMSCs were cultured in DMEM with the addition of aPRP for 4 or 12 days; then, DNA content and ALP activity were measured. RESULTS: The quantity of DNA increased significantly at a 10% concentration of aPRP, but the ALP activity was suppressed at this concentration of aPRP. The GF concentrations varied among donors, and 5 subgroups of characteristic GF release patterns were identified via cluster analysis. DNA levels differed significantly between groups and tended to be higher in groups with higher concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs). DNA quantity was positively correlated with TGF-beta1 concentration, and was negatively correlated with donor age. ALP activity was negatively correlated with PDGF-BB concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The varying GF concentrations may result in different biologic effects; thus, individual differences in GF levels should be considered for reliable interpretation of the biologic functions and standardized application of PRP.
Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism ; Blood Donors ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media/chemistry ; DNA/analysis ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/*pharmacology ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology/drug effects ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/pharmacology ; Platelet-Rich Plasma/*metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology

The usefulness of DNA databases is well known. In Korea, many cases have been solved since the establishment of DNA databases in 2010. DNA profiles obtained from criminal evidence are analyzed and are kept in databases, and matching profile is searched. On the matching occasion, DNA databases can provide some investigative information. Close family members, for example father, son or brother, share more alleles than unrelated people. This genetic closeness can be searched using the so called familial searching, and many successful cases have been reported. Management of DNA databases including familial searching needs continuous monitoring and control, especially from ethical view points. Many different views for familial searching have been presented, and each country running DNA databases has their own different policies. We present the utility, approaches and different policies of familial searching as well as arguments for and against familial searching. We also suggest that our appropriate guidelines be mandatory and a proper administrative process be prepared for the start of familial searching.
Alleles ; Criminals ; Databases, Nucleic Acid ; DNA ; Fathers ; Humans ; Korea ; Running ; Siblings

PURPOSE: To investigate the current situation and future trends in the field of refractive surgery in Korea. METHODS: Since 1995, the members of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (KSCRS) have been annually surveyed on cataract and refractive surgery. The 2006 annual survey, consisting of 63 multiple-choice questions, was mailed in July 2007 to 298 KSCRS members. Forty-eight (16.1%) of the members responded to the survey. The current data were compared with those of previous annual surveys and with those of the USA. RESULTS: The society members in their forties accounted for the highest percentage (39%) of the respondents, and LASIK was the most common (50%) of the refractive surgeries. Among the possible complications that arise after refractive surgeries, the regression of corrected vision after PRK, and dry eye syndrome after LASIK accounted for the highest proportion. LASIK was preferred for patients with myopia less than -12 diopter, and phakic IOL was preferred for patients with myopia more than -12 diopter. Almost all of the respondents answered that the most promising refractive surgery is LASIK or phakic IOL. CONCLUSIONS: This survey summarized current trends and changes in cataract and refractive surgery in Korea.
Cataract ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; Humans ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ ; Korea ; Myopia ; Postal Service ; Refractive Surgical Procedures ; Vision, Ocular

PURPOSE: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in the formation of cartilage and bone, as well as regulating the growth of chondroblasts and osteoblasts. In this study, we investigated whether recombinant human BMP adenoviruses are available for ex vivo gene therapy, using human fibroblasts and human bone marrow stromal cells in an animal spinal fusion model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human fibroblasts and human bone marrow stromal cells were transduced with recombinant BMP-2 adenovirus (AdBMP-2) or recombinant BMP-7 adenovirus (AdBMP-7), referred to as AdBMP-7/BMSC, AdBMP-2/BMSC, AdBMP-7/HuFb, and AdBMP-2/HuFb. We showed that each cell secreted active BMPs by alkaline phosphatase staining. Since AdBMP-2 or AdBMP-7 tranducing cells were injected into the paravertebral muscle of athymic nude mice, at 4 weeks and 7 weeks, we confirmed that new bone formation occurred by induction of spinal fusion on radiographs and histochemical staining. RESULTS: In the region where the AdBMP-7/BMSC was injected, new bone formation was observed in all cases and spinal fusion was induced in two of these. AdBMP-2/BMSC induced bone formation and spinal fusion occurred among one of five. However, in the region where AdBMP/HuFb was injected, neither bone formation nor spinal fusion was observed. CONCLUSION: The osteoinductivity of AdBMP-7 was superior to that of AdBMP-2. In addition, the human bone marrow stromal cells were more efficient than the human fibroblasts for bone formation and spinal fusion. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that AdBMP-7/ BMSC would be the most useful approach to ex vivo gene therapy for an animal spinal fusion model.
Adenoviridae* ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; Cartilage ; Chondrocytes ; Fibroblasts ; Genetic Therapy* ; Humans* ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Osteoblasts ; Osteogenesis ; Spinal Fusion* ; Spine

To evaluate availability of the BMP-7 adenovirus (AdBMP-7) as a gene therapy for osteoinduction, we investigated in morphological aspect at 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks after cells injection. Primary cultured human dermal fibroblasts, transduced with AdBMP-7, were injected into gastrocnemius muscle of the nude mice. One week after fibroblasts transplantation new tissue was observed in the muscle. Majority of new tissue was evaluated as cartilage and calcification in the matrix was confirmed by Von Kossa stain as well as electron microscopy. Two weeks after transplantation, spongy bone was built up and adipocytes were observed in intertrabecular spaces. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts were observed in the bony tissue surface. In the result of Von Kossa-Van Gieson stain, osteolysis was dominant in bony trabeculae. Bone marrow was established in 4th weeks with intertrabecular space filled up by hematopoietic cells. At the 6th weeks, the number of trabeculae decreased and thickness of the cortical bone was increased. A great part of bone matrix has laminar structure which run paralleled to surface and which included osteocytes and canaliculi. These data demonstrate that cell mediated AdBMP-7 for gene therapy initiate development of cartilage and calcification of matrix within 1 week and complete bone and bone marrow formation within 4 weeks, so then, could be made practical application for promotion of osteoinduction.
Adenoviridae* ; Adipocytes ; Animals ; Bone Marrow ; Bone Matrix ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 ; Cartilage ; Fibroblasts* ; Genes, vif ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans* ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Microscopy, Electron ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Osteoblasts ; Osteoclasts ; Osteocytes ; Osteolysis