• Applied Microscopy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 2000

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) has been known as one of endocrine disruptors. The present study was carried out to investigate the alterations of fine structure in rat seminal vesicle after oral intubation of DEHP in dosages of 1g/kg/day, 2g/kg/day or 3g/kg/day respectively in 0.5 ml of corn oil for If days. In rats treated with DEHP for 15 days, seminal vesicle exhibited extensive histological alterations compared to those observed in control groups. The size of the seminal vesicle and the mucosal folds decreased, but the lamina propria was considerably thickened. The ultrastructural changes of epithelial cells in seminal vesicle of rat treated with DEHP were characterized by the high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and the increased beterochromatin within irregular nuclear envelope. And also, the rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and secretory vesicles were poorly developed. In conclusion, DEHP caused the ultrastructural and functional alterations of seminal vesicle in rats dose-dependently. It is suggested that these detrimental effects of DEHP on seminal vesicle are derived from the decrease level of testosterone.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.223-241
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• 2004

The purpose of this present study evaluated the osseous response around Ca-P coated xenogenic bone and compared osteogenic potential of Ca-P coated xenogenic bone to that of combination with type I collagen derived from bovine tendon as a biocompatible binder to prevent migration of bone particle on the repair of calvarial defects in rabbits. To study the effects of Ca-P coated xenogenic bone and collagen on bone healing, four 5-mm-diameter skull defect were made in calvaria with trephine filled with an autogenous bone chip or Ca-P coated xenogenic bone or Ca-P coated xenogenic bone and type I collagen (1:1 mixture by volume) or left empty. The defects were evaluated histologically at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks following implantation. Ca-P coated xenogenic bone at the calvarial defects of rabbits showed osteoconductivity at the margin of defect in the early stage of bony healing, but no direct contact with new bone was observed. With time passed by, it was resorbed slowly and showed consistent inflammatory reaction. An additional use of type I collagen derived from bovine tendon improved clinical handling, but no new bone formation was observed histologically. Above all, autogenous bone graft showed most prominent healing in quantity and density of new bone formation. According to this study, the use of Ca-P coated xenogenic bone alone and combination with type I collagen did not showed effective healing in quantity and density of new bone formation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.303-314
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• 2001

Background : Matrix metalioproteinase(MMP)-2 and MMP-9 have been known to play an important role in cell migration and the tissue remodeling process by type IV collagen lysis, a major component of the basement membrane. Intra-alveolar fibrosis, secondary to an injury to the basement membrane of the alveolar epithelial lining, is a major process in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Therefore, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was hypothesized to play an important role in IPF pathogenesis. As a result, their level may reflect the activity or prognosis. Method : Forty one progressive IPF patients(age $59.82{\pm}1.73$ years, M:F=23:18), 16 patients with stable IPF for more than one year without therapy(age : $63.6{\pm}2.8$ years, M:F=13:3), and 7 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in the BAL fluid and alveolar macrophage conditioned media(AM-CM) were measured by zymography and the TIMP-1 level was measured by ELISA. Results : 1) The MMP-2 level in BALF was highest in the progressive IPF group ($1.36{\pm}0.28$) followed by the stable group ($0.46{\pm}0.13$) and the controls ($0.08{\pm}0.09$), which was statistically significant. The MMP-9 level of the IPF ($0.31{\pm}0.058$) and the stable group ($0.22{\pm}0.078$) were higher than that of the control group ($0.002{\pm}0.004$). In the AM-CM, only MMP-9 was detected, which was significantly higher in IPF group ($0.80{\pm}0.1O$) than in the control group($0.23{\pm}0.081$). The TIMP-1 level was also higher in both the IPF ($36.34{\pm}8.62\;{\mu}g/ml$) and stable group ($20.83{\pm}8.53\;{\mu}g/ml$) compared to the control group ($2.80{\pm}1.05\;{\mu}g/ml$) (p<0.05). 3) There was a correlation between the MMP-2 level in the BALF with the total cell number(r=0.298) and neutrophils(r=0.357) (p<0.05), and the MMP-9 level with the number of neutrophils (r=0.407) and lymphocytes (r=0.574)(p<0.05). The TIMP-1 level correlated with the total number of cell (r=0.338, p<0.05) and neutrophils(r=0.449, p=0.059). Conclusion : Both MMP and TIMP appear to play an important role in IPF pathogenesis, and their level may reflect the disease activity.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.33 no.6 s.101
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• pp.485-497
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• 2003

The form and function of the craniofacial structure critically depend on genetic information. With recent advances in the molecular technology, genes that are important for normal growth and morphogenesis of the craniofacial skeleton are being rapidly uncovered, shaping up modem craniofacial biology. One of them is fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). Specific point mutations in the. FGFR2 gene have been linked to Apert syndrome, which is characterized by premature closure of cranial sutures and craniofacial anomalies as well as limb deformities. To study pathogenic mechanisms underlying craniosynostosis phenotype of Apert syndrome, we used a transgenic approach; an FGFR2 minigene construct containing an Apert mutation (a point mutation that substitute proline at the position 253 to arginine; P253R) was introduced into fertilized mouse germ cells by DNA microinjection. The injected cells were then allowed to develop into transgenic mice. We used a bone-specific promoter (a DNA fragment from the type I collagen gene) to confine the expression of mutant FGFR2 gene to the bone tissue, and asked whether expression of mutant FGFR2 in bone is sufficient to cause the craniosynostosis phenotype in mice. Initial characterization of these mice shows prematurely closed cranial sutures with facial deformities expected from Apert patients. We also demonstrate that the transgene produces mutant FGFR2 protein with increased functional activities. Having this useful mouse model, we now can ask questions regarding the role of FGFR2 in normal and abnormal development of cranial bones and sutures.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.385-396
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• 2001

The purpose of this experiment was to examine the histological changes and the pattern of expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and type I collagen in the elongated bone affected by osteodistraction of the mandibular body in an adult canine model. Seven adult male mongrel dogs weighing over 20kg were used for this experiment. The author excluded 3 animals because they died before the planned time of sacrifice. The custom-made linear extraoral device and 4 bicortical fixation screws 2.3mm in diameter, 50mm in total length, 15mm in screw length were used in each animal. The distal part of the distractor produced a 0.75mm gap between proximal and distal bony segments every $360^{\circ}$ turn of the rotation rod of the device. The mandibular body of the right side from each animal was experimental side and the left side was left intact and served as control. At the experimental side, the mandibular body was osteotomized. After 5-day latency period, the segments were distracted with a rate of 1.1mm/day and a rhythm of two/day for ensuing 7 days. The animals were sacrificed at the 4th. 17th, and 32th day after the end of the distraction. The bony specimens were decalcified, embedded in paraffin, sectioned $5{\mu}m$ thick and stained with Masson trichrome and examined under the light microscope. The immunohistochemical examinations using anti-PCNA antibody and anti-type-I collagen antibody were performed to examine the pattern of the expression of PCNA and type I collagen, respectively. Results : 1. The mean increment of the distance between the proximal and distal screw-holding parts of the distractor was 6.8mm. The average elongation of the mandible in the experimental side was 5.3mm. The loss of elongation was 1.5mm in average. 2. New bone was already observed at the 4th. day after the end of distraction. But, bony union was not completed in the distraction gap at the 32th. day after the end of distraction by radiographic and microscopic examinations. 3. The expression rate of PCNA positive cells in the distraction gap had a tendency of decrease from 35.1-68.8% initially, to 49.1%, and finally to 17.6-27.2%. But at the final period, the tissue of the elongated gap still had the ability of cell proliferation. On the other hand, the expression of PCNA positive cells in the control side were negligible through the experimental period. 4. PCNA positive cells were observed primarily both at the central fibrous zone and at the region of just adjacent to CFZ which initiated new bone formation. 5. The expression pattern of the type I collagen was not zone-specific. They were observed diffusely throughout the elongation gap. 6. The predominant mechanism of new bone formation in the distraction gap was intramembranous. But, some of the regenerated bone was formed by endochondral ossification.