• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.185-190
• /
• 2006

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) catalyzes the lysine-derived cross-links of fibrillar collagens and elastin in the extracellular matrix. Recent molecular cloning has revealed existence of a LOX family consisting of LOX and four lysyl oxidase-like proteins (LOXL, LOXL2, LOXL3 and LOXL4). Pathological conditions associated with impaired LOX activity in several heritable and acquired disorders lead to severe structural and functional abnormalities of cardiovascular tissues, such as occlusion of coronary arteries and aneurysms, suggesting an essential role for the LOX family proteins in the maintenance of the cardiovascular system. However, the specific roles of the lysyl oxidase-like proteins in normal and pathological conditions of the cardiovascular tissues have not been established yet. Here, I report that LOXL3, a novel member of the LOX family, is predominantly expressed in the aorta, with an amine oxidase activity toward collagen and elastin, suggesting an essential role of LOXL3 in the development and maintenance of the aorta.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.225-227
• /
• 2015

Thoracic duct cysts in the upper portion of the diaphragm are mostly found in the neck and are rarely found in the mediastinum. Thoracic duct cysts should be differentiated from other mediastinal tumors or cysts, and surgical treatment is required to avoid the development of chylothorax if the cyst ruptures. Herein, we report the case of a patient with a thoracic cyst located just above the diaphragm that was treated with surgical resection.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.64-67
• /
• 2017

A 52-year-old male patient who underwent multiple wedge resections experienced postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome in both lungs after Viscum album pleurodesis. Despite initial rapid deterioration in clinical condition and rapid progression of bilateral lung infiltration, he exhibited a relatively smooth clinical recovery with marked response to glucocorticoid treatment. Our case report suggests that care must be taken to guard against the development of acute respiratory complications in the use of Viscum album for pleurodesis. However, in view of the clinically benign course, initial aggressive management of complications can prevent suffering and sequelae.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.435-440
• /
• 2014

Hemodynamic shear stress, the frictional force acting on vascular endothelial cells, is crucial for endothelial homeostasis under normal physiological conditions. When discussing blood flow effects on various forms of endothelial (dys)function, one considers two flow patterns: steady laminar flow and disturbed flow because endothelial cells respond differently to these flow types both in vivo and in vitro. Laminar flow which exerts steady laminar shear stress is atheroprotective while disturbed flow creates an atheroprone environment. Emerging evidence has provided new insights into the cellular mechanisms of flowdependent regulation of vascular function that leads to cardiovascular events such as atherosclerosis, atherothrombosis, and myocardial infarction. In order to study effects of shear stress and different types of flow, various models have been used. In this review, we will summarize our current views on how disturbed flow-mediated signaling pathways are involved in the development of atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.40-45
• /
• 2013

The conventional simulators used the expensive commercial artificial heart with a limited performance, and focused on replicating the heart function. The arterial pressure is the key factor of the cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to develop a simulator focused on the pressure wave. The simulator is composed of a step motor, slider-crank mechanism, piston-cylinder, two check valves, a elastic tube, and two reservoirs. With the changes of design parameters, the functions of the simulator were evaluated. The simulator shows the good agreement of the characteristics of the cardiovascular system.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.19-26
• /
• 2012

Objectives The aim of this study is to develop a cardiovascular simulator that can reproduce blood pressure pulse and blood flow similar to those of the human body. Methods In order to design a system similar to the human cardiovascular system, the required performances were determined by investigating the hemodynamic characteristics of the heart and the arterial system. Main organ to be imitated is heart in simulator. The rest of the system was minimally designed. Also, a blood pressure and blood flow measurement system was developed for measuring the results. Results The developed system showed blood pressure pulse at similar range of the human aorta. The result waveform include primary wave caused by ventricular systole except reflected wave. Conclusions The blood pressure and blow flow patterns were replicated by the simulator. These patterns were similar to those of the human body. The system will play an important role in studying pulse diagnostics.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.336-341
• /
• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: It is expected that dairy products such as cheeses, which are the main source of cholesterol and saturated fat, may lead to the development or increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; however, the results of different studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to assess the association between cheese consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in an Iranian adult population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Information from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) was used for this cross-sectional study with a total of 1,752 participants (782 men and 970 women). Weight, height, waist and hip circumference measurement, as well as fasting blood samples were gathered and biochemical assessments were done. To evaluate the dietary intakes of participants a validated food frequency questionnaire, consists of 49 items, was completed by expert technicians. Consumption of cheese was classified as less than 7 times per week and 7-14 times per week. RESULTS: Higher consumption of cheese was associated with higher C-Reactive Protein (CRP), apolipoprotein A and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level but not with fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B. Higher consumption of cheese was positively associated with consumption of liquid and solid oil, grain, pulses, fruit, vegetable, meat and dairy, and negatively associated with Global Dietary Index. After control for other potential confounders the association between cheese intake and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.81; 96%CI: 0.71-0.94), low HDL-C level (OR: 0.87; 96%CI: 0.79-0.96) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.88; 96%CI: 0.79-0.98) became negatively significant. CONCLUSION: This study found an inverse association between the frequency of cheese intake and cardiovascular risk factors; however, further prospective studies are required to confirm the present results and to illustrate its mechanisms.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.49-54
• /
• 2016

In our search for natural products affecting blood circulation, the n-butanol fraction from whole plant of Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schm. (GLB) improved blood lipid parameters, and ameliorated obesity in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mouse model. Hyperlipidemia was induced by high-fat-diet for 4 weeks, and then GLB was orally administrated with 400 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. GLB-treated group showed that the gain in body weight was significantly attenuated, the levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly lowered on blood chemical analysis, and significantly prolonged the mice bleeding time when compared with those of HFD control group. Concomitantly, phytochemical composition of GLB was investigated by HPLC-hyphenated spectroscopy, and two major phenolic compounds, rutin and chlorogenic acid were identified in the GLB. Taken together, these results indicate that GLB has cardiovascular protective effects and could be a natural medicine candidate for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.81-87
• /
• 2006

A lot of studies have investigated the role of psychosocial and behavioral risk factors in the etiology and pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. On the basis of prospective population studies that found a relationship between Type A behavior and cardiac morbidity and mortality independent of traditional risk factors, Type A behavior was declared a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Additionally, recently proposed, a new personality construct, Type D personality have been reported to be associated with the increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In Korea, however, there were few studies about these issues. This article attempts to provide an overview of accumulating evidences on the Type A behavioral pattern and Type D personality related with cardiovascular disease to offer new directions for research.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.415-417
• /
• 2012

The development of Morgagni hernias is related to malformations of the embryologic septum transversum after failure of the sternal and costal fibrotendinous elements of the diaphragm to fuse. The overall incidence of Morgagni hernias among all congenital diaphragmatic defects is 3% to 4%. Inguinal hernias are the most common hernias in males and females (25% and 2%, respectively). An inguinal hernia is defined as a protrusion of the abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. The combination of Morgagni and inguinal hernias is rare, and treatment using laparoscopic surgery has not been previously reported. This case presents a one-stage laparoscopic repair of Morgagni and inguinal hernias in a 2-month-old male.