• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.11
• /
• pp.3.1-3.11
• /
• 2018

This study aimed to verify the effects of estrogen on the onset and development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and the mechanisms associated with these effects by constructing a pubescent bipedal rat model. Experiments were conducted to investigate whether scoliosis progression was prevented by a Triptorelin treatment. One hundred twenty bipedal rats were divided into female, OVX (ovariectomy), OVX + E2, Triptorelin, sham, and male groups. According to a spinal radiographic analysis, the scoliosis rates and curve severity of the female and OVX + E2 groups were higher than those in the OVX, Triptorelin, and male groups. The measurements obtained from the sagittal plane of thoracic vertebrae CT confirmed a relatively slower growth of the anterior elements and a faster growth of the posterior elements between T11 and T13 in the female and OVX + E2 groups than in the OVX and Triptorelin groups. Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry revealed a significantly longer hypertrophic zone of the vertebral cartilage growth plates that expressed more type X collagen and less type II collagen in the OVX and Triptorelin groups than in the female and OVX + E2 groups. Ki67 immunostaining confirmed an increase in the proliferation of vertebral growth plate chondrocytes in the OVX group compared with the female and OVX + E2 groups. In conclusion, estrogen obviously increased the incidence of scoliosis and curve severity in pubescent bipedal rats. The underlying mechanism may be a loss of coupling of the endochondral ossification between the anterior and posterior columns. Triptorelin decreased the incidence of scoliosis and curve magnitudes in bipedal female rats.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.113-122
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) in Korea. Methods: Diagnosis was made based on clinical features and confirmed by a mutation in the cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene. Especially, osteocartilaginous overgrowth in the patella or distal femur was so characteristic that its presence warranted a diagnosis of chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular/NOMID. Results: We observed the clinical features of 9 Korean CAPS patients. All the patients suffered from an urticarial rash with recurrent fever. Among the 9 patients, 6 presented with rash and 4 with fever on the 1st or 2nd days of birth. Eight patients showed myalgia, and 7 patients showed arthralgia in the joints, and 6 patients showed radiologic findings of arthropathy including cupping of the metaphysis, excessive growth of the epiphysis, osteopenia or overgrowth of the cartilage. Four patients showed brain atrophy, enlarged ventricles or leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Intellectual disability was observed in 1 patient. Five patients had eye involvement as conjunctivitis, uveitis, chorioretinitis, avascular area or papillary edema, and 3 patients showed progressive hearing loss. All 9 patients showed increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Conclusions: All the patients carried a mutation on exon 3 of the CIAS1 gene. After the anakinra (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) therapy, the fever and rash immediately disappeared, and CRP and ESR were improved.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.247-258
• /
• 2019

Background: Astragali radix (A) and Lithospermi radix (L) have long been used as traditional medicines due to their known anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed at evaluating, their optimal mixing ratio and their functional compounds by investigating the inhibitory effects of mixed extracts of A and L and their active compounds on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Methods and Results: A and L extracts were obtained by extraction at $80^{\circ}C$ using 50% and 70% fermented alcohol, respectively, and then mixed at a ratio of 5 : 5, 6 : 4, 7 : 3 and 8 : 2 (w/w). The activities of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 were evaluated in interleukin-1beta ($IL-1{\beta}$)-induced SW1353 cells. The extract mixtures showed synergistic inhibitory effects on MMP-3 and MMP-13, higher than the effects of the individual A and L extracts. The 7 : 3 mixture (ALM16) showed the most effective MMPs inhibitory activity, while among the active ingredients, calycosin-7-O-${\beta}$-D-glucoside and lithospermic acid exhibited excellent MMPs inhibitory activity. Additionally, an HPLC method was established for simultaneous quantification of the effective components of the extract mixtures, and validated by measuring the linearity, precision and accuracy of the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). Conclusions: ALM16 showed the most effective MMPs inhibitory activity. Calycosin-O-${\beta}$-D-glucoside, calycosin and lithospermic acid were identified as useful candidates, as they were the major functional compounds in the MMP inhibitory activity. Summarily, ALM16 might be a highly effective in osteoarthritis management, owing to its because it exhibits a protective effect on cartilage via excellent inhibition of MMPs.

• Industry Promotion Research
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.63-77
• /
• 2021

This study analyzed the impressional characteristics and commonality of the seven people who reached the final final in the 2020 TV Chosun Mister Trot contest, which is the result of the success of the entertainer through the impression. The analysis criteria were set by referring to the classic Ma-uisangbeob and the academic papers on Impressionism, and the faces of seven subjects were collected from the Internet and media. The results of the analysis showed that the following common points were found: First, hair was developed on both sides of the forehead rather than the development of the forehead, which is suitable for arts and physical education rather than studying. Second, most of them had eyebrow bones [the brains of the brain] and cartilage inside their ears was protruding, which is a type of success through effort, deciding on their own life. Third, the mouth was large, the lips were straight, and the neck was thick. This also showed the temperament and talent of artistic ability. Fourth, it developed greatly in the corresponding part by age. In conclusion, while the inherently innate features of facial features cannot prove all that is fatalistic, the characteristic elements of certain talents were clearly manifested. And what they were able to gain and be loved in the entertainment industry was the result of their own efforts beyond it. These results have implications that can be used to determine their talents or career paths in simple aspects.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.27-35
• /
• 2019

Objectives : Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, which is characterized by chronic pain, stiffness and decrease range of motion. The present study was designed to compare the therapeutic effect of Dioscoreae Rhizoma water extract (DRW) and Dioscoreae Rhizoma 30% ethanol extract (DRE) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods : Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of MIA ($50{\mu}{\ell}$ with $80mg/m{\ell}$) into the knee joint cavity of rats. After adaptation period for seven days, rats were divided by 5 groups (n=10/group): normal group, control group, positive control (indomethacin 5 mg/kg), DRW 200 mg/kg treated group, DRE 200 mg/kg treated group (n=10/group). The hind paw weight distribution was measured with the changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$) in articulation tissue. Also, the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factoralpha ($TNF{\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were investigated by western blot analysis. Results : The administration of DRW and DRE significantly decreased the hind paw weight distribution. The ROS and $ONOO^-$ levels of cartilaginous tissue were significantly decreased in DRW and DRE compared to control group. The results showed that DRE decreased inflammatory cytokines such as iNOS and $TNF{\alpha}$. Also DRE decreased MMP-1 and increased TIMP-1. Conclusions : Based on the above results, Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract seems to have the therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis via suppression of inflammation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.81-88
• /
• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of an aqueous extract from Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser (TCE) in Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model. Methods : Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into the following four groups (n=6 per group): Normal (saline control), MIA (MIA-induced OA with vehicle), TCE (MIA-induced with TCE treatment), and IM (MIA-induced with indomethacin treatment). Rats in which OA was induced by MIA were treated with TCE (200 mg/kg) or indomethacin (1 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Weight-bearing on the hind legs and body weights were measured weekly. At the end of the experiment (3 weeks after MIA injection), serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were measured to assess the liver toxicity induced by TCE. Its effects on serum inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue histopathology were also evaluated. Results : TCE restored the hind limb weight-bearing distribution. Serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were significantly higher in the MIA group than in the Normal group, but serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the TCE group. In the TCE group, the synovial membrane was protected in hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin-O staining, respectively. Conclusions : TCE recovered the hind paw weight bearing distribution, inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokine, and protected synovial tissue and cartilage in the OA rat model. Therefore, TCE appears to be an effective therapeutic agent for treating OA and OA-related symptoms.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.149-156
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Given the lack of definite evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice, there may be a wide variation in treatment protocols for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). Based on the Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) member survey, this study aimed to report the current trends in the management of OLT. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire containing 30 questions was sent to all KFAS members in September 2021. The questions were mainly related to clinical experience and preferences in diagnosis, conservative, and surgical treatments for patients with OLT. Answers with a prevalence of ≥50% of respondents were considered a tendency. Results: Sixty-two (11.3%) of the 550 surgeons queried responded to the survey. The responses to 9 (30.0%) of the total of 30 questions established a tendency. Answers exhibiting a tendency were as follows; additional diagnostic tools except for plain radiograph (magnetic resonance imaging), most common conservative treatment method (oral medication, rest), most important radiological factor in decision making for surgical treatment and method (size of the lesion, ankle instability, loose bodies), most important patient factors in decision making for surgical treatment and method (age, activity or occupation), infrequently requiring posterior arthroscopy (less than 3%), most common revision surgery for failed bone marrow stimulation procedure (osteochondral autograft transplantation [OAT]), not requiring additional procedure for donor site in OAT, the main reason for unsatisfactory result after OAT (persistent pain without radiological abnormality), no generalization of autologous chondrocyte implantation or chondrogenesis using stem cells. Conclusion: This study presents updated information on current trends in the management of OLT in Korea. Both consensus and variations in the approach to patients with OLT were revealed through this survey. Since recent biologic efforts to regenerate cartilage have been unsuccessful, further studies to identify clinical evidence would be needed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.59-68
• /
• 1997

Background : Tuberculous chest wall abscess is a rare complication of tuberculosis. However, there have been few reports about the variable extents and shapes of tuberculous chest wall abscesses. We analyzed the extent and shape of tuberculous chest wall abscess-es and grouped them according to combined pleuroparenchymal lesions by CT scans. Materials and Methods : CT findings were evaluated in 20 patients of tuberculous chest wall abscesses. We classified 29 abscesses in 20 patients into three types according to pleuroparnechymal lesions. Type 1 was defined when there was no active pleuroparenchymal lesion, Type 2, when intrathoracic tuberculosis was contacted with chest wall abscess, Type 3, when ipsilateral subpleural nodules were not contacted with chest wall abscess. Results : The type 1 included 6 abcesses in 6 patients. They showed rib and/or costal cartilage destruction in their center. They were relatively large and round. The type 2 included 13 abscesses in 10 patients. The abscesses in contact with pleural lesion or mediastinal lesion were mainly located in the outer muscle layer, and they were relatively large in size. However, the abscesses in contact with parenchymal lesion were mainly located in extrapleural space. They were relatively small and they were longest along the long axis of ribs. The type 3 included 10 abscesses in 6 patients. They were located mainly in the extrapleural space. Conclusion : Tuberculous chest wall abscess-es showed variable extents and shapes according 10 pleuroparenchymal lesions. CT is a good diagnostic modality to visualize the extent of tuberculous chest wall abscess and combined pleuroparenchymal lesion.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.110-122
• /
• 2013

Purpose : To compare the image quality and ligament traceability in ankle images obtained using Volume Isotropic Turbo Spin Echo Acquisition (VISTA) MRI with and without fat suppression. Materials and Methods: The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in images from a phantom and from the ankle of a volunteer were compared. Ten ankles from 10 non-symptomatic volunteers were imaged for comparisons of contrast ratio (CR) and ligament traceability. All examinations were performed using VISTA sequences with and without fat suppression on a 3T MRI scanner. The SNRs were obtained from images with subjects and without subjects (noise-only). Contrast ratios from images of the 10 ankles were acquired between fluid and tendon (F-T), F-cartilage (C), F-ligament (L), fat (f)-T, f-C and f-L. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently scored the traceability of 7 ligaments, in sagittal, axial and coronal images respectively, based on a 4-point scale (1 as not traceable through 4 as clearly traceable). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the CR. Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-squared test were used to compare the ligament traceability. Results: The SNRs did not differ significantly between the two sequences except in bone marrow. VISTA SPAIR showed the higher CR only in F-T (p = 0.04), whereas VISTA showed higher CR in f-T (p = 0.005), f-C (p = 0.005) and f-L (p = 0.005). The calcaneofibular ligament traceability with VISTA was superior to that obtained with VISTA SPAIR (p < 0.05) in all planes. Conclusion: VISTA showed significant superiority to VISTA SPAIR in tracing CFL due to the superior CR between fat and ligament.

• Polymer(Korea)
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.768-775
• /
• 2012

Alginate, obtained from the seaweeds, is a widely used biomaterial for cell transplantation, since its positive effect on viability of capsulized cells and its easier encapsulation capability of living cells. Demineralized bone powder (DBP), derived from the natural bone tissue, is widely applied for clinical trials for its low rate of reaction and antigenicity. A chondrocyte was seeded into an alginate with DBP of different contents, and a microcapsule was produced. The adhesion and proliferation of cells was observed through the MTT analysis, and the PCR was applied to estimate the content of the glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen, and confirm the specific genetic pattern of the chondrocytes. Also, the alginate microcapsule where the chondrocyte is seeded was extracted after transplantation under the skin of a nude mouse, and was immunochemically stained. The experimental result confirmed that the alginate microcapsule containing 1% of DBP not only showed the highest proliferation of cell but had a positive effect of chondrocytes by the interaction between the alginates and the growth factor in DBP. It can be expected that the microcapsule with application of the alginates and DBP might be an appropriate scaffold for tissue engineering.