• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.221-225
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• 2009

Pancreatic disease is the most frequent cause of isolated splenic vein thrombosis. Splenic vein thrombosis causes a localized form of portal hypertension known as sinistral or left-sided portal hypertension. Splenic vein thrombosis may be complicated by the formation of gastric varices, with the potential of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Whereas splenectomy is considered to be the treatment of choice for symptomatic splenic vein thrombosis, the role of splenectomy in the patient with asymptomatic splenic vein thrombosis remains controversial. We report a rare case of acute pancreatitis complicated by isolated asymptomatic splenic vein thrombosis. Recognition of this disease entity is important because the risk of secondary variceal bleeding, while uncommon, can be life-threatening.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.421-426
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• 2007

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is a clinically and pathophysiologically distinct complication of advanced liver disease. PPHTN is characterized by the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in association with advanced hepatic disease-related portal hypertension. A characteristic feature of PPHTN is an obstruction to the pulmonary artery flow caused by vasoconstriction, the proliferation of the endothelium and smooth muscle components of the vascular wall, as well as in situ thrombosis. This disorder is commonly underdiagnosed but the clinical implications are significant because it has substantial effects on survival and requires special treatment. We report a case of portopulmonary hypertension in a 53-year-old woman with primary biliary cirrhosis who presented with exertional dyspnea.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 1988

Alterations in splanchnic circulatory hemodynamics along with reactivities to the alpha adrenoceptor agonists were assessed in association with the preventive effects of propranolol 10 days after portal ligation. Decreases in precapillary resistance (Ra) and postcapillary resistance (Rv) along with increases in mesenteric blood flow (MBF) and capillary pressure (CP) were observed in conjunction with an increment of splenic pulp pressure (SPP). Dose-dependent increase in Rv in response to noradrenaline, increases in Ra and RV to adrenaline, and increases in superior mesenteric arterial pressure (SMAP), Ra and Rv to phenylephrine observed in sham group were significantly attenuated by portal vein stenosis. In PPL-3 group (propranolol 3 mg/kg, i.p. three times daily for 10 days), MBF was significantly decreased in association with decrease in mesenteric venous pressure (MVP) when compared with those of protal ligated (PL) group, and decreased Ra and Rv in PL group were recovered toward the values of sham group. Likewise, in PPL-1 group (propranolol 5 mg/kg, i.p. once daily for 10 days), the pressor response of Rv to adrenaline was recovered up to the level of sham group. Thus, it is suggested that decreases in Ra and Rv in association with increases in MBF and CP may have a close relevance to the increased SPP, and the changes in circulatory hemodynamics and vascular reactivities were effectively reversed by longterm propranolol treatment. Based on these results, it is concluded that these changes observed in portal hypertension are closely related with the altered functions of the adrenoceptors in the splanchnic vascular beds.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.181-192
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• 1999

Background: Nitric oxide, a vasodilator synthesized from L-arginine by vascular endothelial cells, accounts for the biological activity of endothelium derived relaxing factor. Previous studies demonstrated that nitric oxide inhibitor, $N^{\omega}$-Nitro-L-Arginine(NNA) diminished the hyperdynamic splanchnic and systemic circulation in portal hypertensive rats The present study was done to determine the role of nitric oxide in the development of hyperdynamic circulations in the prehepatic portal hypertensive rat model produced by partial portal vein ligation. Methods: The portal hypertensive rats were divided into water ingestion group and NNA ingestion group. After partial portal vein ligation, NNA ingestion group and water ingestion group received NNA 1mg/kg/day and plain water through the mouth for 14 days, respectively. Cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, organ blood flow and porto-systemic shunting were measured by radioisotope labeled microsphere methods. Vascular resistances were calculated by standard equation. Results: There were significant decreases in mean arterial pressure, increases in cardiac output and cardiac index, and decreases in total systemic and splanchnic vascular resistance in portal hypertensive rats compared to normal control group (p<0.01). Compared to the water ingestion group, significantly increased mean arterial pressure with decreased cardiac output and cardiac index were developed in the NNA ingestion group. Total systemic and splanchnic vascular resistance were significantly increased in the NNA ingestion group compared to water ingestion group (p<0.05). But, there was no significant difference in portal pressure between the two groups. Conclusion: The hemodynamic results of this study indicate that hyperdynamic circulation in prehepatic portal hypertensive rat mode1 was attenuated by ingestion of NNA. Nitric oxide may play an important role in the development of hyperdynamic circulation with splanchnic vasodilation in chronic portal hypertension.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.98-101
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• 2004

Congenital hepatic fibrosis is an inherited, congenital disorder of the liver characterized by portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis. We experienced a case of congenital hepatic fibrosis with esophageal varix in a 9-year-old male. He complained hematemesis, hematochezia, dizziness. In laboratory examination, AST/ALT was slightly increased. Esophageal varix was noted by an endoscopic examination. Hepatosplenomegaly and hypoechoic lesion of periportal area were seen by abdominal CT scanning. Histologic finding of liver biopsy showed fibrous tracts containing dilated bile ductules connecting adjacent portal spaces that were widened by mature fibrosis. Endocopic sclerotherpy and ligation was done. We summarized a case with review of literatures

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2011

Biliary atresia (BA) is an infantile cholestatic disease of progressive obliterative cholangiopathy with varying degrees of damage to both extra and intrahepatic bile ducts due to unknown causes. The diagnostic studies should be done to diagnose or exclude BA without unnecessary delay. Kasai portoenterostomy is the first choice of treatment for bile drainage from microscopic bile ductules present in the portal fibrous mass. The medical management after Kasai portoenterostomy should be done carefully to maintain bile excretion and prevent and treat complications Including cholangitis, hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension and nutritional problem. The reported five years-survival rates after Kasai portoenterostomy range from 30 to 60 %. About 20 % of all patients undergoing Kasai portoenterostomy during infancy survive into adulthood with their native liver. Even if Kasai portoenterostomy remains as the first line of treatment In BA, liver transplantation serves as a good salvage treatment when portoenterostomy fails or liver function gradually deteriorates after initially successful establishment of bile flow, Overall 5-year survival rate in BA is about 90 % in recent series.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.12
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• pp.609-614
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• 2022

Mutation of the gene for adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), as seen in Apc^Min/+ mice, leads to intestinal adenomas and carcinomas via stabilization of β-catenin. Transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 (TM4SF5) is involved in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fibrosis, and cancer. However, the functional linkage between TM4SF5 and APC or β-catenin has not been investigated for pathological outcomes. After interbreeding Apc^Min/+ with TM4SF5-overexpressing transgenic (Tg^TM4SF5) mice, we explored pathological outcomes in the intestines and livers of the offspring. The intestines of 26-week-old dual-transgenic mice (Apc^Min/+:Tg^TM4SF5) had intramucosal adenocarcinomas beyond the single-crypt adenomas in Apc^Min/+ mice. Additional TM4SF5 overexpression increased the stabilization of β-catenin via reduced glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation on Ser9. Additionally, the livers of the dualtransgenic mice showed distinct sinusoidal dilatation and features of hepatic portal hypertension associated with fibrosis, more than did the relatively normal livers in Apc^Min/+ mice. Interestingly, TM4SF5 overexpression in the liver was positively linked to increased GSK3β phosphorylation (opposite to that seen in the colon), β-catenin level, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression, indicating fibrotic phenotypes. Consistent with these results, 78-week-old Tg^TM4SF5 mice similarly had sinusoidal dilatation, immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis. Altogether, systemic overexpression of TM4SF5 aggravates pathological abnormalities in both the colon and the liver.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.269-275
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• 2007

Two dogs referred to Veterinary Medical Center, Chungbuk National University diagnosed as multiple extrahepatic portosystemic shunt were reported. The first dog was a 20-month-old, 8 kg, male Cocker spaniel with history of peritoneal effusion, diarrhea, anorexia and stunted growth. The second dog was a 3-year-old, 13.4 kg, male Jindo with a history of severe depression. Hematologic examination of first dog revealed mild microcytosis and nonregenerative anemia. All of 2 cases, serum chemical values showed increase of serum ammonia, ALP, r-GTP and glucose. In survey radiography, microhepatia was apparent. In the color Doppler ultrasonographic examination, the first dog revealed a dilated tortuous vein communicating with caudal vena cava was observed near the left kidney and the second dog revealed numerous shunting vessels ventral to L5 and L6. Transcolonic portal scintigraphy of the first dog confirmed the presence of portosystemic shunt. In intraoperative jejunoportography, the first dog showed single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt and multiple acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts. The second dog showed multiple acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts. In these dogs, the presence of congenital and acquried portosystemic shunts and histopathologic findings were considered to represent a combination of multiple extrahepatic portosystemic shunts and noncirrhotic portal hypertension or portal vein hypoplasia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.639-648
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• 1997

Background : Arterial hypoxemia has been noted in patients with liver cirrhosis because of bronchial vessel dilatation. Cabenes et al. reported that bronchial hyperresponsiveness to the metacholine inhalation was observed in patients of left side heart failure, he suggested that one of the mechanism was bronchial vessel dilatation. We hypothesized that patients of liver cirrhosis might have bronchial hyperresponsiveness to metacholine inhalation due to portal hypertension. We evaluate the relationship between bronchial responsiveness and severity of liver cirrhosis, severity of portal hypertension. Methods : In the 22 patients of the liver cirrhosis with clinical portal hypertension, metacholine provocation test was done and determined $PC_{20}FEV1$. We classified liver cirrhosis according to Pugh-Child classification. Esophagogastroscopies were performed for the evaluation of the relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness and severity of esophageal varix. Results : In the 22 cases of the liver cirrhosis with clinical portal hypertension. The causes of liver cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis was 9 cases, hepatitis B virus was 12 cases, hepatitis C virus was 1 case, and 151 cases (68.18%) of total 22 cases were positive in metacholine provocation test. In positive cases. There was no significant relationship between $PC_{20}FEV1$ and severity of liver cirrhosis which were classified by Pugh-Child classification or severity of esophageal varix(p<0.05). Conclusion : we observed that bronchial responsiveness to metacholine increased in the patients of liver cirrhosis and there was no significant relationship between the severity of liver cirrhosis and the severity of esophageal varix.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.25-40
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• 2022

■Objectives This study aimed to collect and analyze clinical studies on the significance of acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension among Korean patients. ■Methods Among Korean patients with a blood pressure (BP) of 120 mmHg or higher and a diastolic BP of 80 mmHg or higher, those, treated with acupuncture only, were included. A literature search was conducted through 'Embase', 'Medline', 'Science and Technology Information Integration Service (NDSL)', 'Traditional Korean Knowledge Portal (OASIS)', 'PubMed', and 'Scopus'. The search keywords were (hypertension OR 'blood pressure') AND acupuncture. The papers, published before the day of the search (02. January 2022), were included in this study. ■Results Among the 12 selected papers, seven involved randomized controlled trial (RCT), four before-and-after studies, and one case series. The number of RCTs has increased yearly. The treatment methods used in the studies included needle acupuncture in eight studies, auricular acupuncture in two, pharmacopuncture in one, and si-acupuncture in one. The average numbers of patients enrolled in RCTs, before-and-after studies, and case series were 21.1, 30, and 23 respectively. Six studies were conducted on prehypertensive patients, two on stage 1 hypertension patients, and four on stage 2 hypertension patients. The involved acupoints have been reported to be ST36 in eight papers, LI11 in four papers, and PC6 in three papers. The treatment period lasted for < 1 week in eight studies and 8 weeks in four studies. Acupuncture successfully lowered blood pressure in nine out of 12 studies ■Conclusions Acupuncture is a viable alternative treatment option for prehypertensive patients, who are not taking medications. Additionally, it is also useful in further lowering the BP of patients with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension in the short term. Large-scale and long-term studies on acupuncture for hypertension should be conducted.