• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.599-603
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• 2000

Objectives : In lumbar spine surgery it is observed that the ligamentum flavum(LF) is bilayered, and the inner layers can be left in situ to prevent peridural adhesion in open lumbar disc surgeries. The purposes of this study are to investigate ultrastructural differences between the inner and outer layer of lumbar LF by electron microscopic examination, and to see whether these differences are, if present, more prominent in chronic degenerative lumbar spinal disorders as compared with acute lumbar disc diseases. Methods : Biopsy specimens of LF were obtained from nine patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery, five of them for degenerative spinal stenosis and four for acute disc herniation. During the surgery the outer layers of LF were carefully dissected from the inner layer, and four pieces($1{\times}1{\times}1-mm$) of biopsy samples were made from each layer. These were examined with electron microscope for the morphologies and the contents of the elastic and the collagen fibers. Results : The outer layer of LF showed elastic fiber degeneration as evidenced and decreased fiber content, while the inner layer was relatively preserved in both cases of degenerative spinal stenosis and acute disc herniation. The ultrastructural changes of the layers were more evident in the outer layer. Conclusion : With these observations the authors believe that the LF degeneration may occur mainly in the outer layer, and that this fact may aid in making the rationale for using the inner layer as physiologic barrier to prevent peridural adhesion in open lumbar disc surgeries.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.117-123
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• 2008

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are toxic agents that may be involved in various neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies indicate that ROS can act as modulators of neuronal activity, and are critically involved in persistent pain primarily through spinal mechanisms. In the present study, whole cell patch clamp recordings were carried out to investigate the effects of tert-buthyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), an ROS, on neuronal excitability and the mechanisms underlying changes of membrane excitability. In current clamp condition, application of t-BuOOH caused a reversible membrane depolarization and firing activity in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons. When slices were pretreated with phenyl-N-tert-buthylnitrone (PBN) and ascorbate, ROS scavengers, t-BuOOH failed to induce membrane depolarization. However, isoascorbate did not prevent t-BuOOH-induced depolarization, suggesting that the site of ROS action is intracellular. The t-BuOOH-induced depolarization was not blocked by pretreatment with dithiothreitol (DTT), a sulfhydryl-reducing agent. The membrane-impermeant thiol oxidant 5,5-dithiobis 2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) failed to induce membrane depolarization, suggesting that the changes of neuronal excitability by t-BuOOH are not caused by the modification of extrathiol group. The t-BuOOH-induced depolarization was suppressed by the phospholipase C (PLC) blocker U-73122 and inositol triphosphate ($IP_3$) receptor antagonist 2-aminoethoxydiphenylbolate (APB), and after depletion of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ pool by thapsigargin. These data suggest that ROS generated by peripheral nerve injury can induce central sensitization in spinal cord, and t-BuOOH-induced depolarization may be regulated by intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ store mainly via $PLC-IP_3$ pathway.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권6호
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• pp.730-737
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• 2020

Objective : Spinal degeneration is a progressive disease, worsening over time. Lumbar degenerative disease (LDD) is a major spinal disease in elderly patients. Surgical treatment is considered for medically intractable patients with LDD and reoperation after primary surgery is not uncommon. The surgical outcome is occasionally unpredictable because of comorbidities. In the present study, the relationship between comorbidities and the incidence of reoperation for LDD over time was determined. Methods : The claims data of the health insurance national database were used to identify a cohort of patients who underwent spinal surgery for LDD in 2009. The patients were followed up until 2016. Medical comorbidity was assessed according to the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used to identify significant differences in sex, surgery, age, causative disease, and comorbidity. Results : The study cohort included 78241 patients; 10328 patients (13.2%) underwent reoperation during the observation period. The reoperation rate was statistically higher (p<0.01) in males, patients 55-74 years and 65-74 years of age, and patients with decompression or discectomy. Significant association was found between increasing reoperation rate and CCI score (p<0.01). Based on multivariate analysis of comorbidities, the significantly higher reoperation rates were observed in patients with peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary lung disease, peptic ulcer, diabetes, and diabetes complications (p<0.01). Conclusion : The study results indicate the reoperation rate for LDD is associated with patient comorbidities. The comorbidities identified in this study could be helpful in future LDD studies.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.28-33
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• 2014

Objective : Postoperative delirium is a common complication in the elderly after surgery but few papers have reported after spinal surgery. We analyzed various risk factors for postoperative delirium after spine surgery. Methods : Between May 2012 and September 2013, 70 patients over 60 years of age were examined. The patients were divided into two groups : Group A with delirium and Group B without delirium. Cognitive function was examined with the Mini-Mental State Examination-Korea (MMSE-K), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). Information was also obtained on the patients' education level, underlying diseases, duration of hospital stay and laboratory findings. Intraoperative assessment included Bispectral index (BIS), type of surgery or anesthesia, blood pressure, fluid balance, estimated blood loss and duration of surgery. Results : Postoperative delirium developed in 17 patients. The preoperative scores for the MMSE, CDR, and GDS in Group A were $19.1{\pm}5.4$, $0.9{\pm}0.6$, and $3.3{\pm}1.1$. These were significantly lower than those of Group B ($25.6{\pm}3.4$, $0.5{\pm}0.2$, and $2.1{\pm}0.7$) (p<0.05). BIS was lower in Group A ($30.2{\pm}6.8$ compared to $35.4{\pm}5.6$ in group B) (p<0.05). The number of BIS <40 were $5.1{\pm}3.1$ times in Group A, $2.5{\pm}2.2$ times in Group B (p<0.01). In addition, longer operation time and longer hospital stay were risk factors. Conclusion : Precise analysis of risk factors for postoperative delirium seems to be more important in spinal surgery because the surgery is not usually expected to have an effect on brain function. Although no risk factors specific to spinal surgery were identified, the BIS may represent a valuable new intraoperative predictor of the risk of delirium.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.432-437
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• 2007

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are toxic agents that may be involved in various neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies indicate that ROS are also involved in persistent pain through a spinal mechanism. In the present study, whole cell patch clamp recordings were carried out on substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in spinal cord slice of neonatal rats to investigate the effects of ROS on neuronal excitability and excitatory synaptic transmission. In current clamp condition, tert-buthyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), an ROS donor, induced a electrical hyperexcitability during t-BuOOH wash-out followed by a brief inhibition of excitability in SG neurons. Application of t-BuOOH depolarized membrane potential of SG neurons and increased the neuronal firing frequencies evoked by depolarizing current pulses. Phenyl-N-tert-buthylnitrone (PBN), an ROS scavenger, antagonized t-BuOOH induced hyperexcitability. IN voltage clamp conditions, t-BuOOH increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). In order to determine the site of action of t-BuOOH, miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were recorded. t-BuOOH increased the frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs, indicating that it may modulate the excitability of the SG neurons via pre- and postsynaptic actions. These data suggest that ROS generated by peripheral nerve injury can induce central sensitization in spinal cord.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.127-149
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• 2004

Objective : Ossification of ligaments within spinal canal, i.e., OPLL and OLF, is uncommon clinical entity as a cause of the progressive compression myelopathy or radiculopathy. More and more cases being reported in the field of occidental medicine, but very few cases have been reported in the field of oriental medicine. The purpose of this study is to report on oriental medical approaches to OPLL and OLF. Methods : Subjects of this study are 3 cases of OPLL and 3 cases of OLF who visited Won-kwang oriental medical hospital(Dept. of acupuncture and Moxibustion) from May, 2002 to October, 2003. These patients undergo oriental medical treatment such as acupuncture, cupping, Bee-Venom therapy and herbal medication and so on. We made a comparison JOA scores between before treatment and after treatment and we evaluated results of treatment. Results : The results of treatment in these six cases are as follows ; One case was evaluated 'Excellent', one case was evaluated 'Good', two cases were evaluated 'Fair' and two cases were evaluated 'Failure'. One of these cases had a surgical operation after discharge from this hospital. Conclusions : After oriental medical care for these cases, there are some improvements such as decrease of pains, relief of myelopathy etc. But, it had little effect on some cases, therefore we considered that more special study to find various and effective methods of oriental medical treatment for these diseases should be made.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.471-478
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• 2021

Background: The effect of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which occurs with similar degenerative conditions, when seen together, has not been studied. The aim of this study is to examine and compare the relationship between pain, balance, disability, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia in LSS patients with intermittent vascular claudication (IVC). Methods: Seventy-two patients diagnosed with LSS using magnetic resonance imaging participated in this study. Thirty-five patients with IVC symptoms and showing vascular lesions by lower extremity venous and arterial Doppler ultrasonography imaging were included in the IVC-LSS group. The pain, static balance, dynamic balance, disability, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia were evaluated using the numeric rating scale, single leg stance test, Time Up and Go (TUG), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), respectively. Results: Age and female sex were found to be higher in the IVC-LSS group (P = 0.024; P = 0.012). The IVC-LSS group had a shorter single leg stance time and TUG test duration, pain intensity, ODI, FES-I, and TSK scores were higher than patients with LSS (P = 0.001). Pain, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia were moderately correlated with disability in the IVC-LSS group. No relationship was found between pain and dynamic balance. Also, the pain was not related to kinesiophobia. Conclusions: The findings indicated that IVC causes loss of balance and an increase in pain, disability, fear of falling, and kinesophobia in patients with LSS.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.255-260
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• 2002

배경: 흉부 및 흉복부 대동맥 수술시에 발생하는 척수의 허혈성 손상에 의한 신경학적 합병증은 발병 전의 예측이 어려울 뿐만 아니라 중증의 장애를 남기게 된다. 본 연구에서는 허혈성 심근 질환 치료에 쓰이고 있는 Trimetazidine(이하 TMZ)의 척수의 허혈성 손상에 대한 보호 효과를 동물실험모델에서 실험하였다. 대상 및 방법: 다 자란 New-Zealand White Rabbits 33마리를 대조군(Group 1, N-17)과 실험군(Group 2, N=16)으로 나누어 실험하였다. 수술은 대조군에서는 전신마취 후 정중개복하여 좌측 신동맥 기시 직하부위에서 복부대동맥을 혈관 점자로 30분간 폐쇄하여 척수 허혈을 유발하였으며, 실험군에서는 TMZ 3mg/kg을 대동맥 겸자전 투여하였다. 수술 2시간 후, 24시간 후, 48시간 후에 Modified Talrov scale에 의한 운동능력을 평가하였으며 술 후 48시간에 요천추부 척수를 적출하여 조직검사를 시행하였다. 결과: 대조군과 실험군에서 각각 7 마리(17마리 중 10마리 사망)와 11마리(16마리 중 5마리 사망)가 실험 종료가지 생존하여 척수 조직을 채취하였다. Modified Talrov scale은 대조군과 실험군에서 각각 수술 2시간 후 1.13 $\pm$ 1.25와 3.20 $\pm$ 0.77, 24시간 후 1.45 $\pm$ 1.57와 3.50 $\pm$ 0.76, 48시간 후 1.86 $\pm$ 1.86와 3.91 $\pm$ 0.30이었다(p$\leq$0.05). 척수의 조직학적 검사에서는 신경학적 결손이 큰 대조군(Group 1)의 척수조직에서 허혈성 손상이 더 심하게 일어난 것이 관찰되었다. 결론: TMZ은 동물실험에서 척수의 일과성 허혈성 손상에 대하여 통계적으로 유의한 척수 보호효과를 나타내었다.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.27-34
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• 2021

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major reason for stopping or changing anticancer therapy. Among the proposed pathomechanisms underlying CIPN, proinflammatory processes have attracted increasing attention. Here we assessed the role of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signaling in cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: CIPN was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin 2 mg/kg for 4 consecutive days using adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. PGD2 receptor DP1 and/or DP2 antagonists were administered intrathecally and the paw withdrawal thresholds were measured using von Frey filaments. Spinal expression of DP1, DP2, hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS), and lipocalin PGD synthase (L-PGDS) proteins were analyzed by western blotting. Results: The DP1 and DP2 antagonist AMG 853 and the selective DP2 antagonist CAY10471, but not the DP1 antagonist MK0524, significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold compared to vehicle controls (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). Western blotting analyses revealed comparable protein expression levels in DP1 and DP2 in the spinal cord. In the CIPN group the protein expression level of L-PGDS, but not of H-PGDS, was significantly increased compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings presented here indicate that enhanced PGD2 signaling, via upregulation of L-PGDS in the spinal cord, contributes to mechanical allodynia via DP2 receptors in a cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain model in rats, and that a blockade of DP2 receptor activation may present a novel therapeutic target for managing CIPN.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제39권6호
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• pp.440-448
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• 2006

서론: 하행 흥부 대동맥 및 흉복부 대동맥 수술은 척수 손상을 포함한 신경학적 손상의 가능성이 높은 수술로서 이에 대한 상당한 주의를 요한다. 이 연구의 목적은 하행 흉부 대동맥 및 흉복부 대동맥 수술 후의 척수 손상과 뇌 손상의 발생빈도와 위험요소를 알아봄으로써 신경학적 손상을 예방하는데 기여하고자 한다. 대상 및 방법: 1995년 10월부터 2005년 7월까지 하행 흉부 대동맥 및 흉복부 대동맥 수술을 시행 받은 33명의 환자를 후향적으로 분석하였다. 하행 흉부 대동맥 수술은 23예, 흉복부 대동맥 수술은 10예였고, 원인 질환으로는 대동맥 박리증이 23예, 대동맥류가 10예였다. 신경학적 손상에 대한 위험인자를 알아내기 위해 수술 전 및 수술 중 변수에 대한 단변량 및 다변량 분석을 시행하였다. 결과: 하지마비가 2예(6.1%)에서 발생하였고 이 중 1예는 영구적 손상이었다. 뇌 손상은 7예 (21%)에서 발생하였고 영구적 뇌 손상은 4예(12%), 일시적 뇌 손상은 3예 발생하였다 척수 손상에 대한 위험인자로는 흉복부 대동맥질환 분류의 Crawford II III형(p=0.011)과 늑간 동맥 문합을 시행한 환자군(p=0.040)으로 나타났다. 뇌 손상에 대한 위험인자로는 심폐기 가동시간이 200분 이상(p=0.023), 좌심방 vent를 시행한 환자군(p=0.005)으로 나타났으며 좌심실 부분 바이패스(left heart partial bypass)는 뇌 손상을 예방하는 인자로서 의미 있게 나타났다(p=0.032). 결론: 하행 흥부 대동맥 및 흉복부 대동맥 수술 후에 발생하는 신경학적 손상 중에서 뇌 손상의 발생빈도가 척수 손상에 비해 높았다. 좌심실 부분 바이패스를 시행한 군에서는 뇌 손상이 발생하지 않았으며 뇌 보호 측면에서 유리한 것으로 나타났다. 또한 척수 손상의 위험이 높은 Crawford II III형 환자나 늑간 동맥 문합이 필요한 환자들에서는 척수 보호를 위한 별도의 조치와 세심한 주의가 필요하다.