• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 2002

Background : The detection and early elimination of the causes for acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) at the initial stage can result in a more favorable prognosis. Miliary tuberculosis as a cause of the ARDS is quite rare. A diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis is difficult due to the diversity of radiological patterns and non-specific clinical finfings, and low sensitivity of sputum examinations for acid-fast bacilli(AFBs). An analysis of the clinical data is the first step in diagnosing these unusual, rare cases. Materials and Methods : In this study the clinical features, laboratory data, radiological findings and diagnostic methods were analyzed in 9 cases with an initial presentation of ARDS due to miliary tuberculosis. The ARDS was defined by the definition of the American-Europian consensus conference 1992. Results : The mean age of the patients was $67{\pm}18$ years (F:M=7:2). The chief complaints were dyspnea(5/9), coughing (3/9) and fever(5/9). On a physical examination, fine or coarse crackles were noted(6/9). The ARDS developed on average 6.7 days after the initial respiratory symptoms. The mean $PaO_2/FiO_2$ of the patients was $133.5{\pm}53.4$, the number of cases with a WBC<5000/$mm^3$ was 4 out of 9 cases. A platelet count<70,000/$mm^3$ was observed in 2 out of 9 cases, and the serum albumin level was $2.6{\pm}0.6$ g/dL. The initial simple chest PA showed ground glass appearances and consolidation in all cases, However, the miliary nodular densities were observed in only 4 out of the 9 cases. HRCT revealed alveolar densities and a consolidation in 5 out of 6 cases, and miliary nodules in 5 out of 6 cases, The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made by a liver biopsy (4/4, 100% sensitivity), a bone marrow biopsy (1/2, 50% sensitivity), and an open lung biopsy (1/1), the sputum AFB was positive in only 2 out of 9 cases. The patient was treated with INH, RFP, EMB, PZA, and steroids. The survival rate was 55.5%. Conclusion : Miliary tuberculosis should be considered as one of the causes for ARDS in areas where there is a high prevalence of tuberculosis. The chief complaints of the patients on admission are dyspnea, fever and coughing without any specific riskfactors. A liver biopsy is particularly useful in ARDS patients with mechanical ventilation to determine the causes of the ARDS if miliary tuberculosis is suspected as being the underlying disease.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.112-114
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• 2015

Purpose Vitamin D to Anti- Rickets both steroid compounds showing activity, By acting on bone tissue secretary and the key to maintain serum Ca homeostasis. The blood level of vitamin D is the largest in D3 that the concentration of the metabolite is reflected in the holding state of vitamin D in vivo. Sunlight to change the 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin and through the skin to D3, In the liver in combination with the D2 and D3 D4 changes. The Radioimmunoassay(RIA) method is measuring the D 3, the sensitivity can be measured also difficult trace substance to measure the normal test because it is very sensitive, but recently, a check is possible, for the Total D3 in Chemimicroparticle immunoassay(CMIA) or Chemiluminescent immunoassay(CLIA) measuring using microparticle RIA and CMIA(Architect i2000SR) / use the CLIA(DXI-800) method to compare and evaluate the correlation between the tests in the same test items. Materials and Methods Commissioned from January 2014 to March 2015 patients were enrolled in a total of 273 people. 29 out of 273 people conducted by RIA were compared with CMIA, 244 patients were compared with CLIA. Using reagents and equipment were used RIA(Diasource), CMIA(Architect i2000SR, Abbott Diagnostics) / CLIA( Unicel DXi-800, Beckman coulter). Results Correlation of the RIA and CLIA was a R2 = 0.1844 (y = 0.7303x + 3.9005), and the correlation of RIA CMIA is R2 = 0.2762 (y = 0.8862x + 4.56) respectively. (According to statistics, during the same period RIA is Deficiency 4.31%, Insufficiency 90.53%, Sufficiency 5.16%, was Excess 0%, CLIA / CMIA is Deficiency 17.02%, Insufficiency 75.91%, Sufficiency 7.03%, indicating the distribution of 0.03 % Excess) Conclusion Serum vitamin D and parathyroid hormone that show an inverse relationship, the level above which are not parathyroid hormone and vitamin D reduced the increase. The density is different for each study, at most 20 is reported to be the maximum between 30 ng / ml. In Korea it requires a proposed standard of vitamin D deficiency, reference to the WHO lack the case more than 10ng/ml, 20ng/ml and defined by the lack of, if not more than, the IOM, but looking at 12ng/ml or less to the normal to lack, at least 20ng/ml, the reference do not match the deficit under 20ng/ml, 21-29ng/ml relative lack between, was also defined as a sufficient condition for more than 30ng/ml. Although not statistically is between RIA and CLIA two ways to vitamin D levels change according to season match, when seasonally seen in summer as commonly known (April to September), winter (October to March) relative to the increase measured than it was found. Finally, the study on the correlation between the two methods have been expected to result in a consistent and apply the same view high reference value on the graph is difficult. However, there may be differences between the test equipment and methods, and could be especially the case of RIA method using an organic solvent is difficult to compare different methods and correlated view similar trend in vitamin D deficiency and quarterly aspect ratio.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2002

Numerous hormones are involved in the regulation of reproduction. Among them, estrogen and progesterone are the most important ovarian steroid hormones regulating female fertility. On the other hand, diverse stressors impede female receptivity and fertility. Since norepinephrine(NE) and epinephrine(E) are released from the adrenal during stress, it might play a role in stress-induced disruptions of fEmale reproductive parameters. The present study was performed to analyze the changes in adrenal catecholaminergic activities in cycling rats. The tissue content and secretion level of catecholamines were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detector(HPLC-ECD). Adrenomedullary content of norepinephrine(NE) was increased on proestrus stage (59.47 $\pm$ 6.86 ug/gland), peaked on diestrus I stage(65.22 $\pm$ 5.99 ug/gland), and was nadir on diestrus II stage(41.63 $\pm$ 1.33 ug/gland). The highest E content was observed on proestrus stage(361.86 $\pm$ 15.58 ug/gland) while the lowest level was on diestrus II stage(285.58 $\pm$ 12.25 ug/gland). In addition to these observations, a significant reduction of the NE : E ratio was observed (1 : 4.81 on diestrus I vs 1 : 6.13～7.02 on other stages). In vitro secretion of adrenal NE and E was increased on proestrus stage, peaked on estrus stage, and decreased on diestrus II stage. Interestingly, the NE : E ratio in conditioned media was significantly increased on estrus stage (1 : 3.32 vs 1 : 2.34～2.65 on other stages. The biosynthesis of NE and E is mediated by tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase(PNMT) which acts conversion of tyrosine into DOPA and NE into E, respectively. These finding demonstrated that sex steroids, during setrous cycle, seem to be able to modify the adrenal catecholamines biosynthesis and secretion with stage-specific manner by modulation of the enzyme activities.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.215-220
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• 2000

Most of endocrine disrupters (EDs) have been reported to exhibit estrogenic or anti-androgenic activity and thereby may disrupt reproductive development in human or wildlife. This study was performed to investigate the effects of estrogen (E$_2$), bisphenol (BP) and octylphenol (OP) on the mouse Leydig cell line (TM3). TM3 originated from testis of 11~13-daly-old BALB/c nu/＋ mice was cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10％ FBS alone or medium with estrogen (E$_2$), bisphenol (BP) and octylphenol (OP; 1 pM, 1 nM, 1 $\mu$M, 1 mM, respectively) for 48 hours. After culture, total cell number and viability were assessed by heamocyto-meter and trypan blue stain. Expression of cytochrome P450scc (CYPscc) mRNA whose product is involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis and estrogen receptor $\alpha$(ER $\alpha$) mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. As a result, treatment of TM3 with E$_2$, BP and OP(1 mM, respectively) significantly decreased the viability but not all of groups as high as 1 $\mu$M. Exposure of TM3 to OP significantly reduced the total cell number but not E$_2$ or BP. The expression of CYPscc mRNA was slightly reduced in BP (1 nM, 1 $\mu$M) and significantly decreased in OP (1 nM, 1 $\mu$M) treated TM3, except E$_2$ group. But the expression of ER $\alpha$ mRNA was sightly increased in all treated groups. In conclusion, BP and OP (high concentration) might inhibit steroidogenesis by decreasing the CYPscc mRNA expression in the mouse testis. These results suggest that BP and OP might impair spermatogenesis and subsequently disturb testicular function.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2006

Ovarian follicular atresia in mammals is finely regulated by gonadotropins and sex steroid hormones. It is well known that granulosa cell pyknosis is a common cytological feature of atretic follicles in the ovary. The present study hypothesized that granulosa cell pyknosis during follicular atresia might be related to apoptotic process and associated with caspase-3 activation. Healthy (normal) and atretic follicles were isolated from porcine ovaries based on macro-morphological criteria. Isolated follicles were either processed for histological observation or used for collection of granulosa cells by aspiration. Hoechst 33258 staining of the cells showed a significantly higher number of fragmented nuclei, a typical morphological feature of apoptotic cell, in granulosa cells from atretic follicles than those from healthy follicles. In addition, the rate of cell death was significantly higher in granulosa cells from atretic follicles than healthy follicles, as measured by flow-cytometric cell cycle analysis. In situ detection of apoptotic cells by TUNEL revealed that apoptosis was mostly restricted to granulosa cells in follicles. Theca cells were TUNEL-negative. Finally, it has been shown by caspase-3 activity assay that granulosa cells from atretic follicles retain a higher caspase-3 activity compared to healthy follicles. Taken together, it is suggested that granulosa cell degeneration during folliclar atresia occurs by caspase-3-dependent apoptotic fashion.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.373-383
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• 2011

Tributyltin (TBT) is one of endocrine disrupters which are known as having similar function to sex steroid hormone inducing apoptosis in various tissues of rodents. Recently, it has been reported that TBT induces apoptosis in thymus causing the decreased thymic function, but little is known about the mechanism. To elucidate the mechanism, three-week-old SD female rats were orally administrated with TBT 1, 10, and 25 mg per body weight (kg) and sesame oil as a control for 7 days. On day 8, the thymi were obtained and weighed, and then the number of thymocytes was counted. We also performed H&E staining, TUNEL assay, and Annexin V flow cytometric analysis to examine the apoptosis rates and the structure in the thymus. Next, we investigated the adipogenesis and apoptosis-related mRNA expression levels in the thymi by real-time PCR. The thymic weight and the number of thymocytes were decreased by TBT in a dose-dependent manner. As a result of the H&E staining, the boundary between cortical and medullary area was blurred in the thymi of TBT treated rats compared to those of controls. In the results of TUNEL assay and Annexin V flow cytometric analysis, apoptosis rates in the thymus were increased after TBT treatment. The expression levels of thymic epithelial cell marker genes such as EVA, KGF, AIRE, and IL-7 were significantly decreased in the thymi of TBT treated rats, but $PPAR{\gamma}$, aP2, PEPCK, and CD36 were significantly increased. The expression of $TNF{\alpha}$ and TNFR1 as apoptosis-related genes also was significantly increased after TBT treatment. The present study demonstrates that TBT can increase the expression of adipogenesis and apoptosis-related genes leading to apoptosis in the thymus. These results suggest that the increased adipogenesis of thymus by TBT exposure might induce apoptosis in the thymus resulting in a loss in thymic immune function.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.176-185
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• 2004

Purpose: Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a clinicopathologic entity characterized by extensive crescent formation and rapid deterioration of renal function within few months. For better understanding of its clinical course and designing better treatment strategies, a clinicopathological study of childhood RPGN was performed. Methods: The clinical manifestations and pathological findings were reviewed retrospectively in 12 children who were diagnosed as having RPGN by clinical manifestations and renal biopsy during a period from 1991 to 2003. Several clinicopathological parameters were analyzed as prognostic factors. Results: Among a total of 12 patients, 4 were male and 8 were female. The median onset age was 11.5 years(range 5.5-14.6 years), and the median period of follow-up was 25 months(range 7 months-6.6 years). According to the pathological classification, 10 patients (83%) were type II RPGN(immune-complex mediated glomerulonephritis), 2 patients were type III RPGN(pauci-immune glomerulonephritis), and none was type I RPGN(anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis). All patients were treated with oral steroid in various combinations with methylprednisolone pulse therapy(10 patients, 83%), cyclophosphamide(8 patients, 67%), or plasmapheresis(4 patients, 33%). Clinical outcomes of 12 patients were complete remission in 1(8%), end-stage renal disease in 2(17%), chronic renal insufficiency with persistent proteinuria in 2(17%), and normal renal function with persistent proteinuria in 7(58%) at the last follow-up. Poor prognosis is associated with increased serum creatinine level, severe anemia and younger age at the time of diagnosis. Conclusion: Immune-complex mediated glomerulonephritis is the major cause RPGN in children and most cases showed improvement of renal function with aggressive management. For better understanding of this rare disease, a prospective multicenter study should be done.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-35
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• 1997

Fertilized egg, by successive cell divisions, differentiates into different tissues and organs with various structures and functions. Different cells and tissues contain different proteins, products of selective gene expression. Not all the genes in any genomes are equally active, temporal and spatial gene expression being the general rule. Present paper attempts to review the tanscriptional mechanisms or the initiations of transcription from several angles. In some of the organisms the genes in the process of transcription or the genes in the inactive state can be seen under the light microscope. Some bands of Drosophila polytene chromosomes may exhibit a swollen or puff appearance under certain conditions. A puff, unfolded or decondensed form of chromomere, represents sets of intense transcriptional activity or RNA synthesis. The heterochromatic X chromosome whose genes remain inactive in the female mammals can be visualized as a dark staining structure called Barr body, Configuration of chromatin differs between transcribed and nontranscribed chromatin. Modification to the chromatin facilitates RNA synthesis. The movement of large polymerase molecule along the DNA would probably be facilitated if some modifications of the chromatin configuration is effected. Methylation of cytosines in CG sequences is associated with inactive genes. Methylation can play a role in determination of mammalian cells during embryogenesis. Demethylation is necessary for the gene to be expressed during development A histone modification that is also known to be correlated with transcriptional capacity of chromatin is acetylation of the lysine residues of the core histones. Chromatin containing a high level of histone acetylation is very sensitive to DNase 1. For the transcription to occur TBP must first bind to the TATA box. Another TF, TF IIB, then binds to the promoter-TBP complex, facilitating the access of RNA polymerase to the transcription initiation site. As recently as eight years ago researchers assumed that histones were irrelevant to the regulation of gene expression. Histones combine with the DNA to form nucleosome of the chromatin. Histones are vital participant in gene regulation. Histone and basal factors compete for access to TATA box. When DNA is exposed to basal factors before histones are introduced, the basal factors assemble on TATA boxes preventing the access of histones, allowing transcription to occur, for transcription to begin, activator protein at the upstream activation sequence or enhancer must interact with the tail of histone H4 at TATA box and cause the histone role particle to dissociate from the TATA box leading to partial breakup of the histone core particle and allowing the basal factors to bind to the TATA box. New concept of genomic flux in contrast to the old concept of static genome has been developed based on the powerful new molecular techniques. Genomic changes such as repetitive DNAs and transposable elements, it is assumed but not yet proved, may affect some of the developmental patterns that characterize particular cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. In the last decade or so remarkable achievement have been made in the researches of the structures and functions of TFs and the specific target sequences located in promoters or enhancers where these TFs bind. TFs have independent domains that bind DNA and that activate transcription. DNA binding domain of TFs serves to bring the protein into the right location. There are many types of DNA binding domains. Common types of motifs can be found that are responsible for binding to DNA. The motifs are usually quite short and comprise only a small part of the protein structure. Steroid receptors have domains for hormone binding, DNA binding, and activating transcription. The zinc finger motif comprises a DNA binding domain. Leucine zipper consist of a stretch of amino acids with a leucine residue in every seventh position Two proteins form a dimer because they interact by means of leucine zippers on similar α-helical domain. This positions their DNA binding basic domains for interaction with the two halves of a DNA sequence with dyad symmetry of TGACTCA, ACTGAGT.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.38-44
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• 2003

Purpose: To suggest an appropriate treatment modality regarding analyze outcomes of treatment for pathologic fracture to simple bone cyst of the long bone. Materials and Methods: We selected 12 cases with pathologic fracture of the long bone among the 31 cases treated for simple bone cyst from December. 1993 to May. 2001. The mean age was 9 years ranged from 2 years to 19 years, male was 11 cases and female was 1 cases, and the mean follow up interval was 32.9 month ranged from 12 month to 69 month. The principle of treatment for pathologic fracture of the long bone was conservative treatment except operative treatment for fracture with displacement of the femur. After fracture was united, the residual lesion was treated by local steroid injection, cortical drilling, curettage & bone graft. But we observed without specific treatment in cases that had healing process of simple bone cyst followed by bony union. The clinical results were evaluated as exellent if simple bone cyst was completely healed, as good if that had process of healing, as poor if that was no change or more increased in size. Results: The pathologic fracture was united in all cases treated with conservative treatment in 9cases and by open reduction with internal fixation in 3 cases. After fracture was united, the 6 cases were observed without specific treatment, because they had healing process of cyst, and had outcomes as good and excellent. Conclusion: We suggest to need observation when simple bone cyst has healing process after pathologic fracture was united, otherwise secondary treatment will be needed when residual lesion is persisted.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2003

Purpose: To clarify the results of simple bone cyst (SBC) treatment in children by percutaneous autologous bone marrow grafting and xenografting. Materials and Methods: We studied seven cases (4 males, 3 females) of SBC, which were treated by percutaneous autologous marrow and heterograft bone grafting from January 1996 to February 1999. Their mean age at surgery was 10 years (6 to 15), and the mean follow-up period was 35.6 months (20 to 52). Three cases were located in the proximal and middle humerus; three cases were in the proximal femur; and one case occurred in the ilium. Mean volume was 14.7 $cm^2$ (10 to 23). Six cases were active, and one was inactive. Five patients had a history of receiving a mean of 3.2 steroid injections. The mean quantity of bone marrow used in treatment was 14.3 ml (10 to 20), and the mean amount of $Lubboc^{(R)}$ heterograft bone (Transphyto S.A. Clermont Ferrand, France) used was 6.4 blocks (5 to 10). Results were analyzed using the modified Neer classification. Results: Five cases completely healed with obliteration of the cyst cavity (Grade IV). Two cases demonstrated sclerosis around a partially visible cyst (Grade III). All treatment results were satisfactory and without intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusione: Percutaneous autologous marrow and heterograft bone grafting is recommended as an effective treatment method for simple bone cyst. It offers ease of operative technique, a high rate of healing, a low recurrence rate, low morbidity, a low incidence of postoperative complications, and free from bone graft donor site problems.