• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.418-424
• /
• 2021

Skin inflammation (dermatitis) is caused by varying skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation and microbial infection. Currently prescribed drugs for dermatitis include anti-histamine and steroid drug classes that soothe inflammation. However, incorrect or prolonged use of steroids can cause weakening of skin barriers as well as osteoporosis. Therefore, treating dermatitis with a drug that has minimal side effects is important. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been widely treated for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of statins in both experimental and clinical models for of osteoarthritis. This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which are crucial components of skin barriers. Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-1β increased the expression of the COX2 protein, a major player of inflammatory responses. However, this induction of the COX2 protein was downregulated by pretreatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin. Treatment with IL-1ß-induced the upregulation of other inflammatory genes (such as iNOS and MMP-1) and these expressions were similarly lowered by these two statin drug treatments. Taken together, these results indicated that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, the findings suggest that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can be potential modulators for ameliorating skin inflammation.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.55 no.2
• /
• pp.162-168
• /
• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to suggest an appropriate treatment method by comparing nonsurgical treatment and surgical treatment for enchondroma in the hands and feet. Materials and Methods: Seventy four cases with enchondroma of the hands and feet from January 1996 to March 2017 were selected to evaluate the functional outcomes. Thirty cases were treated with nonsurgical treatment, and 44 cases were treated with surgical treatment, such as curettage only or curettage with a bone graft. The mean follow-up period was 18.1 months. The functional results were analyzed using the Wilhelm and Feldmeier formula. Results: The mean age was 38 years, and the age range was between eight and 69 years. According to the Wilhelm and Feldmeier formula, the mean score of hand enchondroma was 3.09±0.85 and 3.20±0.91 in the non-operative and operative group, respectively. The mean scores of the foot except for the grip strength were 2.57±0.79 and 2.75±0.50, respectively. No significant difference was observed according to the functional results. Among the 18 cases of enchondroma with pathological fractures, nine cases were treated non-surgically and nine cases were treated by surgically. In all 18 cases, complete bone healing was observed at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Relatively satisfactory results were obtained in both surgical and nonsurgical treatment and there was no significant difference in functional outcomes. In cases of enchondroma in the hands and feet, nonsurgical treatment can also be a good treatment option.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.56 no.2
• /
• pp.134-141
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Patellar dislocations have a range of causes. This study examined the results of treatment aimed at balancing soft tissues around the patella. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patellar dislocations in 28 patients (21 females and seven males) were examined. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 11.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 4.6 years. Dislocations were 19 chronic, six habitual, six congenital, and one acute. Soft tissue balancing surgery included lateral capsular release, medial capsular plication, and inferolateral transfer of the vastus medialis obliquus. Medial transfer of the patellar tendon, partial strip of the rectus femoris and patella tendon, and distal femoral osteotomy were also performed selectively. The preoperative Q angle, femoral anteversion angle, tibial external rotation angle, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG distance), mechanical femoral-tibial angle, and femoral trochlear dysplasia according to Dejour were measured, and the pre- and postoperative Lysholm-Tegner scores were used to analyze the clinical results. Results: The mean preoperative Q angle, TT-TG distance, femoral anteversion angle, tibial external rotation angle, mechanical femoraltibia angle, and Lysholm-Tegner score were 9.3°, 15.5 mm, 25.6°, 30.4°, 3.0°, and 75.8, respectively. Eleven patients had systemic ligament laxity with a Beighton score of five or more. Twenty-two patients had femoral trochlear dysplasia: four type A (3 patients), 16 type B (15 patients), one type C (1 patient), and four type D (3 patients). Of the 32 cases, 28 were corrected successfully by the first operation. Of four cases of postoperative subluxation, three were corrected by the second operation, and one of them was corrected after a third operation. The last patient is currently being followed-up. The mean Lysholm-Tegner score improved to 85.6 after the operation. Conclusion: Correcting all the causes of patella dislocation simultaneously is difficult. Nevertheless, satisfactory outcomes were obtained with soft tissue balancing surgery around the patella and a corrective osteotomy for an abnormal mechanical axis of the femur-tibia and torsion.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.78-86
• /
• 2024

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the specialty hospital system by comparing the medical use of inpatients who had artificial joint replacement surgery in specialty hospitals and non-specialty hospitals. Methods: This study utilized 2021-2022 healthcare benefit claims data provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The dependent variable is inpatient medical use which is measured in terms of charges per case and length of stay. The independent variable was whether the hospital was designated as a specialty hospital, and the control variables were patient-level variables (age, gender, insurer type, surgery type, and Charlson comorbidity index) and medical institution-level variables (establishment type, classification, location, number of orthopedic surgeons, and number of nurses). Results: The results of the multiple regression analysis between charges per case and whether a hospital is designated as a specialty hospital showed a statistically significant negative relationship between charges per case and whether a hospital is designated as a specialty hospital. This suggests a significant low in charges per case when a hospital is designated as a specialty hospital compared to a non-specialty hospital, indicating that there is a difference in medical use outcomes between specialty hospitals and non-specialty hospitals inpatients. Conclusion: The practical implications of this study are as follows. First, the criteria for designating specialty hospitals should be alleviated. In our study, the results show that specialty hospitals have significantly lower per-case costs than non-specialty hospitals. Despite the cost-effectiveness of specialty hospitals, the high barriers to be designated for specialty hospitals have gathered the specialty hospitals in metropolitan and major cities. To address the regional imbalance of specialty hospitals, it is believed that ease the criteria for designating specialty hospitals in non-metropolitan areas, such as introducing "semi-specialty hospitals (tentative name)," will lead to a reduction in health disparities between regions and reduce medical costs. Second, it is necessary to determine the appropriateness of the size of hospitals' medical staff. The study found that the number of orthopedic surgeons and nurses varied in charges per case. Therefore, it is believed that appropriately allocating hospital medical staff can maximize the cost-effectiveness of medical services and ultimately reduce medical costs.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.5-28
• /
• 2001

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate analysis of bone mineral density according to Women with low back pain women. Methods: The data were collected from women who visited Physical Examination Center of a Catholic university hospital located in Daegu. Questionnaires were completed by 50 women during the period from July 20, 2000 to January 12, 2001. The sample was divided into three groups(the normal group of 16 cases and the osteopenia group of 12cases and the osteoporosis group of 22 cases). Bone mineral density(BMD) of lumbar spine was measured using energy absorptiometry. Results: The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine decreased with aging. The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine decreased with the serum Calcium and Phosphorus and Alkaline phosphatase increased. The mean bone mineral density of the lumbar spine of healthy women in age(50~59) was 0.87g/$cm^2$, the lumbar spine of women with low back pain in age(50~59) was 0.77g/$cm^2$. In the multiple regression of risk factors to bone mineral density(BMD) of lumbar spine were correlated with age, marriage existence, exercise time, the loving food of taste, calcium, bone mineral density standard T scores(p<0.05). The experience for LBP increased as weight increased(Odds ratio=999.000). The experience for LBP increased as number of Exercise decreased(Odds ratio=999.000). The experience for LBP increased as menopause existence increased(Odds ratio=999.000). The experience for LBP increased as serum Calcium and Phosphorus increased (Odds ratio=999.000). however all four variables had significant no relationship. The correlation in variables in relation to low back pain and bone mineral density, age showed contra-correlation with low back pain existence, Alkaline phosphatase(p<0.01). Weight showed contra-correlation with body mass index(BMI)(p<0.01). Exercise time showed correlation with number of exercise(p<0.01). The loving food of taste showed contra-correlation with Alkaline phosphatase(p<0.05). Bone mineral density showed correlation with menopause existence(p<0.05). Conclusions: Results from this study indicated that a statistically significant association between bone mineral density of the lumbar spin and age, marriage existence, exercise time, the loving food of taste, calcium, bone mineral density standard T scores. In logistic regression test, there were no related variables. The combination of bone mineral density measurement and assessment of the bone turnover rate by measuring biochemical would be helpful for the treatment of patients with risks of osteoporosis. The more precise study for risk factors to osteoporosis is essential.

• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.226-231
• /
• 2008

Titanium and its alloy have been widely used in dental implant and orthopedic prostheses. Electrochemical characteristics of dental implant in the various simulated body fluids have been researched by using electrochemical methods. Ti-6Al-4V alloy implant was used for corrosion test in 0.9% NaCl, artificial saliva and simulated body fluids. The surface morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The electrochemical stability was investigated using potentiosat (EG&G Co, 263A). The corrosion surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the results of potentiodynamic test in various solution, the current density of implant tested in SBF and AS solution was lower than that of implant tested in 0.9% NaCl solution. From the results of passive film stability test, the variation of current density at constant 250 mV showed the consistent with time in the case of implant tested in SBF and AS solution, whereas, the current density at constant 250mV in the case of implant tested in 0.9% NaCl solution showed higher compared to SBF and AS solution as time increased. From the results of cyclic potentiodynamic test, the pitting potential and |$E_{pit}\;-\;E_{corr}$| of implant tested in SBF and AS solution were higher than those of implant tested in 0.9% NaCl solution.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.6
• /
• pp.1008-1013
• /
• 2011

Osteoporosis is the leading underlying cause of fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women, due to the loss of estrogen-mediated suppression of bone resorption. More than 50% of adults 50 years of age or older are estimated to have osteoporosis. Osteoclast which is main target for treatment of osteoporosis is originated from hematopoietic cell line. Aloe has been widely used in worldwide country as a coadjuvant medicine. Extracts of the leaves of Aloe have been used in condition to improve dermatologic problem such as seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, xerosis, lichen planus and has been known to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor effects. However, despite the popularity of aloe as a plant food supplements, the evaluation of its efficacy as a possible therapeutic option for osteoporosis remains scarce. Thus, we evaluated the effect of Aloe on receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Here we found that Aloe significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Aloe suppressed the activation of p38 pathway and $NF{\kappa}B$ in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with RANKL. Also, Aloe significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1 and cathepsin K in BMMs treated with RANKL. Particularly, Aloe greatly inhibited the protein expression of c-fos and NFATc1. Taken together, our results suggested that Aloe may be useful tool for treatment of osteoporosis by inhibition of osteoclast differentiation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.160-165
• /
• 2012

Osteoporotic fracture became a serious social problem, which related with mortality and morbidity in old age population. Osteoclast which is responsible for bone resorption is originated from hematopoietic cell line and plays a key role osteoporotic bone loss. Cynanchum wilfordii (Asclepiadaceae) roots have been used in Korean folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and aging progression. Also, recent studies have shown that the extract and fractions of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix have various pharmacological actions including scavenging free radicals, enhancing immunity, reducing high serum cholesterol, and anti-tumor activity. However, the effect of extract of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix in osteoclast differentiation had not been reported. Thus, we evaluated the effect of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Through our study, we found that Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix suppressed the activation of p38 pathway and $NF{\kappa}B$ in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with RANKL. Also, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1 and cathepsin K in BMMs treated with RANKL. Particularly, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix inhibited the protein expression of c-fos and NFATc1. Taken together, our results demonstrated that Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix may be useful treatment option of bone-related disease such as osteoporosis leads to fracture of bone and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Polymer(Korea)
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.418-425
• /
• 2015

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) have been considered as useful materials for orthopedic devices and osseous implants because of their biocompatibility and bone-forming activity. However, PCL-based scaffolds have hydrophobic surfaces reducing initial cell adhesion or proliferation. To overcome the limitation, we fabricated surface-modified PCL/BCP nanofibers using gamma-irradiation for bone tissue engineering. PCL/BCP nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and then we supplemented hydrophilicity by introducing acrylic acid (AAc) through gamma-irradiation. We confirmed the surface of nanofibers by SEM, and then the initial viability of MG63 was significantly increased on the AAc grafted nanofibers, and alkaline phosphatase activity($1.239{\pm}0.226nmole/{\mu}g/min$) improved on the modified nanofibers than that on the non-modified nanofibers($0.590{\pm}0.286nmole/{\mu}g/min$). Therefore, AAc-grafted nanofibers may be a good tool for bone tissue engineering applications.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.77-82
• /
• 2014

Objectives Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a restricted shoulder range of motion. Rotator cuff disease (RCD) has been believed to be a major etiologic factor of AC, however, how soon is the development time from RCD to AC (DTRA) has not been elucidated. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the correlation between the ultrasonographic characteristics of RCD and the DTRA. Methods Total 40 patients who were diagnosed as AC were recruited. The clinical characteristics of RCD were diagnosed by ultrasonography and classified with the Southern California Orthopedic Institute for Rotator Cuff Classification. The correlation was analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test and one-way analysis of variance. Results 60% of full thickness tear and 40% of partial thickness tear patients (10 male and 30 female, mean age of $54.0{\pm}8.4$ years) and 38% of bursitis and 21% of neovascularization were observed. The mean value of DTRA was $74.8{\pm}131.3$ days. There were no correlation between DTRA and gender (p=0.63), location of the partial tear (p=0.63), the severity of the partial thickness tear (p=0.63), full thickness tear (p=0.66) and completeness of the tear (p=0.16). The presence of bursitis or neovascularization was not associated with DTRA (p=0.60, p=0.61). Conclusions Although RCD is a major etiologic factor of AC, the severity, the type of RCD and the presence of bursitis and neovascularization were not statistically correlated with the DTRA in our study. Comprehensive consideration about etiologic factor analysis of AC will be needed with prospective study design for future study.