Biomedical subjects

Ji Young Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Ji Young Kim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Association of the Gly82Ser polymorphism in the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene with circulating levels of soluble RAGE and inflammatory markers in nondiabetic and nonobese Koreans.

We investigated the association between the Gly82Ser (G82S) polymorphism in the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene and circulating levels of soluble RAGE (sRAGE), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and inflammatory markers in nondiabetic/nonobese Koreans. A total of 1096 men and 580 women aged 30 to 69 years and with body mass index of 18.5 to 29.9 kg/m(2) were recruited. Anthropometrics, lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (IR), RAGE G82S polymorphism, sRAGE, AGEs, and inflammatory markers were measured. There was a significant association between G82S genotypes and plasma sRAGE concentrations (P < .001). sRAGE concentrations were significantly higher in subjects with the G/G genotype (1038 +/- 33 pg/mL) than in those with the G/S (809 +/- 19 pg/mL) or the S/S (428 +/- 43 pg/mL) genotype. Furthermore, the G82S genotypes in the RAGE gene were associated with serum AGE (P = .033), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P < .001), plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) (P = .033), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (P= .002), and urinary excretion of 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (P = .028) after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, cigarette smoking, and alcohol drinking. Subjects with the S/S genotype showed higher levels of serum AGE, HOMA-IR, plasma TNF-alpha, serum CRP, and 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) than those with the G/G or G/S combination. The sRAGE levels showed a negative relation with high-sensitivity CRP (r = -0.250; P < .001). The AGE concentrations showed a positive relation with TNF-alpha levels (r = 0.398; P < .001). Subjects with homozygosity for the minor S allele (S/S) of the G82S polymorphism had higher risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as low sRAGE levels, inflammation, oxidative stress, and IR, compared with those bearing at least one G allele.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2006

Up-regulation of skeletal muscle LIM protein 1 gene by 25-hydroxycholesterol may mediate morphological changes of rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

Changes in the expression level of the skeletal muscle LIM protein 1 (SLIM1) in cultured A10 cells were monitored in response to 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), an oxidized form of cholesterol present in the oxidized low-density lipoproteins. The level of SLIM1 mRNA was elevated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by treatment of 25-HC. Expressions of smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin and calponin-1 (CNN-1), early markers for SMC differentiation, were also increased by the 25-HC treatments. Expressions of all three genes (SLIM1, SM alpha-actin and CNN-1) were simultaneously elevated in the cells treated with 9-cis retinoic acid (RA). On the other hand, the SLIM1 expression induced by the 25-HC or 9-cis RA (as well as SM alpha-actin and CNN-1) was decreased by the treatment of 15d-PGJ2. Since the 25-HC, 9-cis RA and 15d-PGJ2 were ligands for the LXR, RXRalpha and PPARgamma respectively, there might be a functional positive cross-talk between LXR and RXRalpha pathways and a negative cross-talk between PPARgamma and LXR and/or RXRalpha pathways in the regulation of SLIM1 expression. The cells stably transfected with the expressional vector for SLIM1 also showed an elevation in the levels of SM alpha-actin and CNN-1. In addition, an over-production of SLIM1 in the cells resulted in a change in the cell-shape into a spindle-like form, which is identical to that observed after a prolonged treatment of the cells with cholesterol.

Actins↗

PubMed2006

Nuclear interaction of Smac/DIABLO with Survivin at G2/M arrest prompts docetaxel-induced apoptosis in DU145 prostate cancer cells.

Smac/DIABLO is released by mitochondria in response to apoptotic stimuli and is thought to antagonize the function of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins. Recently, it has been shown that, like XIAP, Survivin can potentially interact with Smac/DIABLO. However, the precise mechanisms and cellular location of their action have not been determined. We report for the first time that Smac/DIABLO translocates to the nucleus and is colocalized with Survivin at mitotic spindles during apoptosis resulting from G2/M arrest due to docetaxel treatment of DU145 prostate cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that the nuclear interaction of Smac/DIABLO with Survivin is an important step for suppressing the anti-apoptotic function of Survivin in Doc-induced apoptosis. This suggests that the balance between cellular Smac/DIABLO and Survivin levels could be critical for cellular destiny in taxane-treated cancer cells.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2006

The coffee diterpene kahweol inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in human endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells produce adhesion molecules after being stimulated with various inflammatory cytokines. These adhesion molecules play an important role in the development of atherogenesis. Recent studies have highlighted the chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of kahweol, a coffee-specific diterpene. This study examined the effects of kahweol on the cytokine-induced monocyte/human endothelial cell interaction, which is a crucial early event in atherogenesis. Kahweol inhibited the adhesion of TNFalpha-induced monocytes to endothelial cells and suppressed the TNFalpha-induced protein and mRNA expression of the cell adhesion molecules, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Furthermore, kahweol inhibited the TNFalpha-induced JAK2-PI3K/Akt-NF-kappaB activation pathway in these cells. Overall, kahweol has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities, which occurs partly by down-regulating the pathway that affects the expression and interaction of the cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells.

Cell Adhesion↗

PubMed2006

DA-9601, Artemisia asiatica herbal extract, ameliorates airway inflammation of allergic asthma in mice.

We previously reported that DA-9601, ethanol herbal extract of Artemisia asiatica, inhibited histamine and leukotriene releases in guinea pig lung mast cells activated with specific antigen/antibody reaction. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of DA-9601 on the OVA-induced airway inflammation in allergic asthma mouse model. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA. DA-9601 was administered orally 1 h before every local OVA-challenge. OVA-specific serum IgE was measured by ELISA, recruitment of inflammatory cells in BAL fluids and lung tissues by Diff-Quik and H&E staining, respectively, the expressions of CD40, CD40L and VCAM-1 by immunohistochemistry, goblet cell hyperplasia by PAS staining, activities of MMPs by gelatin zymography, expressions of mRNA and proteins of cytokines by RT-PCR and ELISA, activities of MAP kinases by western blot, and activity of NF-KappaB by EMSA. DA-9601 reduced IgE level, recruitment of inflammatory cells into the BAL fluid and lung tissues, expressions of CD40, CD40L and VCAM-1 molecules, goblet cell hyperplasia, MMPs activity, expressions of mRNA and productions of various cytokines, activities of MAP kinases and NK-KappaB increased from OVA-challenged mice. These data suggest that DA-9601 may be developed as a clinical therapeutic agent in allergic diseases due to suppressing the airway allergic inflammation via regulation of various cellular molecules expressed by MAP kinases/NF-KappaB pathway.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2006

Modulation of the age-related nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway by hesperetin.

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a redox-sensitive transcription factor, plays an important role in the aging process. Thus, developing and identifying specific components that modulate NF-kappaB without adverse side-effects would be of major importance. Hesperetin, a flavanone abundant in citrus fruits, has a variety of pharmacological properties being antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we investigated how hesperetin fed to 6- and 24-month-old rats modulates NF-kappaB in their kidneys. Results showed that hesperetin suppressed NF-kappaB activation and related gene expressions. An even more interesting finding is that hesperetin suppressed NF-kappaB through four signal transduction pathways, NIK/IKK, ERK, p38, and JNK. Further evidence showed the remarkable efficacy of hesperetin to suppress the translocation of Trx/Ref-1, indicating its beneficial effect on the redox status. The most significant findings of the current study report new information on the use of hesperetin as a potential anti-aging agent.

Aging↗

PubMed2006

Potent protective effect of isoimperatorin against aflatoxin B1-inducible cytotoxicity in H4IIE cells: bifunctional effects on glutathione S-transferase and CYP1A.

Typically chemopreventive agents either induce phase II detoxifying enzymes or inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) that are required for the metabolism of carcinogens. In this study, we isolated a coumarin compound, isoimperatorin from Poncirus trifoliata Raf., and studied its protective effects against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced cytotoxicity in H4IIE cells. Isoimperatorin (>0.3 microM) significantly inhibited the cytotoxic effect of AFB1. CDNB [1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene; glutathine S-transferase (GST) subtype-non-specific] and NBD (7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole; GSTalpha type-specific) assays revealed that isoimperatorin (0.3-3 microM) increased GST activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analyses using subtype-specific antibodies confirmed that GSTalpha protein, but not GSTmu or GSTpi, was induced in cells treated with isoimperatorin. Reporter gene analysis using an antioxidant response element (ARE) containing construct and subcellular fractionation assays revealed that GSTalpha induction by isoimperatorin is associated with Nrf2/ARE activation. Moreover, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase assays showed that isoimperatorin (2 microM) completely inhibited 3-methylchoranthrene-inducible CYP1A activity. These results indicate that isoimperatorin from Poncirus trifoliata Raf. possesses a potent hepatoprotective effect against AFB1, presumably through the induction of GSTalpha and the direct inhibition of CYP1A, and suggest that isoimperatorin should be considered a potential chemopreventive.

Aflatoxin B1↗

PubMed2006

Inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis by aqueous extract of the radix of Platycodon grandiflorum.

Platycodon grandiflorum is a traditional oriental herbal medicine that is known for its immunostimulatory and anti-tumor effects. This study examined the anti-metastatic activities of an aqueous extract from the root of P. grandiflorum (Changkil: CK) using in vitro and in vivo metastasis assays. CK inhibited the invasion of B16-F10 melanoma cells through a reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel)-coated filter, and strongly inhibited the adhesion of B16-F10 melanoma cell to extracellular matrices such as Matrigel, fibronectin and laminin substrates. CK also inhibited an experimentally induced lung cancer and prolonged the survival time in vivo. In addition, CK augmented NK cell activity. These results show that CK can reduce the extent of a lung metastasis of B16-F10 melanoma cells by inhibiting the adhesion of tumor cells to the basement membrane possibly and activating NK cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Tearing of the mitral valve during vent removal after a successful mitral valve repair: a beneficial role of transesophageal echocardiography.

In this case, a successful mitral valve repair was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at the end of a cardiopulmonary bypass. The left ventricular vent was placed through the mitral valve to remove the air after the TEE examination, and on its way out, the left ventricular vent damaged the anterior mitral leaflet (AML). Re-examination of the valve with TEE detected the new mitral valve insufficiency. The CPB was reinstituted, and tearing of the lateral third part of the anterior mitral leaflet was found. This case emphasizes the importance of TEE in the operating room as a continuous monitor, not only to evaluate the result of the cardiac surgery, but also to detect any unpredictable events during the surgery.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

PubMed2006

Differential expression profiling of genes in a complete hydatidiform mole using cDNA microarray analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To gain a better understanding of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of gestational trophoblastic diseases, we evaluated the genome-wide expression levels of genes in complete hydatidiform mole (H-mole) as compared to normal placenta using cDNA microarray technique. METHODS: The expression profiles of complete H-mole tissues were compared with those of normal placenta using cDNA microarray technique. The data obtained from 10,305 human genes were normalized by the print-tip-based LOWESS method. Significance analysis of microarray (SAM) was used to identify genes with statistically significant changes in expression. The expression levels of genes which showed significant differences between normal early placenta and complete H-mole tissues were further confirmed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: A cDNA microarray analysis consisting of 10,305 human genes revealed significant changes in the expression of 213 genes, with 91 genes being upregulated and 122 being downregulated. SAM revealed significant changes in gene expression, including those associated with signal transduction, cell structure, transcription, and apoptosis. Further RT-PCR analysis of altered gene expression in mole tissues supported the microarray analysis results. We confirmed the upregulation of TLE4, CAPZA1, PRSS25, RNF130, and USP1 in complete H-mole tissues. Moreover, our study provides the first evidence that ELK3, LAMA3, LNK, STAT2, and TNFRSF25 are downregulated in complete H-mole compared to normal early placenta tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a large body of information regarding gene expression profiles associated with complete H-mole tumorigenesis and allow the identification of potential targets for tumor prevention or therapy.

DNA, Complementary↗

PubMed2006

The Val279Phe variant of the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 gene is associated with catalytic activities and cardiovascular disease in Korean men.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: It is unclear whether lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) exerts a pro- or antiatherogenic effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the association between Lp-PLA(2) variant (V279F and A379V) and CVD in Korean men. DESIGN: CVD patients (n = 532) and healthy controls (n = 670) were genotyped for the Lp-PLA(2) polymorphism (V279F and A379V). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We calculated odds ratio (OR) on CVD risk and measured anthropometries, lipid profiles, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size, oxidized LDL, lipid peroxides, and Lp-PLA(2) activity. RESULTS: The presence of the 279F allele was associated with a lower risk of CVD [OR 0.646 (95% confidence interval 0.490-0.850), P = 0.002], and the association still remained after adjustments for age, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption [OR 0.683 (95% confidence interval 0.512-0.911), P = 0.009]. Lp-PLA(2) activity was lower in CVD patients taking a lipid-lowering drug (31%), those not taking a lipid-lowering drug (26%), and control subjects (23%) with the V/F genotype, compared with those with the V/V genotype. Subjects with the F/F genotype in controls and two CVD patients groups showed no appreciable enzymatic activity. Control subjects with the V/F genotype had larger LDL particle size than those with the V/V genotype. In addition, control subjects carrying the F allele showed lower malondialdehyde concentrations. On the other hand, we found no significant relationship between A379V genotype and CVD risk. CONCLUSIONS: The association of the F279 loss of function variant with the reduced risk of CVD supports the concept that Lp-PLA(2) plays a proatherogenic and causative role in CVD.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗

PubMed2006

Short-term feeding of baicalin inhibits age-associated NF-kappaB activation.

Baicalin is a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis and is known to affect multiple biological functions, including the inhibition of aldose reductase, HIV infection, and nitric oxide producing activity. Oxidative stress is considered a major cause of aging and various age-related diseases, and among the key cellular components exquisitely sensitive to oxidative stress is the transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the suppression of age-related NF-kappaB activation by baicalin in kidney tissue from old rats. Results showed NF-kappaB activation and the upregulation of NF-kappaB targeting genes, hemoxygenase-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and COX-2 with age. In contrast, the increased expression of these NF-kappaB targeting genes was effectively inhibited by baicalin. Baicalin was shown to inhibit the NF-kappaB cascade via three signal transduction pathways, NIK/IKK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Our results clearly indicated the anti-oxidative effects of baicalin on age-related redox imbalance. Thus, the significance of the current study is the new information revealing the anti-oxidative properties of baicalin and the role it plays in the regulation of age-related alterations.

Aging↗

PubMed2006

The adipose tissue triglyceride lipase ATGL/PNPLA2 is downregulated by insulin and TNF-alpha in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and is a target for transactivation by PPARgamma.

The minimal adipose phenotype of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL)-null mice suggested that other hormonally responsive lipase(s) were present in adipocytes. Recent studies have characterized a new adipose tissue triglyceride lipase, ATGL/PNPLA2/destnutrin/iPLA2zeta/TTS2.2 (ATGL). We had previously cloned a novel adipose-enriched transcript by differential screening and recently determined its identity with murine ATGL. We report here on the regulation of ATGL by TNF-alpha and insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and identify ATGL as a target for transcriptional activation by the key adipogenic transcription factor PPARgamma. Insulin at 100 nM resulted in a marked decrease in ATGL transcript that was effectively blocked by inhibitors for PI 3-kinase and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase. TNF-alpha treatment decreased ATGL transcript in a time-dependent manner that paralleled TNF-alpha downregulation of PPARgamma with a maximal decrease noted by 6 h. TNF-alpha effects on ATGL were attenuated by pretreatment with PD-98059, LY-294002, or rapamycin, suggesting involvement of the p44/42 MAP kinase, PI 3-kinase, and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase signals. To study transcriptional regulation of ATGL, we cloned 2,979 bp of the murine ATGL 5'-flanking region. Compared with promoterless pGL2-Basic, the -2979/+21 ATGL luciferase construct demonstrated 120- and 40-fold increases in activity in white and brown adipocytes, respectively. Luciferase reporter activities for a series of eight ATGL promoter deletions revealed that the -928/+21, -1738/+21, -1979/+21, and -2979/+21 constructs were transactivated by PPARgamma. Our findings identify the novel lipase ATGL to be a target gene for TNF-alpha and insulin action in adipocytes and reveal that it is subject to transcriptional control by PPARgamma-mediated signals.

3T3-L1 Cells↗

PubMed2006

Characterization of a novel WHSC1-associated SET domain protein with H3K4 and H3K27 methyltransferase activity.

Evolutionary conserved SET domains were originally identified in three Drosophila proteins: suppressor of variegation (Su (var) 3-9), enhancer of zeste (E(z)), and the trithorax. Some of the SET-domain containing proteins have been known to elicit methylation of histone lysine residues. Based on a search for SET-domain containing proteins using bioinformatic tools, we identified and subsequently named a novel SET domain as WHISTLE, that has histone methyltransferase (HMTase) activity. To characterize WHISTLE, we performed an HMTase assay, mass spectrometric analysis, lysine specificity, and transfection assays. Mass spectrometric and immunoblot analysis revealed that WHISTLE di-methylates H3K4 and di-, and tri-methylates H3K27 of histones. Overexpression of WHISTLE repressed transcription of the SV40 promoter. Our results suggest that WHISTLE is a novel SET domain containing a protein with specific H3K4 and H3K27 HMTase activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Plasma adiponectin is related to other cardiovascular risk factors in nondiabetic Korean men with CAD, independent of adiposity and cigarette smoking: cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Circulating adiponectins have multiple protective roles as anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-inflammatory factors. We examined the relationship between plasma adiponectin concentration and other cardiovascular risk in nondiabetic coronary artery disease (CAD) men and the relationship can be maintained even after adjusted for major environmental factors that contribute to adiponectin concentrations. METHODS: Nondiabetic CAD men (n=613) were 31-70 y and had body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-29.9 kg/m2. RESULTS: Circulating adiponectins positively correlated with age and negatively with BMI, waist circumference and % body fat (p-values of all <0.001). Plasma adiponectin concentrations were higher in never-smokers (5.07+/-0.30 microg/ml) than current (4.15+/-0.12 microg/ml) and ex-smokers (3.75+/-0.20 microg/ml) both before and after adjusted for age and adiposity (p=0.002 and p=0.008, respectively), however they were not significantly different according to alcohol drinking status. After adjusted for age, adiposity and cigarette smoking, plasma adiponectin still have positive correlations with HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein AI and LDL particle size, and inversely with fasting triglyceride, atherogenic index, insulin resistance and C-reactive protein (CRP). However there was no significant relationships between adiponectin and apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. In subset analysis by tertile adiponectin concentrations (lowest: <2.92, moderate: 2.92 or=4.75 microg/ml), 'moderate' and 'highest' adiponectin groups had lower triglyceride (p<0.001), lower atherogenic index (p=0.001), lower fasting insulin (p=0.004), lower insulin resistance (p=0.001), lower CRP (p=0.001), higher HDL cholesterol (p<0.001), higher apolipoprotein AI (p=0.005) and higher LDL particle size (p<0.001) as compared with 'lowest' adiponectin group when adjusted for age, adiposity and cigarette smoking. Platelets were lower in 'highest' adiponectin groups as compared with 'lowest' and 'moderate' adiponectin group after the adjustment. However, there was no significant difference in total cholesterol (p=0.145), LDL cholesterol (p=0.145), apolipoprotein B (p=0.222) and fasting glucose (p=0.157). CONCLUSION: An increase of adiponectin concentrations or the maintenance of higher concentration may be negatively associated with cardiovascular risk factors in nondiabetic CAD male patients, independent of adiposity and smoking status.

Adiponectin↗

PubMed2006

Potent inhibition of the inductions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 by taiwaniaflavone.

The improper productions of nitric oxide and prostaglandins following the inductions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. Selaginella tamariscina is used as an oriental medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we isolated taiwaniaflavone from S. tamariscina and investigated whether taiwaniaflavone affects the induction of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. We found that taiwaniaflavone blocks the transactivations of iNOS and COX-2 genes by blocking the nuclear translocation of p65 and subsequent nuclear factor-kappaB inactivation. It is known that NF-kappaB activation is controlled by the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of I-kappaBalpha, and in the present study, we found that the phosphorylation and degradation of I-kappaBalpha were also inhibited by taiwaniaflavone. Our findings indicate that taiwaniaflavone may provide a developmental basis for an agent against inflammatory diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

The effect of skin surface warming during anesthesia preparation on preventing redistribution hypothermia in the early operative period of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Redistribution hypothermia adversely affects hemodynamics and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In off-pump coronary bypass surgery (OPCAB), maintaining the temperature is important because warming by cardiopulmonary bypass is omitted. Pre-warming studies reported earlier showing pre-warming as an effective means of preventing redistribution hypothermia was time consuming since it required at least 1-2h to pre-warm the patients before the surgery. Because pre-warming for such a long time is impractical in clinical practice, this study evaluated the efficacy of active warming during the preanesthetic period for the prevention of redistribution hypothermia in the early operative period of OPCAB. METHODS: After gaining the approval of Institutional Review Board and informed consent from the patients, 40 patients undergoing OPCAB were divided into control and pre-warming groups. The patients in control group (n=20) were managed with warm mattresses and cotton blankets, whereas patients in pre-warming group (n=20) were actively warmed with a forced-air warming device before the induction of anesthesia. Hemodynamic variables and temperature were recorded before anesthesia (Tpre) and at 30 min intervals after anesthesia for 90 min (T30, T60, and T90). RESULTS: Active warming duration was 49.7+/-9.9 min. There were no statistically significant differences in skin temperature, core temperature and hemodynamic variables between the two groups at preinduction period except for mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure. The core temperature at T30, T60, and T90 was statistically higher in pre-warming group than that in control group. Core temperature of six (30%) and seven patients (35%) in control group was reduced below 35 degrees C at T60 and T90, respectively, whereas core temperature of only one patient (5%) in pre-warming group was reduced below 35 degrees C at T90 (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Active warming using forced air blanket before the induction of anesthesia reduced the incidence and degree of redistribution hypothermia in patients undergoing OPCAB. It is a simple method with reasonable cost, which does not delay the induction of anesthesia nor the surgery.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Involvement of lymphocytes in dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis.

AIM: To investigate the roles of lymphocytes in the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. METHODS: Using various doses of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), we induced colitis in wild-type B6 control and Rag-1 knockout (H-2b haplotype) mice, and evaluated the colitis in terms of symptomatic and histologic parameters, such as weight loss, survival, severity of diarrhea, shortage of colon length and histological changes. Symptomatic parameters were checked daily and histological changes were scored. RESULTS: Although development of colitis in Rag-1 knockout mice treated with high dose (5%) of DSS was comparable to that in B6 control mice, colitis progression was much more tolerable in Rag-1 knockout mice compared to than in B6 mice treated with low dose (1.5%) DSS. Symptomatic parameters as well as histopathologic changes were improved in Rag-1 knockout mice. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the presence of lymphocytes contributes to colitis progression at low dose of DSS stimulation. Lymphocytes may play roles as an aggravating factor in DSS-induced colitis.

Animals↗