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Biomedical subjects

C H Song

Publications and source records attributed to C H Song.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Dysregulated production of interferon-gamma, interleukin-4 and interleukin-6 in early tuberculosis patients in response to antigen 85B of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Both interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin (IL)-4 expression in T cells and IL-6 expression in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage were monitored using antigen 85B (Ag85B) protein and purified protein derivative (PPD) antigen in the early stages of tuberculosis (TB). We showed that the levels of cell-associated IFN-gamma and IL-4 (mRNA and intracellular cytokine) in Ag85B-stimulated T cells were significantly depressed in TB patients compared with those in healthy tuberculin reactors. On the other hand, the capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to produce IL-6 spontaneously ex vivo was enhanced in patients (P < 0. 001), but their corresponding capacities to respond to Ag85B were not significantly different from those of normal donors. After 2 months of antituberculosis therapy, the mean blastogenic responses of Ag85B-stimulated PBMC from seven TB patients were increased 6. 1-fold (P = 0.011). Furthermore, the proportions of both IFN-gamma- (P < 0.01) and IL-4- (P = 0.05) producing T cells were significantly increased. However, those of IL-6-producing cells were diminished in response to Ag85B (P = 0.05). Our results suggest that there may be an altered regulation of IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-6 to Ag85B in the early stages of TB.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed2000

Depressed interleukin-12 (IL-12), but not IL-18, production in response to a 30- or 32-kilodalton mycobacterial antigen in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.

The secreted 30-kDa antigen (Ag) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly stimulates Th1-type protective cytokine responses in healthy tuberculin reactors but not in patients with active tuberculosis (TB). To examine the cytokine profiles attributable to Th1 suppression associated with active TB, interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-18, and IL-10 production in response to a 30- or 32-kDa Ag in 16 patients with active pulmonary TB and 24 healthy controls was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In TB patients, production of IL-12 p40, as well as gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), by 30- or 32-kDa Ag-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was significantly decreased compared with that in healthy tuberculin reactors. There were no significant differences in IL-18 production between patients and controls early during stimulation (16 h). However, PBMC from patients showed significantly enhanced IL-18 proteins after 96 h of stimulation. Similarly, higher IL-10 production was observed in the TB patients than in healthy tuberculin reactors. After 2 months of anti-TB therapy, the mean IFN-gamma and IL-12 p40 production and the mean blastogenic responses were significantly increased in PBMC in the 10 TB patients who were followed up. Our findings provide evidence that depressed IL-12 in response to the 30- or 32-kDa Ag is involved in the immunopathogenesis of human active pulmonary TB.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed2000

The effect of oxytocin antagonist on uterus in response to exogenous oxytocin.

This study was performed to determine the action mode of oxytocin antagonist. In Study 1, the duration of in vivo action of oxytocin antagonist I (AI) was examined. After infusing AI, oxytocin was given and repeated every hour for 5 hr. Uterine activities were monitored with a polygraph. Study 2 determined the effect of AI on uterine oxytocin receptor number (Rn) and binding affinity (Kd). AI treated rats were sacrificed at 0.5 and 4 hr later for receptor assay. In Study 1, the uterine contractile response to oxytocin was significantly inhibited (p<0.05) compared to controls at five min, 1 and 2 hr after injection of AI. No differences in response were detected compared to controls (p>0.05) at later hours. In Study 2, no differences (p>0.05) between the AI and control animals in either oxytocin receptor number or binding affinity was found. These data suggest that the major mode of AI action is via competitive inhibition at the uterine oxytocin receptor and not by altering receptor number or binding affinity. AI is suggested to have the potential of being a potent and specific tocolytic agent for prevention of preterm labor in human.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Difference in the distribution pattern of Helicobacter pylori and grade of gastritis in the antrum and in the body between duodenal ulcer and benign gastric ulcer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization and the grade of gastritis in the antrum and in the body of patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) or benign gastric ulcer (BGU). METHODS: This study was performed in H. pylori-positive 220 DU patients and 180 BGU patients. H. pylori density was evaluated by modified Giemsa staining and CLO test, and gastritis grade was graded by H&E staining in the antrum and in the body. RESULTS: H. pylori grade by Giemsa staining was 1.24 in the antrum and 0.82 in the body for DU group (p < 0.01), and those of BGU group were slightly reversed, 0.83 and 0.87, respectively, but without statistical significance. Similarly H. pylori grade by CLO test was 3.1 in the antrum and 2.8 in the body for DU group (p < 0.01), and those of BGU group 2.3 and 2.6 (p < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, gastritis grade was 1.7 in the antrum and 1.2 in the body for DU group (p < 0.01), and those of BGU group 1.6 and 1.3 (p < 0.01), respectively, similar to those of DU. However, there was a correlation between H. pylori grade and gastritis grade in the antrum and in the body, not only in DU but also in BGU group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In spite of different distribution patterns of H. pylori between DU group and BGU group, gastritis grade of the antrum was significantly higher than that of the body in both DU and BGU. However, gastritis is correlated with H. pylori density not only in DU but also in BGU patients. It looks like the inflammatory reaction to H. pylori is stronger in the antrum than in the body.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Purification and immunoreactivity of three components from the 30/32-kilodalton antigen 85 complex in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The three proteins of the antigen 85 complex (85A, 85B, and 85C), which are major secretory products of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, were purified to homogeneity in large amounts by a combination of chromatography on hydroxylapatite, DEAE-Sepharose, and DEAE-Sephacel and gel filtration from M. tuberculosis culture filtrate. Then we examined the immunological reactivity of the three proteins in tuberculosis patients and healthy controls. Antibody responses to the 85B and 85A proteins in patients were significantly greater than responses to the 85C protein. In contrast, all three antigens induced significant lymphoproliferation and gamma interferon production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy tuberculin reactors.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1999

A decrease in circulating levels of immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) after endometrial ablation using a gynecologic resectoscope.

To determine how endometrium alone would contribute to maintaining the circulating levels of Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 in vivo, serum immunoreactive IGFBP-1 levels were measured in 19 patients undergoing endometrial ablation using gynecologic resectoscopy. After endometrial ablation there was a significant decrease in the mean levels of circulating IGFBP-1, which was not correlated with the menstrual cycle. This result indicates that the endometrium is one of the sources of the circulating IGFBP-1.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Lipid profiles in untreated patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate lipid profiles in patients with untreated active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to assess the relationship of the inflammatory condition of RA with lipid profiles. METHODS: Forty-two patients with RA and 42 age and sex matched healthy controls were studied. Patients with RA had not been treated with corticosteroid or disease modifying antirheumatic drugs prior to the study. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), apolipoprotein B (apo B), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in both groups. RESULTS: The levels of apo A1 and HDL-cholesterol were significantly lower in patients than in controls (128.5 vs. 151.8 mg/dl, 41.2 vs. 54.9 mg/dl, respectively). The level of Lp(a) was significantly higher in patients than in controls (27.1 vs. 18.0 mg/dl). The ratios of apo B/apo A1, total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol were significantly higher in patients than in controls (0.82 vs. 0.67, 4.4 vs. 3.4, 2.8 vs. 1.9, respectively). CRP showed a significant correlation with apo A1 (r = -0.44, p<0.01) and HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.35, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that patients with untreated active RA have altered lipoprotein and apolipoprotein patterns that may possibly expose them to higher risk of atherosclerosis. The inflammatory condition of RA may affect the metabolism of HDL-cholesterol and apo A1.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Enhanced secretory group II PLA2 activity in the tears of chronic blepharitis patients.

PURPOSE: Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) hydrolyzes phospholipids, one of the important constituents of human meibomian gland secretions. This study was performed to investigate PLA2 type and activity in the tears of chronic blepharitis patients compared to those of normal persons. METHODS: Tear samples of 36 patients and 10 normal persons were collected in non-heparinized microcapillary tubes. PLA2 activity in the tears was measured by Dole's method, and the results of the blepharitis patients were compared to those of the normal persons. The characterization of PLA2 was performed by the head group preference test and the dithiothreitol (DTT) sensitivity test. The classification of PLA2 type was done using Western blot analysis with anti-human secretory PLA2 antibody. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found among the six categories of chronic blepharitis. However, the mean PLA2 activity in the tears of the chronic blepharitis patients was about two times higher than that of the normal controls with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The PLA2 substrate specificity test revealed group II PLA2 activity. Furthermore, the group II PLA2 was identified as a 14 kDa band in Western blot analysis using an antibody raised against human secretory group II PLA2. CONCLUSIONS: Secretory group II PLA2 activity was significantly enhanced in the tears of the chronic blepharitis patients compared with that of the normal controls. It is suggested that this increased enzymatic activity may decrease the tear film stability through increased hydrolysis of phospholipids.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Role for interleukin-3 in mast-cell and basophil development and in immunity to parasites.

The cytokine interleukin-3 (IL-3), which can be derived from T cells and other sources, is a potentially important link between the immune and haematopoietic systems. IL-3 may be particularly critical for the development, survival and function of tissue mast cells and blood basophils, which are thought to be important effector cells in immunity to parasites and other immunological responses, such as allergic reactions. Here we show, using IL-3-deficient mice, that IL-3 is not essential for the generation of mast cells or basophils under physiological conditions, but that it does contribute to increased numbers of tissue mast cells, enhanced basophil production, and immunity in mice infected with the nematode Stronglyoides venezuelensis. Parasite expulsion and mast-cell development are impaired even more severely in IL-3-deficient mice that also show a marked reduction in signalling by c-kit. These findings establish a role for IL-3 in immunity to parasites and indicate that one of the functions of IL-3 in host defence against infection is to expand populations of haematopoietic effector cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Endoscopic application in aesthetic and reconstructive facial bone surgery.

Twenty-three cases of endoscopically assisted facial bone surgery were performed over the past 3 years. Our series is consistent with 16 cases of aesthetic contouring surgery and 12 treatments of facial bone fracture, including three cases for recontouring of frontal bone, three cases for recontouring of zygoma, endoscopically assisted correction of three zygomatic and blowout fractures, four cases for rhinoplasty and septoplasty for deviated nose, and three cases for mandible contouring surgery. To accomplish this technique, a rigid 4-mm, 30-degree down-angled endoscope was used. The frontal bone or zygomatic arch was approached endoscopically through two or three small incisions on the frontal or temporoparietal scalp. All endoscopic instruments were then manipulated through these incisions. The approach for endoscopically assisted rhinoplasty is the same as with standard rhinoplasty procedures. The approach for zygoma complex and maxillary sinus needs an intraoral incision. Recontouring of zygoma, mandible, and nasal dorsum by an air-driven burr and rasp was performed with endoscopic visual assistance. A plate and screw fixation for zygomatic arch fracture requires an additional small skin incision over the plate for the trocar method. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 30 months. The postoperative course was satisfactory with a few complications. The extra time needed for the endoscopic procedures was less than 1 hour. Endoscopically assisted facial bone surgery can be performed with adequate visualization and direct manipulation of all facial bones. Complications usually associated with extensive incisions in the bicoronal approach may be avoided. Poor visualization in the conventional approach for operation of orbit, nose, maxillae, and mandible may be avoided by use of the endoscope. This technique may prove to be ideal for aesthetic surgery for facial skeleton with smaller scar and less morbidity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Arthritic manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is commonly associated with arthritic manifestations. They are divided into three clinical categories; peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, and sacroiliitis. To evaluate the incidence of arthritis associated with IBD in Korea, we retrospectively reviewed one hundred and twenty-nine patients with IBD, 77 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 52 with Crohn's disease (CD). Arthritis occurred in twenty-two patients (17.1%); 15 with UC(19.6%), 7 with CD (13.5%). Patients with arthritis had more active inflammations and all were seronegative except one patient. Peripheral arthritis was found in twenty patients (15.5%) and more common in UC (19.6%) than in CD (9.6%). Joint involvements tended to be monoarticular or pauciarticular, and most frequently developed in the knee and ankle. Spondylitis was diagnosed in one patient (1.6%) who showed HLA B27 positivity. Radiographic sacroiliitis was observed in eight patients (6.2%) who revealed HLA B27 negativity. Both peripheral arthritis and sacroiliitis were found in six patients (4.6%). In CD, arthritis occurred in 20% of the patients with colonic involvement but in none of the patients without colonic involvement. In conclusion, arthritis was frequent in patients with IBD. Peripheral arthritis was more common in patients with UC than CD. All the patients with CD and arthritis had colonic involvement.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

A case of autoimmune cholangitis associated with Sjögren's syndrome and arthropathy.

Autoimmune cholangitis (AC) is a recently proposed entity that describes a specific group of patients presenting overlapping features of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis. The disease is characterized by dinical cholestasis, high titer antinuclear antibody, negative antimitochondrial antibody, and histologically, findings of PBC coexisting with varying degrees of parenchymal inflammation. In this report, we describe a patient with Sjögren's syndrome who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of AC associated with unique arthropathy compatible with arthritis of PBC. This case illustrates the unusual coexistence of two diseases that may share similar pathogenic processes.

Autoimmune Diseases↗
PubMed1998

Enhanced expression of immunoglobulin kappa light chains with unusually long CDR3 regions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Our previous sequence analysis of immunoglobulin kappa light chains revealed that some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) expressed repertoires enriched for transcripts containing unusually long CDR3 lengths of 11 amino acid codons. This was due, in part, to N region addition at the Vkappa-Jkappa joins. In this study, we analyzed a larger number of individuals to determine how often enrichment of kappa light chain repertoires for 11 amino acid CDR3 occurs in synovial lymphocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of individuals with RA. METHODS: To measure length variability of kappa chain CDR3 regions, we performed a 2 stage polymerase chain reaction amplification and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We sampled PBL and synovial lymphocytes of 9 patients with longstanding RA, and used PBL of 9 age and sex matched healthy individuals as controls. RESULTS: In PBL of healthy individuals, there was low level but consistent expression of kappa chains containing CDR3 with 11 amino acids. In patients, there was enhanced expression of kappa chains containing CDR3 with 11 amino acids compared to healthy individuals. This enhanced expression of kappa chains containing CDR3 of 11 amino acids was more pronounced in synovial lymphocytes compared to PBL of the same patients. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there is antigenic selection of B cells bearing antibodies with unusually long kappa light chain CDR3 in RA.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Negative regulation of Fc epsilon RI-mediated degranulation by CD81.

Signaling through the high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (Fc epsilon RI) results in the coordinate activation of tyrosine kinases before calcium mobilization. Receptors capable of interfering with the signaling of antigen receptors, such as Fc epsilon RI, recruit tyrosine and inositol phosphatases that results in diminished calcium mobilization. Here, we show that antibodies recognizing CD81 inhibit Fc epsilon RI-mediated mast cell degranulation but, surprisingly, without affecting aggregation-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation, calcium mobilization, or leukotriene synthesis. Furthermore, CD81 antibodies also inhibit mast cell degranulation in vivo as measured by reduced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis responses. These results reveal an unsuspected calcium-independent pathway of antigen receptor regulation, which is accessible to engagement by membrane proteins and on which novel therapeutic approaches to allergic diseases could be based.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Skin sensitization in asthmatic children less than 36 months of age.

BACKGROUND: Atopy is reported to play an insignificant role in wheezing during infancy in contrast to later childhood. For this reason skin testing may not be included in a workup of wheezing infants. OBJECTIVE/METHOD: In order to evaluate the degree and evolution of skin sensitization to allergens in infants with asthma, we have retrospectively analyzed the skin test results from 40 referred asthmatic children less than 36 months of age, who had had more than three wheezing episodes and whose symptoms improved on treatment with beta-agonist and anti-inflammatory agents. RESULTS: Skin sensitization (epicutaneous) to common indoor and outdoor aeroallergens and foods were demonstrated in 23 (58%) of these patients. Asthmatic children with the onset before 12 months of age and duration of less than 12 months were sensitive predominantly to foods. Those with later onset asthmas and longer duration developed sensitivity first to indoor and then to outdoor allergens. The most common food, indoor, and outdoor allergens were egg, dust mite, and pollens, respectively. Six of these patients had repeat skin tests later. Two demonstrated a decrease in skin sensitivities to foods, one gained a new sensitivity to grass, while three remained unsensitized. CONCLUSION: Skin sensitization to allergens was common in selected asthmatic infants and evolves in the order of exposures: foods, indoor allergens, and outdoor allergens. Repeat skin tests showed changing skin test patterns in some patients.

Age of Onset↗