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Biomedical subjects

T H Kim

Publications and source records attributed to T H Kim.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Secondary renal amyloidosis in adult onset Still's disease: case report and review of the literature.

We report a 25-year-old Korean woman with Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) presented with renal amyloidosis, which had developed four years after disease onset. We successfully treated her with prednisolone, colchicine and cyclophosphamide. A review of the literature uncovered about 10 cases, most of which were treated by various regimens that resulted in poor outcomes. Renal amyloidosis should be suspected in patients with AOSD who have unexplained proteinuria. Although the mechanism of renal amyloid deposition is not well known, earlier histopathologic diagnosis and choice of regimen may affect prognosis.

Adult↗

Autoimmune hepatitis in a patient with myasthenia gravis and thymoma--a report on the first case in Korea.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that results from an antibody-mediated reaction and occurs with thymoma in 15% of patients. It is very rarely associated with autoimmune hepatitis. Four cases of myasthenia gravis with autoimmune hepatitis have been reported in the world. We recently experienced a case of 30-year-old man with myasthenia gravis associated with thymoma and autoimmune hepatitis. This condition is the first case that has not been reported previously in Korea. We report this rare condition along with a brief review of the literature.

Adult↗

Injectable gold-induced hepatitis and neutropenia in rheumatoid arthritis.

Gold salts have been used for many years in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The common side effects are mucocutaneous reactions, but hepatotoxic reaction and isolated neutropenia are rare complications. We report a 62-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had developed hepatitis and neutropenia simultaneously after receiving 137.5 mg of sodium aurothiomalate.

Antirheumatic Agents↗

Growth factor signal transduction immediately after two-thirds partial hepatectomy in the rat.

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PHx) of the liver serves as a model for studying normal growth factor signals that become aberrant in cancer. Growth factor signals that may play a role in initiating the proliferation of hepatocytes after 70% PHx in the rat were investigated immediately after surgical resection of the liver. Presumptive activity was evaluated by determining the tyrosine phosphorylation state of receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the liver after PHx and after sham operation as a control. Under these conditions, it was determined that the EGF receptor was constitutively phosphorylated. EGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, however, was increased over basal levels by 60 min after resection. The HGF receptor, c-Met, was minimally phosphorylated in control livers, but a biphasic increase in phosphorylation was observed at 1-5 min after PHx and 60 min postsurgery. A slight increase in c-Met phosphorylation was observed in the sham-operated livers, but the signal was significantly less when compared with that in resected livers. Furthermore, 1 min after PHx, but not sham operation, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and u-PA receptor were observed in the immunoprecipitates of c-Met. Signaling downstream of growth factor receptor activation was also examined. There were no discernible phosphorylation changes in focal adhesion kinase during the early events after surgery in PHx; however, a rapid and sustained increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin beginning 1 min after PHx, and a gradual increase in the phosphorylation beginning 5 min postsham operation, were observed. Changes in the activated state of the small GTP-binding protein Rho A and its associated proteins were seen but only after 3 h after PHx. The results indicate that HGF-related signal transduction cascades, which contribute to hepatocyte proliferation, are initiated within one min after PHx.

Animals↗

Influence of ionizing radiation on induction of apoptotic cell death and cellular redistribution of protein kinase C isozymes in mouse epidermal cells differing in carcinogenesis stages.

Although protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in cellular response to radiation, little is known about the specific role of each isoform in the radiation induced cellular response. In this study, the induction of apoptosis and subcellular distribution of PKC isoforms after gamma-ray irradiation were examined in three kinds of mouse epidermal cells with different stages of carcinogenesis (normal mouse keratinocytes, PK: v-rasHa transfected mouse keratinocytes, ras-PK; and neoplastic cells from mouse skin papilloma, 308 cells). The induction of apoptosis was different in normal and neoplastic cells; in normal cells after 16 Gy of radiation, apoptosis was 2-10 times higher than that in ras-PK or 308 cells, and was rapidly induced; other cells died more slowly, depending on the stage of carcinogenesis. The responses of each PKC, especially rapid translocation of PKCdelta and no response of PKCepsilon by radiation in normal cells may influence the induction of apoptosis by radiation.

Animals↗

PRDI-BF1/Blimp-1 repression is mediated by corepressors of the Groucho family of proteins.

The PRDI-BF1/Blimp-1 protein is a transcriptional repressor required for normal B-cell differentiation, and it has been implicated in the repression of beta-interferon (IFN-beta) and c-myc gene expression. Here, we show that PRDI-BF1 represses transcription of the IFN-beta promoter and of an artificial promoter through an active repression mechanism. We also identified a minimal repression domain in PRDI-BF1 that is sufficient for transcriptional repression when tethered to DNA as a Gal4 fusion protein. Remarkably, this repression domain interacts specifically with hGrg, TLE1, and TLE2 proteins, all of which are members of the Groucho family of transcriptional corepressors. In addition, the hGrg protein itself can function as a potent repressor when tethered to DNA through the Gal4 DNA-binding domain. We also find that the amino-terminal glutamine-rich domains of hGrg and TLE1 are sufficient to mediate dimerization of the two Groucho family proteins. Proteins containing only this domain can function as a dominant-negative inhibitor of PRDI-BF1 repression, and can significantly increase the IFN-beta promoter activity after virus induction. We conclude that PRDI-BF1/Blimp-1 represses transcription by recruiting a complex of Groucho family proteins to DNA, and suggest that such corepressor complexes are required for the postinduction repression of the IFN-beta promoter.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Improvement of X-ray beam quality for treating cancer using double focus electric field strings.

Accurate knowledge of the distribution and amount of contamination electrons arising from the gantry head at the surface and in the first few centimeters of tissue is essential for the clinical practice of radiation oncology. These electrons tend to increase the surface dose and deteriorate the buildup in the radiation field compared with a pure photon field. In this study, the relative quantity and reduction of contamination electrons in a therapeutic radiation photon beam (15 MV) was investigated. The contamination electrons can be separated out by a special device. This device, consisting of a double-focus electric field (8 x 10(5) V/m) made by a large number of strings 2 x 10(-4) m in diameter, removes contamination electrons and positrons without affecting the photon beam. It is located under the tray holder. In clinical practice, the device can decrease the relative surface charge and relative surface dose due to contamination electrons in the photon beam used in radiation therapy.

Artifacts↗

Burkitt's lymphoma presenting as ileocaecal intussusception in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are reported to have an increased risk of malignancy, especially lymphoproliferative disorders. We decribe the occurrence of ileocaecal intussusception secondary to Burkitt's lymphoma in a patient with SLE. A 23-year-old woman, who had been diagnosed with SLE 2 years ago, developed intermittent abdominal pain with a palpable mass. Computed tomography and a double-contrast barium enema showed a lobulated mass with intussusception at the ileocaecal junction. Right hemicolectomy and splenectomy was performed after histopathological examinations on colonoscopic biopsy revealed Burkitt's lymphoma. Fourteen months after chemotherapy, there is no evidence of recurrence of the Burkitt's lymphoma. When a patient with SLE has abdominal complaints, besides serositis, lupus enteritis such as peptic ulcer disease, mesenteric vasculitis with or without complications and pancreatitis, we have to consider intussusception secondary to gastrointestinal lymphoma as one of the differential diagnoses. Therefore, we should thoroughly investigate patients with SLE presenting with abdominal pain and not simply consider it afeature of lupus enteritis until other causes have been ruled out.

Adult↗

Sunscreen effects on UV-induced immune suppression.

In order to protect the public against the adverse effects of sunlight, the scientific, medical, and particularly the dermatologic community has promoted "safe sun exposure." This strategy includes sun avoidance whenever possible, wearing hats and other protective clothing and/or devices, such as sunglasses, and extensive use of sunscreens. Sunscreen efficacy is determined by measuring the ability of the sunscreen to block ultraviolet (UV)-induced erythema (sun protection factor or SPF), and most sunscreen formulations on the market, if used properly, are very good at preventing erythema and sunburn. How well sunscreens protect against the other adverse effects of sunlight, such as immune suppression, is not as clear. The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the literature in this area, concentrating on some of the complications of determining how well sunscreens protect against UV-induced immune suppression.

Animals↗

alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors from Commelina communis.

A methanolic extract of Commelina communis showed potent inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase. One pyrrolidine alkaloid, 2,5-dihydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (DMDP, 1) and four piperidine alkaloids, 1-deoxymannojirimycin (2), 1-deoxynojirimycin (3), alpha-homonojirimycin (4) and 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl alpha-homonojirimycin (5) were isolated by bioassay-directed fractionation and separation. These compounds have been identified for the first time from Commelina communis, supporting the pharmacological basis of this plant that has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Alkaloids↗

Ambulatory surgery for cleft lip repair.

Standard of care for cleft lip repair has included preadmission testing, surgical correction, and postoperative hospital care. Driven not by managed care economics but to speed the safe home care of infants by parents, the authors have gained experience in ambulatory cleft lip repair. In this retrospective study the authors evaluated the outcome of patients who underwent ambulatory cleft lip repair compared with those patients who were hospitalized after surgery. From 1989 to 1998, 24 cleft lip repairs in 24 patients performed by the senior author were evaluated. Two groups were treated. Group 1 (N = 11) consisted of ambulatory unilateral cleft lip repairs and group 2 (N = 13) consisted of inpatient unilateral cleft lip repairs. Important surgical factors considered were technique of cleft lip repair, performance of ancillary procedures, type of local anesthetic administered, and intravenous steroid administration. Time to first postoperative feeding and complications, including bleeding, spontaneous or traumatic wound dehiscence, and infection, were considered important outcome parameters. There were no differences in surgical technique or use of antibiotics and postoperative analgesics between the two groups. None of the patients in group 1 underwent ancillary procedures. Four patients underwent soft palate repair and 3 patients underwent insertion of myringotomy tubes among group 2 patients. The use of a 1:1 mixture of 1% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine vs. 1% lidocaine with epinephrine as a local anesthetic and intravenous steroid administration was greater in group 1 (92%) than in group 2 (33%) patients. The average time to the first postoperative feeding was more than 1 hour sooner in the ambulatory group (p < 0.05) compared with the hospitalized group (excluding the 4 patients who underwent soft palate repair). There were no complications among patients with ambulatory cleft lip repair, and there were two cases of minor wound separation in patients who received postoperative hospital care. Although many variables factor into the outcome after cleft lip repair, these data support the safety and continued practice of ambulatory cleft lip repair.

Acetaminophen↗

Vascular tumors arising in port-wine stains: two cases of pyogenic granuloma and a case of acquired tufted angioma.

Three female patients affected by intradermal vascular tumors were presented. The lesions were acquired and developed from preexisting port-wine stains (PWS). Among the three patients observed, two had a pyogenic granuloma (PG) and the third patients had tufted angiomas. As reported earlier, formation of a PG within the lesion of a PWS supports the assumption that arteriovenous anastomoses are associated with its pathogenesis. Occurrence of tufted angioma from a PWS, as well as coexisting but separate PWS has been reported. However, the tufted angiomas of our patient were located in different sites, one in the PWS and others separate from the PWS. This has never previously been reported.

Adult↗

Tracheobronchial strictures: treatment with a polyurethane-covered retrievable expandable nitinol stent--initial experience.

A polyurethane-covered retrievable expandable stent was placed in 13 patients with tracheobronchial strictures. In four patients with benign strictures, the stent was removed with use of a retrieval hook 2-6 months after placement. After stent removal, three of the four patients did not need further treatment. The retrievable stent warrants further investigation in the treatment of tracheobronchial strictures.

Adult↗

Radiation augments a sequential program of differentiation in PKC inhibitor- pretreated mouse epidermal cells.

The aim of this study was to determine whether gamma-rays affect differentiation in mouse epidermal cells. After a pre-treatment with the PKC inhibitor staurosporin (STS) or 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfomyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7), gamma-rays were irradiated with or without an elevation of 0.12 mM Ca2+ and expressions of differentiation markers and each PKC isozyme were examined in normal primary and v-rasHa transformed mouse keratinocytes. Gamma-rays induced the expressions of differentiation markers of keratin 1 and 10 (K1 and 10), filaggrin, loricrin and SPR-1 in normal keratinocytes when the Ca2+ concentration was increased, and these phenomena were augmented in H7 pretreated cells. Similar results were obtained in STS pretreated cells; in this case, gamma-rays enhanced the expressions of the differentiation markers even without an elevated Ca2+ concentration. In v-rasHa transformed cells, gamma-rays induced the expression of differentiation markers not only at 0.05 mM Ca2+, but in 0.12 mM Ca(2+)-shifted cells, and in H7 pretreated cells, these phenomena were augmented. The translocation of PKC alpha to the particulate fraction was seen in H7 pretreated normal keratinocytes. Radiation also induced PKC alpha expression in STS pretreated cells, independent of Ca(2+)-shift, as well as altered expressions of PKC delta and -eta, while expressions of PKC alpha, -delta, -epsilon, and -eta were enhanced in v-rasHa transformed cells. In conclusion, gamma-rays augmented the expressions of both spinous and granular differentiation markers in normal and v-rasHa transformed keratinocytes and this effect was augmented when PKC inhibitors were used, which may be mediated by the cellular redistribution of PKC isozymes.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Formation of phalanges and small joints by tissue-engineering.

BACKGROUND: This report describes the formation of small phalanges and whole joints from three types of bovine-cell sources transplanted onto biodegradable polymer matrices. The resulting structures had the shape and composition of human phalanges with joints. METHODS: Fresh bovine periosteum was wrapped around a copolymer of polyglycolic and poly-L-lactic acid. Separate sheets of polyglycolic acid polymer were then seeded with chondrocytes and tenocytes isolated from the shoulders of freshly killed calves. The gross form of a composite tissue structure was constituted in vitro by assembling the parts and suturing them to create models of a distal phalanx, a middle phalanx, and a distal interphalangeal joint. RESULTS: Subcutaneous implantation of the sutured composite tissues into athymic mice resulted in the formation, after twenty weeks, of new tissue with the shape and dimensions of human phalanges with joints. Histological examination revealed mature articular cartilage and subchondral bone with a tenocapsule that had a structure similar to that of human phalanges and joints. There was continuous cell differentiation at the ectopic site even after extended periods. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the formation of phalanges and small joints is possible with the selective placement of periosteum, chondrocytes, and tenocytes into a biodegradable synthetic polymer scaffold.

Animals↗

Serologically diagnosed Lyme disease manifesting erythema migrans in Korea.

Lyme disease is a vector-borne infection, primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks, and caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It has a wide distribution in the northern hemisphere. In Korea, however, only one human case has been reported, although B. burgdorferi was isolated from the vector tick I. persulcatus in the region. A 60-year-old male and a 45-year-old female developed the clinical sign of erythema migrans. Each patients were bitten by a tick four weeks and five weeks, respectively, before entering the hospital. On serologic examination, significantly increased IgM and IgG antibody titers to B. burgdorferi were observed in consecutive tests performed at an interval of two weeks. They responded well to treatment with tetracycline.

Erythema Chronicum Migrans↗