Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) may be useful in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but safety issues still need to be solved. This ...study was undertaken to investigate the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and stent thrombosis in DES-implanted AMI patients in real-life clinical practice. Methods and Results On-line registry of AMI cases at the web site www.kamir.or.kr has been performed in 41 primary PCI centers in Korea and between November 2005 and September 2006, 1,541 surviving patients who had been implanted with either Cypher® or Taxus® stents were enrolled for analysis during a 6-month clinical follow-up. There were 2 groups: group I 834 patients, 61.9±11.9 years: sirolimus-eluting stent (Cypher®), group II 707 patients, 62.9±12.0 years: paclitaxel-eluting stent (Taxus®). At both 1 and 6 months the incidence of MACE was not significantly different between the 2 groups. There were 17 cases of stent thrombosis, but the incidence of stent thrombosis was not significantly different between the 2 groups (group I:II=9 (1.1%):8 (1.1%), p=1.000). The stent type, length, number, lesion complexity and diabetes were not significant for the incidence of MACE or stent thrombosis after adjustment. Conclusion MACE and stent thrombosis rates did not differ between 2 types of DES identified in Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR). DES can be used in patients with AMI with a relatively low 6-month MACE rate. (Circ J 2008; 72: 392 - 398)
Clinical evidence has demonstrated that the accumulation of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in dermal papilla cells (DPCs) is implicated in androgenetic alopecia. Whether this accumulation in DHT may ...have direct cellular effects leading to androgenetic alopecia remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to determine whether DHT affects cell growth, cell cycle arrest, cell death, senescence and the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and whether these effects are mediated by microRNA (miRNA)-dependent mechanisms. The cell viability and cell cycle were determined, levels of ROS were examined and senescence-associated β-galactosidase assays were performed in normal human DPCs (nHDPCs). Furthermore, miRNA expression profiling was performed using an miRNA microarray to determine whether changes in the expression levels of miRNA were associated with the cellular effects of DHT. The results revealed that DHT decreased cell growth by inducing cell death and G2 cell cycle arrest, and by increasing the production of ROS and senescence in the nHDPCs. In addition, 55 miRNAs were upregulated and 6 miRNAs were downregulated in the DHT-treated nHDPCs. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that the putative target genes of these upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were involved in cell growth, cell cycle arrest, cell death, senescence and the production of ROS. Specifically, the target genes of five highly upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were identified and were associated with the aforementioned effects of DHT. These results demonstrated that the expression of miRNA was altered in the DHT-treated nHDPCs and suggest the potential mechanisms of DHT-induced cell growth repression, cell cycle arrest, cell death, senescence and induction of ROS.
The aim of this study is to compare the expression of TIM-3 from CD4+ T cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls and to evaluate the effect of galectin-9 (Gal-9) on ...apoptosis of CD4+ T cells in these patients. CD4+ T cells from RA patients and healthy controls were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and were activated. The expression of TIM-3 mRNA in CD4+ T cells was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. CD4+ T cells were activated in the presence of graded doses of Gal-9 or control, and Gal-9-induced cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity of CD4+ T cells were analyzed using MTT assays and annexin-V staining, respectively. TIM-3 mRNA expression was significantly lower in CD4+ T cells from RA patients compared with those in healthy controls (
p
= 0.028). CD4+ T cell survival as measured by MTT assay when incubated with Gal-9 (15 nM) was significantly higher in RA patients than in healthy controls (
p
= 0.002). Apoptotic activity of CD4+ T cells from healthy controls as measured by annexin staining increased with graded doses of Gal-9 (0 nM
vs.
30 nM, 0 nM
vs.
90 nM,
p
= 0.016 each). However, apoptotic activity of CD4+ T cells from RA patients did not change despite the stimulation with Gal-9. Gal-9-mediated apoptosis of CD4+ T cells is dysfunctional in RA patients. Blunted Gal-9-mediated apoptosis may be exerted through underexpression of TIM-3 that negatively regulates Th1 response. Our data suggest that TIM-3 and its interaction with Gal-9 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA and may represent a potential therapeutic target.
Objectives The object of this study was to introduce the KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis (KORONA) registry with an emphasis on the design of the Korean rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ...national database, as well as to provide an overview of the RA patients who are currently registered in KORONA. Methods The KORONA was established in July 2009 by the Clinical Research Center for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CRCRA) in South Korea. KORONA is based on a prospective protocol and standard, defined data collection instruments. Demographic and clinical features, laboratory and radiologic data, health-related outcomes, treatment side effects, resource utilization, and health behaviors of the RA cohort patients are recorded in a database. Results A total of 23 institutions, which are about 38% of the rheumatologic departments at tertiary academic hospitals across South Korea, are part of KORONA. The quality control of data collection and management has been performed through annual monitoring and auditing, staff training, and providing standard operation protocol by the executive committee of CRCRA. As of 31 December 2010, 4721 patients with established RA were included in KORONA, because an annual survey had started to be performed in July 2010. Conclusions KORONA is the first nationwide Korean RA-specific cohort and it will provide valuable “real-world” information for Korean RA patients.
High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein has been demonstrated to play an important role in chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. This study ...investigated the association between extracellular HMGB1 expression and disease activity, and clinical features of Behçet's disease (BD). Extracellular HMGB1 expression in the sera of 42 BD patients was measured and was compared to that of 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. HMGB1 expression was significantly increased in BD patients compared to healthy controls (78.70 ± 20.22 vs 10.79 ± 1.90 ng/mL, P = 0.002). In addition, HMGB1 expression was significantly elevated in BD patients with intestinal involvement compared to those without (179.61 ± 67.95 vs 61.89 ± 19.81 ng/mL, P = 0.04). No significant association was observed between HMGB1 concentration and other clinical manifestations, or disease activity. It is suggested that extracellular HMGB1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of BD.
p
-Phenylenediamine (PPD), a black dye used in hair coloring and tattoos, irritates the skin, leading to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) ...are well known regulators of these side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate PPD-induced miRNA expression profile alterations in human keratinocytes. First, we demonstrated that PPD reduced HaCaT cell viability by inducing cell cycle arrest and death, elevating cellular ROS levels and decreasing the migration rate. In addition, 67 miRNAs were upregulated by at least 5-fold in PPD-treated HaCaT cell and 17 miRNAs were downregulated by at least 5- fold in PPD-treated HaCaT cell. Using bioinformatics, we identified a relationship between PPD-mediated miRNA changes and cell death, cell cycle arrest, generation of ROS, and migration repression. Target genes of PPD-regulated miRNAs were involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, skin development, and aging. Thus, our results establish a role for miRNAs in regulating PPD-induced cell death, cell cycle arrest, ROS generation, and repression of migration in human keratinocytes.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of CIP2A (Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A) on the apoptosis of RA FLS. Proliferation and apoptotic activity of RA FLS following ...treatment with CIP2A siRNA or control siRNA were analyzed using MTT assays and Cell Death Detection kit. RA FLS was treated with CIP2A siRNA or control siRNA in 3-, 6-, and 9-day intervals for a Western blot analysis to determine C-Myc expression. To evaluate the signal transduction pathways engaged in apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, caspase-9 activity, PARP, and phosphorylation of the Akt kinase were analyzed by Western blot. Cell viability of RA FLS was significantly lower in the CIP2A siRNA-treated group compared with the control after 7 days (
p
= 0.022). Apoptosis of RA FLS was significantly higher in the CIP2A siRNA-treated group compared with the control when incubated for 3, 6, and 9 days (
p
= 0.029,
p
= 0.021,
p
= 0.043, respectively). C-Myc expression did not change with the different incubation periods. CIP2A siRNA-treated FLS expressed higher level of activated caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP (
p
= 0.014,
p
= 0.020,
p
= 0.021, respectively) and lower level of phosphorylated Akt (
p
= 0.001) compared with those treated with the control siRNA. Our data show that CIP2A expression in RA FLS is an important mediator of dysfunctional apoptosis independent of c-Myc stabilization. Expression of CIP2A may contribute to apoptotic resistance of RA FLS through the activation of Akt and deactivation of caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP. Inhibition of CIP2A may therefore constitute a novel, promising therapeutic target in RA.
Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological features of papillary serous carcinoma in ovaries of normal size and primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC). Methods. ...Among 167 patients diagnosed with advanced primary serous ovarian carcinoma over a 9-year period, 20 patients with a normal ovarian size (not larger than 4 cm in the longest diameter) were selected for this study after a review of the pathologic materials. The clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were compared with those of seven patients with PPC, diagnosed using the GOG criteria during the same period. Results. All the patients with ovarian carcinoma and five of seven PPC patients had small ovarian tumors. There were few significantly different features between the two groups. The patients with ovarian carcinoma were younger than those with PPC (median age of 52 vs. 64 years, P = 0.007) and tended to have a lower baseline CA125 level (median value of 937 vs. 2870 U/mL, P = 0.097), less severe omental involvement ( P = 0.057), and a more complete response to adjuvant chemotherapy (89% vs. 57%, P = 0.064). Conclusions. Although the sample size was small, there was no meaningful difference between patients with papillary serous carcinoma in ovaries of normal size and PPC. Therefore, further studies will be needed to determine the relevance of the GOG rules in distinguishing between the two groups.
Abstract Background: Amlodipine besylate has been used in Korea for the treatment of hypertension for >17 years, with well-established efficacy and tolerability. Amlodipine camsylate is a newer ...formulation developed for generic use. It has been assessed in terms of physical stability and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and been found to be effective in lowering blood pressure in preclinical and Phase I and II trials. However, to date, no studies have compared the clinical effectiveness of amlodipine camsylate and amlodipine besylate in treating hypertension. Objective: This study was designed to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of amlodipine camsylate compared with amlodipine besylate in Korean patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Methods: This Phase III, 8-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted in 13 cardiology centers across the Republic of Korea. Male and female Korean patients aged 18 to 75 years having uncomplicated, mild to moderate, essential hypertension (sitting diastolic blood pressure SiDBP 90-<110 mm Hg) and receiving no antihypertensives in the 2 weeks before randomization were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral treatment with amlodipine camsylate or amlodipine besylate. For the first 4 weeks, patients received amlodipine 5 mg QD (morning). After 4 weeks, if either blood pressure was ≥140/≥90 mm Hg or SiDBP had not decreased by ≥10 mm Hg from baseline, the dose of amlodipine was increased to 10 mg QD for 4 weeks. Trough blood pressure and heart rate were measured in duplicate with the patient in the sitting position at each clinic visit (baseline week 0 and weeks 4 and 8 of treatment); mean values were calculated and recorded. At weeks 4 and 8, tolerability was assessed using history taking and laboratory analysis, and compliance was assessed using pill counts. The primary end point was change from baseline in SiDBP at week 8. Secondary end points were change from baseline in sitting systolic blood pressure (SiSBP) at week 8 in the total population and in the subgroup of patients who had previously received antihypertensive treatment versus those who had not. Results: A total of 189 patients were enrolled (mean age, 53 years; 105 women, 84 men; mean body weight, 65.8 kg). One patient in the amlodipine camsylate group dropped out of the study at week 0 of treatment (this patient did not use any study medication) and was excluded from the modified intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Thus, 188 patients were treated and included in the ITT analysis (94 patients per treatment group; ITT analysis); 161 patients were included in the perprotocol (PP) analysis (n = 80 for amlodipine camsylate, n = 81 for amlodipine besylate) (14 patients in the amlodipine camsylate group and 13 patients in the amlodipine besylate group were excluded from the PP analysis due to consistent withdrawal or protocol violation). Mean (SD) SiSBP and SiDBP were significantly decreased from baseline in both groups (amlodipine camsylate, from 146.7 12.3/96.6 5.4 to 127.9 14.8/83.4 7.7 mm Hg both, P < 0.001; amlodipine besylate, from 146.8 12.8/96.7 5.1 to 128.0 10.1/83.8 7.5 mm Hg both, P < 0.001). The differences in SiSBP/SiDBP between the 2 groups at week 8 were not significant. The SiDBP response rates in the subgroups that had and had not been previously treated with antihypertensives were statistically similar (56/69 81.2% and 83/92 90.2%, respectively). The prevalences of clinical adverse events (AEs) were not significantly different between the 2 treatment groups (amlodipine camsylate, 27.3 %; amlodipine besylate, 28.7%). The most common AEs were dizziness and dyspnea (both in 3/94 3.2% and 1/94 1.1% patients who received amlodipine camsylate and amlodipine besylate, respectively). Conclusion : The effectiveness and tolerability of amlodipine camsylate were not significantly different from those of amlodipine besylate in these Korean adults with mild to moderate hypertension.
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) negatively regulates the Raf/MEK/ERK and NF-κB pathway. The ...role of RKIP in rheumatoid FLS is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the function of RKIP in rheumatoid FLS. Rheumatoid FLS were transfected with either RKIP-expressing plasmids or RKIP small interfering RNA (siRNA). RKIP protein was detected in rheumatoid synovial tissue (ST) and FLS. RKIP overexpression significantly decreased IL-6 mRNA expression in TNF-α-stimulated rheumatoid FLS. RKIP overexpression also showed a decreased trend in IL-8, MMP-1, and MMP-3 mRNA expression in TNF-α-stimulated rheumatoid FLS. RKIP silencing resulted in significantly increased MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expression in TNF-α-stimulated rheumatoid FLS. RKIP silencing also increased IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression in TNF-α-stimulated rheumatoid FLS, but this increase did not reach statistical significance. TNF-α-induced ERK and NF-κB activation was suppressed in FLS with RKIP overexpression. RKIP silencing resulted in a significantly higher invasion index in TNF-α-stimulated rheumatoid FLS compared to controls. These results suggest that RKIP might be a potential therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis.
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