Development of a Solid-Phase Colorimetric Assay for the Screening of Transglutaminase Activities

A solid-phase colorimetric assay method for transglutaminase activities has been developed. The principle of the assay is to monitor cross-linking activities between casein bound to microtiter plates and free biotinylated casein by the sample. Quantitation of immobilized biotin-labeled casein formation through the enzymatic reaction was conducted by avidin or streptavidin conjugated enzymes. For this purpose, the efficiency of four different reporter enzymes (streptavidin or avidin conjugated alkaline phosphatase, streptavidin or avidin conjugated horseradish peroxidase) was compared, especially focusing on the sensitivity and specificity of the respective methods. The newly developed assay method was applied to the procedure of transglutaminase C purification from human erythrocytes and proven to have good correlation with conventional C14 putrescine method (r = 0.85, p(0.05). Moreover, since this new method can detect enzymatic activity without use of radioisotope and can process a number of samples simultaneously, it is possible to screen a mass population for transglutaminase deficiency, such as factor XIII, in routine clinical laboratories

Effect of GCSB-5, a Herbal Formulation, on Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats

Therapeutic effects of GCSB-5 on osteoarthritis were measured by the amount of glycosaminoglycan in rabbit articular cartilage explants in vitro, in experimental osteoarthritis induced by intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetate in rats in vivo. GCSB-5 was orally administered for 28 days. In vitro, GCSB-5 inhibited proteoglycan degradation. GCSB-5 significantly suppressed the histological changes in monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, as well as, the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase protein, and mRNA expressions were attenuated by GCSB-5, whereas the level of interleukin-10 was potentiated. By GCSB-5, the level of nuclear factor-κB p65 protein expression was significantly attenuated but, on the other hand, the level of inhibitor of κB-α protein expression was increased. These results indicate that GCSB-5 is a potential therapeutic agent for the protection of articular cartilage against progression of osteoarthritis through inhibition of MMPs activity, inflammatory mediators, and NF-κB activation

A Case of Neck Abscess Caused by Salmonella Serotype D in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis

Non-typhoidal salmonellosis, which is increasing nowadays in Korea as well as in the developed countries, is manifested as enteritis in most cases, but it also encompasses bacteremia, intraabdominal infections, and bone, joint and soft tissue infections. These rare diseases are known to result from primary gastrointestinal infection and subsequent bacteremia with or without symptoms. We experienced a case of neck abscess caused by Salmonella serotype D, which is a rare but important differential diagnosis of neck abscess. We herein report it

Acute hypertensive pulmonary edema after Cesarean section in a patient with an antepartum myocardial infarction -A case report-

We report a case of 29-year-old, morbidly obese, diabetic primigravida who had undergone previously primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement for an inferior wall myocardial infarction at 10 weeks of gestation. She remained asymptomatic with medication during the remainder of her pregnancy, but preoperative echocardiography revealed left ventricular dilation and a restrictive diastolic dysfunction with a preserved ejection fraction (46%). She developed acute pulmonary edema associated with hypertension after an elective Cesarean delivery under continuous epidural anesthesia despite the meticulous restriction of fluid

서 론 췌장 신경내분비 종양은 최근 발생 및 진단 빈도가 높아진 것으로 보고되고 있으나[1,2] 전체 유병률이 10만명 당 1명 이하의 드문 질 환으로 임상양상 및 생존과 관련된 예후 인자는 정확히 알려져 있지 않다[3,4]. 지금까지의 국내외 보고들은 대부분 그 증례가 부족하여 일반화된 결론을 내리기에는 어려움이 있었다[5-7]. 췌장 신경내분비 종양은 임상양상에 따라 기능성과 비기능성 신 경내분비 종양으로 분류할 수 있는데, 현미경적으로는 감별이 어

Purpose: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare neoplasms with reported incidence of < 1 per 100,000 persons per year. PNETs are classified as functional or nonfunctional depending on their production of specific pancreatic endocrine hormones. This study presents the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of PNETs experienced in a single institution

Clinical Practice Guideline for Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in Korea

Despite the rarity in incidence and prevalence, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has emerged as a distinct pathogenetic entity. And the clinical management of GIST has been evolving very rapidly due to the recent recognition of its oncogenic signal transduction pathway and the introduction of new molecular-targeted therapy. Successful management of GIST requires a multidisciplinary approach firmly based on accurate histopathologic diagnosis. However, there was no standardized guideline for the management of Korean GIST patients. In 2007, the Korean GIST study group (KGSG) published the first guideline for optimal diagnosis and treatment of GIST in Korea. As the second version of the guideline, we herein have updated recent clinical recommendations and reflected changes in diagnosis, surgical and medical treatments for more optimal clinical practice for GIST in Korea. We hope the guideline can be of help in enhancing the quality of diagnosis by members of the Korean associate of physicians involving in GIST patients's care and subsequently in achieving optimal efficacy of treatment

Primary Cardiac Lymphoma Presenting With Atrioventricular Block

Primary cardiac lymphomas (PCL) are extremely rare. Clinical manifestations may be variable and are attributed to location. Here, we report on a case of PCL presenting with atrioventricular (AV) block. A 55 year-old male had experienced chest discomfort with unexplained dyspnea and night sweating. His initial electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed a first degree AV block. Along with worsening chest discomfort and dyspnea, his ECG changed to show second degree AV block (Mobitz type I). Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a cardiac mass (about 7 cm) and biopsy was performed. Pathologic finding confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with multi-drug combination chemotherapy (R-CHOP: Rituximab, cyclophoshamide, anthracycline, vincristine, and prednisone). After treatment, ECG changed to show normal sinus rhythm with complete remission on follow-up CT scan