Tibial intramedullary canal axis and its influence on the intramedullary alignment system entry point in Koreans

Kwak, Dai-Soon,Han, Chang Whan,Han, Seung-Ho Korean Association of Anatomists 2010 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.43 No.3

<P>Using computerized tomographic data and three dimensional model, we studied the influence of tibial intramedullary canal axis and other morphologic factors of the tibia on the entry point for tibial intramedullary alignment guides. Various anatomical parameters including tibial anteroposterior dimensions (AP), mediolateral dimensions (ML), aspect ratio (ML/AP), bowing and the intramedullary canal axis were studied. In addition, the entry point for the intramedullary alignment guide for primary and revision total knee arthroplasty were studied. The averaged entry point at the level of the tibial plateau was 5.7±2.2 mm anterior and 4.3±2.0 mm lateral to the classical entry point (<I>P</I><.001). Furthermore, this entry point was more anterolateral in females when compared to males (<I>P</I><.001). At a depth 10 mm below the tibial plateau, the entry point was on average 8.8±1.9 mm anterior and 2.9±1.9 mm lateral to the center of the cut surface. With increasing tibial varus the entry point tended to shift laterally at both levels (r=0.49) (<I>P</I><.001). In Korean, the entry point for tibial intramedullary alignment systems is anterolateral to the classically described entry point. Moreover, the increment of tibial varus necessitates more lateral placement of the entry point. Intraoperatively, the entry point can be localized during primary knee arthroplasty to a point 15.9±2.8 mm anterior to and 1.2±2.8 mm lateral to the lateral tibial spine. For revision knee arthroplasty the point is on average 8.8±1.9 mm anterior and 2.9±1.9 mm lateral to the center of the cut surface of the tibia at a depth of 10 mm from the articular surface.</P>

Three types of the serial segmented images suitable for surface reconstruction

Shin, Dong Sun,Park, Jin Seo,Chung, Min Suk Korean Association of Anatomists 2012 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.45 No.2

<P>Stereoscopic surface models of human organs can be manipulated in real time. This is a significant feature of an interactive simulation system used for clinical practice. Objective surface models are obtainable from the accumulation of each structure's serial outlines, followed by surface reconstruction. The segmented images including the outlines can be divided into outlined images, white-filled images, and color-filled images. The purpose of this study was to report the benefits of the three types of segmented images for surface reconstruction. For the raw data, sectioned images of a male cadaver head were used. In the sectioned images, 91 structures were delineated for the preparation of 234 serial outlined images. The outlined images were converted into white-filled and color-filled images; the reverse conversion was also possible. The outlined images, including the original sectioned images, could be the source not only of surface models but also of volume models. The white-filled images, with a minimal file size, were preferred for separate surface reconstruction of the individual structures. The color-filled images, which allowed for recognition of the entire outlined structures simultaneously, were regarded as a good choice for the construction of several surface models. For the process, we employed a variety of software packages including those for animation, where the images were compatible. This information can be used by other investigators to build their own three-dimensional models. In addition, the surface models of detailed structures in the head, accompanied by the corresponding sectioned and segmented images, will hopefully contribute to various simulations that can be useful to clinicians.</P>

Expression and roles of NUPR1 in cholangiocarcinoma cells

Kim, Ki-Sun,Jin, Du-Il,Yoon, Sik,Baek, Sun-Yong,Kim, Bong-Seon,Oh, Sae-Ock Korean Association of Anatomists 2012 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.45 No.1

<P>Nuclear protein-1 (NUPR1) is a small nuclear protein that is responsive to various stress stimuli. Although NUPR1 has been associated with cancer development, its expression and roles in cholangiocarcinoma have not yet been described. In the present study, we found that NUPR1 was over-expressed in human cholangiocarcinoma tissues, using immunohistochemistry. The role of NUPR1 in cholangiocarcinoma was examined by its specific siRNA. <I>NUPR1</I> siRNA decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines (HuCCT1 and SNU1196 cells). From these results, we conclude that NUPR1 is over-expressed in cholangiocarcinoma and regulates the proliferation and motility of cancer cells.</P>

Morphological assessment of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal in Koreans

Yu, Sun-Kyoung,Kim, Seog,Kang, Shin Gu,Kim, Jae Hyuk,Lim, Kyeong Ok,Hwang, Seong-Ik,Kim, Heung-Joong Korean Association of Anatomists 2015 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.48 No.1

<P>The mandibular canal divides into the mental and incisive canals at the premolar region, forms the anterior loop which crosses anterior to the mental foramen, and turns back to reach the mental foramen. The aim of this study was to elucidate the general anatomical structure of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal using morphometry. Twenty-six hemimandibles from 19 cadavers (16 males, 3 females; mean age at death, 54.4 years) were studied by meticulous dissection with the aid of a surgical microscope. The location of the anterior loop, the diameters of the mandibular, mental, and incisive canals, and their distances from bony landmarks were measured using digital calipers. The anterior loop of the mandibular canal was located 3.05±1.15 mm (mean±SD) anterior to the anterior margin of the mental foramen and 2.72±1.41 mm inferior to the superior margin of the mental foramen, and was 4.34±1.46 mm long. The diameters of the mandibular, mental, and incisive canals were 2.8±0.49, 2.63±0.64, and 2.22±0.59 mm, respectively. The distances between the inferior border of the mandible and each of these canals were 7.82±1.52, 10.11±1.27, and 9.08±1.66 mm, respectively. The anterior loop of the mandibular canal was located a mean of 3.1 mm anterior and 2.7 mm inferior to the mental foramen, and continued upward and backward into the mental canal, and forward into the incisive canal. These detailed morphological features of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal represent useful practical anatomical knowledge regarding the interforaminal region.</P>

<i>Col1a1-cre</i> mediated activation of β-catenin leads to aberrant dento-alveolar complex formation

Kim, Tak-Heun,Bae, Cheol-Hyeon,Jang, Eun-Ha,Yoon, Chi-Young,Bae, Young,Ko, Seung-O,Taketo, Makoto M.,Cho, Eui-Sic Korean Association of Anatomists 2012 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.45 No.3

<P>Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a critical role in bone formation and regeneration. Dentin and cementum share many similarities with bone in their biochemical compositions and biomechanical properties. Whether Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in the dento-alveolar complex formation is unknown. To understand the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the dento-alveolar complex formation, we generated conditional β-catenin activation mice through intercross of <I>Catnb<SUP>+/lox(ex3)</SUP></I> mice with <I>Col1a1-cre</I> mice. In mutant mice, tooth formation and eruption was disturbed. Lower incisors and molars did not erupt. Bone formation was increased in the mandible but tooth formation was severely disturbed. Hypomineralized dentin was deposited in the crown but roots of molars were extremely short and distorted. In the odontoblasts of mutant molars, expression of dentin matrix proteins was obviously downregulated following the activation of β-catenin whereas that of mineralization inhibitor was increased. Cementum and periodontal ligament were hypoplastic but periodontal space was narrow due to increased alveolar bone formation. While cementum matrix proteins were decreased, bone matrix proteins were increased in the cementum and alveolar bone of mutant mice. These results indicate that local activation of β-catenin in the osteoblasts and odontoblasts leads to aberrant dento-alveolar complex formation. Therefore, appropriate inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is important for the dento-alveolar complex formation.</P>

The high dosage of earthworm (Eisenia andrei) extract decreases cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus.

Yan, Bing Chun,Yoo, Ki-Yeon,Park, Joon Ha,Lee, Choong Hyun,Choi, Jung Hoon,Won, Moo-Ho Korean Association of Anatomists 2011 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.44 No.3

<P>Earthworm extract has shown anticancer characteristics. In the present study, we examined the effect of chronic treatment with a high dose of earthworm (Eisenia andrei) extract (EE) on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of 3-week-old mice using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry for cell proliferation and doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry for neuroblast differentiation, respectively. BrdU-, Ki-67-, and DCX-immunoreactive cells were easily detected in the subgranular zone of the DG in vehicle (saline)-treated mice. However, BrdU-, Ki-67-, and DCX-immunoreactive cells in the 500 mg/kg EE-treated mice decreased distinctively compared to those in the vehicle-treated mice. In addition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunoreactivity and its protein level decreased markedly in the DG of the EE-treated group compared to those in the vehicle-treated group. These results indicate that chronic treatment with high dose EE decreased cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation, and that BDNF immunoreactivity decreased in the DG of EE-treated mice.</P>

Protective efficacy of an <i>Ecklonia cava</i> extract used to treat transient focal ischemia of the rat brain

Kim, Jeong Hwan,Lee, Nam Seob,Jeong, Yeong Gil,Lee, Je-Hun,Kim, Eun Ji,Han, Seung Yun Korean Association of Anatomists 2012 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.45 No.2

<P>Phlorotannins (marine algal polyphenols) have been reported to exhibit beneficial biological activities, serving as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Among marine algae, <I>Ecklonia cava</I>, a member of the Laminariaceae, is a very popular food regarded as healthy in Korea and Japan. Recently, benefits afforded by phlorotannins in the treatment of various clinical conditions have been reported, but any therapeutic effects of such materials in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke remain unclear. Also, the mechanisms of action of the algal components remain poorly understood. In the present <I>in vivo</I> study, administration of <I>Ecklonia cava</I> polyphenols (ECP) at 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) significantly decreased infarct size and the extent of brain edema in the rat after induction of transient focal ischemia via middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Further, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay revealed dose-dependent blockage of neuronal apoptosis upon intravenous ECP treatment. Neurobehavioral tests performed over the 6 days after MCAO revealed a reduction in neurological motor performance in control animals, but administration of ECP (50 mg/kg i.p.) prevented this decline. <I>In vitro</I>, a significant neuroprotective effect of ECP was evident when cell viability was assayed after induction of H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB>-mediated oxidative stress, upon retinoic acid treatment, in the differentiated neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Interestingly, ECP blocked the rise in cytosolic calcium, in a dose-dependent manner, in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exposed to H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB>. Together, the results suggest that ECP exerts neuroprotective effects in the focally ischemic brain by reducing Ca<SUP>2+</SUP>-mediated neurotoxicity.</P>

Bone tumors in pre-modern skulls from human skeletal series of Joseon Dynasty

Shin, Dong Hoon,Oh, Chang Seok,Kim, Yi-Suk,Kim, Yusu,Oh, Seung Whan,Park, Jun Bum,Lee, In Sun,Kim, Myeung Ju Korean Association of Anatomists 2015 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.48 No.3

<P>To date, there are still very few reports on benign-tumor cases based on East Asian skeletal series, even though other regions and continents have been well represented. In our study on the Joseon Human Skeletal Series, we identified benign bone tumors in two skeletons (cases Nos. 75 and 96). Our radiological analyses showed both cases to be homogeneous sclerotic bone masses aligned with the cranial vault suture. In a subsequent series of differential diagnoses, we determined both cases to be osteoma, the most common bone-tumor type reported for archaeological samples. Our study is the osteoarchaeological basis for this, the first-ever report on benign bone neoplasm in a pre-modern East Asian population.</P>

Resveratrol activates AMPK and suppresses LPS-induced NF-κB-dependent COX-2 activation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

Yi, Chin-Ok,Jeon, Byeong Tak,Shin, Hyun Joo,Jeong, Eun Ae,Chang, Ki Churl,Lee, Jung Eun,Lee, Dong Hoon,Kim, Hyun Joon,Kang, Sang Soo,Cho, Gyeong Jae,Choi, Wan Sung,Roh, Gu Seob Korean Association of Anatomists 2011 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.44 No.3

<P>AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme involved in energy homeostasis, regulates inflammatory responses, but its precise mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent evidence has shown that resveratrol (RES), an AMPK activator, reduces prostaglandin E<SUB>2</SUB> production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated microglia. Here, we examined the effect of RES on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) dependent cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 activation in LPS-treated RWA 264.7 macrophages. We found that treatment with RES increased AMPK activation. AMPK and acetyl CoA carboxylase phosphorylation were attenuated in cells treated with LPS+RES, compared to cells treated with LPS alone. RES inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TNF receptor 1 in LPS-treated cells. Finally, RES inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB translocation into the nucleus and COX-2 expression. Moreover, the effects of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribose and compound C were consistent with the effects of RES in LPS-treated cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of RES in RAW 264.7 macrophages is dependent on AMPK activation and is associated with inhibition of the LPS-stimulated NF-κB-dependent COX-2 signaling pathway.</P>

Mechanistic insights into pancreatic beta-cell mass regulation by glucose and free fatty acids

Korean Association of Anatomists 2015 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.48 No.1

<P>Pancreatic islets are responsible for blood glucose homeostasis. Reduced numbers of functional (insulin-secreting) beta-cells in pancreatic islets underlies diabetes. Restoration of the secretion of the proper amount of insulin is a goal. Beta-cell mass is increased by neogenesis, proliferation and cell hypertrophy, and is decreased by beta-cell death primarily through apoptosis. Many hormones and nutrients affect beta-cell mass, and glucose and free fatty acid are thought to be the most important determinants of beta-cell equilibrium. A number of molecular pathways have been implicated in beta-cell mass regulation and have been studied. This review will focus on the role of the principle metabolites, glucose and free fatty acid, and the downstream signaling pathways regulating beta-cell mass by these metabolites.</P>