• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.553-561
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• 2018

Icariside II (ICA II) is used in erectile dysfunction treatment. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are efficient at improving erectile function. This study aimed to explore the action mechanism of ADSCs in improving erectile function. ADSCs were isolated from the adipose tissues of rats. Cell proliferation was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The expressions of mRNA and protein were determined separately through qRT-PCR and western blot. The endogenous expressions of related genes were regulated using recombinant plasmids and cell transfection. A Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed to determine the interaction between miR-34a and STAT3. Rat models with bilateral cavernous nerve injuries (BCNIs) were used to assess erectile function through the detection of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracavernosal pressure (ICP). ICA II promoted ADSCs' proliferation and differentiation to Schwann cells (SCs) through the inhibition of miR-34a. Suppressed miR-34a promoted the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs by upregulating STAT3. ICA II promoted the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs through the miR-34a/STAT3 pathway. The combination of ICA II and ADSCs preserved the erectile function of the BCNI model rats. ADSCs treated with ICA II markedly preserved the erectile function of the BCNI model rats, which was reversed through miR-34a overexpression. ICA II promotes the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs through the miR34a/STAT3 pathway, contributing to erectile function preservation after the occurrence of a cavernous nerve injury.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.80-88
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• 1997

Malignant tumors of extremeties involving major neurovascular structures have been treated by amputation. However recent development of diagnostic tools(CT, MRI etc.), surgical techniques, anticancer chemotherapeutic agents, and radiation techniques allow surgeons to treat malignant tumors in the limb without amputation. It has been reported that a local application of low-heat to the tissue with tumor can kill tumor cells. It is, however, not known if the attendant neural and vascular injuries may be recovered. The present study was, therefore, undertakn to address this question in rabbit sciatic nerves. A low-heat injury to the sciatic nerve was induced by perfusing the nerve with $60^{\circ}C$ saline for 30 minutes and the courses of functional and morphological recovery of the nerve were evaluated for 16 weeks. The results are summerized as follows : 1. In the electromyographic nerve conduction test the average amplitude was markedly attenuated at 4 and 8 weeks after the low-heat treatment, but it progressively increased to the level 89.5% of the control at 16 week post-treatment. The average latency in the control group was 0.62 msec. The latency in the experimental group was much longer than this at 4 and 8 week post-treatment, but it progressively reverted to the control level, showing 0.622 msec at 16 weeks. 2. In the needle EMG, many fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves were appeared until 8 weeks post-treatment. After 16 weeks, however, no fibrillation potential was observed. 3. In the early phase of post-treatment period, the myelinated nerve fibers contained many vacuoles and the number of myelinated nerve fibers appeared to be considerably reduced. However, as time goes myelinated nerve fibers were regenerated, such that after 16 weeks the histologic appearance of the nerve was similar to that of the control group.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.515-525
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• 2005

Purpose of study: Lingual nerve damage can be caused by surgery or trauma such as physical irriatation, radiation, chemotherapy, infection and viral infection. Once nerve damage occurred, patients sometimes complain taste change and loss of taste along with serious disturbance of tongue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of unilateral lingual nerve transection on taste as well as on the maintenance of taste buds. Materials & Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-250g received unilateral transection of lingual nerve, subjected to the preference test for various taste solutions (0.1M NaCl, 0.1M sucrose, 0.01M QHCl, or 0.01M HCl) with two bottle test paradigm at 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks after the operation. Tongue was fixed with 8% paraformaldehyde. After fixation, they were observed with scanning electron microscope(JSM-$840A^{(R)}$, JEOL, JAPAN) and counted the number of the dorsal surface of the fungiform papilla for changes of fungiform papilla. And, Fungiform papilla were obtained from coronal sections of the anterior tongue(cryosection). After cryosection, immunostaining with $G{\alpha}gust$(I-20)(Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA), $PLC{\beta}2$(Q-15)(Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA), and $T_1R_1$(Alpha Diagnostic International, USA) were done. Immunofluorescence of labeled taste bud cells was examined by confocal microscopy(F92-$300^{(R)}$, Olympus, JAPAN). Results: The preference score for salty and sweet tended to be higher in the operated rats with statistical significance, compared to the sham rats. Fungiform papilla counting were decreased after lingual nerve transaction. In 2 weeks, maximum differences occurred. Gustducin and $T_1R_1$ expressions of taste receptor in 2 and 4 weeks were decreased. $PLC{\beta}2$ were not expressed in both experimental and control group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the taste recognition for sweet and salty taste changed by week 2 and 4 after unilateral lingual nerve transection. However, regeneration related taste was occurred in the presence of preserving mesoneurial tissue and the time was 6 weeks. Our results demonstrated that unilateral lingual nerve damage caused morphological and numerical change of fungiform papilla. It should be noted in our study that lingual nerve transection resulted in not only morphological and numerical change but also functional change of fungiform papillae.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.39-52
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• 1995

Pinealocytes in the lower vertebrate are known to have photoreceptive function. These photoreceptor cells have been characterized morphologically in various species of lower vertebrates. No such ultrastructural studies, however, were reported in fresh water turtle. The purpose of this study is to characterize the pinealocytes and the phylogenetic evoluton of these cells is discussed in terms of functional analogy. I. Light microscopy: The pineal body was divided into incomplete lobules by connective tissue septa containing blood vessels, and parenchymal cells were arranged as irregular cords or follicular pattern. In the lobules, glandular lumina were present and contained often densely stained materials. II. Electron microscopy: The pineal parenchyma had three categories of cells: photoreceptor cells, supportive cells and nerve cells. The photoreceptor cells had darker cytoplasm compared to the supportive cells, and the enlarged apical cytoplasm(inner segment) containing abundant mitochondria and dense cored vescles protruded into the glandular lumen in which lamellar membrane stacks(outer segment), dense membranous materials, and cilia were present. Some of these lamellated membrane stacks appeared to be dege-nerating while others were apparently newly formed. Constricted neck portion of the photoreceptor cells contained longitudinally arranged abundant microtubules. centrioles and cross-striated rootlets. Cell body had well developed Golgi apparatus, abundant mitochondria, dense granules($0.5{\sim}1{\mu}m$), dense cored vesicles($70{\sim}100nm$), and rough endoplasmic reticulum occasionally with dense material within its cisterna. Basal portion of the photoreceptor cells had basal processes often with synaptic ribbons, which terminate in the complicated zone of cellular and neuronal processes. Synatpic ribbons often made contact with the nerve processes and the cell processes of neighboring cells. In some instances, these ribbons were noted free within the basal process and were also present at the basal cell mem-brane facing the basal lamina. Obvious nerve endings with clear and dense cored vesicles were observed among the parenchymal cells. Photoreceptor cells of the snapping turtle pineal body were generally similar in fine structure to those of other lower verterbrates reported previously, and suggested to have both photoreceptive and secretory functions which were modulated by pinealofugal and pinealopedal nerves. The supportive cells were characterized by having large dense granules($0.3{\sim}1{\mu}m$), abundant ribosomes, well developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. These cells were furnished with microvilli on the luminal cell surfaces, and often had centrioles, striated rootlets, abundant filaments especially around the nucleus, and scattered microtubules. Some supportive cells had cell body close to the lumen and extended a long process reaching to basal lamina, which appeared to be a glial cell. Nerve cells within the parenchyma were difficult to identify, but some large cells located basally were suspected to be nerve cells, since they had synaptic ribbon contact with photoreceptor cells.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.199-202
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• 2011

Purpose: Hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone in the anterior of the neck. Hyoid bone fractures are exceedingly rare and represent only 0.002% of all fractures because of its protective position relative to the mandible and its suspension by elastic musculature. We report a patient who presented hyoid bone fracture associated with hypoglossal nerve palsy. We also discuss the possible complication and treatment. Methods: A 69-year-old man was transferred from another institution because of persistent purulent discharge from the left chin. He had a history of trauma in which a knuckle crane grabbed his face and neck in the construction site. A CT scan at the time of the accident demonstrated a comminuted fracture of the right side of the mandible and hyoid bone fracture at the junction between body and right greater cornua. The displaced fracture of hyoid bone and fullness in the pre-epiglottic space were noted, probably indicating some edema. The patient was transferred into ICU after treatment of emergency tracheostomy because the patient showed respiratory distress rapidly. When the patient was hospitalized in our emergency room, he complained of dysphagia and pain when swallowing. On examination of oral cavity, the presence of muscle wasting with fasciculation of the tongue was noted and the tongue deviates to the left side on protruding from the mouth. Pharyngolarygoscopy was performed to make sure that there was no evidence of progressive swelling and pharyngeal laceration. Results: The patient underwent surgical removal of dead and infected tissue from the wound and reconstruction of mandibular bony defect by iliac bone grafting. Hyoid bone fracture was managed conservatively with oral analgesics, soft diet and restricted movement. Hypoglossal nerve palsy was resolved within 7 weeks after trauma without complications. Conclusion: Closed hyoid bone fracture is usually uncomplicated and thus it can be treated conservatively. Surgical intervention for hyoid bone fracture is recommended for patient with airway compromise, pharyngeal perforation and painful symptoms which show no response to conservative care. Furthermore, since respiratory distress syndrome may develop quickly, close observation is required. Besides, hypoglossal nerve palsy is a rarely recognized complication of hyoid bone fracture.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.663-666
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• 2007

Purpose: Autologous fat injection into the facial area is a frequently used technique in aesthetic plastic surgery for augmentation of the soft tissue. Fat injection is a very safe procedure because of the advantage of being autologous tissue. Minimal foreign body reaction or infections are noted after fat injection. However, there may be some complications including those as severe as blindness. There have been some case reports on visual disturbances after autologous fat injection reported in the literature. Methods: A 21-year-old female patient underwent autologous fat injection into left eyebrow area to correct depression of soft tissue. Immediately after injection of autologous fat, she complained sudden visual loss on the left eye. She had come to our emergency room and ophthalmologic evaluation showed that the patient could only recognize hand motion. There was no abnormality of the optic nerve on magnetic resonance imaging. Suspecting an ischemic optic neuritis from fat embolism of the central retinal artery, the patient was treated conservatively with occular massage, antiglaucomatic agent, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Visual field examination showed visual defect of half the lower hemisphere. Results: While maintaining antiglaucomatic agents and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, fundoscopic examination showed no abnormalities on the second day of admission. Visual field examination showed an improvement on the fourth day along with decreased eyeball pain. Significant improvement of vision was noted and the patient was discharged on the fifth day of admission. The patient was followed-up 2 days afterwards with improved vision and visual field defect. Conclusion: We describe an unusual case of sudden unilateral visual disturbance following autologous fat injection into periorbital area.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

Purpose: Tumors arising in the foot and ankle are uncommon and the malignant tumors are known to be rare compared with those of the other sites. We analyzed the clinical data of patients who have been diagnosed as having a tumor of the foot and ankle. Materials and Methods: From 1989 to 2006, we analyzed 185 patients who have been treated surgically and were pathologically confirmed of having tumors of the foot and ankle. Their clinical characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. Results: One hundred and fifty-seven cases were benign (84.9%) and 28 cases (15.1%) were malignant. 108 cases (58.4%) were benign soft tissue tumors and 49 cases (26.5%) were benign bone tumors. Malignant tumors included 17 cases (9.2%) of soft tissue tumors, 8 cases (4.3%) of primary bone tumors and 3 cases (1.6%) of metastatic bone tumors. The most common benign soft tissue tumor was ganglion (23 cases). Enchondroma (9 cases) was the most common among the benign bone tumors. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor was the most common malignant tumor (4 cases). The predilection site for benign tumors was at the forefoot around toes while for the malignant tumor was around the ankle. 4.6% of benign soft tissue tumors and 8.2% of benign bone tumors had locally recurred and 14 cases (50%) of malignant tumor were confirmed as having distant metastasis. Conclusion: The ratio of malignant tumor and its metastasis rate was high. Therefore, the histopathologic confirmation is essential when treating tumors of the foot and ankle.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.172-178
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• 2000

With esthetic concern in the reconstruction of skin and soft tissue defects of face, the use of local flap has been the method of choice. However, when there is extensive tissue loss in the face, local flaps do not provide satisfactory results. The amazing development of microsurgical technique has decreased the percentage of free flap failure, thus making free flap use in reconstruction of facial soft tissue defects. Many free flaps has been applied for reconstruction of face defects. Especially, the radial forearm flap has numerous advantages with which facial reconstruction is made possible. But, its disadvantages are ; the sacrifice of one major artery supplying the hand and donor site complications. In order to circumvent these disadvantages, we employed posterior interosseous artery(PIA) forearm free flap for the reconstruction of the face defects. The posterior interosseous forearm island flap was first described by Zancolli and Angrigiani(1985). Currently, the PIA island flap and free flap have been used for hand reconstructions. The disadvantages of the PIA flap are ; the small caliber of the pedicle, different locations of the perforating branches, and the proximity of the motor branch of the radial nerve. But, its advantages lies in preserving the major artery of the hand, minimal donor site morbidity, and fairly well matched skin texture and color, and that the flap volume is sufficient, not too bulky with convenient handling. By using this flap, we performed 1 case of tumor resection and 1 case of traumatic defect. From our experiences we conclude that it is one of many useful methods in the reconstruction of the skin and soft tissue defects of the face. We also have discussed advantages and some limitations of various free flaps for reconstruction of the face.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.499-502
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• 2006

Purpose: Grave's disease is an autoimmune disease with chronic and systemic features. It affects the orbital fat and muscle bringing about defect in extrinsic eye motility, diplopia, optic nerve defect and lid retraction. In patients with lagopthalmos and resulting facial deformity, treatment can be done by rectus muscle recession or filling with various material. Autogenous auricular cartilage graft is often used and synthetic material such as synthetic acellular dermis, polyethylene meshs are also used for filling of the depressed area. Nevertheless, autogenous auricular cartilage grafts are difficult to utilize and synthetic materials sometimes result in protrusion or infection. Therefore, hard palate mucosa was considered as an alternative. We report two cases of patients with lower eyelid retraction corrected with autogenous hard palate mucosa. Methods: We performed this operation in two patients of Graves' ophthalmopathy. The capsulopalpebral fascia was incised and elevated through an incision on the conjunctiva. Then, the harvested hard palate mucosa was sutured to the inferior border of the tarsus and covered with the conjunctiva. Results: The lower eyelid retraction was corrected successfully. No hypertrophy or deformation of the transplanted hard palate mucosa was noted 6 months after the surgery. Conclusions: From the results above, we may conclude that the hard palate mucosa serves as an ideal spacer for the curvature and the inner lining in lower lid retraction. Hard palate mucosa is as sturdy as the autogenous cartilage but is much easier to utilize. It can be also used for lid retraction after lower lid aesthetic surgeries or traumas.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.806-810
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• 2009

Purpose: Gynecomastia is an abnormal increase in the volume of the male breast. Subcutaneous mastectomy was the first surgical treatment for gynecomastia. But because of the complications such as nerve injury and scar formation, subcutaneous mastectomy has been substituted with liposuction. Recently various techniques including ultrasound - assisted liposuction has been used for treatment of gynecomastia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver) for treatment of gynecomastia. Methods: 17 patients, 33 breasts of gynecomastia, Simon grade I or II have been treated with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver). The mean age was 24.5. The subcutaneous tissue and glandular tissue were removed with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver). The operation time, the weight of removed tissue and patients' satisfaction score were accessed. Results: The mean operation time was 78.2 minutes. The mean weight of removed tissue was 113.8 g. There was no significant complications such as necrosis, hematoma, infection or scar contracture. Patients' satisfactory score of scar, shape and confidence were 8.4, 8.2 and 8.4 respectively. As the average score was 8.3, almost patients were satisfied with their breasts. Conclusion: The authors have treated 17 patients suffering from gynecomastia with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver). We obtained short operation time, early recovery, minimal operative scar and less complications with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver) for the treatment of gynecomastia, and patients were satisfied with the results of our method. We concluded XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver) is an alternative option for the treatment of gynecomastia.