• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.1163-1169
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• 2015

Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer that is synthesized by Bacillus species and has been reported to have antitumor activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of γ-PGA on the treatment of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). A retrospective observational study on γ-PGA therapy for biopsy-proven VAIN was conducted. The efficacy was assessed by evaluating the results of Pap cytology and the viral load of high-risk HPV at three time points: at enrollment, and at the first and second post-treatment visits. Of 17 patients treated with γ-PGA, only 12 patients who had a high-risk HPV infection were included in the analysis. Histology was VAIN1 in seven patients, VAIN2 in two patients, and VAIN3 in three patients. γ-PGA was administered for newly diagnosed VAIN in five (41.7%) patients and persistent VAIN in seven (58.3%) patients for the mean time of 4.5 months. At the first and second post-treatment visits, cytological regression was observed in five (41.7%) and six (50%) patients, respectively. Regarding the HPV load, the overall response rate was 66.7%, and the mean level was 670.6 ± 292.5 RLU at the first follow-up, which was lower than the initial viral load of 1,494.8 ± 434.5 RLU (p = 0.084). At the second follow-up, the overall response rate was 58.3%, and the mean viral load level was 924.2 ± 493.7 RLU. γ-PGA may be helpful for the cytological regression and reduction of viral load in patients with high-risk HPV-positive VAIN, suggesting that γ-PGA is a promising treatment option for primary or persistent VAIN.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3455-3460
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• 2012

Objectives: To report the prevalence of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesions and to determine the possible association of Pap test results with high-risk human papillomavirus and high squamous intraepithelial lesions in women from Duhok, Iraq. Design: A prospective, observational study was conducted between January 2005 and December 2011. Overall, 596 women with a cervicovaginal Pap test showing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 93 atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion for whom pathologic follow-up was available were studied. Follow-up consisted of repeat cytology, colposcopy and histology. High risk human papillomavirus DNA testing was performed on exfoliated cervical cells from 106 women, using conventional PCR after at least 36 months from the initial Pap smear. Results: Significantly high proportions of both atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (87.9%) and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion (62.4%) demonstrated no significant lesion on subsequent follow up. Low squamous intraepithelial lesions were observed in 1.7% of cases of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and in 5.4% of atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion. High squamous intraepithelial lesion was demonstrated in 0.8% and 16.1% respectively. In the latter there was also one case of invasive carcinoma. High-risk HPV DNA was demonstrated in 40% of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 57.1% of atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesions. Conclusions: Since both atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion identify patients who are at an increased risk for the development of high squamous intraepithelial lesions and a considerable percentage harbor high risk-HPV, both should be retained as diagnostic categories and patients warrant a diligent follow up and testing for high risk-HPV DNA. Colposcopic evaluation and biopsy, when indicated, are a must.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.115-129
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• 1994

In the present study, quantitative and qualitative histology was used to assess the effects of ibuprofen suppositories with various treatments on the rectal mucosa of rats. Two suppositories were prepared with Witepsol W35 and compared with two commercial ibuprofen suppositories Reference I (Showa Pharm.ind., Tokyo, Japan), Reference II (P.Pharm., Seoul, Korea). Single and multiple dose(dosing interval 4 hr, n=4) studies were conducted. All suppositories significantly increased epithelial cell loss, but the extent of rectal irritation was variable. These studies showed that the incorporation of ibuprofen into the suppository bases increases the morphological change in rectal tissue both for the single and multiple administrations of suppositories, but which was significantly recovered within 24 hr although the interanimal variability in scores was very substantial. Multiple administration of ibuprofen suppositories caused significant damage to rectal mucosa, but it must be considered that these were under the severe condition, that is, interval of administration (4 hr) was three times shorter than normal interval of administration and dose was fifteen times larger than usual human dose. Aluminum oxide $(Al_2O_3)$, a dispersing agent, slightly increased the irritation of rectal mucosa in rats at 5 hr and 24 hr after multiple administration, but it was possible to ignore the difference of irritation in the data at 5hr and 24hr after single administration. Finally, it was concluded that Witepsol W35 and ibuprofen had a slight rectal mucosa-irritating effect on the usual human dose, and ibuprofen suppositories prepared with Witepsol W35 or Witepsol W35, $Al_2O_3$ showed almost similar extent of rectal irritation with commercial ibuprofen products.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.103-120
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• 1998

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells respond to heat stress and other environmental abuses by synthesizing a small set of stress proteins and by inhibiting post-transcription synthesis of normal proteins. The purpose of the present study was to document the stress response produced by inflamed gingival tissue in vivo, and cytokine inducted human periodontal ligament cells. Human PDL cells were exposed to TNF-$\alpha$(1ng/ml), INF-$\gamma$(200 U/ml), LPS(100ug/ml), combination of cytokine, and SDS-PAGE gels running and Western blotting analysis was done. In vivo studies, the healthy gingival tissusse of a control group and inflamed gingival tissue of adult periodontitis were studied by immunohistochemistry and histology. The results were as follows 1. HSP 47 was distributed on basal layer in healthy gingiva, but stronger stained in basal, suprabasal, and spinous layer of inflamed gingiva. 2. HSP 47 was rare on endothelial cells and mononuclear cells in healthy gingiva, but stronger expressed in inflamed gingiva. 3. HSP 70 expression was rare on epihelium and inflammatory cells hi both healthy & inflamed gingiva. 4. HSP 70 was actively expressed on endothelial cells and inflammatory cells of capillary lumen in moderately & mild inflamend gingiva. 5. PDL cells showed low level of HSP 47 protein expression which was significantly induced by cytokine stimulation (LSP only and combination). 6. Maximum HSP 70 protein induction was seen with stimulation by a combination of the cytokine, Combination of TNF-$\alpha$, INF-$\gamma$, LPS have been shown to synergistically effects of HSP 70 expression. On the above findings, HSP Is influenced by cytokine and chronic inflammation in vivo, and may be involved in protection of tissue during periodontal inflammatiom.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.94-102
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aims to validate the effect of autoclaved autogenous bone (AAB), incorporating Escherichia coli-derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (ErhBMP-2), on critical-sized, segmental radius defects in rabbits. Delivery systems using absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) and fibrin glue (FG) were also evaluated. Methods: Radius defects were made in 12 New Zealand white rabbits. After autoclaving, the resected bone was reinserted and fixed. The animals were classified into three groups: only AAB reinserted (group 1, control), and AAB and ErhBMP-2 inserted using an ACS (group 2) or FG (group 3) as a carrier. Animals were sacrificed six or 12 weeks after surgery. Specimens were evaluated using radiology and histology. Results: Micro-computed tomography images showed the best bony union in group 2 at six and 12 weeks after operation. Quantitative analysis showed all indices except trabecular thickness were the highest in group 2 and the lowest in group 1 at twelve weeks. Histologic results showed the greatest bony union between AAB and radial bone at twelve weeks, indicating the highest degree of engraftment. Conclusion: ErhBMP-2 increases bony healing when applied on AAB graft sites. In addition, the ACS was reconfirmed as a useful delivery system for ErhBMP-2.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.330-343
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• 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) to repair perforated sinus membranes in rabbits. Methods: Bilateral surgical windows (7.5-mm diameter) were prepared on the nasal bones of 14 rabbits. Standardized circular perforations (5-mm diameter) were made in the sinus membrane by manipulating implant twist drills. The perforated sinus membranes were repaired using dHACM or a resorbable collagen membrane (CM). The negative control (NC) group did not undergo perforated sinus membrane repair, while the positive control (PC) group underwent sinus augmentation without perforations. The same amount of deproteinized porcine bone mineral was grafted in all 4 groups. After 6 weeks, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometric evaluations were conducted. Results: The micro-CT analysis revealed that the total augmented volume was not significantly different among the groups. In the dHACM group, newly formed bone filled the augmented area with remaining biomaterials; however, non-ciliated flat epithelium and inflammatory cells were observed on the healed sinus membrane. Histometric analysis showed that the percentage of newly formed bone area in the dHACM group did not differ significantly from that in the CM group. The dHACM group showed a significantly higher percentage of newly formed bone area than the NC group, but there was no significant difference between the dHACM and PC groups. Conclusions: dHACM could be a feasible solution for repairing sinus membrane perforations that occur during sinus floor augmentation.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.28-38
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• 2022

Purpose: Macrophages play crucial roles as early responders to bacterial pathogens and promote/ or impede chronic inflammation in various tissues. Periodontal macrophage-induced pyroptosis results in physiological and pathological inflammatory responses. The transcription factor Dec2 is involved in regulating immune function and inflammatory processes. To characterize the potential unknown role of Dec2 in the innate immune system, we sought to elucidate the mechanism that may alleviate macrophage pyroptosis in periodontal inflammation. Methods: Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce pyroptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Subsequently, we established an LPS-stimulated Dec2 overexpression cellular model in macrophages. Human chronic periodontitis tissues were employed to evaluate potential changes in inflammatory marker expression and pyroptosis. Finally, the effects of Dec2 deficiency on inflammation and pyroptosis were characterized in a P. gingivalis-treated experimental periodontitis Dec2-knockout mouse model. Results: Macrophages treated with LPS revealed significantly increased messenger RNA expression levels of Dec2 and interleukin (IL)-1β. Dec2 overexpression reduced IL-1β expression in macrophages treated with LPS. Overexpression of Dec2 also repressed the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and the expression of caspase-11 was concurrently reduced in macrophages treated with LPS. Human chronic periodontitis tissues showed significantly higher gingival inflammation and pyroptosis-related protein expression than non-periodontitis tissues. In vivo, P. gingivalis-challenged mice exhibited a significant augmentation of F4/80, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β. Dec2 deficiency markedly induced GSDMD expression in the periodontal ligament of P. gingivalis-challenged mice. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that Dec2 deficiency exacerbated P. gingivalis LPS-induced periodontal inflammation and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. Collectively, our results present novel insights into the molecular functions of macrophage pyroptosis and document an unforeseen role of Dec2 in pyroptosis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.126-136
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• 2022

Liver fibrosis is part of the wound healing process to help the liver recover from the injuries caused by various liver-damaging insults. However, liver fibrosis often progresses to life-threatening cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To overcome the limitations of current in vivo liver fibrosis models for studying the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and establishing effective treatment strategies, we developed a new mouse model of liver fibrosis using polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-p), a humidifier sterilizer known to induce lung fibrosis in humans. Male C57/BL6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with PHMG-p (0.03% and 0.1%) twice a week for 5 weeks. Subsequently, liver tissues were examined histologically and RNA-sequencing was performed to evaluate the expression of key genes and pathways affected by PHMG-p. PHMG-p injection resulted in body weight loss of ~15% and worsening of physical condition. Necropsy revealed diffuse fibrotic lesions in the liver with no effect on the lungs. Histology, collagen staining, immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin and collagen, and polymerase chain reaction analysis of fibrotic genes revealed that PHMG-p induced liver fibrosis in the peri-central, peri-portal, and capsule regions. RNA-sequencing revealed that PHMG-p affected several pathways associated with human liver fibrosis, especially with upregulation of lumican and IRAK3, and downregulation of GSTp1 and GSTp2, which are closely involved in liver fibrosis pathogenesis. Collectively we demonstrated that the PHMG-p-induced liver fibrosis model can be employed to study human liver fibrosis.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.382-393
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• 2023

Cell clusters are a histological hallmark feature of intervertebral disc degeneration. Clusters arise from cell proliferation, are associated with replicative senescence, and remain metabolically, but their precise role in various stages of disc degeneration remain obscure. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate small, medium, and large size cell-clusters. For this purpose, human disc samples were collected from 55 subjects, aged 37-72 years, 21 patients had disc herniation, 10 had degenerated non-herniated discs, and 9 had degenerative scoliosis with spinal curvature <45°. 15 non-degenerated control discs were from cadavers. Clusters and matrix changes were investigated with histology, immunohistochemistry, and Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Data obtained were analyzed with spearman rank correlation and ANOVA. Results revealed, small and medium-sized clusters were positive for cell proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in control and slightly degenerated human discs, while large cell clusters were typically more abundant in severely degenerated and herniated discs. Large clusters associated with matrix fissures, proteoglycan loss, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and Caspase-3. Spatial association findings were reconfirmed with SDS-PAGE that showed presence to these target markers based on its molecular weight. Controls, slightly degenerated discs showed smaller clusters, less proteoglycan loss, MMP-1, and Caspase-3. In conclusion, cell clusters in the early stages of degeneration could be indicative of repair, however sustained loading increases large cell clusters especially around microscopic fissures that accelerates inflammatory catabolism and alters cellular metabolism, thus attempted repair process initiated by cell clusters fails and is aborted at least in part via apoptosis.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.429-443
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine 1) the bone-regenerative effect of porcine bone block materials with or without collagen matrix incorporation, 2) the effect of a collagen barrier, and 3) the effect of adding recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to the experimental groups. Methods: Four treatment modalities were applied to rabbit calvaria: 1) deproteinized bovine bone mineral blocks (DBBM), 2) porcine bone blocks with collagen matrix incorporation (PBC), 3) porcine bone blocks alone without collagen matrix incorporation (PB), and 4) PBC blocks covered by a collagen membrane (PBC+M). The experiments were repeated with the addition of rhBMP-2. The animals were sacrificed after either 2 or 12 weeks of healing. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histologic, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Results: Micro-CT indicated adequate volume stability in all block materials. Histologically, the addition of rhBMP-2 increased the amount of newly formed bone (NB) in all the blocks. At 2 weeks, minimal differences were noted among the NB of groups with or without rhBMP-2. At 12 weeks, the PBC+M group with rhBMP-2 presented the greatest NB (P<0.05 vs. the DBBM group with rhBMP-2), and the PBC and PB groups had greater NB than the DBBM group (P>0.05 without rhBMP-2, P<0.05 with rhBMP-2). Conclusions: The addition of rhBMP-2 enhanced NB formation in vertical augmentation using bone blocks, and a collagen barrier may augment the effect of rhBMP-2.