No abstract

Membrane-associated oxidative stress has been implicated in the synaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Enzymes of the plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) provide electrons for energy metabolism and recycling of antioxidants. Here, we show that activities of several PMRS enzymes are selectively decreased in plasma membranes from the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of 3xTgAD mice, an animal model of AD. Our results indicate the decreased PMRS enzyme activities are associated with decreased levels of coenzyme Q10 and increased levels of oxidative stress markers. Neurons overexpressing the PMRS enzymes (NQO1 or cytochrome b5 reductase) exhibit increased resistance to amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). If and to what extent Aβ is the cause of the impaired PMRS enzymes in the 3xTgAD mice is unknown. Because these mice also express mutant tau and presenilin-1, it is possible that one or more of the PMRS could be adversely affected by these mutations. Nevertheless, the results of our cell culture studies clearly show that exposure of neurons to Aβ1-42 is sufficient to impair PMRS enzymes. The impairment of the PMRS in an animal model of AD, and the ability of PMRS enzyme activities to protect neurons against Aβ-toxicity, suggest enhancement PMRS function as a novel approach for protecting neurons against oxidative damage in AD and related disorders.

(Figs. 2, 3) , 종괴가 4예 (33 % ) (Fig. 4) , 기강 (67 % ) (Fig. 1, Fig. 4 Purpose: To evaluate the CT findings of bronchial anthracofibrosis. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients with bronchoscopically confirmed anthracofibrosis were involved in this study. CT findings (n=12) were retrospectively analysed;the pattern, distribution and extent of bronchial and parenchymal abnormalities and additional findings such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion were assessed. Age, sex, and oècupational and disease history were also reviewed.Results: Patients were aged between 63 and 95 (mean, 7 1.3)years, and ten were female . Only one patient had an occupational history, but four had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. Frequent radiologic findings were bronchial wall thickening(n=6), atelectasis(n=8), mediastinal lymphadenopathy(n=7) and mass(n=4). Other accompanying findings were bronchial wall calcification(n=3), consolidation(n=2) and pleural effusion(n=2). Right upper (n=7) and right middle lobe(n=7) were the most commonly involved sites, and multifocal involvement(n=7) was frequent.Conclusion: Bronchial wall thickening, atelectasis and mediastinal lymphadenopathy were characteristic CT findings of anthracofibrosis. When such findings are noted in older or aged female patients, anthracofibrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Purpose: To determine which sonographic findings usefully differentiate between benign and malignant papillary tumors. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively rev i ewed the ultrasonographic findings of 42 surgically proven cases of papillary breast lesions [11 malignant lesions (7 inva s i ve papillary carcinomas, 4 intraductal papillary carcinomas) and 31 benign intraductal papillomas]. All 42 cases were classified sonographically as cystic or ductal, or solid type, and the shape, wall change, margin, internal echo-pattern, posterior echo change and other associated findings for the two types were then analysed.