• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.418-425
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• 2024

Solid tumors are heterogeneous populations of multiple cell types. While the majority of the cells that comprise cancer are unable to divide, cancer stem cells have self-renewal and differentiation properties. Normal stem cell pathways that control self-renewal are overactivated in cancer stem cells, making cancer stem cells important for cancer cell expansion and progression. Dick first proposed the definition of cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia, according to which cancer stem cells can be classified based on the expression of cell surface markers. Cancer stem cells maintain their potential in the tumor microenvironment. Multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment maintain quiescent cancer stem cells and serve as regulators of cancer growth. Since current cancer treatments target proliferative cells, quiescent state cancer stem cells that are resistant to treatment increase the risk of recurrence or metastasis. Various signals of the tumor microenvironment induce changes to become a tumor-supportive environment by remodeling the vasculature and extracellular matrix. To effectively treat cancer, cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment must be targeted. Therefore, it is important to understand how the tumor microenvironment induces reprogramming of the immune response to promote cancer growth, immune resistance, and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms that can enhance immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.32-42
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• 2007

This study was conducted on the immunoregulatory effect of Saengshik on gut-associated lymphoid tissue with inflammatory bowel disease. Although the contents of IgA increased in mesenteric lymph node, IgE content was suppressed by Saengshik. The same results were found in spleen, but IgA and IgE responses were very weak. Concentration of fecal IgA was high from the first day through the third day in Saengshik group. In DSS + Saengshik group, concentration of IgA was high till the 2nd day and it maintained the highest level among the test groups on 5th day. Concentration of IFN-gamma and IL-2 was the highest in the Saengshik group, but the concentration of TNF-alpha was lower in DSS + Saengshik compared to DSS. The expressions of STAT1 in Saengshik group were high, while those of STAT6 were low According to these findings, Saengshik exhibited effectiveness via increasing the IgA production, suppressing the IgE production, followed by inhibiting the production of IL-4 and IL-10. Saengshik also strengthened the immune system and alleviated injury in DSS -induced inflammation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.1224-1230
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• 2012

Cancer chemotherapy drugs command a large share of the market, and the development of new therapeutics with high efficacy and specificity is an active area of study. Recently, the development of cancer therapeutics from natural products targeting angiogenesis has drawn attention due to conventional chemotherapeutics showing serious side effects and resistance in cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological efficacy of Gomisin A, an active ingredient of Schizandra chinensis baillon, on tumor growth and metastasis. Administration of Gomisin A at 10 and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ reduced tumor growth in vivo by $80.5{\pm}8.1%$ and $96.2{\pm}2%$, respectively, compared with positive tumor controls. Treatment of Gomisin A in normal and various tumor cell lines did not exert significant toxicity. Mice treated with Gomisin A at a concentration of 10 and 100 ${\mu}g$/head showed a significant reduction in tumor-induced angiogenesis of $151{\pm}16.9%$ and $98.5{\pm}29.5%$, respectively. Furthermore, tumor metastasis analysis revealed that the administration of Gomisin A at a concentration of 10 and 100 ${\mu}g$/head inhibited tumor metastasis by $13.5{\pm}8.56%$ and $58.3{\pm}9.12%$, respectively. In addition, Gomisin A significantly decreased cell adhesion of the B16BL6 cells to the extracellular matrix. These results demonstrate that Gomisin A inhibits tumor growth via suppression of angiogenesis and tumor metastasis inhibition, without cellular toxicity. The pharmacological efficacy of Gomisin A suggests that it may be a potential candidate for the development of cancer drugs.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.134-140
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• 2022

Kelp belongs to the brown algae family and has been reported to exert anti-cancer effects on some cancer types, however studies have not been reported on the anti-cancer effects of kelp extracts on melanoma. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of kelp extract in B16-F0 cells were investigated, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were assessed. Kelp extract was found to inhibit the proliferation of B16-F0 cells, induce cytotoxicity, inhibit cell colony formation, and induce DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. The molecular mechanism was found to involve kelp extract increasing the expression of cytochrome-c and activated caspase-9 in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In addition, kelp extract upregulated the expression of Fas-associated protein with death domain and activated caspase-8 in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. Activation of caspase-9 and caspase-8 by kelp extract induced activation of caspase-3 and cleaved poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase, consequently inducing apoptosis. These data suggest that kelp extract represents a potential therapeutic agent for melanoma.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1721-1725
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• 2011

Mast cells are major effector cells associated with allergic responses. They are activated through the release of histamine, arachidonic acid, and proinflammatory cytokines. We investigated the effect of nodakenin, derived from the roots of Angelica gigas Nakai, on mast cell degranulation and on an allergic response in an animal model. We also investigated the effect of nodakenin on expression of multiple cytokines. Nodakenin suppressed the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, a marker of degranulation, as well as the expression of interleukin IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA. Nodakenin inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in ICR mice in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that nodakenin can inhibit mast cell degranulation through the inhibition of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression, and that nodakenin may potentially serve as an anti-allergic agent.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.22-26
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• 2011

목 적 : 두경부 암은 발생 순위에서 전체 6위에 해당하는 다빈도 암이나 최근 20여년 동안의 노력에도 불구하고 두경부 암의 독톡한 특성상 생존률에서 뚜렷한 향상을 보이지 못하고 있다. 특히, 하인두 암은 원발 부위의 점막하 침윤이 흔하며, 주변 림프절 전이와 원격 전이가 흔하고, 2차 원발 암종 발생이 흔하여 두경부 암 중에서도 가장 불량한 예후를 보이고 있는 악성 종양이다. 최근에 이러한 암을 치료하고 진단하기 위한 방법으로 분자생물학적 접근법들이 많이 시도 되고 있으며, 그 중 하나로 N-myc downstream regulated gene-1(Ndrg-1)이라는 유전자가 유방, 전립선, 방광 암 등의 타 악성 종양에서 종양의 전이 및 진행 양상과 관련되어 있다는 보고가 있었다. 이에 본 연구는 하인두 암에서의 Ndrg-1의 발현 양상을 살펴보고 이와 임상 양상과의 연관관계를 살펴보고자 하였다. 방 법 : 1996년부터 2003년까지 수술 받은 하인두 암 환자 56명을 대상으로 면역조직화학검사를 시행하여 Ndrg-1 발현을 확인하였고, 3명의 신선 조직을 대상으로 RT-PCR, Western blot을 시행하였다. 결 과 : Ndrg-1은 RT-PCR에서 정상 조직과 악성종양 조직 모두에서 비슷한 수준으로 발현되었다. 그러나 Western blot에서는 정상 조직에서 뚜렷한 증가 양상을 보여 타 연구와 동일한 결과를 보였고, 이는 불필요하며 비효율적인 mRNA수준에서의 발현이 있지만 최종적인 단백 산물 발현에서는 암종의 진행과 연계되어 악성 종양 진행군에서 발현이 억제되는 결과로 해석된다. 면역조직화학검사에서는 정상 상피조직에서 Ndrg-1 발현이 확인되었으며, 통계적으로 유의하지는 않으나 불량한 예후를 가진 그룹에서 대체로 발현이 억제되는 악성 종양과의 역 연관 관계를 확인할 수 있었고, 특히 림프절 전이를 보인 그룹과 그렇지 않은 그룹 사이에서는 통계적으로 유의미한 결과가 확인되었다. 결 론 : 즉, 림프절 전이가 없는 그룹에서 Ndrg-1이 종양의 전이에 관여할 것이라는 타 연구와 일관된 결과로 하인두 암에서도 그 역할이 있음을 나타내는 결과라 할 수 있다.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.109-114
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• 1996

Plasmacytoma is one of the malignant neoplasm that originate in immunoglobulin-producing plasma cell, and occurrence in gingiva is known to be rare. About 7% of all patients with plasma cell malignancies present with solitary lesions in bone or soft tissues. In 30% to 40% of patients, the disease progresses to mulitiple myeloma on long-term follow-up. the incidence of progression to multiple myeloma is higher in patients with a bone lesion as compared with an extramedullary lesion. Several studies have shown a relatively favorable course for both these groups of patients, but many long-term studies have demonstrated the distinct difference in ultimate prognosis between patients with solitary lesions in bone and those with extramedullary lesions. The primary objective in the past has been to suppress the immune system to permit allotransplantation. But immunosuppressant also increases the incidence of malignant neoplasms in patients after allograft transplantation. We treated a 15-year patient with plasmacytoma on gingiva who had received kindny transplantation & immunosuppressant therapy. We excised this lesion & performed radiotherapy and had a favorable result.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.731-745
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• 2005

Cyclosproin A(CsA)는 세포 이식거부방지를 위한 면역 억제제 및 자가 면역질환 치료제로 널리 사용되어 왔다. CsA는 매양된 사람 치은섬유아세포를 증식시킴이 알려져 있지만 CsA에 의한 세포증식기전에 대한 세포사멸기전 및 Bcl-2의 역할은 연구되어 있지 않다. 이번 연구는 사람 섬유아세포에서 CsA에 의한 세포증삭기전에 세포고사기전 및 Bcl-2 family가 관여하는지 밝히는 데에 목적이 있다. 세포 생장력은 MTT 방법으로 측정하였다. Bcl-2 family와 Fas 발현 정도는 RT-PCR 방법이나 western blot으로 확인하였다. Caspase-3 및 -9의 활성은 ELISER reader로, reactive oxygen species(ROS)는 fluorescence spectrometer에 의해 측정되었다. 미토콘드리아에서 세포질로 분비된 cytochrome c는 Western blot으로 조사하였다. CsA는 $0.1{\sim}10\;{\mu}M$에서 사람 섬유아세포의 생존률을 시간과 농도 의존적으로 증가시켰으며, 50 ${\mu}M$ CsA에서는 오히려 세포가 죽였다. 또한, CsA 처리로 미토콘드리아에서 세포질로 유리되는 cytochrome c 양과 VDAC 1 및 3 발현량이 감소되었고, caspase-9과 caspase-3의 활성도도 감소되었다. 한편, CsA 처리한 섬유아세포에서 death receptor 구성요소인 Fas 발현이 감소되었다. Bcl-2 family에 대한 RT-PCR, western blot 분석결과, 세포고사를 억제하는 Bel-2 발현은 증가되었으나 세포고사를 자극하는 Bax와 Bid의 발현은 감소되었다. 이러한 결과들은 사람 섬유아세포에서 CsA유도 세포증식에 Bcl-2 family와 ROS가 매개하는 미토콘드리아 의존 및 death receptor 의존 세포고사기전이 관여함을 시사하였다.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 1998

Treatment of $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ purpura nephritis(HSPN) accomanied by nephrotic syndrome is still controversal, even though both corticosteroids and immunosuppressants have been used for therapy. Azathioprine(AZA) is a chemical analog of the physiologic purines-adenine, guanine, and hyoxanthine and an antagonist to purine metabolism which may inhibit RNA and DNA synthesis and is mainly used for immunosuppressive agent. We studied the effects of AZA in HSPN accompanied by nephrotic syndrome and evaluating the clinical status and histopathologic changes by sequential biopsies following the treatment. Fifteen patients with nehprotic syndrome either initially or during the course of HSPN confirmed by renal biopsies were treated with AZA(2 mg/kg/day) and prednisolone (0.5-1 mg/kg/day qod) for 8months. Folow up renal biopsy was done after treatment in 11 patients. The clinical status of the patients on admission were C(12 cases) and B(3 cases). Improvement of clinical status were showed in 12 cases, but 3 cases were not improved and 1 case was aggrevated after AZA treatment. Complete remission of proteinuria were in 8 cases(53.3%), partial remission were in 4 cases(26.7%) and persistence of proteinuria and hematuria were in 3 cases(20.0%). The loss of hematuria were in 10 cases(66.7%). Histopathologically and immunopathologically, 4 cases were improved. This study suggests that, although control studies are needed, AZA could be used in the treatment of HSPN accompanied by nephrotic syndrome.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.343-348
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• 2009

Kaposi's sarcoma was first descrided by Kaposi in 1872 as an idiopathic multiple hemorrhagic sarcoma. Its clinical features revealed to be erythematous red or purple macule started out, and developing into palpable dome-shaped nodules. Etiology is not defined to detail at present. Kaposi's sarcoma is classified to 4 categories; Classical, African, Epidemic and Immunosuppressive type. Epidemic categories is found approximately 20% of all AIDS patients and has strong predilection for head and neck region. The first case of immunosuppresive type Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with kidney transplants was reported in 1969. Kaposi's sarcoma accounts for 5% of all tumors associated with transplanted patients. The most common site of Kaposi's sarcoma in immunosuppressed patients are extremities, but rare in head and neck area. A 42 years old woman who had systemic lupus erythematosus visited to our clinic because of gingival hyperplasia, and excisional biopsy revealed Kaposi's sarcoma. We experienced a case of favorable results using excision and chemotherapy, so we report with review of literatures.