• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.617-622
• /
• 2006

Purpose : High-Sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) has been recognized as a very useful and sensitive predictor of the future risk of myocardial infarction. But the clinical significance of hs-CRP in children remains uncertain. To confirm the existence of obesity-induced vascular inflammation and the association between metabolic syndromes and elevation of CRP in children, we investigated the relationship among CRP, obesity, blood pressure(BP), and serum lipids in schoolboys. Methods : Twenty-eight obese(BMI $29.61{\pm}3.29kg/m^2$) and 93 non-obese(BMI $18.99{\pm}2.21kg/m^2$) boys aged 14 years were examined. Serum CRP levels was measured by the high sensitive latex turbidimetric immunoassay and subjects with CRP levels below 0.3 mg/dL were adopted to avoid the influence of acute infection. Results : Obese children had significantly higher hs-CRP levels than their non-obese group($0.104{\pm}0.075$ vs. $0.054{\pm}0.005mg/dL$). In the obese group, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein B, atherogenic index, and triglyceride were significantly higher than in nonobese. The BMI, diastolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein E, atherognic index, and triglyceride showed positive correlation with log CRP by simple regression. Multiple regression analysis indicated that BMI and apolipoprotein E were strongly related to CRP. Conclusion : This study revealed that obese children tended to have higher levels of serum hsCRP, BP elevation and dyslipidemia than the control group and that BMI and apolipoprotein E were strongly related to CRP. These results indicate that obesity related metabolic syndrome can be developed in children.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.565-571
• /
• 1998

The expression of the endogenous human apolipoprotein(apo)E gene was significantly induced when HepG2 cells were treated with exogenous 25-hydroxy-cholesterol. This sterol-mediated apoE gene upregulation appears to require the participation of a positive element for the apoE gene transcription (PET) ( -169/ -140), a core sequence of upstream regulatory element (URE)1 enhancer of the human apoE gene. This PET was renamed as sterol regulatory element (SRE)4 based on its new role as a sensor for the level of intracellular sterol. Furthermore, a gel mobility shift analysis showed that binding activity of the SRE4 binding protein (BP) obtained from HepG2 cells was induced by sterol treatment, while that from either MCF7 or BT20 cells remained unchanged. Binding activity of SRE4BP was also induced in mouse macrophage cells, J774A.1, by sterol treatment, but it was drastically reduced when cells were subjected to treatment of AY-9944, a potent inhibitor for sterol synthesis. However, binding activity of Spl, which is a co-binding protein to the SRE4 region, remained the same in either condition, suggesting that SRE4BP (formally known as PETBP) may be mainly responsible for the sterol-mediated regulation of the apoE gene expression. Deletion analysis of the core binding site of SRE4BP by gel mobility shift assays showed that the minimal sequence of the SRE4BP binding appears to reside between -157 and -140, confirming the identity of SRE4 with the previously determined core sequence of URE1.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.87-99
• /
• 2001

Purpose: We studied to find out apo-E genotype polymorphism in minimal change nephrotic syndrome(MCNS) and IgA nephropathy(IgAN) and to determine the relationship between apo-E genotype and clinical course of MCNS. Materials and Method: 43 MCNS patients and 15 IgAN patients were examined for apo-E polymorphism. 50 healthy blood donors were examined for apo-E genotype as control. Genomic DNA was prepared front peripheral blood leukocytes according to standard procedures. Results: As compared with control group, e4 allele frequency was significantly increased in MCNS (p<0.01). However, in IgAN e2 allele frequency, however, was 2.6 times higher than normal control (P<0.01). The frequency of e4 allele of frequent relapser group was 4.6 times higher than normal control and was 2 times higher than infrequent relapser group. Conclusion: We think that apo-E typing might be one of the parameters, which should be considered to predict the course of MCNS in children. MCNS with risky HLA profile and E4/4 genotype could indicate the need for a longer steroid administration. And apo-E genotype needs to be considered for the evaluation of therapeutic responses to other drugs. (J, Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001 ; 5 : 87-99)

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.103-109
• /
• 2006

Objective : Associations of vascular risk/disease or apolipoprotein E ${\varepsilon}4$(APOE4) with geriatric depression has been unclear at a population level. This study aimed to evaluate whether there would be interactions of vascular risk/disease and APOE4 on depression in a Korean elderly population. Methods : 732 community residents aged 65 or over were assessed for depression(GMS), information on vascular risk/disease(reported stroke, transient ishemic attack, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, smoking), examinations for vascular risk/disease(blood pressure, blood tests for glucose and lipid profiles, body size), APOE genotypes, demographic characteristics(age, gender, education), physical health, and cognitive function(MMSE). Results : Previous stroke and lower level of high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol were significantly associated with geriatric depression independent of demographic characteristics, physical illnesses, and cognitive function. These associations were statistically significant only in those with APOE4, although the interaction terms didn't reach to statistical significance. Conclusion : Associations between vascular risk/disease and geriatric depression might be more prominent in those with APOE4. However further research would be needed to clarify this issue.

• Proceedings of the Korean Nutrition Society Conference
• /
• 1996.06b
• /
• pp.42-42
• /
• 1996

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.1192-1198
• /
• 2004

Sasang Constitutional Medicine is a major branch of Korean Traditional Medicine. The differences of disease susceptibility to be shown in Sasang constitution may be due to genetic factors. Therefore, I examined interrelationship among cerebral infarction (CI), apolipoprotein E (apo E) gene polymorphism, and Sasang constitutional classification. Apo E is a key protein modulating the highly atherogenic apoB containing lipoproteins and is a candidate gene for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The ε2 and/or ε4 alleles were the first to be implicated in premature CAD, which resulted in this polymorphism being extensively studied. I investigated the association between apo E genotype and CI by case-control study in a Korean population. I also classified CI patients and control group into groups according to Sasang Constitutional Medicine. 218 CI patients and 379 controls without CI were examined. Apo E genotype was determined by 8% polyacrylamide gel separation after DNA amplification. A frequency of apo E ε3/ε3 in the apo E genotype distribution was higher in the CI patients compared with that in controls. Also, it was widely known that Taeumin was easily attacked with CI, but there was no association between apo E polymorphim and Taeumin. However, the Taeumin constitution did not enhance the relative risk for CI in the subjects with apo E ε2 and/or ε4 alleles. No differences in the apo E genotypes frequencies were observed in the Taeumin compared with that in the other constitutions. In addition, I investigated whether the DD(deletion/deletion) or ID(insertion/deletion) genotype of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, a candidate gene for CI, was associated with CI, Taeumin constitution, and apo E polymorphism. As a result, the frequency of Taeumin constitution was significantly higher in CI patients with both apo E ε3/ε4 and ACE ID/DD genotypes than in the remaining Sasang constitutions. In summary, it was concluded that the apo E polymorphism is a major risk factor for CI in Koreans and the ACE ID/DD genotype enhanced the relative risk for CI in the subjects with apo E ε3/ε4 genotype and Taeumin constitution.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.321-332
• /
• 2009

본 연구의 목적은 다이아지논(Diazinon; O, O-diethyl O-[6-methyl-2 (1-methylethyl)-4-pyrimidinyl] phosphorothioate)에 노출된 모델 생물체(송사리)의 행동변화와 관련된 분자생물학적 기전 규명을 통하여 비정상적 행동의 모니터링을 위한 생물지표(biomarker)를 개발하는데 있다. 이를 위해 우선 suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) 및 DNA microarray 기법을 활용하여 다양한 유전자를 스크리닝하였다. 다이아지논에 노출시킨 송사리에서 발현의 차이가 나는 상향 조절된 유전자 97개 (알려지지 않은 유전자 27개 포함)와 하향 조절된 유전자 99개 (알려지지 않은 유전자 60개 포함)를 동정 하였고 이들 중 이상행동과 관련되는 것으로 보이는 유전자 10개 (상향조절 5개, 하향조절 5개)를 선발하였다. 이들 중에서 primer 제작이 잘된 beta-1, Orla C3-1, parvalbumin 및 apolipoprotein E을 선발하여 그 유전자 발현을 real-time PCR 기법을 사용하여 정량적으로 모니터링 하였다. Orla C3-1, parvalbumin 및 apolipoprotein E는 고농도의 다이아지논 처리(1000 ppb; 24 h)에서 그 발현이 억제됨이 관찰되었다. 다이아지논 처리 시 신경질환 (알츠하이머 병 및 다운신드롬)에 관련된 apolipoprotein E와 근육세포의 유연화에 작용하는 parvalbumin 등의 발현억제는 송사리의 인지능력 교란 및 근육세포의 경직 등을 각각 유도하여 송사리의 비정상적 행동을 야기하는 것으로 판단되었다. 따라서 이들 생물지표는 신경독성물질에 의한 송사리 및 기타 어류의 이상행동의 변화의 감지에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.1024-1030
• /
• 2007

We investigated the human apolipoprotein E2 (apoE2) transgenic mouse as an animal model system for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Transgenic mice expressing human apoE2 and C57BL/6J mice were fed normal chow or a high-fat diet for 4 weeks. Eyes were collected from the mice and lipid deposits in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were assessed using electron microscopy. The expressions of apoE, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and pigment-epithelium derived factor (PEDF), which are molecular markers for angiogenesis, were assessed with immunohistochemistry. Eyes from apoE2 mice, regardless of diet, contained lipid accumulation in RPE under electron microscopy, whereas control C57BL/6J eyes did not. Lipid accumulation was found predominantly in the RPE and the Bruch's membrane and increased in the eyes of apoE2 mice after one month of a high-fat diet ($8{\pm}2\;per\;50{\mu}m^2$ for normal chow and $11{\pm}2\;per\;50\;{\mu}m^2,\;p<0.05)$. ApoE expression was similar in the apoE2 and control mice; however, VEGF and bFGF were overexpressed in the retinal pigment epithelium of apoE2 eyes compared with control eyes, and PEDF expression was slightly decreased. These expression patterns of VEGF, bFGF, and PEDF suggest angiogenesis is progressing in apoE2 eyes. In conclusion, the eyes of apoE2 mice develop typical lipid accumulations, a common characteristic of AMD, making them a suitable animal model for AMD. The expression profile of VEGF and bFGF on the retinal pigment epithelium suggests that apoE2 may induce neovascularization by altering angiogenic cytokines.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.5-13
• /
• 2008

Objectives : It was the aim of the present paper to examine the impact of the apolipoprotein E(APOE) ${\varepsilon}4$ on cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly samples with 'questionable dementia'. Methods : Total 295 samples who were diagnosed with 'questionable dementia' in the recent year and completed the Korean version of the Consortium Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease(CERAD-K) neuropsychological assessment protocol, were recruited. The CDR test established score of 0.5. Genomic DNA was extracted from the venous blood and APOE genotyping was done in this group. Their cognitive performance was compared by the occurrence of the APOE ${\varepsilon}4$ allele. Results : The impact of ${\varepsilon}4$ allele was significant in the Word List Recall Test(WLRT, F=4.511, df=1, p=0.035). The 'young-old' group aged 75 years and under had a significantly lower performance on the Word List Recall Test(WLRT, F=5.090, df=1, p=0.015), but the 'old-old' group over 75 years of age had not significantly different performance on the all the item of tests in ${\varepsilon}4$+ allele group. Conclusion : The conclusion to be drawn here is that community-dwelling elderly samples with ${\varepsilon}4$ allele in 'questionable dementia' had a significantly lower performance on the Word List Recall Test in the CERAD-K neuropsychological test batteries and the effect was prominent in the 'young-old' age group.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.30 no.8
• /
• pp.936-951
• /
• 1997

As fat consumption has increased in Korea , serum cholesterol concentrations have risen and the prevalence of atherosclerosis increased. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association among apolipoprotein E (Apo E) phenotypes, dietary fat consumption, plasma lipoprotein levels and fatty acid compositions of red blood cells in young healthy women. Seventy-one percent of participants had Apo E3/3, 14.9 percent had ApoE3/2 , 11.8% had Apo E4/3 and 1.2% had Apo E4.2. The subjects daily consumed approximately 1760kcal containing 29 energy % of fat. The ratio of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat in a diet was 0. 73 . There were no significant differences of nutrient intakes according to Apo E phenotypes. Total cholesterol concentrations of subjects averaged approximately 160mg/dl , but 12 percent of them had over 200mg/dl, which is higher than the range recommended by the National Cholesterol Deucation Program. Notably, most subjects with 210mg/dl had Apo E4 isoforms. Subjects with Apo E4 isoforms had significantly higher total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations than those with Apo E3/2. Also subjects carrying Apo E4 isoforms tended to accumulated more fat in the body. Their BMI , WHR and arm fat area appeared to be how can arm fat area be greater no you mean grater, please check work vsage than subjects with Apo E3 isoforms, but not significantly. Fat intakes slightly influenced serum cholesterol levels. Myristic aicd intakes were positively correlated to serum total and LDL-choelsterol levels. Polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes were negatively correlated to serum total choelsterollevels. The results of 소냐 study suggest that , people with Apo E4 isoforms need to prevent the raising of serum total and LDL -cholesterol concentrations by reducing calorie and fat intakes and by maintaining a normal weight.