• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.476-486
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• 2020

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of lung cancer in relation to angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) use among patients with hypertension from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with hypertension who started to take antihypertensive medications and had a treatment period of at least 6 months. We calculated the weighted hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer associated with ARB use compared with calcium channel blocker (CCB) use using inverse probability treatment weighting. Results: Among a total of 60 469 subjects with a median follow-up time of 7.8 years, 476 cases of lung cancer were identified. ARB use had a protective effect on lung cancer compared with CCB use (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.96). Consistent findings were found in analyses considering patients who changed or discontinued their medication (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.77), as well as for women (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.93), patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.00), never-smokers (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.99), and non-drinkers (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.97). In analyses with different comparison antihypertensive medications, the overall protective effects of ARBs on lung cancer risk remained consistent. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that ARBs could decrease the risk of lung cancer. More evidence is needed to establish the causal effect of ARBs on the incidence of lung cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7243-7248
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• 2015

Background: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a major chemokine thought to be responsible for monocyte and T-lymphocyte recruitment in acute inflammatory conditions and recruitment of macrophages in tumors. It is also implicated in cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between MCP-1 -2518 A/G polymorphism and breast cancer risk in patients from Amritsar city of Punjab state in North-West India. Materials and Methods: We screened DNA samples of 200 sporadic breast cancer patients and 200 age and gender matched unrelated healthy individuals for MCP-1 -2518 A/G polymorphism using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: A significantly increased frequency of the GG genotype was observed in patients as compared to controls. Individuals carrying the MCP1 -2518GG genotype had a two fold risk for breast cancer (OR=2.06, 95%CI, 1.06-3.98; p=0.03). Genetic models analysis revealed a significant association between MCP-1 -2518 A/G polymorphism and cancer risk in homozygous co-dominant (OR=2.06, 95%CI, 1.06-3.98; p=0.03) and recessive (OR=1.97, 95%CI, 1.05-3.70; p=0.03) models. Conclusions: We conclude that the GG genotype of the MCP-1-2518 A/G polymorphism is associated with increased risk to breast cancer in Punjab, North-West India.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.399-406
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• 2014

Objectives: Ryodoraku is a physiological function test using electric current. Since it can evaluate the patient's overall condition as well as a function of individual organs, Ryodoraku can be assumed as an effective way to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the values of Ryodoraku for diagnosing COPD. Methods: We designated a COPD group, who were over 40 and satisfying COPD criteria, $FEV_1$/FVC<0.7. The Control group also consisted of members over 40 years old but without COPD and any other lung disease. We conducted a comparative study by checking the Ryodoraku score (RS), the average of Rt.&Lt. H1 (mean H1), the mean difference value between both H1s (${\mid}H1^R-H1^L{\mid}$) and the ratio of patients whose RS was under 40. Then we investigated the correlation between the mean H1 and the results of pulmonary function test (PFT). Results & Conclusions: In the COPD group, RS, mean H1 and ${\mid}H1^R-H1^L{\mid}$ were significantly lower and the ratio of 'RS<40' patients was meaningfully higher than in the Control group. On the other hand, PFT seems not to be replaced by Ryodoraku since there was no correlation between mean H1 and the results of PFT. Though more experiments and researches are needed to be further confirmed, Ryodoraku is expected to be an adequate way for prediagnosing and following up the COPD patients.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.589-597
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• 2015

It has been reported that overexpression of MUC5AC induced by excessive inflammation leads to airway obstruction in respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects, but the role of 15-HETE in respiratory inflammation has not been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 15-HETE on MUC5AC expression and related pathways. In this study, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) was used to stimulate NCI-H292 bronchial epithelial cells in order to examine the effects of 15-HETE. 15-HETE inhibited PMA-induced expression of MUC5AC mRNA and secretion of MUC5AC protein. Moreover, 15-HETE regulated matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, 15-HETE decreased the nuclear translocation of specificity protein-1 (Sp-1) transcription factor and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, 15-HETE enhanced the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as a PPARγ agonist. This activity reduced the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PΚB/Akt) by increasing the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). In conclusion, 15-HETE regulated MUC5AC expression via modulating MMP-9, MEK/ERK/Sp-1, and PPARγ/PTEN/Akt signaling pathways in PMA-treated respiratory epithelial cells.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.571-575
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• 2006

Mycobacterium avium has been traditionally described as an opportunistic organism that causes disseminated disease in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients and acts as a pulmonary pathogen in patients with underlying lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or previously treated tuberculosis. Infections caused by M. avium in immunocompetent hosts usually manifest as 2 distinct subtypes, the upper lobe cavitary form and the nodular bronchiectatic form. However endobronchial lesions due to M. avium infections in immunocompetent host are reasonably rare, and there are no reports of this condition in Korea. We report here a case of endobronchial lesions involved in an M. avium infection in an immunocompetent 21 year-old female patient with no preexisting lung disease.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.372-378
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• 1991

Some kinds of newer fluoroquinolone antibiotics are known to interact with theophylline, which is widely used as a potent bronchodilator in asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease. To evaluate the effect of enoxacin and ciprofloxacin on the metabolism of theophylline, aminophylline was administered intravenously in bolus (6 mg/kg) over 30 minutes to 6 healthy volunteers (age: $23.3{\pm}4.2$ year, body weight: $63.2{\pm}9.0\;kg$, height: $169.0{\pm}6.5\;cm$, female 3, male 3) before and after per oral 5-day medication of enoxacin and ciprofloxacin, respectively and we measured the level of theophylline in serum. The results were as follows: 1) Enoxacin and ciprofloxacin did not influence the volume of distribution significantly. 2) Enoxacin decreased the clearance of theophylline significantly (from $42.9{\pm}14.6\;ml/min$ to $30.1{\pm}6.3\;ml/min$: p<0.05), but ciprofloxacin did not cause significant decrease (to $32.8{\pm}6.2\;ml/min$: p>0.005). 3) Enoxacin increased the elimination half life of theophylline significantly (from $496{\pm}83\;min$ to $693{\pm}32\;min$: p<0.001), but ciprofloxacin did not cause significant increase (to $687{\pm}222\;min$: p>0.05). These results suggested that enoxacin influenced clearance and elimination half life significantly and thorough monitoring of the level of theophylline in patients with coadminstration of enoxacin and theophylline was necessary. In case of ciprofloxacin, the influence on the metabolism of theophylline was not statistically significant, but one exceptionally large decrease of the clearance and increase of the elimination halflife of theophylline suggested the necessity of monitoring of theophylline level during coadministration of ciprofloxacin and theophylline.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.651-656
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• 1996

We have experienced a case of sarcoidosis appearing asymmetrical diffuse interstitial lung lesions with multiple lymphadenopathy. This patient was a 57 year-old female who had been in good health until 2 months ago. At that time she noted the onset of an exertional dyspnea and weakness. Pulmonary function tests showed moderate obstructive pattern with mild decreased DLco. In the chest CT, multiple lymphadenopathy with small nodular lesions are scattered, and the impression was a metastatic lymph nodes with lymphangitic carcinomatosis. In bronchofiberscopy, we noted luminal narrowing by extrinsic compression in the right middle and lower lobe bronchi. And microscopic examination of by bronchofiberscopic biopsy showed chronic inflammation. Thus we performed subcarinal and tight supraclaviclar lymph nodes aspiration biopsy cytology, and that revealed class 0 and class 1, respectively. Finally, we performed an excisional biopsy for the right scalene lymph node, which revealed the specimen as a noncaseating granuloma. The angiotensin convecting enzyme level was overt two folds compared to normal value. And the patient had negative PPD skin test and hyperglobulinemia. After 18 weeks treatment with prednisone, the signs and symptoms which the patient clad suffered from, disappeared.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.67 no.6
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• pp.536-544
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• 2009

Background: A combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SFC) and tiotropium bromide (TIO) is commonly prescribed for COPD patients but there is little data on their effectiveness, particularly in COPD patients with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This study compared the spirometric improvement based on the change in $FEV_1$, $FEV_1$/FVC, and IC as well as the clinical outcomes of the therapeutic strategies with SFC and TIO versus the individual components in patients with severe COPD and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Methods: This study examined the spirometric data and clinical outcomes of 214 patients with COPD and hyperresponsiveness, who were divided into three groups according to the therapeutic regimen (TIO only, SFC only, and a triple therapy regimen). Results: All regimen groups showed early improvement in the $FEV_1$ and IC (at 3- and 6 months after treatment). However, long-term beneficial effects were observed only in the SFC group (at 24 months after treatment). However, these beneficial effects decreased after a 36-month follow up. In all spirometric results, the 12-, 24-, and 36-months data showed a similar degree of improvement in the three groups. The triple therapy group showed higher St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores and lower acute exacerbations and hospitalization. Conclusion: SFC can be a more important component in the pharmacological treatment of severe COPD patients with hyperresponsiveness than TIO, particularly in the spirometric and clinical outcomes.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.7-15
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• 2018

We need to understand the outcomes into adulthood for survivors born either extremely low birthweight (ELBW; <1,000 g) or extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks' gestational age), particularly their blood pressure and cardiovascular metabolic status,respiratory function, growth, psychological and mental health performance, and functional outcomes. Blood pressure is higher in late adolescence and early adulthood in ELBW/EP survivors compared with controls. In some studies, expreterm survivors have higher insulin and blood lipid concentrations than controls, which may also increase their risk for later cardiovascular disease. ELBW/EP survivors have more expiratory airflow obstruction than do controls. Those who had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the newborn period have even worse lung function than those who did not have BPD. As a group, they are unlikely to achieve their full lung growth potential, which means that more of them are likely to develop chronic obstructive airway disease in later life. Although they are smaller than term born controls, their weight gradually rises and ultimately reaches a mean z-score close to zero in late adolescence, and they ultimately attain a height z-score close to their mid-parental height z-score. On average, ex-preterm survivors have intelligence quotient (IQ) scores and performance on tests of academic achievement approximately 2/3 SD lower than do controls, and they also perform less well on tests of attention and executive function. They have similar high rates of anxiety and depression symptoms in late adolescence as do controls. They are, however, over-represented in population registries for rarer disorders such as schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In cohort studies, ex-preterm survivors mostly report good quality of life and participation in daily activities, and they report good levels of self-esteem. In population studies, they require higher levels of economic assistance, such as disability pensions, they do not achieve education levels as high as controls, fewer are married, and their rates of reproduction are lower, at least in early adulthood. Survivors born ELBW/EP will present more and more to health carers in adulthood, as they survive in larger numbers.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.380-387
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• 2011

This study was carried out to investigate the inhibitory effect of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (ADR) extract on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced by cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. COPD was induced by intratracheal instillation of LPS and CSC 5 times for 12 days; this increased airway hyperresoponsiveness (AHR) and inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). ADR extract was administered orally at a dose of 50 and 200 mg/kg. The concentration of imperatorin, a major component of ADR and therefore used as a measure of quality control, was $0.098%{\pm}0.018%$. Treatment of the mice with ADR extract (50 and 200 mg/kg) alleviated AHR and reduced inflammatory cell counts. Treatment with cyclosporin A (CSA; 10 mg/kg) also modulated AHR and reduced inflammatory cells effectively. Compared with CSA treatment, treatment with ADR (50 mg/kg) extract reduced neutrophil and $CD4^+/CD3^+$ cell counts by 22.67% and 44.92%, respectively. In addition, compared with CSA treatment, treatment ADR 200 mg/kg reduced neutrophils, $CD4^+/CD3^+$ cells and $CD8^+/CD3^+$ cells, by 32.10%, 83.17% and 82.11%, respectively. These results indicate that ADR extract may have an inhibitory effect on COPD induced by LPS and CSC in mice.