• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.614-619
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• 2016

The prostate-apoptosis-response-gene-4 (Par-4) protein has been identified as an effector of cell death in response to various apoptotic stimuli in prostate cancer cells. We found that overexpression of Par-4 by stable transfection inhibits cell migration and invasion in Caki cells. The expression of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been implicated in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether ectopic expression of Par-4 modulates MMP-2 expression and activity in human renal carcinoma Caki cells. We found that overexpression of Par-4 markedly inhibited MMP-2 activity, but not MMP-9 activity. However, loss of the leucine zipper domain of Par-4 (Par-4 ΔLZ#1 and #2) did not inhibit MMP-2 activity. Further, knock-down of Par-4 with the corresponding siRNA resulted in increased invasion and metastasis of renal carcinoma Caki cells. Interestingly, overexpression or knock-down of Par-4 did not affect the expression levels of MMP-2 mRNA. Taken together, our findings suggest that Par-4 may inhibit MMP-2 activity through its post-transcriptional regulation in renal carcinoma Caki cells.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.77-82
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• 2011

A long-term follow-up study of a case of impacted teeth associated with a large dentigerous cyst in the left maxilla is presented. The patient was a 30-year-old man who had a large dentigerous cyst in the premaxilla and left posterior maxilla, which impacted the canine and supernumerary tooth. This is one of the most prevalent types of odontogenic cysts associated with an erupted or developing tooth, particularly the mandibular third molars. The other teeth commonly affected in order of frequency are the maxillary canines, maxillary third molars and rarely, the central incisor. Radiographically, the cyst appears as huge ovoid well-demarcated unilocular radiolucency with a sclerotic border and causes ectopic displacement of the inferior border of the maxillary sinus without destruction. Dentigerous cysts may grow unnoticed to such extensive sizes as to occupy a considerable portion of the maxillary sinus. These cysts appear to be associated with a supernumerary tooth in the maxillary anterior incisors region called the mesiodens and impacted canine. The present case report describes the surgical enucleation of a dentigerous cyst involving the permanent maxillary left canine and mesioden. After surgery, left maxillary sinus recovered their normal size and apposition of bone was observed around the apex of the posterior teeth. During the subsequent years, there was no recurrence of the cystic lesion but the inflammation was evoked in the anterior maxilla after 42 months. This complication appeared to have correlated with bony healing in the enucleation site of the cyst. We report the healing status of a huge dentigerous cyst in the maxilla for 5 years with a review of the relevant literature.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1996.04a
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• pp.207-207
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• 1996

Through molecular cloning, five muscarinic receptors have been identified. The muscarinic receptors can be generally grouped according to their coupling to either stimulation of phospholipase C (m1, m3, and m5) or the inhibition of adenylate cyclase (m2 and m4). Each m1, m3, and m5 receptors has the additional potential to couple to the activation of phospholipase A$_2$, C, and D, tyrosine kinase, and the mobilization of Ca$\^$2+/. However, the differences in coupling efficiencies to different second messenger systems between these receptors have not been studied well. Ectopic expression of each of these receptors in mammalian cells has provided the opportunity to evaluate the signal transduction of each in some detail. In this work we compared the coupling efficiencies of the m1, m3 and m5 muscarinic receptors expressed in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to the Ca$\^$2+/ mobilization and the stimulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Because G protein/PLC/PI turnover/[(Ca$\^$2+/])i/NOS pathway was supposed as a main pathway for the production of nitric oxide via muscarinic receptors, we studied on ml, m3 and m5 receptors. Stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity in detector neuroblastoma cells was used as an index of generation nitric oxide (NO) in CHO cells. The agonist carbachol increased the cGMP formation and the intracellular [Ca$\^$2+/] in concentration dependent manner in three types of receptors and the increased cGMP formation was significantly attenuated by scavenger of NO or inhibitor of NOS. m5 receptors was most efficiently coupled to stimulation of nNOS, And, the coupling efficiencies to the stimulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in three types of receptors were parallel with them to the Ca$\^$2+/ mobilization.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.23-27
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• 2010

목적: 모반양 기저세포암 증후군 (Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome) 또는 골린-골츠 증후군은 한국에서는 흔하지 않은 증후군으로 주로 상염색체 우성으로 유전하고 다기관 장애가 나타날 수 있으며 높은 표현율과 다양한 표현도를 특징으로 한다. 모반양 기저세포암 증후군의 진단 기준에는 다발성 기저세포암, 이소성 석회화(ectopic calcification), 손 또는 발바닥 오목 (palma or plantar pits), 치성 각화 낭종(odontogenic keratocysts), 가족력 및 골격계, 신경계, 안, 비뇨생식계 및 심장혈관의 이상 등이 있다. 본원에서 주로 두부의 다발성 기저세포암을 가진 모반양 기저세포암 증후군 환자를 경험하여 보고하고자 한다. 방법: 환자는 2007년 4월 두부의 색소성 모반으로 피부과에서 시행한 펀치 생검에서 기저세포암을 진단받고 의뢰되었으며, 이후 2009년 7월까지 14회의 추가적인 절제 및 조직 검사를 시행하였다. 환자는 갑상샘 유두암종의 재발로 인해 갑상샘 절제술을 2회 시행한 과거력이 있었으며 이학적 검사와 일반 혈액, 소변, 간 기능 및 갑상선 기능 검사를 시행하였고, 흉부와 늑골 방사선 검사, 심전도와 안면부 및 두부 컴퓨터단층촬영과 유전자 검사를 시행하였다. 결과: 두부와 안면부에서 절제한 27개의 병변 중 23개(85%)가 기저세포암으로 진단되었으며, 치성 각화 낭종과 대뇌겸 석회화, 이학적 검사에서 손바닥 오목이 발견되었다. 하복부 초음파에서 난소 낭종이 발견되었으나 조직 검사는 시행되지 않았다. 결론: 한국에서 모반양 기저세포암 증후군에 대한 연구는 주로 치과와 피부과 영역에서 국한되었으며, 특히 치과 영역에서의 보고는 치성 각화 낭종 및 손바닥 오목에 초점을 둔 것이 대부분이었다. 이에 본원에서는 주로 두부의 다발성 기저세포암을 가진 모반양 기저세포암의 환자를 경험하였으며, 초기에 발견된 작은 병변의 제거 시 2mm의 정상 조직을 포함하여 절제하였어도 3년간의 경과관찰 중 재발없이 좋은 결과를 얻을 수 있어 이를 보고하는 바이다.

• BMB Reports
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.629-634
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• 2012

The human glycoprotein, stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) plays multiple roles in several tumor types, however, its function and clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, we detected STC2 expression by quantitative real-time PCR and found STC2 was upregulated in HCC tissues, correlated with tumor size and multiplicity of HCC. Ectopic expression of STC2 markedly promoted HCC cell proliferation and colony formation, while silencing of endogenous STC2 resulted in a reduced cell growth by cell cycle delay in G0/G1 phase. Western blot analysis demonstrated that STC2 could regulate the expression of cyclin D1 and activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in a dominant-positive manner. Transwell chamber assay also indicated altered patterns of STC2 expression had an important effect on cell migration. Our findings suggest that STC2 functions as a potential oncoprotein in the development and progression of HCC as well as a promising molecular target for HCC therapy.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.423-429
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• 2020

Purpose: Alimentary tract duplication (ATD) is a rare congenital condition that may occur throughout the intestinal tract. Clinical symptoms are generally related to the involved site, size of duplication, or associated ectopic mucosa. This study aimed to identify clinical implications by anatomical locations and age group and then suggest a relevant management according to its distinct features. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of pediatric patients who received a surgical management due to ATD. Furthermore, data including patients' demographics, anatomical distribution of the duplication, clinical features according to anatomical variants, and outcomes were compared. Results: A total of 25 patients were included in this study. ATD developed most commonly in the midgut, especially at the ileocecal region. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain, a sign resulting from intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and intussusception. The non-communicating cystic type was the most common pathological feature in all age groups. Clinically, prenatal detection was relatively low; however, it usually manifested before the infantile period. A laparoscopic procedure was performed in most cases (18/25, 72.0%), significantly in the midgut lesion (p=0.012). Conclusion: ATD occurs most commonly at the ileocecal region, and a symptomatic one may usually be detected before the early childhood period. Surgical management should be considered whether symptom or not regarding its symptomatic progression, and a minimal invasive procedure is the preferred method, especially for the midgut lesion.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.43-50
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• 2010

Recently induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are derived from somatic cells by ectopic expression of several transcription factors (reprogramming factors) using technology of somatic cell reprogramming. iPS cells are able to selfrenew and differentiate into all type of cells in the body similarly to embryonic stem cells. Because iPS cells have advantages that can avoid immune rejection after transplantation and ethical issues unlike embryonic stem cells, research on iPS has made significant progress since the first report by Yamanaka in 2006. Nevertheless of many advantages of iPS, safer methods to introduce reprogramming factors into somatic cells must be developed due to safety concerns regarding viral vectors, and safer reprogramming factors to substitute the oncogenes should be evaluated for clinical application of iPS. Here we discuss the recent progress in reprogramming factors in embryonic stem cells, oocytes, and embryos, and discuss further research for finding new, more reliable and safer reprogramming factors.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.465-472
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• 2018

Our aim was to determine the detection rate of respiratory viruses (RVs) in feces of patients with acute viral respiratory infection (AVRI) and the detection rate of diarrheal viruses (DVs) in nasopharyngeal samples from patients with acute viral gastroenteritis. The relationships between the presence of fecal RVs or nasopharyngeal DVs and their impacts on the clinical severity were also investigated. A total of 144 fecal specimens were collected from AVRI patients and 95 nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from acute viral gastroenteritis patients. Clinical characteristics and laboratory profiles were compared between subgroups on the basis of the presence or absence of virus in the specimens. The detection rate of RVs in feces was 17.4% (25/144), whereas the detection rate for viruses identical to the respiratory pathogen was 10.4% (identical group, 15/144). Within the identical group, adenovirus (86.7%, 13/15) was most commonly found. Patients in the identical group showed statistically higher values for C-reactive protein, mean age, increased frequency of vomiting, and decreased frequency of chest film involvement and cough (p < 0.05). The detection rate of nasopharyngeal DVs among acute viral gastroenteritis patients was 19.0% (18/95), and in the identical group it was 15.8% (15/95). Norovirus group II and enteric adenovirus were the major pathogens detected in the identical group. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory profiles between the subgroups. In conclusion, the major pathogens of fecal RV and nasopharyngeal DV were adenovirus and norovirus group II, respectively. However, their relationship with the clinical symptoms or disease severity is unclear.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.7
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• pp.221-225
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• 2018

Purpose: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common endocrine disorder in children. Thyroid hormone deprivation results not only in mental retardation but also growth retardation. This study investigates the final height (FH) in Korean patients with CH detected by newborn screening and examines factors that may affect the FH. Methods: The medical records of Korean CH patients (n=45) were reviewed. The FH was examined and target height (TH) was calculated based on mid-parental height. The FH z score (FHZ) and TH z score (THZ) were computed using the 2007 Korean National Growth Chart. The FHZ and THZ were compared with a Student t test. The impact of the etiology of CH (athyreosis, dyshormonogenesis, ectopic thyoid, hypoplastic thyroid), initial serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, initial free thyroxine (T4) level, and time of therapy initiation based on FH was assessed. Results: The mean FHZ was $0.10{\pm}1.01$ for male patients and $-0.11{\pm}1.09$ for female patients. There were no significant differences between FHZ and THZ for both female (P=0.356) and male patients (P=0.237). No significant relationship was found between FH and the etiology of CH, initial TSH level, initial free T4 level, and the time of therapy initiation. Conclusion: Early intervention and satisfactory management do not appear to impede growth in Korean patients with CH. Thus, early detection and proper management of patients with CH detected by newborn screening program are necessary.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.784-788
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• 2007

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide can stimulate the growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary. In this study, a porcine GHRH expression plasmid pHC-GHRH was used to enhance growth performance through ectopic expressions in muscle tissues of rats. Rats injected with the plasmid of pHC-GHRH and pCMV-GHRH exhibited cumulative weight gains 6.4% and 1% greater than controls. During a 5-day period, significant weight gain differences were observed as follows compared with that of control: during 5-10 days post-injection (DPI) period, the group pHC-GHRH on average 14.5% heavier than controls, $40.73{\pm}0.88$ g vs. $35.57{\pm}1.23$ g (p = 0.0023); during 10-15 DPI period, the group pHC-GHRH on average 13.6% heavier than controls, $37.49{\pm}2.85$ g vs. $33.00{\pm}1.56$ g (p = 0.0146); during 15-20 DPI period, the group pHC-GHRH on average 17.8% heavier than controls, $25.64{\pm}1.39$ g vs. $21.77{\pm}1.27$ g (p<0.05). In addition, plasmids-treated rats maintained higher serum IGF-I than controls. Significant differences of IGF-I were observed on 13 DPI and on 40 DPI in pHC-GHRH group compared with that of controls. This was accomplished through the use of an improved expression cassette that included the cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early enhancer/promoter in combination with a 1.5-kilobase portion of porcine ${\alpha}$-skeletal muscle actin promoter.