• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

This study was conducted to examine the role of intact cumulus cells during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on sperm penetration, male pronuclear (MPN) formation and subsequent embryo development of oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro. Cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained from the slaughtered gilt ovaries were matured for 44 h in TCM199 containing 10% porcine follicular fluid, epidermal growth factor and hormones. After maturation culture, denuded oocytes or oocytes with intact cumulus cells were coincubated with frozen-thawed boar semen for 8h in a modified tris-buffered medium containing 5mM caffeine and 10mM calcium chloride. Putative zygotes were fixed and examined for sperm penetration and MPN formation (Experiments $1{\sim}3$), or cultured in North Carolina State University-23 medium fo. 156 h (Experiment 3). In Experiment 1, sperm penetration was examined after insemination of denuded oocytes and oocytes with intact cumulus cells at the concentration of $7.5{\times}10^5$ sperm/ml. Optimal sperm concentration for IVF of cumulus-intact oocytes was determined in Experiment 2 by inseminating intact oocytes with $2{\sim}5{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml. In Experiment 3, denuded or intact oocytes were inseminated at the concentrations of $7.5{\times}10^5$ and $4.0{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml, respectively, and in vitro embryo development was compared. Sperm penetration was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in cumulus-intact oocytes compared to denuded oocytes (35.2% vs. 77.4%). Based on the rates of sperm penetration and normal fertilization, the concentration of $4.0{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml was optimal for the IVF of intact oocytes compared to other sperm concentrations. The presence of intact cumulus cells during IVF significantly (p<0.05) improved embryo cleavage (48.8% vs. 58.9%), blastocyst (BL) formation (11.0% vs. 22.8%) and embryo cell number $(22{\pm}2\;vs.\;29{\pm}2\;cells)$ compared to denuded oocytes. In conclusion, these results suggest that intact cumulus cells during IVF inhibit sperm penetration but improve embryo cleavage, BL formation and embryo cell number of porcine embryos produced in vitro.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.77-90
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this review Is to provide an update on novel radiation treatments for head and neck cancer Recent Findings: Despite the remarkable advances In chemotherapy and radiotherapy techniques, the management of advanced head and neck cancer remains challenging. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Is an appealing target for novel therapies In head and neck cancer because not only EGFR activation stimulates many important signaling pathways associated with cancer development and progression, and importantly, resistance to radiation. Furthermore, EGFR overexpression Is known to be portended for a worse outcome in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Two categories of compounds designed to abrogate EGFR signaling, such as monoclonal antibodies (Cetuxlmab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ZD1839 and 051-774) have been assessed and have been most extensively studied In preclinical models and clinical trials. Additional TKIs In clinical trials include a reversible agent, Cl-1033, which blocks activation of all erbB receptors. Encouraging preclinical data for head and neck cancers resulted In rapid translation Into the clinic. Results from Initial clinical trials show rather surprisingly that only minority of patients benefited from EGFR inhibition as monotherapy or In combination with chemotherapy. In this review, we begin with a brief summary of erbB- mediated signal transduction. Subsequently, we present data on prognostic-predictive value of erbB receptor expression in HNC followed by preclinlcal and clinical data on the role of EGFR antagonists alone or in combination with radiation In the treatment of HNC. Finally, we discuss the emerging thoughts on resistance to EGFR biockade and efforts In the development of multiple-targeted therapy for combination with chemotherapy or radiation. Current challenges for investigators are to determine (1 ) who will benefit from targeted agents and which agents are most appropriate to combine with radiation and/or chemotherapy, (2) how to sequence these agents with radiation and/or cytotoxlc compounds, (3) reliable markers for patient selection and verification of effective blockade of signaling in vivo, and (4) mechanisms behind intrinsic or acquired resistance to targeted agents to facilitate rational development of multi-targeted therapy, Other molecuiar-targeted approaches In head and neck cancer were briefly described, Including angloenesis Inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, cell cycle regulators, and gene therapy Summary: Novel targeted theraples are highly appealing in advanced head and neck cancer, and the most premising strategy to use them Is a matter of intense Investigation.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.379-394
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• 2021

Purpose. In our previous studies, application of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to gingival fibroblasts or to canine palatal soft tissue was verified to alter the expression of several genes responsible for cell cycle progression. In order to confirm this effect in a system allowing sequential release of TCA and epidermal growth factor (EGF), expression of various cell cycle genes following the application of the agents, using hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan (HGC)-based nano-controlled release system, was explored in this study. Materials and methods. HGC-based nano-controlled release system was developed followed by loading TCA and EGF. The groups were defined as the control (CON); TCA-loaded nano-controlled release system (EXP1); TCA- and EGF- individually loaded nano-controlled release system (EXP2). At 24- and 48 hr culture, expression of 37 cell cycle genes was analyzed in human gingival fibroblasts. Correlations and the influential genes were also analyzed. Results. Numerous genes such as cyclins (CCNDs), cell division cycles (CDCs), cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), E2F transcription factors (E2Fs), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and other cell cycle genes were significantly up-regulated in EXP1 and EXP2. Also, cell cycle arrest genes of E2F4, E2F5, and GADD45G were up-regulated but another cell cycle arrest gene SMAD4 was down-regulated. From the multiple regression analysis, CCNA2, CDK4, and ANAPC4 were determined as the most influential factors on the expression of ERK genes. Conclusion. Application of TCA and EGF, using the HGC-based nano-controlled sequential release system significantly up-regulated various cell cycle progression genes, leading to the possibility of regenerating oral soft tissue via application of the proposed system.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.659-667
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• 2020

Muscle stem cells isolated from domestic animals, including cows and pigs, were recently spotlighted as candidates for the production of alternative protein resources, so-called cultured meat or lab-grown meat. In the present study, we aimed to optimize the in vitro culture conditions for the long-term expansion of pig muscle stem cells via the screening of various signaling molecules. Pig muscle stem cells were collected from the biceps femoris muscles of 3-d-old crossbred pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc, LYD) and cultured in minimum essential medium-based growth media. However, the pig muscle stem cells gradually lost their proliferation ability and featured morphologies during the long-term culture over two weeks. To find suitable in vitro culture conditions for an extended period, skeletal muscle growth medium-2, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), dexamethasone, and a p38 inhibitor (SB203580), was used to support the stemness of the pig muscle stem cells. Interestingly, pig muscle stem cells were stably maintained in a long-term culture without loss of the expression of myogenic marker genes as determined by PCR analysis. Immunostaining analysis showed that the stem cells were capable of myogenic differentiation after multiple passaging. Therefore, we found that basal culture conditions containing EGF, dexamethasone, and a p38 inhibitor were suitable for maintaining pig muscle stem cells during expanded culture in vitro. This culture method may be applied for the production of cultured meat and further basic research on muscle development in the pig.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.92-97
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• 2005

Inhibition of inflammatory response, acceleration of basal cell growth, and balanced synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) are important in healing of cutaneous open wounds. In order to evaluate the healing effects of water extracts of Radix Astragali (the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.)) on open wound at early stage, the experimental open wounds were generated on the dorsal sides of SD rats under anesthesia. The boiled-water extracts of Radix Astragali $(100{\mu}l)$, soaked into an occlusive film dressing were applied once a day for eleven consecutive days. The healing process was assessed by measuring macroscopic appearance and wound areas of the open wounds. The molecular aspects of healing process by Radix Astragali extracts were also investigated by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H-E) double staining and immunohistological staining of collagen type I in the healed skin area, implying cell density and linear alignment of the granulation tissue, and ECM synthesis and its remodeling, respectively. The Astragali radix extracts were found to significantly accelerate the cutaneous wound healing by suppressing the inflammation and stimulating the basal cell growth in wounded area, as compared to epidermal growth factor (EGF).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5081-5086
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• 2012

Background: The liver is one of the most common metastatic sites of breast cancer, hepatic metastases developing in 6%-25% of patients with breast cancer and being associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the survival and clinical characteristics of patients with hepatic metastases from breast cancer of different molecular subtypes and to investigate the prognostic and predictive factors that effect clinical outcome. Methods: We retrospectively studied the charts of 104 patients with breast cancer hepatic metastases diagnosed at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from December 1990 to June 2009. Subtypes were defined as luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) enriched, triple-negative (TN). Prognostic factor correlations with clinical features and treatment approaches were assessed at the diagnosis of hepatic metastases. Results: The median survival time was 16.0 months, and the one-, two- three-, four-, five-year survival rates were 63.5%, 31.7%, 15.6%, 10.8%, and 5.4%, respectively. Median survival periods after hepatic metastases were 19.3 months (luminal A), 13.3 months (luminal B), 18.9 months (HER2-enriched), and 16.1 months (TN, P=0.11). In multivariate analysis, a 2 year-interval from initial diagnosis to hepatic metastasis, treatment with endocrine therapy, and surgery were independent prognostic factors. Endocrine therapy could improve the survival of luminal subtypes (P=0.004) and was a favorable prognostic factor (median survival 23.4 months vs. 13.8 months, respectively, P=0.011). Luminal A group of patients treated with endocrine therapy did significantly better than the Luminal A group of patients treated without endocrine therapy (median survival of 48.9 vs. 13.8 months, P=0.003). Conclusions: Breast cancer subtypes were not associated with survival after hepatic metastases. Endocrine therapy was a significantly favorable treatment for patients with luminal subtype.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.499-510
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• 2006

Malignant tumors of the human salivary glands may arise from major or minor salivary glands. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is the second most common malignant neoplasm in the salivary glands. ACC is occasionally highly aggressive tumor that readily invades adjacent tissues and metastasize to distant organs at early stages of the disease. Although ACC tends to grow slowly, treatment outcome may be poor due to wide local infiltration, perineural or intraneural spread and a propensity for hematogenous metastasis. Therefore, knowledge of cellular and molecular characteristics that influence the growth, survival and metastasis of tumor cells, is important for new treatment strategies of salivary ACC. I determined expressions of epiderma growth factor (EGF)-signaling molecules using surgical specimens of human ACCs. Protein expressions of EGF, transforming growth $factor(TGF)-{\alpha}$, EGF receptor (EGFR), phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR), and human EGF receptor (HER)-2 were assessed in 18 cases of salivary ACC by immunohistochemical staining. Adjacent normal salivary tissues and mucosal tissues, uninvolved by the malignant tumor, served as internal controls. Most of the tumors, especially ACC with a tubulocribriform pattern, were positive for EGF signaling molecules. The overall percentages of the 18 specimens expressing EGF, $TGF-{\alpha}$, EGFR, pEGFR, and HER2 were 50, 89, 61, 61 and 83% respectively. Moreover, tumor-associated endothelial cells and infiltrating immune-related cells in the stroma of ACC, also expressed these biomarkers. Taken together, EGF-signaling molecules are actively expressed in salivary ACC. Therefore, we suggest that these biomarkers can be molecular targets for new treatment strategies of salivary tumors.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.420-427
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• 2010

A process for manufacturing virally-safe bovine amniotic membrane(BAM) has been developed for biological dressing. BAM was harvested from a healthy bovine placenta, and then the epithelium was removed. The remaining stromal layer was consecutively disinfected with 70% ethanol and 0.05% sodium hypochlorite. The stromal layer was incubated in a decellularization solution containing 0.25%(w/v) trypsin to remove the cellular components. The resulting acelluar BAM was lyophilized to preserve its biochemical and structural integrity. The BAM was packed and exposed to 25 kGy of gamma irradiation for sterilization purpose. Histological, electron microscopical, and biochemical observations showed that the acellualr BAM had intact structural integrity of three dimensional collagen fibers and contained several growth factors, accelerating wound healing, such as EGF (Epidermal growth factor), KGF (Keratinocyte growth factor), and FGF (Fibroblast growth factor). Bovine herpes virus (BHV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV-3), and bovine parvovirus (BPV) were chosen as the biological indicators for validation of viral safety of the acellular BAM. Samples from relevant stages of the production process were spiked with each virus and subjected to viral inactivation processes. Viruses were recovered from the samples and then titrated immediately. All the viruses tested were completely inactivated to undetectable levels within 1 h of 70% ethanol treatment. Enveloped viruses such as BHV, BVDV, and BPIV-3 were more effectively inactivated than BPV by 0.05% sodium hypochlorite treatment. BHV, BVDV, and BPIV-3 were completely inactivated to undetectable levels by 25 kGy of gamma irradiation. Also BPV was effectively inactivated by 25 kGy of gamma irradiation. The cumulative log reduction factors of BHV, BVDV, BPIV-3, and BPV were ${\geq}$13.30, ${\geq}$14.32, ${\geq}$15.22, and ${\geq}$7.57, respectively. These results indicate that the production process for acelluar BAM has a sufficient virus-reducing capacity to achieve a high margin of the virus safety.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.505-527
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• 2000

The 3 beagle dogs aged over one and half years and weighed 14 to 16 Kg were utilized in this study. Horizontal furcation defects were induced around 3rd, and 4th premolars bilaterally. BMP-4 in conjunction with EGF and BMP-4 only were applied in the right and left premolars respectively. 1 animal was sacrificed at 2nd week, 4th week, and 8th week, after regenerative surgery respectively. Semi-thin sections using glass-knife were stained with hematoxylin- eosin and trichrome for light microscopic study. The results were as follows : 1 . The long junctional epithelial downgrowth was observed in both area applied with BMP-4 and with BMP-4 and EGF at 2nd week after the surgery. 2 . The extensive regeneration of new bone and cementum was appeared at 4th week and the maturation of bone was observed at 8th week in both area applied with BMP-4 and with BMP-4 and EGF. 3 . The root ankylosis and resorption was presented along the exposed root surface at the coronal 1/3 of defect in the BMP-4 applied site, but it was not shown in the site applied with BMP-4 in conjunction with EGF at the 4th week. At 8th week, the root ankylosis was apparently appeared in the BMP-4 and EGF applied site as well as in the BMP-4 applied site. 4 . The periodontal ligament tissue including Sharpey's fiber inserted into cementum and alveolar bone, was formed along the exposed root surface in the area applied with BMP-4 only, but in the site applied with BMP-4 and EGF, the collagen fiber running parallel to the root surface without Sharpey's fiber, was observed in the periodontal ligament space at 4th and 8th week. Within the above results, BMP-4 had the remarkable capability to regenerate the periodontal tissue and EGF had possibility to prevent from the root ankylosis. Therefore, growth factors including BMP-4 and EGF may have the strong possibility to be utilized in the clinical periodontal treatments.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3451-3455
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• 2014

Background: The serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level can reflect tumor growth, recurrence and metastasis. It has been reported that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in exons 19 and 21may have an important relationship with tumor cell sensitivity to EGFR-TKI therapy. In this study, we investigated the clinical value of EGFR mutations and serum CEA in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: The presence of mutations in EGFR exons 19 and 21 in the tissue samples of 315 patients with NSCLC was detected with real-time fluorescent PCR technology, while the serum CEA level in cases who had not yet undergone surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy were assessed by electrochemical luminescence. Results: The mutation rates in EGFR exons 19 and 21 were 23.2% and 14.9%, respectively, with the two combined in 3.81%. Measured prior to the start of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted treatment, serum CEA levels were abnormally high in 54.3% of the patients. In those with a serum CEA level <5 ng/mL, the EGFR mutation rate was 18.8%, while with 5~19 ng/mL and ${\geq}20ng/mL$, the rates were 36.4% and 62.5%. In addition, in the cohort of patients with the CEA level being 20~49 ng/mL, the EGFR mutation rate was 85.7%, while in those with the CEA level ${\geq}50ng/mL$, the EGFR mutation rate was only 20.0%, approximately the same as in cases with the CEA level<5 ng/mL. Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between serum CEA expression level and EGFR mutation status in NSCLC patients, namely the EGFR mutation-positive rate increases as the serum CEA expression level rises within a certain range (${\geq}20ng/mL$, especially 20~49 ng/mL). If patient samples are not suitable for EGFR mutation testing, or cannot be obtained at all, testing serum CEA levels might be a simple and easy screening method. Hence, for the NSCLC patients with high serum CEA level (${\geq}20ng/mL$, especially 20~49 ng/mL), it is worthy of attempting EGFR-TKI treatment, which may achieve better clinical efficacy and quality of life.