• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2012

Objective : The aim of this study was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 gene and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes are associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods : A total of 157 patients with OPLL and 222 controls were recruited for a case control association study investigating the relationship between SNPs of FGF2, FGFR1, FGFR2 and OPLL. To identify the association among polymorphisms of FGF2 gene, FGFR1, FGFR2 genes and OPLL, the authors genotyped 9 SNPs of the genes (FGF2 : rs1476217, rs308395, rs308397, and rs3747676; FGFR1 : rs13317 and rs2467531; FGFR2 : rs755793, rs1047100, and rs3135831) using direct sequencing method. SNPs data were analyzed using the SNPStats, SNPAnalyzer, Haploview, and Helixtree programs. Results : Of the SNPs, a SNP (rs13317) in FGFR1 was significantly associated with the susceptibility of OPLL in the codominant (odds ratio=1.35, 95% confidence interval=1.01-1.81, p=0.048) and recessive model (odds ratio=2.00, 95% confidence interval=1.11-3.59, p=0.020). The analysis adjusted for associated condition showed that the SNP of rs1476217 (p=0.03), rs3747676 (p=0.01) polymorphisms in the FGF2 were associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and rs1476217 (p=0.01) in the FGF2 was associated with ossification of the ligament flavum (OLF). Conclusion : The results of the present study revealed that an FGFR1 SNP was significantly associated with OPLL and that a SNP in FGF2 was associated with conditions that were comorbid with OPLL (DISH and OLF).

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.239-252
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• 2007

Objectives: In the present study, we examined the differentiation potential of human adipose-(HAD) and human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal like stem cells (HUC) into cardiomyocytes. Methods: Cells were initially exposed to 5-azacytidine for 24h cells and then were cultivated in the presence or absence of activin A, TGF-$\beta$1, or Wnt inhibitor with various combinations of BMP and FGF. Assessment of cardiomyogenic differentiation was made upon the expression of cardiomyocyte-specific genes using RT-PCR. Results: HAD that cultivated in control medium for 4 weeks after 5-azacytidine expose showed new expression of TnT gene and increased expression of Cmlc1 and kv4.3 genes. However, HAD cultivated in the presence of combinations of BMP-4/FGF-4 (B4/F4) and BMP-4/FGF-8 (B4/F8) showed new expression of $\beta$-MHC gene and more increased expression of Cmlc1, TnT, TnI, Kv4.3 genes. Significantly enhanced expression of Cmlc1, TnT, and Kv4.3 genes were also observed compared to that cultivated in the control medium. Treatment of HUC with either 5-azacytidine or combinations of BMP and FGF did not affect the expression profile of these genes. However, when activin A or TGF-$\beta$1 was present in addition to the BMP-2/FGF-8 (B2/F8) after 5-azacytidine exposure, HUC exhibited new expression of $\beta$-MHC gene and increased expression of $\alpha$-CA, TnT and Kv4.3 genes. When Wnt inhibitor was present in addition to BMP and FGF, HUC showed new expression of Cmlc1 gene and increased expression of $\alpha$-CA, TnT, TnI and Kv4.3 genes. Conclusions: Based on these observations, it is suggested that HAD and HUC could differentiate into cardiomyocytes which might be used as therapeutic cells for the heart diseases.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2016

Several studies have investigated the various effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Previously, we reported that co-treatment with L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 maintained differentiation potential in MSCs through expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In this study, we investigated the effects of co-treatment with FGF-2 and Dex on the proliferation and differentiation potential of MSCs during a 2-month culture period. Co-treatment with FGF-2 and Dex increased approximately a 4.7-fold higher accumulation rate of MSC numbers than that by FGF-2 single treatment during a 2-month culture period. Interestingly, co-treatment with FGF-2 and Dex increased expression of HGF and maintained adipogenic differentiation potential during this culture period. These results suggest that co-treatment with FGF-2 and Dex preserves the proliferation and differentiation potential during long-term culture.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.753-760
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• 2005

목적 : 본 연구는 100명의 암환자를 대상으로 항암단의 항혈관형성 효과를 측정하기 위하여 고안되었다. 방법 : 100명의 암환자 전체의 치료전후의 VEGF, bFGF 및 혈소판 수치의 변화량을 측정하였고, 병기, 삶의 질 및 암종별로 환자를 나누어 각각의 치료전후의 VEGF, bFGF 및 혈소판 수치의 변화량을 측정하여 통계적 유의성을 살펴보았다. 결과 : 항암단으로 치료한 암환자의 bFGF 수치는 치료전 후 통계적으로 유의성 있게 감소하였다. 특히 유방암 환자에서 bFGF 수치의 감소가 눈에 띄었다. 비록 통계적으로 유의하지는 않았지만 VEGF수치도 항암단으로 치료 후 다소 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 결론 : 따라서 항암단이 암환자 치료에 있어 항혈관형성 약물로써 작용한다고 추론할 수 있다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.310-317
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• 2005

The Xenopus FGF-8a and FGF-8b isoforms have been reported to be neural crest and neuronal inducers, respectively. However, cloning of Xenopus FGF-8b (XFGF-8b) has not been reported previously and the two isoforms do not seem to have been clearly distinguished in Xenopus experiments. Here, we describe the cloning and expression of XFGF-8b and compare the effects of the two isoforms. XFGF-8b has an 11 amino acid insert in its N-terminal region compared with XFGF-8a. Both isoforms are expressed in the anterior neural regions of the early embryo, and in the apical ectodermal ridge of limb buds and tips of growing digits in the larval stages. However, XFGF-8b is more abundant than XFGF-8a throughout early development. The two isoforms are also regulated in similar fashion by retinoic acid in early development. However, although both XFGF-8a and XFGF-8b induce ectopic neurogenesis, only XFGF-8a appears to be involved in neural crest induction.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.63-73
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• 2006

This study aimed to find out suitable culture conditions for the differentiation of human amniotic membrane-derived stem cells(HAM) into hepatocyte-like cells. Almost homogenous population of fibroblast-like cells was successfully isolated from the amniotic membrane. In comparison to the non-coated plates and in the absence of insulin/transferrin/selenium(ITS), HAM cultured on the fibronectin-coated plates and in the presence of ITS showed the more intense immunocytochemical staining against the albumin. Addition of both fibroblast growth factor(FGF)-1 and -2 to the differentiation medium gave stronger staining compared to the treatment with FGF-1 or -2 alone. Periodic acid Schiff's base staining of glycogen and morphological turnover of fibroblast-like appearance of HAM into round shape matched the results of immunocytochemical studies. When the efficiency of two-step culture method was examined on the differentiation of HAM into hepatocyte-like cells, all of the results of immunocytochemical staining, periodic acid Schiff's staining and morphological change exhibited effective hepatic differentiation of HAM compared to the continuous culture method. Immunoblot analyses of HAM- conditioned media against the albumin showed that the culture of HAM in the presence of both ITS and fibronectin always gave a stronger staining intensity than those in the absence of them, and that the addition of ether mixture of FGF-4 and either FGF-2 or transforming growth $factor(TGF)-{\alpha}$ to the culture medium significantly enhanced the albumin secretion by HAM. Based on these observations, it is suggested that HAM could differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells under a culture condition consisting of fibronectin and ITS, and addition of FGF-4 with either one of FGF-2 or $TGF-{\alpha}$ could enhance the hepatic differentiation of HAM.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2004

Objectives: Cancer lethality is usually the result of local invasion and metastasis of neoplastic cell from the primary tumor. Because of their ability to degrade extracellular matrix components, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been implicated in the breakdown of basement membrane and underlying stroma, thereby facilitating tumor growth and invasion. It has been well established that MMPs and bFGF expression correlate with cervical lymph node metastasis, but studies on expression in the metastatic cervical lymph node itself are not enough. We have analyzed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and metastatic cervical lymph node, and evaluated their relationship and clinicophathologic significance. Material and Methods: 20 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were entered on the study of immunohistochemical stains for MMP-9 and bFGF in the obtained tissue from primary tumor and metastatic cervical lymph node. We analyzed the relationship between MMP-9, bFGF expression of the primary tumor and metastatic node with age, sex, T-stage, N-stage, histologic grade, pathologic stage and disease free survival. Results: Expression of MMP-9 and bFGF in cancer cell and metastatic lymph node was higher than that in normal cell and lymph node. According to histologic differentiation, expression of MMP-9 of the metastatic cervical lymph node was higher than primary tumor. Considering to other clinicopathologic factor, no statistical significance was seen in MMP-9 and bFGF. Conclusion: We found that expression of MMP-9 is higher in the metastatic lymph node than primary tumor in the poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. But we don't find out the statistical significance in relation between bFGF and clinical factors. So we guess that some different mechanism of MMP-9 and bFGF in Head & Neck squamous cell carcinoma exist. Further studies will be necessary to establish their pathogenesis in the Head and Neck cancer.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.323-328
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• 2017

Angiogenesis is a process including members of the angiogenic factors. In particular, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is considered the most potent angiogenic factor because it promotes cell proliferation and tube formation. A recent study reported that fucoidan derived from marine plant potentiated FGF-2 induced tube formation in human endothelial cells. On the other hand, the molecular mechanisms involved in the angiogenic activity of fucoidan and FGF2 are unknown. In this study, a fucoidan treatment promoted angiogenesis induced by FGF2. The effects of fucoidan on FGF2-induced angiogenesis were confirmed by a proliferation assay using a CellTiter96 Aqueous One solution after a treatment with fucoidan and FGF2. The tube formation and wound healing assay for the angiogenic activity were also confirmed. Reverse transcription PCR showed a change in the mRNA of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), matrix metallopeptidase9 (MMP9), and the signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3). In summary, the Fucoidan/FGF2 treatment induced an increase in cell proliferation, improved the tube formation and wound healing activity, and altered the STAT3, VEGF-A, ICAM-1, and MMP9 mRNA expression levels. Further research will be needed to provide a scientific explanation in terms of cell-signaling and confirm the present findings.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.394-400
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• 1998

Cryopreservation of embryos by vitrification is a simple method to preserve bovine embryos for subsequent embryo transfer, but embryonic viability after vitrification has been inconsistent and low compared with conventional slow freezing. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of serum or serum albumin in a vitrification solution and epidermal growth factor(EGF) or fibroblast growth factor(FGF) on in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts frozen by vitrification. Bovine blastocysts were produced by in vitro maturation, fertilization of follicular oocytes and culture of embryos in a synthetic oviduct fluid medium(SOFM) containing BSA and 19 essential and nonessential amino acids. Blastocysts with excellent or good morphology were selected at 7 or 8 days after culture and utilized for vitrification. In experiment 1, blastocysts were vitrified in a solution containing semi-fetal calf serum(SFCS) or BSA(5 or 10mg/ml) and then their subsequent viabilities were examined by culturing thawed embryos in a SOFM containing BSA and 19 amino acids. Effect of EGF or FGF added to a SOFM containing polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) on the viability of vitrified-thawed blastocysts was investigated in experiment 2. BSA added at 5 or 10mg/ml to a vitrification solution showed significantly higher(p < 0.05) developmental rate to expanded and hatching blastocysts than SFCS, but there was no significant difference in the developmental rate to hatched blastocysts after thawing. Supplementation of a culture medium with EGF and/or FGF significantly increased(p < 0.05) embryo development to expanded blastocysts compared with control but showed no beneficial effect on the development to hatching or hatched blastocysts. Coculture of thawed embryos with granulosa cells in a TCM 199 containing 10% fetal calf serum(FCS) showed the highest developmental rate to expanded, hatching and hatched blastocysts among the groups tested. In conclusion, supplementation of a vitrification solution with BSA at 5mg/ml and culture of thawed blastocysts in a medium containing EGF and/or FGF can improve in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts frozen by vitrification.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.495-505
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• 2006

In this study we evaluate the effects of bFGF-BB and PDGF on in vitro proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from rat. MSCs were prepared from the bone marrow of 6 or 7-week-old male rats with a technique previously described by Maniatopoulos et al. in 1988. Lineage differentiation to osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and adipogenesis were performed. At first, we characterized the cultured cell on passage 1, 3, 5, 7 with immunocytochemical staining using CD29, 44, 34, 45, ${\alpha}$-SMA and type I collagen. And to study the effects of bFGF and PDGF-BB on proliferation, differentiation and mineralization, we seeded the expanded cell at a density of 6 $6{\times}10^3\;cells/cm^2$ to 100-mm dish for evaluation of cell proliferation and MTT assay was carried out on day 2, 4, 7, 9. We also resuspended the cells with same density $(6{\times}10^3\;cells/cm^2)$ to 24 well plates for subculture. On the following day, the attached cells were exposed to 2.5ng/ml bFGF and/or 25ng/ml PDGF-BB daily during 5 days. The osteocalcin (OC) level was assessed and mineral contents were evaluated with alizarin red S staining on subculture day 2, 7, 14, 21. We identified the mesenchymal stem cell from the bone marrow derived cells of rat through their successful multi-differentiation and stable display of its phenotype. And bFGF and PDGF-BB showed the effect that inhibited osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization mildly in above concentration at in vitro culture. This study was supported by grant 04-2004-0120 from the Seoul National University Hospital Research Fund.