• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7069-7077
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• 2014

Background: This retrospective study aimed to validate the safety and effectiveness of hepatectomy for huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: Data of patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between January 2006 and December 2012 were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups: huge HCC(${\geq}10cm$ in diameter), large HCC(${\geq}5$ but<10 cm in diameter) and small HCC(<5cm in diameter). Results: Characteristics of pre-operative patients in all three groups were homogeneously distributed except for alpha fetal protein (AFP)(p<0.001).The 30, 60, 90-day post-operative mortality rates were not different among the three groups (p=0.785, p=0.560, and p=0.549). Laboratory data at 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery also did not vary. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates in the huge and large HCC groups were lower than that of the small HCC group (OS: 32.5% vs 36.3% vs 71.2%, p=0.000; DFS: 20.0% vs 24.8% vs 40.7%, p=0.039), but there was no difference between the huge and large HCC groups (OS: 32.5% vs 36.3%, p=0.667; DFS: 20.0% vs 24.8%, p=0.540). In multivariate analysis, five independent poor prognostic factors that affected OS were significantly associated with worse survival (p<0.05), namely, AFP level, macrovascular invasion, Edmondsone Steiner grade, surgical margin and Ishak score. AFP level, macrovascular invasion, microvascular invasion, and surgical margin influenced disease-free survival independently (p<0.05). Conclusions: The safety of hepatectomy for huge HCC is similar to that for large and small HCC; and this approach for huge HCC may achieve similar long-term survival and disease-free survival as for large HCC.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.466-471
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• 2020

Several humanized mouse models are being used to study humanspecific immune responses and diseases. However, the pivotal needs of fetal tissues for the humanized mice model have been huddled because of the demand for ethical and medical approval. Thus, we have verified the hematopoietic and immunomodulatory function of HepaRG and developed a new and easy humanized mouse model to replace the use of fetal liver tissue. HepaRG co-transplanted Hu-NSG mice significantly increased CD45+ lymphocytes and CD19+ B cells and CD3+ T cells than normal Hu-NSG, suggesting enhanced reconstitution of the human immune system. These results have improved the applicability of humanized mice by developing new models easily accessible.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.167-180
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• 2015

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that exists ubiquitously in the environment, and affects global health problems due to its carcinogenicity. In most populations, the main source of arsenic exposure is the drinking water. In drinking water, chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with increased risks of various cancers including those of skin, lung, bladder, and liver, as well as numerous other non-cancer diseases including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurologic and cognitive problems. Recent emerging evidences suggest that arsenic exposure affects the reproductive and developmental toxicity. Prenatal exposure to inorganic arsenic causes adverse pregnancy outcomes and children's health problems. Some epidemiological studies have reported that arsenic exposure induces premature delivery, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth. In animal studies, inorganic arsenic also causes fetal malformation, growth retardation, and fetal death. These toxic effects depend on dose, route and gestation periods of arsenic exposure. In males, inorganic arsenic causes reproductive dysfunctions including reductions of the testis weights, accessory sex organs weights, and epididymal sperm counts. In addition, inorganic arsenic exposure also induces alterations of spermatogenesis, reductions of testosterone and gonadotrophins, and disruptions of steroidogenesis. However, the reproductive and developmental problems following arsenic exposure are poorly understood, and the molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity remains unclear. Thus, we further investigated several possible mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.133-136
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• 2011

Fetus-in-fetu (FIF) is a rare congenital condition in which a fetiform mass is detected in the host abdomen and also in other sites such as the intracranium, thorax, head, and neck. This condition has been rarely reported in the literature. Herein, we report the case of a fetus presenting with abdominal cystic mass and ascites and prenatally diagnosed as meconium pseudocyst. Explorative laparotomy revealed an irregular fetiform mass in the retroperitoneum within a fluid-filled cyst. The mass contained intestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and finger. Fetal abdominal cystic mass has been identified in a broad spectrum of diseases. However, as in our case, FIF is often overlooked during differential diagnosis. FIF should also be differentiated from other conditions associated with fetal abdominal masses.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.263-271
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• 2008

Recently we reported that 2-bromopropane (2-BP) has maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and teratogenicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. The aims of this study are to examine the potential effects of 2-BP administration on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development, and to investigate the effects of metabolic activation induced by phenobarbital (PB) on developmental toxicities of 2-BP. Pregnant rats received 1000 mg/kg/day subcutaneous 2-BP injections on gestational days (GD) 6 through 10 (Group II and Group IIII) or 11 through 15 (Group IV). Pregnant rats in Group III received an intraperitoneal PB injection once daily at 80 mg/kg/day on GD 3 through 5 for induction of the liver metabolic enzyme system. Control rats received vehicle injections only on GD 6 through 15. All dams underwent caesarean sections on GD 20 and their fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities. Significant adverse effects on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development were observed in all the treatment groups, and the maternal and embryo-fetal effects of 2-BP observed in Group II were higher than those seen in Group IV. Conversely, maternal and embryo-fetal developmental toxicities observed in Group III were comparable to those seen in Group II. These results suggest that the potential effects of 2-BP on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development are more likely in the first half of organogenesis (days $6{\sim}10$ of pregnancy) than in the second half and that the metabolic activation induced by PB pre-treatment did not modify the developmental toxic effects of 2-BP in rats.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.383-392
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• 2003

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) are important regulators on the development of maternal tissues during pregnancy. This study was performed to examine the relationship between maternal IGFs/IGFBPs system (i.e: IGF-I, II, their receptors, and IGFBPs) in pre- and post-partum rats. The liver and kidney are important organs for the synthesis of IGFs and IGFBPs in adults. The levels of materanal IGFs and IGFBPs in serum, liver, and kidney were examined at 14 and 21 days of gestation and at 3, 7, 11, and 14 days after birth. The expression of IGFs and their receptors mRNA was also examined in fetal and maternal rat liver, kidney. IGF-I concentrations in maternal serum and liver were decreased during pregnancy. However, IGF-I concentration in maternal kidney was increased, having maximal effect at 14 days of gestation. IGF-I concentrations were decreased in serum, liver, and kidney of postpartum rat, compared to control (p < 0.05). On the other hand, IGF-II concentrations in serum, liver, and kidney were increased during pregnancy (p<0.05) and gradually decreased to control level in postpartum period. The levels of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-2 are expressed in serum, liver, and kidney. However, IGFBP-3 is mainly expressed in serum and liver, and IGFBP-2 in kidney. The levels of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-2 in maternal serum were markedly decreased during pregnancy and gradually recovered to control level during postpartum period by western ligand blotting. However, there was no change of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-2 levels by western immunoblotting. The levels of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-2 in maternal liver and kidney also showed the same pattern of serum, although the main IGFBP is different. In normal rat serum, IGF-I 150 kDa and 50 kDa carrier proteins were detected. The level of IGF-I 150 kDa carrier proteins in pregnant rat was decreased compared to normal rat, but that of 50 kDa carrier proteins was increased. IGFBP-3 protease activity was identified in pregnant rat serum and maternal placenta, and it was inhibited by EDTA ($Ca^{2+}$ chelating agent) and aprotinin (serine proteinase inhibitor). Taken together, these results suggest that the changes of IGFs and IGFBPs in maternal rats are regulated by liver and kidney IGFs and their receptors mRNA during the pregnancy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.10
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• pp.392-397
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• 2015

Purpose: Alagille syndrome is a complex hereditary disorder that is associated with cardiac, hepatic, skeletal, ocular, and facial abnormalities. Mutations in the Notch signaling pathway, such as in JAG1 and NOTCH2, play a key role in embryonic development. A cardiac or hepatic presentation is a critical factor for determining the prognosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 41 patients with Alagille syndrome or a JAG1 mutation between 1983 and 2013. Results: The first presentations were jaundice, murmur, cyanosis, and small bowel obstruction at a median age of 1.0 months (range, 0-24 months). The JAG1 mutation was found in 27 of the 28 genetically-tested patients. Cardiovascular anomalies were identified in 36 patients, chronic cholestasis was identified in 34, and liver transplantation was performed in 9. There was no significant correlation between the severity of the liver and cardiac diseases. The most common cardiovascular anomaly was peripheral pulmonary stenosis (83.3%), with 13 patients having significant hemodynamic derangement and 12 undergoing surgical repair. A total bilirubin level of >15 mg/dL with a complex surgical procedure increased the surgical mortality (P=0.022). Eight patients died after a median period of 2.67 years (range, 0.33-15 years). The groups with fetal presentation and with combined severe liver and heart disease had the poorest survival (P<0.001). Conclusion: The group with combined severe liver and heart disease had the poorest survival, and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to improve the outcome.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.215-235
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• 1997

according to study of clinical document in relation to Neuropsychiatric disease in Ancient Chinese(Song, Keum, Won, Myung) clinical document the result were obtained as follows. 1. A main point is Jeul-Jin<切診> in diagnosis, that is Hyun-Maeg<弦脈> is liver disease, Whual Mag<滑脈> is gallbladder disease, Sag Mag<數脈> is fever.2. Doctors in Song<宋>, Keum<金>,Won<元> enumerationed many diseases are cause by emotion.3. Oriental psychotherapy that Diseases caused by surprising must be cure by surprising is like to systematic desensitization in Westem.4. Oriental psychotherapy that pseudopsychosis must be cure by patient rely on doctor is like to suggestive therapy in western.5. It is similar to suggestive therapy in western medicine that Sadness ,anguish and frustration induce disease.6. Headache is caused by fever, energy deficience and angry.7. Imsomnia is not caused by hsart disease, but gallbladder or liver.8. Schizophrenia is caused by shocking and a sort of fever.9. Epilepsy is caused by a sort of fever, shocking and fetal disease.10 Schizophrenia(in case of manic state) is caused by fever and shocking, and imaginary pregnancy is considered as schizophrenia.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.101-105
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• 1999

N-Methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) removes N-methylpurine and other damaged purines in DNA. RT-PCR analysis revealed MPG mRNA expression at various tissues of fetal development from day 8 to day 18 fetus and day 400 mature adult. The MPG transcripts were abundant during fetal development in mice. In placenta, the MPG mRNA was continuously decreased from day 8 post coitum (p.c) to day 18 p.c. fetus. The high level of mRNA in fetal brain and liver was drastically declined in day 400 mature adult. The expression of MPG, originally characterized by its highest level of expression in the epididymis of adult mouse, was detected with high level in several other reproductive organ, including the ovary, oviduct, testis, vas deference, uterus, and seminal vesicles. These results demonstrate developmental stage- and tissue-specific variation of MPG gene expression.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.171-178
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• 2004

Metallothionein (MT) is a family of ubiquitous, low molecular weight (6-7 kDa), cysteine-rich protein with a high affinity to metal ions and has no aromatic amino acids and histidine. Some of the known functions of MT include detoxification of heavy metals and alkylating agents and neutralization of free radicals. Also, this protein may affect a number of cellular processes including gene expression, apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. But, its actual functions are still not clear. The present study was undertaken to examine immunocytochemically the localization of MT in developing rat liver. On the day 11 of gestation, the fetal rat liver has already been formed and contained numerous oval cells with high nuclear cytoplasmic ratio, which were the progenitors of hepatic parenchymal cells, but no reaction products of MT were detected at this time. And then, positive reactions against MT started to appear predominantly in the parenchymal cells of liver from the 13th day after gestation. Reaction products, immunogold particles or brown coloration, were localized at both the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the parenchymal cells, except mitochondria. The intensity of this reaction gradually increased, and exhibited the strongest at birth. The intensity of MT staining and immunogold labelling diminished with growth, and by the 15th day after birth weak positive reaction was observed in the cells. In brief, positive reactions for MT were observed in the oval cells and the parenchymal cells during fetal stage, meanwhile they were present only in the parenchymal cells after birth. The present results suggest that MT possibly involves parechymal cell proliferation and differentiation through the storage or the supply of various metal ions in the developing rat liver.