• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.284-295
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• 2020

In December 2019, the first coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) patient was reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the number of patients who suffered severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV) has increased dramatically in Korea. This new variant virus induces pulmonary diseases, including cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, dyspnea, and pneumonia. Because SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR has been used widely to diagnose COVID-19. As the Korea Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC) and Ministry of Food & Drug Safety (MFDS) approved emergency use authorization, clinical specimens collected from COVID-19 patients and even healthy people have been clinically diagnosed by laboratory medicine. Based on a literature search, this paper reviews the epidemiology, symptoms, molecular diagnostics approved by KCDC, a current diagnosis of COVID-19 in the laboratories, the difference between molecular and serological diagnosis, and guidelines for clinical specimens. In addition, the Korean guidelines of biosafety for clinical laboratory scientists are evaluated to prevent healthcare-associated infection. The author's experience and lessons as clinical laboratory scientists will provide valuable insights to protect the domestic and international health community in this COVID-19 pandemic around the world.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3349-3355
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• 2012

Background and objectives: Chromosomal abnormalities play an important role in genesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and have prognostic implications. Five major risk stratifying fusion genes in ALL are BCR-ABL, MLL-AF4, ETV6-RUNX11, E2A-PBX1 and SIL-TAL1. This work aimed to detect common chromosomal translocations and associated fusion oncogenes in adult ALL patients and study their relationship with clinical features and treatment outcome. Methods: We studied fusion oncogenes in 104 adult ALL patients using RT-PCR and interphase-FISH at diagnosis and their association with clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. Results: Five most common fusion genes i.e. BCR-ABL (t 9; 22), TCF3-PBX1 (t 1; 19), ETV6-RUNX1 (t 12; 21), MLL-AF4 (t 4; 11) and SIL-TAL1 (Del 1p32) were found in 82/104 (79%) patients. TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene was associated with lymphadenopathy, SIL-TAL1 positive patients had frequent organomegaly and usually presented with a platelets count of less than $50{\times}10^9/l$. Survival of patients with fusion gene ETV6-RUNX1 was better when compared to patients harboring other genes. MLL-AF4 and BCR-ABL positivity characterized a subset of adult ALL patients with aggressive clinical behaviour and a poor outcome. Conclusions: This is the first study from Pakistan which investigated the frequency of5 fusion oncogenes in adult ALL patients, and their association with clinical features, treatment response and outcome. Frequencies of some of the oncogenes were different from those reported elsewhere and they appear to be associated with distinct clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. This information will help in the prognostic stratification and risk adapted management of adult ALL patients.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.31-40
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• 2008

Background/Aims : Entecavir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue, cyclopentyl guanine nucleoside, which has a potent antiviral effect and the least viral breakthrough in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. Entecavir has been available in Korea since 2007 but there are few reports on its effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the virological response (VR) and biochemical response (BR) to entecavir in HBV patients at 3, 6 and 9 months after treatment with entecavir. Materials and Methods : Thirty-three chronic hepatitis B patients who took entecavir for at least 9 months were enrolled. We investigated VR and BR by retrospectively reviewing medical records. Patients who satisfied the following criteria were chosen: 1) initial alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels = 1.5upper limit of normal (ULN) and 2) initial HBV DNA levels = $5\;log_{10}\;copies/ml$. We measured ALT levels every 3 months until month 9. HBV DNA was measured every 2 or 3 months by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results : Most patients taking entecavir showed good BR (ALT < 40 IU/L). The BR rates were 61%, 73% and 67% at months 3, 6 and 9, respectively. VR (HBV DNA < $5\;log_{10}\;copies/ml$ or 2 log lower than initial HBV DNA) rates were 82%, 91% and 91% at months 3, 6 and 9, respectively. Undetectable HBV DNA (HBV DNA < 4 log10 copies/ml) rates were 49%, 73% and 85% at months 3, 6 and 9, respectively. Two patients presented with virological breakthrough without adverse effects until month 9. Conclusions : Entecavir showed good BR and VR from month 3 and these effects continued through the 9-month observation period. This suggests that entecavir is also a good choice for the first line treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Further studies are needed to determine the long-term efficacy and drug resistance of entecavir in Korean CHB patients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.370-376
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• 2014

Although the grasshopper Oxya chinensis sinuosa has long been used as food in Korea, there is little data on its functional effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of O. c. sinuosa ethanol extract (OCE) in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for induction of inflammation. First, we determined that there is no cytotoxicity at $2,000{\mu}g/ml$ or less of OCE in RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of OCE, we investigated expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6, and pro-inflammatory enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we examined whether OCE could inhibit translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 into the nucleus in LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells. As a result, we found that the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 decreased in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells after treatment with OCE in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we confirmed a $2,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration of OCE inhibited translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 by immunnostaining and Western blot analysis, and a decrease in the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2. Accordingly, we suppose that OCE has an anti-inflammatory effect through down-regulation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 related to ${\kappa}B$ p65 inflammatory signaling pathways.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.411-415
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• 2010

Anisakis simplex is one of the parasitic nematodes, and has a complex life cycle in crustaceans, fish, squid or whale. When people eat under-processed or raw fish, it causes anisakidosis and also plays a critical role in inducing serious allergic reactions in humans. However, no web-based database on A. simplex at the level of DNA or protein has been so far reported. In this context, we constructed a web-based database for Anisakis research. To build up the web-based database for Anisakis research, we proceeded with the following measures: First, sequences of order Ascaridida were downloaded and translated into the multifasta format which was stored as database for stand-alone BLAST. Second, all of the nucleotide and EST sequences were clustered and assembled. And EST sequences were translated into amino acid sequences for Nuclear Localization Signal prediction. In addition, we added the vector, E. coli, and repeat sequences into the database to confirm a potential contamination. The web-based database gave us several advantages. Only data that agrees with the nucleotide sequences directly related with the order Ascaridida can be found and retrieved when searching BLAST. It is also very convenient to confirm contamination when making the cDNA or genomic library from Anisakis. Furthermore, BLAST results on the Anisakis sequence information can be quickly accessed. Taken together, the Web-based database on A. simplex will be valuable in developing species specific PCR markers and in studying SNP in A. simplex-related researches in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.573-580
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• 2005

Cholesterol $7\alpha-hydroxylase$ (CYP7A1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and plays a central role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. We previously showed that a fermentable $\beta-glucan$ ingestion decreased plasma cholesterol levels due to fecal bile acid excretion elevation involved inincrease of cholesterol $7\alpha-hydroxylase$ mRNA expression and activity. It is proposed that short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by cecal and colonic fermentation of soluble fiber are associated with cholesterol-lowering effect of fiber. In the present study, we investigated whether CYP7A1 expression is up-regulated by short chain fatty acids or by hormones in cultured human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. Confluent HepG2 cell were incubated with acetate, propionate, or butyrate at 1 mM concentration for 24 hrs. Acetate as well as propionate increased to 1.8-fold expression of CYP7A1 mRNA than the control. Butyrate also increased 1.5-fold expression of CYP7A1 mRNA. Our data show for the first time that SCFA increase expression of CYP7A1 mRNA. Adding insulin, dexamethasone and triiodothyronine $(1\;{\mu}M)$ to HepG2 cell increased the expression of CYP7A1 mRNA to $150\%,\;173\%,\;141\%$, respectively. These results suggest that SCFA produced by cecal fermentation stimulate enteric nervous system, in which secreted some neuropeptides may be responsible for change in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism. These findings suggest that SCFA are involved in lowering plasma cholesterol levels due to the up-regulation of CYP7A1 and bile acid synthesis.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.186-196
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• 2010

Introduction: The first aim of this study was to isolate the dental tissue-derived stem cells from the dental follicle (DF), dental pulp (DP), and root apical papilla (RAP) of the extracted wisdom teeth. Second was to evaluate their characterization with the expressions of transcription factors and cell surface markers. Finally, their ability of the in vitro multi-lineage differentiations into osteogenic and adipogenic cells were compared, respectively. Materials and Methods: Dental tissues, including dental follicle, dental pulp, and root apical papilla, were separated in the extracted wisdom teeth. These three dental tissues were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) with supplements, respectively. After passage 3, the homogeneous shaped dental tissue-derived cells were analyzed the expression of transcription factors (Oct-4, Nanog and Sox-2) and cell surface markers (CD44, CD90 and CD105) with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. In order to evaluate in vitro multi-lineage differentiations, the culture media were changed to the osteogenic and adipogenic induction mediums when the dental tissue-derived cells reached to passage 3. The characteristics of these three dental tissue-derived cells were compared with immunohistochemistry. Results: During primary culture, heterogenous and colony formatted dental tissue-derived cells were observed in the culture plates. After passage 2 or 3, homogenous spindle-like cells were observed in all culture plates. Transcription factors and mesenchymal stem cell markers were positively observed in all three types of dental tissue-derived cells. However, the quantity of expressed transcription factors was most large in RAP-derived cells. In all three types of dental tissue-derived cells, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiations were observed after treatment of specific induction media. In vitro adipogenic differentiation was similar among these three types of cells. In vitro osteogenic differentiation was most strongly and frequently observed in the RAP-derived cells, whereas rarely osteogenic differentiation was observed in the DP-derived cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that three types of human dental tissue-derived cells from extracted wisdom teeth were multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, have the properties of multi-lineage differentiations. Especially, stem cells from root apical papilla (SCAP) have much advantage in osteogenic differentiation, whereas dental follicle cells (DFCs) have a characteristic of easy adipogenic differentiation.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.56-63
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• 2014

Using commercial radish varieties for processing, about 30% of radish was discarded due to the root shape and low purity. To raise the processing ability, we tried to develop a new variety producing H-shaped root. As another characteristic required in variety for processing is high purity, we tried to raise purity using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers for testing seed purity in every segregating generation. To develop Male-sterile (MS) seeding parent, we crossed commercial variety of 'Gwan dong spring' and 'Gyeo ryong spring'. One elite inbred was selected as recurrent parent for the MS plant. The major horticultural traits of selected inbred line were disease resistance, late bolting, heat resistance and bright green root top color. To develop pollen parent, we crossed commercial variety of 'Tae sang king' and 'Seoul spring'. We used individual selection method to develop H-shaped hard root and disease resistant inbred. In each segregating generation, we selected one plant based on phenotype and the uniformity of selected plant was tested by SSR markers using self-pollinated seeds. In the first segregating generation, 64.6% of sib plants shared the same band in PCR amplification using ACMP-490 primer and 66.7% using cnu-316 primer. The uniformity of segregating generations using ACMP-490 and cnu-316 raised in second generation to 68.8%, 70.8%, respectively; in third generation to 93.8%, 100%; in fourth generation to 93.8%, 100%; in fifth generation to 95.8%, 100%; in sixth generation to 100%, 100%. A novel cross was made using selected MS parent and pollen parent. When we checker the horticultural traits using autumn cultivation, the novel cross variety produced H-shaped root comparing other commercial varieties and produced highly uniform radish. Thus we registered this novel cross variety as 'YR ORE' at 2013 (Registration No. 4550).

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.46-54
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• 2022

Known for its effectiveness in weight loss and diabetes prevention, Gymnema sylvestre products can be found in the US, Japanese, and Indian markets. However, the recommended dosage or safety of these products has not yet been proven. Therefore, development of an analytical method for detecting the content of Gymnema sylvestre in food products is required. Accordingly, this study proposes an analysis method that can examine Gymnema sylvestre in food using LC-ESI-MS/MS and KASP (Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR) markers. In LC-ESI-MS/MS, a simultaneous analysis method for gymnemic acid and deacylgymnemic acid was optimized using negative ionization mode, and its validation test was completed for solid and liquid samples. In addition, KASP markers were prepared by finding the specific SNP of G. sylvestre in ITS2 and matK through DNA barcodes. The two KASP markers returned positive FAM fluorescence result when combined with G. sylvestre, and this aspect was confirmed in raw G. sylvestre as well. The applicability of the method was tested on 21 different food and healthy functional products containing G. sylvestre purchased on the internet. As a result, although there was a difference in the ratios of gymnemic acid and deacylgymnemic acid in LC-ESI-MS/MS, the index component was detected in all 21 products samples. In the KASP analysis, 9 products returned positive FAM result, and the rest of the products were found to be containing G. sylvestre extract. This study is the first study to use the dual system of LC-ESI-MS/MS and KASP for the analysis of G. sylvestre. The study has confirmed that these two methods are applicable to the examine G. sylvestre content in food products.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.172-179
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• 2021

This study aimed to assess the disease incidence and distribution of toxigenic in Korean triticale. The pathogen of triticale that cause Fusarium head blight were isolated from five different triticale cultivars that cultivated in Suwon Korea at 2021 year. The 72 candidate were classified as a Fusarium asiaticum by morphology analysis and by ITS1, TEF-1α gene sequence analysis. And the results of pathogenicity with 72 isolates on seedling triticale, 71 isolates were showed disease symptom. Also, seven out of 71 Fusarium isolates were inoculated on the wheat, to test the pathogenicity on the different host. The results showed more low pathogenicity on the wheat than triticale. The results of analysis of toxin type with 72 isolates, 64.6% isolates were produced nivalenol type toxin and other 4.6% and 30.8% isolates were produce 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, respectively. To select fungicide for control, the 72 Fusarium isolates were cultivated on the media that containing four kinds fungicide. The captan, hexaconazole, and difenoconazole·propiconazole treated Fusarium isolates were not showed resistance response against each fungicide. However, six isolates out of 72 isolates, showed resistance response to fludioxonil. This study is first report that F. asiaticum causes Fusarium head blight disease of triticale in Korea.