• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.324-331
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• 2013

The addition and removal of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) molecules on serine or threonine residues of a protein is called O-GlcNAcylation. This post-translational modification occurs on both cytoplasmic and nuclear protein, and is fast and reversible as comparable to phosphorylation. In contrast to the phospho-signaling cycles, this emerging moon-lightening signaling is cycled by only two enzymes, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA). The simple machinery is a good evolutionary adaptation of a cell for quick accommodation to continuously fluctuating intra- and extracellular microenvironments. Rather than "switching" on or off a specific proteins - this would be done by phosphorylation where numerous specific kinases and phosphatases are involved - O-GlcNAcylation would play a "rheostat" which would be much more delicately increase or decrease the efficacy of signal transductions in response to cellular nutrient and stress conditions. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that O-GlcNAc is further modified by phosphorylation. The O-GlcNAc-P will upgrade the modulation efficiency of cellular processes to continuous 'analogue' level. So far, only one protein AP180 was reported to have O-GlcNAc-P on Thr310. But, proteomic data from our laboratory indicate that there are multiple O-GlcNAc-P proteins, constituting "O-GlcNAc-P'om". This will focus on the possibility of existence of "O-GlcNAc-P'om".

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1267-1272
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• 2019

The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV DNA has been reported in 99.7% of patients with cervical cancer. The worldwide prevalence is highest for the HPV 16 and 18 genotypes, but HPV 52 and 58 have the highest prevalence in Asian countries, including Korea. The purpose of this study was to obtain basic data for the prevention of cervical cancer by analyzing the prevalence of HPV and the genotypes of high risk-human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in women in Busan, Korea. We analyzed 1,995 cases of HPV in women who visited a Busan obstetrics and gynecology hospital from January 2016 to December 2017. The prevalence of HPV among these women was 28.3% (565/1995), and the HR-HPV infection rate was 75.4% (426/565). The HR-HPV genotype with the highest prevalence was HPV-52 (63/565, 11.2%), followed by HPV-58 (56/565, 9.9%), HPV-53 (55/565, 9.7%), and HPV-16 (53/565, 9.4%). The HR-HPV infection rate of young women 18-39 years old was 60.3% (257/426), so this age group should undergo continuous monitoring. The cytological results revealed a high infection rate for HPV-16 in high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, further evaluation of more samples is needed to confirm the HR-HPV genotypes related to the development of cervical epithelial neoplasias.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.7 no.1_2
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• pp.11-20
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• 1980

Hysterosalpingograms (H.S.G.) have been done for several decades to determine causative factors in female infertility. However, the H.S.G. only reverals uterine cavity and tubal patency or inpatency. The author prefers to find more details in regard to the status and condition of the female reproductive organs and their surrounding tissue as they pertain to infertility. H.S.G. in combination with laparoscopic examination reveals the following results. Preparation and method of performance of H.S.G. during laparoscopy in a healthy reproductive age women are as follows. When laparoscopy is not contraindicated, NPO is ordered with routine bowel preparation. Analgesics administered by injection prior to procedure are valium 10mgs and pethidine 50-100mgs. The radiographic procedure is the same as for any HSG technique. During laparoscopy a solution of 3 to 10 ccs. of 60% hypaque sodium is used. Fluroscopic scout films are obtained A-P and oblique views as well as a delayed check film. 1. Age distribution of primary and secondary infertility in this studies involving tubal factors was as follows: 20-29 age group showed 46% incidence and in the 30-39 age group, 50% incidence. Duration of infertility in this study group was the following: 1-2 years showed 26.7%, 3-5 years 53.8%, and 6-9 years 13.3%. 2. Indications of laparoscopic examination were as follows: Secondary infertility in 35% of the cases, obscure tubal occlusion on previous H.S.G. in 25%, unknown origin in 11.7%, and the remaining cases included pelvic pain, small masses, dysmenorrhea, and uterine anomaly. The laparoscopic examination showed clearly the reproductive organs and the surrounding tissues in the pelvic cavity. The abnormal tubal findings there revealed were tuberculous salpingitis and hydrosalpinx in 10% each, endometriosis and peritubabl adhesions in 6.7% each, biconuate uterus in 3.3%. The remaining 58.3% of the cases showed normal findings. Laparoscopic observation for possible myoma nodules, streak ovary, and peritubal adhesions was also done at this time. 3. Comparative tubal findings in combined H.S.G. and laparoscopic examination revealed the following. Bilateral tubal occlusion was present in 14% (7cases) on laparoscopic examination but on H.S.G. 38% (19 cases) were noted. However, tubal occlusion and peritubal adhesions were found in 26% (13 cases) upon laparoscopy and only 8% (4 cases) on H.S.G. examination alone. Normal pelvic findings were present in 60% (27 cases).

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.67-75
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• 2019

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary leakage of urine from the urethra when intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as from sneezing, coughing, or physical exertion. It is caused by insufficient strength of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, resulting from vaginal delivery, obesity, hard physical work, or aging. The pelvic floor electrical stimulator is a conservative treatment generally used to relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence. it recommended to applied before surgery is performed. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine if the transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TCES) would be effective for the physiological symptoms and psychological satisfaction of women with SUI for an 8-weeks intervention. Methods: Easy-K is a specially designed user-friendly TCES. Five female who were diagnosed with SUI by a gynecologist but who did not require surgical intervention were included in this study. Intervention was implemented over an 8-week period. Outcome measures included vaginal ultrasonography, Levator ani muscle (LAM) contraction strength, incontinence quality of life (I-QOL), and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Results: The bladder neck position significantly decreased across assessment time. Funneling index and urethral width significantly decreased after 8 weeks of intervention (p<.05). The bladder necksymphyseal distance and posterior rhabdosphincter thickness statistically increased and the anterior rhabdosphincter thickness showed a tendency to increase. All participants demonstrated a significant increase in the LAM contraction score across three assessment times (p<.05). Although the total score of the I-QOL did not show significant improvement, it steadily increased and among I-QOL subscales, only the "avoidance" subscale showed statistical improvements (p<.05). The total score of the FSFI statistically improved and the "desire" score significantly changed (p<.05). Conclusion: The TCES is recommended for women who want to apply conservative treatments before surgery and who have suffered from SUI in aspects of sexual function and quality of life.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.205-210
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• 2018

This study was performed to investigate the effect of types of oil (OVOIL vs. OIL) on B6D2F1 mice oogenesis. In this study, B6D2F1 F1 mice were used in order to maximize oogenesis. The expansion rate of cumulus cells ($82.0%{\pm}0.2$ vs. $78.0%{\pm}0.1$), in vitro fertilization rate ($92.0%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $88.0%{\pm}0.1$), developmental rate ($91.0%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $87.0%{\pm}0.2$), blastocysts formation rate ($56.0%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $57.0%{\pm}0.1$), and zona hatched rate($41.4%{\pm}0.2$ vs. $24.0%{\pm}0.1$) were not different between groups (NS; P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in maturation rate; the OVOIL group showed higher maturation rate compared to that of the OIL group ($96.0%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $87.0%{\pm}0.1$; P<0.05). In the blastocysts cell numbers, the total cell numbers ($83.9{\pm}26.1$ vs. $56.9{\pm}23.9$), ICM cell numbers ($15.7{\pm}8.8$ vs. $6.3{\pm}3.5$), TE cell numbers ($68.3{\pm}25.7$ vs. $50.7{\pm}24.1$), % ICM ($21.6%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $12.7%{\pm}0.1$), and the ratio of ICM:TE ($1:6.2{\pm}6.5$ vs. $1:10.3{\pm}7.0$) were significantly higher in the OVOIL group than the OIL group (P<0.05). These results suggested that it is expected to achieve the more developmental ability of B6D2F1 mice depending on the type of oil (OVOIL vs. OIL). In addition, the results can provide essential information for culture condition on B6D2F1 mice. Henceforth, thus, it is expected that these results herein might be used for in vitro culture of human embryos.

• Health Communication
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.217-221
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• 2018

Background: There are practical difficulties to show exact clinical symptoms such as seizure to medical students at Clinical Performance Examination (CPX). We developed a new CPX case of child's seizure on video using smartphone. Methods: A total of 356 $4^{th}-year$ students of five universities in Daegue-Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam area took the clinical skill examination from June $13^{th}$ to $17^{th}$ in 2016. Among them, 72 students took the new CPX case in June $15^{th}$ and 71 students filled out the questionnaire on whether the new CPX with smartphone video is helpful, authentic, difficult, and necessary for other CPX. All the questions were measured on 5-Likert scale. Results: Mean score of the new CPX was 57.1, lower than the mean scores of the other 11 CPX cases, 62.8. For the question "Smartphone videos helped to solve the problem", 45 students (63.4%) answered 'Very much'. For the question "Is it realistic compared to other questions?" 30 students (42.3%) and 25 students (35.2%) answered 'Very much' and 'Much'. For the question "Is it difficult compared with other questions?" 18 students (25.4%) and 26 students (36.6%) answered 'Very much' and 'Much'. As for the question "I would like to have more tests using smartphone video", 26 students (36.6%) answered 'So and so'. Conclusion: A majority of students responded that video presentation was helpful and authentic to figure out the CPX, whereas they assessed smartphone video was more difficult compared with other CPXs. Further, students were negative toward using smartphone video for the other CPXs.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.146-159
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• 2021

DNA methylation, and consequent down-regulation, of tumour suppressor genes occurs in response to epigenetic stimuli during cancer development. Similarly, human oncoviruses, including human papillomavirus (HPV), up-regulate and augment DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities, thereby decreasing tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) expression. Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domain 1 (UHRF1), an epigenetic regulator of DNA methylation, is overexpressed in HPV-induced cervical cancers. Here, we investigated the role of UHRF1 in cervical cancer by knocking down its expression in HeLa cells using lentiviral-encoded short hairpin (sh)RNA and performing cDNA microarrays. We detected significantly elevated expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), a known TSG, in UHRF1-knockdown cells, and this gene is hypermethylated in cervical cancer tissue and cell lines, as indicated by whole-genome methylation analysis. Up-regulation of UHRF1 and decreased TXNIP were further detected in cervical cancer by western blot and immunohistochemistry and confirmed by Oncomine database analysis. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we identified the inverted CCAAT domain-containing UHRF1-binding site in the TXNIP promoter and demonstrated UHRF1 knockdown decreases UHRF1 promoter binding and enhances TXNIP expression through demethylation of this region. TXNIP promoter CpG methylation was further confirmed in cervical cancer tissue by pyrosequencing and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Critically, down-regulation of UHRF1 by siRNA or UHRF1 antagonist (thymoquinone) induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), which stabilises and promotes UHRF1 function, is increased by HPV viral protein E6/E7 overexpression. These results indicate HPV might induce carcinogenesis through UHRF1-mediated TXNIP promoter methylation, thus suggesting a possible link between CpG methylation and cervical cancer.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.11
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• pp.575-580
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• 2021

Cisplatin is widely known as an anti-cancer drug. However, the effects of cisplatin on mitochondrial function and autophagy-related proteins levels in the skeletal muscle are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of cisplatin on mitochondrial function and autophagy-related protein levels in the skeletal muscle of rats. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 24) were assigned to one of three groups; the first group was administered a saline placebo (CON, n = 10), and the second and third groups were given 0.1 mg/kg body weight (BW) (n = 6), and 0.5 mg/kg BW (n = 8) of cisplatin, respectively. The group that had been administered 0.5 mg cisplatin exhibited a reduced BW, skeletal muscle tissue weight, and mitochondrial function and upregulated levels of autophagy-related proteins, including LC3II, Beclin 1, and BNIP3. Moreover, this group had a high LC3 II/I ratio in the skeletal muscle; i.e., the administration of a high dose of cisplatin decreased the muscle mass and mitochondrial function and increased the levels of autophagy-related proteins. These results, thus, suggest that reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy pathways may be important for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy following cisplatin administration.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.191-201
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: O-cyclic phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (cP1P) is a synthetic chemical and has a structure like sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P is known to promote cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and anti-apoptosis through hippocampal signals. However, S1P mediated cellular-, molecular mechanism is still remained in the lung. Acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are characterized by excessive immune response, increased vascular permeability, alveolar-peritoneal barrier collapse, and edema. In this study, we determined whether cP1P primed human dermal derived mesenchymal stem cells (hdMSCs) ameliorate lung injury and its therapeutic pathway in ALI mice. Methods and Results: cP1P treatment significantly stimulated MSC migration and invasion ability. In cytokine array, secretion of vascular-related factors was increased in cP1P primed hdMSCs (hdMSC^cP1P), and cP1P treatment induced inhibition of Lats while increased phosphorylation of Yap. We next determined whether hdMSC^cP1P reduce inflammatory response in LPS exposed mice. hdMSC^cP1P further decreased infiltration of macrophage and neutrophil, and release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were reduced rather than naïve hdMSC treatment. In addition, phosphorylation of STAT1 and expression of iNOS were significantly decreased in the lungs of MSC^cP1P treated mice. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that cP1P treatment enhances hdMSC migration in regulation of Hippo signaling and MSC^cP1P provide a therapeutic potential for ALI/ARDS treatment.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.163-193
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• 1997

Medical services are a fundamental and essential service in all urban areas. The location and accessibility of medical service facilities and institutions are critical to the diagnosis, control and prevention of illness and disease. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study on the location of medical facilities in Kwangju and the utilization of these facilities by the inhabitants. The following information is a summary of the findings: (1) Korea, like many countries, is now witnessing an increase in the age of its population as a result of higher living standards and better medical services. Korea is also experiencing a rapid increase in health care costs. To ensure easy access to medical consultation, diagnosis and treatment by individuals, the hierarchical efficient location of medical facilities, low medical costs, equalized medical services, preventive medical care is important. (2) In Korea, the quality of medical services has improved significantly as evident by the increased number of medical facilities and medical personnel. However, there is still a need for not only quantitative improvements but also for a more equitable distribution of and location of medical services. (3) There are 503 medical facilities in Kwangju each with a need to service 2,556 people. This is below the national average of 1,498 inhabitants per facility. The higher locational quotient and satisfactory population per medical facility showed at the civic center. On the other hand, problem regions such as the traditional residential area in Buk-Gu, Moo-deung mountain area and the outer areas of west Kwangju still maintain rural characteristics. (4) In the study area there are 86 general medicine clinics which provide basic medical services. i. e. one clinic per every 14,949 residents. As a basic service, its higher locational quotient showed in the residential area. The lower population concentration per clinic was found in the civic center and in the former town center, Songjeong-dong. In recently build residential areas and in the civic center, the lack of general medicine clinics is not a serious medical services issue because of the surplus of medical specialists in Korea. People are inclined to seek a consultation with a specialist in specific fields rather than consult a general practitioner. As a result of this phenomenon, there are 81 internal medicine facilities. Of these, 32.1% provide services to people who are not referred by a primary care physician but who self-diagnose then choose a medical facility specializing in what they believe to be their health problem. Areas in the city, called dongs, without any internal facilities make up 50% of the total 101 dongs. (5) There are 78 surgical facilities within the area, and there is little difference at the locational appearance from internal medicine facilities. There are also 71 pediatric health clinics for people under 15 years of age in this area, represents one clinic per 5,063 people. On the quantitative aspect, this is a positive situation. Accessibility is the most important facility choice factor, so it should be evenly located in proportion to demander distribution. However, 61% of 102 dongs have no pediatric clinics because of the uneven location. (6) There are 43 obstetrical and gynecological clinics in Kwangju, and the number of residents being served per clinic is 15,063. These services need to be given regularly so it should increase the numbers. There are 37 ENT clinics in the study area with the lower concentration in Dong-gu (32.4%) making no locational differences by dong. There are 23 dermatology clinics with the largest concentration in Dong-Gu. There are 17 ophthalmic clinics concentrated in the residential area because of the primary function of this type of specialization. (7) The use of general medicine clinics, internal medicine clinics, pediatric clinics, ENT clinics by the inhabitants indicate a trend toward primary or routine medical services. Obstetrics and gynecology clinics are used on a regular basis. In choosing a general medicine clinic, internal medicine clinic, pediatric clinic, and a ENT clinic, accessibility is the key factor while choice of a general hospital, surgery clinic, or an obstetrics and gynecology clinic, thes faith and trust in the medical practitioner is the priority consideration. (8) I considered the efficient use of medical facilities in the aspect of locational and management and suggest the following: First, primary care facilities should be evenly distributed in every area. In Kwangju, the number of medical facilities is the lowest among the six largest cities in Korea. Moreover, they are concentrated in Dong-gu and in newly developed areas. The desired number of medical facilities should be within 30 minutes of each person's home. For regional development there is a need to develop a plan to balance, for example, taxes and funds supporting personnel, equipment and facilities. Secondly, medical services should be co-ordinated to ensure consistent, appropriate, quality services. Primary medical facilities should take charge of out-patient activities, and every effort should be made to standardize and equalize equipment and facility resources and to ensure ongoing development and training in the primary services field. A few specialty medical facilities and general hospitals should establish a priority service for incurable and terminally ill patients. (9) The management scheme for the inhabitants' efficient use of medical service is as follows: The first task is to efficiently manage medical facilities and related services. Higher quality of medical services can be accomplished within the rapidly changing medical environment. A network of social, administrative and medical organizations within an area should be established to promote information gathering and sharing strategies to better assist the community. Statistics and trends on the rate or occurrence of diseases, births, deaths, medical and environment conditions of the poor or estranged people should be maintained and monitored. The second task is to increase resources in the area of disease prevention and health promotion. Currently the focus is on the treatment and care of individuals with illness or disease. A strong emphasis should also be placed on promoting prevention of illness and injury within the community through not only public health offices but also via medical service facilities. Home medical care should be established and medical testing centers should be located as an ordinary service level. Also, reduced medical costs for the physically handicapped, cardiac patients, and mentally ill or handicapped patients should be considered.