• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.305-313
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• 1997

Purpose : This is a retrospective study to evaluate the results of radiation therapy and prognostic factors influencing the results in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Materials and Methods: From October 1989 to May 1996. 56 Patients were treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma at Department of Radiation On-cology. According to stage, patients were distributed as follows : stage I (2), II (13). II (11), IV (30). Twenty-eight patients were treated with radiation therapy only, 7 patients were treated with neoadiuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. Twenty-one Patients were treated with radiation therapy and weekly CDDP. After external beam radiotherapy of 60Gy, 46Patients received boost dose with intracavitary radiation and 9 Patients with 3D conformal therapy. One patient received boost dose with 2 dimensional Photon beam therapy. The tumor dose ranged from 69.4Gy to 86.2Gy with median dose of 74.4Gy. The follow-up Period ranged from 5 months to 92 months with a median of 34 months. Results : Forty-seven patients achieved complete response and 8 Patients showed partial response. One Patient showed minimal response. Patterns of failure were as follows : locoregional recurrence (8) and distant metastasis (18). Among these patients, 2 patients failed locoregionally and distantly. The sites of distant metastasis were bone (8), lung (8) and liver (4). Five years survival rate was $67.2\%$ and 5 years disease-free survival rate was $53.6\%$. KPS (P=0.005) and response ol radiation therapy (P=0.0001) were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. KPS (P= 0.02) and response of radiation therapy (P=0.005) were significant Prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Conclusion : This retrospective study showed that distant metastasis was the Predominant pattern of relapse in nasopharyngeal cancer Neoadiuvant chemotherapy or weekly CDOP did not influence the distant metastasis-free survival. For advanced T stage, 3D conformal therapy Provided an improved dose coverage compared to ICR But further follow-up was needed in Patients with 3D conformal therapy to assess the efficacy of this therapy. Development of techniques of radiation therapy to improve locoregional control and of more effective systemic chemotherapy regimen are needed.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.309-316
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• 2009

Purpose: F-18 FDG can be accumulated in the liver, bowel, kidney, urinary tract, and muscles physiologically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of dual time point 18F-FDG PET /8 imaging for the differentiation of the colonic focal uptake lesions. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty two patients (M:F = 77:55, Age 62.8$\pm$11.6 years) underwent $^{18}$F-FDG PET/CT at two time points, prospectively: early image at 50-60 min and delayed image at 4-4.5 hours after the intravenous injection of $^{18}$F-FDG. Focally increased uptake lesions on early images but disappeared or shifted on delayed images defined a physiological uptake. For the differential evaluation of persistent focal uptake lesions on delayed images, colonoscopy and histopathologic examination were performed. SUVmax changes between early and delayed images were also compared. Results: Among the 132 patients, 153 lesions of focal colonic uptake were detected on early images of $^{18}$F-FDG PET/CT. Of these, 72 (47.1%) lesions were able to judge with physiological uptake because the focal increased uptake disappeared from delayed image. Among 81 lesions which was showed persistent increased uptake in delayed image, 61 (75.3%) lesions were confirmed as the malignant tumor and 14 (17.3%) lesions were confirmed as the benign lesions including adenoma and inflammatory disease. Remaining 6 (7.4%) lesions were confirmed as the physiological uptake because there was no particular lesion in the colonoscopy. In the malignant lesions, the calculated dual time point change for SUVmax ($\Delta$%SUVmax) was 20.8$\pm$18.7%, indicating a significant increase in SUVmax between the two point (p<0.01). In contrast, the change in SUVmax for the non-malignant lesions including benign lesions and physiological uptake was -13.7%$\pm$24.2%. For the differentiation of the malignant and non-malignant focal colonic uptake lesions, $\Delta$%SUVmax was the most effective parameter, and the cut-off value using -5% provided the best sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Conclusion: The dual time point $^{18}$F-FDG PET/CT imaging with SUVmax change evaluation could be an important noninvasive method for the differentiation of malignant and benign focal colonic uptake lesions including physiologic uptake.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.151-158
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• 2007

The possibility of inadvertent introduction of therapeutic gene expressing viral vectors has raised safety concerns about germ-line infection. Particularly, for indications such as prostate cancer and ovarian cancer, the proximity of the point of viral administration to organs of the reproductive system raises concerns regarding inadvertent germ-line transmission of genes carried by the virus vector. To evaluate the safety of in vivo adenovirus mediated gene transfer, we explored the biodistribution, persistance and potential germ-line transmission of p53-expressing adenovirus (Ad-CMV-p53). Both male and female Balb/c mice were injected with $1{\times}10^9$ PFU of Ad-CMV-p53. The PCR analysis showed that there were detectable vector sequences in liver, kidney, spleen, seminal vesicle, epididymis, prostate, ovary, and uterus. The RT-PCR analysis for detecting inserted gene, p53 showed that Ad-CMV-p53 viral RNA were present in spleen, prostate and ovary. Direct injected male and female mice of adenovirus vector into testis and ovary were mated and their of offspring were evaluated for germ-line transmission of the adenoviral vector. The PCR and RT-PCR analysis showed no evidence of germline transmission, although vector sequences were detected in DNA extracted from gonadal tissues. Real-time PCR result confirmed a significant decrease of adenovirus in gonad tissues 1 week after injection. We have also analysed the cell specific localization of viral DNA in gonad tissues by using in-situ PCR. Positive signals were detected in interstitial tissue but not in seminiferous tubule in sperm. In the case of ovary, adenovirus signal were localized to the stromal tissue, but no follicular signals were observed. Together, these data provide strong evidence that the risk of the Inadvertent germ-line transmission of vector sequences following intraperitoneal or direct injection into genito-urinary system of adenovirus is extremely low.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.851-859
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• 2014

The present study was designed to investigate whether ethanol extracts of Sophora flavescens (GS), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GC), Dictamnus dasycarpus (BSP), and their mixtures (GGB-1, -2, -3, and -4) inhibit 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in a mouse model. DNCB was topically applied on the dorsal surface of Balb/c mice to induce AD-like skin lesions. The pathological phenotypes of AD, such as erythema, ear thickness, edema, scabs, and discharge, were significantly decreased in the GGB (DNCB + GS:GC:BSP = 3:1:1 mixture)-1-treated groups compared with the other treated groups. The weight of the spleen in immune organs was significantly decreased in the GGB-1-treated groups, whereas the weight of the liver in a control group was similar to that of the groups treated with the samples. Furthermore, toluidine blue staining analysis, a method used to specifically identify mast cells, showed that master cell infiltration into the dermis of the GGB-1-treated group was significantly decreased. The immunoglobulin E concentration was lower in the GGB-1-treated group. In addition, the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interferon-${\gamma}$, interleukin-1, 4, 5, 6, and 13, $1{\beta}$, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$) were also significantly reduced in the GGB-1-treated group. Taken together, these results suggest that a mixture of GS, GC, and BSP in a proportion of 3:1:1 (GGB-1) may contribute to the relief of AD symptoms and may be considered an excellent candidate for an AD therapeutic drug.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.251-256
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• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate efficacy and complication of stereotactic radiosurgery using stereotactic body frame. Methods and Materials :From December 1997 to June 1999, 11 patients with primary and metastatic tumors were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery using stereotactic body frame(Precision TherapyTu). Three patients were treated with primary hepatoma and seven with metastatic tumor from liver, lung, breast, trachea and one with arteriovenous malformation on neck. We used vacuum pillow for immobilization and made skin marker on sternum and tibia area with chest marker and leg marker. Diaphragm control was used for reducing movement by respiration. CT-simulation and treatment planning were peformed. Set-up error was checked by CT-Simulator before each treatment. Dose were calculated on the 80$\~$90$\%$ isodose of isocenter dose and given consecutive 3 fractions for total dose of 30 Gy (10 Gy/fraction). Results :Median follow-up was 12 months. One patient (9$\%$) showed complete response and four Patients (36$\%$) showed partial response and others showed stable disease. Planning target volumes (PTV) ranged from 3 to 111 cc (mean 18.4 n). Set-up error was within 5 mm in all directions (X, Y, Z axis). There was no complication in all patients. Conclusion :In Primary and metastatic tumors, stereotactic body frame is very safe, accurate and effective treatment modality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.1263-1270
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• 2007

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of green tea product (GTP) on the risk factors of atherosclerosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Sprague-Dewley female rats (10 weeks) weighing approximately $279{\pm}2g$ were divided into 4 groups: sham operated control group treated with high cholesterol diet (Sham-C), OVX control group treated with high cholesterol diet (OVX-C), OVX-G 5% group treated with high cholesterol containing 5% GTP and OVX-G 20% group treated with high cholesterol diet containing 20% GTP. Serum TG concentrations was lower in OVX-G 20% group than in the OVX-C group, whereas ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol (%) was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 20% GTP supplementation group than in the Sham-C and OVX-C groups. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the OVX-G 20% group. Hepatic TG levels were significantly (p<0.05) lowered in OVX-G 20% group than in the other groups. Glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities including glutathione-reductase and Mn-superoxide dismutase in liver were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the OVX-G 20% group in the OVX-C group. Fecal total cholesterol concentrations were increased in the GTP supplementation groups than in the OVX-C group. From the above results, it is concluded that GTP may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis via hypolipidemic action. Therefore, it may be used to possibly improve the hyperlipemia in menopausal women.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.1447-1451
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• 2007

Through the screening of marine natural compounds that inhibit cancer cell proliferation, we previously reported that pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) isolated from marine sponges exhibits selective cytotoxicity against several cell lines in p53-deficient tumor cells compared to those with functional p53. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anti-proliferative action on malignant cell growth are not completely known. To further explore the mechanisms of its anti-cancer activity and to test whether the status of p53 in liver cancer cells correlates with their chemo-sensitivities to PTX-2, we used two well-known hepatocarcinoma cell lines, p53-deficient Hep3B and p53-wild type HepG2. We have demonstrated that PTX-2 markedly inhibits Hep3B cell growth and induces apoptosis whereas HepG2 cells are much more resistant to PTX-2 suggesting that PTX-2 seems to act by p53-independent cytotoxic mechanism. The apoptosis induced by PTX-2 in Hep3B cells was associated with the modulation of DNA fragmentation factor (DFF) family proteins, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members such as Bax and Bcl-xS and activation of caspases (caspase-3, -8 and -9). Blockade of the caspase-3 activity by caspase-3 inhibitor, z-DEVD-fmk, prevented the PTX-2-induced growth inhibition in Hep3B cells. Moreover, treatment with PTX-2 also induced phosphorylation of AKT and extracellular-signal regulating kinase (ERK), but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MARK). Specific inhibitors of PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) and ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) significantly blocks PTX-2-induced-anti-proliferative effects, whereas a JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) have no significant effects demonstrating that the pro-apoptotic effect of PTX-2 mediated through activation of AKT and ERK signal pathway in Hep3B cells.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.231-238
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• 2015

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene on hepatic metabolic- and immune-related gene expression in laying hens. A total of 48 25-week-old White Leghorn hens were randomly allocated into four groups consisting of four replicates of three birds: control (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 10 mg/kg of tomato powder-containing lycopene), T2 (basal diet + 10 mg/kg of micelles of tomato powder-containing lycopene), and T3 (basal diet + 10 mg/kg of purified lycopene). Chickens were fed ad libitum for 5 weeks, and then total RNA was extracted from the livers for quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ (PPAR${\gamma}$) expression was decreased in the liver of chickens after lycopene supplementation (P<0.05). Micellar lycopene supplementation decreased the expression of PPAR${\gamma}$ target genes including fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and fatty acids synthase (FASN) in the T2 group (P<0.05). Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and C/EBP-${\alpha}$ were also downregulated in hens fed with micellar lycopene (P<0.05). Glucose transporter 8 (GLUT-8) was upregulated in the T2 and T3 groups (P<0.05). However, the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) was not changed by lycopene supplementation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were downregulated by lycopene supplementation (P<0.05). These data suggest that the type of lycopene supplementation is critical and that micelles of tomato powder-containing lycopene may play an important role in the modulation of lipid metabolism and immunity in chickens.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.285-291
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• 1991

One hundred and twenty six patients with early uterine cervical cancer who had been treated at Departmen of Radiation Oncology of Korea University Hospital from Jan.1981 to Dec.1988 were analysed retrospectively by the treatment result and pattern of of failures. All patients had stage Ia to IIa disease and were grouped whether they had combination of operation and postop irradiation or radiation therapy alone. 1) Sixty six patients belonged to the combination treatment group and 60 patients to the radiation alone group. 2) Combination group consisted of $18.1\%$(12/66) stage Ia, $71.2\%$(47/66) stage Ib and $10.6\%$ (7/66) stage IIa patients. There were no stage Ia, 18.8$\%$(l1/60) stage Ib and 81.6$\%$(49/60) stage IIa patients for RT alone gronp. 3) There were total 23$\%$(29/126) treatment failures,13 patients in combination group and 16 patients in RT alone group. In 66 patients of combination group, they were found to have 5 locoregional failures, 7 distant failures and 1 at both sites. In 60 patients of RT alone group, 9 locoreginal failure and 7 distant failures occured. Eighty six percent (25/29) of total failures appeared within 18 month after completion of treatment. About 60$\%$ of the patients with regional recurrences which were located at pelvic side wall or pelvic lymph nodes paesented their recurrent disease after 1 year of completion of treatment, whereas same percent of distant failures appeared within 6 month. 5) In RT alone group, the first sites of distant failure were mostly para-aortic lymph node and/or left supraclavicular lymph node (71.4$\%$,5/7). In combination group, various sites such as inguinal lymph node, mediastinal lymph node, liver, lung and bone appeared first or at the same time with para-aortic and supraclavicular lymph node metastasis. 6) Logistic regression analysis was done for multivariate analysis of the factors contributing to locoregional and distant failures. In combination group, adequacy of the resection margin and the presence of positive pelvic node were found to be the most significant factors (p=0.0423 & 0.0060 respectively). In RT alone group, less than complete regression of the tumor at the end of treatment was the only significant contributing factor for the treatment failures (p=0.0013) with good liklihood ratio.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.92-97
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• 2005

Purpose : Reports on the outcome of curative radiotherapy for the primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rarely encountered in the literature. in this study, we report our experience of a clinical trial where fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) was used in treating a primary HCC. Materials and Methods : A retrospective analysis was peformed on 20 patients who had been histologically diagnosed as HCC and treated by fractionated SRT. The long diameter of tumor measured by CT was $2\~6.5$ cm (average: 3.8 cm). A single dose of radiation used in fractionated SRT was S or 10 Gy: each dose was prescribed based on the planning target volume and normalized to $85\~99\%$ isocenter dose. Patients were treated $3\~5$ times per week for 2 weeks, with each receiving a total dose of 50 Gy (the median dose: 50 Gy). The follow up period was $\~55$ months (the median follow up period: 23 months). Results : The response rate was $50\%$ (12 patients), with 4 patients showing complete response ($20%$), 8 patients showing partial response ($40\%$), and 8 patients showing stable disease ($40\%$). The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were $70.0\%$ and $43.1\%$, respectively, and the median survival time was 20 months. The 1-year and 2-year disease free survival rates were $65\%$ and $32.5\%$, respectively, and the median disease-free survival rate was 19 months. Some acute complications of the treatment were noted as follows: dyspepsia in 12 patients ($60\%$), nausea/emesis in 8 patients ($40\%$), and transient liver function impairment in 6 patients ($30\%$). However, there was no treatment related death. Conclusion : The study indicates that fractionated SRT is a relatively safe and effective method for treating primary HCC. Thus, fractionated SRT may be suggested as a local treatment for HCC of small lesion and containing a single lesion, when the patients are inoperable or operation is refused by the patients. We thought that fractionated SRT is a challenging treatment modality for the HCC.