• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2009

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the decidual NK cell populations between increased pre-conceptional peripheral NK cell population and normal pre-conceptional peripheral NK cell population in women with a history of recurrent abortion. Methods: Fourteen women with history of recurrent abortion and elevated pre-conceptional peripheral NK cell, above 15% of peripheral lymphocyte population were included in this study. As a control, twelve women with history of recurrent abortion and their peripheral NK cell percentage showed below 15% were included. Distribution of $CD56^+$ and $CD16^+$ NK cells in paraffin embedded decidual tissues including implantation sites were examined by immunohistochemical staining using anti-CD56, 16 monoclonal antibodies. After immuohistochemical staining, the numbers of decidual NK cells were counted and compared these results between study and control groups. Results: There was significant difference in decidual $CD56^+$ NK cell count ($170.1{\pm}132.1$ vs. $68.3{\pm}66.1$, p=0.02) between increased peripheral $CD56^+$ NK cell group and control group. But, there showed no statistically significant correlation between decidual $CD56^+$ NK cell count and peripheral $CD56^+$ NK cell percentage (r=0.229, p=0.261). Also there was no statistically difference decidual $CD16^+$ NK cell count between study and control group ($25.70{\pm}11.72$ vs. $31.17{\pm}22.67$), and no correlation between decidual $CD16^+$ NK cell and peripheral $CD16^+$ NK cell percentage (r=-1.40, p=0.535). Conclusions: This study shows that decidual $CD56^+$ NK cell are significantly increased in decidua of women exhibiting a history of recurrent abortion with increased $CD56^+$ peripheral NK cell. This study suggests that the percentage of peripheral NK cell reflect the expression of decidual NK cell. Consequently, pre-conceptional peripheral blood NK cell population can be the useful marker for detecting the risk of subsequent miscarriage.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.157-164
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• 2010

Rosa rugosa has been used as a folk medicine with various pharmacological properties for a long time in Asia. We investigated effects of fructus extracts of Rosa rugosa (RRF) and semen extracts of this herb (RRS) on bone forming cells (osteoblastic and pre-osteoclastic cells) to evaluate the pharmacological possibilities in a variety of bone-related disease. RRF showed significant effect on proliferation of osteoblastic cells in dose-dependent manners at 72 hrs and $100\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of RRS was effective at 48 and 72 hrs. RRF and RRS did not decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$ but NO by pre-osteoclastic cells under inflammation circumstance indeced by LPS. We also investigated the effects of RRF and RRS on the mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation in the old and young mice in ex vivo systems. RRF and RRS significantly enhanced proliferative effects of untreated and ConA-treated splenocytes from the old and young mice. But, RRS at $500\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ increased LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ production in pre-osteoclastic cells and reduced LPS-stimulated lymphoblastogenesis in the old and young at $1000\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. These results indicate that RRF has beneficial effects on osteoarthritis and give further possibilities for the immunomodulating effects not only in old that has more frequent bone related diseases but also in young.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.247-255
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the radiation protection effect of protaetia brevitarsis larvae extracts known as antioxidant food. In this study 90 female rats were clssified in to 5 groups: NC Group, PBE Group, IR Group, PBE+IR Group and IR+PBE Group. In IR Group, 7 Gy of Co-60 gamma ray was irradiated to SD rat and protaetia brevitarsis larvae extracts were administered orally at 200 mg/kg once a day for 14 days. And then on the 1 day, 7 days, 21 days later after irradiation, changes in blood cell component, superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity, spleen index, histopathological evaluation of the ovary and uterus were observed. As a result, the PBE+IR Group (p<0.01, p<0.05) and IR+PBE Group (p<0.01, p<0.01) showed a significantly radiation protection than the IR Group in lymphocyte and red blood cell on the 21 days. It was also confirmed that SOD activity of PBE+IR Group (p<0.01) and IR+PBE Group (p<0.01) was significantly increased than the IR Group. In spleen index, PBE+IR Group (p<0.05) and IR+PBE Group (p<0.01) showed a significantly recovery than the IR Group. In histopathological observation, PBE+IR Group in the ovary and PBE+IR, IR+PBE Group in the uterus showed less inflammatory reactions of cystoplasm than the IR Group. Based on These results, It is judged that protaetia brevitarsis larvae Extracts have radiation protection effect against blood and reproductive. It is expected to be useful for research of radiation protection agent.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.199-210
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the type and number of enrichments on growth performance, blood characteristics, footpad dermatitis (FPD) incidence, and litter moisture in broilers. A total of 1,140 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement based on the type of enrichment (cabbage, alfalfa block, and angle sawdust) and the number of enrichments (one or two per 38 broilers). The growth performance, blood characteristics, FPD incidence, and litter moisture of the broilers were evaluated. Body weight and feed conversion rate were significantly improved (P<0.05) in the alfalfa block and sawdust group compared to the cabbage group, but there was no interaction effect between the type and number of enrichments. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, a stress index, was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the alfalfa block and sawdust groups compared with the cabbage group. The incidence of FPD was significantly decreased in the order of cabbage (3.78), alfalfa block (3.06), and sawdust (1.43) groups at 5 weeks of age. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of FPD (P<0.05) in the one-enrichment group compared with the two-enrichment group. Litter moisture at 5 weeks of age was significantly reduced in the sawdust group compared to the cabbage and alfalfa groups, but there was no significant difference in the interaction between the type and number of enrichments. It was concluded that sawdust enrichment positively influenced both growth performance and the animal welfare of broilers. In addition, it is expected that sawdust can be used to regulate litter moisture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.779-786
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• 2022

This study is designed to examine the effects of Dioscorea Quinqueloba extract as a natural radiation protection agent on the prostate and heart of male rats. Dioscorea Quinqueloba extract is well known to prevent the male-specific disease and heart disease. In this study, the Gamma-ray 10 Gy was irradiated in whole body of male rat to identify radioprotective effect by Dioscorea Quinqueloba extract. After irradiation, tissue change, SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) activity changes and hematological changes were observed. DQ+IR group showed higher lymphocyte, white blood cell, platelet levels than the IR group. In the NC and DQ groups, the number of prostate gland cells and the gap between cells were relatively narrow. But in the IR group, the cells died significantly and the gap widened. In the DQ+IR group, the gap between cells increased similarly to the IR group, but the number of dead cells was noticeably smaller. In the NC and DQ groups, the cardiovascular and myocardium are clearly separated, and cell nuclei are in good condition. But in the IR group, the cardiovascular and myocardium boundaries were disrupted, and the number of dead cell nuclei was high. In the DQ+IR group, although the boundaries were widened, but not disrupted and the number of dead cell nuclei was high. Therefore, Dioscorea Quinqueloba extract is judged to have radioprotective properties for the prostate and cardiovascular.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.896-910
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• 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and potentially fatal virus. So far, most comprehensive analyses encompassing clinical and transcriptional manifestation have concentrated on the lungs. Here, we confirmed evident signs of viral infection in the lungs and spleen of SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice, which replicate the phenotype and infection symptoms in hospitalized humans. Seven days post viral detection in organs, infected mice showed decreased vital signs, leading to death. Bronchopneumonia due to infiltration of leukocytes in the lungs and reduction in the spleen lymphocyte region were observed. Transcriptome profiling implicated the meticulous regulation of distress and recovery from cytokine-mediated immunity by distinct immune cell types in a time-dependent manner. In lungs, the chemokine-driven response to viral invasion was highly elevated at 2 days post infection (dpi). In late infection, diseased lungs, post the innate immune process, showed recovery signs. The spleen established an even more immediate line of defense than the lungs, and the cytokine expression profile dropped at 7 dpi. At 5 dpi, spleen samples diverged into two distinct groups with different transcriptome profile and pathophysiology. Inhibition of consecutive host cell viral entry and massive immunoglobulin production and proteolysis inhibition seemed that one group endeavored to survive, while the other group struggled with developmental regeneration against consistent viral intrusion through the replication cycle. Our results may contribute to improved understanding of the longitudinal response to viral infection and development of potential therapeutics for hospitalized patients affected by SARS-CoV-2.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.12
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• pp.967-977
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• 2004

Background: DNA methylation is one of the important gene expression mechanisms of the cell. When cytosine of CpG dinucleotide in promotor is hypomethylated, expression of some genes that is controlled by this promoter is altered. In this study, the author investigated the effect of DNA demethylating agent, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (ADC), on the expressions of cancer antigen genes, MHC and B7 in 4 lung cancer cell lines, NCIH1703, NCIH522, MRC-5, and A549. Material and Method: After treatment of cell lines, NCIH1703, NCIH522, MRC-5 and A549 with ADC (1 uM) for 48 hours, RT-PCR was performed by using the primers of MAGE, GAGE, NY-ESO-1, PSMA, CEA, and SCC antigen gene. In order to find the optimal ADC treatment condition for induction of cancer antigen, we studied the effect of ADC treatment time and dose on the cancer antigen gene expression. To know the effect of ADC on the expression of MHC or B7 and cell growth, cells were treated with 1 uM of ADC for 72 hours for FACS analysis or cells were treated with 0.2, 1 or 5 uM of ADC for 96 hours for cell counting. Result: After treatment of ADC (1 uM) for 48 hours, the expressions of MAGE, GAGE, NY-ESO-1, and PSMA genes increased in some cell lines. Among 6 MAGE isotypes tested, and gene expression of MAGE-1, -2, -3, -4 and -6 could be induced by ADC treatment. However, CEA gene expression did not change and SCC gene expression was decreased by ADC treatment. Gene expression was generally induced 24 - 28 hours after ADC treatment and expression of MAGE, GAGE, and NY-ESO-1 was maintained at least 14 days after ADC ADC teatment, and expression of MAGE, GAGE, and NY-ESO-1 was maintained at least 14 days after ADC teatment in ADC-Free medium. Most gene expression could be induced at 0.2 uM of ADC, but gene expression increased dependently on ADC treatment dose. The expression of MHC and B7 was not increased by ADC treatment in all four cell lines, and the growth rate of 4 cell lines decreased significantly with the increase of ADC concentrations. Conclusion: Treatment of lung cancer cell lines with ADC increases the gene expression MAGE, GAGE and NY-ESO-1 that are capable of induction of cytotoxic T lymphocyte response. We suggest that treatment with 1 uM of ADC for 48 hours and then culturing in ADC-free medium is optimal condition for induction of cancer antigen. However, ADC has no effect on MHC and B7 induction, additional modification for increase of expression of MHC, B7 and cytokine will be needed for production of efficient cancer cell vaccine.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.64-72
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• 1997

Purpose : The incidence of tuberculous meningitis in Korean children has been markedly decreased after 1980s, but this disease has still occurred with low rate. Therefore, it may be suspected that delayed diagnosis and treatment will be happened because of lacking of clinical experiences and indistinguishable other meningitis, so it is important to make early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis concerning with the prognosis. In this aspect, we conducted study to concern and investigate sustainly about the diagnostic criteria, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, complications, and prognosis of typical or atypical tuberculous meningitis in children. Methods : Forty four children who were hospitalized and treated due to tuberculous meningitis in pediatric wards of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, St. Holy Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital and Uijungbu St. Mary Hospital from January 1985 to June 1996 were included in this study. We reviewed medical records of these patients retrospectively. Results : 1) The tuberculous meningitis has occured continuosly since mid-1980s. The highest 2) The diagnosis was made by contact history of active tuberculous patients, positive tuberculin test, responses of antituberculous antibiotics and discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from CSF or other specimens. Among patients, 7 children(16%) were not vaccinated with BCG, and only 18 children(40%) were positive in tuberculin test. 3) The symptoms and signs of our patients on initial examinations were fever, vomiting, headache, lethargy, poor feeding, weight loss, neck stiffness, convulsion, abdominal pain and motor deficits. 4) The findings of initial CSF samples revealed leukocyte $239.5/mm^3$(mean) with lymphocyte predominant, elevated protein levels(mean;259.5mg%) and low sugar level(mean;40.7mg%). And the ratio of CSF/blood sugar was 0.407. But, atypical CSF findings were seen in 31.8% patients. 5) On brain imaging study, 34 out of 39 children had findings of hydrocephalus, basilar meningeal enhancement, infarction and subarachnoidal inflammations etc. On chest X-ray, the findings of miliary tuberculosis(34.1%), normal finding(29.5%), parenchymal infiltrations (11.4%) and calcifications(9.1%) were showed. 6) In neurological clinical stage, there were twenty-six children(59%) in stage 1, fourteen children(32%) in stage 2 and four children(9%) in stage 3. The late sequeles were encountered by 29.5% with mild and 4.6% with severe neurological injury. The most common neurological injury was quadriplegia and the mortality rate was 6.8%. 7) The SIADH was developed in 20 children(45.5%) after the 4th hospital day. Half of all SIADH patients were symptomatic. Conclusion : Tuberculosis meningitis is still an important extrapulmonary disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis with clinical contact history of active tuberculosis and radiological imaging examinations and early treatments are essential in order to prevent and decrase the rate of late sequeles and death.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.247-253
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• 1992

Between August 1987 and July 1991, 22 patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia have received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with non-T-lymphocyte-depleted marrow obtained from matched sibling donors. Of these patients, 12 patients were in first complete remission (CR) and 10 patients in second CR or greater or in relapse. All patients were treated with a preparative regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide (CTX, 60 mg/kg) or combined drugs, and 850 cGy single-dose or $150\~200$ cGy fractionated total body irradiation (TBI) administered twice daily for a total dose of $1200\~1320$ cGy. Survivors have been followed from 8 to 64.5 months (median, 24 months). The overall 2 year survival rate, relapse rate and incidence of radiation pneumonitis and graft versus host disease (GVHD) have been evaluated by age, phase of disease, initial WBC count, modality of TBI or conditioning chemotherapy. Overall 2 year survival was $58{\%}$. The median survival was 31 months and mean survival was 23.2 months. Overall survival have significant impact in patients of age >19 years old (p=0.008), patients in first CR (p=0.09). Two year survival rate is significantly correlated with age ( >19 vs $\leqq$19, $79.4\%$ vs $14.3\%$, p=0.0008), regimen of chemotherapy (CTX vs combined drug, $76.9\%\;vs\;33.3\%$, p=0.04), phase of disease (1st CR vs \geqq2nd$ CR or relapse, $83.3\%\;vs\;30\%$, p=0.01) and method of TBI (fractionated vs single dose, $70.7\%\;vs\;37.5\%$, p=0.05). The influence of French-American-British (FAB) subtypes on relapse rate is not significant, but initial WBC count > 20000/$mm^3$ is associated with increased relapse rate. There is difference in the rate of radiation pneumonitis ($14.3\%\;vs\;25\%$), GVHD ($14.3\%\;vs\;50\%$) and relapse ($21.4\%\;vs\;50\%$) according to fractionated versus single-dose TBI. As mentioned above, fractionated TBI is compatible for the preparative regimen combined with chemotherapy En allogeneic BMT of first CR patients under 41 years of age with suitable donor. Those results from a retrospective, non-randomized study clearly need additional clinical data, ideally from a randomized study.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 1996

Background: Interferon-$\gamma$ has various biologic effects, including antiviral effect, antitumor proliferative effect, activation of macrophage and B lymphocyte, and increased expression of major histocompatibility complex. Especially, antitumor proliferative effect of interferon-$\gamma$ has already been proved to be important in vivo as well as in vitro. And, clinical studies of interferon-$\gamma$ have been tried in lung cancer patients. However, the mechanism of antitumor effect of interferon-$\gamma$ has not yet been established despite of many hypotheses. "Necrosis" is a type of cell death which is well known to occur in the circumstances of severe stresses. In contrast, "apoptosis" is another type of cell death which occurs in such biological circumstances as embryonic development, regression of organs, and self-tolerance of lymphocytes. And, apoptosis is an active process of cell death in which cells are dying with fragmentations of their cytoplasms and nuclei. And, in the process of apoptosis the DNAs of cells are cleaved between nucleosomes by unidentified endonuclease and therefore DNAs of apoptotic cells result in a typical electrophoresis pattern known as DNA ladder pattern. Recently it has been suggested that cytotoxic effect of interferon-$\gamma$ occurs via apoptosis. To elucidate the mechanism of antitumor cytotoxic effect of interferon-$\gamma$, we microscopically observed a lung cancer cell line, A549 which was treated with interferon-$\gamma$. We observed A545 treated with interferon-$\gamma$ was dying fragmented. And so, we performed this study to find out that the mechanism of antitumor cytotoxic effect of interferon-$\gamma$ be apoptosis. Method: We treated A549, human lung cancer cell line with various concentration of interferon-$\gamma$ and quantified its cytotoxic effect of various periods, 24 hours, 72 hours and, 120 hours by MTT(dimethylthiazolyl diphenyltetrazolium bromide) bioassay. Also, after we treated A549 with 100 units/mi of interferon-$\gamma$ for 120 hours, we observed the pattern of cell death with inverted microscope and we extracted DNAs from the dead A549 cells and observed the pattern of 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis with ethidium bromide staining. Result: 1) Cytotoxic effect of interferon-$\gamma$ on A549: For the first 24 hours, threre was little cytotoxic effect and for between 24 hours and 72 hours, there was the beginning of cytotoxic effect and for 120 hours there was increased cytotoxic effect. 2) Pattern of A549 cell death by interferon-$\gamma$: We observed with inverted microscope that A549 cells were dying fragmented. 3) DNA ladder pattern of gel electrophoresis: We observed DNA ladder pattern of gel electrophoresis of extracted DNAs from dead A549 cells. Conclusion: We concluded that the mechanism of interferon-$\gamma$induced cytotoxicity on lung cancer cell line, A549 be via apoptosis.