• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.373-376
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• 2015

Background: EVA1A (eva-1 homolog A) is a novel gene that regulates programmed cell death through autophagy and apoptosis. Our objective was to investigate the expression profiles and potential role of EVA1A in normal and neoplastic human pancreatic tissues. Materials and Methods: The expression pattern of EVA1A in normal pancreatic tissue was examined by indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Protein levels in paraffin-embedded specimens from normal and diseased pancreatic and matched non-tumor tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results: EVA1A colocalized with glucagon but not with insulin, demonstrating production in islet alpha cells. Itwas strongly expressed in chronic pancreatitis, moderately or weakly expressed in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm in pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, and absent in normal pancreatic acinar cells. Although the tissue architecture was deformed, EVA1A was absent in the alpha cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, mucinous cystadenomas, solid papillary tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusions: EVA1A protein is specifically expressed in islet alpha cells, suggesting it may play an important role in regulating alpha-cell function. The ectopic expression of EVA1A in pancreatic neoplasms may contribute to their pathogenesis and warrants further investigation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제35권10호
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• pp.1053-1059
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• 2002

In post-genome period, the technique for identifying gene expression has been changed to high throughput screening. In the field of molecular nutrition, the need for this technique to clarify molecular function of the specific nutrient is essential. In this study, we have tested the zinc-regulated gene expression in zinc-deficient U937 cells, using cDNA microarray which is the cutting-edge technique to screen large numbers of gene expression simultaneously. The study result can be used for the preliminary gene screening data for clarifying, using monocyte U937 cell line, molecular Zn aspect in atherosclerosis. U937 cells were cultured in Zn-adequate (control, 12 $\mu$M Zn) or Zn-deficient (experimental, 0 $\mu$M Zn) ESMI media during 2 days, respectively. Cells were harvested and RNA was extracted. Total RNA was reverse-transcriptinized and synthesized cDNA probe labeled with Cy-3. fluorescent labeled cDNA probe was applied to microarray slide for hybridization slide, and after then, the slide was scanned using fluorescence scanner. ‘Highly expressed genes’ in Zn-deficient U937 cells, comparing to Zn-adequate group, are mainly about the genes for motility protein, immune system protein, oncogene and tumor suppressor and ‘Less highly expressed genes’ are about the genes for transcription, apoptosis associated protein, cell cycle, and several basic transcription factors. The results of this preliminary study imply the effectiveness of cDNA microarray for expression profiling of a singly nutrient deficiency, specially Zn. Furthur study, using tailored-cDNA array and capillary endothelial cell lines, would be beneficial to clarify molecular Zn function, more in detail.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.441-448
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• 2019

Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine malignancy affecting the skin, for which timely diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential. MCC has most often been reported in Caucasians, and case reports in Asians are rare. This study presents our experiences with the surgical treatment and radiotherapy of MCC in Asian patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven MCC patients between 2000 and 2018 from a single institution, and analyzed patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, sentinel lymph node evaluation, reconstruction, adjuvant radiation therapy, and prognosis. Results Eight MCC lesions occurred in seven patients, most commonly in the head and neck region. All patients underwent surgical excision with reconstruction. The final surgical margin was 1.0 cm in most cases, and reconstruction was most commonly performed with a splitthickness skin graft. Five patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, and two patients received sentinel lymph node biopsy. During the follow-up period, three patients remained well, two died from other causes, one experienced recurrence, and one was lost to follow-up. Conclusions We treated seven Asian MCC patients and our series confirmed that MCC is a very dangerous cancer in Asians as well. Based on our experiences, thorough surgical excision of MCC with histopathological clearance should be considered, with sentinel lymph node evaluation if necessary, followed by appropriate reconstruction and careful postoperative observation. Adjuvant radiation therapy is also recommended for all Asian MCC patients. The results of this case series may provide guidance for the treatment of Asian MCC patients in the future.

• Journal of Gynecologic Oncology
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.90.1-90.12
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• 2018

Objective: We performed small-scale mutation and large genomic rearrangement (LGR) analysis of BRCA1/2 in ovarian cancer patients to determine the prevalence and the characteristics of the mutations. Methods: All ovarian cancer patients who visited a single institution between September 2015 and April 2017 were included. Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to comprehensively study BRCA1/2. The genetic risk models BRCAPRO, Myriad, and BOADICEA were used to evaluate the mutation analysis. Results: In total, 131 patients were enrolled. Of the 131 patients, Sanger sequencing identified 16 different BRCA1/2 small-scale mutations in 20 patients (15.3%). Two novel nonsense mutations were detected in 2 patients with a serous borderline tumor and a large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. MLPA analysis of BRCA1/2 in Sanger-negative patients revealed 2 LGRs. The LGRs accounted for 14.3% of all identified BRCA1 mutations, and the prevalence of LGRs identified in this study was 1.8% in 111 Sanger-negative patients. The genetic risk models showed statistically significant differences between mutation carriers and non-carriers. The 2 patients with LGRs had at least one blood relative with breast or ovarian cancer. Conclusion: Twenty-two (16.8%) of the unselected ovarian cancer patients had BRCA1/2 mutations that were detected through comprehensive BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Ovarian cancer patients with Sanger-negative results should be considered for LGR detection if they have one blood relative with breast or ovarian cancer. The detection of more BRCA1/2 mutations in patients is important for efforts to provide targeted therapy to ovarian cancer patients.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제23권7호
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• pp.732-741
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• 2022

Objective: To determine the impact of dedicated subspecialized radiologists in multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions on the management of lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract malignancies. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 244 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 61.7 ± 11.9 years) referred to MDT discussions 249 times (i.e., 249 cases, as five patients were discussed twice for different issues) for lower GI tract malignancy including colorectal cancer, small bowel cancer, GI stromal tumor, and GI neuroendocrine tumor between April 2018 and June 2021 in a prospective database. Before the MDT discussions, dedicated GI radiologists reviewed all imaging studies again besides routine clinical reading. The referring clinician's initial diagnosis, initial treatment plan, change in radiologic interpretation compared with the initial radiology report, and the MDT's consensus recommendations for treatment were collected and compared. Factors associated with changes in treatment plans and the implementation of MDT decisions were analyzed. Results: Of the 249 cases, radiologic interpretation was changed in 73 cases (29.3%) after a review by dedicated GI radiologists, with 78.1% (57/73) resulting in changes in the treatment plan. The treatment plan was changed in 92 cases (36.9%), and the rate of change in the treatment plan was significantly higher in cases with changes in radiologic interpretation than in those without (78.1% [57/73] vs. 19.9% [35/176], p < 0.001). Follow-up records of patients showed that 91.2% (227/249) of MDT recommendations for treatment were implemented. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the nonsurgical approach (vs. surgical approach) decided through MDT discussion was a significant factor for patients being managed differently than the MDT recommendations (odds ratio, 4.48; p = 0.017). Conclusion: MDT discussion involving additional review of radiology examinations by dedicated GI radiologists resulted in a change in the treatment plan in 36.9% of cases. Changes in treatment plans were significantly associated with changes in radiologic interpretation.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.73-80
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• 1994

저자들은 1989년 12월부터 1993년 2월까지 108명의 비 소세포성 폐암환자를 대상으로 혈청내 NSE치가 방사선 치료에 미치는 영향을 평가하기위해 본 후향성 조사를 시행하였다. 병리학적으로 편평상피세포암이 86명으로 대부분을 차지했으며, 그외 3명의 점막 표피성암(mucoepidermoid carcinomas), 11명의 선암, 3명의 대 세포성암, 그리고 5명에서는 병리 조직형을 증명하지 못했다. 병기별로는 stage I에 8명, stage IlIA에 40명, stage lIIB에 60명이 속해 있었다. 환자는 혈청내 NSE(neuron specific enolase)치에 따라 두 군으로 나뉘었다. NSE치가 15ng/ml 이상은 증가군, 그 미만은 정상군으로 하였다. 모든 환자에서 주 치료는 방사선 치료이었다. NSE가 증가된 군에서 NSE측정치를 보면, 치료에 반응하는 환자에서 평균 NSE치는 반응이 없는 군보다 통계학적으로 유의하게 높은 수치를 보였다(28.5ng/ml vs 20ng/ml, p=0.01). 전체적으로 볼 때 2년 생존율은 23.6$ \% $였다. 방사선 치료반응에 따라 보면, 완전 관해, 부분 관해, 그리고 반응이 없는 군에서 2년 생존율은 각각 39.2$ \% $, 28.6$ \% $, 그리고 6.2$ \% $로 나타났다(p=0.001). NSE치가 증가된 군에서 2년 생존율은 14.6$ \% $, 정상인 군에서는 31.7$ \% $로 나타났다(=0.07). 치료에 대한 반응이 있는 환자만 고려했을 경우는 NSE치에 따른 생존율 차이가 더 현격했다. 전체적으로 볼 때, NSE치는 치료에 대한 반응과는 별 상관관계가 없었다. 그러나, 편평 상피세포암만 고려했을 경우, NSE치가 증가된 군에서 치료에 반응이 있는 환자가 더 많았다 (80$ \% $ vs 61$ \% $, p=0.05). NSE치와 전체 병기, 원발 종양의 병기, 그리고 임파선 병기는 통계학적으로 상관 관계가 없는 것으로 나타났다. 그러나, 대체로 NSE치가 증가된 군에서 임파선 병기가 좀더 진행된 경향을 보였다. 결론적으로, NSE치가 높은 비 소세포성 폐암은 치료에 대한 반응과 생존율을 포함한 임상 경과에 있어서 NSE치가 정상인 비 소세포성 폐암과는 다름을 알 수 있었다. 따라서, NSE치가 증가된 비 소세포성 폐암에서는 약물치료 및 방사선 치료의 병합요법이 요구되며, NSE치는 예후인자의 하나로서 가치가 있다고 보여진다.