• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.32-35
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• 2016

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by profuse jelatinous materials in the abdominal cavity and pelvis with mucinous implants on the peritoneal surface. There are some studies for serum tumor markers, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), to assess the risk of recurrence following cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. However, rare cases were reported about recurrence with increasing serum CEA levels. Herein, we report a case of recurrence of PMP according to serially elevated serum CEA.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.264-270
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• 2023

Background: Resin-based dental materials release residual monomers or other substances from incomplete polymerization into the oral cavity, thereby causing adverse biological effects on oral tissue. 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP), an acidic monomer containing dihydrogen phosphate and methacrylate groups, is the most commonly used component of resin-based dental materials, such as restorative composite resins, dentin adhesives, and resin cements. Although previous studies have reported the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility in various cultured cells, the effects of resin monomers on cellular aging have not been reported to date. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the resin monomer 10-MDP on cellular senescence and inflamm-aging in vitro. Methods: After stimulation with 10-MDP, MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were examined for cell viability by WST-8 assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA levels of molecular markers of aging were determined by western blotting and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. Results: Treatment with 0.05 to 1 mM 10-MDP for 24 hours reduced the survival of MC3T3-E1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The intracellular ROS levels in the 10-MDP-treated experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. 10-MDP at a concentration of 0.1 mM increased p53, p16, and p21 protein levels. Additionally, an aging pattern was observed with blue staining due to intracellular senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. Treatment with 10-MDP increased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, however their expression was decreased by mitogen-activated-protein-kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that the exposure of osteoblast-like cells to the dental resin monomer 10-MDP, increases the level of cellular senescence and the inflammatory response is mediated by the MAPK pathway.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.86 no.4
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• pp.304-318
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• 2023

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment and significantly contribute to immune evasion. We investigated the effects of CAFs on the immune function of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We isolated CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) from tumors and normal lung tissues of NSCLC patients, respectively. CAFs were co-cultured with activated T cells to evaluate their immune regulatory function. We investigated the effect of CAF conditioned medium (CAF-CM) on the cytotoxicity of T cells. CAFs were also co-cultured with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and further incubated with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) inhibitors to investigate the potential role of COX2 in immune evasion. Results: CAFs and NFs were isolated from the lung tissues (n=8) and lymph nodes (n=3) of NSCLC patients. Immune suppressive markers, such as COX2 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), were increased in CAFs after co-culture with activated T cells. Interestingly, CAFs promoted the expression of programmed death-1 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and strongly inhibited T cell proliferation in allogenic and autologous pairs of CAFs and T cells. CAF-CM decreased the cytotoxicity of T cells. COX2 inhibitors partially restored the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and downregulated the expression of COX2, prostaglandin E synthase, prostaglandin E2, and PD-L1 in CAFs. Conclusion: CAFs promote immune evasion by suppressing the function of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells via their effects on COX2 and PD-L1 in NSCLC. The immunosuppressive function of CAFs could be alleviated by COX2 inhibitors.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.1021-1033
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• 2021

Objective: To assess the expression of vascular normalization genes in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and to determine whether molecular subtypes with a higher vascular normalization gene expression can be identified using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Materials and Methods: This prospective study evaluated 306 female (mean age ± standard deviation, 50 ± 10 years), recruited between January 2014 and August 2017, who had de novo breast cancer larger than 1 cm in diameter (308 tumors). DCE MRI followed by IVIM DWI studies using 11 different b-values (0 to 1200 s/mm²) were performed on a 1.5T MRI system. The Tofts model and segmented biexponential IVIM analysis were used. For each tumor, the molecular subtype (according to six [I-VI] subtypes and PAM50 subtypes), expression profile of genes for vascular normalization, pericytes, and normal vascular signatures were determined using freshly frozen tissue. Statistical associations between imaging parameters and molecular subtypes were examined using logistic regression or linear regression with a significance level of p = 0.05. Results: Breast cancer subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like exhibited a higher expression of genes for vascular normalization, pericyte markers, and normal vessel function signature (p < 0.001 for all) compared to other subtypes. Subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like, versus the remaining subtypes, showed significant associations with K^trans, k_ep, v_p, and IAUGC_BN90 on DEC MRI, with relatively smaller values in the former. The subtype grouping was significantly associated with D, with relatively less restricted diffusion in subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like. Conclusion: DCE MRI and IVIM parameters may identify molecular subtypes of breast cancers with a different vascular normalization gene expression.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.98-103
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• 2024

The mammalian sirtuin family (SIRT1-SIRT7) has shown diverse biological roles in the regulation and maintenance of genome stability under genotoxic stress. SIRT7, one of the least studied sirtuin, has been demonstrated to be a key factor for DNA damage response (DDR). However, conflicting results have proposed that Sirt7 is an oncogenic factor to promote transformation in cancer cells. To address this inconsistency, we investigated properties of SIRT7 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) regulation under DNA damage and found that loss of hepatic Sirt7 accelerated HCC progression. Specifically, the number, size, and volume of hepatic tumor colonies in diethylnitrosamine (DEN) injected Sirt7-deficient liver were markedly enhanced. Further, levels of HCC progression markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in the absence of hepatic Sirt7, unlike those in the control. In chromatin, SIRT7 was stabilized and colocalized to damage site by inhibiting the induction of γH2AX under DNA damage. Together, our findings suggest that SIRT7 is a crucial factor for DNA damage repair and that hepatic loss-of-Sirt7 can promote genomic instability and accelerate HCC development, unlike early studies describing that Sirt7 is an oncogenic factor.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.11.1-11.16
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• 2024

Background: Canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE) is a fatal disease worldwide. The treatment of CPE is based mainly on supportive and symptomatic treatment. Antiviral addition to the treatment may result in a higher survival. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of antiviral treatments with a standardized treatment (ST) on the clinical and inflammatory response of dogs with naturally occurring CPE. Methods: Twenty-eight dogs with CPE caused by canine parvovirus type 2 were divided randomly into treatment groups. The ST group received fluid, antibiotic, antiemetic, and deworming treatments. The antiviral treatment groups received the same ST with an additional antiviral drug, recombinant feline interferon omega (rFeIFN-ω), oseltamivir (OSEL) or famciclovir (FAM). Results: Compared to the healthy control, the tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein values were high (p < 0.05) on day zero. At presentation, mild lymphopenia, neutropenia, and a high neutrophil to lymphocyte (LYM) ratio (NLR) were also observed. Adding rFeIFN-ω to the ST produced the best improvement in the clinical score with a decreased NLR, while leucocytes remained low and inflammatory markers stayed high on day three. The survival rates of the groups were 85.7% in ST+IFN, 71.4% in ST+OSEL, 71.4% in ST+FAM, and 57.1% in ST groups on day seven. Conclusions: Antiviral drugs may be valuable in treating CPE to improve the clinical signs and survival. In addition, the decrease in NLR in favor of LYM may be an indicator of the early prognosis before the improvement of leukocytes, cytokines, and acute phase proteins in CPE.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.30.1-30.12
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• 2021

High expression of mitofusin-2 (MFN2), a mitochondrial fusion protein, has been frequently associated with poor prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. Here, we aimed to identify the function of MFN2 in cervical cancer to understand its influence on disease prognosis. To this end, from cervical adenocarcinoma, we performed an MTT assay and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis to assess the effects of MFN2 on the proliferation and of HeLa cells. Then, colony-formation ability and tumorigenesis were evaluated using a tumor xenograft mouse model. The migration ability related to MFN2 was also measured using a wound healing assay. Consequently, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MFN2-knockdowned HeLa cells originating from adenocarcinoma. markers related to MFN2 were assessed by qRT-PCR. Clinical data were analyzed using cBioPortal and The Cancer Genome Atlas. We found that MFN2 knockdown reduced the proliferation, colony formation ability, migration, and in vivo tumorigenesis of HeLa cells. Primarily, migration of MFN2-knockdowned HeLa cells decreased through the suppression of EMT. Thus, we concluded that MFN2 facilitates cancer progression and in vivo tumorigenesis in HeLa cells. These findings suggest that MFN2 could be a novel target to regulate the EMT program and tumorigenic potential in HeLa cells and might serve as a therapeutic target for cervical cancer. Taken together, this study is expected to contribute to the treatment of patients with cervical cancer.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.27.1-27.11
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• 2020

Although various studies on predictive markers in the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are in progress, only PD-L1 expression levels in tumor tissues are currently used. In the present study, we investigated whether baseline serum levels of IL-6 can predict the treatment response of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. In our cohort of 125 NSCLC patients, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher in those with low IL-6 (<13.1 pg/ml) than those with high IL-6 (ORR 33.9% vs. 11.1%, p=0.003; DCR 80.6% vs. 34.9%, p<0.001). The median progression-free survival was 6.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9-8.7) in the low IL-6 group, significantly longer than in the high IL-6 group (1.9 months, 95% CI, 1.6-2.2, p<0.001). The median overall survival in the low IL-6 group was significantly longer than in the high IL-6 group (not reached vs. 7.4 months, 95% CI, 4.8-10.0). Thus, baseline serum IL-6 levels could be a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy and survival benefit of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in NSCLC.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.284-297
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• 2024

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is the second enzyme involved in the breakdown of acetaldehyde into acetic acid during the process of alcohol metabolism. Roughly 40% of East Asians carry one or two ALDH2^*2 alleles, and the presence of ALDH2 genetic mutations in individuals may affect the bone remodeling cycle owing to accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body. In this study, we investigated the effects of ALDH2 mutations on bone remodeling. In this study, we examined the effects of ALDH2 polymorphisms on in vitro osteogensis using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We differentiated wild-type (ALDH2^*1/^*1-) and ALDH2^*1/^*2-genotyped hiPSCs into osteoblasts (OBs) and confirmed their OB characteristics. Acetaldehyde was administered to confirm the impact caused by the mutation during OB differentiation. Calcium deposits formed during osteogenesis were significantly decreased in ALDH2^*1/^*2 OBs. The expression of osteogenic markers were also decreased in acetaldehyde-treated OBs differentiated from the ALDH2^*1/^*2 hiPSCs. Furthermore, the impact of ALDH2 polymorphism and acetaldehyde-induced stress on inflammatory factors such as 4-hydroxynonenal and tumor necrosis factor α was confirmed. Our findings suggest that individuals with ALDH2 deficiency may face challenges in acetaldehyde breakdown, rendering them susceptible to disturbances in normal bone remodeling therefore, caution should be exercised regarding alcohol consumption. In this proof-of-concept study, we were able to suggest these findings as a result of a disease-in-a-dish concept using hiPSCs derived from individuals bearing a certain mutation. This study also shows the potential of patient-derived hiPSCs for disease modeling with a specific condition.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.668-675
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• 2001

Background : Non-smalll lung cancer(NSCLC) develops as a result of the accumulation of multiple genetic abnormalities. Loss of heterozygosity(LOH) is one of the most frequent genetic alterations that is found in NSCLC, and the chromosomal regions that display a high rate of LOH are thought to harbor tumor suppressor genes(TSGs). This study was done to determine the frequency of LOH in 21q with the aim of identifying potential TSG loci. Method : Thirty-nine surgically resected NSCLCs were analysed. Patients peripheral lymphocytes were used as the source of the normal DNA. Five microsatellite Inarkers of 21q were used to study LOH : 21q21.1(D21S1432, and D21S1994); 21q21.2-21.3(D21S1442) ; 21q22.1(21S1445) ; and 21q22.2-22.3(D21S266). The fractional allelic loss(FAL) in a tumor was calculated as the ratio of the number of markers showing LOH to the number of informative markers. Result : LOH for at least one locus was detected in 21 of 39 tumors(53.8%). Among the 21 tumors with LOH, 5(21.8%) showed LOH at almost all informative loci. Although statistically not significant, LOH was found more frequently in squamous cell carcinomas(15 of 23, 65.2%) than in adenocarcinomas(6 of 16, 37.5%). In the squamous cell carcinomas the frequency of LOH was higher in stage II-III (80.0%) than in stage I (53.8%). The FAL value in squamous cell carcinomas($0.431{\pm}0.375$) was significantly higher than that found in adenocarcinomas($0.l92{\pm}0.276$). Conclusion : These results suggest that LOH on 21q may be involved in the development of NSCLC, and that TSG(s) that contribute to the pathogenesis of NSCLC may exist on 21q.